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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 523 records · Page 29

Approximating accelerator impedances with resonator networks

It is common in the accelerator community to use the impedance of accelerator components to describe wake interactions in the frequency domain. However, it is often desirable to understand such wake interactions in the time domain in a general manner for excitations that are not necessarily Gaussian in nature. Here, the conventional method for doing this involves taking the inverse Fourier Transform of the component impedance, obtaining the Green's Function, and then convolving it with the desired excitation distribution. This method can prove numerically cumbersome, for a convolution integral must be evaluated for each individual point in time when the wake function is desired. An alternative to this method would be to compute the wake function analytically, which would sidestep the need for repetitive integration. Only a handful of cases, however, are simple enough for this method to be tenable. One of these cases is the case where the component in question is an RLC resonator, which has a closed-form analytical wake function solution. This means that a component which can be represented in terms of resonators can leverage this solution. As it happens, common network synthesis techniques may be used to map arbitrary impedance profiles to RLC resonator networks in a manner the accelerator community has yet to take advantage of. In this work, we will use Foster Canonical Resonator Networks and partial derivative descent optimization to develop a technique for synthesizing resonator networks that well approximate the impedances of real-world accelerator components. We will link this synthesis to the closed-form resonator wake function solution, giving rise to a powerful workflow that may be used to streamline beam dynamics simulations.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

LAMP Operational Concepts

This brief report describes the major operational changes resulting from accelerator design and implementation of the LAMP scope. Improvements in operational performance are discussed, along with implications for integration with the existing LANSCE accelerator complex. Potential impacts to the present LANSCE operational modes and integration with the existing personnel and machine protection systems are also discussed.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Fabrication and test of COMB dipole magnet with STAR® wires

Fermilab is working on superconducting accelerator magnet R&D under the framework of the U.S. MagnetDevelopment Program (USMDP). An integral part of that program is High Temperature Superconducting (HTS)accelerator magnet development to- demonstrate HTS self‐fields of 5 T or greater- be compatible with operation in hybrid LTS/HTS configuration• to probe fields beyond 16 T for future High Energy Physics (HEP) experiments

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Technical Report for Bayesian Optimization and Reinforcement Learning for Beam Polarization Increase in the BNL Hadron Injectors

This project developed and evaluated physics-informed Bayesian learning and machine learning (ML)-based optimization methods for improving beam polarization preservation in the BNL hadron injector chain. The work focused on uncertainty-aware digital twin modeling, Bayesian calibration of accelerator simulations using beam measurements, and data-efficient optimization strategies including Bayesian optimization and reinforcement learning. These methods were applied to injector tuning and RF control problems in realistic accelerator settings to support improved operational robustness and readiness for RHIC operations and future Electron–Ion Collider facilities. No subject inventions were disclosed under this award.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Impacts of the Conductive Networks on Solid‐State Battery Operation

The micromorphology of composite cathodes is known to play a vital role in determining all-solid-state battery (ASSB) performance. However, much of our current understanding is derived from empirical observations, lacking a deeper mechanistic foundation. The “rocking chair” concept of battery chemistry requires maintaining charge neutrality, emphasizing the necessity of examining electrode micromorphology from the perspective of conductive networks. This study systematically investigates the microscopic electrochemical impacts of conductive network micromorphology by varying the Li + -to-e − channel ratio in cathodes comprising LiNbO 3 -coated LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O 2 , Li 6 PS 5 Cl, and carbon fibers. Utilizing multiscale synchrotron-based spectro-microscopy, we unravel that unbalanced Li + and e − conducting channels intensify charge polarization within active cathode particles and accelerate their degradation. A further model system with X-ray nano-tomography resolved e − and Li + channels indicates that spatially uniform and well-paired Li + and e − conducting channels are highly desirable as they could promote more uniform lithiation/delithiation, mitigating microscopic electrochemical polarization. Electrode-scale X-ray holotomography analysis reveals that the impact of conductive networks is particle-size-dependent, with smaller cathode particles being more significantly affected. These findings provide mechanistic insights into the interplay between conductive networks and all-solid-state battery operation, laying the groundwork for rational design and optimization of cathode architectures in future solid-state battery technologies.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Space charge dominated momentum spread and compensation strategies in the post-linac section of Proton Improvement Plan-II at Fermilab

The upcoming Proton Improvement Plan-II (PIP-II), designated for enhancements to the Fermilab accelerator complex, features a new 800 MeV superconducting linac and a Beam Transfer Line (BTL) to transport the beam to the existing Booster synchrotron. To mitigate the space charge tune shift associated with a high intensity accumulated beam, the low emittance linac beam is used to paint the ring phase space both transversely and longitudinally. To prevent losses caused by particles injected outside the rf separatrix while painting longitudinal phase space, the momentum spread of the incoming beam should not exceed 2.1 x 10^-4. Detailed simulations showed that due to space charge, the rms momentum spread increases to 4 x 10^-4 while it is transported in the BTL --about twice the allowable limit. In this paper, we outline a mitigation strategy involving a debuncher cavity. We discuss location, operating frequency, and gap voltage under both nominal and perturbed beam conditions, specifically accounting for momentum jitter. The impact of cavity misalignments is also assessed. The paper concludes by recommending an optimized configuration.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Testing the Common Platform LLRF with a 197 MHz NCRF Cavity

The Common Platform is the hardware that will support the new LLRF platform to be used for the Electron-Ion Collider. The Common Platform features a carrier board that is used to interface with a variety of daughter for different applications. This paper details the testing that was done using the Common Platform and an RF Digitizer Daugther Board. Firstly, the firmware and software development is discussed followed by a description of the controls algorithms used in the testing. Then, testing and verification of the platform with a 197 MHz NCRF cavity is discussed. The paper concludes with results from the testing and the path forward.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Geant4 Simulations on Faraday Cup Design for PIP-II Laser Wire Scanner System

The Proton Improvement Plan-II (PIP-II) accelerator upgrade at Fermilab represents a groundbreaking leap forward in high-energy physics research. This ambitious initiative involves enhancing Fermilab's accelerator complexby replacing the current linear accelerator (linac) with awarm front end (WFE) capable of accelerating H- beamsup to 2.1 MeV. Subsequently, a superconducting linac further accelerates these beams up to 800 MeV. To preciselymeasure the transverse beam profile, a combination of traditional wire scanners at the WFE section and Laser wirescanners along the superconducting linac are planned forimplementation. This investigation is centered on refiningthe Faraday cup design for the PIP-II Laser wire scannersby utilizing GEANT4, a Monte Carlo simulation toolkit.Leveraging this method enables a comprehensive analysisof particle trajectories, energy deposition, secondary particle emission, backscattering, etc., facilitating optimizationthrough adjustments to cup geometries, materials, andplacement to maximize its efficacy in beam diagnostics.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Pulsed laser deposition assisted epitaxial growth of cesium telluride photocathodes for high brightness electron sources

The development of high-brightness electron sources is critical to state-of-the-art electron accelerator applications like X-ray free electron laser (XFEL) and ultra-fast electron microscopy. Cesium telluride is chosen as the electron source material for multiple cutting-edge XFEL facilities worldwide. This manuscript presents the first demonstration of the growth of highly crystalized and epitaxial cesium telluride thin films on 4H-SiC and graphene/4H-SiC substrates with ultrasmooth film surfaces. The ordering of the film was characterized by in situ reflection high energy electron diffraction and multiple X-ray diagnostics. The results of the quantum efficiency performance for epitaxial cesium telluride photocathodes are also reported.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Efficient six-dimensional phase space reconstructions from experimental measurements using generative machine learning

Next-generation accelerator concepts, which hinge on the precise shaping of beam distributions, demand equally precise diagnostic methods capable of reconstructing beam distributions within six-dimensional position-momentum spaces. However, the characterization of intricate features within six-dimensional beam distributions using current diagnostic techniques necessitates a substantial number of measurements, using many hours of valuable beam time. Novel phase space reconstruction techniques are needed to reduce the number of measurements required to reconstruct detailed, high-dimensional beam features in order to resolve complex beam phenomena and as a feedback in precision beam shaping applications. In this study, we present a novel approach to reconstructing detailed six-dimensional phase space distributions from experimental measurements using generative machine learning and differentiable beam dynamics simulations. We demonstrate that this approach can be used to resolve six-dimensional phase space distributions from scratch, using basic beam manipulations and as few as 20 two-dimensional measurements of the beam profile. We also demonstrate an application of the reconstruction method in an experimental setting at the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator, where it is able to reconstruct the beam distribution and accurately predict previously unseen measurements 75× faster than previous methods.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Simulation study of ion beam used to produce Mo-99

An 820 mA CW positive ion source is being developed to produce Mo-99 using the fusion of deuterium and tritium ion beams on a rotating target to produce neutrons for use in the production of radiopharmaceuticals. The ion source consists of an RF plasma source, a multi-aperture extractor, and 300 kV accelerating column. This paper will describe a simulation study of the beam through the extractor grid and the accelerator to the target. The uniformity of beam distribution on the target is an important aspect of the simulation.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Requirements and Overview of the LAMP PDM Vault

The Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) is located at Technical Area 53 (TA-53) at Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, New Mexico. LANSCE is driven by an 800 mega electron volt (MeV) proton accelerator that delivered first beam in 1972. The LANSCE accelerator is unique in that it accelerates both H- (to full energy of 800 MeV) and H+ ions (up to 100 MeV currently but has accelerated high-power H+ beam to 800 MeV in the past) and supports five separate experimental areas that operate simultaneously with each having different timing and beam current requirements.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Excellent performance of 650 MHz single-cell niobium cavity after electropolishing

Electropolishing process and cathodes have undergone modification and optimization for both low- and high-beta 650 MHz five-cell niobium cavities for PIP-II. Cavities treated with these modified electropolishing conditions exhibited smooth surfaces and good performance in baseline tests. Nonetheless, due to administrative constraints on project cavities, maximum gradient performance testing was not conducted. This paper presents a study conducted on a single-cell 650 MHz cavity utilizing the optimized electropolishing conditions, highlighting the maximum performance attained for this specific cavity. The cavity tested at 2 K in a vertical cryostat reached a superior accelerating field gradient of 53.3 MV/m at Q0 of 1.6x1010, which is the highest gradient attained for this type of large-sized cavities.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

IROS 2023 Workshop Report: Draft Guidelines on Manufacturing Procedures, Test Methods and Reporting for Soft Robotics

Soft roboticists are facing challenges with reproducibility, which prevents researchers from making holistic comparisons to prior work, impedes full understanding of results, and forces the need to “reinvent the wheel,” delaying fundamental advances. Reproducibility of results is key to advancing science as well as achieving technology transfer from research laboratories to industrial applications. Recently, a discussion-based workshop dedicated to the topic, “Developing Standard Testing and Reporting Guidelines for Soft Robotics,” was held at IROS 2023 in Detroit, MI. The purpose of this document is to record a set of recommendations and voluntary draft guidelines for soft roboticists concerning fabrication/manufacturing, test procedures, and reporting, which were collectively developed at the workshop. Together as a community, we hope to improve the reporting standards of soft robotics and drive the field as a whole toward more rigorous research practices.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Bayesian optimization scheme for the design of a nanofibrous high power target

High Power Targetry (HPT) R&D is critical in the context of increasing beam intensity and energy for next generation accelerators. Many target concepts and novel materials are being developed and tested for their ability to withstand extreme beam environments; the HPT R&D Group at Fermilab is developing an electrospun nanofiber material for this purpose. The performance of these nanofiber targets is sensitive to their construction parameters, such as the packing density of the fibers. Lowering the density improves the survival of the target, but reduces the secondary particle yield. Optimizing the lifetime and production efficiency of the target poses an interesting design problem, and in this paper we study the applicability of Bayesian optimization to its solution. We first describe how to encode the nanofiber target design problem as the optimization of an objective function, and how to evaluate that function with computer simulations. We then explain the optimization loop setup. Thereafter, we present the optimal design parameters suggested by the algorithm, and close with discussions of limitations and future refinements.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Analysis of thermal grooving effects on vortex penetration in vapor-diffused Nb 3 Sn

While Nb 3 Sn theoretically offers better superconducting radio-frequency (RF) cavity performance (Q 0 and E acc ) to Nb at any given temperature, peak RF magnetic fields consistently fall short of the ~400 mT prediction. The relatively rough topography of vapor-diffused Nb 3 Sn is widely conjectured to be one of the factors that limit the attainable performance of Nb 3 Sn-coated Nb cavities prepared via Sn vapor diffusion. Here we investigate the effect of coating duration on the topography of vapor-diffused Nb 3 Sn on Nb and calculate the associated magnetic field enhancement and superheating field suppression factors using atomic force microscopy topographies. It is shown that the thermally grooved grain boundaries are major defects which may contribute to a substantial decrease in the achievable accelerating field. Further, the severity of these grooves increases with total coating duration due to the deepening of thermal grooves during the coating process.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗