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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 217 records · Page 12
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2019

Toward Improving Short-Term Predictions of Fine Particulate Matter Over the United States Via Assimilation of Satellite Aerosol Optical Depth Retrievals

This study develops a new approach to improve simulations of the particulate matter of aerodynamic diameter smaller than 2.5μm (PM2.5) in the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model via assimilation of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aerosol optical depth(AOD) retrievals using the Grid point Statistical Interpolation (GSI) system. In contrast to previous studies that only consider errors due to transport, our computation of the background error covariance matrix incorporates uncertainties in anthropogenic emissions. To understand the impact of this approach, three experiments (one background and two assimilations) are performed over the contiguous United States(CONUS) from 15 July to 14 August 2014. The background CMAQ experiment significantly underestimates both the MODIS AOD and surface PM2.5levels. MODIS AOD assimilation pushes both the CMAQ AOD and surface PM2.5distributions toward the observed distributions, but CMAQ still underestimates the observations. Averaged over CONUS, the two assimilation experiments with and without including the anthropogenic emission uncertainties improve the correlation coefficient between the model and independent observations of PM2.5 by ~67% and ~48%, respectively, and reduces the mean bias by ~38% and~10%, respectively. The assimilation improves the model performance everywhere over CONUS, except the New York and Wisconsin, where CMAQ overestimates the observed PM2.5during nighttime after assimilation likely because of overcorrection of aerosol mass concentrations by the AOD assimilation. Future work should incorporate uncertainties in other processes (biomass burning and biogenic emissions, deposition, chemistry, transport, and boundary conditions) to further enhance the value of assimilating spaceborne AOD retrievals.

Assimilation↗
DOE OSTI2021

First-principles equation of state database for warm dense matter computation

We put together a first-principles equation of state (FPEOS) database for matter at extreme conditions by combining results from path integral Monte Carlo and density functional molecular dynamics simulations of the elements H, He, B, C, N, O, Ne, Na, Mg, Al, and Si as well as the compounds LiF , B 4 C , BN , CH 4 , CH 2 , C 2 H 3 , CH , C 2 H , MgO , and MgSiO 3 . For all these materials, we provide the pressure and internal energy over a density-temperature range from ~ 0.5 to 50 g cm - 3 and from ~ 10 4 to 10 9 K, which are based on ~ 5000 different first-principles simulations. We compute isobars, adiabats, and shock Hugoniot curves in the regime of L - and K -shell ionization. Invoking the linear mixing approximation, we study the properties of mixtures at high density and temperature. Furthermore, we derive the Hugoniot curves for water and alumina as well as for carbon-oxygen, helium-neon, and CH-silicon mixtures. We predict the maximal shock compression ratios of H 2 O , H 2 O 2 , Al 2 O 3 , CO , and CO 2 to be 4.61, 4.64, 4.64, 4.89, and 4.83, respectively. Finally we use the FPEOS database to determine the points of maximum shock compression for all available binary mixtures. We identify mixtures that reach higher shock compression ratios than their end members. We discuss trends common to all mixtures in pressure-temperature and particle-shock velocity spaces. In the Supplemental Material, we provide all FPEOS tables as well as computer codes for interpolation, Hugoniot calculations, and plots of various thermodynamic functions.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2019

Light-induced charge density wave in LaTe 3

When electrons in a solid are excited by light, they can alter the free energy landscape and access phases of matter that are out of reach in thermal equilibrium. This accessibility becomes important in the presence of phase competition, when one state of matter is preferred over another by only a small energy scale that, in principle, is surmountable by the excitation. Here, we study a layered compound, LaTe 3 , where a small lattice anisotropy in the a–c plane results in a unidirectional charge density wave (CDW) along the c axis. Using ultrafast electron diffraction, we find that, after photoexcitation, the CDW along the c axis is weakened and a different competing CDW along the a axis subsequently emerges. The timescales characterizing the relaxation of this new CDW and the reestablishment of the original CDW are nearly identical, which points towards a strong competition between the two orders. Lastly, the new density wave represents a transient non-equilibrium phase of matter with no equilibrium counterpart, and this study thus provides a framework for discovering similar states of matter that are ‘trapped’ under equilibrium conditions.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2021

Reply to “Comment on ‘Reexamining the relation between the binding energy of finite nuclei and the equation of state of infinite nuclear matter' ”

In their comment to our paper [1], Bertsch and Stroberg [2] provide three criticisms. Two of these concern the interpretation of our dispersive optical model (DOM) results and their relation to the liquid drop model (LDM) parameters. The third criticism focuses on the potential systematic uncertainties on our DOM results associated with missing three-body contributions. Before addressing these critiques, we want to state that the key message of our paper remains whether or not the DOM results agree with the LDM predictions in the nuclear interior. Here, the key point is that the standard determination of the saturation energy from the LDM is not ideal since the total binding energy has a minimal contribution from the core of the nucleus as pointed out in Figs. 1–3 of our paper.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Non-equilibrium effective field theory and second sound

We investigate the phenomenon of second sound in various states of matter from the perspective of non-equilibrium effective field theory (EFT). In particular, for each state of matter considered, we find that at least two (though sometimes multiple) qualitatively different EFTs exist at finite temperature such that there is always at least one EFT with a propagating second-sound wave and at least one with no such second-sound wave. To aid in the construction of these EFTs, we use the method of cosets developed for non-equilibrium systems. It turns out that the difference between the EFTs with and without second-sound modes can be understood as arising from different choices of a new kind of inverse Higgs constraint. Finally, we demonstrate that it is possible to bypass the need for new inverse Higgs constraints by formulating EFTs on a new kind of manifold that is like the usual fluid worldvolume, but with reduced gauge symmetries.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
NASA NTRS2016

eXTP: Enhanced X-Ray Timing and Polarimetry Mission

eXTP is a science mission designed to study the state of matter under extreme conditions of density, gravity and magnetism. Primary goals are the determination of the equation of state of matter at supra-nuclear density, the measurement of QED effects in highly magnetized star, and the study of accretion in the strong-field regime of gravity. Primary targets include isolated and binary neutron stars, strong magnetic field systems like magnetars, and stellar-mass and supermassive black holes. The mission carries a unique and unprecedented suite of state-of-the-art scientific instruments enabling for the first time ever the simultaneous spectral-timing-polarimetry studies of cosmic sources in the energy range from 0.5-30 keV (and beyond). Key elements of the payload are: the Spectroscopic Focusing Array (SFA) - a set of 11 X-ray optics for a total effective area of approx. 0.9 m(exp. 2) and 0.6 m(exp. 2) at 2 keV and 6 keV respectively, equipped with Silicon Drift Detectors offering less than 180 eV spectral resolution; the Large Area Detector (LAD) - a deployable set of 640 Silicon Drift Detectors, for a total effective area of approx. 3.4 m(exp. 2), between 6 and 10 keV, and spectral resolution better than 250 eV; the Polarimetry Focusing Array (PFA) - a set of 2 X-ray telescope, for a total effective area of 250 cm(exp. 2) at 2 keV, equipped with imaging gas pixel photoelectric polarimeters; the Wide Field Monitor (WFM) - a set of 3 coded mask wide field units, equipped with position-sensitive Silicon Drift Detectors, each covering a 90 degrees x 90 degrees field of view. The eXTP international consortium includes major institutions of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Universities in China, as well as major institutions in several European countries and the United States. The predecessor of eXTP, the XTP mission concept, has been selected and funded as one of the so-called background missions in the Strategic Priority Space Science Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences since 2011. The strong European participation has significantly enhanced the scientific capabilities of eXTP. The planned launch date of the mission is earlier than 2025.

X-ray astronomy↗
DOE OSTI2023

Physical Behavior of Quantum Metamaterials (Final Report)

We are on the cusp of creating artificial quantum matter through engineered structures that mimic natural atoms and create new electronic and electromagnetic behavior not observed in nature. My objective is to explore new quantum states of matter through creation of engineered quantum meta-atoms and their arrangement into structures that create qualitatively new types of quantum coherent behavior, especially in terms of their interaction with electromagnetic fields. The technical approach involves assembly of superconducting quantum devices that are nominally identical and strongly interacting with each other, and with a bath of microwave photons, and measuring their emergent behavior through their electromagnetic response. The results will give fundamental insights into the nature of condensed matter and specific outcomes include investigation of proposed but un-realized states of matter, emergent quantum phenomena, and controlled super-radiant behavior.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2019

Collaborative Research: Understanding Sheaths and Presheaths in Magnetized and Unmagnetized Plasmas

The common states of matter on Earth are solids, liquids and gases. Putting energy into gases can result in the 4th state of matter known as plasma, which consists of electrically charged particles (electrons and ions, both positive and negative) and neutral atoms and molecules. While uncommon on the Earth, plasma makes up more than 99% of the visible matter in the universe. Where plasma comes in contact with material boundaries, a thin region near the plasma boundary usually forms to isolate the plasma from the boundary. This thin region is called the plasma sheath. Experiments performed under aimed at improving our understanding of plasma sheaths and associated phenomena as fundamental to understanding all bounded plasmas. Plasma studied in this work are similar to those used in plasma applications such as the etching of semiconducting materials to make computer chips, in plasma space propulsion satellite engines, and used in experimental plasma fusion devices. The majority of experimental studies were carried out at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in close collaboration with Dr. Severn at the University of San Diego (USD), where most of diagnostic development for laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) measurements were carried out. USD is primarily an undergraduate institution. The award made possible outreach activities that promoted engagement of undergraduate students with diverse backgrounds in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Indirect searches for ultraheavy dark matter in the time domain

Dark matter may exist today in the form of ultraheavy composite bound states. Collisions between such dark matter states can release intense bursts of radiation that include γ -rays among the final products. Thus, indirect detection signals of dark matter may include unconventional γ -ray bursts. Such bursts may have been missed not necessarily because of their low arriving γ -ray fluxes, but rather their briefness and rareness. We point out that intense bursts whose nondetection thus far are due to the latter can be detected in the near future with existing and planned facilities. In particular, we propose that, with slight experimental adjustments and suitable data analyses, imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes (IACTs) and Pulsed All-Sky Near-Infrared and Optical Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence (PANOSETI) are promising tools for detecting such rare, brief, but intense bursts. We also show that, if we assume these bursts originate from collisions of dark matter states, IACTs and PANOSETI can probe a large dark matter parameter space beyond existing limits. Additionally, we present a concrete model of dark matter that produces bursts potentially detectable in these instruments. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2025

QCD Constraints on Isospin-Dense Matter and the Nuclear Equation of State

Understanding the behavior of dense hadronic matter is a central goal in nuclear physics as it governs the nature and dynamics of astrophysical objects such as supernovae and neutron stars. Because of the nonperturbative nature of quantum chromodynamics (QCD), little is known rigorously about hadronic matter in these extreme conditions. Here, lattice QCD calculations are used to compute thermodynamic quantities and the equation of state of QCD over a wide range of isospin chemical potentials with controlled systematic uncertainties. Agreement is seen with chiral perturbation theory when the chemical potential is small. Comparison to perturbative QCD at large chemical potential allows for an estimate of the gap in the superconducting phase, and this quantity is seen to agree with perturbative determinations. Since the partition function for an isospin chemical potential μ I bounds the partition function for a baryon chemical potential μ B = 3 μ I / 2 , these calculations also provide rigorous nonperturbative QCD bounds on the symmetric nuclear matter equation of state over a wide range of baryon densities for the first time. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Brochure on Fusion Energy Sciences at the U.S. Department of Energy: The Unexpected Benefits of Harnessing the Stars.

At the center of all stars, including our sun, fusion occurs. Hydrogen and other simple elements are heated enough that their electrons have been knocked free of their atomic nuclei, forming an ensemble of positively charged ions and negatively charged electrons, known as a plasma, that can conduct electrical currents and respond to electric and magnetic fields. The science of plasmas—the fourth state of matter—is elegant, far- reaching, and impactful. Comprising over 99% of the visible universe, plasmas are also pervasive. Plasma is the state of matter of the sun’s center, corona, and solar flares. Plasma dynamics are at the heart of extraordinary galactic jets and accretion of stellar material around black holes. Plasma physics describes the processes giving rise to the aurora that vividly illuminates the far northern and southern nighttime skies. Some practical applications of plasmas include various forms of lighting, more efficient electronics and transportation, and improved medical procedures.

Source record↗
DOE OSTI2013

Clusters in nuclear matter and the equation of state for astrophysical applications

Thermodynamic properties and the composition of dense matter are affected strongly by correlations leading to the formation of nuclei at densities below nuclear saturation density. These features of the equation of state (EoS) are essential in astrophysical applications, e.g. the simulation of core-collapse supernovae. Theoretical approaches to consider correlation effects on different levels of approximation are discussed. A generalized relativistic density functional approach is presented that exhibits the correct limits at low and high densities.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2017

The Unexpected Benefits of Harnessing the Stars

At the center of all stars, including our sun, fusion occurs. Hydrogen and other simple elements are heated enough that their electrons have been knocked free of their atomic nuclei, forming an ensemble of positively charged ions and negatively charged electrons, known as a plasma, that can conduct electrical currents and respond to electric and magnetic fields. The science of plasmas—the fourth state of matter—is elegant, far-reaching, and impactful. Comprising over 99% of the visible universe, plasmas are also pervasive. Plasma is the state of matter of the sun’s center, corona, and solar flares. Plasma dynamics are at the heart of extraordinary galactic jets and accretion of stellar material around black holes. Plasma physics describes the processes giving rise to the aurora that vividly illuminates the far northern and southern nighttime skies. Some practical applications of plasmas include various forms of lighting, more efficient electronics and transportation, and improved medical procedures.

Source record↗
DOE OSTI2024

Dark states of electrons in a quantum system with two pairs of sublattices

A quantum state of matter that is forbidden to interact with photons and is therefore undetectable by spectroscopic means is called a dark state. This basic concept can be applied to condensed matter where it suggests that a whole band of quantum states could be undetectable across a full Brillouin zone. Here we report the discovery of such condensed-matter dark states in palladium diselenide as a model system that has two pairs of sublattices in the primitive cell. By using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we find valence bands that are practically unobservable over the whole Brillouin zone at any photon energy, polarization and scattering plane. Our model shows that two pairs of sublattices located at half-translation positions and related by multiple glide-mirror symmetries make their relative quantum phases polarized into only four kinds, three of which become dark due to double destructive interference. This mechanism is generic to other systems with two pairs of sublattices, and we show how the phenomena observed in cuprates, lead halide perovskites and density wave systems can be resolved by the mechanism of dark states. Our results suggest that the sublattice degree of freedom, which has been overlooked so far, should be considered in the study of correlated phenomena and optoelectronic characteristics.

electronic properties and materials↗
DOE OSTI2013

Strangeness Production in ALICE at the LHC

At the most fundamental level, ordinary matter is composed of quarks and gluons bound together to form hadrons. The protons and neutrons that form atomic nuclei are members of this class. At most temperatures quarks are very tightly bound together by gluons, the particles which carry the strong force, however, at extremely high temperatures equal to approximately 100,000 times that at the sun’s core, the quarks possess the energy to separate and transition to a state of matter consisting of individual quarks and gluons. In this state the quarks and gluons are asymptotically free. This state is known as the Quark Gluon Plasma (QGP) is believed to be the state of matter a few microseconds after the Big Bang. \ Over the last thirty years several laboratories have been focused on creating the (QGP) in a controlled environment so that its properties can be more easily investigated. Programs at the “Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC)” at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) and more recently the Large Hadron Collider (LHC)’s “A Large Ion Collider Experiment (ALICE)” at the European Center for Nuclear Research (CERN) have been dedicated to exploring the physics of the QGP. In heavy ion collisions, experiment has shown that an indicator of the existence of the QGP is the enhancement of strange hadrons emanating from the collision. In understanding the enhancement of strange particles emitted from collisions it is noted that no strange quarks existed in the colliding nuclei prior to the collision, from which it follows that strange quarks are created during the collision. Since strangeness is a conserved quantity, strange quarks are created as quark-antiquark pairs ($s\overline{s}$) by strong or electro-weak interactions. Additionally, since the mass of the ($s\overline{s}$) pair is comparable to the critical temperature for QGP formation it can be expected that strange particle enhancement will occur. Using perturbative QCD it has been shown that two primary mechanisms exist for strange quark creation. They are annihilation of light quarks, $q\overline{q}$ →$s\overline{s}$, and gluon fusion, gg →$s\overline{s}$. The time associated with light quark annihilation was found to be too long when compared to the time needed to reach QGP equilibrium, thereby making the gluon fusion mechanism the dominant process for strange quark creation. Figure 1 illustrates strange quark creation by gluon fusion in QGP and the formation of strange hadrons.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Shock physics in warm dense matter: A quantum hydrodynamics perspective

Abstract Warm dense matter (WDM), an exotic, highly compressed state of matter between solid and plasma phases, is of high current interest, in particular for astrophysics and inertial confinement fusion. For the latter, in particular the propagation of compression shocks is crucial. The main unknown in the shock propagation in WDM is the behaviour of the electrons since they are governed by correlations, quantum and spin effects that need to be accounted for simultaneously. Here we describe the shock dynamics of the warm dense electron gas using a quantum hydrodynamic model. From the numerical hydrodynamic simulations, we observe that the quantum Bohm pressure induces shear force that weakens the formation and strength of the shock. In addition, the Bohm pressure induces an electron density response that takes the form of oscillations. This is confirmed by the theoretical analysis of the early stage of the shock formation. Our theoretical and numerical analyses allow us to identify characteristic dimensionless shock propagation parameters at which the effect of the Bohm force is important.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗