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At least 1,585 records · Page 88

Radiation pressure induced difference-sideband generation beyond linearized description

We investigate radiation-pressure induced generation of the frequency components at the difference-sideband in an optomechanical system, which beyond the conventional linearized description of optomechanical interactions between cavity fields and the mechanical oscillation. We analytically calculate amplitudes of these signals, and identify a simple square-root law for both the upper and lower difference-sideband generation which can describe the dependence of the intensities of these signals on the pump power. Further calculation shows that difference-sideband generation can be greatly enhanced via achieving the matching conditions. The effect of difference-sideband generation, which may have potential application for manipulation of light, is especially suited for on-chip optomechanical devices, where nonlinear optomechanical interaction in the weak coupling regime is within current experimental reach.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Adiabatic and isothermal configurations for Re 4 Si 7 transverse thermoelectric power generators

We report that transverse thermoelectric generators (TTEGs) have the potential to overcome two challenging problems that limit the commercial application of classical thermoelectric generators (TEGs): the significant irreversible efficiency losses in the contacts and the thermal degradation of the contacts at the hot end. TTEGs are built from a single material that can generate a thermoelectric current in a direction that is orthogonal to a temperature gradient. They only require a single set of contacts that are displaced away from the hot end. Here, we experimentally explore the device design considerations for optimizing the performance of this far less explored class of thermal-to-electric generation devices. We fabricate Re 4 Si 7 TTEGs and show that there is no measurable loss in efficiency with a single set of contacts that are midway between the hot and cold ends. We show that a new effect must be considered: the appearance of transverse thermal gradients that lead to significant differences between the performance of TTEGs implemented in isothermal and adiabatic geometries. The isothermal TTEG configuration leads to much higher device efficiencies. Overall, this work highlights how different the design of TTEGs is from that of conventional TEGs and the importance of controlling the device geometry for optimum waste heat recovery.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗

Aerodynamic-whistles-based ultrasonic tone generators for bat deterrence

Novel ultrasonic bat deterrents based on aerodynamic whistles are proposed and investigated experimentally and numerically for their ability to generate ultrasound. The baseline deterrent, a single-whistle design inspired by Beeken [“Fluid ultrasonic generator,” U.S. patent 3,432,804 (1969)], is examined first. It consists of two resonating cavities/chambers. The whistle is “powered” by a regulated high-pressure air supply, and the performance of the whistle is examined for a range of supply pressures. Far-field acoustic measurements in the 20 Hz–50 kHz frequency range are made in an anechoic chamber. The noise measurements are supplemented with two- and three-dimensional unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (uRANS) simulations to investigate the mechanisms of ultrasound generation. The Ffowcs Williams–Hawkings acoustic analogy is used with the three-dimensional uRANS results to predict the far-field radiation. The far-field acoustic predictions are in good agreement with the measurements in the anechoic chamber. The peak frequency (fundamental) of the radiated ultrasound of the baseline deterrent is approximately 23 kHz. Harmonics and a sub-harmonic of the fundamental tone are also observed. The numerical simulations show that the two resonating chambers of the baseline deterrent operate out-of-phase and Helmholtz resonance determines the whistling frequency over the range of supply air pressure considered. A six-whistle deterrent targeting a broad spectral coverage in the 20–50 kHz frequency range is designed, fabricated, and tested in the anechoic chamber. Each whistle in the deterrent is obtained by geometrically scaling the baseline whistle. Measurements show that the six-whistle ultrasound deterrent generates ultrasound with six dominant peaks in the designed frequency range when the supply air pressure exceeds 5 psig. The proposed ultrasound devices can be used for a variety of purposes including bat deterrence at wind turbines.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Effect of self-generated magnetic fields on x-ray emission in Kr-filled targets at the National Ignition Facility

We examine the effects of self-generated magnetic fields in a Kr gas pipe x-ray source platform. X-ray emission from Kr plasma is dependent on the plasma conditions, as the ionization state is largely a function of temperature. Magnetic fields are known to limit heat conduction, which increases temperature. We show that the emission in simulations of the gas pipe x-ray source is dependent on how self-generated magnetic fields are modeled. The inclusion of self-generated magnetic fields in simulations more accurately captures the emission of lower energy x-ray emission (L-shell), bringing results closer to experiments. The modeled x-ray emission and self-generated magnetic fields are shown to be particularly sensitive to the inclusion of the Nernst effect in simulations. Severely limiting the Nernst effect leads to a hotter Kr plasma, which can account for the discrepancy seen in earlier studies. By modifying the Nernst effect multiplier, we can achieve better experimental agreement in x-ray emission from gas pipes; the value of the multiplier that leads to the best agreement is dependent on the laser power of the drive. Currently, the suppression factor of the Nernst effect needed for high power drives (PL>200 TW) is more restrictive than what is currently put forward by non-local models.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Efficient generation and extreme compression of multidimensional solitary states in molecular gas-filled hollow-core fibers driven by picosecond Yb lasers

We present an in-depth study on the impact of spatiotemporal Raman enhancement in molecular gas-filled hollow-core fibers (HCFs), demonstrating the efficient generation and post-compression of multidimensional solitary states (MDSS). Through different experimental scenarios—employing large-core HCFs filled with molecular gases (N 2 and N 2 O) and driven by high energy, sub-picosecond and picosecond Fourier transform-limited ytterbium laser pulses—this work leverages multimode propagation and enhanced spatiotemporal interactions to achieve significant spectral broadening and asymmetric redshift, contrasting sharply with self-phase modulation. Our findings reveal that, beyond the regime of maximum nonadiabatic molecular alignment, spatiotemporal nonlinear enhancement primarily governs spectral broadening for input pulse durations up to 1 ps. The process shows limited sensitivity to input pulse duration and the two investigated molecular gases (N 2 and N 2 O), with only subtle differences in broadening arising from their distinct Raman spectroscopic properties. Furthermore, post-compression of MDSS was achieved in various cases. Notably, using 7 mJ, 1 ps laser pulses, we generated 22 fs pulses with a 47% energy conversion efficiency of the input pulse energy. These results position MDSS as a powerful platform for generating high-energy, ultrashort pulses with tunable wavelengths, offering a robust solution for applications such as high harmonic generation.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Tradeoffs in single stage drift step recovery diode generator design

A high-voltage generator of nanosecond pulses utilizing a drift step recovery diode (DSRD) as an opening switch in the compression section is designed to operate at peak voltages of 4 kV and repetition rates of 2 MHz in burst mode at reduced voltages. The generator is used to perform empirical studies on the output metrics of a DSRD generator with a focus on matching the circuit of the reverse current loop parameters and DSRD to the load. The dynamic impedance introduced by nonlinear elements in the DSRD was investigated with respect to the driving circuit by varying the number of DSRDs connected in series. Experimental results indicate that optimization of the driving circuit for the DSRD is key to minimizing losses and achieving optimal pulse compression. Furthermore, the results also indicate trends in DSRD performance as larger storage inductances and longer pumping times are used, limiting the pulse compression capabilities of a single stage DSRD generator.

Electrical properties and parameters↗

Efficiency of generation of highly ionised atoms under resonance absorption of CO{sub 2}-laser radiation

We consider the generation of beams of highly ionised atoms in solid targets irradiated with CO{sub 2}-laser pulses. We present experimental results on generation of Mg and Pb ions from laser plasma at a radiation flux density q Almost-Equal-To 10{sup 14} W cm{sup -2}. We have developed a theoretical model describing the plasma heating by CO{sub 2}-laser radiation at a high pulse intensity on the target, taking into account the ponderomotive forces affecting the behaviour of the interaction of light with the plasma. It is shown that in the case of resonance absorption of laser radiation by the plasma, the efficiency of generation of highly ionised atoms of the target substance is higher than the efficiency of generation in the case of classical absorption. The results of the numerical calculation by the developed model are in good agreement with the experiment.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

A self-consistent regime of generation of terahertz radiation by an optical pulse with a tilted intensity front

We derived a self-consistent system of nonlinear wave equations describing the terahertz generation in dielectric uniaxial crystals by optical pulsed radiation with a tilted wavefront. The numerical analysis of the system of equations showed that the generation of a broadband one-period terahertz signal is accompanied by a red shift of the carrier frequency of the optical pulse, the magnitude of the shift being proportional to the pulse intensity. The generation efficiency with respect to energy reached a maximum at a certain distance of propagation in the crystal, after which the efficiency decreased. A satisfactory agreement was obtained between theoretical calculations and experimental data of other investigations. (generation of terahertz radiation)

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Generation of double giant pulses in actively Q-switched lasers

Generation of a second giant pulse in a longitudinal mode neighbouring to the longitudinal mode possessing minimal losses is theoretically and experimentally studied in actively Q-switched lasers. A mathematical model is suggested for explaining the giant pulse generation in a laser with multiple longitudinal modes. The model makes allowance for not only a standing, but also a running wave for each cavity mode. Results of numerical simulation and data of experiments with a Nd : YLF laser explain the effect of second giant pulse generation in a neighbouring longitudinal mode. After a giant pulse in the mode with minimal losses is generated, the threshold for the neighbouring longitudinal mode is still exceeded due to the effect of burning holes in the population inversion spatial distribution. (paper)

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Simulation of generation of ultrashort pulses in a laser based on the nonlinear polarisation evolution in two segments of a polarisation-maintaining fibre

A model describing generation of ultrashort optical pulses in a fibre cavity with Kerr nonlinearity and normal dispersion is constructed based on numerical solution of a nonlinear Schrödinger equation. The model makes it possible to investigate the specific features of pulsed generation of a passively mode-locked laser based on the effect of nonlinear polarisation evolution (NPE) in two segments of a polarisation-maintaining (PM) fibre. It is shown theoretically that the proposed scheme may provide generation of linearly chirped optical pulses with a spectral width of above 25 nm and a centre wavelength of 1030 nm. (generation of ultrashort laser pulses)

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

SRS generation of femtosecond pulses in a methane-filled revolver hollow-core optical fibre

The influence of the width of pump pulses (with λ{sub p} = 1.026 μm) on the SRS generation of femtosecond pulses in a methane-filled hollow-core fibre is investigated. The width of pump pulses is controlled by transmitting them through an optical dispersion-managed system and thus making them linear frequency-modulated (chirped). Regimes of both the preferred SRS generation of femtosecond pulses at the Stokes wavelength (λ{sub st} = 1.464 μm) and the generation of a multiband supercontinuum are experimentally demonstrated. A quantum efficiency of 41 % and a pulse width of 590 fs at the Stokes wavelength are obtained for the 1.026 → 1.464 nm Raman generation. (paper)

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Learning effective physical laws for generating cosmological hydrodynamics with Lagrangian deep learning

The goal of generative models is to learn the intricate relations between the data to create new simulated data, but current approaches fail in very high dimensions. When the true data-generating process is based on physical processes, these impose symmetries and constraints, and the generative model can be created by learning an effective description of the underlying physics, which enables scaling of the generative model to very high dimensions. In this work, we propose Lagrangian deep learning (LDL) for this purpose, applying it to learn outputs of cosmological hydrodynamical simulations. The model uses layers of Lagrangian displacements of particles describing the observables to learn the effective physical laws. The displacements are modeled as the gradient of an effective potential, which explicitly satisfies the translational and rotational invariance. The total number of learned parameters is only of order 10, and they can be viewed as effective theory parameters. Further, we combine N-body solver fast particle mesh (FastPM) with LDL and apply it to a wide range of cosmological outputs, from the dark matter to the stellar maps, gas density, and temperature. The computational cost of LDL is nearly four orders of magnitude lower than that of the full hydrodynamical simulations, yet it outperforms them at the same resolution. We achieve this with only of order 10 layers from the initial conditions to the final output, in contrast to typical cosmological simulations with thousands of time steps. This opens up the possibility of analyzing cosmological observations entirely within this framework, without the need for large dark-matter simulations.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

MC 2 -3: Multigroup Cross Section Generation Code for Fast Reactor Analysis

This paper presents the methods and performance of the MC2 -3 code, which is a multigroup cross-section generation code for fast reactor analysis, developed to improve the resonance self-shielding and spectrum calculation methods of MC2 -2 and to simplify the current multistep schemes generating region-dependent broad-group cross sections. Using the basic neutron data from ENDF/B data files, MC2 -3 solves the consistent P1 multigroup transport equation to determine the fundamental mode spectra for use in generating multigroup neutron cross sections. A homogeneous medium or a heterogeneous slab or cylindrical unit cell problem is solved in ultrafine (2082) or hyperfine (~400 000) group levels. In the resolved resonance range, pointwise cross sections are reconstructed with Doppler broadening at specified temperatures. The pointwise cross sections are directly used in the hyperfine group calculation, whereas for the ultrafine group calculation, self-shielded cross sections are prepared by numerical integration of the pointwise cross sections based upon the narrow resonance approximation. For both the hyperfine and ultrafine group calculations, unresolved resonances are self-shielded using the analytic resonance integral method. The ultrafine group calculation can also be performed for a two-dimensional whole-core problem to generate region-dependent broad-group cross sections. Verification tests have been performed using the benchmark problems for various fast critical experiments including Los Alamos National Laboratory critical assemblies; Zero-Power Reactor, Zero-Power Physics Reactor, and Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz experiments; Monju start-up core; and Advanced Burner Test Reactor. Verification and validation results with ENDF/B-VII.0 data indicated that eigenvalues from MC2 -3/DIF3D agreed well with Monte Carlo N-Particle5 MCNP5 or VIM Monte Carlo solutions within 200 pcm and regionwise one-group fluxes were in good agreement with Monte Carlo solutions.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Evolution of second-generation stars in stellar disks of globular and nuclear clusters: ω Centauri as a test case

Globular clusters (GCs) and many nuclear clusters (NCs) show evidence of hosting multiple generations of stellar populations. Younger stellar populations in NCs appear to reside in disk-like structures, including the NC in our own Galactic center as well as in M31. Kinematic studies of the anomalous GC ω Centauri, thought to possibly be a former dwarf galaxy (or a galactic nucleus), show evidence of hosting a central, kinematically cold disk component. These observations suggest that formation of second- (or multiple) generation stars may occur in flattened disk-like structures. Here, we use detailed N-body simulations to explore the possible evolution of such stellar disks embedded in GCs. We follow the long-term evolution of a disk-like structure similar to that observed in ω Centauri and study its properties. We find that a stellar-disk-like origin for second-generation stellar populations can leave behind significant kinematic signatures in properties of the clusters, including an anisotropic distribution and lower velocity dispersions, which can be used to constrain the origin of second-generations stars and their dynamical evolution.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Measurement and reduction of Ar metastable densities by nitrogen admixing in electron beam-generated plasmas

Abstract Electron beam (e-beam) generated plasmas are useful for material processing applications such as deposition and etching because the plasmas deliver a large fluence of very low energy of ions to surfaces. Metastable species produced in the beam-region can also transport significant energy to the plasma periphery and surfaces. In this work, we have investigated the spatially resolved density of metastable Ar 1s 5 species produced in an Ar and Ar/N 2 e-beam generated plasma at pressures of 60–67 mTorr using laser-induced fluorescence (LIF). The experiments provide the first direct measure of absolute density and reduction of Ar 1s 5 in an e-beam generated plasma when argon is diluted with nitrogen. These results are consistent with previous predictions of numerical modeling and measurements using optical emission spectroscopy. The present spatially resolved LIF measurements directly quantify the reduction of Ar 1s 5 in the e-beam generated plasma by nitrogen admixing. This reduction was observed in the region of the electron beam and in the plasma periphery, where substrates are usually placed. For example, up to a threefold reduction of the density of Ar 1s 5 was measured when the argon background was diluted with 15.5% nitrogen at pressure of 60 mTorr. Ar 1s 5 reduction is attributed to excitation exchange with nitrogen molecules as well as the cooling of plasma electrons via inelastic collisions with nitrogen molecules.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Harmonic generation in a terawatt x-ray free-electron laser

Abstract Terawatt x-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) represent the frontier in further development of x-ray sources and require high current densities with strong transverse focusing. In this paper, we investigate the implications/potentialities of TW XFELs on the generation of harmonics at still shorter wavelengths and higher photon energies. The simulations indicate that significant power levels are possible at high harmonics of the XFEL resonance and that these XFELs can be an important coherent source of hard x-rays through the gamma ray spectrum. For this purpose, we use the MINERVA simulation code which self-consistently includes harmonic generation. Both helical and planar undulators are discussed in which the fundamental is at 1.5 Å and study the associated harmonic generation. While tapered undulators are needed to reach TW powers at the fundamental, the taper does not enhance the harmonics because the taper must start before saturation of the fundamental, while the harmonics saturate before this point is reached. Nevertheless, the harmonics reach substantial powers. Simulations indicate that, for the parameters under consideration, peak powers of the order of 180 MW are possible at the fifth harmonic with a photon energy of about 41 keV and still high harmonics may also be generated at substantial powers. Such high harmonic powers are certain to enable a host of enhanced applications.

Physics↗

Issues on generating primordial anisotropies at the end of inflation

We revisit the idea of generating primordial anisotropies at the end of inflation in models of inflation with gauge fields. To be specific we consider the charged hybrid inflation model where the waterfall field is charged under a U(1) gauge field so the surface of end of inflation is controlled both by inflaton and the gauge fields. Using δN formalism properly we find that the anisotropies generated at the end of inflation from the gauge field fluctuations are exponentially suppressed on cosmological scales. This is because the gauge field evolves exponentially during inflation while in order to generate appreciable anisotropies at the end of inflation the spectator gauge field has to be frozen. We argue that this is a generic feature, that is, one can not generate observable anisotropies at the end of inflation within an FRW background.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Profiled spectral lines generated in the field of Kerr superspinars

String Theory suggests existence of primordial Kerr superspinars, extremely compact objects with external spacetime described by the Kerr naked singularity geometry. The primordial Kerr superspinars have to be converted to a near-extreme black hole due to accretion, but they could survive to the era of highly redshifted quasars. We study the shape of the profiled spectral lines generated by radiating rings or the innermost parts of Keplerian discs orbiting the Kerr superspinars. Influence of the superspinar surface location on the profiled lines is also considered. We demonstrate strong difference of the character of the profiled lines generated by radiating rings for all values of the superspinar spin and all values of the inclination angles of the observer when compared to those generated in the field of Kerr black holes. For small and mediate inclination angles there are large quantitative differences in the extension and position of the lines. For large inclination angles even strong qualitative difference appears as the profiled lines have a clear doubled character. The smaller, redshifted region of the profiled line is related to the photons reaching the regions near the superspinar surface. Strong differences are obtained also for profiled lines generated by the innermost parts of Keplerian discs especially in the shape of the line. The influence of the superspinar surface location is reflected in the intermediate parts of the the profiled lines. The line profiles can give a clear signature of the presence of a Kerr superspinar and in principle enable estimates of its surface location since the signatures of the superspinar surface location are of different character as those corresponding to the presence of the black hole horizon.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗