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At least 1,315 records · Page 73

Enhanced Machine-Learning Flow for Microwave-Sensing Systems for Contaminant Detection in Food

The presence of foreign bodies in packaged food is a serious concern for both fnal consumers (allergies, injuries, choking) and food manufacturers (reputation and economic losses). In particular, low-density plastics, glass and wood splinters are hard to detect even by the most advanced X-ray imagers. One solution is Machine-Learning-based Microwave Sensing (MLMWS): a non-invasive, contactless, and real-time method which uses a machine-learning (ML) classifer to analyze the scattered microwaves from the irradiated target object. In this paper, we want to extend our previous work about contaminant detection in cocoa-hazelnut spread jars by proposing an enhanced ML flow to increase the accuracy of the ML classifier. For the first time in this case study, we use a multi-class classifier, we train it with scattering parameters measured at multiple microwave frequencies, with a new pre-processing scaler, data augmentation, quantization-aware training and a pruning schedule. The results show a contaminant detection multi-class accuracy of 94.167% with a latency of 26 µs when targeting an AMD/Xilinx Kria K26 FPGA. Finally, we released our datasets publicly to OpenML.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Multiresolution Localization with Temporal Scanning for Super-Resolution Diffuse Optical Imaging of Fluorescence

A super-resolution optical imaging method is introduced that relies on the distinct temporal information associated with each fluorescent optical reporter to determine its spatial position to high precision with measurements of heavily scattered light. This multiple-emitter localization approach uses a diffusion equation forward model in a cost function, and has the potential to achieve micron-scale spatial resolution through centimeters of tissue. Utilizing some degree of temporal separation for the reporter emissions, position and emission strength are determined using a computationally efficient time stripping multiresolution algorithm. The method circumvents the spatial resolution challenges faced by earlier optical imaging approaches using a diffusion equation forward model, and is promising for in vivo applications. For example, in principle, the approach could be used to localize individual neurons firing throughout a rodent brain, enabling direct imaging of neural network activity.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Time-Encoded Imagers

We have developed two neutron detector systems based on time-encoded imaging and demonstrated their applicability toward non-proliferation missions. The 1D-TEI system was designed for and evaluated against the ability to detect Special Nuclear Material (SNM) in very low signal to noise environments; in particular, very large stand-off and/or weak sources that may be shielded. We have demonstrated significant detection (>5 sigma) of a 2.8e5 n/s neutron fission source at 100 meters stand-off in 30 min. If scaled to an IAEA significant quantity of Pu, we estimate that this could be reduced to as few as ~5 minutes. In contrast to simple counting detectors, this was accomplished without the need of previous background measurements. The 2D-TEI system was designed for high resolution spatial mapping of distributions of SNM and proved feasibility of twodimensional fast neutron imaging using the time encoded modulation of rates on a single pixel detector. Because of the simplicity of the TEI design, there is much lower systematic uncertainty in the detector response typical coded apertures. Other imaging methods require either multiple interactions (e.g. neutron scatter camera or Compton imagers), leading to intrinsically low efficiencies, or spatial modulation of the signal (e.g., Neutron Coded Aperture Imager (Hausladen, 2012)), which requires a complicated, high channel count, and expensive position sensitive detector. In contrast, a single detector using a time-modulated collimator can encode directional information in the time distribution of detected events. This is the first investigation of time-encoded imaging for nuclear nonproliferation applications.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Basic Research of Intrinsic Tamper indication Markings and Patterns defined by Pulsed Laser Irradiation

With our previous research, it was found that surface asperities or roughness must be present to create periodic surface structures upon laser exposure. In particular, an initial rough surface morphology (such as that found with a machined surface) provides multiple sites for light scattering, which underlies the formation of periodic ripple morphologies. Light scattering from a random surface creates patterns of periodic structures (with complex orientations) that could be used as intrinsic markings for tagging materials and equipment. Despite these initial findings, the fundamental mechanisms that give rise to periodic surface structures and their characteristic shapes were not identified in prior research.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Discovering Elusive Dynamics Across Frontiers (Final Technical Report)

Profound puzzles, such as the nature of dark matter, the origins of the electroweak scale, the mechanism behind the small neutrino mass, and the strong CP problem, suggested new physics beyond the Standard Model and drove the particle physics program in search of the associated new particles. Despite extensive searches, conventional realizations of new physics have not yet provided conclusive evidence. This raised the serious possibility that new dynamics might be more elusive, perhaps due to a richer gauge and matter structure than previously considered. Notably, the existence of dark matter and advancements in understanding the naturalness problem urged exploration into sectors with complex gauge and matter structures. Through experiments like the LHC, DUNE, and small-scale experiments, the robust US HEP program played a critical role in pursuing these well-motivated but under-explored scenarios for new physics. I explored these physics opportunities in depth, focusing on novel searches and significant improvements in parameter space coverage. The elusive dynamics revealed rich information about the underlying theory and were essential in identifying observable opportunities. Understanding the observable consequences required a deep comprehension of the theory, which I also developed. The proposal included essential components aimed at coherently increasing our knowledge in well-motivated elusive dynamics models. Through research on high-quality axions, composite neutrinos, the Higgs boson as a portal to hidden strong dynamics, and new scalar potentials to generate alternative electroweak phase transitions, I focused on identifying new signatures and parameter regions in plausible elusive dynamics models. The exploration emphasized generic possibilities motivated by broad classes of elusive dynamics models. These signatures were not effectively probed previously due to various challenges such as triggering, background suppression, or experimental design. My research involved close interaction with experimental colleagues to overcome these difficulties, leveraging new theoretical and experimental possibilities. These efforts included identifying new observables such as timing information and substructure in calorimetries, new multiple-hit techniques, new scattering events, and new resonance searches in liquid argon detectors. This work created a positive feedback loop: theory and experimental work inspired each other, revealing new exciting opportunities that supported both programs.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Searching for millicharged particles produced in cosmic-ray air showers

Particles with small electric charges can be produced abundantly in extensive air-showers, generated from the collisions of cosmic rays with the earth's atmosphere. These millicharged particles can leave their imprints at underground experiments via scattering-off electrons. In this report, we present updated constraints using low energy data from Super-Kamiokande, and the XENON1T experiment. Moreover, we provide new sensitivity projections for millicharged particles in the future JUNO neutrino observatory, and discuss different search strategies including both, single-scattering events, and multiple-energy-deposition traces.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Labview Interface Concepts Used in NASA Scientific Investigations and Virtual Instruments

This article provides an overview of several software control applications developed for NASA using LabVIEW. The applications covered here include (1) an Ultrasonic Measurement System for nondestructive evaluation of advanced structural materials, an Xray Spectral Mapping System for characterizing the quality and uniformity of developing photon detector materials, (2) a Life Testing System for these same materials, (3) and the instrument panel for an aircraft mounted Cloud Absorption Radiometer that measures the light scattered by clouds in multiple spectral bands. Many of the software interface concepts employed are explained. Panel layout and block diagram (code) strategies for each application are described. In particular, some of the more unique features of the applications' interfaces and source code are highlighted. This article assumes that the reader has a beginner-to-intermediate understanding of LabVIEW methods.

Roth, Don J.↗

Using Image Tour to Explore Multiangle, Multispectral Satellite Image

This viewgraph presentation reviews the use of Image Tour to explore the multiangle, multispectral satellite imagery. Remote sensing data are spatial arrays of p-dimensional vectors where each component corresponds to one of p variables. Applying the same R(exp p) to R(exp d) projection to all pixels creates new images, which may be easier to analyze than the original because d < p. Image grand tour (IGT) steps through the space of projections, and d=3 outputs a sequence of RGB images, one for each step. In this talk, we apply IGT to multiangle, multispectral data from NASA's MISR instrument. MISR views each pixel in four spectral bands at nine view angles. Multiple views detect photon scattering in different directions and are indicative of physical properties of the scene. IGT allows us to explore MISR's data structure while maintaining spatial context; a key requirement for physical interpretation. We report results highlighting the uniqueness of multiangle data and how IGT can exploit it.

visualization↗

Verification of the 2D Finite Element SP3 Solutions

Method(FEM) is the free geometry handling. However many of the geometries of the nuclear engineering problems are not unstructured but rather structured, such as a hexahedral, or triangular prism. Thus, the need for the use of FEM has less portion in nuclear engineering. However it is also certain that it is very hard to exclude the possibility for use of an unstructured geometry such as a PBMR core problem, fusion blanket analysis of the source problem, another design issue with an unstructured geometry. In addition, research regarding the acceleration scheme such as Coarse Mesh Finite Difference (CMFD) showed up in nuclear engineering in recent years. By considering these facts, the FEM cannot be totally exclusive. To utilize the FEM for nuclear engineering problems, several types of assistance are needed. The first is parallelization because of its slow calculation speed. The second is an acceleration scheme. With these two types of assistance the FEM can be utilized freely in the nuclear engineering field. In this research, before conducting parallelization and acceleration, the final verification for the implementation of the up-scattering treatment with an arbitrary geometry conducted through a comparison with the McCARD solution through the well-known C5G7 2D benchmark problem. Note that the earlier work for verification of the FEM for the multi-group problem without up-scattering and with a structured geometry including a mathematical formulation has already been done. The main points that will be tested here are as follows. The first is a check of the right implementation for the multi-group problem with an up-scattering cross section from the perspectives of the multiplication factor and power. The second is the transport effect for this problem by comparing the solutions from P{sub 1} and Simplified P{sub 3}(SP{sub 3}). The third is the effectiveness of the higher order basis function for the same number of unknowns. (authors)

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Neutron and Gamma Correlations using CGM in MCNP 6.2.0

The general-purpose Monte Carlo radiation-transport code MCNP6{sup TM} came from the integration of MCNP5{sup TM} and MCNPX{sup TM}. The most recent release of MCNP, version 6.2.0, is scheduled for release in early 2017, which includes a variety of bug fixes and new features to the code. MCNP traditionally models nuclear reactions using Monte Carlo sampling techniques on measured and modeled cross-sectional data contained within ACE (A Compact Evaluated Nuclear Data File) libraries. In addition to reaction cross-sections, ACE libraries contain information relating to the production of secondary particles, such as secondary neutrons and photons. For example, an incident neutron on a nucleus can produce a nuclear reaction in the form (n, M{sub n}n'), where n is the incident neutron and M{sub n} is the number of secondary neutrons n' produced. Using this notation, different reactions can be described based on their neutron multiplicity, such as neutron capture (M{sub n} = 0), elastic and inelastic scattering (M{sub n} = 1), and reactions with multiple secondary neutrons (M{sub n} > 1). Accounting for secondary γ-rays emitted from the residual nuclei, this reaction can further be generalized as n, Mnn'M to describe a reaction producing M{sub n} neutrons and M -rays. These values M{sub n} and M are referred to as the neutron and multiplicities, respectively. ACE libraries contain the cross-sectional data for each reaction, and their corresponding statistically averaged multiplicities for neutrons and photons, M-bar{sub n} and M-bar{sub γ}. However, there are several limitations to reaction sampling using ACE libraries. First, the data contained within ACE libraries is limited by the accuracy of the model and/or experiment, which out of necessity can greatly simplify the true physics behind a reaction. For example, the value M{sub γ} in a (n, M{sub n}n'M{sub γ}γ) reaction is determined by the statistically averaged multiplicity M-bar{sub γ} instead of a distribution. Consequently, MCNP, unable to produce a continuous distribution, will utilizes a binary sampling around M-bar{sub γ}. While this sampling method provides a statistically average M{sub γ} over a large simulation, it is an inaccurate representation of an individual reaction and its corresponding secondary particles. Secondary neutrons are affected in a similar manner, such that different kinds of secondary neutrons can be sampled from the same interaction (eg., an inelastic neutron with an [n, 2n] neutron). Lastly, the random sampling technique for secondary particles remains completely independent of the sampled reaction, eliminating the ability to correlate secondary particles for a given reaction. To supplement these data libraries, additional codes and models describing certain nuclear reactions are employed. These codes can fill in the information missing from ACE, provide a better model to the true physics distribution, and can provide true correlated secondary particles, which has many useful applications in research and industry.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Total thermal neutron cross section measurements of yttrium hydride from 0.0005 - 3 eV

Yttrium hydride serves as a neutron moderator material that enables compact, high temperature nuclear reactors. However, in order to accurately design and simulate a nuclear system relying upon yttrium hydride, the fundamental nuclear data of yttrium hydride must be well understood. Thermal neutron scattering law (TSL) evaluations represent an important aspect of nuclear data as thermal scattering can drastically alter the neutron multiplication factor of a system. Therefore, to support evaluation and validation of thermal neutron scattering for yttrium hydride, researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) performed total thermal neutron cross section measurements for YH 1.68 and YH 1.85 over the energy range of 0.0005 - 3 eV. Further, these measurements represent the first total cross section measurements for yttrium hydride that encompass the entire thermal region. Comparisons were made against the ENDF-B/VIII.0, Zerkle & Holmes and Oak Ridge National Laboratory TSL evaluations, where generally good agreement was found.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Structures of glasses created by multiple kinetic arrests

X-ray scattering has been used to characterize glassy itraconazole (ITZ) prepared by cooling at different rates. Faster cooling produces ITZ glasses with lower (or zero) smectic order with more sinusoidal density modulation, larger molecular spacing, and shorter lateral correlation between the rod-like molecules. We find that each glass is characterized by not one, but two fictive temperatures T f (the temperature at which a chosen order parameter is frozen in the equilibrium liquid). The higher T f is associated with the regularity of smectic layers and lateral packing, while the lower T f with the molecular spacings between and within smectic layers. This indicates that different structural features are frozen on different timescales. The two timescales for ITZ correspond to its two relaxation modes observed by dielectric spectroscopy: the slower δ mode (end-over-end rotation) is associated with the freezing of the regularity of molecular packing and the faster α mode (rotation about the long axis) with the freezing of the spacing between molecules. Finally, our finding suggests a way to selectively control the structural features of glasses.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

SNS Sample Activation Calculator Experimental Validation - Paper 79

The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) uses the Sample Activation Calculator (SAC) to calculate the activation of all samples after they have been exposed to the neutron beam in any of the neutron scattering instruments at the SNS beamlines. The SAC web page takes user inputs (choice of beamline, the mass, composition and area of the sample, irradiation time, decay time, etc.) and then calculates the activation for the sample. In recent years, the SAC has been incorporated into the user proposal and sample handling process, and beamline scientists and users have noticed discrepancies in the predicted activation of their samples. As a part of the Neutronics Analysis Group at SNS, we were tasked with validating the SAC tool and diagnosing the origin of the discrepancies seen by the beamline scientists and the users. In the process of performing these measurements, we additionally found that several aspects of realistic neutron scattering operations, and thus sample exposure, cannot be captured with current configuration of the SAC tool. Typical neutron scattering samples are irradiated for multiple periods with different neutron energy ranges; the realities of accelerator operation indicate that not all of those periods will be at the same accelerator power, and scattering samples are frequently not fully illuminated by the well-collimated neutron beam. Finally, we will explore whether neutron beams, as modified by neutron guide systems with energy-dependent intensity modifications and by precise energy-band defining mechanical choppers, are suitably analyzed with multigroup cross section libraries in which there are typically very few energy groups below one eV. (authors)

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Insights into hyperbolic phonon polaritons in h – BN using Raman scattering from encapsulated transition metal dichalcogenide layers

Alternative techniques for probing hyperbolic phonon polaritons (HPPs) in two-dimensional materials will support the development of the emerging technologies in this field. Previous reports have shown that it is possible for W Se 2 monolayers in contact with the hexagonal boron nitride (h– BN) to generate HPPs in the h– BN via Raman scattering. In this paper, we set out our results on HPP Raman scattering induced in h– BN by W Se 2 and Mo Se 2 monolayers including multiple resonances at which the Raman scattering is enhanced. Analysis of the observed Raman line shapes demonstrates that Raman scattering allows HPPs with wave vectors with magnitudes significantly in excess of 15 000 cm –1 to be probed. Finally, we present evidence that the Raman scattering can probe HPPs with frequencies less than the expected lower bound on the reststrahlen band, suggesting new HPP physics still waits to be discovered.

2-dimensional systems↗

Scatter gather using key-value store

Scatter gather operation(s) are performed by accessing a shared memory that is shared amongst nodes interconnected through network(s) and having a CNS shared amongst the nodes. Data is gathered from multiple processes at corresponding multiple nodes into location(s) in the CNS, and tuple(s) having a same tuple name are created in the CNS. The tuple(s) have information referencing the gathered data in the location(s). Alternatively, data that has been gathered using the same tuple name is scattered to multiple processes participating in the CNS. The scattering uses the tuple(s) in the CNS, and is performed from the location(s) into other location(s) at one or multiple nodes for one or multiple processes at the corresponding one or multiple nodes. Both the gathering data and the scattering data may also be performed.

Jacob, Philip↗

Collision Tracking in OpenMC: Methods and Applications in Neutron Noise, Neutron Imaging, Time-of-Flight, and Multiplicity Counting

We present the development and application of a collision tracking feature within the OpenMC Monte Carlo particle transport code, designed for diverse applications such as neutron spectroscopy, scatter camera system, neutron noise, and multiplicity counting simulations. This feature enables the tracking of individual particle collisions, with potential applications in nuclear nonproliferation, reactor physics, and nuclear security. Additionally, the feature holds potential for the calibration of neutron detectors, specifically in converting light output into energy deposited within the detectors. The implementation consists of a set of filters—such as reaction type, energy, cell, and material—that constrain the set of collisions that are tracked, extensions to the Python API to enable simple input specification, and support for writing either OpenMC’s native HDF5-based format or the Monte Carlo particle list format. This feature was added to the official OpenMC release in version 0.15.3. In this work, the feature will be applied to showcase scenarios such as time-of-flight simulations, scatter-camera imaging for neutron source localization, neutron-noise analysis to extract integral kinetic parameters such as the prompt decay constant α, and multiplicity counting to estimate the mass of special nuclear materials. Ultimately, this feature aims to expand the application scope of open-source Monte Carlo particle transport codes such as OpenMC.

Monte Carlo code↗

X-ray scattering based scanning tomography for imaging and structural characterization of cellulose in plants

X-ray and neutron scattering have long been used for structural characterization of cellulose in plants. Due to averaging over the illuminated sample volume, these measurements traditionally overlooked the compositional and morphological heterogeneity within the sample. Here, a scanning tomographic imaging method is described, using contrast derived from the X-ray scattering intensity, for virtually sectioning the sample to reveal its internal structure at a resolution of a few micrometres. This method provides a means for retrieving the local scattering signal that corresponds to any voxel within the virtual section, enabling characterization of the local structure using traditional data-analysis methods. This is accomplished through tomographic reconstruction of the spatial distribution of a handful of mathematical components identified by non-negative matrix factorization from the large dataset of X-ray scattering intensity. Joint analysis of multiple datasets, to find similarity between voxels by clustering of the decomposed data, could help elucidate systematic differences between samples, such as those expected from genetic modifications, chemical treatments or fungal decay. The spatial distribution of the microfibril angle can also be analyzed, based on the tomographically reconstructed scattering intensity as a function of the azimuthal angle.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗