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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 289 records · Page 16
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Time-Resolved Hanbury Brown–Twiss Interferometry of On-Chip Biphoton Frequency Combs Using Vernier Phase Modulation

Biphoton frequency combs (BFCs) are promising quantum sources for large-scale and high-dimensional quantum information and networking systems. In this context, the spectral purity of individual frequency bins will be critical for realizing quantum networking protocols like teleportation and entanglement swapping. Measurement of the temporal autocorrelation function of the unheralded signal or idler photons comprising the BFC is a key tool for characterizing their spectral purity and in turn verifying the utility of the biphoton state for networking protocols. Yet the experimentally obtainable precision for measuring BFC correlation functions is often severely limited by detector jitter. The fine temporal features in the correlation function—not only of practical value in quantum information, but also of fundamental interest in the study of quantum optics—are lost as a result. We propose a scheme to circumvent this challenge through electro-optic phase modulation, experimentally demonstrating time-resolved Hanbury Brown–Twiss characterization of BFCs generated from an integrated 40.5-GHz Si 3 N 4 microring, up to a 3×3-dimensional two-qutrit Hilbert space. Through slight detuning of the electro-optic drive frequency from the comb’s free spectral range, our approach leverages Vernier principles to magnify temporal features, which would otherwise be averaged out by detector jitter. We demonstrate our approach under both continuous-wave and pulsed-pumping regimes, finding excellent agreement with theory. In conclusion, our method reveals not only the collective statistics of the contributing frequency bins but also their temporal shapes—features lost in standard fully integrated autocorrelation measurements.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2024

Digitization and subduction of S U ( N ) gauge theories

The simulation of lattice gauge theories on quantum computers necessitates digitizing gauge fields. One approach involves substituting the continuous gauge group with a discrete subgroup, but the implications of this approximation still need to be clarified. To gain insights, we investigate the subduction of S U ( 2 ) and S U ( 3 ) to discrete crystal-like subgroups. Using classical lattice calculations, we show that subduction offers valuable information based on subduced direct sums, helping us identify additional terms to incorporate into the lattice action that can mitigate the effects of digitization. Furthermore, we compute the static potentials of all irreducible representations of Σ ( 360 × 3 ) at a fixed lattice spacing. Our results reveal a percent-level agreement with the Casimir scaling of S U ( 3 ) for irreducible representations that subduce to a single Σ ( 360 × 3 ) irreducible representation. This provides a diagnostic measure of approximation quality, as some irreducible representations closely match the expected results while others exhibit significant deviations. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2021

PSF Estimation in Crowded Astronomical Imagery as a Convolutional Dictionary Learning Problem

In this paper, we present a new algorithm for estimating the Point Spread Function (PSF) in wide-field astronomical images with extreme source crowding. Robust and accurate PSF estimation in crowded astronomical images dramatically improves the fidelity of astrometric and photometric measurements extracted from wide-field sky monitoring imagery. Our radically new approach utilizes convolutional sparse representations to model the continuous functions involved in the image formation. This approach avoids the need to detect and precisely localize individual point sources that is shared by existing methods. In experiments involving simulated astronomical imagery, it significantly outperforms the recent alternative method with which it is compared.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Al Substitution for Mn during Co-Precipitation Boosts the Electrochemical Performance of LiNi 0.8 Mn 0.1 Co 0.1 O 2

We report nickel-rich layered oxides, such as LiNi 0.8 Mn 0.1 Co 0.1 O 2 (NMC 811), are considered as one of the most promising candidates for the next-generation cathode because of their high energy densities and relatively low cost. However, the poor first Coulombic efficiency of NMC 811 leads to around a 15% capacity loss in the first cycle at a cut-off voltage of 4.4 V. Moreover, the structure degradation during cycling results in capacity fading and safety concerns, due to potential oxygen loss after charging. Here, with aluminum substitution for manganese through a developed continuous co-precipitation approach, the electrochemical performance of NMC 811 cathodes has been greatly enhanced. Among different Al% substituted samples, LiNi 0.8 Mn 0.06 Co 0.1 Al 0.04 O 2 cathodes reduced by 50% the first capacity loss of pristine NMC 811(18.0 vs 35.9 mAh g -1 ) and improved the capacity retention from 81.4 to 96.4% after 60 cycles at 0.5C in the voltage range of 2.8–4.4 V.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Tailoring optical response of MXene thin films

Due to their attractive optical properties, 2D MXenes have garnered interest in nanophotonic and optoelectronic applications. However, tuning their properties typically requires the iterative synthesis of MXenes with a specific set of properties, such as the absorption band position, electronic conductivity, and dielectric constant. We demonstrate how to tailor the optical properties of MXene thin films over a broad 1500-nm wavelength range by mixing different ratios of highly conductive Ti 3 C 2 T x with poorly conductive Nb 2 CT x . By changing the MXene film composition, the epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) point, where the optical properties transit from dielectric to metallic, was varied in the spectral range from 1.1 to 2.6 µm. Additionally, we observed a reduction in absorption in some compositions compared to the absorption of the pure MXene films. Compared to other methods, this approach enables simple and continual tuning of MXene optical properties without requiring multiple time-consuming synthesis steps.

2D materials↗
DOE OSTI2021

Assessment of Electrode Contamination Mitigation at 0.5 MA Scale

The Z Machine at Sandia National Laboratories uses current pulses with peaks up to 27 MA to drive target implosions and generate high energy density conditions of interest for stockpile stewardship programs pertinent to the NNSA program portfolio . Physical processes in the region near the Z Machine target create electrode plasmas which seed parasitic current loss that reduce the performance and output of a Z experiment. Electrode surface contaminants (hydrogen, water, hydrocarbons) are thought to be the primary constituent of electrode plasmas which contribute to loss mechanisms. The Sandia team explore d in situ heating and plasma discharge techniques by integrating requisite infrastructure into Sandia's Mykonos LTD accelerator, addressing potential impacts to accelerator operation, and reporting on the impact of these techniques on electrode plasma formation and shot performance. The in situ discharge cleaning utilizes the electrodes of the accelerator to excite an argon-oxygen plasma to sputter and chemically react contaminants from electrode surfaces. Insulating breaks are required to isolate the plasma in electrode regions where loss processes are most likely to occur. The shots on Mykonos validate that these breaks do not perturb experiment performance, reducing the uncertainty on the largest unknown about the in situ cleaning system. Preliminary observations with electrical and optical diagnostics suggest that electrode plasma formation is delayed, and overall inventory has been substantively reduced. In situ heating embeds cartridge heaters into accelerator electrodes and employs a thermal bakeout to rapidly desorb contaminants from electrode surfaces. For the first time, additively manufactured (AM) electrode assemblies were used on a low impedance accelerator to integrate cooling channels and manage thermal gradients. Challenges with poor supplier fabrication to specifications, load alignment, thermal expansion and hardware movement and warpage appears to have introduced large variability in observed loss, though, preventing strong assertions of loss reduction via in situ heating. At this time, an in situ discharge cleaning process offers the lowest risk path to reduce electrode contaminant inventories on Z, though we recommend continuing to develop both approaches. Additional engineering and testing are required to improve the implementation of both systems. .

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Fitting $\overline{\nu}$ for minor Pu isotopes

After successful fitting of prompt $\overline{\nu}$ for 235 U, 238 U, and 239 Pu(n,f) using CGMF, we will move on to the minor plutonium isotopes. Minor isotopes pose a greater challenge both because there is less data available and we do not, by default, have parametrizations in CGMF already. To mitigate these challenges— and provide consistency within CGMF—we will take a stepped approach to the optimization. Continuing from the 239 Pu work, we will then fit 241 Pu(n,f) $\overline{\nu}$, where there is also a number of experimental measurements, keeping consistency between the parameters that are included in the calculation for 239 Pu and 241 Pu. With these parametrizations settled, we can consistently optimize 240 Pu(n,f) $\overline{\nu}$. Following that step, we will move on to 242 Pu(n,f) (and increasing neutron number) and 238 Pu(n,f) (and decreasing neutron number). By including the fissioning systems in this manner, we should be able to minimize the unknown parameters in CGMF. We will possibly also be able to develop systematics for the CGMF input parameters along the Pu isotopic chain. This work can serve as a guide to broadening the reactions available in CGMF. In this short report, we first give an example of how we have updated CGMF to include 240 Pu(n,f) and 242 Pu(n,f), keeping consistency with the current 239 Pu and 241 Pu calculations, but without rigorous optimization (Sec. 2). Then, we will shown in Section 3 what experimental data exist for the various isotopes to provide some insight into why 241 Pu and 239 Pu are used as anchor points.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Fitting $\overline{ν}$ for Minor Pu Isotopes

After successful fitting of prompt ν for 235 U, 238 U, and 239 Pu(n,f) using CGMF, we have moved on to the minor plutonium isotopes. Minor isotopes pose a greater challenge both because there is less data available and we do not, by default, have parametrizations in CGMF already. Initially, we had planned to mitigate these challenges—and provide consistency within CGMF—by taking a stepped approach to the optimization. Continuing from the 239 Pu work, we would then fit 241Pu(n,f) $\overline{ν}$, where there is also a number of experimental measurements, keeping consistency between the parameters that are included in the calculation for 239 Pu and 241 Pu. With these parametrizations settled, we could consistently optimize 240 Pu(n,f) $\overline{ν}$. Following that step, we would move on to 242 Pu(n,f) (and increasing neutron number) and 238 Pu(n,f) (and decreasing neutron number). By including the fissioning systems in this manner, we should be able to minimize the unknown parameters in CGMF. We were also able to develop systematics for the CGMF input parameters along the Pu isotopic chain. However, after studies in the beginning of FY23, where we found reasonable agreement between CGMF and experimental prompt neutron multiplicities for 238−242 Pu, using a compound mass dependent parametrization from, and from discussions with I. Stetcu and P. Talou, we instead performed the evaluation of all five isotopes simultaneously. For all parameters in CGMF, they are either the same for each compound nucleus, or have a dependence on the compound mass. The details of these updates are given in. This report builds upon those details. In this short report, we first give an example of how we have updated CGMF to include 240 Pu(n,f) and 242 Pu(n,f), keeping consistency with the current 239 Pu and 241 Pu calculations, but without rigorous optimization (Sec. 2). Then, we will show in Section 3 what experimental data exist for the various isotopes to provide some insight into why 241 Pu and 239 Pu are used as anchor points. The evaluation is detailed in Section 4, and the comparison between CGMF calculations using the evaluated parameters and other prompt observables besides average neutron multiplicity are discussed in Section 2.2. Finally, we present conclusions and future work in Section 5.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Zero Trust Strategies for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Detection Systems: D.1 Cyber Scenarios

The evolving landscape of cybersecurity necessitates a paradigm shift to a Zero Trust (ZT) model, which assumes breaches and continuously verifies trust. This approach reshapes how trust boundaries are established, focusing on identities, devices, networks, applications, and data, rather than solely relying on perimeter defenses such as firewalls. Central to this transformation is the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) Special Publication 800-207, outlining the Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA), along with Executive Order 14028, which mandates federal agencies to adopt ZT principles. Complementary to these efforts, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) developed the Zero Trust Maturity Model (ZTMM), providing a framework with five pillars and three cross-cutting capabilities to guide agencies toward enhanced cybersecurity maturity. In support of these initiatives, the DHS Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD) is applying ZT principles to secure Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) detection systems. Recognizing the diverse deployment models and network connectivity of these systems—from stationary, non-networked units to mobile, cloud-connected devices—the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is developing cybersecurity scenarios specifically for CBRN environments. These scenarios examine various configurations and technological capabilities, offering insights into the application of ZTMM pillars in enhancing the security postures of CBRN devices. The cybersecurity scenarios presented by PNNL are hypothetical, crafted to explore theoretical situations and stimulate discussion on the potential use or compromise of CBRN detection systems in varied contexts. These narratives are illustrative and do not reference any real events or actual networks. Instead, they employ generalized reference models to highlight concepts and potential issues within CBRN security, focusing on how Zero Trust strategies can be adapted to address these challenges effectively.

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗
DOE OSTI2022

Determining critical points to control electric lighting to meet circadian lighting requirements and minimize energy use

Designing electric lighting systems to meet circadian lighting requirements may raise light levels and consequently energy use compared to existing practices. To reduce energy use, electric lighting can be controlled to be dimmed or turned off when sufficient daylight levels are available in space. This requires input from one or a few critical measurement points. However, it is unclear how critical points can be determined to ensure that all occupants receive the needed light levels while reducing electric lighting energy. This paper discusses three approaches for selecting critical points and utilizes annual daylight simulations modified to account for sky spectra, and coupled with spectral electric lighting simulations. Among the three evaluated approaches, the use of continuous daylight autonomy (modified to use EML measured at eye positions) is helpful for estimating electric lighting energy for dimmable electric lighting systems, and for identifying energy-saving strategies.

Abboushi, Belal K.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Toward a Generalizable Framework of Disturbance Ecology Through Crowdsourced Science

Disturbances fundamentally alter ecosystem functions, yet predicting their impacts remains a key scientific challenge. While the study of disturbances is ubiquitous across many ecological disciplines, there is no agreed-upon, cross-disciplinary foundation for discussing or quantifying the complexity of disturbances, and no consistent terminology or methodologies exist. This inconsistency presents an increasingly urgent challenge due to accelerating global change and the threat of interacting disturbances that can destabilize ecosystem responses. By harvesting the expertise of an interdisciplinary cohort of contributors spanning 42 institutions across 15 countries, we identified an essential limitation in disturbance ecology: the word ‘disturbance’ is used interchangeably to refer to both the events that cause, and the consequences of, ecological change, despite fundamental distinctions between the two meanings. In response, we developed a generalizable framework of ecosystem disturbances, providing a well-defined lexicon for understanding disturbances across perspectives and scales. The framework results from ideas that resonate across multiple scientific disciplines and provides a baseline standard to compare disturbances across fields. This framework can be supplemented by discipline-specific variables to provide maximum benefit to both inter- and intra-disciplinary research. To support future syntheses and meta-analyses of disturbance research, we also encourage researchers to be explicit in how they define disturbance drivers and impacts, and we recommend minimum reporting standards that are applicable regardless of scale. Finally, we discuss the primary factors we considered when developing a baseline framework and propose four future directions to advance our interdisciplinary understanding of disturbances and their social-ecological impacts: integrating across ecological scales, understanding disturbance interactions, establishing baselines and trajectories, and developing process-based models and ecological forecasting initiatives. Our experience through this process motivates us to encourage the wider scientific community to continue to explore new approaches for leveraging Open Science principles in generating creative and multidisciplinary ideas.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Logarithm-Based Methods for Interpolating Quaternion Time Series

In this paper, we discuss a modified quaternion interpolation method based on interpolations performed on the logarithmic form. This builds on prior work that demonstrated this approach maintains C 2 continuity for prescriptive rotation. However, we develop and extend this method to descriptive interpolation, i.e., interpolating an arbitrary quaternion time series. To accomplish this, we provide a robust method of taking the logarithm of a quaternion time series such that the variables $\theta$ and $\hat{n}$ have a consistent and continuous axis-angle representation. We then demonstrate how logarithmic quaternion interpolation out-performs Renormalized Quaternion Bezier interpolation by orders of magnitude.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2022

Developing a Decision Support System for Regional Agricultural Nonpoint Salinity Pollution Management: Application to the San Joaquin River, California

Environmental problems and production losses associated with irrigated agriculture, such as salinity, degradation of receiving waters, such as rivers, and deep percolation of saline water to aquifers, highlight water-quality concerns that require a paradigm shift in resource-management policy. New tools are needed to assist environmental managers in developing sustainable solutions to these problems, given the nonpoint source nature of salt loads to surface water and groundwater from irrigated agriculture. Equity issues arise in distributing responsibility and costs to the generators of this source of pollution. This paper describes an alternative approach to salt regulation and control using the concept of “Real-Time Water Quality management”. The approach relies on a continually updateable WARMF (Watershed Analysis Risk Management Framework) forecasting model to provide daily estimates of salt load assimilative capacity in the San Joaquin River and assessments of compliance with salinity concentration objectives at key monitoring sites on the river. The results of the study showed that the policy combination of well-crafted river salinity objectives by the regulator and the application of an easy-to use and maintain decision support tool by stakeholders have succeeded in minimizing water quality (salinity) exceedances over a 20-year study period.

real-time management economics↗
NASA NTRS1973

Transonic flow past lifting wings.

Work conducted by Norstrud (1971) has been extended to lifting flows with the inclusion of embedded continuous supercritical regions. The approach taken follows some fundamental steps proposed for two-dimensional flows by Oswatitsch (1950). The governing integral equation is replaced by a system of nonlinear algebraic equations. The method of parametric differentiation is applied to the solution of this system of equations. The analytical analysis is discussed together with a numerical analysis in the case of a wing configuration with arbitrary thickness distribution.

Norstrud, H.↗
NASA NTRS1978

An orbital service module systems concept

An Orbital Service Module (OSM) system represents a concept for an evolutionary program that will provide utilities services such as electrical power, heat rejection, attitude control, and communications to support payload operations in both Shuttle-tended and untended (free-flyer) modes. The initial program step is a Space Transportation System (STS) power extension package (a solar array system carried by the Orbiter and deployed by the remote manipulator system). The power extension package (PEP) develops the major components of the more sophisticated OSM vehicles. Major objectives of such an approach are (1) the continuous matching of a capability to meet real needs while avoiding the pitfalls usually associated with the uncertainties inherent in long-range prediction of future requirements, and (2) the economies attendant with program continuity and hardware commonality. The initial Orbiter-carried PEP and several later OSM system growth options are discussed.

Craig, J. W.↗
NASA NTRS1980

A new method of efficient heat transfer and storage at very high temperatures

A unique, high temperature (1000-2000 K) continuously operating capacitive heat exchanger system is described. The system transfers heat from a combustion or solar furnace to a working gas by means of a circulating high temperature molten refractory. A uniform aggregate of beads of a glass-like refractory is injected into the furnace volume. The aggregate is melted and piped to a heat exchanger where it is sprayed through a counter-flowing, high pressure working gas. The refractory droplets transfer their heat to the gas, undergoing a phase change into the solid bead state. The resulting high temperature gas is used to drive a suitable high efficiency heat engine. The solidified refractory beads are delivered back to the furnace and melted to continue the cycle. This approach avoids the important temperature limitations of conventional tube-type heat exchangers, giving rise to the potential of converting heat energy into useful work at considerably higher efficiencies than currently attainable and of storing energy at high thermodynamic potential.

Shaw, D.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Education and training of personnel in space simulation

The training program and procedures developed and implemented at the space simulation laboratory at Martin Marietta Aerospace in Denver are discussed. The training of technicians and professionals as well as preparation for instructors is covered. Training manuals and their compilation are reported as applicable to the specific needs of the laboratory. The development of a space simulation course as part of the Martin Marietta Continuing Education Night School approaching space simulation from an academic viewpoint is presented. Finally, public relations tours of the facility as an informational/educational tool are discussed.

Rempt, R. D.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Interaction of a cumulus cloud ensemble with the large-scale environment. III - Semi-prognostic test of the Arakawa-Schubert cumulus parameterization

The verification of the Arakawa and Schubert (1974) cumulus parameterization is continued using a semiprognostic approach. Observed data from Phase III of GATE are used to provide estimates of the large-scale forcing of a cumulus ensemble at each observation time. Instantaneous values of the precipitation and the warming and drying due to cumulus convection are calculated using the parameterization. The results show that the calculated precipitation agrees very well with estimates from the observed large-scale moisture budget and from radar observations. The calculated vertical profiles of cumulus warming and drying also are quite similar to the observed. It is shown that the closure assumption adopted in the parameterization (the cloud-work function quasi-equilibrium) results in errors of generally less than 10% in the calculated precipitation. The sensitivity of the parameterization to some assumptions of the cloud ensemble model and the solution method for the cloud-base mass flux is investigated.

Lord, S. J.↗