In 1999, the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) at Brookhaven National Laboratory will accelerate and store two beams of gold ions. The ions will then collide head on at a total energy of nearly 40 trillion electron volts. Attaining these conditions necessitates real-time monitoring of beam parameters and for this purpose a flexible data acquisition platform has been developed. By incorporating a floating point digital signal processor (DSP) and standard input/output modules, this system can acquire and process data from a variety of beam diagnostic devices. The DSP performs real time corrections, filtering, and data buffering to greatly reduce control system computation and bandwidth requirements. We will describe the existing hardware and software while emphasizing the compromises required to achieve a flexible yet cost effective system. Applications in several instrumentation systems currently construction will also be presented.

Studies of non-perturbative multiphoton processes in atoms in pulsed laser fields employ a single-active-electron (SAE) model which follows the time evolution of each valence electron in the frozen, mean-field of the remaining electrons, the nucleus and the laser field. The photoelectron and photon emission spectra, although related, are not identical. A simple two-step, quasi-classical model explains the differences and gives a more complete understanding of the strong field induced dynamics.

Two new Varian 1 MW 110 GHz gyrotrons are currently being developed and are due to be tested at General Atomics next year. A new cost-effective gyrotron control system to operate multiple gyrotrons simultaneously is being developed. Different systems and combinations that were considered include CAMAC, PLC, VXIbus, and a local computer. This paper will explain the decision making processes used in choosing and implementing the new control system architecture.

A 1 MW, 110 GHz gyrotron is to be installed at General Optical Atomics in 1995. A Mirror Optics Unit (MOU) has been Unit designed and built to connect to the existing 110 GHz transmission line system. The unit reduces and directs a 145 mm diameter beam from the gyrotron to a 19 mm diameter beam which is then injected into a 31.8 mm diameter corrugated waveguide of the transmission line system. The unit operates under vacuum and is able to absorb beam spray from the gyrotron. The tank also contains various diagnostics equipment to protect the gyrotron and to determine the amount of energy loss in the tank, and at the window of the gyrotron output. This paper discusses further the design parameters, assembly and installation of the unit in the transmission line system.

Due to their wide band gaps and high dielectric constants, the group III-nitrides have made significant impact on the compound semiconductor community as blue and ultraviolet light emitting diodes (LEDs) and for their potential use in laser structures and high temperature electronics. Processing of these materials, in particular wet and dry etching, has proven to be extremely difficult due to their inert chemical nature. We report electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) etch rates for GaN, InN, AlN, In{sub (x)}Ga{sub (1-x)}Ni and In{sub (x)}Al{sub (1-x)}N as a function of temperature, rf-power, pressure, and microwave power. Etch conditions are characterized for rate, profile, and sidewall and surface morphology. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is used to quantify RMS roughness of the etched surfaces. We observe consistent trends for the InAlN films where the etch rates increase with increasing concentration of In. The trends are far less consistent for the InGaN with a general decrease in etch rate as the In concentration is increased.

Fine-grained and coarse-grained aluminas containing either equiaxed or elongated grain structures were fabricated from commercial-purity and high-purity alumina powders. Compared to the high-purity aluminas, the commercial-purity aluminas having a coarse grain size and elongated grain structures exhibited significantly more pronounced flaw tolerance and T-curve behavior. T-curve behavior determined from indentation strength tests suggested that only the coarse- grained, elongated-grain alumina had a T-curve sufficient to cause stable crack extension prior to failure, a requirement for any observable improvement in reliability. In the high-purity aluminas as well as the fine-grained commercial-purity aluminas, however, it is likely that little or no stable extension occurs prior failure, suggesting that strength in these materials is dependent on the critical flaw size. Strength tests on polished specimens showed the commercial-purity aluminas had a lower means strength than the high- purity aluminas and the coarse-grained aluminas exhibited a lower mean strength compared to the fine-grained aluminas. An analysis of the mean strength versus grain size revealed that the differences in critical flaw size alone could not account for the differences in mean strength. Instead, a combination of changes in flaw size as well as T-curve behavior were shown to be responsible for the differences in strength …

The stabilization limits of v-flame and conical flames are investigated in normal gravity (+g) and reversed gravity (up-side-down burner, -g) to compare with observations of flame stabilization during microgravity experiments. The results show that buoyancy has most influence on the stabilization of laminar V-flames. Under turbulent conditions, the effects are less significant. For conical flames stabilized with a ring, the stabilization domain of the +g and -g cases are not significantly different. Under reversed gravity, both laminar v-flames and conical flames show flame behaviors that were also found in microgravity. The v-flames reattached to the rim and the conical flame assumed a top-hat shape. One of the special cases of -g conical flame is the buoyancy stabilized laminar flat flame that is detached from the burner. These flame implies a balance between the flow momentum and buoyant forces. The stretch rates of these flames are sufficiently low (< 20 s{sup -1}) such that the displacement speeds S{sub L} are almost equal to the laminar burning speed S{sub L}{sup 0}. An analysis based on evaluating the Richardson number is used to determine the relevant parameters that describe the buoyancy/momentum balance. A perfect balance i.e. Ri = l can be attained when …

This paper reports a study of the velocity and scalar characteristics of the weak-swirl burner in enclosures. WSB utilizes a unique aerodynamic mechanism to stabilize lean burning premixed combustion over a wide range of equivalence ratios ({phi}) and power inputs. As the WSB was developed for fundamental research, previous works focused only on open WSBs. Recent success in adapting the WSB to practical use suggests that a better understanding of the WSB in enclosures is required for further development. Laser Doppler anemometry (LDA), and Mie scattering of oil droplets (MSOD), are used to measure the flame flowfields and flame crossing spectra of the WSB with an open flame, enclosed within a quartz cylinder and within a cylinder with a restricted exit. The flame of the enclosed WSB remained extremely stable and did not develop recirculation zones or audible characteristics. The only change observed was a greater divergence of the flowfield upstream of the reaction zone. Neither lengthening the enclosure nor restricting the flow downstream caused any noticeable difference in the operation of the WSB. This work has demonstrated that the WSB should be amenable for adaptation to a wide variety of low NO{sub x} applications.

At elevated temperatures, some ABO{sub 3} perovskite type oxides having Co and Fe as B site cations exhibit substantial mixed (anionic and electronic) conductivity. Because of this behavior, they are candidate materials for applications such as solid oxide fuel cell cathodes and oxygen separation membranes. The purpose of the present study is to increase the understanding of the effects of composition, temperature, and environment on the electrochemical properties of selected materials within the La{sub 1{minus}x}M{sub x}Co{sub 1{minus}y}Fe{sub y}O{sub 3{minus}{delta}} (M=Sr,Ca,Ba) system in order to evaluate their applicability for the above-mentioned applications. Characterization techniques include XRD, SEM, TGA, dc conductivity, dilatometry, oxygen permeation measurements, and iodometric titration.

A ground-based electrically-powered launcher could significantly reduce the complexity and cost of space launches for moderate-weight payloads. The EM launch complex could greatly reduce the amount of fuels handling, reduce the turnaround time between launches, allow more concurrence in launch preparation, reduce the manpower requirements for launch vehicle preparation and increase the reliability of launch by using more standardized vehicle preparations. The launch requires high acceleration, so the satellite package must be hardened. This paper presents results of a study to estimate the required launcher parameters, and estimate the cost of such a launch facility. This study is based on electromagnetic gun technology which is constrained to a coaxial geometry to take advantage of the efficiency of closely-coupled coils. The launcher energy and power requirements fall in the range of 40 {minus} 260 GJ and 20 {minus} 400 GW electric. Parametric evaluations have been conducted with a launcher length of 1-2 km, exit velocity of 1-6 kn/s, and payloads to low earth orbit of 100 1000 kg.

Preliminary investigations have determined that conventional epoxy resins can be cured at selectable temperatures with high glass transition temperatures (essentially the same as with thermal curing), while still exhibiting equivalent or comparable mechanical properties. A cationic photoinitiator at a concentration of 1--3 parts per hundred of the epoxy resin is required for this process. Gamma cell screening of cationic photoinitiators with bisphenol A, bisphenol F, and cycloaliphatic epoxies demonstrated that diaryliodonium salts of weakly nucleophilic anions such as hexafluoroantimonate are most effective. Diaryliodonium salts were also found to be most effective initiators for the cationic polymerization of epoxy resins when a high energy/power electron beam accelerator was used as the source of ionizing radiation. For example Dow Tactix 123 (bisphenol A epoxy) containing 3 phr (4-octyloxyphenyl)phenyliodonium hexafluoroantimonate was irradiated at a total dosage of 100 kGy. Glass transition temperature (tan delta) of the cured material as determined by dynamic mechanical analysis was 182 C as compared to 165 C thermally cured material.

We summarize some phenomena that occur at temperatures of the order of 15K, and are dominated by quantum mechanical tunneling. Although electron tunneling dominates many conduction processes at low temperatures, we discuss evidence that phenomena like oxidation, as well as the solution of alkali metals in ammonia, can also be dominated by electron tunneling. Both phenomena demonstrate that the chemical potential of a metastable system can equilibrate at low temperatures by electron tunneling. The case of alkali metal clusters covered with ammonia is contrasted to covering the clusters with Xe. In this case changes in the activated conduction are observed which are consistent with the dielectric constant of the rare gas.

The LBNL/UCSF Resource for Molecular Cytogenetics has been created to facilitate the application of molecular cytogenetics in clinical and biological studies. One of the primary tasks is the selection of probes optimized for use in fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Our group provides data management support for all the activities in the Resource. In this paper we describe an electronic laboratory notebook based on the World Wide Web. The data are located in a central database. The user interface consists of a set of HTML forms that handle data input and retrieval from a database from two locations several miles apart. A WWW client allows users to formulate retrieval and edit operations that are sent to the database. Results are filtered through Perl scripts which generate HTML documents with Hypertext links that are sent back to the client. Besides tracking laboratory information through the various stages in the biology laboratory, the system also feeds into a public web server that makes the data available to the community.

Calorimetry in large detectors at LHC poses some requirements on readout electronics which are quite different than for central tracking and muon tracking. The main distinction is, (a) in the large dynamic range of the energies to be measured; and (b) uniformity of response and accuracy of calibration over the whole detector. As in all other functions of the detector, low noise is essential. High luminosity results in pileup effects, which are present in every measurement, and in high radiation for front and forward parts of the calorimeter. Power dissipation and cooling is a concern as in any other detector component, in some respects only more so, since all the elements of the signal processing chain require more power due to the large dynamic range, speed of response, high precision and low noise required. The key requirements on the calorimetry readout electronics are briefly discussed here, with an emphasis on the dynamic range. While there are quite significant differences in the principles and technology among the crystals, tiles with fibers and liquid ionization, the signal is finally reduced to a charge measurement from a capacitive source in all three cases, and the signal processing chain becomes remarkably identical.

A beamline for circularly polarized radiation produced by an elliptical wiggler has been designed at the ALS covering the broad energy range from 50 eV to 2000 eV. The rigorous theory of grating diffraction efficiency has been used to maximize transmitted flux. The nature of the elliptical wiggler insertion device creates a challenging optical problem due to the large source size in the vertical and horizontal directions. The requirement of high resolving power, combined with the broad tuning range and high heat loads complicate the design. These problems have been solved by using a variable included angle monochromator of the ``constant length`` type with high demagnification onto its entrance slit, and cooled optics.

The US Federal Radiological Emergency Response Plan (FRERP) provides the framework for integrating the various Federal agencies responding to a major radiological emergency. The FRERP authorizes the creation of the Federal Radiological Monitoring and Assessment Center (FRMAC), which is established to coordinate all Federal agencies involved in the monitoring and assessment of the off-site radiological conditions in support of the impacted State(s) and the Lead Federal Agency (LFA). Within the FRMAC, the Monitoring and Analysis Division (M&A) is responsible for coordinating all FRMAC assets involved in conducting a comprehensive program of environmental monitoring, sampling, radioanalysis, and quality assurance. To assure consistency, completeness, and the quality of the data produced, a methodology and procedures manual is being developed. This paper discusses the structure, assets, and operations of the FRMAC M&A and the content and preparation of the manual.

This paper investigates the energy economics of using a hybrid steam plasma process to gasify black liquor. In the pulp and paper industry, gasification is gaining credibility as an incremental method to supplement the standard Kraft process, which bums the black liquor in large furnaces to recover energy and inorganic chemicals (sodium and sulfur) that are recycled back into the wood pulping process. This paper shows that despite the energy intensive nature of steam plasma processing, several fortuitous conditions arise that make it a viable technology for the gasification of black liquor.

A new divertor configuration is being developed for the DIII-D tokamak. This divertor will operate in the radiative mode. Experiments and modeling form the basis for the new design. The Radiative Divertor reduces the heat flux on the divertor plates by dispersing the power with radiation in the divertor region. In addition, the Radiative Divertor structure will allow density control in plasma shapes required for advanced tokamak operation. The divertor structure allows for operation in either double-null or single-null plasma configurations. Four independently controlled divertor cryopumps will enable pumping at either the inboard (upper and lower) or the outboard (upper and lower) divertor plates. An upgrade to the DIII-D cryogenic system is part of this project. The increased capabilities of the cryogenic system will allow delivery of liquid helium and nitrogen to the three new cryopumps. The Radiative Divertor design is very flexible, and will allow physics studies of the effects of slot width and length. Radiative Divertor diagnostics are being designed in parallel to provide comprehensive measurements for diagnosing the divertor. The Radiative divertor installation is scheduled for late 1996. Engineering experience gained in the DIII-D Advanced Divertor program form a foundation for the design work on the Radiative …

A new double-null, slotted divertor configuration will be installed for the DIII-D Radiative Divertor Program at General Atomics in late 1996. Four cryocondensation pumps, three new and one existing, will be part of this new divertor. The purpose of the pumps is to provide plasma density control and to limit the impurities entering the plasma core by providing pumping at each divertor strike point. The three new pumps are based on the design of the existing pump, installed in 1992 as part of the Advanced Divertor Program. The new pumps require geometry modifications to the original design. Therefore, extensive modal and dynamic analyses were performed to determine the behavior of these pumps and their helium and nitrogen feed lines during disruption events. Thermal and fluid analyses were also performed to characterize the helium two-phase flow regime in the pumps and their feedlines. A flow testing program was completed to test the change in geometry of the pump feed lines with respect to helium flow stability. The results were compared to the helium thermal and fluid analyses to verify predicted flow regimes and flow stability.

Los Alamos National Laboratory`s Center for Advanced Engineering Technology has developed a product realization process designed to enhance the complexity and comprehensiveness of the information fed back to the designer after the analytical and manufacturing operations have been completed. This process uses principles of As-Built Engineering and Model Reconstruction in a Models Based Engineering environment, allowing optimization in the manufacturing and assembly operations and providing information as to the As-Built configuration to engineering and physics designers for evaluation. As-Built Engineers is a product realization methodology founded on the notion that life-cycle engineering should be based on what is actually produced and not on what is nominally designed. It enables customization in mass production environments and questions nominal based methods of engineering. Model Reconstruction provides the capability of subjecting a design to adverse conditions within the computer aided environment and building a stereolithography model and simulated radiograph from the analytical finite element information of the simulated damaged part. Models Based Engineering is an information management tool and a key driver toward the development of adaptive product realization infrastructures. It encompasses the breadth of engineering information, from concept through design to product application.

This paper presents the results of a comparison of values obtained for the seismic security of 479 buildings and facilities at Los Alamos National Laboratory following the methodology adapted from Dr. Otto Frit`s original System, and the requirements contained both in FEMA-154 ``Rapid Visual Screening of Buildings for Potential Hazards: A Handbook`` and FEMA-187 ``NEHRP Handbook for the Seismic Evaluation of Existing Buildings.`` These comparisons were made from five buildings chosen randomly illustrating a wide variety of construction types and building configurations. Each building is divided into sectors, defined as portions of it that are attached additions to the original building, or portions separated by an expansion joint between the structural systems. The five buildings studied contain a total of sixteen sectors. The paper is divided into the following sections: Introduction; Basic Concepts of the LANL Methodology; Basic Concepts of FEMA-178; Highlights of the Comparison; Comments on the Results; and Final Words.

Low thermal conductivity is a primary limitation in the development of energy-efficient heat transfer fluids that are required in many industrial applications. In this paper we propose that an innovative new class of heat transfer fluids can be engineered by suspending metallic nanoparticles in conventional heat transfer fluids. The resulting {open_quotes}nanofluids{close_quotes} are expected to exhibit high thermal conductivities compared to those of currently used heat transfer fluids, and they represent the best hope for enhancement of heat transfer. The results of a theoretical study of the thermal conductivity of nanofluids with copper nanophase materials are presented, the potential benefits of the fluids are estimated, and it is shown that one of the benefits of nanofluids will be dramatic reductions in heat exchanger pumping power.

Net erosion rates at the outer strike point of the DIII-D divertor plasma were measured for several materials during quiescent H-mode operation with deuterium plasmas. Materials examined include graphite, beryllium, tungsten, vanadium and molybdenum. For graphite, net erosion rates up to 4 nm/sec were found. Erosion rates for the metals were much smaller than for carbon. Ion fluxes from Langmuir probe measurements were used to predict gross erosion by sputtering. Measured net erosion was much smaller than predicted gross erosion. Transport of metal atoms by the plasma across the divertor surface was also examined. Light atoms were transported farther than heavy atoms as predicted by impurity transport models.

This paper presents lessons learned from a Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) of the potential for a criticality in a repository containing spent nuclear fuel with high enriched uranium. The insights gained consisted of remarkably detailed conclusions about design issues, failure mechanisms, frequencies and source terms for events up to 10,000 years in the future. Also discussed are the approaches taken by the analysts in presenting this very technical report to a nontechnical and possibly antagonistic audience.