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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 73 records · Page 4

Experimental Observation and Spin Texture of Dirac Node Arcs in Tetradymite Topological Metals

We report the observation of a nontrivial spin texture in Dirac node arcs, i.e., novel topological objects formed when Dirac cones of massless particles extend along an open one-dimensional line in momentum space. We find that such states are present in all the compounds of the tetradymite M 2 Te 2 X family (M=Ti, Zr, or Hf and X=P or As) regardless of the weak or strong character of the topological invariant. Finally, the Dirac node arcs in tetradymites are thus the simplest possible textbook example of a type-I Dirac system with a single spin-polarized node arc.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Landau Singularities Revisited: Computational Algebraic Geometry for Feynman Integrals

We reformulate the analysis of singularities of Feynman integrals in a way that can be practically applied to perturbative computations in the standard model in dimensional regularization. After highlighting issues in the textbook treatment of Landau singularities, we develop an algorithm for classifying and computing them using techniques from computational algebraic geometry. We introduce an algebraic variety called the principal Landau determinant, which captures the singularities even in the presence of massless particles or UV/IR divergences. We illustrate this for 114 example diagrams, including a cutting-edge 2-loop 5-point nonplanar QCD process with multiple mass scales. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Physics↗

Logarithmic Corrections to Kerr Thermodynamics

Recent work has shown that loop corrections from massless particles generate $\frac{3}{2}$ ⁢log⁡𝑇 Hawking corrections to black hole entropy which dominate the thermodynamics of cold near-extreme charged black holes. Here we adapt this analysis to near-extreme Kerr black holes. Like AdS 2 ×𝑆 2 , the near-horizon extreme Kerr (NHEK) metric has a family of normalizable zero modes corresponding to reparametrizations of boundary time. The path integral over these zero modes leads to an infrared divergence in the one-loop approximation to the Euclidean NHEK partition function. We regulate this divergence by retaining the leading finite temperature correction in the NHEK scaling limit. This “not-NHEK” geometry lifts the eigenvalues of the zero modes, rendering the path integral infrared finite. The quantum-corrected near-extremal entropy exhibits $\frac{3}{2}$ ⁢log⁡𝑇 Hawking behavior characteristic of the Schwarzian model and predicts a lifting of the ground state degeneracy for the extremal Kerr black hole.

General relativity↗

Goldstone-like phonon modes in a (111)-strained perovskite

Goldstone modes are massless particles resulting from spontaneous symmetry breaking. While such modes are found in elementary particle physics as well as in condensed-matter systems like superfluid helium, superconductors, and magnons, structural Goldstone modes are rare. Epitaxial strain in thin films can induce structures and properties not accessible in bulk and has been intensively studied for (001)-oriented perovskite oxides. In this work we predict Goldstone-like phonon modes in (111)-strained SrMnO 3 by first-principles calculations. Under compressive strain the coupling between two in-plane rotational instabilities gives rise to a Mexican hat-shaped energy surface characteristic of a Goldstone mode. Conversely, large tensile strain induces in-plane polar instabilities with no directional preference, giving rise to a continuous polar ground state. Such phonon modes with U(1) symmetry could emulate structural condensed-matter Higgs modes. The mass of this Higgs boson, given by the shape of the Mexican hat energy surface, can be tuned by strain through proper choice of substrate.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Effective action for the regge processes in gravity

It is shown, that the effective action for the reggeized graviton interactions can be formulated in terms of the reggeon fields A{sup ++} and A{sup −−} and the metric tensor g{sub μν} in such a way, that it is local in the rapidity space and has the property of general covariance. The corresponding effective currents j{sup −} and j{sup +} satisfy the Hamilton-Jacobi equation for a massless particle moving in the gravitational field. These currents are calculated explicitly for the shock wave-like fields and a variation principle for them is formulated. As an application, we reproduce the effective lagrangian for the multi-regge processes in gravity together with the graviton Regge trajectory in the leading logarithmic approximation with taking into account supersymmetric contributions.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Study of the Neutrino Magnetic Moment with the NOvA Near Detector

Predicted by the Standard Model as theoretical, massless particles, neutrinos have been the subject of many experiments since their first detection. It is now experimentally confirmed that neutrinos do have mass necessitating an extension to the Standard Model. Such an extension allows for other surprising neutrino properties, such as a neutrino magnetic moment. While neutrinos are observed to be neutral and do not couple to photons at leading order, higher order expansion of the interaction allows for coupling to the photon to occur and gives rise to a neutrino magnetic moment through quantum loop effects. This is a useful property for studying the Dirac or Majorana nature of neutrinos, as the predicted value of the magnetic moment would differ. This talk focuses on an introduction to the neutrino magnetic moment as well as discusses the current status of work being done on NOvA utilizing the Near Detector to obtain an upper limit on the neutrino magnetic moment value.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Automating Testing of DUNE Electronics via a Finite State Machine

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is a flagship international collaboration designed to study neutrinos tiny, nearly massless particles that may hold answers to fundamental questions about the Universe. Fermilab s Robotic Test Stand (RTS) plays a critical role in ensuring the quality of approximately 50,000 Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) chips that will be used in DUNE s massive liquid argon detectors. These electronics will be inside the cryostat; therefore, they will need to have a high yield of working chips and low noise. To improve the automation and reliability of the RTS, this project focused on designing and implementing a Python-based finite state machine (FSM) to manage chip handling workflows. The FSM was developed as a modular software framework to coordinate robotic arm movements, manage chip tray positions, and monitor system states during testing. Key features include robust error handling routines, a pause/resume system for safe mid-cycle interruptions, and a simulation mode for iterative testing without hardware dependencies. The system was designed to prepare for seamless integration with RTS hardware components such as the robotic arm and vision system. This integration will streamline collaboration and enable efficient deployment of updates across the six total institutions performing testing. The outcomes of this internship contribute to Fermilab s mission to advance high-energy physics and support the DOE s national goals by directly improving the testing of equipment to be used in DUNE. The project also provided valuable experience in software design and contributing to the success of DUNE.

Kang, Caleb [William Rainey Harper Coll.]↗

Stability regions for quasiperiodic motion in the restricted problem of three bodies

Surfaces of section, plotted in configuration space, have been computed for the motion of the massless particle in the restricted problem of three bodies. Nine mass ratios and a wide variety of Jacobi constants were investigated; over four thousand orbits were computed, about half of which were finally used. The plots of surface of section have been reduced to plots of stability regions, following a method due to Henon (1965a, 1965b, 1966b, 1969). Sample surfaces of section are also given. The complete set of 276 surfaces of section has been published as a report (Jefferys, 1971) and is available upon request from the author.

Jefferys, W. H.↗

Origin of density fluctuations in extended inflation

The density fluctuations (both curvature and isocurvature) that arise due to quantum fluctuations in a simple model of extended inflation based upon the Jordan-Brans-Dicke theory are calculated. Curvature fluctuations arise due to quantum fluctuations in the Brans-Dicke field, in general have a nonscale-invariant spectrum, and can have an amplitude that is cosmologically acceptable and interesting without having to tune any coupling constant to a very small value. The density perturbations that arise due to the inflation field are subdominant. If there are other massless fields in the theory, e.g., an axion or an ilion, then isocurvature fluctuations arise in these fields too. Production of gravitational waves and the massless particles associated with excitations of the Brans-Dicke field are also discussed. Several attempts at more realistic models of extended inflation are also analyzed. The importance of the Einstein conformal frame in calculating curvature fluctuations is emphasized. When viewed in this frame, extended inflation closely resembles slow-rollover inflation with an exponential potential and the usual formula for the amplitude of curvature perturbations applies.

Kolb, Edward W.↗

Improved Depiction Of Computed Unsteady Flows

PLOT4D and STREAKER programs increase ease of production and utility of animated depictions of unsteady flows simulated numerically by advanced computational fluid dynamics. Programs developed to maximize information displayed while minimizing amount stored. PLOT4D, an extended version of PLOT3D, used to depict steady three-dimensional flows, incorporates features making it more computationally efficient than to visualize unsteady flow as succession of steady flows, animating frame by frame. PLOT4D postprocesses numerical output of fluid-dynamical computation into maps of flow quantities on two-coordinate surfaces depicting cut through flow field or conform to body surface. STREAKER generates streaklines, close approximations of patterns traced by streams of dye or smoke released into simulated flows. Streaklines defined via spatial succession of endpoints of pathlines of massless particles released into flow. STREAKER computes endpoints by fourth-order Runge-Kutta integration of velocity vectors.

Smith, Merritt H.↗

The Fate of Ejecta from Hyperion

Ejecta from Saturn's moon Hyperion is subject to powerful perturbations from nearby Titan, which control its ultimate fate. We have performed numerical integrations to simulate a simplified system consisting of Saturn (including oblateness), Tethys, Dione, Titan, Hyperion, Iapetus, and the Sun (treated simply as a massive satellite). In addition, 1050 massless particles were ejected from Hyperion at five different points in its orbit. These particles started more or less evenly distributed over latitude and longitude, 1 km above Hyperion's mean radius, and were ejected radially outward at speeds 10\% faster than its escape speed. Only about 4\% of the particles survived for the 100,000-year course of the integration, while $\sim$8/% escaped from the Saturnian system. Titan accreted $\sim$77\% of all the particles, while Hyperion reaccreted only $\sim$5\%. This may help to account for Hyperion's rugged shape. Three particles hit Rhea and 2 hit Dione, but $\sim$5\% of the particles were removed when they penetrated within 150,000 km of Saturn. Most removals occurred within the first few thousand years. In general, ejecta from Hyperion are much more widely scattered than previously thought, and cross the orbits of all of the other classical satellites.

Lissauer, Jack J.↗

Study of the Neutrino Magnetic Moment with the NOvA Near Detector

Predicted by the Standard Model as theoretical, massless particles, neutrinos have been the subject of many experiments since their first detection. It is now experimentally confirmed that neutrinos do have mass necessitating an extension to the Standard Model. Such an extension allows for other surprising neutrino properties, such as a neutrino magnetic moment, nuMM. While neutrinos are observed to be neutral and do not couple to photons at leading order, higher order expansion of the interaction allows for coupling to the photon to occur and gives rise to a nuMM through quantum loop effects. This is a useful property for studying the Dirac or Majorana nature of neutrinos, as the predicted value of the magnetic moment would differ. This talk focuses on an introduction to the nuMM as well as discusses the current status of work being done on NOvA utilizing the Near Detector to obtain an upper limit on the nuMM value.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Examining the Feasibility of Identifying Tau Neutrino Charged Current Events in the DUNE Far Detector

Neutrinos began as theoretical, massless particles, and since their first detection they have continued to be the subject of various experiments. One such experiment is DUNE, which is a long baseline neutrino experiment with the goal of studying neutrino properties, such as neutrino oscillation parameters. In this work, two projects were completed, one dealing with the hardware of DUNE and the other dealing with neutrino simulations. For the hardware project, we designed a quality control method for testing adaptor boards which make up part of the Far Detector circuit boards. This method was completed and prototyped, however was not implemented as planned due to funding changes. For the simulation project, we simulated ντ , νµ, and νe CC interactions using two simulation methods (stand alone GENIE and a full detector simulation) in order to begin to understand what a ντ CC event would look like in the Far Detector and create an initial list of kinematic properties that can be used for this purpose. We found that there is not a complete understanding of what is occurring in the full detector simulation. We also found that there is promise in using kinematic properties to be able to differentiate ντ CC events, however properties beyond those covered here, as well as a more accurate simulation, will be required for any definitive statistical statements.

Choate, Sarah↗

Automating Testing of DUNE Electronics via a Finite State Machine

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is a flagship international collaboration designed to study neutrinos—tiny, nearly massless particles that may hold answers to fundamental questions about the Universe. Fermilab’s Robotic Test Stand (RTS) plays a critical role in ensuring the quality of approximately 50,000 Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) chips that will be used in DUNE’s massive liquid argon detectors. These electronics will be inside the cryostat; therefore, they will need to have a high yield of working chips and low noise. To improve the automation and reliability of the RTS, this project focused on designing and implementing a Python-based finite state machine (FSM) to manage chip handling workflows. The FSM was developed as a modular software framework to coordinate robotic arm movements, manage chip tray positions, and monitor system states during testing. Key features include robust error handling routines, a pause/resume system for safe mid-cycle interruptions, and a simulation mode for iterative testing without hardware dependencies. The system was designed to prepare for seamless integration with RTS hardware components such as the robotic arm and vision system. This integration will streamline collaboration and enable efficient deployment of updates across the six institutions performing testing. The outcomes of this internship contribute to Fermilab’s mission to advance high-energy physics and support the DOE’s national goals by directly improving the testing of equipment to be used in DUNE. The project also provided valuable experience in software design and contributing to the success of DUNE.

Kang, Caleb [Fermilab]↗

Supertwistors and massive particles

In the (super)twistor formulation of massless (super)particle mechanics, the mass-shell constraint is replaced by a “spin-shell” constraint from which the spin content can be read off. We extend this formalism to massive (super)particles (with N-extended space–time supersymmetry) in three and four space–time dimensions, explaining how the spin-shell constraints are related to spin, and we use it to prove equivalence of the massive N=1 and BPS-saturated N=2 superparticle actions. We also find the supertwistor form of the action for “spinning particles” with N-extended worldline supersymmetry, massless in four dimensions and massive in three dimensions, and we show how this simplifies special features of the N=2 case. -- Highlights: •Spin-shell constraints are related to Poincaré Casimirs. •Twistor form of 4D spinning particle for spin N/2. •Twistor proof of scalar/antisymmetric tensor equivalence for 4D spin 0. •Twistor form of 3D particle with arbitrary spin. •Proof of equivalence of N=1 and N=2 BPS massive 4D superparticles.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Long-baseline Sterile Neutrino Searches in the NOvA Experiment

Experimental high energy physics constitutes the experimental investigation of the fundamental building blocks of matter and radiation and their interactions. These fundamental building blocks are classified as bosons and fermions. Neutrinos are fermions that come under the lepton category. According to the Standard Model of particle physics, they are massless, neutral particles that interacts with matter only through weak force and comes in three different flavors. Neutrinos exhibit a characteristic property, known as the neutrino oscillation. Neutrino oscillation is the the change of neutrino from one flavor to another flavor as they propagates in space. This phenomenon is only possible if the neutrinos are massive. The reported anomalous result from LSND and MiniBooNE experiments demanded the existence of a fourth kind of neutrino, at the same time, LEP experimental result confirms that only three active neutrino can exist. So if they exists, this fourth kind of neutrino can’t interact through weak force or they can be called as sterile neutrino. Some of the experiments favored the existence of sterile neutrinos, at the same time, there are some other experiments that disfavors their existence. So the search for the sterile neutrinos is very active in the field of experimental neutrino physics. NOvA is a long-baseline experiment with two functionally identical detectors, a Near Detector (ND) at Fermilab and a Far Detector at Ash River, Minnesota which is 810 km far away from the ND. They are offaxis detectors that lie 14.6 mrad off from the beam axis. This enables the detector to receive a neutrino beam with energy peak at 2 GeV. The NOvA experiment is designed to run with both the neutrino beam and antineutrino beam and NOvA has the potential to search for the existence of sterile neutrinos. This thesis is based on the sterile neutrino search by looking at the depletion of the neutral-current (NC) energy spectrum of neutrinos at the FD. Since NC events are not sensitive to three flavor oscillation, any depletion of NC events at the FD indicates the existence of sterile neutrinos.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Interactions for massive mixed symmetry field

Here we give a first two examples of non-trivial interactions for simplest massive mixed symmetry field (hook) in general (A ) dS space with arbitrary value of cosmological constant including flat Minkowski space. For that purpose using frame-like gauge invariant description of massive higher spin particles we extend Fradkin-Vasiliev approach initially developed for investigations of gravitational and other interactions for massless higher spin particles in AdS space to the case of arbitrary combinations of massive and/or massless particles including e.g. electromagnetic and gravitational interactions for massive higher spin ones.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Supersymmetric partially massless fields and non-unitary superconformal representations

We find and classify the N=1 SUSY multiplets on AdS 4 which contain partially massless fields. We do this by studying the non-unitary representations of the d = 3 superconformal algebra of the boundary. The simplest super-multiplet which contains a partially massless spin-2 particle also contains a massless photon, a massless spin-3/2 particle and a massive spin-3/2 particle. The gauge parameters form a Wess-Zumino super-multiplet which contains the gauge parameters of the photon, the partially massless graviton, and the massless spin-3/2 particle. We find the AdS 4 action and SUSY transformations for this multiplet. More generally, we classify new types of shortening conditions that can arise for non-unitary representations of the d = 3 superconformal algebra.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗