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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

Analytic quasi-steady evolution of marginally unstable kinetic plasma instabilities in the presence of drag and scattering

The 1D bump-on-tail problem is studied in order to determine the influence of drag on quasi-steady solutions near marginal stability (1-γ d /γ L << 1) when effective collisions are much larger than the instability growth rate (ν>>γ). In this common tokamak regime, it is rigorously shown that the paradigmatic Berk–Breizman cubic equation for the nonlinear mode evolution reduces to a much simpler differential equation, dubbed the time-local cubic equation, which can be solved directly. It is found that in addition to increasing the saturation amplitude, drag introduces a shift in the apparent oscillation frequency by modulating the saturated wave envelope. Furthermore, excellent agreement is found between the analytic solution for the mode evolution and both the numerically integrated Berk–Breizman cubic equation and fully nonlinear 1D Vlasov simulations. Experimentally isolating the contribution of drag to the saturated mode amplitude for verification purposes is explored but complicated by the reality that the amount of drag cannot be varied independently of other key parameters in realistic scenarios. While the influence of drag is modest when the ratio of effective drag to effective scattering α/ν is very small, it can become substantial when α/ν ≳ 0.5, suggesting that drag should be accounted for in quantitative models of fast-ion-driven instabilities in fusion plasmas.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Probing polarization-tunable sub-terahertz spin pumping in bimodal α-Fe 2 O 3 /Pt

Hematite (α-Fe 2 O 3 ) is an insulating antiferromagnet possessing a room temperature canted phase induced by the super-exchange Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya Interaction (DMI), resulting in enhanced spin pumping and spin transport over uniaxial antiferromagnets. In this work we resonantly excite the quasi-ferromagnetic (acoustic) and purely antiferromagnetic (optical) spin-dynamical modes in bulk and thin-film heterostructures of α-Fe 2 O 3 /Pt at room temperature, inducing inverse-spin-Hall-voltages up to 255 GHz. Following recent measurements of optical-mode spin-pumping in α-Fe 2 O 3 , we observe a novel and exotic microwave polarization mapping along with amplified spin-charge conversion in the optical branch and discuss the implications of layer thickness on acoustic and optical spin-modes. The results provide a deeper understanding of spin-wave selection rules for canted antiferromagnets and their potential use in nanoscale terahertz spintronics.

interfaces↗

Probing growth of metal–organic frameworks with X-ray scattering and vibrational spectroscopy

Nucleation and crystallization arising from liquid to solid phase are involved in a multitude of processes in fields ranging from materials science to biology. Controlling the thermodynamics and kinetics of growth is advantageous to help tune the formation of complex morphologies. In this report, we harness wide-angle X-ray scattering and vibrational spectroscopy to elucidate the mechanism for crystallization and growth of the metal–organic framework Co-MOF-74 within microscopic volumes enclosed in a capillary and an attenuated total reflection microchip reactor. The experiments reveal molecular and structural details of the growth processes, while the results of plane wave density functional calculations allow identification of lattice and linker modes in the formed crystals. Synthesis of the metal–organic framework with microscopic volumes leads to monodisperse and micron-sized crystals, in contrast to those typically observed under bulk reaction conditions. Reduction in the volume of reagents within the microchip reactor was found to accelerate the reaction rate. The coupling of spectroscopy with scattering to probe reactions in microscopic volumes promises to be a useful tool in the synthetic chemist's kit to understand chemical bonding and has potential in designing complex materials.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Wavelength conversion for single-photon polarization qubits through continuous-variable quantum teleportation

A quantum internet connects remote quantum processors that need to interact and exchange quantum signals over a long distance through photonic channels. However, these quantum nodes operate at the wavelength ranges unsuitable for long-distance transmission. Therefore, quantum wavelength conversion to telecom bands is crucial for long-distance quantum networks based on optical fiber. Here, we propose wavelength conversion devices for single-photon polarization qubits using continuous-variable quantum teleportation that can efficiently convert qubits between near-infrared (780–795 nm suitable for interacting with atomic quantum nodes) and telecom wavelength (1300–1500 nm suitable for long-distance transmission). The teleportation uses entangled photon fields (i.e., nondegenerate two-mode squeezed state) that can be generated by four-wave mixing in a rubidium atomic gas using a diamond configuration of atomic transitions. The entangled fields can be emitted in two orthogonal polarizations with locked relative phase, making them especially suitable for interfacing with single- photon polarization qubits. Furthermore, our work may pave the way for the realization of long-distance quantum networks.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

Positive Energy Functional for Massless Scalars in Rotating Black Hole Backgrounds of Maximal Ungauged Supergravity

Here, we outline a proof of the stability of a massless neutral scalar field ψ in the background of a wide class of four dimensional asymptotically flat rotating and “electrically charged” solutions of supergravity, and the low energy limit of string theory, known as STU metrics. Despite their complexity, we find it possible to circumvent the difficulties presented by the existence of ergo regions and the related phenomenon of superradiance in the original metrics by following a strategy due to Whiting, and passing to an auxiliary metric admitting an everywhere lightlike Killing field and constructing a scalar field ψ (related to a possible unstable mode ψ by a nonlocal transformation) which satisfies the massless wave equation with respect to the auxiliary metric. By contrast with the case for ψ, the associated energy density of ψ is not only conserved but is also non-negative.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Starting dynamics of a linear-cavity femtosecond Mamyshev oscillator

Mamyshev oscillators can generate high-power femtosecond pulses, but starting a mode-locked state has remained a major challenge due to the suppression of continuous-wave lasing. Here, we study the starting dynamics of a linear Mamyshev oscillator designed to generate high-power femtosecond pulses while avoiding component damage. Reliable starting to stable mode-locking is achieved with a combination of modulation of the pump power and shifting of a filter passband. The starting process is automated, with full electronic control. The laser delivers 21-nJ pulses that are dechirped to 65 fs in duration outside the cavity.

Chen, Yi-Hao (ORCID:0000000244001983)↗

Multi-modal effects on indirect noise induced by turbulent entropy fields

Planar entropy waves are commonly assumed for predicting indirect combustion noise. However, the non-planar and turbulent nature of flows found in most practical combustors challenges this assumption. In the present paper, we examine the indirect noise generated by non-planar and turbulent entropy fields through subsonic nozzles. Firstly, we introduce a new transfer function framework that accounts for the contribution of non-planar Fourier modes of the entropy field to the indirect noise spectra. When applied to a turbulent flow field, this method demonstrates a significant improvement in spectral predictions compared with a conventional approach that only considers the planar mode. Secondly, simulations show that non-planar Fourier modes become significant above a threshold frequency ƒ thresh , found in the mid- to high-frequency range. This contribution of non-planar modes is explained by two-dimensional shear effects that distort the entropy waves. A scaling relation that uses residence times along streamlines is developed for ƒ thresh , showing good agreement with simulation results. Finally, we show that the indirect noise from non-planar entropy modes found in aviation combustors can be significant at frequencies below 1 kHz, which might be relevant in situations of thermo-acoustic instabilities coupled to indirect noise.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Pair density wave and s ± id superconductivity in a strongly coupled lightly doped Kondo insulator

Here, we investigate the large Kondo coupling limit of the Kondo-Heisenberg model on one- and two-dimensional lattices. Focusing on the possible superconducting states when slightly doping the Kondo insulator state, we identify different pairing modes to be most stable in different parameter regimes. Possibilities include uniform s-wave, pair-density-wave with momentum π (in both one and two dimensions) and uniform s ± id x 2 -y 2 wave (in two dimensions). We attribute these exotic pairing states to the presence of various pair-hopping terms with a "wrong'' sign in the effective model, a mechanism that is likely universal for inducing pairing states with spatially modulated pair wavefunctions.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Nonreciprocal Dissipation Engineering via Strong Coupling with a Continuum of Modes

Optical nonreciprocity plays a key role in almost every optical system, directing light flow and protecting optical components from backscattered light. Controllable forms of on-chip nonreciprocity are needed for the robust operation of increasingly sophisticated photonic integrated circuits (PICs) in the context of classical and quantum computation, networking, communications, and sensing. However, it has been challenging to achieve wideband, low-loss optical nonreciprocity on-chip. In this paper, we demonstrate strong coupling and Rabi-like energy exchange between photonic bands, possessing a continuum of modes, to unlock nonreciprocity and frequency translation over wide optical bandwidths in silicon. Using a traveling-wave phonon field to drive indirect interband photonic transitions, we demonstrate band hybridization that enables an intriguing form of nonreciprocal dissipation engineering. Using the converted mode to create a nonreciprocal dissipation channel, we demonstrate a frequency-neutral, low-loss (less than 1 dB) isolator with high nonreciprocal contrast (more than 14 dB) and broad operating bandwidth (more than 59 GHz). Additionally, through the implementation of complete interband conversion, we demonstrate a high extinction (more than 55 dB) optical frequency translation operation with near-unity efficiency.

Zhou, Yishu↗

Modulating effect of evanescent waves on thin film growth

Atomic-scale smooth thin films are keys to successful integration and proper function of many multilayer-structured devices. However, the intrinsic islandlike growth mode prevents human beings from realizing such ultrasmooth films of many important functional materials. To solve this problem, we propose a negative entropy-infusing method that employs evanescent waves to enhance the downward interlayer diffusion of adatoms and thus transform the islandlike growth mode to the layer-by-layer growth mode. In this work, the formulas of the optical force and the lowered diffusion barrier were derived, and the application of this theory on a simplified example demonstrates significantly improved surface morphologies through numerical simulations.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

O-Mode Instability for Non-Thermal Continuum Radiation Generated Near the Plasmapause

Analysis of the ordinary mode (O-mode) instability is performed to comprehend the nonthermal continuum (NTC) radiation near the plasmapause, taking into account the relativistic wave-electron resonance effect. The energy source is the anisotropy in the velocity of the minority suprathermal electron population. Numerical solutions demonstrate that the O-mode can be unstable with multiple narrow frequency bands located close to harmonics of the electron cyclotron frequency above the local electron plasma frequency. These waves have narrow beaming angle bands of nearly 90° relative to the ambient magnetic field. Our findings indicate that NTC radiation generated by this wave-electron resonance instability near the plasmapause can propagate nearer to the magnetic equator with multiple harmonics, which is in agreement with a recent statistical study using Van Allen Probes.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Lessons from black hole quasinormal modes in modified gravity

Quasinormal modes (QNMs) of perturbed black holes have recently gained much interest because of their tight relations with the gravitational wave signals emitted during the post-merger phase of a binary black hole coalescence. One of the intriguing features of these modes is that they respect the no-hair theorem, and hence, they can be used to test black hole spacetimes and the underlying gravitational theory. In this paper, we exhibit three different aspects of how black hole QNMs could be altered in theories beyond Einstein’s general relativity (GR). These aspects are (i) the direct alterations of QNM spectra as compared with those in GR, (ii) the violation of the geometric correspondence between the high-frequency QNMs and the photon geodesics around the black hole, and (iii) the breaking of the isospectrality between the axial and polar gravitational perturbations. Several examples will be provided in each individual case. The prospects and possible challenges associated with future observations will be also discussed.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Laboratory Testing to Assess the Feasibility of Polyurethane Flat Belts for Marine Energy Applications

Polyurethane flat belts have received limited scientific attention as load-bearing elements in marine energy systems, particularly in applications involving dynamic tensile and bending loads. This study evaluates their potential as a replacement for traditional wire ropes in marine energy applications, with a focus on their ability to be integrated into winch-driven wave energy converters where bending and tensile stresses can make long-term operation difficult. Polyurethane belts are hypothesized to offer enhanced fatigue resistance due to their reduced thickness in the bending plane and therefore lower bending stresses. This research involves a series of tests utilizing the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL) Large-Amplitude Motion Platform to replicate the dynamic conditions experienced by mooring lines of winch-based point-absorber-type marine energy converters. The conditions tested include unequal coiling and uncoiling tensions and load cases resulting from the device’s unconstrained movement relative to its anchor, such as twisting and off-axis loading. Results from this study show that polyurethane flat belts can achieve more than 198 percent of the fatigue life of a conventional wire rope under similar load profiles. The stress concentrations resulting from off-axis loading and cumulative twist beyond the system’s allowable limits have been identified as potential failure modes for flat belt mooring lines used in winch-driven wave energy converters deployed in ocean environments. To mitigate these risks, the use of anti-spin systems and fairleads designed to accommodate off-axis loading while limiting twist accumulation is recommended.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗

Progress in ITER ECE diagnostic design and integration

The ITER electron cyclotron emission (ECE) diagnostic system has primary roles in providing measurements of the core electron temperature profile and the electron temperature fluctuation associated with the neoclassical tearing modes. The ITER ECE system includes a radial and oblique line-of-sight. Four 43-meter long low-loss transmission lines (TLs) are designed to transmit millimeter wave power in the frequency range of 70–1000 GHz in both X- and O-mode polarization from the port plug to the ECE instrumentation room in the diagnostic building. The measurement instrumentation includes two Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) systems and two radiometer systems. The Indian Domestic Agency (IN-DA) and United States Domestic Agency share the responsibility. The IN-DA scope excluding instrumentation and control has passed its preliminary design review and is progressing towards the final design review (FDR). In parallel, the diagnostic integration in different areas is ongoing. Furthermore, several captive components for the TLs have passed FDR and will be manufactured for installation in the tokamak building soon. A peer review meeting has been held on the prototype hot calibration source, and its integration and new thermal analysis in the diagnostic shield module are continuing. A prototype TL is being tested. A prototype polarizing Martin-Puplett type FTS, operating in the frequency range 70–1000 GHz, features an in-vacuo fast scanning mechanism and a cryo-cooled dual-channel THz detector system. Its performance has been assessed in detail against ITER requirements.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Study of ponderomotive instability in the FRIB beta=0.53 half-wave resonator

Superconducting radio-frequency niobium cavities are susceptible to deformations caused by external or internal forces, leading to shifts in the cavity resonant frequency. One source of deformation comes from the radiation pressure of the cavity fields, producing the so-called Lorentz force detuning effect. This effect can couple to the cavity mechanical modes in generator driven mode, leading to ponderomotive instability. In the FRIB 322 MHz, β=0.53 Half-wave Resonators (HWR), the instability appeared when the cavity was detuned, with thresholds depending on low-level RF control parameters, such as closed loop gain, as well as accelerating gradient. Using a measured Lorentz Transfer Function, Simulink simulations were conducted to predict the instability thresholds, which were then compared with the experimental results. We will discuss how these thresholds can be broadened to enable stable operation at higher gradients.

Accelerator Physics↗

Shock wave bending around a dusty plasma void

We report on experimental observations of the bending of a dust acoustic shock wave around a dust void region. This phenomenon occurs as a planar shock wavefront encounters a compressible obstacle in the form of a void whose size is larger than the wavelength of the wave. As they collide, the central portion of the wavefront, that is the first to touch the void, is blocked while the rest of the front continues to propagate, resulting in an inward bending of the shock wave. The bent shock wave eventually collapses, leading to the transient trapping of dust particles in the void. Subsequently, a Coulomb explosion of the trapped particles generates a bow shock. The experiments have been carried out in a Direct Current (DC) glow discharge plasma, where the shock wave and the void are simultaneously created as self-excited modes of a three-dimensional dust cloud. The salient features of this phenomenon are reproduced in molecular dynamics simulations, which provide valuable insights into the underlying dynamics of this interaction.

Dust acoustic waves↗

Resilient cooling through geothermal district energy system

Decarbonization and resilience to heat waves have recently become high priorities for building and district energy systems. Geothermal coupled district heating and cooling systems that operate a water loop near ground temperature gain increasing adoption to support decarbonization. In these systems, vapor-compression machines, distributed in the energy transfer stations, lift the temperature up or down to the needs of the particular building. In principle, these systems can provide low-power, free cooling from the geothermal bore field during heat waves when electricity is often scarce. However, the performance of such a resilience operation mode and its implication on the energy system configuration and the sizing of the bore field and HVAC equipment is not yet understood. Consequently, we are assessing their resilience, power use and design implications under a scenario of a heat wave on five working days during which chillers are switched off to reduce electrical consumption. Our analysis is based on high-fidelity, coupled dynamic models of district energy, building-side HVAC and actual control logic, with whole building energy simulation used to assess thermal conditions in a 2004 vintage multi-zone office building in Chicago, IL. The results show that relying only on waterside economizer cooling, the indoor thermal conditions can be maintained in a tolerable range for the majority of the building zones with half the electrical energy compared to standard chiller operation. Thermal comfort in the hottest zones can be further improved by oversizing the cooling coil. However, the waterside economizer has significant implications on the system configuration and sizing: The geothermal bore field needs to be sized about 30% larger than the upper limit of the range observed for conventional geothermal systems. Nevertheless, if a central chiller plant is added, the bore field can be downsized to the typical design range. The latter configuration still allows compressor-less cooling during the heat wave with peak power reduced by 60% compared to the standard design and chiller operation.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

Electron capture of superheavy nuclei with realistic lepton wave functions

The superheavy nuclei push the periodic table of the elements and the chart of the nuclides to their limits, providing a unique laboratory for studies of the electron-nucleus interactions. The most important weak decay mode in known superheavy nuclei is electron capture (EC). In the standard calculations of EC, the lepton wave functions are usually considered in the lowest-order approximation. In this work, we investigate the sensitivity of EC rates on the choice of the electron wave functions by (i) assuming the single-particle approximation for the electron wave functions, and (ii) carrying out Dirac-Hartree-Fock (DHF) calculations. The nuclear response is generated based on the state-of-the-art quasiparticle random phase approximation employing relativistic nuclear energy density functional theory. Here, we show that using the improved lepton wave functions reduces the EC rates up to 40% in the superheavy nucleus oganesson (𝑍=118). Interestingly, because of screening effects, the difference between the EC rates obtained with the DHF and single-particle calculations is fairly small.

Atomic orbital↗