2011 Status of the Automatic Alignment System for the National Ignition Facility (open access)

2011 Status of the Automatic Alignment System for the National Ignition Facility

Automated alignment for the National Ignition Facility (NIF) is accomplished using a large-scale parallel control system that directs 192 laser beams along the 300-m optical path. The beams are then focused down to a 50-micron spot in the middle of the target chamber. The entire process is completed in less than 50 minutes. The alignment system commands 9,000 stepping motors for highly accurate adjustment of mirrors and other optics. 41 control loops per beamline perform parallel processing services running on a LINUX cluster to analyze high-resolution images of the beams and their references. This paper describes the status the NIF automatic alignment system and the challenges encountered as NIF development has transitioned from building the laser, to becoming a research project supporting a 24 hour, 7 day laser facility. NIF is now a continuously operated system where performance monitoring is increasingly more critical for operation, maintenance, and commissioning tasks. Equipment wear and the effects of high energy neutrons from fusion experiments are issues which alter alignment efficiency and accuracy. New sensors needing automatic alignment assistance are common. System modifications to improve efficiency and accuracy are prevalent. Handling these evolving alignment and maintenance needs while minimizing the impact on NIF experiment …
Date: July 19, 2011
Creator: Wilhelmsen, K.; Awwal, A.; Burkhart, S.; McGuigan, D.; Kamm, V. M.; Leach, R. et al.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Adaptive ocean acoustic processing for a shallow ocean experiment (open access)

Adaptive ocean acoustic processing for a shallow ocean experiment

A model-based approach is developed to solve an adaptive ocean acoustic signal processing problem. Here we investigate the design of model-based identifier (MBID) for a normal-mode model developed from a shallow water ocean experiment and then apply it to a set of experimental data demonstrating the feasibility of this approach. In this problem we show how the processor can be structured to estimate the horizontal wave numbers directly from measured pressure sound speed thereby eliminating the need for synthetic aperture processing or a propagation model solution. Ocean acoustic signal processing has made great strides over the past decade necessitated by the development of quieter submarines and the recent proliferation of diesel powered vessels.
Date: July 19, 1995
Creator: Candy, J. V. & Sullivan, E. J.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Adding the infrastructure class hierarchy to the EXHORT framework for object-oriented deployment simulations. (open access)

Adding the infrastructure class hierarchy to the EXHORT framework for object-oriented deployment simulations.

One of the objectives of the U.S. Department of Defense is to standardize all classes used in object-oriented deployment simulations by developing a standard class attribute representation and behavior for all deployment simulations that rely on an underlying class representation. The EXtensive Hierarchy and Object Representation for Transportation Simulations (EXHORT) is a class framework composed of two hierarchies that together constitute a standard and consistent class attribute representation and behavior that could be used directly by a large set of deployment simulations. The first hierarchy, the Transportation Class Hierarchy (TCH), was submitted to the Army Modeling and Simulation Office's (AMSO) Army Standards Repository in 1999 and presented at the Fall Simulation Interoperability Workshop in the same year. The second hierarchy, the Infrastructure Class Hierarchy (ICH), describes the encapsulation of the rest of the defense transportation system and is the primary focus of this paper. The entire EXHORT framework lets deployment simulations use the same set of underlying class data, ensures transparent exchanges, reduces the effort needed to integrate simulations, and permits a detailed analysis of the defense transportation system.
Date: July 19, 2002
Creator: Burke, J. F.; Van Groningen, C.; Bragen, M. & Macal, C. M.
System: The UNT Digital Library
An adjustable thickness Li/Be target for fragmentation of 3-kW heavy ion beams. (open access)

An adjustable thickness Li/Be target for fragmentation of 3-kW heavy ion beams.

As a first step towards developing liquid lithium target technology for a future high-power nuclear physics fragmentation facility, an adjustable thickness Li/Be hybrid target is being constructed for use at the NSCL. This target will use beryllium windows with flowing lithium. The lithium serves as a part of the target as well as the coolant. Up to 1 kW of beam power is dissipated in the target and is carried away by the recirculating liquid lithium loop. It is designed for high power beams in the mass range from oxygen to calcium. Tapered beryllium windows combined with a uniform thickness lithium channel gives an overall target thickness ranging from 0.7 g/cm{sup 2} to 3 g/cm{sup 2}, which is adjusted by moving the target vertically. The target system design is complete and is described in this paper.
Date: July 19, 2002
Creator: Nolen, J. A.; Reed, C. B.; Hassanein, A.; Novick, V. J.; Plotkin, P.; Specht, J. R. et al.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Analysis of Artificial Radiocarbon in Different Skeletal and Dental Tissue Types to Evaluate Date of Death (open access)

Analysis of Artificial Radiocarbon in Different Skeletal and Dental Tissue Types to Evaluate Date of Death

Radiocarbon dating, with special reference to the modern bomb-curve, can provide useful information to elucidate the date of death of skeletonized human remains. Interpretation can be enhanced with analysis of different types of tissues within a single skeleton because of the known variability of formation times and remodeling rates. Analysis of radiocarbon content of teeth, especially the enamel in tooth crowns provides information about the date of formation in the childhood years and in consideration of the known timing of tooth formation can be used to estimate the birth date after 1950 A.D. Radiocarbon analysis of modern cortical and trabecular bone samples from the same skeleton may allow proper placement on the pre-1963 or post-1963 sides of the bomb-curve since most trabecular bone generally undergoes more rapid remodeling than does most cortical bone. Pre-1963 bone formation would produce higher radiocarbon values for most trabecular bone than for most cortical bone. This relationship is reversed for formation after 1963. Radiocarbon analysis was conducted in this study on dental, cortical and trabecular bone samples from two adult individuals of known birth (1925 and 1926) and death dates (1995 and 1959). As expected, the dental results correspond to pre-bomb bomb-curve values reflecting conditions …
Date: July 19, 2005
Creator: Ubelaker, D. H.; Buchholz, B. A. & Stewart, J.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Analysis of Radiation-Driven Explosive Flyers (open access)

Analysis of Radiation-Driven Explosive Flyers

There is great interest in being able to use the x-ray output from a Z-pinch for equation of state measurements at extreme conditions. However, the direct x-ray output form the pinch produces a very sharp and rapidly attenuating pressure pulse in target materials. To obtain high quality measurements with this source, a mechanism for generating non-attenuating waves is needed. One possibility involves using the x-ray source to throw a near-normal density intermediate drive at the target, a situation similar to more conventional configurations. To scope out preliminary design parameters, they used the ALEGRA code to simulate a number of different possibilities involving the driver and the gap between it and the target. They used a somewhat idealized radiation source--a main x-ray pulse 30 ns long at its base and peaking at a blackbody temperature of 100 eV. The calculations suggest that a 100-micron aluminum driver with a 90-micron gap will yield a 15-ns-wide non-attenuating pulse with an amplitude of over 250 GPa.
Date: July 19, 1999
Creator: Lawrence, R. J.; Asay, J. R.; Trucano, T. G. & Hall, C. A.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Assessing atmospheric stability and the impacts on wind characteristics at an onshore wind farm (open access)

Assessing atmospheric stability and the impacts on wind characteristics at an onshore wind farm

None
Date: July 19, 2010
Creator: Wharton, S & Lundquist, J K
System: The UNT Digital Library
At-wavelength Optical Metrology Development at the ALS (open access)

At-wavelength Optical Metrology Development at the ALS

Nano-focusing and brightness preservation for ever brighter synchrotron radiation and free electron laser beamlines require surface slope tolerances of x-ray optics on the order of 100 nrad. While the accuracy of fabrication and ex situ metrology of x-ray mirrors has improved over time, beamline in situ performance of the optics is often limited by application specific factors such as x-ray beam heat loading, temperature drift, alignment, vibration, etc. In the present work, we discuss the recent results from the Advanced Light Source developing high accuracy, in situ, at-wavelength wavefront measurement techniques to surpass 100-nrad accuracy surface slope measurements with reflecting x-ray optics. The techniques will ultimately allow closed-loop feedback systems to be implemented for x-ray nano-focusing. In addition, we present a dedicated metrology beamline endstation, applicable to a wide range of in situ metrology and test experiments. The design and performance of a bendable Kirkpatrick-Baez (KB) mirror with active temperature stabilization will also be presented. The mirror is currently used to study, refine, and optimize in situ mirror alignment, bending and metrology methods essential for nano-focusing application.
Date: July 19, 2010
Creator: Yuan, Sheng Sam; Goldberg, Kenneth A.; Yashchuk, Valeriy V.; Celestre, Richard; Mochi, Iacopo; Macdougall, James et al.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Atomic Control Of Water Interaction With Biocompatible Surfaces: The Case Of SiC(001) (open access)

Atomic Control Of Water Interaction With Biocompatible Surfaces: The Case Of SiC(001)

The interaction of water with Si- and C- terminated {beta}-SiC(001) surfaces was investigated by means of ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. Irrespective of coverage, varied from 1/4 to 1 monolayer, we found that water dissociates on the Si-terminated surface, substantially modifying the clean surface reconstruction, while the C-terminated surface is nonreactive and hydrophobic. Based on our results, we propose that STM images and photoemission experiments may detect specific changes induced by water on both the structural and electronic properties of SiC(001) surfaces.
Date: July 19, 2004
Creator: Cicero, G; Catellani, A & Galli, G
System: The UNT Digital Library
Autonomous, agile micro-satellites and supporting technologies (open access)

Autonomous, agile micro-satellites and supporting technologies

This paper updates the on-going effort at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to develop autonomous, agile micro-satellites (MicroSats). The objective of this development effort is to develop MicroSats weighing only a few tens of kilograms, that are able to autonomously perform precision maneuvers and can be used telerobotically in a variety of mission modes. The required capabilities include satellite rendezvous, inspection, proximity-operations, docking, and servicing. The MicroSat carries an integrated proximity-operations sensor-suite incorporating advanced avionics. A new self-pressurizing propulsion system utilizing a miniaturized pump and non-toxic mono-propellant hydrogen peroxide was successfully tested. This system can provide a nominal 25 kg MicroSat with 200-300 m/s delta-v including a warm-gas attitude control system. The avionics is based on the latest PowerPC processor using a CompactPCI bus architecture, which is modular, high-performance and processor-independent. This leverages commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies and minimizes the effects of future changes in processors. The MicroSat software development environment uses the Vx-Works real-time operating system (RTOS) that provides a rapid development environment for integration of new software modules, allowing early integration and test. We will summarize results of recent integrated ground flight testing of our latest non-toxic pumped propulsion MicroSat testbed vehicle operated on our unique dynamic air-rail.
Date: July 19, 1999
Creator: Breitfeller, E; Dittman, M D; Gaughan, R J; Jones, M S; Kordas, J F; Ledebuhr, A G et al.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Bayesian Separation of Lamb Wave Signatures (open access)

Bayesian Separation of Lamb Wave Signatures

A persistent problem in the analysis of Lamb wave signatures in experimental data is the fact that several different modes appear simultaneously in the signal. The modes overlap in both the frequency and time domains. Attempts to separate the overlapping Lamb wave signatures by conventional signal processing methods have been unsatisfactory. This paper reports an exciting alternative to conventional methods. Severely overlapping Lamb waves are found to be readily separable by Bayesian parameter estimation. The authors have used linear-chirped Gaussian-windowed sinusoids as models of each Lamb wave mode. The separation algorithm allows each mode to be examined individually.
Date: July 19, 2001
Creator: Kercel, Stephen W.; Klein, Marvin B. & Pouet, Bruno
System: The UNT Digital Library
CHARACTERIZATION OF THE NEW NSLS INFARED MICROSPECTROSCOPY BEAMLINE U10B. (open access)

CHARACTERIZATION OF THE NEW NSLS INFARED MICROSPECTROSCOPY BEAMLINE U10B.

The first of several new infrared beamlines, built on a modified bending magnet port of the NSLS VUV ring, is now operational for mid-infrared microspectroscopy. The port simultaneously delivers 40 mrad by 40 mrad to two separate beamlines and spectrometer endstations designated U10A and U10B. The latter is equipped with a scanning infrared microspectrometer. The combination of this instrument and high brightness synchrotron radiation makes diffraction-limited microspectroscopy practical. This paper describes the beamline's performance and presents quantitative information on the diffraction-limited resolution.
Date: July 19, 1999
Creator: CARR,G.L.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Characterization of the new NSLS infrared microspectroscopy beamline U10B (open access)

Characterization of the new NSLS infrared microspectroscopy beamline U10B

The first of several new infrared beamlines, built on a modified bending magnet port of the NSLS VUV ring, is now operational for mid-infrared microspectroscopy. The port simultaneously delivers 40 mrad by 40 mrad to two separate beamlines and spectrometer endstations designated U10A and U10B. The latter is equipped with a scanning infrared microspectrometer. The combination of this instrument and high brightness synchrotron radiation makes diffraction-limited microspectroscopy practical. This paper describes the beamline's performance and presents quantitative information on the diffraction-limited resolution.
Date: July 19, 1999
Creator: Carr, G.L.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Characterization of the PEP-II Colliding-Beam Phase Space by the Boost Method (open access)

Characterization of the PEP-II Colliding-Beam Phase Space by the Boost Method

We present a novel approach to characterize the colliding-beam phase space at the interaction point of the energy-asymmetric PEP-II B-Factory. The method exploits the fact that the transverse-boost distribution of e{sup +}e{sup -} {yields} {mu}{sup +}{mu}{sup -} events reconstructed in the BABAR detector reflects that of the colliding electrons and positrons. The mean boost direction, when combined with the measured orientation of the luminous ellipsoid, determines the e{sup +}-e{sup -} crossing angles. The average angular spread of the transverse boost vector provides an accurate measure of the angular divergence of the incoming high-energy beam, confirming the presence of a sizeable dynamic-{beta} effect. The longitudinal and transverse dependence of the boost angular spread also allow to extract from the continuously-monitored distributions detailed information about the emittances and IP {beta}-functions of both beams during high-luminosity operation.
Date: July 19, 2006
Creator: Weaver, M.; Kozanecki, W. & Viaud, B.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Coherent phase control of the photodissociation of HOD (open access)

Coherent phase control of the photodissociation of HOD

A goal of chemical reaction dynamics is to control the course of reactions. We are examining the photodissocation of HOD, which is attractive for coherent control studies. A fixed frequency laser at 600 nm and its third harmonic at 200 nm is used to simultaneously and coherently photodissociate the rovibrationally excited parent molecules. Preliminary experiments focussed on confirming individual steps of the complex experiment; results are given of three-photon dissociation of H{sub 2}O, which gives confidence for the HOD three-photon dissociation.
Date: July 19, 1993
Creator: Allendorf, S. W.; Conaway, W. E. & Krause, J. L.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Coherent synchrotron radiation: Theory and experiments (open access)

Coherent synchrotron radiation: Theory and experiments

Our understanding of the generation of coherent synchrotron radiation in magnetic bending systems and its impact on beam dynamics has grown considerably over the past few years. The search for understanding has brought a number of surprises, all related to the complexity of the fully self-consistent problem. Herein I survey the associated phenomenology, theory, and experiments while emphasizing important subtleties that have recently been uncovered. I conclude by speculating on courses of future investigations that may prove fruitful.
Date: July 19, 2002
Creator: Bohn, Courtland L.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Colliding Laser Pulses for Laser-Plasma Accelerator Injection Control (open access)

Colliding Laser Pulses for Laser-Plasma Accelerator Injection Control

Decoupling injection from acceleration is a key challenge to achieve compact, reliable, tunable laser-plasma accelerators (LPA). In colliding pulse injection the beat between multiple laser pulses can be used to control energy, energy spread, and emittance of the electron beam by injecting electrons in momentum and phase into the accelerating phase of the wake trailing the driver laser pulse. At LBNL, using automated control of spatiotemporal overlap of laser pulses, two-pulse experiments showed stable operation and reproducibility over hours of operation. Arrival time of the colliding beam was scanned, and the measured timing window and density of optimal operation agree with simulations. The accelerator length was mapped by scanning the collision point.
Date: July 19, 2011
Creator: Plateau, Guillaume; Geddes, Cameron; Matlis, Nicholas; Cormier-Michel, Estelle; Mittelberger, Daniel; Nakamura, Kei et al.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Complete Calculation of Evaluated Maxwellian-Averaged Cross Sections and Their Uncertainties for S-Process Nucleosynthesis (open access)

Complete Calculation of Evaluated Maxwellian-Averaged Cross Sections and Their Uncertainties for S-Process Nucleosynthesis

Present contribution represents a significant improvement of our previous calculation of Maxwellian-averaged cross sections and astrophysical reaction rates. Addition of newly-evaluated neutron reaction libraries, such as ROSFOND and Low-Fidelity Covariance Project, and improvements in data processing techniques allowed us to extend it for entire range of sprocess nuclei, calculate Maxwellian-averaged cross section uncertainties for the first time, and provide additional insights on all currently available neutron-induced reaction data. Nuclear reaction calculations using ENDF libraries and current Java technologies will be discussed and new results will be presented.
Date: July 19, 2010
Creator: Pritychenko, B.
System: The UNT Digital Library
CONSTRUCTED WETLAND TREATMENT SYSTEMS FOR WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT (open access)

CONSTRUCTED WETLAND TREATMENT SYSTEMS FOR WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

The Savannah River National Laboratory implemented a constructed wetland treatment system (CWTS) in 2000 to treat industrial discharge and stormwater from the Laboratory area. The industrial discharge volume is 3,030 m{sup 3} per day with elevated toxicity and metals (copper, zinc and mercury). The CWTS was identified as the best treatment option based on performance, capital and continuing cost, and schedule. A key factor for this natural system approach was the long-term binding capacity of heavy metals (especially copper, lead, and zinc) in the organic matter and sediments. The design required that the wetland treat the average daily discharge volume and be able to handle 83,280 m{sup 3} of stormwater runoff in a 24 hour period. The design allowed all water flow within the system to be driven entirely by gravity. The CWTS for A-01 outfall is composed of eight one-acre wetland cells connected in pairs and planted with giant bulrush to provide continuous organic matter input to the system. The retention basin was designed to hold stormwater flow and to allow controlled discharge to the wetland. The system became operational in October of 2000 and is the first wetland treatment system permitted by South Carolina DHEC for removal of …
Date: July 19, 2010
Creator: Nelson, E.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Continuous Wave Operation of 1.3{sub micro}m Vertical Cavity InGaAsN Quantum Well Lasers (open access)

Continuous Wave Operation of 1.3{sub micro}m Vertical Cavity InGaAsN Quantum Well Lasers

None
Date: July 19, 2000
Creator: Fischer, Arthur J.; Klem, John F.; Choquette, Kent D.; Spahn, Olga B.; Allerman, Andrew A.; Fritz, Ian J. et al.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Control Method for Improved Energy Capture Below Rated Power (Preprint prepared for ASME/JSME) (open access)

Control Method for Improved Energy Capture Below Rated Power (Preprint prepared for ASME/JSME)

To maximize energy capture, a variable-speed wind turbine should operate continuously at the tip-speed-ratio that results in the maximum power coefficient (Cpo) and, therefore, extracts the maximum energy from the wind. This is the main idea behind improved energy capture from variable-speed operation. However, this goal is only partially achievable due to rapid variations in wind speed and the inertia of the wind turbine rotor. Although it is not possible to operate continuously at maximum efficiency, improvements in energy capture during variable-speed operation can be gained by improved tracking of Cpo. In this paper the aerodynamic torque, estimated by an observer, and rotor speed are used to improve the energy capture of a variable-speed turbine. Two methods are used. The first method uses the torque error for control. The second method is formulated such that the estimated percent power loss is used directly for control. Also, the use of blade pitch below rated power is investigated. A small improvement in energy capture is realized by use of the described control methods. For turbines with a sharp Cp peak or slower time constant, greater improvement would be observed.
Date: July 19, 1999
Creator: Pierce, K.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Cooperation Between the Russia Federation and the United States to Enhance the Existing Nuclear-Material Protection, Control, and Accounting Systems at Mayak Production Association (open access)

Cooperation Between the Russia Federation and the United States to Enhance the Existing Nuclear-Material Protection, Control, and Accounting Systems at Mayak Production Association

The Ministry of the Russian Federation for Atomic Energy (MINATOM) and the US Department of Energy (DOE) are engaged in joint, cooperative efforts to reduce the likelihood of nuclear proliferation by enhancing Material Protection, Control and Accounting (MPC&A) systems in both countries. Mayak Production Association (Mayak) is a major Russian nuclear enterprise within the nuclear complex that is operated by lylINATOM. This paper describes the nature, scope, and status of the joint, cooperative efforts to enhance existing MPC&A systems at Mayak. Current cooperative efforts are focused on enhancements to the existing MPC&A systems at two of the plants operated by Mayak that work with proliferation-sensitive nuclear materials.
Date: July 19, 1999
Creator: Cahalane, P. T.; Ehinger, M. H.; James, L. T.; Jarrett, J. H.; Lundgren, R. A.; Manatt, D. R. et al.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Core-level spectroscopy of thin oxides and oxynitrides (open access)

Core-level spectroscopy of thin oxides and oxynitrides

Several spectroscopic methods are discussed that use core levels, such as photoelectron spectroscopy and absorption spectroscopy with photoelectron or fluorescence detection. Measurements are presented on the desorption of a chemical oxide and the growth of oxynitrides with N{sub 2}0 on Si(100). The stoichiometry is found to change strongly with thickness, from a nitrogen-terminated Si surface to a nearly-pure oxide in the outer region of 40--60 {Angstrom} films. Using a third generation synchrotron beam line a sensitivity of better than a tenth of a monolayer is achieved by a simple photocurrent measurement.
Date: July 19, 1994
Creator: Himpsel, F. J.; Akatsu, H. & Carlisle, J. A.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Correlation between nuclear response and defects in CZT (open access)

Correlation between nuclear response and defects in CZT

Vertical high pressure Bridgman (VHPB) was considered until now to be the most successful crystal growth method to produce Cd{sub 1{minus}x}Zn{sub x}Te (CZT), (0.04 < x < 0.24), for X- and gamma-ray detector crystals. Recently Horizontal Bridgman (HB) Cd{sub 1{minus}x}Zn{sub x}Te crystals produced by IMARAD Co. have also been successfully fabricated into nuclear spectroscopic radiation detectors. In view of the database of many years' study of the electrical properties of VHPB CZT grown and obtained from various sources, the authors also studied the HB CZT crystals in order to compare the defects present in both different kinds of crystals grown by different methods. The VHB-grown samples were examined using thermoelectric emission spectroscopy (TEES), X- and gamma ray spectroscopy and laser induced transient charge technique (TCT). The surface and the bulk crystalline homogeneity were mapped using triaxial double crystal x-ray diffraction (TADXRD) and infrared transmission spectroscopy (IR). They have found a correlation between crystallinity, IR transmission microstructure and trapping times. Spectrometer grade VHPB CZT crystals exhibit trapping times of 20 {micro}s for electrons and 7 {micro}s for holes, however, regions, which were opaque to IR transmission, had trapping times shorter by one order of magnitude. The trapping times of HB CZT …
Date: July 19, 1999
Creator: Hermon, H.; Schieber, M.; James, R. B.; Lee, E.; Cross, E.; Goorsky, M. et al.
System: The UNT Digital Library