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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

Quantitative Determination of Electronic Effects in Free Radicals through Open-Shell Hammett Substituent Constants

Hammett substituent constants (σ), which quantify the electronic effects of functional groups, are widely used for predicting the properties of organic compounds and investigating reaction mechanisms. While these values have been obtained for a wide range of closed-shell substituents, measurements of analogous values for open-shell substituents are rare due to challenges associated with their short lifetimes. Here, in this report, we developed a combined experimental and computational approach for quantifying the electronic properties of open-shell substituents based on changes in nitrile vibrational frequencies (ν(C≡N)). By coupling pulse radiolysis and time-resolved infrared spectroscopy (PR-TRIR), we measured ν(C≡N) IR bands of 30 para - and meta -substituted benzonitriles bearing C-, N-, and S-centered radicals. A linear scaling relationship was obtained between these experimental values and values obtained from DFT calculations. Using these computed values, two different Hammett constants, σ m , and σ p + , were determined for a series of C-, N-, O-, S-, Si-, and B-centered radicals. The differences between σm and σp+ values enable the separate evaluation of inductive and resonance effects in these open-shell substituents. The results suggest that there are three classes of radicals: one is electron withdrawing (σ m , σ p + > 0), one is electron donating (σm, σp+ < 0), and one is inductively withdrawing but resonance donating (σ m > 0, σ p + < 0). Our study represents a general approach to the analysis of the electronic properties of open-shell species and has potential applications in a wide range of molecular processes involving free radical intermediates.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Solving the one-dimensional penetration problem for the fission channel in the statistical Hauser-Feshbach theory

Here we solve the Schrödinger equation for an arbitrary one-dimensional potential energy to calculate the transmission coefficient in the fission channel of compound nucleus reactions. We incorporate the calculated transmission coefficients into the statistical Hauser-Feshbach model calculation for neutron-induced reactions on 235,238 U and 239 Pu. The one-dimensional model reproduces the evaluated fission cross section data reasonably well considering the limited number of model parameters involved. A resonance-like structure appears in the transmission coefficient for a double-humped fission barrier shape that includes an intermediate well, which is understood to be a quantum mechanical effect in the fission channel. The calculated fission cross sections for the neutron-induced reactions on 235,238 U and 239 Pu all exhibit a similar structure.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

New limit on dark photon kinetic mixing in the 0.2 – 1.2 μ eV mass range from the Dark E-field Radio experiment

We report new limits on the kinetic mixing strength of the dark photon spanning the mass range 0.21 − 1.24 μ eV corresponding to a frequency span of 50–300 MHz. The Dark E-field Radio experiment is a wideband search for dark photon dark matter. In this paper we detail changes in calibration and upgrades since our proof-of-concept pilot run. Our detector employs a wide-bandwidth E-field antenna moved to multiple positions in a shielded room, a low noise amplifier, wideband analog-to-digital converter, followed by a 2 24 -point fast Fourier transform. An optimal filter searches for signals with Q ≈ 10 6 . In nine days of integration, this system is capable of detecting dark photon signals corresponding to a kinetic mixing strength ε several orders of magnitude lower than previous limits. We find a 95% exclusion limit on ε over this mass range between 6 × 10 − 15 and 6 × 10 − 13 , tracking the complex resonant mode structure in the shielded room. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Astronomy & Astrophysics↗

Fundamental bandwidth limits and shaping of frequency-modulated combs

Frequency-modulated (FM) combs based on active cavities like quantum cascade lasers have recently emerged as promising light sources in many spectral regions. Unlike passive modelocking, which generates amplitude modulation using the field’s amplitude, FM comb formation relies on the generation of phase modulation from the field’s phase. They can therefore be regarded as a phase-domain version of passive modelocking. However, while the ultimate scaling laws of passive modelocking have long been known—Haus showed in 1975 that pulses modelocked by a fast saturable absorber have a bandwidth proportional to effective gain bandwidth—the limits of FM combs have been much less clear. Here, we show that FM combs based on fast gain media are governed by the same fundamental limits, producing combs whose bandwidths are linear in the effective gain bandwidth. Not only do we show theoretically that the diffusive effect of gain curvature limits comb bandwidth, but we also show experimentally how this limit can be increased. By adding carefully designed resonant-loss structures that are evanescently coupled to the cavity of a terahertz laser, we reduce the curvature and increase the effective gain bandwidth of the laser, demonstrating bandwidth enhancement. Our results can better enable the creation of active chip-scale combs and be applied to a wide array of cavity geometries.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Fractal Nanostructured Solar Selective Surfaces for Next Gen Concentrating Solar Power (Final Report)

This project reports a novel coating with enhanced solar absorptance and reduced thermal emittance with high efficiency at elevated temperature for next-generation concentrated solar power (CSP) plants, with targeted operating temperatures around 750°C. Highly textured single and multimetallic oxide coatings were electrodeposited onto Inconel substrate by systematically varying the composition and process parameters. The optimized coating exhibited micro-to-nano structures designed to match the wavelengths in the visible region of the solar spectrum. These structures facilitate resonant absorption of solar radiation, significantly boosting solar absorption and accommodating thermal stress during high temperature exposure. A high solar absorptance exceeding 0.985 and a low thermal emittance below 0.5, yielding a thermal efficiency near 95%, was achieved for the optimized coatings without any anti-reflective overcoat, that remained robust after 750 h of isothermal exposure to 750°C in air. The coatings are also robust to severe mechanical and environmental stressors. The innovative approach presented in this study demonstrates the potential for tailoring air-stable solar absorber coatings to achieve high absorption, low emittance, and excellent high-temperature endurance, meeting the rigorous demands of next-generation CSP systems. A technoeconomic analysis reveals the economic advantage of the coatings for Gen3 CSP installations in different geographical zones globally.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Low-Field EMR Studies of Permalloy Films and Gratings

Flat and profile-modulated permalloy films have been studied by the electron magnetic resonance (EMR) method. In addition to ferromagnetic and spin-wave resonances, the structures demonstrate low-field EMR signals of an unusual shape, which form a hysteresis loop in sweeping fields. The low-field signals are attributed to a fast reorientation of magnetic domains. The low-field EMR behavior is comparable to the behavior in magneto-dependent photovoltage previously observed in the optical experiments. The shapes of the loops and typical values of the switching fields depend on the profile modulation parameters confirming the possibility of controlling magnetic properties and the coupling of magnetic and optical effects with nanoscale geometry.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Exploring baryon resonances with transition generalized parton distributions: status and perspectives

QCD gives rise to a rich spectrum of excited baryon states. Understanding their internal structure is important for many areas of nuclear physics, such as nuclear forces, dense matter, and neutrino-nucleus interactions. Generalized parton distributions (GPDs) are an established tool for characterizing the QCD structure of the ground-state nucleon. They are used to create 3D tomographic images of the quark/gluon structure and quantify the mechanical properties such as the distribution of mass, angular momentum, and forces in the system. Transition GPDs extend these concepts to N → N* transitions and can be used to characterize the 3D structure and mechanical properties of baryon resonances. They can be probed in high-momentum-transfer exclusive electroproduction processes with resonance transitions e + N → e' + M + N*, such as deeply-virtual Compton scattering (M = γ) or meson production (M = π, K, etc.), and in related photon/hadron-induced processes. This White Paper describes a research program aiming to explore baryon resonance structure with transition GPDs. This includes the properties and interpretation of the transition GPDs, theoretical methods for structures and processes, first experimental results from JLab 12 GeV, future measurements with existing and planned facilities (JLab detector and energy upgrades, COMPASS/AMBER, EIC, EicC, J-PARC, LHC ultraperipheral collisions), and the theoretical and experimental developments needed to realize this program.

Experimental Nuclear Physics↗

Fine structure of current noise spectra in nanoelectromechanical resonators

Here, we study the frequency-dependent noise of a suspended carbon nanotube quantum dot nanoelectromechanical resonator induced by electron-vibration coupling. Using a rigorous Keldysh diagrammatic technique, we establish a formal framework connecting the vibrational properties to electrical measurements. We find that the noise power spectrum exhibits a narrow resonant peak at the frequency of the vibrational modes. However, this fine structure tends to disappear due to a coherent cancellation effect when the tunneling barriers are tuned to a symmetric point. Notably, measuring the electrical current noise spectra provides a sensitive alternative method for detecting the damping and dephasing of quantum vibrational modes.

Electric measurements↗

Non-resonant Raman optical activity from phase-space electronic structure theory

In order to model experimental non-resonant Raman optical activity, chemists must compute a host of second-order response tensors (e.g., the electric-dipole–magnetic-dipole polarizability) and their nuclear derivatives along a set of vibrational modes. While these response functions are almost always computed within a Born–Oppenheimer (BO) framework, here we provide a natural interpretation of the electric-dipole–magnetic-dipole polarizability within phase space electronic structure theory, a beyond-BO model whereby the electronic structure depends on nuclear momentum (P) in addition to nuclear position (R). By coupling to nuclear momentum, phase space electronic structure theory is able to capture the asymmetric response of the electronic properties to an external field, in so far as for a vibrating (non-stationary) molecule, $\frac{∂μ}{∂B}$≠$\frac{∂m}{∂F}$, where μ and m are the electrical linear and magnetic dipoles, and F and B are electric and magnetic fields. As an example, for a prototypical methyloxirane molecule, we show that phase space electronic structure theory is able to deliver a reasonably good match with experimental results in a manner that is formally invariant to gauge origin G 0 —provided that one uses a complete basis or, alternatively, gauge invariant atomic orbitals.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

N* Physics with CLAS12 at Jefferson Lab

Nucleons are the most fundamental bound three-body systems in Nature. With the CLAS12 spectrometer at Jefferson Lab, the spectrum and the structure of nucleon resonances is explored. This includes studies of exclusive piN, pi+pi-p, KLambda, and KSigma electroproduction reactions and the evolution of the electrocouplings of resonances with photon virtuality Q^2. Such type of studies with CLAS have revealed a complex interplay between a core of dressed quarks and an external meson-baryon cloud inside of the excited nucleon states. With CLAS12, also measurements of N -> N* transitions in the DIS region have been performed, addressing the three-dimensional structure of nucleon resonances through their transition GPDs (generalized parton distributions). In the future, the increase of the CEBAF energy and the upgrade of the CLAS12 spectrometer to study exclusive electroproduction channels at higher luminosities and photon virtualities will offer a unique opportunity to study the nucleon excitation mechanisms.

Achenbach, Patrick↗

Transitions To Two-Hadron States From Quantum Chromodynamics

The rich spectrum of hadrons reflects the complexity of interactions between the quarks and gluons confined within them. Most of these hadrons are extremely short-lived and are called resonances. Experimentally, they are observed indirectly through their effects on the energy distribution in scattering experiments. Additionally, the non-perturbative nature of Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD), which governs the dynamics of quarks and gluons, prevents the implementation of known analytical techniques for calculating transition and interaction rates between hadrons. Lattice QCD (LQCD), a numerical implementation of QCD, provides a non-perturbative approach to studying the spectrum, as long as we understand how to account for finite-volume and imaginary-time effects in our calculations. In this dissertation, we present two main results. First, the formalism for extracting the elastic form factors of resonances from LQCD, which is necessary to understand their internal structure. Second, we perform the first numerical calculation of a coupled-channel transition, the timelike form factor of the pion, extending into the inelastic region above the kaon-antikaon threshold, as well as its connection to the spacelike region. These developments open the door for future calculations that explore the non-trivial internal structure of QCD resonances.

Gama, Felipe Ortega↗

In situ characterization of metastable Pb3O5 and Pb2O3 phases during thermal decomposition of PbO2 to PbO

Nonstoichiometric lead oxides play a key role in the formation and cycling of the positive electrodes in a lead acid battery. These phases have been linked to the underutilization of the positive active material but also play a key role in the battery’s cycle life, providing inter-particle adhesion and the connection to the underlying lead grid. Similar phases have previously been identified by mass loss or color change during thermal annealing of PbO2 to PbO, suggesting that at least two intermediate PbOx phases exist. Using multiple in situ analysis techniques (powder diffraction, x-ray absorption, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) and ex situ nuclear magnetic resonance measurements, the structural conversion and changes in the lead oxidation states were identified during this process. Isolation of the PbOx phases enabled confirmation of Pb3O5 and Pb2O3 by diffraction and the first 207Pb NMR measurement of these intermediates.

Kinnibrugh, Tiffany L.↗

An OVERVIEW of MICROPHONICS in CEBAF and CURRENT MODERATION TECHNIQUES

Superconducting RF (SRF) structures are susceptible to frequency detuning from external vibrations and modal mechanical resonances in the structure. These small disturbances, known as microphonics, require additional RF power in CW accelerating structures since the frequency is constantly shifting. In the Jefferson Lab CEBAF accelerator, time and frequency data of this frequency shift have been recorded for many years, allowing a retrospective analysis of different microphonics-mitigation techniques. Some of these techniques are specific to the design of each CEBAF cryomodule, for example implementing BNNT damping material on the cavity string. Other techniques are universal such as affixing vacuum lines and reinforcing waveguide structures.

Powers, Tom↗

Global Data-Driven Determination of Baryon Transition Form Factors

Hadronic resonances emerge from strong interactions encoding the dynamics of quarks and gluons. The structure of these resonances can be probed by virtual photons parametrized in transition form factors. Here, in this study, twelve N* and Δ transition form factors at the pole are extracted from data with the center-of-mass energy from πN threshold to 1.8 GeV, and the photon virtuality 0 ≤ Q 2 /GeV 2 ≤ 8. For the first time, these results are determined from a simultaneous analysis of more than one state, i.e., ~10 5 π⁢N, η⁢N, and K⁢Λ electroproduction data. In addition, about 5×10 4 data in the hadronic sector as well as photoproduction serve as boundary conditions. For the Δ⁡(1232) and N⁡(1440) states our results are in qualitative agreement with previous studies, while the transition form factors at the poles of some higher excited states are estimated for the first time. Realistic uncertainties are determined by further exploring the parameter space.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Characterize and control the multi-range structure of solution-phase systems with resonant x-ray scattering

This work aims at demonstrating the feasibility and impact of Anomalous X-ray Scattering (AXS) in characterizing the multi-range structures of solution-state systems. We will show preliminary investigation of long-range correlations in concentrated aqueous electrolytes with a combination of AXS and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We will also start exploring the capability of AXS to capture intra- and inter-molecular structure of dilute molecular systems, and specifically its sensitivity to the chemical environment surrounding active metal sites. We anticipate that the development of this method will help us to understand ion solvation and transport, which affect the performances of, for instance, electrocatalytic cells, as well as to identify/control the intrinsic structural factors that lead to selectivity, efficiency, and stability control during catalysis.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Structural and functional insights into the interaction between the bacteriophage T4 DNA processing proteins gp32 and Dda

Abstract Bacteriophage T4 is a classic model system for studying the mechanisms of DNA processing. A key protein in T4 DNA processing is the gp32 single-stranded DNA-binding protein. gp32 has two key functions: it binds cooperatively to single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) to protect it from nucleases and remove regions of secondary structure, and it recruits proteins to initiate DNA processes including replication and repair. Dda is a T4 helicase recruited by gp32, and we purified and crystallized a gp32–Dda–ssDNA complex. The low-resolution structure revealed how the C-terminus of gp32 engages Dda. Analytical ultracentrifugation analyses were consistent with the crystal structure. An optimal Dda binding peptide from the gp32 C-terminus was identified using surface plasmon resonance. The crystal structure of the Dda–peptide complex was consistent with the corresponding interaction in the gp32–Dda–ssDNA structure. A Dda-dependent DNA unwinding assay supported the structural conclusions and confirmed that the bound gp32 sequesters the ssDNA generated by Dda. The structure of the gp32–Dda–ssDNA complex, together with the known structure of the gp32 body, reveals the entire ssDNA binding surface of gp32. gp32–Dda–ssDNA complexes in the crystal are connected by the N-terminal region of one gp32 binding to an adjacent gp32, and this provides key insights into this interaction.

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology↗

Potential absence of observed π2 linear-chain structures in 14O via 10C(α,α) resonances scattering

Background: The preference for light nuclear systems to coagulate into -particle clusters has been well-studied. The possibility of a linear chain configuration of -particles would allow for a new way to study this phenomenon. Purpose: A rotational band of states in C has been claimed showing a linear chain structure. The mirror system, O, has been studied here to examine how this linear chain structure is affected by replacing the valence neutrons with protons. Method: A beam of C was incident into a chamber filled with He:CO gas with the tracks recorded inside the TexAT Time Projection Chamber and the recoil -particles detected by a silicon detector array to measure the cross section. Results: The experimental cross section was compared with previous studies and fit using R-Matrix theory with the previously-observed O states being transformed to the C using mirror symmetry. The measured cross section does not replicate the claimed states, with the predicted cross section exceeding that observed at several energies and angles. Conclusion: A series of possibilities are highlighted with the most likely being that the originally-seen C states did not constitute a rotational band with a potentially incorrect spin assignment due to the limitations of the angular correlation method with non-zero spin particles. The work highlights the difficulties in measuring broad resonances corresponding to a linear chain state in a high level density.

Bishop, J.↗