Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “charge detection”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2022

CALET Search for Electromagnetic Counterparts of Gravitational Waves During the LIGO/Virgo O3 Run

The CALorimetric Electron Telescope (CALET)on the International Space Station consists of a high-energy cosmic-ray CALorimeter (CAL)and a lower-energy CALET Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (CGBM). CAL is sensitive to electrons up to 20 TeV, cosmic-ray nuclei from Z=1 throughZ∼40, and gamma rays over the range1 GeV–10 TeV. CGBM observes gamma rays from 7 keV to 20 MeV. The combined CAL-CGBM instrument has conducted a search for gamma-ray bursts (GRBs)since 2015 October. We report here on the results of a search for X-ray/gamma-ray counterparts to gravitational-wave events reported during the LIGO/Virgo observing run O3. No events have been detected that pass all acceptance criteria. We describe the components, performance, and triggering algorithms of the CGBM—the two Hard X-ray Monitors consisting of LaBr3(Ce)scintillators sensitive to 7 keV–1 MeV gamma rays and a Soft Gamma-ray Monitor BGO scintillator sensitive to 40 keV–20 MeV—and the high-energy CAL consisting of a charge detection module, imaging calorimeter, and the fully active total absorption calorimeter. The analysis procedure is described and upper limits to the time-averaged fluxes are presented.

Gamma-ray astronomy↗
DOE OSTI2022

CALET Search for Electromagnetic Counterparts of Gravitational Waves during the LIGO/Virgo O3 Run

The CALorimetric Electron Telescope (CALET) on the International Space Station consists of a high-energy cosmic-ray CALorimeter (CAL) and a lower-energy CALET Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (CGBM). CAL is sensitive to electrons up to 20 TeV, cosmic-ray nuclei from Z = 1 through Z ~ 40, and gamma rays over the range 1 GeV–10 TeV. CGBM observes gamma rays from 7 keV to 20 MeV. The combined CAL-CGBM instrument has conducted a search for gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) since 2015 October. We report here on the results of a search for X-ray/gamma-ray counterparts to gravitational-wave events reported during the LIGO/Virgo observing run O3. No events have been detected that pass all acceptance criteria. We describe the components, performance, and triggering algorithms of the CGBM—the two Hard X-ray Monitors consisting of LaBr 3 (Ce) scintillators sensitive to 7 keV–1 MeV gamma rays and a Soft Gamma-ray Monitor BGO scintillator sensitive to 40 keV–20 MeV—and the high-energy CAL consisting of a charge detection module, imaging calorimeter, and the fully active total absorption calorimeter. The analysis procedure is described and upper limits to the time-averaged fluxes are presented.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1984

Impact of LANDSAT MSS Sensor Differences on Change Detection Analysis

Change detection techniques were used to pinpoint differences in the multispectral band scanners on LANDSAT 2, 3, and 4 satellites. The method of analysis was to co-register 512 by 512 pixel subwindows for all data pairs followed by scattergram generation and analysis. In all cases, the LANDSAT-4 data were used as the base to which other images were registered. There appear to be no major problems preventing use of LANDSAT-4 MSS with previous MSS sensors for charge detection, provided the interference noise can be removed or minimized. This noise may result in detection of spurious changes, as well as affect other uses of the data, including image classification. Analysis of dark (water and forests), rather than light features will be most impacted because the noise will form a higher percentage of the total response at low DN values. Any data normalizations for change detection should be based upon the data, rather than solely upon calibration information. While the observed relative radiometric transfer function between LANDSAT 3 and 4 was approximately as predicted, there were still significant deviations. Normalizing based upon data content also can have the advantage of allowing simultaneous normalization of the atmosphere as well as the radiometry.

Likens, W. C.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Mesoscale system feedback-induced dissipation and noise suppression

A high-gain and low-noise negative feedback control (“feedback control”) system can detect charge transfer in quantum systems at room temperatures. The feedback control system can attenuate dissipative coupling between a quantum system and its thermodynamic environment. The feedback control system can be integrated with standard commercial voltage-impedance measurement system, for example, a potentiostat. In one aspect, the feedback control system includes a plurality of electrodes that are configured to electrically couple to a sample, and a feedback mechanism coupled to a first electrode of the plurality of electrodes. The feedback mechanism is configured to detect a potential associated with the sample via the first electrode. The feedback mechanism provides a feedback signal to the sample via a second electrode of the plurality of electrodes, the feedback signal is configured to provide excitation control of the sample at a third electrode of the plurality of electrode.

Gupta, Chaitanya↗
DOE OSTI2025

Mu2e Tracker Electronics - Construction of a Straw Tracker

The Mu2e experiment, located at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), also known as Fermilab, in Batavia, Illinois, is an in-progress particle physics experiment aiming to detect Charged Lepton Flavor Violation (CLFV) via the $\mu^-Al\rightarrow e^-Al$ interaction, a Beyond the Standard Model (BSM) process. One of the sections of the Mu2e experiment is the Tracker, which aims to identify the signal and reject the background while the experiment is running. A total of 20,736 Calibration (CAL) and High-Voltage (HV) preamplifiers (preamps) are being installed within 36 planes that make up the Tracker. During this process, MHz oscillations were discovered on the CAL preamps, obscuring desired signal detection in the \~kHz range. To solve this issue, copper clips are installed onto the CALs to remove the MHz oscillations. The installation of electronics into the Tracker will be discussed in depth.

Lynch, Alec Michael [UC, Berkeley; Fermilab]↗
DOE OSTI2023

High event rate analysis technique for the dual-axis duo-lateral position-sensitive silicon detectors of FAUST

The dual-axis duo-lateral (DADL) position-sensitive silicon detector was developed to obtain precise position and energy information for detected charged particles. The Forward Array Using Silicon Technology (FAUST) is currently equipped with 68 DADL detectors backed by CsI(Tl) scintillators for the study of charged particle correlations in heavy-ion collisions where precise position and energy information is essential. When conventional signal processing electronics were used for the DADL detectors, a position dependence of the measured energy as well as distortions in the calculated particle positions were observed. In previous work, waveforms from the detector after preamplification were studied to better understand the features that give rise to these distortions; therein, a waveform analysis technique was developed to improve the energy resolution and linearity in position reconstruction. However, the reading and writing of waveforms for an entire detector array limits data collection rates and adds significant burden in data storage and analysis speed. In this work, the integrators of a Struck SIS3316 ADC were utilized to process 228 Th source data to develop and optimize a new analysis method that captures the benefits of the waveform analysis technique while circumventing the waveform writing requirement. This integrator method – capable of 59 keV (FWHM) energy resolution – was used in the collection of 35 MeV/nucleon 28 Si + 12 C collision data using FAUST to investigate exotic decays of highly excited highly deformed nuclei. In this data, a position resolution of 0.4 mm (FWHM) was obtained for 25 MeV α-particles; for α-particles near this energy that originate from 8 Be ground state decays, a 8 Be ground state width of 30 keV (FWHM) was obtained. The impact of the energy-dependent DADL position resolution emergent from electronic noise on the quality of excited state measurement was modeled and compared to the experimental data.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2025

HRPPD photosensors for RICH detectors with a high resolution timing capability

Recently, a new version of DC-coupled High Rate Picosecond Photodetectors (DC-HRPPDs) substantially re-designed for use at the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) has been developed. A first batch of seven “EIC HRPPDs” was manufactured in early 2024. These HRPPDs are DC-coupled photosensors based on Micro-Channel Plates (MCPs) that have an active area of 104 mm by 104 mm, 32 × 32 direct readout pixel array at a pitch of 3.25 mm, peak quantum efficiency in excess of 30%, exceptionally low dark count rates and timing resolution of 15–20 ps for a single photon detection. As such, these photosensors are very well suited for Ring Imaging CHerenkov (RICH) detectors that can additionally provide high resolution timing capability, especially in a configuration where a detected charged particle passes through the sensor window, which produces a localized flash containing a few dozens of Cherenkov photons in it.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Cellulose Nanocrystals’ Role in Critical Mineral Beneficiation: Dual Aggregate-Dispersant Behavior Supports Environmentally Benign Nickel Processing

Environmentally unsustainable and toxic chemical flocculants and dispersants from nickel (Ni) processing contribute to industrial effluents that greatly impact biodiversity and aquatic life. Despite the industry’s efforts to reduce its ecological footprint—primarily due to the lack of commercially available biodegradable, environmentally benign, and non-toxic reagents—these reagents continue to harm natural ecosystems. Chemicals used during the processing operations often target a specific unit operation that negatively affects downstream operations. In this study, we discover the concentration-dependent behavior of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) as a dispersant and flocculant, avoiding the use of various harmful chemicals in the nickel processing stages. Electrophoretic, optical brightfield microscopy, and quartz crystal microbalance-dissipation studies detected charge neutralization behavior by renewable and biodegradable CNCs, which can greatly benefit Ni processing operations. Microflotation experiments demonstrated that CNCs enhanced Ni recovery from 62 to 77 wt.% and concentrate grade from 15 to 20 wt.%. Settling and turbidity studies demonstrated the dual flocculant-dispersant behavior of CNCs resulting from the alignment of CNC fibers along the octahedral brucite basal and amphoteric edge plane of serpentine. CNCs can be used as dispersants during froth flotation to improve Ni beneficiation and as post-processing flocculants for tailings management and dewatering, which is one of the major environmental and social concerns facing the mining and mineral processing industry. This study paves the way for CNCs to be used as flocculants and dispersants in a range of industries from healthcare to pharmaceuticals to semiconductor devices.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2024

Scintillation characteristics of the EJ-299-02H scintillator

Here a study of the dead layer thickness and quenching factor of a plastic scintillator for use in ultracold neutron (UCN) experiments is described. Alpha spectroscopy was used to determine the thickness of a thin surface dead layer to be 630 ± 110 nm. The relative light outputs from the decay of 241 Am and Compton scattering of electrons were used to extract Birks’ law coefficient, yielding a kB value of 0.087 ± 0.003 mm/MeV, consistent with some previous reports for other polystyrene-based scintillators. The results from these measurements are incorporated into the simulation to show that an energy threshold of (∼9 keV) can be achieved for the UCNProBe experiment. This low threshold enables high beta particle detection efficiency and the indirect measurement of UCN. The ability to make the scintillator deuterated, accompanied by its relatively thin dead layer, gives rise to unique applications in a wide range of UCN experiments, where it can be used to trap UCN and detect charged particles in situ.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

First measurements of energetic protons in Mega Amp Spherical Tokamak Upgrade (MAST-U)

First proton production rates from the d(d,p)t reaction in the Mega Amp Spherical Tokamak Upgrade (MAST-U) are measured. The data were taken during the MAST-U experimental campaign with an upgraded version of the proton detector (PD) previously used in MAST. The new detector array consists of three collimated silicon surface barrier detectors with a depletion depth of 300 μm and a collimated 120 μm thick diamond detector, mounted on the MAST-U reciprocating probe arm. This array measures the energies of unconfined energetic 3 MeV protons and 1 MeV tritons mainly produced by beam-thermal DD reactions during neutral beam injection heating. Diamond detectors have the potential to be uniquely suited to detect charged fusion products as they promise to be much more radiation resistant and much less sensitive to temperature variations compared to silicon-based detectors. Using silicon and diamond-based detectors simultaneously allowed us to directly compare the performance of these two detector types. PD particle rates measured during different plasma scenarios are presented and compared to neutron rates measured using the neutron camera upgrade and TRANSP predictions.

Instruments & Instrumentation↗
DOE OSTI2022

Comparison of measurement and simulation of ATLAS cavern radiation background

Sixteen Medipix2 pixel detector based (MPX) devices were operated at various positions within the ATLAS detector and cavern continuously from early 2008 up to 2013. In addition to photons, each MPX detector is capable to detect charged particles, and neutrons as it is covered with a mask of converter materials dividing its area into regions sensitive to thermal or fast neutrons. The MPX detector network was effectively used for real-time measurements of the spectral characteristics and composition of complex radiation fields in ATLAS. This article reports comparison of the results of measurements performed with MPX detectors during the LHC operation period in 2010 and 2011 with Monte Carlo simulations results from the FLUGG and GCALOR codes. For the purpose of this comparison, the MPX detectors were operated in tracking mode with low threshold (8–10 keV) allowing one to distinguish among particle categories based on the recognition of track patterns left by the particles in the MPX sensitive layer. The comparison of measurements with simulations shows that the agreement between measured and simulated data is satisfactory in most cases within a factor of two.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2020

July 2, 2020 -“Cone Of Silence” Issues & Lightning Indicator Study

Using previous studies that showed that when a developing storm has a 35dbz radar echo at a height inside the cloud where the temperature drops to -10 degrees C, yields an estimated 85% chance of future lightning occurring, we put this storm that developed on 7/2/20 to the same parameters. The Pantex LMA (Lightning Mapping Array) detected “charge densities” at 13:56. These can be precursors to future lightning. The Pantex LMA picked these charge densities up 10 minutes after the 35 dbz core reached 25,000 feet.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Optimizing TinyTPC Test Stand for Low Energy Event Reconstruction

Introducing dopants into liquid argon offers a promising avenue to enhance the sensitivity and performance of LAr detectors such as DUNE. To explore this opportunity, we are optimizing and deploying the TinyTPC test stand, a compact time projection chamber with LArPix readout to study the effects of photosensitive dopants on the charge detected. TinyTPC enables comparative measurements of low-energy responses under various operational configurations and provides a platform to study the behavior of pixel readouts at low energy. We ensured system reliability through continuous current and voltage monitoring, modeling the detector's electrical behavior, and indirectly estimating total resistance under testing conditions. We ran the Blanche cryostat under various thresholds and gain configurations to evaluate their potential impact to low-energy event reconstruction and advancing R&D efforts for dopant integration in neutrino detectors

Van Loenen, Drew [Franciscan U. Steubenville]↗
DOE OSTI2026

Neutrino Beam Monitoring

Accelerator facilities produce neutrino beams from meson decays in a decay volume. Experiments measure event rates that depend on flux, cross sections, and detector response, so the flux is predicted using hadron production and beamline modeling and constrained by beam instrumentation, since near detectors alone cannot separate flux from cross section. Proton, hadron, and muon monitors can track the parent particle distributions and beam conditions, providing the inputs needed for flux predictions in long-baseline experiments such as NOvA, T2K, and DUNE. This talk reviews how beam monitors are used in practice to understand neutrino flux. Proton beam monitors tell where the beam hits the target and how stable it is. Farther downstream, hadron and muon monitors sample particles produced in meson decays. Because those muons come from the same parents as the neutrinos, their profiles reveal focusing, alignment shifts, and other changes in the beam, and they are routinely used to detect problems and guide flux predictions. The muon information can be used more quantitatively; for example, to infer the parent meson phase space, and fast radiation-hard timing detectors can add sensitivity to the momentum dependence of the focusing. These developments show both how tightly beam measurements can constrain the flux and where the current limits still lie. These approaches complement monitored-beam concepts, in which the decay region is instrumented to detect charged leptons from meson decays and to measure the neutrino flux directly.

Ganguly, Sudeshna [Fermilab] (ORCID:00000003163482↗
DOE OSTI2026

Neutrino Beam Monitoring

Accelerator facilities produce neutrino beams from meson decays in a decay volume. Experiments measure event rates that depend on flux, cross sections, and detector response, so the flux is predicted using hadron production and beamline modeling and constrained by beam instrumentation, since near detectors alone cannot separate flux from cross section. Proton, hadron, and muon monitors can track the parent particle distributions and beam conditions, providing the inputs needed for flux predictions in long-baseline experiments such as NOvA, T2K, and DUNE. This talk reviews how beam monitors are used in practice to understand neutrino flux. Proton beam monitors tell where the beam hits the target and how stable it is. Farther downstream, hadron and muon monitors sample particles produced in meson decays. Because those muons come from the same parents as the neutrinos, their profiles reveal focusing, alignment shifts, and other changes in the beam, and they are routinely used to detect problems and guide flux predictions. The muon information can be used more quantitatively; for example, to infer the parent meson phase space, and fast radiation-hard timing detectors can add sensitivity to the momentum dependence of the focusing. These developments show both how tightly beam measurements can constrain the flux and where the current limits still lie. These approaches complement monitored-beam concepts, in which the decay region is instrumented to detect charged leptons from meson decays and to measure the neutrino flux directly.

Ganguly, Sudeshna [Fermilab] (ORCID:00000003163482↗
NASA NTRS1971

Behavior of lithium in irradiated solar cells.

The current state of the art in radiation resistant lithium-doped silicon solar cells is reviewed. Fabrication techniques are reviewed. Characteristics of lithium-doped cells are discussed. Behavior of lithium-doped cells during 1 MeV electron irradiation are studied for various types of cells. Effects of variations in lithium and oxygen concentration are shown and discussed. Capacitance measurements at various voltages, frequencies and temperatures are used to detect charges in lithium donor concentration and the formation of defects during irradiation. Physical models to explain the observed effects are presented.

Carter, J. R., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Coaxial anode improves sensitivity of gas radiation counters

Anode wire itself is enclosed by three segments. Two on ends are rejector segments, and middle one is primary charge-detecting segment. Anode wire is made from tungsten and is surrounded by enamel insulation. Enamel is covered by segments of vapor-deposited gold. At one point in center segment, gold layer makes direct contact with anode wire.

Kraushaar, W. L.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Low-distortion resistive anodes for two-dimensional position-sensitive MCP systems

Microchannel plates (MCPs) are frequently used with resistive anodes to detect charged particles or photons and yield analog signals from which event positions can be decoded. The paper discusses a four-corner concave circular arc terminated resistive anode that permits theoretically distortionless encoding of Cartesian event positions into pulse charge ratios. The theory of the circular arc terminated anode is discussed along with anode design and performance. Electron beam images obtained by using such an anode are presented to confirm the usefulness of the approach.

Lampton, M.↗