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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 775 records · Page 43
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2016

SU-F-I-72: Evaluation of the Ancillary Lead Shielding for Optimizing Radiation Protection in the Interventional Radiology Department

Purpose: The rising complexity of interventional fluoroscopic procedures has resulted in an increase of occupational radiation exposures in the interventional radiology (IR) department. This study assessed the impact of ancillary shielding on optimizing radiation protection for the IR staff. Methods: Scattered radiation measurements were performed in two IR suites equipped with Axiom Artis systems (Siemens Healthcare, Erlangen, Germany) installed in 2006 and 2010. Both rooms had suspended ceiling-mounted lead-acrylic shields of 75×60 cm (Mavig, Munich, Germany) with lead equivalency of 0.5 mm, and under-table drapes of 70×116 cm and 65×70 cm in the newer and the older room respectively. The larger skirt can be wrapped around the table’s corner and in addition the newer suite had two upper shields of 25×55 cm and 25×35 cm. The patient was simulated by 30 cm of acrylic, air kerma rate (AKR) was measured with the 180cc ionization chamber (AccuPro Radcal Corporation, Monrovia, CA, USA) at different positions. The ancillary shields, x-ray tube, image detector, and table height were adjusted by the IR radiologist to simulate various clinical setups. The same exposure parameters were used for all acquisitions. AKR measurements were made at different positions relative to the operator. Results: The AKR measurements demonstrated 91–99% x-ray attenuation by the drapes in both suites. The smaller size of the under-table skirt and absence of the side-drapes in the older room resulted in a 20–50 fold increase of scattered radiation to the operator. The mobile suspended lead-acrylic shield reduced AKR by 90–94% measured at 150–170 cm height. The recommendations were made to replace the smaller under-table skirt and to use the ceiling-mounted shields for all IR procedures. Conclusion: The ancillary shielding may significantly affect radiation exposure to the IR staff. The use of suspended ceiling-mounted shields is especially important for reduction of interventional radiologists’ cranial radiation.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1972

A modular approach for assessing the effect of radiation environments on man in operational systems. The radiobiological vulnerability of man during task performance

A modular approach for assessing the affects of radiation environments on man in operational systems has been developed. The feasibility of the model has been proved and the practicality has been assessed. It has been applied to one operational system to date and information obtained has been submitted to systems analysts and mission planners for the assessment of man's vulnerability and impact on systems survivability. In addition, the model has been developed so that the radiobiological data can be input to a sophisticated man-machine interface model to properly relate the radiobiological stress with other mission stresses including the effects of a degraded system.

Ewing, D. E.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Temperature-tuned ultrafast X-ray shutter using optics-on-a-chip

Typically modulation systems are incapable of performing synchronous modulation for high-energy radiation systems. A method and system for performing high-energy synchronous radiation modulating is described. The method includes providing an oscillatory diffractive element, with the oscillatory diffractive element capable of being oscillated over a range of angles. A radiation source provides radiation to the oscillatory diffractive element. An electrical signal is provided to electrodes that oscillate the oscillatory diffractive element to modulate the radiation. A temperature controller controls the temperature of the oscillatory diffractive element to tune the oscillatory motion of the oscillatory diffractive element.

Wang, Jin↗
DOE OSTI2017

Search for ψ ( 3686 ) → γ η c ( η ( 1405 ) ) → γ π + π - π 0

Using a sample of 448.1×10 6 ψ(3686) events collected with the BESIII detector, a search for the isospin violating decay η c → π⁺π⁻π⁰ via ψ(3686) → γ η c is presented. No signal is observed, and the upper limit on B(ψ(3686) → γ η c ) × B( η c → π⁺π⁻π⁰) is determined to be 1.6 × 10 -6 at the 90% confidence level. In addition, a search for η (1405) → f 0 (980)π 0 in (3686) radiative decays is performed. No signal is observed, and the branching fraction B(ψ(3686) → γη(1405))×B( η (1405) → f 0 (980)π 0 ) × B(f 0 (980) → π⁺π⁻ is calculated to be less than 5.0 × 10 -7 at the 90% confidence level.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2016

SU-G-TeP4-09: Development of a Plan Data Aggregator for Time Efficient Physics Second-Checks of Machine Parameters for External Beam Treatment Plans

Purpose: Physics second-checks for external beam radiation therapy are performed, in-part, to verify that the machine parameters in the Record-and-Verify (R&V) system that will ultimately be sent to the LINAC exactly match the values initially calculated by the Treatment Planning System (TPS). While performing the second-check, a large portion of the physicists’ time is spent navigating and arranging display windows to locate and compare the relevant numerical values (MLC position, collimator rotation, field size, MU, etc.). Here, we describe the development of a software tool that guides the physicist by aggregating and succinctly displaying machine parameter data relevant to the physics second-check process. Methods: A data retrieval software tool was developed using Python to aggregate data and generate a list of machine parameters that are commonly verified during the physics second-check process. This software tool imported values from (i) the TPS RT Plan DICOM file and (ii) the MOSAIQ (R&V) Structured Query Language (SQL) database. The machine parameters aggregated for this study included: MLC positions, X&Y jaw positions, collimator rotation, gantry rotation, MU, dose rate, wedges and accessories, cumulative dose, energy, machine name, couch angle, and more. Results: A GUI interface was developed to generate a side-by-side display of the aggregated machine parameter values for each field, and presented to the physicist for direct visual comparison. This software tool was tested for 3D conformal, static IMRT, sliding window IMRT, and VMAT treatment plans. Conclusion: This software tool facilitated the data collection process needed in order for the physicist to conduct a second-check, thus yielding an optimized second-check workflow that was both more user friendly and time-efficient. Utilizing this software tool, the physicist was able to spend less time searching through the TPS PDF plan document and the R&V system and focus the second-check efforts on assessing the patient-specific plan-quality.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS2020

AWARE: The Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) West Antarctic Radiation Experiment

The US Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) West Antarctic Radiation Experiment (AWARE) performed comprehensive meteorological and aerosol measurements, and ground-based atmospheric remote sensing at two Antarctic stations using the most advanced instrumentation available. A suite of cloud research radars, lidars, spectral and broadband radiometers, aerosol chemical and microphysical sampling equipment, and meteorological instrumentation was deployed at McMurdo Station on Ross Island from December 2015 through December 2016. A smaller suite of radiometers and meteorological equipment including radiosondes, optimized for surface energy budget measurement, was deployed on the West Antarctic Ice Sheet between 4 December 2015 and 17 January 2016. AWARE provided Antarctic atmospheric data comparable to several well-instrumented high Arctic sites that have operated for many years and that reveal numerous contrasts with the Arctic in aerosol and cloud microphysical properties. These include persistent differences in liquid cloud occurrence, cloud height and cloud thickness. Antarctic aerosol properties are also quite different from the Arctic in both seasonal cycle and composition, due to the continent’s isolation from lower latitudes by Southern Ocean storm tracks. Antarctic aerosol number and mass concentrations are not only non-negligible but perhaps play a more important role than previously recognized because of the higher sensitivities of clouds at the very low concentrations caused by the large-scale dynamical isolation. Antarctic aerosol chemical composition, particularly organic components, has implications for local cloud microphysics. The AWARE data set, fully available online in the ARM Program data archive, offers numerous case studies for unique and rigorous evaluation of mixed-phase cloud parameterization in climate models.

Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM)↗
NASA NTRS2004

Ka-Band Multibeam Aperture Phased Array Being Developed

Phased-array antenna systems offer many advantages to low-Earth-orbiting satellite systems. Their large scan angles and multibeam capabilities allow for vibration-free, rapid beam scanning and graceful degradation operation for high rate downlink of data to users on the ground. Technology advancements continue to reduce the power, weight, and cost of these systems to make phased arrays a competitive alternative in comparison to the gimbled reflector system commonly used in science missions. One effort to reduce the cost of phased arrays is the development of a Ka-band multibeam aperture (MBA) phased array by Boeing Corporation under a contract jointly by the NASA Glenn Research Center and the Office of Naval Research. The objective is to develop and demonstrate a space-qualifiable dual-beam Ka-band (26.5-GHz) phased-array antenna. The goals are to advance the state of the art in Ka-band active phased-array antennas and to develop and demonstrate multibeam transmission technology compatible with spacecraft in low Earth orbit to reduce the cost of future missions by retiring certain development risks. The frequency chosen is suitable for space-to-space and space-to-ground communication links. The phased-array antenna has a radiation pattern designed by combining a set of individual radiating elements, optimized with the type of radiating elements used, their positions in space, and the amplitude and phase of the currents feeding the elements. This arrangement produces a directional radiation pattern that is proportional to the number of individual radiating elements. The arrays of interest here can scan the main beam electronically with a computerized algorithm. The antenna is constructed using electronic components with no mechanical parts, and the steering is performed electronically, without any resulting vibration. The speed of the scanning is limited primarily by the control electronics. The radiation performance degrades gracefully if a portion of the elements fail. The arrays can be constructed to conform to a mounting surface, and multibeam capability is integral to the design. However, there are challenges for mission designers using monolithic-microwave-integrated-circuit- (MMIC-) based arrays because of reduced power efficiency, higher costs, and certain system effects that result in link degradations. The multibeam aperture phased-array antenna development is attempting to address some of these issues, particularly manufacturing, costs, and system performance.

Reinhart, Richard C.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Multicomponent pyrochlore solid solutions with uranium incorporation – A new perspective of materials design for nuclear applications

Multicomponent pyrochlore solid solutions with and without uranium incorporation were fabricated and their thermal-mechanical properties were characterized. Multicomponent pyrochlore solid solutions without uranium exhibit comparable thermal conductivity and higher mechanical strength compared to baseline single component rare-earth titanate pyrochlore (A 2 Ti 2 O 7 ). Uranium incorporation reduces hardness as compared with single component compositions. High entropy pyrochlore with uranium displays the highest thermal conductivity within multicomponent pyrochlore solid solutions with significantly better mechanical properties than UO 2 . The measured thermal conductivity correlates well with A-site cation mixing entropy and a modified size disorder parameter, and thus the size disorder and mixing entropy could be good indicators for predicting thermal conductivity of multicomponent pyrochlore solid solutions. This work opens up the possibility of designing multicomponent oxide solid solutions by controlling their chemical disorder/mixing entropy to achieve acceptable thermal-mechanical properties, desired radiation and corrosion performance for potential nuclear waste form and inert matrix fuel applications.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2019

Radiation tolerance study on irradiated AC-coupled, poly-silicon biased, p-on-n silicon strip sensors developed in India

The silicon sensors to be deployed in the next generation high energy physics experiments for operation in high luminosity scenarios, will require a high level of radiation tolerance. AC-coupled silicon strip sensors integrated with biasing poly-silicon resistors have been fabricated in collaboration with the Bharat Electronics Limited foundry using 4 inch n-type wafers in p-on-n configuration. Several sensors were irradiated with protons at different fluences at the Karlsruhe Cyclotron facility under the Advanced European Infrastructures for Detectors at Accelerators (AIDA) program. This paper reports on these radiation hardness study performed on the AC-coupled silicon sensors fabricated in India. The characterization comprises of electrical tests, including total current, voltage and strip scans and charge collection studies.

AC-coupled↗
DOE OSTI2025

The total neutron cross section of liquid and solid ammonia

Ammonia is a material of interest for future neutron moderators at high-power sources due to its high hydrogen density, low melting point, and resistance to polymerization in an intense radiation field. Its performance in such applications cannot currently be calculated due to the absence of suitable computer models for the interaction of neutrons with ammonia under relevant conditions. In an effort to develop suitable scattering kernels for computer simulations of moderator performance, we have conducted a series of Density Functional Theory and Molecular Dynamics calculations of the molecular-level thermal properties of ammonia at various temperatures within both the solid and liquid phases. In this paper, we compare computer calculations for the energy-dependent total neutron cross section of ammonia, based on these models, to experimental measurements of those cross sections at temperatures of 221 K, 180 K, and 35 K. The experimental data were collected over an energy range from 0.1 meV to 10 eV using time-of-flight techniques at the Low Energy Neutron Source (LENS) facility at Indiana University. This comparison provides a first validation in the development of thermal scattering libraries for Monte Carlo source design simulations based on liquid and solid ammonia. In conclusion, we also provide some insights into where additional development of tools for creating such models may be needed.

Ammonia↗
DOE OSTI2025

Doping with phosphorus reduces anion vacancy disorder in CdSeTe semiconductors enabling higher solar cell efficiency

Doping is used in many pn junction devices, such as polycrystalline solar cells, to increase the strength of the junction field to assist charge carrier collection and thus partially mitigate nonradiative recombination losses. We demonstrate a different doping characteristic for inorganic solar cells: using dopants to reduce charge carrier trapping and electronic band tails. Alloying CdTe with Se to form CdSeTe semiconductor reduced recombination, but CdSeTe has more complex defect states which can limit further efficiency gains due to charge carrier trapping and trap-limited mobility. Doping CdSeTe with P (but not N, As, or Sb in this study) reduces band tails (Urbach energies) and lessens the impact of the near valence band trap states, with ambipolar mobilities improving to >50 cm 2 V −1 s −1 , fill factor increasing from 76% to 79%, and efficiencies increasing by 0.9% absolute. Simulations are used to show how such defect reduction improves performance in the radiative limit.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2016

Annular spherically focused ring transducers for improved single-beam acoustical tweezers

The use of ultrasonic transducers with a central hollow is suggested for improved single-beam acoustical tweezers applications. Within the framework of the Fresnel-Kirchhoff parabolic approximation, a closed-form partial-wave series expansion (PWSE) for the incident velocity potential (or pressure) field is derived for an annular spherically focused ring (asfr) with uniform vibration across its surface in spherical coordinates. The Rayleigh-Sommerfeld diffraction integral and the addition theorems for the Legendre and spherical wave functions are used to obtain the PWSE assuming a weakly focused beam (with a focusing angle α ≤ 20°). The PWSE allows evaluating the incident field from the finite asfr in 3D. Moreover, the obtained solution allows computing efficiently the acoustic scattering and radiation force on a sphere centered on the beam's axis of wave propagation. The analytical solution is valid for wavelengths largely exceeding the radius of the asfr and when the viscosity of the surrounding fluid can be neglected. Numerical predictions for the beam-forming, scattering, and axial time-averaged radiation force are performed with particular emphasis on the asfr thickness, the axial distance separating the sphere from the center of the transducer, the (non-dimensional) size of the transducer, as well as the sphere's elastic properties without restriction to the long- (i.e., Rayleigh) or the short-wavelength (i.e., ray acoustics) regimes. Potential applications of the present solution are in beam-forming design, particle tweezing, and manipulation due to negative forces using ultrasonic asfr transducers.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2024

Turbulent drifts of impurity ions as an explanation for anomalous radial transport in the far-SOL of DIII-D

Abstract Successful fusion reactor operation relies on minimal core contamination by impurities, otherwise too much power may be radiated and harm performance. This requires reliable predictions of impurity transport from the scrape-off layer (SOL) into the core, beyond the traditional ‘anomalous’ diffusion approach. We report a set of far-SOL tungsten transport simulations that demonstrate the role of turbulent drifts on radial impurity transport. A turbulent plasma background is simulated using the gyrokinetic SOL code Gkeyll. Tungsten ions are followed within the plasma background using only their drifts. We find that tungsten tends to travel radially outwards with velocities between v r = 300–1200 m s −1 primarily due to polarization drift. We also extract an anomalous radial diffusion coefficient that varies from D r anom = 5–20 m 2 s −1 . These results are compared to and agree with previous interpretive modeling results. We also show how the turbulent polarization drift can transport some tungsten ions from the wall inwards with effective pinch velocities up to 10 000 m s −1 . We conclude that turbulent drifts are a likely explanation for historically anomalous radial impurity transport.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Beam characterization at NSRL for radiobiological experiments—phase 1

An experimental campaign was carried out at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory to perform an additional, independent dosimetric characterization of the beams of protons, helium and carbon ions for radiobiological experiments. The campaign was undertaken by the request and with the support from the National Cancer Institute, U.S. In this initial phase, the goals were to obtain a first assessment of the dosimetric reproducibility of the beam control system, including analysis of spatial homogeneity and evaluation of ion beam contamination. They should facilitate the design of further experimental campaigns for beam characterization for radiobiological experiments. Measurements included reference dosimetry with comparison of in-house and external ionization chambers and electrometers, lateral-dose profile measurements in air, depth-dose profile in a water tank, evaluation of water equivalent thickness of a HDPE binary range shifter and estimation of impurities of the investigated helium-ion beam. The experiments and results are presented.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2022

The straw tracking detector for the Fermilab Muon g-2 Experiment

The Muon g-2 Experiment at Fermilab uses a gaseous straw tracking detector to make detailed measurements of the stored muon beam profile, which are essential for the experiment to achieve its uncertainty goals. Positrons from muon decays spiral inward and pass through the tracking detector before striking an electromagnetic calorimeter. The tracking detector is therefore located inside the vacuum chamber in a region where the magnetic field is large and non-uniform. As such, the tracking detector must have a low leak rate to maintain a high-quality vacuum, must be non-magnetic so as not to perturb the magnetic field and, to minimize energy loss, must have a low radiation length. The performance of the tracking detector has met or surpassed the design requirements, with adequate electronic noise levels, an average straw hit resolution of (110 ± 20) μm, a detection efficiency of 97% or higher, and no performance degradation or signs of aging. The tracking detector's measurements result in an otherwise unachievable understanding of the muon's beam motion, particularly at early times in the experiment's measurement period when there are a significantly greater number of muons decaying. This is vital to the statistical power of the experiment, as well as facilitating the precise extraction of several systematic corrections and uncertainties. This paper describes the design, construction, testing, commissioning, and performance of the tracking detector.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2025

Search for η c ( 2 S ) → p p ¯ K + K − and measurement of χ c J → p p ¯ K + K − in ψ ( 3686 ) radiative decays

A search for η c ( 2 S ) → p p ¯ K + K − , together with measurement of branching fractions of χ c J ( J = 0 , 1 , 2 ) → p p ¯ K + K − in the ψ ( 3686 ) → γ η c ( 2 S ) and the ψ ( 3686 ) → γ χ c J radiative decays, is performed with ( 2712.4 ± 14.3 ) × 10 6 ψ ( 3686 ) events collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. An evidence for η c ( 2 S ) → p p ¯ K + K − is found, with a significance of 3.3 σ . The product branching fraction of B [ ψ ( 3686 ) → γ η c ( 2 S ) ] · B [ η c ( 2 S ) → p p ¯ K + K − ] is determined to be ( 1.98 ± 0.4 1 stat ± 0.9 9 syst ) × 10 − 7 . The product branching fractions of B [ ψ ( 3686 ) → γ χ c J ] · B [ χ c J → p p ¯ K + K − ] are measured to be ( 2.49 ± 0.0 3 stat ± 0.1 5 syst ) × 10 − 5 , ( 1.83 ± 0.0 2 stat ± 0.1 1 syst ) × 10 − 5 , and ( 2.43 ± 0.0 2 stat ± 0.1 5 syst ) × 10 − 5 , for J = 0 , 1, and 2, respectively. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

Ablikim, M.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Cryogenic optical beam steering for superconducting device calibration

We have developed a calibration system based on a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) mirror that is capable of delivering an optical beam over a wavelength range of 180 -- 2000 nm (0.62 -- 6.89 eV) in a sub-Kelvin environment. This portable, integrated system can steer the beam over a $\sim$3 cm $\times$ 3 cm area on the surface of any sensor with a precision of $\sim$100 $μ$m, enabling characterization of device response as a function of position. This fills a critical need in the landscape of calibration tools for sub-Kelvin devices, including those used for dark matter detection and quantum computing. These communities have a shared goal of understanding the impact of ionizing radiation on device performance, which can be pursued with our system. This paper describes the design of the first-generation calibration system and the results from successfully testing its performance at room temperature and 20 mK.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2016

SU-F-T-169: A Periodic Quality Assurance Program for a Spot-Scanning Proton Treatment Facility

Purpose: To develop daily and monthly quality assurance (QA) programs in support of a new spot-scanning proton treatment facility using a combination of commercial and custom equipment and software. Emphasis was placed on efficiency and evaluation of key quality parameters. Methods: The daily QA program was developed to test output, spot size and position, proton beam energy, and image guidance using the Sun Nuclear Corporation rf-DQA™3 device and Atlas QA software. The program utilizes standard Atlas linear accelerator tests repurposed for proton measurements and a custom jig for indexing the device to the treatment couch. The monthly QA program was designed to test mechanical performance, image quality, radiation quality, isocenter coincidence, and safety features. Many of these tests are similar to linear accelerator QA counterparts, but many require customized test design and equipment. Coincidence of imaging, laser marker, mechanical, and radiation isocenters, for instance, is verified using a custom film-based device devised and manufactured at our facility. Proton spot size and position as a function of energy are verified using a custom spot pattern incident on film and analysis software developed in-house. More details concerning the equipment and software developed for monthly QA are included in the supporting document. Thresholds for daily and monthly tests were established via perturbation analysis, early experience, and/or proton system specifications and associated acceptance test results. Results: The periodic QA program described here has been in effect for approximately 9 months and has proven efficient and sensitive to sub-clinical variations in treatment delivery characteristics. Conclusion: Tools and professional guidelines for periodic proton system QA are not as well developed as their photon and electron counterparts. The program described here efficiently evaluates key quality parameters and, while specific to the needs of our facility, could be readily adapted to other proton centers.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗