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At least 163 records · Page 9

The Photicon

The Photicon is a novel imaging optical detector utilizing a conventional semitransparent photocathode, imaging electrostatic optics, microchannel plates, and a crossed-wire-grid position-sensitive charge detector. Its sensitivity to single optical photons over a two-dimensional area, high-resolution imaging, and timing capability render it useful for recording scintillations from X-ray image converters in X-ray astronomy. A digital word indicating the position of a single photon event is produced; the image can be stored in an array or serially. Spatial resolution to 20 microns in a 25 mm diam active area detector is reported, and modifications to achieve a spectral range of 120-730 nm are mentioned.

Kellogg, E.↗

Lithosphere-Atmosphere-Ionosphere Coupling (LAIC) Model - An Unified Concept for Earthquake Precursors Validation

The paper presents a conception of complex multidisciplinary approach to the problem of clarification the nature of short-term earthquake precursors observed in atmosphere, atmospheric electricity and in ionosphere and magnetosphere. Our approach is based on the most fundamental principles of tectonics giving understanding that earthquake is an ultimate result of relative movement of tectonic plates and blocks of different sizes. Different kind of gases: methane, helium, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide leaking from the crust can serve as carrier gases for radon including underwater seismically active faults. Radon action on atmospheric gases is similar to the cosmic rays effects in upper layers of atmosphere: it is the air ionization and formation by ions the nucleus of water condensation. Condensation of water vapor is accompanied by the latent heat exhalation is the main cause for observing atmospheric thermal anomalies. Formation of large ion clusters changes the conductivity of boundary layer of atmosphere and parameters of the global electric circuit over the active tectonic faults. Variations of atmospheric electricity are the main source of ionospheric anomalies over seismically active areas. Lithosphere-Atmosphere-Ionosphere Coupling (LAIC) model can explain most of these events as a synergy between different ground surface, atmosphere and ionosphere processes and anomalous variations which are usually named as short-term earthquake precursors. A newly developed approach of Interdisciplinary Space-Terrestrial Framework (ISTF) can provide also a verification of these precursory processes in seismically active regions. The main outcome of this paper is the unified concept for systematic validation of different types of earthquake precursors united by physical basis in one common theory.

Pulinets, S.↗

Variability of the solar flux in the far ultraviolet 1175-2100 A

An attempt is made to correlate available observations within the framework of a simple two-component model of the full-disk flux which divides the solar surface into quiet and active areas with a constant average contrast factor for the intensity at a particular wavelength. The expected range of variability over the solar cycle of the far UV flux is examined within the 1175-2100 A wavelength range. Two possible indices of solar variability, the calcium plage index and the Zurich sunspot number, are investigated as guides to the fraction of disk covered by active regions and the possible resulting flux variability. In addition, contrast factors I(plage)/I(quiet region) are determined for various lines and continua, and the fraction of the disk covered by plages at various times is estimated. Results are in good agreement with the L-alpha fluxes of Vidal-Madjar (1975) and the broadband observations by Hinteregger (1979), but disagree with the flux variability reported by Heath and Thekaekara (1977) over the 1700-3000 A range.

Cook, J. W.↗

Advances in the Large Area Picosecond Photo-Detector (LAPPD TM ): 8" × 8" MCP-PMT with Capacitively Coupled Readout

Abstract We present advances made in the Large Area Picosecond Photodetector (LAPPD), an 8" × 8" microchannel plate photomultiplier tube (MCP-PMT), since pilot production was initiated at Incom, Inc. in 2018. The Gen-I LAPPD utilizes a stripline anode for direct charge readout. The novel Gen-II LAPPD employs an internal resistive thin-film which capacitively couples to a customizable external signal readout board, streamlining production and increasing customer flexibility. The Gen-II LAPPD, with an active area of 373 cm 2 , is capable of high single photoelectron (PE) gain of ∼10 7 , low dark rates (∼1 kHz/cm 2 ), single PE (SPE) timing resolution of ∼65 ps, and 𝒪(mm) position resolution. Coupled with a UV-grade fused silica window, the LAPPD features a high quantum efficiency (QE) bialkali photocathode of >30% at 365 nm with spectral response down to ∼165 nm. The LAPPD is an excellent candidate for electromagnetic calorimeter (ECAL) timing layers, photon-based neutrino detectors, high energy collider experiments, medical imaging systems, and nuclear non-proliferation applications.

Instruments & Instrumentation↗

Electrolytically Assisted Surface Decontamination (EASD{sup TM}) for POCO Operations - 20282

NNL in collaboration with C-Tech Innovation Ltd and Sellafield Ltd has been exploring innovative technologies to enable a significant reduction of radiological hazards within facilities during the Post Operational Clean Out (POCO) phase of a nuclear plant's life cycle. Reducing the hazard by effectively decontaminating plants in-situ during POCO delivers huge cost reductions for future decommissioning operations. These cost reduction benefits are realized by reducing the number and complexity of remote operations as well as lowering the long-term waste disposal costs. Whilst chemical decontamination can achieve the desired level of decontamination, applying aggressive chemical reagents is hazardous, potentially difficult to control and requires there to be complimentary effluent treatment and waste routes. This work has aimed to develop flexible and controllable decontamination processes which could be operated without the additional complexity and issues associated with chemical decontamination. The processes needed to be relatively fast and effective to minimize the time operators would spend in an active area. In addition, there was a driver to produce decontamination methodologies which generated a secondary waste compatible with current routes and which takes advantage of current waste capacity. The strategy therefore was to come up with a solution that works with, rather than against, the science and engineering behind process plants at Sellafield. Electrolytically Assisted Surface Decontamination (EASD{sup TM}) is an innovative electrochemical decontamination process (developed by NNL and C-Tech Innovation Ltd) that can remove activity from contaminated metal in very short time periods. Application of the patented electric waveform to the surface when treating contaminated metal with nitric acid has been shown to significantly enhance the decontamination performance. When compared to proposed baseline washout procedures at Sellafield, the only change to the process is the applied electrical waveform which is temporary and controllable. The current causes dissolution of the metal surface being decontaminated which leads to activity transferring from the plant item into the nitric acid effluent stream. This innovation has the potential to transform the POCO process and allow a nitric acid based washout approach to deliver POCO quickly and cost effectively within the existing infrastructure. Several devices have now been designed that incorporate this EASD{sup TM} technology and enable the decontamination process to be applied to a range items commonly identified as being contaminated during nuclear decommissioning programmes such as pipework, tanks and hotspots of walls/floors. Inactive and active laboratory-scale testing has been completed using both simulated and 'real-life' contaminated (low level waste) metallic items retrieved from different nuclear sites. Active trials demonstrated that contaminated items could be treated to free release levels within minutes. Engineering scale tests are currently being performed, with guidance from Sellafield's system engineers and plant managers, to provide the necessary re-assurance the designed devices could be successfully deployed in an on-plant scenario. The final stage of this development work is to carry out an active demonstration of the decontamination technology on Thorp at Sellafield. This paper aims to highlight progress made to date with the EASD{sup TM} technology and, more specifically, the development of an in-situ decontamination device for deployment within radioactive pipework. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Late Holocene history of Tokotan Lake (Kuril Archipelago, Russian Far East): The use of lacustrine records for paleoclimatic reconstructions from geologically dynamic settings

A high-resolution, multiproxy analysis of a core from Tokotan Lake, Urup Island, illustrates the complex paleoenvironmental signals that can be preserved in sedimentary deposits from geologically active areas, such as the Kuril Archipelago. Diatom and geochemical analyses of the Tokotan core suggest a shallowing and lessening of the lake area over the last ~3450 cal BP. Without other proxies, the record could be interpreted as showing a general decrease in precipitation over the Late Holocene. However, palynological data indicate no change in vegetation, thereby implying no significant climatic variation. Neither of these paleoclimatic interpretations agrees with Late Holocene reconstructions from the Kuril Archipelago or the Russian mainland. Paleomagnetic data imply variable sediment sources during the lake's history, indicating alterations within the Tokotan catchment (e.g., shifts in gradients or sediment loads in the inflowing streams). Such changes would be particularly important in the Shabalina River, which today has formed a partial dam across the lake's outlet. Here, the results of the Tokotan study indicate that other factors (e.g., volcanism, seismic activity, sea-level changes) rather than climate were more probable determinants of the Late Holocene lake record. Given the geologic dynamism of the region, it is perhaps not surprising that paleo-records from the Kuril Islands display an inconsistency in the numbers and/or duration of proposed Holocene climatic oscillations, underscoring the importance of multiproxy investigations in areas that are or have been geologically dynamic.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Use of Multi-Site Radiation Therapy for Systemic Disease Control

Metastatic cancer is a heterogeneous entity, some of which could benefit from local consolidative radiation therapy (RT). Although randomized evidence is growing in support of using RT for oligometastatic disease, a highly active area of investigation relates to whether RT could benefit patients with polymetastatic disease. This article highlights the preclinical and clinical rationale for using RT for polymetastatic disease, proposes an exploratory framework for selecting patients best suited for these types of treatments, and briefly reviews potential challenges. The goal of this hypothesis-generating review is to address personalized multimodality systemic treatment for patients with metastatic cancer. The rationale for using high-dose RT is primarily for local control and immune activation in either oligometastatic or polymetastatic disease. However, the primary application of low-dose RT is to activate distinct antitumor immune pathways and modulate the tumor stroma in efforts to better facilitate T cell infiltration. We explore clinical cases involving high- and low-dose RT to demonstrate the potential efficacy of such treatment. We then group patients by extent of disease burden to implement high- and/or low-dose RT. Patients with low-volume disease may receive high-dose RT to all sites as part of an oligometastatic paradigm. Subjects with high-volume disease (for whom standard of care remains palliative RT only) could be treated with a combination of high-dose RT to a few sites for immune activation, while receiving low-dose RT to several remaining lesions to enhance systemic responses from high-dose RT and immunotherapy. We further discuss how emerging but speculative concepts such as immune function may be integrated into this approach and examine therapies currently under investigation that may help address immune deficiencies. The review concludes by addressing challenges in using RT for polymetastatic disease, such as concerns about treatment planning workflows, treatment times, dose constraints for multiple-isocenter treatments, and economic considerations.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Cometary nucleus and active regions

On the basis of the icy conglomerate model of cometary nuclei, various observations demonstrate the spotted nature of many or most nuclei, i.e., regions of unusual activity, either high or low. Rotation periods, spin axes and even precession of the axes are determined. The observational evidence for variations in activity over the surfaces of cometary nuclei are listed and discussed. On June 11 the comet IRAS-ARAKI-ALCOCK approached the Earth to a distance of 0.031 AU, the nearest since C/Lexell, 1770 I, providing a unique opportunity for near-nucleus observations. Preliminary analysis of these images establishes the spin axis of the nucleus, with an oblioquity to the orbit plane of approximately 50 deg, and a lag angle of sublimation approximately 35 deg from the solar meridian on the nucleus. Asymmetries of the inner coma suggests a crazy-quilt distribution of ices with differing volatility over the surface of the nucleus. The observations of Comet P/Homes 1892 III, exhibiting two 8-10 magnitude bursts, are carefully analyzed. The grazing encounter produced, besides the first great burst, an active area on the nucleus, which was rotating retrograde with a period of 16.3hr and inclination nearly 180 deg. After the first burst the total magnitude fell less than two magnitudes from November 7 to November 30 (barely naked eye) while the nuclear region remained diffuse or complex, rarely if ever showing a stellar appearance. The fading was much more rapid after the second burst. The grazing encounter distributed a volume of large chunks in the neighborhood of the nucleus, maintaining activity for weeks.

Whipple, F. L.↗

Special Purpose Crew Restraints for Teleoperation

With permanent human presence onboard the International Space Station (ISS), and long duration space missions being planned for the moon and Mars, humans will be living and working in microgravity over increasingly long periods of time. In addition to weightlessness, the confined nature of a spacecraft environment results in ergonomic challenges such as limited visibility, and access to the activity area. These challenges can result in prolonged periods of unnatural postures for the crew, ultimately causing pain, injury, and loss of productivity. Determining the right set of human factors requirements and providing an ergonomically designed environment is crucial to mission success. While a number of general purpose restraints have been used on ISS (handrails, foot loops), experience has shown that these general purpose restraints may not be optimal, or even acceptable for some tasks that have unique requirements. For example, some onboard activities require extreme stability (e.g., glovebox microsurgery), and others involve the use of arm, torso and foot movements in order to perform the task (e-g. robotic teleoperation); standard restraint systems will not work in these situations. The Usability Testing and Analysis Facility (WAF) at the NASA Johnson Space Center began evaluations of crew restraints for these special situations by looking at NASAs Robonaut. Developed by the Robot Systems Technology Branch, Robonaut is a humanoid robot that can be remotely operated through a tetepresence control system by an operator. It was designed to perform work in hazardous environments (e.g., Extra Vehicular Activities). A Robonaut restraint was designed, modeled for the population, and ultimately tested onboard the KC-135 microgravity aircraft. While in microgravity, participants were asked to get in and out of the restraint from different locations, perform maximum reach exercises, and finally to teleoperate Robonaut while in the restraint. The sessions were videotaped, and participants completed a questionnaire at the end of each flight day. Results from this evaluation are being used to develop the human factors design requirements for teleoperation tasks in microgravity.

Whitmore, Mihriban↗

Modeling Deformable Linear Objects for Autonomous Robotic Outfitting of Lunar Surface Systems

This paper presents structural models of deformable linear objects (DLOs). DLOs are a subclass of deformable objects that encompasses common outfitting elements such as cables and ropes. Models are validated through hardware experiments, and integration in a robotic autonomy architecture for space environments is discussed. A persistent human presence on the lunar surface is one of the next major milestones in space exploration. This requires the development of robust extraplanetary construction technologies including structures and materials modeling and robotic systems. Previous robotic construction technology development has primarily focused on structural assembly, with significantly less focus on robotically performed outfitting tasks to instantiate subsystems providing power, data, life support, etc. These tasks involve manipulation of highly flexible elements, which are difficult to model, such as cable harnesses, ropes, and hoses. Robotic manipulation of DLOs, especially cable harnesses, is an active area of research as cable harnesses are essential for providing power and data to space assets. DLO models that can be used for robot manipulator trajectory generation are necessary for autonomous operation of lunar infrastructure. There are many proposed methods for modeling DLOs, and they primarily fall into three types: 1) discrete model-based, 2) continuum model-based, and 3) Neural Network-based. These types each have pros and cons, and the tradeoff between model accuracy and computational speed informs which type should be used. An understanding of this trade-off is imperative for real-time control of autonomous systems. High computational requirements reduce the speed of the model, making real-time control difficult, while accuracy is critical to preventing collisions. Discrete models, such as a mass-spring multibody representation, require relatively few calculations, and accuracy is directly tied to the step size of the discretization. Continuum models, such as a B-spline representation or a Cosserat rod model (a mix of continuous and discrete), are more informed of the structural properties of the cable and are much more accurate than a rigid body mass-spring model, but at significant computational cost. A Neural Network approach can provide an online solution with very few computational steps, but properly generating training data can be difficult and validation for an in-space application is not trivial. This paper explores the trade-off between different modeling approaches and compares accuracy and computational speed/complexity of the three types mentioned above. Model accuracy is evaluated using a cable in a static configuration. True cable shape is obtained using a depth camera for RGB images and point-cloud segmentation. The purpose of this experiment is to evaluate the trade-offs of different approaches to the DLO modeling problem. Understanding the tradeoffs between different cable modeling techniques paves the way for developing robotic control and planning architectures necessary for real-time manipulation of DLOs for lunar infrastructure outfitting. Real-time control is required for robotic systems to be able to actively manipulate a cable in a harsh environment where model and sensor errors compound, and environmental conditions can cause significant disturbances. Cable routing must be performed in areas with high density of objects/obstacles: through truss structures, near solar panels or mirror arrays, next to bundles of electrical equipment. Understanding the best way to plan and manipulate a cable without disrupting the environment or damaging the cable is imperative to robotic outfitting operations on the lunar surface.

Amy M Quartaro↗

Smart Sensor Demonstration Payload

Sensors are a critical element to any monitoring, control, and evaluation processes such as those needed to support ground based testing for rocket engine test. Sensor applications involve tens to thousands of sensors; their reliable performance is critical to achieving overall system goals. Many figures of merit are used to describe and evaluate sensor characteristics; for example, sensitivity and linearity. In addition, sensor selection must satisfy many trade-offs among system engineering (SE) requirements to best integrate sensors into complex systems [1]. These SE trades include the familiar constraints of power, signal conditioning, cabling, reliability, and mass, and now include considerations such as spectrum allocation and interference for wireless sensors. Our group at NASA s John C. Stennis Space Center (SSC) works in the broad area of integrated systems health management (ISHM). Core ISHM technologies include smart and intelligent sensors, anomaly detection, root cause analysis, prognosis, and interfaces to operators and other system elements [2]. Sensor technologies are the base fabric that feed data and health information to higher layers. Cost-effective operation of the complement of test stands benefits from technologies and methodologies that contribute to reductions in labor costs, improvements in efficiency, reductions in turn-around times, improved reliability, and other measures. ISHM is an active area of development at SSC because it offers the potential to achieve many of those operational goals [3-5].

Schmalzel, John↗

Bottom-up evolution of perovskite clusters into high-activity rhodium nanoparticles toward alkaline hydrogen evolution

Self-reconstruction has been considered an efficient means to prepare efficient electrocatalysts in various energy transformation process for bond activation and breaking. However, developing nano-sized electrocatalysts through complete in-situ reconstruction with improved activity remains challenging. Herein, we report a bottom-up evolution route of electrochemically reducing Cs 3 Rh 2 I 9 halide-perovskite clusters on N-doped carbon to prepare ultrafine Rh nanoparticles (~2.2 nm) with large lattice spacings and grain boundaries. Various in-situ and ex-situ characterizations including electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance experiments elucidate the Cs and I extraction and Rh reduction during the electrochemical reduction. These Rh nanoparticles from Cs 3 Rh 2 I 9 clusters show significantly enhanced mass and area activity toward hydrogen evolution reaction in both alkaline and chlor-alkali electrolyte, superior to liquid-reduced Rh nanoparticles as well as bulk Cs 3 Rh 2 I 9 -derived Rh via top-down electro-reduction transformation. Theoretical calculations demonstrate water activation could be boosted on Cs 3 Rh 2 I 9 clusters-derived Rh nanoparticles enriched with multiply sites, thus smoothing alkaline hydrogen evolution.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Performance and Total Cost of Ownership of a Fuel Cell Hybrid Mining Truck

The main objective of this work was to investigate the potential of hydrogen and fuel cells replacing diesel and internal combustion engines in the ultraclass haul trucks deployed in the mining sector. Performance, range, durability, and cost are the main criteria considered for comparing the two fuels and engine options. Fuel cell system (FCS) performance is characterized in terms of heat rejection, efficiency, and fuel consumption for a hybrid platform equivalent to a 3500 hp diesel engine operating on a representative open pit mining duty cycle. A hybrid platform was chosen because the heat rejection, with a constrained radiator frontal area, limits the maximum fuel cell-rated power by about 50% compared to that of the diesel truck. The hybrid powertrain was 81–88% more efficient than the diesel powertrain on the truck duty cycle. A liquid hydrogen storage system is required for an equal range or time between refilling, but the packaging remains a challenge. Fuel cell and battery durability were evaluated for their performance degradation and lifetime. Achieving a fuel cell lifetime comparable to the time between major overhauls for diesel trucks necessitates the oversizing of the membrane-active area, catalyst overloading, and voltage clipping. For an equal lifetime, the battery must be oversized to control its depth of discharge and charge/discharge rates. A total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis considering the initial capital expenditures, as well as the lifetime cost of fuel, operation, and maintenance, indicates that fuel cells and hydrogen can compete with diesel. A breakeven fuel cost for TCO parity is obtained if H2 is available at USD 5.79–6.85/kg vs. diesel at USD 3.25/gal and the FCS-specific cost is USD 323/kW e relative to USD 250/kW for a diesel genset. Volume manufacturing is required for FCS cost reduction. High volume is possible through the standardization, modularity, and proliferation of class 8 long-haul truck systems across different heavy-duty applications.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Timing resolution and rate capability of Photonis miniPlanacon XPM85212/A1-S MCP-PMT

In this paper we report on a set of experiments that focus on measuring the timing performance of the Photonis miniPlanacon XPM85212/A1-S microchannel plate photomultiplier tubes along with the detector response at high event rates. The detector has a single photoelectron timing resolution of 30 ps at low rates ( 10 kHz ). We show that both the gain and the timing start to deteriorate around 1 MHz with 20 photoelectrons per channel at 1 0 4 target gain, giving the current per unit of area limits of 1.38 μ A / cm 2 and 2.38 μ A / cm 2 for the two tested devices. Photo-multiplier tubes with lower micro-channel plate resistivity exhibit a better rate capability due to the faster replenishment of the charge inside the microchannels. As we demonstrate, another method to improve the rate capability is to operate the photon detector tubes at a lower gain by reducing the supply voltage and compensating for the loss of amplitude by an additional amplification stage at the expense of the achieved timing resolution. The tube active area over which the beam is spread also plays a role since the same amount of light yields a better rate capability when spread over a larger area. The tubes exposed to high event rates showed an uncharacteristically slow recovery back to its initial gain with 80 % of the initial gain recovered only after several tens of minutes.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Overcoming efficiency and cost barriers for large-area quantum dot photovoltaics through stable ink engineering

The bottom-up construction of electronics from colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) could innovate nanotechnology manufacturing through printing. However, the unstable and expensive semiconductive CQD inks make the scaling up of CQD electronics challenging. Here, in this study, we develop a strategy for engineering the solution chemistry of lead sulfide (PbS) CQD inks prepared from a low-cost direct synthesis method. By creating an iodine-rich environment in weakly coordinating solvents, we convert the iodoplumbates into functional anions, which condense into a robust surface shell. The fully charged electrostatic surface layer prevents aggregation and epitaxial fusion of CQDs, yielding stable inks. By eliminating the fusion-induced inter-band states, we print a compact CQD film with uniformity in three dimensions, flattened energy landscape and improved carrier transport. We achieved a certified efficiency of 13.40% on 0.04 cm 2 cells, with a 300-fold increase in active area, scaling up to a 12.60 cm 2 module with a certified efficiency of 10%.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

A magnetic field measurement technique using a miniature transducer

The development, fabrication, and application of a magnetometer are described. The magnetometer has a miniature transducer and is capable of automatic scanning. The magnetometer described here is capable of detecting static magnetic fields as low as 1.6 A/m and its transducer has an active area 0.64 mm by 0.76 mm. Thin and rugged, the transducer uses wire, 0.05 mm in diameter, which is plated with a magnetic film, enabling measurement of transverse magnetic fields as close as 0.08 mm from a surface. The magnetometer, which is simple to operate and has a fast response, uses an inexpensive clip-on milliammeter (commonly found in most laboratories) for driving and processing the electrical signals and readout. A specially designed transducer holding mechanism replaces the XY recorder ink pen; this mechanism provides the basis for an automatic scanning technique. The instrument has been applied to the measurements of magnetic fields arising from remanent magnetization in experimental plated-wire memory planes and regions of magnetic activity in geological rock specimens.

Fales, C. L., Jr.↗

Multinuclear PFGSTE NMR description of 39 K, 23 Na, 7 Li, and 1 H specific activation energies governing diffusion in alkali nitrite solutions

While pulsed field gradient stimulated echo nuclear magnetic resonance (PFGSTE NMR) spectroscopy has found widespread use in the quantification of self-diffusivity for many NMR-active nuclei, extending this technique to uncommon nuclei with unfavorable NMR properties remains an active area of research. Potassium-39 ( 39 K) is an archetypical NMR nucleus exhibiting an unfavorable gyromagnetic ratio combined with a very low Larmor frequency. Despite these unfavorable properties, this work demonstrates that 39 K PFGSTE NMR experiments are possible in aqueous solutions of concentrated potassium nitrite. Further, analysis of the results indicates that 39 K NMR diffusometry is feasible when the nuclei exhibit spin–lattice and spin–spin relaxation coefficients on the order of 60–100 ms and 50–100 ms, respectively. The diffusivity of 39 K followed Arrhenius behavior, and comparative 23 Na, 7 Li, and 1 H PFGSTE NMR studies of equimolal sodium nitrite and lithium nitrite solutions led to correlations between the enthalpy of hydration with the activation energy governing self-diffusion of the cations and also of water. Realizing the feasibility of 39 K PFGSTE NMR spectroscopy has a widespread impact across energy sciences because potassium is a common alkali element in energy storage materials and other applications.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

The interpretation of crustal dynamics data in terms of plate motions and regional deformation near plate boundaries

A particularly detailed set of observations in the vicinity of an intraplate, thrust earthquake (M 7.4) in Argentina, indicate a cyclic pattern of deformation very similar to that reported previously for interplate earthquakes. This deformation cycle, which may be characteristic of many seismically active areas, consists of: (1) steady strain accumulation, possibly punctuated by strain reversals; (2) coseismic strain release; (3) a period of continued strain release due to afterslip (persisting for perhaps a year or so); and (4) rapid postseismic strain accumulation which decreases exponentially and grades into steady strain accumulation. Deformation associated with three earthquakes in the U.S. (1940, M7.1 Imperial Valley California; 1964, M8.4 Alaska; 1959, M7.5 Hebgen Lake, Montana) are interpreted in light of this general earthquake cycle and are used to investigate the mechanics of strain release for these events. These examples indicate that large postseismic movements can occur for strike-slip, thrust, and normal fault events, and both viscoelastic relaxation and postseismic after-slip must be incorporated in models of earthquake related deformation. The mechanics of the strain release process revealed by these examples has implications for estimating earthquake repeat times from geodetic observations near active faults.

Solomon, Sean C.↗