During the course of a research problem involving hydrofluoric acid it became necessary to filter concentrated hydrofluoric solutions to remove various solid materials. The search for a suitable filter media finally led to the use of a commercially manufactured plastic material known as ``Sponge Teflon`` (polytetrafluoroethylone) which is produced by the DuPont Company. This material, which comes in 1/8 in. sheets, is used primarily as a gasket material in acid lines, and is impervious to all acids, including hydrofluorle acid.

Angular asymmetries have been measured in polarized Z{sup 0} decays to b{bar b}g collected by the SLD experiment at the SLC. A high purity b{bar b}g event sample is selected by utilizing B lifetime information given by the SLD CCD pixel vertex detector and the stable micron-size SLC beams, and the b- and {bar b}-jets are identified using lifetime information and momentum- weighted track charge. The forward-backward asymmetry is observed in the b-quark polar angle distribution, and the parity-violation parameter is measured to test the Standard Model. Two angular correlations between the three-jet plane and the Z{sup 0} polarization are studied. The CP-even and T-odd, and the CP-odd and T-odd, angular asymmetries are sensitive to physics beyond the Standard Model. The latter requires tagging both the b- and {bar b}-jet. We measure the expectation values of these quantities to be consistent with zero and set limits on the correlations at the 5% level.

We present preliminary results of a new measurement of the inclusive b quark fragmentation function in Z{sup 0} decays using a novel kinematic B hadron energy reconstruction technique. The measurement is performed using 150,000 hadronic Z{sup 0} events recorded in the SLD experiment at SLAC between 1996 and 1997. The small and stable SLC beam spot and the CCD-based vertex detector are used to reconstruct topological B-decay vertices with high efficiency and purity, and to provide precise measurements of the kinematic quantities used in this technique. We measure the B energy with good efficiency and resolution over the full kinematic range. We compare the measured scaled B hadron energy distribution with several functional forms of the B hadron energy distribution and predictions of several models of b quark fragmentation. Several functions are excluded by the data. The average scaled energy of the weakly decaying B hadron is measured to be x{sub B} = 0.714 {+-} 0.005 (stat) {+-} 0.007 (syst) {+-} 0.002 (model) (preliminary).

We present an updated direct measurement of the parity-violating coupling of the Z{sup 0} to strange quarks, A{sub s}, derived from the full SLD data sample of approximately 550,000 hadronic decays of Z{sup 0} bosons produced with a polarized electron beam and recorded by the SLD experiment at SLAC between 1993 and 1998. Z{sup 0} {r_arrow} s{bar s} events are tagged by the presence in each event hemisphere of a high-momentum K{sup {+-}}, K{sub s} or {Lambda}{sup 0}/{bar {Lambda}}{sup 0} identified using the Cherenkov Ring Imaging Detector and/or a mass tag. The CCD vertex detector is used to suppress the background from heavy-flavor events. The strangeness of the tagged particle is used to sign the event thrust axis in the direction of the initial s quark. The coupling A{sub s} is obtained directly from a measurement of the left-right-forward-backward production asymmetry in polar angle of the tagged s quark. The background from u{bar u} and d{bar d} events is measured from the data, as is the analyzing power of the method for s{bar s} events. We measure: A{sub s} = 0.85 {+-} 0.06(stat.) {+-} 0.07(syst.)(preliminary).

We have updated our results on identified charged hadron production using the full SLD data sample of 550,000 hadronic Z{sup 0} decays taken between 1993 and 1998. The SLD Cherenkov Ring Imaging Detector allows the identification of clean samples of charged pions, kaons and protons over a wide momentum range, providing precise tests of perturbative QCD calculations and of fragmentation models. We have studied flavor-inclusive Z{sup 0} decays, as well as decays into light, c and b flavors, selected using the SLD vertex detector. In addition we have updated our comparison of hadron and antihadron production in light quark (rather than antiquark) jets, selected using the high SLC electron beam polarization. Differences between hadron and antihadron production at high momentum fraction provide precise measurements of leading particle production and new, stringent tests of fragmentation models.

We present a preliminary study of correlations in rapidity between pairs of identified charged pions, kaons and protons using the entire SLD data sample of 550,000 hadronic Z{sup 0} decays. Short range charge correlations are observed between all combinations of these hadron species, indicating local conservation of quantum numbers and charge ordering in the jet fragmentation process. The rapidity range of this effect is found to be independent of particle momentum. A strong long-range K{sup +}-K{sup {minus}} correlation is observed at high-momentum and weaker long-range {pi}{sup +}-{pi}{sup {minus}}, {pi}{sup +}-K{sup {minus}} and p-K{sup {minus}} and p{bar p} correlations are observed in light flavor events, providing new information on leading particle production in u, d and s jets. The long-range correlations observed in c{bar c} and b{bar b} events are markedly different and consistent with expectations based on known decay properties of the leading heavy hadrons. In addition, the SLC electron beam polarization is used to tag the quark hemisphere in each event, allowing the first study of rapidities signed such that positive rapidity is along the quark rather than antiquark direction. Distributions of ordered differences in signed rapidity between pairs of particles provide a direct probe of quantum number ordering …

The structure of e{sup +}e{sup {minus}} {r_arrow} b{bar b}g events was studied using Z{sup 0} decays recorded in the SLD experiment at SLAC. Three-jet final states were selected and the CCD-based vertex detector was used to identify two of the jets as b or {bar b}. Distributions of the gluon energy and polar angle were measured over the full kinematic range, and compared with perturbative QCD predictions. The energy distribution is potentially sensitive to an anomalous b chromomagnetic moment {kappa}. We measured {kappa} to be consistent with zero and set limits on its value, {minus}0.11 < {kappa} < 0.08 at 95% c.l. (preliminary).

We present a preliminary measurement of the rate of gluon splitting into bottom quarks, g {r_arrow} b{bar b}, in hadronic Z{sup 0} decays collected by SLD between 1996 and 1998. The analysis was performed by looking for secondary bottom production in 4-jet events of any primary flavor. 4-jet events were identified, and a topological vertex-mass technique was applied to each jet in order to identify b or {bar b} jets. The upgraded CCD based vertex detector gives very high B-tagging efficiency, especially for B hadrons of the low energies typical of this process. The two most nearly collinear b/{bar b} jets were tagged as originating from g {r_arrow} b{bar b}. We measured the rate of secondary b/{bar b} production per hadronic event, g{sub b{bar b}}, to be (3.07 {+-} 0.71(stat.) {+-} 0.66(syst.)) x 10{sup {minus}3} (preliminary).

The new proton radioactivity {sup 155}Ta has been observed. It was produced via the p4n fusion evaporation channel using a {sup 58}Ni beam on a {sup 102}Pd target. The measured decay properties were: E{sub p} = (1765 {+-} 10) keV and t{sub 1/2} = (12{sub {minus}3}{sup +4}) {micro}s. Using the WKB approximation a spin and parity of J{sup {pi}} = 11/2{sup 2{minus}} and a spectroscopic factor of S{sub p}{sup exp} = 0.58{sub {minus}0.17}{sup +0.22} were determined.

Proton emission half-lives are calculated within the DWBA formalism for {sup 131}Eu and {sup 141}Ho assuming permanent quadruple deformation. The decay rates are consistent with a decay from either [411 3/2] or [413 5/2] Nilsson states for {sup 131}Eu and [523 7/2] Nilsson state for {sup 141}Ho.

The goal of this research was a feasibility study for vitrifying the organic ion exchange resin in a stirred-tank melter. Tests were conducted to determine the fate of cesium including the feed, exit glass, and offgas streams and to assess any impact of feeding the resin on the melter or its performance.

Spontaneous improvements of plasma confinement during auxiliary heating have been observed in many tokamaks when the q profile has been modified from its normal resistive equilibrium so that q is greater than 1 and the magnetic shear is reduced or reversed in a region near the magnetic axis. The effects on the overall plasma confinement result from the formation in the plasma interior of transport barriers, regions where the thermal and particle transport coefficients are substantially reduced. These internal barriers are sometimes tied to unique magnetic surfaces, such as the surface where the shear reverses. The reduction in transport appears to result from the suppression of turbulence by sheared plasma flow, which has now been measured in TFTR. Extensions of the theory for turbulence suppression show that this underlying paradigm may also explain other regimes of improved core confinement. The excitement generated by these discoveries must be tempered by the realization that transport and stability to pressure-driven MHD instabilities are intimately linked in these plasmas through the bootstrap current and the effect of the resulting current profile on the transport. Thus the development of control tools and strategies is essential if these improved regimes of confinement are to be exploited …

This activity plan is prepared in accordance with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) Yucca Mountain Project procedure 033.YMP-QP 3.0, �Scientific Investigation Control.� This plan is written for activity E-20-46, entitled �Galvanic Corrosion Testing,� which is a part of the Scientific Investigation Plan (SIP) �Metal Barrier Selection and Testing� (SIP-CM-01, Rev 2, CN SIP-CM-01-2-l).

The toroidal Alfvén eigenmodes (TAE) in the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor [K. Young, et al., Plasma Phys. Controlled Fusion 26, 11 (1984)]deuterium-tritium plasmas are analyzed using the NOVA-K code [C.Z. Cheng, Phys. Reports 211, 1 (1992)]. The theoretical results are compared with the experimental measurements in detail. In most cases, the theory agrees with the observations in terms of mode frequency, mode structure, and mode stability. However, one mode with toroidal mode number n = 2 is observed to be poloidally localized on the high field side of the magnetic axis with a mode frequency substantially below the TAE frequency.

The National Ignition Facility target chamber interior materials and target designs themselves have to be compatible with survival of the final-optics debris shields. To meet the planned maintenance and refinishing rate, the contamination of the debris shields cannot exceed about 1 nm equivalent thickness per shot of total material. This implies that the target mass must be limited to no more than 1 gram and the ablated mass released to the chamber from all other components must not exceed 3 grams. In addition, the targets themselves must either completely vaporize or send any minor amounts of shrapnel towards the chamber waist to prevent excessive cratering of the debris shields. The constraints on the first-wall ablation require that it be louvered to provide passive collection of remobilized contamination, because the expected target debris will remobilize at a rate fast enough to require cleaning every 3 weeks, about three times more frequent than possible with planned robotics. Furthermore, a comparison of ablatants from B{sub 4}C and stainless-steel louvers suggests that remobilization of target debris by x rays will be greater than of the base material in both cases, thereby reducing the performance advantage of clean B{sub 4}C over much-cheaper stainless steel. Neutronics …

The mz8310 device support module provides support for the following record types: event, pulseCounter, pulseDelay, and pulseTrain. No driver support is needed. Up to 4 mz8310 modules are supported. Each 8310 module contains 10 channels, which are identified as signals O,...9. Each channel is individually configurable. Each mz83 10 has two Am9513 Timing Controller chips. Each Am9513 has 5 counters.

For direct drive ICF, nonuniformities in laser illumination can seed ripples at the ablation front in a process called imprint. Such nonuniformities will grow during the capsule implosion and can penetrate the capsule shell impede ignition, or degrade burn. We have simulated imprint for a number of experiments on tile Nova laser. Results are in generally good agreement with experimental data. We leave also simulated imprint upon National Ignition Facility (NIF) direct drive ignition capsules. Imprint modulation amplitude comparable to the intrinsic surface finish of {approximately}40 nm is predicted for a laser bandwidth of 0.5 THz. Ablation front modulations experience growth factors up to several thousand, carrying modulation well into the nonlinear regime. Saturation modeling predicts that the shell should remain intact at the time of peak velocity, but penetration at earlier times appears more marginal.

We have studied numerically the evolution and decay of axion strings. These global defects decay mainly by axion emission and thus contribute to the cosmological axion energy density. The relative importance of this source relative to misalignment production of axions depends on the spectrum. Radiation spectra for various string loop configurations are presented. They support the contention that the string decay contribution is of the same order of magnitude as the contribution from misalignment.

The cesium powder and pellets inner container is to be performance tested per the criteria specified in Section 4.0 of HNF-2399, ``Design, Fabrication, and Assembly Criteria for Cesium Powder and Pellet Inner Container.`` The test criteria specifies that the inner container be water tight during decontamination of the exterior surface. Three prototypes will be immersed into a pool of water to simulate a water decontamination process.

Angular spread in the far-field radiation pattern of a cleaved dielectric waveguide is determined from the modal structure at the surface of the waveguide using the Smythe vector integral formulation. Essential features: First, a mode exists in the fiber that has no wavelength cutoff--the so-called HE{sub 11} mode. This mode arises when non-azimuthal angular dependence of the incoming radiation is present. Second, the energy flow from this hybrid mode fills the fiber face and is not annularly shaped as opposed to the symmetric TE and TM modes. Third, the HE{sub 11} mode is not polarization dependent in contrast to the TE and TM modes. Fourth, for small differences in the refractive indices between the core and cladding regions, only the HE{sub 11} mode will be supported until the next modes appear around 3.33{lambda}. At this point, three new modes can propagate and the model structure of the radiation becomes more complicated. Fifth, the far-field radiation pattern will have negligibly small angular dependence in the phases of the vector fields when only the lowest mode is present; the amplitude has an overall angular dependent form factor. Furthermore, when other modes are present (above 3.33{lambda}), the phase of the vector fields will …

The major objective of the current program is the preparation of high energy hydroxyl-terminated polyester prepolymers from combinations of energetic diols and dicarboxylic acid chlorides. The initial work was based on the reactions of 4,4-dinitropimeloyl chloride (DNPCl) with 2,2,8,8-tetranitro-4,6-dioxa-1,9-nonanediol (DINOL) and 3(dinitrofluoro- ethoxy)-1,2-propanediol (REX-18). In an effort to develop a smooth and rapid polyester polymerization method, reactions between DNPCl and both DINOL and REX-18 have been carried out in THF containing pyridine. It was expected that the pyridine would act as an HCl acceptor, permitting room temperature polymerizations. This was indeed shown to be the case. In fact, when the glycol and DNPCl were dissolved in THF and pyridine added rapidly, a very exothermic reaction took place, with copious quantities of pyridine hydrochloride being precipitated. Slow addition of pyridine to the reaction mixture also resulted in an exotherm. In both cases, brown polymers were produced and they were very difficult to work-up. The next series of polymerizations will be carried out at 0{degrees}C in an effort to control the polymerizations more carefully and avoid color formation. The diacid chloride of 2-fluoro-2,2-dinitroethoxyfumaric acid has apparently been synthesized. Reactions of the acid with thionyl chloride at 50-60{degrees} for several days followed by …

This report documents the results of the second phase of parameter quantification by the flammable gas expert panel. This second phase is focused on the analysis of flammable gas accidents in the Hanford Site double-shell tanks. The first phase of parameter quantification, performed in 1997 was focused on the analysis of Hanford single-shell tanks.

This document identifies radiological, chemical and physical conditions inside the Fuel Examination Facility. It is located inside the Plutonium Recycle Test Reactor containment structure (309 Building.) The facility was a hot cell used for examination of PRTR fuel and equipment during the 1960`s. Located inside the cell is a PRTR shim rod assembly, reported are radiological conditions of the sample. The conditions were assessed as part of overall 309 Building transition.

A brief sketch of the accomplishments made in the past year is given for the following: {epsilon} expansion analysis of weak first-order transitions in the cubic anisotropy model; the non-Abelian Debye screening length beyond leading order; electric-magnetic duality and the heavy quark potential; ice water vapor interface; groups in cold dark matter simulations; Compton scattering on black body photons; nuclear reaction rates in a plasma; comparison of jets from electron-positron interactions and hadronic collisions; the energy-energy correlation in perturbation theory; CPT violation search in the kaon system; regularization of chiral gauge theories; dynamical supersymmetry breaking; electroweak baryogenesis; quenched chiral perturbation theory for heavy-light mesons; testing the chiral behavior of the hadron spectrum; hadron spectrum with Wilson fermions; quenched chiral perturbation theory for baryons; matrix elements of 4-fermion operators with quenched Wilson fermions; classical preheating and decoherence; reheating and thermalization in a simple scalar model; and from quantum field theory to hydrodynamics: transport coefficients and effective kinetic theory.