Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “sampling”

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 289 records · Page 16

The optimal use of segmentation for sampling calorimeters

One of the key design choices of any sampling calorimeter is how fine to make the longitudinal and transverse segmentation. Here, to inform this choice, we study the impact of calorimeter segmentation on energy reconstruction. To ensure that the trends are due entirely to hardware and not to a sub-optimal use of segmentation, we deploy deep neural networks to perform the reconstruction. These networks make use of all available information by representing the calorimeter as a point cloud. To demonstrate our approach, we simulate a detector similar to the forward calorimeter system intended for use in the ePIC detector, which will operate at the upcoming Electron Ion Collider. We find that for the energy estimation of isolated charged pion showers, relatively fine longitudinal segmentation is key to achieving an energy resolution that is better than 10% across the full phase space. These results provide a valuable benchmark for ongoing EIC detector optimizations and may also inform future studies involving high-granularity calorimeters in other experiments at various facilities.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Atmospheric parameters and chemical abundances within 100 pc: a sample of G, K, and M main-sequence stars

ABSTRACT To date, we have access to enormous inventories of stellar spectra that allow the extraction of atmospheric parameters and chemical abundances essential in stellar studies. However, characterizing such a large amount of data is complex and requires a good understanding of the studied object to ensure reliable and homogeneous results. In this study, we present a methodology to measure homogenously the basic atmospheric parameters and detailed chemical abundances of over 1600 thin disc main-sequence stars in the 100 pc solar neighbourhood, using APOGEE-2 infrared spectra. We employed the code tonalli to determine the atmospheric parameters using a prior on $\log {g}$. The $\log {g}$ prior in tonalli implies an understanding of the treated population and helps to find physically coherent answers. Our atmospheric parameters agree within the typical uncertainties (100 K in $\mathrm{T_{eff}}$, 0.15 dex in $\log {g}$ and [M/H]) with previous estimations of ASPCAP and Gaia DR3. We use our temperatures to determine a new infrared colour–temperature sequence, in good agreement with previous works, that can be used for any main-sequence star. Additionally, we used the bacchus code to determine the abundances of Mg, Al, Si, Ca, and Fe in our sample. The five elements (Mg, Al, Si, Ca, Fe) studied have an abundance distribution centred around slightly subsolar values in agreement with previous results for the solar neighbourhood. The over 1600 main-sequence stars’ atmospheric parameters and chemical abundances presented here are useful in follow-up studies of the solar neighbourhood or as a training set for data-driven methods.

López-Valdivia, Ricardo (ORCID:0000000277950018)↗

Constraints on compact objects from the Dark Energy Survey 5-yr supernova sample

ABSTRACT Gravitational lensing magnification of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) allows information to be obtained about the distribution of matter on small scales. In this paper, we derive limits on the fraction $\alpha$ of the total matter density in compact objects (which comprise stars, stellar remnants, small stellar groupings, and primordial black holes) of mass M > 0.03 ${\rm M}_{\odot }$ over cosmological distances. Using 1532 SNe Ia from the Dark Energy Survey Year 5 sample (DES-SN5YR) combined with a Bayesian prior for the absolute magnitude M, we obtain α < 0.12 at the 95 per cent confidence level after marginalization over cosmological parameters, lensing due to large-scale structure, and intrinsic non-Gaussianity. Similar results are obtained using priors from the cosmic microwave background, baryon acoustic oscillations, and galaxy weak lensing, indicating our results do not depend on the background cosmology. We argue our constraints are likely to be conservative (in the sense of the values we quote being higher than the truth), but discuss scenarios in which they could be weakened by systematics of the order of $\Delta \alpha \sim 0.04$.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

It is not σ 8 : constraining the non-linear matter power spectrum with the Dark Energy Survey Year-5 supernova sample

The weak gravitational lensing magnification of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) is sensitive to the matter power spectrum on scales $k\gt 1 h$ Mpc$^{-1}$, making it unwise to interpret SNe Ia lensing in terms of power on linear scales. We compute the probability density function of SNe Ia magnification as a function of standard cosmological parameters, plus an empirical parameter $A_{\rm mod}$ which describes the suppression or enhancement of matter power on non-linear scales compared to a cold dark matter only model. While baryons are expected to enhance power on the scales relevant to SN Ia lensing, other physics such as neutrino masses or non-standard dark matter may suppress power. Using the Dark Energy Survey Year-5 sample, we find $A_{\rm mod} = 0.77^{+0.69}_{-0.40}$ (68 per cent credible interval around the median). Although the median is consistent with unity there are hints of power suppression, with $A_{\rm mod} \lt 1.09$ at 68 per cent credibility.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Optimizing infrasound observations for sample return capsule re-entry: Insights from OSIRIS-REx and Hayabusa2

The atmospheric entry of meteoroids presents a rare and unpredictable phenomenon, posing challenges for systematic observation and detailed characterization. Such events are nonetheless critical for advancing understanding of acoustic wave propagation, atmospheric structure, and entry dynamics. In contrast, sample return capsules (SRCs) from space missions follow well constrained re-entry trajectories, enabling planned observations of shock wave generation and propagation under controlled conditions. This study compares two SRC atmospheric entries, Hayabusa2 in 2020 and OSIRIS-REx in 2023, to assess how different infrasound array configurations influence shock wave detection and trajectory validation. Hayabusa2’s re-entry was monitored using a distributed network of 28 portable infrasound sensors across seven arrays in Woomera, Australia, permitting three-dimensional reconstruction of the trajectory and analysis of wave characteristics. For OSIRIS-REx, a compact four-sensor array deployed near Eureka Airport provided trajectory confirmation through arrival-time differences and back-azimuth estimates. Spectral and waveform analyses revealed differences in signal properties associated with variations in entry angle and velocity. The results illustrate both the strengths and the limitations of the deployed array configurations. The dense and distributed arrays during Hayabusa2’s re-entry enabled detailed trajectory reconstruction, whereas the compact array at Eureka primarily provided confirmation of signal coherence and back-azimuth consistency. These case studies highlight that even relatively small arrays, if located close to the predicted ground track, can still capture useful information on arrival direction and timing. Such insights provide practical guidance for planning future observational campaigns of SRC returns and other controlled atmospheric entries, and may also inform approaches to opportunistic observations of meteoroid events and other atmospheric acoustic phenomena.

celestial mechanics: orbit determination↗

Genomic reconstruction of Bacillus anthracis from complex environmental samples enables high-throughput identification and lineage assignment in Pakistan

Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, is a highly virulent zoonotic pathogen primarily affecting domesticated and wild herbivores. Human exposure to B. anthracis is primarily through contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. In Pakistan, where livestock vaccines are largely unavailable and infected carcasses are often disposed of improperly, the risk to humans, wildlife and livestock is significant. Currently, the diagnosis of anthrax infections and outbreak tracing necessitates the isolation and culturing of B. anthracis, a process that requires BSL-3 facilities. In this study, we show that positive identification, genome reconstruction and lineage assignment can be accomplished using bioinformatic analysis of DNA extracted directly from environmental samples that would otherwise provide the starting material for isolation and culturing. This approach does not require laboratory target enrichment as is necessary for other pathogens, due in part to the extremely high bacterial load in the bloodstream in the deceased animals. Using these methods, we greatly expand the knowledge of endemic B. anthracis in Pakistan. We provide the first reference B. anthracis genomes from Pakistan since the 1970s and identify A.Br.014 Aust94 as a minor circulating sublineage alongside the dominant A.Br.047 Vollum. Future work will focus on the limits of detection and will determine if this bioinformatic method can be expanded more broadly for B. anthracis or other pathogens to replace typical culture-based methods.

A.Br.047 Vollum↗

Sampling off-axis neutrino fluxes with the short-baseline near detector

The short-baseline near detector (SBND), the near detector in the short-baseline neutrino program at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, is located just 110 m from the booster neutrino beam target. Thanks to this close proximity, relative to its 4 m × 4 m front face, neutrinos enter SBND over a range of angles from 0° to approximately 1.6°, enabling the detector to sample variations in the neutrino flux as a function of the angle—a technique known as precision reaction-independent spectrum measurement (PRISM), referred to here as SBND-PRISM. In this paper, we show how muon- and electron-neutrino fluxes vary as a function of the neutrino beam axis angle and how this can be exploited to expand the physics potential of SBND. We make use of a model that predicts an angle-dependent electron-neutrino excess signal to illustrate this effect, such as 𝜈 𝜇 → 𝜈 𝑒 oscillations. We present how SBND-PRISM provides a method to add robustness against uncertainties in cross-section modeling and, more generally, uncertainties that do not depend on the spatial position of neutrino interaction inside the detector. The fluxes, along with their associated covariance matrices, are made publicly available with this publication.

Abratenko, P. [Tufts University]↗

First Measurement of Z Opacity Sample Evolution near Solar Interior Conditions Using Time-Resolved Spectroscopy

Opacity model differences with Fe opacity measurements at high temperature (T>1⁢8⁢0 eV ) and high electron density (𝑛 𝑒 >3×10 22 cm −3 ) at nearly solar interior conditions have remained unresolved [Bailey et al., Nature 517, 56 (2015) and Nagayama et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 122, 235001 (2019)]. Systematic errors from temporal gradients are one hypothesis for the discrepancy. Past data recorded on x-ray film provided spectral measurements over a time determined by the 2.8-ns backlighter duration. Here, we present the first measurements of opacity sample temporal evolution using novel hCMOS ultrafast x-ray camera technology. The measured conditions, measured backlighter time history, and modeled opacities are used to show that temporal gradients do not resolve the model-data discrepancy. The methods demonstrated provide potential advantages, including opacities at more extreme conditions, spectral line shift measurements, and improved measurements at other facilities.

atomic spectra↗

Average Rényi entanglement entropy in Gaussian boson sampling

Recently, many experiments have been conducted with the goal of demonstrating a quantum advantage over classical computation. One popular framework for these experiments is Gaussian boson sampling, where quadratic photonic input states are interfered via a linear optical unitary and subsequently measured in the Fock basis. In this paper, we study the modal entanglement of the output states in this framework just before the measurement stage. Specifically, we compute Page curves as measured by various Rényi- α entropies, where the Page curve describes the entanglement between two partitioned groups of output modes averaged over all linear optical unitaries. We derive these formulas for α = 1 (i.e., the von Neumann entropy) and, more generally, for all positive integer α , in the asymptotic limit of infinite number of modes and for input states that are composed of single-mode-squeezed-vacuum state with equal squeezing strength. We then analyze the limiting behaviors when the squeezing is small and large. Having determined the averages, we then explicitly calculate the Rényi- α variance for integers α > 1 and are able to show that these entropies are weakly typical. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

Youm, Jason (ORCID:0009000057597782)↗

Effect of Nonunital Noise on Random-Circuit Sampling

In this work, drawing inspiration from the type of noise present in real hardware, we study the output distribution of random quantum circuits under practical nonunital noise sources with constant noise rates. We show that even in the presence of unital sources such as the depolarizing channel, the distribution, under the combined noise channel, never resembles a maximally entropic distribution at any depth. To show this, we prove that the output distribution of such circuits never anticoncentrates—meaning that it is never too “flat”—regardless of the depth of the circuit. This is in stark contrast to the behavior of noiseless random quantum circuits or those with only unital noise, both of which anticoncentrate at sufficiently large depths. As a consequence, our results shows that the complexity of random-circuit sampling under realistic noise is still an open question, since anticoncentration is a critical property exploited by both state-of-the-art classical hardness and easiness results. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Physics↗

Comparison of theory with the experimental characterization of the spatial frequency response of interferometers using a binary pseudo-random array sample

Experimental evaluations of the surface height response of an interference microscope using a binary pseudo-random array test sample are compared with a theory based on a Fourier optics model. Measurements of key instrument characteristics, including the illumination, imaging, and obscuring apertures of three different Mirau objectives, support the theoretical calculations. Agreement between experimental and theoretical modeling confirms the predictability of the spatial frequency response for the purpose of specification and optimization of instrument configuration for specific metrology tasks. The results also provide confidence in methods of compensating for the decrease in instrument response with spatial frequency.

Calibration↗

Variational Path Sampling of Rare Dynamical Events

This article reviews the concepts and methods of variational path sampling. These methods allow computational studies of rare events in systems driven arbitrarily far from equilibrium. Based upon a statistical mechanics of trajectory space and leveraging the theory of large deviations, they provide a perspective from which dynamical phenomena can be studied with the same types of ensemble reweighting ideas that have been used for static equilibrium properties. Applications to chemical, material, and biophysical systems are highlighted.

Singh, Aditya N↗

Hybrid-BPR (Bayesian Personalized Ranking with Feature Embeddings and Explicit Negative Sampling) [SWR-26-039]

Hybrid-BPR is a Python library for Bayesian Personalized Ranking (BPR) with two key capabilities that go beyond standard BPR implementations: 1. User and item feature embeddings - incorporate content-based signals (genres, tags, metadata) alongside collaborative filtering. 2. Implicit negative interactions - use observed non-interactions (e.g. viewed-but-not-clicked) as negative training signal instead of random sampling from the full item space. The software is built for recommender systems research with MLflow experiment tracking, parallel hyperparameter sweeps, and standard ranking metrics.

Sandhu, Rimple [National Laboratory of the Rockies↗

Electro-optic sampling of classical and quantum light

Full characterization of electric-field waveforms in amplitude and phase is achieved across the terahertz to visible spectral range through interaction with an optical pulse shorter than a half-cycle period via the Pockels (linear electro-optic) effect. This technique of electro-optic sampling has become an indispensable tool in various areas, including ultrafast pump-probe, time-domain and frequency-comb spectroscopies, quantum optics, high-harmonic generation, and attosecond science, and holds great promise for further advances. Not only does it enable spectroscopic measurements with record dynamic range and temporal resolution, along with massively parallel real-time spectral data acquisition, but its remarkable sensitivity also allows the detection of vacuum fluctuations, i.e., “zero-point motion” of electric fields, profoundly impacting our understanding of the fundamental laws of nature.

Benea-Chelmus, Ileana-Cristina (ORCID:000000024814↗

High resolution characterization of soil dissolved organic matter with FTICR-MS (Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry) from soil samples in control and warming plots in Blodgett Forest, CA (2014 and 2018)

The pathways of carbon transport and loss through and from soils—soil organic matter (SOM) depolymerization to dissolved organic carbon and mineralization to carbon dioxide (CO2)—are fundamentally driven by microbial activity, which is strongly regulated by environmental conditions. As part of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) Terrestrial Ecosystem Science (TES) Belowground Biogeochemistry Science Focus Area (SFA), we have established a novel whole-soil long-term warming experiment at the University of California (UC) Blodgett Forest Research Station (Sierra Nevada) in 2014, where we study the role of biogeochemical, microbial and geochemical process interactions in SOM decomposition and stabilization.This package contains Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (21 Tesla FTICR-MS) data measured in negative and positive ionization mode from water and methanol soil extracts. Soil samples were collected in 2014/06/03 and 2018/06/04 from 3 replicated paired plots that had been subjected to experimental warming since June 2014 to simulate a predicted climate change scenario for northern California. The following files are included: (1) fticr_neg_h2oMeoh_data_raw.csv: raw data from combined water (H2O) and methanol (MeOH) extracts in negative ion mode, (2) fticr_neg_h2oMeoh_data_processed.csv: processed data from combined water (H2O) and methanol (MeOH) extracts in negative ion mode, (3) fticr_neg_metadata.csv: metadata for samples/measurements in negative ion mode, (4) fticr_pos_h2oMeoh_data_raw.csv: raw data from combined water (H2O) and methanol (MeOH) extracts in positive ion mode, (5) fticr_pos_h2oMeoh_data_processed.csv: processed data from combined water (H2O) and methanol (MeOH) extracts in positive ion mode, (6) fticr_pos_metadata.csv: metadata for samples/measurements in positive ion mode.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Along-Trajectory Acoustic Signal Variations Observed During the Hypersonic Re-Entry of the OSIRIS-REx Sample Return Capsule

The re-entry of the Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security-Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) sample return capsule (SRC) on 24 September 2023 presented a rare opportunity to study atmospheric entry dynamics through a dense network of ground-based infrasound sensors. As the first interplanetary capsule to re-enter over the United States since Stardust in 2006, this event allowed for unprecedented observations of infrasound signals generated during hypersonic descent. We deployed 39 single-sensor stations across Nevada and Utah, strategically distributed to capture signals from distinct trajectory points. Infrasound data were analyzed to examine how signal amplitude and period vary with altitude and propagation path for a nonablating hypersonic object with well-defined physical and aerodynamic properties. Raytracing simulations incorporated atmospheric specifications from the ground-2-space model to estimate source altitudes for observed signals. Results confirmed ballistic arrivals at all stations, with source altitudes ranging from 44 to 62 km along the trajectory. Signal period and amplitude exhibited strong dependence on source altitude, with higher altitudes corresponding to lower amplitudes, longer periods, and reduced high-frequency content. Regression analysis demonstrated strong correlations between signal characteristics and both altitude and propagation geometry. Our results suggest, when attenuation is considered, the amplitude is primarily determined by the source, with the propagation path playing a secondary role over the distances examined. These findings emphasize the utility of controlled SRC re-entries for advancing our understanding of natural meteoroid dynamics, refining atmospheric entry models, and improving methodologies for planetary defense. The OSIRIS-REx SRC campaign represents the most comprehensive infrasound study of a hypersonic re-entry to date, showcasing the potential of coordinated geophysical observational networks for high-energy atmospheric phenomena, including space debris re-entries.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗