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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 379 records · Page 21
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2017

Parton distributions from high-precision collider data: NNPDF Collaboration

We present a new set of parton distributions, NNPDF3.1, which updates NNPDF3.0, the first global set of PDFs determined using a methodology validated by a closure test. The update is motivated by recent progress in methodology and available data, and involves both. On the methodological side, we now parametrize and determine the charm PDF alongside the light-quark and gluon ones, thereby increasing from seven to eight the number of independent PDFs. On the data side, we now include the D0 electron and muon W asymmetries from the final Tevatron dataset, the complete LHCb measurements of W and Z production in the forward region at 7 and 8 TeV, and new ATLAS and CMS measurements of inclusive jet and electroweak boson production. We also include for the first time top-quark pair differential distributions and the transverse momentum of the Z bosons from ATLAS and CMS. We investigate the impact of parametrizing charm and provide evidence that the accuracy and stability of the PDFs are thereby improved. We study the impact of the new data by producing a variety of determinations based on reduced datasets. We find that both improvements have a significant impact on the PDFs, with some substantial reductions in uncertainties, but with the new PDFs generally in agreement with the previous set at the one-sigma level. The most significant changes are seen in the light-quark flavor separation, and in increased precision in the determination of the gluon. We explore the implications of NNPDF3.1 for LHC phenomenology at Run II, compare with recent LHC measurements at 13 TeV, provide updated predictions for Higgs production cross-sections and discuss the strangeness and charm content of the proton in light of our improved dataset and methodology. The NNPDF3.1 PDFs are delivered for the first time both as Hessian sets, and as optimized Monte Carlo sets with a compressed number of replicas.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Quantum utility in simulating the real-time dynamics of the Fermi–Hubbard model using superconducting quantum computers

The Fermi–Hubbard model is a fundamental model in condensed matter physics that describes strongly correlated electrons. On the other hand, quantum computers are emerging as powerful tools for exploring the complex dynamics of these quantum many-body systems. In this work, we demonstrate the quantum simulation of the one-dimensional Fermi–Hubbard model using IBM's superconducting quantum computers, employing over 100 qubits. We introduce a first-order Trotterization scheme and extend it to an optimized second-order Trotterization for the time evolution in the Fermi–Hubbard model, specifically tailored for the limited qubit connectivity of quantum architectures, such as IBM's platforms. Notably, both Trotterization approaches are scalable and maintain a constant circuit depth at each Trotter step, regardless of the qubit count, enabling us to precisely investigate the relaxation dynamics in the Fermi–Hubbard model by measuring the expectation value of the Néel observable (staggered magnetization) for time-evolved quantum states. Lastly, our successful measurement of expectation values in such large-scale quantum many-body systems, especially at longer time scales with larger entanglement, highlights the quantum utility of superconducting quantum platforms over conventional classical approximation methods.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2014

Cold ion UV photofragmentation spectroscopy and dynamics (Invited)

Up to ten years ago, very little was known about the excited states of protonated amino acids isolated in the gas phase. From the experimental point of view, the study was hampered by the lack of ease of production of such species in sufficient density to apply photon-based techniques. With the development and widespread use of electrospray ionization sources coupled with modified or homebuilt mass spectrometers, there has been significant research into the spectroscopy of biomimetic and biologically relevant molecules. Besides, these species are floppy such that an efficient cooling is required to record clear spectroscopy. Warm protonated species display congested spectra. To extract precise spectroscopic information and avoid spectral congestion, the species need to be cooled down to less than 50 K. We present our latest results on the electronic spectroscopy of protonated phenylalanine and tyrosine on a large spectral domain (225-290 nm). These species are studied in a new simplified apparatus combining an electrospray ionization source, a cryogenically cooled quadrupole ion trap (∼10 K) and time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The role of proton transfer from the NH{sub 3}{sup +} moiety to the p-ring or to CO of the carboxylic acid group is evidenced by UV photofragment spectroscopy. This first step controls the fragmentation pathways, which strongly depend on the nature of the electronic excited states, i.e. ππ*, ππ*{sub CO} and πσ{sub NH3}.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Surface defects on the Gd{sub 2}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 7} oxide films grown on textured NiW technical substrates by chemical solution method

Epitaxial growth of oxide thin films has attracted much interest because of their broad applications in various fields. In this study, we investigated the microstructure of textured Gd{sub 2}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 7} films grown on (001)〈100〉 orientated NiW alloy substrates by a chemical solution deposition (CSD) method. The aging effect of precursor solution on defect formation was thoroughly investigated. A slight difference was observed between the as-obtained and aged precursor solutions with respect to the phase purity and global texture of films prepared using these solutions. However, the surface morphologies are different, i.e., some regular-shaped regions (mainly hexagonal or dodecagonal) were observed on the film prepared using the as-obtained precursor, whereas the film prepared using the aged precursor exhibits a homogeneous structure. Electron backscatter diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analyses showed that the Gd{sub 2}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 7} grains present within the regular-shaped regions are polycrystalline, whereas those present in the surrounding are epitaxial. Some polycrystalline regions ranging from several micrometers to several tens of micrometers grew across the NiW grain boundaries underneath. To understand this phenomenon, the properties of the precursors and corresponding xerogel were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and coupled thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis. The results showed that both the solutions mainly contain small Gd−Zr−O clusters obtained by the reaction of zirconium acetylacetonate with propionic acid during the precursor synthesis. The regular-shaped regions were probably formed by large Gd−Zr−O frameworks with a metastable structure in the solution with limited aging time. This study demonstrates the importance of the precise control of chemical reaction path to enhance the stability and homogeneity of the precursors of the CSD route. - Highlights: •We investigate microstructure of Gd{sub 2}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 7} films grown by a chemical solution route. •The aging effect of precursor solution on formation of surface defect was thoroughly studied. •Gd−Zr−O clusters are present in the precursor solutions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Measurement and simulation of the temperature evolution of a short pulse laser heated buried layer target

Short pulse laser heated buried layers experiments have been performed on the Orion laser facility to study the time-resolved emission characteristics of plasmas with mass densities ≥ 1 g/cc and electron temperatures > 500 eV. Our streak camera measurements focused on the K-shell emission lines of He-like and H-like aluminum from a buried aluminum layer. The data were analyzed by comparison to synthetic spectra generated with the non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) radiation transfer code Cretin, which yielded maximum temperatures of nearly 800 eV at near solid density. The time precise history of the temperature evolution was reproduced with a 1-D radiation hydrodynamic code; however, the known effect of lateral transport of energy out of the focal spot made exacting agree with theory difficult. Furthermore, we have observed densities of ≥ 1 g/cc and temperatures of > 500 eV using the 1-D analysis, which supports the idea that the aluminum plasma is locally hotter than inferred from our spatially integrating measurements and that modeling requires the inclusion of 2-dimensional effects.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2015

Instrument for precision long-term β-decay rate measurements

We describe an experimental setup for making precision measurements of relative β-decay rates of {sup 22}Na, {sup 36}Cl, {sup 54}Mn, {sup 60}Co, {sup 90}Sr, {sup 133}Ba, {sup 137}Cs, {sup 152}Eu, and {sup 154}Eu. The radioactive samples are mounted in two automated sample changers that sequentially position the samples with high spatial precision in front of sets of detectors. The set of detectors for one sample changer consists of four Geiger-Müller (GM) tubes and the other set of detectors consists of two NaI scintillators. The statistical uncertainty in the count rate is few times 0.01% per day for the GM detectors and about 0.01% per hour on the NaI detectors. The sample changers, detectors, and associated electronics are housed in a sealed chamber held at constant absolute pressure, humidity, and temperature to isolate the experiment from environmental variations. The apparatus is designed to accumulate statistics over many years in a regulated environment to test recent claims of small annual variations in the decay rates. We demonstrate that absent this environmental regulation, uncontrolled natural atmospheric pressure variations at our location would imprint an annual signal of 0.1% on the Geiger-Müller count rate. However, neither natural pressure variations nor plausible indoor room temperature variations cause a discernible influence on our NaI scintillator detector count rate.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2025

Strain release through hydrogen bond–mediated layer twisting

Strain engineering, enabling the precise control over structure and functional properties, is a key strategy for the design of advanced materials. However, the mechanisms governing strain evolution and release at the nanoscale remain largely unexplored. In this study, we leverage in situ heating transmission electron microscopy and synchrotron x-ray spectroscopy to investigate the strain relaxation pathways of boehmite (γ-AlOOH) at 575 kelvin by revealing real-time structural dynamics. Through tracking the moiré pattern evolution, we identify distinct strain release mechanisms, including layer twisting, defect formation, and domain restructuring. Our neural network potential calculations reveal that energy fluctuations at small twist angles are dominated by an interference-like interaction modulation of hydrogen bonds between boehmite interlayers, with metastable twisted structures corresponding to local minima of the potential energy landscape. This work establishes a previously unidentified paradigm of two-dimensional layer twisting mediated by hydrogen bonding, offering insights into strain-driven transformation mechanisms, and thus may have broad implications for strain in material and earth sciences.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Quench Simulation and Validation for EIC Direct Wind Magnets

The Electron-Ion Collider (EIC), a new facility to be built in the United States at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory in collaboration with Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility-will be the only new particle collider in the U.S. for the next 10∼20 years. The EIC project will investigate the origin of mass and building blocks of the Universe. It will accelerate and collide beams of electrons with protons and nuclei. Unlike any collider that has ever existed before, both EIC’s particle beams will be polarized, meaning their spins will be aligned in a controlled way to allow for precision measurements. Different types of new superconducting magnets will be required near the interaction region (IR) of EIC. A 6-around-1 NbTi cable will be used for some of those new superconducting magnets. Given the relatively smaller conductors used for those direct wind magnets, the overall engineering current density will be 2–3 times higher in comparison to traditional collared superconducting magnets in other accelerator magnets. This is technically challenging and potentially represents high risks for quench protection. Here, in this paper we use different tools and methods for quench simulation for several EIC direct wind magnets. We also present results of a sensitivity study, exploring different material properties and Jc curves. This paper also discusses and validates the quench simulation results with measurement results from a small-scale serpentine magnet tested at BNL in October 2024.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Conversion of Classical Light Emission from a Nanoparticle‐Strained WSe 2 Monolayer into Quantum Light Emission via Electron Beam Irradiation

Abstract Solid‐state single photon emitters (SPEs) within atomically thin transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have recently attracted interest as scalable quantum light sources for quantum photonic technologies. Among TMDs, WSe 2 monolayers (MLs) are promising for the deterministic fabrication and engineering of SPEs using local strain fields. The ability to reliably produce isolatable SPEs in WSe 2 is currently impeded by the presence of numerous spectrally overlapping states that occur at strained locations. Here nanoparticle (NP) arrays with precisely defined positions and sizes are employed to deterministically create strain fields in WSe 2 MLs, thus enabling the systematic investigation and control of SPE formation. Using this platform, electron beam irradiation at NP‐strained locations transforms spectrally overlapped sub‐bandgap emission states into isolatable, anti‐bunched quantum emitters. The dependence of the emission spectra of WSe 2 MLs as a function of strain magnitude and exposure time to electron beam irradiation is quantified and provides insight into the mechanism for SPE production. Excitons selectively funnel through strongly coupled sub‐bandgap states introduced by electron beam irradiation, which suppresses spectrally overlapping emission pathways and leads to measurable anti‐bunched behavior. The findings provide a strategy to generate isolatable SPEs in 2D materials with a well‐defined energy range.

2D material↗
DOE OSTI2026

Dual particle imaging using time-of-flight neutron classification

Fast-neutron imaging technology is well-suited for passive nuclear material monitoring, secondary inspection of flagged cargo, and wide-area search for lost neutron sources. However, imaging systems that use pulse shape discrimination for event classification require complex pulse waveform analysis. In this work, we evaluate time-of-flight (TOF) based particle classification as an alternative solution for fast-neutron imaging by classifying all events with a TOF above a maximum threshold as neutrons. We measured a Cf-252 source next to Cs-137 using a 12-bar organic-glass scintillator array. By varying the TOF thresholds for neutron identification, we demonstrate a clear trade-off between event yield and backprojection image fidelity, with stricter thresholds improving precision at the cost of statistics, TOF thresholded data generated an image that predicted the neutron source direction with 20% reduced mean central angle prediction error compared to a traditional pulse shape discrimination (PSD) method with comparable event count. Time-of-flight particle classification shows promise as an alternative to pulse shape discrimination systems for fast neutron imaging systems looking to minimize costs and size of electronics with comparable imaging quality. The sources used demonstrate that the method is effective in classifying measured neutrons in a measurement environment with 150 μCi Cs-137 and 1.6 × 10 6 n/s Cf-252 sources positioned at distances of 66 cm and 81 cm from the detector. Additionally, the method classifies low-energy neutron events that pulse shape discrimination removes, so a combination of both methods would result in a higher overall neutron event efficiency.

Heriot, William [Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI ↗
DOE OSTI2017

Scalable focused ion beam creation of nearly lifetime-limited single quantum emitters in diamond nanostructures

The controlled creation of defect centre—nanocavity systems is one of the outstanding challenges for efficiently interfacing spin quantum memories with photons for photon-based entanglement operations in a quantum network. Here we demonstrate direct, maskless creation of atom-like single silicon vacancy (SiV) centres in diamond nanostructures via focused ion beam implantation with ~32 nm lateral precision and <50 nm positioning accuracy relative to a nanocavity. We determine the Si+ ion to SiV centre conversion yield to be ~2.5% and observe a 10-fold conversion yield increase by additional electron irradiation. Low-temperature spectroscopy reveals inhomogeneously broadened ensemble emission linewidths of ~51 GHz and close to lifetime-limited single-emitter transition linewidths down to 126±13 MHz corresponding to ~1.4 times the natural linewidth. Furthermore, this method for the targeted generation of nearly transform-limited quantum emitters should facilitate the development of scalable solid-state quantum information processors.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Variational Discrete Action Theory

In this work, we propose the variational discrete action theory (VDAT) to study the ground state properties of quantum many-body Hamiltonians. VDAT is a variational theory based on the sequential product density matrix (SPD) ansatz, characterized by an integer $\mathscr{N}$, which monotonically approaches the exact solution with increasing $\mathscr{N}$. To evaluate the SPD, we introduce a discrete action and a corresponding integer time Green’s function. We use VDAT to exactly evaluate the SPD in two canonical models of interacting electrons: the Anderson impurity model and the d = ∞ Hubbard model. For the latter, we evaluate $\mathscr{N}$ = 2 – 4, where $\mathscr{N}$ = 2 recovers the Gutzwiller approximation (GA), and we show that $\mathscr{N}$ = 3, which exactly evaluates the Gutzwiller-Baeriswyl wave function, provides a truly minimal yet precise description of Mott physics with a cost similar to that of the GA. VDAT is a flexible theory for studying quantum Hamiltonians, competing both with state-of-the-art methods and simple, efficient approaches all within a single framework.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2025

Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa unitarity deficit reduction via finite nuclear size

We revisit the extraction of the |𝑉 𝑢⁢𝑑 | Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa (CKM) matrix element from the superallowed transition decay rate of 26⁢𝑚 Al → 26 Mg, focusing on finite nuclear size effects. The decay rate dependence on the 26⁢𝑚 Al charge radius is found to be four times higher than previously believed, necessitating precise determination. However, for a short-lived isotope of an odd 𝑍 element such as 26⁢𝑚 Al , radius extraction relies on challenging many-body atomic calculations. We performed the needed calculations, finding an excellent agreement with previous ones, which used a different methodology. This sets a new standard for the reliability of isotope shift factor calculations in many-electron systems. The ℱ⁡𝑡 value obtained from our analysis is lower by 2.2𝜎 than the corresponding value in the previous critical survey, resulting in an increase in |𝑉 𝑢⁢𝑑 | 2 by 0.9𝜎. Adopting |𝑉 𝑢⁢𝑑 | from this decay alone reduces the CKM unitarity deficit by one standard deviation, irrespective of the choice of |𝑉 𝑢⁢𝑠 |.

beta-decay↗
DOE OSTI2022

Actinides and Correlated Electron Materials

The Actinides and Correlated Electron Materials area of leadership spans Los Alamos National Laboratory competency in actinide materials research dating to the Manhattan Project as articulated in the Integrated Plutonium Science and Research Strategy and competency in strongly correlated electron systems dating back to at least the early 1980s. This area of leadership focuses on the goals of discovering, understanding, and controlling emergent electronic states and predictive performance of actinide materials. They are quintessentially linked by the fact that the physics of actinides—and plutonium in particular—are governed by strong electronic correlations. Not only is the electronic structure of actinides dictated by fine details of electron correlations, but chemical bonding and physical structure are as well. Hence, by addressing the first goal of this leadership area we can significantly accelerate progress on the second goal. To understand such matter requires probing the intertwined spin, charge, orbital, and lattice degrees of freedom with greater precision and developing models that accurately predict the consequences of these coupled degrees of freedom, on multiple length and time scales and including acute reactivity and effects of self-irradiation phenomena in these materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

New results of measurement of cross sections for electron-positron annihilation to hadrons with the SND detector at VEPP-2000

A survey of preliminary results of experiments with the SND detector at the VEPP-2000 e{sup +}e{sup −} collider in the energy range of √s = 1000–2000 MeV MeV is presented. The cross sections for the processes e{sup +}e{sup −} → π{sup 0}π{sup 0}γ, e{sup +}e{sup −} → π{sup +}π{sup −}π{sup 0}π{sup 0}, e{sup +}e{sup −} → π{sup +}π{sup −}π{sup 0}, e{sup +}e{sup −} → π{sup +}π{sup −}η, and e{sup +}e{sup −} → pp̄ were measured. The measured cross sections agree with the results of earlier measurements but have a higher precision. The cross section for the process e{sup +}e{sup −} → ηγ in the energy range extending from 1.4 to 2 GeV was measured for the first time. The ratio G{sub E}/G{sub M} for the neutron was measured for the first time in the timelike region.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2016

Constraint on a cosmological variation in the proton-to-electron mass ratio from electronic co absorption

Carbon monoxide (CO) absorption in the sub-damped Lyα absorber at redshift z{sub abs}≃2.69 toward the background quasar SDSS J123714.60+064759.5 (J1237+0647) was investigated for the first time in order to search for a possible variation of the proton-to-electron mass ratio, μ, over a cosmological timescale. The observations were performed with the Very Large Telescope/Ultraviolet and Visual Echelle Spectrograph with a signal-to-noise ratio of 40 per 2.5 km s{sup −1} per pixel at ∼5000 Å. Thirteen CO vibrational bands in this absorber are detected: the A{sup 1}Π − X{sup 1}Σ{sup +} (ν{sup ′}, 0) for ν{sup ′}=0--8, B{sup 1}Σ{sup +} − X{sup 1}Σ{sup +} (0, 0), C{sup 1}Σ{sup +} − X{sup 1}Σ{sup +} (0, 0), and E{sup 1}Π − X{sup 1}Σ{sup +} (0, 0) singlet–singlet bands and the d{sup 3}Δ − X{sup 1}Σ{sup +} (5, 0) singlet–triplet band. An updated database including the most precise molecular inputs needed for a μ-variation analysis is presented for rotational levels J = 0–5, consisting of transition wavelengths, oscillator strengths, natural lifetime damping parameters, and sensitivity coefficients to a variation of the proton-to-electron mass ratio. A comprehensive fitting method was used to fit all the CO bands at once and an independent constraint of Δμ/μ=(0.7±1.6{sub stat}±0.5{sub syst})×10{sup −5} was derived from CO only. A combined analysis using both molecular hydrogen and CO in the same J1237+0647 absorber returned a final constraint on the relative variation of Δμ/μ=(−5.6±5.6{sub stat}±3.1{sub syst})×10{sup −6}, which is consistent with no variation over a look-back time of ∼11.4 Gyr.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Precision and Accuracy in PDV and VISAR

This is a technical report discussing our current level of understanding of a wide and varying distribution of uncertainties in velocity results from Photonic Doppler Velocimetry in its application to gas gun experiments. Using propagation of errors methods with statistical averaging of photon number fluctuation in the detected photocurrent and subsequent addition of electronic recording noise, we learn that the velocity uncertainty in VISAR can be written in closed form. For PDV, the non-linear frequency transform and peak fitting methods employed make propagation of errors estimates notoriously more difficult to write down in closed form expect in the limit of constant velocity and low time resolution (large analysis-window width). An alternative method of error propagation in PDV is to use Monte Carlo methods with a simulation of the time domain signal based on results from the spectral domain. A key problem for Monte Carlo estimation for an experiment is a correct estimate of that portion of the time-domain noise associated with the peak-fitting region-of-interesting in the spectral domain. Using short-time Fourier transformation spectral analysis and working with the phase dependent real and imaginary parts allows removal of amplitude-noise cross terms that invariably show up when working with correlation-based methods or FFT power spectra. Estimation of the noise associated with a given spectral region of interest is then possible. At this level of progress, we learn that Monte Carlo trials with random recording noise and initial (uncontrolled) phase yields velocity uncertainties that are not as large as those observed. In a search for additional noise sources, a speckleinterference modulation contribution with off axis rays was investigated, and was found to add a velocity variation beyond that from the recording noise (due to random interference between off axis rays), but in our experiments the speckle modulation precision was not as important as the recording noise precision. But from these investigations we do appreciate that the velocity-uncertainty itself has a wide distribution of values that varies with signal-amplitude modulation (is not a single value). To provide a rough rule of thumb for the velocity uncertainty, we computed the average of the relative standard deviation distributions from 60 recorded traces (with distributions of uncertainties roughly between 0.1 % to 1 % in each trace) and found a mean of the distribution of uncertainties for our experiments is not better than 0.4 % at an analysis window width of 5 ns (although for brief intervals it can be as good as 0.1 %). Further imagination and testing may be needed to reveal other possible hydrodynamics-related sources of velocity error in PDV.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2018

Variable location channels to improve efficiency and precision for direct ∇ T e measurements and high spatial resolution T e -profile measurements using electron cyclotron emission

Electron cyclotron emission (ECE) diagnostics that use variable location channels based on yttrium iron garnet (YIG) bandpass filters improve the precision and the efficiency of measurements of electron temperature (T e ) profiles and fluctuations (δT e ). These variable frequency filters were substituted for fixed frequency filters in the intermediate frequency section to achieve the required higher resolution over a target radial range, just before the experiment. In this paper, we present the proof-of-principle for high temporal resolution measurement of the electron temperature gradient, via real-time slewing of a YIG filter for relocation of an ECE channel during a long pulse. The key component is the application of YIG tunable filters with their narrow bandwidth and capability for a high slew rate of their center frequency. This application permits fast relocation of the ECE channels for direct measurement of the gradient and close spacing of channels to investigate the magnetic island’s dynamic behavior.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗