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At least 1,693 records · Page 94

Synthesis of CdZnTeSe single crystals for room temperature radiation detector fabrication: mitigation of hole trapping effects using a convolutional neural network

In this article, we report the growth of Cd 0.9 Zn 0.1 Te 0.97 Se 0.03 (CZTS) wide bandgap semiconductor single crystals for room temperature gamma-ray detection using a modified vertical Bridgman method. Charge transport properties measured in the radiation detectors, fabricated from the grown CZTS crystals, indicated signs of hole trapping. Hole traps inhibit high-resolution radiation detection especially for energetic gamma rays. Machine learning (ML) applications are gaining tremendous mpetus in improving device and sensor performance by compensating for limi tations arising from such intrinsic material properties. In this article, we describe a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) that has demonstrated remarkable efficiency in identifying the energy of a gamma photon detected by a CZTS detector. The CNN has been trained using simulated data that resemble output pulses from actual CZTS detectors when exposed to 662-keV gamma photons. The device properties required for the simulation have been derived from radiation detection measurements on a real Cd 0.9 Zn 0.1 Te 0.97 Se 0.03 detector fabricated in our laboratory. The CNN has been trained with detector pulses arising through photoelectric (PE) and Compton scattering (CS) separately. The percentage error in predicting the detected energies, within an extremely small duration of 0.28 ms, was found to be lower than 0.1% for gamma energies above 50 keV and for training datasets con taining PE and CS events separately. The CNN was also validated for a mixed PE and CS dataset to obtain a prediction error of 1%. Additionally, the effect of detector resolution on the efficiency of the CNN was also explored.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Optical leakage mitigation in ortho-mode transducer detectors for microwave applications

Ortho-mode transducers (OMT) are a commonly used method of coupling opti-cal signals between waveguides and on-chip circuitry and detectors. While the ideal OMT-waveguide coupling requires minimal disturbance to the waveguide, when used for mm-wave applications the waveguide is often slide though and the OMT probes inserted on a thin support membrane. This interface is a potential source of signal leakage and can lead to signal loss and experimental systematics (e.g. in CMB polarization experiments where lost signal can result in temperature to polarization leakage). Here we report on the development of new OMT- waveguide coupling structures with the goal of reducing leakage at the horn-to-detector-wafer interface. The pixel to pixel optical leakage due to the gap be-tween the coupling waveguide and the backshort is reduced by means of a protrusion that passes through the OMT membrane and connects the waveguide sections on each side of the wafer. High frequency electromagnetic simulations indicate that these protrusions can reduce optical leakage in the gap by ~80% percent, with a ~60% filling factor, respect to an ordinary OMT coupling without protrusion, using designs that are compatible with current fabrication processes. We describe the design of the new coupling structure including the impact of varying two key parameters: wafer to optical coupling gap and protrusion fill factor. Prototype devices have been designed that will characterize the performance of the new design using a relative measurement with varying filling factors. We describe the simulation setup and results, and present a chip layout and sample box designed to perform an initial measurement.

Detectors↗

Mitigating Implicit Bias as a Leader

Bias. It’s a word that makes most of us squirm. Bias implies to us that we are “bad people” and are being accused of deliberately discriminating against others. Yet, if you ask a social scientist, you will find that it doesn't mean that at all; implicit bias is a neurologically based, energy-saving short cut. Our brains apply mental models to make thousands of quick decisions every day: which brand of milk to buy at the store or when to turn the wheel to avoid a traffic accident. Lastly, we form our implicit biases subconsciously over time, influenced by our upbringing, societal norms, and life experiences.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

Organizational and psychological measures for data center energy efficiency: barriers and mitigation strategies

Abstract It was last estimated that in 2020, data centers comprised approximately 2% of total US electricity consumption, with an estimated annual growth rate of 4%. As our country increasingly relies on information technology (IT), our data centers (DCs) will need to increase their energy efficiency (EE) to stabilize their energy consumption. The task of studying EE in DCs is complicated by the interconnected nature of humans and mission-critical technical systems. Moreover, the literature tends to focus on technology solutions such as improvements to IT equipment, cooling infrastructure, and software, without addressing organizational and psychological drivers. Our research demystifies the complex interactions between humans and DCs, by asking What non-technical barriers impede EE investment decision-making and/or implementing energy management strategies? To begin to answer this question, we perform a literature review of 86 resources, ranging from peer-reviewed journal publications to handbooks. We also consider related fields such as organizational behavioral management and energy intensive buildings. We develop a public Zotero library, perform content coding, and complete a rudimentary network analysis. Our findings from the literature review suggest that (1) technological solutions are abundant in the literature but fall short of providing practical guidance on the pitfalls of implementation, (2) making energy efficiency a priority at the executive level of organizations will be largely ineffective if the IT and facilities staff are not directly incentivized to increase EE, and (3) there is minimal current understanding of how the individual psychologies of IT and facilities staff affect EE implementation in DCs. In the next phase of our research, we plan to interview data center operators/experts to ground-truth our literature findings and collaboratively design decarbonization policy solutions that target organizational structure, empower individual staff, and foster a supportive external market.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

A High Voltage Power Supply That Mitigates Current Reversals in Capillary Zone Electrophoresis-Electrospray Mass Spectrometry

Capillary electrophoresis coupled with electrospray ionization typically employs two power supplies, one at each end of the capillary. One power supply is located at the proximal (injection) end of the capillary. The power supply located at the distal (detector) end of the capillary drives the electrospray. Electrophoresis is driven by the difference in potential between these power supplies. Separations that employ large capillary inner diameter, high conductivity background electrolyte, and high separation potentials generate higher current than that produced by the electrospray. Excess current flows through the electrospray power supply. Most power supplies are not designed to sink current, and the excess current will cause the electrospray voltage to deviate from its set point. We report a simple circuit to handle this excess current, allowing separations under a wide range of electrophoretic conditions. .

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Using Digital Waveforms to Mitigate Solvent Clustering During Mass Filter Analysis of Proteins

With advances in the precision of digital electronics, waveform generation technology has progressed to a state that enables the creation of m/z filters that are purely digitally driven. These advances present new methods of performing mass analyses that provide information from a chemical system that are inherently difficult to achieve by other means. One notable characteristic of digitally driven mass filters is the capacity to transmit ions at m/z ratios that vastly exceed the capabilities of traditional resonant systems. However, the capacity to probe ion m/z ratios that span multiple orders of magnitudes across multiple orders of magnitude presents a new set of issues requiring a solution. In the present work, when probing multiply charged protein species beyond m/z 2000 using a gentle atmospheric pressure interface, the presence of solvent adducts and poorly resolved multimers can severely degrade spectral fidelity. Increasing energy imparted into a target ion population is one approach minimizing these clusters; however, the use of digital waveform technology provides an alternative that maximizes ion transport efficiency and simultaneously minimizes solvent clustering. In addition to the frequency of the applied waveform, digital manipulation also provides control over the duty cycle of the target waveform. This work examines the conditions and approach leading to optimal digital waveform operation to minimize solvent clustering. .

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Space Mission Options for Reconnaissance and Mitigation of Asteroid 2024 YR4

Near-Earth asteroid 2024 YR 4 was discovered on 2024-12-27 and its probability of Earth impact in December 2032 peaked at ~3% on 2025-02-18. Additional observations ruled out Earth impact by 2025-02-23. However, the probability of lunar impact in December 2032 then rose, reaching ~4% by the end of the apparition in May 2025. James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) observations on 2025-03-26 estimated the asteroid’s diameter at 60 ± 7 m. Studies of 2024 YR 4 ’s potential lunar impact effects suggest lunar ejecta could increase micrometeoroid debris flux in low Earth orbit up to 1000 times above background levels over just a few days, possibly threatening astronauts and spacecraft. In this work, we present options for space missions to 2024 YR 4 that could be utilized if lunar impact is confirmed. Here, we cover flyby & rendezvous reconnaissance, deflection, and robust disruption of the asteroid. We examine both rapid-response and delayed launch options through 2032. We evaluate chemical and solar electric propulsion, various launch vehicles, optimized deep space maneuvers, and gravity assists. Re-tasking extant spacecraft and using built spacecraft not yet launched are also considered. The best reconnaissance mission options launch in late 2028, leaving only approximately three years for development at the time of this writing in August 2025. Deflection missions were assessed and appear impractical. However, kinetic robust disruption missions are available with launches between April 2030 and April 2032. Nuclear robust disruption missions are also available with launches between late 2029 and late 2031. Finally, even if lunar impact is ruled out there is significant potential utility in deploying a reconnaissance mission to characterize the asteroid.

Asteroid deflection↗

High energy density soft X-ray momentum coupling to comet analogs for NEO mitigation

Here, we applied MBBAY high fluence pulsed radiation intensity driven momentum transfer analysis to calculate X-ray momentum coupling coefficients C M =(Pa s)/(J/m 2 ) for two simplified comet analog materials: i) water ice, and ii) 70% water ice and 30% distributed olivine grains. The momentum coupling coefficients (C M ) max of 50×10 –5 s/m, are about an order of magnitude greater than experimentally determined and computed MBBAY values for meteoritic materials that are analogs for asteroids. From the values for comet analog materials we infer applied energies (via momentum transfer) required to deflect an Earth crossing comet from impacting Earth by a sufficient amount (~1 cm/s) to avert collision ~a year in advance. Comet model calculations indicate for C M = 5 × 10 –4 s/m the deflection of a 2 km comet with a density 600 kg/m 3 by 1 cm/s requires an applied energy on the target surface of 5 × 10 13 J, the equivalent of 12 kT of TNT. Depending on the geometrical configuration of the interaction the explosive yield required could be an order of magnitude higher.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Island scanning pattern optimization for residual deformation mitigation in laser powder bed fusion via sequential inherent strain method and sensitivity analysis

Laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) has emerged as one of the mainstream additive manufacturing approaches for fabricating metal parts with complex geometries and intricate internal structures. However, large deformation associated with rapid heating and cooling can lead to build failure and requires post-processing which may increase manufacturing cost and prolong the production period. Here in this work, an island scanning pattern design method is proposed to optimize the scanning direction of each island in order to reduce part deformation after cutting off the build platform. The objective of this optimization is to minimize the upward bending of the part after sectioning, which allows the part deformation to satisfy the tolerance requirement or reduce the post heat treatment time. Inherent strain method is employed in the sequential finite element analysis consisting of layer-by-layer activations and sectioning for fast residual distortion prediction. Full sequential sensitivity analysis for the formulated optimization is provided to update the island scanning directions. To show the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method, the scanning patterns of a block structure and a connecting rod were designed and parts were fabricated using an open architecture L-PBF machine. The fabrication experiments demonstrated that the residual deformation of both parts fabricated by optimized scanning pattern can be reduced by over 50% compared to the initial scanning patterns, which demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Mitigation of variable seasonal productivity in algae biomass through blending and ensiling: An assessment of compositional changes in storage

Microalgae biomass has gained considerable attention in recent years as an attractive feedstock for biofuel production. However, seasonal variability in algae growth presents a challenge to delivering a consistent feedstock supply to a conversion facility. Drying is one approach to preserving algae produced in productive summer months for conversion in winter, but is energy intensive and costly. Ensiling is an alternative to drying that preserves algae in wet anaerobic conditions in the presence of organic acids. We have previously demonstrated that dry matter loss of algae:corn stover blends can be limited to 8% over 35 days using this approach. However, longer storage durations will be required to maintain a consistent feedstock supply to a biorefinery. Furthermore, the impacts to biomass quality that occur during storage are unknown. A Box-Behnken design of experiment was conducted to determine the influence of moisture, soluble sugar, and algae content on dry matter loss of algae:corn stover blends in wet anaerobic storage over a 30-day period. Using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) moisture and soluble sugar content were found to significantly affect dry matter loss in storage. The results of experimental design were then used to inform the initiation of a 180 day storage study that evaluated the storage performance and biomass composition of algae:corn stover blends containing 5, 20 or 40% algae. After 180 days of storage dry matter loss ranged from 6 – 17%. A relative increase in nitrogen content of stored blends indicates that protein content was unaffected by storage, while the carbohydrate fraction was most impacted, decreasing by 5 – 15%. For each stored blend the oxygen content decreased in storage resulting increased higher heating values (HHV). As a result, the impact that changes to biochemical and elemental composition of algae:corn stover blends has on biomass conversion to fuels and chemicals is discussed.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗