Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “ALPs”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 253 records · Page 14
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Search for supersymmetry using vector boson fusion signatures and missing transverse momentum in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV with the ATLAS detector

This paper presents a search for supersymmetric particles in models with highly compressed mass spectra, in events consistent with being produced through vector boson fusion. The search uses 140 fb −1 of proton-proton collision data at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV collected by the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider. Events containing at least two jets with a large gap in pseudorapidity, large missing transverse momentum, and no reconstructed leptons are selected. A boosted decision tree is used to separate events consistent with the production of supersymmetric particles from those due to Standard Model backgrounds. The data are found to be consistent with Standard Model predictions. The results are interpreted using simplified models of R-parity-conserving supersymmetry in which the lightest supersymmetric partner is a bino-like neutralino with a mass similar to that of the lightest chargino and second-to-lightest neutralino, both of which are wino-like. Lower limits at 95% confidence level on the masses of next-to-lightest supersymmetric partners in this simplified model are established between 117 and 120 GeV when the lightest supersymmetric partners are within 1 GeV in mass.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Search for single production of vector-like quarks decaying into W(ℓν)b in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV with the ATLAS detector

A search for single production of a vector-like quark Q, which could be either a singlet T, with charge $\frac{2}{3}$, or a Y from a (T, B, Y) triplet, with charge $-\frac{4}{3}$, is performed using data from proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. The data correspond to the full integrated luminosity of 140 fb −1 recorded with the ATLAS detector during Run 2 of the Large Hadron Collider. The analysis targets Q → Wb decays where the W boson decays leptonically. The data are found to be consistent with the expected Standard Model background, so upper limits are set on the cross-section times branching ratio, and on the coupling of the Q to the Standard Model sector for these two benchmark models. Effects of interference with the Standard Model background are taken into account. For the singlet T, the 95% confidence level limit on the coupling strength κ ranges between 0.22 and 0.52 for masses from 1150 to 2300 GeV. For the (T, B, Y) triplet, the limits on κ vary from 0.14 to 0.46 for masses from 1150 to 2600 GeV.

beyond Standard Model↗
DOE OSTI2025

Measurement of the top-quark pole mass in dileptonic $t\overline{t}$ + 1-jet events at $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV with the ATLAS experiment

A measurement of the top-quark pole mass $m$$^{pole}_{t}$ is presented in $t\bar{t}$ events with an additional jet, $t\bar{t}$+ 1-jet, produced in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 13 TeV. The data sample, recorded with the ATLAS experiment during Run 2 of the LHC, corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 140 fb −1 . Events with one electron and one muon of opposite electric charge in the final state are selected to measure the $t\bar{t}$ + 1-jet differential cross-section as a function of the inverse of the invariant mass of the $t\bar{t}$ + 1-jet system. Iterative Bayesian Unfolding is used to correct the data to enable comparison with fixed-order calculations at next-to-leading-order accuracy in the strong coupling. The process pp → $t\bar{t}$j(2 → 3), where top quarks are taken as stable particles, and the process pp → $b\bar{b}$l + vl – $\overline{ν}$j (2 → 7), which includes top-quark decays to the dilepton final state and off-shell effects, are considered. The top-quark mass is extracted using a χ 2 fit of the unfolded normalized differential cross-section distribution. The results obtained with the 2 → 3 and 2 → 7 calculations are compatible within theoretical uncertainties, providing an important consistency check.

Hadron-Hadron Scattering↗
DOE OSTI2025

Search for resonant leptoquark production via lepton-jet signatures in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV and $\sqrt{s}=13.6$ TeV with the ATLAS detector

This paper presents a search for physics beyond the Standard Model targeting a heavy resonance visible in the invariant mass of the lepton-jet system. The analysis focuses on final states with a high-energy lepton and jet, and is optimised for the resonant production of leptoquarks — a novel production mode mediated by the lepton content of the proton originating from quantum fluctuations. Four distinct and orthogonal final states are considered: e+light jet, μ+light jet, e+b-jet, and μ+b-jet, constituting the first search at the Large Hadron Collider for resonantly produced leptoquarks with couplings to electrons and muons. Events with an additional same-flavour lepton, as expected from higher-order diagrams in the signal process, are also included in each channel. The search uses proton-proton collision data from the full Run 2, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 140 fb −1 at a centre-of-mass energy of $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV, and from a part of Run 3 (2022–2023), corresponding to 55 fb −1 at $\sqrt{s}=13.6$ TeV. No significant excess over Standard Model predictions is observed. The results are interpreted as exclusion limits on scalar leptoquark ($\tilde{S}$ 1 ) production, substantially improving upon previous ATLAS constraints from leptoquark pair production for large coupling values. The excluded $\tilde{S}$ 1 $\tilde{S}$ 1 mass ranges depend on the coupling strength, reaching up to 3.4 TeV for quark-lepton couplings y de = 1.0, and up to 4.3 TeV, 3.1 TeV, and 2.8 TeV for y sμ , y be , and y bμ couplings set to 3.5, respectively.

Hadron-Hadron Scattering↗
DOE OSTI2025

Metasomatic Alteration of Type 3 Ordinary and Carbonaceous Chondrites

Metasomatism refers to the process during which a pre-existing rock undergoes compositional and mineralogical transformations associated with chemical reactions triggered by the reaction of fluids which invade the protolith. It changes chemical compositions of minerals, promotes their dissolution and precipitation of new minerals. In this paper, we review metasomatic alteration of type 3 ordinary (H, L, LL) and carbonaceous (CV, CO, CK) chondrites, including (i) secondary mineralization, (ii) physicochemical conditions, (iii) chronology ( 53 Mn- 53 Cr, 26 Al- 26 Mg, 129 I- 129 Xe) of metasomatic alteration, (iv) records of metasomatic alteration in H, O, N, C, S, and Cl isotopic systematics, (v) effects of metasomatic alteration on O- and Al-Mg-isotope systematics of primary minerals in chondrules and refractory inclusions, and (vi) sources of water ices in metasomatically altered CV, CO, and ordinary chondrites, and outline future studies.

129I-129Xe chronology↗
DOE OSTI2025

Supercritical water desalination and oxidation (SCWDO): Effectiveness on complex solutions, technoeconomic, and CO 2 impact for produced water treatment

The modern energy-economy is increasingly causing the production of highly saline brines, including from produced water. Supercritical water desalination can concentrate and extract minerals from these brines, but the effects of mixed salt interactions, organic degradation with additives, and the technology's economics are not well understood at supercritical condition. The present study evaluated and experimentally studied an integrated supercritical water desalination and oxidation (SCWDO) process for treating real-produced water samples from oil/natural gas field. The complex interactions between the various anions and cations in produced water were extensively evaluated. Most of the divalent and trivalent ions were extracted below 250 °C while the majority of the monovalent salt were removed between 380 to 410 °C. The treated real produced water was of drinking water quality, with <500 mg/l of total dissolved solid (TDS) and with 100% organics removal. Furthermore, the heat liberated during the organic oxidation could be utilized internally and for electricity generation for enhanced the energy efficiency and lower cost of produced water treatment. With system optimization, the proposed SCWDO process can essentially be made a net zero energy process. A novel process flow diagram for the commercial scale self-powered hybrid SCWDO technology was proposed as a cost-effective produced water treatment to mitigate the environmental crises. Techno-economic analysis showed that produced water treatment cost with SCWDO can be reduced to 2–3 $/m 3 and can be up to 60 % cheaper to traditional deep well reinjection. Additionally, the proposed SCWDO process could achieve net negative CO 2 emission.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2025

Equilibrium Fe isotope fractionation between olivine, pyroxene, spinel and MORB glass: Implications for mantle partial melting to generate MORBs

Primitive mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORBs) exhibit Fe isotopic compositions heavier than the upper mantle by +0.074 ± 0.028 ‰ for δ 56 Fe. The processes responsible for this isotopic difference remain unclear. Modeling of Fe isotope fractionation during mantle partial melting requires reliable equilibrium Fe isotope fractionation factors between minerals and melts, for which consistent data are still lacking. Here, in this study, we used Nuclear Resonant Inelastic X-ray Scattering (NRIXS) technique to measure Fe force constants for a MORB glass (ALV 519-4-1) and natural mantle minerals (olivine, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, and spinel) to determine the equilibrium Fe isotope fractionation factors between them. The force constants determined in this study, in increasing order, are 167 ± 26 N/m for spinel, 175 ± 17 N/m for olivine, 176 ± 20 N/m for MORB glass, 205 ± 26 N/m for clinopyroxene, and 219 ± 36 N/m for orthopyroxene. We evaluated the previously proposed mechanisms for the heavy Fe isotopic composition of MORBs, including (i) mantle partial melting, (ii) mantle lithological heterogeneity, with pyroxenite in the source, (iii) mantle metasomatism by low-degree melts, and (iv) fractional crystallization of olivine from melts. For (i), we used the pMELTS program to simulate adiabatic decompression melting of mantle peridotites, and calculated Fe isotope fractionation based on Fe 3+ –Fe 2+ equilibrium-controlled fractionation, where Fe 3+ forms stronger bonds and is more incompatible than Fe 2+ . At 10 wt% peridotite melting, corresponding to MORB generation, only +0.03 ‰ Fe isotope fractionation between the melt and the original bulk composition (Δ 56 Fe = δ 56 Fe melt - δ 56 Fe 0 ) was produced, insufficient to account for the observed MORB-upper mantle difference. For (ii), melting of pyroxenites yields smaller Fe isotope fractionation than melting of peridotites, making it unlikely the cause for the MORB-upper mantle isotopic difference. For (iii), both the Fe 3+ /ΣFe ratio and the δ 56 Fe of melts increase with the degree of partial melting, indicating that low-degree melts are not isotopically heavy enough to significantly alter the isotopic composition of lithospheric mantle through metasomatism. For (iv), equilibrium isotope fractionation between olivine and melt is near zero. These results suggest that equilibrium Fe isotope fractionation alone cannot explain the MORB isotopic signature, highlighting the potential role of kinetic isotope fractionation. Using a diffusion model, we calculated kinetic Fe and Mg isotope fractionations associated with (iv) olivine crystallization from a melt, and found that the predicted Fe and Mg isotope fractionations were inconsistent with observations in MORBs. Qualitatively, two processes could have induced kinetic Fe isotope fractionation during MORB generation: (a) Fe-Mg interdiffusion between melt and solid during melt migration and (b) reactive melt-rock interactions during melt focusing. However, a quantitative understanding of their role in modifying the melt isotopic composition remains limited and requires further investigation.

Fe isotopes↗
DOE OSTI2024

Valence instability and collapse of ferromagnetism in EuB 6 at high pressures

Despite the simplicity of their cubic crystal lattice, rare-earth hexaborides display complex physical properties including a (long debated) onset of metallization via magnetic polaron formation at T c1 approximate to 15 K preceding ferromagnetic ordering at T c2 approximate to 12 K. Here, in this work, we used applied pressure to tune the interplay between electronic structure and magnetism in EuB6. We probed the magnetism, valence, and structure of EuB 6 under quasi-hydrostatic pressures up to 30 GPa using X-ray techniques. Our findings show evidence for collapse of ferromagnetism above 20 GPa following a monotonic increase of mean Eu valence. While X-ray diffraction measurements in the paramagnetic state at room temperature show that the lattice retains cubic symmetry, a measurable quadrupole interaction seen by time-domain synchrotron Mössbauer spectroscopy suggests a lowering of symmetry associated with magnetic ordering, becoming more prominent across the magnetic transition. The interplay between conduction band electron count and magnetism observed under applied pressure in EuB 6 opens possibilities for fine-tuning metallization and magnetic properties of similar Eu-based semi-metal systems.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2025

Improved guided-wave acoustic defect detection and localization in pipes under varying temperature conditions using deep learning

Early defect detection in pipelines is critical across industries, particularly in the oil and gas sector, where failures result in significant maintenance costs and operational disruptions. Acoustic guided-wave techniques are widely used for nondestructive evaluation of pipeline defects due to their long-distance propagation capability. However, environmental variations, sensitivity limitations, and complex signal interpretation challenges limit the effectiveness of traditional signal processing approaches with guided-wave signals. Recent advances in deep learning methods have demonstrated remarkable success in solving complex real-world problems in many fields. In particular, deep-learning-based signal processing holds substantial promise to overcome limitations and challenges of conventional signal processing. This study presents a deep learning framework for pipeline inspection using acoustic guided-wave signals under temperature varying environments. The proposed framework employs a dual-path one-dimensional convolutional autoencoder that combines defect detection, localization, and temperature prediction functions. The proposed system utilizes multi-mode and broadband acoustic waves with an optimized number of sensors that provide high accuracy while retaining practical simplicity. Experimental validation is performed on a carbon steel pipe. The results indicate exceptional defect detection accuracy and precise defect localization with a mean absolute error of 66 mm. The proposed technique also predicts the effective average temperature of the pipe with a mean absolute error of 0.2°C. Comparative analysis shows superior performance of the proposed method over a traditional method previously developed by the authors' team. These results highlight the potential of integrating deep learning methods into guided-wave pipeline inspection systems to improve reliability under varying environmental conditions.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2025

Accurate and rapid acoustic damage characterization in complex structures using sparse sensor networks and deep learning models

Damage diagnosis in critical components is essential for ensuring the safety and reliability of operations across industries, spanning manufacturing, aerospace, and energy. Traditional acoustic nondestructive testing methods primarily focus on detecting defects through the direct scattering of single-mode incident waves from the damage, which limit their applicability to simple structures and small inspection areas. Our earlier research demonstrated that machine learning algorithms combined with sparse sensor networks can identify critical defect signatures even from multiply scattered, multi-mode acoustic signals, indicating the potential for improved defect inspection in complex, real-world structures. In this work, we demonstrate the successful implementation of this approach in a fixed sensor configuration to rapidly and accurately detect simulated defects in a geometrically complex, real-world structure, a brake rotor hub. Three different types of defects were physically simulated on the surface of the hub, and the collected data were used to train an autoencoder-based deep learning model. Two models were tested, one using single measurements and the other using multiple measurements taking advantage of the spatial distribution of the sensor network. After training, the multi-measurement model achieved 100 % accuracy in identifying, classifying, and locating unseen, unique damages. This work illustrates the potential of the proposed method for a wide range of industrial applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Comprehensive defect evaluation of advanced nuclear fuels using high-resolution acoustic signals and optimized sensor separation

Graphite pebble composite structures based on TRistructural-ISOtropic (TRISO) particles are being developed as core nuclear fuels in advanced power reactors, promising safe operation at increased temperatures. Ensuring the structural integrity of these nuclear fuels requires comprehensive and accurate non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques to characterize defects and damage in the pebbles. However, traditional acoustic evaluation methods face limitations in defect characterization due to the highly attenuative, and geometrically and compositionally complex nature of these structures. This study proposes an improved acoustic NDE technique for accurate detection and classification of anticipated relevant defects and damage in graphite pebbles using high-resolution acoustic signals and optimized transmit-receive sensor networks. The proposed approach utilizes a triangular three-sensor network as the base unit, comprising three transmit-receive sensors. The sensor separation distance, as well as acoustic excitation center frequency, pulse-width, and bandwidth are optimized to enhance spatial resolution and improve signal-to-noise ratio, enabling effective characterization of the smallest size and widest range of defects in pebbles. Furthermore, the use of the triangular sensor configuration instead of a more conventional transmit-receive sensor pair expands the inspection region from a one-dimensional linear path to a two-dimensional area, increasing spatial coverage. To mitigate challenges associated with processing of complex acoustic signals arising from high-frequency, high-bandwidth excitation in these structures, a machine-learning-based signal processing algorithm is integrated with the sensor network. In the machine-learning-based algorithm, multi-domain features are extracted from the acoustic signals to capture intricate signal characteristics, significantly improving defect identification and classification compared to traditional approaches. The proposed acoustic NDE technique offers considerable promise for practical and reliable defect/damage diagnostics of advanced nuclear pebble fuels.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2025

Performance measurements of the electromagnetic calorimeter and readout electronics system for the DarkQuest experiment

Here, this paper presents performance measurements of a new readout electronics system based on silicon photomultipliers for the PHENIX electromagnetic calorimeter. Installation of the lead-scintillator Shashlik style calorimeter into the SeaQuest/SpinQuest spectrometer has been proposed to broaden the experiment’s dark sector search program, an upgrade known as DarkQuest. The calorimeter and electronics system were subjected to testing and calibration at the Fermilab Test Beam Facility. Detailed studies of the energy response and resolution, as well as particle identification capabilities, were performed. The background rate in the actual experimental environment was also examined. The system is found to be well-suited for a dark sector search program on the Fermilab 120 GeV proton beamline.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2025

Highly charged ion approach to measure nuclear charge radii of Fr, Ra, and Rn isotopes for precision measurements

Conventional electron scattering and muonic atom spectroscopy techniques are challenging to apply to heavy ions unless the element has at least one stable or extremely long-lived isotope. To overcome this limitation, a recently introduced method for determining nuclear charge radii relies on extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) spectroscopy of the D 1 line in highly charged Na-like ions. In this work, we present an experimental approach to measure the nuclear charge radii of isotopes of radioactive elements such as Fr, Ra, and Rn using this method at TRIUMF’s Ion Trap for Atomic and Nuclear Science (TITAN) instrument, located at the ISAC radioactive beam facility. We also explore the potential of using Na-like D 2 lines in the soft x-ray region for future measurements.

Electron beam ion trap↗
DOE OSTI2025

Lowering entry barriers to developing custom simulators of distributed applications and platforms with SimGrid

Researchers in parallel and distributed computing (PDC) often resort to simulation because experiments conducted using a simulator can be for arbitrary experimental scenarios, are less resource-, labor-, and time-consuming than their real-world counterparts, and are perfectly repeatable and observable. Many frameworks have been developed to ease the development of PDC simulators, and these frameworks provide different levels of accuracy, scalability, versatility, extensibility, and usability. Further, the SimGrid framework has been used by many PDC researchers to produce a wide range of simulators for over two decades. Its popularity is due to a large emphasis placed on accuracy, scalability, and versatility, and is in spite of shortcomings in terms of extensibility and usability. Although SimGrid provides sensible simulation models for the common case, it was difficult for users to extend these models to meet domain-specific needs. Furthermore, SimGrid only provided relatively low-level simulation abstractions, making the implementation of a simulator of a complex system a labor-intensive undertaking. In this work we describe developments in the last decade that have contributed to vastly improving extensibility and usability, thus lowering or removing entry barriers for users to develop custom SimGrid simulators.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2026

Alumina Priming-Mediated Enhanced Binding of Diethylzinc with Carbonyl Groups in Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) during Vapor-Phase Infiltration

Vapor-phase infiltration (VPI) of inorganic materials in polymers is increasingly becoming popular for synthesizing various functional hybrid materials. While AlO x infiltration using trimethylaluminum (TMA) has been extensively studied, the mechanism of diethylzinc (DEZ)-based ZnO x infiltration, especially one that is initiated by AlO x priming, has not received much attention because highly reactive hydroxyl groups generated by AlO x -priming are expected to dominate the initial binding of DEZ, thus enabling the overall ZnO x VPI. Here, we interrogate the ZnO x infiltration mechanism in AlO x -primed poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) in comparison to the control AlO x -only infiltration by utilizing a suite of complementary characterizations, including quartz crystal microbalance mass gain measurement, transmission electron microscopy, infrared reflection–absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS), and synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). The multivalent TMA precursor and associated hyperbranched AlO x network can quickly saturate the AlO x infiltration by clogging the polymer-free volume near the top. On the contrary, the ZnO x infiltration using divalent DEZ precursor, once activated via AlO x -priming, can lead to accelerated ZnOx infiltration. With the help of IRRAS, XAS, and density functional theory (DFT) simulations, we uncover that the AlO x -priming enhances the reactivity of neighboring carbonyl groups toward DEZ and opens up simultaneous reaction pathways, leading to accelerated high-fidelity infiltration of ZnO x .

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Sources and Composition of Organic Aerosols in the Central Arctic during Spring and Summer

Organic aerosols (OA) are a major component of Arctic aerosol mass and influence the region’s radiation budget, yet their sources and physicochemical properties remain largely unknown. We investigate OA sources and climate-relevant characteristics over the central Arctic Ocean in spring and summer, by applying positive matrix factorization to aerosol mass spectrometry data from two ship-based expeditions (2018 and 2020), complemented by total and interstitial aerosol measurements during fog periods. Six distinct OA factors were identified: haze-related OA, Arctic oxygenated OA, two mixed-OA types resembling biomass burning and primary marine OA linked to warm-air intrusions, marine OA, and hydrocarbon-related OA. Seasonal transitions strongly shaped OA composition. Following polar sunrise, highly oxygenated OA, likely formed secondarily from photo-oxidized volatile organic compounds, became dominant. After the polar vortex collapsed in May, episodic spikes in marine OA from the marginal ice zone appeared, alongside a reduced influence from Eurasian anthropogenic sources. These transitions influenced OA oxidation state and related properties including volatility, acidity, and hygroscopicity, highlighting the role of the Arctic spring atmosphere as an active photochemical reactor. Overall, OA was highly oxidized, with particles activated in fog during summer showing even greater oxidation, suggesting that central Arctic OA can be highly cloud active.

Arctic haze↗