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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 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Flattening the field during injection in the Fermilab booster using dipole corrector magnets

The FNAL Booster is a fast cycling 15 Hz resonant circuit synchrotron accelerating proton beam from 400 MeV to 8 GeV. The linac pulse injected into the Booster is ~32 μsec long and fills the ring by multi-turn charge-exchange injection. As part of the PIP-II project, the Booster injection energy and repetition rate will be increased to 800 MeV and 20 Hz respectively. Due to much reduced average current in the new superconducting PIP-II linac, the injection time will increase to 550 μs. A shorter machine cycle coupled to a longer injection time make flattening the injection porch B-field during injection important requirement for successful PIP-II operation. We aim to achieve: (1) flattening of the net bending during injection using dipole correctors, and (2) using a new system based on an Altera FPGA board, reduction of the cycle-to-cycle bending field variation caused by current jitter in the Gradient Magnet Power Supply (GMPS). While the flat injection scheme is essential to future PIP-II operations, it should also noticeably improve efficiency for present HEP operations.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Flattening the Field during Injection in the Fermilab Booster using Dipole Corrector Magnets

The FNAL Booster is a fast cycling 15 Hz resonant circuit synchrotron accelerating proton beam from 400 MeV to 8 GeV. The linac pulse injected into the Booster is ˜32 usec long and fills the ring by multi-turn charge-exchange injection. As part of the PIP-II project, the Booster injection energy and repetition rate will be increased to 800 MeV and 20 Hz respectively. Due to much reduced average current in the new superconducting PIP-II linac, the injection time will increase to 550us. A shorter machine cycle coupled to a longer injection time make flattening the injection porch B-field during injection important requirement for successful PIP-II operation. We aim to achieve: (1) flattening of the net bending during injection using dipole correctors, and (2) using a new system based on an Altera FPGA board, reduction of the cycle-to-cycle bending field variation caused by current jitter in the Gradient Magnet Power Supply (GMPS). While the flat injection scheme is essential to future PIP-II operations, it should also noticeably improve efficiency for present HEP operations.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Laser-initiated p – 11 B fusion reactions in petawatt high-repetition-rate laser facilities

Driving of the nuclear fusion reaction p + 11 B → 3α + 8.7 MeV under laboratory conditions by interaction between high-power laser pulses and matter has become a popular field of research, owing to its numerous potential applications: as an alternative to deuterium–tritium for fusion energy production, astrophysics studies, and alpha-particle generation for medical treatment. One possible scheme for laser-driven p– 11 B reactions is to direct a beam of laser-accelerated protons onto a boron (B) sample (the so-called “pitcher-catcher” scheme). This technique has been successfully implemented on large high-energy lasers, yielding hundreds of joules per shot at low repetition. We present here a complementary approach, exploiting the high repetition rate of the VEGA III petawatt laser at CLPU (Spain), aiming at accumulating results from many interactions at much lower energy, to provide better control of the parameters and the statistics of the measurements. Despite a moderate energy per pulse, our experiment allowed exploration of the laser-driven fusion process with tens (up to hundreds) of laser shots. The experiment provided a clear signature of the reactions involved and of the fusion products, accumulated over many shots, leading to an improved optimization of the diagnostics for experimental campaigns of this type. In this paper, we discuss the effectiveness of laser-driven p– 11 B fusion in the pitcher–catcher scheme, at a high repetition rate, addressing the challenges of this experimental scheme and highlighting its critical aspects. Our proposed methodology allows evaluation of the performance of this scheme for laser-driven alpha particle production and can be adapted to high-repetition-rate laser facilities with higher energy and intensity.

Alpha particles↗
DOE OSTI2025

Flavor-changing Lorentz and CPT violation in muonic atoms

Flavor-changing signatures of Lorentz and CPT violation involving muon-electron conversions in muonic atoms are studied using effective field theory. Constraints on coefficients for Lorentz violation at parts in 10 -12 GeV −1 for flavor-changing electromagnetic muon decays and parts in 10 -13 GeV −2 for flavor-changing 4-point quark-lepton interactions are extracted using existing data from the SINDRUM II experiment at the Paul Scherrer Institute. Estimates are provided for sensitivities attainable in the forthcoming experiments Mu2e at Fermilab and COMET at the Japan Proton Accelerator Complex.

Alan Kostelecký, V. [Indiana Univ., Bloomington, I↗
DOE OSTI2025

The 2024 July 16 solar event: a challenge to the coronal mass ejection origin of long-duration gamma-ray flares

We present a multi-spacecraft analysis of the 2024 July 16 long-duration gamma-ray flare (LDGRF) detected by the Large Area Telescope on the Fermi satellite. The measured > 100 MeV γ-ray emission persisted for over seven hours after the flare impulsive phase, and was characterized by photon energies exceeding 1 GeV and a remarkably hard parent-proton spectrum. In contrast, the phenomena related to the coronal mass ejection (CME)-driven shock linked to this eruption were modest, suggesting an inefficient proton acceleration unlikely to achieve energies well above the 300 MeV pion-production threshold to account for the observed γ-ray emission. Specifically, the CME was relatively slow (∼600 km/s) and the accompanying interplanetary type-II/III radio bursts were faint and short-lived, unlike those typically detected during large events. In particular, the type-II emission did not extend to kilohertz frequencies and disappeared ∼5.5 hours prior to the LDGRF end time. Furthermore, the associated solar energetic particle (SEP) event was very weak, short-duration, and limited to a few tens of MeV, even at magnetically well-connected spacecraft. These findings demonstrate that a very fast CME resulting in a high-energy SEP event is not a necessary condition for the occurrence of LDGRFs, challenging the idea that the high-energy γ-ray emission is produced by the back-precipitation of shock-accelerated ions into the solar surface. The alternative origin scenario based on local particle trapping and acceleration in large-scale coronal loops is instead favored by the observation of giant arch-like structures of hot plasma over the source region that persisted for the entire duration of this LDGRF.

Sun: UV radiation↗
DOE OSTI2025

Measurement techniques using the electron beam profile scanner at the Fermilab Main Injector

This work presents techniques for non-invasive transverse profile measurements of high-intensity proton beams using an Electron Beam Profile Scanner (EBPS). The EBPS utilizes low-energy electrons as a probe to analyze the transverse size of proton beams, allowing for potential analysis on a single-bunch basis. Recent upgrades to the Fermilab Main Injector have enhanced beam power on target to 1 MW, with future developments targeting 2 MW. The higher beam power has increased the demand for non-invasive diagnostics, as invasive methods can disrupt operations.The techniques presented include 1) the slow scan technique, which serves as a proof of concept for the probe beam, 2) the one-shot scan technique for measuring horizontal beam profiles, and 3) the raster scan technique for analyzing horizontal beam profiles as a function of the longitudinal distribution of the beam. The profiles obtained will be crucial for studying and understanding instabilities in high-power, high-intensity proton beams. This will contribute to optimizing the operation of high-power proton accelerators by minimizing beam loss, activation, and damage to both the diagnostics and the accelerator components.

Mwaniki, Matilda [IIT, Chicago]↗
DOE OSTI2024

Adaptation of the Fermilab Proton Source to Support New Muon Facilities

he PIP-II proton accelerator will provide the intensity sufficient to power a new generation of high energy facilities at Fermilab. Extension of that linac to higher energy with following acceleration and bunching rings could provide the intensity needed to feed a muon production target for a high-energy $\mu^{+} - \mu^{-}$ collider. Scenarios using a rapid-cycling synchrotron or an $\sim$8 GeV Linac are presented and discussed. Some near-term opportunities at Fermilab for muon collider R&D are introduced.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2026

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↗
DOE OSTI2026

Configuration Management Plan

The Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) is located at Technical Area 53 (TA-53) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) in Los Alamos, New Mexico. LANSCE is driven by an 800 megaelectronvolt (MeV) proton accelerator that delivered its 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. Many of the LANSCE accelerator front-end components date back to original commissioning in 1972, including the ion sources, Cockcroft-Walton (CW) generators, and the Drift Tube LINAC (DTL), which accelerates the beam up to 100 MeV.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Overview of Shielding Analyses at Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Spallation Neutron Source Second Target Station

The Neutronics Group of the Second Target Station project at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is responsible for all neutronics analyses related to design and construction. This paper provides an overview of four neutronics analyses performed for the Second Target Station project, which is representative of all the ongoing work but especially tasks related to shielding. These analyses extend from the proton accelerator through the target monolith and bunker to the end of a neutron beamline. Each example highlights the tools and methods the Neutronics Group uses for analysis. The primary tool is the Monte Carlo radiation transport code MCNP 6.2, but this is augmented by other codes that supplement the input of MCNP. The other codes specifically highlighted in this paper include Attila4MC, ADVANTG, and AARE.

Miller, Thomas↗
DOE OSTI2024

Adaptation of the Fermilab proton source to support new muon facilities

The PIP-II proton accelerator will provide the intensity sufficient to power a new generation of high energy facilities at Fermilab. Extension of that linac to higher energy with following acceleration and bunching rings could provide the intensity needed to feed a muon production target for a high-energy $\mu^{+} - \mu^{-}$ collider. Scenarios using a rapid-cycling synchrotron or an $\sim$8 GeV Linac are presented and discussed. Some near-term opportunities at Fermilab for muon collider R\&D are introduced.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Stable laser-acceleration of high-flux proton beams with plasma collimation

Laser-plasma acceleration of protons offers a compact, ultra-fast alternative to conventional ac- celeration techniques, and is being widely pursued for potential applications in medicine, industry and fundamental science. Creating a stable, collimated beam of protons at high repetition rates presents a key challenge. Here, we demonstrate the generation of multi-MeV proton beams from a fast-replenishing ambient-temperature liquid sheet. The beam has an unprecedentedly low diver- gence of 1◦ (≤ 20 mrad), resulting from magnetic self-guiding of the proton beam during propagation through a low density vapour. The proton beams, generated at a repetition rate of 5 Hz using only 190 mJ of laser energy, exhibit a hundred-fold increase in flux compared to beams from a solid target. Coupled with the high shot-to-shot stability of this source, this represents a crucial step towards applications.

Glenn, G. D. [SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory↗
DOE OSTI2024

Neutrino Program at Fermilab - Enhancing Proton Beam Power and Accelerator Infrastructure

The upcoming long baseline neutrino experiments aim to enhance proton beam power to multi-MW scale and utilize large-scale detectors to address the challenge of limited event statistics. The DUNE experiment at LBNF will test the three-neutrino flavor paradigm and directly search for CP violation by studying oscillation signatures in the high intensity (anti-) beam to (anti-) measured over a long baseline. Higher beam power and improved accelerator up-time will enhance neutrino flux for the neutrino program by increasing the number of protons on target. LBNF/DUNE, as well as PIP-II upgrade and Accelerator Complex Evolution (ACE) plan, play a vital role in this effort. The scientific potential of ACE plan extends beyond neutrino physics, encompassing endeavors such as the Muon Collider, Charged Lepton Flavor Violation (CLFV), Dark Sectors, and exploration of neutrinos beyond DUNE.\par In the era of higher-power accelerator operation, research in target materials and beam instrumentation is crucial for optimizing design modifications. This abstract discusses Fermilab ACE, the science opportunities it provides, and how Fermilab is pushing the limits of proton beam power and accelerator infrastructure. By tackling neutrino beam challenges and exploring research and development ideas, we are advancing our understanding of fundamental particles and their interactions.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Neutrino Program at Fermilab -- Enhancing proton beam power and accelerator infrastructure

The upcoming long baseline neutrino experiments aim to enhance proton beam power to multi-MW scale and utilize large-scale detectors to address the challenge of limited event statistics. The DUNE experiment at LBNF will test the three neutrino flavor paradigm and directly search for CP violation by studying oscillation signatures in the high intensity $\nu_{\mu}$ (anti-$\nu_{\mu}$) beam to $\nu_{e}$ (anti-$\nu_{e}$) measured over a long baseline. Higher beam power and improved accelerator up-time will enhance neutrino flux for the neutrino program by increasing the number of protons on target. LBNF/DUNE, as well as PIP-II upgrade and Accelerator Complex Evolution (ACE) plan, play a vital role in this effort. The scientific potential of ACE plan extends beyond neutrino physics, encompassing endeavors such as the Muon Collider, Charged Lepton Flavor Violation (CLFV), Dark Sectors, and exploration of neutrinos beyond DUNE.\par In the era of higher-power accelerator operation , research in target materials and beam instrumentation is crucial for optimizing design modifications. This abstract discusses Fermilab ACE, the science opportunities it provides, and how Fermilab is pushing the limits of proton beam power and accelerator infrastructure. By tackling neutrino beam challenges and exploring research and development ideas, we are advancing our understanding of fundamental particles and their interactions.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Neutrino Program at Fermilab - Enhancing Proton Beam Power and Accelerator Infrastructure

The upcoming long baseline neutrino experiments aim to enhance proton beam power to multi-MW scale and utilize large-scale detectors to address the challenge of limited event statistics. The DUNE experiment at LBNF will test the three neutrino flavor paradigm and directly search for CP violation by studying oscillation signatures in the high intensity $\nu_{\mu}$ (anti-$\nu_{\mu}$) beam to $\nu_e$ (anti-$\nu_e$) measured over a long baseline.\par Higher beam power and improved accelerator up-time will enhance neutrino flux for the neutrino program by increasing the number of protons on target. LBNF/DUNE, as well as PIP-II upgrade and Accelerator Complex Evolution (ACE) plan, play a vital role in this effort. The scientific potential of ACE plan extends beyond neutrino physics, encompassing endeavors such as the Muon Collider, Charged Lepton Flavor Violation (CLFV), Dark Sectors, and exploration of neutrinos beyond DUNE. In the era of higher-power accelerator operation, research in target materials and beam instrumentation is crucial for optimizing design modifications. This abstract discusses Fermilab ACE, the science opportunities it provides, and how Fermilab is pushing the limits of proton beam power and accelerator infrastructure. By tackling neutrino beam challenges and exploring research and development ideas, we are advancing our understanding of fundamental particles and their interactions.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Magnetic and quadrupole coupling emerging in NdB 4 with geometrically frustrated orthogonal antiferromagnetic dimer

Unusual successive order in NdB 4 with the frustrated Shastry-Sutherland lattice was investigated by means of inelastic neutron scattering. Here, we found that the pseudoquartet with |±5/2⟩ and |±7/2⟩ in the paramagnetic state splits into four levels in the magnetically ordered states. The observed spectra are in good agreement with the 𝑓-electron states obtained from the on-site Hamiltonian with the magnetic interaction ⟨𝐽 𝑥 ⟩ ⁢𝐽 𝑥 , the coupling of 𝐽 𝑥 with quadrupole 𝑂 𝑧⁢𝑥 , and the crystalline electric field potential. The 𝑓-electron states reproduce the temperature dependences of the in-plane moment 𝑚 ⊥ = ⟨𝐽 𝑥 ⟩, which is the primary order parameter, and a weakly induced 𝑚 𝑐 = ⟨𝐽 𝑧 ⟩ as the secondary order parameter. The magnetic-quadrupole coupling emerges and plays an essential role under the geometrical frustration, where the Heisenberg interactions are canceled out.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2025

Upgrading Fermilab’s accelerator control system with ACORN

The Fermilab Accelerator Complex is the largest national user facility in the Office of High Energy Physics (DOE/HEP) program and the only national user facility operating at Fermilab. Fermilab serves as the host to the Long Baseline Neutrino Facility/Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (LBNF/DUNE), the laboratory’s flagship project for neutrino science that is under construction. LBNF/DUNE will be powered by megawatt beams from an upgraded accelerator, the Proton Improvement Plan II (PIP-II) that will replace the laboratory’s aging linear accelerator with a new one based on superconducting radio-frequency cavities. The Accelerator Controls Operations Research Network (ACORN) Project will support LBNF/DUNE and PIP-II by modernizing the accelerator control system. The project is at the conceptual design phase and looking to achieve Critical Decision 1 (CD-1) later this year. The scope and structure of the project will be presented, along with an overview of how that has changed in the past year. Current design and technology choices will be shared. Specific challenges facing the project will be addressed, along with current thinking on solutions.

Roehrig, Christian [Fermilab]↗
DOE OSTI2025

Three rate-determining protein roles in photosynthetic O 2 -evolution addressed by time-resolved experiments on genetically modified photosystems

Light-driven water splitting by plants, algae and cyanobacteria is pivotal for global bioenergetics and biomass formation. A manganese cluster bound to the photosystem II proteins catalyzes the complex reaction at high rate, but the rate-determining factors are insufficiently understood. Here we trace the oxygen-evolution transition by time-resolved polarography and infrared spectroscopy for cyanobacterial photosystems genetically modified at two strategic sites, complemented by computational chemistry. Our results highlight three rate-determining roles of the protein environment of the metal cluster: acceleration of proton-coupled electron transfer, acceleration of substrate-water insertion after O 2 -formation, and balancing of rate-determining enthalpic and entropic contributions. Whereas in general the substrate-water insertion step may be unresolvable in time-resolved experiments, here it likely becomes traceable because of deceleration by genetic modification. Our results may stimulate new time-resolved experiments on substrate-water insertion in photosynthesis, clarification of enthalpy-entropy compensation in enzyme catalysis, and knowledge-guided development of inorganic catalyst materials.

Bioenergetics↗