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At least 271 records · Page 15

Topological photonic crystal fiber

Photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) provide a versatile platform for various applications, thanks to the flexibility with which light guiding can be customized by modifying the fiber geometry. We realize a PCF with guided modes produced by photonic band structure topology rather than conventional mode-trapping mechanisms. The design, which is compatible with the stack-and-draw fabrication process, consists of a cross-sectional photonic topological crystalline insulator with a disclination. A bulk-defect correspondence produces degenerate topological modes, lying below the cladding light line. We use various theoretical methods to confirm their topological origins, including a spectral localizer that makes minimal assumptions about the band structure. Our experiments on the fabricated fiber show it transmitting visible to near-infrared light with low losses of 10 to 20 decibels per kilometer, which do not increase substantially when the fiber is bent. A comparable solid-core PCF of conventional design exhibits substantially higher bending losses. Optical fibers based on topological modes hold promise for improved performance and versatile functionalities.

Zhu, Bofeng [Nanyang Technological Univ. (Singapor↗

Overexpression of RuBisCO form I and II genes in Rhodopseudomonas palustris TIE-1 augments polyhydroxyalkanoate production heterotrophically and autotrophically

ABSTRACT With the rising demand for sustainable renewable resources, microorganisms capable of producing bioproducts such as bioplastics are attractive. While many bioproduction systems are well-studied in model organisms, investigating non-model organisms is essential to expand the field and utilize metabolically versatile strains. This investigation centers on Rhodopseudomonas palustris TIE-1, a purple non-sulfur bacterium capable of producing bioplastics. To increase bioplastic production, genes encoding the putative regulatory protein PhaR and the depolymerase PhaZ of the polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biosynthesis pathway were deleted. Genes associated with pathways that might compete with PHA production, specifically those linked to glycogen production and nitrogen fixation, were deleted. Additionally, RuBisCO form I and II genes were integrated into TIE-1’s genome by a phage integration system, developed in this study. Our results show that deletion of phaR increases PHA production when TIE-1 is grown photoheterotrophically with butyrate and ammonium chloride (NH 4 Cl). Mutants unable to produce glycogen or fix nitrogen show increased PHA production under photoautotrophic growth with hydrogen and NH 4 Cl. The most significant increase in PHA production was observed when RuBisCO form I and form I & II genes were overexpressed, five times under photoheterotrophy with butyrate, two times with hydrogen and NH 4 Cl, and two times under photoelectrotrophic growth with N 2 . In summary, inserting copies of RuBisCO genes into the TIE-1 genome is a more effective strategy than deleting competing pathways to increase PHA production in TIE-1. The successful use of the phage integration system opens numerous opportunities for synthetic biology in TIE-1. IMPORTANCE Our planet has been burdened by pollution resulting from the extensive use of petroleum-derived plastics for the last few decades. Since the discovery of biodegradable plastic alternatives, concerted efforts have been made to enhance their bioproduction. The versatile microorganism Rhodopseudomonas palustris TIE-1 (TIE-1) stands out as a promising candidate for bioplastic synthesis, owing to its ability to use multiple electron sources, fix the greenhouse gas CO 2 , and use light as an energy source. Two categories of strains were meticulously designed from the TIE-1 wild-type to augment the production of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), one such bioplastic produced. The first group includes mutants carrying a deletion of the phaR or phaZ genes in the PHA pathway, and those lacking potential competitive carbon and energy sinks to the PHA pathway (namely, glycogen biosynthesis and nitrogen fixation). The second group comprises TIE-1 strains that overexpress RuBisCO form I or form I & II genes inserted via a phage integration system. By studying numerous metabolic mutants and overexpression strains, we conclude that genetic modifications in the environmental microbe TIE-1 can improve PHA production. When combined with other approaches (such as reactor design, use of microbial consortia, and different feedstocks), genetic and metabolic manipulations of purple nonsulfur bacteria like TIE-1 are essential for replacing petroleum-derived plastics with biodegradable plastics like PHA.

Ranaivoarisoa, Tahina Onina↗

iDDS: intelligent distributed dispatch and scheduling for workflow orchestration

The intelligent distributed dispatch and scheduling (iDDS) service is a versatile workflow orchestration system designed for large-scale, distributed scientific computing. iDDS extends traditional workload and data management by integrating data-aware execution, conditional logic, and programmable workflows, enabling automation of complex and dynamic processing pipelines. Originally developed for the ATLAS experiment at the large hadron collider, iDDS has evolved into an experiment-agnostic platform that supports both template-driven workflows and a Function-as-a-Task model for Python-based orchestration. This paper presents the architecture and core components of iDDS, highlighting its scalability, modular message-driven design, and integration with systems such as PanDA and Rucio. We demonstrate its versatility through real-world use cases: fine-grained tape resource optimization for ATLAS, orchestration of large Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) workflows for the Rubin Observatory, distributed hyperparameter optimization for machine learning applications, active learning for physics analyses, and AI-assisted detector design at the electron–ion collider. By unifying workload scheduling, data movement, and adaptive decision-making, iDDS reduces operational overhead and enables reproducible, high-throughput workflows across heterogeneous infrastructures. We conclude with current challenges and future directions, including interactive, cloud-native, and serverless workflow support.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

The Sensitivity of Nickel Substitution in the Structural Design of Manganese-Based Layered and Lithiated Spinel Electrodes for Li-Ion Batteries

A concerted effort is being made at Argonne National Laboratory to explore and develop high-performance lithium-manganese-nickel-oxide cathode materials for the lithium battery industry. They are both energy- and cost-competitive relative to cobalt- and nickel-rich systems, such as LiCoO 2 , LiNi 0.8 Co 0.15 Al 0.05 O 2 , and LiNi 0.8 Mn 0.1 Co 0.1 O 2 . The recent discovery of the structural versatility of LiNi 0.5 Mn 0.5 O 2 , has revealed that it can exist in three configurations: lithiated spinel, partially disordered layered, and completely disordered rock salt within a common cubic-close-packed oxygen array. This versatility opens up the possibility of designing structurally integrated electrode components with interlinking 2-D (layered) and 3-D (spinel) channels for Li-ion transport. This paper highlights the sensitivity of Ni substitution and synthesis temperature on the structural and electrochemical properties of LiNi 0.50 Mn 0.50 O 2 , LiNi 0.53 Mn 0.47 O 2 , LiNi 0.47 Mn 0.53 O 2 , and LiNi 0.25 Mn 0.75 O 2 electrodes, as well as a cobalt-containing composition, LiNi 0.333 Mn 0.333 Co 0.333 O 2 , when synthesized at a relatively low temperature of 400 °C.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

EVI-EnSitePy (Electric Vehicle Infrastructure – Energy Estimation and Site Optimization Tool in Python) [EVI-X Modeling Suite] [SWR-25-07]

EVI-EnSitePy is a comprehensive agent-based tool designed for the analysis and design of high-power charging sites, encompassing a wide array of site agents including Electric Vehicles (EVs), chargers, energy storage units (ESS), renewable energy resources (DER), and loads. This versatile tool offers diverse functionalities and a modular modeling approach, allowing detailed configuration of agents based on power ratings, port numbers, energy capacities, demand requirements, charger interfaces, and flexibility to customize the tool for project specific goals. By simulating agent interactions and employing various metrics, EVI-EnSitePy enables the assessment of site performance, exploration of energy management systems (EMS), and implementation of innovative EV charging policies. Utilizing EV charge schedules and arrival states, the tool performs thorough charging site simulations, with outputs consisting of agent and site-level power profiles and statistical metrics. Employing a tree graph structure, EVI-EnSitePy supports nested site structures and power distribution modeling. The tool's ability to generate charging schedules deterministically or via stochastic analysis further enhances its versatility. Through its features and capabilities, EVI-EnSitePy offers a powerful platform for informed decision-making in the realm of high-power charging site design and operation.

Jackson, Derek [National Renewable Energy Laborato↗

Synchronic Web Digital Identity: Speculations on the Art of the Possible

As search, social media, and artificial intelligence continue to reshape collective knowledge, the preservation of trust on the public infosphere has become a defining challenge of our time. Given the breadth and versatility of adversarial threats, the best—and perhaps only—defense is an equally broad and versatile infrastructure for digital identity. This document discusses the opportunities and implications of building such an infrastructure from the perspective of a national laboratory. The technical foundation for this discussion is the emergence of the Synchronic Web, a Sandia-developed infrastructure for asserting cryptographic provenance at Internet scale. As of the writing of this document, there is ongoing work to develop the underlying technology and apply it to multiple mission-specific domains within Sandia. The primary objective of this document to extend the body of existing work toward the more public-facing domain of digital identity. Our approach depends on a non-standard, but philosophically defensible notion of identity: digital identity is an unbroken sequence of states in a well-defined digital space. From this foundation, we abstractly describe the infrastructural foundations and applied configurations that we expect to underpin future notions of digital identity.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Current-Activated Reactive Ultrafast Joining (CARUJ)

We have demonstrated Current Activated Reactive Ultrafast Joining (CARUJ) as a novel approach for rapid fabrication of similar and dissimilar materials, such as ceramic-ceramic and ceramic-metal joint assemblies. The CARUJ technology utilizes resistive heating of carbon-based materials to apply localized heat at, (through or around) joint zones at rates of 10 1 -10 2 ˚C/min, enabling joining at time scales considerably shorter (several minutes as opposed to hours) than conventional approaches for similar systems. Herein, we present our findings while evaluating the CARUJ concept. Three methods of heat application were evaluated: (i) using carbon joule heating elements to apply heat directly through the joint interface; (ii) using flexible joule heating elements to locally apply heat around the assembly interface; and (iii) non-contact heating of the joint assembly using inductive power. Schemes (ii) and (iii) proved to be the most effective in producing mechanically sound reliable joints. We demonstrated single-step fabrication of dense SiC-SiC joints with a Si- SiC interface using minimal pressure (1–2 MPa) in under 30 minutes. Measured average joint strengths of about 15 MPa are initially achieved for joined bodies when tested in single lap offset (SLO) compressive shear, while tuning of the interfacial composition along with a reduction in interlayer thickness, results in improved joint strengths of approximately 43 MPa. We further demonstrated SiC-SiC joining using Active Brazing Alloys (ABAs) proof of concept joining of tubular geometries. The versatility of CARUJ is demonstrated by utilizing non-contact heating via induction, to join dissimilar materials systems of SiC, SS316 and MAX phase ceramics with ABA interlayers. The localized and rapid heat application realizes a versatile material joining technique that can be extended for joining components at the plant site.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Poisson-response Tensor-on-Tensor Regression and Applications

We introduce Poisson-response tensor-on-tensor regression (PToTR), a novel regression framework designed to handle tensor responses composed element-wise of random Poisson-distributed counts. Tensors, or multi-dimensional arrays, composed of counts are common data in fields such as inter national relations, social networks, epidemiology, and medical imaging, where events occur across multiple dimensions like time, location, and dyads. PToTR accommodates such tensor responses alongside tensor covariates, providing a versatile tool for multi dimensional data analysis. We propose algorithms for maximum likelihood estimation under a canonical polyadic (CP) structure on the regression coefficient tensor that satisfy the positivity of Poisson parameters and then provide an initial theoretical error analysis for PToTR estimators. We also demonstrate the utility of PToTR through three concrete applications: longitudinal data analysis of the Integrated Crisis Early Warning System database, positron emission tomography (PET) image reconstruction, and change-point detection of communication patterns in longitudinal dyadic data. These applications highlight the versatility of PToTR in addressing complex, structured count data across various domains.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Covalent integration of polymers and porous organic frameworks

Covalent integration of polymers and porous organic frameworks (POFs), including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs), represent a promising strategy for overcoming the existing limitations of traditional porous materials. This integration allows for the combination of the advantages of polymers, i.e., flexibility, processability and chemical versatility etc., and the superiority of POFs, like the structural integrity, tunable porosity and the high surface area, creating a type of hybrid materials. These resulting polymer-POF hybrid materials exhibit enhanced mechanical strength, chemical stability and functional diversity, thus opening up new opportunities for applications across a large variety of fields, such as gas separation, catalysis, biomedical applications, environmental remediation and energy storage. In this review, an overview of synthetic routes and strategies on how to covalently integrate different polymers with various POFs is discussed, especially with a particular focus on methods like polymerization within, on and among POF structures. To investigate the unique properties and functions of these resultant hybrid materials, the characterization techniques, including nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), gas adsorption analysis (BET) and computational modeling and machine learning, are also presented. The ability of polymer-POFs to manipulate the pore environments at the molecular level affords these materials a wide range of applications, providing a versatile platform for future advancements in material science. Looking forward, to fully realize the potential of these hybrid materials, the authors highlight the scalability, green synthesis methods, and potential for stimuli-responsive polymer-POF materials as critical areas for future research.

Hossain, Md Amjad↗

Coordination and establishment of centralized facilities and services for the University of Alaska ERTS survey of the Alaskan environment

The author has identified the following significant results. Specifications have been prepared for the engineering design and construction of a digital color display unit which will be used for automatic processing of ERTS data. The color display unit is a disk refresh memory with computer interfaced input and a color cathode ray tube output display. The system features both analog and digital post disk data manipulation and a versatile color coding device suitable for displaying not only images, but also computer generated graphics such as diagrams, maps, and overlays. Input is from IBM compatible 9 track, 800 BPI tapes, as generated by an IBM 360 computer. ERTS digital tapes are read into the 360, where various analyses such as maximum likelihood classification are performed and the results are written on a magnetic tape which is the input to the color display unit. The greatest versatility in the data manipulation area is provided by the minicomputer built into the color display unit, which is off-line from the main 360 computer. The minicomputer is able to read any line from the refresh disk and place it in its 4K-16 bit memory. Considerable flexibility is available for post-processing enhancement of images by the investigator.

Belon, A. E.↗

The case for a high-speed research airplane - Results from an in-house study

Results of a study aimed at determining the feasibility of developing a single versatile high-speed research airplane (HSRA) which will meet flight research needs of both Mach 3 to 5 JP-fueled military aircraft and of hydrogen-fueled aircraft, both military and civil, for speeds up to Mach 10. The proposed HSRA design concept is an air-launched, rocket-boosted research aircraft designed to accommodate a wide variety of large-scale propulsive and structural flight research experiments. The aircraft is a 60-foot-long discrete wing-body concept with high wings and a center-line vertical tail. Heat sink shields are proposed as an effective and versatile method of achieving low-cost, low-risk thermal protection of the all-aluminum primary structure.-

Kirkham, F. S.↗

The United States Space Shuttle system, its international availability for science and applications

The many missions under consideration require that the Shuttle, Tug, and Spacelab be extremely versatile. This versatility is being designed into all aspects of the systems. It is believed it will be possible to have simple interfaces between payloads and the basic spacecraft. With capability in the Shuttle to fly into orbits ranging up to polar inclination, and the capability in the Tug to fly to the planets, the combination appears capable of flying all of the missions identified as probable for the 1980s. By taking man into space with his instruments in the Spacelab it is believed that a high degree of mission success can be achieved with less emphasis in instrument perfection than is demanded today.

Culbertson, P. E.↗

Application of LSI to signal detection: The deltic DFPCC

The development of the DELTIC DFPCC serial mode signal processor is discussed. The processor is designed to detect in the presence of background noise a signal coded into the zero crossings of the waveform. The unique features of the DELTIC DFPCC include versatility in handling a variety of signals and relative simplicity in implementation. A theoretical performance model is presented which predicts the expected value of the output signal as a function of the input signal to noise ratio. Experimental results obtained with the prototype system, which was breadboarded with LSI, MSI and SSI components, are given. The device was compared with other LSI schemes for signal processing and it was concluded that the DELTIC DFPCC is simpler and in some cases more versatile than other systems. With established LSI technology, low frequency systems applicable to sonar and similar problems are feasible.

Gassaway, J. D.↗

Television cameras employing solid-state imaging sensors for manned spacecraft applications

The Space Shuttle television system incorporates a versatile complement of TV equipment which allows the positioning, quantity, and performance capabilities of the multiple TV cameras to vary as dictated by the particular mission. However, current TV camera technology employing glass enclosed, vacuum processed image sensors results in a bulky device that restricts its location and versatility. Problems and potential solutions that can be achieved through the employment of solid-state image sensors for both monochrome and color applications are discussed.

Embrey, B. C., Jr.↗

Biomedical technology transfer. Applications of NASA science and technology

Ongoing projects described address: (1) intracranial pressure monitoring; (2) versatile portable speech prosthesis; (3) cardiovascular magnetic measurements; (4) improved EMG biotelemetry for pediatrics; (5) ultrasonic kidney stone disintegration; (6) pediatric roentgen densitometry; (7) X-ray spatial frequency multiplexing; (8) mechanical impedance determination of bone strength; (9) visual-to-tactile mobility aid for the blind; (10) Purkinje image eyetracker and stabilized photocoalqulator; (11) neurological applications of NASA-SRI eyetracker; (12) ICU synthesized speech alarm; (13) NANOPHOR: microelectrophoresis instrument; (14) WRISTCOM: tactile communication system for the deaf-blind; (15) medical applications of NASA liquid-circulating garments; and (16) hip prosthesis with biotelemetry. Potential transfer projects include a person-portable versatile speech prosthesis, a critical care transport sytem, a clinical information system for cardiology, a programmable biofeedback orthosis for scoliosis a pediatric long-bone reconstruction, and spinal immobilization apparatus.

Harrison, D. C.↗

Imaging spectrometer technologies for advanced Earth remote sensing

A major requirement of multispectral imaging systems for advanced Earth remote sensing is the provision for greater spectral resolution and more versatile spectral band selection. The imaging spectrometer instrument concept provides this versatility by the combination of pushbroom imaging and spectrally dispersing optics using area array detectors in the focal plane. The shuttle imaging spectrometer concept achieves 10- and 20-meter ground instantaneous fields of view with 20-nanometer spectral resolution from Earth Orbit. Onboard processing allows the selection of spectral bands during flight; this, in turn, permits the sensor parameters to be tailored to the experiment objectives. Advances in optical design, infrared detector arrays, and focal plane cooling indicate the feasibility of the instrument concept and support the practicability of a validation flight experiment for the shuttle in the late 1980s.

Wellman, J. B.↗

MINIVER upgrade for the AVID system. Volume 1: LANMIN user's manual

The successful design of thermal protection systems for vehicles operating in atmosphere and near space environments requires accurate analyses of heating rate and temperature histories encountered along a trajectory. For preliminary design calculations, however, the requirement for accuracy must be tempered by the need for speed and versatility in computational tools used to determine thermal environments and structural thermal response. The MINIVER program has been found to provide the proper balance between versatility, speed and accuracy for an aerothermal prediction tool. The advancement in computer aided design concepts at Langley Research Center (LaRC) in the past few years has made it desirable to incorporate the MINIVER program into the LaRC Advanced Vehicle Integrated Design, AVID, system. In order to effectively incorporate MINIVER into the AVID system, several changes to MINIVER were made. The thermal conduction options in MINIVER were removed and a new Explicit Interactive Thermal Structures (EXITS) code was developed. Many upgrades to the MINIVER code were made and a new Langley version of MINIVER called LANMIN was created. The theoretical methods and subroutine functions used in LANMIN are described.

Engel, C. D.↗

MINIVER upgrade for the AVID system. Volume 3: EXITS user's and input guide

The successful design of thermal protection systems for vehicles operating in atmosphere and near-space environments requires accurate analyses of heating rate and temperature histories encountered along a trajectory. For preliminary design calculations, however, the requirement for accuracy must be tempered by the need for speed and versatility in computational tools used to determine thermal environments and structural thermal response. The MINIVER program was found to provide the proper balance between versatility, speed and accuracy for an aerothermal prediction tool. The advancement in computer aided design concepts at Langley Research Center (LaRC) in the past few years has made it desirable to incorporate the MINIVER program into the LaRC Advanced Vehicle Integrated Design, AVID, system. In order to effectively incorporate MINIVER into the AVID system, several changes to MINIVER were made. The thermal conduction options in MINIVER were removed and a new Explicit Interactive Thermal Structures (EXITS) code was developed. Many upgrades to the MINIVER code were made and a new Langley version of MINIVER called LANMIN was created.

Pond, J. E.↗