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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 19 records

A large family of optical solutions to Kundu–Eckhaus model by a new auxiliary equation method

The present study suggests a large family of optical solutions to the Kundu–Eckhaus model. Modified form of an auxiliary equation approach have been used to set the solution families. Compatible variable transform reduces the governing equation to a non linear ordinary differential equation. The parameters of the predicted solution in finite series form are determined by substitution of the solution into this ODE. The results cover a large family of optical solutions that are determined by implementation of various techniques in the literature. In this perspective, the modifed form of the a auxiliary equation approach is evaluated as a generalization of different methods widely used to construct the solutions.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Optics solutions for pp operation with electron lenses at 100 GeV

Electron lenses for head-on compensation are currently under commissioning and foreseen to be operational for the 2015 polarized proton run. These devices will provide a partial compensation of head-on beam-beam effects and allow to double the RHIC proton luminosity. This note reviews the optics constraints related to beam-beam compensation and summarizes the current lattice options for proton operation at 100 GeV.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Development of an Attenuated Total Reflectance–Ultraviolet–Visible Probe for the Online Monitoring of Dark Solutions

Optical spectroscopy is a valuable tool for on-line monitoring of a variety of processes. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy in particular, can monitor the concentration of analytes as well as identify speciation and oxidation state. However, it can be difficult to impossible to employ UV-vis based sensors on chemical systems that are very dark (i.e., high optical density) as exceedingly short pathlengths are required (for transmission approaches) or effective means of backscattering are needed (for reflectance approaches). Examples of processes that would benefit significantly from the use of optical sensors and encounter these challenges include used nuclear fuel recycling and molten salts with high concentrations of dissolved uranium. Utilizing an attenuated total reflectance (ATR) UV-vis approach can overcome these challenges and allow for the measurement of solutions orders of magnitude more concentrated than transmission UV-vis. However, determining ideal sensor specifications for varied processes can be time consuming and expensive. Here, in this study, we evaluate the ability for a novel ATR-UV-vis probe to measure very concentrated solutions of Co(II) and Ni(II) nitrate as well as organic dyes (methylene blue, acid red 1, and crystal violet). This sensor design provides a modular method for exploring possible “pathlengths” by altering the exposed ATR fiber length. Also studied were approaches to loading and measuring the sensor cell. These results are compared to a traditional 1 cm cuvette measured by transmission UV-vis. It was found that the ATR-UV-vis probe was capable of measuring solutions 600 times more concentrated than the 1 cm cuvette. Advanced data analysis in the form of multivariate curve resolution (MCR) was used to analyze the speciation of methylene blue over a large concentration range. The application of this novel ATR-UV-vis probe to the interrogation of dark solutions is a promising avenue for use in on-line monitoring of nuclear processes.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Generalized optical soliton solutions to the (3+1)-dimensional resonant nonlinear Schrödinger equation with Kerr and parabolic law nonlinearities

The resonant nonlinear Schrödinger equation in three dimensions featuring both the Kerr and parabolic law nonlinearities has been considered in this paper due to its vital role in the propagation of solitons in optical fibers. Optical soliton solutions to this important model consisting of dark, singular and combo solitons alongside various periodic solutions that are new and more general to the lately devised solutions have been presented. We also reported the constraint conditions that guarantee the survival of these solitons and depicted certain results.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Chirped soliton solutions in optical medium

In this paper, we study a nonlinear Schrödinger equation with quintic nonlinearity, self-steepening and self-frequency shift terms describing the polarization mode in an optical fiber. As results, several new chirped soliton solutions not yet reported in the literature are obtained. These solutions are found without using computer codes. The solutions are bright, dark and cnoidal solitons. The method used here is very effective and simple and can be applied to other types of nonlinear equations.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Gold nanoparticles in reverse micellar solutions: preparation, optical properties, and dimensional characteristics

Gold nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized via chemical (Chem) and radiation-chemical (RadChem) methods for the reduction of ions in reverse micellar solutions (RMS). The gold NP have for the first time been obtained by self-organization (Self-assembly), and their optical properties were evaluated. The formation of Au NP (Chem, RadChem, and Self) was confirmed by the transmission electron microscopy. The spectral characteristics of optical absorption of gold NP in the RMS depend on the solubilization coefficient ω, the salt concentration, and the methods for initiating the primary steps of reduction reactions responsible for the formation of nanoscale structures.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Efficient Measurement of Length Distribution of 1D Nanoparticles in Solution via Optical Polarimetry

The efficient measurement of the length distribution of nanotubes, nanowires, and other one-dimensional (1D) nanoparticles in solution is important to enable their incorporation into materials and devices and to optimize their processing for properties of interest, such as thermal/electrical conductivity or mechanical strength, in suspensions and composites. We report an electric-field (E-field)-assisted optical-polarimetry technique to measure the length distribution of ensembles of high-aspect-ratio particles in dilute suspension. The degree of alignment of polarizable 1D particles suspended in a fluid under Brownian motion explicitly depends on the E-field strength and the particle length. We show that it is possible to extract the length distribution of 1D nanoparticles suspended in an insulating fluid by applying a range of E-fields and using optical polarimetry to measure the corresponding alignment order parameter. Notably, the method is relatively insensitive to the diameter of the 1D particles, which can be poorly known or vary within a sample. The technique is validated with silver nanowires and carbon nanotubes of known lengths, as well as polymer-depletion-length-separated single-wall carbon nanotube samples with length distributions independently measured with analytical ultracentrifugation. Finally, we demonstrate the ability of the optical-polarimetry technique to quantify changes in the length distribution of ultranarrow, sub-nanometer-diameter single-wall carbon nanotubes under different types and durations of ultrasonication. Within its range of applicability (polarizable 1D nanoparticles in the 0.5 to 15 μm length range, constrained by the voltage stability of the media and the suspended particles), the E-field-assisted optical-polarimetry method is a particularly efficient and accurate method to measure the length distribution of nanowires and nanotubes in suspension.

1D nanoparticles↗

Zn{sub 1−x}Co{sub x}WO{sub 4} (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) full range solid solution: Structure, optical properties, and magnetism

Graphical abstract: The continuous modulation on crystal structure and band gap is achieved in the Zn{sub 1−x}Co{sub x}WO{sub 4} (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) full range solid solution. - Highlights: • Zn{sub 1−x}Co{sub x}WO{sub 4} (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) solid solution was synthesized by a hydrothermal method. • They all present a single-phase in the wolframite structure with space group P2/c. • The continuous tenability in band gap was achieved in Zn{sub 1−x}Co{sub x}WO{sub 4} (0 ≤ x ≤ 1). • CoWO{sub 4} and Zn{sub 0.5}Co{sub 0.5}WO{sub 4} are antiferromagnetic and paramagnetic, respectively. - Abstract: A novel full-range solid-solution Zn{sub 1−x}Co{sub x}WO{sub 4} (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) was successfully developed via a facile one-pot hydrothermal route. The phase structure and microstructure were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The Zn{sub 1−x}Co{sub x}WO{sub 4} solid solution possesses similar wolframite crystal structure with the same space group P2/c. Diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS) measurements on Zn{sub 1−x}Co{sub x}WO{sub 4} (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) demonstrated that the optical band gap can be continuously tuned from 3.56 eV to 2.61 eV for direct transition and 1.87 eV for indirect transition, respectively, with increasing x from 0 to 1. Magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal that CoWO{sub 4} has an antiferromagnetic transition at T{sub N} = 42 K, whereas Zn{sub 0.5}Co{sub 0.5}WO{sub 4} exhibits paramagnetic behavior. Moreover, CoWO{sub 4} and Zn{sub 0.5}Co{sub 0.5}WO{sub 4} obey the Curie–Weiss law from 200 k down to 50 K, and their effective magnetic moments were determined.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Zero Standby Solutions with Optical Energy Harvesting from a Laser Pointer

Despite recent efforts to reduce standby power consumption in plug loads, new trends in the miniaturization and wide distribution of electronics necessitates devices with zero standby consumption. This work introduces two zero standby solutions that wake a device using an external input of energy harvested from a 5 mW laser pointer. These solutions are applicable to electronics that are remotely activated or have a fiber optic connection. The first utilizes a cascoded header switch to allow for simultaneous low-voltage harvesting and high-voltage blocking. The second involves the use of a charge pump to boost the harvested voltage to a level appropriate for the gate of a high-voltage switch. Prototypes for each method are developed in order to demonstrate functionality and identify the associated benefits and drawbacks. The results show that combining the two methods allows for optimal activation range (up to 25 m) and component count.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Analyzing Custom Proof Masses and Quantum Limits of a Manufacturable Cavity Optical Levitation Solution

This report details results of a one-year LDRD to understand the dynamics, figures of merit, and fabrication possibilities for levitating a micro-scale, disk-shaped dielectric in an optical field. Important metrics are the stability, positional uncertainty, and required optical power to maintain levitation. Much of the results are contained in a publication written by our academic alliance collaborators. Initial structures were grown at Sandia labs and a test fabrication flow was executed. Owing to our strength in VCSEL lasers, we were particularly interested in calculations and fabrication flows that could be compatible with a VCSEL light source.

42 ENGINEERING↗

The CLAS12 Ring Imaging Cherenkov Detector

A ring imaging Cherenkov (RICH) detector has been installed in the CLAS12 spectrometer at Jefferson Laboratory (JLab) to provide kaon identification in the momentum range between 3 GeV/c and 8 GeV/c. The detector adopts a hybrid optics solution with aerogel radiator, light planar and spherical mirrors, and highly segmented photon detectors. We report here on the design, construction, and initial performance of the RICH during the commissioning of the detector and the first physics data taking period

PID detectors↗

Optical soliton solutions, explicit power series solutions and linear stability analysis of the quintic derivative nonlinear Schrödinger equation

In this paper, the quintic derivative nonlinear Schrödinger equation is investigated into two main aspects. Firstly, a series of solutions of this equation are derived. More specifically, the singular solitons and dark solitons are obtained by using the ansatz method. The explicit power series solutions for the equation has also been constructed by employing power series method. Secondly, linear stability analysis is applied to estimate the stability of the equation. Finally, all solutions are presented via 3-dimensional plots with choices some special parameters to show the dynamic characteristics.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Magnetic design of the commutational magnet and quadrupoles for PERLE accelerator

ER@CEBAF is an effort to demonstrate multi-GeV multipass energy recovery with a low beam current in CEBAF. The CEBAF race-track-shaped geometry allows its linacs to accommodate multiple energy beams simultaneously. However, five energy recovery passes complicate the beamline optics design process. Individual recirculating arcs each transport one beam energy, and are shared between accelerating/decelerating beams. This paper presents a CEBAF optics redesign to accommodate the ER@CEBAF multi-pass ER scheme. Isochronous arcs were retuned to match into optics solutions for optimized 10-pass linacs. In this paper, we discuss the optics re-design process for ER@CEBAF based on the existing CEBAF layout.

Neththikumara, I.↗

Solution processable and optically switchable 1D photonic structures

We report the first demonstration of a solution processable, optically switchable 1D photonic crystal which incorporates phototunable doped metal oxide nanocrystals. The resulting device structure shows a dual optical response with the photonic bandgap covering the visible spectral range and the plasmon resonance of the doped metal oxide the near infrared. By means of a facile photodoping process, we tuned the plasmonic response and switched effectively the optical properties of the photonic crystal, translating the effect from the near infrared to the visible. The ultrafast bandgap pumping induces a signal change in the region of the photonic stopband, with recovery times of several picoseconds, providing a step toward the ultrafast optical switching. Optical modeling uncovers the importance of a complete modeling of the variations of the dielectric function of the photodoped material, including the high frequency region of the Drude response which is responsible for the strong switching in the visible after photodoping. Our device configuration offers unprecedented tunability due to flexibility in device design, covering a wavelength range from the visible to the near infrared. Our findings indicate a new protocol to modify the optical response of photonic devices by optical triggers only.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Optical and structural properties of plasma-treated Cordyceps bassiana spores as studied by circular dichroism, absorption, and fluorescence spectroscopy

To understand the killing mechanism of fungal spores by plasma treatment, the optical, structural, and biological properties of the insect pathogenic fungus Cordyceps bassiana spores were studied. A nonthermal atmospheric-pressure plasma jet (APPJ) was used to treat the spores in aqueous solution. Optical emission spectra of the APPJ acquired in air indicated emission peaks corresponding to hydroxyl radicals and atomic oxygen. When the APPJ entered the aqueous solution, additional reactive species were derived from the interaction of plasma radicals with the aqueous solution. Fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy confirmed the generation of hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide in the plasma-activated water (PAW). Spore counting showed that plasma treatment significantly reduced spore viability. Absorption spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, and agarose gel electrophoresis of the DNA extracted from plasma-treated spores showed a reduction in spore DNA content. The magnitude of the dip in the CD spectrum was lower in the plasma-treated spores than in the control, indicating that plasma treatment causes structural modifications and/or damage to cellular components. Tryptophan fluorescence intensity was lower in the plasma-treated spores than in the control, suggesting that plasma treatment modified cell wall proteins. Changes in spore viability and DNA content were attributed to structural modification of the cell wall by reactive species coming from the APPJ and the PAW. Our results provided evidence that the plasma radicals and the derived reactive species play critical roles in fungal spore inactivation.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Mechanisms of neptunium redox reactions in nitric acid solutions

First transuranium element neptunium (Np) exhibits complicated behavior in acidic solutions because it can adopt wide range of oxidation states typically from +3 to +6 and coordinate large variety of ligands. In particular, accurate determination of Np redox potentials in nitric acid solutions is challenging due to overlapping chemical and electrochemical reactions leading to significant experimental uncertainties. Furthermore, over past decades spectrophotometry has been extensively applied to identify and characterize Np solution species in different oxidation states. However, relevant spectral database of Np in nitric acid solutions that can serve for the reference purposes has yet to be established due to the experimental difficulty to isolate and stabilize Np species in pure oxidation states without compromising solution optical properties. This work demonstrates that combination of voltammetry and controlled-potential in situ thin-layer spectropotentiometry overcomes these challenges so that Np species in pure +3, +4, +5, or +6 oxidation states were electrochemically generated in the systematically varied 0.1 – 5 M nitric acid solutions, and corresponding vis-NIR spectral signatures were obtained. In situ optical monitoring of the interconversion between adjacent Np oxidation states resulted in elucidation of the mechanisms of the involved redox reactions, in-depth understanding of the relative stability of the Np oxidation states, and allowed benchmarking of the redox potentials of the NpO22+/NpO2+, NpO2+/Np4+ and Np4+/Np3+ couples. Notably, the NpO2+/Np4+ couple was distinguished from the proximal Np4+/Np3+ process overcoming previous concerns and challenges encountered in accurate determination of the respective potentials.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗