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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 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Including the vacuum energy in stellarator coil design

Being three-dimensional, stellarators have the advantage that plasma currents are not essential for creating rotational-transform; however, the external current-carrying coils in stellarators can have strong geometrical shaping, which can complicate the construction. Reducing the inter-coil electromagnetic forces acting on strongly shaped 3D coils and the stress on the support structure while preserving the favorable properties of the magnetic field is a design challenge. In this work, we recognize that the inter-coil forces are the gradient of the vacuum magnetic energy. We introduce an objective functional built on the usual quadratic flux on a prescribed target surface together with a weighed penalty on the vacuum energy. The Euler–Lagrange equation for stationary states is derived, and numerical illustrations are computed using a modern stellarator optimization framework. A study of the effect of the energy functional on the inter-coil forces is conducted and the energy is shown to be a promising quantity in producing coils with low forces.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Redshifting the Cosmological Constant in Unimodular Gravity via Nonlinear Quantum Mechanics

The cosmological constant problem represents a profound conflict between quantum field theory and general relativity. Unimodular gravity offers a compelling starting point by de-gravitating the vacuum energy of the Standard Model, but this framework traditionally trades the problem of vacuum energy for a fine-tuning of initial conditions, which manifest as a ``shadow" cosmological constant. In this paper, we resolve this initial conditions problem by proposing a novel modification to gravity based on nonlinear quantum mechanics. We introduce specific state-dependent terms to the Hamiltonian, constructed from expectation values of the metric such as the average Ricci scalar. These terms alter the dynamical equations of gravity such that the shadow energy density associated with unconstrained initial conditions redshifts away with cosmic expansion, rendering it negligible at late times. The resulting cosmology is naturally dominated by matter and radiation without fine-tuning. We demonstrate that this significant infrared modification of gravity is consistent with local and cosmological tests of gravity. We comment on the possibility of testing this solution in cosmological measurements of Newton's constant.

Kaplan, David E. [Johns Hopkins U.; Tokyo U., IPMU↗
DOE OSTI2025

Expansion-history preferences of DESI DR2 and external data

We explore the origin of the preference of Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) Data Release 2 (DR2) baryon acoustic oscillation measurements and external data from cosmic microwave background (CMB) and type Ia supernovae (SNIa) that dark energy behavior departs from that expected in the standard cosmological model with vacuum energy (Λ ⁢CDM). In our analysis, we allow a flexible scaling of the expansion rate with redshift that nevertheless allows reasonably tight constraints on the quantities of interest, and adopt and validate a simple yet accurate compression of the CMB data that allows us to constrain our phenomenological model of the expansion history. We find that data consistently show a preference for a 3%–4% increase in the expansion rate at 𝑧 ≃ 0.7 relative to that predicted by the standard Λ⁢ CDM model, in excellent agreement with results from the less flexible (𝑤 0 ,𝑤 𝑎 ) parametrization which was used in previous analyses. Even though our model allows a departure from the best-fit Λ⁢ CDM model at zero redshift, we find no evidence for such a signal. We also find no evidence (at greater than 1⁢𝜎 significance) for a departure of the expansion rate from the Λ ⁢CDM predictions at higher redshifts for any of the data combinations that we consider. Altogether, our results strengthen the robustness of the findings using the combination of DESI, CMB, and SNIa data to dark-energy modeling assumptions.

Cosmological parameters↗
DOE OSTI2025

Phase transitions at unusual values of θ

We calculate the θ dependence in a cousin of QCD, where the vacuum structure can be analyzed exactly. The theory is $\mathcal{N}$ = 2 SU(2) gauge theory with N F = 0, 1, 2, 3 flavors of fundamentals, explicitly broken to $\mathcal{N}$ = 1 via an adjoint superpotential, and coupled to anomaly mediated supersymmetry breaking (AMSB). The hierarchy m AMSB ≪ μ 𝒩=1 ≪ Λ ensures the validity of our IR analysis. As expected from ordinary QCD, the vacuum energy is a function of θ which undergoes 1st order phase transitions between different vacua where the various dyons condense. For N F = 0 we find the expected phase transition at θ = π, while for N F = 1, 2, 3 we find phase transitions at fractional values of π.

Extended Supersymmetry↗
DOE OSTI2024

Black-hole powered quantum coherent amplifier

Abstract Atoms falling into a black hole (BH) through a cavity are shown to enable coherent amplification of light quanta powered by the BH-gravitational vacuum energy. This process can harness the BH energy towards useful purposes, such as propelling a spaceship trapped by the BH. The process can occur via transient amplification of a signal field by falling atoms that are partly excited by Hawking radiation reflected by an orbiting mirror. In the steady-state regime of thermally equilibrated atoms that weakly couple to the field, this amplifier constitutes a BH-powered quantum heat engine. The envisaged effects substantiate the thermodynamic approach to BH acceleration radiation.

Physics↗
DOE OSTI2025

Mechanical cosmology: Simulating scalar fluctuations in expanding universes using synthetic mechanical lattices

Inspired by recent advances in observational astrophysics and continued explorations in the field of analog gravity, we discuss the prospect of simulating models of cosmology within the context of synthetic mechanical lattice experiments. We focus on the physics of expanding universe scenarios described by the Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) metric. Specifically, quantizing scalar fluctuations in a background FLRW spacetime leads to a quadratic bosonic Hamiltonian with temporally varying pair production terms. Here we present a mapping that provides a one-to-one correspondence between these classes of cosmology models and feedback-coupled mechanical oscillators. As proof of principle, we then perform experiments on a synthetic mechanical lattice composed of such oscillators. We simulate two different FLRW expansion scenarios with universes dominated by vacuum energy and matter and discuss our experimental results. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

Rhyno, Brendan (ORCID:0000000235266998)↗
DOE OSTI2025

Ultrathin liquid sheets: water gets in shape for VUV absorption

We present absorption spectra of thin, free-flowing liquid sheets in the vacuum ultraviolet energy range using a gas-squeezed liquid jet. Compared to liquid flow cells, operation without transmission windows eliminates restrictions on the energy range. The temperature of the water sheet is estimated at 0 ± 3 °C, at the verge of the supercooled regime. By adjusting flow conditions in situ, we recorded absorption spectra at water sheet thicknesses ranging from 20 to 50 nm. We show that the absorption spectra of thin jets contain significant contributions from interference effects that need to be deconvoluted from spectral contributions due to the electronic structure. We employ a Fresnel propagation model to model the spectral changes and understand the impact of thickness variations and thin film interference. This opens the door for the investigation of solvation, interface, and similar effects by recording valence band spectra.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2024

An extended variational method for the resistive wall mode in toroidal plasma confinement devices

The external-kink stability of a toroidal plasma surrounded by a rigid resistive wall is investigated. The well-known analysis of Haney and Freidberg is rigorously extended to allow for a wall that is sufficiently thick that the thin-shell approximation does not necessarily hold. A generalized Haney–Freidberg formula for the growth-rate of the resistive wall mode is obtained. Thick-wall effects do not change the marginal stability point of the mode but introduce an interesting asymmetry between growing and decaying modes. Growing modes have growth-rates that exceed those predicted by the original Haney–Freidberg formula. On the other hand, decaying modes have decay-rates that are less than those predicted by the original formula. The well-known Hu–Betti formula for the rotational stabilization of the resistive wall mode is also generalized to take thick-wall effects into account. Increasing wall thickness facilitates the rotational stabilization of the mode, because it decreases the critical toroidal electromagnetic torque that the wall must exert on the plasma. On the other hand, the real frequency of the mode at the marginal stability point increases with increasing wall thickness.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Investigation of tearing mode stability near ideal stability boundaries via asymptotic matching techniques

A number of improvements to the TJ toroidal tearing mode code [Fitzpatrick, Phys. Plasmas 31, 102507 (2024)] are documented. The TJ code is also successfully benchmarked against the STRIDE toroidal tearing mode code [Glasser and Koleman, Phys. Plasmas 25, 082502 (2018)]. Finally, the new capabilities of the TJ code are used to investigate the stability of tearing modes in tokamak plasmas as an ideal stability boundary, associated with either an external-kink or an internal-kink mode, is approached. All elements of the tearing stability matrix are found to tend to infinity as an ideal stability boundary is approached. Furthermore, as the stability boundary is approached, the eigenfunctions of the various tearing modes in the plasma, which are decoupled by sheared plasma rotation, are all found to morph into that of the marginally stable ideal mode. However, the growth-rates and real frequencies of the various “ideal-tearing-modes” are different from one another. Moreover, the growth-rate of the ideal-tearing-mode that reconnects magnetic flux at the rational surface that lies closest to the edge of the plasma is the one that tends to a very large value as the stability boundary is approached. A relatively simple test for ideal stability that is capable of detecting stability boundaries for external-kink and internal-kink modes, even in the presence of a very close-fitting ideal wall, is described and verified.

FOS: Physical sciences↗
DOE OSTI2026

Design and demonstration of a direct air capture system with moisture-driven CO 2 delivery into aqueous medium

Two direct air capture (DAC) systems were designed and demonstrated to passively capture CO 2 from ambient air and use moisture to release the CO2 into an alkaline medium. A bench-scale system delivering ∼1 g CO 2 d –1 was demonstrated in a laminar flow hood, and a small pilot-scale system that could deliver ∼100 g CO 2 d –1 was operated outdoors in a 4.2 m 2 raceway pond. Novel elongated mesh-tube packets containing anion-exchange resin (AER) beads were found to reduce drying and CO 2 loading time 4.3-fold compared to larger mesh bags. Technoeconomic analysis (TEA) estimates the cost of capturing CO 2 into an alkaline solution, suitable for cultivating photosynthetic microorganisms, to be $\$229$ per tonne for a practical scenario based on current results and $\$72$ per tonne for an aspirational scenario considering improvements to sorbent capacity, hydrophobicity, and sorbent lifetime. TEA further estimates an additional $\$110$ per tonne to extract CO 2 from solution, purify it, and compress it to 15 MPa, suitable for sequestration. Furthermore, moisture-driven processes have the potential to use up to 87% less energy than thermal and/or vacuum swing DAC by using energy from water evaporation.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Natural fibers as promising core materials of vacuum insulation panels

To reduce energy consumption in buildings, this paper investigates the feasibility of using natural fibers as cost-effective, environmentally sustainable core materials for vacuum insulation panels (VIPs). First, a comprehensive experimental study was conducted for 10 potential natural fiber candidates. The thermal conductivities of the 10 natural fiber mats at various vacuum pressures were measured; their compression and morphology properties were quantified. In addition, an analytical model was used to explore the major factors that influence the thermal conductivity of natural fibers as a function of internal air pressure. Results show that recycled cotton, kapok, and bamboo fibers are ideal candidates for VIP core materials; at <0.05 Pa, their thermal conductivities varied between 2 and 4 mW/(m∙K). Furthermore, for some fibers, thermal conductivity was inversely proportional to fiber density. For the selection of fiber materials for VIP cores, the ideal fiber candidate has a small fiber diameter and a low fiber mat density. Based on thermal measurements, even though the internal air pressure of 5 Pa was enough to attain the minimum thermal conductivity, obtaining internal air pressure below 5 Pa is recommended for prolonged service life, considering small leaks of VIP package barrier films and potential off-gassing from fibers. The simulation results predicting the effective thermal conductivities matched the experimental results well. These findings indicate that natural fiber–based VIPs have the potential to be a sustainable, inexpensive alternative to the current technologies in building insulation materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Additive‐Free Oxidized Spiro‐MeOTAD Hole Transport Layer Significantly Improves Thermal Solar Cell Stability

Perovskite solar cells are among the most promising new solar technologies, already surpassing polycrystalline silicon solar cell efficiencies. The stability of the highest efficiency devices at elevated temperature is, however, poor. These cells typically use Spiro-MeOTAD as the hole transporting layer. It is generally believed that additives, required for enhancing electrical conductivity and optimizing energy level alignment, are responsible for the reduced stability—inferring that Spiro-MeOTAD based hole transporting layers are intrinsically unstable. Here, a reliable noble metal free synthesis of Spiro-MeOTAD (bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide) 4 is presented which is used as the oxidizing agent. No additives are added to the partially oxidized Spiro-MeOTAD hole-transporting layer. Device efficiencies up to 24.2% are achieved. Electrical conductivity is largely developed by the first 1% oxidation. Further oxidation shifts the energy levels away from the vacuum level, which allows tuning of the energy level alignment without the use of additives—contradicting the current understanding of this system. Without additives, devices demonstrate significant improvement in stability at elevated temperatures up to 85 °C under one sun over 1400 h continuous illumination. The remaining degradation is pinpointed to ion migration and reactions in the perovskite layer which may be further suppressed with compositional engineering and adequate ion barrier layers.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Characterization of electron spin polarization from positive electron affinity GaAs photocathodes

Negative Electron Affinity (NEA) GaAs photocathodes are widely used to generate spin-polarized electron beams, typically achieving Electron Spin Polarizations (ESPs) in the range of 35%–40%. However, when operated in a Positive Electron Affinity (PEA) state, where a potential barrier inhibits low-energy electrons from escaping into vacuum, measured ESPs can exceed 50%. This effect can occur naturally during photocathode operation, as the NEA surface activation layers can degrade easily over time, increasing the electron affinity. In this work, we investigate and characterize the behavior of enhanced ESPs under PEA conditions. We present experimental measurements of ESP using a retarding-field Mott polarimeter on GaAs photocathodes with controlled and varying electron affinities. These results are complemented by theoretical explanations considering the material band structure, the light excitation profile, and spin depolarization mechanisms.

Electronic band structure↗
DOE OSTI2025

Quantum computation of mass gap in an asymptotically free theory

In relativistic field theories, the mass spectrum is given by the difference between the energy of the vacuum and the excited states. Near the continuum limit, the cancellation between these two values leads to loss of precision. We propose a method to extract the mass gap directly using quantum computers and apply it to a particular version of the nonlinear $σ$-model with the correct continuum limit and perform calculations in quantum hardware (at strong coupling) and simulation in classical computers (at weak coupling).

Bedaque, Paulo F. [Maryland U.] (ORCID:00000001521↗
DOE OSTI2024

Imaging the Wake of a Jet with Energy Correlators

In heavy ion collisions, jets are formed during the initial hard scattering event and move through the quark-gluon plasma (QGP) as it evolves. The evolution of the medium manifests itself on the jet via various jet-medium interactions, modifying its substructure as compared to vacuum QCD. Recently, the energy correlator observable has been shown to be a powerful method to decode correlations in pp collisions through measurements in ALICE, CMS and STAR. Additionally, recent studies have shown the sensitivity of this observable to medium modification due to the QGP. In this work [1], we perform the first study of the three-point energy correlator for medium modified jets, to show how it can be used to map out the shape of medium induced modifications. We illustrate this for the specific case of the Hybrid Model, where we show how higher-point correlation functions can image the wake of a jet.

Rai, Ananya [Yale University, New Haven, CT (Unite↗
DOE OSTI2024

Symmetry Breaking in the Lowest-Lying Excited-State of CCl4: Valence Shell Spectroscopy in the 5.0–10.8 eV Photon Energy Range

We report absolute high-resolution vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photoabsorption cross-sections of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in the photon energy range 5.0–10.8 eV (248–115 nm). The molecular spectrum and electronic structure have been comprehensively investigated together with quantum chemical calculations, providing geometries, bond lengths, vertical excitation energies and oscillator strengths. The major electronic excitations have been assigned to valence and Rydberg transitions which are also accompanied by vibrational excitation assigned to degenerate stretching, v3′t2 and degenerate deformation v4′t2 modes. The rather complex nuclear dynamics along the degenerate deformation mode, v4′t2, have been thoroughly investigated by Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT) method. The relevant Jahn–Teller distortion operative within the lowest-lying electronic excited-state is shown here for the first time in order to yield a weak absorption feature at 6.156 eV. Further calculations on the potential energy curves for the singlet excited-states along the C–Cl stretching coordinate show the relevance of efficient C–Cl bond excision.

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology↗
DOE OSTI2025

Thermal modifications of mesons and energy-energy correlators from real-time simulations of a 𝑈⁡(1) lattice gauge theory

We investigate thermal properties of a 𝑈⁡(1) lattice gauge theory in 1 + 1 dimensions through real-time simulations. We extract the spectral functions directly coupling to the pseudoscalar and scalar mesons, demonstrating the thermal modifications of these states with increasing temperatures. Introducing the notion of energy-flow operators, we quantify the temporal buildup of correlations in the energy flows across the lattice. We demonstrate that energy-energy correlators fail to factorize to products of energy flows, both in the vacuum and at nonzero temperature, indicating the presence of nontrivial correlations in the quantum states. Our results constitute a first real-time ab initio study of bound-state thermal broadening and finite temperature energy-flow correlations in a gauge theory, providing a benchmark for future studies of hadronic matter under extreme conditions.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗