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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 1,081 records · Page 60
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Localization and reduction of superconducting quantum coherent circuit losses

Quantum sensing and computation can be realized with superconducting microwave circuits. Qubits are engineered quantum systems of capacitors and inductors with non-linear Josephson junctions. They operate in the single-excitation quantum regime, photons of $27 \mu$eV at 6.5 GHz. Quantum coherence is fundamentally limited by materials defects, in particular atomic-scale parasitic two-level systems (TLS) in amorphous dielectrics at circuit interfaces.[1] The electric fields driving oscillating charges in quantum circuits resonantly couple to TLS, producing phase noise and dissipation. We use coplanar niobium-on-silicon superconducting resonators to probe decoherence in quantum circuits. By selectively modifying interface dielectrics, we show that most TLS losses come from the silicon surface oxide, and most non-TLS losses are distributed throughout the niobium surface oxide. Through post-fabrication interface modification we reduced TLS losses by 85% and non-TLS losses by 72%, obtaining record single-photon resonator quality factors above 5 million and approaching a regime where non-TLS losses are dominant. [1]M\"uller, C., Cole, J. H. & Lisenfeld, J. Towards understanding two-level-systems in amorphous solids: insights from quantum circuits. Rep. Prog. Phys. 82, 124501 (2019)

Altoé, M Virginia P↗
DOE OSTI2016

Enhanced flashover strength in polyethylene nanodielectrics by secondary electron emission modification

This work studies the correlation between secondary electron emission (SEE) characteristics and impulse surface flashover in polyethylene nanodielectrics both theoretically and experimentally, and illustrates the enhancement of flashover voltage in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) through incorporating Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanoparticles. SEE characteristics play key roles in surface charging and gas desorption during surface flashover. This work demonstrates that the presence of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanoparticles decreases the SEE coefficient of LDPE and enhances the impact energy at the equilibrium state of surface charging. These changes can be explained by the increase of surface roughness and of surface ionization energy, and the strong interaction between nanoparticles and the polymer dielectric matrix. The surface charge and flashover voltage are calculated according to the secondary electron emission avalanche (SEEA) model, which reveals that the positive surface charges are reduced near the cathode triple point, while the presence of more nanoparticles in high loading samples enhances the gas desorption. Consequently, the surface flashover performance of LDPE/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanodielectrics is improved.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Disordered TiO x –SiO x Nanocatalysts Using Bioinspired Synthetic Routes

Metal oxide nanomaterials have increasing significance and broad applications in catalysis, ranging from support materials to active catalysts. Here, we have demonstrated a facile synthetic strategy to create disordered, high-surface-area metal oxide nanomaterials using biomineralization-inspired methods. Using protamine as a protein template, a range of TiO x –SiO x nanomaterials were synthesized and implemented for catalytic CO 2 thermal reduction reactions. The modularity of synthetic options afforded via biomineralization enables increases in surface area, which are ideally suited for subsequent modification to regulate catalytic performance. All materials were thoroughly characterized using a suite of synchrotron scattering and spectroscopic methods. Through these techniques, we have demonstrated that protamine-induced biomineralization results in largely disordered materials with changes in the local atomic structure dependent on the applied synthetic conditions. Protamine removal with treatment under acidic conditions greatly increased material surface area while causing measurable changes in the structure as revealed by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Upon subsequent hydrogenation, Ti- and Si-based defects were induced in the materials while the disordered nature of the material was still largely retained. Furthermore, we found that the incorporation of Si into TiO x was able to mitigate the known anatase to rutile phase change during the reaction while stabilizing the defect sites. The synthetic strategies described in this work are expected to be translatable to other metal oxide nanomaterial chemical structures, providing a means to control catalytic properties using benign synthetic strategies.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2014

An inconsistency in the standard maximum likelihood estimation of bulk flows

Maximum likelihood estimation of the bulk flow from radial peculiar motions of galaxies generally assumes a constant velocity field inside the survey volume. This assumption is inconsistent with the definition of bulk flow as the average of the peculiar velocity field over the relevant volume. This follows from a straightforward mathematical relation between the bulk flow of a sphere and the velocity potential on its surface. This inconsistency also exists for ideal data with exact radial velocities and full spatial coverage. Based on the same relation, we propose a simple modification to correct for this inconsistency.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2012

Nuclear magnetic relaxation dispersion investigations of water retention mechanism by cellulose ethers in mortars

We show how nuclear magnetic spin-lattice relaxation dispersion of proton-water (NMRD) can be used to elucidate the effect of cellulose ethers on water retention and hydration delay of freshly-mixed white cement pastes. NMRD is useful to determine the surface diffusion coefficient of water, the specific area and the hydration kinetics of the cement-based material. In spite of modifications of the solution's viscosity, we show that the cellulosic derivatives do not modify the surface diffusion coefficient of water. Thus, the mobility of water present inside the medium is not affected by the presence of polymer. However, these admixtures modify significantly the surface fraction of mobile water molecules transiently present at solid surfaces. This quantity measured, for the first time, for all admixed cement pastes is thus relevant to explain the water retention mechanism.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Estimation of mean electron energy in helium surface ionization waves on dielectric substrates

Abstract The determination of basic plasma parameters in atmospheric pressure discharges is critical to advancing their use in applications. Atmospheric pressure plasma jets have found use in the fields of medicine, agriculture, material modification and others. Atmospheric pressure plasma jets often generate plasma surface ionization waves (SIW) which interact with and propagate over surfaces. Electrical diagnostics are challenging in SIW due to high collision frequencies and small scale of the plasma discharge. This work employs a passive optical emission line ratio technique to estimate the mean electron energy in SIW over planar dielectric substrates. The method uses an intensity ratio of two helium triplet lines: He( 3 3 S ) at 706.5 nm and He( 3 3 D ) at 587.56 nm. A collisional-radiative model is used to correlate line ratio to mean electron energy and determine dependencies on electron density and He/air gas mixture. Mean electron energies ranging from 3–8 eV are determined in He/air mixtures and are found to remain constant as the surface wave propagates radially. This work provides a 2D, time-resolved, mean electron energy diagnostic for surface ionization wave propagation and validation of numerical modeling in atmospheric pressure systems with spatially varying He/air gas mixtures. The model in question is designed for use with any He line ratio in the n = 3 excitation level.

Morsell, Joshua (ORCID:0000000331073002)↗
DOE OSTI2017

InSb quantum dots produced by liquid-phase epitaxy on InGaAsSb/GaSb substrates

Indium-antimonide quantum dots are for the first time formed on the surface of an epitaxial In{sub 0.25}GaAsSb layer isoperiodic to a GaSb(001) substrate by liquid-phase epitaxy in the range of temperatures T = 450–467°C. Transmission electron microscopy shows that, the shape of quantum dots is close to a truncated cone and their distribution in terms of height and base size in the ensemble is monomodal. Large-sized quantum dots (with a base size of 30–50 nm and height of 3 nm) exhibit specific contrast in the plane-view diffraction-mode image, which is indicative of the presence of misfit defects. Modification of the chemical composition of the working surface of the substrate by the deposition of an epitaxial In{sub 0.25}GaAsSb layer makes possible a threefold increase in the density of the ensemble of InSb quantum dots (1 × 10{sup 10} cm{sup –2}) compared to the density in the case of deposition directly onto the GaSb binary compound.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Performance Evaluation of the Meteorology and Air Quality Conditions From Multiscale WRF-CMAQ Simulations for the Long Island Sound Tropospheric Ozone Study (LISTOS)

The Long Island Sound (LIS) Tropospheric Ozone Study was a multi-agency collaborative field campaign conducted during the summer of 2018 to improve the understanding of ozone chemistry and transport from New York City to areas downstream, especially the LIS and adjacent Connecticut coastline. Measurements made during this campaign were leveraged to test and evaluate the coupled WRF-CMAQ model at 12 km, 4 and 1.33 km horizontal grid spacing. Special attention was placed on the model's representation of sea breeze circulations, low level jets, and boundary layer evolution. The evaluation suggests using higher resolutions resulted in improved surface meteorology statistics throughout the whole summer, with temperature biases seeing the biggest statistical improvements when using 1.33-km grid spacing, going from –0.12 to 0.08 K. Additionally, 4-km grid spacing provided the biggest advantage when simulating ozone over the region of interest, with biases being reduced from 2.40 to 0.57 to 0.37 ppbV with increased resolution. Case studies of two high ozone concentration events (July 10 and August 6) revealed that sound breezes and low-level jets had a critical role in transporting pollutant-rich, shallow marine air masses from the LIS inland over the Connecticut coast. Modifications were made to the representation of sea surface temperatures, which subsequently improved the simulation of surface ozone predictions.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Improving a Multilevel Turbulence Closure Model for a Shallow Lake in Comparison With Other 1-D Models

Lakes differ from lands in water availability, heat capacity, albedo, and roughness, which affect local surface-atmospheric interactions. This study modified a multilevel upper ocean model (UOM) for lake applications and evaluated its performance in Lake Taihu (China) with comprehensive measurements against three popular one-dimensional (1-D) lake models. These models were based on different concepts, including the self-similarity (FLake), the wind-driven eddy diffusion (LISSS), the k-ε turbulence closure (SIMSTRAT), and a simplified turbulence closure (UOM). The surface flux scheme in these models was unified to exclude the discrepancies in representing air-lake exchanges. All models in their default formulations presented obvious cold water temperature biases and largely underestimated the lake surface temperature (LST) diurnal range. For each model, these deficiencies were significantly reduced by incorporating new physics schemes or calibrated tunable parameters based on systematic sensitivity tests. The primary modifications for UOM included (1) a new scheme of decreased surface roughness lengths to better characterize the shallow lake, (2) a solar radiation penetration scheme with increased light extinction coefficient and surface absorption fraction to account for the high water turbidity, and (3) turbulent Prandtl number increased by a factor of 20 to reduce the turbulent vertical mixing. All other models were improved in these three aspects (roughness, extinction, and mixing) within their original formulations. Given these improvements, UOM showed superior performance to other models in capturing LST diurnal cycle and daily to seasonal variations, as well as summer-autumn vertical stratification changes. The new UOM is well suited for application in shallow lakes.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2012

Enhanced oxygen storage capacity of Ce{sub 0.88}Mn{sub 0.12}O{sub y} compared to CeO{sub 2}: An experimental and theoretical investigation

Graphical abstract: Display Omitted Highlights: ► Ce{sub 0.88}Mn{sub 0.12}O{sub y} and CeO{sub 2} hollow nanospheres were successfully prepared via a supercritical antisolvent process. ► Compared with the pure CeO{sub 2}, the Ce{sub 0.88}Mn{sub 0.12}O{sub y} has nearly the same surface area but more oxygen vacancies. ► DFT calculations shows that the surface oxygen of the CeO{sub 2} gets activated after doping Mn. -- Abstract: Ce{sub 0.88}Mn{sub 0.12}O{sub y} and CeO{sub 2} nanoparticles have been successfully prepared via a supercritical antisolvent process. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy displays the hollow and spherical structures of these nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction analysis demonstrates the formation of Ce{sub 0.88}Mn{sub 0.12}O{sub y} solid solution. N{sub 2} adsorption reveals that the Ce{sub 0.88}Mn{sub 0.12}O{sub y} has nearly the same surface area with the CeO{sub 2}. It is shown that the Ce{sub 0.88}Mn{sub 0.12}O{sub y} has higher oxygen storage capacity (OSC) than the CeO{sub 2}. To understand the mechanism of the improved OSC of the Mn doped CeO{sub 2}, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectra and density functional theoretical (DFT) calculations have been performed. It is found that the Ce{sub 0.88}Mn{sub 0.12}O{sub y} presents more oxygen vacancies, indicating the easier of oxygen mobility from bulk to surface. DFT calculations reveal that structural and electronic modifications are caused by the incorporation of Mn in the CeO{sub 2}, resulting in activated oxygen species. The oxygen vacancy formation energy is lowered by the Mn doping. These changes are responsible for the enhanced OSC of the Ce{sub 0.88}Mn{sub 0.12}O{sub y}.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Plutonium Dedicated Surface Probe Microscopy Capability

An atomic force microscope (AFM) equipped with gas dosing capabilities and a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) housed within a vacuum chamber with Pu sputtering capabilities and the potential for rapid heating via electron bombardment have been devised for investigations of Pu surface aging (such as oxidation, corrosion, and self-irradiation damage), reactivity, and rapid heating. These instruments are capable of probing Pu surface areas ranging from a fractions of nm2 (STM) to hundreds of μm2 (AFM) to obtain three dimensional imaging of surface microstructure and morphology, as well as mapping of the local electronic structure (i.e., the occupied and unoccupied electronic states), surface chemical, and mechanical properties. A detailed description of our surface probe microscopy (SPM) capability, specifically designed for handling of Pu coupons is given in the references. In FY20, four tasks have been undertaken: Resumed maintenance of Pu AFM and modification of STM capabilities including calibration, annual measurement of Pu surface, and implementation of additional instrumentation for rapid heating effort; Analyzed AFM FY19 gas dosing experiment data of 7 at% gallium-stabilized δ-phase Pu (δ-Pu) coupon; Determined the direction of future gas dosing experiments to investigate reversibility of surface features; and, Published a paper titled "Effects of ion sputtering on plutonium surfaces" in the Journal of Nuclear Materials.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Recovery of Glass and Silicon Solar Cells from Si-Modules Through Laser Processing

This study demonstrates an innovative and environmentally friendly laser-based approach for the efficient recovery of glass and silicon solar cells, allowing the recycling of photovoltaic modules. The methodology involves the use of a high-power pulsed laser beam focusing at various interfaces within the modules. Specifically, the delivery of ultra-short pulse laser energy at the interfaces of glass and polymeric encapsulants, as well as at the encapsulants and silicon solar cells, facilitates the debonding of polymers from both glass and silicon cell surfaces. The debonding occurs through photothermal, ablation, chemical modification, and localized heat generation. The research successfully demonstrates the recovery of glass from commercial mini solar modules of size 11.5 x 6.8 cm 2 and a silicon wafer of size 3.0x1.6 cm 2 . Ongoing efforts aim to extend the effectiveness of this laser-based methodology to comprehensively recycle larger-size components. This innovative approach holds promise for addressing environmental concerns associated with the disposal of solar modules, contributing to sustainable practices in the renewable energy sector.

glass↗
DOE OSTI2015

Impacts of ocean albedo alteration on Arctic sea ice restoration and Northern Hemisphere climate

The Arctic Ocean is expected to transition into a seasonally ice-free state by mid-century, enhancing Arctic warming and leading to substantial ecological and socio-economic challenges across the Arctic region. It has been proposed that artificially increasing high latitude ocean albedo could restore sea ice, but the climate impacts of such a strategy have not been previously explored. Motivated by this, we investigate the impacts of idealized high latitude ocean albedo changes on Arctic sea ice restoration and climate. In our simulated 4xCO₂ climate, imposing surface albedo alterations over the Arctic Ocean leads to partial sea ice recovery and a modest reduction in Arctic warming. With the most extreme ocean albedo changes, imposed over the area 70°–90°N, September sea ice cover stabilizes at ~40% of its preindustrial value (compared to ~3% without imposed albedo modifications). This is accompanied by an annual mean Arctic surface temperature decrease of ~2 °C but no substantial global mean temperature decrease. Imposed albedo changes and sea ice recovery alter climate outside the Arctic region too, affecting precipitation distribution over parts of the continental United States and Northeastern Pacific. For example, following sea ice recovery, wetter and milder winter conditions are present in the Southwest United States while the East Coast experiences cooling. We conclude that although ocean albedo alteration could lead to some sea ice recovery, it does not appear to be an effective way of offsetting the overall effects of CO₂ induced global warming.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

Error field and magnetic diagnostic modeling for W7-X

The prediction, detection, and compensation of error fields for the W7-X device will play a key role in achieving a high beta (Β = 5%), steady state (30 minute pulse) operating regime utilizing the island divertor system [1]. Additionally, detection and control of the equilibrium magnetic structure in the scrape-off layer will be necessary in the long-pulse campaign as bootstrapcurrent evolution may result in poor edge magnetic structure [2]. An SVD analysis of the magnetic diagnostics set indicates an ability to measure the toroidal current and stored energy, while profile variations go undetected in the magnetic diagnostics. An additional set of magnetic diagnostics is proposed which improves the ability to constrain the equilibrium current and pressure profiles. However, even with the ability to accurately measure equilibrium parameters, the presence of error fields can modify both the plasma response and diverter magnetic field structures in unfavorable ways. Vacuum flux surface mapping experiments allow for direct measurement of these modifications to magnetic structure. The ability to conduct such an experiment is a unique feature of stellarators. The trim coils may then be used to forward model the effect of an applied n = 1 error field. This allows the determination of lower limits for the detection of error field amplitude and phase using flux surface mapping. *Research supported by the U.S. DOE under Contract No. DE-AC02-09CH11466 with Princeton University.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2016

Application of temporal moments and other signal processing algorithms to analysis of ultrasonic signals through melting wax

Ultrasonic analysis is being explored as a way to capture events during melting of highly dispersive wax. Typical events include temperature changes in the material, phase transition of the material, surface flows and reformations, and void filling as the material melts. Melt tests are performed with wax to evaluate the usefulness of different signal processing algorithms in capturing event data. Several algorithm paths are being pursued. The first looks at changes in the velocity of the signal through the material. This is only appropriate when the changes from one ultrasonic signal to the next can be represented by a linear relationship, which is not always the case. The second tracks changes in the frequency content of the signal. The third algorithm tracks changes in the temporal moments of a signal over a full test. This method does not require that the changes in the signal be represented by a linear relationship, but attaching changes in the temporal moments to physical events can be difficult. This study describes the algorithm paths applied to experimental data from ultrasonic signals as wax melts and explores different ways to display the results.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

A simplified, numerically verified model for the global plasma reaction on a local cooling

An analytical model for heat losses along a magnetic surface to its small region cooled down abruptly to a very low temperature is deduced by applying a principle of minimum entropy production and verified by comparing with the results obtained by solving non-stationary two-dimensional heat conduction equation numerically. The model is elaborated further by taking into account heat flux limit and the plasma density modification due to the particle convection along the magnetic surface, triggered by the plasma pressure imbalance arising by the local cooling.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2015

Note: Work function change measurement via improved Anderson method

We propose the modification to the Anderson method of work function change (Δϕ) measurements. In this technique, the kinetic energy of the probing electrons is already low enough for non-destructive investigation of delicate molecular systems. However, in our implementation, all electrodes including filament of the electron gun are polarized positively. As a consequence, electron bombardment of any elements of experimental system is eliminated. Our modification improves cleanliness of the ultra-high vacuum system. As an illustration of the solution capabilities, we present Δϕ of the Ag(100) surface induced by cobalt phthalocyanine layers.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗