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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

Qualifying LaBr3:Ce+Sr detector performance for the Mu2e experiment at Fermilab Using the ELBE Accelerator

A LaBr3:Ce+Sr detector will be used to measure the stopped muon captures at the Mu2e experiment at Fermilab. It has been benchmarked in a test beam experiment performed at the ELBE electron accelerator located at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Germany. ELBE’s pulsed bremsstrahlung beam line was set to deliver an average γ -ray energy of between 4–5 MeV. The detector response was mapped to match Mu2e beam conditions, including rates up to 1 Mcps, energy flux, and time structure. A radioactive calibration source was used to mimic the characteristic 1808.7 keV γ -ray, emitted during the atomic muon nuclear capture in the Mu2e aluminum stopping target. The detector energy resolution was measured as a function of the average energy flux: up to 1 TeV/s for 0.34 s, the steady-operation beam-on time and up to 4 TeV/s for 5 ms to get a conservative estimate of the effect of high intensity Mu2e beam fluctuations. The PMT gain variation as a function of the beam spill length and average intensity has been parametrized and corrected for. When a PMT gain correction corresponding to the average beam-spill intensity is applied, the residual effect of beam intensity fluctuations around the average degrades the energy resolution, σ E γ /E γ , at 1808.7 keV from 0.66% to 0.83%.

Huang, Shihua [Purdue U., West Lafayette]↗

Testing lepton flavor universality at future Z factories

As one of the hypothetical principles in the Standard Model (SM), lepton flavor universality (LFU) should be tested with a precision as high as possible such that the physics violating this principle can be fully examined. The run of a Z factory at a future e + e − collider, such as the Circular Electron-Positron Collider or Future Circular Collider (electron/positron), provides a great opportunity to perform this task because of the large statistics and high reconstruction efficiencies for b hadrons at the Z pole. In this paper, we present a systematic study on the LFU test in future Z factories. The goal is threefold. First, we study the sensitivities of measuring the LFU-violating observables of b → c τ ν , i.e., R J / ψ , R D s , R D s * , and R Λ c , where τ decays muonically. For this purpose, we develop the strategies for event reconstruction, based on the track information significantly. Second, we explore the sensitivity robustness against detector performance and its potential improvement with the message of event shape or beyond the b -hadron decays. A picture is drawn on the variation of analysis sensitivities with the detector tracking resolution and soft photon detectability, and the impact of Fox-Wolfram moments is studied on the measurement of relevant flavor events. Finally, we interpret the projected sensitivities in the SM effective field theory, by combining the LFU tests of b → c τ ν and the measurements of b → s τ + τ − and b → s ν ¯ ν . We show that the limits on the LFU-violating energy scale can be pushed up to ∼ O ( 10 ) TeV for ≲ O ( 1 ) Wilson coefficients at Tera- Z . Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Astronomy & Astrophysics↗

Quantum imaging with positronium-decay-emitted gamma rays

The use of entangled gamma rays from positronium decay for quantum-enhanced imaging of dense materials is demonstrated. Quantum ghost images, where only one of the entangled 511-keV photons interacts with the object, are obtained for tantalum samples of varying density using a 210-ps time-resolution dual detector system and a Na-22 positron source. An analysis comparing both classical and quantum imaging modalities is employed to isolate true 511-keV events from background noise. Image quality is quantitatively assessed using transmission ratios and the Michelson contrast. Quantum-correlated images are found to exhibit superior (up to approximately 1.7x, from 0.49 to 0.83 in the thickest sample measured) contrast compared to classical methods and align well with theoretical expectations. These results suggest that quantum ghost imaging with positronium-based entangled gamma rays could significantly enhance noninvasive imaging of high-density objects, with potential applications in areas such as cargo inspection and security screening.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Cherenkov and Transition Radiation as Low-Energy Background Sources in SuperCDMS Detectors

The Weakly Interacting Massive Particle (WIMP) has historically been a prime candidate for dark matter due to its elegant compatibility with the Minimally Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM). Recent dark matter experiments have ruled out much of the GeV-TeV mass range predicted by the MSSM, however, and the newest generation of direct detection experiments, such as SuperCDMS SNOLAB, have begunto explore sub-GeV dark matter. As experiments push towards lower masses, sensitivity to eV-scale electron recoil events has become increasingly important. A variety of unexplained excesses at energy deposits of 1-100 eV have been found inmany such low-mass experiments, across different detection techniques and at different excess rates. These low-energy events are not thought to be dark matter, and they must be understood and effectively removed to further improve detector energy resolution. This thesis will outline the simulation of one possible source of low-energy excess at SuperCDMS: optical photons produced from charges in uniform motion, specifically from Cherenkov radiation (CR), transition radiation (TR), and the intermediate hybrid transition-Cherenkov radiation (HR). In the latter case, the standard formulae for HR contain divergences at certain angles in transparent media, which are an artifact of their derivation and become problematic to simulate. To rsolve this, we present a novel approach to normalize the divergent HR peaks, which allows HR to transition smoothly between TR and CR in a numerical simulation. We also add TR and CR as a physics process to the SuperCDMS Monte Carlo simulation package SuperSim, based on the Geant4 simulation toolkit. To verify the physics of our addition, we show some test simulations in comparison to theoretical predictions of optical radiation intensity. We also use the simulation to make some preliminary predictions on the contribution of TR and CR to the low energy background, with the expectation that more thorough analyses will be conducted in the future.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Positron Emission Intensity in the Decay of 86 gY for Use in Dosimetry Studies

The β + -emitting radionuclide 86 gY (t 1/2 = 14.7 h) forms a matched-pair with the β – -emitting therapeutic radionuclide 90Y (t 1/2 = 2.7 d) for theranostic application in medicine. This approach demands a precise knowledge of the positron emission probability of the PET nuclide which was until recently rather uncertain for 86 gY. In this work, an 86 gY source of high radionuclidic purity was prepared and a direct measurement of the positron emission intensity per 100 decay of the parent (hereafter “positron emission intensity”) was performed using high-resolution HPGe detector γ-ray spectroscopy. The electron capture intensity was also determined as an additional check by measuring the K α and K β X-rays of energies 14.1 and 15.8 keV, respectively, using a low energy HPGe detector. From those measurements, normalized values of 27.2 ± 2.0% for β + -emission and 72.8 ± 2.0% for EC were obtained. These results are in excellent agreement with values recently reported in the literature based on a detailed decay scheme study.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

Continuous full-resolution two-color infrared detector

An apparatus is provided for nanoantenna-enhanced detection of infrared radiation. The apparatus includes one or more detector pixels. A plurality of detector pixels can constitute a focal plane array (FPA). Each detector pixel carries at least a first and a second subpattern of nanoantenna elements, with elements of the second subpattern interpolated between elements of the first subpattern. Each detector pixel also includes separate collection electrodes for collecting photogenerated current from the respective subpatterns.

Goldflam, Michael↗

Integration of EDWARD readout architecture in full-field fluorescence imaging detector

Data bandwidth, timing resolution and resource utilization in readouts of radiation detectors are a constant challenge. Event driven solutions are pushing against well-trenched framed solutions. The idea for an asynchronous readout architecture called EDWARD ( E vent- D riven W ith A ccess and R eset D ecoder) was presented at the TWEPP 2021 conference. Here we show the progress of our work which resulted in two chip prototypes. The first one, named 3FI65P1, is a full device with the analog pixel circuitry suited for full-field fluorescence imaging. It is already manufactured, and preliminary results are presented. Finally, the second chip, named EDWARD65P1, contains digital pulse generators with Poisson-exponential distribution in each pixel for extraction of the performance matrix of the EDWARD architecture alone.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Using Cosmic Ray Muons to Assess Geological Characteristics in the Subsurface

Cosmic rays are energetic nuclei and elementary particles that originate from stars and intergalactic events. The interaction of these particles with the upper atmosphere produces a wide range of secondary particles that reach the surface of the earth, of which muons are the most prominent. With enough energy, muons can travel up to a few kilometers beneath the surface of the earth before being stopped completely. The terrestrial muon flux profile and associated zenith angle can be utilized to determine geological characteristics of a location (e.g., rock overburden and density) without having to use conventional methods such as boreholes. This work uses a low-power plastic scintillator-based muon detection system as a prototype for this non-destructive geological assay methodology. Four custom designed 102 cm x 51 cm x 5 cm plastic scintillation panels are used to realize two orthogonal detection planes. Optical photons from each scintillation panel are read using OnSemi J-Series 4x4 silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) arrays in conjunction with preamplifiers. Simultaneous triggers between detectors from two planes indicate a coincidence event which is recorded using the QuarkNet data acquisition system (DAQ) from Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. A custom detector holder was designed to securely mount the detection system and rotate the panels along the zenith to collect data at variable angles. In order to quantify the systematic uncertainties associated with the detector, such as energy depositions and angular resolution of the detector design, a Monte Carlo (MC) simulation using Geant4 is being developed. Cosmic ray flux prediction will be included in the project by adding the CORSIKA MC code to the simulation toolchain. Simulated and experimental data will drive the development and validation of a reconstruction algorithm that, upon completion, is expected to predict average overburden and rock density. Extended detector exposure to muons can be used as a means to understand changes in the surrounding environment like rock porosity. On the experimental front, muons will initially be measured at the surface, establishing the baseline flux. This is followed by recording the muon flux at variable depths and zenith angles, where the data will be used by the reconstruction algorithm to predict the overburden. The result will be benchmarked against geological surveys. The measured flux data will also be used to benchmark independent and established models. Successful proof-of-concept demonstration of this technology can open doors for long term non-invasive geological monitoring. The detector design, experimental methodology, and the benchmarking efforts are detailed in this work.

Gadey, Harish Reddy↗

Jet energy scale and resolution measured in proton–proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV with the ATLAS detector

Jet energy scale and resolution measurements with their associated uncertainties are reported for jets using 36–81 fb -1 of proton–proton collision data with a centre-of-mass energy of √s=13 TeV collected by the ATLAS detector at the LHC. Jets are reconstructed using two different input types: topo-clusters formed from energy deposits in calorimeter cells, as well as an algorithmic combination of charged-particle tracks with those topo-clusters, referred to as the ATLAS particle-flow reconstruction method. The anti-k t jet algorithm with radius parameter R=0.4 is the primary jet definition used for both jet types. This result presents new jet energy scale and resolution measurements in the high pile-up conditions of late LHC Run 2 as well as a full calibration of particle-flow jets in ATLAS. Jets are initially calibrated using a sequence of simulation-based corrections. Next, several in situ techniques are employed to correct for differences between data and simulation and to measure the resolution of jets. The systematic uncertainties in the jet energy scale for central jets (|η|<1.2) vary from 1% for a wide range of high-p T jets (250 T <2000 GeV), to 5% at very low p T (20 GeV) and 3.5% at very high p T (>2.5 TeV). The relative jet energy resolution is measured and ranges from (24±1.5)% at 20 GeV to (6±0.5)% at 300 GeV.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Super-resolution model for overlapping peak detection and improved spatial resolution in high-energy diffraction microscopy

Reconstruction quality in Far-field High-Energy Diffraction Microscopy (FF-HEDM) is limited by the spatial resolution of area detectors and the frequent occurrence of overlapping diffraction spots. To address these challenges, we developed a super-resolution (SR) framework using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to recreate 2D diffraction peaks at up to ×8 resolution from raw detector data. A specialized simulation tool was created to generate synthetic training datasets with varying degrees of peak overlap. Integrated into the Microstructural Imaging using Diffraction Analysis Software (MIDAS), the SR model improves the spatial accuracy and precision of 3D grain reconstruction by an order of magnitude. This approach provides a robust solution for investigation of complex micromechanical states and material classes where the analysis is limited by the presence of overlapping peaks. Furthermore, the methodology developed here can potentially be extended to other techniques that require sub-pixel accuracy for high-fidelity data analysis.

High-energy diffraction microscopy↗

Influence of carrier trapping on radiation detection properties in $\mathrm{CVD}$ grown 4H-SiC epitaxial layers with varying thickness up to 250 µm

We report low doped n-type 4H-SiC epitaxial layers of thickness 50, 150, and 250 µm grown by hot wall chemical vapor deposition were used to fabricate Ni/4H-SiC Schottky radiation detectors. The epitaxial layers were grown on the (0001) face of highly conductive bulk 4H-SiC substrates 8° offcut towards the $\langle 11\bar{2}1\rangle$ direction. The 50, 150, and 250 µm thick epilayer detectors, under optimized settings, showed energy resolutions of 2.0%, 0.78%, and 0.63%, respectively for 5.48 MeV alpha particles. Deep level transient spectroscopy studies showed that the observed variation in the detector resolution is linked to the defect parameters in the devices. Least-squares fitting of the bias dependence of the charge collection efficiency according to a drift-diffusion model, revealed minority carrier diffusion lengths of 16, 10, and 9.2 µm, respectively, implying that the detectors are not limited by minority carrier trapping. The detector performance was observed to be primarily dependent on the concentration and capture cross-sections of the lifetime killing electron traps Z 1/2 and EH 6/7 .

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

FCC-ee interaction region backgrounds

The FCC-ee machine induced backgrounds on the two proposed detectors (CLD and IDEA) have been studied in detail. Synchrotron Radiation (SR) considerations dictate the Interaction Region (IR) optimization. An asymmetric IR design limits the final bend critical energy to 100 keV. Masks placed before the final focus quadrupole protect the detector from direct hits, and a shield placed around the beam pipe from secondary particles, keeping the effect of SR on the detector to negligible levels. The most important source of background is expected to be the Incoherent Pair Creation (IPC). Its effect has been studied in full simulation and reconstruction, and it was shown that it will not pose a problem for the detector, even if conservative estimations for the time resolution of the detector sensors are assumed. Moreover, the γγ → hadrons, radiative Bhabhas and beam-gas interaction induced backgrounds were studied. All were found to have small to negligible effect on the detector. Finally overall, the FCC–ee interaction region backgrounds are not expected to compromise the detector performance.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Advances in High Resolution Ultrafast Scintillators for Fast timing Applications

Scintillation detectors exhibiting high spatial resolution and fast timing capabilities are of vital importance for synchrotron sources. These detectors may be exposed to a variety of X-ray energies (up to 140 keV) and used in high frame rate applications. Here, we describe the advances in the development of thin-film LuI3:Ce scintillators for higher energy X-ray imaging, with fast timing and high spatial resolution. When grown in a single crystalline form, these scintillators are bright, producing 115 000 photons/MeV. However, to achieve high spatial resolution, these scintillators are grown in thin-film form with a microcolumnar structure, controllable to column diameters of <1-30 mu m. Thus, a much thicker scintillator layer (10 mu m-3 mm or higher) may be grown, providing superior X-ray absorption while achieving high resolutions of 50 mu m or better, at the cost of reduced light yield. To study the timing characteristics of the scintillator, time-resolved X-ray excited optical luminescence (TR-XEOL) was performed on two different sets of three samples of LuI3 at the 1-BM beamline of the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory. Besides, we report timing measurements obtained using a photomultiplier tube (PMT) and oscilloscope at Radiation Monitoring Devices (RMD) Inc. Using the TR-XEOL, we determined the decay constants of LuI3 as a function of Ce doping, recording a fast decay component as low as 3.6 ns (39%), one of the fastest values recorded in inorganic scintillators. This fast decay opens up numerous novel applications, where ultrahigh frame rates are important using synchrotron X-rays. This article will discuss fabrication, characterization, and potential applications for this novel scintillator.

fast timing↗

Scalable Detector Design for a High-Resolution Fast-Neutron Radiography Panel

Development of a scalable flat-panel neutron radiography device is needed to meet the nondestructive testing needs of a growing industrial market. Flood field images from a Cs-137 gamma source and a Cf-252 fission neutron source were generated using a detector composed of a 3-mm-thick sheet of EJ-200, and 3-mm-thick sheet of acrylic light spreader, an 8 $\times$ 8 array of SensL MICROFJ-60035-TSV SiPMs, and an IDEAS ROSSPAD readout module. The readout module can be tiled together with similar systems to create a panel of any size, and is only limited by the number of available Ethernet ports in a switching system. A collimated gamma line image demonstrated a 90% spatial resolution of approximately 0.47 line pairs per centimeter and a 10% spatial resolution of approximately 2.32 line pairs per centimeter. A neutron edge image demonstrated a 90% spatial resolution of approximately 0.70 line pairs per centimeter and a 10% spatial resolution of approximately 3.35 line pairs per centimeter. Both of these images show the ability to generate radiographs with sub-SiPM spatial resolution. Using these readout modules, a large-scale radiographic panel can be developed by tiling ROSSPAD modules together.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗