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At least 127 records · Page 7

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NASA NTRS1977

The Viking magnetic properties experiment - Primary mission results

Three permanent magnet arrays were mounted on each Viking lander: a strong array fixed on a photometric reference test chart on top of the landers; and two arrays, one strong and one weak, incorporated into the backhoe of the surface sampler. Some or all of the magnetic particles detected could be highly magnetic unoxidized mineral grains (metallic Fe, magnetite, pyrrhotite) forming the core beneath a reddish coating of limonite or hematite; or grains composed of gamma-Fe2O3, with and without other iron oxides; or igneous rock (or mineral particles) which consist of an admixture of unweathered silicate material or minerals with a significant fraction of highly magnetic phase, again with a reddish coating; they could be also igneous rock or mineral particles, intrinsically nonmagnetic, but having a reddish coating containing gamma-Fe2O3; or clay mineral particles which contain and/or are coated with Fe2O3, of which a substantial fraction is in the gamma-Fe2O3 form.

Hargraves, R. B.↗

NASA NTRS1991

The Interstellar Gas Experiment (IGE)

The Interstellar Gas Experiment (IGE) exposed thin metallic foils in order to collect neutral particles from the interstellar gas. These particles were entrapped in the foils along with precipitating magnetospheric and ambient atmospheric particles. Seven of these foils collected particles arriving from seven different directions as seen from the spacecraft for the entire duration of the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) mission. The authors' mass spectroscopy analysis of the noble gas component of these interstellar particles detected isotopes of helium and neon. These preliminary measurements suggest that the various isotopes are occurring in approximately the expected amounts and that their distribution in direction of arrival is close to what models predict. The analysis to subtract the background fluxes of magnetospheric and atmospheric particles is still in progress. The hope of this experiment is to investigate the noble gas isotopic ratios of this interstellar sample of matter which originated outside the solar system.

Lind, Don↗

NASA NTRS1981

A new transition radiation detector for cosmic ray nuclei

Test measurements on materials for transition radiation detectors at a low Lorentz factor are reported. The materials will be based on board Spacelab-2 for determining the composition and energy spectra of nuclear cosmic rays in the 1 TeV/nucleon range. The transition radiation detectors consist of a sandwich of radiator-photon detector combinations. The radiators emit X-rays and are composed of polyolefin fibers used with Xe filled multiwired proportional chamber (MWPC) detectors capable of detecting particle Lorentz factors of several hundred. The sizing of the detectors is outlined, noting the requirement of a thickness which provides a maximum ratio of transition radiation to total signal in the chambers. The fiber radiator-MWPC responses were tested at Fermilab and in an electron cyclotron. An increase in transition radiation detection was found as a square power law of Z, and the use of six radiator-MWPC on board the Spacelab-2 is outlined.

Lheureux, J.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Identification of Prompt Proton Emission in $N = Z - 1$ 61 Ga: Isospin Symmetry at the Limit of Nuclear Binding

Excited states in the proton drip line nucleus 61 Ga were populated via the fusion-evaporation reaction 24 Mg ⁢( 40 Ca, 𝑝⁢2⁢𝑛)⁢ 61 Ga. The experimental setup at Argonne National Laboratory comprised a novel combination of the Gammasphere array with two CD-shaped double-sided Si-strip detectors inside the Microball CsI(Tl) charged-particle detection array, as well as the Neutron-Shell liquid scintillators and the Fragment Mass Analyzer. Owing to the setup’s unprecedented in-beam proton spectroscopy and tracking capabilities, a coincidence between a 957.6(5)-keV 𝛾 ray and a 1.876(24)-MeV proton line was observed, which identifies the quasibound proton 𝜋⁢𝑔 9/2 single-particle state in 61 Ga at 𝐸 𝑥 = 2150⁢(34) keV. This probes isospin symmetry at the limit of nuclear binding by providing a unique challenge for the shell-model interpretation of mirror nuclei beyond doubly magic 56 Ni .

Hrabar, Yuliia [Lund Univ. (Sweden)] (ORCID:000000↗

NASA NTRS1995

Acoustic Detection Of Loose Particles In Pressure Sensors

Particle-impact-noise-detector (PIND) apparatus used in conjunction with computer program analyzing output of apparatus to detect extraneous particles trapped in pressure sensors. PIND tester essentially shaker equipped with microphone measuring noise in pressure sensor or other object being shaken. Shaker applies controlled vibration. Output of microphone recorded and expressed in terms of voltage, yielding history of noise subsequently processed by computer program. Data taken at sampling rate sufficiently high to enable identification of all impacts of particles on sensor diaphragm and on inner surfaces of sensor cavities.

Kwok, Lloyd C.↗

NASA NTRS2001

Advanced Thin Ionization Calorimeter (ATIC) Balloon Experiment

During grant NAG5-5064, Louisiana State University (LSU) led the ATIC team in the development, construction, testing, accelerator validation, pre-deployment integration and flight operations of the Advanced Thin Ionization Calorimeter (ATIC) Balloon Experiment. This involved interfacing among the ATIC collaborators (UMD, NRL/MSFC, SU, MSU, WI, SNU) to develop a new balloon payload based upon a fully active calorimeter, a carbon target, a scintillator strip hodoscope and a pixilated silicon solid state detector for a detailed investigation of the very high energy cosmic rays to energies beyond 10(exp 14) eV/nucleus. It is in this very high energy region that theory predicts changes in composition and energy spectra related to the Supernova Remnant Acceleration model for cosmic rays below the "knee" in the all-particle spectrum. This report provides a documentation list, details the anticipated ATIC science return, describes the particle detection principles on which the experiment is based, summarizes the simulation results for the system, describes the validation work at the CERN SPS accelerator and details the balloon flight configuration. The ATIC experiment had a very successful LDB flight from McMurdo, Antarctica in 12/00 - 1/01. The instrument performed well for the entire 15 days. Preliminary data analysis shows acceptable charge resolution and an all-particle power law energy deposition distribution not inconsistent with previous measurements. Detailed analysis is underway and will result in new data on the cosmic ray charge and energy spectra in the GeV - TeV energy range. ATIC is currently being refurbished in anticipation of another LDB flight in the 2002-03 period.

Wefel, John P.↗

NASA NTRS2009

Mercuric Iodide Anticoincidence Shield for Gamma-Ray Spectrometer

A film-growth process was developed for polycrystalline mercuric iodide that creates cost-effective, large-area detectors for high-energy charged-particle detection. A material, called a barrier film, is introduced onto the substrate before the normal mercuric iodide film growth process. The barrier film improves the quality of the normal film grown and enhances the adhesion between the film and the substrate. The films grown using this improved technique were found to have adequate signal-to-noise properties so that individual high-energy charged -particle interactions could be distinguished from noise, and thus, could be used to provide an anticoincidence veto function as desired.

Hartsough, Neal↗

DOE OSTI2024

Angular Dependence of Drell-Yan in the SeaQuest Experiment using Deep Neural Network-Based Reconstruction

The SeaQuest and SpinQuest experiments at Fermilab were designed to probe the internal dynamics of protons and neutrons via the angular dependence of muons created by colliding 120 GeV protons into stationary targets. To do this, it is necessary to translate the detector data into coherent information about the particles detected in the experiment. This dissertation describes the development and implementation of QTracker, a neural network-based algorithm designed to reconstruct muons. The application of QTracker to experimental data yields improved reconstruction of muon tracks, allowing for a more precise investigation of the transverse momentum distributions and angular modulations in the Drell-Yan process. This work highlights the potential of neural network-based methods to advance particle tracking and enhance our understanding of nucleon structure.

Conover, Arthur↗

NASA NTRS1994

Measurements of Ice Particles in Tropical Cirrus Anvils: Importance in Radiation Balance

Cirrus is important in the radiation balance of the global atmosphere, both at solar and thermal infrared (IR) wavelengths. In particular cirrus produced by deep convection over the oceans in the tropics may be critical in controlling processes whereby energy from warm tropical oceans is injected to different levels in the tropical atmosphere to subsequently influence not only tropical but mid latitude climate. Details of the cloud composition may differentiate between a net cooling or warming at these levels. The cloud composition may change depending on the input of nuclei from volcanic or other sources. Observations of cirrus during the FIRE-2 Project over Coffeyville, Kansas and by satellite demonstrate that cirrus, on occasion, is composed not only of larger particles with significant fall velocity (few hundred micrometers, 0.5 m/s) but much more numerous small particles, size 10-20 micrometers, with small fall velocity (cm/s), which may sometimes dominate the radiation field. This is consistent with emissivity measurements. In the thermal IR, ice absorption is strong, so that ice particles only 10 micrometers thick are opaque, at some wavelengths; on the other hand at other wavelengths and in the visible, ice is only moderately to weakly absorbing. It follows that for strongly absorbing wavelengths the average projected area of the ice particles is the important parameter, in weakly absorbing regions it is the volume (mass) of ice which is important. The shape of particles and also their internal structure may also have significant effect on their radiative properties. In order to access the role of cirrus in the radiation budget it is necessary to measure the distribution of ice particles sizes, shapes and concentrations in the regions of interest. A casual observation of any cirrus cloud shows that there is variability down to a scale of at least a few 100 m; this is confirmed by radar and lidar remote sensing. Thus aircraft measurements designed to give insight into the spatial distribution of radiation properties of ice crystals must be capable of examination of concentration, size and shape over a distance ideally of 100 m or less and to detect particles down to a size below which radiative effects are no longer significant.

Foster, Theodore↗

NASA NTRS2011

Interplanetary Magnetic Field Guiding Relativistic Particles

The origin and the propagation of relativistic solar particles (0.5 to few Ge V) in the interplanetary medium remains a debated topic. These relativistic particles, detected at the Earth by neutron monitors have been previously accelerated close to the Sun and are guided by the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) lines, connecting the acceleration site and the Earth. Usually, the nominal Parker spiral is considered for ensuring the magnetic connection to the Earth. However, in most GLEs the IMF is highly disturbed, and the active regions associated to the GLEs are not always located close to the solar footprint of the nominal Parker spiral. A possible explanation is that relativistic particles are propagating in transient magnetic structures, such as Interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejections (ICMEs). In order to check this interpretation, we studied in detail the interplanetary medium where the particles propagate for 10 GLEs of the last solar cycle. Using the magnetic field and the plasma parameter measurements (ACE/MAG and ACE/SWEPAM), we found widely different IMF configurations. In an independent approach we develop and apply an improved method of the velocity dispersion analysis to energetic protons measured by SoHO/ERNE. We determined the effective path length and the solar release time of protons from these data and also combined them with the neutron monitor data. We found that in most of the GLEs, protons propagate in transient magnetic structures. Moreover, the comparison between the interplanetary magnetic structure and the interplanetary length suggest that the timing of particle arrival at Earth is dominantly determined by the type of IMF in which high energetic particles are propagating. Finally we find that these energetic protons are not significantly scattered during their transport to Earth.

Masson, S.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Scattering of 42-MeV alpha particles from Cu-65

The extended particle-core coupling model was used to predict the properties of low-lying levels of Cu-65. A 42-MeV alpha particle cyclotron beam was used for the experiment. The experiment included magnetic analysis of the incident beam and particle detection by lithium-drifted silicon semiconductors. Angular distributions were measured for 10 to 50 degrees in the center of mass system. Data was reduced by fitting the peaks with a skewed Gaussian function using a least squares computer program with a linear background search. The energy calibration of each system was done by pulsar, and the excitation energies are accurate to + or - 25 keV. The simple weak coupling model cannot account for the experimentally observed quantities of the low-lying levels of Cu-65. The extended particle-core calculation showed that the coupling is not weak and that considerable configuration mixing of the low-lying states results.

Stewart, W. M.↗

NASA NTRS2001

A Nanometer Aerosol Size Analyzer (nASA) for Rapid Measurement of High-Concentration Size Distributions

We have developed a fast-response Nanometer Aerosol Size Analyzer (nASA) that is capable of scanning 30 size channels between 3 and 100 nm in a total time of 3 seconds. The analyzer includes a bipolar charger (P0210), an extended-length Nanometer Differential Mobility Analyzer (Nano-DMA), and an electrometer (TSI 3068). This combination of components provides particle size spectra at a scan rate of 0.1 second per channel free of uncertainties caused by response-time-induced smearing. The nASA thus offers a fast response for aerosol size distribution measurements in high-concentration conditions and also eliminates the need for applying a de-smearing algorithm to resulting data. In addition, because of its thermodynamically stable means of particle detection, the nASA is useful for applications requiring measurements over a broad range of sample pressures and temperatures. Indeed, experimental transfer functions determined for the extended-length Nano-DMA using the Tandem Differential Mobility Analyzer (TDMA) technique indicate the nASA provides good size resolution at pressures as low as 200 Torr. Also, as was demonstrated in tests to characterize the soot emissions from the J85-GE engine of a T38 aircraft, the broad dynamic concentration range of the nASA makes it particularly suitable for studies of combustion or particle formation processes. Further details of the nASA performance as well as results from calibrations, laboratory tests and field applications are presented.

Han, Hee-Siew↗

NASA NTRS2018

Solar Energetic Particle Events Observed by the PAMELA Mission

Despite the significant progress achieved in recent years, the physical mechanisms underlying the origin of solar energetic particles (SEPs) are still a matter of debate. The complex nature of both particle acceleration and transport poses challenges to developing a universal picture of SEP events that encompasses both the low-energy (from tens of keV to a few hundreds of MeV)observations made by space-based instruments and the GeV particles detected by the worldwide network of neutron monitors in ground-level enhancements (GLEs). The high-precision data collected by the Payload for Antimatter Matter Exploration and Light-nuclei Astrophysics (PAMELA) satellite experiment offer a unique opportunity to study the SEP fluxes between ∼80 MeV and a few GeV, significantly improving the characterization of the most energetic events. In particular, PAMELA can measure for the first time with good accuracy the spectral features at moderate and high energies, providing important constraints for current SEP models. In addition, the PAMELA observations allow the relationship between low and high-energy particles to be investigated, enabling a clearer view of the SEP origin. No qualitative distinction between the spectral shapes of GLE, sub-GLE and non-GLE events is observed, suggesting that GLEs are not a separate class, but are the subset of a continuous distribution of SEP events that are more intense at high energies. While the spectral forms found are to be consistent with diffusive shock acceleration theory, which predicts spectral rollovers at high energies that are attributed to particles escaping the shock region during acceleration, further work is required to explore the relative influences of acceleration and transport processes on SEP spectra.

Bruno, A.↗

NASA NTRS2020

Prokaryotic and Fungal Characterization of the Facilities Used to Assemble, Test, and Launch the OSIRIS-REx Spacecraft

To characterize the ATLO (Assembly, Test, and Launch Operations) environment of the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, we analyzed 17 aluminum witness foils and two blanks for bacterial, archaeal, fungal, and arthropod DNA. Under NASA’s Planetary Protection guidelines, OSIRIS-REx is a Category II outbound, Category V unrestricted sample return mission. As a result, it has no bioburden restrictions. However, the mission does have strict organic contamination requirements to achieve its primary objective of returning pristine carbonaceous asteroid regolith to Earth. Its target, near-Earth asteroid (101955) Bennu, is likely to contain organic compounds that are biologically available. Therefore, it is useful to understand what organisms were present during ATLO as part of the larger contamination knowledge effort—even though it is unlikely that any of the organisms will survive the multi-year deep space journey. Even though these samples of opportunity were not collected or preserved for DNA analysis, we successfully amplified bacterial and archaeal DNA (16S rRNA gene) from 16 of the 17 witness foils containing as few as 7 ± 3 cells per sample. Fungal DNA (ITS1) was detected in 12 of the 17 witness foils. Despite observing arthropods in some of the ATLO facilities, arthropod DNA (COI gene) was not detected. We observed 1,009 bacterial and archaeal sOTUs (sub-operational taxonomic units, 100% unique) and 167 fungal sOTUs across all of our samples (25–84 sOTUs per sample). The most abundant bacterial sOTU belonged to the genus Bacillus. This sOTU was present in blanks and may represent contamination during sample handling or storage. The sample collected from inside the fairing just prior to launch contained several unique bacterial and fungal sOTUs that describe previously uncharacterized potential for contamination during the final phase of ATLO. Additionally, fungal richness (number of sOTUs) negatively correlates with the number of carbon-bearing particles detected on samples. The total number of fungal sequences positively correlates with total amino acid concentration. These results demonstrate that it is possible to use samples of opportunity to characterize the microbiology of low-biomass environments while also revealing the limitations imposed by sample collection and preservation methods not specifically designed with biology in mind.

Aaron B. Regberg↗

NASA NTRS1989

Detecting Impacts Of Particles On Spacecraft

Report describes proposed network of acoustical sensors, in effect, miniature seismographic system, to detect impacts of particles on external panels of spacecraft. Inexpensive thin-film vibration sensors placed on insides of panels and connected to relatively-simple data-collection system. Meteoroid shields already planned for Space Station serves as panels on spacecraft. Describes tests of concept in which small spheres impinged on aluminum panels. Tests showed sensor data used to determine locations and characteristics of impacts and panels provide suitable medium for detecting low-probability impacts of interest.

Lempriere, Brian M.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Potential absence of observed π2 linear-chain structures in 14O via 10C(α,α) resonances scattering

Background: The preference for light nuclear systems to coagulate into -particle clusters has been well-studied. The possibility of a linear chain configuration of -particles would allow for a new way to study this phenomenon. Purpose: A rotational band of states in C has been claimed showing a linear chain structure. The mirror system, O, has been studied here to examine how this linear chain structure is affected by replacing the valence neutrons with protons. Method: A beam of C was incident into a chamber filled with He:CO gas with the tracks recorded inside the TexAT Time Projection Chamber and the recoil -particles detected by a silicon detector array to measure the cross section. Results: The experimental cross section was compared with previous studies and fit using R-Matrix theory with the previously-observed O states being transformed to the C using mirror symmetry. The measured cross section does not replicate the claimed states, with the predicted cross section exceeding that observed at several energies and angles. Conclusion: A series of possibilities are highlighted with the most likely being that the originally-seen C states did not constitute a rotational band with a potentially incorrect spin assignment due to the limitations of the angular correlation method with non-zero spin particles. The work highlights the difficulties in measuring broad resonances corresponding to a linear chain state in a high level density.

Bishop, J.↗

NASA NTRS1973

In-flight detection of small hypervelocity particles.

A technique is described in which small (25-micron) hypervelocity (10-km/sec) in-flight particles can be detected in the presence of high background noise. The system is based on a spatial filtering principle whereby spurious noise effects are reduced by use of a beam stop in the entrance aperture of the system and a bandpass filter in the transform plane. A theoretical analysis of the system is presented, and some experimental results are obtained by detecting in-flight hypervelocity particles generated by an exploding lithium wire electrothermal accelerator.

Robinson, D. M.↗

DOE OSTI2024

ADRIANO2 Calorimeter Performance from 2022 Test Beams

A novel high-granularity dual-readout calorimetric technique was developed as part of the T1604 collaboration. The ADRIANO2 Calorimeter Prototype consists of a pair of optically isolated, small sized tiles made of scintillating plastic and lead glass. Čerenkov light from the lead glass are exploited to for high resolution timing measurements, while high granularity from scintillating plastic can be used to probe the spatial component of the particle shower. This setup works for excellent energy resolution and particle detection for REDTOP as it is crucial for a calorimeter to detect the decay products of eta/eta-prime mesons. Measurements were collected on ADRIANO2 between February to December 2022 to evaluate the detector performance at Fermilab’s Test Beam Facility. The key metrics extracted from my analysis are the detector’s efficiency for various tile configuration and light-yield which will then be used as parameters for an upgraded REDTOP monte-carlo simulation campaign. An in-depth analysis of ADRIANO2 performance are detailed in this presentation.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗