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At least 1,711 records · Page 95

Nonlinearity in the Dark: Broadband Terahertz Generation with Extremely High Efficiency

Plasmonic metamaterials and metasurfaces offer new opportunities in developing high performance terahertz emitters and detectors beyond the limitations of conventional nonlinear materials. However, simple meta-atoms for second-order nonlinear applications encounter fundamental trade-offs in the necessary symmetry breaking and local-field enhancement due to radiation damping that is inherent to the operating resonant mode and cannot be controlled separately. Here we present a novel concept that eliminates this restriction obstructing the improvement of terahertz generation efficiency in nonlinear metasurfaces based on metallic nanoresonators. This is achieved by combining a resonant dark-state metasurface, which locally drives nonlinear nanoresonators in the near field, with a specific spatial symmetry that enables destructive interference of the radiating linear moments of the nanoresonators, and perfect absorption via simultaneous electric and magnetic critical coupling of the pump radiation to the dark mode. Our proposal allows eliminating linear radiation damping, while maintaining constructive interference and effective radiation of the nonlinear components. We numerically demonstrate a giant second-order nonlinear susceptibility ~10 –11 m/V, a one order improvement compared with the previously reported split-ring-resonator metasurface, and correspondingly, a 2 orders of magnitude enhanced terahertz energy extraction should be expected with our configuration under the same conditions. Here, our study offers a paradigm of high efficiency tunable nonlinear metadevices and paves the way to revolutionary terahertz technologies and optoelectronic nanocircuitry.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Induced Quasi-Dynamic Disorder in a Structure of Rhenium Ion-Implanted Quartz Glass

The ultraviolet (UV) absorption spectra were studied in UV–Vis–IR quartz glasses exposed to the rhenium ion irradiation at the energy of 30 keV. An increase in ion fluence (5 × 10{sup 15}–5 × 10{sup 17} cm{sup 2}) is found to result in a characteristic fan-shaped broadening of the optical absorption edge of glasses. The results were interpreted in the context of the generalized Urbach rule (the approximation of ion radiation induced quasi-dynamic disorder). The effective radiation disorder cross section of a glass matrix was evaluated from the dose dependence of characteristic Urbach energy. This parameter was found to vary between 1.07 × 10{sup –17}–1.2 × 10{sup –18} cm{sup 2} with increasing fluence. The optical gap width of implanted samples was estimated via the Tautz method for allowed direct interband transitions. The relationship between the second-order deformation potential constants, revealing the correlation between the Urbach energy and the optical gap width in a SiO{sub 2} quartz glass matrix was established using the equivalence principle of static and dynamic structural disorder.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Prediction and measurement of radiation damage to CMOS devices on board spacecraft

The initial results obtained from the Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductors Radiation Effects Measurement experiment are presented. Predictions of radiation damage to C-MOS devices are based on standard environment models and computational techniques. A comparison of the shifts in CMOS threshold potentials, that is, those measured in space to those obtained from the on the ground simulation experiment with Co 60, indicated that the measured space damage is greater than predicted by a factor of two for shields thicker than 100 mils (2.54 mm), but agrees well with predictions for the thinner shields.

Cliff, R. A.↗

High-resolution Interferometer Sounder (HIS), phase 2

The High-resolution Interferometer Sounder (HIS) was successfully built, tested, and flight proven on the NASA U-2/ER-2 high altitude aircraft. The HIS demonstration has shown that, by using the technology of Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (FTS), it is possible to measure the spectrum of upwelling infrared radiance needed for temperature and humidity sounding with high spectral resolution and high radiometric precision. By resolving individual carbon dioxide lines, the retrieved temperature profiles have vertical resolutions of 1 to 2 km and RMS errors less than 1 C, about 2 to 4 times better than possible with current sounders. Implementing this capability on satellite sounders will greatly enhance the dynamical information content of temperature measurements from space. The aircraft model HIS is now a resource which should be used to support field experiments in mesoscale meteorology, to monitor trace gas concentrations and to better understand their effects on climate, to monitor the surface radiation budget and the radiative effects of clouds, and to collect data for research into retrieval techniques, especially under partially cloudy conditions.

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Solid film lubricants and thermal control coatings flown aboard the EOIM-3 MDA sub-experiment

Additional experimental data were desired to support the selection of candidate thermal control coatings and solid film lubricants for the McDonnell Douglas Aerospace (MDA) Space Station hardware. The third Evaluation of Oxygen Interactions With Materials Mission (EOIM-3) flight experiment presented an opportunity to study the effects of the low Earth orbit environment on thermal control coatings and solid film lubricants. MDA provided five solid film lubricants and two anodic thermal control coatings for EOIM-3. The lubricant sample set consisted of three solid film lubricants with organic binders one solid film lubricant with an inorganic binder, and one solid film lubricant with no binder. The anodize coating sample set consisted of undyed sulfuric acid anodize and cobalt sulfide dyed sulfuric acid anodize, each on two different substrate aluminum alloys. The organic and inorganic binders in the solid film lubricants experienced erosion, and the lubricating pigments experienced oxidation. MDA is continuing to assess the effect of exposure to the low Earth orbit environment on the life and friction properties of the lubricants. Results to date support the design practice of shielding solid film lubricants from the low Earth orbit environment. Post-flight optical property analysis of the anodized specimens indicated that there were limited contamination effects and some atomic oxygen and ultraviolet radiation effects. These effects appeared to be within the values predicted by simulated ground testing and analysis of these materials, and they were different for each coating and substrate.

Murphy, Taylor J.↗

Radiation Insulation

The Apollo and subsequent spacecraft have had highly effective radiation barriers; made of aluminized polymer film, they bar or let in heat to maintain consistent temperatures inside. Tech 2000, formerly Quantum International Corporation used the NASA technology in its insulating materials, Super "Q" Radiant Barrier, for home, industry and mobile applications. The insulation combines industrial aluminum foil overlaid around a core of another material, usually propylene or mylar. The outer layer reflects up to 97 percent of heat; the central layer creates a thermal break in the structure and thus allows low radiant energy emission. The Quantum Cool Wall, used in cars and trucks, takes up little space while providing superior insulation, thus reducing spoilage and costs. The panels can also dampen sound and engine, exhaust and solar heat.

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The Revised Space Environment Models in CREME-MC: A Replacement for CREME96

The CREME96 model has been available on the WWW for more than 10 years now. While principally for the estimation of radiation effects on spacecraft electronics, it contains space radiation environment models that have been used for instrument design calculations, estimation of instrumental background, estimation of radiation hazards and many other purposes. Because of the evolution of electronic part design we have found it necessary to revise CREME96, creating CREME-MC. As part of this revision, we are revising and extending the environmental models in CREME96. This talk will describe the revised radiation environment models that are being made available in CREME-MC

Adams, James H., Jr.↗

Stardust Interstellar Preliminary Examination IV: Scanning Transmission X-Ray Microscopy Analyses of Impact Features in the Stardust Interstellar Dust Collector

We report the quantitative characterization by synchrotron soft X-ray spectroscopy of 31 potential impact features in the aerogel capture medium of the Stardust Interstellar Dust Collector. Samples were analyzed in aerogel by acquiring high spatial resolution maps and high energy-resolution spectra of major rock-forming elements Mg, Al, Si, Fe, and others. We developed diagnostic screening tests to reject spacecraft secondary ejecta and terrestrial contaminants from further consideration as interstellar dust candidates. The results support an extraterrestrial origin for three interstellar candidates: I1043,1,30 (Orion) is a 3 pg particle with Mg-spinel, forsterite, and an iron-bearing phase. I1047,1,34 (Hylabrook) is a 4 pg particle comprising an olivine core surrounded by low-density, amorphous Mg-silicate and amorphous Fe, Cr, and Mn phases. I1003,1,40 (Sorok) has the track morphology of a high-speed impact, but contains no detectable residue that is convincingly distinguishable from the background aerogel. Twenty-two samples with an anthropogenic origin were rejected, including four secondary ejecta from impacts on the Stardust spacecraft aft solar panels, nine ejecta from secondary impacts on the Stardust Sample Return Capsule, and nine contaminants lacking evidence of an impact. Other samples in the collection included I1029,1,6, which contained surviving solar system impactor material. Four samples remained ambiguous: I1006,2,18, I1044,2,32, and I1092,2,38 were too dense for analysis, and we did not detect an intact projectile in I1044,3,33. We detected no radiation effects from the synchrotron soft X-ray analyses; however, we recorded the effects of synchrotron hard X-ray radiation on I1043,1,30 and I1047,1,34.

Dust↗

Impact of the May 2024 Gannon Storm on Low Earth Orbit Dosimetric Quantities: Comparisons of the NAIRAS Model -Real Time and Re-analysis- with ISS Data

The solar storm of May 2024, the Gannon storm, led to a display of aurora over the globe. One of the less known effects of that storm is on the radiation doses in low-Earth orbit: it first led to a Forbush decrease in dose rates and then to a Solar Energetic Particle (SEP) event that increased the total dose suffered near the international space station. The Nowcast of Aerospace Ionizing RAdiation System (NAIRAS) model predicts dosimetric and radiative flux quantities for assessing human radiation exposure levels and radiation effects on flight electronic systems from the surface of the Earth to deep space. It runs in near-real-time at the CCMC, but also has a run-on-request that allows for a more precise computation thanks to carefully processed data. NAIRAS was able to compute the effects of the Gannon storm at the ISS in real-time and provide ideas of the doses encountered by the astronauts and the experiments in and outside of the station. In this work, we show the simulations of the doses encountered during the storm and compare them with several measurements at the ISS. This work shows the capabilities of NAIRAS to address the problem of the SEP events at low Earth orbit and its real-time capabilities.

Guillaume Gronoff↗

Radiological Degradation of Tetraoctyl Diglycolamide in n-Alkyl Solvents: Influence of Solvent Ionization Potential

Reprocessing of used nuclear fuel reduces the requirements for long-term storage repositories. Cost-efficient processes depend on knowledge of radiation effects, but gaps occur in understanding how radiation results in the degradation of fuel separation molecules. This project investigates the influence of different n-alkyl solvents on the radiolytic fragmentation behavior of N,N,N',N'-Tetraoctyl-3-oxapentane-1,5-diamide (TODGA), a promising ligand for extraction of the lanthanides and minor actinides from dissolved nuclear fuel. Findings from this work suggest a linkage between the ionization potential of the solvent and the degradation products observed in the resulting mass spectrum.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Electron beams for radiation belt remediation - 25527

One consequence of a high altitude nuclear explosion (HANE) is the creation of an artificial radiation belt that can have severe consequences for space-based infrastructure in low Earth orbit (LEO). A HANE-generated radiation belt is produced when radioactive debris ions beta decay to produce an intense population of magnetically-trapped, high-energy electrons that can affect satellites through increased total dose rates and/or internal charging. Recent results from NASA's Van Allen Probes mission has shown how electromagnetic waves can scatter radiation belt electrons decreasing their intensity and effects. Radiation Belt Remediation (RBR) seeks to exploit those processes to rapidly deplete the intensity of either natural or HANE-produced radiation belts by artificially injecting waves to enhance electron scattering and loss rates. One promising option for producing the required waves is to use modulated medium energy electron beams as a type of 'wireless transmitter'. (author)

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Short-Term Effects of Low-LET Radiation on the Endothelial Barrier: Uncoupling of PECAM-1 and the Production of Endothelial Microparticles

A significant target for radiation-induced effects is the microvascular system, which is critical to healthy tissue function and its pathology is linked to disrupted endothelial barrier function. Low-linear energy transfer (LET) ionizing radiation is a source of noncancer pathologies in humans and little is known about the early events that could initiate subsequent diseases. But, it is well known that gamma radiation causes a very early disruption of the endothelial barrier at doses below those required for cytotoxic effects. After irradiation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to doses as low as 2 Gy, transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) is transiently reduced at 3 h, and the platelet-derived endothothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM-1 or CD31) is uncoupled from the cells along with the release of endothelial microparticles (EMPs). In this study, we measured TEER reduction as an indicator of barrier function loss, and specifically examined the shedding of EMPs from human endothelial barrier models after a variety of low-LET irradiations, including photons and charged particles. Our findings showed two TEER responses, dependent on radiation type and environmental conditions. The first response was diminishing oscillations of TEER, which occurred during the first 10 h postirradiation. This response occurred after a 5 Gy proton or helium-ion (1 GeV/n) dose in addition to a 5 Gy gamma or X radiation dose. This occurred only in the presence of multiple growth factors and did not show a dose response, nor was it associated with EMP release. The second response was a single acute drop in TEER at 3 h after photon irradiation. Dose response was observed and was associated with the shedding of EMPs in 2D barrier cultures and in 3D vessel models. In this case, helium-ion and proton irradiations did not induce a drop in TEER or shedding of EMPs. The photon radiation effects was observed both in serum-free media and in the presence of multiple growth factors, indicating that it occurs under a range of environmental conditions. Finally, our results show an acute response of the human endothelial barrier that is relevant to photon irradiation. Significantly, it involves the release of EMPs, which have recently attracted attention due to their emerging clinical importance.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Radiation behavior of high-entropy alloys for advanced reactors. Final report

In the first task, we have demonstrated the radiation damage and the recrystallization behaviors in multicomponent alloys through molecular-dynamics simulations. It is found that by alloying with atoms of different sizes, the atomic-level strain increases, and the propensity of the radiation-induced crystalline to amorphous transition increases as the defects cluster in the cascade body. Recrystallization of the radiation induced supercooled or glass regions show that by tuning the composition and the equilibrium temperature, the multicomponent alloys can be healed. The crystalline-amorphous-crystalline transitions predict the potential high radiation resistance in multicomponent alloys. In the second task, three types of high-entropy alloys (HEAs) were fabricated from AlCoCrFeNi and AlCuCrFeNi quinary alloys. Hardness and reduced contact modulus were measured using nanoindentation tests. Heavy ion irradiation were performed using 10 MeV gold and 5 MeV nickel to study radiation effects. Al 0.5 CrCuFeNi 2 shows phase separation upon the presence of copper. Both hardness and contact modulus exhibit the same trend as increasing the applied load, and it indicates that excessive free volume may alter the growth rate of the plastic zone. The as-cast Al 0.1 CoCrFeNi specimen undergone the hot isostatic pressing (HIP) process and steady cooling rate which mitigate the quenching effect. The swelling behavior was characterized by the atomic force microscopy (AFM), and the swelling rate is approximately 0.02% dpa. Selected area diffraction (SAD) patters show irradiation-induced amorphization throughout the ion projected range. Within the peak damage region, an amorpous ring is observed, and a mixture of amorphous/ crystalline structure at deeper depth is found. The Al 0.3 CoCrFeNi HEAs shows good radiation resistance up to 60 peak dpa. No voids or dislocations are observed. The crystal structures remain face-centered-cubic (FCC) before and after 5 MeV Ni irradiation. Higher dpa might be required to study defects formation mechanisms. In the third task, all the constituent binary and ternary systems of the Al-Co-Cr-Fe-Ni system were thermodynamically modeled within the whole composition range. Comparisons between the calculated phase diagrams and literature data are in good agreement. The multi-component thermodynamic database of the Al-Co-Cr-Fe-Ni system was then obtained via extrapolation. The current Al-Co-Cr-Fe-Ni thermodynamic database enables us to carry out the calculations of phase diagrams, which can be used as useful guidelines to identify the Al-Co-Cr-Fe-Ni HEAs with desirable microstructures. In the fourth task, we discuss how as-cast and homogenized phases can be identified, what phases are usually found in the as-cast and homogenized conditions, and what the thermodynamics and kinetics of phase transformations are in the AlCoCrFeNi HEA. The microstructure and phase composition were studied in as-cast and homogenized conditions. It showed the dendritrical structure in the as-cast condition consisting primarily of a nano-lamellar mixture of A2 [disorder body-centered-cubic (BCC)] and B2 (ordered BCC) phases, in addition to a very small amount of A1 [disorder face-centered-cubic (FCC)] phases. The homogenization heat treatment resulted in an increase in the volume fraction of the A1 phase and formation of a Sigma phase. Tensile properties in as-cast and homogenized conditions are reported at 700 °C. Thermodynamic modeling of non-equilibrium and equilibrium phase diagrams for the AlCoCrFeNi HEA gave good agreement with the experimental observations of the phase contents. The reasons for the improvement of ductility after the heat treatment are discussed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Defining Top-of-Atmosphere Flux Reference Level for Earth Radiation Budget Studies

To estimate the earth's radiation budget at the top of the atmosphere (TOA) from satellite-measured radiances, it is necessary to account for the finite geometry of the earth and recognize that the earth is a solid body surrounded by a translucent atmosphere of finite thickness that attenuates solar radiation differently at different heights. As a result, in order to account for all of the reflected solar and emitted thermal radiation from the planet by direct integration of satellite-measured radiances, the measurement viewing geometry must be defined at a reference level well above the earth s surface (e.g., 100 km). This ensures that all radiation contributions, including radiation escaping the planet along slant paths above the earth s tangent point, are accounted for. By using a field-of- view (FOV) reference level that is too low (such as the surface reference level), TOA fluxes for most scene types are systematically underestimated by 1-2 W/sq m. In addition, since TOA flux represents a flow of radiant energy per unit area, and varies with distance from the earth according to the inverse-square law, a reference level is also needed to define satellite-based TOA fluxes. From theoretical radiative transfer calculations using a model that accounts for spherical geometry, the optimal reference level for defining TOA fluxes in radiation budget studies for the earth is estimated to be approximately 20 km. At this reference level, there is no need to explicitly account for horizontal transmission of solar radiation through the atmosphere in the earth radiation budget calculation. In this context, therefore, the 20-km reference level corresponds to the effective radiative top of atmosphere for the planet. Although the optimal flux reference level depends slightly on scene type due to differences in effective transmission of solar radiation with cloud height, the difference in flux caused by neglecting the scene-type dependence is less than 0.1%. If an inappropriate TOA flux reference level is used to define satellite TOA fluxes, and horizontal transmission of solar radiation through the planet is not accounted for in the radiation budget equation, systematic errors in net flux of up to 8 W/sq m can result. Since climate models generally use a plane-parallel model approximation to estimate TOA fluxes and the earth radiation budget, they implicitly assume zero horizontal transmission of solar radiation in the radiation budget equation, and do not need to specify a flux reference level. By defining satellite-based TOA flux estimates at a 20-km flux reference level, comparisons with plane-parallel climate model calculations are simplified since there is no need to explicitly correct plane-parallel climate model fluxes for horizontal transmission of solar radiation through a finite earth.

Loeb, N. G.↗

In-Situ Characterization Tools for Evaluating Radiation Tolerance and Elemental Migration in Perovskites

This paper discusses the in-situ characterization tools designed to assess radiation tolerance and elemental migration in perovskite materials. With the increasing use of perovskites in various technological applications, understanding their response to radiation exposure is paramount. Ion Beam Induced Charge (IBIC) emerges as a powerful tool for investigating the radiation tolerance of perovskites at the microscale. By employing focused ion beams, IBIC allows for the spatial mapping of charge carriers, offering insights into the material's electronic response to radiation-induced defects. This technique enables researchers to pinpoint areas of enhanced or suppressed charge collection, providing valuable information on the perovskite's intrinsic properties under irradiation. Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS) complements the study by offering a quantitative analysis of elemental migration in perovskite materials. Through the precise measurement of backscattered ions, RBS provides a detailed understanding of the elemental composition and distribution within the perovskite lattice after radiation exposure. The integration of IBIC and RBS techniques in in-situ experiments enhances the comprehensive characterization of radiation effects on perovskites.

ion beams↗