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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 1,711 records · Page 95
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2016

Geometric phase of an accelerated two-level atom in the presence of a perfectly reflecting plane boundary

We study the geometric phase of a uniformly accelerated two-level atom coupled with vacuum fluctuations of electromagnetic fields in the presence of a perfectly reflecting plane. We find that the geometric phase difference between the accelerated and inertial atoms which can be observed by atom interferometry crucially depends on the polarizability of the atom and the distance to the boundary and it can be dramatically manipulated with anisotropically polarizable atoms. In particular, extremely close to the boundary, the phase difference can be increased by two times as compared to the case without any boundary. So, the detectability of the effects associated with acceleration using an atom interferometer can be significantly increased by the presence of a boundary using atoms with anisotropic polarizability.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2018

Adiabatic Mach–Zehnder interferometer in a dipolar spin-1 condensate

We propose and analyze a realizable scheme for performing a Heisenberg-limited Mach–Zehnder interferometry with a dipolar spin-1 condensate. Based upon adiabatic processes of sweeping the transverse magnetic field, we demonstrate a perfect phase transition, which accomplishes the beam splitter, phase shifter and recombiner as for a Mach–Zehnder interferometer. The attractive dipolar interaction ensures the existence of a path-entangled state which enhances the phase measurement precision to the Heisenberg limit. We also study the spin squeezing of the state generated in the beam splitter and show that the spin squeezing exhibits an extremum near the critical point of phase transition.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2019

Entanglement estimation in non-optimal qubit states

Highlights: • Quantum Fisher Information. • Entanglement Estimation. • Squeezed States. • Husimi Function. - Abstract: In the last years, a relationship has been established between the quantum Fisher information (QFI) and quantum entanglement. In the case of two-qubit systems, all pure entangled states can be made useful for sub-shot-noise interferometry while their QFI meets a necessary and sufficient condition (Hyllus et al., 2010). In M-qubit systems, the QFI provides just a sufficient condition in the task of detecting the degree of entanglement of a generic state (Pezzé and Smerzi, 2009). In our work, we show analytically that, for a large class of one-parameter non-optimal two-qubit states, the maximally entangled states are associated with stationary points of the QFI, as a function of such parameter. We show, via numerical simulations, that this scenario is maintained for the generalisation of this class of states to a generic M-qubit system. Furthermore, we suggest a scheme for an interferometer able to detect the entanglement in a large class of two-spin states.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2023

Phase imaging of irradiated foils at the OMEGA EP facility using phase-stepping X-ray Talbot–Lau deflectometry

Abstract Diagnosing the evolution of laser-generated high energy density (HED) systems is fundamental to develop a correct understanding of the behavior of matter under extreme conditions. Talbot–Lau interferometry constitutes a promising tool, since it permits simultaneous single-shot X-ray radiography and phase-contrast imaging of dense plasmas. We present the results of an experiment at OMEGA EP that aims to probe the ablation front of a laser-irradiated foil using a Talbot–Lau X-ray interferometer. A polystyrene (CH) foil was irradiated by a laser of 133 J, 1 ns and probed with 8 keV laser-produced backlighter radiation from Cu foils driven by a short-pulse laser (153 J, 11 ps). The ablation front interferograms were processed in combination with a set of reference images obtained ex situ using phase-stepping. We managed to obtain attenuation and phase-shift images of a laser-irradiated foil for electron densities above ${10}^{22}\;{\mathrm{cm}}^{-3}$ . These results showcase the capabilities of Talbot–Lau X-ray diagnostic methods to diagnose HED laser-generated plasmas through high-resolution imaging.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2024

AC Magnetometry Using Nano-ferrofluid Cladded Multimode Interferometric Fiber Optic Sensors for Power Grid Monitoring Applications

The AC magnetic field response of the superparamagnetic nano-ferrofluid is an interplay between the Neel and Brownian relaxation processes and is generally quantified via the susceptibility measurements at high frequencies. The high frequency limit is dictated by these relaxation times which need to be shorter than the time scale of the time varying magnetic field for the nano-ferrofluid to be considered in an equilibrium state at each time instant. Even though the high frequency response of ferrofluid has been extensively investigated for frequencies up to GHz range by non-optical methods, harnessing dynamic response by optical means for AC magnetic field sensing in fiber-optic-based sensors-field remains unexplored. Instead, the incorporation of nano-ferrofluid as sensing materials has been only limited to DC magnetic field sensing, often citing their long response time as a limiting factor to AC field sensing. This work reports the finding of high frequency (up to 15 kHz) AC magnetic field sensing capability of nanomagnetic fluid as the cladding material of a fiber-optic multimode interferometry (MMI) structure optimized for the fourth self-imaging spectral response. The key parameter enabling high frequency response is the short response time (<1 ms) achieved by optimizing both the sensing structure and nano-ferrofluid solution. Focus has been imparted on 60 Hz line-frequency profiles of various current/magnetic fields to test the efficacy of these sensors in metering and monitoring current and current-induced magnetic fields in the electrical power grid systems. The magnetic field sensitivity of 240 mV/Gauss per dBm of transmitted power was achieved for 60 Hz field applied via Helmholtz coil, whereas the 60 Hz AC current sensitivity of 2.83 mV/A was measured due to magnetic field induced by current in a straight conducting wire.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2016

Buried Hydrogen Bond Interactions Contribute to the High Potency of Complement Factor D Inhibitors

Aberrant activation of the complement system is associated with diseases, including paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and age-related macular degeneration. Complement factor D is the rate-limiting enzyme for activating the alternative pathway in the complement system. Recent development led to a class of potent amide containing pyrrolidine derived factor D inhibitors. Here, we used biochemical enzymatic and biolayer interferometry assays to demonstrate that the amide group improves the inhibitor potency by more than 80-fold. Our crystal structures revealed buried hydrogen bond interactions are important. Molecular orbital analysis from quantum chemistry calculations dissects the chemical groups participating in these interactions. Free energy calculation supports the differential contributions of the amide group to the binding affinities of these inhibitors. Cell-based hemolysis assay confirmed these compounds inhibit factor D mediated complement activation via the alternative pathway. Our study highlights the important interactions contributing to the high potency of factor D inhibitors reported recently.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

Implications of Sound Velocities of Natural Topaz on the Seismic L–Discontinuity

Compressional and shear wave velocities of topaz have been measured by ultrasonic interferometry in a multi-anvil apparatus up to 13 GPa at room temperature. By fitting the measured velocities under pressure to finite strain equations, the elastic moduli of topaz and their pressure derivatives were obtained, yielding K S0 = 165.5 (25) GPa, K S ' = 2.9 (1), G 0 = 116.5 (17) GPa, and G' = 1.0 (1). Modeling of the velocity profiles of subducted sediments suggests that at 8 GPa (~240 km depth) the P- and S- wave velocities of the subducted sediments exhibit a first order increase of 10% and 11%, respectively. Furthermore, the comparison between seismic observations and velocity contrasts of sediment + MORB model at 240 km shows dehydration of a 1.5–3.9 km thick sediment layer can potentially contribute to the seismically observed Lehmann discontinuity in Tonga, Japan, Philippine Sea, South America, Indonesia, and South Shetland subduction zones.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

The Nature of Standing Plasma Waves Following Fast Breakdown in Thunderstorms

Narrow bipolar events (NBEs) are produced by large-scale systems of streamer corona discharges that occur inside thunderstorms and radiate intensely at very-high frequencies. Here we examine 14 high-power NBEs recorded in Florida which are followed by a lasting oscillatory signal. We isolate the dominant frequencies of the oscillations using empirical mode decomposition methods, and cross-reference this information with the radiator size inferred from broadband interferometry. We conclude that the oscillations are evidence of a standing electromagnetic wave in the plasma cavity created by the preceding streamer system, that is, the cavity's fundamental mode with wavelength equal to twice the radiator length. Contrasting the dispersive and attenuation properties of these waves across several different events allows us to conclude that the cavity is filled with ions resulting in an average conductivity of 0.01–0.1 mS/m, which are left behind after the streamers decay via electron attachment to oxygen molecules.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2019

Rapid nondestructive measurement of bacterial cultures with 3D interferometric imaging

The agar culture plate has played a crucial role in bacteriology since the origins of the discipline. However, plating, inoculating, and waiting for microbes to develop colonies that are visible is time-consuming. In this work, we explored if white-light interferometry (WLI) would be a practical tool for reducing the wait time required before colonies can be identified and counted. High resolution surface profile imaging was used for non-destructive characterization and counting of bacterial colonies on agar before they became visible to the naked eye. The three-dimensional (3D) morphology of Gram-negative ( Pseudomonas fluorescens ) and Gram-positive ( Bacillus thuringiensis ) bacterial species were visualized over time by collecting surface profiles of colonies on agar plates with high vertical resolution (3-5 nanometers) and large field of view (3-5 mm). This unique combination of sensitive vertical resolution at low magnification enabled simultaneous detection of hundreds of microcolonies. The colonies were accurately counted within the first few hours after plating with results comparing favorably to counts made by traditional methods. Since the imaging is non-destructive it was used to track single cells multiplying into small colonies and the volumetric changes in the colony were used to accurately measure colony growth rates over time. Based on the results herein, bioimaging with WLI was demonstrated as a powerful bacterial culture assay. Fast non-destructive counting of colony-forming units in a culture and simultaneous measurement of bacterial growth rates with this method suggest that it may lead to beneficial future applications in research, clinical, and other settings.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Event Horizon Telescope imaging of the archetypal blazar 3C 279 at an extreme 20 microarcsecond resolution

3C 279 is an archetypal blazar with a prominent radio jet that show broadband flux density variability across the entire electromagnetic spectrum. We use an ultra-high angular resolution technique – global Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) at 1.3 mm (230 GHz) – to resolve the innermost jet of 3C 279 in order to study its fine-scale morphology close to the jet base where highly variable γ-ray emission is thought to originate, according to various models. The source was observed during four days in April 2017 with the Event Horizon Telescope at 230 GHz, including the phased Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), at an angular resolution of ∼20 μas (at a redshift of z = 0.536 this corresponds to ∼0.13 pc ∼ 1700 Schwarzschild radii with a black hole mass MBH = 8 × 108 M⊙). Imaging and model-fitting techniques were applied to the data to parameterize the fine-scale source structure and its variation. We find a multicomponent inner jet morphology with the northernmost component elongated perpendicular to the direction of the jet, as imaged at longer wavelengths. The elongated nuclear structure is consistent on all four observing days and across different imaging methods and model-fitting techniques, and therefore appears robust. Owing to its compactness and brightness, we associate the northern nuclear structure as the VLBI “core”. This morphology can be interpreted as either a broad resolved jet base or a spatially bent jet. We also find significant day-to-day variations in the closure phases, which appear most pronounced on the triangles with the longest baselines. Our analysis shows that this variation is related to a systematic change of the source structure. Two inner jet components move non-radially at apparent speeds of ∼15 c and ∼20 c (∼1.3 and ∼1.7 μas day−1, respectively), which more strongly supports the scenario of traveling shocks or instabilities in a bent, possibly rotating jet. The observed apparent speeds are also coincident with the 3C 279 large-scale jet kinematics observed at longer (cm) wavelengths, suggesting no significant jet acceleration between the 1.3 mm core and the outer jet. The intrinsic brightness temperature of the jet components are ≲1010 K, a magnitude or more lower than typical values seen at ≥7 mm wavelengths. The low brightness temperature and morphological complexity suggest that the core region of 3C 279 becomes optically thin at short (mm) wavelengths.Key words: galaxies: active / galaxies: jets / galaxies: individual: 3C 279 / techniques: interferometric⋆ The data are only available at the CDS via anonymous ftp to cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/cat/J/A+A/640/A69 and at https://eventhorizontelescope.org/for-astronomers/data⋆⋆ Deceased.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2013

Ablation dynamics in coiled wire-array Z-pinches

Experiments to study the ablation dynamics of coiled wire arrays were performed on the MAGPIE generator (1 MA, 240 ns) at Imperial College, and on the COBRA generator at Cornell University's Laboratory of Plasma Studies (1 MA, 100 ns). The MAGPIE generator was used to drive coiled wires in an inverse array configuration to study the distribution of ablated plasma. Using interferometry to study the plasma distribution during the ablation phase, absolute quantitative measurements of electron line density demonstrated very high density contrasts between coiled ablation streams and inter-stream regions many millimetres from the wire. The measured density contrasts for a coiled array were many times greater than that observed for a conventional array with straight wires, indicating that a much greater axial modulation of the ablated plasma may be responsible for the unique implosion dynamics of coiled arrays. Experiments on the COBRA generator were used to study the complex redirection of plasma around a coiled wire that gives rise to the ablation structure exhibited by coiled arrays. Observations of this complex 3D plasma structure were used to validate the current model of coiled array ablation dynamics [Hall et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 065003 (2008)], demonstrating irrefutably that plasma flow from the wires behaves as predicted. Coiled wires were observed to ablate and implode in the same manner on both machines, indicating that current rise time should not be an issue for the scaling of coiled arrays to larger machines with fast current rise times.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

Characteristics of plasma properties in an ablative pulsed plasma thruster

Pulsed plasma thrusters are electric space propulsion devices which create a highly transient plasma bulk in a short-time arc discharge that is expelled to create thrust. The transitional character and the dependency on the discharge properties are yet to be elucidated. In this study, optical emission spectroscopy and Mach-Zehnder interferometry are applied to investigate the plasma properties in variation of time, space, and discharge energy. Electron temperature, electron density, and Knudsen numbers are derived for the plasma bulk and discussed. Temperatures were found to be in the order of 1.7 to 3.1 eV, whereas electron densities showed maximum values of more than 10{sup 17} cm{sup -3}. Both values showed strong dependency on the discharge voltage and were typically higher closer to the electrodes. Capacitance and time showed less influence. Knudsen numbers were derived to be in the order of 10{sup -3}-10{sup -2}, thus, indicating a continuum flow behavior in the main plasma bulk.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

The role of laser wavelength on plasma generation and expansion of ablation plumes in air

We investigated the role of excitation laser wavelength on plasma generation and the expansion and confinement of ablation plumes at early times (0-500 ns) in the presence of atmospheric pressure. Fundamental, second, and fourth harmonic radiation from Nd:YAG laser was focused on Al target to produce plasma. Shadowgraphy, fast photography, and optical emission spectroscopy were employed to analyze the plasma plumes, and white light interferometry was used to characterize the laser ablation craters. Our results indicated that excitation wavelength plays a crucial role in laser-target and laser-plasma coupling, which in turn affects plasma plume morphology and radiation emission. Fast photography and shadowgraphy images showed that plasmas generated by 1064 nm are more cylindrical compared to plasmas generated by shorter wavelengths, indicating the role of inverse bremsstrahlung absorption at longer laser wavelength excitation. Electron density estimates using Stark broadening showed higher densities for shorter wavelength laser generated plasmas, demonstrating the significance of absorption caused by photoionization. Crater depth analysis showed that ablated mass is significantly higher for UV wavelengths compared to IR laser radiation. In this experimental study, the use of multiple diagnostic tools provided a comprehensive picture of the differing roles of laser absorption mechanisms during ablation.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2013

Study of the spatial coherence of high order harmonic radiation generated from pre-formed plasma plumes

A study of the spatial coherence of the high order harmonic radiation generated by the interaction of 45 fs Ti:sapphire laser beam with carbon (graphite) plasma plume has been carried out using Young's double slit interferometry. It is observed that the spatial coherence varies with harmonic order, laser focal spot size in plasma plume, and peaks at an optimal spot size. It is also observed that the spatial coherence is higher when the laser pulse is focused before the plasma plume than when focused after the plume, and it decreases with increase in the harmonic order. The optimum laser parameters and the focusing conditions to achieve good spatial coherence with high harmonic conversion have been identified, which is desirable for practical applications of the harmonic radiation.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2013

Space- and time-resolved observation of extreme laser frequency upshifting during ultrafast-ionization

A 65-fs, 800-nm, 2-TW laser pulse propagating through a nitrogen gas jet has been experimentally studied by 90° Thomson scattering. Time-integrated spectra of scattered light show unprecedented broadening towards the blue which exceeds 300 nm. Images of the scattering region provide for the first time a space- and time-resolved description of the process leading quite regularly to such a large upshift. The mean shifting rate was as high as δλ/δt ≈ 3 Å/fs, never observed before. Interferometry shows that it occurs after partial laser defocusing. Numerical simulations prove that such an upshift is consistent with a laser-gas late interaction, when laser intensity has decreased well below relativistic values (a{sub 0}≪ 1) and ionization process involves most of the laser pulse. This kind of interaction makes spectral tuning of ultrashort intense laser pulses possible in a large spectral range.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

Virtual and super - virtual refraction method: Application to synthetic data and 2012 of Karangsambung survey data

Seismic refraction survey is one of geophysical method useful for imaging earth interior, definitely for imaging near surface. One of the common problems in seismic refraction survey is weak amplitude due to attenuations at far offset. This phenomenon will make it difficult to pick first refraction arrival, hence make it challenging to produce the near surface image. Seismic interferometry is a new technique to manipulate seismic trace for obtaining Green's function from a pair of receiver. One of its uses is for improving first refraction arrival quality at far offset. This research shows that we could estimate physical properties such as seismic velocity and thickness from virtual refraction processing. Also, virtual refraction could enhance the far offset signal amplitude since there is stacking procedure involved in it. Our results show super - virtual refraction processing produces seismic image which has higher signal-to-noise ratio than its raw seismic image. In the end, the numbers of reliable first arrival picks are also increased.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2013

An extreme ultraviolet Michelson interferometer for experiments at free-electron lasers

We present a Michelson interferometer for 13.5 nm soft x-ray radiation. It is characterized in a proof-of-principle experiment using synchrotron radiation, where the temporal coherence is measured to be 13 fs. The curvature of the thin-film beam splitter membrane is derived from the observed fringe pattern. The applicability of this Michelson interferometer at intense free-electron lasers is investigated, particularly with respect to radiation damage. This study highlights the potential role of such Michelson interferometers in solid density plasma investigations using, for instance, extreme soft x-ray free-electron lasers. A setup using the Michelson interferometer for pseudo-Nomarski-interferometry is proposed.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2013

Study of transmission line attenuation in broad band millimeter wave frequency range

Broad band millimeter wave transmission lines are used in fusion plasma diagnostics such as electron cyclotron emission (ECE), electron cyclotron absorption, reflectometry and interferometry systems. In particular, the ECE diagnostic for ITER will require efficient transmission over an ultra wide band, 100 to 1000 GHz. A circular corrugated waveguide transmission line is a prospective candidate to transmit such wide band with low attenuation. To evaluate this system, experiments of transmission line attenuation were performed and compared with theoretical loss calculations. A millimeter wave Michelson interferometer and a liquid nitrogen black body source are used to perform all the experiments. Atmospheric water vapor lines and continuum absorption within this band are reported. Ohmic attenuation in corrugated waveguide is very low; however, there is Bragg scattering and higher order mode conversion that can cause significant attenuation in this transmission line. The attenuation due to miter bends, gaps, joints, and curvature are estimated. The measured attenuation of 15 m length with seven miter bends and eighteen joints is 1 dB at low frequency (300 GHz) and 10 dB at high frequency (900 GHz), respectively.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗