SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “ring current”

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.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 73 records · Page 4

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

DOE OSTI2026

Bent Crystal Channeling for Optimized Beam Shadowing and Proton Extraction at Mu2e

The Mu2e experiment is designed to investigate the CLFV through the observation of a neutrinoless muon-to-electron conversion in the field of an Al nucleus. The observation of such a process would be clear evidence of physics beyond the standard model. Due to the rarity of this process, a cutting-edge, intense muon beam is required to achieve an improvement of the current single-event sensitivity by 4 orders of magnitude. To achieve this goal, a primary proton beam with 8 GeV is extracted from the Fermilab Delivery Ring using the slow resonant extraction technique. Mu2e requires ~3.6x10$^{20}$ protons-on-target to meet its goal; hence, it is crucial to minimize the extraction losses. An important source of such losses are the particles impacting on the electrostatic septum blade. A very promising solution to the problem lies in the beam shadowing scheme tested at CERN SPS. In this approach, a bent crystal is strategically placed upstream of the septum, deflecting particles from the blade at a precise angle via the phenomenon of channeling. As a result, a zone with reduced particle flux is created downstream of the crystal, safeguarding the septum anode by minimizing interactions with the beam. This work explores the optimization of beam shadowing design and the process in the manufacturing and characterization of the bent crystal sample. It emphasizes the promising role of channeling in bent crystals, and it underscores the significant potential of channeling in bent crystals to assist the Mu2e experiment.

Fedeli, Pierluigi [Ferrara U.; INFN, Ferrara] (ORC↗

DOE OSTI2025

Snakes for the Hadron Storage Ring

The Electron Ion Collider calls for collisions of polarized proton and polarized helion beams on polarized electron beams. To preserve polarization of these polarized hadron beams during acceleration, six full helical snakes will be installed. As there are currently 4 snakes in RHIC, the remaining two snakes will be made from existing rotator magnet coils. The existing snakes are made from only right-handed helices where the rotator magnets are made from both right handed and left handed helicity magnets. In order for a sufficient stock of spare coils, one snake will be made of left handed coils. Simulations using Opera field maps in zgoubi show the left handed snake has sufficient range to provide the desired snake precession axes for helions and protons with the existing power supplies. This is an overview of the right and left handed snake assemblies and their effects.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

DOE OSTI2026

Status of the Slow Extraction Commissioning for the Mu2e Experiment at Fermilab

We present the current status of slow-extraction commissioning for the Mu2e experiment at Fermilab. The system employs third-integer resonant extraction of 8 GeV protons from the Delivery Ring to deliver a uniform, slow-spilled beam to the production target. During recent commissioning periods, we achieved stable optics, reproducible injection and energy matching, and consistent multi-spill operation. The sextupole circuits and fast-ramping quadrupoles were exercised near nominal resonance conditions, yielding promising extraction performance. A prototype spill-regulation system based on the ARIA-10 SoC was commissioned with integrated diagnostics, demonstrating closed-loop operation and establishing the framework for PID- and RFKO-based control. These commissioning results lay the foundation for achieving precision-regulated, high-quality slow extraction in upcoming Mu2e operations.

Narayanan, A. [Fermilab]↗

DOE OSTI2025

Electrolyzers in focus: advances in CO 2 electrolyzer designs

Electrochemical CO 2 reduction (ECR) remains a viable method to reintegrate anthropogenic CO 2 into current energy infrastructures through its conversion into commodity chemicals. To facilitate the integration of ECR, electrochemical devices called electrolyzers must be implemented to overcome the inherent limitations that exist in current ECR experiments, namely kinetics and mass transport. In this review, we outline the current and advancing designs in ECR electrolyzers, with a focus on the following five electrochemical devices: membrane electrode assemblies (MEA), flow cell (FC), rotating disk electrode (RDE), rotating ring-disk electrode (RRDE), and rotating cylinder electrode (RCE). We highlight the tunable components of each electrolyzer with a forward outlook on the optimization and relevance of electrolyzer designs in upcoming ECR applications.

CO2 reduction↗

DOE OSTI2025

Two-dimensional hydrodynamic viscous electron flow in annular Corbino rings

The concept of fluidic viscosity is ubiquitous in condensed-matter systems hosting a continuum where macroscopic properties can emerge. While an important property of liquids and some solids, only recently was the viscosity of an electron shown to play a role in electronic transport experiments. In this Letter, we present nonlocal electronic transport measurements in concentric annular rings formed in high-mobility two-dimensional electron gases, and the resulting data show that viscous hydrodynamic flow can occur far away from the source-drain current region. Our conclusion of viscous electronic transport is further corroborated by simulations of the Navier-Stokes equations that are found to be in agreement with our measurements below T = 1 K . Finally, this work emphasizes the key role played by viscosity via electron-electron ( e − e ) interaction even when the electronic transport is restricted radially, and for which it should have played no major role. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

Vijayakrishnan, Sujatha (ORCID:0009000080933182)↗

DOE OSTI2024

OPTIMIZATION OF COOLING DISTRIBUTION OF THE EIC SHC COOLER ERL

The Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) Hadron Storage Ring (HSR) will use strong hadron cooling to maintain the beam brightness and high luminosity during long collision ex?periments. An Energy Recovery Linac is used to deliver the high-current high-brightness electron beam for cooling. For the best cooling effect, the electron beam requires low emittance, small energy spread, and uniform longitudinal distribution. In this work, we simulate and optimize the longitudinal laser-beam distribution shaping at the photo?cathode, modeling space charge forces accurately. Machine parameters such as RF cavity phases are optimized in con?junction with the beam distribution using a genetic optimizer. We demonstrate improvement of the cooling distribution in key parameters.

Wang, N.↗

DOE OSTI2026

Activating magnetite ores for aqueous ironmaking at high current densities

Low-temperature electrochemical cells reducing iron oxides to metal in alkaline electrolytes can support fully electrified steelmaking processes. Previous studies on these cells have primarily focused on high-surface-area hematite, Fe 2 O 3 , reactants whereas attempts to reduce suspensions of magnetite, Fe 3 O 4 —one of the two feedstocks for existing ironmaking reactors—have generally been limited to low rates of reaction (<30 mA cm −2 ). Here, in this study, we control the crystalline domain size of Fe 2 O 3 and Fe 3 O 4 particles in 10 M NaOH electrolytes to study how the nanoscale morphology of oxides controls the rate of electrochemical ironmaking. Rotating-ring disk electrode measurements of Fe 2+ , in situ Raman spectroscopy of the electrode surface, and ex situ electron microscopy were consistent with a hypothesized passivation process at Fe 3 O 4 surfaces that may prevent the continuous formation of soluble intermediates. Sufficiently small (<100 nm diameter) oxide particles yielded Fe partial current densities >160 mA cm −2 , a fivefold increase relative to previously reported rates for Fe 3 O 4 suspensions and comparable to active Fe 2 O 3 . Electron microscopy revealed that electrodeposited films were composed of micron-scale crystalline Fe domains with a porous film of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles and supports a model where Fe is grown primarily from soluble Fe 2+ intermediates. Based on these insights, inactive blast-furnace-grade iron-oxides were transformed into high surface area nanoparticles (1.6 to 229.2 m 2 g −1 ) via reprecipitation, leading to a ninefold enhancement in faradaic efficiency and an Fe partial current density of 120 mA cm −2 . When integrated with chlor-iron cells producing reagents for reprecipitation, this approach could lead to a cost-competitive process for electrochemical ironmaking from industrially relevant feedstocks.

TEM↗

DOE OSTI2025

Injection simulations of space charge dominated proton beams in IOTA

A 2.5 MeV proton injector is being constructed for the IOTA ring at Fermilab to study the interaction of nonlinear integrable optics (NIO) with high space charge beams. Space charge in the transport line from the RFQ to the injection location has a significant current dependent effect on the phase space. Simulation studies to support efficient injection of intense bunches into IOTA are presented, included schemes to inject directly into NIO lattices.

Accelerator Physics↗

DOE OSTI2025

Injection simulations of space charge dominated proton beams in IOTA

Injection simulations of space charge dominated proton beams in IOTA ABSTRACT = A 2.5 MeV proton injector has been constructed for the IOTA ring at Fermilab to study the interaction of nonlinear integrable optics (NIO) with high space charge beams. Space charge in the transport line from the RFQ to the injection location has a significant current dependent effect on the phase space. Simulation studies to support efficient injection of intense bunches into IOTA are presented, included schemes to inject directly into NIO lattices.

Wieland, J. [Fermilab]↗

DOE OSTI2025

Injection simulations of space charge dominated proton beams in IOTA

Wieland, J. [Fermilab; Michigan State U.] (ORCID:0↗

DOE OSTI2025

Compare low-gain 1D and 3D models toward a storage ring-based X-ray free-electron-laser oscillator

Fourth-generation diffraction-limited synchrotron light sources (DL-SLS) present a compelling platform for advanced light source applications due to their ultra-low emittance (around tens of picometers), sub-micrometer beam stability, and high repetition rates (greater than 1 MHz). Despite these advantages, fundamental limitations, such as long bunch durations (tens of picoseconds), large relative energy spread (~10⁻³), and low peak current (<300 A), have hindered their effectiveness in free-electron laser (FEL) applications. Using a low-gain three-dimensional (3D) model based on NSLS-II upgrade lattice parameters, we demonstrate that a 6% single-pass gain is achievable with an optimized transverse gradient undulator (TGU). Concurrently, recent advances in X-ray optics—specifically, a four-mirror bow-tie resonator utilizing diamond mirrors and beryllium compound refractive lenses (CRLs)—enable total round-trip losses below 4% and an output coupling efficiency near 1%, rendering a Storage Ring based X-ray FEL oscillator (XFELO) a realistic possibility. In the 3D framework, the TGU effectively mitigates the detrimental effects of large energy spread by spatially dispersing the beam, leading to enhanced gain relative to conventional one-dimensional (1D) models. We establish both analytical and numerical connections between the 1D and 3D descriptions, leveraging GENESIS simulations to map equivalent gain conditions. While 1D resonance is defined in the energy domain, the 3D TGU system shifts the resonance dependence to transverse gradient and dispersion parameters. Once optimized, this framework allows predictive modeling using 1D formulas, which can then be validated through full 3D simulations.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

DOE OSTI2024

3D small-gain formula allowing strong focusing and harmonic lasing for a ring-based x-ray free electron laser oscillator

We present a detailed derivation of a formula for the small-gain calculation for an x-ray free electron laser oscillator (XFELO) based on a medium-energy (3–4 GeV) storage ring. We found harmonic lasing and strong focusing are essential for this beam energy range. Taking the small-signal low-gain formula developed by Kim and his colleagues, we modified it in such a way that the gain can be calculated without the “no focusing approximation,” and a strong focusing can be applied, as well as harmonic lasing. In this formula, the gain is represented as a product of two factors with one of them depending only on the harmonic number, undulator period, and gap. Using this factor, we show that it is favorable to use harmonic lasing to achieve hard x-ray FEL working in the small-signal low-gain regime with the medium-energy electron beam. Our formula also allows FEL optimization by varying the vertical gradient of the undulator, the vertical dispersion, and the horizontal and vertical focusing, independently. As an example, we applied this formula to study the feasibility of an XFELO option for the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) upgrade. Since a quite high peak current is required for the FEL, collective effects of beam dynamics in medium-energy synchrotrons significantly affect the electron beam parameters. We carried out a multiparameter optimization taking collective effects into account. Note, even though our example is for a ring-based XFELO at 3 to 4 GeV, the formula and, in particular, the approach developed here may be applied to other types of FELs. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2025

Molecular Mass Growth Processes to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons through Radical–Radical Reactions Exploiting Photoionization Reflectron Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) represent critical building blocks in molecular mass growth processes to carbonaceous nanoparticles, referred to as interstellar and circumstellar grains along with soot particles in astrophysical environments and combustion systems, respectively. Recent advancements on elucidating elementary steps to PAHs have utilized reactions of aromatic radicals, resonantly stabilized free radicals, and aliphatic radicals with closed shell hydrocarbons. However, the role of radical–radical reactions (RRRs) leading to PAHs has remained largely unexplored on the molecular level due to preceding experimental challenges in producing sufficiently high number densities of radical reactants for isomer-selective detection of products from bimolecular and termolecular reactions. This Account offers the latest developments in our knowledge on the mechanisms and pathways to PAHs via RRRs probed in a chemical microreactor at temperatures as high as 1600 K. Product preservation in a molecular beam coupled with synchrotron vacuum ultraviolet photoionization reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometry and photoelectron photoion coincidence spectroscopy enabled isomer-selective detection of PAHs of up to three rings by their photoionization efficiency curves, which were fit with a linear combination of reference curves for identification. Experiments were combined with computational fluid dynamics modeling of the physicochemical processes in the microreactor, as well as high-level electronic structure calculations to reveal the reaction pathways of each system. Six distinct reaction mechanisms were discovered in this work: propargyl addition─benzannulation (PABA), methyl addition─ring expansion (MARE), cyclopentadienyl addition─naphthylization (CPAN), fulvenallenyl addition─cyclization─aromatization (FACA), benzyl addition─aromatization (BAA), and phenyl addition─pentacyclization (PAP). By systematically varying the number of carbon atoms in the radical reactants, molecular mass growth processes involving reactions between radicals with odd numbers of carbon atoms access aromatics carrying one, two, or three six-membered rings, whereas reactions between even- and odd-carbon-numbered radicals produce aromatics combining five- and six-membered rings. Our investigations reveal unconventional cycloadditions on excited state triplet surfaces, additions of radicals to low spin density carbon-centered radicals, spiroaromatic and fulvene-type intermediates, and highly strained bicyclic reaction intermediates, challenging current perceptions of PAH molecular mass growth processes. All of the listed mechanisms, except for FACA, feature endoergic reactions or barriers which lie above the separated reactants and therefore might be central to circumstellar environments of carbon-rich stars and planetary nebulae as their descendants, but they play no role in the gas phase of cold molecular clouds where temperatures as low as 10 K dominate. Altogether, this work provides detailed reaction mechanisms of PAH growth processes, advancing our knowledge of the chemistry of carbonaceous matter in the universe.

Addition reactions↗

DOE OSTI2025

Synthetic tensor gauge fields

Synthetic gauge fields have provided physicists with a unique tool to explore a wide range of fundamentally important phenomena. However, most experiments have focused on synthetic vector gauge fields. The very rich physics brought about by coupling tensor gauge fields to fracton phases of matter remains unexplored in laboratories. Here, we propose schemes to realize synthetic tensor gauge fields that address dipoles instead of single particles. A lattice tilted by a strong linear potential and a weak quadratic potential yields a rank-2 electric field for a dipole formed by a particle-hole pair. Such a rank-2 electric field leads to a new type of Bloch oscillations, which modulates the quadrupole moment and preserves the dipole moment of the system. In higher dimensions, the interplay between interactions and vector gauge potentials imprints a phase to the ring-exchange interaction and thus generates synthetic tensor gauge fields. Such tensor gauge fields make it possible to realize a dipolar Harper-Hofstadter model in laboratories. The resultant dipolar Chern insulators feature chiral edge currents of dipoles in the absence of net charge currents. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

Zhang, Shaoliang (ORCID:000000016635044X)↗

DOE OSTI2025

𝑇-invariance violation in neutrino oscillations and matter effects

We investigate the impact of matter effects on 𝑇 (time-reversal)-odd observables, making use of the quantum-mechanical formalism of neutrino-flavor evolution. We attempt to be comprehensive and pedagogical. Matter-induced 𝑇-invariance violation (TV) is qualitatively different from, and more subtle than, matter-induced 𝐶⁢𝑃 (charge-parity)-invariance violation. If the matter distribution is symmetric relative to the neutrino production and detection points, matter effects will not introduce any new TV. However, if there is intrinsic TV, matter effects can modify the size of the 𝑇-odd observable. On the other hand, if the matter distribution is not symmetric, there is genuine matter-induced TV. For Earth-bound long-baseline oscillation experiments, these effects are small. This remains true for unrealistically-asymmetric matter potentials (for example, we investigate the effects of “hollowing out” 50% of the DUNE neutrino trajectory). More broadly, we explore consequences, or lack thereof, of asymmetric matter potentials on oscillation probabilities. While fascinating in their own right, 𝑇-odd observables are currently of limited practical use, due in no small part to a dearth of intense, well-characterized, high-energy electron-neutrino beams. Further in the future, however, intense, high-energy muon storage rings might become available and allow for realistic studies of 𝑇-invariance in neutrino oscillations.

CP violation↗

DOE OSTI2025

Active light-controlled frontal ring-opening metathesis polymerization

Frontal ring-opening metathesis polymerization (FROMP) is a promising energy-efficient approach to fabricate polymeric materials. Recent advances have demonstrated FROMP for diverse applications, including additive manufacturing, composites, and foams. However, the characteristic properties of the front are currently controlled primarily by varying the resin composition or the environmental conditions. In this work we present an approach to control FROMP of dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) using photochemical methods. A photobase generator is used to inhibit FROMP of DCPD with UV light while a photosensitizer and co-initiator are used to accelerate FROMP with blue light, enabling orthogonal active photocontrol of front velocity. In addition, photoinhibition-enabled lithographic patterning of frontal polymerizations is demonstrated. Frontal polymerizations are spatially controlled, redirected, and even split into diverging fronts. This work establishes a foundation for advanced control of frontal polymerizations, enabling innovation in traditional and additive manufacturing, as well as emerging processes like morphogenic manufacturing.

Polymer synthesis↗

DOE OSTI2025

Spallation Neutron Source Proton Power Upgrade (PPU) Project: Lessons Learned for CD-4

The SNS PPU project goals were to design, build, install and test the equipment necessary to double the accelerator power from 1.4 MW to 2.8 MW and to deliver a 2.0 MW qualified target. PPU also included the provision of a stub-out in the SNS accumulator-ring-to-target tunnel to facilitate a rapid connection to a new proton beamline for the Second Target Station (STS) project. The power capability was doubled by increasing the proton beam energy by 33% and the peak beam current by 50%, relative to pre-PPU accelerator performance. The project also included modifications to some buildings and services. The PPU project accomplished the energy upgrade by fabricating and installing new superconducting radiofrequency (RF) cryomodules, with supporting RF equipment, in the existing linac tunnel and klystron gallery, respectively. The High Voltage Converter Modulators (HVCM) and klystrons for some of the existing installed RF equipment were upgraded to handle the higher beam current. The increased beam power of 2 MW on the First Target Station (FTS) was enabled by the addition of a new high-volume gas injection system for pressure pulse and cavitation mitigation in the mercury target and a redesigned mercury target vessel.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

DOE OSTI2024

Flattening the field during injection in the Fermilab booster using dipole corrector magnets

The FNAL Booster is a fast cycling 15 Hz resonant circuit synchrotron accelerating proton beam from 400 MeV to 8 GeV. The linac pulse injected into the Booster is ~32 μsec long and fills the ring by multi-turn charge-exchange injection. As part of the PIP-II project, the Booster injection energy and repetition rate will be increased to 800 MeV and 20 Hz respectively. Due to much reduced average current in the new superconducting PIP-II linac, the injection time will increase to 550 μs. A shorter machine cycle coupled to a longer injection time make flattening the injection porch B-field during injection important requirement for successful PIP-II operation. We aim to achieve: (1) flattening of the net bending during injection using dipole correctors, and (2) using a new system based on an Altera FPGA board, reduction of the cycle-to-cycle bending field variation caused by current jitter in the Gradient Magnet Power Supply (GMPS). While the flat injection scheme is essential to future PIP-II operations, it should also noticeably improve efficiency for present HEP operations.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗