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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Elucidating the Dynamics of Electroweak Symmetry Breaking through Study of High-Multiplicity Boson Final States at the LHC

To understand the full story of the electroweak symmetry breaking (EWSB) and how the universe arrived at today’s universe, the structure of the Higgs potential needs to be probed. We must carefully select and study processes at the LHC that are sensitive to the Higgs potential. In this context, longitudinal vector boson scattering (VBS) processes, V L V L →V L V L , and di-Higgs production, including V L V L →HH at the LHC have been studied for any potential deviation from SM prediction. However, many classes of models beyond the Standard Model (BSM) may result in the 2→2 process being perfectly well-behaved and SM-like but show interesting deviations in 2→3, 2→4, or 2→n(3) processes. If we are to complete the mission objectives the P5 laid out, then a large swath of 2→n(3) must be thoroughly searched and checked. The research supported by this award used data collected at the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) detector at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) to explore VBS produced VVH process in the semi-merged channel. In addition, in the electroweak sector, there are open questions in the multi-gauge boson couplings and the Higgs couplings to the gauge bosons. The research supported by the award also studied the triboson production WWZ process at the LHC, which is a crossed diagram of a VBS process. During the funded period of 9 months, the analysis designs have been finalized.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2025

SAGIPS: A scalable Framework for scidac quantom

As part of the Scientific Discovery through Advanced Computing (SciDAC) program, the Quantum Chromodynamics Nuclear Tomography (QuantOM) project aims to analyze data from Deep Inelastic Scattering (DIS) experiments conducted at Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility and the upcoming Electron Ion Collider. The DIS data analysis is performed on an event level by taking into leveraging nuclear theory models and accounting for experimental conditions. In order to efficiently run multiple analyses under varying conditions, a composable workflow was designed where each section (theory, experiment, objective minimization, etc.) has its own dedicated module. This presentation gives an overview over of the current status of this workflow, highlights present and future challenges, and highlights possible extensions to other projects with similar requirements.

Lersch, Daniel [Thomas Jefferson National Accelera↗
DOE OSTI2025

Combining Deep Learning and scatterControl for High-Throughput X-ray CT Based Non-Destructive Characterization of Large-Scale Casted Metallic Components

X-ray computed tomography (XCT) is essential for nondestructive evaluation and quality control of large-scale metal components. XCT imaging, however, faces significant challenges from metal artifacts, particularly those caused by Compton scattering, which degrade image quality and obscure critical details. Hardware-based solutions (e.g. scatterControl) offer advancements by intercepting scattered photons and reducing artifacts, but they can be time-consuming and require additional processing. Here, we propose modifying and leveraging a novel deep learning (DL) framework, Simurgh, to enhance and accelerate scatter correction in XCT. By combining scatterControl with DL-based artifact removal, we demonstrate significant reduction in scan time while producing high-quality reconstructions. Through extensive evaluation on industrial XCT data, we show that our methods reduce scan time by up to more than 10 x while preserving flaw detectability. Quantitative analysis across multiple segmentation techniques confirms that Simurgh-based reconstructions consistently outperform traditional Feldkamp-Davis-Kress, model-based iterative reconstruction, and commercial DL models in both pixel-level and task-specific evaluations, enabling scalable, high-throughput XCT workflows for characterization of large scale components in applications such as casting and metal additive manufacturing.

Complex metal parts↗
DOE OSTI2024

Imaging and structure analysis of ferroelectric domains, domain walls, and vortices by scanning electron diffraction

Direct electron detectors in scanning transmission electron microscopy give unprecedented possibilities for structure analysis at the nanoscale. In electronic and quantum materials, this new capability gives access to, for example, emergent chiral structures and symmetry-breaking distortions that underpin functional properties. Quantifying nanoscale structural features with statistical significance, however, is complicated by the subtleties of dynamic diffraction and coexisting contrast mechanisms, which often results in a low signal-to-noise ratio and the superposition of multiple signals that are challenging to deconvolute. Here we apply scanning electron diffraction to explore local polar distortions in the uniaxial ferroelectric Er(Mn,Ti)O 3 . Using a custom-designed convolutional autoencoder with bespoke regularization, we demonstrate that subtle variations in the scattering signatures of ferroelectric domains, domain walls, and vortex textures can readily be disentangled with statistical significance and separated from extrinsic contributions due to, e.g., variations in specimen thickness or bending. The work demonstrates a pathway to quantitatively measure symmetry-breaking distortions across large areas, mapping structural changes at interfaces and topological structures with nanoscale spatial resolution.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Higher-derivative relations between scalars and gluons

We extend the covariant color-kinematics duality introduced by Cheung and Mangan to effective field theories. We focus in particular on relations between the effective field theories of gluons only and of gluons coupled to bi-adjoint scalars. Maps are established between their respective equations of motion and between their tree-level scattering amplitudes. An additional rule for the replacement of flavor structures by kinematic factors realizes the map between higher-derivative amplitudes. As an example of new relations, the pure-gluon amplitudes of mass dimension up to eight, featuring insertions of the F 3 and F 4 operators which satisfy the traditional color-kinematics duality, can be generated at all multiplicities from just renormalizable amplitudes of gluons and bi-adjoint scalars. We also obtain closed-form expressions for the kinematic numerators of the dimension-six gluon effective field theory, which are valid in D space-time dimensions. Finally, we find strong evidence that this extended covariant color-kinematics duality relates the (DF) 2 +YM(+Φ 3 ) theories which, at low energies, generate infinite towers of operators satisfying the traditional color-kinematics duality, beyond aforementioned F 3 and F 4 ones.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2025

VISION: a modular AI assistant for natural human-instrument interaction at scientific user facilities

Scientific user facilities, such as synchrotron beamlines, are equipped with a wide array of hardware and software tools that require a codebase for human-computer-interaction. This often necessitates developers to be involved to establish connection between users/researchers and the complex instrumentation. The advent of generative AI presents an opportunity to bridge this knowledge gap, enabling seamless communication and efficient experimental workflows. Here we present a modular architecture for the Virtual Scientific Companion by assembling multiple AI-enabled cognitive blocks that each scaffolds large language models (LLMs) for a specialized task. With VISION, we performed LLM-based operation on the beamline workstation with low latency and demonstrated the first voice-controlled experiment at an x-ray scattering beamline. The modular and scalable architecture allows for easy adaptation to new instruments and capabilities. Development on natural language-based scientific experimentation is a building block for an impending future where a science exocortex—a synthetic extension to the cognition of scientists—may radically transform scientific practice and discovery.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Nondestructive Evaluation of Concrete: Elastic Property Imaging Through Full-Waveform Inversion

Concrete is a vital material in construction—especially in the nuclear industry, where it is used in critical structures such as containment vessels. Over time, concrete can degrade due to harsh operational and environmental conditions, necessitating that its elastic properties be accurately evaluated to ensure structural integrity and safety. Traditional nondestructive evaluation methods such as ultrasound-based techniques often rely on simplifying assumptions that may not hold true for concrete. This paper presents an advanced ultrasound-based method that uses elastic full-waveform inversion (EFWI) to create detailed images of concrete’s mechanical properties. By accurately modeling wave behaviors such as scattering and reflection, we aim to overcome the limitations of conventional ultrasonic-based methods. In this work, the imaging problem involved reconstructing the various elastic properties of a heterogenous concrete block with three steel rebars embedded in it. The ultrasonic measurements were synthetically generated from multiple sources and receivers, and the reconstruction process was performed using a gradient-based optimization algorithm. Our approach leveraged EFWI to reconstruct high-resolution images of the pressure wave speed, shear wave speed, and density. Multiple misfit functions—including L2-norm, cross-correlation (CC), and L1-norm—combined with total variation (TV) regularization and parameter constraints using a Sigmoid function—were explored for the reconstruction. The results demonstrated that using the L1-norm misfit function in conjunction with TV regularization and Sigmoid constraints significantly improved the reconstruction quality in comparison to traditional methods. This approach provided clearer images with fewer artifacts and better captured background heterogeneity. Our findings highlight that, when properly designed, EFWI carries great potential for providing comprehensive, more accurate, and more reliable assessments of concrete conditions, as is crucial for the maintenance and safety of nuclear power plant structures.

97 - MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2026

Draft ASME Code Case to qualify L-PBF 316H material for Section III, Division 5 applications

This report documents the AMMT program’s development and submission of a draft ASME Code Case to qualify Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L PBF) Type 316H stainless steel for Section III, Divi-sion 5 Class A and SM high temperature nuclear applications. It summarizes the technical basis, the comprehensive high temperature mechanical test database assembled between 2023–2026, and the proposed code language and qualification framework submitted to ASME. The work was co-ordinated across multiple national laboratories and leverages prior ASME efforts to integrate additive manufacturing into the Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code. The body of the report describes the experimental database and analysis supporting the Code Case: tensile, creep, fatigue, creep fatigue, and thermal aging tests collected from multiple additive manufacturing sites, machine types, and powder lots, with material processed by a solution anneal heat treatment. The dataset — including both full size and subsized specimens and tests oriented parallel and perpendicular to build direction — shows limited tensile anisotropy, tensile properties comparable to wrought 316H, creep strength within the scatter of wrought material, but markedly reduced creep ductility above about 650 °C associated with rapid σ phase formation in L PBF microstructures. The draft Code Case itself prescribes a staged qualification model (manufacturing process qualification, component qualification, and per build witness testing), treats L PBF components as equivalent to Type 316 weld metal for design and inspection, and requires mechanical, chemical, and metallographic controls tied to ASTM/ISO 52946. Key acceptance criteria include tensile tests within a 90% prediction interval of the AMMT dataset, a creep fatigue screening test adapted from ASME Section III, Division 5, Subsection HB, HBB 2800 but with the cycle acceptance reduced to 100 for L PBF material, and double volumetric inspection of production components. The report concludes that the present data support treating L PBF 316H as analogous to conventional fusion weld metal for Division 5 design and inspection, while highlighting important caveats: the σ phase driven loss of creep ductility above ~650 °C, preliminary indications of enhanced creep fatigue sensitivity in some lots, and remaining gaps in long term aging and additional cyclic testing. Recommended next actions include completing outstanding cyclic and long duration creep/aging tests on the solution annealed condition, supporting inclusion of the 316H chemistry and heat treatment in ASTM/ISO 52946, and continuing engagement with ASME and NRC during balloting and review to enable industry adoption.

Messner, Mark C. (ORCID:0000000200404385)↗
DOE OSTI2025

Topotactic Reduction‐Driven Crystal Field Excitations in Brownmillerite Manganite Thin Films

Topotactic reduction of perovskite oxides offers a powerful approach for discovering novel phenomena, such as superconducting infinite-layer nickelates and polar metallicity, and is commonly accompanied by the emergence of multiple valence states and/or complex crystal fields of transition metals. However, understanding the complex interplay between crystal chemistry, electronic structure, and physical properties at the spin- and orbital-resolved levels in these reduced systems remains elusive. Here, in this study, x-ray absorption spectroscopy, resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS), and density functional theory calculations are used to uncover topotactic metal-insulator transition and orbital-specific crystal field excitations in brownmillerite La 0.67 Ca 0.33 MnO 2.5 thin films. The Mn valence states are found to be Mn 2+ /Mn 3+ , along with their corresponding populations at octahedral and tetrahedral sites, which effectively weaken the Mn-O hybridization compared to the parent perovskite phase. As a result, La 0.67 Ca 0.33 MnO 2.5 films exhibit an antiferromagnetic insulating ground state. Moreover, by combining the RIXS measurements on selected single-valence manganites, specifically MnO, LaMnO 3 , and CaMnO 3 , with orbital- and spin-resolved density-of-states calculations, the study identifies the dd excitations of octahedrally and tetrahedrally coordinated Mn 2+ /Mn 3+ ions, directly linking the microscopic electronic structure to the macroscopic magnetic/electrical properties.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Quasinormal Coupled-Mode Analysis of Dynamic Gain in Exceptional-Point Lasers

One of the key features of lasers operating near exceptional points (EPs) is that the gain medium can support an oscillating population inversion above a pump threshold, leading to self-modulated laser dynamics. This unusual behavior opens up new possibilities for frequency comb generation and temporal modulation. However, the dynamic population inversion couples signals with different frequencies and is difficult to capture using conventional temporal coupled-mode theory (TCMT) based on stationary saturable gain. In this paper, we develop a perturbative coupled-mode analysis framework to capture the spatial-temporal dynamics of near-EP lasers. By decomposing discrete frequency generation into multiple excitations of resonant modes, our analysis establishes a minimal physical model that translates the local distribution of dynamic population-inversion into a resonant modal interpretation of laser gain. Furthermore, this work enables the exploration of unique properties in this self-time-modulated systems, such as time-varying scattering and nonreciprocal transmission.

Absorption↗
DOE OSTI2025

Multiframe X-ray diffraction on the OMEGA EP laser

A method of measuring multiple temporally resolved powder x-ray diffraction measurements during a single dynamic compression laser experiment has been demonstrated on the OMEGA EP laser. Up to four time-gated snapshots of the x-ray diffraction pattern are collected on an ultrafast x-ray framing camera with a 2θ scattering angle coverage of 48°–65° and 400-ps temporal resolution with the potential for 10°–160° and 200-ps resolution. X-ray diffraction snapshots capture the transformation to a high-pressure β phase in ramp-compressed Zr, constraining the atomic structure and pressure–density equation-of-state in a single shot. Here, this platform will be used to constrain transition pressures, understand the role of kinetics, and verify the existence of hysteresis and metastability on phase transformations at the lattice level under single-shot dynamic compression.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Structure analysis of the telomere resolvase from the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia garinii reveals functional divergence of its C-terminal domain

Borrelia spirochetes are the causative agents of Lyme disease and relapsing fever, two of the most common tick-borne illnesses. A characteristic feature of these spirochetes is their highly segmented genomes which consists of a linear chromosome and a mixture of up to approximately 24 linear and circular extrachromosomal plasmids. The complexity of this genomic arrangement requires multiple strategies for efficient replication and partitioning during cell division, including the generation of hairpin ends found on linear replicons mediated by the essential enzyme ResT, a telomere resolvase. Using an integrative structural biology approach employing advanced modelling, circular dichroism, X-ray crystallography and small-angle X-ray scattering, we have generated high resolution structural data on ResT from B. garinii. Our data provides the first high-resolution structures of ResT from Borrelia spirochetes and revealed active site positioning in the catalytic domain. We also demonstrate that the C-terminal domain of ResT is required for both transesterification steps of telomere resolution, and is a requirement for DNA binding, distinguishing ResT from other telomere resolvases from phage and bacteria. These results advance our understanding of the molecular function of this essential enzyme involved in genome maintenance in Borrelia pathogens.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Multiple origins of extra electron diffractions in fcc metals

Diffuse intensities in the electron diffraction patterns of concentrated face-centered cubic solid solutions have been widely attributed to chemical short-range order, although this connection has been recently questioned. This article explores the many nonordering origins of commonly reported features using a combination of experimental electron microscopy and multislice diffraction simulations, which suggest that diffuse intensities largely represent thermal and static displacement scattering. A number of observations may reflect additional contributions from planar defects, surface terminations incommensurate with bulk periodicity, or weaker dynamical effects.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Fault Network Geometry Modulates Earthquake Source Spectra Across Scales

Earthquake source spectra provide unique insights into the earthquake rupture process. Motivated by previous research suggesting that complex fault geometries enhance high‐frequency seismic radiation, we study the influence of fault network geometry on earthquake source spectra using multiple independent observations. At regional scales, we examine correlations of stress drop measurements with surface fault trace misalignment in Southern California, Japan, and Central Italy. At a global scale, we examine correlations of moment‐rate function complexity of large earthquakes with focal mechanism variability, a proxy for local fault complexity. Despite significant scatter in the observations, we find overall consistent positive correlations. The concept that elastic interactions of discrete fault structures during the earthquake rupture process generates high‐frequency ground motions offers a coherent framework for interpreting our observations. These findings suggest that variations in fault complexity explain why some earthquakes produce stronger high‐frequency ground motions than others.

Lee, Jaeseok [Brown Univ., Providence, RI (United ↗
DOE OSTI2026

Stable and tunable MeV $$\gamma$$-ray generation via dual-laser inverse Thomson scattering from a laser-plasma accelerator

Abstract Inverse Thomson scattering from laser-plasma accelerators offers a pathway to compact, tunable MeV $$\gamma$$ -ray sources for reduced-dose radiography and enhanced performance in nuclear resonance fluorescence (NRF)-based isotope identification. However, photon yield and spectral quality are often limited by constraints on interaction geometry and scatter-laser tunability. Here we demonstrate a MeV $$\gamma$$ -ray source based on a dual-laser inverse Thomson scattering configuration driven by a 100-TW laser-plasma accelerator. Electron beams tunable from 122 to 204 MeV with $$<5$$ mrad divergence and $$<1$$ mrad pointing stability generate $$\gamma$$ rays with peak energies from 276 keV to 1.2 MeV and yields up to $$2\times 10^{7}$$ photons per shot. By independently controlling the interaction position and the scatter-pulse duration, we experimentally match the scatter pulse to the walk-off-limited interaction length. Extending the scatter pulse to 200 fs increases photon production by approximately $$15\%$$ while maintaining operation in the linear Thomson regime, thereby preserving narrow spectral bandwidth and controlled radiation divergence. Radiographic characterization demonstrates MeV-level penetration and $$\approx 0.1$$ mm spatial resolution, while stable operation is sustained over multi-hour timescales across multiple days. These results show that interaction-length optimization provides a scalable strategy for improving photon yield, spectral control, and operational stability in compact laser-plasma-accelerator-driven $$\gamma$$ -ray sources.

Tsai, Hai-En↗
DOE OSTI2024

Quantum teleportation coexisting with classical communications in optical fiber

The ability for quantum and conventional networks to operate in the same optical fibers would aid the deployment of quantum network technology on a large scale. Quantum teleportation is a fundamental operation in quantum networking, but has yet to be demonstrated in fibers populated with high-power conventional optical signals. Here we report, to the best of our knowledge, the first demonstration of quantum teleportation over fibers carrying conventional telecommunications traffic. Quantum state transfer is achieved over a 30.2-km fiber carrying 400-Gbps C-band classical traffic with a Bell state measurement performed at the fiber’s midpoint. To protect quantum fidelity from spontaneous Raman scattering noise, we use optimal O-band quantum channels, narrow spectro-temporal filtering, and multi-photon coincidence detection. Fidelity is shown to be well maintained with an elevated C-band launch power of 18.7 dBm for the single-channel 400-Gbps signal, which we project could support multiple classical channels totaling many terabits/s aggregate data rates. These results show the feasibility of advanced quantum and classical network applications operating within a unified fiber infrastructure.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2025

Off-shell vertices in heavy particle effective theories and B → Dπℓν

We study the modifications to decay amplitudes in heavy to heavy semileptonic decays with multiple hadrons in the final state due to intermediate heavy hadrons being off-shell or having a finite width. Combining Heavy Hadron Chiral Perturbation Theory (HHχPT) with a BCFW on-shell factorization formula, we show that these effects induce O (1/M) corrections to the standard results computed in the narrow-width approximation and therefore are important in extracting form factors from data. A combination of perturbative unitarity, analyticity, and reparameterization invariance fully determine these corrections in terms of known Isgur-Wise functions without the need to introduce new form factors. In doing so, we develop a novel technique to compute the boundary term at complex infinity in the BCFW formula for theories with derivatively coupled scalars. While we have used the $\overline{B}$ → Dπℓν decay as an example, these techniques can generally be applied to effective field theories with (multiple) distinct reference vectors. Article PDF

Chiral Lagrangian↗
DOE OSTI2024

Infrared-Transparent Semiconductor Membranes for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding of Millimeter Waves

Here, it is demonstrated that single-crystalline and highly doped GaAs membranes are excellent candidates for realizing infrared-transparent shields of electromagnetic interference at millimeter frequencies. Measured optical transmittance spectra for the semiconductor membranes show resonant features between 750 and 2500 nm, with a 100% maximum transmittance. The shielding effectiveness of the membranes is extracted from measured scattering parameters between 65 and 85 GHz. Selected GaAs membranes and membranes/polyamide films exhibit shielding effectiveness ranging from 22 to 40 dB, which are suitable values to ensure the safe operation of infrared devices for commercial applications. Theoretical calculations based on a plane wave model show that the interplay of primary reflection and multiple internal reflections of the radio-frequency waves results in broadband shielding capabilities of the membrane between 10 and 300 GHz.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗