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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 OSTI2025

Multi-messenger dynamic imaging of laser-driven shocks in water using a plasma wakefield accelerator

Understanding dense matter hydrodynamics is critical for predicting plasma behavior in environments relevant to laser-driven inertial confinement fusion. Traditional diagnostic sources face limitations in brightness, spatiotemporal resolution, and in their ability to detect relevant electromagnetic fields. In this work, we present a dual-probe, multi-messenger laser wakefield accelerator platform combining ultrafast X-rays and relativistic electron beams at 1 Hz, to interrogate a free-flowing water target in vacuum, heated by an intense 200 ps laser pulse. This scheme enables high-repetition-rate tracking the evolution of the interaction using both particle types. Betatron X-rays reveal a cylindrically symmetric shock compression morphology assisted by low-density vapor, resembling foam-layer-assisted fusion targets. The synchronized electron beam detects time-evolving electromagnetic fields, uncovering charge separation and ion species differentiation during plasma expansion – phenomena not captured by photons or hydrodynamic simulations. We show that combining both probes provides complementary insights spanning kinetic to hydrodynamic regimes, highlighting the need for hybrid physics models to accurately predict fusion-relevant plasma behavior.

imaging techniques↗
DOE OSTI2024

Design considerations for colliders using co-moving beams for fusion cross section research

Collisions between beams moving in the same direction but with different velocities allow for low center of mass energy collisions with higher energy beams. These types of systems lend themselves to fusion interactions since they require low center of mass kinetic energies but can benefit from higher energies in the constituent beams. Here we cover the design considerations for a machine that could study these types of interactions. Furthermore, we especially highlight reactants that can be stored and collided in a single ring, using a collision timing system known as gear-changing, which could allow for a proof-of-concept experiment in an existing machine.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Estimating Ice Water Content for Winter Storms from Millimeter-Wavelength Radar Measurements Using a Synthesis of Polarimetric and Dual-Frequency Radar Observations

The potential of millimeter-wavelength radar-based ice water content (IWC) estimation is demonstrated using a Ka-band Scanning Polarimetric Radar (KASPR) for the U.S. northeast coast winter storms. Two IWC relations for Ka-band polarimetric radar measurements are proposed: one that uses a combination of the radar reflectivity Z and the estimated total number concentration of snow particles N t and the other based on the joint use of Z, specific differential phase K DP , and the degree of riming f rim . A key element of the algorithms is to obtain the “Rayleigh-equivalent” value of Z measured at the Ka band, i.e., the corresponding Z at a longer radar wavelength for which Rayleigh scattering takes place. This is achieved via polarimetric retrieval of the mean volume diameter D m and incorporating the relationship between the dual-wavelength ratio DWR S/Ka and D m . Those techniques allow for retrievals from single millimeter-wavelength radar measurements and do not necessarily require the dual-wavelength ratio (DWR) measurements, if the DWR–D m relation and Rayleigh assumption for Ka-band K DP are valid. Comparison between the quasivertical profile product obtained from KASPR and the columnar vertical profile product generated from the nearby WSR-88D S-band radar measurements demonstrates that the DWR S/Ka can be estimated from the two close radars without the need for collocated radar beams and synchronized antenna scanning and can be used for determining the Rayleigh-equivalent value of Z. As a result, the performance of the suggested techniques is evaluated for seven winter storms using surface disdrometer and snow accumulation measurements.

Cloud retrieval↗
DOE OSTI2026

Performance and Stability Characterization of the ICARUS Light Detection System

The ICARUS detector, a key component of the Short Baseline Neutrino (SBN) Program at Fermilab, consists of two identical T300 modules filled with liquid argon. It is equipped with a Light Detection System (LDS) based on 360 8-inch Hamamatsu R5912-MOD photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) arranged behind the wire planes to collect Vacuum Ultraviolet (VUV, $\sim$ 128 nm) scintillation light. Operating under cryogenic conditions ( $\sim$ 87 K), the LDS is essential for determining the event start time (t0) with nanosecond precision for beam spill synchronization, improving longitudinal spatial resolution, and contributing to the event trigger and cosmic-ray mitigation. The performance of the LDS was investigated addressing both hardware and data analysis aspects. Following a progressive degradation in PMT gain observed during operations at FNAL, systematic gain measurements were first carried out from room temperature down to low temperatures. The results show stable performance at room temperature but a significant, irreversible reduction in gain at low temperatures. Based on these findings, a series of mitigation strategies were implemented in the ICARUS detector to preserve PMT performance and ensure reliable cryogenic operation. Currently, ongoing waveform analysis of the PMT signals is being performed to characterize signal shape, charge integration, and timing properties, aiming to refine and improve the agreement between experimental data and Monte Carlo simulations.

Saia, Clara [U. Catania (main); INAF, Catania; Cat↗
NASA NTRS1974

Multiple target tracking and target attitude determination with a scanning laser radar

A scanning laser radar that can acquire and track single or multiple targets has recently been developed. Scan patterns have been designed for acquisition and tracking of one or more targets using a narrow laser beam. A synchronously scanned transmitter-receiver is used to acquire and track targets anywhere in a 376 x 376 element raster covering a 30 x 30 deg field. All scan patterns are electronically programmed, and the system automatically acquires and tracks the target or targets without the aid of an operator. The maximum tracking rate is 1.0 deg/sec (10.0 deg/sec) when used with a 1 kHz (10 kHz) scan rate. The estimated free space range against passive cooperative targets (corner cube reflectors) is 30 nautical miles. The laser radar has an accuracy of 10 cm (range) and 0.05 deg (angle). The developmental system is relatively small (1.5 cu ft), lightweight (60 lbs) and low-power-consuming (60 W).

Flom, T.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Chopped molecular beam multiplexing system

The integration of a chopped molecular beam mass spectrometer with a time multiplexing system is described. The chopping of the molecular beam is synchronized with the time intervals by a phase detector and a synchronous motor. Arithmetic means are generated for phase shifting the chopper with respect to the multiplexer. A four channel amplifier provides the capacity to independently vary the baseline and amplitude in each channel of the multiplexing system.

Adams, Billy R.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Laser system design and critical technologies for the NSF OPAL project

The three-year NSF OPAL project is completing the preliminary design of a 2 x 25-PW all-optical parametric chirped-pulse amplification (OPCPA) system capable of delivering 500-J, 20-fs pulses. The design includes two Alpha beamlines that can be co-timed and pointed into two experimental areas for high-intensity research in several configurations. Additionally, a more flexible 2-PW Beta beam can be used in place of one Alpha beam to allow a wider range of focusing geometries and synchronized electron-beam generation for diverse experimental applications. Here, building on the development of the mid-scale MTW-OPAL prototype system, the NSF OPAL project also focuses on advancing essential technologies, such as large-grating fabrication techniques and actively-cooled disk amplifiers.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Progress in developing a superconducting accelerator for efficient eBeam and X-ray production

The PIP-II Accelerator is an 800 MeV superconducting Linac in the injection chain of the Fermilab accelerator complex. The LLRF systems for the 125 cavities which include a few normal conducting cavities in the warm front-end section, use a variety of LLRF hardware components and sub-systems that are part of the timing and synchronization system. This includes a master oscillator and phase averaging reference line, a beam pattern generator to enable beam transfer between non-harmonic RF systems and beam loading compensation systems synchronized to a start of beam trigger. The timing signals are based on a 650 MHz clock with manchester encoded event information and data provided over optical fiber. The timing and synchronization systems and their performance parameters will be described here.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Timing and Synchronization in the LLRF systems of the Fermilab PIP-II Linac

The PIP-II Accelerator is an 800 MeV superconducting Linac in the injection chain of the Fermilab accelerator complex. The LLRF systems for the 125 cavities which include a few normal conducting cavities in the warm front-end section, use a variety of LLRF hardware components and sub-systems that are part of the timing and synchronization system. This includes a master oscillator and phase averaging reference line, a beam pattern generator to enable beam transfer between non-harmonic RF systems and beam loading compensation systems synchronized to a start of beam trigger. The timing signals are based on a 650 MHz clock with manchester encoded event information and data provided over optical fiber. The timing and synchronization systems and their performance parameters will be described here.

Varghese, Philip↗
NASA NTRS1979

Measurements of particle emission from discharge sites in Teflon irradiated by high energy electron beams

Anomalous behavior of synchronous orbit satellites manifested by overall degradation of system performance and reduced operating life is associated with electrical discharges resulting from differential charging of the spacecraft surface by fluxes of high energy electrons. During a laboratory simulation silver-backed Teflon samples have been irradiated by electron beams having energies in the range 16-26 keV. Charged particles emitted from the resultant electrical discharges have been measured with a biased Faraday cup and retarding potential analyser. Measurements indicate the presence of two distinct fluxes of particles, the first being an early pulse (0-600ns) of high energy (about 7keV) electrons, while the second is a late pulse (1-5 microseconds) of low energy electrons (less than 1eV) and ions (70eV) leaving the discharge site as a quasi plasma. Calculations indicate an electrostatic field as the dominant accelerating mechanism for charged particles.

Hazelton, R. C.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Performance in beam tests of irradiated Low Gain Avalanche Detectors for the ATLAS High Granularity Timing Detector

The High Granularity Timing Detector (HGTD) will be installed in the ATLAS detector to mitigate pile-up effects during the High Luminosity (HL) upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN. The design of the HGTD is based on the use of Low Gain Avalanche Detectors (LGADs), with an active thickness of 50 μm, that allow to measure with high-precision the time of arrival of particles. The HGTD will improve the particle-vertex assignment by measuring the track time with a resolution ranging from approximately 30 ps at the beginning of the HL-LHC operations to 50 ps at the end. Performances of several unirradiated, as well as neutron- and proton-irradiated, LGAD sensors from different vendors have been measured in beam test campaigns during the years 2018 and 2019 at CERN SPS and DESY. This paper presents the results obtained with data recorded by an oscilloscope synchronized with a beam telescope which provides particle position information within a resolution of a few μm. Collected charge, time resolution and hit efficiency are presented. In addition to these properties, the charge uniformity is also studied as a function of the position of the incident particle inside the sensor pad.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
NASA NTRS2013

DESDynI Quad First Stage Processor - A Four Channel Digitizer and Digital Beam Forming Processor

The proposed Deformation, Eco-Systems, and Dynamics of Ice Radar (DESDynI-R) L-band SAR instrument employs multiple digital channels to optimize resolution while keeping a large swath on a single pass. High-speed digitization with very fine synchronization and digital beam forming are necessary in order to facilitate this new technique. The Quad First Stage Processor (qFSP) was developed to achieve both the processing performance as well as the digitizing fidelity in order to accomplish this sweeping SAR technique. The qFSP utilizes high precision and high-speed analog to digital converters (ADCs), each with a finely adjustable clock distribution network to digitize the channels at the fidelity necessary to allow for digital beam forming. The Xilinx produced FX130T Virtex 5 part handles the processing to digitally calibrate each channel as well as filter and beam form the receive signals. Demonstrating the digital processing required for digital beam forming and digital calibration is instrumental to the viability of the proposed DESDynI instrument. The qFSP development brings this implementation to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6. This paper will detail the design and development of the prototype qFSP as well as the preliminary results from hardware tests.

Chuang, Chung-Lun↗
DOE OSTI2022

Injection of electron beams into two laser wakefields and generation of electron rings

Throughout this work, mutual injection of electron beams into two laser plasma wakefields was observed experimentally when driving laser pulses interfered in plasma at a small crossing angle and were slightly relatively delayed, approximately by one pulse duration. Particle-in-cell simulations revealed that the mutual injection was sensitive to the spatial overlap of the laser pulses, which therefore could be used to control the mutual injection. The dual synchronized, femtosecond electron beams are potentially useful for pump-probe experiments in ultrafast science. In addition, out-of-axis ring-shaped electron beams were detected in both experiments and simulations.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
NASA NTRS1971

The generation of pollution-free electrical power from solar energy.

Projections of the U.S. electrical power demands over the next 30 years indicate that the U.S. could be in grave danger from power shortages, undesirable effluence, and thermal pollution. An appraisal of nonconventional methods of producing electrical power is conducted, giving particular attention to the conversion of solar energy into commercial quantities of electrical power by solar cells. It is found that 1% of the land area of the 48 states could provide the total electrical power requirements of the U.S. in the year 1990. The ultimate method of generating vast quantities of electrical power would be from a series of synchronous satellites which beam microwave power back to earth to be used wherever needed. Present high manufacturing costs of solar cells could be substantially reduced by using massive automated techniques employing abundant low cost materials.

Cherry, W. R.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Laser produces color images from digital data

Color recorder uses two lasers to generate three different-colored beams. Modulators vary intensity of each beam according to information stored on magnetic tape. Together, three beams are sufficient to reproduce virtually any colors on photographic film. Tape synchronizes motion of beam-writing carriage with modulation imposed on beams.

Shulman, A. R.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Nisar L-band Digital Electronics Subsystem

The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) L-band SAR instrument employs multiple digital channels to optimize resolution while keeping a large swath on a single pass. High-speed digitization with fine synchronization and digital beam forming are necessary in order to facilitate this new technique called SweepSAR. An architecture employing multiple FPGA based digital signal processors has been conceived to facilitate digital calibration on an individual channel basis as well as digital signal processing to optimize the receive signal. On-board processing and data compression has been implemented to reduce the volume of data in order to satisfy the operational requirements of near global coverage for the desired science targets. A novel command and timing architecture was developed to manage this complex system to meet the challenging project requirements. The NISAR L-band Digital Electronics Subsystem is the combination of the hardware, firmware and software components architected and implemented to operate this radar and return the desired quantity and quality of data for the science community.

SweepSAR↗