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At least 1,621 records · Page 90
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2014

Inspection design using 2D phased array, TFM and cueMAP software

A simulation suite, cueMAP, has been developed to facilitate the design of inspection processes and sparse 2D array configurations. At the core of cueMAP is a Total Focusing Method (TFM) imaging algorithm that enables computer assisted design of ultrasonic inspection scenarios, including the design of bespoke array configurations to match the inspection criteria. This in-house developed TFM code allows for interactive evaluation of image quality indicators of ultrasonic imaging performance when utilizing a 2D phased array working in FMC/TFM mode. The cueMAP software uses a series of TFM images to build a map of resolution, contrast and sensitivity of imaging performance of a simulated reflector, swept across the inspection volume. The software takes into account probe properties, wedge or water standoff, and effects of specimen curvature. In the validation process of this new software package, two 2D arrays have been evaluated on 304n stainless steel samples, typical of the primary circuit in nuclear plants. Thick section samples have been inspected using a 1MHz 2D matrix array. Due to the processing efficiency of the software, the data collected from these array configurations has been used to investigate the influence sub-aperture operation on inspection performance.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2015

Prestack reverse time migration for 3D marine reflection seismic data

Prestack reverse time migration (RTM) is a method for imaging the subsurface using the inner product of wavefield extrapolation in shot domain and in receiver domain. It is well known that RTM is better for preserving amplitudes and phases than other prestack migrations. Since 3D seismic data is huge data volume and it needs heavy computing works, it requires parallel computing in order to have a meaningful depth image of the 3D subsurface. We implemented a parallelized version of 3D RTM for prestack depth migration. The results of numerical example for 3D SEG/EAGE salt model showed good agreement with the original geological model. We applied RTM to offshore 3D seismic reflection data. The study area is 12 × 25 km with 120 survey lines. Shot and receiver spacing is 25 m and 12.5 m. The line spacing is 100 m. Shot gathers were preprocessed to enhance signal to noise ratio and velocity model was calculated from conventional stack velocity. Both of them were used to obtain 3D image using RTM. The results show reasonable subsurface image.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2015

Atomic and molecular oxygen adsorbed on (111) transition metal surfaces: Cu and Ni

Density functional theory is used to investigate the reaction of oxygen with clean copper and nickel [111]-surfaces. We study several alternative adsorption sites for atomic and molecular oxygen on both surfaces. The minimal energy geometries and adsorption energies are in good agreement with previous theoretical studies and experimental data. From all considered adsorption sites, we found a new O{sub 2} molecular precursor with two possible dissociation paths on the Cu(111) surface. Cross barrier energies for the molecular oxygen dissociation have been calculated by using the climbing image nudge elastic band method, and direct comparison with experimental results is performed. Finally, the structural changes and adsorption energies of oxygen adsorbed on surface when there is a vacancy nearby the adsorption site are also considered.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Infrared imaging diagnostics for intense pulsed electron beam

Infrared imaging diagnostic method for two-dimensional calorimetric diagnostics has been developed for intense pulsed electron beam (IPEB). By using a 100-μm-thick tungsten film as the infrared heat sink for IPEB, the emitting uniformity of the electron source can be analyzed to evaluate the efficiency and stability of the diode system. Two-dimensional axisymmetric finite element method heat transfer simulation, combined with Monte Carlo calculation, was performed for error estimation and optimization of the method. The test of the method was finished with IPEB generated by explosive emission electron diode with pulse duration (FWHM) of 80 ns, electron energy up to 450 keV, and a total beam current of over 1 kA. The results showed that it is possible to measure the cross-sectional energy density distribution of IPEB with energy sensitivity of 0.1 J/cm{sup 2} and spatial resolution of 1 mm. The technical details, such as irradiation protection of bremsstrahlung γ photons and the functional extensibility of the method were discussed in this work.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2018

Luminescence methodology to determine grain-boundary, grain-interior, and surface recombination in thin-film solar cells

We determine the grain-boundary (GB) recombination velocity, S GB , and grain-interior (GI) lifetime, t GI , parameters in superstrate CdS/CdTe thin-film solar cell technology by combining cathodoluminescence (CL) spectrum imaging and time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) measurements. We consider critical device formation stages, including after CdTe deposition, CdCl 2 treatment, and Cu diffusion. CL image analysis methods extract GB and GI intensities and grain size for hundreds of grains per sample. Concurrently, a three-dimensional CL model is developed to simulate the GI intensity as a function of t GI , S GB , grain size, and the surface recombination velocity, S surf . TRPL measurements provide an estimate of S surf for the CL model. A fit of GI intensity vs. grain size data with the CL model gives a self-consistent and representative set of S GB and t GI values for the samples: S GB (t GI ) = 2.6 x 10 6 cm/s (68-250 ps), S GB (t GI ) = 4.1 x 10 5 cm/s (1.5-3.3 ns), and S GB (t GI ) = 5.5 x 10 5 cm/s (1.0-3.8 ns) for as-deposited, CdCl 2 -treated, and CdCl 2- A nd Cu-treated samples, respectively. Thus, we find that the CdCl2 treatment both helps to passivate GBs and significantly increase the GI lifetime. Subsequent Cu diffusion increases GB recombination slightly and has nuanced effects on the GI lifetime. Finally, as a partial check on the S GB and t GI values, they are input to a Sentaurus device model, and the simulated performance is compared to the measured performance. The methodology developed here can be applied broadly to CdTe and CdSeTe thin-film technology and to other thin-film solar cell materials including Cu(In 1-x Ga x )Se 2 , Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 , and perovskites.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

Characteristics of surface photorefractive waves in a nonlinear SBN-75 crystal coated with a metal film

Based on the calculation of the electrostatic field potential of space charges, we have analysed the characteristic features of light-induced scattering of extraordinary polarised light in photorefractive (PR) crystals (for example, an SBN-75 crystal). Using the method of images, the electrostatic field is analysed for surface (aperiodic) waves along the crystal - dielectric (air) interface. It is shown that the field distributions satisfying the boundary conditions can emerge only upon accumulation of a screening electric charge in a narrow transition layer of thickness {approx}1 mm, the sign of the charge being opposite that of the space charge in the illuminated region of the crystal. A model is proposed to explain the observed features of the surface PR waves in a metal-film coated PR crystal. In considering the contact potential difference at the PR crystal - film interface it is shown that in the crystal layer (adjacent to the film) enriched with charge carriers, i.e., electrons, the refractive index can be significantly reduced. In the case of small excitation angles (0 - 1.5deg ), this layer can act as an optical barrier, the reflection from which can result in near-surface waves; a characteristic difference from the previously observed oscillatory surface waves is the presence of a broadened intensity distribution shifted inside the crystal. (nonlinear optical phenomena)

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2014

In vitro terahertz monitoring of muscle tissue dehydration under the action of hyperosmotic agents

Dehydration of muscle tissue in vitro under the action of biologically compatible hyperosmotic agents is studied using a laser terahertz spectrometer in the frequency range from 0.25 to 2.5 THz. Broadband terahertz absorption and reflection spectra of the bovine skeletal muscle tissue were obtained under the action of glycerol, polyethylene glycol with the molecular weight 600 (PEG-600), and propylene glycol. The presented results are proposed for application in developing the methods of image contrast enhancement and increasing the depth of biological tissue probing with terahertz radiation. (laser biophotonics)

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2013

A NEW RESULT ON THE ORIGIN OF THE EXTRAGALACTIC GAMMA-RAY BACKGROUND

In this paper, we repeatedly use the method of image stacking to study the origin of the extragalactic gamma-ray background (EGB) at GeV bands, and find that the Faint Images of the Radio Sky at Twenty centimeters (FIRST) sources undetected by the Large Area Telescope on the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope can contribute about (56 {+-} 6)% of the EGB. Because FIRST is a flux-limited sample of radio sources with incompleteness at the faint limit, we consider that point sources, including blazars, non-blazar active galactic nuclei, and starburst galaxies, could produce a much larger fraction of the EGB.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Time-resolved particle image velocimetry

Time-resolved particle image velocimetry (TR-PIV) has become widespread in fluid dynamics. Essentially a velocity field movie, the dynamic content provides temporal as well as spatial information, in contrast to conventional PIV offering only statistical ensembles of flow quantities. From these time series arise further analyses such as accelerometry, space-time correlations, frequency spectra of turbulence including spatial variability, and derivation of pressure fields and forces. The historical development of TR-PIV is chronicled, culminating in an assessment of the current state of technology in high-repetition-rate lasers and high-speed cameras. Commercialization of pulse-burst lasers has expanded TR-PIV into more flows, including the compressible regime, and has achieved MHz rates. Particle response times and peak locking during image interrogation require attention but generally are not impediments to success. Accuracy considerations are discussed, including the risks of noise and aliasing in spectral content. Oversampled TR-PIV measurements allow use of multi-frame image interrogation methods, which improve the precision of the correlation and raise the velocity dynamic range of PIV. In combination with volumetric methods and data assimilation, a full four-dimensional description of a flow is not only achievable but becoming standardized. Lastly, a survey of exemplary applications is followed by a few predictions concerning the future of TR-PIV.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2016

Development of a proton Computed Tomography Detector System

Computer tomography is one of the most promising new methods to image abnormal tissues inside the human body. Tomography is also used to position the patient accurately before radiation therapy. Hadron therapy for treating cancer has become one of the most advantegeous and safe options. In order to fully utilize the advantages of hadron therapy, there is a necessity of performing radiography with hadrons as well. In this paper we present the development of a proton computed tomography system. Our second-generation proton tomography system consists of two upstream and two downstream trackers made up of fibers as active material and a range detector consisting of plastic scintillators. We present details of the detector system, readout electronics, and data acquisition system as well as the commissioning of the entire system. We also present preliminary results from the test beam of the range detector.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2020

Methods for In Situ Electroluminescence Imaging of Photovoltaic Modules Under Varying Environmental Conditions

Electroluminescence (EL) imaging is a powerful tool used to identify defects in photovoltaic solar cells. Typically, this type of characterization is performed in the dark using a current injection that equals short-circuit current measured at standard test conditions (STC). Restricting imaging to such a temperature range limits the information obtained about the module and cells. However, it is not trivial to develop a tool that would allow for EL imaging to be performed under a wider range of temperatures. Here we demonstrate an in situ EL imaging capability developed within an environmental chamber that allows for control of sample temperatures between –40 and 90 °C. Additionally, we demonstrate EL imaging of 4-cell mini-modules (MiMo) under front-side mechanical loading. A Raspberry Pi-connected camera with short-pass filter removed is used for EL imaging. The camera is low-cost with a small form-factor, appropriate for use in a harsh, enclosed environment. The camera is installed within a thermally isolating housing mounted within the environmental chamber. Three example cases are given for MiMos that exhibit various forms of degradation including solder fatigue and cell cracking. It is shown that by measuring at conditions above and below STC, different behaviors may be identified. In some cases, restricting characterization to STC may lead to a failure to detect damage existing in the sample.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Image Gradient Decomposition for Parallel and Memory-Efficient Ptychographic Reconstruction

Ptychography is a popular microscopic imaging modality for many scientific discoveries and sets the record for highest image resolution. Unfortunately, the high image resolution for ptychographic reconstruction requires significant amount of memory and computations, forcing many applications to compromise their image resolution in exchange for a smaller memory footprint and a shorter reconstruction time. In this paper, we propose a novel image gradient decomposition method that significantly reduces the memory footprint for ptychographic reconstruction by tessellating image gradients and diffraction measurements into tiles. In addition, we propose a parallel image gradient decomposition method that enables asynchronous point-to-point communications and parallel pipelining with minimal overhead on a large number of GPUs. Our experiments on a Titanate material dataset (PbTiO3) with 16632 probe locations show that our Gradient Decomposition algorithm reduces memory footprint by 51 times. In addition, it achieves time-to-solution within 2.2 minutes by scaling to 4158 GPUs with a super-linear strong scaling efficiency at 364% compared to runtimes at 6 GPUs. This performance is 2.7 times more memory efficient, 9 times more scalable and 86 times faster than the state-of-the-art algorithm.

Wang, Xiao↗
DOE OSTI2017

A Dimensionally Aligned Signal Projection for Classification of Unintended Radiated Emissions

Characterization of unintended radiated emissions (URE) from electronic devices plays an important role in many research areas from electromagnetic interference to nonintrusive load monitoring to information system security. URE can provide insights for applications ranging from load disaggregation and energy efficiency to condition-based maintenance of equipment-based upon detected fault conditions. URE characterization often requires subject matter expertise to tailor transforms and feature extractors for the specific electrical devices of interest. We present a novel approach, named dimensionally aligned signal projection (DASP), for projecting aligned signal characteristics that are inherent to the physical implementation of many commercial electronic devices. These projections minimize the need for an intimate understanding of the underlying physical circuitry and significantly reduce the number of features required for signal classification. We present three possible DASP algorithms that leverage frequency harmonics, modulation alignments, and frequency peak spacings, along with a two-dimensional image manipulation method for statistical feature extraction. To demonstrate the ability of DASP to generate relevant features from URE, we measured the conducted URE from 14 residential electronic devices using a 2 MS/s collection system. Furthermore, a linear discriminant analysis classifier was trained using DASP generated features and was blind tested resulting in a greater than 90% classification accuracy for each of the DASP algorithms and an accuracy of 99.1% when DASP features are used in combination. Furthermore, we show that a rank reduced feature set of the combined DASP algorithms provides a 98.9% classification accuracy with only three features and outperforms a set of spectral features in terms of general classification as well as applicability across a broad number of devices.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2020

Eddy Current Loss Model Unifying the Effects of Reaction Field and Non-Homogeneous 3-D Magnetic Field

In this article, a new analytical method is proposed to estimate eddy currents inside linear conductive materials. The novel closed-form formulation takes into account the effects of both conductor reaction field that dominates at high frequencies as well as the spatially non-homogeneous nature of the magnetic field penetrating the material. Although the model is suitable for most kinds of permanent magnet machines, it is particularly useful for Surface-mounted Permanent Magnet (SPM) machines where both of these phenomena are prominent. The numerical implementation of the proposed model, which consists of a combination of the method of images and 4-D Fourier transform, is presented. The model is then validated against 2-D and 3-D finite element models (FEMs) for a simple magnetic circuit, showing good agreement. Finally, the eddy current magnet loss in an SPM synchronous machine is evaluated and results are discussed.

Sahu, Raj↗
DOE OSTI2014

Quantitative ultrasound characterization of locally advanced breast cancer by estimation of its scatterer properties

Purpose: Tumor grading is an important part of breast cancer diagnosis and currently requires biopsy as its standard. Here, the authors investigate quantitative ultrasound parameters in locally advanced breast cancers that can potentially separate tumors from normal breast tissue and differentiate tumor grades. Methods: Ultrasound images and radiofrequency data from 42 locally advanced breast cancer patients were acquired and analyzed. Parameters related to the linear regression of the power spectrum—midband fit, slope, and 0-MHz-intercept—were determined from breast tumors and normal breast tissues. Mean scatterer spacing was estimated from the spectral autocorrelation, and the effective scatterer diameter and effective acoustic concentration were estimated from the Gaussian form factor. Parametric maps of each quantitative ultrasound parameter were constructed from the gated radiofrequency segments in tumor and normal tissue regions of interest. In addition to the mean values of the parametric maps, higher order statistical features, computed from gray-level co-occurrence matrices were also determined and used for characterization. Finally, linear and quadratic discriminant analyses were performed using combinations of quantitative ultrasound parameters to classify breast tissues. Results: Quantitative ultrasound parameters were found to be statistically different between tumor and normal tissue (p < 0.05). The combination of effective acoustic concentration and mean scatterer spacing could separate tumor from normal tissue with 82% accuracy, while the addition of effective scatterer diameter to the combination did not provide significant improvement (83% accuracy). Furthermore, the two advanced parameters, including effective scatterer diameter and mean scatterer spacing, were found to be statistically differentiating among grade I, II, and III tumors (p = 0.014 for scatterer spacing, p = 0.035 for effective scatterer diameter). The separation of the tumor grades further improved when the textural features of the effective scatterer diameter parametric map were combined with the mean value of the map (p = 0.004). Conclusions: Overall, the binary classification results (tumor versus normal tissue) were more promising than tumor grade assessment. Combinations of advanced parameters can further improve the separation of tumors from normal tissue compared to the use of linear regression parameters. While the linear regression parameters were sufficient for characterizing breast tumors and normal breast tissues, advanced parameters and their textural features were required to better characterize tumor subtypes.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2014

SU-E-J-113: The Influence of Optimizing Pediatric CT Simulator Protocols On the Treatment Dose Calculation in Radiotherapy

Purpose: To investigate the possibility of applying optimized scanning protocols for pediatric CT simulation by quantifying the dosimetric inaccuracy introduced by using a fixed HU to density conversion. Methods: The images of a CIRS electron density reference phantom (Model 062) were acquired by a Siemens CT simulator (Sensation Open) using the following settings of tube voltage and beam current: 120 kV/190mA (the reference protocol used to calibrate CT for our treatment planning system (TPS)); Fixed 190mA combined with all available kV: 80, 100, and 140; fixed 120 kV and various current from 37 to 444 mA (scanner extremes) with interval of 30 mA. To avoid the HU uncertainty of point sampling in the various inserts of known electron densities, the mean CT numbers of the central cylindrical volume were calculated using DICOMan software. The doses per 100 MU to the reference point (SAD=100cm, Depth=10cm, Field=10X10cm, 6MV photon beam) in a virtual cubic phantom (30X30X30cm) were calculated using Eclipse TPS (calculation model: AcurosXB-11031) by assigning the CT numbers to HU of typical materials acquired by various protocols. Results: For the inserts of densities less than muscle, CT number fluctuations of all protocols were within the tolerance of 10 HU as accepted by AAPM-TG66. For more condensed materials, fixed kV yielded stable HU with any mA combination where largest disparities were found in 1750mg/cc insert: HU{sub reference}=1801(106.6cGy), HU{sub minimum}=1799 (106.6cGy, error{sub dose}=0.00%), HU{sub maximum}=1815 (106.8cGy, error{sub dose}=0.19%). Yet greater disagreements were observed with increasing density when kV was modified: HU{sub minimum}=1646 (104.5cGy, error{sub dose}=- 1.97%), HU{sub maximum}=2487 (116.4cGy, error{sub dose}=9.19%) in 1750mg/cc insert. Conclusion: Without affecting treatment dose calculation, personalized mA optimization of CT simulator can be conducted by fixing kV for a better cost-effectiveness of imaging dose and quality especially for children. Unless recalibrated, kV should be constant for all anatomical sites if diagnostic CT scanner is used as a simulator. This work was partially supported by Capital Medical Development Scientific Research Fund of China.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2014

SU-E-J-128: 3D Surface Reconstruction of a Patient Using Epipolar Geometry

Purpose: To obtain a 3D surface data of a patient in a non-invasive way can substantially reduce the effort for the registration of patient in radiation therapy. To achieve this goal, we introduced the multiple view stereo technique, which is known to be used in a 'photo tourism' on the internet. Methods: 70 Images were taken with a digital single-lens reflex camera from different angles and positions. The camera positions and angles were inferred later in the reconstruction step. A sparse 3D reconstruction model was locating by SIFT features, which is robust for rotation and shift variance, in each image. We then found a set of correspondences between pairs of images by computing the fundamental matrix using the eight-point algorithm with RANSAC. After the pair matching, we optimized the parameter including camera positions to minimize the reprojection error by use of bundle adjustment technique (non-linear optimization). As a final step, we performed dense reconstruction and associate a color with each point using the library of PMVS. Results: Surface data were reconstructed well by visual inspection. The human skin is reconstructed well, althogh the reconstruction was time-consuming for direct use in daily clinical practice. Conclusion: 3D reconstruction using multi view stereo geometry is a promising tool for reducing the effort of patient setup. This work was supported by JSPS KAKENHI(25861128)

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗