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At least 1,243 records · Page 69

Positron generation using laser-wakefield electron sources

Positron generation, using wakefield-accelerated electrons driven into a converter target, was investigated experimentally and through Monte Carlo simulations. Using experimentally measured initial electron distributions from a 60 fs laser system, modeling shows that a collimated wakefield electron beam of moderate energy (50–200 MeV) produces a large number of positrons (~10 7 ), which are emitted from the rear of a mm-scale, high-Z target with divergence angles between 50 and 150 mrad. The large perpendicular momentum of the positrons was found to be dominated by contributions from multiple small angle Coulomb scattering. Positrons were not observed above background noise for a range of targets where simulations indicate a 5–30× increase in the beam charge was necessary to exceed threshold detection. These results provide new understanding to the fundamental limitations of creating narrow-divergence, high-density positron beams from laser-wakefield platforms for use in future laboratory pair plasma experiments.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Light scattering characteristics of various aerosol types derived from multiple wavelength lidar observations

The present study demonstrates the potential of a multiple-wavelength lidar for discriminating between several aerosol types on the basis of the wavelength dependence of the aerosol backscatter coefficient. The two-component lidar equation was solved under the assumption of similarity in the derived profiles of backscatter coefficients for each wavelength. It is shown that a three-wavelength lidar system operating at 300, 600, and 1064nm can provide unique information for discriminating between various aerosol types (continental, maritime, Saharan-dust, stratospheric aerosols in a tropopause fold event, and tropical forest aerosols). Mie calculations were made using in situ aerosol data and aerosol models to compare with the lidar results. The disagreement between the theoretical and empirical results in some cases was substantial. These differences may be partly due to uncertainties in the lidar data analysis and aerosol characteristics and also due to the conventional assumption of aerosol sphericity for the aerosol Mie calculations.

Sasano, Yasuhiro↗

Predicting nucleon-nucleus scattering observables using nuclear structure theory

Developing a predictive capability for inelastic scattering will find applications in multiple areas. Experimental data for neutron-nucleus inelastic scattering is limited and thus one needs a robust theoretical framework to complement it. Charged-particle inelastic scattering can be used as a surrogate for ( n, γ ) reactions to predict capture cross sections for unstable nuclei. Our work uses microscopic nuclear structure calculations for spherical nuclei to obtain nucleon-nucleus scattering potentials and calculate cross sections for these processes. We implement the Jeukenne, Lejeune, Mahaux (JLM) semi-microscopic folding approach, where the medium effects on nuclear interaction are parameterized in nuclear matter to obtain the nucleon-nucleon ( NN ) interaction in a medium at positive energies. We solve for the nuclear ground state using the Hartree-Fock-Bogliubov (HFB) many-body method, assuming the nucleons within the nucleus interact via the Gogny-D1M potential. The vibrational excited states of the target nucleus are calculated using the quasi-particle random phase approximation (QRPA). We demonstrate our approach for spherical nuclei in the medium-mass region, showing scattering results for the 90 Zr nucleus.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Radio frequency performance predictions for the hoop/column point design

Preliminary antenna pattern tests were conducted to determine if catastrophic effects were produced by cables (conducting) in the aperture. This test consisted of an apex feed illuminating a 3 meter solid reflector. A hoop/column configuration was used in positioning the various wires and cables. Radiation patterns were measured at 7 GHz and 10 GHz. No catastrophic effects were observed for this configuration, but additional tests are required to determine the effects for more precision multiple beam applications. In order to better understand the scattering and blockage effects on multiple beam performance, a 35 GHz model was used to model somewhat a single quad aperture configuration. Experimental results using this models are presented in graphs.

Campbell, T. G.↗

Spatial frequency spectrum of the x-ray scatter distribution in CBCT projections

Purpose: X-ray scatter is a source of significant image quality loss in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The use of Monte Carlo (MC) simulations separating primary and scattered photons has allowed the structure and nature of the scatter distribution in CBCT to become better elucidated. This work seeks to quantify the structure and determine a suitable basis function for the scatter distribution by examining its spectral components using Fourier analysis.Methods: The scatter distribution projection data were simulated using a CBCT MC model based on the EGSnrc code. CBCT projection data, with separated primary and scatter signal, were generated for a 30.6 cm diameter water cylinder [single angle projection with varying axis-to-detector distance (ADD) and bowtie filters] and two anthropomorphic phantoms (head and pelvis, 360 projections sampled every 1°, with and without a compensator). The Fourier transform of the resulting scatter distributions was computed and analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. A novel metric called the scatter frequency width (SFW) is introduced to determine the scatter distribution's frequency content. The frequency content results are used to determine a set basis functions, consisting of low-frequency sine and cosine functions, to fit and denoise the scatter distribution generated from MC simulations using a reduced number of photons and projections. The signal recovery is implemented using Fourier filtering (low-pass Butterworth filter) and interpolation. Estimates of the scatter distribution are used to correct and reconstruct simulated projections.Results: The spatial and angular frequencies are contained within a maximum frequency of 0.1 cm{sup −1} and 7/(2π) rad{sup −1} for the imaging scenarios examined, with these values varying depending on the object and imaging setup (e.g., ADD and compensator). These data indicate spatial and angular sampling every 5 cm and π/7 rad (∼25°) can be used to properly capture the scatter distribution, with reduced sampling possible depending on the imaging scenario. Using a low-pass Butterworth filter, tuned with the SFW values, to denoise the scatter projection data generated from MC simulations using 10{sup 6} photons resulted in an error reduction of greater than 85% for the estimating scatter in single and multiple projections. Analysis showed that the use of a compensator helped reduce the error in estimating the scatter distribution from limited photon simulations by more than 37% when compared to the case without a compensator for the head and pelvis phantoms. Reconstructions of simulated head phantom projections corrected by the filtered and interpolated scatter estimates showed improvements in overall image quality.Conclusions: The spatial frequency content of the scatter distribution in CBCT is found to be contained within the low frequency domain. The frequency content is modulated both by object and imaging parameters (ADD and compensator). The low-frequency nature of the scatter distribution allows for a limited set of sine and cosine basis functions to be used to accurately represent the scatter signal in the presence of noise and reduced data sampling decreasing MC based scatter estimation time. Compensator induced modulation of the scatter distribution reduces the frequency content and improves the fitting results.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Analytic image reconstruction from partial data for a single-scan cone-beam CT with scatter correction

Purpose: A beam-blocker composed of multiple strips is a useful gadget for scatter correction and/or for dose reduction in cone-beam CT (CBCT). However, the use of such a beam-blocker would yield cone-beam data that can be challenging for accurate image reconstruction from a single scan in the filtered-backprojection framework. The focus of the work was to develop an analytic image reconstruction method for CBCT that can be directly applied to partially blocked cone-beam data in conjunction with the scatter correction. Methods: The authors developed a rebinned backprojection-filteration (BPF) algorithm for reconstructing images from the partially blocked cone-beam data in a circular scan. The authors also proposed a beam-blocking geometry considering data redundancy such that an efficient scatter estimate can be acquired and sufficient data for BPF image reconstruction can be secured at the same time from a single scan without using any blocker motion. Additionally, scatter correction method and noise reduction scheme have been developed. The authors have performed both simulation and experimental studies to validate the rebinned BPF algorithm for image reconstruction from partially blocked cone-beam data. Quantitative evaluations of the reconstructed image quality were performed in the experimental studies. Results: The simulation study revealed that the developed reconstruction algorithm successfully reconstructs the images from the partial cone-beam data. In the experimental study, the proposed method effectively corrected for the scatter in each projection and reconstructed scatter-corrected images from a single scan. Reduction of cupping artifacts and an enhancement of the image contrast have been demonstrated. The image contrast has increased by a factor of about 2, and the image accuracy in terms of root-mean-square-error with respect to the fan-beam CT image has increased by more than 30%. Conclusions: The authors have successfully demonstrated that the proposed scanning method and image reconstruction algorithm can effectively estimate the scatter in cone-beam projections and produce tomographic images of nearly scatter-free quality. The authors believe that the proposed method would provide a fast and efficient CBCT scanning option to various applications particularly including head-and-neck scan.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Solar axion search technique with correlated signals from multiple detectors

The coherent Bragg scattering of photons converted from solar axions inside crystals would boost the signal for axion-photon coupling enhancing experimental sensitivity for these hypothetical particles. Knowledge of the scattering angle of solar axions with respect to the crystal lattice is required to make theoretical predications of signal strength. Hence, both the lattice axis angle within a crystal and the absolute angle between the crystal and the Sun must be known. In this paper, we examine how the experimental sensitivity changes with respect to various experimental parameters. We also demonstrate that, in a multiple-crystal setup, knowledge of the relative axis orientation between multiple crystals can improve the experimental sensitivity, or equivalently, relax the precision on the absolute solar angle measurement. However, if absolute angles of all crystal axes are measured, we find that a precision of 2°–4° will suffice for an energy resolution of σ E = 0.04E and a flat background. Lastly, we also show that, given a minimum number of detectors, a signal model averaged over angles can substitute for precise crystal angular measurements, with some loss of sensitivity.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Multi-frequency progressive refinement for learned inverse scattering

Interpreting scattered acoustic and electromagnetic wave patterns is a computational task that enables remote imaging in a number of important applications, including medical imaging, geophysical exploration, sonar and radar detection, and nondestructive testing of materials. However, accurately and stably recovering an inhomogeneous medium from far-field scattered wave measurements is a computationally difficult problem, due to the nonlinear and non-local nature of the forward scattering process. We design a neural network, called Multi-Frequency Inverse Scattering Network (MFISNet), and a training method to approximate the inverse map from far-field scattered wave measurements at multiple frequencies. We consider three variants of MFISNet, with the strongest performing variant inspired by the recursive linearization method — a commonly used technique for stably inverting scattered wavefield data — that progressively refines the estimate with higher frequency content. MFISNet outperforms past methods in regimes with high-contrast, heterogeneous large objects, and inhomogeneous unknown backgrounds.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Characterization of Lorenz number with Seebeck coefficient measurement

In analyzing zT improvements due to lattice thermal conductivity (κ{sub L}) reduction, electrical conductivity (σ) and total thermal conductivity (κ{sub Total}) are often used to estimate the electronic component of the thermal conductivity (κ{sub E}) and in turn κ{sub L} from κ{sub L} = ∼ κ{sub Total} − LσT. The Wiedemann-Franz law, κ{sub E} = LσT, where L is Lorenz number, is widely used to estimate κ{sub E} from σ measurements. It is a common practice to treat L as a universal factor with 2.44 × 10{sup −8} WΩK{sup −2} (degenerate limit). However, significant deviations from the degenerate limit (approximately 40% or more for Kane bands) are known to occur for non-degenerate semiconductors where L converges to 1.5 × 10{sup −8} WΩK{sup −2} for acoustic phonon scattering. The decrease in L is correlated with an increase in thermopower (absolute value of Seebeck coefficient (S)). Thus, a first order correction to the degenerate limit of L can be based on the measured thermopower, |S|, independent of temperature or doping. We propose the equation: L=1.5+exp[−(|S|)/(116) ] (where L is in 10{sup −8} WΩK{sup −2} and S in μV/K) as a satisfactory approximation for L. This equation is accurate within 5% for single parabolic band/acoustic phonon scattering assumption and within 20% for PbSe, PbS, PbTe, Si{sub 0.8}Ge{sub 0.2} where more complexity is introduced, such as non-parabolic Kane bands, multiple bands, and/or alternate scattering mechanisms. The use of this equation for L rather than a constant value (when detailed band structure and scattering mechanism is not known) will significantly improve the estimation of lattice thermal conductivity.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Gamma-ray spectroscopy using angular distribution of Compton scattering

We present a novel method to perform gamma-ray spectroscopy suitable for extreme pileup situations, wherein traditional pulse-height spectroscopy is infeasible or impractical. One example of such application is spectral characterization of intense laser-based radiation sources that employ laser wakefield acceleration, in which a large number of photons can be produced in a well-collimated beam on a picosecond or shorter timescale. The method relies on the angularly-resolved calorimetric measurement of Compton scattering. The probability for a photon to undergo Compton scattering into a given solid angle is a function of its energy and is described by the Klein–Nishina formula. By first Compton scattering the incident beam and then measuring the total energies deposited in multiple detectors placed at various scattering angles, the incident beam energy spectrum can be reconstructed without resolving the individual events in detectors. Here, we compare the performance of an maximum likelihood expectation maximization algorithm with that of an artificial neural network to measure the energy spectrum of a beam of monoenergetic gamma rays from 137Cs decay. We demonstrate that the method can be used to reconstruct the characteristic inverse Compton scattering spectra.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Investigation of condensed matter by means of elastic thermal-neutron scattering

The application of elastic thermal-neutron scattering in investigations of condensed matter that were performed at the Institute for Theoretical and Experimental Physics is described. An account of diffraction studies with weakly absorbing crystals, including studies of the anomalous-absorption effect and coherent effects in diffuse scattering, is given. Particular attention is given to exposing the method of multiple small-angle neutron scattering (MSANS). It is shown how information about matter inhomogeneities can be obtained by this method on the basis of Molière’s theory. Prospects of the development of this method are outlined, and MSANS theory is formulated for a high concentration of matter inhomogeneities.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Development of Nanocrystalline Graphite from Lignin Sources

Carbon composites are attractive to a variety of high-impact applications, such as carbon fibers, batteries, and vehicle parts, due to their multifunctional properties. The properties of carbon are highly dependent on the allotrope the carbon takes and the functionality, impurities, and defects contained within the structure. The increase in demand for sustainable carbon sources in energy storage devices motivates interest in understanding synthesis parameters of lignin value-added products. Also, as the dependence on oil for fuel decreases, alternative sources for carbon in many applications will be needed. In this work, the thermochemical conversion of lignin powders from different feedstocks was evaluated via small and wide-angle X-ray scattering techniques to resolve the amorphous, disordered, and crystalline domains present in the lignin carbons. Scattering analyses indicated an evolution of hierarchical structures along with an increase in ordered domains as a function of carbonization temperature. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to describe isotropic scattering intensity profiles at multiple length scales. The use of power law models in the mesoscopic region served as the basis to describe morphological changes related to structural features, for example, graphene stacking, degree of roughness, and surface fractals. Kraft softwood and switchgrass produced carbon powder with the most crystalline domains and the least surface roughness. Softwoods reached the highest degree of crystallinity followed by switchgrass samples and had less variability in particle sizes. These results suggest lignin carbons extracted from softwoods and switchgrass are viable substitutes for graphite. Interpretation of X-ray scattering data from lignin carbon powders elucidates feedstock- and processing-dependent morphological features across multiple length scales providing a straightforward framework to evaluate the feasibility of leveraging lignin carbons for producing tunable application-specific materials.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Multiple relaxation and inhomogeneous broadening in resonance enhanced Raman scattering - Application to tunable infrared generation

The solutions for the imaginary susceptibility of the Raman field transition with arbitrary relaxation rates and field strengths are examined for differing sets of relaxation rates with emphasis on alkali metal vapors which have spontaneous emission dominated relaxation. The model is further expanded to include Doppler broadening and used to predict the peak gain as a function of detuning for a frequency doubled alexandrite laser-pumped cesium vapor gain cell.

Ryan, J. C.↗

Multiple Point Dynamic Gas Density Measurements Using Molecular Rayleigh Scattering

A nonintrusive technique for measuring dynamic gas density properties is described. Molecular Rayleigh scattering is used to measure the time-history of gas density simultaneously at eight spatial locations at a 50 kHz sampling rate. The data are analyzed using the Welch method of modified periodograms to reduce measurement uncertainty. Cross-correlations, power spectral density functions, cross-spectral density functions, and coherence functions may be obtained from the data. The technique is demonstrated using low speed co-flowing jets with a heated inner jet.

Seasholtz, Richard↗

Limits to Electrical Mobility in Lead-Halide Perovskite Semiconductors

Semiconducting polycrystalline thin films are cheap to produce and can be deposited on flexible substrates, yet high-performance electronic devices usually utilize single crystal semiconductors, owing to their superior charge-carrier mobilities and longer diffusion lengths. Here we show that the electrical performance of polycrystalline films of metal-halide perovskites (MHPs) approaches that of single crystals at room temperature. Combining temperature-dependent terahertz conductivity measurements and ab initio calculations we uncover a complete picture of the origins of charge-carrier scattering in single crystals and polycrystalline films of CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 . We show that Fröhlich scattering of charge carriers with multiple phonon modes is the dominant mechanism limiting mobility, with grain-boundary scattering further reducing mobility in polycrystalline films. We reconcile the large discrepancy in charge-carrier diffusion lengths between single crystals and films by considering photon reabsorption. Thus, polycrystalline films of MHPs offer great promise for devices beyond solar cells, including light-emitting diodes and modulators.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

A Multiple Sphere T-Matrix Fortran Code for Use on Parallel Computer Clusters

A general-purpose Fortran-90 code for calculation of the electromagnetic scattering and absorption properties of multiple sphere clusters is described. The code can calculate the efficiency factors and scattering matrix elements of the cluster for either fixed or random orientation with respect to the incident beam and for plane wave or localized- approximation Gaussian incident fields. In addition, the code can calculate maps of the electric field both interior and exterior to the spheres.The code is written with message passing interface instructions to enable the use on distributed memory compute clusters, and for such platforms the code can make feasible the calculation of absorption, scattering, and general EM characteristics of systems containing several thousand spheres.

Mackowski, D. W.↗

A Traceable Ground to On-Orbit Radiometric Calibration System for the Solar Reflective Wavelength Region

This paper describes the combination of a Mie scattering spectral BSDF and BTDF albedo standard whose calibration is traceable to the NIST SIRCUS Facility or the NIST STARR II Facility. The Space-based Calibration Transfer Spectroradiometer (SCATS) sensor uses a simple, invariant optical configuration and dedicated narrow band spectral channel modules to provide very accurate, polarization-insensitive, stable measurements of earth albedo and lunar disk albedo. Optical degradation effects on calibration stability are eliminated through use of a common optical system for observations of the Sun, Earth, and Moon. The measurements from space would be traceable to SI units through preflight calibrations of radiance and irradiance at NIST's SIRCUS facility and the invariant optical system used in the sensor. Simultaneous measurements are made in multiple spectral channels covering the solar reflective wavelength range of 300 nm to 2.4 microns. The large dynamic range of signals is handled by use of single-element, highly-linear detectors, stable discrete electronic components, and a non imaging optical configuration. Up to 19 spectral modules can be mounted on a single-axis drive to give direct pointing at the Earth and at least once per orbit view of the Sun and Moon. By observing the Sun on every orbit, the most stringent stability requirements of the system are limited to short time periods. The invariant optical system for both radiance and irradiance measurements also give excellent transfer to-orbit SI traceability. Emerging instrumental requirements for remotely sensing tropospheric trace species have led to a rethinking by some of the paradigm for Systeme International d'Unites (SI) traceability of the spectral irradiance and radiance radiometric calibrations to spectral albedo (sr(exp -1)) which is not a SI unit. In the solar reflective wavelength region the spectral albedo calibrations are tied often to either the spectral albedo of a solar diffuser or the Moon. This new type of Mie scattering diffuser (MSD) is capable of withstanding high temperatures, and is more Lambertian than Spectralon(tm). It has the potential of covering the entire solar reflective wavelength region. Laboratory measurements have shown that the specular reflectance component is negligible, and indicate that internal absorption by multiple scattering is small. This MSD, a true volume diffuser, exhibits a high degree of radiometric stability which suggests that measurements at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) could provide a spectral albedo standard. Measurements have been made of its radiometric stability under a simulated space environment of high energy gamma rays, high energy protons, and UV radiation from ambient down to the vacuum ultraviolet H Lyman alpha at 121.6 nm for its eventual use in space as a solar diffuser.

Heath, Donald F.↗

M5-brane and D-brane scattering amplitudes

We present tree-level $\mathcal{n}$-particle on-shell scattering amplitudes of various brane theories with 16 conserved supercharges. These include the world-volume theory of a probe D3-brane or D5-brane in 10D Minkowski spacetime as well as a probe M5-brane in 11D Minkowski spacetime, which describes self interactions of an abelian tensor supermultiplet with 6D (2, 0) supersymmetry. Twistor-string-like formulas are proposed for tree-level scattering amplitudes of all multiplicities for each of these theories. The R symmetry of the D3-brane theory is shown to be SU(4) × U(1), and the U(1) factor implies that its amplitudes are helicity conserving. Each of 6D theories (D5-brane and M5-brane) reduces to the D3-brane theory by dimensional reduction. Conclusively, as special cases of the general M5-brane amplitudes, we present compact formulas for examples involving only the self-dual B field with $\mathcal{n}$ = 4, 6, 8.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗