Portable Dense Plasma Focus Neutron Source for Active Interrogation Applications
Presentation describes recent results and design methodology for newly built portable dense plasma focus system.
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Presentation describes recent results and design methodology for newly built portable dense plasma focus system.
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INL Virtual Walkdown for source recovery
PoroTomo March 2016 Updated vibroseis source locations with UTM locations. Supersedes gdr.openei.org/submissions/824. Updated vibroseis source location data for Stages 1-4, PoroTomo March 2016. This revision includes source point locations in UTM format (meters) for all four Stages of active source acquisition. Vibroseis sweep data were collected on a Signature Recorder unit (mfr Seismic Source) mounted in the vibroseis cab during the March 2016 PoroTomo active seismic survey Stages 1 to 4. Each sweep generated a GPS timed SEG-Y file with 4 input channels and a 20 second record length. Ch1 = pilot sweep, Ch2 = accelerometer output from the vibe's mass, Ch3 = accel output from the baseplase, and Ch4 = weighted sum of the accelerometer outputs. SEG-Y files are available via the links below. These data are available for download without login credentials through the free and publicly accessible Open Energy Data Initiative (OEDI) data viewer which allows users to browse and download individual or groups of files.
SGR 1627-41 was discovered in 1998 after a single active episode which lasted approx. 6 weeks. We report here our monitoring results of the decay trend of the persistent X-ray luminosity of the source during the last 5 years. We find an initial temporal power law decay with index 0.47, reaching a piateau which is followed by a sharp (factor of ten) flux decline approx. 800 days after the source activation. The source spectrum is best described during the entire period by a single power law with high absorption (N(sub H) = 9.0(7) x 10(exp 22)/sq cm); the spectral index, however, varies dramatically between 2.2-3.8 spanning the entire range for all known SGR sources. We discuss the cooling behavior of the neutron star assuming a deep crustal heating initiated by the burst activity of the source during 1998.
SGR 1627-41 was discovered in 1998 after a single active episode that lasted approximately 6 weeks. We report here our monitoring results of the decay trend of the persistent X-ray luminosity of the source during the last 5 years. We find an initial temporal power-law decay with index 0.47, reaching a plateau that is followed by a sharp (factor of 10) flux decline approximately 800 days after the source activation. The source spectrum is best described during the entire period by a single power law with high absorption [N(sub H) = 9.0(7) x 10(exp 22) per square centimeter]; the spectral index, however, varies dramatically between 2.2 and 3.8 spanning the entire range for all known soft gamma repeater sources. We discuss the cooling behavior of the neutron star assuming a deep crustal heating initiated by the burst activity of the source during 1998.
In preparation for the next phase of the Source Physics Experiments, we acquired an active–source seismic dataset along two transects totaling more than 30 km in length at Yucca Flat, Nevada, on the Nevada National Security Site. Yucca Flat is a sedimentary basin which has hosted more than 650 underground nuclear tests (UGTs). The survey source was a novel 13,000 kg modified industrial pile driver. This weight drop source proved to be broadband and repeatable, richer in low frequencies (1–3 Hz) than traditional vibrator sources and capable of producing peak particle velocities similar to those produced by a 50 kg explosive charge. In this study, we performed a joint inversion of P–wave refraction travel times and Rayleigh–wave phase–velocity dispersion curves for the P– and S–wave velocity structure of Yucca Flat. Phase–velocity surface–wave dispersion measurements were obtained via the refraction microtremor method on 1 km arrays, with 80% overlap. Our P–wave velocity models verify and expand the current understanding of Yucca Flat’s subsurface geometry and bulk properties such as depth to Paleozoic basement and shallow alluvium velocity. Areas of disagreement between this study and the current geologic model of Yucca Flat (derived from borehole studies) generally correlate with areas of widely spaced borehole control points. This provides an opportunity to update the existing model, which is used for modeling groundwater flow and radionuclide transport. Scattering caused by UGT–related high–contrast velocity anomalies substantially reduced the number and frequency bandwidth of usable dispersion picks. Here, the S–wave velocity models presented in this study agree with existing basin–wide studies of Yucca Flat, but are compromised by diminished surface–wave coherence as a product of this scattering. As nuclear nonproliferation monitoring moves from teleseismic to regional or even local distances, such high–frequency (>5 Hz) scattering could prove challenging when attempting to discriminate events in areas of previous testing.
Several measurements and calculations were performed to illustrate the differences that can be observed in the determination of exposure rate or ambient dose equivalent rate used for testing radiation detection systems against consensus standards. The large variations observed support our recommendation that better consistency in the test radiation fields can be achieved by specifying the source activity and testing distance instead of the field strength.
Purpose: Observed dosimetric discrepancy between measured and treatment planning system (TPS) predicted values, during applicator commissioning, were traced to source position uncertainty in the applicator. We quantify the dosimetric impact of this geometric uncertainty, and of the source traveling time inside the applicator, and propose corrections for clinical use. Methods: We measured the dose profiles from the Varian Leipzig-style (horizontal) HDR skin applicator, using EBT3 film, photon diode, and optically stimulated luminescence dosimeter (OSLD) and three different GammaMed HDR afterloders. The dose profiles and depth dose of each aperture were measured at several depths (up to about 10 mm, depending on the dosimeter). The measured dose profiles were compared with Acuros calculated profiles in BrachyVision TPS. For the impact of the source position, EBT3 film measurements were performed with applicator, facing-down and facing-up orientations. The dose with and without source traveling was measured with diode detector using HDR timer and electrometer timer, respectively. Results: Depth doses measured using the three dosimeters were in good agreement, but were consistently higher than the Acuros dose calculations. Measurements with the applicator facing-up were significantly lower than those in the facing-down position with maximum difference of about 18% at the surface, due to source sag inside the applicator. Based on the inverse-square law, the effective source sag was evaluated to be about 0.5 mm from the planned position. The additional dose from the source traveling was about 2.8% for 30 seconds with 10 Ci source, decreasing with increased dwelling time and decreased source activity. Conclusion: Due to the short source-to-surface distance of the applicator, the small source sag inside the applicator has significant dosimetric impact, which should be considered before the clinical use of the applicator. Investigation of the effect for other applicators that have relatively large source lumen inner diameter may be warranted. Christopher Barker and Gil’ad Cohen are receiving research support for a study of skin surface brachytherapy from Elekta.
This is a presentation on the Joint Electromagnetic/Seismic/InSAR Imaging of Spatial-Temporal Fracture Growth and Estimation of Physical Fracture Properties During EGS Resource Development project by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, presented by Dr. David Alumbaugh, Staff Scientist. The project's objective was to develop a set of technologies and workflow to image induced fracture generation and growth for an Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS). The project anticipates imaging of the fracture generation and growth at FORGE using a combination of passive seismic, active source borehole EM, and INSAR technology. This presentation was featured in the Utah FORGE R&D Annual Workshop on September 8, 2023. The workshop provided a valuable opportunity to explore the progress made in each of the 17 Research and Development projects funded under Solicitation 2020-1 which aim to enhance our understanding of the crucial factors influencing the development of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) reservoirs and resources.
We assessed the biomass burning (BB) smoke aerosol optical depth (AOD) simulations of 11 global models that participated in the AeroCom phase III BB emission experiment. By comparing multi-model simulations and satellite observations in the vicinity of fires over 13 regions globally, we (1) assess model-simulated BB AOD performance as an indication of smoke source–strength, (2) identify regions where the common emission dataset used by the models might underestimate or overestimate smoke sources, and (3) assess model diversity and identify underlying causes as much as possible. Using satellite-derived AOD snapshots to constrain source strength works best where BB smoke from active sources dominates background non-BB aerosol, such as in boreal forest regions and over South America and southern hemispheric Africa. The comparison is inconclusive where the total AOD is low, as in many agricultural burning areas, and where the background is high, such as parts of India and China. Many inter-model BB AOD differences can be traced to differences in values for the mass ratio of organic aerosol to organic carbon, the BB aerosol mass extinction efficiency, and the aerosol loss rate from each model. The results point to a need for increased numbers of available BB cases for study in some regions and especially to a need for more extensive regional-to-global-scale measurements of aerosol loss rates and of detailed particle microphysical and optical properties; this would both better constrain models and help distinguish BB from other aerosol types in satellite retrievals. More generally, there is the need for additional efforts at constraining aerosol source strength and other model attributes with multi-platform observations.
Abstract We discuss a surprisingly simple scheme for accounting (and removal) of error in observables determined from quantum algorithms. A correction to the value of the observable is calculated by first measuring the observable with all error sources active and subsequently measuring the observable with each error source reduced separately. We apply this scheme to the variational quantum eigensolver, simulating the calculation of the ground state energy of equilibrium H 2 and LiH in the presence of several noise sources, including amplitude damping, dephasing, thermal noise, and correlated noise. We show that this scheme provides a decrease in the needed quality of the qubits by up to two orders of magnitude. In near-term quantum computing, where full fault-tolerant error correction is too expensive, this scheme provides a route to significantly more accurate calculations.
We examined the relative risk and impact of a dirty bomb employing Co-60 and Cs-137, the two most common high activity source materials. We found that the risk of an area denial dirty bomb attack is greater for Cs-137 due to the form and chemistry of CsCl, the soft, powdery salt form currently in use for high activity Cs-137 sources, found in blood and research irradiators.
Thunderstorms have been observed to introduce infrasonic oscillations in the ionosphere, but it is not clear what processes or which parts of the thunderstorm generate the oscillations. In this paper, we present a new technique that uses an array of ground-based GPS total electron content (TEC) measurements to locate the source of the infrasonic oscillations and compare the source locations with thunderstorm features to understand the possible source mechanisms. The location technique utilizes instantaneous phase differences between pairs of GPS-TEC measurements and an algorithm to best fit the measured and the expected phase differences for assumed source positions and other related parameters. In this preliminary study, the infrasound waves are assumed to propagate along simple geometric raypaths from the source to the measurement locations to avoid extensive computations. The located sources are compared in time and space with thunderstorm development and lightning activity. Sources are often found near the main storm cells, but they are more likely related to the downdraft process than to the updraft process. As a result, the sources are also commonly found in the convectively quiet stratiform regions behind active cells and are in good coincidence with extensive lightning discharges and inferred high-altitude sprites discharges.
Accurate activity measurements for electrocatalytic materials are the backbone of impactful electrocatalyst research. Inherent to accurate measurements is the correct accounting of the active catalyst sites and the design of experiments to ensure that these sites are participating in the measured reaction. Improvements in electrocatalyst activity for fuel cell reactions (hydrogen oxidation and oxygen reduction) are essential for the widespread adoption of this carbon-neutral energy source. Activities for these half-reactions can be reported in a variety of ways including specific activities, mass activities, volumetric activities, and half-wave potentials. These values are traditionally measured with a rotating disk electrode (RDE) in which the electrocatalyst is supported on a porous active layer film attached to the RDE. To accurately measure electrocatalyst activity with an RDE, two major sources of errors must be addressed: (i) accurate electrochemical surface area (ECSA) quantification and (ii) fast diffusion of reactants through the active layer film. In this contribution, we first aim to detail through RDE experiments and mass transport modeling the potential errors that can be observed when these factors are not properly addressed. We then present recommendations and discuss techniques for properly constructing electrocatalyst thin films and characterizing the ECSA on monometallic and novel alloy electrocatalysts. These practices, when adopted, ensure greater confidence and reliability in reports of electrocatalyst activity.
The Activated Materials Laboratory (AML) is a new radiological facility located at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) in Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), adjacent to the high-energy x-ray microscopy (HEXM) beamline in the long beamline building (LBB) constructed under the APS-upgrade (APS-U) project. The AML is a centralized facility to facilitate the safe conduct of experiments on activated materials at the APS. This report provides an overview of the status of the AML as a Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) partner user facility in preparation for the general user access in 2024 upon the commissioning of the APS-U beamlines. Specifically, details are provided regarding the laboratory's scope, functionality, components, operational blueprint, and data management approach. The plans on augmenting the instrumentation, refining operational procedures and developing a robust data management strategy for FY24 and beyond are also discussed.