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DOE OSTI2023

Detection of Grid-Signal Distortions Using the Spectral Correlation Function

This study proposes a novel method for signal detection and feature extraction based on the spectral correlation function, enabling improved characterization of grid-signal distortions. Our approach differs from existing treatments of signal distortion in its analysis of the varied spectral content of signals observed in real-world scenarios. The method we propose has state-of-the-art discriminative power that provides meaningful and understandable characterizations of various grid events and anomalies. In conclusion, to validate the approach, we use real world data from the Grid Event Signature Library, which is maintained jointly by Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

DOE OSTI2022

Circular Trajectory Approach for Online Sinusoidal Signal Distortion Monitoring and Visualization

The increasing complexity and uncertainties of modern power systems are placing significant demands on signal monitoring techniques. This work proposes the Circular Trajectory Approach (CTA) for online sinusoidal signal distortion monitoring and visualization. CTA can detect distortions of a sinusoidal signal. Compared with existing waveform anomaly detection techniques, CTA is faster in detection and less computation intensive. It thus supports edge devices and online applications. CTA also offers a new means of sinusoidal signal distortion visualization. It can reveal the distorted sections in a sinusoidal cycle and clearly display the distortions. The proposed approach is tested on real data from an open source EPRI dataset.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

DOE OSTI2021

Nonlinear signal distortion corrections through quantum sensing

Having accurate gate generation is essential for precise control of a quantum system. The generated gate usually suffers from linear and nonlinear distortion. Previous works have demonstrated how to use a qubit to correct linear frequency distortions but have not commented on how to handle nonlinear distortions. This is an important issue as we show that nonlinear amplitude distortions from the RF electronics can affect Rabi pulses by as much as 10%. We present work that demonstrates how a transmon qubit can be used as a highly sensitive cryogenic detector to characterize these nonlinear amplitude distortions. We show that a correction can drive these errors down to <1% over a 700 MHz range. The correction technique provides a method to minimize the effects of signal distortions and can be easily applied to broadband control pulses to produce higher fidelity arbitrary quantum gates.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

DOE OSTI2025

Physics-guided dual implicit neural representations for source separation

Significant challenges exist in efficient data analysis of most advanced experimental and observational techniques because the collected signals often include unwanted contributions, such as background and signal distortions, that can obscure the physically relevant information of interest. To address this, we have developed a self-supervised machine-learning approach for source separation using a dual implicit neural representation framework that jointly trains two neural networks: one for approximating distortions of the physical signal of interest and the other for learning the effective background contribution. Our method learns directly from the raw data by minimizing a reconstruction-based loss function without requiring labeled data or pre-defined dictionaries. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our framework by considering a challenging case study involving large-scale simulated, as well as experimental, momentum-energy-dependent inelastic neutron scattering data in a four-dimensional parameter space, characterized by heterogeneous background contributions and unknown distortions to the target signal. The method is found to successfully separate physically meaningful signals from a complex or structured background even when the signal characteristics vary across all four dimensions of the parameter space. An analytical approach that informs the choice of the regularization parameter is presented. Our method offers a versatile framework for addressing source separation problems across diverse domains, ranging from superimposed signals in astronomical measurements to structural features in biomedical image reconstructions.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

DOE OSTI2020

Detector Tilt Considerations in Bragg Coherent Diffraction Imaging: A Simulation Study

This paper addresses the three-dimensional signal distortion and image reconstruction issues in X-ray Bragg coherent diffraction imaging (BCDI) in the event of a general non-orthogonal orientation of the area detector with respect to the diffracted beam. Growing interest in novel BCDI adaptations at fourth-generation synchrotron light sources has necessitated improvisations in the experimental configuration and the subsequent data analysis. One such possibly unavoidable improvisation that is envisioned in this paper is a photon-counting area detector whose face is tilted away from the perpendicular to the Bragg-diffracted beam during the acquisition of the coherent diffraction signal. We describe a likely circumstance in which one would require such a detector configuration, along with the experimental precedent at third-generation synchrotrons. Using physically accurate diffraction simulations from synthetic scatterers in the presence of such tilted detectors, we analyze the general nature of the observed signal distortion qualitatively and quantitatively and provide a prescription to correct for it during image reconstruction. Our simulations and reconstructions are based on an adaptation of the known theory of BCDI sampling geometry, as well as the recently developed projection-based methods of wavefield propagation. Such configurational modifications and their numerical remedies are potentially valuable in realizing unconventional coherent diffraction measurement geometries, eventually paving the way for the integration of BCDI into new material characterization experiments at next-generation light sources.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2018

Active Field Cancellation to Prevent Saturation in Ferromagnetic-Core Loop Antennas

Ferromagnetic-core loop antennas with high-permeability core materials are typically used in size-constrained applications requiring the detection and reception of weak very low frequency and extremely low frequency signals. However, high-permeability materials are susceptible to saturation in the presence of strong magnetic fields such as those generated by power lines, in research laboratories, or through natural phenomena. Here, a system is presented that actively controls the magnetic flux in the core of the antenna by applying a control signal to an independent set of windings on the same core. This control signal is phase locked to the offending signal and the two signals destructively combine in the core. Our results show that it is possible to actively cancel the fundamental component of a strong interferer in the core of a high sensitivity ferromagnetic-core loop antenna and prevent core saturation. This approach eliminates signal distortion caused by magnetic saturation that passive signal cancellation or signal processing in the receiver do not. Furthermore, high-sensitivity ferromagnetic-core antennas can be used in applications where they were previously thought unsuitable.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2016

Test results of a counting type SOI device for a new x-ray area detector

Development of a new detector using Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI) technology has been started in the Photon Factory, KEK. The aim of this project is to develop a pulse-counting-type X-ray detector that can be used in synchrotron radiation experiments using soft X-rays. We started to make a Test Element Group of SOI chip, which is called CPIXPTEG1 and evaluated its performance. We succeeded in readout of output signals for 16 keV X-rays from the SOI chips. We also found that the middle-SOI structure was effective against a signal distortion caused by hole traps in the buried oxide layer.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

DOE OSTI2017

An Introduction to Goodness of Fit for PMU Parameter Estimation

New results of measurements of phasor-like signals are presented based on our previous work on the topic. In this document an improved estimation method is described. The algorithm (which is realized in MATLAB software) is discussed. We examine the effect of noisy and distorted signals on the Goodness of Fit metric. The estimation method is shown to be performing very well with clean data and with a measurement window as short as a half a cycle and as few as 5 samples per cycle. The Goodness of Fit decreases predictably with added phase noise, and seems to be acceptable even with visible distortion in the signal. While the exact results we obtain are specific to our method of estimation, the Goodness of Fit method could be implemented in any phasor measurement unit.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

DOE OSTI2019

Evaluation of Acoustic Channel Capacity for Complex Piping Topology

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

DOE OSTI2019

Final Report for Transmission of Information by Acoustic Communication along Metal Pathways in Nuclear Facilities

Transmission of information using elastic waves on existing metallic pipes provides an alternative communication option for a nuclear facility. The advantages of this approach consist of transmitting information through barriers, such as the containment building wall. A viable candidate for acoustic communication channel is a chemical volume control system (CVCS) stainless steel pipe, which penetrates through the containment building wall. A laboratory bench-scale system consisting of a nuclear grade CVCS-like pipe and ultrasonic transducers was assembled for a preliminary communication system analysis. Because of low bandwidth and spectral dispersion of ultrasonic transducers, on off keying (OOK) protocol was chosen for data communication. Operation of the acoustic communication during normal and post-accident conditions involves data transmission on the CVCS pipe, which according to literature guidelines, will be at 50°C and 150°C, respectively. Preliminary communication system development was performed using paintbrush PZT transducers capable of continuous operation at temperatures up to 80°C. Next, high-temperature LiNbO 3 acoustic transducers, originally developed for flow metering applications of EBRII reactor at Argonne, were utilized to develop a high-temperature acoustic communication system. A Gaussian pulse shape filter was introduced to suppress ringing and thus reduce inter-symbol interference. This resulted in enhancement of data transmission bitrate. Heating tapes, temperature controllers, and thermal insulation were installed on the laboratory pipe to study acoustic communication at elevated temperature. This included development of custom insertion heating elements for controlling temperature at pipe ends. Demonstrations of communication at high temperature included transmission of images and text files. Main achievements thus far include demonstration of transmission of 90KB image at the bitrate of 10Kbps with bit error rate smaller than 10 -3 across the pipe heated to 50°C and 150°C. Final phase of project development involved investigating strategies for deployment of the ultrasonic communication system in a representative environment. Mechanisms Engineering Test Loop (METL) facility at ANL was chosen as a viable candidate for communication system demonstration. Analysis of piping manifolds at METL has shown that in a typical scenario, ultrasonic signals have to be transmitted over straight and bent piping sections. This report describes preliminary studies on transmission of information with ultrasonic shear waves across bent piping sections. A test article consisting of a stainless steel pipe bent at 90° was developed for laboratory analysis of ultrasonic signal transmission. The bent piping test article developed by welding two straight pipes to an elbow. For consistency, the diameter and wall thickness of the bent pipe is the same as that of the straight pipe utilized in prior studies. COMSOL computer simulations were performed to study ultrasonic refracted shear wave coupling and transmission across bent piping. Preliminary evaluations of ultrasonic shear wave transmission were conducted with piezoelectric (PZT) and LiNbO 3 transducers, with the signals recorded with previously developed LabView interface. Preliminary results have shown significant dispersion of transmitted signals, most likely due to reflections and scattering by piping welds. Signal distortion compensation algorithm based on time reversal modulation (TRM) was initially investigated for transmission through solids, and demonstrated for signals transmitted over the bent pipe. Using TRM, it was shown that communication bitrates of 100Kbps were achievable, in principle.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

DOE OSTI2025

Blinding scheme for the scale-dependence bias signature of local primordial non-Gaussianity for DESI 2024

The next generation of spectroscopic surveys is expected to achieve an unprecedented level of accuracy in the measurement of cosmological parameters. To avoid confirmation bias and thereby improve the reliability of these results, blinding procedures become a standard practice in the cosmological analyses of such surveys. Blinding is especially crucial when the impact of observational systematics is important relative to the cosmological signal, and a detection of that signal would have significant implications. This is the case for local primordial non-gaussianity, as probed by the scale-dependent bias of the galaxy power spectrum at large scales that are heavily sensitive to the dependence of the target selection on the imaging quality, known as imaging systematics. We propose a blinding method for the scale-dependent bias signature of local primordial non-gaussianity at the density field level which consists in generating a set of weights for the data that replicate the scale-dependent bias. The applied blinding is predictable, and can be straightforwardly combined with other catalog-level blinding procedures that have been designed for the baryon acoustic oscillation and redshift space distortion signals. The procedure is validated through simulations that replicate data from the first year of observation of the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument, but may find applications to other upcoming spectroscopic surveys.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2016

The clustering of galaxies in the SDSS-III Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey: RSD measurement from the LOS-dependent power spectrum of DR12 BOSS galaxies

We measure and analyse the clustering of the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS) relative to the line-of-sight (LOS), for LOWZ and CMASS galaxy samples drawn from the final Data Release 12 (DR12). The LOWZ sample contains 361\,762 galaxies with an effective redshift of $z_{\rm lowz}=0.32$, and the CMASS sample 777\,202 galaxies with an effective redshift of $z_{\rm cmass}=0.57$. From the power spectrum monopole and quadrupole moments around the LOS, we measure the growth of structure parameter $f$ times the amplitude of dark matter density fluctuations $\sigma_8$ by modeling the Redshift-Space Distortion signal. When the geometrical Alcock-Paczynski effect is also constrained from the same data, we find joint constraints on $f\sigma_8$, the product of the Hubble constant and the comoving sound horizon at the baryon drag epoch $H(z)r_s(z_d)$, and the angular distance parameter divided by the sound horizon $D_A(z)/r_s(z_d)$. We find $f(z_{\rm lowz})\sigma_8(z_{\rm lowz})=0.394\pm0.062$, $D_A(z_{\rm lowz})/r_s(z_d)=6.35\pm0.19$, $H(z_{\rm lowz})r_s(z_d)=(11.41\pm 0.56)\,{10^3\rm km}s^{-1}$ for the LOWZ sample, and $f(z_{\rm cmass})\sigma_8(z_{\rm cmass})=0.444\pm0.038$, $D_A(z_{\rm cmass})/r_s(z_d)=9.42\pm0.15$, $H(z_{\rm cmass})r_s(z_d)=(13.92 \pm 0.44)\, {10^3\rm km}s^{-1}$ for the CMASS sample. We find general agreement with previous BOSS DR11 measurements. Assuming the Hubble parameter and angular distance parameter are fixed at fiducial $\Lambda$CDM values, we find $f(z_{\rm lowz})\sigma_8(z_{\rm lowz})=0.485\pm0.044$ and $f(z_{\rm cmass})\sigma_8(z_{\rm cmass})=0.436\pm0.022$ for the LOWZ and CMASS samples, respectively.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2019

Dealing with Definitional Uncertainty: Better Measurements in Power Systems

Abstract—There is a relationship between the user of the result of a measurement and the act of measurement that should guide the act: the user has some specific need for the meaning contained in the result. The extent to which that need is met is a measure of the quality of the measurement. The usual metric is an uncertainty statement. This paper shows that, because of significant signal distortion, the uncertainty statement may be inappropriate outside the calibration laboratory. We propose a way to improve the situation. Better measurements are not necessarily ones with faster response or greater precision: the important point is that they meet the needs of the user. They are “fit for purpose.” The solution proposed here affects both the instrument designer and the user. It requires that additional information regarding uncertainty accompany all result values (not just those done in the calibration laboratory), and it requires changes to the way the results are handled by the user. The paper concentrates on the electric power system, but it is hoped that the ideas can be applied more broadly to field measurements.

measurement theory, Uncertainity, definitional unc↗

DOE OSTI2020

Vibrational Spectroscopic Monitoring of the Gelation Transition in Nafion Ionomer Dispersions

Infrared and Raman spectroscopy techniques were applied to investigate the drying and aggregation behavior of Nafion ionomer particles dispersed in aqueous solution. Gravimetric measurements aided the identification of gel-phase development within a series of time-resolved spectra that tracked transformations of a dispersion sample during solvent evaporation. A spectral band characteristic of ionomer sidechain end group vibration provided a quantitative probe of the dispersion-to-gel change. For sets of attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR FT-IR) spectra, adherence to Beer's law was attributed to the relatively constant refractive index in the frequency region of hydrated –SO$^{–}_{3}$ group vibrations as fluorocarbon-rich ionomer regions aggregate in forming the structural framework of membranes and thin films. Although vibrational bands associated with ionomer backbone CF 2 stretching vibrations were affected by distortion characteristic of wavelength-dependent refractive index change within a sample, the onset of band distortion signaled gel formation and coincided with ionomer mass % values just below the critical gelation point for Nafion aqueous dispersions. Similar temporal behavior was observed in confocal Raman microscopy experiments that monitored the formation of a thin ionomer film from an individual dispersion droplet. For the ATR FT-IR spectroscopy and confocal Raman microscopy techniques, intensity in the water H–O–H bending vibrational band dropped sharply at the ionomer critical gelation point and displayed a time dependence consistent with changes in water content derived from gravimetric measurements. The reported studies lay groundwork for examining the impact of dispersing solvents and above-ambient temperatures on fluorinated ionomer transformations that influence structural properties of dispersion-cast membranes and thin films.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2025

A high-temperature Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry apparatus for in situ material characterization

A new methodology for high-temperature Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (HT-RBS) has been developed to enable in situ material characterization at elevated temperatures. A 3.5 MeV proton beam penetrates a 10-µm-thick 316L stainless steel foil mounted on a graphite substrate, with backscattered signals detected using an HT-RBS system. Conventional semiconductor detectors, primarily based on silicon, suffer significant performance degradation at temperatures higher than ~ 60 °C due to increased leakage current and noise, leading to signal distortion and failure. Here, to preserve spectral quality, a 5 µm aluminum foil shields the detector from thermal radiation, allowing reliable operation up to 900 °C at the target. A rotatable shutter provides additional thermal isolation during data collection pauses. In situ measurements of areal density changes of 316L stainless steel were conducted to validate the technique, revealing consistency with the known thermal expansion coefficient. The method facilitates seamless switching between irradiation and analysis, enabling continuous studies. This approach supports in situ investigations of diffusion, void swelling, creep, and corrosion, offering a versatile tool for advanced materials research.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2023

Photon-to-Digital Converters for Neutron Imaging Instruments (Final Report)

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) collaborated with the Université de Sherbrooke (UdeS) to design a modular and scalable tile of innovative digital photodetectors called Photon-to-Digital Converters (PDC) and the required subsystems to demonstrate the feasibility of large area single-photon detectors to support high-resolution, depth-of-interaction, fast neutron radiography based on scintillation detectors. The goal is to demonstrate the advantages of using PDC over conventional Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) for neutron imaging systems. The basic building blocks of analog SiPM and PDC are Single-Photon Avalanche Photodiodes (SPAD). The main difference between conventional SiPMs and PDCs, is in the fact that analog SiPMs sum the charge produced by individual SPAD passively, while in PDCs each SPAD is read out individually by an active electronic circuit. Hence, PDCs provide a direct photon-to-bit conversion where a logic “1” means that there was a detection in a given SPAD. Conversely, an analog SiPM requires a sophisticated preamplifier (current amplifiers or transimpedance amplifier) followed by a shaping amplifier and an analog-to-digital converter. Moreover, since the charge from each SPAD varies slightly, the passive sum of the analog SiPM will have signal fluctuations for the same amount of photon detected. This is one of many issues that is completely eliminated by individual one-to-one SPAD read out in PDCs. The large area required for scintillator readouts for neutron imaging is such that the output capacitance of a large area of SiPM arrays is very high. This creates a burden on the signal-to-noise optimization with respect to the power budget. For PDC, the power consumption is dictated by rate of the incident photon flux, or in photon-starved environments, the dark noise rate of the SPAD array. In other words, the power consumption in the absence of events is extremely low. Hence, the power consumption of a PDC read out system is much lower than its analog counterpart. Further, the large SiPM capacitance may introduce signal distortions on the scintillator fast rise or decay time with undesired effects on timing and pulse shape discrimination. The problem is absent in PDCs, as their readout is independent on device capacitance. UdeS is the world leader in 3D vertical integration of frontside illuminated SPAD arrays over CMOS readouts. These capabilities allow future production of “3D PDC” with maximum photosensitive fill factor and electronic functionalities tailored to the application. UdeS' vast knowledge of SPADs and CMOS design made the team an ideal collaborator in the development of large area high-resolution fast neutron radiography.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2025

Two-Frequency RF Fields Induced Multipactor in Coaxial Transmission Lines

Multipactor is a nonlinear discharge phenomenon that occurs in vacuum RF systems, potentially leading to signal distortion, power loss, and even permanent damage to high-power components. This study presents a detailed investigation of two-surface multipactor in coaxial transmission lines under two-frequency excitation, using one-dimensional (1D) Monte Carlo simulations validated by three-dimensional (3D) Particle-in-Cell (PIC) results and experimental data. Introducing a second carrier mode is shown to suppress multipactor by reshaping and shrinking the susceptibility region, with the extent and location of suppression strongly dependent on the device aspect ratio and the relative phase of the second mode. Distinct suppression patterns emerge across different frequency–gap distance (fd) regimes, and in certain cases, susceptibility expansion is also observed. The study identifies and distinguishes pure and mixed multipactor modes in coaxial geometry, where analytical mode boundaries are not readily defined. Unlike planar systems, pure-mode regions in coaxial structures overlap with mixed-mode domains, complicating classification. Image charge forces are found to have minimal effect on susceptibility thresholds but do influence electron growth rates. These findings provide new insights into waveform-driven control of multipactor in high-power RF systems.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

DOE OSTI2025

DESI 2024 V: Full-Shape galaxy clustering from galaxies and quasars

We present the measurements and cosmological implications of the galaxy two-point clustering using over 4.7 million unique galaxy and quasar redshifts in the range 0.1 < z < 2.1 divided into six redshift bins over a ∼ 7,500 square degree footprint, from the first year of observations with the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI Data Release 1). By fitting the full power spectrum, we extend previous DESI DR1 baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) measurements to include redshift-space distortions and signals from the matter-radiation equality scale. For the first time, this Full-Shape analysis is blinded at the catalogue-level to avoid confirmation bias and the systematic errors are accounted for at the two-point clustering level, which automatically propagates them into any cosmological parameter. When analyzing the data in terms of compressed model-agnostic variables, we obtain a combined precision of 4.7% on the amplitude of the redshift space distortion (RSD) signal reaching a similar precision with just one year of DESI data than with twenty years of observation from the previous generation survey. We also analyze the data to directly constrain the cosmological parameters within the ΛCDM model using perturbation theory and combine this information with the reconstructed DESI DR1 galaxy BAO. Using a Big Bang Nucleosynthesis Gaussian prior on the baryon density parameter, ω b , and a weak Gaussian prior on the spectral index, n s , we constrain the matter density is Ω m = 0.296±0.010 and the Hubble constant H 0 = (68.63 ± 0.79)[km s -1 Mpc -1 ]. Additionally, we measure the amplitude of clustering σ 8 = 0.841±0.034. The DESI DR1 galaxy clustering results are in agreement with the ΛCDM model based on general relativity with parameters consistent with those from Planck. The cosmological interpretation of these results in combination with DESI DR1 Ly-α forest data and external datasets are presented in the companion paper [1].

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗