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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 OSTI2024

Microscopic understanding of the effects of impurities in low RRR SRF cavities

The SRF community has shown that introducing certain impurities into high-purity niobium can improve quality factors and accelerating gradients. We question why some impurities improve RF performance while others hinder it. The purpose of this study is to characterize the impurities of niobium coupons with a low residual resistance ratio (RRR) and correlate these impurities with the RF performance of low RRR cavities so that the mechanism of impurity-based improvements can be better understood and improved upon. The combination of RF testing, temperature mapping, frequency vs temperature analysis, and materials studies reveals a microscopic picture of why low RRR cavities experience low BCS resistance behavior more prominently than their high RRR counterparts. We evaluate how differences in the mean free path, grain structure, and impurity profile affect RF performance. The results of this study have the potential to unlock a new understanding on SRF materials and enable the next generation of high Q/high gradient surface treatments.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Examining the Effects of Oxygen Doping on SRF Cavity Performance

Superconducting radiofrequency (SRF) cavities are resonators with extremely low surface resistance that enable accelerating cavities to have extremely high quality factors (Q₀). High (Q₀) decreases the capital required to keep accelerators cold by reducing power loss. The performance of SRF cavities is largely governed by the surface composition of the first 100 nm of the cavity surface. Impurities such as oxygen and nitrogen have been observed to yield high Q₀, but their precise roles are still being studied. Here, we compare the performance of cavities doped with nitrogen and oxygen in terms of fundamental material properties to understand how these impurities affect performance. This enables us to have further insight into the underlying mechanisms that enable these surface treatments to yield high Q₀ performance.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Analysis of Low RRR SRF Cavities

Recent findings in the superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) community have shown that introducing certain impurities into high-purity niobium can improve quality factors and accelerating gradients. Success has been found in nitrogen-doping, diffusion of the native oxide into the niobium surface, and thin films of alternate superconductors atop a niobium bulk cavity. We question why some impurities improve RF performance while others hinder it. The purpose of this study is to characterize the impurity profile of niobium with a low residual resistance ratio (RRR) and correlate these impurities with the RF performance of low RRR cavities so that the mechanism of recent impurity-based improvements can be better understood and improved upon. Additionally, we performed surface treatments, low temperature baking and nitrogen-doping, on low RRR cavities to evaluate how the intentional addition of more impurities to the RF layer affects performance. We have found that low RRR cavities experience low temperature-dependent BCS resistance behavior more prominently than their high RRR counterparts. The results of this study have the potential to unlock a new understanding on SRF materials.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Investigating the Anomalous Frequency Variations Near $T_c$ of Nb SRF Cavities

We report recent studies on the anomalous frequency variations of 1.3 GHz Nb SRF cavities near the transition temperature Tc and use them to investigate the underlying physics of state-of-the-art surface treatments. One such feature, a dip in frequency, correlates directly with the quality factor at 16 MV/m and the anti-Q slope that arise in cavities with dilute concentrations of N interstitial in the RF layer achieved via N-doping and mid temperature baking. For N interstitial, we find that the dip magnitude and Tc follow exponential relationships with the electronic mean free path. We present the first observation of the frequency dip near Tc in a cavity baked at 200 C in-situ for 11 hours, which is concurrent with the anti-Q slope, and may be driven by oxygen diffused from the native oxide, thus suggesting the possibility of ‘‘O-doping.’’ We also investigate the conductivities of two cavities that display different resonant frequency behaviors near Tc and suggest that the anti-Q slope and frequency dip phenomena may occur in the presence of interstitial N or possibly O that inhibit the formation of proximity coupled Nb nano-hydrides.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Toward Qualifications of HB and LB 650 MHz Cavities for the Prototype Cryomodules for the PIP-II Project

High-beta (HB) and low-beta (LB) 650 MHz cryomodules are key components of the Proton Improvement Plan II (PIP-II) project. In this contribution we present the results of several 5-cell HB650 cavities that have been processed and tested with the purpose of qualifying them for the prototype cryomodule assembly, which will take place later this year. We also present the first results obtained in LB650 single-cell cavities process optimization. Taking advantage of their very similar geometry, we are also analyzing the effect of different surface treatments in FRIB’s 5-cell medium-beta 644MHz cavities. Cavities processed with N-doping and mid-T baking showed very promising results in term of both Q-factors and accelerating gradient for these low-beta structures.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Latest Development of Electropolishing Optimization for 650 MHz Cavity

Electropolishing (EP) of 1.3 GHz niobium (Nb) superconducting RF cavities is conducted to achieve a desired smooth and contaminant-free surface that yields good RF performance. Achieving a smooth surface of a large-sized elliptical cavity with the standard EP conditions was found to be challenging. This work aimed to conduct a systematic parametric EP study to understand the effects of various EP parameters on the surface of 650 MHz cavities used in PIP-II linac. Parameters optimized in this study provided a smooth surface of the cavities. The electropolished cavities met the baseline requirement of field gradient and qualified for further surface treatment to improve the cavity quality factor.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2020

β = 0.61 & 0.92 Systems for PIP-II

State-of-the-art surface treatments for SRF cavities (EP/BCP, 120C baking, 75-120C baking, N-doping) applied to 650 MHz cavities

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Advanced Non-Tread Materials for Fuel-Efficient Tires

PPG Industries, Inc. proposes to develop a new silica filler that can increase fuel efficiency by 2% while maximizing key performance properties in non-tread tire components compared to current carbon black/silica filler blends. In this project PPG focused on a sidewall compound. The developed compounds/components will reduce energy losses by approximately 25%, with no more than a 5% loss of resistance to degradative forces (targeting better performance). PPG plans to achieve this goal by characterizing the impact the silica filler can have on rubber properties and then tuning the silica morphology and surface chemistry for this end use. PPG will also provide guidance in optimizing the compound formulation to make the best use of this new filler. A key aspect is to understand and maintain, if not improve, the aging performance as evaluated by crack growth resistance under ozone environment. Two key strategies were used to meet the rolling resistance goal while maintaining other performance properties. The first factor was understanding the surface treatments and chemical makeup of the silica and its effects on compound performance. The second factor was using the best performing silicas and determining the optimum compound modifications to achieve the final sidewall compound performance. Using statistical analysis throughout the optimization process, it was determined that changing the silica morphology played a role in improving the reduction of tear strength while reducing rolling resistance and the improvements observed varied depending on the CB type.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

SR19016 - Characterization of AM Materials for SRTE Service

This project addresses several issues and challenges for the use of AM produced components in the tritium facility. It will evaluate the effect of low level hydrogen and tritium exposure on the mechanical and chemical characteristics of Arcam A2X Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion Produced (EPBF) Ti-6AI-4V by printing tensile samples and testing them in the as printed, machined, and hydrogen exposed conditions. Hydrogen uptake will be measured using an Eltra Hydrogen-Oxygen- Nitrogen analyzer. Hydride response will be measured using a Seiffert's apparatus and determining the effects of various surface treatments on the hydriding susceptibility. Tools, fixtures, and other objects will be deigned and printed for use in the AM lab and tritum facility and for other groups that support the tiritum mission.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Cross-Cutting Metrology Tools for In Operando Characterization of Carrier Dynamics in Photovoltaic Devices (Final Technical Report)

Understanding the nature of recombination and its dependence on defects and interfaces is essential for engineering materials and contacts for higher V oc and photovoltaic (PV) efficiency. Time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) has conventionally been used to evaluate recombination, but not all materials are strongly emissive or otherwise suitable. Time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy is a pump – probe method that presents valuable complementary information, wherein an optical pump pulse photoexcites carriers within the absorber and the transient photoconductivity is probed with a terahertz pulse. Until now, experimental constraints have prohibited the use of terahertz probes to interrogate full device stacks, and measurements were instead made on exfoliated films or films grown on unconventional substrates. However, interfaces are critical to the behavior of photoexcited carriers in solar cells, and the substrates themselves often influence the film growth and bulk properties. Therefore, it is important to probe the behavior of PV absorbers as close as possible to their normal operating conditions. Here we have developed cross-cutting metrology that enable in operando characterization of carrier dynamics and recombination mechanisms in working PV devices. Through a combination of complementary non-contact TRTS and TRPL experiments and modeling, we have obtained key parameters including photoexcited carrier bulk lifetime and interface and back surface recombination velocities with greater precision and accuracy than can be achieved with conventional TRPL alone. By varying pulsed photoexcitation conditions, the contributions of interface and bulk recombination mechanisms can be determined. We have developed and refined this characterization approach by investigating CdTe PVs, which is a well-established technology but with significant margin for further improvements in efficiency. Results were published in Journal of Applied Physics (DOI: 10.1063/5.0064730) and Proceedings of the IEEE PVSC (DOI: 10.1109/PVSC43889.2021.9518559). After validating the approach, we have applied it to correlate recombination rates to processing conditions and material properties, including composition and defects as well as interfaces and surface treatments. Such feedback can inform processing and design choices to enable higher PV efficiency, not only for CdTe, but also CdSe x Te 1-x , CIGS, perovskites, kesterites, and future technologies. A perspective on predicting solar cell performance from terahertz spectroscopy was published in Advanced Energy Materials (DOI: 10.1002/aenm.202102776). The cross-cutting metrology tools developed here will enable determination of the locus and mechanism of performance-limiting recombination in thin film PV devices. This feedback can guide the engineering of PV devices with higher V oc and efficiency, thereby leading to reductions in levelized cost of electricity to meet the SunShot 2030 target of $0.03/kWh for utility-scale PV. Lower costs will enable rapid expansion of renewable electricity generation that is nearly free of carbon emissions. Reducing carbon emissions of the electricity sector is one of the most important solutions to climate change. The project’s specific focus on CdTe PV can benefit First Solar, the US company that is the global leader in CdTe technology, through both technology and workforce development.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Commissioning of SRF Cavity Analyzer System

Research and development in Superconducting Radio Frequency (SRF) cavities manufacturing, surface treatment, preparation, and doping techniques for the improvement of cavities performance necessitate reliable cavities’ intrinsic quality factor measurement with accurate and repeatable results. Fermilab Vertical Test Stand facility (VTS) performs ~270 cavities tests per year, including R&D cavities as well as production cavities at each step of their preparation for the placement in accelerator’s cryomodules. Current Fermilab VTS testing system is based on the scalar approach of power measurement, which neglects potential error factors of the RF networks with distributed parameters, hence the assessed measurement errors of such a system might be slightly underestimated. Alternative approach, utilizing a vector measurement (amplitude and phase) of RF signals in the setup with a cavity as a device under test, promises an enhanced accuracy and results traceability. New cavity an alyser system based on this approach (Vector VTS) was developed by D. Frolov et al. and currently undergoes a commissioning process. Basic underlying principles of the system will be presented with the methods of quality factor extraction from S-parameters measurement of multiport cavities and brief error analysis will be discussed. The system architecture will be shown with main components parameters and ensuing testing capabilities. Multiple tests results will be discussed with a cross-check comparison of the results obtained with a conventional testing method. System advantages such as automated calibration process and additional features as a built- in microphonics measurement capability will be presented.

Netepenko, A.↗
DOE OSTI2023

LLNL FY23 Aging and Lifetimes Exit Criteria: Milestone 8650, GC #4

Silicone rubbers are important materials within the complex and are used in various applications due to wide operating temperatures, favorable aging characteristics, and chemical inertness. However, silicone rubbers are susceptible to degradation in the presence of acid or base. The goal of the project is to design outgassing vessels to probe material degradation byproducts from additively manufactured (AM) silicones compressed against Arrhenius base under dry (sub 100 ppm moisture) environments. The overarching goal of this task is to develop a mechanistic understanding of degradation from experimental data that will be used to inform predictive lifetime and aging models. An outgassing chamber for multi-material compressive aging was designed. The chamber consists of a stainless-steel enclosure, which is hermetically sealed once AM silicone samples are compressed against Arrhenius base pellets in compression rigs (Fig. 1). Outgassing chambers, compression rigs, and accessories were procured, arrived onsite, and received surface treatments. Outgassing of degradation byproducts will be monitored over 12 weeks at 35 °C and 70 °C.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Microscopic Understanding of the Effects of Impurities in Low RRR SRF Cavities

The SRF community has shown that introducing certain impurities into high-purity niobium can improve quality factors and accelerating gradients. We question why some impurities improve RF performance while others hinder it. The purpose of this study is to characterize the impurities of niobium coupons with a low residual resistance ratio (RRR) and correlate these impurities with the RF performance of low RRR cavities so that the mechanism of impurity-based improvements can be better understood and improved upon. The combination of RF testing, temperature mapping, frequency vs temperature analysis, and materials studies reveals a microscopic picture of why low RRR cavities experience low BCS resistance behavior more prominently than their high RRR counterparts. We evaluate how differences in the mean free path, grain structure, and impurity profile affect RF performance. The results of this study have the potential to unlock a new understanding on SRF materials and enable the next generation of high Q/high gradient surface treatments.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Material and Interface Engineering Strategies to Mitigate Decoherence in Superconducting Qubits

While significant strides have been made to increase the coherence time of superconducting qubits, further advancements are essential for realizing scalable quantum computing. Decoherence is often a result of loss and noise stemming from two-level systems and excess quasiparticles, arising due to material defects, fabrication processes, and ambient exposure, particularly at surfaces and interfaces. Our recent efforts to mitigate these decoherence mechanisms have employed a variety of strategies, including low-loss surface encapsulation materials, advanced substrate preparation techniques, modifications to metal film growth, and the development of novel fabrication processes. The structural and chemical properties of materials, surfaces, and interfaces are studied using scanning probe microscopy, electron microscopy, photoelectron spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and X-ray diffraction, which is correlated to device performance metrics, including superconducting resonator internal quality factor and qubit T1 time. This information is used to identify and understand material sources of loss and their origins in the device fabrication process. Through multi-institution efforts within SQMS we have identified the loss mechanism of interstitial hydrogen in niobium-based devices and shown how standard fabrication processes introduce these hydrides, developing strategies to mitigate their formation.1 Furthermore, we have characterized the metal-substrate interface, including the loss of niobium-silicides formed at that interface, and developed silicon surface treatments that reduce atomic scale roughness and oxygen content at the metal-substrate and Josephson junction interfaces.2-4 By developing the connection between materials properties and the overall performance of superconducting quantum circuitry, we can develop fabrication strategies to mitigate material losses, thus supporting the ongoing efforts to enhance coherence time in superconducting quantum devices. 1. Torres-Castanedo, C. G.*, Goronzy, D. P.*, et al., Adv. Funct. Mater., 2401365 (2024) 2. Lu, X., et al., Phys. Rev. Materials 6, 064402 (2022) 3. Berti, G., Appl. Phys. Lett. 122, 192605 (2023) 4. Kopas, C. J., Goronzy, D. P., et al., arXiv:2408.02863 (2024)

Goronzy, Dominic P.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Investigating Low Loss Substrates for Improved Qubit Coherence Times

Superconducting qubits are sensitive to dielectric losses from substrates, making the identification, optimization, and preparation of low-loss materials essential for enhancing qubit coherence times. In this work, we utilize Nb superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) cavities as a high-precision measurement tool to study the dielectric loss tangent of substrates with parts-per-billion sensitivity. This technique enables temperature- and field-resolved measurements, providing deep insights into the behavior of candidate materials such as sapphire and silicon. We explore the impact of substrate preparation techniques, examining how surface treatments and cleaning protocols influence dielectric loss. These studies highlight both the microscopic origins of loss in these substrates and the critical role of preparation methods, helping to identify key materials and processes that minimize dielectric loss, crucial for improving qubit performance.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Identifying the connections between grain growth and flux expulsion in low RRR niobium SRF cavities

The SRF community has shown that high temperature annealing can improve the flux expulsion of niobium cavities during cooldown. The required temperature will vary between cavities and different batches of material, typically around 800 C and up to 1000 C. However, for niobium with a low residual resistance ratio (RRR), even 1000 C is not enough to improve its poor flux expulsion. The purpose of this study is to observe the grain growth behavior of low RRR niobium coupons subjected to high temperature annealing to identify the mechanism for improving flux expulsion. We observe that low RRR material experiences less grain growth than high RRR when annealed at the same temperature. We search for the limitations to grain growth in low RRR material and develop a diagnostic based on grain structure to determine the appropriate recipe for good flux expulsion. The results of this study have the potential to unlock a new understanding on SRF materials and enable the next generation of high Q/high gradient surface treatments.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Identifying the Connections between Grain Growth and Flux Expulsion in Low RRR Niobium SRF Cavities

The SRF community has shown that high temperature annealing can improve the flux expulsion of niobium cavities during cooldown. The required temperature will vary between cavities and different batches of material, typically around 800 C and up to 1000 C. However, for niobium with a low residual resistance ratio (RRR), even 1000 C is not enough to improve its poor flux expulsion. The purpose of this study is to observe the grain growth behavior of low RRR niobium coupons subjected to high temperature annealing to identify the mechanism for improving flux expulsion. We observe that low RRR material experiences less grain growth than high RRR when annealed at the same temperature. We search for the limitations to grain growth in low RRR material and develop a diagnostic based on grain structure to determine the appropriate recipe for good flux expulsion. The results of this study have the potential to unlock a new understanding on SRF materials and enable the next generation of high Q/high gradient surface treatments.

Howard, Katrina N. [Chicago U.] (ORCID:00000003256↗