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Development of Thin Gap GEM-µRWELL Hybrid Detectors at Jefferson Lab
Over the past few decades, Micro Pattern Gaseous Detector (MPGD) technologies have been increasingly adopted as tracking detector options in High Energy and Nuclear Physics experiments thanks to their good spatial resolution, high-rate capability, stability and more importantly their ability for large area coverage at a relatively low cost compared to the alternative. The thin gap GEM-µRWELL hybrid detector is the latest addition to the MPGD family, that was introduced to vastly improve the spatial resolution capability of gaseous trackers when deployed in the barrel region to cover large angular acceptance of the central tracker in a collider experiment. In this talk, I will re-introduce the concept and motivation for the development of thin gap GEM-µRWELL hybrid technology with an emphasis on the initial studies that establish the proof-of-concept of the technology. I will then discuss the more recent results from latest beam test campaign at Jefferson Lab in May 2025 to study detector efficiency performance with various gas mixtures. I will also briefly present the ongoing activities to develop large area thin gap GEM-µRWELL tracking detectors for the ePIC experiment of the future Electron Ion Collider as well as the exploration of the technology to provide large area tracking options to the muon system of experiments at a future Higgs Factory Collider such as the FCC-ee for example. Finally, I will conclude with some perspectives on new ideas under exploration to develop the next generation of thin gap MPGD technologies with enhanced timing and spatial resolution capabilities
Lab-scale Production of Coal-derived Graphene Particle Bonded Filaments
The main goal of the project was to develop a lab-scale manufacturing process to fabricate filaments with high carbon content for Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) three-dimensional (3D) printing use. Graphene particles derived from domestic US coal waste was used as feedstock for filament development.
Examples of Mission-driven Data Science from Jefferson Lab and ACES
This presentation details mission-driven data science initiatives at Jefferson Lab and the Joint Institute for Advanced Computing on Environmental Studies (ACES). JLab, a U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science national laboratory, operates the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF), and is the lead institute for the new High Performance Data Facility (HPDF) Hub. The Joint Institute for ACES brings together interdisciplinary teams in health informatics, climate modeling, computer science, and physics to address environmental challenges, including flood modeling. The Hampton Roads region, particularly Norfolk and Virginia Beach, faces increasing flood risks, motivating the need for rapid, reliable, and risk-aware decision support. ACES’s flooding work has a focus on uncertainty quantification (UQ) and machine learning (ML) for coastal flood management. The work is motivated by the increasing vulnerability of communities such as Norfolk and Virginia Beach, Virginia, to frequent coastal flooding events, and the need for rapid, reliable decision support. The research develops computationally efficient ML surrogate models to forecast water levels and flooding risk. A central theme is the quantification and calibration of predictive uncertainty, especially for out-of-distribution (OOD) scenarios, using techniques such as Monte Carlo Dropout, Deep Ensembles, Gaussian Processes, and Deep Quantile Regression (DQR). The study demonstrates that distance-aware UQ is critical for reliable scientific AI, particularly in high-dimensional, safety-critical, and real-time applications.
Draft Impacts: Modeling and Lab Validation (CRADA Final Report)
Chimney draft is a significant source of variability in real-world wood heater performance, yet laboratory tests conducted for certification do not capture this variability. Because draft varies with climate, chimney height, and home conditions, a heater that performs well in the lab can perform quite differently when installed in a home. Until now, wood heater manufacturers and installers have lacked the tools needed to anticipate how draft will vary across real installations or to advise on corrective measures when draft is too low or too high. The goal of this project was to develop and validate an open-source draft prediction tool for cordwood heater chimney systems. Over 18 months, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) and the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) collaborated to build a physics-based, Python tool that predicts how chimney draft evolves during operation, from ignition through steady burning. HPBA convened a stakeholder group of manufacturers and venting experts who provided feedback throughout development. LBNL validated the tool against laboratory measurements from a catalytic and a non-catalytic cordwood heater operated across a range of chimney heights and room-pressure conditions.
AI-Optimized Polarization at Jefferson Lab
The AI-Optimized Polarization project seeks to develop experimental control applications for polarized targets and beams at Jefferson Lab using AI/ML. This paper will focus on two ongoing efforts involving a cryogenic polarized target and a linearly-polarized photon beam. Firstly, cryogenic targets, such as those used in Halls B and C (and approved for Hall D), are complex systems that are sensitive to a number of factors, including the temperature, beam currents, and the microwave and NMR apparatus. Secondly, the Hall D photon beam polarization depends on the optimal orientation of a diamond radiator, which produces coherent bremsstrahlung radiation from the electron beam incident upon it. Manual operation of both systems is tedious and error prone; implementing well-designed, interpretable control systems that incorporate AI is expected to lead to improved real-time polarization. AI optimization of nuclear physics experiments will lead, not just to cost-savings, but also to more efficient and higher-quality data, and this project will help to lay the foundation for future autonomous experiments.
Shaping the FutureWorkforce: Challenges and Lessons Learned in HPC Education from National Labs and Computing Centers
Workforce training at national laboratories and computing centers is essential and typically falls into two categories: foundational training for newcomers and advanced training for experienced users. Foundational topics—such as version control, build systems, and basic HPC usage—are largely transferable across institutions, while cluster-specific training varies due to differences in hardware, job schedulers, and local workflows. Training on emerging technologies is split between hardware-specific content and broadly applicable programming paradigms. Here, to reduce redundancy and increase impact, national labs, computing centers, and vendors are collaborating through initiatives like the HPC Training Working Group to share best practices, co-develop materials, and broaden outreach. These coordinated efforts aim to make HPC training more accessible, scalable, and consistent across the community.
AMICE2 measurements of lab-generated and ambient aerosols at BNL from 2025-07-21 to 2025-08-22
From July 21 through August 22, 2025 the Absorption Measurement Inter-Comparison Experiment phase 2 (AMICE2) was conducted at Brookhaven National Laboratory. The experiment included concurrent operation of several filter-based instruments and in situ instruments sampling from a common sample line. The common sample line provided all instruments with either lab-generated aerosols composed of external mixtures of nigrosin, cabojet, and ammonium sulfate, or with ambient aerosol drawn through an external stack. This data set contains measurements from the CAPS PMssa instrument taken as a reference instrument at 532 nm and against which the effectiveness of the filter corrections may be assessed. It also contains attenuation coefficients from all filter-based instruments and filter transmittances in order to permit correction for filter loading, and the SSA and COA to permit corrections for aerosol darkness. Finally, two sets of multiplicative corrections are provided for the AE-33, TAP, and MA-350 instruments: the first one, Corr1, corrects for filter amplification factor and loading, the second one, Corr2, corrects for the aerosol darkness in terms of the natural log of COA.
A CONSIDERATION OF THE U.S. NAVY STRATO-LAB BALLOON PROGRAM AND ITS CONTRIBUTIONS TO MANNED SPACE FLIGHT
As the coined name Strato-Lab implies, it is a program which provides a stratospheric laboratory utilizing a plastic balloon platform for manned research investigations. The project was originated in 1954; actual work began early in 1955 and the first manned stratospheric flights were made in 1956. It was conceived and has been continued with the following three objectives: (1) Provide a high-altitude research system, a scientific laboratory, permitting man's active scientific participation (2) Provide an opportunity for studies of man's reactions to an actual environment of physiological and psychological stress (3) Allow an opportunity for man to conduct tests and evaluate specific components and/or techniques in an extremely high altitude environment.
Orbiter multiplexer-demultiplexer (MDM)/Space Lab Bus Interface Unit (SL/BIU) serial data interface evaluation, volume 2
Tests were performed to evaluate the operating characteristics of the interface between the Space Lab Bus Interface Unit (SL/BIU) and the Orbiter Multiplexer-Demultiplexer (MDM) serial data input-output (SIO) module. This volume contains the test equipment preparation procedures and a detailed description of the Nova/Input Output Processor Simulator (IOPS) software used during the data transfer tests to determine word error rates (WER).
Commerce Lab: Mission analysis. Payload integration study
The objectives of the commerce lab mission analysis and payload integration study are discussed. A mission model which accommodates commercial users and provides a basic data base for future mission planning is described. The data bases developed under this study include: (1) user requirements; (2) apparatus capabilities and availabilities; and (3) carrier capabilities. These data bases are synthesized in a trades and analysis phase along with the STS flight opportunities. Optimum missions are identified.
Commerce Lab: Mission analysis payload integration study. Appendix A: Data bases
The development of Commerce Lab is detailed. Its objectives are to support the space program in these areas: (1) the expedition of space commercialization; (2) the advancement of microgravity science and applications; and (3) as a precursor to future missions in the space program. Ways and means of involving private industry and academia in this commercialization is outlined.
Space station science lab module
The Science Lab Module (SLM), a key component of the proposed Space Station (SS) orbiting complex, is undergoing intensive study during the project design phase which is currently underway. The SLM is one of the two laboratory modules which, together with two habitation modules, comprise the core elements of the SS reference configurations. Current project emphasis is to configure the SLM as a national science laboratory module facility which would have four major functions: maximize life sciences research potential, support operations of attached payloads, provide shirtsleeve environment for other payload instrument servicing, and support other science requirements. The design studies are focusing on outfitting a common module basic design to accommodate the four specific functions. Although design work for outfitting the SLM for life sciences research is underway, science requirements for the other sciences and functions are not as well developed.
Reduction of the spermatogonial population in rat testes flown on Space Lab-3
Quantization of the testicular spermatogonial population reduction in six rats is performed 12 hours after their return from seven days aboard Space Lab-3. The observed 7.1 percent organ weight loss, and 7.5 percent stage six spermatogonial cell population reduction in comparison with control rats correlate very well. Accurate dosimetry was not conducted on board, but radiation can not be considered the primary cause of the observed change. The decrease in protein kinase in the heart of these rats indicates that stress from adapting to weightlessness, the final jet flight, or other sources, is an important factor.
Reduction of spermatogonia and testosterone in rat testes flown on Space Lab-3
The effects of space flight on rat testes were investigated. The weight, spermatogonial cell count, and testosterone levels in six rats flown on Space Lab-3 were measured. It is observed that compared to ground control rats the average weight loss was 7.1 percent and the spermatogonial cell count decreased by 7.5 percent. The data reveal that the testosterone level for large control rats was 9.13 ng/ml and 0.31 ng/ml for flight rats; and 2.54 ng/ml and 0.233 ng/ml for smaller control and flight rats, respectively. It is noted that spermatogenesis and testosterone production are reduced during spaceflight.
Soil bed reactor work of the Environmental Research Lab. of the University of Arizona in support of the research and development of Biosphere 2
Research at the Environmental Research Lab in support of Biosphere 2 was both basic and applied in nature. One aspect of the applied research involved the use of biological reactors for the scrubbing of trace atmospheric organic contaminants. The research involved a quantitative study of the efficiency of operation of Soil Bed Reactors (SBR) and the optimal operating conditions for contaminant removal. The basic configuration of a SBR is that air is moved through a living soil that supports a population of plants. Upon exposure to the soil, contaminants are either passively adsorbed onto the surface of soil particles, chemically transformed in the soil to usable compounds that are taken up by the plants or microbes as a metabolic energy source and converted to CO2 and water.
Results from teleoperated free-flying spacecraft simulations in the Martin Marietta space operations simulator lab
To augment the capabilities of the Space Transportation System, NASA has funded studies and developed programs aimed at developing reusable, remotely piloted spacecraft and satellite servicing systems capable of delivering, retrieving, and servicing payloads at altitudes and inclinations beyond the reach of the present Shuttle Orbiters. Since the mid 1970's, researchers at the Martin Marietta Astronautics Group Space Operations Simulation (SOS) Laboratory have been engaged in investigations of remotely piloted and supervised autonomous spacecraft operations. These investigations were based on high fidelity, real-time simulations and have covered a wide range of human factors issues related to controllability. Among these are: (1) mission conditions, including thruster plume impingements and signal time delays; (2) vehicle performance variables, including control authority, control harmony, minimum impulse, and cross coupling of accelerations; (3) maneuvering task requirements such as target distance and dynamics; (4) control parameters including various control modes and rate/displacement deadbands; and (5) display parameters involving camera placement and function, visual aids, and presentation of operational feedback from the spacecraft. This presentation includes a brief description of the capabilities of the SOS Lab to simulate real-time free-flyer operations using live video, advanced technology ground and on-orbit workstations, and sophisticated computer models of on-orbit spacecraft behavior. Sample results from human factors studies in the five categories cited above are provided.
Geodetic positioning of the Aerospace Electronics Research Lab (ERL) Osborne Time Transfer Receiver (TTR) using the GPS NAVSTAR Block I satellites
Aerospace has routinely processed the Osborne Time Transfer Receiver (TTR) data for the purpose of monitoring the performance of ground and GPS atomic clocks in near real-time with on-line residual displays and characterizing clock stability with Allan Variance calculations. Recently, Aerospace added the ability to estimate the TTR's location by differentially correcting the TTR's location in the WGS84 reference system. This new feature is exercised on a set of TTR clock phase data and Sub-meter accurate station location estimates of the TTR at the Aerospace Electronic Research Lab (ERL) are obtained.