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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 1,441 records · Page 80
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Positional ordering induced by dynamic steric interactions in superparamagnetic rods

The dynamic motion produced by precessing magnetic fields can drive matter into far-from-equilibrium states. We predict 1D periodic ordering in systems of precessing rods when magnetic interactions between rods remain insignificant. The precession angle of the rods is completely determined by the field's precession angle and the ratio of the field's precession frequency and the characteristic response frequency of the rods. Here, we develop a molecular dynamics model that explicitly calculates magnetic interactions between particles, and we also simulate rods in the limit of a strong and fast precessing magnetic field where inter-rod magnetic interactions are negligible, using a purely steric model. Our simulations show how steric interactions drive the rods from a positionally disordered phase (nematic) to a layered (smectic) phase. As the rod precession angle increases, the nematic–smectic transition density significantly decreases. The minimization of unfavorable steric interactions also induces phase separation in binary mixtures of rods of different lengths. This effect is general to any force that produces precession in elongated particles. This work will advance the understanding and control of out-of-equilibrium soft matter systems.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2019

Vortices in low-density neutron matter and cold Fermi gases

Cold gas experiments can be tuned to achieve strongly-interacting regimes such as that of low-density neutron matter found in neutron-stars' crusts. We report T=0 diffusion Monte Carlo results (i) for the ground state of both spin-1/2 fermions with short-range interactions and low-density neutron matter in a cylindrical container, and (ii) properties of these systems with a vortex line excitation. We calculate the equation of state for cold atoms and low-density neutron matter in the bulk systems, and we contrast it to our results in the cylindrical container. We compute the vortex line excitation energy for different interaction strengths, and we find agreement between cold gases and neutron matter for very low densities. We also calculate density profiles, which allow us to determine the density depletion at the vortex core, which depends strongly on the short-ranged interaction in cold atomic gases, but it is of ≈25% for neutron matter in the density regimes studied in this work. Our results can be used to constrain neutron matter properties by using measurements from cold Fermi gases experiments.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Dark Matter-Induced Nuclear De-Excitation at SBND with Ab Initio Nuclear Theory

We explore the sensitivity of the Short-Baseline Near Detector (SBND) experiment to light dark matter using MeV-scale electromagnetic activity. Inelastic scattering of dark matter with argon nuclei can excite nuclear states that subsequently de-excite via the emission of MeV-scale photons, producing localized low-energy "blip" signatures in a liquid argon time projection chamber. We perform state-of-the-art ab initio nuclear calculations, including all relevant argon excited states with energies up to 18 MeV, to provide reliable predictions for these signals. After accounting for relevant backgrounds, we find that SBND can probe previously unexplored regions of parameter space for light dark matter.

Dutta, Bhaskar [Bucharest, IFIN-HH; Texas A-M] (OR↗
DOE OSTI2026

Symmetry-energy expansion with strange dense matter

The quantum chromodynamics (QCD) phase diagram at large densities and low temperatures can be probed using both neutron stars and low-energy heavy-ion collisions. Heavy-ion collisions are nearly isospin-symmetric systems, whereas neutron stars are highly isospin asymmetric since they are neutron rich. The symmetry-energy expansion is used to connect these regimes across isospin asymmetry. However, the current symmetry-energy expansion does not account for strange particles. In this work, we include finite strangeness by redefining the isospin-asymmetry parameter and the symmetry-energy expansion in a way that is consistent with QCD SU(3) flavor symmetry. Furthermore, our new symmetry energy works well beyond typical neutron star central densities and admits a skewness term in the presence of strangeness for the case of weak equilibrium.

Equations of state of nuclear matter↗
DOE OSTI2017

Search for dark matter produced in association with heavy-flavor quark pairs in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV

A search is presented for an excess of events with heavy-flavor quark pairs ( ${t}\overline{{t}} $ and ${b} \overline{{b}} $ ) and a large imbalance in transverse momentum in data from proton–proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 $\,\text{TeV}$ . The data correspond to an integrated luminosity of 2.2 $\,\text{fb}^{-1}$ collected with the CMS detector at the CERN LHC. No deviations are observed with respect to standard model predictions. The results are used in the first interpretation of dark matter production in ${t}\overline{{t}} $ and ${b} \overline{{b}} $ final states in a simplified model. This analysis is also the first to perform a statistical combination of searches for dark matter produced with different heavy-flavor final states. The combination provides exclusions that are stronger than those achieved with individual heavy-flavor final states.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2025

On the Development of Compact HTS Coil Modules for Large Bore High Field Superconducting Magnets

Lower cost, high current density superconducting coil modules producing higher magnetic fields and cooled affordably are crucial for obtaining cost-effective, compact commercial fusion reactors. Accessibility to low cost, higher field magnets (>30 T) is also critical for the discovery of new quantum phenomena in materials, cosmic frontier and other topics in basic science research. The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is working with Princeton University to develop unique large bore, compact superconducting magnets to support science experiments including the development of new instrumentation for condensed matter physics and Axion dark matter search in the cosmic frontier. Core elements of these experiments are unique for access to lower cost, simple fabrication of compact superconducting magnets that can be cooled affordably, while integrated with dedicated science instruments. Conductor qualification and coil design concepts are discussed in support of needs for these experiments. PPPL has the unique expertise and experimental facilities to design, construct and test subscale coil modules for these projects. Compact high field coil modules were fabricated and tested to validate coil design concepts and coil performance. Finally, the design and model coil integration challenges are discussed to identify performance risks and demonstrate feasibility for deploying full scale large bore compact superconducting magnets for cost effective operations of multiple laboratory experiments.

axion dark matter↗
DOE OSTI2011

Extended chiral Hartree-Fock model for nuclear matter

We study the properties of nuclear matter with extended chiral Hartree-Fock model. The two-particle-two-hole (2p-2h) states are introduced in the nucleon ground wave function to take the tensor components of pion into account. We also consider the form factor effect of pion to regularize its high momentum behavior. We find that the pion contribution from 2p-2h states plays a very important role in the saturation mechanism of nuclear matter. Furthermore, the saturation properties are also influenced by the cut-off moment of form factor.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Signature of magnetoelectric coupling driven finite momentum pairing in 3D ising superconductor

The finite momentum superconducting paring states (FMPs) represent a forefront of condensed matter physics. Here we report experimental evidence of FMP in a locally noncentrosymmetric bulk superconductor 4H b -TaS 2 . Using hard X-ray diffraction and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we reveal unusual 2D ferro-rotational charge density wave (CDW) and weak interlayer hopping in 4H b -TaS 2 . The superconducting upper critical field, H c2 , linearly increases via decreasing temperature, and well exceeds the Pauli limit, suggesting the dominant orbital pair-breaking mechanism. Remarkably, we observed evidence of field-induced superconductivity-to-superconductivity transition that breaks continuous rotational symmetry of the s-wave uniform pairing in the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer theory down to the six-fold rotation symmetry. Ginzburg-Landau free energy analysis shows that magnetoelectric coupling, induced by 2D ferro-rotational CDW, stabilizes FMP that provides an explanation of the lowering rotation symmetry. Our results provide a new understanding of unconventional superconducting behaviors of the bulk quantum heterostructure 4H b -TaS 2 .

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2020

Isotopic equilibrium constants for very low-density and low-temperature nuclear matter

Yields of equatorially emitted light isotopes, 1 ≤ Z ≤ 14, observed in ternary fission in the reaction 241 Pu(n th, f) are employed to determine apparent chemical equilibrium constants for low-temperature and low-density nuclear matter. The degree of equilibration and role of medium modifications are probed through a comparison of experimentally derived reaction quotients with equilibrium constants calculated using a relativistic mean-field model employing a universal medium modification correction for the attractive σ meson coupling. The results of these comparisons indicate that equilibrium is achieved for the lighter ternary fission isotopes. For the heavier isotopes experimental reaction quotients are well below calculated equilibrium constants. This is attributed to a dynamical limitation reflecting insufficient time for full equilibrium to develop. The role of medium effects leading to yield reductions is discussed as is the apparent enhancement of yields for 8 He and other very neutron rich exotic nuclei.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Magnetic edge fields in UTe 2 near zero background fields

Chiral superconductors are theorized to exhibit spontaneous edge currents. Here, in this study, we found magnetic fields at the edges of UTe 2 , a candidate odd-parity chiral superconductor, that seem to agree with predictions for a chiral order parameter. However, we did not detect the chiral domains that would be expected, and recent polar Kerr and muon spin relaxation data in nominally clean samples argue against chiral superconductivity. Our results show that hidden sources of magnetism must be carefully ruled out when using spontaneous edge currents to identify chiral superconductivity.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2020

GW190814's Secondary Component with Mass 2.50–2.67 M ⊙ as a Superfast Pulsar

Using Stergioulas's RNS code for investigating fast pulsars with Equation of States (EOSs) on the causality surface (where the speed of sound equals that of light) of the high-density EOS parameter space satisfying all known constraints from both nuclear physics and astrophysics, we show that one possible explanation for the GW190814's secondary component of mass (2.50-2.67) M ⊙ is that it is a super-fast pulsar spinning faster than 971 Hz about 42% below its Kepler frequency. If confirmed, it would be the fastest pulsar with the highest mass observed presently. There is a large and physically allowed EOS parameter space below the causality surface where pulsars heavier than 2.50 M ⊙ are supported if they can rotate even faster with critical frequencies depending strongly on the high-density behavior of nuclear symmetry energy.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Atom-in-jellium predictions of the shear modulus at high pressure

Atom-in-jellium calculations of the Einstein frequency in condensed matter and of the equation of state were used to predict the variation of shear modulus from zero pressure to ~10 7 g/cm 3 , for several elements relevant to white dwarf stars and other self-gravitating systems. This is by far the widest range reported electronic structure calculation of shear modulus, spanning from ambient through the one-component plasma to extreme relativistic conditions. The predictions were based on a relationship between the Debye temperature and shear modulus, which we assess to be accurate at the o(10%) level, and is the first known use of atom-in-jellium theory to calculate a shear modulus. Finally, we assessed the overall accuracy of the method by comparing with experimental measurements and more detailed electronic structure calculations at lower pressures.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2011

Shear and bulk viscosities for pure glue matter

Shear {eta} and bulk {zeta} viscosities are calculated in a quasiparticle model within a relaxation-time approximation for pure gluon matter. Below T{sub c}, the confined sector is described within a quasiparticle glueball model. The constructed equation of state reproduces the first-order phase transition for the glue matter. It is shown that with this equation of state, it is possible to describe the temperature dependence of the shear viscosity to entropy ratio {eta}/s and the bulk viscosity to entropy ratio {zeta}/s in reasonable agreement with available lattice data, but absolute values of the {zeta}/s ratio underestimate the upper limits of this ratio in the lattice measurements typically by an order of magnitude.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2024

A topological Hund nodal line antiferromagnet

The interplay of topology, magnetism, and correlations gives rise to intriguing phases of matter. In this study, through state-of-the-art angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, density functional theory, and dynamical mean-field theory calculations, we visualize a fourfold degenerate Dirac nodal line at the boundary of the bulk Brillouin zone in the antiferromagnet YMn 2 Ge 2 . We further demonstrate that this gapless, antiferromagnetic Dirac nodal line is enforced by the combination of magnetism, space-time inversion symmetry, and nonsymmorphic lattice symmetry. The corresponding drumhead surface states traverse the whole surface Brillouin zone. YMn 2 Ge 2 thus serves as a platform to exhibit the interplay of multiple degenerate nodal physics and antiferromagnetism. Interestingly, the magnetic nodal line displays a d-orbital dependent renormalization along its trajectory in momentum space, thereby manifesting Hund's coupling. Our findings offer insights into the effect of electronic correlations on magnetic Dirac nodal lines, leading to an antiferromagnetic Hund nodal line.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Many-Body Quantum Catalysts for Transforming Between Phases of Matter

A catalyst is a substance that enables otherwise impossible transformations between states of a system, without being consumed in the process. In this work, we apply the notion of catalysts to many-body quantum physics. In particular, we construct catalysts that enable transformations between different symmetry-protected topological (SPT) phases of matter using symmetric finite-depth quantum circuits. We discover a wide variety of catalysts, including GHZ-like states that spontaneously break the symmetry, gapless states with critical correlations, topological orders with symmetry fractionalization, and spin-glass states. These catalysts are all united under a single framework that has close connections to the theory of quantum anomalies, and we use this connection to put strong constraints on possible pure- and mixed-state catalysts. We also show how the catalyst approach leads to new insights into the structure of certain phases of matter, and to new methods to efficiently prepare SPT phases with long-range interactions or projective measurements.

quantum many-body systems↗
DOE OSTI2021

Bayesian uncertainty quantification for nuclear matter incompressibility

Within a Bayesian statistical framework using the standard Skyrme-Hartree-Fock model, the maximum a posteriori (MAP) values and uncertainties of nuclear matter incompressibility and isovector interaction parameters are inferred from the experimental data of giant resonances and neutron-skin thicknesses of typical heavy nuclei. Furthermore, with the uncertainties of the isovector interaction parameters constrained by the data of the isovector giant dipole resonance and the neutron-skin thickness, we have obtained K 0 = 223$^{+7}_{–8}$ MeV at 68% confidence level using the data of the isoscalar giant monopole resonance in 208 Pb measured at the Research Center for Nuclear Physics (RCNP), Japan, and at the Texas A&M University, USA. Although the corresponding 120 Sn data gives a MAP value for K 0 about 5 MeV smaller than the 208 Pb data, there are significant overlaps in their posterior probability distribution functions.

190 ≤ A ≤ 219↗
DOE OSTI2025

Estimating the energy threshold of phonon-mediated superconducting qubit detectors operated in an energy-relaxation sensing scheme

In recent years, the lack of a conclusive detection of weakly interacting massive particle dark matter at the 10 GeV/c 2 mass scale and above has encouraged development of low-threshold detector technology aimed at probing lighter dark matter candidates. Detectors based on Cooper-pair-breaking sensors have emerged as a promising avenue for this detection due to the low (meV-scale) energy required for breaking a Cooper pair in most superconductors. Among them, devices based on superconducting qubits are interesting candidates for sensing due to their observed sensitivity to broken Cooper pairs. Here, we have developed an end-to-end G 4 CMP -based simulation framework and have used it to evaluate performance metrics of qubit-based devices operating in a gate-based “energy relaxation” readout scheme, akin to those used in recent studies of qubit sensitivity to ionizing radiation. We find that for this readout scheme, the qubit acts as a phonon sensor with an energy threshold ranging down to ≃ 0.4 eV for near-term performance parameters.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2018

Stationary Solutions of Second-Order Equations for Fermions in Reissner–Nordström Space-Time

The existence of degenerate stationary bound states with square-integrable radial wavefunctions was proven when second-order equations are used with the effective potential of the Reissner–Nordström (RN) field with two event horizons for charged and uncharged fermions. The fermions in such states are localized near event horizons within the ranges from zero to several fractions of Compton wavelength of fermions versus the values of gravitational and electromagnetic coupling constants and the values of angular and orbital momenta j, l. In case of extreme RN fields, the absence of stationary bound states of fermions with the energies of E < mc{sup 2} is shown for solutions of the second-order equation for any value of gravitational and electromagnetic coupling constants. The existence of a discrete energy spectrum is shown for the naked RN singularity, due to the solution of the second-order equation at definite values of physical parameters. The discrete spectrum exists for both charged and uncharged fermions. The naked RN singularity in quantum mechanics with the second-order equation for half-spin particles poses no threat to cosmic censorship, since it is covered with an infinitely large potential barrier. Electrically neutral systems of atomic type (RN collapsars with the definite number of fermions in degenerate bound states) are proposed to consider as particles of dark matter.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗