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At least 1,675 records · Page 93
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Fast spark-detection system for GEM detectors

The sPHENIX experiment is currently under commissioning at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) at Brookhaven National Lab (BNL). The Time Projection Chamber (TPC) serves as a tracking detector for the experiment. The sPHENIX TPC uses a stack of four Gas Electron Multipliers (GEMs) as a gain stage in a reduced ion back-flow configuration. To mitigate the damaging effects of sparks in the GEMs, an online spark monitoring system was created. Once the system detects a spark in a GEM stack, the voltages across the GEMs in that stack can be lowered to prevent further sparking without affecting the gain and efficiency of the other modules. Spark signals are coupled out of the GEM stack by a pick-off capacitor attached to the bottom of the bottom GEM. Custom PCBs convert the oscillatory spark signal into a mono-polar pulse that is then digitized. The software then saves the waveform in a server and uses experimentally derived thresholds to determine how to react. As a result, the system has so far proven to be effective at improving the stability of the TPC and preventing damaging events while collecting cosmic ray data.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2025

A sub-5 ps jitter time-to-digital converter ASIC with back-gate delay tuning in 22 nm CMOS

We present the design of a Time-to-Digital Converter (TDC) ASIC together with performance characterization results at cryogenic temperature (6-8 K), and at room temperature using emulated Low-Gain Avalanche Detector (LGAD) signals. The TDC design uses a two-step architecture with a ring-oscillator based counter and a Vernier delay line fine TDC. The TDC is implemented in an FD-SOI process, and back-gate tuning is used not only to correct threshold variation due to cryogenic operation, but also as a novel way to tune TDC delay elements with very little overhead. Using this technique, we demonstrate a design with very low power (0.5 mW) and area (0.003 mm 2 ). We present test results using the Fermilab Constant Fraction Discriminator (FCFD) ASIC to produce discriminated signals from an internal charge injection mechanism that mimics the waveform and signal amplitude of minimum ionizing particles impinging on LGAD sensors. We characterize the time precision of the full system and verify that the TDC ASIC contributes a negligible amount to the total system time precision, fully consistent with the expected jitter contribution of less than 5 ps. In conclusion, the results presented here demonstrate the utility of our TDC for applications in physics and quantum communications.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2026

Dual particle imaging using time-of-flight neutron classification

Fast-neutron imaging technology is well-suited for passive nuclear material monitoring, secondary inspection of flagged cargo, and wide-area search for lost neutron sources. However, imaging systems that use pulse shape discrimination for event classification require complex pulse waveform analysis. In this work, we evaluate time-of-flight (TOF) based particle classification as an alternative solution for fast-neutron imaging by classifying all events with a TOF above a maximum threshold as neutrons. We measured a Cf-252 source next to Cs-137 using a 12-bar organic-glass scintillator array. By varying the TOF thresholds for neutron identification, we demonstrate a clear trade-off between event yield and backprojection image fidelity, with stricter thresholds improving precision at the cost of statistics, TOF thresholded data generated an image that predicted the neutron source direction with 20% reduced mean central angle prediction error compared to a traditional pulse shape discrimination (PSD) method with comparable event count. Time-of-flight particle classification shows promise as an alternative to pulse shape discrimination systems for fast neutron imaging systems looking to minimize costs and size of electronics with comparable imaging quality. The sources used demonstrate that the method is effective in classifying measured neutrons in a measurement environment with 150 μCi Cs-137 and 1.6 × 10 6 n/s Cf-252 sources positioned at distances of 66 cm and 81 cm from the detector. Additionally, the method classifies low-energy neutron events that pulse shape discrimination removes, so a combination of both methods would result in a higher overall neutron event efficiency.

Heriot, William [Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI ↗
DOE OSTI2016

Magma intrusion near Volcan Tancitaro: Evidence from seismic analysis

Between May and June 2006, an earthquake swarm occurred near Volcan Tancítaro in Mexico, which was recorded by a temporary seismic deployment known as the MARS network. We located ~1000 events from this seismic swarm. Previous earthquake swarms in the area were reported in the years 1997, 1999 and 2000. We relocate and analyze the evolution and properties of the 2006 earthquake swarm, employing a waveform cross-correlation-based phase repicking technique. Hypocenters from 911 events were located and divided into eighteen families having a correlation coefficient at or above 0.75. 90% of the earthquakes provide at least sixteen phase picks. We used the single-event location code Hypo71 and the P-wave velocity model used by the Jalisco Seismic and Accelerometer Network to improve hypocenters based on the correlation-adjusted phase arrival times. We relocated 121 earthquakes, which show clearly two clusters, between 9–10 km and 3–4 km depth respectively. The average location error estimates are <1 km epicentrally, and <2 km in depth, for the largest event in each cluster. Depths of seismicity migrate upward from 16 to 3.5 km and exhibit a NE-SW trend. The swarm first migrated toward Paricutin Volcano but by mid-June began propagating back toward Volcán Tancítaro. In addition to its persistence, noteworthy aspects of this swarm include a quasi-exponential increase in the rate of activity within the first 15 days; a b-value of 1.47; a jug-shaped hypocenter distribution; a shoaling rate of ~5 km/month within the deeper cluster, and a composite focal mechanism solution indicating largely reverse faulting. As a result, these features of the swarm suggest a magmatic source elevating the crustal strain beneath Volcan Tancítaro.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

Characterizing scintillator detector response for correlated fission experiments with MCNP and associated packages

When multiple neutrons are emitted in a fission event they are correlated in both energy and their relative angle, which may impact the design of safeguards equipment and other instrumentation for non-proliferation applications. The most recent release of MCNP 6 . 2 contains the capability to simulate correlated fission neutrons using the event generators CGMF and FREYA . These radiation transport simulations will be post-processed by the detector response code, DRiFT , and compared directly to correlated fission measurements. DRiFT has been previously compared to single detector measurements, its capabilities have been recently expanded with correlated fission simulations in mind. Finally, this paper details updates to DRiFT specific to correlated fission measurements, including tracking source particle energy of all detector events (and non-events), expanded output formats, and digitizer waveform generation.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2019

Tunable electron beam pulser for picoseconds stroboscopic microscopy in transmission electron microscopes

For two decades, time-resolved transmission electron microscopes (TEM) have relied on pulsed-laser photoemission to generate electron bunches to explore sub-microsecond to sub-picosecond dynamics. Despite the vast successes of photoemission time-resolved TEMs, laser-based systems are inherently complex, thus tend not to be turn-key. In this paper, we report on the successful retrofit of a commercial 200 keV TEM, without an external laser, capable of producing continuously tunable pulsed electron beams with repetition rates from 0.1 GHz up to 12 GHz and a tunable bunch length from tens of nanoseconds down to 10 ps. This innovation enables temporal access into previously inaccessible regimes: i.e., high repetition rate stroboscopic experiments. Combination of a pair of RF-driven traveling wave stripline elements, quadrupole magnets, and a variable beam aperture enables operation of the instrument in (1) continuous waveform (CW) mode as though the instrument was never modified (i.e. convention TEM operation mode, where the electrons from the emission cathode randomly arrive at the sample without resolvable time information), (2) stroboscopic (pump-probe) mode, and (3) pulsed beam mode for dose rate sensitive materials. In order to analyze the effect of a pulsed beam on image quality, we examined Au nanoparticles using bright field, high-resolution TEM imaging and selected area diffraction in both continuous and pulsed-beam mode. Furthermore, in comparison of conventional TEMs, the add-on beam pulser enables the observation of ultrafast dynamic behavior in materials that are reversible under synchronized excitation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

On the theoretical limitations in estimating thickness of a plate-like structure from a full-field single-tone response Lamb wave measurement

A persistent question in wavenumber analysis in the estimation of thickness from a steady-state wave field is identifying the theoretical sensitivity of the system. Here, a well-known trade-off between spatial frequency/wavenumber resolution and thickness resolution exists. The current work presents a calculation of the Cramer-Rao Lower bound (CRLB), specifically as applied to thickness estimates, for a 2-dimensional multi-mode waveform in Gaussian noise. Cases of near-field and far-field excitation are considered, and transducer position with respect to the scan area is also varied. Additionally, we consider the CRLB in a plate with multiple sources, simulated as sources placed on the boundary of the plate. We conclude by presenting the CRLB values in terms of frequency for various thicknesses, and by presenting optimal excitation frequencies for a nominal thickness, based on the CRLB.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Commissioning of a modulated pulse-power magnetron sputtering system for depositing niobium thin films

A modulated pulse-power magnetron sputtering system (MPPMS) was commissioned and used to deposit niobium on copper. MPPMS utilizes a modulated pulse train with high peak-to-average energy ratios, thereby increasing the energy density leading to the production of the energetic ions. The MPPMS modulator was designed and constructed based on large voltage/current IGBT modules, which can be externally modulated, produce bi-polar waveforms, and are readily available. A high voltage power supply provides moderate current to the IGBT module to create the precise pulse structure. The MPPMS system was used to deposit ~1 mm thick, niobium film on a copper substrate held at ~77 K to minimize Nb atom surface diffusion and maximize intrinsic film energy. Finally, the Nb film had an average grain size of ~8 nm.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2019

Narrowband signals recorded near a moulin that are not moulin tremor: a cautionary short note

Geophysicists that deploy seismic sensors in ablation zones of glaciers and ice sheets to record glaciogenic signatures can confront recording challenges caused by instrument melt-out or tilt. These challenges often require installing sensors in boreholes to delay melt-out, or securing sensors to structures that improve coupling. We show that some of these structures that were buried near a moulin at a snow-free site in the ablation zone of the Western Greenland Ice Sheet resonated as they became exposed, and caused their geophones to record temporally evolving, narrowband signals that mimic features of glaciogenic sources like moulin tremor. We quantify these artifacts with a mechanical model that shows instruments undergo structural resonance as they melt-out, at exposure rates that we predict from an ablation model (RACMO). These models reproduce general spectral features in our data, and enable us to estimate what instrument exposure reduces ice-to-sensor coupling enough to prevent icequake detection. Last, we use our resonance data to quantitatively measure how narrowband signals that originate from either artificial or glaciogenic sources will reduce the ability of certain waveform detectors (correlators) to capture transient seismic events, even if sensors remain coupled.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Radio-echo sounding of Crary Ice Rise reveals abundant marine ice in former ice shelf rifts and basal crevasses

Crary Ice Rise formed after the Ross Ice Shelf re-grounded ~1 kyr BP. We present new ice-penetrating radar data from two systems operating at center frequencies of 7 and 750 MHz that confirm the ice rise is composed of a former ice shelf buried by subsequent accumulation. Stacks of englacial diffraction hyperbolas are present almost everywhere across the central ice rise and extend up to ~350 m above the bed. In many cases, bed reflections beneath the diffraction hyperbolas are obscured for distances up to 1 km. Waveform modeling indicates that the diffraction hyperbolas are likely caused by marine ice deposits in former basal crevasses and rifts. The in-filling of rifts and basal crevasses may have strengthened the connection between the ice rise and the surrounding ice shelf, which could have influenced local and regional ice dynamics. Three internal reflection horizons mark the upper limit of disturbed ice and diffraction hyperbolas in different sections of the ice rise, indicating at least three stages of flow stabilization across the ice rise. A surface lineation visible in MODIS imagery corresponds spatially to deepening and strong deformation of these layers, consistent with the characteristics of former grounding lines observed elsewhere in Antarctica.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Rapid Targeted Quantitation of Protein Overexpression with Direct Infusion Shotgun Proteome Analysis (DISPA-PRM)

While much effort has been placed on comprehensive quantitative proteome analysis, certain applications demand measurement of only a few target proteins from complex systems. Traditional approaches to targeted proteomics rely on nano-liquid chromatography (nLC) and targeted mass spectrometry (MS) methods, e.g., parallel reaction monitoring (PRM). However, the time requirement for nLC can limit throughput of targeted proteomics. To achieve rapid and high-throughput targeted methods, here we show that nLC separations can be eliminated and replaced with direct infusion shotgun proteome analysis (DISPA) using high-field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) with PRM. We demonstrate application of DISPA-PRM for rapid targeted quantification of bacterial enzymes utilized in the production of biofuels by monitoring temporal expression in 72 metabolically engineered bacterial cultures in under 2.5 hours, with a measured dynamic range >1200-fold. Here, we conclude that DISPA-PRM presents a valuable innovative tool with results comparable to nLC-MS/MS, enabling fast and rapid detection of targeted proteins in complex mixtures.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Characterization of Traveling Wave Ion Mobility Separations in Structures for Lossless Ion Manipulations

We report on the development and characterization of a new traveling wave-based Structure for Lossless Ion Manipulations (TW-SLIM) for ion mobility separations (IMS). The TW-SLIM module uses parallel arrays of rf electrodes on two closely spaced surfaces for ion confinement, where the rf electrodes are separated by arrays of short electrodes, and using these TWs can be created to drive ion motion. In this initial work, TWs are created by the dynamic application of dc potentials. The capabilities of the TW-SLIM module for efficient ion confinement, lossless ion transport, and ion mobility separations at different rf and TW parameters are reported. The TW-SLIM module is shown to transmit a wide mass range of ions (m/z 200–2500) utilizing a confining rf waveform (~1 MHz and ~300 V p-p ) and low TW amplitudes (<20 V). Additionally, the short TW-SLIM module achieved resolutions comparable to existing commercially available low pressure IMS platforms and an ion mobility peak capacity of ~32 for TW speeds of <210 m/s. TW-SLIM performance was characterized over a wide range of rf and TW parameters and demonstrated robust performance. In conclusion, the combined attributes of the flexible design and low voltage requirements for the TW-SLIM module provide a basis for devices capable of much higher resolution and more complex ion manipulations.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2018

Comprehensive Single-Shot Proteomics with FAIMS on a Hybrid Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer

Liquid chromatography (LC) prefractionation is often implemented to increase proteomic coverage; however, while effective, this approach is laborious, requires considerable sample amount, and can be cumbersome. We describe how interfacing a recently described high-field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) device between a nanoelectrospray ionization (nanoESI) emitter and an Orbitrap hybrid mass spectrometer (MS) enables the collection of single-shot proteomic data with comparable depth to that of conventional two-dimensional LC approaches. This next generation FAIMS device incorporates improved ion sampling at the ESI–FAIMS interface, increased electric field strength, and a helium-free ion transport gas. With fast internal compensation voltage (CV) stepping (25 ms/transition), multiple unique gas-phase fractions may be analyzed simultaneously over the course of an MS analysis. We have comprehensively demonstrated how this device performs for bottom-up proteomics experiments as well as characterized the effects of peptide charge state, mass loading, analysis time, and additional variables. We also offer recommendations for the number of CVs and which CVs to use for different lengths of experiments. Internal CV stepping experiments increase protein identifications from a single-shot experiment to >8000, from over 100 000 peptide identifications in as little as 5 h. In single-shot 4 h label-free quantitation (LFQ) experiments of a human cell line, we quantified 7818 proteins with FAIMS using intra-analysis CV switching compared to 6809 without FAIMS. Single-shot FAIMS results also compare favorably with LC fractionation experiments. Furthermore, a 6 h single-shot FAIMS experiment generates 8007 protein identifications, while four fractions analyzed for 1.5 h each produce 7776 protein identifications.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

Enhancing Top-Down Proteomics of Brain Tissue with FAIMS

Proteomic investigations of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease have provided valuable insights into neurodegenerative disorders. Thus far, these investigations have largely been restricted to bottom-up approaches, hindering the degree to which one can characterize a protein’s “intact” state. Top-down proteomics (TDP) overcomes this limitation, however it is typically limited to observing only the most abundant proteoforms and of a relatively small size. Therefore, offline fractionation techniques are commonly used to reduce sample complexity, limiting throughput. A higher throughput alternative is online fractionation, such as gas phase high-field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS). Using a high complexity sample derived from Alzheimer’s disease brain tissue, we describe how the addition of FAIMS to TDP can robustly improve the depth of proteome coverage. For example, implementation of FAIMS at -50 compensation voltage (CV) more than doubled the mean number of non-redundant proteoforms observed (1,833 ± 17, n = 3), compared to without (754 ± 35 proteoforms). We also found FAIMS can influence the transmission of proteoforms and their charge envelopes based on their size. Importantly, FAIMS enabled the identification of intact amyloid beta (Aß) proteoforms, including the aggregation-prone Aß1-42 variant which is strongly linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2026

Harnessing the Second-Order Metal−Insulator Transition for Neuromorphic Computing

Vanadium oxides are widely studied phase change materials for brain-inspired computing architectures. Systems like VO 2 and V 2 O 3 exhibit first-order metal−insulator transitions (MITs) with hysteresis and percolative switching, increasing stochasticity and device variability. Here, we focus on the less explored Magnéli phase V 4 O 7 , which undergoes a continuous, non-hysteretic, second-order MIT. This surprisingly enables highly reproducible volatile resistive switching in spiking-neuron-type devices. We synthesize V 4 O 7 films, characterize their structural and transport properties, and demonstrate voltage and current-driven threshold switching with electrothermal feedback. In a Pearson–Anson oscillator, V 4 O 7 devices produce stable, tunable spiking across 20–200 kHz, with consistent operation among multiple devices. We introduce a numerical analog leaky-integrate-and-fire (aLIF) model that captures waveform shapes and their dependence on load resistance, temperature, and voltage. Furthermore, these findings suggest that second-order MIT materials like V 4 O 7 are promising for deterministic, scalable spiking neuron arrays for neuromorphic computing.

V4O7↗
DOE OSTI2020

Resonance-Promoted Formic Acid Oxidation via Dynamic Electrocatalytic Modulation

It is a truth universally acknowledged that faster catalysts enable more efficient transformation of molecules to useful products and enhance the utilization of natural resources. However, the limit of static catalyst performance defined by the Sabatier principle has motivated a dynamic approach to catalyst design, whereby catalysts oscillate between varying energetic states. In this work, the concept of dynamic catalytic resonance was experimentally demonstrated via the electrocatalytic oxidation of formic acid over Pt. Oscillation of the electrodynamic potential between 0 and 0.8 V NHE via a square waveform at varying frequency (10 –3 < f < 10 3 Hz) increased the turnover frequency to ~20 s –1 at 100 Hz, over one order of magnitude (20×) faster than optimal potentiostatic conditions. We attribute the accelerated dynamic catalysis to nonfaradaic formic acid dehydration to surface-bound carbon monoxide at low potentials, followed by surface oxidation and desorption to carbon dioxide at high potentials.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2025

Carrier-Envelope Phase Control in Terahertz Pulse Generation Using InAs Ribbon Metasurfaces

Generation of broadband terahertz (THz) pulses with variable polarization and carrier-envelope phase can enable the tailoring of THz beam wavefronts for advanced applications in THz imaging and spectroscopy and for strong THz field optics. While metasurfaces composed of deeply subwavelength THz emitters have recently been demonstrated to define the polarization and spatial profile of the generated THz fields, precise phase control or synthesis of THz pulse waveforms remains a challenging problem. Here, we propose and demonstrate metasurfaces composed of indium arsenide (InAs) nanoscale ribbon arrays capable of generating THz pulses with variable carrier-envelope phase. We show that different THz generation mechanisms, each contributing distinct phases, can be activated in the ribbons, enabling carrier-envelope phase control spanning a range of π over a wide band of frequencies (∼1–3 THz). This is achieved solely through the ribbon array geometry using linearly polarized optical excitation of the ribbons. The arrays enable precise control of the THz phase and amplitude, opening the door to advanced structured THz wavefront synthesis using ultrathin dielectric metasurfaces.

carrier-envelope phase↗