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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

Demonstration of femtosecond X-ray pump X-ray probe diffraction on protein crystals

The development of X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) has opened the possibility to investigate the ultrafast dynamics of biomacromolecules using X-ray diffraction. Whereas an increasing number of structures solved by means of serial femtosecond crystallography at XFELs is available, the effect of radiation damage on protein crystals during ultrafast exposures has remained an open question. We used a split-and-delay line based on diffractive X-ray optics at the Linac Coherent Light Source XFEL to investigate the time dependence of X-ray radiation damage to lysozyme crystals. For these tests, crystals were delivered to the X-ray beam using a fixed-target approach. The presented experiments provide probe signals at eight different delay times between 19 and 213 femtoseconds after a single pump event, thereby covering the time-scales relevant for femtosecond serial crystallography. Even though significant impact on the crystals was observed at long time scales after exposure with a single X-ray pulse, the collected diffraction data did not show significant signal reduction that could be assigned to beam damage on the crystals in the sampled time window and resolution range. This observation is in agreement with estimations of the applied radiation dose, which in our experiment was clearly below the values expected to cause damage on the femtosecond time scale. The experiments presented here demonstrate the feasibility of time-resolved pump-multiprobe X-ray diffraction experiments on protein crystals.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Effects of Radiation Reaction Physics on High-Current Power Flow

In this study, we examine the effects of the radiation reaction force on electrons in a radial magnetically insulated transmission line (MITL) near a load with peak currents of 60+ MA. More specifically, we study the differences in electron motion and kinetic energy with or without radiation reaction physics using a novel guiding center drift approach that incorporates E $\times$ B and ∇B drifts. A key finding of this study is that an electron's magnetic moment, which would be conserved when radiation reaction physics is not incorporated, can be significantly reduced in magnetic fields on the order of 10,000's T when radiation reaction is included. The reduction of magnetic moment gives rise to a significant reduction in cycloidal kinetic energy as well as a reduction in the electron's ∇B drift.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Effects of Exercise During Radiation Therapy on Physical Function and Treatment-Related Side Effects in Men With Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Radiation therapy is a commonly used treatment for prostate cancer; however, the side effects may negatively affect quality of life and cause patients to be less physically active. Although exercise has been shown to mitigate radiation therapy–related fatigue in men with prostate cancer during radiation therapy, other adverse effects of treatment such as physical deconditioning, urinary symptoms, or sexual dysfunction have not been systematically reviewed in this patient population. Thus, the purpose of this review was to investigate the effect of exercise on physical function and treatment-related side effects in men with prostate cancer undergoing radiation therapy.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Biological effects and physics of solar and galactic cosmic radiation, Part B; Proceedings of a NATO Advanced Study Institute on Biological Effects and Physics of Solar and Galactic Cosmic Radiation, Algarve, Portugal, Oct. 13-23, 1991

Since there is an increasing interest in establishing lunar bases and exploring Mars by manned missions, it is important to develop appropriate risk estimates and radiation protection guidelines. The biological effects and physics of solar and galactic cosmic radiation are examined with respect to the following: the radiation environment of interplanetary space, the biological responses to radiation in space, and the risk estimates for deep space missions. There is a need for a long-term program where ground-based studies can be augmented by flight experiments and an international standardization with respect to data collection, protocol comparison, and formulation of guidelines for future missions.

Swenberg, Charles E.↗

Identification of localized radiation damage in power MOSFETs using EBIC imaging

The rapidly increasing use of electronics in high-radiation environments and the continued evolution in transistor architectures and materials demand improved methods to characterize the potential damaging effects of radiation on device performance. Here, electron-beam-induced current is used to map hot-carrier transport in model metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors irradiated with a 300 KeV focused He + beam as a localized line spanning across the gate and bulk Si. By correlating the damage to the electronic properties and combining these results with simulations, the contribution of spatially localized radiation damage on the device characteristics is obtained. Furthermore, this identified damage, caused by the He + beam, is attributed to localized interfacial P b centers and delocalized positive fixed-charges, as surmised from simulations. Comprehension of the long-term interaction and mobility of radiation-induced damage are key for future design of rad-hard devices.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

The Effect of Physically Based Ice Radiative Processes on Greenland Ice Sheet Albedo and Surface Mass Balance in E3SM

Abstract A significant portion of surface melt on the Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) is due to dark ice regions in the ablation zone, where solar absorption is influenced by the physical properties of the ice, light absorbing constituents (LACs), and the overlying crustal surface or melt ponds. Earth system models (ESMs) typically prescribe the albedo of ice surfaces as a constant value in the visible and near‐infrared spectral regions. This work advances ESM ice radiative transfer modeling by (a) incorporating a physically based radiative transfer model (SNow, ICe and Aerosol Radiation model Adding‐Doubling Version 4; SNICAR‐ADv4) into the Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM), (b) determining spatially and temporally varying bare ice physical properties over the GrIS ablation zone from satellite observations to inform SNICAR‐ADv4, and (c) assessing the impacts on simulated GrIS albedo and surface mass balance associated with modeling of more realistic bare ice albedo. GrIS‐wide bare ice albedo in E3SMv2 is overestimated by ∼4% in the visible and ∼7% in the near‐infrared wavelengths compared to the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer. Our bare ice physical property retrieval method found that LACs, ice crustal surfaces, and melt ponds reduce visible albedo by 30% in the bare ice region of the GrIS ablation zone. The realistic bare ice albedo reduces surface mass balance by ∼145 Gt, or 0.4 mm of sea‐level equivalent between 2000 and 2021 compared to the default E3SM. This work highlights the importance of simulating bare ice albedo accurately and realistically to improve our ability to quantify changes in the GrIS surface mass and radiative energy budgets.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

TH-AB-BRA-10: The Physics of Interface Effects for Radiation Treatments in a MRI-Linac: A Monte Carlo Study

Purpose: To investigate and explain the interface effects for clinically relevant materials being irradiated in the presence of a 1.5 T transverse magnetic field. Methods: Interface effects were investigated using Geant4.10.1 both with (B-On) and without (B-Off) a magnetic field for an Elekta MRI-Linac. A slab of thickness 8 cm, representing inhomogeneity, was placed at a depth of 4 cm in a 20×20×20 cm water phantom. Backscattered electron fluence was calculated through a 20×20 cm plane aligned with the surface of the inhomogeneity. Inhomogeneities investigated were lung, bone, aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, and dental filling. A photon beam with field size of 2×2 cm at the isocenter and SAD of 143.5 cm was generated from a point source with energy distribution sampled from a histogram representing the true Elekta MRI-Linac photon spectrum. Results: In the B-On case, if the heterogeneity is a low Z{sub eff} material, such as lung, the backscattered electron fluence is increased considerably, i.e. by 54 %, and the corresponding dose is expected to be higher near the interface compared to the B-Off case. On the contrary, if the heterogeneity is a high Z{sub eff} material then the backscattered electron fluence is reduced in the B-On electron fluence is reduced in the B-On case. This reduction leads to a lower dose deposition at the interface compared to the B-Off case. Conclusion: The reduction in dose at the interface, in the B-On case, is directly related to the reduction in backscattered electron fluence. The reduction in backscattered electron fluence occurs due to two different reasons. First, the electron energy spectrum hitting the interface is changed for the B-On case which changes the electron scattering probability. Second, some electrons that are looping under the influence of the magnetic field are captured by the higher density side of the interface and no longer contribute to the backscattered electron stream. Funding support for this study was provided by ElektaTM.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Annual Conference on Nuclear and Space Radiation Effects, 17th, Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., July 15-18, 1980, Proceedings

The conference covered the radiation effects on devices, circuits, and systems, physics and basic radiation effects in materials, dosimetry and radiation transport, spacecraft charging, and space radiation effects. Other subjects included single particle upset phenomena, systems-generated electromagnetic pulse phenomena, fabrication of hardened components, testing techniques, and hardness assurance.

Mcgarrity, J. M.↗

Analysis of MIR-18 results for physical and biological dosimetry: radiation shielding effectiveness in LEO

We compare models of radiation transport and biological response to physical and biological dosimetry results from astronauts on the Mir space station. Transport models are shown to be in good agreement with physical measurements and indicate that the ratio of equivalent dose from the Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCR) to protons is about 3/2:1 and that this ratio will increase for exposures to internal organs. Two biological response models are used to compare to the Mir biodosimetry for chromosome aberration in lymphocyte cells; a track-structure model and the linear-quadratic model with linear energy transfer (LET) dependent weighting coefficients. These models are fit to in vitro data for aberration formation in human lymphocytes by photons and charged particles. Both models are found to be in reasonable agreement with data for aberrations in lymphocytes of Mir crew members: however there are differences between the use of LET dependent weighting factors and track structure models for assigning radiation quality factors. The major difference in the models is the increased effectiveness predicted by the track model for low charge and energy ions with LET near 10 keV/micrometers. The results of our calculations indicate that aluminum shielding, although providing important mitigation of the effects of trapped radiation, provides no protective effect from the galactic cosmic rays (GCR) in low-earth orbit (LEO) using either equivalent dose or the number of chromosome aberrations as a measure until about 100 g/cm 2 of material is used.

Flight Experiment↗

Extensive Aging and Evaluation of Nonmetallic Components in the Waste Transfer System at Hanford - 18371

Nonmetallic materials are used in the United States Department of Energy's Hanford Site Tank Farm waste transfer system. These materials include the inner primary hoses in the hose-in-hose transfer lines (HIHTLs), Garlock{sup R} gaskets, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) O-rings, and other nonmetallic materials. These nonmetallic materials are exposed to β and γ radiation, caustic solutions as well as high temperature and pressure stressors. How the nonmetallic components react to each of these stressors individually has been well established. However, simultaneous exposure of these stressors has not been evaluated and is of great concern to Hanford Site engineers. FIU-ARC engineers worked closely with key Hanford HLW personnel to develop an experimental test plan that determines how these nonmetallic components react to various simultaneous stressor exposures. In this paper, data obtained from experimental testing of the hose-in-hose transfer lines, Garlock{sup R} gaskets and EPDM O-rings used in the Hanford tank farm waste transfer system under simultaneous stressor exposures is presented. The stressor exposure experiments consisted of combinations of simultaneous stressor exposure of caustic solution and elevated temperature stressors. Evaluation of materials that have been conditioned with the various stressors for duration of 6-months was conducted and compared with baseline unexposed materials. Evaluations included burst pressure tests of the EPDM hose-in-hose transfer lines, leak pressure tests of the EPDM O-rings and Garlock{sup R} gaskets, material tensile strength test of EPDM and Garlock{sup R} coupons. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) was conducted on aged and un-aged baseline coupons to determine if there was any change in the surface microstructure and to see how far the NaOH penetrated analysis is continuing. Conclusions from the 6-month testing indicates that the specimens did not see a significant in the pressure tests, but the material properties of both the EPDM and Garlock{sup R} coupons did see changes. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

The effects of swift heavy ion irradiation on the structural properties of poly(lactide-co-glycolide)/clay nanocomposite

Radiation has been used as a processing technique to modify structural, chemical, physical and morphological properties of polymers and its nanocomposite and can thus be used as a method to control the rate of degradation. The swift heavy ions (SHI) irradiation effects on the structural properties of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) nanocomposites containing 5 wt% organo-montmorillonite (OMMT) clay by irradiating with 50 MeV Li{sup 3+} and 180 MeV Ag{sup 8+} ions has been studied at different fluences. The structural responses of PLGA nanocomposite under the influence of SHI were studied using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The presence of clay and irradiation by swift heavy ions (SHI) brings out interesting changes in structural properties of nanocomposite.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Theoretical and experimental studies of the current–voltage and capacitance–voltage of HEMT structures and field-effect transistors

The sensitivity of classical n{sup +}/n{sup –} GaAs and AlGaN/GaN structures with a 2D electron gas (HEMT) and field-effect transistors based on these structures to γ-neutron exposure is studied. The levels of their radiation hardness were determined. A method for experimental study of the structures on the basis of a differential analysis of their current–voltage characteristics is developed. This method makes it possible to determine the structure of the layers in which radiation-induced defects accumulate. A procedure taking into account changes in the plate area of the experimentally measured barrier-contact capacitance associated with the emergence of clusters of radiation-induced defects that form dielectric inclusions in the 2D-electron-gas layer is presented for the first time.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

QED nuclear medium effects at EIC energies

Here, we present the first calculation of quantum electrodynamics (QED) nuclear medium effects under the experimental conditions of future Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) experiments. Our work offers numerical estimates, particularly in the context of inclusive deep inelastic scattering on a $^{208}_{82}$Pb nucleus. While prior studies have predominantly focused on elastic scattering, our investigation extends to the more complex scenarios of inelastic processes within a nuclear medium. Our findings suggest that the cross section corrections due to QED nuclear medium effects could be substantial, reaching or exceeding the level of experimental precision. This work further compares the effects of single rescattering events with those of multiple rescatterings, as particles travel the nuclear volume. We estimate the dominant source of the uncertainties associated with our formalism by varying the scale of the atomic physics where the screening of the electric field of the nucleus happens. This calculation not only contributes to the understanding of QED nuclear medium effects, but also offers a path to a more precise extraction of the process-independent nonperturbative structure of nuclei.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Relationship between the Optical Damage Resistance and Radiation Hardness and the Influence of Threshold Effects on the Radiation Hardness of ZnO-Doped LiNbO{sub 3} Crystals

The radiation hardness and optical characteristics of beta-and gamma-irradiated LiNbO{sub 3}〈ZnO〉 crystals have been studied in a wide range of doping levels: ~0.04–5.9 mol % ZnO. The optical absorption (transmission) of the beta-and gamma-irradiated LiNbO{sub 3}〈ZnO〉 crystals has been evaluated as a function of the type and dose of radiation and dopant concentration. The optical damage resistance and radiation hardness of the crystals have been shown to be interrelated and depend on threshold effects in the LiNbO{sub 3}〈ZnO〉 crystals.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗