Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “initial state”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Generating entangled steady states in multistable open quantum systems via initial state control

Entanglement underpins the power of quantum technologies, yet it is fragile and typically destroyed by dissipation. Paradoxically, the same dissipation, when carefully engineered, can drive a system toward robust entangled steady states. However, this engineering task is nontrivial, as dissipative many-body systems are complex, particularly when they support multiple steady states. Here, we derive analytic expressions that predict how the steady state of a system evolving under a Lindblad equation depends on the initial state, without requiring integration of the dynamics. These results extend Refs. [V. V. Albert and L. Jiang, Phys. Rev. A 89, 022118 (2014); V. V. Albert et al., Phys. Rev. X 6, 041031 (2016)], showing that while the steady-state manifold is determined by the Liouvillian kernel, the weights within it depend on both the Liouvillian and the initial state. We identify a special class of Liouvillians for which the steady state depends only on the initial overlap with the kernel. Our framework provides analytical insight and a computationally efficient tool for predicting steady states in open quantum systems. As an application, we propose schemes to generate metrologically useful entangled steady states in spin ensembles via balanced collective decay.

Dissipative dynamics↗
NASA NTRS1983

Stratospheric wind errors, initial states and forecast skill in the GLAS general circulation model

Relations between stratospheric wind errors, initial states and 500 mb skill are investigated using the GLAS general circulation model initialized with FGGE data. Erroneous stratospheric winds are seen in all current general circulation models, appearing also as weak shear above the subtropical jet and as cold polar stratospheres. In this study it is shown that the more anticyclonic large-scale flows are correlated with large forecast stratospheric winds. In addition, it is found that for North America the resulting errors are correlated with initial state jet stream accelerations while for East Asia the forecast winds are correlated with initial state jet strength. Using 500 mb skill scores over Europe at day 5 to measure forecast performance, it is found that both poor forecast skill and excessive stratospheric winds are correlated with more anticyclonic large-scale flows over North America. It is hypothesized that the resulting erroneous kinetic energy contributes to the poor forecast skill, and that the problem is caused by a failure in the modeling of the stratospheric energy cycle in current general circulation models independent of vertical resolution.

Tenenbaum, J.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Rapid Initial-State Preparation for the Quantum Simulation of Strongly Correlated Molecules

Studies on quantum algorithms for ground-state energy estimation often assume perfect ground-state preparation; however, in reality the initial state will have imperfect overlap with the true ground state. Here, we address that problem in two ways: by faster preparation of matrix-product-state (MPS) approximations and by more efficient filtering of the prepared state to find the ground-state energy. We show how to achieve unitary synthesis with a Toffoli complexity about 7 × lower than that in prior work and use that to derive a more efficient MPS-preparation method. For filtering, we present two different approaches: sampling and binary search. For both, we use the theory of window functions to avoid large phase errors and minimize the complexity. We find that the binary-search approach provides better scaling with the overlap at the cost of a larger constant factor, such that it will be preferred for overlaps less than about 0.003 . Finally, we estimate the total resources to perform ground-state energy estimation of Fe - S cluster systems, including the Fe Mo cofactor by estimating the overlap of different MPS initial states with potential ground states of the Fe Mo cofactor using an extrapolation procedure. With a modest MPS bond dimension of 4000 , our procedure produces an estimate of approximately 0.9 overlap squared with a candidate ground state of the Fe Mo cofactor, producing a total resource estimate of 7.3 × 10 10 Toffoli gates; neglecting the search over candidates and assuming the accuracy of the extrapolation, this validates prior estimates that have used perfect ground-state overlap. This presents an example of a practical path to prepare states of high overlap in a challenging-to-compute chemical system. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

Berry, Dominic W. (ORCID:0000000334461449)↗
DOE OSTI2026

Scan‐Path‐ and Initial‐State‐Dependent Superdomain Switching in (111)‐Oriented PZT

Polarization switching in ferroelectric materials arises from the collective evolution of complex domain hierarchies, yet deterministic control over these processes remains challenging. Here, we investigate scan-path- and initial-state-dependent switching in epitaxial (111)-oriented PbZr 0.2 Ti 0.8 O 3 thin films using automated AFM-based writing combined with quantitative 3D piezoresponse force microscopy. We show that the scan trajectory acts as an experimentally accessible control parameter for superdomain formation. Box-in-box raster scans reproducibly stabilize ordered stripe superdomains with a reduced subset of symmetry-allowed variants, whereas spiral trajectories generate frustrated mixed-variant states with a broader distribution of final microstructures. Automated pulsing experiments further show that the local superdomain configuration at the nucleation site strongly influences the final written morphology. Phase-field modeling qualitatively reproduces the contrast between representative initial-state geometries and supports the role of compatibility constraints among competing ferroelastic pathways. These findings establish scan-path and initial-state engineering as practical handles to program ferroic order in hierarchical ferroelectric domain structures.

Vasudevan, Rama K. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory ↗
DOE OSTI2025

Statistical analysis of the fluctuations of an initial-state model with independently distributed hot spots

Abstract We determine the uncorrelated modes that characterize the fluctuations in a semi-realistic model for the initial state of high-energy nuclear collisions, consisting of hot spots whose positions are distributed independently. Varying the number of hot spots, their size, and the weights with which they contribute to the initial state, we find that the parameter that has the largest influence on the relative importance of the fluctuation modes is the source size, with more extended hot spots leading to a more marked predominance of the principal modes.

Borghini, Nicolas↗
NASA NTRS1991

Tunnelling from non-localised initial states

An approach for calculating tunneling amplitudes from a nonlocalized initial state is presented. Generalizing the matching conditions and equations of motion to allow for complex momentum permits a description of tunneling in the presence of so-called classical motion. Possible applications of the method are presented.

Bowcock, Peter↗
DOE OSTI2026

Characterizing the initial state and dynamical evolution in XeXe and PbPb collisions using multiparticle cumulants

For the first time, correlations among mixed-order moments of two or three flow harmonics —( v n k , v m l ) and ( v n k , v m l , v p q ), with k, l, and q denoting the respective orders—are measured in xenon–xenon (XeXe) collisions and compared with lead–lead (PbPb) results, providing a novel probe of collective behavior in heavy ion collisions. These measurements compare a nearly spherical, doubly-magic 208 Pb nucleus to a triaxially deformed 129 Xe nucleus, emphasizing the sensitivity to initial-state geometry fluctuations arising from nuclear deformation. The dependence of these results (v n , n = 2 , 3 , 4 ) on the shape and size of the nuclear overlap region is studied. Comparisons between v 2 , v 3 , and v 4 demonstrate the importance of v 3 and v 4 in exploring the nonlinear hydrodynamic response of the quark-gluon plasma (QGP) to the initial spatial anisotropy. The results constrain initial-state model parameters that influence the evolution of the QGP. The CMS detector was used to collect XeXe and PbPb data at nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energies of S N N = 5.44 and 5.36 TeV, respectively. Correlations are extracted using multiparticle mixed-harmonic cumulants (up to eight-particle cumulants) with charged particles in the pseudorapidity range |η| < 2.4 and transverse momentum range 0.5 < p T < 3 GeV/c.

CMS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Waiting for inflation: A new initial state for the Universe

We propose a cosmological lingering phase for the initial state prior to inflation which would help address the singularity problem of inflation. The Universe begins with a constant (Hagedorn) temperature and then transitions into an inflationary universe while preserving the null energy condition (NEC). We first consider the phase space of positive spatial curvature models within general relativity and with matter sources that respect the NEC. Depending on the duration of the postlingering inflation, these models can produce a small amount of observable spatial curvature in the cosmic microwave background. We also discuss how lingering can arise with or without spatial curvature in theories of quantum gravity when considering the thermodynamic scaling of particles and its impact on the early Universe. The string theory dilaton is essential to the dynamics. There are many open questions that remain. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Melcher, Brandon (ORCID:0000000280849682)↗
DOE OSTI2023

A relativistic gas of inflatons as an initial state for inflation

The possibility of the resilience of the beginning of inflation under unfavourable conditions is examined by considering the initial state of the inflaton field to be in the form of a relativistic gas with some of its properties in close proximity to the black body spectrum. It is demonstrated that the initial potential energy budget in such an environment is suppressed beyond the minimal value required for inflation. This is the extension of our earlier work, where we have shown that the rare regions which happen to host favourable initial conditions for the beginning of inflation could come to dominate the late-time Universe only if they started out from above the so-called self-reproduction threshold.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Measurements of Σ electromagnetic form factors in the timelike region using the untagged initial-state radiation technique

The process e + e − → Σ + Σ ¯ − is studied from threshold up to 3.04 GeV / c 2 via the initial-state radiation technique using data with an integrated luminosity of 12.0 fb − 1 , collected at center-of-mass energies between 3.773 and 4.258 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. The pair production cross sections and the effective form factors of Σ are measured in eleven Σ + Σ ¯ − invariant mass intervals from threshold to 3.04 GeV / c 2 . The results are consistent with the previous results from Belle and BESIII. Furthermore, the branching fractions of the decays J / ψ → Σ + Σ ¯ − and ψ ( 3686 ) → Σ + Σ ¯ − are determined and the obtained results are consistent with the previous results of BESIII. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Astronomy & Astrophysics↗
DOE OSTI2023

Study of e + e - → Σ 0 Σ ¯ 0 and Σ + Σ ¯ - by initial state radiation method at Belle

The processes e + ⁢e - →Σ 0 ⁢$\overline{Σ}$ 0 and e + ⁢e - →Σ + ⁢$\overline{Σ}$ - are studied using initial-state-radiation events in a sample of 980 fb -1 collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e + ⁢e - collider. The cross sections from the mass threshold to 3 GeV/c 2 and the effective form factors of Σ 0 and Σ + are measured. In the charmonium region, we observe the decays J/ψ →Σ 0 ⁢$\overline{Σ}$ 0 and J/ψ →Σ + ⁢$\overline{Σ}$ - and determine the respective branching fractions.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Study of e + e - → η Φ via initial state radiation at Belle

Using 980 fb -1 of data collected on and around the (n = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) resonances with the Belle detector at the KEKB collider, we measure the cross section of e + ⁢e - → η⁢Φ from threshold to 3.95 GeV via initial state radiation. There are clear Φ⁡(1680) and J/ψ signals but no significant Φ⁡(2170) signal in the ηΦ final state. The branching fraction $\mathscr{B}$⁡[J/ψ →η⁢Φ] is measured to be (7.2 ±0.8 ±0.5) ×10 -4 . The resonant parameters of Φ⁡(1680) are determined to be m Φ(1680) = (1696±8±10) MeV/c 2 (statistical and systematic errors, respectively), Γ Φ⁡(1680) =(175±13±16) MeV and, depending on the possible presence of predominantly constructive or destructive interference between Φ⁡(1680) and continuum production, Γ$^{e^+e^-}_{Φ⁡(1680)}$·$\mathscr{B}$⁡[Φ⁡(1680)→ηΦ] and $\mathscr{B}$⁡[Φ(1680)→η⁢Φ] are determined to be (75 ±10 ±11) eV and (25±12±2)% or (207±16±20) eV and (23 ±10 ±2)%, respectively. The upper limit for Γ$^{e^+e^-}_{Φ⁡(2170)}$·$\mathscr{B}$⁡[Φ⁡(2170) → ηΦ] is determined to be either 0.17 or 18.6 eV at the 90% confidence level.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Search For Low-Mass Quark-Antiquark Resonances Produced With an Initial State Photon at 13 TeV Using the CMS Detector

We present a search for low-mass narrow qq̅ resonances. This search uses data from LHC pp collisions at a center of mass of 13 TeV in Run 2, and corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 137 fb^{-1}, currently using 10\% of data. Utilizing full Run 2 data allows the use of a lower photon pT threshold trigger than a previous analysis performed with only 2016 data, allowing this analysis to be more sensitive to resonances in the low mass region. We require an initial state photon recoiling against the narrow resonance, leading to the resonance having a high transverse momentum. The high pT decay products of the resonance collimate and are reconstructed as a single large jet with an internal two-pronged substructure. A two-pronged dijet score based on the ParticleNet tagger is used to select jets with two-pronged substructure. The background is estimated via a data-driven method using a transfer factor between the distributions which fail and pass the two-pronged substructure requirement. The new physics signal is searched for as a narrow peak excess above the Standard Model backgrounds in the jet mass spectrum.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Search For Low-Mass Quark-Antiquark Resonances Produced With an Initial State Photon at 13 TeV Using the CMS Detector

We present a search for low-mass narrow qq̅ resonances. This search uses data from LHC pp collisions at a center of mass of 13 TeV in Run 2, and corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 137 fb^{-1}, currently using 10\% of data. Utilizing full Run 2 data allows the use of a lower photon pT threshold trigger than a previous analysis performed with only 2016 data, allowing this analysis to be more sensitive to resonances in the low mass region. We require an initial state photon recoiling against the narrow resonance, leading to the resonance having a high transverse momentum. The high pT decay products of the resonance collimate and are reconstructed as a single large jet with an internal two-pronged substructure. A two-pronged dijet score based on the ParticleNet tagger is used to select jets with two-pronged substructure. The background is estimated via a data-driven method using a transfer factor between the distributions which fail and pass the two-pronged substructure requirement. The new physics signal is searched for as a narrow peak excess above the Standard Model backgrounds in the jet mass spectrum.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
NASA NTRS1978

An initial state perturbation experiment with the GISS model

Monthly mean global forecasts for January 1975 have been computed with the Goddard Institute for Space Studies model from four slightly different sets of initial conditions - a 'control' state and three random perturbations thereof - to simulate the effects of initial state uncertainty on forecast quality. Differences among the forecasts are examined in terms of energetics, synoptic patterns and forecast statistics. The 'noise level' of the model predictions is depicted on global maps of standard deviations of sea level pressures, 500 mb heights and 850 mb temperatures for the set of four forecasts. Initial small-scale random errors do not appear to result in any major degradation of the large-scale monthly mean forecast beyond that generated by the model itself, nor do they appear to represent the major source of large-scale forecast error.

Spar, J.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Do initial conditions matter? A comparison of model climatologies generated from different initial states

A coarse mesh (8 by 10) 7 layer global climate model was used to compute 15 months of meteorological history in two perpetual January experiments on a water planet (without continents) with a zonally symmetric climatological January sea surface temperature field. In the first of the two water planet experiments the initial atmospheric state was a set of zonal mean values of specific humidity, temperature, and wind at each latitude. In the second experiment the model was initialized with globally uniform mean values of specific humidity and temperature on each sigma level surface, constant surface pressure (1010 mb), and zero wind everywhere. A comparison was made of the mean January climatic states generated by the two water planet experiments. The first two months of each 15 January run were discarded, and 13 month averages were computed from months 3 through 15.

Spar, J.↗