Dilepton production from the quark-gluon plasma using ( 3 + 1 )-dimensional anisotropic dissipative hydrodynamics
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Ryblewski, Radoslaw↗
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Results for “PLASMA PRODUCTION”
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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A study of the methods for the production and confinement of high energy plasmas
The injection of dense plasmas into a B sub z long magnetic field from both ends of the field coil was investigated. Deflagration plasma guns and continuous flow Z-pinch are discussed along with the possibility of a continuous flow Z-pinch fusion reactor. The injection experiments are described with emphasis on the synchronization of the two plasma deflagration guns, the collision of the two plasma beams, and the determination of plasma density.
Cheng, D. Y.↗
Production of a large, quiescent, magnetized plasma
An experimental device is described which produces a large homogeneous quiescent magnetized plasma. In this device, the plasma is created in an evacuated brass cylinder by ionizing collisions between electrons emitted from a large-diameter electron gun and argon atoms in the chamber. Typical experimentally measured values of the electron temperature and density are presented which were obtained with a glass-insulated planar Langmuir probe. It is noted that the present device facilitates the study of phenomena such as waves and diffusion in magnetized plasmas.
Landt, D. L.↗
Fast Framing Camera Images of Neutron Production at High Currents in Dense Plasma Focus Machines
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fast-framing camera, DPF, Dense Plasma Focus↗
System and method for mass production of graphene platelets in arc plasma
A system and method for producing graphene includes a discharge assembly and a substrate assembly. The discharge assembly includes a cathode and an anode, which in one embodiment are offset from each other. The anode produces a flux stream that is deposited onto a substrate. A collection device removes the deposited material from the rotating substrate. The flux stream can be a carbon vapor, with the deposited flux being graphene.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
System and method for mass production of graphene platelets in arc plasma
A system and method for producing graphene includes a heating block, substrate, motor and collection device. The substrate is arranged about the heating block and is configured to receive heat from the heating block. A motor is connected to the substrate to rotate the substrate about the heating block. A cathode and anode are configured to direct a flux stream for deposit onto the rotating substrate. A collection device removes the deposited material from the rotating substrate. A heating element is embedded in the heating block and imparts heat to the heating block. The heating block is made of cement or other material that uniformly disperses the heat from the heating element throughout the heating block. The flux stream can be a carbon vapor, with the deposited flux being graphene.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Understanding the cold plasma synthesis of ammonia with model metal catalysts through plasma diagnostics (Final Report)
The industrial synthesis of ammonia, which amounts to over 200 million tons annually, is the most energy-intensive chemical process. Therefore, there is a critical need and increased interest in exploring less energetic routes to produce ammonia. Not only does ammonia have a direct impact on the food market, but also it has the potential as a fuel and hydrogen carrier. Recently, plasma catalysis has emerged as a promising alternative for synthesizing ammonia at mild (pressure, temperature and power) conditions. The key to this catalytic process is the synergy between the plasma and the catalyst, where the non-equilibrium plasma allows the generation of excited species, which recombine at the catalyst surface to form ammonia. However, our current understanding of this process is in its infancy. In this respect, model metals are ideal candidates for gaining a basic understanding of this reaction. Moreover, a major roadblock to rationally designing novel effective catalysts for plasma-assisted ammonia production is the need for fundamental aspects of this process. Through a comprehensive plan that integrates model metals as catalysts and world-class diagnostics, the proposed work aims to provide fundamental knowledge about the nature of reactive processes occurring during plasma-assisted catalysis and to demonstrate the selective production of ammonia, catalyzed by employing selected metals under non-thermal plasma conditions. Toward this goal, the central thrust of this proposal was to demonstrate that the synergy between plasma and rationally selected model metals will boost ammonia yields during plasma-assisted ammonia synthesis by delaying hydrogen recombination. Specifically, we aimed to (1) understand the formation and role of gas-phase active species such as NH, N 2 , N 2 + and Ha during the plasma-enhanced synthesis of ammonia through OES and FTIRAS using different reaction configurations: a) only plasma (non-packed DBD reactor) and b) packed DBD reactor with metal nanoparticles. This proposal was awarded/recommended with a run time on the PCRF facility FY20.
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
Using distributions to understand neutron and x-ray production in ICF ignition capsules and other high energy density plasmas
Here this paper describes how x-ray and neutron distribution functions can be useful tools to visualize the conditions measured in many types of plasma physics experiments. In particular, we model a standard inertial confinement fusion ignition capsule that consists of a Si doped plastic ablator surrounding a layer of deuterium–tritium (DT) ice as the yield varies from 18 kJ to 16.7 MJ and use the distribution functions to show that neutrons and high energy x rays (15 keV) are produced under similar conditions when the yield is low. However, as the capsule starts to support a propagating burn due to alpha heating, the x rays and neutrons are produced under somewhat different conditions in different parts of the plasma. In particular, the x-ray production takes place mainly in the hot plastic ablator for the full yield ignition capsule under quite different plasma conditions from the DT region producing the 14 MeV neutrons, which results in x-ray images with larger radii than the corresponding neutron images. These same distribution functions can be applied to many other plasma physics experiments.
70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
Cascaded target normal sheath acceleration
A cascaded target normal sheath acceleration (TNSA) scheme is proposed to simultaneously increase energy and improve energy spread of a laser-produced mono-energetic proton beam. An optimum condition that uses the maximum sheath field to accelerate the center of the proton beam is theoretically found and verified by two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. An initial 10 MeV proton beam is accelerated to 21 MeV with energy spread decreased from 5% to 2% under the optimum condition during the process of the cascaded TNSA. The scheme opens a way to scale proton energy lineally with laser energy.
43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
Magnetic Flux Compression Concept for Nuclear Pulse Propulsion and Power
The desire for fast, efficient interplanetary transport requires propulsion systems having short acceleration times and very high specific impulse attributes. Unfortunately, most highly efficient propulsion systems which are within the capabilities of present day technologies are either very heavy or yield very low impulse such that the acceleration time to final velocity is too long to be of lasting interest, One exception, the nuclear thermal thruster, could achieve the desired acceleration but it would require inordinately large mass ratios to reach the range of desired final velocities. An alternative approach, among several competing concepts that are beyond our modern technical capabilities, is a pulsed thermonuclear device utilizing microfusion detonations. In this paper, we examine the feasibility of an innovative magnetic flux compression concept for utilizing microfusion detonations, assuming that such low yield nuclear bursts can be realized in practice. In this concept, a magnetic field is compressed between an expanding detonation driven diamagnetic plasma and a stationary structure formed from a high temperature superconductor (HTSC). In general, we are interested in accomplishing two important functions: (1) collimation of a hot diamagnetic plasma for direct thrust production; and (2) pulse power generation for dense plasma ignition. For the purposes of this research, it is assumed that rnicrofusion detonation technology may become available within a few decades, and that this approach could capitalize on recent advances in inertial confinement fusion ICF) technologies including magnetized target concepts and antimatter initiated nuclear detonations. The charged particle expansion velocity in these detonations can be on the order of 10 (exp 6)- 10 (exp 7) meters per second, and, if effectively collimated by a magnetic nozzle, can yield the Isp and the acceleration levels needed for practical interplanetary spaceflight. The ability to ignite pure fusion micro-bursts with reasonable levels of input energy is an equally challenging scientific problem. It remains to be seen, however, whether an effective ignition driver can be developed which meets the requirements for practical spaceflight application (namely high power density, compactness, low weight, and low cost). In this paper, system level performance and design issues are examined including generator performance, magnetic flux compression processes, magnetic diffusion processes, high temperature superconductor (HTSC) material properties, plasmadynamic processes, detonation plasma expansion processes, magnetohydrodynamic instabilities, magnetic nozzle performance, and thrust production performance. Representative generator performance calculations based on a simplified skin layer formulation are presented as well as the results of exploratory small-scale laboratory experiments on magnetic flux diffusion in HTSC materials. In addition, planned follow-on scientific feasibility experiments are described which utilize high explosive detonations and high energy gas discharges to simulate the plasma conditions associated with thermonuclear micro-detonations.
Litchford, Ronald J.↗
On finite density effects on cosmic reheating and moduli decay and implications for Dark Matter production
We study the damping of an oscillating scalar field in a Friedmann-Robertson-Walker spacetime by perturbative processes, taking into account the back-reaction of the plasma of decay products on the damping rate. The scalar field may be identified with the inflaton, in which case this process resembles the reheating of the universe after inflation. It can also model a modulus that dominates the energy density of the universe at later times. We find that the finite density corrections to the damping rate can have a drastic effect on the thermal history and considerably increase both, the maximal temperature in the early universe and the reheating temperature at the onset of the radiation dominated era. As a result the abundance of some Dark Matter candidates may be considerably larger than previously estimated. We give improved analytic estimates for the maximal and the reheating temperatures and confirm them numerically in a simple model.
79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
Ionization Properties of Molecules Commonly Used for Plasma Processing of Semi-Conductors
Two types of processes are involved in plasma processing of semi-conductors. They are: plasma etching or cleaning and plasma deposition of the semi-conducting materials. For plasma etching of semi-conductors mostly halogen containing gases are used as additives to gases such as O2 and N2. For plasma deposition gases such as C2H2, SiH4, Si2H6 have been tested in the past. For an optimal performance of a reactor it is important to model the plasma. In this modeling effort electron impact excitation and ionization cross sections play a central role. For ionization balance calculations values of ionization cross sections are needed. Ion molecule reactions determine the ultimate composition of the plasma. Recently it has been discovered that the by products of many of these plasmas are per fluro hydrocarbons (PFCs) which are highly infrared absorbing species and have long life times in the atmosphere. They cause global warming. A lot of research is being pursued at the present time to find alternative molecules which do not produce global warming gases as the and product of the plasma processing reactor. There is also interest in the ionization and dissociative ionization properties of these molecules from the point view of the plasma abatement of the pollutant gases at the exhaust of the semi-conductor processing reactors. At the conference ionization and dissociative ionization properties of some of these molecules will be presented.
Srivastava, S. K.↗
Nuclear Analysis of ITER - Paper 129
The world record fusion power production is 16.1 MW (5.7x10{sup 18} n/s). This was achieved at JET in 1995. The neutron budget during that experimental campaign was 2.5x10{sup 20} neutrons. In the first few seconds of an ITER full power pulse, the neutron production will exceed that the total from the entire history of previous controlled fusion experiments. It is envisaged that ITER should produce as much as 700 MW of fusion power. (This is the maximum envisaged power production from the plasma and does not include power multiplication in the blankets or shielding). This equates to the production of 2.48x10{sup 20} 14-MeV neutrons/s which will give an uncollided flux at the first wall of approximately 4x10{sup 13} n/cm{sup 2}/s and a total with the addition of the collided flux of some 10{sup 14} n/cm{sup 2}/s. For safety and licensing purposes it is the responsibility of ITER to satisfy the host state regulations and must limit doses to the public and staff. Furthermore, sufficient shielding must be provided to ensure that all components function adequately; and for decommissioning, ITER has a responsibility to reduce the volume and radio-toxicity of waste. The construction, operational and decommissioning phases of ITER are expected to last in excess of 30 years and the nuclear issues will be of critical importance throughout this time. The huge leap in neutron production in fusion experiments means that extensive nuclear analysis is required for ITER and it is the thesis of this paper that it is required at an unprecedented level. This is because of the combination of the large physical size of the installation, the variety of radiation sources, the attenuation required, the complexity of the geometry and the complexity of the sources and level of detail required. As a result of this unprecedented challenge the latest techniques for analysis, variance reduction and data display are being employed and in some cases being specifically developed. In this paper a few of the many representative examples of nuclear analysis will illustrate the thesis. The paper includes an examination of areas where further development could be made in the areas of radiation shield and nuclear analysis. Extensive nuclear analysis is required at ITER and the combination of the large physical size of the installation, the variety of radiation sources, the attenuation required, the complexity of the geometry, and the complexity of the sources mean that analysis is required at an unprecedented level of detail and quality. The latest techniques for analysis, variation reduction and data display are being employed and in some cases being specifically developed. Developments are required in areas of analysis, data visualization and experimental verification. (author)
61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗
Two modes of surface roughening during plasma etching of silicon: Role of ionized etch products
Atomic- or nanometer-scale surface roughening has been investigated during Si etching in inductively coupled Cl{sub 2} plasmas, as a function of rf bias power or ion incident energy E{sub i}, by varying feed gas flow rate, wafer stage temperature, and etching time. The experiments revealed two modes of surface roughening which occur depending on E{sub i}: one is the roughening mode at low E{sub i} < 200–300 eV, where the root-mean-square (rms) roughness of etched surfaces increases with increasing E{sub i}, exhibiting an almost linear increase with time during etching (t < 20 min). The other is the smoothing mode at higher E{sub i}, where the rms surface roughness decreases substantially with E{sub i} down to a low level < 0.4 nm, exhibiting a quasi-steady state after some increase at the initial stage (t < 1 min). Correspondingly, two different behaviors depending on E{sub i} were also observed in the etch rate versus √(E{sub i}) curve, and in the evolution of the power spectral density distribution of surfaces. Such changes from the roughening to smoothing modes with increasing E{sub i} were found to correspond to changes in the predominant ion flux from feed gas ions Cl{sub x}{sup +} to ionized etch products SiCl{sub x}{sup +} caused by the increased etch rates at increased E{sub i}, in view of the results of several plasma diagnostics. Possible mechanisms for the formation and evolution of surface roughness during plasma etching are discussed with the help of Monte Carlo simulations of the surface feature evolution and classical molecular dynamics simulations of etch fundamentals, including stochastic roughening and effects of ion reflection and etch inhibitors.
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
Effect of insulator surface conditioning on the pinch dynamics and x-ray production of a Ne-filled dense plasma focus
The dense plasma focus (DPF) can be an intense source of x rays, wherein the insulator sleeve strongly dictates the electrical breakdown, which subsequently affects the formation of a plasma sheath and a collapse phase. Experiments on a 25 kJ DPF (operated at 4.4 kJ) are carried out to demonstrate the influence of insulator surface morphology on the pinch structure, dynamics, and x-ray yield using a Ne fill. Two borosilicate insulators are directly compared, one with a smooth finish and the other machined with four circumferential grooves traversing the perimeter of the exterior insulator surface. Comparisons are made through same-shot imaging diagnostics of the evolving plasma sheath during breakdown, rundown, and at the pinch in addition to the time-resolved measurements of emitted x rays via filtered photodiodes. The presence of structures on the insulator sleeve reduces x-ray production across all fill pressures by a factor of 2.8 ± 2.4 on average and reduces the highest x ray producing shots by a factor of 5. ± 1.8. Observations of sheath asymmetry and inhomogeneity at lift-off are observed and correlated with subsequent observations of off-axis radial collapse. Taken together, this suggests that local variations in the insulator surface decrease the spatial uniformity of the sheath, leading to an azimuthally asymmetric focus, reduced electron densities, and, ultimately, degraded x-ray production.
70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
The Effects of Plasma Application on Radish Seeds with Implications for Space Crop Production
In extended space missions, the astronaut diet will consist mostly of prepackaged foods. This could result in nutritional deficiencies due to the gradual breakdown of certain vitamins. To address this deficiency, fresh produce must be grown from seed during spaceflight. Stored seeds, however, can be vulnerable to microbial contamination which could jeopardize plant health and crop food safety. To alleviate this concern, the current practice is to sanitize seeds on the ground before spaceflight to the International Space Station (ISS). Methods of seed sanitization include alcohol soaking and chlorine gas fumigation, which have harmful effects on the environment and human health. Plasma application is a new sanitization approach that avoids these negative side effects while potentially elevating germination rate and improving growth rate; yet plasma application requires specific exposure time, power, and pressure to achieve these benefits. In the present study, Raphanus sativus ‘Cherry Belle’ radish seeds were exposed to either low pressure (Diener) plasma or atmospheric pressure plasma for varying increments of time (30s-1200s). Data collected includes immediate germination rate (viability) and microbial log reduction. Additionally, seeds were stored for later germination rate testing. Microbial assay controls have highlighted variability in initial microbial load between individual seeds, and further work is being performed to determine the standard microbial load of an untreated seed. In some samples, a negative log reduction was observed after plasma treatment encouraging further study to determine if the plasma is perforating the seed coat and releasing endophytic microbes. Treatment with Diener plasma shows promising microbial log reduction, but lower viability. In contrast, treatment with atmospheric pressure plasma offers high viability, but poor microbial log reduction. Further study will aim at determining whether plasma treatment is effective at not only sanitization, but sterilization. This research was funded by a NASA grant at the Kennedy Space Center.
Space Crop Production↗
Saddle antenna radio frequency ion sources
Existing RF ion sources for accelerators have specific efficiencies for H{sup +} and H{sup −} ion generation ∼3–5 mA/cm{sup 2} kW, where about 50 kW of RF power is typically needed for 50 mA beam current production. The Saddle Antenna (SA) surface plasma source (SPS) described here was developed to improve H{sup −} ion production efficiency, reliability, and availability. In SA RF ion source, the efficiency of positive ion generation in the plasma has been improved to 200 mA/cm{sup 2} kW. After cesiation, the current of negative ions to the collector was increased from 1 mA to 10 mA with RF power ∼1.5 kW in the plasma (6 mm diameter emission aperture) and up to 30 mA with ∼4 kW RF. Continuous wave (CW) operation of the SA SPS has been tested on the test stand. The general design of the CW SA SPS is based on the pulsed version. Some modifications were made to improve the cooling and cesiation stability. CW operation with negative ion extraction was tested with RF power up to ∼1.2 kW in the plasma with production up to Ic = 7 mA. A stable long time generation of H{sup −} beam without degradation was demonstrated in RF discharge with AlN discharge chamber.
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
Effects of the imposed magnetic field on the production and transport of relativistic electron beams
The effects of the imposed uniform magnetic field, ranging from 1 MG up to 50 MG, on the production and transport of relativistic electron beams (REBs) in overdense plasmas irradiated by ultraintense laser pulse are investigated with two-dimensional particle-in-cell numerical simulations. This study gives clear evidence that the imposed magnetic field is capable of effectively confining the relativistic electrons in space even when the source is highly divergent since it forces the electrons moving helically. In comparison, the spontaneous magnetic fields, generated by the helically moving electrons interplaying with the current filamentation instability, are dominant in scattering the relativistic electrons. As the imposed magnetic field was increased from 1 MG to 50 MG, overall coupling from laser to the relativistic electrons which have the potential to heat the compressed core in fast ignition was found to increase from 6.9% to 21.3% while the divergence of the REB increases significantly from 64° to 90°. The simulations show that imposed magnetic field of the value of 3–30 MG could be more suitable to fast-ignition inertial fusion.
43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗