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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 91 records · Page 5
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Search for exclusive Higgs and Z boson decays to ωγ and Higgs boson decays to K*γ with the ATLAS detector

Searches for the exclusive decays of the Higgs boson to an ω meson and a photon or a Κ * meson and a photon can probe flavour-conserving and flavour-violating Higgs boson couplings to light quarks, respectively. Searches for these decays, along with the analogous Z boson decay to an ω meson and a photon, are performed with a pp collision data sample corresponding to integrated luminosities of up to 134 fb -1 collected at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV with the ATLAS detector at the CERN Large Hadron Collider. The obtained 95% confidence-level upper limits on the respective branching fractions are $\mathscr{B}$(H → ω$\gamma$) < 5.5 x 10 -4 , $\mathscr{B}$(H → Κ *$\gamma$) < 2.2 x 10 -4 and $\mathscr{B}$(Z → ω$\gamma$) 3.9 x 10 -6 . The limits for H → ω$\gamma$ and Z → ω$\gamma$ are 370 times and 140 times the Standard Model expected values, respectively. The result for Z → ω$\gamma$ corresponds to a two-orders-of-magnitude improvement over the limit obtained by the DELPHI experiment at LEP.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Large Scale Study of Ligand–Protein Relative Binding Free Energy Calculations: Actionable Predictions from Statistically Robust Protocols

The accurate and reliable prediction of protein–ligand binding affinities can play a central role in the drug discovery process as well as in personalized medicine. Of considerable importance during lead optimization are the alchemical free energy methods that furnish an estimation of relative binding free energies (RBFE) of similar molecules. Recent advances in these methods have increased their speed, accuracy, and precision. This is evident from the increasing number of retrospective as well as prospective studies employing them. However, such methods still have limited applicability in real-world scenarios due to a number of important yet unresolved issues. Here, we report the findings from a large data set comprising over 500 ligand transformations spanning over 300 ligands binding to a diverse set of 14 different protein targets which furnish statistically robust results on the accuracy, precision, and reproducibility of RBFE calculations. We use ensemble-based methods which are the only way to provide reliable uncertainty quantification given that the underlying molecular dynamics is chaotic. These are implemented using TIES (Thermodynamic Integration with Enhanced Sampling). Results achieve chemical accuracy in all cases. Ensemble simulations also furnish information on the statistical distributions of the free energy calculations which exhibit non-normal behavior. We find that the “enhanced sampling” method known as replica exchange with solute tempering degrades RBFE predictions. We also report definitively on numerous associated alchemical factors including the choice of ligand charge method, flexibility in ligand structure, and the size of the alchemical region including the number of atoms involved in transforming one ligand into another. Our findings provide a key set of recommendations that should be adopted for the reliable application of RBFE methods.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

A streamlined tandem tip-based workflow for sensitive nanoscale phosphoproteomics

Effective phosphoproteome of nanoscale sample analysis remains a daunting task, primarily due to significant sample loss associated with non-specific surface adsorption during enrichment of low stoichiometric phosphopeptide. We develop a tandem tip phosphoproteomics sample preparation method that is capable of sample cleanup and enrichment without additional sample transfer, and its integration with our recently developed SOP (Surfactant-assisted One-Pot sample preparation) and iBASIL (improved Boosting to Amplify Signal with Isobaric Labeling) approaches provides a streamlined workflow enabling sensitive, high-throughput nanoscale phosphoproteome measurements. This approach significantly reduces both sample loss and processing time, allowing the identification of >3000 (>9500) phosphopeptides from 1 (10) µg of cell lysate using the label-free method without a spectral library. It also enables precise quantification of ~600 phosphopeptides from 100 sorted cells (single-cell level input for the enriched phosphopeptides) and ~700 phosphopeptides from human spleen tissue voxels with a spatial resolution of 200 µm (equivalent to ~100 cells) in a high-throughput manner. The new workflow opens avenues for phosphoproteome profiling of mass-limited samples at the low nanogram level.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Measurement of e + e − → η J / ψ cross section from s = 3.808 GeV to 4.951 GeV

Using data samples with an integrated luminosity of 22.42 fb − 1 collected by the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring, we measure the cross sections of the e + e − → η J / ψ process at center-of-mass energies from 3.808 to 4.951 GeV. Three structures are observed in the line shape of the measured cross sections. A maximum-likelihood fit with ψ ( 4040 ) , two additional resonances, and a nonresonant component are performed. The mass and width of the first additional state are ( 4219.7 ± 2.5 ± 4.5 ) MeV / c 2 and ( 80.7 ± 4.4 ± 1.4 ) MeV , respectively, consistent with the ψ ( 4230 ) . For the second state, the mass and width are ( 4386 ± 13 ± 17 ) MeV / c 2 and ( 177 ± 32 ± 13 ) MeV , respectively, consistent with the ψ ( 4360 ) . The first uncertainties are statistical, and the second ones are systematic. The statistical significance of ψ ( 4040 ) is 8.0 σ and those for ψ ( 4230 ) and ψ ( 4360 ) are more than 10.0 σ . Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Ablikim, M.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Study of e + e − → ω X ( 3872 ) and γ X ( 3872 ) from 4.66 to 4.95 GeV

Using data samples with an integrated luminosity of 4.5 fb − 1 collected by the BESIII detector at center-of-mass energies ranging from 4.66 GeV to 4.95 GeV, we study the processes of e + e − → ω X ( 3872 ) and e + e − → γ X ( 3872 ) . With the e + e − → ω X ( 3872 ) process, the branching fraction ratio R ≡ B ( X ( 3872 ) → γ J / ψ ) B ( X ( 3872 ) → π + π − J / ψ ) is measured to be 0.38 ± 0.2 0 stat ± 0.0 1 syst ( R < 0.83 at 90% confidence level). In addition, we measure the ratio of the average cross section of e + e − → ω X ( 3872 ) to e + e − → ω χ c 1 ( ω χ c 2 ) to be σ ω X ( 3872 ) / σ ω χ c 1 ( σ ω X ( 3872 ) / σ ω χ c 2 ) = 5.2 ± 1.0 stat ± 1.9 syst ( 5.5 ± 1.1 stat ± 2.4 syst ) . Finally, we search for the process of e + e − → γ X ( 3872 ) , and no obvious signal is observed. The upper limit on the ratio of the average cross section of e + e − → γ X ( 3872 ) to e + e − → ω X ( 3872 ) is set as σ γ X ( 3872 ) / σ ω X ( 3872 ) < 0.23 at 90% confidence level. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Astronomy & Astrophysics↗
DOE OSTI2024

Search for e + e − → η ′ ψ ( 2 S ) at center-of-mass energies from 4.66 to 4.95 GeV

Using data samples with an integrated luminosity of 4.67 fb − 1 collected by the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII Collider, we search for the process e + e − → η ′ ψ ( 2 S ) at center-of-mass energies from 4.66 to 4.95 GeV. No significant signal is observed, and upper limits for the Born cross sections σ B ( e + e − → η ′ ψ ( 2 S ) ) at the 90% confidence level are determined. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Astronomy & Astrophysics↗
DOE OSTI2024

Test of lepton flavor universality with a measurement of R ( D * ) using hadronic B tagging at the Belle II experiment

The ratio of branching fractions R ( D * ) = B ( B ¯ → D * τ − ν ¯ τ ) / B ( B ¯ → D * ℓ − ν ¯ ℓ ) , where ℓ is an electron or muon, is measured using a Belle II data sample with an integrated luminosity of 189 fb − 1 at the SuperKEKB asymmetric-energy e + e − collider. Data is collected at the ϒ ( 4 S ) resonance, and one B meson in the ϒ ( 4 S ) → B B ¯ decay is fully reconstructed in hadronic decay modes. The accompanying signal B meson is reconstructed as B ¯ → D * τ − ν ¯ τ using leptonic τ decays. The normalization decay, B ¯ → D * ℓ − ν ¯ ℓ , produces the same observable final-state particles. The ratio of branching fractions is extracted in a simultaneous fit to two signal-discriminating variables in both channels and yields R ( D * ) = 0.262 − 0.039 + 0.041 ( stat ) − 0.032 + 0.035 ( syst ) . This result is consistent with the current world average and with Standard Model predictions. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Adachi, I. (ORCID:0000000322870173)↗
DOE OSTI2023

Observation of $\tau$ lepton pair production in ultraperipheral lead-lead collisions at $\sqrt{s_\mathrm{NN}}$ = 5.02 TeV

We present an observation of photon-photon production of $\tau$ lepton pairs in ultraperipheral lead-lead collisions. The measurement is based on a data sample with an integrated luminosity of 404 $\mu$b$^{-1}$ collected by the CMS experiment at a nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energy of 5.02 TeV. The $\gamma\gamma$$\to$$\tau^+\tau^-$ process is observed for $\tau\tau$ events with a muon and three charged hadrons in the final state. The measured fiducial cross section is $\sigma(\gamma\gamma$$\to$$\tau^+\tau^-)$ = 4.8 $\pm$ 0.6 (stat) $\pm$ 0.5 (syst) $\mu$b, in agreement with leading-order QED predictions. Using $\sigma(\gamma\gamma$$\to$$\tau^+\tau^-)$, we estimate a model-dependent value of the anomalous magnetic moment of the $\tau$ lepton of $a_\tau$ = 0.001 $^{+0.055}_{-0.089}$.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Fraction of χ c Decays in Prompt J / ψ Production Measured in p Pb Collisions at s NN = 8.16 TeV

The fraction of χ c 1 and χ c 2 decays in the prompt J / ψ yield, F χ c → J / ψ = σ χ c → J / ψ / σ J / ψ , is measured by the LHCb detector in p Pb collisions at s NN = 8.16 TeV . The study covers the forward ( 1.5 < y * < 4.0 ) and backward ( − 5.0 < y * < − 2.5 ) rapidity regions, where y * is the J / ψ rapidity in the nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass system. Forward and backward rapidity samples correspond to integrated luminosities of 13.6 ± 0.3 and 20.8 ± 0.5 nb − 1 , respectively. The result is presented as a function of the J / ψ transverse momentum p T , J / ψ in the range 1 < p T , J / ψ < 20 GeV / c . The F χ c → J / ψ fraction at forward rapidity is compatible with the LHCb measurement performed in p p collisions at s = 7 TeV , whereas the result at backward rapidity is 2.4 σ larger than in the forward region for 1 < p T , J / ψ < 3 GeV / c . The increase of F χ c → J / ψ at low p T , J / ψ at backward rapidity is compatible with the suppression of the ψ ( 2 S ) contribution to the prompt J / ψ yield. The lack of in-medium dissociation of χ c states observed in this study sets an upper limit of 180 MeV on the free energy available in these p Pb collisions to dissociate or inhibit charmonium state formation. © 2024 CERN, for the LHCb Collaboration 2024 CERN

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Annealing of focused ion beam damage in gold microcrystals: an in situ Bragg coherent X-ray diffraction imaging study

Focused ion beam (FIB) techniques are commonly used to machine, analyse and image materials at the micro- and nanoscale. However, FIB modifies the integrity of the sample by creating defects that cause lattice distortions. Methods have been developed to reduce FIB-induced strain; however, these protocols need to be evaluated for their effectiveness. Here, non-destructive Bragg coherent X-ray diffraction imaging is used to study the in situ annealing of FIB-milled gold microcrystals. Two non-collinear reflections are simultaneously measured for two different crystals during a single annealing cycle, demonstrating the ability to reliably track the location of multiple Bragg peaks during thermal annealing. The thermal lattice expansion of each crystal is used to calculate the local temperature. This is compared with thermocouple readings, which are shown to be substantially affected by thermal resistance. To evaluate the annealing process, each reflection is analysed by considering facet area evolution, cross-correlation maps of the displacement field and binarized morphology, and average strain plots. The crystal's strain and morphology evolve with increasing temperature, which is likely to be caused by the diffusion of gallium in gold below ~280°C and the self-diffusion of gold above ~280°C. The majority of FIB-induced strains are removed by 380–410°C, depending on which reflection is being considered. These observations highlight the importance of measuring multiple reflections to unambiguously interpret material behaviour.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Preparation and Characterization Methods of Thin Layer Samples for Standoff Detection

Detection of analytes deposited on surfaces is crucial for many applications: Development of methods to prepare thin layers (e.g. ~5 to 100 µm) is important for both system design and field studies. In this work, solid and liquid analytes were deposited on painted and bare substrates including aluminum, glass, plastic, and concrete using an ExactaCoat ultrasonic spray coater. Laboratory hemispherical reflectance (HRF) spectra were collected for samples with different layer thicknesses so as to characterize both the composition and layer thickness. Preliminary results demonstrate that to prepare homogenous layers on surfaces, parameters such as substrate type, analyte solubility, vapor pressure, paint color, surface porosity, and surface roughness are all important. Liquid chemicals posed several issues during deposition: Diisopropyl methyl phosphonate evaporated from surfaces more quickly than the other chemicals and was thus not detected in the HRF experiments. Less volatile liquids, such as tributylphosphate, remained on the surface for the duration of the test, but a uniform layer thickness could not be obtained as the liquid pooled to one side when mounted at an angle. The deposition of solids (e.g., acetaminophen, caffeine and methylphosphonic acid) from volatile solvents such as chloroform also proved problematic due to streaking caused by rapid solvent evaporation. Solids deposited from ethanol, however, worked well on bare substrates. For most samples plotting the integrated infrared band strength vs. surface thicknesses showed a linear relationship, confirming that the surface loading can be controlled by programming the concentration and the number of passes on the ultrasonic sprayer.

Thin layer, deposition, infrared standoff, Hemisph↗
DOE OSTI2024

Meteorological Conditions and Atmospheric Components Concentration in Urban Sites in Knoxville, USA. 2024

This dataset, which contains five csv files, reports several meteorological conditions such as temperature, wind speed, solar radiation, and net radiation measured in Cumberland Estates Park (CEP) and Socially Equal Energy Efficient Development (SEEED) sites in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA. Also, hourly concentration of particulate matter (PM) with different aerodynamic diameter and inorganic gases such as ozone and nitrogen dioxide measured in the two are included in this dataset. The concentrations of PM and inorganic gases were monitored using the MODULAIR, a low-cost sensor equipped with a solar power module. The measurement of the concentration of biogenic and anthropogenic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of the two sites was determined using a High-Resolution Proton Transfer Reaction Time of Flight Mass Spectrometer (PTR-ToF-MS). The VOCs were collected using miniature canister (400 mL) equipped with female RAVEqc valve to 1/4” male compression fitting and an integrated passive air sampling kit. This work is a part of a larger study which investigates the impact of soil moisture and plant evapotranspiration on ambient temperature and relative humidity in several city parks in Knoxville, Tennessee.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

The REDTOP experiment: Rare $\eta/\eta^{\prime}$ Decays To Probe New Physics

The $\eta$ and $\eta^{\prime}$ mesons are nearly unique in the particle universe since they are almost Goldstone bosons and the dynamics of their decays are strongly constrained. The integrated $\eta$-meson samples collected in earlier experiments amount to $\sim10^{9}$ events. A new experiment, REDTOP (Rare Eta Decays To Probe New Physics), is being proposed, with the intent of collecting a data sample of order 10$^{14}$ $\eta$ (10$^{12}$ $\eta^{\prime}$) for studying very rare decays. Such statistics are sufficient for investigating several symmetry violations, and for searching for particles and fields beyond the Standard Model. In this work we present several studies evaluating REDTOP sensitivity to processes that couple the Standard Model to New Physics through all four of the so-called \emph{portals}: the Vector, the Scalar, the Axion and the Heavy Lepton portal. The sensitivity of the experiment is also adequate for probing several conservation laws, in particular $CP$, $T$ and Lepton Universality, and for the determination of the $\eta$ form factors, which is crucial for the interpretation of the recent measurement of muon $g-2$.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Hierarchical Bayesian Thermonuclear Rate for the 7 Be(n,p) 7 Li Big Bang Nucleosynthesis Reaction

Big Bang nucleosynthesis provides the earliest probe of standard model physics, at a time when the universe was less than 1000 seconds old. It determines the abundances of the lightest nuclides, which give rise to the subsequent history of the visible matter in the universe. This work derives new 7 Be(n,p) 7 Li thermonuclear reaction rates based on all available experimental information. This reaction sensitively impacts the primordial abundances of 7 Be and 7 Li during big bang nucleosynthesis. We critically evaluate all available data and disregard experimental results that are questionable. For the nuclear model, we adopt an incoherent sum of single-level, two-channel, R -matrix approximation expressions, which are implemented into a hierarchical Bayesian model, to analyze the remaining six data sets we deem most reliable. In the fitting of the data, we consistently model all known sources of uncertainty, including discrepant absolute normalizations of different data sets, and also take the variation of the neutron and proton channel radii into account, hence providing less biased estimates of the 7 Be(n,p) 7 Li thermonuclear rates. From the resulting posteriors, we extract R -matrix parameters ($E_r, γ^2_n, γ^2_p$) and derive excitation energies and partial and total widths. Our fit is sensitive to the contributions of the first three levels above the neutron threshold. Reaction rates were computed by integrating 10,000 samples of the reduced cross section. Our 7 Be(n,p) 7 Li thermonuclear rates have uncertainties between 1.5% and 2.0% at temperatures of ≤1 GK. Finally, we compare our rates to previous results and find that the 7 Be(n,p) 7 Li rates most commonly used in big bang simulations have uncertainties that are too optimistic.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Portable and Cost-Effective Device for Reliable Detection of Counterfeit and Non-compliant Refrigerants in Diverse Applications

Counterfeit refrigerants pose significant challenges to safety, system reliability, and operational effectiveness due to their harmful contaminants or incompatible chemical compositions. Utilizing these noncompliant products can lead to reduced efficiency, equipment failures, and expensive repairs. Additionally, heightened demand for alternative refrigerants during the industry's transition has created supply gaps, enabling counterfeit products to proliferate. Accurate detection and analysis tools are therefore essential to verify refrigerant authenticity and ensure system integrity in diverse applications. This paper presents the development of a portable device designed for reliable identification and detailed analysis of refrigerant composition. By integrating precision gas sampling, controlled pressure regulation, and automated sensor technology, the device not only detects deviations from standard refrigerant properties but also provides a comprehensive composition breakdown. Pre-calibrated sensors measure the refrigerant gas to identify specific concentrations and contaminants, with an intuitive LED-based indicator system ensuring quick interpretation of results. The user-friendly interface enables operators to select refrigerant types for targeted testing, further enhancing accuracy and usability for field technicians. Comprehensive testing was conducted on mildly flammable A2L refrigerants, showcasing the device’s robustness and adaptability in analyzing composition and detecting discrepancies. The device demonstrated consistent accuracy across a range of refrigerant samples, affirming its reliability in diverse operational environments. Its design minimizes contamination risks during sampling and provides detailed composition results within 90 seconds, ensuring efficient and precise analysis. With a projected price point under $150, the proposed solution delivers affordability alongside its lightweight portability and straightforward operation. Unlike complex and costly alternatives, such as gas chromatography systems, this device provides an accessible option for technicians, customs personnel, and industry operators in need of quick and effective refrigerant verification. Compatible with both current formulations and emerging refrigerant technologies, the device addresses critical counterfeit detection needs across a range of applications. By delivering accurate composition analysis and counterfeit identification, this innovation enhances system performance, safety, and operational reliability in crucial industries.

Cheekatamarla, Praveen [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000248827↗
DOE OSTI2021

Ultra low background time projection alpha particle detector ( Phase II Final Scientific/Technical Report)

When alpha particles are emitted into a gas they create an ionization track of gas ions and electrons. In our commercial UltraLo instrument we apply a voltage between a planar sample and an anode, integrate the anode signal as it collects the electrons, and distinguish between alphas emitted from the sample and elsewhere (anode, sidewalls) by the duration and shape of the resultant signal. The major contributors limiting the instrument’s lower detection limit are cosmic rays that pass through the detector close to the sample and Rn decays that produce charge tracks the originate in the gas and end on the sample. In this work we proposed to identify and reject these events by converting the anode into a multi-pixel array and operating in time projection mode. Cosmic rays would be eliminated by generating charge on many pixels, while charge collection asymmetry would distinguish between sample events (Bragg curve up) and Rn events (Bragg curve down). We therefore proposed to modify an UltraLo by pixilating its anode, developing low noise, low power multiplexed electronics to track each pixel’s signal individually, and develop analysis software to make the required discriminations.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2023

Luminosity determination in $pp$ collisions at $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV using the ATLAS detector at the LHC

The luminosity determination for the ATLAS detector at the LHC during Run 2 is presented, with pp collisions at a centre-of-mass energy $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV. The absolute luminosity scale is determined using van der Meer beam separation scans during dedicated running periods in each year, and extrapolated to the physics data-taking regime using complementary measurements from several luminosity-sensitive detectors. The total uncertainties in the integrated luminosity for each individual year of data taking range from 0.9% to 1.1%, and are partially corre lated between years. After standard data-quality selections, the full Run 2 pp data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 140.1 ± 1.2 fb -1 , i.e. an uncertainty of 0.83%. A dedicated sample of low-pileup data recorded in 2017– 2018 for precision Standard Model physics measurements is analysed separately, and has an integrated luminosity of 338.1 ± 3.1 pb -1 .

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Windowless Optical Cell Flow System

One of the goals for advanced integrated nuclear safeguards is on-line optical analysis of molten salt in molten salt reactors and electrochemical fuel reprocessing facilities. While progress has been made in the development of optical techniques that may be suitable for on-line analysis of molten salts, significant technology gaps exist with regard to integrating these analytical techniques into industrial-scale processes. One key technological hurdle is the short service life of optical window materials, which are subject to clouding and scaling during extended exposure to molten salts. To address this issue, Argonne is developing a gravity flow cell with open-apertures to support on-line optical analysis without the need for salt-wetted windows. The flow cell uses gravity flow and fluid dynamics principles to enable molten salt flow through a pipe that has holes in its wall through which salt does not flow. In FY21, an open-aperture gravity flow cell with windowless optical access to flowing salt was successfully demonstrated. Future work should include the integration of the flow cell into a sampling loop, stakeholder outreach and collaboration, integration of multiple optical analysis techniques, evaluation of the integrated methods, and analyses to determine how the various tools might fit into an integrated safeguards monitoring system of unattended near real time monitoring tools.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗