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NASA NTRS1989

Possible infrared signature of decaying particles

A scenario for massive decaying particles is proposed which accounts for the detection of the submillimeter isotropic radiation component of the IR background (Matsumoto et al., 1988). The peak of the decay photon spectrum in the scenario is at several microns. The observed spectrum of the IR background is compared to that of decay photons with degraded energy. Within the limits to the radiative decays of neutrinos from gamma-ray observations os SN 1987A, it is found that the observed spectrum of decay photons is consistent with the IR background spectrum for decaying particle masses in the range between 5 and 18 keV, lifetimes in the range 2-7 X 10 to the 10th s, and a photon branching range of 0.0004 and 0.0009.

Wang, Boqi↗

DOE OSTI2020

Improved Limits on Millicharged Particles Using the ArgoNeuT Experiment at Fermilab

A search for millicharged particles, a simple extension of the standard model, has been performed with the ArgoNeuT detector exposed to the Neutrinos at the Main Injector beam at Fermilab. The ArgoNeuT liquid argon time projection chamber detector enables a search for millicharged particles through the detection of visible electron recoils. We search for an event signature with two soft hits (MeV-scale energy depositions) aligned with the upstream target. For an exposure of the detector of 1.0×10 20 protons on target, one candidate event has been observed, compatible with the expected background. This search is sensitive to millicharged particles with charges between 10 -3 $e$ and 10 -1 $e$ and with masses in the range from 0.1 to 3 GeV. This measurement provides leading constraints on millicharged particles in this large unexplored parameter space region.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

NASA NTRS1982

Morphology and movements of polarization features on Venus

Ground and spacecraft based polarization observations of Venus detected the signature of the so called 1-micron radius cloud particles that constitute the main cloud deck on Venus, as well as that of sub-micron sized particles that form a haze above this main cloud layer. Whether such observations showed any local clustering or organization in the polarimetry data remained uncertain until the relatively high resolution observations from the Pioneer Venus Orbiter Cloud Photopolarimeter (OCPP) became available. The available polarization data from this instrument was studied to see whether local organization was present, to study the morphology of such features or polarization clouds, and finally, to see if they can be followed in a sequence of observations to study their motions.

Limaye, S. S.↗

DOE OSTI2022

Quasiparticle excitations in a one-dimensional interacting topological insulator: Application for dopant-based quantum simulation

Here, we study the effects of electron-electron interactions on the charge excitation spectrum of the spinful Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) model, a prototype of a one-dimensional bulk obstructed topological insulator. In view of recent progress in the fabrication of dopant-based quantum simulators we focus on experimentally detectable signatures of interacting topology in finite lattices. To this end we use Lanczos-based exact diagonalization to calculate the single-particle spectral function in real space which generalizes the local density of states to interacting systems. Its spatial and spectral resolution allows for the direct investigation and identification of edge states. By studying the noninteracting limit, we demonstrate that the topological in-gap states on the boundary are robust against both finite-size effects as well as random bond and onsite disorder which suggests the feasibility of simulating the SSH model in engineered dopant arrays in silicon. While edge excitations become zero-energy spinlike for any finite interaction strength, our analysis of the spectral function shows that the single-particle charge excitations are gapped out on the boundary. Despite the loss of topological protection, we find that these edge excitations are quasiparticlelike as long as they remain within the bulk gap. Above a critical interaction strength of U c ≈5t these quasiparticles on the boundary lose their coherence which is explained by the merging of edge and bulk states. This is in contrast to the many-body edge excitations which survive the limit of strong coupling, as established in the literature. Our findings show that for moderate repulsive interactions the nontrivial phase of the interacting SSH model can be detected through remnant signatures of topological single-particle states using single-particle local measurement techniques such as scanning tunneling spectroscopy.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

DOE OSTI2024

Search for decaying dark matter in the Virgo cluster of galaxies with HAWC

The decay or annihilation of dark matter particles may produce a steady flux of very-high-energy gamma rays detectable above the diffuse background. Nearby clusters of galaxies provide excellent targets to search for the signatures of particle dark matter interactions. In particular, the Virgo cluster spans several degrees across the sky and can be efficiently probed with a wide field-of-view instrument. The High Altitude Water Cherenkov (HAWC) observatory, due to its wide field of view and sensitivity to gamma rays at an energy scale of 300 GeV–100 TeV is well-suited for this search. Using 2141 days of data, we search for γ -ray emission from the Virgo cluster, assuming well-motivated dark matter substructure models. Our results provide some of the strongest constraints on the decay lifetime of dark matter for masses above 10 TeV. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Albert, A.↗

NASA NTRS2007

Particle and Smoke Detection on ISS for Next Generation Smoke Detectors

Rapid fire detection requires the ability to differentiate fire signatures from background conditions and nuisance sources. Proper design of a fire detector requires detailed knowledge of all of these signal sources so that a discriminating detector can be designed. Owing to the absence of microgravity smoke data, all current spacecraft smoke detectors were designed based upon normal-g conditions. The removal of buoyancy reduces the velocities in the high temperature zones in flames, increasing the residence time of smoke particles and consequently allowing longer growth time for the particles. Recent space shuttle experiments confirmed that, in some cases, increased particles sizes are seen in low-gravity and that the relative performance of the ISS (International Space Station) and space-shuttle smoke-detectors changes in low-gravity; however, sufficient particle size information to design new detectors was not obtained. To address this issue, the SAME (Smoke Aerosol Measurement Experiment) experiment is manifested to fly on the ISS in 2007. The SAME experiment will make measurements of the particle size distribution of the smoke particulate from several typical spacecraft materials providing quantitative design data for spacecraft smoke detectors. A precursor experiment (DAFT: Dust Aerosol measurement Feasibility Test) flew recently on the ISS and provided the first measurement of the background smoke particulate levels on the ISS. These background levels are critical to the design of future smoke detectors. The ISS cabin was found to be a very clean environment with particulate levels substantially below the space shuttle and typical ground-based environments.

Urban, David L.↗

NASA NTRS1998

"CHON" particles: The interstellar component of cometary dust

Interstellar dust is characterized by strong absorption in the ultraviolet and the mid-IR. Current models of interstellar dust are based on three chemically distinct components: a form of carbon (usually graphite), a silicate, and a blend of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or other carbonaceous material. Previous work using effective medium theories to understand the optical properties of cometary dust suggested that an amalgam of materials could reproduce the observed interstellar and cometary dust features. Recently, Lawler and Brownlee (1992) re-analyzed the PIA and PUMA-1 data sets from the Giotto flyby of P/Halley and discovered that the so-called "CHON" particles were actually composed of a blend of carbon-bearing and silicon-bearing materials. Based on effective medium theories, the absorption spectrum of such a material would display the spectral features of each of the components - strong UV absorption from the carbonaceous component and strong absorption in the IR from the silicate component. To test this idea, vapor-deposited samples were created using two different deposition techniques: sputtering with an argon RF magnetron and deposition from an argon plasma torch. Two different compositions were tested: a blend of graphite and silica in a 7:1 ratio and an amalgam of materials whose approximate composition matches the "CHON"-silicate abundances for the uncompressed PIA data set of Lawler and Brownlee: graphite, iron oxide, magnesium oxide, ammonium sulfate, calcium carbonate, and silica in mass ratios of 6:4.3:4:2.2:1:9. The samples were finely ground and pressed into 2" diameter disks using a 40 ton press. In all, four different experiments were performed: one with each of the compositions (C:SiO and "CHON") in both the RF magnetron and the plasma torch chambers. The RF magnetron created a uniform dark thin film on the substrate surface, and the plasma torch created a coating of small (<100 micron) diameter grey particles. The spectra of all four samples show a strong, broad absorption feature at around 220 nm as well as a strong but narrower absorption peak near 10 microns. The RF magnetron sputtered samples showed some sub-structure in the UV, and the peak of the absorption was shifted toward longer wavelengths. The UV absorption in the plasma torch deposited samples have no sub-structure, and the peak absorption is very near 220 nm. Strong absorption near 9 microns is seen in the spectra from both sample preparation techniques, and is consistent with the IR spectra of some terrestrial silicates. Other features, particularly at 6.2 and 8.6 microns, are seen in the interstellar medium. A strong feature near 2 microns is due to absorbed water in the sample. Based on the results of these experiments, there is evidence that a material with a composition similar to that detected in "CHON" particles in the coma of P/Halley have a spectral signature which reproduces the main absorption features of interstellar dust. This suggests that the "CHON" particles could be the interstellar component of cometary dust.

Lien, David J.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Monopole search below the Parker limit with the MACRO detector at Gran Sasso

The MACRO detector approved for the Gran Sasso Underground Laboratory in Italy will be the first capable of performing a definitive search for super-massive grand unified theory (GUT) monopoles at a level significantly below the Parker flux limit of 10 to the minus 15th power square centimeters Sr(-1) 5(-1). GUT monopoles will move at very low velocities (V approx. 0.001 c) relative to the Earth and a multifaceted detection technique is required to assume their unambiguous identification. Calculations of scintillator response to slow monopoles and measurements of scintillation efficiency for low energy protons have shown that bare monopoles and electrically charged monopoles moving at velocities as low as 5 x .0001 c will produce detectable scintillation signals. The time-of-flight between two thick (25 cm) liquid scintillation layers separated by 4.3m will be used in conjunction with waveform digitization of signals of extended duration in each thick scintillator to provide a redundant signature for slow penetrating particles. Limited streamer tubes filled with He and n-pentane will detect bare monopoles with velocities as low as 1 x 0.0001 c by exploiting monopole induced level mixing and the Penning effect.

Tarle, G.↗

NASA NTRS2007

A Small Angle Scattering Sensor System for the Characterization of Combustion Generated Particulate

One of the critical issues for the US space program is fire safety of the space station and future launch vehicles. A detailed understanding of the scattering signatures of particulate is essential for the development of a false alarm free fire detection system. This paper describes advanced optical instrumentation developed and applied for fire detection. The system is being designed to determine four important physical properties of disperse fractal aggregates and particulates including size distribution, number density, refractive indices, and fractal dimension. Combustion generated particulate are the primary detection target; however, in order to discriminate from other particulate, non-combustion generated particles should also be characterized. The angular scattering signature is measured and analyzed using two photon optical laser scattering. The Rayleigh-Debye-Gans (R-D-G) scattering theory for disperse fractal aggregates is utilized. The system consists of a pulsed laser module, detection module and data acquisition system and software to analyze the signals. The theory and applications are described.

Feikema, Douglas A.↗

NASA NTRS1987

A boundary layer model for magnetospheric substorms

An alternative framework for understanding magnetospheric substorm activity is presented. It is argued that observations of magnetic field and plasma flow variations in the magnetotail can be explained in terms of the passage of the plasma sheet boundary layer over the satellite detecting the tail signatures. It is shown that field-aligned currents and particle acceleration processes on magnetic field lines threading the ionospheric Harang discontinuity lead to the distinctive particle and field signatures observed in the magnetotail during substorms. It is demonstrated that edge effects of field-aligned currents associated with the westward traveling surge can lead to the negative B(z) perturbations observed in the tail that are presently attributed to observations made on the anti-earthward side of a near-earth neutral line. Finally, it is shown that the model can provide a physical explanation of both the driven system and the loading-unloading system whose combined effects provide the observed substorm perturbation pattern in the magnetosphere and ionosphere.

Rostoker, Gordon↗

DOE OSTI2023

FLArE up dark sectors with EM form factors at the LHC forward physics facility

Despite being mostly secluded, dark sector particles may feebly interact with photons via a small mass-dimension 4 millicharge, a mass-dimension 5 magnetic and electric dipole moment, or a mass-dimension 6 anapole moment and charge radius. If sufficiently light, the LHC may produce an intense and collimated beam of these particles in the far forward direction. We study the prospects of searching for such dark sector particles with electromagnetic form factors via their electron scattering signature in the Forward Liquid Argon Experiment (FLArE) at the Forward Physics Facility (FPF). We find that FLArE can provide new probes of sub-GeV dark particles with dipole moments and strong sensitivities for millicharged particles in the 100 MeV to 100 GeV region. This complements other search strategies using scintillation signatures or dark matter direct detection and allows for probing strongly interacting dark matter motivated by the EDGES anomaly. Along with the FORMOSA detector, this leads to a very versatile and leading experimental program in the search for millicharged particles in the FPF.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

DOE OSTI2023

Anatomy of the electroweak phase transition for dark sector induced baryogenesis

We investigate the electroweak phase transition patterns for a recently proposed baryogenesis model with CP violation originated in the dark sector. The model includes a complex scalar singlet-Higgs boson portal, a U(1) l gauge lepton symmetry with a Z ' gauge boson portal and a fermionic dark matter particle. We find a novel thermal history of the scalar sector, featuring a Z 2 breaking singlet vacuum in the early Universe driven by a dark Yukawa coupling, that induces a one-step strongly first order electroweak phase transition. We explore the parameter space that generates the observed matter-antimatter asymmetry and dark matter relic abundance, while being consistent with constraints from electric dipole moment, collider searches, and dark matter direct detection bounds. The complex singlet can be produced via the Higgs portal and decays into Standard Model particles after traveling a certain distance. We explore the reach for long-lived singlet scalars at the 13 TeV Large Hadron Collider with $ \mathcal{L} $ = 139 fb - 1 and show its impact on the parameter space of the model. Setting aside currently unresolved theoretical uncertainties, we estimate the gravitational wave signatures detectable at future observatories.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

DOE OSTI2022

A Methodological Overview of Seismic Analysis for Nuclear Event Detection

Underground explosions generate potentially detectable signatures, including energy waves that travel through the Earth’s subsurface (i.e., seismic waves), low-frequency sound waves (i.e., infrasound and hydroacoustic waves), and radioactive gases and/or particles that might leak from the test cavity (if the event was nuclear). There can also be intelligence indicators of a test, such as observations of modified patterns of life and activity at a suspected test site. If all of these detectable signatures and intelligence indicators are present and self-consistent, then analysts have high confidence in classifying a signature generating event as an explosion. However, because only partial information about an event is likely to be available, determining whether an event was natural (e.g., an earthquake or landslide) or manmade (e.g., a chemical or nuclear explosion) is much more challenging. This primer describes how one category of event signatures—seismic signatures—can augment event analyses. While universities and government organizations have generated detailed technical descriptions of seismic analytic techniques, we seek to translate seismic event analysis for a broad, non-technical audience. When the geologic conditions near an event are well-characterized, seismic data can be used to calculate critical information, such as event location and depth, with relatively high accuracy. Moreover, specific features within seismic datasets can help determine whether an event was an explosion. However, a key challenge in seismic analysis is that geologic site conditions are often poorly characterized, complicating the ability to discern the true nature of the event. To overcome this challenge, geologists answer a series of questions (discussed in section 1) to guide seismic event analysis and determine the most probable nature of an event. As more information is gathered during each analytic step, confidence grows regarding the nature of the event. Section 2 addresses uncertainties in seismic analysis and the vital nature of high-fidelity geologic data for accurate seismic event analysis.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

NASA NTRS1984

Detailed examination of a plasmoid in the distant magnetotail with ISEE 3

Details of an investigation of a lone plasmoid encountered by the ISEE-3 spacecraft in February 1983 are reported. ISEE-3 was then at 217 earth radii distance, in the magnetosheath, and had entered the magnetotail. Intense energetic particle, plasma and magnetic field fluctuations were detected, indicating a large electron flux moving tailward, a suprathermal proton flux, a jump in electron temperature, and inverse signatures of an increasing magnetic field. Closed magnetic field lines were also detected as were IMF field lines around the plasmoid and open field lines connecting the earth with space. The hot particles in the plasmoid are concluded to have been magnetically confined in a boundary one earth radius thick. An earthward directed beam was also detected and was found to balance the tailward flux. The origin and characteristics of the beam were not discerned.

Hones, E. W., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1996

Micron-Sized Particles Detected in the Vicinity of Jupiter by the Voyager Plasma Wave Instruments

Wideband waveform data obtained by the plasma wave instruments onboard the Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft have been used to study micron-sized dust particles in the vicinity of Jupiter. The technique used was developed during the flybys of Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, and makes use of the fact that a particle striking the spacecraft at 10-20 km/s causes a voltage pulse in the plasma wave receiver. The waveform of the voltage pulse is much different than the waveform of plasma waves and provides a highly reliable method of detecting micron-sized dust particles. Although the dust impact rate observed in the vicinity of Jupiter is much lower than the rates at Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, the particles are easily detectable. Approximately 1200 48-second frames of wideband waveform data were examined in the vicinity of Jupiter. Dust impact signatures were found in approximately 20% of these frames. The peak impact rates are about 1 impact per second, and the peak number densities are about 10(exp -5) m(exp -3). Most of the impacts occurred near the equatorial plane at radial distances less than about 35 R(sub j) from Jupiter. Analysis of the detection threshold indicates that the particles have masses greater than 10(exp -11) g, which corresponds to particles with diameters of a few micrometers or larger.

Tsintikidis, D.↗

DOE OSTI2020

WIMP cogenesis for asymmetric dark matter and the baryon asymmetry

We propose a new mechanism where asymmetric dark matter (ADM) and the baryon asymmetry are both generated in the same decay chain of a metastable weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) after its thermal freezeout. Dark matter and baryons are connected by a generalized baryon number that is conserved, while the DM asymmetry and baryon asymmetry compensate each other. This unified framework addresses the DM-baryon coincidence while inheriting the merit of the conventional WIMP miracle in predicting relic abundances of matter. Examples of renormalizable models realizing this scenario are presented. These models generically predict ADM with sub-GeV to GeV-scale mass that interacts with Standard Model quarks or leptons, thus rendering potential signatures at direct detection experiments sensitive to low mass DM. Other interesting phenomenological predictions are also discussed, including: LHC signatures of new intermediate particles with color or electroweak charge and DM induced nucleon decay; the long-lived WIMP may be within reach of future high energy collider experiments.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2022

Muon track reconstruction in a segmented bolometric array using multi-objective optimization

Recent advances in segmented solid-state detector arrays for rare-event searches have allowed the technology to approach the ton-scale in detector mass and the scale of meters in size. Often focused around searches for neutrinoless double-beta decay or direct dark matter detection, such experiments also have the capability to search for exotic particles that leave track-like signatures across their volume. However, the segmented nature of such detector arrays often sets the spatial resolution and makes the problem of reconstructing track-like paths non-trivial. Here, in this paper, we present an algorithm that improves reconstruction of track-like events in segmented detectors using multi-objective optimization — a computational technique that optimizes more than one cost function at a time without specifying a quantitative weighting between them. Such a technique allows the reconstruction of tracks through a detector and the determination of path-lengths through individual elements. When combined with the reconstructed energy depositions in each element this allows for a calculation of the stopping power of track-like particles and opens the door to searches for particles with abnormal stopping power like monopoles or lightly-ionizing particles (LIPs). Results are presented which evaluate the precision of the reconstruction tools as they currently stand against Monte Carlo generated data. The algorithm is presented in the context of the CUORE experiment, but has applications to other segmented calorimeter detectors.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

NASA NTRS2011

Model-Based Diagnostics for Propellant Loading Systems

The loading of spacecraft propellants is a complex, risky operation. Therefore, diagnostic solutions are necessary to quickly identify when a fault occurs, so that recovery actions can be taken or an abort procedure can be initiated. Model-based diagnosis solutions, established using an in-depth analysis and understanding of the underlying physical processes, offer the advanced capability to quickly detect and isolate faults, identify their severity, and predict their effects on system performance. We develop a physics-based model of a cryogenic propellant loading system, which describes the complex dynamics of liquid hydrogen filling from a storage tank to an external vehicle tank, as well as the influence of different faults on this process. The model takes into account the main physical processes such as highly nonequilibrium condensation and evaporation of the hydrogen vapor, pressurization, and also the dynamics of liquid hydrogen and vapor flows inside the system in the presence of helium gas. Since the model incorporates multiple faults in the system, it provides a suitable framework for model-based diagnostics and prognostics algorithms. Using this model, we analyze the effects of faults on the system, derive symbolic fault signatures for the purposes of fault isolation, and perform fault identification using a particle filter approach. We demonstrate the detection, isolation, and identification of a number of faults using simulation-based experiments.

Daigle, Matthew John↗