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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

Legacy Survey of Space and Time Data Preview 2: visit_summary dataset type

We present Rubin Data Preview 2 (DP2), the second data preview from the NDF- DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory. Data Preview 2 (DP2) comprises coadds, detection catalogs, and ancillary data products; and when fully released will also include single-epoch images and difference images. DP2 is derived from observations acquired by the LSST Science Camera (LSSTCam) on the Simonyi Survey Telescope at the Summit Facility on Cerro Pachón, Chile, primarily during the on-sky commissioning campaign between 2025-04-16 and 2025-09-21, supplemented by observations taken between 2025-10-25 and 2026-01-06 that overlap the commissioning footprint. The DP2 footprint comprises the Science Validation wide-area survey, five Deep Drilling Fields, and a number of targeted small-field regions, including Trifid and Lagoon, Prawn, M49, and New Horizons, all observed as part of the Rubin First Look campaign. Each field was imaged in up to six broad photometric bands, ugrizy, and coadded to produce deep imaging covering an estimated 3,000 deg2. The addition of single- visit-only areas expands the total DP2 footprint to an estimated 15,000 deg2, with coverage in at least one filter. The median per-visit PSF FWHM across the wide-area survey ranges from 1.17 arcsec in the z band to 1.26 arcsec in g and r bands. The deepest field, reaches estimated coadded 5σ depths of u=26 mag, g=26.8 mag, r=26.3 mag, i=26.1 mag, z=25.3 mag, y=23.9 mag. Based on a roughly five-month primary observing baseline and covering only part of the eventual LSST footprint, DP2's area, depth, and multiband coverage nonetheless support a broad range of early science investigations ahead of LSST Data Release This dataset is a subset of the full data release consisting of the visit_summary dataset type. These are metadata summarizing a visit. This release contains 28,698 datasets of this type.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Nanostructure Accelerators: Novel concept and path to its realization

TeV/m acceleration gradients using crystals as originally envisioned by R. Hofstadter, an early pioneer of HEP, have remained unrealizable. Fundamental obstacles that have hampered efforts on particle acceleration using bulk-crystals arise from collisional energy loss and emittance degradation in addition to severe beam disruption despite the favorable effect of particle channeling along interatomic planes in bulk. We aspire for the union of nanoscience with accelerator science to not only overcome these problems using nanostructured tubes to avoid direct impact of the beam on bulk ion-lattice but also to utilize the highly tunable characteristics of nanomaterials. We pioneer a novel surface wave mechanism in nanostructured materials with a strong electrostatic component which not only attains tens of TeV/m gradients but also has focusing fields. Under our initiative, the proof-of-principle demonstration of tens of TeV/m gradients and beam nanomodulation is underway. Realizable nanostructure accelerators naturally promise new horizons in HEP as well as in a wide range of areas of research that utilize beams of high-energy particles or photons.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Magnetics Testing on Radioisotope Power Systems at the Idaho National Laboratory

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) uses Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) to power deep-space and planetary explorations such as Cassini-Huygens, Galileo, New Horizons, Mars Science Laboratory—Curiosity, and most recently Mars 2020--Perseverance. The Space Nuclear Power and Isotope Technologies (SNPIT) division, at Idaho National Laboratory (INL), fuels, tests, and delivers the RPS to ensure it can provide the electrical power needed to complete mission objectives. Some space crafts have instrumentation specifically designed to study the subject’s magnetic field or may have instruments that can be affected by magnetic fields produced by the RPS. Analyzing and measuring the RPS’s magnetic fields ensures the required thresholds are not exceeded and accurate data can be collected for the mission. Magnetics testing provides numerical values of the RPS’s magnetic field. During Magnetics testing at INL, the RPS is placed on a resistive load to simulate actual spacecraft load characteristics (voltage and current). During this simulation, magnetometers are used to measure the magnetic field of the RPS. Raw data is collected and then analyzed to ensure the field created by the RPS is below NASA thresholds or that the magnitude of the field is accounted for to ensure mission success.

42 ENGINEERING↗

INL Operations Improvements of Nuclear Enabled Missions for NASA - Presentation

The Idaho National laboratory (INL) has supported NASA missions integrate nuclear power systems since the Department of Energy (DOE) moved the Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) program in 2002 from Mound, Ohio to the Materials and Fuels Complex, INL (Argonne National Laboratory West (ANL-W) prior to 2005). This paper discusses the evolution of INL operations improvements made at INL and KSC throughout the Mars Exploratory Rovers, New Horizons, Mars Science Laboratory, and Mars 2020 missions.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

Accelerator Technology Magnets

The Snowmass community exercise started in April 2020 to identify and document a scientific vision for the future of particle physics in the US and international partners. The AF7-Magnets working group was charged to a) address the potential contributions of magnet technology to future HEP facilities, b) evaluate the R&D required to enable these opportunities, c) estimate the time and cost scales of these efforts, and d) assess the needs for associated fabrication infrastructure and test facilities. This report addresses the working group charge, summarizes the status of accelerator and detector magnet technologies, and discuss ideas and plans to push this key area of the US and international HEP to new horizons.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Concept of circular-linear energy recovery accelerator to probe the energy frontier

Energy-frontier accelerators provide powerful tools performing high precision measurements confirming the fundamentals of the physics and broadening new research horizons. Such machines are either driven by circular or linear accelerators. The circular machines, having the centre-of-mass (CM) energy values reaching 200 GeV (for leptons) and above, experience beam energy loss and quality dilution, for example, due to synchrotron radiation, limiting the overall CM energy achievable and requiring a constant energy top-up to compensate the loss and the beam quality dilution. Linear colliders overcome these limitations, while the finite capabilities of generating high average current beams limits the luminosity. This is partially compensated by the quality of the colliding beams. In this work, we suggest a novel design of circular-linear accelerator based on the merging of the “non-emitting”, low-energy storage rings and energy recovery linear accelerators. We suggest using the recently considered dual-axis asymmetric cavities to enable the operation of such a system, and in particular the energy recovery from spent, high-intensity beams. The machine considered, under the scope of the SNOWMASS-2021 initiative, can be potentially used to reach ultimate energy frontiers in high-energy physics as well as to drive next generation light sources. The merging of circular and linear systems, and applications of dual axes cavities, should allow the maintaining of high beam quality, high luminosity, and high energy efficiency, while offering a flexible energy management and opening clear opportunity for reducing the running cost. We note that the numbers shown in the paper are for illustration purpose and can be improved further.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

1972713

Energy-frontier particle accelerators are among the most exciting, complex, challenging, and expensive research instruments performing high precision measurements confirming the fundamentals of the physics and broadening new research horizons. Currently the highest energy machines (under design or commissioned), from multi-GeV to several TeV, (ILC, FCC, CLIC) capable of searching for the most basic building blocks of matter are either driven by circular or linear accelerators [1-6]. Here (see also [7,8]) we suggest a novel design of circular-linear accelerator based on the merging of the weakly emitting, low-energy storage rings and energy recovery linear accelerators. To enable the operation of such a system and in particular the energy recovery from spent, high-intensity beams the use of the dual-axis asymmetric cavities is suggested. Merging circular and linear systems, and applications of dual axes cavities, aims to resolve both scientific and societal challenges. The merge of the systems will allow: 1) maintain high beam quality, high luminosity, and high energy efficiency; 2) offer a ?flexible? energy management via ?separation? of the collider and storage rings operations; 3) attract private partners via use of the storage rings to drive the next generation of the photon factories. The concept presented can be potentially used to reach ultimate energy frontiers in high-energy physics as well as to drive next generation light sources. We note that the numbers which will be presented are for illustration purpose and can be improved further.

Konoplev, I.↗

Classical double copy of nonsingular black holes

We apply the classical double copy procedure to a class of regular, non-singular black hole solutions. We give several examples, paying particular attention to a string-theory-corrected black hole solution emerging from T-duality. Non-perturbative stringy corrections introduce an ultraviolet (UV) zero-point length cutoff which results in non-singular black hole spacetimes. Apart from the UV regulator, the solution is equivalent to the Bardeen black hole spacetime. We extend this solution to include an asymptotic de Sitter background. All Yang-Mills field theory quantities associated with the double copy are well-behaved and finite for all values of parameters. Furthermore, we present a thorough analysis of the black hole horizon structure, additionally uncovering a simple yet new connection between horizons on the gravity side and electric fields on the gauge theory side of the double copy.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

10 New Insights in Climate Science 2020 - a Horizon Scan

We summarize some of the past year’s most important findings within climate change-related research. New research has improved our understanding of Earth’s sensitivity to carbon dioxide, finds that permafrost thaw could release more carbon emissions than expected and that the uptake of carbon in tropical ecosystems is weakening. Adverse impacts on human society include increasing water shortages and impacts on mental health. Options for solutions emerge from rethinking economic models, rights-based litigation, strengthened governance systems and a new social contract. The disruption caused by COVID-19 could be seized as an opportunity for positive change, directing economic stimulus towards sustainable investments.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Quantum Gravity and Laser Interferometry: Towards Observable Predictions

Understanding quantum gravity remains one of the deepest challenges in modern physics, as direct experimental access to Planck-scale effects is beyond current technological reach. However, recent theoretical advances indicate that quantum fluctuations of spacetime may produce measurable effects in precision experiments, particularly near causal horizons. This opens new avenues for testing quantum gravity phenomena through high-precision measurement techniques. This dissertation develops multiple theoretical models to characterize these effects and examines their potential observational signatures in future gravitational wave interferometers. We begin by investigating the role of quantum fluctuations in near-horizon geometries through the lens of the AdS/CFT correspondence, which provides a powerful framework for understanding the interplay between quantum field theory and general relativity via holographic principles. By modeling stochastic energy-momentum sources in Rindler-AdS spacetime, we demonstrate that vacuum fluctuations transform the Einstein equations into a Langevin-type stochastic differential equation, leading to potentially observable fluctuations in photon traversal times. Extending this approach to Minkowski spacetime, we establish a correspondence between gravitational shockwaves and fluid dynamics, showing that near-horizon perturbations satisfy an equation analogous to that governing incompressible fluids, thereby reinforcing the membrane paradigm and hydrodynamic analogies in the context of the fluid/gravity duality. Furthermore, we construct the covariant phase space of a spherically symmetric causal diamond in Minkowski spacetime, identifying two fundamental charges that govern its evolution. These results provide a foundation for quantizing causal horizons and understanding their microscopic degrees of freedom. Building upon these theoretical developments, we further examine a related stochastic phenomenon: the gravitational wave memory background arising from the cumulative memory steps produced by supermassive black hole mergers. After reviewing the standard stochastic gravitational wave background, gravitational memory effects, and BMS symmetries, we model the stochastic memory background using a Brownian motion framework. We show that while the cumulative memory background initially appears above the sensitivity curve of space-based interferometers like LISA, the realistic subtraction of individually resolvable merger events substantially suppresses the residual signal, making its detection more challenging. This highlights the critical importance of source subtraction when evaluating the detectability of gravitational memory effects. By bridging fundamental theory with experimental prospects, this dissertation contributes to the ongoing effort to uncover the quantum nature of spacetime through precision measurement techniques. Whether through detecting quantum spacetime fluctuations, gravitational memory backgrounds, or probing the symmetries of causal horizons, the pursuit of observable quantum gravity phenomena continues to expand the frontiers of both theory and experiment.

Zhang, Yiwen [Caltech] (ORCID:0000000323559416)↗

First Sagittarius A* Event Horizon Telescope Results. VI. Testing the Black Hole Metric

Astrophysical black holes are expected to be described by the Kerr metric. This is the only stationary, vacuum, axisymmetric metric, without electromagnetic charge, that satisfies Einstein’s equations and does not have pathologies outside of the event horizon. We present new constraints on potential deviations from the Kerr prediction based on 2017 EHT observations of Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*). We calibrate the relationship between the geometrically defined black hole shadow and the observed size of the ring-like images using a library that includes both Kerr and non-Kerr simulations. We use the exquisite prior constraints on the mass-to-distance ratio for Sgr A* to show that the observed image size is within ∼10% of the Kerr predictions. We use these bounds to constrain metrics that are parametrically different from Kerr, as well as the charges of several known spacetimes. To consider alternatives to the presence of an event horizon, we explore the possibility that Sgr A* is a compact object with a surface that either absorbs and thermally reemits incident radiation or partially reflects it. Using the observed image size and the broadband spectrum of Sgr A*, we conclude that a thermal surface can be ruled out and a fully reflective one is unlikely. We compare our results to the broader landscape of gravitational tests. Together with the bounds found for stellar-mass black holes and the M87 black hole, our observations provide further support that the external spacetimes of all black holes are described by the Kerr metric, independent of their mass.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

The Upgrade of Horizon-T Detector

The Horizon-T experiment is located at the elevation of 3346 m above sea level near the city of Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan. A thorough comparison of the spatial and temporal characteristics of charged components of Extended Air Showers (EAS) with delayed particles has been conducted between the simulated EAS using CORSIKA simulation package and the selection from the experimental data set of events with two pulses recorded by a detector at ~600 m distance from axis [1]. This comparison has shown that events with delayed particles cannot be described within existing simulation models. The significance of these results prompted the upgrade of the Horizon-T experiment. New detector points have been added at the ~600m to enhance data at that distance. Fast glass-based detector has been added to the scintillator-based detector at center point for accurate measurements of the pulse widths.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Modeling Metallic Fuel using Peridynamics

Based on available modeling and simulation capabilities of peridynamics module in MOOSE framework for oxide fuel, the overall goal of this project is to further develop the peridynamics capabilities for modeling metallic fuel. It includes two major tasks: 1) develop validated scheme to handle the shape tensor singularity due to insufficient active neighbors of a material particle in the peridynamic correspondence model for fracture problems, and 2) develop failure modeling scheme including failure criterion for metallic fuels. Before the peridynamics can be applied to model metallic fuel, the formulation instability of the peridynamic correspondence model should be addressed. The PI first worked on developing new stabilization method to improve the performance of the peridynamic correspondence model and reduce the possibility of getting a singular shape tensor while applying the model for fracture problems. The new stabilization scheme uses bond-associated weight function rather than bond-associated horizon. Compared to bondassociated horizon stabilized method, this new stabilization scheme has better performance with improved prediction accuracy and reduced free surface effect. Using this newly developed stabilization, materials models from BISON can be directly used in peridynamics for metallic fuels, such as fission rate and burnup dependent creep and swell models. Publication of this work is under preparation.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Grimsel Test Site - A Successful International Underground Research Laboratory for Many Decades - 20429

For more than 35 years, Nagra and its partners from around the world have been conducting underground research projects at the Grimsel Test Site (GTS, www.grimsel.com) to contribute to the development and confirmation of safe geological disposal concepts and for the characterization of suitable host rock formations. Over the years, the results of this internationally recognized research program have been, and continue to be, incorporated directly into exploration programs, modelling, safety, and engineering feasibility studies on options for deep geological repositories. Each project of the GTS program involves field-testing, laboratory studies, design and modelling tasks, and integrates all scientific and technical aspects. Each project phase is planned with a duration of three to five years to facilitate practical and administrative aspects and allow flexibility for updating the overall project plans with the latest findings. Scientific and engineering interaction among the different projects is ensured via an international steering committee meeting. Hosting an IAEA level C radiation- controlled zone, which allows use of radionuclides, including actinides such as thorium, uranium, neptunium, plutonium and americium, in in-situ experiments is one of the reasons why GTS also developed as a center of excellence for work with radioactive tracers under realistic in-situ boundary conditions. Last year, a new five-year program (2019 to 2023) started which includes projects with a planning horizon of decades. The new five-year program includes a new phase of in-situ experiments using radionuclides such as migration experiments in the Colloid Formation and Migration project (CFM), the Long-Term Diffusion experiment (LTD) and the newly established C-14 and I-129 Migration in cement project (CIM). The 'High Temperature effects on Bentonite' (HotBENT) project is starting in the current phase and is studying the effects of elevated temperatures (>175 deg. C) on bentonite materials. As a generic underground research laboratory (URL) it is expected that the GTS will provide in the coming years a platform for international collaboration, knowledge development and knowledge transfer for the next generation of scientists and engineers in the area of radioactive waste disposal and geosciences. A key role regarding knowledge transfer and training is provided by the well-established Grimsel Training Center (GTC), which (beside many URL related issues) also covers many general aspects of radioactive waste management. In this paper we provide an overview of the current program at the GTS, focusing on the experiments that study the migration of radionuclides through engineered barrier materials and the geosphere. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Report on New and Upgraded National User Facilities in Basic Energy Sciences

On December 1, 2023, the Director of the of the Office of Science (SC) charged all the Department of Energy Office of Science Federal Advisory Committees to respond to look toward the scientific horizon and identify what new or upgraded facilities will best serve the SC community needs in the next ten years (2024-2034). This report by the Basic Energy Sciences Advisory Committee (BESAC) assess facilities for the Basic Energy Sciences (BES) program.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗

Quantum critical collapse abhors a naked singularity

Classical critical collapse yields naked singularities from smooth initial data, challenging cosmic censorship, and shaping the spectrum of primordial black holes. We show that one-loop vacuum polarization near the threshold qualitatively changes this outcome by dressing the singularity with a horizon within a controlled semiclassical regime. In analytically tractable Einstein-scalar critical spacetimes, a one-loop $s$-wave treatment linearized around self-similar backgrounds shows that regularity uniquely selects an asymptotically Minkowskian, vacuum-polarization state. Its renormalized stress tensor carries a universal quantum growing mode that competes with the classical unstable mode, shifts the critical point, and generates a trapped surface along with a finite mass gap at the new threshold, thereby enforcing horizon formation even under arbitrary fine-tuning. In primordial collapse, the threshold shift enters exponentially into the formation fraction, while the mass gap truncates the low-mass tail, suggesting potentially important consequences for the predicted mass spectrum. Furthermore, these results provide a self-consistent semiclassical treatment of critical collapse and yield sharp predictions within the one-loop, near-critical, linearized regime.

Anomalies↗

Electromagnetic entrapment in gravity

Abstract We derive specific properties of electromagnetism when gravitational effects are not negligible and analyze their impact on new physics at the horizons of black holes. We show that a neutral configuration of charges in a region of high redshift, characterized by a largeg tt , produces a highly localized electromagnetic field that vanishes just beyond that region. This phenomenon implies the existence of extensive families of spacetime structures generated by electromagnetic degrees of freedom that are as compact as black holes. We construct neutral bound states of extremal black holes in four dimensions and in five dimensions, where one direction is compact. These geometries are indistinguishable from a neutral black hole, referred to asdistorted Schwarzschild, except in an infinitesimal region near its horizon where the entrapped electromagnetic structures start to manifest. The five-dimensional solutions satisfy various criteria for describing black hole microstructure: they increase in size with the Newton constant, are as compact as the Schwarzschild black hole, and have an entropy that scales likeM 2 .

Physics↗

A Phage Foundry Framework to Systematically Develop Viral Countermeasures to Combat Antibiotic-Resistant Bacterial Pathogens

At its current rate, the rise of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) infections is predicted to paralyze our industries and healthcare facilities while becoming the leading global cause of loss of human life. With limited new antibiotics on the horizon, we need to invest in alternative solutions. Bacteriophages (phages)–viruses targeting bacteria–offer a powerful alternative approach to tackle bacterial infections. Despite recent advances in using phages to treat recalcitrant AMR infections, the field lacks systematic development of phage therapies scalable to different applications. We propose a Phage Foundry framework to establish metrics for phage characterization and to fill the knowledge and technological gaps in phage therapeutics. Coordinated investment in AMR surveillance, sampling, characterization, and data sharing procedures will enable rational exploitation of phages for treatments. A fully realized Phage Foundry will enhance the sharing of knowledge, technology, and viral reagents in an equitable manner and will accelerate the biobased economy.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗