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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 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Snowmass'21 Accelerator Frontier

The Particle Physics Community Planning Exercise (a.k.a. “Snowmass”) is the form of organization of regular, every 6 to 8 years, discussions among the entire particle physics community to develop a scientifc vision for the future of particle physics in the U.S. and its international partners. The Snowmass’21 Accelerator Frontier activities include discussions on high-energy hadron and lepton colliders, high-intensity beams for neutrino research and for the “Physics Beyond Colliders”, accelerator technologies, science, education and outreach as well as the progress of core accelerator technology, including RF, magnets, targets and sources.

Gourlay, Stephen Alan↗
DOE OSTI2024

Methods for ultraviolet excitation microscopy of biological surfaces

Microscopy with Ultraviolet Surface Excitation (MUSE) for use in the classroom to enhance life sciences education and curricula, or for other applications, including without limtiation the operating room, other medical environments, research environments, and low resource environments. MUSE's suitability is based on multiple key factors including its simplicity of use, the incorporation of inexpensive hardware including LED illumination, and very basic tissue preparation. The ultraviolet excitation acts as passive optical sectioning confining the generated fluorescence signal to only a few micrometers below the tissue surface thus eliminating the out of focus signals. This facilitates image capture of tissue microstructure and organization from specimens at the intact or sliced surface arising from varying fluorophore concentration within the different cellular compartments. Although just the tissue auto fluorescence maybe used, image quality is enhanced with brief application of nontoxic fluorescent dyes to selectively highlight cellular compartments. Sample preparation is safe, efficient and familiar to students with basic chemistry or biology lab experience. Mixed-dye powders may be used to simplify translation of this method for educational, medical, research, low resource, and other settings.

Demos, Stavros G.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Leadership at Interfaces: Capitalizing on the "Gaps" in Science, Technology and Education [Slides]

Leadership in the scientific enterprise is most commonly exemplified by those who commandeer major discoveries and critical breakthroughs that expand boundaries, naturally underpinning a competitive spirit among peers in the field. However, many other leadership opportunities exist at the interfaces of such boundaries - as well as at the interfaces of scientific disciplines, classes of professions and across generations - and may enable alternative guiding philosophies that are intrinsically less prone to competition and saturation, and perhaps appreciation. This presentation features a personal reflection of scientific and leadership philosophies that were intentionally manifested at, and by, irreplaceable interfaces of human creativity. Reaction engineering, an increasingly vanishing discipline within chemical engineering, is emphasized as a manifestation of interfacial leadership and serves as a vehicle to trace pivotal career moments in both the speaker's scientific discoveries and in his relational values within human enterprises.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2025

Shot‐Noise‐Driven Macroscopic Vibrations and Displacement Transduction in Quantum Tunnel Junctions

Back‐action is an inevitable result of quantum measurement. Although the microscopic impacts of shot‐noise back‐action have been explored, macroscopic evidence is seldom documented, especially in the field of electrical transport. Tunneling shot‐noise has been shown to excite the fundamental flexural mode of the host crystal using a sub‐GHz lumped‐element radio‐frequency quantum point contact (QPC). Here, in this study, this aspect of shot‐noise back‐action is examined at much higher operational frequencies and wider bandwidths by employing a GaAs QPC integrated into a planar superconducting cavity within the circuit‐QED framework, leading to the observation of the excitation of multiple mechanical modes. The device operates in the shot‐noise‐limited regime. Constructed on a piezoelectric platform, there is positive feedback between the electrical and mechanical degrees of freedom within the QPC. Shot‐noise excites piezoelectric vibrational modes; concurrently the resulting polarization charges enhance tunneling and develop peaks in the shot‐noise spectra at the modal frequencies. The excitation of vibrational modes is a macroscopic demonstration of measurement back‐action, and the amplitudes of the noise‐peaks enable us to calibrate the displacement sensitivity of the QPC‐resonator systems, which is in the range $≈ 35 fm/√ Hz$, making it an excellent sensor for ultra‐sensitive and rapid strain/displacement detection.

Kumbhakar, Prasanta [Indian Institute of Science E↗
DOE OSTI2026

Magnon-magnon coupling in an all-oxide insulator garnet Y 3 ⁢Fe 5 ⁢O 12 /Tm 3 ⁢Fe 5⁢ O 12 heterostructure

Hybrid magnonic systems have recently attracted significant attention due to their intriguing physics and potential applications in coherent information processing. In this regard, we have investigated magnon-magnon coupling in the all-oxide insulator garnet Y 3⁢ Fe 5⁢ O 12 (YIG)/Tm 3 ⁢Fe 5 ⁢O 12 (TmIG) heterostructure. The presence of an avoided mode crossing region between the ferromagnetic resonance modes of YIG and TmIG indicates interfacial exchange coupling. This all-insulator system enables interfacial coupling via magnon-magnon interactions. The mode crossing occurs at 𝑓 𝑐 = 6.88 GHz, corresponding to the minimal resonance separation between the two hybrid modes. The coupling strength is determined to be 78 MHz (or 2.8 mT), providing clear evidence of magnon-magnon coupling between the two Kittel modes in the YIG/TmIG insulator system at 200 K. As a result, these findings pave the way for engineering magnonic band structures, tunable coherent magnonic interactions, and nonreciprocal spin transport, which are crucial for advancing ultralow-power magnonic devices.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2026

Frustration-driven magnetic correlations in the spin-$\frac{5}{2}$ triangular lattice antiferromagnet RbFe⁢(HPO 3 ) 2

Here, a detailed study of the structural and magnetic properties of a spin-5/2 triangular lattice antiferromagnet RbFe⁢(HPO 3 ) 2 is presented using x-ray diffraction, magnetization, heat capacity, and 31 P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments on a polycrystalline sample. The crystal structure features an equilateral triangular lattice of Fe 3+ ions. The thermodynamic measurements reveal the onset of a magnetic long-range order at 𝑇 N⁢1 ≃7.8K in zero field, followed by another low-temperature field-induced ordering at 𝑇 N⁢2 in higher fields. The transition at 𝑇 N⁢1 is further confirmed from the NMR spin lattice relaxation measurements. The value of the frustration ratio (𝑓≃7) implies moderate spin frustration in the compound. The 31 P NMR spectra exhibit two distinct spectral lines corresponding to two inequivalent phosphorus sites (P1 and P2), consistent with the crystal structure. The P1 site is strongly coupled with an isotropic hyperfine coupling of 𝐴$^{iso}_{hf}$ = 0.55⁢(2)⁢ T/𝜇 B while the P2 site is weakly coupled with 𝐴$^{iso}_{hf}$ = 0.25⁢(3)⁢ T/𝜇 B with the Fe 3+ ions. The magnetic susceptibility and NMR shift data are described well assuming a spin-5/2 isotropic triangular lattice antiferromagnetic model with an average exchange coupling of 𝐽/𝑘 B = 2.8⁢(2)⁢K. Below 𝑇 N⁢1 , the spectra evolve into a nearly rectangular powder pattern, indicating a commensurate antiferromagnetic type order. The 31 P spin-lattice relaxation rate well below 𝑇N⁢1 follows a 𝑇 3 temperature dependence, implying a two-magnon Raman scattering mechanism in the ordered state. Three well-defined phase regimes are clearly ascertained in the 𝐻−𝑇 phase diagram, reflecting a weak magnetic anisotropy in the compound.

Nagpal, V. [Indian Institute of Science Education ↗
DOE OSTI2022

Data Science and Machine Learning in Education

The growing role of data science (DS) and machine learning (ML) in high-energy physics (HEP) is well established and pertinent given the complex detectors, large data, sets and sophisticated analyses at the heart of HEP research. Moreover, exploiting symmetries inherent in physics data have inspired physics-informed ML as a vibrant sub-field of computer science research. HEP researchers benefit greatly from materials widely available materials for use in education, training and workforce development. They are also contributing to these materials and providing software to DS/ML-related fields. Increasingly, physics departments are offering courses at the intersection of DS, ML and physics, often using curricula developed by HEP researchers and involving open software and data used in HEP. In this white paper, we explore synergies between HEP research and DS/ML education, discuss opportunities and challenges at this intersection, and propose community activities that will be mutually beneficial.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Educational Consortium for Energy-related Data Science & Computation in Building Engineering Programs

The project spearheaded by Pennsylvania State University aims to address the growing need for integrating energy-focused computation and data science into building engineering education. As the demand for energy-efficient building designs and operations increases, the educational sector must adapt to equip future engineers with the necessary skills. This initiative responds to this need by developing a consortium that unites multiple institutions to enhance curriculum development, dataset curation, and resource sharing, thereby ensuring students are well-prepared for the evolving energy sector. The primary goal of the project is to establish a consortium that will develop and disseminate educational materials and training programs focused on energy-related data science and computation. Key accomplishments include the creation of a beta website for resource sharing, the development of training programs and standalone modules, and the curation of datasets accessible to the public. This effort will culminate in a curriculum that incorporates advanced modeling technologies and data science skills into building engineering programs.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2025

Twists and turns: stacking and structure-dependent optical response in MoS 2 nanoscrolls

Transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) nanoscrolls (NSs), specifically MoS 2 NSs, present unique structural and optical properties, exhibiting prominent photoluminescence (PL) signals despite their multilayer nature. Here, this study investigates the structural and spectroscopic characteristics of MoS 2 NSs, correlating them to show the effects of reduced interlayer interactions on excitons of MoS 2 NSs. The reduction in interlayer interaction arises from two main factors: (1) symmetry-broken mixed stacking due to misalignment between layers and (2) a highly inhomogeneous strain profile generated by the Archimedean spiral geometry with positive eccentricity. Transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and second harmonic generation measurements confirm these findings. Low-temperature PL spectroscopy explores the impact of reduced interlayer interactions on exciton properties such as exciton–phonon coupling and oscillator strength. This study provides crucial insights into the structure, stacking and unique optical properties of TMD NSs, advancing the understanding of interlayer interactions and their impacts in complex quasi-one-dimensional nanostructures.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Neutron Scattering Cross Sections: (n,n′), (n,n′γ), and (n,γ) Measurements (Final Technical Report)

This technical report discusses the outcomes from a grant to the University of Dallas in collaboration with the University of Kentucky, the United States Naval Academy and Mississippi State University to measure neutron cross sections and to provide educational opportunities in nuclear science for undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Spin fluctuations, absence of magnetic order, and crystal electric field studies in the Yb 3+ -based triangular lattice antiferromagnet Rb 3 ⁢Yb⁢(VO 4 ) 2

Here, we report a comprehensive experimental investigation of the structural, thermodynamic, static, and dynamic properties of a triangular lattice antiferromagnet Rb 3 ⁢Yb(VO 4 ) 2 . Through the analysis of magnetic susceptibility, magnetization, and specific heat, complemented by crystal electric field (CEF) calculations, we confirm the Kramers' doublet with effective spin 𝐽 eff = 1/2 ground state. Magnetic susceptibility and isothermal magnetization analysis reveal a weak antiferromagnetic interaction among the 𝐽 eff = 1/2 spins, characterized by a small Curie-Weiss temperature (𝜃$^{\textrm{LT}}_{\textrm{CW}}$ ≃−0.26 K) or a reduced exchange coupling (𝐽/𝑘 B ≃ 0.18 K). The 51 V NMR spectra and spin-lattice relaxation rate (1/𝑇 1 ) show no evidence of magnetic long-range-order down to 1.6 K but reflect strong influence of CEF excitations in the intermediate temperatures. At low temperatures, 1/𝑇 1 ⁡(𝑇) shows pronounced frequency dependence and 1/𝑇 1 vs field at different temperatures follows the scaling behavior, highlighting the role of paramagnetic fluctuations. The CEF calculations using the point charge approximation divulge a large energy gap ( ∼18.61 meV) between the lowest and second lowest energy doublets, further establishing Kramers' doublet as the ground state. Our calculations also reproduce the experimental magnetization and specific heat data and indicate an in-plane magnetic anisotropy. These findings position Rb 3⁢ Yb(VO 4 ) 2 as an ideal candidate to explore intrinsic quantum fluctuations and possible quantum spin-liquid physics in a Yb 3+ -based triangular lattice antiferromagnet.

Sebastian, Sebin J. [Indian Institute of Science E↗
DOE OSTI2025

Low-energy calibration of SuperCDMS HVeV cryogenic silicon calorimeters using Compton steps

Cryogenic calorimeters for low-mass dark matter searches have achieved sub-eV energy resolutions, driving advances in both low-energy calibration techniques and our understanding of detector physics. The energy deposition spectrum of gamma rays scattering off target materials exhibits step-like features, known as Compton steps, near the binding energies of atomic electrons. Here, we demonstrate a successful use of Compton steps for sub-keV calibration of cryogenic silicon calorimeters, utilizing four SuperCDMS High-Voltage eV-resolution detectors operated with 0 V bias across the crystal. This new calibration at 0 V is compared with the established high-voltage calibration using optical photons. The comparison indicates that the detector response at 0 V is about 30% weaker than expected, highlighting challenges in detector response modeling for low-mass dark matter searches.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Search for low-mass electron-recoil dark matter using a single-charge sensitive SuperCDMS-HVeV detector

We present constraints on low-mass dark matter electron scattering and absorption interactions using a SuperCDMS high-voltage eV-resolution (HVeV) detector. Data were taken underground in the NEXUS facility located at Fermilab with an overburden of 225 meters of water equivalent. The experiment benefits from the minimizing of luminescence from the printed circuit boards in the detector holder used in all previous HVeV studies. A blind analysis of 6.1 g · days of exposure produces exclusion limits for dark matter-electron scattering cross sections for masses as low as 1 MeV/𝑐 2 , as well as on the photon-dark photon mixing parameter and the coupling constant between axionlike particles and electrons for particles with masses >1.2 eV/𝑐 2 probed via absorption processes.

dark matter direct detection↗
DOE OSTI2025

Light dark matter constraints from SuperCDMS HVeV detectors operated underground with an anticoincidence event selection

This article presents constraints on dark-matter-electron interactions obtained from the first underground data-taking campaign with multiple SuperCDMS HVeV detectors operated in the same housing. An exposure of 7.63 g−days is used to set upper limits on the dark-matter-electron scattering cross section for dark matter masses between 0.5 and 1000 MeV/𝑐 2 , as well as upper limits on dark photon kinetic mixing and axionlike particle axioelectric coupling for masses between 1.2 and 23.3 eV/𝑐 2 . Compared to an earlier HVeV search, sensitivity was improved as a result of an increased overburden of 225 meters of water equivalent, an anticoincidence event selection, and better pile-up rejection. In the case of dark-matter-electron scattering via a heavy mediator, an improvement by up to a factor of 25 in cross section sensitivity was achieved.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2026

Observation of Charmonium Sequential Suppression in Heavy-Ion Collisions at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider

We report measurements of charmonium sequential suppression in Ru+Ru and Zr+Zr collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ =200 GeV with the STAR experiment at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). The inclusive yield ratio of 𝜓⁡(2⁢S) to J/𝜓 as a function of transverse momentum is reported, along with the centrality dependence of the double ratio, defined as the 𝜓⁡(2⁢S) to J/𝜓 ratio in heavy-ion collisions relative to that in 𝑝 +𝑝 collisions. In the 0–80% centrality class, the double ratio is found to be 0.41±0.10 (stat)±0.03 (syst)±0.02 (ref), lower than unity with a significance of 5.6 standard deviations. This provides experimental evidence that 𝜓⁡(2⁢S) is significantly more suppressed than J/𝜓 in heavy-ion collisions at RHIC. This sequential suppression pattern seems to increase from peripheral to central collisions, but with no significant dependence on the transverse momentum.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗