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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 577 records · Page 32
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Mechanical Actuation Mechanism Design for Cryogenic Microwave Cavities in Axion Dark Matter Searches

Resonant Microwave Cavities are placed in a strong magnetic field at cryogenic temperatures (~.1K) in order to try to convert axions into detectable photons. A major challenge is to tune the cavity to allow no interference with the desired environment used for the experiment, which enables the system to operate near absolute zero and maintain superconductivity, thereby reducing noise as much as possible. My project focuses on developing and testing a low-thermal-conductivity gear reduction system with a 1000:1 ratio for cavity tuning. This gear system could significantly improve the thermal and electromagnetic interference of the tuning mechanism, helping ADMX scan for axions more accurately.

Ortega, Giancarlo [Marquette U.; Fermilab]↗
DOE OSTI2021

Deep Search for Decaying Dark Matter with XMM-Newton Blank-Sky Observations

Sterile neutrinos with masses in the keV range are well-motivated extensions to the Standard Model that could explain the observed neutrino masses while also making up the dark matter (DM) of the universe. If sterile neutrinos are DM then they may slowly decay into active neutrinos and photons, giving rise to the possibility of their detection through narrow spectral features in astrophysical x-ray data sets. Here, we perform the most sensitive search to date for this and other decaying DM scenarios across the mass range from 5 to 16 keV using archival XMM-Newton data. We reduce 547 Ms of data from both the MOS and PN instruments using observations taken across the full sky and then use this data to search for evidence of DM decay in the ambient halo of the Milky Way. We determine the instrumental and astrophysical baselines with data taken far away from the Galactic Center, and use Gaussian process modeling to capture additional continuum background contributions. No evidence is found for unassociated x-ray lines, leading us to produce the strongest constraints to date on decaying DM in this mass range.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Diluted axion star collisions with neutron stars

Diluted axion star, a self-gravitating object with the quantum pressure balancing gravity, has been predicted in many models with a QCD axion or axion-like particle. It can be formed in the early universe and composes a sizable fraction of dark matter. One could detect the transient radio signals when it passes by a magnetar with the axion particle converted into photon in the magnetic field. Using both numerical and semi-analytic approaches, we simulate the axion star's dynamic evolution and estimate the fraction of axion particles that can have a resonance conversion during such a collision event. We have found that both self-gravity and quantum pressure are not important after the diluted axion star enters the Roche radius. A free-fall approximate can capture individual particle trajectories very well. Finally, with some optimistic cosmological and astrophysical assumptions, the QCD axion parameter space can be probed from detecting such a collision event by radio telescopes.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1992

CCDs and photon counting devices: Applications in space and from the ground

The development of the 2048 by 2048 CCD (Charge Coupled Device) for a second generation space telescope instrument has resulted in devices with very few defects, dark currents of less than 12 electrons/pixel/hour at -80 deg, readout noise levels of less than 4 electrons rms, and excellent charge transfer efficiency at signal levels of less than 10 electrons. A second generation of devices that capitalize on these characteristics have been produced and are currently in test. Faster frame transfer devices that preserve these characteristics have been designed that include tridirectional taps in the serial register. The state of the art in CCD's as photon counting detectors is reviewed.

Delamere, W. A.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Exploration of the polarization angle variability of the Crab Nebula with POLARBEAR and its application to the search for axionlike particles

The Crab Nebula, also known as Tau A, is a polarized astronomical source at millimeter wavelengths. It has been used as a stable light source for polarization angle calibration in millimeter-wave astronomy. However, it is known that its intensity and polarization vary as a function of time at a variety of wavelengths. Thus, it is of interest to verify the stability of the millimeter-wave polarization. If detected, polarization variability may be used to better understand the dynamics of Tau A, and for understanding the validity of Tau A as a calibrator. One intriguing application of such observation is to use it for the search of axionlike particles (ALPs). Ultralight ALPs couple to photons through a Chern-Simons term, and induce a temporal oscillation in the polarization angle of linearly polarized sources. After assessing a number of systematic errors and testing for internal consistency, we evaluate the variability of the polarization angle of the Crab Nebula using 2015 and 2016 observations with the 150 GHz P instrument. We place a median 95% upper bound of polarization oscillation amplitude A < 0.06 5 ° over the oscillation frequencies from 0.75 year − 1 to 0.66 hour − 1 . Assuming that no sources other than ALP are causing Tau A’s polarization angle variation, that the ALP constitutes all the dark matter, and that the ALP field is a stochastic Gaussian field, this bound translates into a median 95% upper bound of ALP-photon coupling g a γ γ < 2.16 × 10 − 12 GeV − 1 × ( m a / 10 − 21 eV ) in the mass range from 9.9 × 10 − 23 eV to 7.7 × 10 − 19 eV . This demonstrates that this type of analysis using bright polarized sources is as competitive as those using the polarization of cosmic microwave background in constraining ALPs. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Adachi, Shunsuke (ORCID:0000000204007555)↗
DOE OSTI2021

Waveform analysis of a large-area superconducting nanowire single photon detector

Superconducting nanowire single photon detectors (SNSPDs) are typically used as single-mode-fiber-coupled single-pixel detectors, but large area detectors are increasingly critical for applications ranging from microscopy to free-space quantum communications. However, the long meander-line length of such large-area SNSPDs results in a proportionately large kinetic inductance that affects the waveform generated by the device. Here, we explore changes in the rising edge of the readout pulse for a single-pixel large-area SNSPD as a function of the optical spot size on the detector and compare to the rising edge of the dark-count waveform. We observe a bimodal distribution of bright-count rise times and show that the probability of a slow rise time increases in the limit of large spot sizes, indicative of a position sensitive response. Additionally, in the limit of low bias currents, the dark-count readout pulse is most similar to the large spot-size bright-count readout pulse, which suggests that dark counts arise from locations spanning the device. Overall, these results are consistent with a simple model of traveling microwave modes excited by single photons incident at varying positions along the length of the nanowire.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2025

Quartz fluorescence backgrounds in xenon particle detectors

It has been known for almost a decade that delayed photon noise with a power law time profile follows scintillation pulses in liquid xenon particle detectors. The origin of the noise has remained unknown, and in the past two years, has become an overwhelming background for low-threshold dark matter searches aimed at 𝒪⁡(10) GeV dark matter particle masses, as well as measurements of coherent neutrino-nucleus scattering of 8 B solar neutrinos. We have performed a comprehensive series of tests in a small liquid xenon cell at LBL, from which we conclude that the dominant component of this delayed photon noise is due to UV-induced fluorescence of quartz photosensor windows.

crystal optics↗
DOE OSTI2021

Theoretical Investigations in Elementary Particle Physics and Cosmological Physics

The goals of this project were to improve our understanding of the fundamental constituents of the universe, at both the smallest and largest scales. At the smallest scales, we examined the masses and mixings of neutrinos, to understand and probe for physics beyond the Standard Model at the LHC, and to explore models in quantum field theory. At the largest scales, we investigated the sources of high-energy neutrinos and cosmic rays, the nature of dark matter, and the behavior of dark energy. This report centers on the final extension period, which was focused on publications of the research.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

The Jefferson Lab Eta Factory Experiment and Applications of PbWO4 Calorimeters in Future Experimental Facilities

The goal of the new JLab Eta Factory (JEF) experiment, conducted with the GlueX detector in Hall D at Jefferson Lab, is to perform measurements of various ¿(') decays with a primary focus on rare neutral modes. The experiment’s physics program ranges from precision tests of low-energy QCD to searches for gauge bosons with masses below 1 GeV that could couple the Standard Model (SM) sector to the dark sector. The experiment will collect a high-statistics data sample of ¿(') mesons produced via a beam of tagged photons. The GlueX detector features a large, nearly uniform acceptance for both neutral and charged particles, enabling efficient identification of complex multi-particle final states. To meet the requirements of the JEF experiment, the inner section of the forward lead-glass calorimeter in the GlueX detector has been upgraded with lead tungstate (PbWO4) scintillating crystals. PbWO4 offers exceptional characteristics, such as a small radiation length and Molire radius, and large light yield, that make it ideal for constructing high- granularity, high-resolution, radiation-hard detectors. These properties enable excellent spatial separation and energy resolution of reconstructed electromagnetic showers, establishing PbWO4 as the material of choice for many high-precision experiments. The JEF experiment began data collection in April 2025 and will operate concurrently with the GlueX experiment, whose primary objective is the search for gluonic excitations in the meson spectrum. I will give an overview of the JEF experiment, the GlueX detector, and the feasibility of further upgrades to support future ¿ physics studies. Special attention will be given to the newly constructed PbWO4 scintillating calorimeter and recent advancements in calorimeter instrumentation.

Somov, Alexander↗
NASA NTRS1975

The intensified charge coupled device as a photon counting imager

Actual and projected performance of an intensified charge coupled device (ICCD) to be used as a photon counting imager will be presented. Effects of tube processing on such important CCD parameters as charge transfer efficiency and dark current are discussed.

Williams, J. T.↗
DOE OSTI2025

First Search for Axion Dark Matter with a MADMAX Prototype

This Letter presents the first search for dark matter axions with mass in the ranges 76.56 to 76.82 μ⁢eV and 79.31 to 79.53 μ⁢eV using a prototype setup for the MAgnetized Disk and Mirror Axion eXperiment (MADMAX). The experimental setup employs a dielectric haloscope consisting of three sapphire disks and a mirror to resonantly enhance the axion-induced microwave signal within the magnetic dipole field provided by the 1.6 T Morpurgo magnet at CERN. Over 14.5 days of data collection, no axion signal was detected. A 95% CL upper limit on the axion-photon coupling strength down to |𝑔 𝑎⁢𝛾 |∼2×10 −11 GeV −1 is set in the targeted mass ranges, surpassing previous constraints, assuming a local axion dark matter density 𝜌 𝑎 of 0.3 GeV/cm 3 . This study marks the first axion dark matter search using a dielectric haloscope.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2025

SENSEI at SNOLAB: Single-Electron Event Rate and Implications for Dark Matter

We present results from data acquired by the SENSEI experiment at SNOLAB after a major upgrade in May 2023, which includes deploying 16 new sensors and replacing the copper trays that house the CCDs with a new light-tight design. We observe a single-electron event rate of (1.39±0.11)×10^{-5} e^{-}/pix/day, corresponding to (39.8±3.1) e^{-}/gram/day. This is an order-of-magnitude improvement compared to the previous lowest single-electron rate in a silicon detector and the lowest for any photon detector in the wavelength range between near-infrared and ultraviolet. We use these data to obtain a 90% confidence level upper bound of 1.53×10^{-5} e^{-}/pix/day and to set constraints on sub-GeV dark matter candidates that produce single-electron events. We hypothesize that the data taken at SNOLAB in the previous run, with an older tray design for the sensors, contained a larger rate of single-electron events due to light leaks. We test this hypothesis using data from the SENSEI detector located in the MINOS cavern at Fermilab.

dark matter↗
DOE OSTI2025

First constraints on QCD axion dark matter using James Webb Space Telescope observations

I present the first constraints on QCD axion dark matter using measurements from the James Webb Space Telescope. By utilizing publicly available MIRI and NIRSpec blank-sky observations, originally collected for sky subtraction purposes, I derive strong limits on the axion-photon coupling constant $g_{a \gamma \gamma}$ in the mass range 0.1-4 eV. These constraints improve upon previous studies by more than two orders of magnitude for a range of masses. This analysis underscores the potential of blank-sky observations as a powerful tool for constraining dark matter models and demonstrates how astrophysical missions can be repurposed for particle physics research.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Highly efficient photon detection systems for noble liquid detectors based on perovskite quantum dots

Abstract Wavelength shifting photon detection systems (PDS) are the critical functioning components in noble liquid detectors used for high energy physics (HEP) experiments and dark matter search. The vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) scintillation light emitted by these Liquid argon (LAr) and liquid Xenon (LXe) detectors are shifted to higher wavelengths resulting in its efficient detection using the state-of-the-art photodetectors such as silicon photomultipliers (SiPM). The currently used organic wavelength shifting materials [such as 1,1,4,4 Tetraphenyl Butadiene (TPB)] have several disadvantages and are unreliable for longterm use. In this study, we demonstrate the application of the inorganic perovskite cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr 3 ) quantum dots (QDs) as highly efficient wavelength shifters. The absolute photoluminescence quantum yield of the PDS fabricated using these QDs exceeds 70%. CsPbBr 3 -based PDS demonstrated an enhancement in the SiPM signal enhancement by up to 3 times when compared to a 3 µm-thick TPB-based PDS. The emission spectrum from the QDs was optimized to match the highest quantum efficiency region of the SiPMs. In addition, we have demonstrated the deposition of the QD-based wavelength shifting material on a large area PDS substrate using low capital cost and widely scalable solution-based techniques providing a pathway appropriate for meter-scale PDS fabrication and widespread use for other wavelength shifting applications.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
NASA NTRS1976

High-resolution imaging X-ray detector

The paper describes an X-ray detector using microchannel plates as a photocathode surface and imaging photoelectron multiplier, and a crossed wire grid as a two-dimensional position-sensitive detector. The position resolution is 10 microns. The crossed wire grid consists of 100-micron-diam wires on 200-micron centers. Position sensing is accomplished by electronic interpolation to 1/20 of the wire spacing. The quantum efficiency of the microchannel plates varies from 29% at 0.28 keV to 5% at 3 keV. This detector will provide second-of-arc X-ray imaging in the focal plane of the 342.9-cm focal length grazing-incidence telescope being prepared for the HEAO-B observatory. By addition of suitable photocathodes, it can be used for single-photon imaging light detection in the UV, visible, and near-IR-ranges. In all cases, it gives a very low dark counting rate, allows timing of individual events to 1 microsec or less, and can handle counting rates up to 10,000 per sec.

Kellogg, E.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Long-Wavelength-Infrared Hot-Electron Transistor

Dark current reduced by energy-discriminating quantum filter. Very long-wavelength-infrared hot-electron transistor developed. Device detects photons at wavelengths around 16 micrometers. Comprises photodector integrated with energy-discriminating quantum filter in multiple-quantum-well structure. Made of variously doped and undoped layers of GaAs (quantum wells) and Al(x)Ga(1-x)As (barriers between wells). In transistor, bound-to-continuum GaAs/Al(x)Ga(1-x)As multiple-quantum-well infrared photodectors (QWIP) serves as photosensitive emitter. Wide quantum well serves as base, and there is thick barrier between base and collector. Combination of barrier and base quantum well acts as energy-discriminating filter: electrons with higher energies pass through filter to collector, those with lower energies blocked and diverted from output-current path through base contact.

Gunapala, Sarath D.↗
NASA NTRS2012

IceCube Sensitivity for Low-Energy Neutrinos from Nearby Supernovae

This paper describes the response of the IceCube neutrino telescope located at the geographic South Pole to outbursts of MeV neutrinos from the core collapse of nearby massive stars. IceCube was completed in December 2010 forming a lattice of 5160 photomultiplier tubes that monitor a volume of approx. 1 cu km in the deep Antarctic ice for particle induced photons. The telescope was designed to detect neutrinos with energies greater than 100 GeV. Owing to subfreezing ice temperatures, the photomultiplier dark noise rates are particularly low. Hence IceCube can also detect large numbers of MeV neutrinos by observing a collective rise in all photomultiplier rates on top of the dark noise. With 2 ms timing resolution, IceCube can detect subtle features in the temporal development of the supernova neutrino burst. For a supernova at the galactic center, its sensitivity matches that of a background-free megaton-scale supernova search experiment. The sensitivity decreases to 20 standard deviations at the galactic edge (30 kpc) and 6 standard deviations at the Large Magellanic Cloud (50 kpc). IceCube is sending triggers from potential supernovae to the Supernova Early Warning System. The sensitivity to neutrino properties such as the neutrino hierarchy is discussed, as well as the possibility to detect the neutronization burst, a short outbreak's released by electron capture on protons soon after collapse. Tantalizing signatures, such as the formation of a quark star or a black hole as well as the characteristics of shock waves, are investigated to illustrate IceCube's capability for supernova detection.

Stamatikos, M.↗