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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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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Production of polyhydroxy alkanoates with a defined composition from an unrelated carbon source

Cells and methods for producing polyhydroxyalkanoates. The cells comprise one or more recombinant genes selected from an R-specific enoyl-CoA hydratase gene, a PHA polymerase gene, a thioesterase gene, and an acyl-CoA-synthetase gene. The cells further have one or more genes functionally deleted. The functionally deleted genes include such genes as an enoyl-CoA hydratase gene, a 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, and a 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase gene. The recombinant cells are capable of using producing polyhydroxyalkanoates with a high proportion of monomers having the same carbon length from non-lipid substrates, such as carbohydrates.

Pfleger, Brian Frederick↗
DOE OSTI2021

Photometric sensing of heavy metal ions using a naphthoquinodimethyl- bis -thioamide dye: Selectivity & photophysics of the metal organic complexes

As Mother Nature is experiencing catastrophic environmental pollutions from both natural sources and anthropogenic activities, many scientists have been working around the clock to develop environmentally benign and cost-effective, yet sensitive, detection techniques for pollutants, especially heavy metal species (e.g. lead, cadmium, mercury, among others) that are deleterious to human health. Herein, we report a novel sulfur-containing small organic dye/sensor naphthoquinodimethyl-bis-thioamide (QDM), which was found to be particularly selective toward mercury ion (Hg 2+ ). Using a combination of UV-vis absorption, photoluminescence, and time-resolved pump-probe techniques, we established that QDM and Hg 2+ can form stable complex(es) due to the strong affinity of sulfur toward mercury. In this investigation, while a higher ratio of QDM:Hg 2+ was necessary to fully quench the fluorescence emission of QDM, only 1 equiv of the Hg 2+ ion was necessary to observe the sensing effect on the excited state photo-behavior(s) of QDM. Furthermore, the present results highlight a synergy between molecular sensors' selectivity/sensitivity and sensor-analytes dynamics.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2017

First indirect x-ray imaging tests with an 88-mm diameter single crystal

Using the 1-BM-C beamline at the Advanced Photon Source (APS), we have performed the initial indirect x - ray imaging point-spread-function (PSF) test of a unique 88-mm diameter YAG:Ce single crystal of only 100 - micron thickness. The crystal was bonded to a fiber optic plat e (FOP) for mechanical support and to allow the option for FO coupling to a large format camera. This configuration resolution was compared to that of self - supported 25-mm diameter crystals, with and without an Al reflective coating. An upstream monochromator was used to select 17-keV x-rays from the broadband APS bending magnet source of synchrotron radiation. The upstream , adjustable Mo collimators were then used to provide a series of x-ray source transverse sizes from 200 microns down to about 15-20 microns (FWHM) at the crystal surface. The emitted scintillator radiation was in this case lens coupled to the ANDOR Neo sCMOS camera, and the indirect x-ray images were processed offline by a MATLAB - based image processing program. Based on single Gaussian peak fits to the x-ray image projected profiles, we observed a 10.5 micron PSF. This sample thus exhibited superior spatial resolution to standard P43 polycrystalline phosphors of the same thickness which would have about a 100-micron PSF. Lastly, this single crystal resolution combined with the 88-mm diameter makes it a candidate to support future x-ray diffraction or wafer topography experiments.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2016

A STUDY OF BROADBAND FARADAY ROTATION AND POLARIZATION BEHAVIOR OVER 1.3–10 GHz IN 36 DISCRETE RADIO SOURCES

We present a broadband polarization analysis of 36 discrete polarized radio sources over a very broad, densely sampled frequency band. Our sample was selected on the basis of polarization behavior apparent in narrowband archival data at 1.4 GHz: half the sample shows complicated frequency-dependent polarization behavior (i.e., Faraday complexity) at these frequencies, while half shows comparatively simple behavior (i.e., they appear Faraday simple ). We re-observed the sample using the Australia Telescope Compact Array in full polarization, with 6 GHz of densely sampled frequency coverage spanning 1.3–10 GHz. We have devised a general polarization modeling technique that allows us to identify multiple polarized emission components in a source, and to characterize their properties. We detect Faraday complex behavior in almost every source in our sample. Several sources exhibit particularly remarkable polarization behavior. By comparing our new and archival data, we have identified temporal variability in the broadband integrated polarization spectra of some sources. In a number of cases, the characteristics of the polarized emission components, including the range of Faraday depths over which they emit, their temporal variability, spectral index, and the linear extent of the source, allow us to argue that the spectropolarimetric data encode information about the magneto-ionic environment of active galactic nuclei themselves. Furthermore, the data place direct constraints on the geometry and magneto-ionic structure of this material. We discuss the consequences of restricted frequency bands on the detection and interpretation of polarization structures, and the implications for upcoming spectropolarimetric surveys.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2019

Probability of radiation of twisted photons in the infrared domain

Highlights: •Infrared asymptotics of twisted photon radiation in QED is studied. •General selection rules for the twisted photon radiation are proved. •Exact formulas for the twisted photon edge radiation are obtained. •Edge radiation is a superradiant source of twisted photons in the infrared domain. -- Abstract: The infrared asymptotics of the probability of radiation of twisted photons in an arbitrary scattering process of quantum electrodynamics in vacuum is investigated. This asymptotics is universal and corresponds to the radiation produced by a classical current. Such radiation is known as edge radiation. We represent it in terms of twisted photons, and exact analytical formulas for the average number of radiated twisted photons are derived. We find the average projection of the total angular momentum of the edge radiation and the angular momentum per photon. It is shown that edge radiation can be used as a source of twisted photons with a large angular momentum. Moreover, this radiation can be employed as a superradiant coherent source of twisted photons in the infrared domain, in particular, the THz part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Several general selection rules for the radiation and absorption of twisted photons are proved. In particular, these selection rules allow one to modulate the one-particle radiation probability by means of scattering of charged particles on symmetrically arranged crystals.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2012

Preliminary Effects of Real-World Factors on the Recovery and Exploitation of Forensic Impurity Profiles of a Nerve-Agent Simulant from Office Media

Dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) was used as a chemical threat agent (CTA) simulant for a first look at the effects of real-world factors on the recovery and exploitation of a CTA’s impurity profile for source matching. Four stocks of DMMP having different impurity profiles were disseminated as aerosols onto cotton, painted wall board, and nylon coupons according to a thorough experimental design. The DMMP-exposed coupons were then solvent extracted and analyzed for DMMP impurities by comprehensive 2-D gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC×GC/MS). The similarities between the coupon DMMP impurity profiles and the known (reference) DMMP profiles were measured by dot products of the coupon profiles and known profiles and by score values obtained from principal component analysis. One stock, with a high impurity-profile selectivity value of 0.9 out of 1, had 100% of its respective coupons correctly classified and no false positives from other coupons. Coupons from the other three stocks with low selectivity values (0.0073, 0.012, and 0.018) could not be sufficiently distinguished from one another for reliable matching to their respective stocks. The results from this work support that: (1) extraction solvents, if not appropriately selected, can have some of the same impurities present in a CTA reducing a CTA’s useable impurity profile, (2) low selectivity among a CTA’s known impurity profiles will likely make definitive source matching impossible in some real-world conditions, (3) no detrimental chemical-matrix interference was encountered during the analysis of actual office media, (4) a short elapsed time between release and sample storage is advantageous for the recovery of the impurity profile because it minimizes volatilization of forensic impurities, and (5) forensic impurity profiles weighted towards higher volatility impurities are more likely to be altered by volatilization following CTA exposure.

Chemical forensics↗
DOE OSTI2015

WE-EF-207-09: Single-Scan Dual-Energy CT Using Primary Modulation

Purpose: Compared with conventional CT, dual energy CT (DECT) provides better material differentiation but requires projection data with two different effective x-ray spectra. Current DECT scanners use either a two-scan setting or costly imaging components, which are not feasible or available on open-gantry cone-beam CT systems. We propose a hardware-based method which utilizes primary modulation to enable single-scan DECT on a conventional CT scanner. The CT imaging geometry of primary modulation is identical to that used in our previous method for scatter removal, making it possible for future combination with effective scatter correction on the same CT scanner. Methods: We insert an attenuation sheet with a spatially-varying pattern - primary modulator-between the x-ray source and the imaged object. During the CT scan, the modulator selectively hardens the x-ray beam at specific detector locations. Thus, the proposed method simultaneously acquires high and low energy data. High and low energy CT images are then reconstructed from projections with missing data via an iterative CT reconstruction algorithm with gradient weighting. Proof-of-concept studies are performed using a copper modulator on a cone-beam CT system. Results: Our preliminary results on the Catphan(c) 600 phantom indicate that the proposed method for single-scan DECT is able to successfully generate high-quality high and low energy CT images and distinguish different materials through basis material decomposition. By applying correction algorithms and using all of the acquired projection data, we can reconstruct a single CT image of comparable image quality to conventional CT images, i.e., without primary modulation. Conclusion: This work shows great promise in using a primary modulator to perform high-quality single-scan DECT imaging. Future studies will test method performance on anthropomorphic phantoms and perform quantitative analyses on image qualities and DECT decomposition accuracy. We will use simulations to optimize the modulator material and geometry parameters.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

A selection function toolbox for subsets of astronomical catalogues

ABSTRACT Large catalogues are ubiquitous throughout astronomy, but most scientific analyses are carried out on smaller samples selected from these catalogues by chosen cuts on catalogued quantities. The selection function of that scientific sample – the probability that a star in the catalogue will satisfy these cuts and so make it into the sample – is thus unique to each scientific analysis. We have created a general framework that can flexibly estimate the selection function of a sample drawn from a catalogue in terms of position, magnitude and colour. Our method is unique in using the binomial likelihood and accounting for correlations in the selection function across position, magnitude, and colour using Gaussian processes and spherical harmonics. We have created a new open-source python package selectionfunctiontoolbox that implements this framework and used it to make three different estimates of the APOGEE DR16 red giant sample selection function, as a subset of 2MASS, with each estimate using an increasing amount of technical knowledge of the APOGEE targeting. In a companion paper, we applied our methodology to derive estimates of the astrometric and spectroscopic selection functions of Gaia EDR3. Our framework will make it trivial for astrophysicists to estimate the selection function that they should be using with the custom sample of stars that they have chosen to answer their scientific question.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Review Article: Advanced nanoscale patterning and material synthesis with gas field helium and neon ion beams

Focused ion beam nanoscale synthesis has emerged as a critical tool for selected area nanofabrication. Helium and neon ion beams from the gas field ion source have recently demonstrated unparalleled resolution among other scanning ion beams. In this review, the authors focus on the nanoscale synthesis applications for these ion species which have been demonstrated to date. The applications and recent work can broadly be grouped into the following categories: (1) Monte Carlo simulations, (2) direct-write milling or sputtering, (3) ion beam lithography, (4) selective ion implantation or defect introduction, and (5) gas-assisted processing. A special emphasis is given toward using He+ and Ne+ for the processing of two dimensional materials, as several groups have demonstrated promising results. Finally, the authors will discuss the future outlook of He+ and Ne+ nanoprocessing techniques and applications.

Stanford, Michael G.↗
DOE OSTI2015

New associations of gamma-ray sources from the Fermi second source catalog

We present the results of an all-sky radio survey between 5 and 9 GHz of sky areas surrounding all unassociated γ-ray objects listed in the Fermi Large Area Telescope Second Source Catalog (2FGL). The goal of these observations is to find all new γ-ray active galactic nucleus (AGN) associations with radio sources >10 mJy at 8 GHz. We observed with the Very Large Array and the Australia Telescope Compact Array the areas around unassociated sources, providing localizations of weak radio point sources found in 2FGL fields at arcmin scales. Then we followed-up a subset of those with the Very Long Baseline and the Long Baseline Arrays to confirm detections of radio emission on parsec-scales. We quantified association probabilities based on known statistics of source counts and assuming a uniform distribution of background sources. In total we found 865 radio sources at arcsec scales as candidates for association and detected 95 of 170 selected for follow-up observations at milliarcsecond resolution. Based on this we obtained firm associations for 76 previously unknown γ-ray AGNs. Comparison of these new AGN associations with the predictions from using the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer color–color diagram shows that half of the associations are missed. We found that 129 out of 588 observed γ-ray sources at arcmin scales not a single radio continuum source was detected above our sensitivity limit within the 3σ γ-ray localization. These “empty” fields were found to be particularly concentrated at low Galactic latitudes. The nature of these Galactic γ-ray emitters is not yet determined.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Role of H 2 O in Catalytic Conversion of C 1 Molecules

Due to their role in controlling global climate change, the selective conversion of C 1 molecules such as CH 4 , CO, and CO 2 has attracted widespread attention. Typically, H 2 O competes with the reactant molecules to adsorb on the active sites and therefore inhibits the reaction or causes catalyst deactivation. However, H 2 O can also participate in the catalytic conversion of C 1 molecules as a reactant or a promoter. Herein, we provide a perspective on recent progress in the mechanistic studies of H 2 O-mediated conversion of C 1 molecules. We aim to provide an in-depth and systematic understanding of H 2 O as a promoter, a proton-transfer agent, an oxidant, a direct source of hydrogen or oxygen, and its influence on the catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability. We also summarize strategies for modifying catalysts or catalytic microenvironments by chemical or physical means to optimize the positive effects and minimize the negative effects of H 2 O on the reactions of C 1 molecules. Finally, we discuss challenges and opportunities in catalyst design, characterization techniques, and theoretical modeling of the H 2 O-mediated catalytic conversion of C 1 molecules.

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

Mass-selected ion–molecule cluster beam apparatus for ultrafast photofragmentation studies

We describe an apparatus for investigating the excited-state dissociation dynamics of mass-selected ion–molecule clusters by mass-resolving and detecting photofragment-ions and neutrals, in coincidence, using an ultrafast laser operating at high repetition rates. The apparatus comprises a source that generates ion–molecule clusters, a time-of-flight spectrometer, and a mass filter that selects the desired anions, and a linear-plus-quadratic reflectron mass spectrometer that discriminates the fragment anions after the femtosecond laser excites the clusters. The fragment neutrals and anions are then captured by two channeltron detectors. The apparatus performance is tested by measuring the photofragments: I – , CF 3 I – , and neutrals from photoexcitation of the ion–molecule cluster CF 3 I·I – using femtosecond UV laser pulses with a wavelength of 266 nm. Here, the experimental results are compared with our ground state and excited state electronic structure calculations as well as the existing results and calculations, with particular attention to the generation mechanism of the anion fragments and dissociation channels of the ion–molecule cluster CF 3 I·I – in the charge-transfer excited state.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗
DOE OSTI2012

Rovibrationally selected ion-molecule collision study using the molecular beam vacuum ultraviolet laser pulsed field ionization-photoion method: Charge transfer reaction of N{sub 2}{sup +}(X {sup 2}{Sigma}{sub g}{sup +}; v{sup +}= 0-2; N{sup +}= 0-9) + Ar

We have developed an ion-molecule reaction apparatus for state-selected absolute total cross section measurements by implementing a high-resolution molecular beam vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) laser pulsed field ionization-photoion (PFI-PI) ion source to a double-quadrupole double-octopole ion-guide mass spectrometer. Using the total cross section measurement of the state-selected N{sub 2}{sup +}(v{sup +}, N{sup +}) + Ar charge transfer (CT) reaction as an example, we describe in detail the design of the VUV laser PFI-PI ion source used, which has made possible the preparation of reactant N{sub 2}{sup +}(X {sup 2}{Sigma}{sub g}{sup +}, v{sup +}= 0-2, N{sup +}= 0-9) PFI-PIs with high quantum state purity, high intensity, and high kinetic energy resolution. The PFI-PIs and prompt ions produced in the ion source are shown to have different kinetic energies, allowing the clean rejection of prompt ions from the PFI-PI beam by applying a retarding potential barrier upstream of the PFI-PI source. By optimizing the width and amplitude of the pulsed electric fields employed to the VUV-PFI-PI source, we show that the reactant N{sub 2}{sup +} PFI-PI beam can be formed with a laboratory kinetic energy resolution of {Delta}E{sub lab}={+-} 50 meV. As a result, the total cross section measurement can be conducted at center-of-mass kinetic energies (E{sub cm}'s) down to thermal energies. Absolute total rovibrationally selected cross sections {sigma}(v{sup +}= 0-2, N{sup +}= 0-9) for the N{sub 2}{sup +}(X {sup 2}{Sigma}{sub g}{sup +}; v{sup +}= 0-2, N{sup +}= 0-9) + Ar CT reaction have been measured in the E{sub cm} range of 0.04-10.0 eV, revealing strong vibrational enhancements and E{sub cm}-dependencies of {sigma}(v{sup +}= 0-2, N{sup +}= 0-9). The thermochemical threshold at E{sub cm}= 0.179 eV for the formation of Ar{sup +} from N{sub 2}{sup +}(X; v{sup +}= 0, N{sup +}) + Ar was observed by the measured {sigma}(v{sup +}= 0), confirming the narrow {Delta}E{sub cm} spread achieved in the present study. The {sigma}(v{sup +}= 0-2; N{sup +}) values obtained here are compared with previous experimental and theoretical results. The theoretical predictions calculated based on the Landau-Zener-Stueckelberg formulism are found to be in fair agreement with the present measured {sigma}(v{sup +}= 1 or 2; N{sup +}). Taking into account of the experimental uncertainties, the measured {sigma}(v{sup +}= 1 or 2, N{sup +}) for N{sup +}= 0-9 at E{sub cm}= 0.04-10.0 eV are found to be independent of N{sup +}.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2019

Selective collection of iron-rich dust particles by natural Trichodesmium colonies

Abstract Dust is an important iron (Fe) source to the ocean, but its utilization by phytoplankton is constrained by rapid sinking and slow dissolution dust-bound iron (dust-Fe). Colonies of the globally important cyanobacterium, Trichodesmium, overcome these constraints by efficient dust capturing and active dust-Fe dissolution. In this study we examined the ability of Trichodesmium colonies to maximize their Fe supply from dust by selectively collecting Fe-rich particles. Testing for selectivity in particle collection, we supplied ~600 individual colonies, collected on multiple days from the Gulf of Aqaba, with natural dust and silica minerals that were either cleaned of or coated with Fe. Using a stereoscope, we counted the number of particles retained by each colony shortly after addition and following 24 h incubation with particles, and documented translocation of particles to the colony core. We observed a strong preference for Fe-rich particles over Fe-free particles in all tested parameters. Moreover, some colonies discarded the Fe-free particles they initially collected. The preferred collection of Fe-rich particles and disposal of Fe-free particles suggest that Trichodesmium can sense Fe and selectively choose Fe-rich dust particles. This ability assists Trichodesmium obtain Fe from dust and facilitate its growth and subsequent contribution to nutrient cycling and productivity in the ocean.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2011

THE GREEN BANK TELESCOPE H II REGION DISCOVERY SURVEY. II. THE SOURCE CATALOG

The Green Bank Telescope (GBT) H II Region Discovery Survey has doubled the number of known H II regions in the Galactic zone 343{sup 0} {<=} l {<=} 67{sup 0} with | b | {<=} 1{sup 0}. We detected 603 discrete hydrogen radio recombination line (RRL) components at 9 GHz (3 cm) from 448 targets. Our targets were selected based on spatially coincident mid-infrared and 20 cm radio continuum emission. Such sources are almost invariably H II regions; we detected hydrogen RRL emission from 95% of our target sample. The sensitivity of the GBT and the power of its spectrometer together made this survey possible. Here, we provide a catalog of the measured properties of the RRL and continuum emission from the survey nebulae. The derived survey completeness limit, 180 mJy at 9 GHz, is sufficient to detect all H II regions ionized by single O-stars to a distance of 12 kpc. These recently discovered nebulae share the same distribution on the sky as does the previously known census of Galactic H II regions. On average, however, the new nebulae have fainter continuum fluxes, smaller continuum angular sizes, fainter RRL intensities, and smaller RRL line widths. Though small in angular size, many of our new nebulae show little spatial correlation with tracers associated with extremely young H II regions, implying that our sample spans a range of evolutionary states. We discovered 34 first quadrant negative-velocity H II regions, which lie at extreme distances from the Sun and appear to be part of the Outer Arm. We found RRL emission from 208 Spitzer GLIMPSE 8.0 {mu}m 'bubble' sources, 65 of which have been cataloged previously. It thus appears that nearly all GLIMPSE bubbles are H II regions and that {approx}50% of all Galactic H II regions have a bubble morphology at 8.0 {mu}m.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2012

SEARCH FOR GAMMA-RAY EMISSION FROM X-RAY-SELECTED SEYFERT GALAXIES WITH FERMI-LAT

We report on a systematic investigation of the {gamma}-ray properties of 120 hard X-ray-selected Seyfert galaxies classified as 'radio-quiet' objects, utilizing the three-year accumulation of Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) data. Our sample of Seyfert galaxies is selected using the Swift Burst Alert Telescope 58 month catalog, restricting the analysis to the bright sources with average hard X-ray fluxes F{sub 14-195keV} {>=} 2.5 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -11} erg cm{sup -2} s{sup -1} at high Galactic latitudes (|b| > 10 Degree-Sign ). In order to remove 'radio-loud' objects from the sample, we use the 'hard X-ray radio loudness parameter', R{sub rX}, defined as the ratio of the total 1.4 GHz radio to 14-195 keV hard X-ray energy fluxes. Among 120 X-ray bright Seyfert galaxies with R{sub rX} <10{sup -4}, we did not find a statistically significant {gamma}-ray excess (TS > 25) positionally coincident with any target Seyferts, with possible exceptions of ESO 323-G077 and NGC 6814. The mean value of the 95% confidence level {gamma}-ray upper limit for the integrated photon flux above 100 MeV from the analyzed Seyferts is {approx_equal} 4 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -9} photons cm{sup -2} s{sup -1} , and the upper limits derived for several objects reach {approx_equal} 1 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -9} photons cm{sup -2} s{sup -1} . Our results indicate that no prominent {gamma}-ray emission component related to active galactic nucleus activity is present in the spectra of Seyferts around GeV energies. The Fermi-LAT upper limits derived for our sample probe the ratio of {gamma}-ray to X-ray luminosities L{sub {gamma}}/L{sub X} < 0.1, and even <0.01 in some cases. The obtained results impose novel constraints on the models for high-energy radiation of 'radio-quiet' Seyfert galaxies.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2016

Engineering Yarrowia lipolytica for poly-3-hydroxybutyrate production

In this study, strains of Yarrowia lipolytica were engineered to express the poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) biosynthetic pathway. The genes for β-ketothiolase, NADPH-dependent acetoacetyl-CoA reductase, and PHB synthase were cloned and inserted into the chromosome of Y. lipolytica. In shake flasks, the engineered strain accumulated PHB to 1.50 and 3.84% of cell dry weight in complex medium supplemented with glucose and acetate as carbon source, respectively. In fed-batch fermentation using acetate as sole carbon source, 7.35 g/l PHB (10.2% of cell dry weight) was produced. Selection of Y. lipolytica as host for PHB synthesis was motivated by the fact that this organism is a good lipids producer, which suggests robust acetyl-CoA supply also the precursor of the PHB pathway. Lastly, acetic acid could be supplied by gas fermentation, anaerobic digestion, and other low-cost supply route.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

Tritium permeability measurement in hydrogen-tritium system

Fusion power promises to provide electricity generation with outstanding safety and environmental performance. Safety plays a crucial role in fusion material selection since tritium behavior in materials determines two key safety evaluation source terms: in-vessel inventory source term and ex-vessel release term, which are used in reactor safety assessments for licensing fusion facilities. Tritium permeation through materials at elevated temperature during long pulse operation expected in a burning plasma environment will become a major safety issue and development of tritium permeation barrier materials is required to minimize ex-vessel release to the environment [1]. Extensive work on hydrogen and deuterium behavior in fusion materials has been conducted, but very little database is available for tritium, the radioactive fuel for future reactors, due to the cost and difficulty associated with handling tritium [2]. A majority of the experiments were carried out at high hydrogen/deuterium partial pressure (> 100 Pa), but the expected tritium partial pressure in the blanket system is at low tritium partial pressure (< 100 Pa), where the tritium behavior deviates from diffusion-limited to surface-limited permeation. At these pressures the behavior of tritium is suspected to deviate from diffusion-limited to surface-limited permeation or isotope-limited [3]. The use of tritium enables us to investigate hydrogen isotope behavior in low partial pressure range with beta radiation detection. The physics of two-component hydrogen (H+T) permeation through metal in the surface-limited regime and through liquid breeding material are still too poorly understood to confidently design environmentally benign and safe fusion systems. In this paper, we discuss development of tritium permeation system for low tritium partial pressure [4], and discuss the results from two-component hydrogen (H+T) permeation in 20 mm disc samples of pure alpha-iron at H2 partial pressure of 100 Pa, wide T2 partial pressure range from 10-12 to 10 Pa, and sample temperature up to 600 °C to uncover the basic scientific understanding of tritium permeation behavior at realistic blanket conditions for DEMO. [1] FESAC report on “Opportunities for Fusion Materials Science and Technology Research Now and During the ITER Era” (2012) DOE/SC-0149 [2] R.A. Causey, R.A. Karnesky, and C. San Marchi, “4.16 Tritium Barriers and Tritium Diffusion in Fusion Reactors”, Comprehensive Nuclear Materials (2012) Chapter 4.16. [3] P. Humrickhouse “Permeation of Tritium and Hydrogen in the Diffusion-Limited and Surface–Limited Regimes”, submitted to Journal of Nuclear Materials. [4] R.J. Pawelko, M. Shimada, K. Katayama, S. Fukada, P.W. Humrickhouse, and T. Terai, “Low tritium partial pressure permeation system for mass transport measurement in lead lithium eutectic”, Fusion Engineering and Design 102 (2016) 8

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗