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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 145 records · Page 8
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DOE OSTI2025

Dislocation‐Driven Formation of Oriented Macroperiodic Metastructures of Curved Single Crystal Lattices in Glass

Abstract Single crystals fabricated in glass by localized heating can develop uniquely deformed lattices stabilized by the surrounding amorphous medium. The development of lattice curvature appears to be intrinsic to the crystal growth process in some systems, while the result of the locally changing crystallography in others. In this work, a model laser‐fabricated rotating lattice Sb 2 S 3 crystal grown in stoichiometric glass is used to demonstrate fabrication of novel macroperiodic metastructures that utilize intrinsic lattice curvature superimposed with subtle crystallographic influences. The limited availability of slip systems drives the lattice curvature magnitude to vary with crystal growth direction, maximizing for lattices aligned with the predominant Burgers vector along with corresponding increases in dislocation density. Misaligned lattice orientations form smaller secondary lattice curvatures arising from misaligned Burgers vectors with further elastic contributions. Over extended crystal growth, these secondary components align the lattice to rotate about either the <001> or <010> crystal axes forming repeating metastructures of lattice orientation with periodicity 20–160 microns in length. The mechanistic approach used in this work may be expanded to other systems with known slip systems to better understand and design macroperiodic metastructures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

The Future of a Myriad of Accelerated Biodiscoveries Lies in AI‐Powered Mass Spectrometry and Multiomics Integration

The intersection of modern artificial intelligence (AI) and mass spectrometry (MS) is set to transform the MS‐based “omics” research fields, particularly proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics, and glycomics, enabling advancements across a wide range of domains, from health to environment and industrial biotechnology. Beginning with an overview of key challenges inherent in MS software pipelines, this personal perspective explores how AI‐driven solutions can address them to enhance data processing, integration and interpretation. It proposes a paradigm shift in molecular identification and quantitation algorithms, leveraging AI to enable holistic interpretation of MS‐based multiomics data. While centered on MS‐based omics, this holistic AI‐driven paradigm is also critical for connecting dynamic biochemical changes to genomics and transcriptomics contexts, reinforcing the integrative value of MS in multiomics research. Ultimately, this AI‐driven approach could enhance efficiency, accuracy, and molecular breadth of coverage, deepening our systems‐level understanding of biological processes and accelerating a myriad of biodiscoveries.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2025

Kinetic Investigation by Batch Processing of Film Growth during the Electrodeposition of Titanium from Ethaline

Titanium electrodeposition as a technological advance has been out of reach due to the poor film quality obtained when using previously developed methods. This study shows that the electrodeposition of Ti is possible and feasible from the deep eutectic solvent ethaline. Moreover, this study shows through batch analysis that this deposition has temperature-dependent aspects that alter the film deposition kinetics upon modest heating. This ultraviolet–visible spectroscopic study is highlighting the more facile reduction of Ti 4+ to Ti 3+ and then to Ti 2+ at elevated temperatures. Understanding the underlying kinetics of electrodeposition opens up new venues for the application of this important metal.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

FREDA: A Web Application for the Processing, Analysis, and Visualization of Fourier‐Transform Mass Spectrometry Data

The high-resolution measurement capability of Fourier-transform mass spectrometry (FT-MS) has made it a necessity for exploring the molecular composition of complex organic mixtures, like soil, plant, aquatic, and petroleum samples. This demand has driven a need for informatics tools to explore and analyze FT-MS data in a robust and reproducible manner. FREDA is an interactive web application developed to enable spectrometrists to format, process, and explore their FT-MS data without the need for statistical programming expertise. FREDA was built to explore outputs from a molecular identification tool, like CoreMS, and provide a suite of methods to filter data, compute chemical properties of peaks, statistically compare samples and groups of samples, conduct exploratory data analysis, and download the results with a report detailing all steps conducted. To demonstrate the utility of FREDA, an example analysis was conducted using FT-MS data from a soil microbiology study of samples collected in two different soil depths at the Sphagnum bog forest north of Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Differences between the two depths are observed using Kendrick, Gibbs free energy, and van Krevelen plots. G-tests are used to quantify a significant difference between the groups. All analyses and plotting are conducted using only the FREDA application. FREDA is an open-source and readily available web application that allows users to explore and make statistically valid conclusions about their FT-MS data. The application is available online (https://map.emsl.pnnl.gov/app/freda) with a tutorial web series (https://youtu.be/k5HLE2kNSBY?si=yB6sGoyvzxrFf5MP) and freely accessible code on Github (https://github.com/EMSL-Computing/FREDA).

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2025

Machine Learning in the Context of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

The integration of machine learning (ML) with Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) has revolutionized the analytical capabilities of LIBS. The combi-nation of both methods enables more accurate and efficient data analysis. While LIBS itself is a powerful technique for elemental analysis, the vast amount of spectral data it generates can be hard to interpret. Machine learning addresses these challenges by leveraging algorithms that can learn from data, identify patterns, and make predictions without explicit programming for the interpretation of each specific task. In LIBS application, ML techniques are used to enhance various analytical processes. For example, ML algorithms can classify materials based on their spectral fingerprints, predict the concentration of elements in a sample, and identify underlying patterns within complex datasets. Here, this application improves the precision of LIBS analyses while significantly reducing the time required for data processing and interpretation. In this chapter, the fundamental concepts of ML will be discussed first. Following this, the process of data splitting and the importance of feature selection will be examined. Several machine learning methods will then be closely examined, exploring how each can benefit LIBS analysis and highlighting their respective advantages and shortcomings. This structured approach will provide a comprehensive understanding of the integration of ML in the context of LIBS analysis.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Hierarchical Phased-Array Antennas Coupled to Al KIDs: A Scalable Architecture for Multi-band Millimeter/Submillimeter Focal Planes

We present the optical characterization of two-scale hierarchical phased-array antenna kinetic inductance detectors (KIDs) for millimeter/submillimeter wavelengths. Our KIDs have a lumped-element architecture with parallel plate capacitors and aluminum inductors. The incoming light is received with a hierarchical phased array of slot dipole antennas, split into 4 frequency bands (between 125 GHz and 365 GHz) with on-chip lumped-element band-pass filters, and routed to different KIDs using microstriplines. Individual pixels detect light for the 3 higher-frequency bands (190–365 GHz), and the signals from four individual pixels are coherently summed to create a larger pixel detecting light for the lowest frequency band (125–175 GHz). The spectral response of the band-pass filters was measured using Fourier transform spectroscopy (FTS), the far-field beam pattern of the phased-array antennas was obtained using an infrared source mounted on a 2-axis translating stage, and the optical efficiency of the KIDs was characterized by observing loads at 294 K and 77 K. We report on the results of these three measurements.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Deployment of POLARBEAR-2b

POLARBEAR-2b (PB-2b) is the second receiver in the Simons Array, a cosmic microwave background (CMB) polarization experiment. The Simons Array uses dichroic polarization sensitive lenslet-coupled sinuous antennas and transition-edge sensor (TES) bolometers made of superconducting films. These bolometers are read out with frequency multiplexing electronics. PB-2b contains ~7500 detectors in two bands at 90 and 150 GHz with arcminute resolution. The polarization of these detectors is modulated by a cryogenic continuously rotating half-wave plate. PB-2b was installed on its telescope in 2022 in the Atacama Desert at an altitude of 5.2 km. This paper will detail initial readout commissioning, test of a new loopgain monitoring method, and focusing the optics. Work is ongoing to commission the remaining ambient temperature readout electronics, measure detector time constants, and observe with the cryogenic half-wave plate spinning.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Understanding the Phase of Responsivity and Noise Sources in Frequency-Domain Multiplexed Readout of Transition Edge Sensor Bolometers

Abstract Cosmic microwave background (CMB) experiments have deployed focal planes with $$\mathcal {O}(10^{4})$$ O ( 10 4 ) transition edge sensor (TES) bolometers cooled to sub-Kelvin temperatures by multiplexing the readout of many TES channels onto a single pair of wires. Digital Frequency-domain Multiplexing (DfMux) is a multiplexing technique used in many CMB polarization experiments, such as the Simons Array, SPT-3 G, and EBEX. The DfMux system studied here uses LC filters with resonant frequencies ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 MHz connected to an array of TESs. Each detector has an amplitude-modulated carrier tone at the resonant frequency of its accompanying LC resonator. The signal is recovered via quadrature demodulation where the in-phase (I) component of the demodulated current is in phase with the complex admittance of the circuit and the quadrature (Q) component is orthogonal to I. Observed excess current noise in the Q component is consistent with fluctuations in the resonant frequency. This noise has been shown to be non-orthogonal to the phase of the detector’s responsivity. We present a detailed analysis of the phase of responsivity of the TES and noise sources in our DfMux readout system. Further, we investigate how modifications to the TES operating resistance and bias frequency can affect the phase of noise relative to the phase of the detector responsivity, using data from Simons Array to evaluate our predictions. We find that both the phase of responsivity and phase of noise are functions of the two tuning parameters, which can be purposefully selected to maximize signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Diamond and SiC Detectors for Rare Event Searches

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in developing detectors which are sensitive to sub-GeV dark matter and low-energy events from coherent neutrino scattering. Due to carbon’s light atomic weight and its tendency to form crystals with high-energy, long-lived phonon modes, carbon-based crystals (including diamond and silicon carbide (SiC)) present themselves as natural target materials for scattering-based searches in this regime. Here, we present our preliminary results in adapting our TES-based detectors to these substrates, specifically 4-H SiC and polycrystalline diamond. We focus on our fabrication efforts, specifically tuning the transition temperature (T C ) of tungsten films sputtered on these materials, as well as our advancement toward fabricating and testing devices on these substrates.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2024

A Method for Dynamic Kolsky Bar Compression at High Temperatures: Application to Ti-6Al-4V

Abstract An experimental apparatus for measuring the dynamic behavior of materials subjected to strain rates on the order of 10 $$^3$$ 3 s $$^{-1}$$ - 1 and temperatures up to 800°C with a unique triple actuation system is developed in this work. This system is based on the traditional Kolsky (or split-Hopkinson pressure) bar design, with the addition of an external furnace used to heat the specimen to the desired temperature. A synchronized triple pneumatic actuation system is used to control the motion and timing of the the sample, incident, and transmitted bars. The cold contact time (CCT), or the time during which the heated sample is in contact with the room temperature bars before compression, is measured experimentally and carefully controlled to minimize the development of a temperature gradient across the sample and avoid heating of the bars. Experiments are performed in conjunction with ultra high speed imaging and 2D digital image correlation (DIC), as well as high speed thermal imaging. To verify the viability of the proposed system, experiments were conducted on Ti-6Al-4V (wt.%) at temperatures from 25°C up to and 800°C at an average strain rate of approximately 1200 s $$^{-1}$$ - 1 .

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Photoionization of seeded combustion products as a method of enhancing the efficiency of magnetohydrodynamic power generators

Here, in this study, we performed an experimental and computational investigation into the feasibility of utilizing photoionization to enhance the electrical conductivity of seeded oxy-fuel combustion products and improve the performance of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) power generators. We applied a variety of optical and microwave diagnostics to study the ionization and recombination processes of potassium excited by an excimer laser in a high-velocity oxy-fuel free jet. Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations were performed to model the thermophysical properties and species densities of the free jet. The CFD results were validated with position-dependent potassium concentration measurements. Electron recombination exponential lifetimes were measured through time-resolved microwave transmission. The experimental electron lifetimes were compared with lifetimes calculated from CFD-predicted species densities and literature recombination rates. It was determined that K + or O 2 are the most likely recombination partners for photoionized electrons. Time-resolved fluorescence measurements provided evidence of an ionization pathway involving a two-photon ionization of KOH . Finally, a zero-dimensional chemical kinetic model was developed to assess the fundamental viability of inducing a non-equilibrium electron population to provide a net energy return in combustion-driven MHD power generators. We determined that a high energy return is feasible for targeting electrode boundary layers with ultraviolet photoionization. We also found that photoionization could potentially lower the required temperature of the bulk gas flow.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Mitigation and characterization of crosstalk between laser-driven radiography sources

Radiography with multiple probe species offers the potential to extract additional information about a given object as compared to radiography with a single probe species. Notably, the flexibility for high-power, short-pulse lasers to accelerate a variety of particle species makes laser-driven sources an attractive option to achieve multi-probe radiography. However, crosstalk produced by each of laser-driven source may be responsible for substantial backgrounds on detectors, becoming a significant barrier to achieving simultaneous radiography. In this work, we describe measurements of and mitigation strategies against crosstalk between laser-driven radiography sources in experiments at the OMEGA EP laser.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Optically induced quantum transitions in direct probed mesoscopic NbSe 2 for prototypical bolometers

Superconducting transition-edge sensors (TES) have emerged as fascinating devices to detect broadband electromagnetic radiation with low thermal noise. The advent of metallic transition metal dichalcogenides, such as NbSe 2 , has also created an impetus to understand their low-temperature properties, including superconductivity. Interestingly, NbSe 2 -based sensor within the TES framework remains unexplored. In this work, direct-probed superconducting NbSe 2 absorbers led to a proof-of-concept demonstration for the transduction of incoming light to heat, where a thermodynamic superconducting phase transition in NbSe 2 was evident to switch it to the normal-state, when biased below its superconducting transition temperature. A wavelength-dependent response of its optical absorption properties was observed, based on the incident optical excitation source used. Furthermore, extensive optical characterization studies were conducted using Raman spectroscopy, where the in-plane and out-of-plane thermal conductivity was empirically determined. Our results open new possibilities for the use of NbSe 2 in superconducting radiation detectors, including in a TES framework

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2024

A high-volume resonator for L-band DNP-NMR

DNP-NMR and EPR experiments that operate at or greater than L-band (i.e., ν 0 (e – ) = 1–2 GHz) are typically limited to maximum sample volumes of several hundred µL. These experiments rely on well-known resonator designs for DNP/EPR irradiation such as the loop-gap resonator and Alderman-Grant coil, where their maximum volumes limit further application to imaging experiments and high-throughput screening beyond L-band. Herein, we demonstrate a birdcage (BC) resonator design that can accommodate several mL of sample while operating around 1.5 GHz. The sample volume is maximized by using two identical BC resonators in a stacked configuration. Simulations are used to optimize the BC design and the performance is validated experimentally with liquid-state Overhauser-DNP-NMR experiments. This BC design exploits just the parasitic capacitance of conductive rings and features no fixed tuning capacitors. An enhancement of –77 is achieved on a 10 mM 4-Amino-TEMPO in H 2 O sample for a 5 mL sample volume. Finally, the associated sample heating is minimal due to the low-E-fields generated and the large sample mass with +3.4 K when driving 100 W for several seconds.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2025

In situ high-temperature Raman spectroscopy for online EAF slag analysis

Real-time monitoring of slag chemistry is critical for optimizing Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steelmaking operations, where dynamic variations in slag composition directly influence slag foaming, refractory degradation, and thermal efficiency. Conventional techniques such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) are commonly used to analyze slag composition, but their offline nature and equipment constraints limit their applicability for online monitoring in harsh industrial environments. To address this challenge, we present an in situ, high-temperature analytical approach that integrates Raman spectroscopy with a custom designed fiber-optic probe for real-time slag characterization at 1550 °C. The system enables non destructive spectral acquisition from molten slags, providing molecular-level insights into silicate polymerization and iron oxidation states. Eight synthetic slag samples were evaluated, and key Raman features—such as Q n silicate units and FeO₄/FeO₆ coordination environments—were identified and quantitatively correlated with slag basicity and Fe₂O₃ content. The results demonstrate agreement between Raman spectral ratios and bulk slag chemistry, validating the method’s capability to track compositional and structural changes under molten temperature. This work establishes the feasibility of deploying fiber-optic Raman probe for online EAF slag monitoring and highlights their potential to support closed-loop control strategies, thereby enhancing process stability, refractory protection, and steel quality in industrial steelmaking applications.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗