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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 199 records · Page 11

A primer on the energy efficiency of computing

The efficiency of computing at peak output has increased rapidly since the dawn of the computer age. This paper summarizes some of the key factors affecting the efficiency of computing in all usage modes. While there is still great potential for improving the efficiency of computing devices, we will need to alter how we do computing in the next few decades because we are finally approaching the limits of current technologies.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

The bispectrum of matter perturbations from cosmic strings

We present the first calculation of the bispectrum of the matter perturbations induced by cosmic strings. The calculation is performed in two different ways: the first uses the unequal time correlators (UETCs) of the string network - computed using a Gaussian model previously employed for cosmic string power spectra. The second approach uses the wake model, where string density perturbations are concentrated in sheet-like structures whose surface density grows with time. The qualitative and quantitative agreement of the two gives confidence to the results. An essential ingredient in the UETC approach is the inclusion of compensation factors in the integration with the Green's function of the matter and radiation fluids, and we show that these compensation factors must be included in the wake model also. We also present a comparison of the UETCs computed in the Gaussian model, and those computed in the unconnected segment model (USM) used by the standard cosmic string perturbation package CMBACT. We compare numerical estimates for the bispectrum of cosmic strings to those produced by perturbations from an inflationary era, and discover that, despite the intrinsically non-Gaussian nature of string-induced perturbations, the matter bispectrum is unlikely to produce competitive constraints on a population of cosmic strings.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Artificial intelligence-based predictive modeling for imaging neutral particle analyzers on the DIII-D tokamak

The Imaging Neutral Particle Analyzer (INPA) at DIII-D is a diagnostic system used to accurately resolve the energy and spatial distributions of fast ions in fusion plasmas. A novel artificial intelligence (AI) technique named INPA-net is based on Reservoir Computing Networks and developed here to predict active and passive signals produced by charge-exchange reactions from injected and edge-cold neutrals, respectively, in magnetically confined fusion plasmas. This model is trained using a set of 21 time domain signals between 0 s to 3.35 s that includes injected beam and thermal plasma information, and 6444 real 2D experimental images of the INPA in 12 plasma discharges at DIII-D. The trained neural network is able to forecast experimental images in real-time. The model achieves an R-squared value of 0.91, which is higher than the 0.83 value achieved by a simple linear regression model. This improvement highlights the model's enhanced predictive accuracy for measured images from the validation set. This AI approach is valuable due to its rapid response times and potential for integration into real-time plasma control systems. A version of this model capable of generating syntehic images would be useful for the real-time monitoring of fast-ion transport. A comprehensive sensitivity study reveals that INPA-net maintains high performance even with variations in the input parameters, indicating the model's robustness and reliability. While developed for the INPA, the underlying architecture is adaptable and may be applied to various 2D imaging diagnostics in fusion research.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Nonreciprocal Dissipation Engineering via Strong Coupling with a Continuum of Modes

Optical nonreciprocity plays a key role in almost every optical system, directing light flow and protecting optical components from backscattered light. Controllable forms of on-chip nonreciprocity are needed for the robust operation of increasingly sophisticated photonic integrated circuits (PICs) in the context of classical and quantum computation, networking, communications, and sensing. However, it has been challenging to achieve wideband, low-loss optical nonreciprocity on-chip. In this paper, we demonstrate strong coupling and Rabi-like energy exchange between photonic bands, possessing a continuum of modes, to unlock nonreciprocity and frequency translation over wide optical bandwidths in silicon. Using a traveling-wave phonon field to drive indirect interband photonic transitions, we demonstrate band hybridization that enables an intriguing form of nonreciprocal dissipation engineering. Using the converted mode to create a nonreciprocal dissipation channel, we demonstrate a frequency-neutral, low-loss (less than 1 dB) isolator with high nonreciprocal contrast (more than 14 dB) and broad operating bandwidth (more than 59 GHz). Additionally, through the implementation of complete interband conversion, we demonstrate a high extinction (more than 55 dB) optical frequency translation operation with near-unity efficiency.

Zhou, Yishu↗

Malicious Cyber Activity Detection using Zigzag Persistence

In this study we synthesize zigzag persistence from topological data analysis with autoencoder-based approaches to detect malicious cyber activity, and derive analytic insights. Cybersecurity aims to safeguard computers, networks, and servers from various forms of malicious attacks, including network damage, data theft, and activity monitoring. We focus on the cybersecurity domain and investigate the detection of malicious activity using log data. We consider the dynamics of the log data and explore the changing topology of a hypergraph representation of this data to gain insights into the underlying activity. These hypergraphs capture complex interactions between processes, together with their temporal information. To study the changing topology we use zigzag persistence, which captures how topological features persist at multiple dimensions over time. We observe that this detects malicious activity in a cyber data set. To automate this detection we implement an autoencoder trained on a vectorization of the resulting zigzag persistence barcodes. Our experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the autoencoder in detecting malicious activity. Overall, this study highlights the potential of zigzag persistence and its combination with temporal hypergraphs for analyzing cybersecurity log data and detecting malicious behavior.

hypergraphs, temporal hypergraph, topological data↗

App2Net: Moving App Functions to Network & a Case Study on Low-latency Feedback

Recent advances in programmable networks enable custom processing of data at hundreds of gigabits per second. These advances can boost the performance of many distributed applications. Yet the high-level languages used by application developers are different from the data plane programming languages (such as P4 and NPL) used by network equipment. This language barrier slows innovation. Our hourglass-shaped architectural solution aims to lower this language barrier. This enables the application developer community to leverage programmable networks for achieving better performance. In this paper we propose a JSON-based intermediate representation to bridge the gap between applications and in-network computing. We demonstrate an instance of the solution in the context of a low-latency feedback application that enables SQL-based data filtering in a P4-based programmable environment. We also present a prototype compiler to convert an intermediate representation in JSON to P4 source.

Sankaran, Ganesh↗

An Energy Service Interface for Distributed Energy Resources

Renewable energy resources, particularly wind and solar photovoltaic, are becoming significant contributors to electric power generation. These re-sources will contribute towards achieving sustainable electric power systems. However, renewable resources will dramatically increase the demand for flexible power system operations. This paper proposes an energy service interface that will allow aggregated distributed energy resources, such as residential loads and inverter-based systems, to participate in NERC-defined smart energy reliability services. Such cyber-physical systems will increase system flexibility by ensuring match between energy supply and energy demand.Aggregation and coordinated dispatch of millions of distributed energy resources will require development of large-scale computing networks. Several smart grid interface-enabling technologies, including IEEE 2030.5, Common Smart Inverter Profile, SunSpec Modbus, and CTA 2045, are discussed. Residential loads are categorized by their static and dynamic energy characteristics to identify services in which they can participate. The business model for the energy services interface as well as probabilistic modeling for resource estimation are highlighted as future considerations.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Quantifying the Spectrum of Denial-of-Service Attacks through Internet Backscatter

Denial of Service (DoS) attacks are a major threat currently observable in computer networks and especially the Internet. In such an attack a malicious party tries to either break a service, running on a server, or exhaust the capacity or bandwidth of the victim to hinder customers to effectively use the service. Recent reports show that the total number of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks is steadily growing with "mega-attacks" peaking at hundreds of gigabit/s (Gbps). In this paper, we will provide a quantification of DDoS attacks in size and duration beyond these outliers reported in the media. We find that these mega attacks do exist, but the bulk of attacks is in practice only a fraction of these frequently reported values. We further show that it is feasible to collect meaningful backscatter traces using surprisingly small telescopes, thereby enabling a broader audience to perform attack intelligence research.

Blenn, Norbert↗

Boxfish

Boxfish is a tool for visualizing performance data. It allows users to quickly project performance data gathered from parallel applications onto intuitive domains. It also includes a projection mechanism that automatically finds relations in performance data so the the data can easily be mapped onto non-obviously related domains. For this release, Boxfish allows performance data to be projected onto the nodes and links of a computer network, as well as onto grids or patch-structured applications. This allows a user of the visualization tool to quickly see correlations between performance data and network structure, application data, or communication patterns.

Source record↗

eZeeKonfigurator v1.0

eZeeKonfigurator is a web application and supporting tools for configuring Zeek (formerly Bro) systems. Zeek is an open-source tool developed at LBNL that's used to secure computer networks. A recent version of Zeek introduced the configuration framework, where changes can be made while the system is running. However, the provided method is difficult to operationalize, as it requires a set of text files to be deployed and updated across all the Zeek systems. eZeeKonfigurator provides an easy-to-use web interface to this. Users can view and modify options in a web application, and then those changes are deployed to the desired Zeek systems. Additionally, users benefit from additional features, such as: * Logging and auditing, to determine who made what change and when * Automated expiration of changes (e.g. an exception is added for 2 weeks, after which time it will be removed) * Validation of changes and verification that the change has been applied * Fine-grained role-based access

Grigorescu, Vlad↗

REPORT OF RESEARCH ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND FUTURE GOALS HIGH ENERGY PHYSICS

Caltech High Energy Physics (HEP) has a broad program in both experimental and theoretical physics. We are known for our creativity and leadership. The future is uncertain and we strive to be involved in all the major areas of experimental and theoretical HEP physics so no matter where the important discoveries occur we are well positioned to play an important role. An outstanding group of postdoctoral scholars, graduate students, staff scientists, and technical and administrative personnel support our efforts in experimental and theoretical physics. The PI’s on this grant are involved in the following program of experimental and theoretical activities: I) EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS Our CMS group, led by Harvey Newman and Maria Spiropulu, has played a key role in the discovery and interpretation of the Higgs boson and in searches for new physics. They have important hardware responsibilities in both ECAL and HCAL and are also involved in the upgrades needed for the High Luminosity LHC. Newman's group also develops and operates Grid-based computing, networking, and collaborative systems for CMS and the US HEP community. The charged lepton (Mu2e) and quark BaBar flavor physics group is led by David Hitlin and Frank Porter. On Mu2e they have been instrumental in the design of the calorimeter. Construction responsibilities include one third of the crystals and associated readout as well as the calibration system. They also will have responsibility for a major part of the online system software. Although data taking ceased in 2008 the Caltech BaBar group is active on several new forefront analyses. The neutrino group is led by Ryan Patterson. They are central to NOvA's core oscillation physics program, to calibration, and to detector readiness being responsible for the production and installation of 12,000 APD arrays. They have key roles in neutrino appearance and disappearance analysis in MINOS and MINOS+. Sunil Golwala leads the dark matter direct detection effort. Areas of activity include: CDMS II data analysis, contributions to SuperCDMS Soudan operations and analysis, R&D towards SuperCDMS SNOLAB, development of a novel screener for radiocontamination (the BetaCage), and development of new WIMP detector concepts. Ren-Yuan Zhu leads the HEP crystal laboratory for the advanced detector R&D effort. The crystal lab is involved in development of novel scintillating crystals and has proposed several crystal based detector concepts for future HEP experiments at the energy and intensity frontiers. Its current research effort is concentrated on development of fast crystal scintillators with good radiation hardness and low cost. II) THEORETICAL PHYSICS The main theme of Sergei Gukov's current research is the relation between the geometry of quantum group invariants and their categorification, on the one hand, and the physics of supersymmetric gauge theory and string theory, on the other. Anton Kapustin's research spans a variety of topics in non-perturbative Quantum Field Theory (QFT). His main areas of interest are supersymmetric gauge theories, non-perturbative dualities in QFT, disorder operators, Topological Quantum Field Theory, and non-relativistic QFT. He is also interested in the foundations and possible generalizations of Quantum Mechanics. Hirosi Ooguri's current research has two main components. One is to find exact results in Calabi-Yau compactification of string theory. Another is to explore applications of the AdS/CFT correspondence. He also plans to continue his project with Caltech postdoctoral fellows on BPS spectra of supersymmetric gauge theories in diverse dimensions. John Preskill works on quantum information science. This field may lead to important future technologies, and also lead to new understanding of issues in fundamental physics John Schwarz has been exploring a number of topics in superstring theory/M-theory, supersymmetric gauge theory, and their AdS/CFT relationships. Much of the motivation for these studies is the desire to gain a deeper understanding of superstring theory and M-theory. The research interests of Mark Wise span particle physics, cosmology and nuclear physics. His recent work has centered on extensions of the standard model where baryon number and lepton number are gauged and extensions of the standard model that have novel sources of baryon number violation and new sources of charged lepton flavor violation

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

HOMER Economic Models - US Navy

This LETTER REPORT has been prepared by Idaho National Laboratory for US Navy NAVFAC EXWC to support in testing pre-commercial SIREN (Simulated Integration of Renewable Energy Networks) computer software models. In the logistics mode SIREN software simulates the combination of renewable power sources (solar arrays, wind turbines, and energy storage systems) in supplying an electrical demand. NAVFAC EXWC will create SIREN software logistics models of existing or planned renewable energy projects at five Navy locations (San Nicolas Island, AUTEC, New London, & China Lake), and INL will deliver additional HOMER computer models for comparative analysis. In the transient mode SIREN simulates the short time-scale variation of electrical parameters when a power outage or other destabilizing event occurs. In the HOMER model, a variety of inputs are entered such as location coordinates, Generators, PV arrays, Wind Turbines, Batteries, Converters, Grid costs/usage, Solar resources, Wind resources, Temperatures, Fuels, and Electric Loads. HOMER's optimization and sensitivity analysis algorithms then evaluate the economic and technical feasibility of these technology options and account for variations in technology costs, electric load, and energy resource availability. The Navy can then use HOMER’s optimization and sensitivity results to compare to those of the SIREN model. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Idaho National Laboratory (INL) possesses unique expertise and experience in the software, hardware, and systems design for the integration of renewable energy into the electrical grid. NAVFAC EXWC will draw upon this expertise to complete mission requirements.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

User Behavior Analytics

User Behaviour Analytics is the tracking, collecting and assessing of user data and activities. The goal is to detect misuse of user credentials by developing models for the normal behaviour of user credentials within a computer network and detect outliers with respect to their baseline.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

Resilience: Concepts from Engineering, Ecology, and the Social Sciences

“Resilience” is fast becoming a key word for describing the desired result of the activities we group under the heading of “homeland security.” Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Napolitano has made resilience a key theme in her speeches, highlighting the efforts of DHS to “strengthen the resilience of ... infrastructure, computer networks, and of ... communities and citizens.” She has talked about resilience as “strengthening the ability for our systems, our cities, our towns, and our country to bounce back quickly from an attack or a natural disaster, and to be even stronger than before. This paper first provides an overview of resilience concepts from U.S. government and academic research sources. It then discusses resilience concepts and metrics from the academic literature in more detail, focusing on three types of resilience: engineering resilience, ecological resilience, and community and regional resilience. Next, it discusses system characteristics that have been associated with increased resilience. Based on this background, we propose a model of the infrastructure resilience analysis process. We then review LANL capabilities for each process element and indicate areas where capability development opportunities exist. Appendices provide additional information on funding sources and key players in infrastructure resilience, and a more detailed technical explanation of ecological resilience.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Final Report for Industrial Base Cybersecurity Initiative (IBCI) Project (FY2019)

Information security issues impact all manufacturing sectors and are particularly troublesome when designs for advanced weapons systems are lost via attacks that propagate through the relatively unprotected lower tiers of the nation's supply chains. The US Manufacturing Industrial Base (MIB) consists of suppliers and distributors that range in size from large prime contractors with extensive cybersecurity resources to small shops with little or no in-house information technology capabilities. The acquisition and maintenance of the technologies, systems, and financial resources needed to assure secure collaborations can be an overwhelming challenge for many manufacturers yet the cost of poor cybersecurity practices can lead to the compromise of national security information worth hundreds of millions of dollars. The Department of Defense Manufacturing Industrial Base Policy organization and the Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Advanced Manufacturing Office have chartered the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and the Oak Ridge Y-12 National Security Complex (Y-12) to design, develop, and demonstrate a Manufacturing Threat Evaluation Wargaming System (MTEWS). The MTEWS concept is based on the use of a virtual model of the computer networks and cybersecurity protocols used across the MIB that will be continuously updated to reflect the dynamic threat environment. The MTEWS cyber-physical test range will demonstrate a prototype wargaming system that analyzes the impact of new and existing cybersecurity threats while also providing the information needed to sustain the integrity of the MIB supply chains. A long-term goal is the establishment of an enduring national manufacturing operations center that proactively responds to the continuously changing attacks that threaten the MIB and US national security. LANL and Y-12 have formed an Industrial Base Cybersecurity Initiative Team (IBCI), consisting of partners from the public, private and academic sectors, that is developing the MTEWS. To date, most of the project tasks have been centered on the technologies required to create a representative model of the MIB because this is a foundational element for the entire project. Modeling activities at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte) have demonstrated a VMware-based prototype system that can accommodate a network model with up to 350 nodes and includes features such as the option to incorporate network scanning information when building the model and the ability to down select the elements of duplicative networks to a statistically significant subset that avoids redundantly duplicating network configurations. Broad Ordering Agreements have been established with UNC Charlotte and the University of West Florida (UWF) that support a variety of cybersecurity for manufacturing tasks and wide-spread endorsement has been received from government, industry and academia sectors concerning the IBCI goals and technical direction.

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗

Automated imaging system for single molecules

There is provided a high throughput automated single molecule image collection and processing system that requires minimal initial user input. The unique features embodied in the present disclosure allow automated collection and initial processing of optical images of single molecules and their assemblies. Correct focus may be automatically maintained while images are collected. Uneven illumination in fluorescence microscopy is accounted for, and an overall robust imaging operation is provided yielding individual images prepared for further processing in external systems. Embodiments described herein are useful in studies of any macromolecules such as DNA, RNA, peptides and proteins. The automated image collection and processing system and method of same may be implemented and deployed over a computer network, and may be ergonomically optimized to facilitate user interaction.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Boxfish

Boxfish is a tool for visualizing performance data. It allows users to quickly project performance data gathered from parallel applications onto intuitive domains. It also includes a projection mechanism that automatically finds relations in performance data so the the data can easily be mapped onto non-obviously related domains. For this release, Boxfish allows performance data to be projected onto the nodes and links of a computer network, as well as onto grids or patch-structured applications. This allows a user of the visualization tool to quickly see correlations between performance data and network structure, application data, or communication patterns.

Source record↗

ESnet Visualization Widgets

The ESnet Visualization widgets are various data visualization widgets for use in web browsers to aid in the visualization of computer networks. In particular the widgets are targetted at displaying timeseries and topology data. They were developed for use in the MyESnet portal but are general enough to be used other places. The widgets are built using the d3.js library.

Gopal Vaswani, Jon Dugan↗