Using 383 million B{bar B} pairs from the BABAR data sample, they report results for branching fractions of six charged B-meson decay modes, where a charged kaon recoils against a charmless resonance decaying to K{bar K}* or {eta}{pi}{pi} final states with mass in the range (1.2-1.8) GeV/c{sup 2}. They observe a significant enhancement at the low K{bar K}* invariant mass which is interpreted as B{sup +} {yields} {eta}(1475)K{sup +}, find evidence for the decay B{sup +} {yields} {eta}(1295)K{sup +}, and place upper limits on the decays B{sup +} {yields} {eta}(1405)K{sup +}, B{sup +} {yields} f{sub 1}(1285)K{sup +}, B{sup +} {yields} f{sub 1}(1420)K{sup +}, and B{sup +} {yields} {phi}(1680)K{sup +}.

Visapult is a prototype application and framework for remote visualization of large scientific datasets. We approach the technical challenges of tera-scale visualization with a unique architecture that employs high speed WANs and network data caches for data staging and transmission. This architecture allows for the use of available cache and compute resources at arbitrary locations on the network. High data throughput rates and network utilization are achieved by parallelizing I/O at each stage in the application, and by pipe-lining the visualization process. On the desktop, the graphics interactivity is effectively decoupled from the latency inherent in network applications. We present a detailed performance analysis of the application, and improvements resulting from field-test analysis conducted as part of the DOE Combustion Corridor project.

We describe the development of an on-line high-energy heavy-ion experimental database. When completed, the database will be searchable and cross-indexed with relevant publications, including published detector descriptions. While this effort is relatively new, it will eventually contain all published data from older heavy-ion programs as well as published data from current and future facilities. These data include all measured observables in proton-proton, proton-nucleus and nucleus-nucleus collisions. Once in general use, this database will have tremendous scientific payoff as it makes systematic studies easier and allows simpler benchmarking of theoretical models for a broad range of experiments. Furthermore, there is a growing need for compilations of high-energy nuclear data for applications including stockpile stewardship, technology development for inertial confinement fusion, target and source development for upcoming facilities such as the International Linear Collider and homeland security. This database is part of a larger proposal that includes the production of periodic data evaluations and topical reviews. These reviews would provide an alternative and impartial mechanism to resolve discrepancies between published data from rival experiments and between theory and experiment. Since this database will be a community resource, it requires the high-energy nuclear physics community's financial and manpower support. This project serves as …

In several cases, coupling synchrotron light into opticalfibers can substantially facilitate the use of beam diagnosticinstrumentation, that measures longitudinal beam properties by detectingsynchrotron radiation. It has been discussed in [1]with some detail, howfiberoptics can bring the light at relatively large distances from theaccelerator, where a variety of devices can be used to measure beamproperties and parameters. Light carried on a fiber can be easilyswitched between instruments so that each one of them has 100 percent ofthe photons available, rather than just a fraction , when simultaneousmeasurements are not indispensable. From a more general point of view,once synchrotron light is coupled into the fiber, the vast array oftechniques and optoelectronic devices, developed by the telecommunicationindustry becomes available.In this paper we present the results of ourexperiments at the Advanced Light Source, where we tried to assess thechallenges and limitations of the coupling process and determine whatlevel of efficiency one can typically expect to achieve.

Vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) sources have been adopted into Gigabit Ethernet applications in a remarkably short time period. VCSELs are particularly suitable for multimode optical fiber local area networks (LANs), due to their reduced threshold current, circular output beam, and inexpensive and high volume manufacture. Moreover, selectively oxidized VCSELs are nearly ideal LAN sources since the oxide aperture within the laser cavity produces strong electrical and optical confinement which enables high electrical to optical conversion efficiency and minimal modal discrimination allowing emission into multiple transverse optical modes. In addition to the large demand for multimode lasers, VCSELs which emit into a single optical mode are also increasingly sought for emerging applications, which include data communication with single mode optical fiber, bar code scanning, laser printing, optical read/write heads, and modulation spectroscopy. To achieve single mode selectively oxidized VCSELs is a challenging task, since the inherent index confinement within these high performance lasers is very large.

A new method for measuring the wavelength dependence of the transit time, material dispersion, and attenuation of an optical fiber is described. The authors inject light from a 4-ns risetime pulsed broad-band flashlamp into various length fibers and record the transmitted signals with a time-resolved spectrograph. Segments of data spanning an approximately 3,000 {angstrom} range are recorded from a single flashlamp pulse. Comparison of data acquired with short and long fibers enables the determination of the transit time and the material dispersion as functions of wavelength dependence for the entire recorded spectrum simultaneously. The wavelength dependent attenuation is also determined from the signal intensities. The method is demonstrated with experiments using a step index 200-{micro}m-diameter SiO{sub 2} fiber. The results agree with the transit time determined from the bulk glass refractive index to within {+-} 0.035% for the visible (4,000--7,200 {angstrom}) spectrum and 0.12% for the ultraviolet (2,650--4,000 {angstrom}) spectrum, and with the attenuation specified by the fiber manufacturer to within {+-} 10%.

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The latest results of exclusive charmless semileptonic decays B {yields} {pi}{ell}v and B {yields} {rho}{ell}v from the BABAR Collaboration are presented. They are based on samples of B{bar B} events recorded on the {Upsilon}(4S) resonance. Several different experimental techniques are compared. Measurements of partial branching fractions in intervals of q{sup 2}, the four-momentum transfer squared, allow a study of the shape of the B {yields} {pi}{ell}v form factor and a comparison with theoretical calculations. The Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element |V{sub ub}| is determined using the measured branching fractions combined with recent form-factor predictions.

There are many options for the handling and storage of spent nuclear fuel from naval vessels. This paper summarizes the options that are available and explores the issues that are involved. In many cases choices have been made, not on the basis of which is the best engineering solution or the most cost-effective, but based on the political realities involved. For example, currently it seems that the most prevalent solution for spent fuel interim storage is in dual-purpose (transport-storage) casks. These casks are robust and, politically, they offer the visible evidence that the fuel is ''road-ready'' to be moved from the local area where the fuel is being stored in the interim. However, dual-purpose casks are the most expensive of the storage mediums. Drywell storage (storage in below grade or bermed pipes), on the other hand, the least expensive and most flexible storage option, suffers from an image of permanence (not politically acceptable) and from being improperly implemented in the past. Though these issues are easily resolved from a technical perspective, the option is often not seriously considered because of this past history. It wasn't too many years ago that spent fuel pools were the storage medium of choice. The …

Deep centers and dislocation densities in undoped n GaN, grown by hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE), were characterized as a function of the layer thickness by deep level transient spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. As the layer thickness decreases, the variety and concentration of deep centers increase, in conjunction with the increase of dislocation density. Based on comparison with electron irradiation induced centers, some dominant centers in HVPE GaN are identified as possible point defects.

A new scalable fiber laser approach is described and modeled, based on phase-locking multiple gain cores in an antiguided structure. In essence, the waveguide is comprised of a periodic sequence of gain-loaded and no-gain segments having uniform refractive index (referred to as the ''ribbon'') encapsulated within a reduced index cladding region. Our calculations reveal that the constant index profile within the ribbon structure provides optimal mode discrimination; the refractive index must be constant within {+-}0.001 to ensure single-mode operation for a 5-core design. Periodic variation in refractive index and gain of the ribbon laser lead to the emergence of a photonic bandgap, in analogy to so-called ''holey fibers''. Our constant index design, together with the periodic gain profile, may be described as a photonic metal.

Parallel methods are usually not applied to the time domain because of the inherit sequentialness of time evolution. But for many evolutionary problems, computer simulation can benefit substantially from time parallelization methods. In this paper, they present several such algorithms that actually exploit the sequential nature of time evolution through a predictor-corrector procedure. This sequentialness ensures convergence of a parallel predictor-corrector scheme within a fixed number of iterations. The performance of these novel algorithms, which are derived from the classical alternating Schwarz method, are illustrated through several numerical examples using the reservoir simulator Athena.

The impressive performance improvements of laterally oxidized VCSELs come at the expense of increased fabrication complexity for 2-dimensional arrays. Since the epitaxial layers to be wet-thermally oxidized must be exposed, non-planarity can be an issue. This is particularly important in that electrical contact to both the anode and cathode of the diode must be brought out to a package. They have investigated four fabrication sequences suitable for the fabrication of 2-dimensional VCSEL arrays. These techniques include: mesa etched polymer planarized, mesa etched bridge contacted, mesa etched oxide isolated (where the electrical trace is isolated from the substrate during the oxidation) and oxide/implant isolation (oxidation through small via holes) all of which result in VCSELs with outstanding performance. The suitability of these processes for manufacturing are assessed relative to oxidation uniformity, device capacitance, and structural ruggedness for packaging.

The future of the US nuclear arsenal continues to be guided by two distinct drivers: the preservation of world peace and the prevention of further proliferation through our extended deterrent umbrella. Timely implementation of US nuclear policy decisions depends, in part, on the current state of stockpile weapons, their delivery systems, and the supporting infrastructure within the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). In turn, the present is a product of past choices and world events. Now more than ever, the nuclear weapons program must respond to the changing global security environment and to increasing budget pressures with innovation and sound investments. As the nation transitions to a reduced stockpile, the successes of the Stockpile Stewardship Program (SSP) present options to transition to a sustainable complex better suited to stockpile size, national strategic goals and budgetary realities. Under any stockpile size, we must maintain essential human capital, forefront capabilities, and have a right-sized effective production capacity. We present new concepts for maintaining high confidence at low stockpile numbers and to effectively eliminate the reserve weapons within an optimized complex. We, as a nation, have choices to make on how we will achieve …

The Li(Si)/FeS{sub 2} and Li(Si)/CoS{sub 2} couples were evaluated with a low-melting LiBr-KBr-LiF eutectic and all-Li LiCl-LiBr-LiF electrolyte for a battery application that required both high energy and high power for short duration. Screening studies were carried out with 1.25 inch-dia. triple cells and with 10-cell batteries. The Li(Si)/LiCl-LiBr-LiF/CoS{sub 2} couple performed the best under the power load and the Li(Si)/LiCl-LiBr-LiF/FeS{sub 2} was better under the energy load. The former system was selected as the best overall performer for the wide range of temperatures for both loads, because of the higher thermal stability of CoS{sub 2}.

Shock loading techniques are often used to determine material response along a specific pressure loading curve referred to as the Hugoniot. However, many technological and scientific applications require accurate determination of dynamic material response that is off-Hugoniot, covering large regions of the equation-of-state surface. Unloading measurements from the shocked state provide off-Hugoniot information, but experimental techniques for measuring compressive off-Hugoniot response have been limited. A new pulsed magnetic loading technique is presented which provides previously unavailable information on isentropic loading of materials to pressures of several hundred kbar. This smoothly increasing pressure loading provides a good approximation to the high-pressure material isentrope centered at ambient conditions. The approach uses high current densities to create ramped magnetic loading to a few hundred kbar over time intervals of 100--200 ns. The method has successfully determined the isentropic mechanical response of copper to about 200 kbar and has been used to evaluate the kinetics of the alpha-epsilon phase transition occurring in iron at 130 kbar. With refinements in progress, the method shows promise for performing isentropic compression experiments to multi-Mbar pressures.

This paper demonstrates, through MCNPX simulations, that a compact hexagonal array of detectors can be utilized to do both gamma isotopic identification (ID) along with neutron identification while simultaneously finding the direction of the source relative to the detector array. The detector array itself is composed of seven borated polyvinyl toluene (PVT) hexagonal light pipes approximately 4 inches long and with a 1.25 inch face-to-face thickness assembled in a tight configuration. The gamma ID capability is realized through judicious windowing algorithms as is the neutron spectral unfolding. By having multiple detectors in different relative positions, directional determination of the source can be realized. By further adding multiplicity counters to the neutron counts, fission events can be measured.

It is shown in this work that basic measurements made from well defined source detector configurations can be readily converted in to benchmark quality results by which Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) input stacks can be validated. Specifically, a recent measurement made in support of national security at the Nevada Test Site (NTS) is described with sufficient detail to be submitted to the American Nuclear Society’s (ANS) Joint Benchmark Committee (JBC) for consideration as a radiation measurement benchmark. From this very basic measurement, MCNP input stacks are generated and validated both in predicted signal amplitude and spectral shape. Not modeled at this time are those perturbations from the more recent pulse height light (PHL) tally feature, although what spectral deviations are seen can be largely attributed to not including this small correction. The value of this work is as a proof-of-concept demonstration that with well documented historical testing can be converted into formal radiation measurement benchmarks. This effort would support virtual testing of algorithms and new detector configurations.

Experimental results from the Sustained Spheromak Physics Experiment, SSPX, are reviewed and applied to published reactor configurations. The results include several important features, including low fluctuation levels, (apparent) good magnetic flux surfaces, and moderate beta. Additional features needed for an attractive reactor but not yet demonstrated experimentally are identified by comparison with the reactor designs, and possible alternatives to a fully steady-state device are discussed.

Post-growth thermal annealing effects on InAs/GaAs quantum dots (QDs) near Stransky-Krastanow transformation were investigated. Self-assembled QDs of average size of about 10 nm were grown by metal organic vapour phase epitaxy. The photoluminescence (PL) due to emission from QDs as well as two peaks due to emission from the strained InAs wetting layer (WL) were observed in as-grown samples. Bimodal structure of the WL PL was attributed to WL regions of different thickness. There was almost no difference in the PL spectrum after 30 s annealing at 600 C. However, annealing at temperatures in the range between 700 C and 950 C resulted in quenching of the PL from QDs and the thinner WL. The PL peak from the new, thicker WL blue-shifted and narrowed with increasing annealing temperature. This behavior was in agreement with TEM observations. Complete dissolution of the QDs and substantial broadening of the WL was observed. All our results indicate that thermally induced modifications of the WL rather than QDs can be responsible for the blue-shift and narrowing of the PL peaks in structures containing InAs QDs.

Post-growth thermal annealing effects on InAs/GaAs quantum dots (QDs) near Stransky-Krastanow transformation were investigated. Self-assembled QDs of average size of about 10 nm were grown by metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy. The photoluminescence (PL) due to emission from QDs as well as two peaks due to emission from the strained InAs wetting layer (WL) were observed in as-grown samples. Bimodal structure of the WL PL was attributed to WL regions of different thickness. There was almost no difference in the PL spectrum after 30 s annealing at 600 C. However, annealing at temperatures in the range between 700 C and 950 C resulted in quenching of the PL from QDs and the thinner WL. The PL peak from the new, thicker WL blue-shifted and narrowed with increasing annealing temperature. This behavior was in agreement with TEM observations. Complete dissolution of the QDs and substantial broadening of the WL was observed. All our results indicate that thermally induced modifications of the WL rather than QDs can be responsible for the blue-shift and narrowing of the PL peaks in structures containing InAs QDs.

Resistance upset welding is used to attach small diameter machined tubes to small gas vessels. Recently there has been interest in determining the level of residual stresses caused by this attachment method and its influence on environmental interactions. A test program was initiated to determine the residual stresses present due to welding using the nominal weld parameters and varying the interference between the foot and the counter bore. In this paper, the residual stress measurement technique is described, the welding conditions are provided, and the residual stress due to welding at the nominal conditions are presented.

Literature survey has been performed for a compendium of mechanical properties of carbon and low alloy steels following hydrogen exposure. The property sets include yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, uniform elongation, reduction of area, threshold stress intensity factor, fracture toughness, and fatigue crack growth. These properties are drawn from literature sources under a variety of test methods and conditions. However, the collection of literature data is by no means complete, but the diversity of data and dependency of results in test method is sufficient to warrant a design and implementation of a thorough test program. The program would be needed to enable a defensible demonstration of structural integrity of a pressurized hydrogen system. It is essential that the environmental variables be well-defined (e.g., the applicable hydrogen gas pressure range and the test strain rate) and the specimen preparation be realistically consistent (such as the techniques to charge hydrogen and to maintain the hydrogen concentration in the specimens).

We present a surface compression method that stores surfaces as wavelet-compressed signed-distance volumes. Our approach enables the representation of surfaces with complex topology and arbitrary numbers of components within a single multiresolution data structure. This data structure elegantly handles topological modification at high compression rates. Our method does not require the costly and sometimes infeasible base mesh construction step required by subdivision surface approaches. We present several improvements over previous attempts at compressing signed-distance functions, including an 0(n) distance transform, a zero set initialization method for triangle meshes, and a specialized thresholding algorithm. We demonstrate the potential of sampled distance volumes for surface compression and progressive reconstruction for complex high genus surfaces.