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At least 109 records · Page 6

Six degrees of freedom compliant flexure and autonomous assembly using same

A flexure having six degrees of freedom is disclosed. The constraint and compliance of the flexure in all six degrees of freedom may be independently tuned for an application. The flexure may include various combinations of sections including, for example, straight arm and curvilinear sections. The constraint and compliance of the flexure is determined by the geometry, cross-sectional area, cross-sectional shape, and material used to form the various sections. A coupling mechanism and a corresponding method for using the coupling mechanism for automated or autonomous assembly of elements using tuned flexures is disclosed. The automated or autonomous assembly of elements employs a coupling mechanism having a motor driven grip and a coupler, in which the coupler includes a six degrees of freedom flexure. The motor driven grip and coupler may optionally include electrical or optical interconnections and self-aligning features.

Gillund, Daniel Paul↗

DIII-D High Field Side Lower Hybrid Current Drive Experiment Overview

In preparation for high field side lower hybrid current drive (HFS LHCD) experiments in DIII-D, the HFS LHCD was to be commissioned and physics experiments commence once the system operated up to 300 kW for 0.5 s. The initial physics experiments sought to characterize coupling, wave propagation, and driven current measurements. In HFS LHCD first campaign, the maximum power was limited to <200 kW due to waveguide pressure leaks limiting the number of available modules and power per module. Here we summarize commissioning progress and initial physics observations. The HFS LHCD coupler was optimized for high qmin, DIII-D discharges where efficient off-axis current at r/a~0.6-0.8 is desired. The coupler n|| spectrum is peaked at 2.7 and is predicted to generate ~0.14 MA/MW coupled for 1.6 MW injected. In preparation, the HFS scrape-off layer density profile was characterized and found to have steeper profiles and lower fluctuation levels than the low field side. Furthermore, the HFS SOL density profile can be accurately predicted using global plasma quantities using machine learning. Thus far, one module has injected ~100 kW for 0.5 s with <5% reflected power. Nonthermal electrons have been observed on lower frequency channels of the electron cyclotron emission radiometer correlated with the LH power indicating core wave absorption. To avoid 30R neutral beam heat flux, a split launcher is proposed to avoid the high heat flux region while maintaining power spectrum and directivity.

Wukitch, Stephen J. [Massachusetts Inst. of Techno↗

A novel approach to interface high-Q Fabry–Pérot resonators with photonic circuits

The unique benefits of Fabry–Pérot resonators as frequency-stable reference cavities and as an efficient interface between atoms and photons make them an indispensable resource for emerging photonic technologies. To bring these performance benefits to next-generation communications, computation, and time-keeping systems, it will be necessary to develop strategies to integrate compact Fabry–Pérot resonators with photonic integrated circuits. In this paper, we demonstrate a novel reflection cancellation circuit that utilizes a numerically optimized multi-port polarization-splitting grating coupler to efficiently interface high-finesse Fabry–Pérot resonators with a silicon photonic circuit. This circuit interface produces a spatial separation of the incident and reflected waves, as required for on-chip Pound–Drever–Hall frequency locking, while also suppressing unwanted back reflections from the Fabry–Pérot resonator. Using inverse design principles, we design and fabricate a polarization-splitting grating coupler that achieves 55% coupling efficiency. This design realizes an insertion loss of 5.8 dB for the circuit interface and more than 9 dB of back reflection suppression, and we demonstrate the versatility of this system by using it to interface several reflective off-chip devices.

Optics↗

A GHz-frequency multistrip acoustic beam splitter for quantum applications

Here we demonstrate a microwave-frequency, two-track acoustic beam splitter, based on a multistrip coupler design matched to four unidirectional transducers, two on each of the two acoustic tracks that make up the device. We explain the device design and its experimental implementation, showing good agreement between our model and the measured device scattering spectra. The beam splitter regime, dividing an input signal at port 1 into closely equal outputs at ports 2 and 3, is reached over a 94.7 MHz bandwidth centered at 4.79 GHz, with an output power division ratio |S 21 /S 31 | 2 = 1.1 ± 0.2. The measured bandwidth of the device is limited by the bandwidth of the transducers, rather than that of the multistrip coupler.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Fabrication and testing of the transition section between modules of a wakefield accelerator

The fabrication process is presented for a typical transition section located between each cylindrical corrugated waveguide structure comprising the wakefield accelerator module. The transition section includes couplers for extracting the 180 GHz TM 01 accelerating mode and separate couplers for extracting the 190 GHz HE 11 dipole mode, both modes induced by the electron bunch traversing the cylindrical corrugated waveguide structure. Extraction of the high-power accelerating mode reduces the heat load due to the subterahertz wave power dissipation within the corrugated accelerating structure. Extraction of the low-power dipole mode serves the purpose of detecting the electron bunch transverse oscillations within the wakefield accelerator and identifying the onset of beam breakup instability. Comprehensive testing of the fully functional transition section with an electron beam was done at the Accelerator Test Facility in Brookhaven National Laboratory which verified the functionality of the transition section. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Fast Z Z free entangling gates for superconducting qubits assisted by a driven resonator

Engineering high-fidelity two-qubit gates is an indispensable step toward practical quantum computing. For superconducting quantum platforms, one important setback is the stray interaction between qubits, which causes significant coherent errors. For transmon qubits, protocols for mitigating such errors usually involve fine-tuning the hardware parameters or introducing usually noisy flux-tunable couplers. In this work, we propose a simple scheme to cancel these stray interactions. The coupler used for such cancelation is a driven high-coherence resonator, where the amplitude and frequency of the drive serve as control knobs. Through the resonator-induced-phase interaction, the static Z Z coupling can be entirely neutralized. We numerically show that such a scheme can enable short and high-fidelity entangling gates, including cross-resonance controlled-not (cnot) gates within 40 ns and adiabatic controlled- Z gates within 140 ns. Our architecture is not only Z Z -free, but also contains no extra noisy components, such that it preserves the coherence times of fixed-frequency transmon qubits. With the state-of-the-art coherence times, the error of our cross-resonance cnot gate can be reduced to below 10 − 4 .

Huang, Ziwen↗

Systematic Crosstalk Mitigation for Superconducting Qubits via Frequency-Aware Compilation

One of the key challenges in current Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) computers is to control a quantum system with high-fidelity quantum gates. There are many reasons a quantum gate can go wrong - for superconducting transmon qubits in particular, one major source of gate error is the unwanted crosstalk between neighboring qubits due to a phenomenon called frequency crowding. We motivate a systematic approach for understanding and mitigating the crosstalk noise when executing near-term quantum programs on superconducting NISQ computers. Here, we present a general software solution to alleviate frequency crowding by systematically tuning qubit frequencies according to input programs, trading parallelism for higher gate fidelity when necessary. The net result is that our work dramatically improves the crosstalk resilience of tunable-qubit, fixed-coupler hardware, matching or surpassing other more complex architectural designs such as tunable-coupler systems. On NISQ benchmarks, we improve worst-case program success rate by 13.3x on average, compared to existing traditional serialization strategies.

Computer architecture↗

Interoperability between Three-Phase and Single-Phase WPT Systems

This paper presents an analysis and optimal position alignments of the transmitting and receiving couplers for achieving interoperability between a three-phase and a single-phase inductive wireless power transfer (WPT) system. In addition, single-phase operation modes for the six-switch three-phase inverter are identified for maximal power transfer from the three-phase transmitter pad to the single-phase receiver pad. Simulation results are included to show the power transfer capability between a 50 kW three-phase and an 11 kW double-D or circular single-phase WPT system at various alignment positions of the couplers.

Su, Gui-Jia↗

A coupled hydrodynamic (HEC-RAS 2D) and water quality model (WASP) for simulating flood-induced soil, sediment, and contaminant transport

Increased intensity and frequency of floods raise concerns about the release and transport of contaminated soil and sediment to and from rivers and streams. To model these processes during flooding events, we developed an External Coupler in Python to link the Hydrologic Engineering Center-River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) 2D hydrodynamic model to the Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program (WASP). Accurate data transfer from a hydrodynamic model to a water quality model is critical. Our test results showed the External Coupler successfully linked HEC-RAS and WASP and addressed technical challenges in aggregating flow data and conserving mass during the flood event. We ran the coupled models for a 100-year flood event to calculate flood-induced transport of sediment-associated arsenic in Woodbridge Creek, NJ. Change in surface sediment and arsenic at the end of 48-h flood simulation ranged from a net loss of 13.5 cm to a net gain of 11.6 cm, and 16.2 to 2.9 mg/kg, respectively, per model segment, which demonstrates the capability of the coupled model for simulating sediment and contaminant transport in flood.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Energy Exascale Earth System Model v2.1.0

First release of version 2.1 of the Energy Exascale Earth System Model. [ATM] The atmosphere component remains EAM. There are no major changes in the default configuration since 2.0. New features include: A semi-lagrangian tracer transport for theta-l dycore, a new algorithm for finding the tropopause, new RRM mesh configurations. Add and update SSP370 and SSP585 cases. Restore the FIDEAL case. [LAND] The land component is ELM. There are no major changes in the default configuration since 2.0. Several option features have been added including: implementation of topography-based subgrid structure (topounits) and accompanying parameterizations and atmospheric forcing downscaling methods; a new plant hydraulics scheme; two-way land-river hydrological coupling through the infiltration of floodplain water; an implementation of perennial crops; updates to the SNICAR-AD snow radiative transfer model; and implementation of soil erosion and sediment yield in ELM-Erosion. Each of these new changes is modular in design and can be turned on or off as the user specifies; they are currently being tested in different “BGC” configurations. [OCEAN] The ocean component remains MPAS-Ocean. Major change since version 2.0 include the addition of the Fox-Kemper et al. 2011 parameterization for submesocale eddies, a correction for barotropic thickness consistency that reduces divergence noise, and the addition of an ocean carbon conservation analysis member. [SEAICE] The sea-ice component remains MPAS-Seaice. Major changes since version 2.0 include: A correction to how shortwave parameters are interpolated in the snicar-ad 5-band radiation scheme, the addition of a sea ice carbon conservation analysis member, updates to the default sea ice biogeochemistry namelist parameters to be consistent with version 2.0 improvements to nitrogen cycling and a correction in the ice-ocean dissolved organic nitrogen coupling. [LAND ICE] The land-ice component remains MPAS-Albany-landIce (MALI). Major changes since 2.0 include an update to the MALI version and the Greenland mesh.[RIVER] The river model is MOSART. There are no major changes in the default configuration since 2.0. A major new optional feature is two-way river-ocean hydrological coupling between MOSART and MPAS-O. This change can be turned on or off as the user specifies, and is being tested in different configurations. [COUPLER] The coupler remains cpl7/MCT. Major changes since version 2.0 include: Carbon budget calculated when heat/water budgets active. Fix a bug in land-atm fluxes for tri-grid configurations. [OTHER] a small bug in the zenith angle calculation was fixed in the data models.

ECP↗

Side-lobe reduction by cascading Bragg grating filters on a Si-photonic chip

Bragg-grating based cavities and coupler designs present opportunities for flexible allocation of bandwidth and spectrum in silicon photonic devices. Integrated silicon photonic devices are moving toward mainstream, mass adoption, leading to the need for compact Bragg grating based designs. In this work we present a design and experimental validation of a cascaded contra-directional Bragg-grating coupler with a measured main lobe to side-lobe contrast of 12.93 dB. This level of performance is achieved in a more compact size as compared to conventional apodized gratings, and a similar design philosophy can be used to improve side-lobe reduction in grating-based mirror design for on-chip lasers and other cavity-based designs as well.

42 ENGINEERING↗

NGEE Arctic Integrated Modeling (IM3): Improved snow-vegetation interaction

This data product represents the integration of new code capability for arctic tundra snow-vegetation-terrain interactions into the Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM), through the E3SM Land Model (ELM) component. This code integration is the result of collaborative effort between the NGEE Arctic project and the E3SM project. The NGEE Arctic project developed a total of six Integrated Modeling (IM) modules informed by observations and experiments. New ELM capability represented by this data product (IM3) falls into three categories: 1) Downscaling from gridcell to topographic unit level when working through the existing coupler bypass code. 2) Four new parameters (taper, stocking, bendresist, and vegshape) have been added to ELM to allow for flexible definition of snow-vegetation interactions. 3) Vegshape and bendresist parameters are used to calculate the fraction of leaf area and/or stem area buried by snow for a given snow depth. This data record consists of a single document (pdf format) that describes the theoretical basis for the snow-vegetation-terrain interactions added to ELM, and describes the modifications made to the ELM code. The Methods section of this metadata record includes a link to the public E3SM code repository where the exact code modifications as integrated in E3SM can be accessed. The Next-Generation Ecosystem Experiments: Arctic (NGEE Arctic), was a research effort to reduce uncertainty in Earth System Models by developing a predictive understanding of carbon-rich Arctic ecosystems and feedbacks to climate. NGEE Arctic was supported by the Department of Energy's Office of Biological and Environmental Research. The NGEE Arctic project had two field research sites: 1) located within the Arctic polygonal tundra coastal region on the Barrow Environmental Observatory (BEO) and the North Slope near Utqiagvik (Barrow), Alaska and 2) multiple areas on the discontinuous permafrost region of the Seward Peninsula north of Nome, Alaska. Through observations, experiments, and synthesis with existing datasets, NGEE Arctic provided an enhanced knowledge base for multi-scale modeling and contributed to improved process representation at global pan-Arctic scales within the Department of Energy's Earth system Model (the Energy Exascale Earth System Model, or E3SM), and specifically within the E3SM Land Model component (ELM).

Thornton, Peter E [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000247595158)↗

Status of PIP-II 650 MHz Prototype Dressed Cavity Qualification

Low-beta and high-beta sections of PIP-II linac will use nine low-beta cryomodules with four cavities each and four high-beta cryomodules with six cavities each. These cavities will be produced and qualified in collaboration between Fermilab and the international partner labs. Prior to their installation into prototype cryomodules, several dressed cavities, which include jacketed cavities, high power couplers, and tuners, will be qualified in STC horizontal test bed at Fermilab. After qualification of bare β = 0.9 cavities at Fermilab, several pre-production β = 0.92 and β = 0.61 cavities have been and are being fabricated and qualified. Procurements have also been started for high power couplers and tuners. In this contribution we present the current status of prototype dressed cavity qualification for PIP-II.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

In Situ Plasma processing of SRF cuperconducting cavities at JLAB, 2024 Update

Jefferson Lab has an ongoing R&D program in plasma processing. The experimental program investi-gated processing using argon/oxygen and heli-um/oxygen gas mixtures. Plasma processing is a com-mon technique where the free oxygen produced by the plasma breaks down and removes hydrocarbons from surfaces. This increases the work function and reduces the secondary emission coefficient. The initial focus of the effort was processing C100 cavities by injecting RF power into the high order mode (HOM) coupler ports. We also developed the methods for establishing a plasma in C75 cryomodules where the RF power is injected via the fundamental power-coupler. Four C100 cryomodules were in situ processed in the CE-BAF accelerator in May 2023 with the cryomodules returning to an operational status in Sept. 2023. The overall operational energy gain for the four cryomod-ules was 49 MeV. Methods, systems and results from processing cryomodules in the CEBAF accelerator and vertical test results are presented. Current status and future plans are discussed.

Powers, T.↗

Design of a 1.3 GHz RF-Dipole Crabbing Cavity for International Linear Collider

The International Liner Collider (ILC) requires crabbing systems to increase the luminosity of the colliding electron and positron bunches. There are several frequency options for the crabbing cavity. We have designed a 1.3 GHz compact 1-cell and 2-cell rf-dipole crabbing cavity to compensate for luminosity degradation due to large crossing angle. This paper presents the 1-cell and 2-cell cavities designed to meet the current specifications including the fundamental power coupler and higher order mode couplers.

De Silva, S.U.↗

AN OVERVIEW OF PLASMA PROCESSING OF SRF CAVITIES AT JLAB

Plasma processing is a common technique where the free oxygen produced in a low-pressure RF plasma breaks down and removes hydrocarbons from surfaces. This increases the work function and reduces the secondary emission coefficient of the treated surfaces. Jefferson Lab has an ongoing R&D program in plasma processing. The experimental program investigated processing using argon/oxygen and helium/oxygen gas mixtures. The initial focus of the effort was processing C100 cavities by injecting RF power into the HOM coupler ports. We also developed the methods for establishing a plasma C75 cavities where the RF power is injected via the fundamental power-coupler. As part of the process development we processed, three C100 cryomodules in our off-line cryomodule test facility. In May 2023 we processed four C100 cryomodules in-situ in the CEBAF accelerator with the cryomodules returning to an operational status in Sept. 2023. The cumulative improvement in field emission free operation, as measured on a cavity by cavity basis, was 59 MeV or 24%. We recently started processing 7 cryomodules in the CEBAF accelerator in August 2024. Methods systems and results from processing cryomodules and individual cavities in the vertical test will be presented. Current status and future plans will also be presented.

Ganey, Tiffany↗

Direct Coupled Gyrotron for Plasma Heating. Phase II Final Report

This program was tasked with rebuilding an existing gyrotron with a direct ouput coupler. The direct coupler section was built and tested. The program also build an new electron gun and output window. Most subassemblies were completed for a new collector. This report describes the testing and fabrication of components. Unfortunately, issues with the collector assembly depleted funds before the program could be completed. Additional funds will be required to complete the collector and rebuild and test the gyrotron.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

High-Power Oak Ridge Converter (ORC) for Extreme Fast Charging Applications

This project report presents a novel power converter system called Oak Ridge Converter (ORC), a patented technology developed by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) for XFC wireless EV charging systems. ORC integrates the grid interface converter (also known as the active front-end rectifier with power factor correction) with the high-frequency inverter stage, promoting size and cost-effective charging technology with reduced infrastructure costs. The integration of the front-end rectifier with the high-frequency inverter truly eliminates one power conversion stage and achieves more than 33% size, weight, volume, and cost reduction on the wireless charging systems. Furthermore, ORC eliminates the primary side direct current (DC) bus bulk capacitors that are usually aluminum electrolytic capacitors and replaces them with very small, cost-effective, highly reliable, and high-temperature operation-capable alternate current (AC) film capacitors. ORC is also applicable to both single-phase and poly-phase couplers. When used with polyphase couplers, ORC further improves the power density of the overall system with higher power density power electronics. Moreover, ORC is inherently bidirectional and allows the system to provide power back to the grid for grid ancillary or grid support services. The ORC, based on a patented ORNL technology, is an excellent approach to resolving the high-power charging problems as described above, which directly converts the 60 hertz (Hz) line frequency into high frequency (i.e., 85 kilohertz (kHz)) to use with a high-frequency isolation transformer or wireless charging coils while eliminating the primary side number of power conversion stages from two to one. The result of the project is a prototype and reference design for a high-power wireless charging system—including power electronics, magnetics, and thermal—serving as a baseline for product development. The proposed system results are demonstrated for 270 kW of output power, with the system's overall efficiency of 92% from the AC grid, achieving less than 3% current total harmonic distortion (THD) and around 0.99 power factor (PF).

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗