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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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Coherent control of plasma dynamics by feedback-optimized wavefront manipulation
Plasmas generated by an intense laser pulse can support coherent structures such as large amplitude wakefield that can affect the outcome of an experiment. We investigate the coherent control of plasma dynamics by feedback-optimized wavefront manipulation using a deformable mirror. The experimental outcome is directly used as feedback in an evolutionary algorithm for optimization of the phase front of the driving laser pulse. In this paper, we applied this method to two different experiments: (i) acceleration of electrons in laser driven plasma waves and (ii) self-compression of optical pulses induced by ionization nonlinearity. The manipulation of the laser wavefront leads to orders of magnitude improvement to electron beam properties such as the peak charge, beam divergence, and transverse emittance. The demonstration of coherent control for plasmas opens new possibilities for future laser-based accelerators and their applications.
Nonlinear neoclassical two-fluid theory of response of tokamak plasma to resonant error-field
A nonlinear, neoclassical, two-fluid theory of the interaction of a single-helicity magnetic island chain with a resonant error-field in a quasi-cylindrical, low-β, tokamak plasma is presented. In particular, the analysis of Fitzpatrick [Phys. Plasmas 25, 042503 (2018)] is generalized to take explicit time dependence into account. Aside from the ability to more accurately treat time-varying problems, the main physical effect that is introduced into the theory by the incorporation of explicit time dependence is ion inertia. The formalism developed in the paper is used to analyze two time-varying problems. First, the interaction of a pre-existing magnetic island chain with a resonant error-field. Second, an error-field-maintained magnetic island chain. The latter problem is of direct relevance to experiments in which deliberately applied, multi-harmonic, resonant magnetic perturbations are used to suppress edge localized modes (ELMs) in tokamak plasmas. Indeed, the predictions of the theory are strikingly similar to data recently obtained from ELM suppression experiments in the DIII-D tokamak [R. Nazikian et al., Nucl. Fusion 58, 106010 (2018)].
Total and partial electron impact ionization cross sections of fusion-relevant diatomic molecules
We discuss calculations of total (and absolute) electron-impact ionization cross sections (EICSs) for the fusion-relevant diatomic molecular species BeH, BeN, BeO, WH, WBe, WN, WO, O 2 , and N 2 by means of the Deutsch-Märk and the binary-encounter-Bethe approaches in the energy range from threshold to 10 keV. In addition, we discuss an empirical scheme to estimate partial cross sections from the total ones based on reaction energetics and empirical threshold laws and explore its accuracy by assessing available experimental data on total and partial EICSs. Lastly, we also observe parameters obtained by fitting the calculated cross sections to an expression commonly used in fusion edge plasma modeling.
System-on-chip upgrade of millimeter-wave imaging diagnostics for fusion plasma
Monolithic, millimeter wave “system-on-chip” technology has been employed in chip heterodyne radiometers in a newly developed Electron Cyclotron Emission Imaging (ECEI) system on the DIII-D tokamak for 2D electron temperature and fluctuation diagnostics. The system employs 20 horn-waveguide receiver modules each with customized W-band (75–110 GHz) monolithic microwave integrated circuit chips comprising a W-band low noise amplifier, a balanced mixer, a ×2 local oscillator (LO) frequency doubler, and two intermediate frequency amplifier stages in each module. Compared to previous quasi-optical ECEI arrays with Schottky mixer diodes mounted on planar antennas, the upgraded W-band array exhibits >30 dB additional gain and 20× improvement in noise temperature; an internal eight times multiplier chain is used to provide LO coupling, thereby eliminating the need for quasi-optical coupling. The horn-waveguide shielding housing avoids out-of-band noise interference on each module. The upgraded ECEI system plays an important role for absolute electron temperature and fluctuation measurements for edge and core region transport physics studies. An F-band receiver chip (up to 140 GHz) is under development for additional fusion facilities with a higher toroidal magnetic field. Visualization diagnostics provide multi-scale and multi-dimensional data in plasma profile evolution. Finally, a significant aspect of imaging measurement is focusing on artificial intelligence for science applications.
Overview and first measurements of the MAST Upgrade bolometer diagnostic
Here, a suite of multi-channel resistive bolometers has been implemented to measure the total radiation from Mega Amp Spherical Tokamak Upgrade plasmas, with cameras covering the core plasma and lower divertor chamber. Data are digitized and processed using novel field-programmable gate array-based electronics, offering improved compactness and new operational capabilities. A synthetic diagnostic has been developed to explore the quality of 2D reconstructions available from the system and to quantify the uncertainty on quantities such as the total radiated power. Measurements in the first campaign have demonstrated correct functioning of the diagnostic while also highlighting issues with electrical noise and some failure mechanisms of the detectors, as well as significant neutral beam fast-particle losses.
Neural networks for estimation of divertor conditions in DIII-D using C III imaging
Deep learning approaches have been applied to images of C III emission in the lower divertor of DIII-D to develop models for estimating the level of detachment and magnetic configuration (X-point location and strike point radial location). The poloidal distance from the target to the C III emission front is used to represent the level of detachment. The models perform well on a test dataset not used in training, achieving $F_1$ scores as high as 0.99 for detachment state classification and root mean squared error (RMSE) as low as 2cm for front location regression. Predictions for shots with intermittent reattachment are studied, with class activation mapping used to aid in interpretation of the model predictions. Based on the success of these models, a third model was trained to predict the X-point location and strike point radial position from C III images. Though the dataset covers only a small range of possible magnetic configurations, the model shows promising results, achieving RMSE around 1cm for the test data.
Search for a Neutral Gauge Boson with Nonuniversal Fermion Couplings in Vector Boson Fusion Processes in Proton-Proton Collisions at $\sqrt{𝑠}$ = 13 TeV
The first search for a heavy neutral spin-1 gauge boson (𝑍′) with nonuniversal fermion couplings produced via vector boson fusion processes and decaying to tau leptons or 𝑊 bosons is presented. The analysis is performed using LHC data at $\sqrt{𝑠}$ = 13 TeV, collected from 2016 to 2018 with the CMS experiment and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138 fb −1 . The data are consistent with the standard model predictions. Upper limits are set on the product of the cross section for production of the 𝑍′ boson and its branching fraction to 𝜏𝜏 or 𝑊𝑊. The presence of a 𝑍′ boson decaying to 𝜏 + 𝜏 − (𝑊 + 𝑊 − ) is excluded for masses up to 2.45(1.60) TeV, depending on the 𝑍′ boson coupling to standard model weak bosons, and assuming a 𝑍′→𝜏 + 𝜏 − (𝑊 + 𝑊 − ) branching fraction of 50%.
Understanding Laser Powder Bed Fusion Surface Roughness
Abstract Surface roughness is a well-known consequence of additive manufacturing methods, particularly powder bed fusion processes. To properly design parts for additive manufacturing, a comprehensive understanding of the inherent roughness is necessary. While many researchers have measured different surface roughness resultant from a variety of parameters in the laser powder bed fusion process, few have succeeded in determining causal relationships due to the large number of variables at play. To assist the community in understanding the roughness in laser powder bed fusion processes, this study explored several studies from the literature to identify common trends and discrepancies amongst roughness data. Then, an experimental study was carried out to explore the influence of certain process parameters on surface roughness. Through these comparisons, certain local and global roughness trends have been identified and discussed, as well as a new framework for considering the effect of process parameters on surface roughness.
Is it possible that MHD instability triggers a transition into the improved confinement regime of toroidal plasmas?
Analyzing the experimental data from L-2M stellarator and performing appropriate theoretical analysis, the authors affirmatively answer the question raised in the title of the article. The external peeling mode is proposed as the instability triggering the transition. Peeling mode stability in magnetic-hill Mercierstable plasmas is analyzed analytically. It is shown that correctly taking into account vacuum region forbids internal peeling modes, while the external peeling mode has a threshold with respect to the plasma pressure gradient. Calculations and experimental data are in reasonable agreement.
Physics Analysis of Microwave Imaging Data from DIII-D & KSTAR. Final Technical Report
Final Technical Report of the award entitled Physics Analysis of Microwave Imaging Data from DIII-D & KSTAR
Development of Ion Stopping Models for HED Plasmas Using Unified Self-Consistent Field Models and Self-Consistent Electron Distributions
We have implemented several corrections to the electronic stopping power model combining the RPA dielectric response formalism and local density approximation with electronic density distribution calculated in an average atom model. These modifications include strong collision correction, local field correction, electron binding energy correction, and the Barkas effect. The combined results bring the RPA-LDA stopping power in cold targets to closer agreements with experiments for a wide range of materials. The same method is then applied to the stopping of ions in warm dense plasmas. The computational framework developed during this project is publicly available on GitHub (https://github.com/dedx-erpa/dedx). Tabulated data for protons in cold target for common materials are located in the data/ subdirectory of the repository.
High Yield Muon Catalyzed Fusion
Fusion holds great promise as a clean and abundant energy source. However, traditional thermonuclear fusion encounters significant challenges due to the extreme temperatures required to overcome the coulomb barrier for two nuclei to fuse. In contrast, muon-catalyzed fusion presents an alternative approach that can surmount this barrier at significantly lower temperatures. Muons, with properties resembling those of electrons but 200 times heavier, can effectively reduce the atomic orbital radius, enabling central nuclei to overcome the coulomb force through the strong force. By introducing muons into a mixture of deuterium and tritium (two hydrogen isotopes), fusion is facilitated, releasing a 3.5MeV alpha particle and a 14.1MeV neutron. In the majority of cases, the muon is liberated and can initiate further fusions. However, approximately 0.8% of the time, it adheres to the alpha particle and remains bound until it either decays or undergoes reactivation through collisional ionization. To maximize the number of fusions per muon, it is crucial to enhance the cycling rate and reactivation fraction. Theoretical predictions and experimental data both suggest that the sticking rate decreases with increasing density. However, there exists a discrepancy between experimental observations and theoretical estimations regarding the extent of this decrease. To address these disparities, this experiment aims to investigate the cycling rate and sticking fraction under higher temperatures and pressures than previously explored.
Beam Design for Muon Catalyzed Fusion
Fusion holds great promise as a clean and abundant energy source. However, traditional thermonuclear fusion encounters significant challenges due to the extreme temperatures required to overcome the coulomb barrier for two nuclei to fuse. In contrast, muon-catalyzed fusion presents an alternative approach that can surmount this barrier at significantly lower temperatures. Muons, with properties resembling those of electrons but 200 times heavier, can effectively reduce the atomic orbital radius, enabling central nuclei to overcome the coulomb force through the strong force. By introducing muons into a mixture of deuterium and tritium (two hydrogen isotopes), fusion is facilitated, releasing a 3.5MeV alpha particle and a 14.1MeV neutron. In the majority of cases, the muon is liberated and can initiate further fusions. However, approximately 0.8% of the time, it adheres to the alpha particle and remains bound until it either decays or undergoes reactivation through collisio nal ionization. To maximize the number of fusions per muon, it is crucial to enhance the cycling rate and reactivation fraction. Theoretical predictions and experimental data both suggest that the sticking rate decreases with increasing density. However, there exists a discrepancy between experimental observations and theoretical estimations regarding the extent of this decrease. To address these disparities, this experiment aims to investigate the cycling rate and sticking fraction under higher temperatures and pressures than previously explored.
Developing an Automated Science Analysis System for Mars Surface Exploration for MSL and Beyond
We are developing an automated science analysis system that could be utilized by robotic or human explorers on Mars (or even in remote locations on Earth) to improve the quality and quantity of science data returned. Three components of this system (our rock, layer, and horizon detectors) [1] have been incorporated into the JPL CLARITY system for possible use by MSL and future Mars robotic missions. Two other components include a multi-spectral image compression (SPEC) algorithm for pancam-type images with multiple filters and image fusion algorithms that identify the in focus regions of individual images in an image focal series [2]. Recently, we have been working to combine image and spectral data, and other knowledge to identify both rocks and minerals. Here we present our progress on developing an igneous rock detection system.
Phase Field Informed Monte Carlo Texture Evolution Models for Additive Manufacturing: Microstructure Simulation and the Need for Experimental Grain Competition Data
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Muon-Catalyzed Fusion
Fusion holds great promise as a clean and abundant energy source. However, traditional thermonuclear fusion encounters significant challenges due to the extreme temperatures required to overcome the coulomb barrier for two nuclei to fuse. In contrast, muon-catalyzed fusion presents an alternative approach that can surmount this barrier at significantly lower temperatures. Muons, with properties resembling those of electrons but 200 times heavier, can effectively reduce the atomic orbital radius, enabling central nuclei to overcome the coulomb force through the strong force. By introducing muons into a mixture of deuterium and tritium (two hydrogen isotopes), fusion is facilitated, releasing a 3.5MeV alpha particle and a 14.1MeV neutron. In the majority of cases, the muon is liberated and can initiate further fusions. However, approximately 0.8% of the time, it adheres to the alpha particle and remains bound until it either decays or undergoes reactivation through collisional ionization. To maximize the number of fusions per muon, it is crucial to enhance the cycling rate and reactivation fraction. Theoretical predictions and experimental data both suggest that the sticking rate decreases with increasing density. However, there exists a discrepancy between experimental observations and theoretical estimations regarding the extent of this decrease. To address these disparities, this experiment aims to investigate the cycling rate and sticking fraction under higher temperatures and pressures than previously explored.
Observation and modeling of interspecies ion separation in inertial confinement fusion implosions via imaging x-ray spectroscopy
In this article, we report the first direct experimental evidence of interspecies ion separation in direct-drive inertial confinement fusion experiments performed at the OMEGA laser facility via spectrally, temporally, and spatially resolved imaging x-ray-spectroscopy data [S. C. Hsu et al., Europhys. Lett. 115, 65001 (2016)]. These experiments were designed based on the expectation that interspecies ion thermo-diffusion would be the strongest for species with a large mass and charge difference. The targets were spherical plastic shells filled with D2 and a trace amount of Ar (0.1% or 1% by atom). Ar K-shell spectral features were observed primarily between the time of first-shock convergence and slightly before the neutron bang time, using a time- and space-integrated spectrometer, a streaked crystal spectrometer, and two gated multi-monochromatic x-ray imagers fielded along quasi-orthogonal lines of sight. Detailed spectroscopic analyses of spatially resolved Ar K-shell lines reveal the deviation from the initial 1% Ar gas fill and show both Ar-concentration enhancement and depletion at different times and radial positions of the implosion. The experimental results are interpreted using radiation-hydrodynamic simulations that include recently implemented, first-principles models of interspecies ion diffusion. Lastly, the experimentally inferred Ar-atom fraction profiles agree reasonably with calculated profiles associated with the incoming and rebounding first shock.