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Results for “system characterization”

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 361 records · Page 20
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2014

Lattice architecture effect on the cooperativity of spin transition coordination polymers

We have investigated in the framework of the Ising-like model, by means of Monte Carlo Metropolis method with open boundary condition, the architecture effect on the cooperativity of spin transition coordination polymers. We have analyzed the influence of several physical parameters (size, pressure, and edge effects) on different lattice architectures which were in good agreement with reported experimental data. We show that the cooperativity of a spin crossover system, characterized by the same number of molecules and the same short- and long-range interaction parameters, is progressively enhanced when going from a 1D chain to a 1D ladder type lattice and to a 2D square lattice.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2014

Relaxation of a steep density gradient in a simple fluid: Comparison between atomistic and continuum modeling

We compare dynamical nonequilibrium molecular dynamics and continuum simulations of the dynamics of relaxation of a fluid system characterized by a non-uniform density profile. Results match quite well as long as the lengthscale of density nonuniformities are greater than the molecular scale (∼10 times the molecular size). In presence of molecular scale features some of the continuum fields (e.g., density and momentum) are in good agreement with atomistic counterparts, but are smoother. On the contrary, other fields, such as the temperature field, present very large difference with respect to reference (atomistic) ones. This is due to the limited accuracy of some of the empirical relations used in continuum models, the equation of state of the fluid in the present example.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2014

Realizing a supercapacitor in an electrical circuit

Capacitors are commonly used in electronic resonance circuits; however, capacitors have not been used for storing large amounts of electrical energy in electrical circuits. Here, we report a superior RC circuit which serves as an electrical storage system characterized by quick charging and long-term discharging of electricity. The improved energy storage characteristics in this mixed electric circuit (R{sub 1} + R{sub 2}C{sub 1}) with small resistor R{sub 1}, large resistor R{sub 2}, and large capacitor C{sub 1} are derived from the damming effect by large R{sub 2} in simple parallel R{sub 2}C{sub 1} circuit. However, no research work has been carried out previously on the use of capacitors as electrical energy storage devices in circuits. Combined with nanotechnology, we hope that our finding will play a remarkable role in a variety of applications such as hybrid electric vehicles and backup power supplies.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Simultaneous dynamic electrical and structural measurements of functional materials

A new materials characterization system developed at the XMaS beamline, located at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in France, is presented. We show that this new capability allows to measure the atomic structural evolution (crystallography) of piezoelectric materials whilst simultaneously measuring the overall strain characteristics and electrical response to dynamically (ac) applied external stimuli.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Parametric symmetries in exactly solvable real and PT symmetric complex potentials

In this paper, we discuss the parametric symmetries in different exactly solvable systems characterized by real or complex PT symmetric potentials. We focus our attention on the conventional potentials such as the generalized Pöschl Teller (GPT), Scarf-I, and PT symmetric Scarf-II which are invariant under certain parametric transformations. The resulting set of potentials is shown to yield a completely different behavior of the bound state solutions. Further, the supersymmetric partner potentials acquire different forms under such parametric transformations leading to new sets of exactly solvable real and PT symmetric complex potentials. These potentials are also observed to be shape invariant (SI) in nature. We subsequently take up a study of the newly discovered rationally extended SI potentials, corresponding to the above mentioned conventional potentials, whose bound state solutions are associated with the exceptional orthogonal polynomials (EOPs). We discuss the transformations of the corresponding Casimir operator employing the properties of the so(2, 1) algebra.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2023

An uncertainty-aware strategy for plasma mechanism reduction with directed weighted graphs

In this work, we present a framework for the analysis and reduction of plasma mechanisms by means of weighted directed graphs, in which reactions and species are both treated as nodes. The methodology consists of two distinct analyses. The first, which is qualitative, relies on graph spatializations via force-directed algorithms to discover the predominant global patterns in the chemical model. The second ranks the reactions based on their shortest paths' lengths from/to the species of interest and their relative contributions to the power balance. Further, this quantitative investigation enables a strategy for mechanism reduction that is fully automatized, as it does not require any expert knowledge, highly effective, as it generates reduced mechanisms that are highly accurate while relying on a small number of processes, and easily interpretable, as the algorithm justifies the importance of the retained reactions by outputting their related chemical pathways. Additionally, the work proposes a methodology extension that employs ensembles of graphs to improve the robustness of the reduced mechanism to reaction parameter uncertainties. The approach, here tested for steady-state predictions of a plasma system characterizing negative hydrogen ion sources, is general and can be used in a wide variety of applications outside the particular nuclear fusion context demonstrated in this work.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Mechanical design of a parallel flexure-based RADSI instrument for curved x-ray mirror metrology

Modern synchrotron x-ray beamlines demand reflective optics with higher surface profile accuracy to achieve diffraction-limited focusing. This necessitates advanced metrology instruments capable of delivering repeatable measurements in the nanometer to sub-nanometer range. Slope ranges exceeding 15 mrad (0.86°) and greater pose significant challenges for mirror metrology using conventional interferometric methods. Here, to address this, we present a new relative angle determinable stitching interferometry instrument featuring a parallel flexure-based mechanical design. This approach enhances vibration and thermal stability while maintaining a compact and lightweight system. Initial measurements of a cylindrical mirror with a 16 m radius of curvature and a slope range of 5 mrad demonstrate nanometer-level repeatability. Comprehensive system characterization suggests the potential for achieving sub-nanometer repeatability with further refinement to the instrument.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Comparative Evaluation of Spectral Methods for Robust Reactor Noise Estimation

Reactor noise analysis provides a noninvasive means to determine neutron kinetic parameters from stochastic fluctuations in detector signals. However, standard cross-power spectral density (CPSD) analyses can be sensitive to numerical processing choices, which may introduce processing-dependent systematic shifts in estimates of the prompt neutron decay constant (α) and limit reproducibility. This study uses a hybrid multitaper–Welch spectral estimator to analyze subcritical noise measurements from a fast-spectrum critical assembly. The decay constant α was extracted using three frequency-domain methods: the CPSD, the magnitude-squared coherence (MSC), and the generalized magnitude-squared coherence (GMSC). These coherence-based estimators normalize detector auto-spectral structure and are expected to reduce the sensitivity of fitted α values to processing parameters. A Sobol global sensitivity analysis identified which numerical inputs most strongly influence the fitted values of α. All estimators produced a linear dependence of α on inverse count rate, with delayed-critical extrapolations near 1.7 × 10 4 s −1 , in agreement within 8% of MCNP6.3 KOPTS benchmark calculations. Sensitivity results show that while the CPSD depends on both time-bin width and taper selection, the MSC and GMSC are dominated by time-bin width alone, indicating reduced parameter coupling and greater robustness to processing variability. These findings demonstrate the feasibility and practical value of coherence-based spectral estimators for extracting α from reactor noise and support their broader application to multi-detector and irregular datasets in subcritical system characterization.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2013

KOI-142, THE KING OF TRANSIT VARIATIONS, IS A PAIR OF PLANETS NEAR THE 2:1 RESONANCE

The transit timing variations (TTVs) can be used as a diagnostic of gravitational interactions between planets in a multi-planet system. Many Kepler Objects of Interest (KOIs) exhibit significant TTVs, but KOI-142.01 stands out among them with an unrivaled ≅12 hr TTV amplitude. Here we report a thorough analysis of KOI-142.01's transits. We discover periodic transit duration variations (TDVs) of KOI-142.01 that are nearly in phase with the observed TTVs. We show that KOI-142.01's TTVs and TDVs uniquely detect a non-transiting companion with a mass ≅0.63 that of Jupiter (KOI-142c). KOI-142.01's mass inferred from the transit variations is consistent with the measured transit depth, suggesting a Neptune-class planet (KOI-142b). The orbital period ratio P{sub c} /P{sub b} = 2.03 indicates that the two planets are just wide of the 2:1 resonance. The present dynamics of this system, characterized here in detail, can be used to test various formation theories that have been proposed to explain the near-resonant pairs of exoplanets.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2019

High-throughput fabrication and semi-automated characterization of oxide thin film transistors

High throughput experimental methods are known to accelerate the rate of research, development, and deployment of electronic materials. For example, thin films with lateral gradients in composition, thickness, or other parameters have been used alongside spatiallyresolved characterization to assess how various physical factors affect material properties under varying measurement conditions. Similarly, multi-layer electronic devices that contain such graded thin films as one or more of their layers can also be characterized spatially in order to optimize the performance. In this work, we apply these high throughput experimental methods to thin film transistors (TFTs), demonstrating combinatorial device fabrication and semiautomated characterization using sputtered oxide TFTs as a case study. Here, we show that both extrinsic and intrinsic types of device gradients can be generated in a TFT library, such as channel thickness and length, channel cation compositions, and oxygen atmosphere during deposition. We also present a semi-automated method to measure the 44 devices fabricated on a 50x50mm substrate that can help to identify properly functioning TFTs in the library and finish the measurement in a short time. Finally, we propose a fully automated characterization system for similar TFT libraries, which can be coupled with high throughput data analysis. These results demonstrate that high throughput methods can accelerate the investigation of TFTs and other electronic devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

M DWARF LUMINOSITY, RADIUS, AND α-ENRICHMENT FROM I-BAND SPECTRAL FEATURES

Despite the ubiquity of M dwarfs and their growing importance to studies of exoplanets, Galactic evolution, and stellar structure, methods for precisely measuring their fundamental stellar properties remain elusive. Existing techniques for measuring M dwarf luminosity, mass, radius, or composition are calibrated over a limited range of stellar parameters or require expensive observations. We find a strong correlation between the K{sub S}-band luminosity (M{sub K}), the observed strength of the I-band sodium doublet absorption feature, and [Fe/H] in M dwarfs without strong Hα emission. We show that the strength of this feature, coupled with [Fe/H] and spectral type, can be used to derive M dwarf M{sub K} and radius without requiring parallax. Additionally, we find promising evidence that the strengths of the I-band sodium doublet and the nearby I-band calcium triplet may jointly indicate α-element enrichment. The use of these I-band features requires only moderate-resolution near-infrared spectroscopy to provide valuable information about the potential habitability of exoplanets around M dwarfs, and surface gravity and distance for M dwarfs throughout the Galaxy. This technique has immediate applicability for both target selection and candidate planet–host system characterization for exoplanet missions such as TESS and K2.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2016

How Many-Body Correlations and α Clustering Shape He 6

The Borromean 6 He nucleus is an exotic system characterized by two halo neutrons orbiting around a compact 4 He (or α) core, in which the binary subsystems are unbound. The simultaneous reproduction of its small binding energy and extended matter and point-proton radii has been a challenge for ab initio theoretical calculations based on traditional bound-state methods. Using soft nucleon-nucleon interactions based on chiral effective field theory potentials, we show that supplementing the model space with 4 He + n + n cluster degrees of freedom largely solves this issue. Lastly, we analyze the role played by α clustering and many-body correlations, and study the dependence of the energy spectrum on the resolution scale of the interaction.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Screening of Polar Electron-Phonon Interactions near the Surface of the Rashba Semiconductor BiTeCl

Understanding electron-phonon coupling in noncentrosymmetric materials is critical for controlling the internal fields which give rise to Rashba interactions. We apply time- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (trARPES) to study coherent phonons in the surface and bulk regions of the polar semiconductor BiTeCl. Aided by \textit{ab initio} calculations, our measurements reveal the coupling of out-of-plane $A_1$ modes and an in-plane $E_2$ mode. By considering how these modes modulate the electric dipole moment in each unit cell, we show that the polar $A_1$ modes are more effectively screened in the metallic surface region, while the non-polar $E_2$ mode couples in both regions. Finally, in addition to informing strategies to optically manipulate Rashba interactions, this work has broader implications for the behavior of electron-phonon coupling in systems characterized by inhomogeneous dielectric environments.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Open-source electrochemical cell for in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy in transmission and fluorescence modes

X-ray spectroscopy is a valuable technique for the study of many materials systems. Characterizing reactions in situ and operando can reveal complex reaction kinetics, which is crucial to understanding active site composition and reaction mechanisms. In this project, the design, fabrication and testing of an open-source and easy-to-fabricate electrochemical cell for in situ electrochemistry compatible with X-ray absorption spectroscopy in both transmission and fluorescence modes are accomplished via windows with large opening angles on both the upstream and downstream sides of the cell. Using a hobbyist computer numerical control machine and free 3D CAD software, anyone can make a reliable electrochemical cell using this design. Onion-like carbon nanoparticles, with a 1:3 iron-to-cobalt ratio, were drop-coated onto carbon paper for testing in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetry of the carbon paper showed the expected behavior, with no increased ohmic drop, even in sandwiched cells. Chronoamperometry was used to apply 0.4 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, with and without 15 min of oxygen purging to ensure that the electrochemical cell does not provide any artefacts due to gas purging. The XANES and EXAFS spectra showed no differences with and without oxygen, as expected at 0.4 V, without any artefacts due to gas purging. The development of this open-source electrochemical cell design allows for improved collection of in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy data and enables researchers to perform both transmission and fluorescence simultaneously. It additionally addresses key practical considerations including gas purging, reduced ionic resistance and leak prevention.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2017

Improvements and Performance of the Fermilab Solenoid Test Facility

Here, the Solenoid Test Facility at Fermilab was built using a large vacuum vessel for testing of conduction-cooled superconducting solenoid magnets, and was first used to determine the performance of the MICE Coupling Coil. The facility was modified recently to enable testing of solenoid magnets for the Mu2e experiment, which operate at much higher current than the Coupling Coil. One pair of low current conduction-cooled copper and NbTi leads was replaced with two pairs of 10 kA HTS leads cooled by heat exchange with liquid nitrogen and liquid helium. The new design, with additional control and monitoring capability, also provides helium cooling of the superconducting magnet leads by conduction. A high current power supply with energy extraction was added, and several improvements to the quench protection and characterization system were made. Here we present details of these changes and report on performance results from a test of the Mu2e prototype Transport Solenoid (TS) module. Progress on additional improvements in preparation for production TS module testing will be presented.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2014

SU-E-QI-15: Single Point Dosimetry by Means of Cerenkov Radiation Energy Transfer (CRET)

Purpose: Cerenkov light is generated when a charged particles with energy greater then 250 keV, moves faster than the speed of light in a given medium. Both x-ray photons and electrons produce optical Cerenkov photons during the static megavoltage linear accelerator (LINAC) operational mode. Recently, Cerenkov radiation gained considerable interest as possible candidate as a new imaging modality. Optical signals generated by Cerenkov radiation may act as a surrogate for the absorbed superficial radiation dose. We demonstrated a novel single point dosimetry method for megavoltage photon and electron therapy utilizing down conversion of Cerenkov photons. Methods: The custom build signal characterization system was used: a sample holder (probe) with adjacent light tight compartments was connected via fiber-optic cables to a photon counting photomultiplier tube (PMT). One compartment contains a medium only while the other contains medium and red-shifting nano-particles (Q-dots, nanoclusters). By taking the difference between the two signals (Cerenkov photons and CRET photons) we obtain a measure of the down-converted light, which we expect to be proportional to dose as measured with an adjacent ion chamber. Experimental results are compared to Monte Carlo simulations performed using the GEANT4 code. Results: The signal correlation between CR signal, CRET readings and dose produced by LINAC at a single point were investigated. The experimental results were compared with simulations. The dose linearity, signal to noise ratio and dose rate dependence were tested with custom build CRET based probe. Conclusion: Performance characteristics of the proposed single point CRET based probe were evaluated. The direct use of the induced Cerenkov emission and CRET in an irradiated single point volume as an indirect surrogate for the imparted dose was investigated. We conclude that CRET is a promising optical based dosimetry method that offers advantages over those already proposed.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

Discovery of true electrochemical reactions for ultrahigh catalyst mass activity in water splitting

Better understanding of true electrochemical reaction behaviors in electrochemical energy devices has long been desired. It has been assumed so far that the reactions occur across the entire catalyst layer (CL), which is designed and fabricated uniformly with catalysts, conductors of protons and electrons, and pathways for reactants and products. By introducing a state-of-the-art characterization system, a thin, highly tunable liquid/gas diffusion layer (LGDL), and an innovative design of electrochemical proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cells (PEMECs), the electrochemical reactions on both microspatial and microtemporal scales are revealed for the first time. Surprisingly, reactions occur only on the CL adjacent to good electrical conductors. On the basis of these findings, new CL fabrications on the novel LGDLs exhibit more than 50 times higher mass activity than conventional catalyst-coated membranes in PEMECs. In conclusion, this discovery presents an opportunity to enhance the multiphase interfacial effects, maximizing the use of the catalysts and significantly reducing the cost of these devices.

08 HYDROGEN↗