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At least 1,369 records · Page 76

Software defined networking multiple operating system rotational environment

Systems, methods, and storage media for utilizing software defined networking for a multiple operating system rotational environment, executing on a computing device are disclosed. Some implementations may: receive a request from a user device; modify a packet of the request with a destination address and a port of a first server; forward the modified packet of the request to a controller server; receive a flow modification from the controller server based on the modified packet; and modify further received packets from the user device based on the received flow modification.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Low-temperature sprayed SnO x nanocomposite films with enhanced hole blocking for efficient large area perovskite solar cells

Scalable fabrication of charge transport layers with high uniformity and compactness is essential for the commercialization of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Cost-effective deposition of high-quality electron transport layers (ETLs) is a particularly important step to achieve low-cost, efficient and large-area PSCs. Here, an open-air (relative humidity of 40–50%) and low-temperature (≤100 °C) ultrasonic spray coating of tin oxide (SnO 2 ) nanocomposite films incorporating nanocrystalline SnO 2 nanoparticles in an amorphous SnO x matrix is demonstrated to fabricate large-area ETLs for planar PSCs. The optimized SnO 2 /SnO x nanocomposite exhibits significantly enhanced hole-blocking and high-power conversion efficiencies of 18% and 16% for planar PSCs with an active area of 0.2 cm 2 and 1 cm 2 , respectively. More importantly, the devices show little current–voltage hysteresis as well as good shelf-life stability by maintaining ~90% of the initial performance without encapsulation after 2500 hours storage under inert conditions. Additionally, high voltages of >6.0 V have been obtained for solar modules of 2.1 cm 2 aperture area comprising six sub-cells in series, suggesting that the low-temperature, open-air and fast spray coating is suitable and transferable to deposit large-area charge transport layers for scalable PSCs or other optoelectronic devices.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

New model of calculating the energy transfer efficiency for the spherical theta-pinch device

Ion-beam-plasma-interaction plays an important role in the field of warm dense matter and inertial confinement fusion. A spherical theta pinch is proposed to act as a plasma target in various applications including a plasma stripper cell. One key parameter for such applications is the free electron density. A linear dependency of this density to the amount of energy transferred into the plasma from an energy storage was found by Teske. Since the amount of stored energy is known, the energy transfer efficiency is a reliable parameter for the design of a spherical theta pinch device. As the main assumption of a constant reflected plasma resistance is contradictory by the measured data, the traditional two models of energy transfer efficiency will lead to wrong results. From measurements, the parasitic resistance is derived as constant. Based on this key parameter, a new model is proposed. Due to no assumption, the new model is considered as exact. Further, a comparison of these three different models is given at a fixed operation voltage for the full range of working gas pressures. Due to the inappropriate assumptions included in the traditional models, one owns a tendency to overestimate the energy transfer efficiency whereas the other leads to an underestimation. Applying our new model to a wide spread set of operation voltages and gas pressures, an overall picture of the energy transfer efficiency results.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Induced Radioactivity Analysis for the NSRL Linac in China Using Monte Carlo Simulations and Gamma Spectroscopy - Paper 141

The Synchrotron Radiation Facility of the National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory (NSRL) located in Hefei, China consists of a 200-MeV electron linear accelerator and an 800-MeV electronic storage ring. Constructed in 1989, the 200-MeV Electron linac is one of the earliest high-energy electron linear accelerators in China. The NSRL is a large-scale experiment device, having been operated more than twenty years, so it is hard to give a historical recount about the injection of NSRL Linac. Lower-energy electrons emitted from the accelerator electron gun are progressively accelerated to about 200 MeV in five acceleration tubes, and then are injected into the electron storage ring, reaching the final energy of 800 MeV. The linear accelerator is a traveling wave linear accelerator, consisting of pre-injection, four 6-m acceleration segment, some beam sensing elements, and focusing inserts. The electrons are accelerated in the acceleration tubes to 32 MeV, 74 MeV, 116 MeV, 158 MeV, respectively, and the electronic energy reaches 200 MeV at the end of the acceleration trip. A scraper is used for beam collimation and is located at the end of each acceleration tube, with a length that increases with the energy to provide sufficient collimation. The NSRL Linac was retired in 2012 due to a plan to upgrade the facility. The decommissioning produced many real challenges related to the methods to handle the large size of the device and the time required to store structural materials until the radioactivity is reduced in the waste repository. These problems should be solved as soon as possible in order for the upgrade to proceed smoothly. At present, no prior decommissioning experience existed in China on such a high-energy electron linear accelerator. Therefore, the decommission project provided an opportunity to study and evaluate the challenges, in particular, involving the induced radioactivity for the purposes of radiation protection. For a well-shielded accelerator facility, the induced radioactivity is an important source of radiation for people who perform the decommissioning. In addition, information on the level of induced radioactivity is needed for disposing of the retired accelerator materials. Therefore it is significant to predict such radioactivity level accurately. However, the induced radioactivity study for such type high-energy electron linear accelerator is very seldom. Particle accelerators that operate at energy greater than 10 MeV will produce induced radioactivity due to well-known photonuclear interactions. However, the assessment of such as induced radioactivity of large-scale installations is a time-consuming process. Experimental methods are time-consuming and require special radiation safety measures to protection the investigators. On the other hand, empirical formula cannot yield sufficiently accurate results. Therefore, Monte Carlo simulation method is the primary means to study such problems. In the decommissioning process of the NSRL Linac, the induced radioactivity assessment will be based on Monte Carlo simulation method as the main auxiliary means to expand a series of studies. (authors)

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Dry Canister Storage System Inspection and Robotic Delivery System Development

EPRI is working to develop and demonstrate technologies capable of inspecting welded stainless steel canisters used in dry cask storage systems in situ, without the need to remove them from their concrete casks. This involves the coupling of specialized cameras and inspection devices with small remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). The objective is to demonstrate the capability to identify any presence of (or precursors to) stress corrosion cracking (SCC) and other anomalies that may require additional investigation. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Concentrated Solar Thermoelectric Power

The goal of this project is to demonstrate in the lab that solar thermoelectric generators (STEGs) can exceed 10% solar-to-electricity efficiency, and STEGs can be integrated with phase-change materials (PCM) for thermal storage, providing operation beyond daylight hours. This project achieved significant progress in many tasks necessary to achieving the overall project goals. An accurate Themoelectric Generator (TEG) model was developed, which included realistic treatment of contact materials, contact resistances and radiative losses. In terms of fabricating physical TEGs, high performance contact materials for skutterudite TE segments were developed, along with brazing and soldering methods to assemble segmented TEGs. Accurate measurement systems for determining device performance (in addition to just TE material performance) were built for this project and used to characterize our TEGs. From the optical components’ side, a spectrally selective cermet surface was developed with high solar absorptance and low thermal emittance, with thermal stability at high temperature. A measurement technique was also developed to determine absorptance and total hemispherical emittance at high temperature, and was used to characterize the fabricated spectrally selective surfaces. In addition, a novel reflective cavity was designed to reduce radiative absorber losses and achieve high receiver efficiency at low concentration ratios. A prototype cavity demonstrated that large reductions in radiative losses were possible through this technique. For the overall concentrating STEG system, a number of devices were fabricated and tested in a custom built test platform to characterize their efficiency performance. Additionally, testing was performed with integration of PCM thermal storage, and the storage time of the lab scale system was evaluated. Our latest testing results showed a STEG efficiency of 9.6%, indicating promising potential for high performance concentrated STEGs.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Monitoring Waste Tanks Using Guided Wave Technology - 18576

There are many challenges associated with the inspections of double-shell storage tanks containing radioactive waste, including limited space for accessibility and maneuverability, environments with high radiation, temperature and toxicity, and unknown physical conditions. Contents of the tank and limited space may prevent access of scanning devices that employ conventional NDE techniques such as ultrasonics, eddy current, or magnetic based methods. Resolving these challenges will become more urgent as the nuclear industry is forced to address the complications of the aging nuclear infrastructure - specifically at tank storage locations on laboratory sites across the DOE complex. A powerful, new approach to inspecting and monitoring the structural integrity of large structures, such as double-shelled tanks, is being developed using ultrasonic guided waves. Acoustic waves that propagate in a plate or other structure where the wavelength is larger than the thickness of the structure are known as ultrasonic guided waves. Ultrasonic guided waves can potentially propagate distances of tens to hundreds of feet in plate-like structures, such as those that comprise the walls and bottom of a storage tank. Guided waves enable the examination of relatively large inspection volumes from the outside surface of the structure. In double-shell tanks, the technology offers promise for examining the floor of the structure or the walls by placing guided wave sensors at accessible locations in the annulus. This guided wave technology has the capability to detect and localize areas of damage or degradation. While guided wave has recently been used in the nuclear and oil and gas industries for inspecting one-dimensional piping systems, current research is developing methods to apply this technology to the two-dimensional surfaces of double-shell storage tanks. Permanently installed sensors are being developed which would remotely collect data that would be analyzed to monitor the structural condition of the tank. Initial tests have been conducted on single plate structures to study guided wave interaction with various shapes and sizes of pertinent simulated damage mechanisms, and the experimental results were compared with hybrid finite-element numerical models. Dispersion curves were calculated to study guided wave modes and their properties in carbon steel plates and to evaluate behaviors at joints between plates. The next steps in the research process include applying the transmitters and sensors to full scale mockups, developing more mature data interpretation, and then demonstrations at an actual site. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Fast Algorithm for Evaluating Critical Current of High-Temperature Superconducting Pancake Coil

Second-generation (2G) high-temperature superconducting (HTS) tapes are now capable of carrying very high transport current and promising for a wide range of applications. The critical current of HTS coils is important for applications, such as superconducting electric machines, superconducting magnetic energy storage, and superconducting magnets. Therefore, precisely and quickly calculating critical current of HTS coils is very important for designing HTS devices. This paper provides a fast algorithm for evaluating critical current of HTS pancake coil. The fast algorithm is realized through a stationary model, which is based on finite element method (FEM) software. The stationary model means that the model is solved by stationary study instead of time-dependent study. To validate this method, a pancake HTS coil was wound and its critical current was measured. Meanwhile, an axial symmetric stationary model was built according to the geometry of the measured HTS coil. By comparing measured and calculated results, the effectiveness of the stationary model was demonstrated. Moreover, the stationary model is compared with H formulation model. The calculated results by the two models are nearly the same. However, by using stationary calculation, the stationary model can remarkably speed up the computational process. Due to the advantage of calculating speed, the stationary model can be used to characterize and design large-scale HTS applications.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Field-free switching of perpendicular magnetization in a ferrimagnetic insulator with spin reorientation transition

Writing magnetic bits through spin-orbit torque (SOT) switching is promising for fast and efficient magnetic random-access memory devices. While SOT switching of out-of-plane (OOP) magnetized states requires lateral symmetry breaking, in-plane (IP) magnetized states suffer from low storage density. Here, we demonstrate a field-free switching scheme using a 5-nanometer europium iron garnet film grown with a (110) orientation that shows a spin reorientation transition from OOP to IP above room temperature. This scheme combines the benefits of high-density storage in the OOP states at room temperature and the efficient field-free SOT switching in the IP states at elevated temperatures. While conventional switching of OOP bits faces the dilemma that high OOP anisotropy is required to improve bit stability and low OOP anisotropy is required to lower switching current density, this scheme disentangles this interdependence, allowing for low switching currents to be possible without sacrificing the bit stability, offering opportunities for future memory devices.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗

Inverted Metamorphic AlGaInAs/GaInAs Tandem Thermophotovoltaic Cell Designed for Thermal Energy Grid Storage Application

We demonstrate an inverted metamorphic multijunction (IMM) photovoltaic cell comprising lattice-mismatched 1.2 eV AlGaInAs and 1.0 eV GaInAs junctions optimized for high-temperature thermophotovoltaic (TPV) applications. This device differs from traditional IMM solar cells because the mismatched junctions are grown at a single lattice constant. This architecture enables removal of the compositionally graded buffer that otherwise filters light from the junctions below and absorbs sub-bandgap light via free-carrier absorption. Sub-bandgap absorption dramatically reduces the efficiency of TPV systems using high reflectivity cells to enable band edge spectrum filtering. Three components required development to enable this device: (1) a lattice-mismatched 1.2 eV AlGaInAs junction, (2) a metamorphic contact layer grown after the graded buffer, and (3) a transparent tunnel junction that sits in front of the 1.0 eV GaInAs junction. Growth conditions that minimize oxygen defect incorporation maximize AlGaInAs cell quality, enabling a 0.41 V bandgap open circuit voltage offset at 22 mA/cm2 under AM1.5D. A mismatched GaInAs:Se layer is developed as a low resistance contact. Lastly, we develop a GaAsSb:C/GaInP:Se tunnel junction suitable for high-power densities with more transparency than the GaAsSb:C/GaInAs:Se structure used in past IMM cells. We characterize the tandem device under a high-intensity spectrum that approximates the emission from a 2150°C blackbody radiator and deduce a projected ideal TPV efficiency of 39.9% at ~30% of the blackbody irradiance and 36% ideal TPV efficiency under the full 118 W/cm2 irradiance. Improvements to the back-surface reflectivity and series resistance are expected to increase the ideal TPV efficiency well above 40%.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Synthesis of nickel selenide thin films for high performance all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors

As a significant semiconductor, nickel selenide shows enormous potential and extensive application prospects in the field of sensor, photocatalysis and supercapacitor. In this paper, nickel selenide (Ni 3 Se 2 , NiSe) thin films were successfully fabricated on stainless-steel sheet using a facile, effective electrodeposition technique. The morphologies, microstructures and chemical compositions of the thin films are characterized systematically. Electrochemical tests exhibit that the Ni3Se2 and NiSe possess high specific capacitance of 581.1 F/g and 1644.7 F/g, respectively. A flexible, all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor is assembled by utilizing NiSe film as positive electrode and activated carbon as negative electrode. The solid device delivers a high areal capacitance of 27.0 mF/cm 2 at the current density of 0.7 mA/cm 2 . Furthermore, the maximum volumetric energy density and power density of the NiSe//AC asymmetric SCs can achieve 0.26 mWh/cm 3 and 33.35 mW/cm 3 , respectively. The device shows robust cycling stability with 84.6% capacitance retention after 10000 cycles, outstanding flexibility and satisfactory mechanical stability. Moreover, two devices in series can light up a red light-emitting diode, which displayed great potential applications for energy storage.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Separation of current density and electric field domains caused by nonlinear electronic instabilities

In 1963 Ridley postulated that under certain bias conditions circuit elements exhibiting a current- or voltage-controlled negative differential resistance will separate into coexisting domains with different current densities or electric fields, respectively, in a process similar to spinodal decomposition of a homogeneous liquid or disproportionation of a metastable chemical compound. The ensuing debate, however, failed to agree on the existence or causes of such electronic decomposition. Using thermal and chemical spectro-microscopy, we directly imaged signatures of current-density and electric-field domains in several metal oxides. The concept of local activity successfully predicts initiation and occurrence of spontaneous electronic decomposition, accompanied by a reduction in internal energy, despite unchanged power input and heat output. This reveals a thermodynamic constraint required to properly model nonlinear circuit elements. Our results explain the electroforming process that initiates information storage via resistance switching in metal oxides and has significant implications for improving neuromorphic computing based on nonlinear dynamical devices.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Reconfigurable spin current transmission and magnon–magnon coupling in hybrid ferrimagnetic insulators

Coherent spin waves possess immense potential in wave-based information computation, storage, and transmission with high fidelity and ultra-low energy consumption. However, despite their seminal importance for magnonic devices, there is a paucity of both structural prototypes and theoretical frameworks that regulate the spin current transmission and magnon hybridization mediated by coherent spin waves. Here, we demonstrate reconfigurable coherent spin current transmission, as well as magnon–magnon coupling, in a hybrid ferrimagnetic heterostructure comprising epitaxial Gd 3 Fe 5 O 12 and Y 3 Fe 5 O 12 insulators. By adjusting the compensated moment in Gd 3 Fe 5 O 12 , magnon–magnon coupling was achieved and engineered with pronounced anticrossings between two Kittel modes, accompanied by divergent dissipative coupling approaching the magnetic compensation temperature of Gd 3 Fe 5 O 12 (T M,GdIG ), which were modeled by coherent spin pumping. Remarkably, we further identified, both experimentally and theoretically, a drastic variation in the coherent spin wave-mediated spin current across T M,GdIG , which manifested as a strong dependence on the relative alignment of magnetic moments. Our findings provide significant fundamental insight into the reconfiguration of coherent spin waves and offer a new route towards constructing artificial magnonic architectures.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Resistive switching and conductance quantization in Ag/SiO{sub 2}/indium tin oxide resistive memories

The Ag/SiO{sub 2}/indium tin oxide (ITO) devices exhibit bipolar resistive switching with a large memory window of ∼10{sup 2}, satisfactory endurance of >500 cycles, good retention property of >2000 s, and fast operation speed of <100 ns, thus being a type of promising resistive memory. Under slow voltage sweep measurements, conductance plateaus with a conductance value of integer or half-integer multiples of single atomic point contact have been observed, which agree well with the physical phenomenon of conductance quantization. More importantly, the Ag/SiO{sub 2}/ITO devices exhibit more distinct quantized conductance plateaus under pulse measurements, thereby showing the potential for realizing ultra-high storage density.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Giant Polarization in Nanodielectrics

The relative permittivity of a material is a scaling factor for capacitors and the devices based upon them; the larger the relative permittivity, the greater the degree of miniaturization, or potential for energy storage. Materials with a relative permittivity than that of silicon nitride (approximately 7) are referred to as high-dielectric constant materials. Values of about 100 are typical in titanium dioxide rutile. Values of about 10,000 are observed in barium titanate in the region of the ferroelectric transition, which while impressive, is not very useful due to the strong temperature dependence. The observation of a relative permittivity of over 100,000 in the calcium copper titanate material sparked considerable interest because it showed little temperature dependence between 100 and 600 K over most of the radio-frequency range. Further investigation revealed that this material appears to be naturally nanotextured and that the colossal permittivity was likely due to the surface and/or internal barrier layer capacitance effect, although the issue is not settled. Unfortunately, the dielectric losses in this class materials are relatively high. A new strategy to achieve high dielectric permittivity with low loss involves using localized lattice defect states through ambipolar co-doping; these intrinsic defect complexes give rise to strong dipoles that are responsible for a relative permittivity of 10,000 with exceptionally low dielectric losses over most of the radio frequency range and excellent thermal stability.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Building Artificial Layered Solids from the Bottom-up: Materials by Design to Enable New Energy Technologies

This final technical report summarizes the key accomplishments on this DOE Early Career Program award received by PI Guihua Yu at the University of Texas at Austin. The main goal of this ECP award was to develop synthetic methodologies, self-assembly approaches towards structurally controlled nanosheets-like solids from the bottom up, and to understand and characterize their chemical/physical characteristics for the design of future-generation energy devices with novel functions and properties, that will have direct implications for energy science and technologies such as energy storage and conversion, and catalysis. The project accomplished these goals by completing the following objectives: • Rational design, synthesis, and self-assembly of structurally-controlled molecular ‘nanosheets’ materials. Moving beyond conventional van der Waals two-dimensional crystals, this project enables new synthesis and processing strategies to develop ultrathin nanosheets materials, from inorganic transition-metal oxides-based, to hybrid organic-inorganic nanomaterials, with structural factors such as facet, thickness and pore structure being well controlled during synthesis or assembly processes. • Fundamental understanding and electrochemical characterization of these assembled molecular ‘nanosheets’ materials via charge/mass transport studies through electrochemical intercalation of different metal ions for next-generation energy storage, as well as electrocatalytic studies using this new material platform for understanding catalytic reaction kinetics and the roles of surface functionalization and interface interactions owing to atomic thickness, nanoscale porosity, and other structural factors.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Giant polarization in nanodielectrics

The relative permittivity of a material is a scaling factor for capacitors and the devices based upon them; the larger the relative permittivity, the greater the degree of miniaturization, or potential for energy storage. Materials with a relative permittivity than that of silicon nitride (approximately 7) are referred to as high-dielectric constant materials. Values of about 100 are typical in titanium dioxide rutile. Values of about 10,000 are observed in barium titanate in the region of the ferroelectric transition, which while impressive, is not very useful due to the strong temperature dependence. The observation of a relative permittivity of over 100,000 in the calcium copper titanate material sparked considerable interest because it showed little temperature dependence between 100 and 600 K over most of the radio-frequency range. Further investigation revealed that this material appears to be naturally nanotextured and that the colossal permittivity was likely due to the surface and/or internal barrier layer capacitance effect, although the issue is not settled. Unfortunately, the dielectric losses in this class materials are relatively high. A new strategy to achieve high dielectric permittivity with low loss involves using localized lattice defect states through ambipolar co-doping; these intrinsic defect complexes give rise to strong dipoles that are responsible for a relative permittivity of 10,000 with exceptionally low dielectric losses over most of the radio frequency range and excellent thermal stability.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Progress in High-Dielectric Constant Materials

The relative permittivity of a material is a scaling factor for capacitors and the devices based upon them; the larger the relative permittivity, the greater the degree of miniaturization, or potential for energy storage. Materials with a relative permittivity than that of silicon nitride (approximately 7) are referred to as high-dielectric constant materials. Values of about 100 are typical in titanium dioxide rutile. Values of about 10,000 are observed in barium titanate in the region of the ferroelectric transition, which while impressive, is not very useful due to the strong temperature dependence. The observation of a relative permittivity of over 100,000 in the calcium copper titanate material sparked considerable interest because it showed little temperature dependence between 100 and 600 K over most of the radio-frequency range. Further investigation revealed that this material appears to be naturally nanotextured and that the colossal permittivity was likely due to the surface and/or internal barrier layer capacitance effect, although the issue is not settled. Unfortunately, the dielectric losses in this class materials are relatively high. A new strategy to achieve high dielectric permittivity with low loss involves using localized lattice defect states through ambipolar co-doping; these intrinsic defect complexes give rise to strong dipoles that are responsible for a relative permittivity of 10,000 with exceptionally low dielectric losses over most of the radio frequency range and excellent thermal stability.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗