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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 109 records · Page 6
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Beam Envelope Variation due to Space-Charge Neutralization

Our non-invasive, time-resolved diamagnetic loop measurements of beam size during the electron current-pulse flattop at the exit of our 20-MeV linear induction accelerator revealed that the beam size varied by about 13% during the current flattop. This was an unexpected result, since both current and energy were constant during the interval of radius variation. One possible cause, poor vacuum, was investigated using a time resolved envelope equation. It was found that sufficiently high residual-gas pressure in the downstream transport region could result in the observed variation.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Design of a 10 MeV beamline at the Upgraded Injector Test Facility for e-beam irradiation

Electron beam irradiation near 10 MeV is suitable for wastewater treatment. The Upgraded Injector Test Facility (UITF) at Jefferson Lab is a CW superconducting linear accelerator capable of providing an electron beam of energy up to 10 MeV and up to 100 µA current. This contribution presents the beam transport simulations for a beamline to be used for the irradiation of wastewater samples at the UITF. The simulations were done using the code General Particle Tracer with the goal of obtaining an 8 MeV electron beam of radius (3-σ) of ~2.4 cm. The achieved energy spread is ~74.5 keV. The space charge effects were investigated when the bunch charge is varied to be up to 1000 times and the results showed that they do not affect the beam quality significantly.

Li, X.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Design of a 10 MeV beamline at the Upgraded Injector Test Facility for e-beam irradiation

Electron beam irradiation near 10 MeV is suitable for wastewater treatment. The Upgraded Injector Test Facility (UITF) at Jefferson Lab is a CW superconducting linear accelerator capable of providing an electron beam of energy up to 10 MeV and up to 100 µA current. This contribution presents the beam transport simulations for a beamline to be used for the irradiation of wastewater samples at the UITF. The simulations were done using the code General Particle Tracer with the goal of obtaining an 8 MeV electron beam of radius (3-σ) of ~2.4 cm. The achieved energy spread is ~74.5 keV. The space charge effects were investigated when the bunch charge is varied to be up to 1000 times and the results showed that they do not affect the beam quality significantly.

Li, X.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Initial Steps Towards a Clinical FLASH Radiotherapy System: Pediatric Whole Brain Irradiation with 40 MeV Electrons at FLASH Dose Rates

In this work, we investigated the delivery of a clinically acceptable pediatric whole brain radiotherapy plan at FLASH dose rates using two lateral opposing 40-MeV electron beams produced by a practically realizable linear accelerator system. The EGSnrc Monte Carlo software modules, BEAMnrc and DOSXYZnrc, were used to generate whole brain radiotherapy plans for a pediatric patient using two lateral opposing 40-MeV electron beams. Electron beam phase space files were simulated using a model of a diverging beam with a diameter of 10 cm at 50 cm SAD (defined at brain midline). The electron beams were collimated using a 10-cm-thick block composed of 5 cm of aluminum oxide and 5 cm of tungsten. For comparison, a 6-MV photon plan was calculated with the Varian AAA algorithm. Electron beam parameters were based on a novel linear accelerator designed for the PHASER system and powered by a commercial 6-MW klystron. Calculations of the linear accelerator's performance indicated an average beam current of at least 6.25 µA, providing a dose rate of 115 Gy/s at isocenter, high enough for cognition-sparing FLASH effects. The electron plan was less homogenous with a homogeneity index of 0.133 compared to the photon plan's index of 0.087. Overall, the dosimetric characteristics of the 40-MeV electron plan were suitable for treatment. In conclusion, Monte Carlo simulations performed in this work indicate that two lateral opposing 40-MeV electron beams can be used for pediatric whole brain irradiation at FLASH dose rates of >115 Gy/s and serve as motivation for a practical clinical FLASH radiotherapy system, which can be implemented in the near future.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Extraction and Injection in the Electron Injector for the Electron-Ion Collider

The electron injector for the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) consists of a linear accelerator, a beam accumulation ring, and the Rapid Cycling Synchrotron (RCS) before the electrons are injected into the Electron Storage Ring (ESR) and collided. Extraction out of the RCS is complicated by limited space and the nominal beam pipe aperture, while injection into the ESR is complicated due to the limitation of kicker strength, so that the kickers will not impact the proton beam in the adjacent Hadron Storage Ring (HSR); additionally, the ESR kickers must also provide enough kick to the stored bunch for the swap-out scheme. This paper covers the injection into and extraction out of the RCS, as well as injection into the ESR, detailing layout, optics, and anticipated parameters of the septa and different kickers.

Deitrick, K. [Thomas Jefferson National Accelerato↗
DOE OSTI2021

Dispersion calibration for the National Ignition Facility electron–positron–proton spectrometers for intense laser matter interactions

Electron–positron pairs, produced in intense laser–solid interactions, are diagnosed using magnetic spectrometers with image plates, such as the National Ignition Facility Electron–Positron–Proton Spectrometers (EPPSs). Although modeling can help infer the quantitative value, the accuracy of the models needs to be verified to ensure measurement quality. The dispersion of low-energy electrons and positrons may be affected by fringe magnetic fields near the entrance of the EPPS. We have calibrated the EPPS with six electron beams from a Siemens Oncor linear accelerator (linac) ranging in energy from 2.7 MeV to 15.2 MeV as they enter the spectrometer. A Geant4 Tool for Particle Simulation Monte Carlo simulation was set up to match depth dose curves and lateral profiles measured in water at 100 cm source–surface distance. An accurate relationship was established between the bending magnet current setting and the energy of the electron beam at the exit window. The simulations and measurements were used to determine the energy distributions of the six electron beams at the EPPS slit. Furthermore, analysis of the scanned image plates together with the determined energy distribution arriving in the spectrometer provides improved dispersion curves for the EPPS.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2025

SEM Grid Testing at NLCTA in BeamNetUS Program

We report on the performance of a secondary electron monitor (SEM) grid used to measure the transverse profile of an MeV range electron beam at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory’s Next Linear Collider Test Accelerator (NLCTA) facility. When inserted into the path of the electron beam, secondary electron emission results in a measurable current on the wires that make up the grid. We present measurements using this technique to reconstruct the beam profile. The SEM grid was designed and manufactured by a team of undergraduate students at Harvey Mudd College (HMC) and was tested at SLAC’s NLCTA facility in collaboration with NCLTA staff as part of the BeamNetUS program. Developed for real-time diagnostics of MeV-range electron beams, this SEM grid has potential applications in both industrial and medical contexts.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2023

A sensitive high repetition rate arrival time monitor for X-ray free electron lasers

X-ray free-electron laser sources enable time-resolved X-ray studies with unmatched temporal resolution. To fully exploit ultrashort X-ray pulses, timing tools are essential. However, new high repetition rate X-ray facilities present challenges for currently used timing tool schemes. Here we address this issue by demonstrating a sensitive timing tool scheme to enhance experimental time resolution in pump-probe experiments at very high pulse repetition rates. Our method employs a self-referenced detection scheme using a time-sheared chirped optical pulse traversing an X-ray stimulated diamond plate. By formulating an effective medium theory, we confirm subtle refractive index changes, induced by sub-milli-Joule intense X-ray pulses, that are measured in our experiment. The system utilizes a Common-Path-Interferometer to detect X-ray-induced phase shifts of the optical probe pulse transmitted through the diamond sample. Owing to the thermal stability of diamond, our approach is well-suited for MHz pulse repetition rates in superconducting linear accelerator-based free-electron lasers.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2026

Exploring Causes of Beam Loss at CEBAF

At Jefferson Lab, the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator (CEBAF) features a unique design with two linear accelerators and two arc sections allowing for multiple turns of the electron beam, as well as four experimental end stations. This topology leads to increased beam losses, especially in the spreader and recombiner regions connecting the arcs to the linacs and in the extraction regions connecting the experimental end stations to the accelerator. These losses result in equipment activation and operational interruptions. Recent upgrades to the facility’s diagnostic systems, including the addition of xenon ion chambers, have provided higher-resolution data regarding these loss events. Building on this improved observational capability, we are developing a simulation framework using optics codes and the Geant4-based BDSIM to model beam extinction and halo formation in these regions. This work aims to correlate simulation results with experimental data to isolate the causes of beam loss and inform future machine tuning strategies. We present a summary of conclusions drawn from recent operational studies and outline a plan to model the beam loss and validate the simulations.

Matthews, C. [Old Dominion Univ., Norfolk, VA (Uni↗
DOE OSTI2022

Design and commissioning of an e-beam irradiation beamline at the Upgraded Injector Test Facility at Jefferson Lab

We report the Upgraded Injector Test Facility (UITF) at Jefferson Lab is a continuous-wave superconducting linear accelerator capable of providing an electron beam with energy up to 10 MeV. A beamline for electron-beam irradiation has been designed, installed and successfully commissioned at this facility, aimed at the degradation study of 1,4-dioxane and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in wastewater treatment. A solenoid with a peak axial magnetic field of up to 0.28 T and a set of raster coils were used to obtain a Gaussian beam profile with a transverse standard deviation of ~ 15.0 mm at the target location. Monte-Carlo simulations using FLUKA were carried out to calculate the total absorbed dose and the dose distribution in the sample volume inside the target cell. The simulations were benchmarked experimentally by dosimetry mapping using optichromic dosimeters. The results of the irradiation experiments showed a ~ 95% reduction of 1,4-dioxane in ultra-pure water for a dose of 1 kGy, demonstrating the potential of electron-beam irradiation towards addressing growing challenges in environmental remediation.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2025

Theoretical investigation of plasma wave generation by pulsed electron beams in space

Here, we report theoretical calculations of plasma wave generation in the whistler modes and in the extraordinary modes, by pulsed electron beams in a magnetized plasma. The numerical simulations of the wave generation take into account the longitudinal expansion of the electron beam due to the space charge force and the energy spread. The work presented in this article provides predictions for the wave generation performance of the beam plasma interactions experiment (Beam PIE), where pulsed electron beams were produced by a spaceborne radio frequency (RF) linear accelerator. We also theoretically explore the desirable properties of the pulsed electron beam for future space experiments, which will be the next step toward eventually demonstrating the radiation-belt remediation (RBR).

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

CHARACTERIZATION OF RADIATION DAMAGES TO POSITRON SOURCE MATERIALS

The secondary beam production target at future positron sources at the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF), the International Linear Collider (ILC) or the Future Circular Collider (FCC), features unprecedented mechanical and thermal stresses which may compromise sustainable and reliable operation. Candidate materials are required to possess high melting temperature together with excellent thermal conductivity, elasticity and radiation hardness properties. In order to substantiate the material choice for the CEBAF and ILC positron sources, the response of candidate materials such as titanium alloys, tungsten, and tantalum to electron beam irradiation was experimentally investigated. CEBAF and ILC expected operating conditions were mimicked using the 3.5 MeV electron beam of the MAMI facility injector. The material degradations were precisely analyzed via high energy X-ray diffraction at the HEMS beamline operated by the Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon at the PETRA III synchrotron facility. This work reports the results of these measurements and their interpretation.

Lengler, T.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Plasma electron contribution to beam emittance growth from Coulomb collisions in plasma-based accelerators

Coulomb collisions with background plasma can cause emittance growth in plasma accelerators. This paper extends the theory to consider collisions with not only motionless plasma ions but also plasma electrons with relativistic motion, based on the Frankel cross section. The theory is verified by particle-in-cell simulations with a Monte Carlo collision module. Further, it is shown that the electron contribution has the same amount as that of ions in linear acceleration regime and may not be negligible in nonlinear regime depending on the plasma electron density and its relativistic bulk velocity.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

First results from a high-frame-rate, multi-GHz ionizing particle detection system geared toward accelerator diagnostic applications

An integrated detection system, consists of a thin diamond sensor incorporated into a compact signal loop, coupled in turn to an application-specific integrated circuit readout chip, has been tested for the first time, using ps-duration electron pulses from the Next Linear Collider Test Accelerator at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. For readout frame rates as high as 120 kHz, the detection system is shown to achieve a linear dynamic range of 10 3 and a bandwidth of 4–5 GHz, with no ringing seen on the tail of the output pulse. These results represent the best-performing multi-GHz ionizing particle detection system achieved to date.

Ferezghi, Mohammadreza Mohseni [University of Cali↗
DOE OSTI2025

Beam results for the new super-conducting booster at Jefferson Lab

The performance results of a new super-conducting booster for the CEBAF injector at Jefferson Lab, could be of interest for other similar electron injectors. A recent addition of this new booster has provided us the ability to achieve a more adiabatic acceleration and therefore an improvement to the beam dynamics and beam brightness. It has also simplified the design and operation of the section of the injector responsible for accelerating the electron beam from a few hundred keV to several MeV (typically 6.7 MeV). The addition of the new booster was part of an upgrade to the CEBAF injector to improve the beam quality for future physics experiments with high sensitivity to beam quality. The booster consists of two cavities: a 2-cell cavity followed by a 7-cell cavity. This combination allows for a wide range of input electron beam energies, from 130 keV to more than 300 keV. In fact, during the last year, the booster was successfully operated with 140,180, and 200 keV input beam energies as the electron gun was being upgraded. This paper describes the new booster, presents beam optics data results from different beam studies, commissioning, and the physics quality beam operation.

Accelerator Physics↗
DOE OSTI2025

Tomography of longitudinal phase space linearization for the generation of attosecond electron bunches

The generation of electron bunches on the attosecond timescale is important for a multitude of accelerator-based applications. Here, we report on a tomographic measurement of the (pre)linearized longitudinal phase space of a low charge 3 MeV electron bunch generated with the 1.6 cell Pegasus photoinjector for the generation of attosecond bunches. The nonlinear correlations in the longitudinal phase space induced by space charge at the photocathode, radiofrequency field curvature of the gun, and vacuum dispersion are compensated using a compact X-band linearizer. Then, the initial and compensated phase of the picosecond electron bunch is precisely reconstructed by neural network assisted tomographic reconstruction from momentum spectra at varying buncher linac phase. Finally, we combine the measured phase space shape with particle tracking simulations to show that electron bunches as short as 941 as develop downstream the beamline.

Beam control↗