Development and fabrication of the vacuum systems for an elliptically polarized undulator at Taiwan Photon Source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Chin-Chun; Chan, Che-Kai; Wu, Ling-Hui; Shueh, Chin; Shen, I.-Ching; Cheng, Chia-Mu; Yang, I.-Chen

2017-05-01

Three sets of a vacuum system were developed and fabricated for elliptically polarized undulators (EPU) of a 3-GeV synchrotron facility. These chambers were shaped with low roughness extrusion and oil-free machining; the design combines aluminium and stainless steel. The use of a bimetallic material to connect the EPU to the vacuum system achieves the vacuum sealing and to resolve the leakage issue due to bake process induced thermal expansion difference. The interior of the EPU chamber consists of a non-evaporable-getter strip pump in a narrow space to absorb photon-stimulated desorption and to provide a RF bridge design to decrease impedance effect in the two ends of EPU chamber. To fabricate these chambers and to evaluate the related performance, we performed a computer simulation to optimize the structure. During the machining and welding, the least deformation was achieved, less than 0.1 mm near 4 m. In the installation, the linear slider can provide a stable and precision moved along parallel the electron beam direction smoothly for the EPU chamber to decrease the twist issue during baking process. The pressure of the EPU chamber attained less than 2×10-8 Pa through baking. These vacuum systems of the EPU magnet have been installed in the electron storage ring of Taiwan Photon Source in 2015 May and have normally operated at 300 mA continuously since, and to keep beam life time achieved over than 12 h.

The Mobile Chamber

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scharfstein, Gregory; Cox, Russell

2012-01-01

A document discusses a simulation chamber that represents a shift from the thermal-vacuum chamber stereotype. This innovation, currently in development, combines the capabilities of space simulation chambers, the user-friendliness of modern-day electronics, and the modularity of plug-and-play computing. The Mobile Chamber is a customized test chamber that can be deployed with great ease, and is capable of bringing payloads at temperatures down to 20 K, in high vacuum, and with the desired metrology instruments integrated to the systems control. Flexure plans to lease Mobile Chambers, making them affordable for smaller budgets and available to a larger customer base. A key feature of this design will be an Apple iPad-like user interface that allows someone with minimal training to control the environment inside the chamber, and to simulate the required extreme environments. The feedback of thermal, pressure, and other measurements is delivered in a 3D CAD model of the chamber's payload and support hardware. This GUI will provide the user with a better understanding of the payload than any existing thermal-vacuum system.

Space environment simulation and sensor calibration facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Engelhart, Daniel P.; Patton, James; Plis, Elena; Cooper, Russell; Hoffmann, Ryan; Ferguson, Dale; Hilmer, Robert V.; McGarity, John; Holeman, Ernest

2018-02-01

The Mumbo space environment simulation chamber discussed here comprises a set of tools to calibrate a variety of low flux, low energy electron and ion detectors used in satellite-mounted particle sensors. The chamber features electron and ion beam sources, a Lyman-alpha ultraviolet lamp, a gimbal table sensor mounting system, cryogenic sample mount and chamber shroud, and beam characterization hardware and software. The design of the electron and ion sources presented here offers a number of unique capabilities for space weather sensor calibration. Both sources create particle beams with narrow, well-characterized energetic and angular distributions with beam diameters that are larger than most space sensor apertures. The electron and ion sources can produce consistently low fluxes that are representative of quiescent space conditions. The particle beams are characterized by 2D beam mapping with several co-located pinhole aperture electron multipliers to capture relative variation in beam intensity and a large aperture Faraday cup to measure absolute current density.

Space environment simulation and sensor calibration facility.

PubMed

Engelhart, Daniel P; Patton, James; Plis, Elena; Cooper, Russell; Hoffmann, Ryan; Ferguson, Dale; Hilmer, Robert V; McGarity, John; Holeman, Ernest

2018-02-01

The Mumbo space environment simulation chamber discussed here comprises a set of tools to calibrate a variety of low flux, low energy electron and ion detectors used in satellite-mounted particle sensors. The chamber features electron and ion beam sources, a Lyman-alpha ultraviolet lamp, a gimbal table sensor mounting system, cryogenic sample mount and chamber shroud, and beam characterization hardware and software. The design of the electron and ion sources presented here offers a number of unique capabilities for space weather sensor calibration. Both sources create particle beams with narrow, well-characterized energetic and angular distributions with beam diameters that are larger than most space sensor apertures. The electron and ion sources can produce consistently low fluxes that are representative of quiescent space conditions. The particle beams are characterized by 2D beam mapping with several co-located pinhole aperture electron multipliers to capture relative variation in beam intensity and a large aperture Faraday cup to measure absolute current density.

NOTE: Calibration of low-energy electron beams from a mobile linear accelerator with plane-parallel chambers using both TG-51 and TG-21 protocols

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beddar, A. S.; Tailor, R. C.

2004-04-01

A new approach to intraoperative radiation therapy led to the development of mobile linear electron accelerators that provide lower electron energy beams than the usual conventional accelerators commonly encountered in radiotherapy. Such mobile electron accelerators produce electron beams that have nominal energies of 4, 6, 9 and 12 MeV. This work compares the absorbed dose output calibrations using both the AAPM TG-51 and TG-21 dose calibration protocols for two types of ion chambers: a plane-parallel (PP) ionization chamber and a cylindrical ionization chamber. Our results indicate that the use of a 'Markus' PP chamber causes 2 3% overestimation in dose output determination if accredited dosimetry-calibration laboratory based chamber factors \\big(N_{{\\rm D},{\\rm w}}^{{}^{60}{\\rm Co}}, N_x\\big) are used. However, if the ionization chamber factors are derived using a cross-comparison at a high-energy electron beam, then a good agreement is obtained (within 1%) with a calibrated cylindrical chamber over the entire energy range down to 4 MeV. Furthermore, even though the TG-51 does not recommend using cylindrical chambers at the low energies, our results show that the cylindrical chamber has a good agreement with the PP chamber not only at 6 MeV but also down to 4 MeV electron beams.

Dosimetric verification of gated delivery of electron beams using a 2D ion chamber array

PubMed Central

Yoganathan, S. A.; Das, K. J. Maria; Raj, D. Gowtham; Kumar, Shaleen

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the dosimetric characteristics; such as beam output, symmetry and flatness between gated and non-gated electron beams. Dosimetric verification of gated delivery was carried for all electron beams available on Varian CL 2100CD medical linear accelerator. Measurements were conducted for three dose rates (100 MU/min, 300 MU/min and 600 MU/min) and two respiratory motions (breathing period of 4s and 8s). Real-time position management (RPM) system was used for the gated deliveries. Flatness and symmetry values were measured using Imatrixx 2D ion chamber array device and the beam output was measured using plane parallel ion chamber. These detector systems were placed over QUASAR motion platform which was programmed to simulate the respiratory motion of target. The dosimetric characteristics of gated deliveries were compared with non-gated deliveries. The flatness and symmetry of all the evaluated electron energies did not differ by more than 0.7 % with respect to corresponding non-gated deliveries. The beam output variation of gated electron beam was less than 0.6 % for all electron energies except for 16 MeV (1.4 %). Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that Varian CL2100 CD is well suitable for gated delivery of non-dynamic electron beams. PMID:26170552

NSLS II Vacuum System

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ferreira, M.; Doom, L.; Hseuh, H.

2009-09-13

National Synchrotron Light Source II, being constructed at Brookhaven, is a 3-GeV, 500 mA, 3rd generation synchrotron radiation facility with ultra low emittance electron beams. The storage ring vacuum system has a circumference of 792 m and consists of over 250 vacuum chambers with a simulated average operating pressure of less than 1 x 10{sup -9} mbar. A summary of the update design of the vacuum system including girder supports of the chambers, gauges, vacuum pumps, bellows, beam position monitors and simulation of the average pressure will be shown. A brief description of the techniques and procedures for cleaning andmore » mounting the chambers are given.« less

Nuclear Science Symposium, 25th, and Symposium on Nuclear Power Systems, 10th, Washington, D.C., October 18-20, 1978, Proceedings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1979-01-01

Detectors of various types are discussed, taking into account drift chambers, calorimetry, multiwire proportional chambers, signal processing, the use of semiconductors, and photo/optical applications. Circuits are considered along with instrumentation for space, nuclear medicine instrumentation, data acquisition and systems, environmental instrumentation, reactor instrumentation, and nuclear power systems. Attention is given to a new approach to high accuracy gaseous detectors, the current status of electron mobility and free-ion yield in high mobility liquids, a digital drift chamber digitizer system, the stability of oxides in high purity germanium, the quadrant photomultiplier, and the theory of imaging with a very limited number of projections.

ECR ion source with electron gun

DOEpatents

Xie, Z.Q.; Lyneis, C.M.

1993-10-26

An Advanced Electron Cyclotron Resonance ion source having an electron gun for introducing electrons into the plasma chamber of the ion source is described. The ion source has a injection enclosure and a plasma chamber tank. The plasma chamber is defined by a plurality of longitudinal magnets. The electron gun injects electrons axially into the plasma chamber such that ionization within the plasma chamber occurs in the presence of the additional electrons produced by the electron gun. The electron gun has a cathode for emitting electrons therefrom which is heated by current supplied from an AC power supply while bias potential is provided by a bias power supply. A concentric inner conductor and outer conductor carry heating current to a carbon chuck and carbon pusher which hold the cathode in place and also heat the cathode. In the Advanced Electron Cyclotron Resonance ion source, the electron gun replaces the conventional first stage used in prior electron cyclotron resonance ion generators. 5 figures.

Peristaltic pump-based low range pressure sensor calibration system

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vinayakumar, K. B.; Department of Electronic Systems Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 5600012; Naveen Kumar, G.

2015-11-15

Peristaltic pumps were normally used to pump liquids in several chemical and biological applications. In the present study, a peristaltic pump was used to pressurize the chamber (positive as well negative pressures) using atmospheric air. In the present paper, we discuss the development and performance study of an automatic pressurization system to calibrate low range (millibar) pressure sensors. The system includes a peristaltic pump, calibrated pressure sensor (master sensor), pressure chamber, and the control electronics. An in-house developed peristaltic pump was used to pressurize the chamber. A closed loop control system has been developed to detect and adjust the pressuremore » leaks in the chamber. The complete system has been integrated into a portable product. The system performance has been studied for a step response and steady state errors. The system is portable, free from oil contaminants, and consumes less power compared to existing pressure calibration systems. The veracity of the system was verified by calibrating an unknown diaphragm based pressure sensor and the results obtained were satisfactory.« less

Peristaltic pump-based low range pressure sensor calibration system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vinayakumar, K. B.; Naveen Kumar, G.; Nayak, M. M.; Dinesh, N. S.; Rajanna, K.

2015-11-01

Peristaltic pumps were normally used to pump liquids in several chemical and biological applications. In the present study, a peristaltic pump was used to pressurize the chamber (positive as well negative pressures) using atmospheric air. In the present paper, we discuss the development and performance study of an automatic pressurization system to calibrate low range (millibar) pressure sensors. The system includes a peristaltic pump, calibrated pressure sensor (master sensor), pressure chamber, and the control electronics. An in-house developed peristaltic pump was used to pressurize the chamber. A closed loop control system has been developed to detect and adjust the pressure leaks in the chamber. The complete system has been integrated into a portable product. The system performance has been studied for a step response and steady state errors. The system is portable, free from oil contaminants, and consumes less power compared to existing pressure calibration systems. The veracity of the system was verified by calibrating an unknown diaphragm based pressure sensor and the results obtained were satisfactory.

Investigation on the electron flux to the wall in the VENUS ion source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thuillier, T.; Angot, J.; Benitez, J. Y.; Hodgkinson, A.; Lyneis, C. M.; Todd, D. S.; Xie, D. Z.

2016-02-01

The long-term operation of high charge state electron cyclotron resonance ion sources fed with high microwave power has caused damage to the plasma chamber wall in several laboratories. Porosity, or a small hole, can be progressively created in the chamber wall which can destroy the plasma chamber over a few year time scale. A burnout of the VENUS plasma chamber is investigated in which the hole formation in relation to the local hot electron power density is studied. First, the results of a simple model assuming that hot electrons are fully magnetized and strictly following magnetic field lines are presented. The model qualitatively reproduces the experimental traces left by the plasma on the wall. However, it is too crude to reproduce the localized electron power density for creating a hole in the chamber wall. Second, the results of a Monte Carlo simulation, following a population of scattering hot electrons, indicate a localized high power deposited to the chamber wall consistent with the hole formation process. Finally, a hypervapotron cooling scheme is proposed to mitigate the hole formation in electron cyclotron resonance plasma chamber wall.

On the use of unshielded cables in ionization chamber dosimetry for total-skin electron therapy.

PubMed

Chen, Z; Agostinelli, A; Nath, R

1998-03-01

The dosimetry of total-skin electron therapy (TSET) usually requires ionization chamber measurements in a large electron beam (up to 120 cm x 200 cm). Exposing the chamber's electric cable, its connector and part of the extension cable to the large electron beam will introduce unwanted electronic signals that may lead to inaccurate dosimetry results. While the best strategy to minimize the cable-induced electronic signal is to shield the cables and its connector from the primary electrons, as has been recommended by the AAPM Task Group Report 23 on TSET, cables without additional shielding are often used in TSET dosimetry measurements for logistic reasons, for example when an automatic scanning dosimetry is used. This paper systematically investigates the consequences and the acceptability of using an unshielded cable in ionization chamber dosimetry in a large TSET electron beam. In this paper, we separate cable-induced signals into two types. The type-I signal includes all charges induced which do not change sign upon switching the chamber polarity, and type II includes all those that do. The type-I signal is easily cancelled by the polarity averaging method. The type-II cable-induced signal is independent of the depth of the chamber in a phantom and its magnitude relative to the true signal determines the acceptability of a cable for use under unshielded conditions. Three different cables were evaluated in two different TSET beams in this investigation. For dosimetry near the depth of maximum buildup, the cable-induced dosimetry error was found to be less than 0.2% when the two-polarity averaging technique was applied. At greater depths, the relative dosimetry error was found to increase at a rate approximately equal to the inverse of the electron depth dose. Since the application of the two-polarity averaging technique requires a constant-irradiation condition, it was demonstrated than an additional error of up to 4% could be introduced if the unshielded cable's spatial configuration were altered during the two-polarity measurements. This suggests that automatic scanning systems with unshielded cables should not be used in TSET ionization chamber dosimetry. However, the data did show that an unshielded cable may be used in TSET ionization chamber dosimetry if the size of cable-induced error in a given TSET beam is pre-evaluated and the measurement is carefully conducted. When such an evaluation has not been performed, additional shielding should be applied to the cable being used, making measurements at multiple points difficult.

The EGRET high energy gamma ray telescope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hartman, R. C.; Bertsch, D. L.; Fichtel, C. E.; Hunter, S. D.; Kanbach, G.; Kniffen, D. A.; Kwok, P. W.; Lin, Y. C.; Mattox, J. R.; Mayer-Hasselwander, H. A.

1992-01-01

The Energetic Gamma Ray Experiment Telescope (EGRET) on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (GRO) is sensitive in the energy range from about 20 MeV to about 30,000 MeV. Electron-positron pair production by incident gamma photons is utilized as the detection mechanism. The pair production occurs in tantalum foils interleaved with the layers of a digital spark chamber system; the spark chamber records the tracks of the electron and positron, allowing the reconstruction of the arrival direction of the gamma ray. If there is no signal from the charged particle anticoincidence detector which surrounds the upper part of the detector, the spark chamber array is triggered by two hodoscopes of plastic scintillators. A time of flight requirement is included to reject events moving backward through the telescope. The energy of the gamma ray is primarily determined by absorption of the energies of the electron and positron in a 20 cm deep NaI(Tl) scintillator.

The EGRET high energy gamma ray telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hartman, R. C.; Bertsch, D. L.; Fichtel, C. E.; Hunter, S. D.; Kanbach, G.; Kniffen, D. A.; Kwok, P. W.; Lin, Y. C.; Mattox, J. R.; Mayer-Hasselwander, H. A.; Michelson, P. F.; von Montigny, C.; Nolan, P. L.; Pinkau, K.; Rothermel, H.; Schneid, E.; Sommer, M.; Sreekumar, P.; Thompson, D. J.

1992-02-01

The Energetic Gamma Ray Experiment Telescope (EGRET) on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (GRO) is sensitive in the energy range from about 20 MeV to about 30,000 MeV. Electron-positron pair production by incident gamma photons is utilized as the detection mechanism. The pair production occurs in tantalum foils interleaved with the layers of a digital spark chamber system; the spark chamber records the tracks of the electron and positron, allowing the reconstruction of the arrival direction of the gamma ray. If there is no signal from the charged particle anticoincidence detector which surrounds the upper part of the detector, the spark chamber array is triggered by two hodoscopes of plastic scintillators. A time of flight requirement is included to reject events moving backward through the telescope. The energy of the gamma ray is primarily determined by absorption of the energies of the electron and positron in a 20 cm deep NaI(Tl) scintillator.

ECR ion source with electron gun

DOEpatents

Xie, Zu Q.; Lyneis, Claude M.

1993-01-01

An Advanced Electron Cyclotron Resonance ion source (10) having an electron gun (52) for introducing electrons into the plasma chamber (18) of the ion source (10). The ion source (10) has a injection enclosure (12) and a plasma chamber tank (14). The plasma chamber (18) is defined by a plurality of longitudinal magnets (16). The electron gun (52) injects electrons axially into the plasma chamber (18) such that ionization within the plasma chamber (18) occurs in the presence of the additional electrons produced by the electron gun (52). The electron gun (52) has a cathode (116) for emitting electrons therefrom which is heated by current supplied from an AC power supply (96) while bias potential is provided by a bias power supply (118). A concentric inner conductor (60) and Outer conductor (62) carry heating current to a carbon chuck (104) and carbon pusher (114) Which hold the cathode (116) in place and also heat the cathode (16). In the Advanced Electron Cyclotron Resonance ion source (10), the electron gun (52) replaces the conventional first stage used in prior art electron cyclotron resonance ion generators.

National Synchrotron Light Source II storage ring vacuum systems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hseuh, Hsiao-Chaun, E-mail: hseuh@bnl.gov; Hetzel, Charles; Leng, Shuwei

2016-05-15

The National Synchrotron Light Source II, completed in 2014, is a 3-GeV synchrotron radiation (SR) facility at Brookhaven National Laboratory and has been in steady operation since. With a design electron current of 500 mA and subnanometer radians horizontal emittance, this 792-m circumference storage ring is providing the highest flux and brightness x-ray beam for SR users. The majority of the storage ring vacuum chambers are made of extruded aluminium. Chamber sections are interconnected using low-impedance radiofrequency shielded bellows. SR from the bending magnets is intercepted by water-cooled compact photon absorbers resided in the storage ring chambers. This paper presents themore » design of the storage ring vacuum system, the fabrication of vacuum chambers and other hardware, the installation, the commissioning, and the continuing beam conditioning of the vacuum systems.« less

Selective ion source

DOEpatents

Leung, K.N.

1996-05-14

A ion source is described wherein selected ions maybe extracted to the exclusion of unwanted ion species of higher ionization potential. Also described is a method of producing selected ions from a compound, such as P{sup +} from PH{sub 3}. The invention comprises a plasma chamber, an electron source, a means for introducing a gas to be ionized by electrons from the electron source, means for limiting electron energy from the electron source to a value between the ionization energy of the selected ion species and the greater ionization energy of an unwanted ion specie, and means for extracting the target ion specie from the plasma chamber. In one embodiment, the electrons are generated in a plasma cathode chamber immediately adjacent to the plasma chamber. A small extractor draws the electrons from the plasma cathode chamber into the relatively positive plasma chamber. The energy of the electrons extracted in this manner is easily controlled. The invention is particularly useful for doping silicon with P{sup +}, As{sup +}, and B{sup +} without the problematic presence of hydrogen, helium, water, or carbon oxide ions. Doped silicon is important for manufacture of semiconductors and semiconductor devices. 6 figs.

Selective ion source

DOEpatents

Leung, Ka-Ngo

1996-01-01

A ion source is described wherein selected ions maybe extracted to the exclusion of unwanted ion species of higher ionization potential. Also described is a method of producing selected ions from a compound, such as P.sup.+ from PH.sub.3. The invention comprises a plasma chamber, an electron source, a means for introducing a gas to be ionized by electrons from the electron source, means for limiting electron energy from the electron source to a value between the ionization energy of the selected ion species and the greater ionization energy of an unwanted ion specie, and means for extracting the target ion specie from the plasma chamber. In one embodiment, the electrons are generated in a plasma cathode chamber immediately adjacent to the plasma chamber. A small extractor draws the electrons from the plasma cathode chamber into the relatively positive plasma chamber. The energy of the electrons extracted in this manner is easily controlled. The invention is particularly useful for doping silicon with P.sup.+, AS.sup.+, and B.sup.+ without the problematic presence of hydrogen, helium, water, or carbon oxide ions. Doped silicon is important for manufacture of semiconductors and semiconductor devices.

Investigation on the electron flux to the wall in the VENUS ion source

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Thuillier, T.; Angot, J.; Benitez, J. Y.

The long-term operation of high charge state electron cyclotron resonance ion sources fed with high microwave power has caused damage to the plasma chamber wall in several laboratories. Porosity, or a small hole, can be progressively created in the chamber wall which can destroy the plasma chamber over a few year time scale. Here, a burnout of the VENUS plasma chamber is investigated in which the hole formation in relation to the local hot electron power density is studied. First, the results of a simple model assuming that hot electrons are fully magnetized and strictly following magnetic field lines aremore » presented. The model qualitatively reproduces the experimental traces left by the plasma on the wall. However, it is too crude to reproduce the localized electron power density for creating a hole in the chamber wall. Second, the results of a Monte Carlo simulation, following a population of scattering hot electrons, indicate a localized high power deposited to the chamber wall consistent with the hole formation process. Finally, a hypervapotron cooling scheme is proposed to mitigate the hole formation in electron cyclotron resonance plasma chamber wall.« less

Investigation on the electron flux to the wall in the VENUS ion source

DOE PAGES

Thuillier, T.; Angot, J.; Benitez, J. Y.; ...

2015-12-01

The long-term operation of high charge state electron cyclotron resonance ion sources fed with high microwave power has caused damage to the plasma chamber wall in several laboratories. Porosity, or a small hole, can be progressively created in the chamber wall which can destroy the plasma chamber over a few year time scale. Here, a burnout of the VENUS plasma chamber is investigated in which the hole formation in relation to the local hot electron power density is studied. First, the results of a simple model assuming that hot electrons are fully magnetized and strictly following magnetic field lines aremore » presented. The model qualitatively reproduces the experimental traces left by the plasma on the wall. However, it is too crude to reproduce the localized electron power density for creating a hole in the chamber wall. Second, the results of a Monte Carlo simulation, following a population of scattering hot electrons, indicate a localized high power deposited to the chamber wall consistent with the hole formation process. Finally, a hypervapotron cooling scheme is proposed to mitigate the hole formation in electron cyclotron resonance plasma chamber wall.« less

Investigation on the electron flux to the wall in the VENUS ion source

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Thuillier, T., E-mail: thuillier@lpsc.in2p3.fr; Angot, J.; Benitez, J. Y.

The long-term operation of high charge state electron cyclotron resonance ion sources fed with high microwave power has caused damage to the plasma chamber wall in several laboratories. Porosity, or a small hole, can be progressively created in the chamber wall which can destroy the plasma chamber over a few year time scale. A burnout of the VENUS plasma chamber is investigated in which the hole formation in relation to the local hot electron power density is studied. First, the results of a simple model assuming that hot electrons are fully magnetized and strictly following magnetic field lines are presented.more » The model qualitatively reproduces the experimental traces left by the plasma on the wall. However, it is too crude to reproduce the localized electron power density for creating a hole in the chamber wall. Second, the results of a Monte Carlo simulation, following a population of scattering hot electrons, indicate a localized high power deposited to the chamber wall consistent with the hole formation process. Finally, a hypervapotron cooling scheme is proposed to mitigate the hole formation in electron cyclotron resonance plasma chamber wall.« less

Transverse Mode Electron Beam Microwave Generator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wharton, Lawrence E.

1994-01-01

An electron beam microwave device having an evacuated interaction chamber to which are coupled a resonant cavity which has an opening between the resonant cavity and the evacuated interaction chamber and an electron gun which causes a narrow beam of electrons to traverse the evacuated interaction chamber. The device also contains a mechanism for feeding back a microwave electromagnetic field from the resonant cavity to the evacuated interaction chamber in such a way as to modulate the direction of propagation of the electron beam, thereby further amplifyjng the microwave electromagnetic field. Furthermore, provision is made for coupling the electromagnetic field out of the electron beam microwave device.

Proportional counter device for detecting electronegative species in an air sample

DOEpatents

Allman, Steve L.; Chen, Fang C.; Chen, Chung-Hsuan

1994-01-01

Apparatus for detecting an electronegative species comprises an analysis chamber, an inlet communicating with the analysis chamber for admitting a sample containing the electronegative species and an ionizable component, a radioactive source within the analysis chamber for emitting radioactive energy for ionizing a component of the sample, a proportional electron detector within the analysis chamber for detecting electrons emitted from the ionized component, and a circuit for measuring the electrons and determining the presence of the electronegative species by detecting a reduction in the number of available electrons due to capture of electrons by the electronegative species.

Proportional counter device for detecting electronegative species in an air sample

DOEpatents

Allman, S.L.; Chen, F.C.; Chen, C.H.

1994-03-08

Apparatus for detecting an electronegative species comprises an analysis chamber, an inlet communicating with the analysis chamber for admitting a sample containing the electronegative species and an ionizable component, a radioactive source within the analysis chamber for emitting radioactive energy for ionizing a component of the sample, a proportional electron detector within the analysis chamber for detecting electrons emitted from the ionized component, and a circuit for measuring the electrons and determining the presence of the electronegative species by detecting a reduction in the number of available electrons due to capture of electrons by the electronegative species. 2 figures.

Determination of relative ion chamber calibration coefficients from depth-ionization measurements in clinical electron beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muir, B. R.; McEwen, M. R.; Rogers, D. W. O.

2014-10-01

A method is presented to obtain ion chamber calibration coefficients relative to secondary standard reference chambers in electron beams using depth-ionization measurements. Results are obtained as a function of depth and average electron energy at depth in 4, 8, 12 and 18 MeV electron beams from the NRC Elekta Precise linac. The PTW Roos, Scanditronix NACP-02, PTW Advanced Markus and NE 2571 ion chambers are investigated. The challenges and limitations of the method are discussed. The proposed method produces useful data at shallow depths. At depths past the reference depth, small shifts in positioning or drifts in the incident beam energy affect the results, thereby providing a built-in test of incident electron energy drifts and/or chamber set-up. Polarity corrections for ion chambers as a function of average electron energy at depth agree with literature data. The proposed method produces results consistent with those obtained using the conventional calibration procedure while gaining much more information about the behavior of the ion chamber with similar data acquisition time. Measurement uncertainties in calibration coefficients obtained with this method are estimated to be less than 0.5%. These results open up the possibility of using depth-ionization measurements to yield chamber ratios which may be suitable for primary standards-level dissemination.

Influence of heat and particle fluxes nonlocality on spatial distribution of plasma density in two-chamber inductively coupled plasma sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kudryavtsev, A. A.; Serditov, K. Yu.

2012-07-01

This study presents 2D simulations of the two-chamber inductively coupled plasma source where power is supplied in the small discharge chamber and extends by electron thermal conductivity mechanism to the big diffusion chamber. Depending on pressure, two main scenarios of plasma density and its spatial distribution behavior were identified. One case is characterized by the localization of plasma in the small driver chamber where power is deposed. Another case describes when the diffusion chamber becomes the main source of plasma with maximum of the electron density. The differences in spatial distribution are caused by local or non-local behavior of electron energy transport in the discharge volume due to different characteristic scale of heat transfer with electronic conductivity.

The electronics, trigger and data acquisition system for the liquid argon time projection chamber of the DarkSide-50 search for dark matter

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Agnes, P.; Albuquerque, I. F. M.; Alexander, T.

The DarkSide-50 experiment at the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso is a search for dark matter using a dual phase time projection chamber with 50 kg of low radioactivity argon as target. Light signals from interactions in the argon are detected by a system of 38 photo-multiplier tubes (PMTs), 19 above and 19 below the TPC volume inside the argon cryostat. We describe the electronics which processes the signals from the photo-multipliers, the trigger system which identifies events of interest, and the data-acquisition system which records the data for further analysis. The electronics include resistive voltage dividers on the PMTs,more » custom pre-amplifiers mounted directly on the PMT voltage dividers in the liquid argon, and custom amplifier/discriminators (at room temperature). After amplification, the PMT signals are digitized in CAEN waveform digitizers, and CAEN logic modules are used to construct the trigger, the data acquisition system for the TPC is based on the Fermilab "artdaq" software. The system has been in operation since early 2014.« less

The electronics, trigger and data acquisition system for the liquid argon time projection chamber of the DarkSide-50 search for dark matter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agnes, P.; Albuquerque, I. F. M.; Alexander, T.; Alton, A. K.; Arisaka, K.; Asner, D. M.; Ave, M.; Back, H. O.; Baldin, B.; Biery, K.; Bocci, V.; Bonfini, G.; Bonivento, W.; Bossa, M.; Bottino, B.; Brigatti, A.; Brodsky, J.; Budano, F.; Bussino, S.; Cadeddu, M.; Cadoni, M.; Calaprice, F.; Canci, N.; Candela, A.; Cao, H.; Caravati, M.; Cariello, M.; Carlini, M.; Catalanotti, S.; Cataudella, V.; Cavalcante, P.; Chepurnov, A.; Cicaló, C.; Cocco, A. G.; Covone, G.; Crippa, L.; D'Angelo, D.; D'Incecco, M.; Davini, S.; de Candia, A.; De Cecco, S.; De Deo, M.; De Filippis, G.; De Rosa, G.; De Vincenzi, M.; Derbin, A.; Devoto, A.; Di Eusanio, F.; Dionisi, C.; Di Pietro, G.; Edkins, E.; Empl, A.; Fan, A.; Fiorillo, G.; Fomenko, K.; Forster, G.; Franco, D.; Gabriele, F.; Galbiati, C.; Giagu, S.; Giganti, C.; Giovanetti, G. K.; Goretti, A. M.; Granato, F.; Grandi, L.; Gromov, M.; Guan, M.; Guardincerri, Y.; Hackett, B. R.; Herner, K. R.; Hughes, D.; Humble, P.; Hungerford, E. V.; Ianni, A.; Ianni, A.; James, I.; Johnson, T. N.; Keeter, K.; Kendziora, C. L.; Kobychev, V.; Koh, G.; Korablev, D.; Korga, G.; Kubankin, A.; Li, X.; Lissia, M.; Loer, B.; Lombardi, P.; Longo, G.; Luitz, S.; Ma, Y.; Machado, A.; Machulin, I. N.; Mandarano, A.; Mari, S. M.; Maricic, J.; Marini, L.; Martoff, C. J.; Meyers, P. D.; Miletic, T.; Milincic, R.; Montanari, D.; Monte, A.; Montuschi, M.; Monzani, M. E.; Mosteiro, P.; Mount, B. J.; Muratova, V. N.; Musico, P.; Navrer Agasson, A.; Nelson, A.; Odrowski, S.; Oleinik, A.; Orsini, M.; Ortica, F.; Pagani, L.; Pallavicini, M.; Pantic, E.; Parmeggiano, S.; Pelczar, K.; Pelliccia, N.; Pocar, A.; Pordes, S.; Pugachev, D. A.; Qian, H.; Randle, K.; Ranucci, G.; Razeti, M.; Razeto, A.; Reinhold, B.; Renshaw, A. L.; Rescigno, M.; Riffard, Q.; Romani, A.; Rossi, B.; Rossi, N.; Rountree, S. D.; Sablone, D.; Saggese, P.; Saldanha, R.; Sands, W.; Sangiorgio, S.; Savarese, C.; Schlitzer, B.; Segreto, E.; Semenov, D. A.; Shields, E.; Singh, P. N.; Skorokhvatov, M. D.; Smirnov, O.; Sotnikov, A.; Stanford, C.; Suvorov, Y.; Tartaglia, R.; Tatarowicz, J.; Testera, G.; Tonazzo, A.; Trinchese, P.; Unzhakov, E. V.; Verducci, M.; Vishneva, A.; Vogelaar, R. B.; Wada, M.; Walker, S.; Wang, H.; Wang, Y.; Watson, A. W.; Westerdale, S.; Wojcik, M. M.; Xiang, X.; Xiao, X.; Xu, J.; Yang, C.; Yoo, J.; Zavatarelli, S.; Zec, A.; Zhong, W.; Zhu, C.; Zuzel, G.

2017-12-01

The DarkSide-50 experiment at the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso is a search for dark matter using a dual phase time projection chamber with 50 kg of low radioactivity argon as target. Light signals from interactions in the argon are detected by a system of 38 photo-multiplier tubes (PMTs), 19 above and 19 below the TPC volume inside the argon cryostat. We describe the electronics which processes the signals from the photo-multipliers, the trigger system which identifies events of interest, and the data-acquisition system which records the data for further analysis. The electronics include resistive voltage dividers on the PMTs, custom pre-amplifiers mounted directly on the PMT voltage dividers in the liquid argon, and custom amplifier/discriminators (at room temperature). After amplification, the PMT signals are digitized in CAEN waveform digitizers, and CAEN logic modules are used to construct the trigger; the data acquisition system for the TPC is based on the Fermilab artdaq software. The system has been in operation since early 2014.

The electronics, trigger and data acquisition system for the liquid argon time projection chamber of the DarkSide-50 search for dark matter

DOE PAGES

Agnes, P.; Albuquerque, I. F. M.; Alexander, T.; ...

2017-12-01

The DarkSide-50 experiment at the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso is a search for dark matter using a dual phase time projection chamber with 50 kg of low radioactivity argon as target. Light signals from interactions in the argon are detected by a system of 38 photo-multiplier tubes (PMTs), 19 above and 19 below the TPC volume inside the argon cryostat. We describe the electronics which processes the signals from the photo-multipliers, the trigger system which identifies events of interest, and the data-acquisition system which records the data for further analysis. The electronics include resistive voltage dividers on the PMTs,more » custom pre-amplifiers mounted directly on the PMT voltage dividers in the liquid argon, and custom amplifier/discriminators (at room temperature). After amplification, the PMT signals are digitized in CAEN waveform digitizers, and CAEN logic modules are used to construct the trigger, the data acquisition system for the TPC is based on the Fermilab "artdaq" software. The system has been in operation since early 2014.« less

Electronic circuitry development in a micropyrotechnic system for micropropulsion applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Puig-Vidal, Manuel; Lopez, Jaime; Miribel, Pere; Montane, Enric; Lopez-Villegas, Jose M.; Samitier, Josep; Rossi, Carole; Camps, Thierry; Dumonteuil, Maxime

2003-04-01

An electronic circuitry is proposed and implemented to optimize the ignition process and the robustness of a microthruster. The principle is based on the integration of propellant material within a micromachined system. The operational concept is simply based on the combustion of an energetic propellant stored in a micromachined chamber. Each thruster contains three parts (heater, chamber, nozzle). Due to the one shot characteristic, microthrusters are fabricated in 2D array configuration. For the functioning of this kind of system, one critical point is the optimization of the ignition process as a function of the power schedule delivered by electronic devices. One particular attention has been paid on the design and implementation of an electronic chip to control and optimize the system ignition. Ignition process is triggered by electrical power delivered to a polysilicon resistance in contact with the propellant. The resistance is used to sense the temperature on the propellant which is in contact. Temperature of the microthruster node before the ignition is monitored via the electronic circuitry. A pre-heating process before ignition seems to be a good methodology to optimize the ignition process. Pre-heating temperature and pre-heating time are critical parameters to be adjusted. Simulation and experimental results will deeply contribute to improve the micropyrotechnic system. This paper will discuss all these point.

On the wall perturbation correction for a parallel-plate NACP-02 chamber in clinical electron beams.

PubMed

Zink, K; Wulff, J

2011-02-01

In recent years, several Monte Carlo studies have been published concerning the perturbation corrections of a parallel-plate chamber in clinical electron beams. In these studies, a strong depth dependence of the relevant correction factors (p(wall) and P(cav)) for depth beyond the reference depth is recognized and it has been shown that the variation with depth is sensitive to the choice of the chamber's effective point of measurement. Recommendations concerning the positioning of parallel-plate ionization chambers in clinical electron beams are not the same for all current dosimetry protocols. The IAEA TRS-398 as well as the IPEM protocol and the German protocol DIN 6800-2 interpret the depth of measurement within the phantom as the water equivalent depth, i.e., the nonwater equivalence of the entrance window has to be accounted for by shifting the chamber by an amount deltaz. This positioning should ensure that the primary electrons traveling from the surface of the water phantom through the entrance window to the chamber's reference point sustain the same energy loss as the primary electrons in the undisturbed phantom. The objective of the present study is the determination of the shift deltaz for a NACP-02 chamber and the calculation of the resulting wall perturbation correction as a function of depth. Moreover, the contributions of the different chamber walls to the wall perturbation correction are identified. The dose and fluence within the NACP-02 chamber and a wall-less air cavity is calculated using the Monte Carlo code EGSnrc in a water phantom at different depths for different clinical electron beams. In order to determine the necessary shift to account for the nonwater equivalence of the entrance window, the chamber is shifted in steps deltaz around the depth of measurement. The optimal shift deltaz is determined from a comparison of the spectral fluence within the chamber and the bare cavity. The wall perturbation correction is calculated as the ratio between doses for the complete chamber and a wall-less air cavity. The high energy part of the fluence spectra within the chamber strongly varies even with small chamber shifts, allowing the determination of deltaz within micrometers. For the NACP-02 chamber a shift deltaz = -0.058 cm results. This value is independent of the energy of the primary electrons as well as of the depth within the phantom and it is in good agreement with the value recommended in the German dosimetry protocol. Applying this shift, the calculated wall perturbation correction as a function of depth is varying less than 1% from zero up to the half value depth R50 for electron energies in the range of 6-21 MeV. The remaining depth dependence can mainly be attributed to the scatter properties of the entrance window. When neglecting the nonwater equivalence of the entrance window, the variation of p(wall) with depth is up to 10% and more, especially for low electron energies. The variation of the wall perturbation correction for the NACP-02 chamber in clinical electron beams strongly depends on the positioning of the chamber. Applying a shift deltaz = -0.058 cm toward the focus ensures that the primary electron spectrum within the chamber bears the largest resemblance to the fluence of a wall-less cavity. Hence, the influence of the chamber walls on the perturbation correction can be separated out and the residual variation of p(wall) with depth is minimized.

National Synchrotron Light Source II storage ring vacuum systems

DOE PAGES

Hseuh, Hsiao-Chaun; Hetzel, Charles; Leng, Shuwei; ...

2016-04-05

The National Synchrotron Light Source II, completed in 2014, is a 3-GeV synchrotron radiation (SR) facility at Brookhaven National Laboratory and has been in steady operation since. With a design electron current of 500 mA and subnanometer radians horizontal emittance, this 792-m circumference storage ring is providing the highest flux and brightness x-ray beam for SR users. Also, the majority of the storage ring vacuum chambers are made of extruded aluminium. Chamber sections are interconnected using low-impedance radiofrequency shielded bellows. SR from the bending magnets is intercepted by water-cooled compact photon absorbers resided in the storage ring chambers. Finally, thismore » paper presents the design of the storage ring vacuum system, the fabrication of vacuum chambers and other hardware, the installation, the commissioning, and the continuing beam conditioning of the vacuum systems.« less

Monte Carlo simulations and benchmark measurements on the response of TE(TE) and Mg(Ar) ionization chambers in photon, electron and neutron beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Yi-Chun; Huang, Tseng-Te; Liu, Yuan-Hao; Chen, Wei-Lin; Chen, Yen-Fu; Wu, Shu-Wei; Nievaart, Sander; Jiang, Shiang-Huei

2015-06-01

The paired ionization chambers (ICs) technique is commonly employed to determine neutron and photon doses in radiology or radiotherapy neutron beams, where neutron dose shows very strong dependence on the accuracy of accompanying high energy photon dose. During the dose derivation, it is an important issue to evaluate the photon and electron response functions of two commercially available ionization chambers, denoted as TE(TE) and Mg(Ar), used in our reactor based epithermal neutron beam. Nowadays, most perturbation corrections for accurate dose determination and many treatment planning systems are based on the Monte Carlo technique. We used general purposed Monte Carlo codes, MCNP5, EGSnrc, FLUKA or GEANT4 for benchmark verifications among them and carefully measured values for a precise estimation of chamber current from absorbed dose rate of cavity gas. Also, energy dependent response functions of two chambers were calculated in a parallel beam with mono-energies from 20 keV to 20 MeV photons and electrons by using the optimal simple spherical and detailed IC models. The measurements were performed in the well-defined (a) four primary M-80, M-100, M120 and M150 X-ray calibration fields, (b) primary 60Co calibration beam, (c) 6 MV and 10 MV photon, (d) 6 MeV and 18 MeV electron LINACs in hospital and (e) BNCT clinical trials neutron beam. For the TE(TE) chamber, all codes were almost identical over the whole photon energy range. In the Mg(Ar) chamber, MCNP5 showed lower response than other codes for photon energy region below 0.1 MeV and presented similar response above 0.2 MeV (agreed within 5% in the simple spherical model). With the increase of electron energy, the response difference between MCNP5 and other codes became larger in both chambers. Compared with the measured currents, MCNP5 had the difference from the measurement data within 5% for the 60Co, 6 MV, 10 MV, 6 MeV and 18 MeV LINACs beams. But for the Mg(Ar) chamber, the derivations reached 7.8-16.5% below 120 kVp X-ray beams. In this study, we were especially interested in BNCT doses where low energy photon contribution is less to ignore, MCNP model is recognized as the most suitable to simulate wide photon-electron and neutron energy distributed responses of the paired ICs. Also, MCNP provides the best prediction of BNCT source adjustment by the detector's neutron and photon responses.

The Influence of Modulated Signal Risetime in Flight Electronics Radiated Immunity Testing with a Mode-Stirred Chamber

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ely, Jay J.; Nguyen, Truong X.; Scearce, Stephen A.

2000-01-01

For electromagnetic immunity testing of an electronic system, it is desirable to demonstrate its functional integrity when exposed to the full range and intensity of environmental electromagnetic threats that may be encountered over its operational life. As part of this, it is necessary to show proper system operation when exposed to representative threat signal modulations. Modulated signal transition time is easily overlooked, but can be highly significant to system susceptibility. Radiated electromagnetic field immunity testing is increasingly being performed in Mode Stirred Chambers. Because the peak field vs. time relationship is affected by the operation of a reverberating room, it is important to understand how the room may influence any input signal modulation characteristics. This paper will provide insight into the field intensity vs. time relationship within the test environment of a mode stirred chamber. An understanding of this relationship is important to EMC engineers in determining what input signal modulation characteristics will be transferred to the equipment under test. References will be given for the development of this topic, and experimental data will be presented

Method for in-situ cleaning of carbon contaminated surfaces

DOEpatents

Klebanoff, Leonard E.; Grunow, Philip; Graham, Jr., Samuel

2006-12-12

Activated gaseous species generated adjacent a carbon contaminated surface affords in-situ cleaning. A device for removing carbon contamination from a surface of the substrate includes (a) a housing defining a vacuum chamber in which the substrate is located; (b) a source of gaseous species; and (c) a source of electrons that are emitted to activate the gaseous species into activated gaseous species. The source of electrons preferably includes (i) a filament made of a material that generates thermionic electron emissions; (ii) a source of energy that is connected to the filament; and (iii) an electrode to which the emitted electrons are attracted. The device is particularly suited for photolithography systems with optic surfaces, e.g., mirrors, that are otherwise inaccessible unless the system is dismantled. A method of removing carbon contaminants from a substrate surface that is housed within a vacuum chamber is also disclosed. The method employs activated gaseous species that react with the carbon contaminants to form carbon containing gaseous byproducts.

Development and application of noninvasive technology for study of combustion in a combustion chamber of gas turbine engine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inozemtsev, A. A.; Sazhenkov, A. N.; Tsatiashvili, V. V.; Abramchuk, T. V.; Shipigusev, V. A.; Andreeva, T. P.; Gumerov, A. R.; Ilyin, A. N.; Gubaidullin, I. T.

2015-05-01

The paper formulates the issue of development of experimental base with noninvasive optical-electronic tools for control of combustion in a combustion chamber of gas turbine engine. The design and specifications of a pilot sample of optronic system are explained; this noninvasive system was created in the framework of project of development of main critical technologies for designing of aviation gas turbine engine PD-14. The testbench run data are presented.

Electronic Warfare Test and Evaluation (Essai et evaluation en matiere de guerre electronique)

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-12-01

Largest known chamber is 80 x 76 x 21 m. Shielding and quiet zones Usually ≥100 dB over at least 0.5 – 18 GHz. TEMPEST grade. Quiet zones: one or...accommodated as an afterthought. The highest level of RF/EO/IR/UV security control is offered by TEMPEST -grade aircraft-sized anechoic chambers. 6.9.7 SUT...aircraft-sized, RF- and laser-shielded anechoic chamber, shielded rooms, and an EW Sub-System Test Laboratory, all TEMPEST grade. It is co-located with the

Morphological study on the olfactory systems of the snapping turtle, Chelydra serpentina.

PubMed

Nakamuta, Nobuaki; Nakamuta, Shoko; Kato, Hideaki; Yamamoto, Yoshio

2016-06-01

In this study, the olfactory system of a semi-aquatic turtle, the snapping turtle, has been morphologically investigated by electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and lectin histochemistry. The nasal cavity of snapping turtle was divided into the upper and lower chambers, lined by the sensory epithelium containing ciliated and non-ciliated olfactory receptor neurons, respectively. Each neuron expressed both Gαolf, the α-subunit of G-proteins coupling to the odorant receptors, and Gαo, the α-subunit of G-proteins coupling to the type 2 vomeronasal receptors. The axons originating from the upper chamber epithelium projected to the ventral part of the olfactory bulb, while those from the lower chamber epithelium to the dorsal part of the olfactory bulb. Despite the identical expression of G-protein α-subunits in the olfactory receptor neurons, these two projections were clearly distinguished from each other by the differential expression of glycoconjugates. In conclusion, these data indicate the presence of two types of olfactory systems in the snapping turtle. Topographic arrangement of the upper and lower chambers and lack of the associated glands in the lower chamber epithelium suggest their possible involvement in the detection of odorants: upper chamber epithelium in the air and the lower chamber epithelium in the water. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An experimental study of recombination and polarity effect in a set of customized plane parallel ionization chambers.

PubMed

Kron, T; McNiven, A; Witruk, B; Kenny, M; Battista, J

2006-12-01

Plane parallel ionization chambers are an important tool for dosimetry and absolute calibration of electron beams used for radiotherapy. Most dosimetric protocols require corrections for recombination and polarity effects, which are to be determined experimentally as they depend on chamber design and radiation quality. Both effects were investigated in electron beams from a linear accelerator (Varian 21CD) for a set of four tissue equivalent plane parallel ionization chambers customized for the present research by Standard Imaging (Madison WI). All four chambers share the same design and air cavity dimensions, differing only in the diameter of their collecting electrode and the corresponding width of the guard ring. The diameters of the collecting electrodes were 2 mm, 4 mm, 10 mm and 20 mm. Measurements were taken using electron beams of nominal energy 6 to 20 MeV in a 10 cm x 10 cm field size with a SSD of 100 cm at various depths in a Solid Water slab phantom. No significant variation of recombination effect was found with radiation quality, depth of measurement or chamber design. However, the polarity effect exceeded 5% for the chambers with small collecting electrode for an effective electron energy below 4 MeV at the point of measurement. The magnitude of the effect increased with decreasing electron energy in the phantom. The polarity correction factor calculated following AAPM protocol TG51 ranged from approximately 1.00 for the 20.0 mm chamber to less than 0.95 for the 2 mm chamber at 4.1 cm depth in a electron beam of nominally 12 MeV. By inverting the chamber it could be shown that the polarity effect did not depend on the polarity of the electrode first traversed by the electron beam. Similarly, the introduction of an air gap between the overlying phantom layer and the chambers demonstrated that the angular distribution of the electrons at the point of measurement had a lesser effect on the polarity correction than the electron energy itself. The magnitude of the absolute difference between charge collected at positive and negative polarity was found to correlate with the area of the collecting electrode which is consistent with the explanation that differences in thickness of the collecting electrodes and the number of electrons stopped in them contribute significantly to the polarity effect. Overall, the polarity effects found in the present study would have a negligible effect on electron beam calibration at a measurement depth recommended by most calibration protocols. However, the present work tested the corrections under extreme conditions thereby aiming at greater understanding of the mechanism underlying the correction factors for these chambers. This may lead to better chamber design for absolute dosimetry and electron beam characterization with less reliance on empirical corrections.

Test system for exposing fish to resuspended, contaminated sediment

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cope, W.G.; Wiener, J.G.; Steingraeber, M.T.

1996-01-01

We describe a new test system for exposing fish to resuspended sediments and associated contaminants. Test sediments were resuspended by revolving test chambers on rotating shafts driven by an electric motor. The timing, speed, and duration of test-chamber revolution were controlled by a rheostat and electronic timer. Each chamber held 45 litres of water and accommodated about 49 g of test fish. The system described had three water baths, each holding six test chambers. We illustrate the performance of this system with results from a 28-day test in which juvenile bluegills Lepomis macrochirus were exposed to resuspended, riverine sediments differing in texture and cadmium content. The test had one sediment-free control and five sediment treatments, with three replicates (chambers) per treatment and 25 fish per replicate. Two-thirds (30 litres) of the test water and sediment in each chamber was renewed weekly. The mean concentration of total suspended solids (TSS) did not vary among treatments; the grand-mean TSS in the five sediment treatments was 975 mg litre−1, similar to the target TSS of 1000 mg litre−1. At the end of the test, an average of 50% of the introduced cadmium was associated with the suspended sediment compartment, whereas the filtered (0.45 μm) water contained 0.4% and bluegills 1.8% of the cadmium.

Injector for the University of Maryland Electron Ring (UMER)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kehne, D.; Godlove, T.; Haldemann, P.; Bernal, S.; Guharay, S.; Kishek, R.; Li, Y.; O'Shea, P.; Reiser, M.; Yun, V.; Zou, Y.; Haber, I.

2001-05-01

The electron beam injector constructed by FM technologies for the University of Maryland Electron Ring (UMER) program is described. The program will use an electron beam to model space-charge-dominated ion beams in a recirculating linac for heavy ion inertial fusion, as well as for high-current muon colliders. The injector consists of a 10 keV, 100 mA electron gun with 50-100 nsec pulse width and a repetition rate of 120 Hz. The e-gun system includes a 6-mask, rotatable aperture plate, a Rogowski current monitor, an ion pump, and a gate valve. The injector beamline consists of a solenoid, a five-quadrupole matching section, two diagnostic chambers, and a fast current monitor. An independent diagnostic chamber also built for UMER will be used to measure horizontal and vertical emittance, current, energy, energy spread, and the evolution of the beam envelope and profile along the injector beamline.

SU-D-19A-01: Can Farmer-Type Ionization Chambers Be Used to Improve the Accuracy of Low-Energy Electron Beam Reference Dosimetry?

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Muir, B R; McEwen, M R

2014-06-01

Purpose: To investigate the use of cylindrical Farmer-type ionization chambers to improve the accuracy of low-energy electron beam calibration. Historically, these chamber types have not been used in beams with incident energies less than 10 MeV (R{sub 5} {sub 0} < 4.3 cm) because early investigations suggested large (up to 5 %) fluence perturbation factors in these beams, implying that a significant component of uncertainty would be introduced if used for calibration. More recently, the assumptions used to determine perturbation corrections for cylindrical chambers have been questioned. Methods: Measurements are made with cylindrical chambers in Elekta Precise 4, 8 andmore » 18 MeV electron beams. Several chamber types are investigated that employ graphite walls and aluminum electrodes with very similar specifications (NE2571, NE2505/3, FC65-G). Depth-ionization scans are measured in water in the 8 and 18 MeV beams. To reduce uncertainty from chamber positioning, measurements in the 4 MeV beam are made at the reference depth in Virtual Water™. The variability of perturbation factors is quantified by comparing normalized response of various chambers. Results: Normalized ion chamber response varies by less than 0.7 % for similar chambers at average electron energies corresponding to that at the reference depth from 4 or 6 MeV beams. Similarly, normalized measurements made with similar chambers at the reference depth in the 4 MeV beam vary by less than 0.4 %. Absorbed dose calibration coefficients derived from these results are stable within 0.1 % on average over a period of 6 years. Conclusion: These results indicate that the uncertainty associated with differences in fluence perturbations for cylindrical chambers with similar specifications is only 0.2 %. The excellent long-term stability of these chambers in both photon and electron beams suggests that these chambers might offer the best performance for all reference dosimetry applications.« less

Effects of discharge chamber length on the negative ion generation in volume-produced negative hydrogen ion source

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chung, Kyoung-Jae; Jung, Bong-Ki; An, YoungHwa

2014-02-15

In a volume-produced negative hydrogen ion source, control of electron temperature is essential due to its close correlation with the generation of highly vibrationally excited hydrogen molecules in the heating region as well as the generation of negative hydrogen ions by dissociative attachment in the extraction region. In this study, geometric effects of the cylindrical discharge chamber on negative ion generation via electron temperature changes are investigated in two discharge chambers with different lengths of 7.5 cm and 11 cm. Measurements with a radio-frequency-compensated Langmuir probe show that the electron temperature in the heating region is significantly increased by reducingmore » the length of the discharge chamber due to the reduced effective plasma size. A particle balance model which is modified to consider the effects of discharge chamber configuration on the plasma parameters explains the variation of the electron temperature with the chamber geometry and gas pressure quite well. Accordingly, H{sup −} ion density measurement with laser photo-detachment in the short chamber shows a few times increase compared to the longer one at the same heating power depending on gas pressure. However, the increase drops significantly as operating gas pressure decreases, indicating increased electron temperatures in the extraction region degrade dissociative attachment significantly especially in the low pressure regime. It is concluded that the increase of electron temperature by adjusting the discharge chamber geometry is efficient to increase H{sup −} ion production as long as low electron temperatures are maintained in the extraction region in volume-produced negative hydrogen ion sources.« less

SU-F-T-669: Commissioning of An Electronic Brachytherapy System for Targeted Mouse Irradiation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Culberson, W; Micka, J; Carchman, E

Purpose: The aim of this study was to commission the Xoft Axxent™ electronic brachytherapy (eBT) source and 10 mm diameter surface applicator with NIST traceability for targeted irradiations of mouse anal carcinomas. Methods: The Xoft Axxent™ electronic brachytherapy (eBT) and 10 mm diameter surface applicator was chosen by the collaborating physician as a radiation delivery mechanism for mouse anal carcinomas. The target dose was 2 Gy at a depth of 3 mm in tissue to be delivered in a single fraction. To implement an accurate and reliable irradiation plan, the system was commissioned by first determining the eBT source outputmore » and corresponding dose rate at a depth of 3 mm in tissue. This was determined through parallel-plate ion chamber measurements and published conversion factors. Well-type ionization chamber measurements were used to determine a transfer coefficient, which correlates the measured dose rate at 3 mm to the NIST-traceable quantity, air-kerma rate at 50 cm in air, for eBT sources. By correlating these two quantities, daily monitoring in the well chamber becomes an accurate and efficient quality assurance technique. Once the dose-rate was determined, a treatment recipe was developed and confirmed with chamber measurements to deliver the requested dose. Radiochromic film was used to verify the dose distribution across the field. Results: Dose rates at 3 mm depth in tissue were determined for two different Xoft Axxent™ sources and correlated with NIST-traceable well-type ionization chamber measurements. Unique transfer coefficients were determined for each source and the treatment recipe was validated by measurements. Film profiles showed a uniform dose distribution across the field. Conclusion: A Xoft Axxent™ eBT system was successfully commissioned for use in the irradiation of mouse rectal tumors. Dose rates in tissue were determined as well as other pertinent parameters to ensure accurate delivery of dose to the target region.« less

Electron beam extraction on plasma cathode electron sources system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Purwadi, Agus; Taufik, M., Lely Susita R.; Suprapto, Saefurrochman, H., Anjar A.; Wibowo, Kurnia; Aziz, Ihwanul; Siswanto, Bambang

2017-03-01

ELECTRON BEAM EXTRACTION ON PLASMA CATHODE ELECTRON SOURCES SYSTEM. The electron beam extraction through window of Plasma Generator Chamber (PGC) for Pulsed Electron Irradiator (PEI) device and simulation of plasma potential has been studied. Plasma electron beam is extracted to acceleration region for enlarging their power by the external accelerating high voltage (Vext) and then it is passed foil window of the PEI for being irradiated to any target (atmospheric pressure). Electron beam extraction from plasma surface must be able to overcome potential barrier at the extraction window region which is shown by estimate simulation (Opera program) based on data of plasma surface potential of 150 V with Ueks values are varied by 150 kV, 175 kV and 200 kV respectively. PGC is made of 304 stainless steel with cylindrical shape in 30 cm of diameter, 90 cm length, electrons extraction window as many as 975 holes on the area of (15 × 65) cm2 with extraction hole cell in 0.3 mm of radius each other, an cylindrical shape IEP chamber is made of 304 stainless steel in 70 cm diameter and 30 cm length. The research result shown that the acquisition of electron beam extraction current depends on plasma parameters (electron density ne, temperature Te), accelerating high voltage Vext, the value of discharge parameter G, anode area Sa, electron extraction window area Se and extraction efficiency value α.

Design and construction of a DC high-brightness laser driven electron gun

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, K.; Geng, R. L.; Wang, L. F.; Zhang, B. C.; Yu, J.; Wang, T.; Wu, G. F.; Song, J. H.; Chen, J. E.

1996-02-01

A DC high-brightness laser driven photoemissive electron gun is being developed at Peking University, in order to produce 50-100 ps electron bunches of high quality. The gun consists of a photocathode preparation chamber and a DC acceleration cavity. Different ways of fabricating photocathodes, such as chemical vapor deposition, ion beam implantation and ion beam enhanced deposition, can be adopted. The acceleration gap is designed with the aid of simulation codes EGUN and POISSON. The laser system is a mode-locked Nd-YAG oscillator proceeded by an amplifier at 10 Hz repetition rate, which can deliver three different wavelengths (1064/532/266 nm). The combination of a superconducting cavity with the photocathode preparation chamber is also discussed in this paper.

Study of the effective point of measurement for ion chambers in electron beams by Monte Carlo simulation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, L. L. W.; Rogers, D. W. O.

In current dosimetry protocols for electron beams, for plane-parallel chambers, the effective point of measurement is at the front face of the cavity, and, for cylindrical chambers, it is at a point shifted 0.5r upstream from the cavity center. In this study, Monte Carlo simulations are employed to study the issue of effective point of measurement for both plane-parallel chambers and cylindrical thimble chambers in electron beams. It is found that there are two ways of determining the position of the effective point of measurement: One is to match the calculated depth-ionization curve obtained from a modeled chamber to amore » calculated depth-dose curve; the other is to match the electron fluence spectrum in the chamber cavity to that in the phantom. For plane-parallel chambers, the effective point of measurement determined by the first method is generally not at the front face of the chamber cavity, which is obtained by the second method, but shifted downstream toward the cavity center by an amount that could be larger than one-half a millimeter. This should not be ignored when measuring depth-dose curves in electron beams. For cylindrical chambers, these two methods also give different positions of the effective point of measurement: The first gives a shift of 0.5r, which is in agreement with measurements for high-energy beams and is the same as the value currently used in major dosimetry protocols; the latter gives a shift of 0.8r, which is closer to the value predicted by a theoretical calculation assuming no-scatter conditions. The results also show that the shift of 0.8r is more appropriate if the cylindrical chamber is to be considered as a Spencer-Attix cavity. In electron beams, since the water/air stopping-power ratio changes with depth in a water phantom, the difference of the two shifts (0.3r) will lead to an incorrect evaluation of the water/air stopping-power ratio at the point of measurement, thus resulting in a systematic error in determining the absorbed dose by cylindrical chambers. It is suggested that a shift of 0.8r be used for electron beam calibrations with cylindrical chambers and a shift of 0.4r-0.5r be used for depth-dose measurements.« less

Study of the effective point of measurement for ion chambers in electron beams by Monte Carlo simulation.

PubMed

Wang, L L W; Rogers, D W O

2009-06-01

In current dosimetry protocols for electron beams, for plane-parallel chambers, the effective point of measurement is at the front face of the cavity, and, for cylindrical chambers, it is at a point shifted 0.5r upstream from the cavity center. In this study, Monte Carlo simulations are employed to study the issue of effective point of measurement for both plane-parallel chambers and cylindrical thimble chambers in electron beams. It is found that there are two ways of determining the position of the effective point of measurement: One is to match the calculated depth-ionization curve obtained from a modeled chamber to a calculated depth-dose curve; the other is to match the electron fluence spectrum in the chamber cavity to that in the phantom. For plane-parallel chambers, the effective point of measurement determined by the first method is generally not at the front face of the chamber cavity, which is obtained by the second method, but shifted downstream toward the cavity center by an amount that could be larger than one-half a millimeter. This should not be ignored when measuring depth-dose curves in electron beams. For cylindrical chambers, these two methods also give different positions of the effective point of measurement: The first gives a shift of 0.5r, which is in agreement with measurements for high-energy beams and is the same as the value currently used in major dosimetry protocols; the latter gives a shift of 0.8r, which is closer to the value predicted by a theoretical calculation assuming no-scatter conditions. The results also show that the shift of 0.8r is more appropriate if the cylindrical chamber is to be considered as a Spencer-Attix cavity. In electron beams, since the water/air stopping-power ratio changes with depth in a water phantom, the difference of the two shifts (0.3r) will lead to an incorrect evaluation of the water/air stopping-power ratio at the point of measurement, thus resulting in a systematic error in determining the absorbed dose by cylindrical chambers. It is suggested that a shift of 0.8r be used for electron beam calibrations with cylindrical chambers and a shift of 0.4r-0.5r be used for depth-dose measurements.

Computational Model Tracking Primary Electrons, Secondary Electrons, and Ions in the Discharge Chamber of an Ion Engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mahalingam, Sudhakar; Menart, James A.

2005-01-01

Computational modeling of the plasma located in the discharge chamber of an ion engine is an important activity so that the development and design of the next generation of ion engines may be enhanced. In this work a computational tool called XOOPIC is used to model the primary electrons, secondary electrons, and ions inside the discharge chamber. The details of this computational tool are discussed in this paper. Preliminary results from XOOPIC are presented. The results presented include particle number density distributions for the primary electrons, the secondary electrons, and the ions. In addition the total number of a particular particle in the discharge chamber as a function of time, electric potential maps and magnetic field maps are presented. A primary electron number density plot from PRIMA is given in this paper so that the results of XOOPIC can be compared to it. PRIMA is a computer code that the present investigators have used in much of their previous work that provides results that compare well to experimental results. PRIMA only models the primary electrons in the discharge chamber. Modeling ions and secondary electrons, as well as the primary electrons, will greatly increase our ability to predict different characteristics of the plasma discharge used in an ion engine.

The calibration of plane parallel ionisation chambers for the measurement of absorbed dose in electron beams of low to medium energies. Part 2: The PTW/MARKUS chamber.

PubMed

Cross, P; Freeman, N

1997-06-01

The purpose of Part 2 study of calibration methods for plane parallel ionisation chambers was to determine the feasibility of using beams of calibration of the MARKUS chamber other than the standard AAPM TG39 reference beams of 60Co and a high energy electron beam (E0 > or = 15 MeV). A previous study of the NACP chamber had demonstrated an acceptable level of accuracy with corresponding spread of -0.5% to +0.8% for its calibration in non-standard situations (medium to low energy electron and photon beams). For non-standard situations the spread in NDMARKUS values was found to be +/-2.5%. The results suggest that user calibrations of the MARKUS chamber in non-standard situations are associated with more uncertainties than is the case with the NACP chamber.

Modification of the continuous flow diffusion chamber for use in zero-gravity. [atmospheric cloud physics lab

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Keyser, G.

1978-01-01

The design philosophy and performance characteristics of the continuous flow diffusion chamber developed for use in ground-based simulation of some of the experiments planned for the atmospheric cloud physics laboratory during the first Spacelab flight are discussed. Topics covered include principle of operation, thermal control, temperature measurement, tem-powered heat exchangers, wettable metal surfaces, sample injection system, and control electronics.

ISIM Lowered into Thermal Vacuum Chamber

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-12-08

An overhead glimpse inside the thermal vacuum chamber at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., as engineers ready the James Webb Space Telescope's Integrated Science Instrument Module, just lowered into the chamber for its first thermal vacuum test. The ISIM and the ISIM System Integration Fixture that holds the ISIM Electronics Compartment is completely covered in protective blankets to shield it from contamination. Image credit: NASA/Chris Gunn NASA image use policy. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Find us on Instagram

A systematic Monte Carlo study of secondary electron fluence perturbation in clinical proton beams (70-250 MeV) for cylindrical and spherical ion chambers.

PubMed

Verhaegen, F; Palmans, H

2001-10-01

Current dosimetry protocols for clinical protons do not take into account any secondary electron fluence perturbation in ion chambers. In this work, we performed a systematic study of secondary electron fluence perturbation factors for spherical and cylindrical ion chambers in proton beams (70-250 MeV). The electron fluence perturbation factor, pe, was calculated using Monte Carlo transport of protons and secondary electrons. The influence of proton energy, cavity wall material (graphite, water, A150, PMMA, polystyrene), cavity radius, cavity wall thickness and positioning depth in water is studied. The influence of inelastic nuclear proton interactions is briefly discussed. It was found that pe depends on wall material; the largest values for pe were obtained for ion chambers with A150 walls (pe=1.009), the smallest values for graphite walls. The perturbation factor was found to be largely independent of proton energy. A slight decrease of pe with cavity radius was obtained, especially for low energy protons. The wall thickness was found to have no effect on pe in the range studied (0.025-0.1 cm). The depth of the cavity in a water phantom was also found to have an insignificant effect on pe. Based on the results in the paper for spherical and cylindrical ion chambers, a method to calculate pe for a thimble ion chamber is presented. The results presented in this paper for cylindrical and spherical ion chambers are in contradiction to the calculated electron fluence perturbation factors for planar ion chambers in the paper by Casnati et al.

Next-generation pacemakers: from small devices to biological pacemakers.

PubMed

Cingolani, Eugenio; Goldhaber, Joshua I; Marbán, Eduardo

2018-03-01

Electrogenesis in the heart begins in the sinoatrial node and proceeds down the conduction system to originate the heartbeat. Conduction system disorders lead to slow heart rates that are insufficient to support the circulation, necessitating implantation of electronic pacemakers. The typical electronic pacemaker consists of a subcutaneous generator and battery module attached to one or more endocardial leads. New leadless pacemakers can be implanted directly into the right ventricular apex, providing single-chamber pacing without a subcutaneous generator. Modern pacemakers are generally reliable, and their programmability provides options for different pacing modes tailored to specific clinical needs. Advances in device technology will probably include alternative energy sources and dual-chamber leadless pacing in the not-too-distant future. Although effective, current electronic devices have limitations related to lead or generator malfunction, lack of autonomic responsiveness, undesirable interactions with strong magnetic fields, and device-related infections. Biological pacemakers, generated by somatic gene transfer, cell fusion, or cell transplantation, provide an alternative to electronic devices. Somatic reprogramming strategies, which involve transfer of genes encoding transcription factors to transform working myocardium into a surrogate sinoatrial node, are furthest along in the translational pipeline. Even as electronic pacemakers become smaller and less invasive, biological pacemakers might expand the therapeutic armamentarium for conduction system disorders.

Nuclear Science Symposium, 4th, and Nuclear Power Systems Symposium, 9th, San Francisco, Calif., October 19-21, 1977, Proceedings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1978-01-01

Consideration is given to the following types of high energy physics instrumentation: drift chambers, multiwire proportional chambers, calorimeters, optical detectors, ionization and scintillation detectors, solid state detectors, and electronic and digital subsystems. Attention is also paid to reactor instrumentation, nuclear medicine instrumentation, data acquisition systems for nuclear instrumentation, microprocessor applications in nuclear science, environmental instrumentation, control and instrumentation of nuclear power generating stations, and radiation monitoring. Papers are also presented on instrumentation for the High Energy Astronomy Observatory.

Construction of vacuum system for Tristan accumulation ring

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ishimaru, H.; Horikoshi, G.; Kobayashi, M.

1983-08-01

An all aluminum-alloy vacuum system for the TRISTAN accumulation ring is now under construction. Aluminum and aluminum alloys are preferred materials for ultrahigh vacuum systems of large electron storage rings because of their good thermal conductivity, extremely low outgassing rate, and low residual radioactivity. Vacuum beam chambers for the dipole and quadrupole magnets are extruded using porthole dies. The aluminum alloy 6063-T6 provides superior performance in extrusion. For ultrahigh vacuum performance, a special extrusion technique is applied which, along with the outgassing procedure used, is described in detail. Aluminum alloy 3004 seamless elliptical bellows are inserted between the dipole andmore » quadrupole magnet chambers. These bellows are produced by the hydraulic forming of a seamless tube. The seamless bellows and the beam chambers are joined by fully automatic welding. The ceramic chambers for the kicker magnets, the fast bump magnets, and the slow beam intensity monitor are inserted in the aluminum alloy beam chambers. The ceramic chamber (98% alumina) and elliptical bellows are brazed with brazing sheets (4003-3003-4003) in a vacuum furnace. The brazing technique is described. The inner surface of the ceramic chamber is coated with a TiMo alloy by vacuum evaporation to permit a smooth flow of the RF wall current. Other suitable aluminum alloy components, including fittings, feedthroughs, gauges, optical windows, sputter ion pumps, turbomolecular pumps, and valves have been developed; their fabrication is described.« less

Coal-water slurry sprays from an electronically controlled accumulator fuel injection system: Break-up distances and times

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caton, J. A.; Payne, S. E.; Terracina, D. P.; Kihm, K. D.

Experiments have been completed to characterize coal-water slurry sprays from an electronically-controlled accumulator fuel injection system of a diesel engine. The sprays were injected into a pressurized chamber equipped with windows. High speed movies, fuel pressures, and needle lifts were obtained as a function of time, orifice diameter, coal loading, gas density in the chamber, and accumulator fuel pressure. For the base conditions (50% by mass coal loading, 0.4 mm diameter nozzle hole, coal-water slurry pressure of 82 MPa (12,000 psi), and a chamber density of 25 kg/m(exp 3)), the break-up time was 0.30 ms. An empirical correlation for spray tip penetration, break-up time, and initial jet velocity was developed. For the conditions of this study, the spray tip penetration and initial jet velocity were 15% greater for coal-water slurry than for diesel fuel or water. Results of this study and the correlation are specific to the tested coal-water slurry and are not general for other coal-water slurry fuels.

Usefulness of hemocytometer as a counting chamber in a computer assisted sperm analyzer (CASA)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Eljarah, A.; Chandler, J.; Jenkins, J.A.; Chenevert, J.; Alcanal, A.

2013-01-01

Several methods are used to determine sperm cell concentration, such as the haemocytometer, spectrophotometer, electronic cell counter and computer-assisted semen analysers (CASA). The utility of CASA systems has been limited due to the lack of characterization of individual systems and the absence of standardization among laboratories. The aims of this study were to: 1) validate and establish setup conditions for the CASA system utilizing the haemocytometer as a counting chamber, and 2) compare the different methods used for the determination of sperm cell concentration in bull semen. Two ejaculates were collected and the sperm cell concentration was determined using spectrophotometer and haemocytometer. For the Hamilton-Thorn method, the haemocytometer was used as a counting chamber. Sperm concentration was determined three times per ejaculate samples. A difference (P 0.05) or between the haemocytometer count and the spectrophotometer. Based on the results of this study, we concluded that the haemocytometer can be used in computerized semen analysis systems as a substitute for the commercially available disposable counting chambers, therefore avoiding disadvantageous high costs and slower procedures.

Auger electron spectroscopy at high spatial resolution and nA primary beam currents

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Todd, G.; Poppa, H.; Moorhead, D.; Bales, M.

1975-01-01

An experimental Auger microprobe system is described which incorporates a field-emission electron gun and total beam currents in the nanoampere range. The distinguishing characteristics of this system include a large multistation UHV specimen chamber, pulse counting and fully digital Auger signal-processing techniques, and digital referencing methods to eliminate the effects of beam instabilities. Some preliminary results obtained with this system are described, and it is concluded that field-emission electron sources can be used for high-resolution Auger electron spectroscopy with primary-beam spots of less than 100 nm and beam currents of the order of 1 nA.

High power gas laser amplifier

DOEpatents

Leland, Wallace T.; Stratton, Thomas F.

1981-01-01

A high power output CO.sub.2 gas laser amplifier having a number of sections, each comprising a plurality of annular pumping chambers spaced around the circumference of a vacuum chamber containing a cold cathode, gridded electron gun. The electron beam from the electron gun ionizes the gas lasing medium in the sections. An input laser beam is split into a plurality of annular beams, each passing through the sections comprising one pumping chamber.

Development of an accurate EPID-based output measurement and dosimetric verification tool for electron beam therapy.

PubMed

Ding, Aiping; Xing, Lei; Han, Bin

2015-07-01

To develop an efficient and robust tool for output measurement and absolute dose verification of electron beam therapy by using a high spatial-resolution and high frame-rate amorphous silicon flat panel electronic portal imaging device (EPID). The dosimetric characteristics of the EPID, including saturation, linearity, and ghosting effect, were first investigated on a Varian Clinac 21EX accelerator. The response kernels of the individual pixels of the EPID to all available electron energies (6, 9, 12, 16, and 20 MeV) were calculated by using Monte Carlo (MC) simulations, which formed the basis to deconvolve an EPID raw images to the incident electron fluence map. The two-dimensional (2D) dose distribution at reference depths in water was obtained by using the constructed fluence map with a MC simulated pencil beam kernel with consideration of the geometric and structural information of the EPID. Output factor measurements were carried out with the EPID at a nominal source-surface distance of 100 cm for 2 × 2, 3 × 3, 6 × 6, 10 × 10, and 15 × 15 cm(2) fields for all available electron energies, and the results were compared with that measured in a solid water phantom using film and a Farmer-type ion chamber. The dose distributions at a reference depth specific to each energy and the flatness and symmetry of the 10 × 10 cm(2) electron beam were also measured using EPID, and the results were compared with ion chamber array and water scan measurements. Finally, three patient cases with various field sizes and irregular cutout shapes were also investigated. EPID-measured dose changed linearly with the monitor units and showed little ghosting effect for dose rate up to 600 MU/min. The flatness and symmetry measured with the EPID were found to be consistent with ion chamber array and water scan measurements. The EPID-measured output factors for standard square fields of 2 × 2, 3 × 3, 6 × 6, 10 × 10, 15 × 15 cm(2) agreed with film and ion chamber measurements. The average discrepancy between EPID and ion chamber/film measurements was 0.81% ± 0.60% (SD) and 1.34% ± 0.75%, respectively. For the three clinical cases, the difference in output between the EPID- and ion chamber array measured values was found to be 1.13% ± 0.11%, 0.54% ± 0.10%, and 0.74% ± 0.11%, respectively. Furthermore, the γ-index analysis showed an excellent agreement between the EPID- and ion chamber array measured dose distributions: 100% of the pixels passed the criteria of 3%/3 mm. When the γ-index was set to be 2%/2 mm, the pass rate was found to be 99.0% ± 0.07%, 98.2% ± 0.14%, and 100% for the three cases. The EPID dosimetry system developed in this work provides an accurate and reliable tool for routine output measurement and dosimetric verification of electron beam therapy. Coupled with its portability and ease of use, the proposed system promises to replace the current film-based approach for fast and reliable assessment of small and irregular electron field dosimetry.

Ion flow experiments in a multipole discharge chamber

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaufman, H. R.; Robinson, R. S.; Frisa, L. E.

1982-01-01

It has been customary to assume that ions flow nearly equally in all directions from the ion production region within an electron-bombardment discharge chamber. Ion flow measurements in a multipole discharge chamber have shown that this assumption is not true. In general, the electron current through a magnetic field can alter the electron density, and hence the ion density, in such a way that ions tend to be directed away from the region bounded by the magnetic field. When this mechanism is understood, it becomes evident that many past discharge chamber designs have operated with a preferentially directed flow of ions.

Device for rapid quantification of human carotid baroreceptor-cardiac reflex responses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sprenkle, J. M.; Eckberg, D. L.; Goble, R. L.; Schelhorn, J. J.; Halliday, H. C.

1986-01-01

A new device has been designed, constructed, and evaluated to characterize the human carotid baroreceptor-cardiac reflex response relation rapidly. This system was designed for study of reflex responses of astronauts before, during, and after space travel. The system comprises a new tightly sealing silicon rubber neck chamber, a stepping motor-driven electrodeposited nickel bellows pressure system, capable of delivering sequential R-wave-triggered neck chamber pressure changes between +40 and -65 mmHg, and a microprocessor-based electronics system for control of pressure steps and analysis and display of responses. This new system provokes classic sigmoid baroreceptor-cardiac reflex responses with threshold, linear, and saturation ranges in most human volunteers during one held expiration.

Implementation of alanine/EPR as transfer dosimetry system in a radiotherapy audit programme in Belgium.

PubMed

Schaeken, B; Cuypers, R; Lelie, S; Schroeyers, W; Schreurs, S; Janssens, H; Verellen, D

2011-04-01

A measurement procedure based on alanine/electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) dosimetry was implemented successfully providing simple, stable, and accurate dose-to-water (D(w)) measurements. The correspondence between alanine and ionization chamber measurements in reference conditions was excellent. Alanine/EMR dosimetry might be a valuable alternative to thermoluminescent (TLD) and ionization chamber based measuring procedures in radiotherapy audits. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Simulating Pressure Profiles for the Free-Electron Laser Photoemission Gun Using Molflow+

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Diego; Hernandez-Garcia, Carlos

2012-10-01

The Jefferson Lab Free Electron Laser (FEL) generates tunable laser light by passing a relativistic electron beam generated in a high-voltage DC electron gun with a semiconducting photocathode through a magnetic undulator. The electron gun is in stringent vacuum conditions in order to guarantee photocathode longevity. Considering an upgrade of the electron gun, this project consists of simulating pressure profiles to determine if the novel design meets the electron gun vacuum requirements. The method of simulation employs the software Molflow+, developed by R. Kersevan at the Organisation Europ'eene pour la Recherche Nucl'eaire (CERN), which uses the test-particle Monte Carlo method to simulate molecular flows in 3D structures. Pressure is obtained along specified chamber axes. Results are then compared to measured pressure values from the existing gun for validation. Outgassing rates, surface area, and pressure were found to be proportionally related. The simulations indicate that the upgrade gun vacuum chamber requires more pumping compared to its predecessor, while it holds similar vacuum conditions. The ability to simulate pressure profiles through tools like Molflow+, allows researchers to optimize vacuum systems during the engineering process.

Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) investigation of thermal uniformity in a thermal cycling based calibration chamber for MEMS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gui, Xulong; Luo, Xiaobing; Wang, Xiaoping; Liu, Sheng

2015-12-01

Micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) has become important for many industries such as automotive, home appliance, portable electronics, especially with the emergence of Internet of Things. Volume testing with temperature compensation has been essential in order to provide MEMS based sensors with repeatability, consistency, reliability, and durability, but low cost. Particularly, in the temperature calibration test, temperature uniformity of thermal cycling based calibration chamber becomes more important for obtaining precision sensors, as each sensor is different before the calibration. When sensor samples are loaded into the chamber, we usually open the door of the chamber, then place fixtures into chamber and mount the samples on the fixtures. These operations may affect temperature uniformity in the chamber. In order to study the influencing factors of sample-loading on the temperature uniformity in the chamber during calibration testing, numerical simulation work was conducted first. Temperature field and flow field were simulated in empty chamber, chamber with open door, chamber with samples, and chamber with fixtures, respectively. By simulation, it was found that opening chamber door, sample size and number of fixture layers all have effects on flow field and temperature field. By experimental validation, it was found that the measured temperature value was consistent with the simulated temperature value.

Bluetooth Communication Interface for EEG Signal Recording in Hyperbaric Chambers.

PubMed

Pastena, Lucio; Formaggio, Emanuela; Faralli, Fabio; Melucci, Massimo; Rossi, Marco; Gagliardi, Riccardo; Ricciardi, Lucio; Storti, Silvia F

2015-07-01

Recording biological signals inside a hyperbaric chamber poses technical challenges (the steel walls enclosing it greatly attenuate or completely block the signals as in a Faraday cage), practical (lengthy cables creating eddy currents), and safety (sparks hazard from power supply to the electronic apparatus inside the chamber) which can be overcome with new wireless technologies. In this technical report we present the design and implementation of a Bluetooth system for electroencephalographic (EEG) recording inside a hyperbaric chamber and describe the feasibility of EEG signal transmission outside the chamber. Differently from older systems, this technology allows the online recording of amplified signals, without interference from eddy currents. In an application of this technology, we measured EEG activity in professional divers under three experimental conditions in a hyperbaric chamber to determine how oxygen, assumed at a constant hyperbaric pressure of 2.8 ATA , affects the bioelectrical activity. The EEG spectral power estimated by fast Fourier transform and the cortical sources of the EEG rhythms estimated by low-resolution brain electromagnetic analysis were analyzed in three different EEG acquisitions: breathing air at sea level; breathing oxygen at a simulated depth of 18 msw, and breathing air at sea level after decompression.

Determination of absorbed dose to water from a miniature kilovoltage x-ray source using a parallel-plate ionization chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watson, Peter G. F.; Popovic, Marija; Seuntjens, Jan

2018-01-01

Electronic brachytherapy sources are widely accepted as alternatives to radionuclide-based systems. Yet, formal dosimetry standards for these devices to independently complement the dose protocol provided by the manufacturer are lacking. This article presents a formalism for calculating and independently verifying the absorbed dose to water from a kV x-ray source (The INTRABEAM System) measured in a water phantom with an ionization chamber calibrated in terms of air-kerma. This formalism uses a Monte Carlo (MC) calculated chamber conversion factor, CQ , to convert air-kerma in a reference beam to absorbed dose to water in the measurement beam. In this work CQ was determined for a PTW 34013 parallel-plate ionization chamber. Our results show that CQ was sensitive to the chamber plate separation tolerance, with differences of up to 15%. CQ was also found to have a depth dependence which varied with chamber plate separation (0 to 10% variation for the smallest and largest cavity height, over 3 to 30 mm depth). However for all chamber dimensions investigated, CQ was found to be significantly larger than the manufacturer reported value, suggesting that the manufacturer recommended method of dose calculation could be underestimating the dose to water.

Portable electron beam weld chamber

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lewis, J. R.; Dimino, J. M.

1972-01-01

Development and characteristics of portable vacuum chamber for skate type electron beam welding are discussed. Construction and operational details of equipment are presented. Illustrations of equipment are provided.

UHV LT-STM system with Sample and Tip Exchange

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dreyer, Michael; Lee, Jonghee; Wang, Hui; Sullivan, Dan; Barker, Barry

2006-03-01

We developed and built a low temperature scanning tunneling microscope system with ultra high vacuum sample and tip preparation capabilities. The STM is mounted inside an UHV can which is submerged in a He bath cryostat. The cryostat is equipped with two superconducting magnets allowing a maximum in plane field of 2 T and a maximum out of plane field of 9 T. The two fields can be combined to a 1 T vector field. The vacuum can is connected to an UHV system at room temperature consisting of two chambers: One dedicated to transferring samples and tips to the STM, and the other chamber used for tip/sample preparation. It is equipped with two electron beam evaporators, an argon ion sputter gun as well as sample heaters. The whole system is supported by an optical table to decouple the STM from building vibrations. The system was successfully used to study standing electron waves on gold (111) as well as vortices on NbSe2. Details of the microscope, sample and tip handling system, as well as the UHV system will be presented.

Intensity of primary electrons above 10 GeV

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Freier, P.; Gilman, C.; Waddington, C. J.

1975-01-01

A nuclear emulsion-spark chamber-counter electron telescope has been flown on a balloon at 3.5 g/sq cm residual pressure over Palestine, Texas, where the vertical cutoff is 4.5 GeV. The spark chamber pictures permitted the elimination of about 50% of the events whose counter signatures alone would qualify them as electrons. Of those events identified as 'electron-like' by counters and spark chambers, only 43% turn out to be electrons when found in the emulsion. The resulting intensities are among the lowest currently reported and are in good agreement with earlier results. The differential intensity in the region 8-40 GeV is measured.

Evaluation of large format electron bombarded virtual phase CCDs as ultraviolet imaging detectors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Opal, Chet B.; Carruthers, George R.

1989-01-01

In conjunction with an external UV-sensitive cathode, an electron-bombarded CCD may be used as a high quantum efficiency/wide dynamic range photon-counting UV detector. Results are presented for the case of a 1024 x 1024, 18-micron square pixel virtual phase CCD used with an electromagnetically focused f/2 Schmidt camera, which yields excellent simgle-photoevent discrimination and counting efficiency. Attention is given to the vacuum-chamber arrangement used to conduct system tests and the CCD electronics and data-acquisition systems employed.

Simultaneous specimen and stage cleaning device for analytical electron microscope

DOEpatents

Zaluzec, Nestor J.

1996-01-01

An improved method and apparatus are provided for cleaning both a specimen stage, a specimen and an interior of an analytical electron microscope (AEM). The apparatus for cleaning a specimen stage and specimen comprising a plasma chamber for containing a gas plasma and an air lock coupled to the plasma chamber for permitting passage of the specimen stage and specimen into the plasma chamber and maintaining an airtight chamber. The specimen stage and specimen are subjected to a reactive plasma gas that is either DC or RF excited. The apparatus can be mounted on the analytical electron microscope (AEM) for cleaning the interior of the microscope.

Diagnostics of microwave assisted electron cyclotron resonance plasma source for surface modification of nylon 6

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

More, Supriya E.; Das, Partha Sarathi; Bansode, Avinash; Dhamale, Gayatri; Ghorui, S.; Bhoraskar, S. V.; Sahasrabudhe, S. N.; Mathe, Vikas L.

2018-01-01

Looking at the increasing scope of plasma processing of materials surface, here we present the development and diagnostics of a microwave assisted Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR) plasma system suitable for surface modification of polymers. Prior to the surface-treatment, a detailed diagnostic mapping of the plasma parameters throughout the reactor chamber was carried out by using single and double Langmuir probe measurements in Ar plasma. Conventional analysis of I-V curves as well as the elucidation form of the Electron Energy Distribution Function (EEDF) has become the source of calibration of plasma parameters in the reaction chamber. The high energy tail in the EEDF of electron temperature is seen to extend beyond 60 eV, at much larger distances from the ECR zone. This proves the suitability of the rector for plasma processing, since the electron energy is much beyond the threshold energy of bond breaking in most of the polymers. Nylon 6 is used as a representative candidate for surface processing in the presence of Ar, H2 + N2, and O2 plasma, treated at different locations inside the plasma chamber. In a typical case, the work of adhesion is seen to almost get doubled when treated with oxygen plasma. Morphology of the plasma treated surface and its hydrophilicity are discussed in view of the variation in electron density and electron temperature at these locations. Nano-protrusions arising from plasma treatment are set to be responsible for the hydrophobicity. Chemical sputtering and physical sputtering are seen to influence the surface morphology on account of sufficient electron energies and increased plasma potential.

DEVELOPMENT OF TITANIUM NITRIDE COATING FOR SNS RING VACUUM CHAMBERS.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

HE,P.; HSEUH,H.C.; MAPES,M.

2001-06-18

The inner surface of the ring vacuum chambers of the US Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) will be coated with {approximately}100 nm of Titanium Nitride (TiN). This is to minimize the secondary electron yield (SEY) from the chamber wall, and thus avoid the so-called e-p instability caused by electron multipacting as observed in a few high-intensity proton storage rings. Both DC sputtering and DC-magnetron sputtering were conducted in a test chamber of relevant geometry to SNS ring vacuum chambers. Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES) and Rutherford Back Scattering (RBS) were used to analyze the coatings for thickness, stoichiometry and impurity. Excellent resultsmore » were obtained with magnetron sputtering. The development of the parameters for the coating process and the surface analysis results are presented.« less

Improvement of the thermo-mechanical position stability of the beam position monitor in the PLS-II

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ha, Taekyun; Hong, Mansu; Kwon, Hyuckchae; Han, Hongsik; Park, Chongdo

2016-09-01

In the storage ring of the Pohang Light Source-II (PLS-II), we reduced the mechanical displacement of the electron-beam position monitors (e-BPMs) that is caused by heating during e-beam storage. The BPM pickup itself must be kept stable to sub-micrometer precision in order for a stable photon beam to be provided to beamlines because the orbit feedback system is programmed to make the electron beam pass through the center of the BPM. Thermal deformation of the vacuum chambers on which the BPM pickups are mounted is inevitable when the electron beam current is changed by an unintended beam abort. We reduced this deformation by improving the vacuum chamber support and by enhancing the water cooling. We report a thermo-mechanical analysis and displacement measurements for the BPM pickups after improvements.

Computational Study of Primary Electrons in the Cusp Region of an Ion Engine's Discharge Chamber

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stueber, Thomas J. (Technical Monitor); Deshpande, Shirin S.; Mahalingam, Sudhakar; Menart, James A.

2004-01-01

In this work a computer code called PRIMA is used to study the motion of primary electrons in the magnetic cusp region of the discharge chamber of an ion engine. Even though the amount of wall area covered by the cusps is very small, the cusp regions are important because prior computational analyses have indicated that most primary electrons leave the discharge chamber through the cusps. The analysis presented here focuses on the cusp region only. The affects of the shape and size of the cusp region on primary electron travel are studied as well as the angle and location at which the electron enters the cusp region. These affects are quantified using the confinement length and the number density distributions of the primary electrons. In addition to these results comparisons of the results from PRIMA are made to experimental results for a cylindrical discharge chamber with two magnetic rings. These comparisons indicate the validity of the computer code called PRIMA.

PlasmaLab/Eco-Plasma - The future of complex plasma research in space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knapek, Christina; Thomas, Hubertus; Huber, Peter; Mohr, Daniel; Hagl, Tanja; Konopka, Uwe; Lipaev, Andrey; Morfill, Gregor; Molotkov, Vladimir

The next Russian-German cooperation for the investigation of complex plasmas under microgravity conditions on the International Space Station (ISS) is the PlasmaLab/Eco-Plasma project. Here, a new plasma chamber -- the ``Zyflex'' chamber -- is being developed. The chamber is a cylindrical plasma chamber with parallel electrodes and a flexible system geometry. It is designed to extend the accessible plasma parameter range, i.e. neutral gas pressure, plasma density and electron temperature, and also to allow an independent control of the plasma parameters, therefore increasing the experimental quality and expected knowledge gain significantly. With this system it will be possible to reach low neutral gas pressures (which means weak damping of the particle motion) and to generate large, homogeneous 3D particle systems for studies of fundamental phenomena such as phase transitions, dynamics of liquids or phase separation. The Zyflex chamber has already been operated in several parabolic flight campaigns with different configurations during the last years, yielding a promising outlook for its future development. Here, we will present the current status of the project, the technological advancements the Zyflex chamber will offer compared to its predecessors, and the latest scientific results from experiments on ground and in microgravity conditions during parabolic flights. This work and some of the authors are funded by DLR/BMWi (FKZ 50 WP 0700).

Intensity- and energy-modulated electron radiotherapy by means of an xMLC for head and neck shallow tumors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salguero, Francisco Javier; Arráns, Rafael; Atriana Palma, Bianey; Leal, Antonio

2010-03-01

The purpose of this paper is to assess the feasibility of delivering intensity- and energy-modulated electron radiation treatment (MERT) by a photon multileaf collimator (xMLC) and to evaluate the improvements obtained in shallow head and neck (HN) tumors. Four HN patient cases covering different clinical situations were planned by MERT, which used an in-house treatment planning system that utilized Monte Carlo dose calculation. The cases included one oronasal, two parotid and one middle ear tumors. The resulting dose-volume histograms were compared with those obtained from conventional photon and electron treatment techniques in our clinic, which included IMRT, electron beam and mixed beams, most of them using fixed-thickness bolus. Experimental verification was performed with plane-parallel ionization chambers for absolute dose verification, and a PTW ionization chamber array and radiochromic film for relative dosimetry. A MC-based treatment planning system for target with compromised volumes in depth and laterally has been validated. A quality assurance protocol for individual MERT plans was launched. Relative MC dose distributions showed a high agreement with film measurements and absolute ion chamber dose measurements performed at a reference point agreed with MC calculations within 2% in all cases. Clinically acceptable PTV coverage and organ-at-risk sparing were achieved by using the proposed MERT approach. MERT treatment plans, based on delivery of intensity-modulated electron beam using the xMLC, for superficial head and neck tumors, demonstrated comparable or improved PTV dose homogeneity with significantly lower dose to normal tissues. The clinical implementation of this technique will be able to offer a viable alternative for the treatment of shallow head and neck tumors.

Nonevaporable getter coating chambers for extreme high vacuum

DOE PAGES

Stutzman, Marcy L.; Adderley, Philip A.; Mamun, Md Abdullah Al; ...

2018-03-01

Techniques for NEG coating a large diameter chamber are presented along with vacuum measurements in the chamber using several pumping configurations, with base pressure as low as 1.56x10^-12 Torr (N2 equivalent) with only a NEG coating and small ion pump. We then describe modifications to the NEG coating process to coat complex geometry chambers for ultra-cold atom trap experiments. Surface analysis of NEG coated samples are used to measure composition and morphology of the thin films. Finally, pressure measurements are compared for two NEG coated polarized electron source chambers: the 130 kV polarized electron source at Jefferson Lab and themore » upgraded 350 kV polarized 2 electron source, both of which are approaching or within the extreme high vacuum (XHV) range, defined as P<7.5x10^-13 Torr.« less

Nonevaporable getter coating chambers for extreme high vacuum

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stutzman, Marcy L.; Adderley, Philip A.; Mamun, Md Abdullah Al

Techniques for NEG coating a large diameter chamber are presented along with vacuum measurements in the chamber using several pumping configurations, with base pressure as low as 1.56x10^-12 Torr (N2 equivalent) with only a NEG coating and small ion pump. We then describe modifications to the NEG coating process to coat complex geometry chambers for ultra-cold atom trap experiments. Surface analysis of NEG coated samples are used to measure composition and morphology of the thin films. Finally, pressure measurements are compared for two NEG coated polarized electron source chambers: the 130 kV polarized electron source at Jefferson Lab and themore » upgraded 350 kV polarized 2 electron source, both of which are approaching or within the extreme high vacuum (XHV) range, defined as P<7.5x10^-13 Torr.« less

Role of electron temperature on charging of dust grains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kausik, S. S.; Chakraborty, M.; Saikia, B. K.

2007-02-01

Dust grains are produced by evaporation of silver in an experimental setup consisting of a dust chamber, a plasma chamber, and a deflection chamber. Due to differential pressure between the dust and plasma chambers, the dust grains move upward and after passing through plasma they become negatively charged. These charged dust grains are then deflected by a dc field applied across a pair of deflector plates in the deflection chamber. Both from the amount of deflection and also from the floating potential, the number of charges collected on the dust grains is calculated. As the gas pressure is changed, the plasma density and the electron temperature changes. Dust charge is then calculated at each value of pressure from the deflection and floating potential. It is found that the electron temperature has a profound effect in the accumulation of charge on dust grains.

Design of a New Superconducting Magnet System for High Strength Minimum-B Fields for ECRIS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xie, D. Z.; Benitez, J. Y.; Hodgkinson, A.

A novel Mixed Axial and Radial field System (MARS) seeks to enhance the B fields inside the plasma chamber within the limits of a given conductor, thereby making it possible to raise the operating fields for Electron Cyclotron Resonance Ion Sources (ECRISs). The MARS concept consists of a hexagonally shaped closed-loop coil and a set of auxiliary solenoids. The application of MARS will be combined with a hexagonal plasma chamber to maximize the use of the radial fields at the chamber inner surfaces. Calculations using Opera's TOSCA-3D solver have shown that MARS can potentially generate up to 50% higher fieldsmore » and use of only about one half of the same superconducting wire, as compared with existing magnet designs in ECRISs. A MARS magnet system built with Nb 3 Sn coils could generate a high strength minimum-B field of maxima of ≥ 10 T on axis and ~6 T radially in an ECRIS plasma chamber. Following successful development, the MARS magnet system will be the best magnet scheme for the next generation of ECRISs. This paper will present the MARS concept, magnet design, prototyping a copper closed-loop coil, and discussions.« less

Design of a New Superconducting Magnet System for High Strength Minimum-B Fields for ECRIS

DOE PAGES

Xie, D. Z.; Benitez, J. Y.; Hodgkinson, A.; ...

2016-06-01

A novel Mixed Axial and Radial field System (MARS) seeks to enhance the B fields inside the plasma chamber within the limits of a given conductor, thereby making it possible to raise the operating fields for Electron Cyclotron Resonance Ion Sources (ECRISs). The MARS concept consists of a hexagonally shaped closed-loop coil and a set of auxiliary solenoids. The application of MARS will be combined with a hexagonal plasma chamber to maximize the use of the radial fields at the chamber inner surfaces. Calculations using Opera's TOSCA-3D solver have shown that MARS can potentially generate up to 50% higher fieldsmore » and use of only about one half of the same superconducting wire, as compared with existing magnet designs in ECRISs. A MARS magnet system built with Nb 3 Sn coils could generate a high strength minimum-B field of maxima of ≥ 10 T on axis and ~6 T radially in an ECRIS plasma chamber. Following successful development, the MARS magnet system will be the best magnet scheme for the next generation of ECRISs. This paper will present the MARS concept, magnet design, prototyping a copper closed-loop coil, and discussions.« less

Design and performance of the readout electronics chain of the Delphi Forward Ring Imaging Cherenkov Detector

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dam, P.; Nielsen, B.S.; Formenti, F.

1992-10-01

In this paper the Front End Readout electronics chain of the Forward Ring Imaging CHerenkov (FRICH) Detector used at the Delphi experiment of the Large Electron Positron (LEP) collider is presented. The system incorporates a wide band low noise preamplifier, mounted in the proximity of the MultiWire Proportional Chamber, an Amplifying-Discriminating-Multiple-xing FASTBUS unit for further signal amplification, discrimination and channel reduction and a LEP Time Digitizer FASTBUS unit for time digitization. The paper gives a general view of the detector and its electronics with particular emphasis on the novel characteristics and capabilities of the system.

Ion electric propulsion unit

DOEpatents

Light, Max E; Colestock, Patrick L

2014-01-28

An electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) thruster is disclosed having a plasma chamber which is electrically biased with a positive voltage. The chamber bias serves to efficiently accelerate and expel the positive ions from the chamber. Electrons follow the exiting ions, serving to provide an electrically neutral exhaust plume. In a further embodiment, a downstream shaping magnetic field serves to further accelerate and/or shape the exhaust plume.

Comparison of the IAEA TRS-398 and AAPM TG-51 absorbed dose to water protocols in the dosimetry of high-energy photon and electron beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saiful Huq, M.; Andreo, Pedro; Song, Haijun

2001-11-01

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA TRS-398) and the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM TG-51) have published new protocols for the calibration of radiotherapy beams. These protocols are based on the use of an ionization chamber calibrated in terms of absorbed dose to water in a standards laboratory's reference quality beam. This paper compares the recommendations of the two protocols in two ways: (i) by analysing in detail the differences in the basic data included in the two protocols for photon and electron beam dosimetry and (ii) by performing measurements in clinical photon and electron beams and determining the absorbed dose to water following the recommendations of the two protocols. Measurements were made with two Farmer-type ionization chambers and three plane-parallel ionization chamber types in 6, 18 and 25 MV photon beams and 6, 8, 10, 12, 15 and 18 MeV electron beams. The Farmer-type chambers used were NE 2571 and PTW 30001, and the plane-parallel chambers were a Scanditronix-Wellhöfer NACP and Roos, and a PTW Markus chamber. For photon beams, the measured ratios TG-51/TRS-398 of absorbed dose to water Dw ranged between 0.997 and 1.001, with a mean value of 0.999. The ratios for the beam quality correction factors kQ were found to agree to within about +/-0.2% despite significant differences in the method of beam quality specification for photon beams and in the basic data entering into kQ. For electron beams, dose measurements were made using direct ND,w calibrations of cylindrical and plane-parallel chambers in a 60Co gamma-ray beam, as well as cross-calibrations of plane-parallel chambers in a high-energy electron beam. For the direct ND,w calibrations the ratios TG-51/TRS-398 of absorbed dose to water Dw were found to lie between 0.994 and 1.018 depending upon the chamber and electron beam energy used, with mean values of 0.996, 1.006, and 1.017, respectively, for the cylindrical, well-guarded and not well-guarded plane-parallel chambers. The Dw ratios measured for the cross-calibration procedures varied between 0.993 and 0.997. The largest discrepancies for electron beams between the two protocols arise from the use of different data for the perturbation correction factors pwall and pdis of cylindrical and plane-parallel chambers, all in 60Co. A detailed analysis of the reasons for the discrepancies is made which includes comparing the formalisms, correction factors and the quantities in the two protocols.

Sci-Fri PM: Planning-10: The replacement correction factors for cylindrical chambers in megavoltage beams.

PubMed

Wang, L; Rogers, Dwo

2008-07-01

The replacement correction factor (P repl ) in ion chamber dosimetry accounts for the effects of the medium being replaced by the air cavity of the chamber. In TG-21, P repl was conceptually separated into two components: fluence correction, P fl , and gradient correction, P gr . In TG-51, for electron beams, the calibration is at d ref where P gr is required for cylindrical chambers and P fl is unknown and assumed to be the same as that for a beam having the same mean electron energy at d max . For cylindrical chambers in high-energy photon beams, P repl also represents a major uncertainty in current dosimetry protocols. In this study, P repl is calculated with high precision (<0.1%) by the Monte Carlo method as the ratio of the dose in a phantom to the dose scored in water-walled cylindrical cavities of various radii (with the center of the cavity being the point of measurement) in both high energy photon and electron beams. It is found that, for electron beams, the mean electron energy at depth is a good beam quality specifier for P fl ; and TG-51's adoption of P fl at d max with the same mean electron energy for use at d ref is proven to be accurate. For Farmer chambers in photon beams, there is essentially no beam quality dependence for P repl values. In a Co photon beam, the calculated P repl is about 0.4-0.6% higher than the TG-21 value, indicating TG-21 (and TG-51) used incorrect values of P repl for cylindrical chambers. © 2008 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Testing Ionizers for Nitrogen Discharge of Interferometer Optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amen, Timothy; Ugolini, Dennis

2010-10-01

Interferometric gravitational-wave observatories consist of suspended optics in a vacuum chamber. Charge can build up on and then discontinuously jump across an optic, creating a changing electric field, causing the optic to sway, creating a false signal. We studied possible ways to discharge an optic without damaging their reflective coatings. We tried two types of electron guns. The first was built at the University of Washington and uses an ultraviolet LED to free electrons from a magnesium target. We found the current to be three orders of magnitude less than necessary for discharge in a reasonable time. The second gun used was a Bayard-Alpert gauge. To eliminate sputtering caused by the gauge above 10-4 torr, we employed a differential pumping system. We were able to flow nitrogen gas through the main chamber at pressures between 10-2 and 10-3 torr while the gauge chamber was kept two orders of magnitude lower. We successfully discharged the optic. The discharge rate varied exponentially with charge level and operating current and nearly linearly with acceleration voltage, and peaked when the pressure was 8 x 10-3 torr in the main chamber.

Filmless Radiographic System for Field Use.

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-02-12

electronic circuits. The receptor assembly contains the x-ray grid , cassette holder or EPID panel and the sensor panel for the automatic exposure control... Grid lines were still resolved. The appearance of fine details was altered but most of the diagnostic value was retained. The choice of the screens must...A 6:1, 60 lines per inch grid is mounted to the frame on the x-ray entrance side. II.F.4. Ion Chamber The ion chamber is used by the automatic

The Use of an Electron Microchannel as a Self-Extracting and Focusing Plasma Cathode Electron Gun

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cornish, S.; Khachan, J.

2016-02-01

A new and simple type of electron gun is presented. Unlike conventional electron guns, which require a heated filament or extractor, accelerator and focusing electrodes, this gun uses the collimated electron microchannels of an inertial electrostatic confinement (IEC) discharge to achieve the same outcome. A cylindrical cathode is placed coaxially within a cylindrical anode to create the discharge. Collimated beams of electrons and fast neutrals emerge along the axis of the cylindrical cathode. This geometry isolates one of the microchannels that emerge in a negatively biased IEC grid. The internal operating pressure range of the gun is 35-190 mTorr. A small aperture separates the gun from the main vacuum chamber in order to achieve a pressure differential. The chamber was operated at pressures of 4-12 mTorr. The measured current produced by the gun was 0.1-3 mA (0.2-14 mA corrected measurement) for discharge currents of 1-45 mA and discharge voltages of 0.5-12 kV. The collimated electron beam emerges from the aperture into the vacuum chamber. The performance of the gun is unaffected by the pressure differential between the vacuum chamber and the gun. This allows the aperture to be removed and the chamber pressure to be equal to the gun pressure if required.

Experimental determination of the effective point of measurement of cylindrical ionization chambers for high-energy photon and electron beams.

PubMed

Huang, Yanxiao; Willomitzer, Christian; Zakaria, Golam Abu; Hartmann, Guenther H

2010-01-01

Measurements of depth-dose curves in water phantom using a cylindrical ionization chamber require that its effective point of measurement is located at the measuring depth. Recommendations for the position of the effective point of measurement with respect to the central axis valid for high-energy electron and photon beams are given in dosimetry protocols. According to these protocols, the use of a constant shift P(eff) is currently recommended. However, this is still based on a very limited set of experimental results. It is therefore expected that an improved knowledge of the exact position of the effective point of measurement will further improve the accuracy of dosimetry. Recent publications have revealed that the position of the effective point of measurement is indeed varying with beam energy, field size and also with chamber geometry. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the shift of P(eff) can be taken to be constant and independent from the beam energy. An experimental determination of the effective point of measurement is presented based on a comparison between cylindrical chambers and a plane-parallel chamber using conventional dosimetry equipment. For electron beams, the determination is based on the comparison of halfvalue depth R(50) between the cylindrical chamber of interest and a well guarded plane-parallel Roos chamber. For photon beams, the depth of dose maximum, d(max), the depth of 80% dose, d(80), and the dose parameter PDD(10) were used. It was again found that the effective point of measurement for both, electron and photon beams Dosimetry, depends on the beam energy. The deviation from a constant value remains very small for photons, whereas significant deviations were found for electrons. It is therefore concluded that use of a single upstream shift value from the centre of the cylindrical chamber as recommended in current dosimetry protocols is adequate for photons, however inadequate for accurate electron beam dosimetry.

Beam quality corrections for parallel-plate ion chambers in electron reference dosimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zink, K.; Wulff, J.

2012-04-01

Current dosimetry protocols (AAPM, IAEA, IPEM, DIN) recommend parallel-plate ionization chambers for dose measurements in clinical electron beams. This study presents detailed Monte Carlo simulations of beam quality correction factors for four different types of parallel-plate chambers: NACP-02, Markus, Advanced Markus and Roos. These chambers differ in constructive details which should have notable impact on the resulting perturbation corrections, hence on the beam quality corrections. The results reveal deviations to the recommended beam quality corrections given in the IAEA TRS-398 protocol in the range of 0%-2% depending on energy and chamber type. For well-guarded chambers, these deviations could be traced back to a non-unity and energy-dependent wall perturbation correction. In the case of the guardless Markus chamber, a nearly energy-independent beam quality correction is resulting as the effects of wall and cavity perturbation compensate each other. For this chamber, the deviations to the recommended values are the largest and may exceed 2%. From calculations of type-B uncertainties including effects due to uncertainties of the underlying cross-sectional data as well as uncertainties due to the chamber material composition and chamber geometry, the overall uncertainty of calculated beam quality correction factors was estimated to be <0.7%. Due to different chamber positioning recommendations given in the national and international dosimetry protocols, an additional uncertainty in the range of 0.2%-0.6% is present. According to the IAEA TRS-398 protocol, the uncertainty in clinical electron dosimetry using parallel-plate ion chambers is 1.7%. This study may help to reduce this uncertainty significantly.

Niobium thin film coating on a 500-MHz copper cavity by plasma deposition

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Haipeng Wang; Genfa Wu; H. Phillips

2005-05-16

A system using an Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR) plasma source for the deposition of a thin niobium film inside a copper cavity for superconducting accelerator applications has been designed and is being constructed. The system uses a 500-MHz copper cavity as both substrate and vacuum chamber. The ECR plasma will be created to produce direct niobium ion deposition. The central cylindrical grid is DC biased to control the deposition energy. This paper describes the design of several subcomponents including the vacuum chamber, RF supply, biasing grid and magnet coils. Operational parameters are compared between an operating sample deposition system andmore » this system. Engineering work progress toward the first plasma creation will be reported here.« less

Multichannel micromanipulator and chamber system for recording multineuronal activity in alert, non-human primates.

PubMed

Gray, Charles M; Goodell, Baldwin; Lear, Alex

2007-07-01

We describe the design and performance of an electromechanical system for conducting multineuron recording experiments in alert non-human primates. The system is based on a simple design, consisting of a microdrive, control electronics, software, and a unique type of recording chamber. The microdrive consists of an aluminum frame, a set of eight linear actuators driven by computer-controlled miniature stepping motors, and two printed circuit boards (PCBs) that provide connectivity to the electrodes and the control electronics. The control circuitry is structured around an Atmel RISC-based microcontroller, which sends commands to as many as eight motor control cards, each capable of controlling eight motors. The microcontroller is programmed in C and uses serial communication to interface with a host computer. The graphical user interface for sending commands is written in C and runs on a conventional personal computer. The recording chamber is low in profile, mounts within a circular craniotomy, and incorporates a removable internal sleeve. A replaceable Sylastic membrane can be stretched across the bottom opening of the sleeve to provide a watertight seal between the cranial cavity and the external environment. This greatly reduces the susceptibility to infection, nearly eliminates the need for routine cleaning, and permits repeated introduction of electrodes into the brain at the same sites while maintaining the watertight seal. The system is reliable, easy to use, and has several advantages over other commercially available systems with similar capabilities.

Measurements of output factors with different detector types and Monte Carlo calculations of stopping-power ratios for degraded electron beams.

PubMed

Björk, Peter; Knöös, Tommy; Nilsson, Per

2004-10-07

The aim of the present study was to investigate three different detector types (a parallel-plate ionization chamber, a p-type silicon diode and a diamond detector) with regard to output factor measurements in degraded electron beams, such as those encountered in small-electron-field radiotherapy and intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT). The Monte Carlo method was used to calculate mass collision stopping-power ratios between water and the different detector materials for these complex electron beams (nominal energies of 6, 12 and 20 MeV). The diamond detector was shown to exhibit excellent properties for output factor measurements in degraded beams and was therefore used as a reference. The diode detector was found to be well suited for practical measurements of output factors, although the water-to-silicon stopping-power ratio was shown to vary slightly with treatment set-up and irradiation depth (especially for lower electron energies). Application of ionization-chamber-based dosimetry, according to international dosimetry protocols, will introduce uncertainties smaller than 0.3% into the output factor determination for conventional IORT beams if the variation of the water-to-air stopping-power ratio is not taken into account. The IORT system at our department includes a 0.3 cm thin plastic scatterer inside the therapeutic beam, which furthermore increases the energy degradation of the electrons. By ignoring the change in the water-to-air stopping-power ratio due to this scatterer, the output factor could be underestimated by up to 1.3%. This was verified by the measurements. In small-electron-beam dosimetry, the water-to-air stopping-power ratio variation with field size could mostly be ignored. For fields with flat lateral dose profiles (>3 x 3 cm2), output factors determined with the ionization chamber were found to be in close agreement with the results of the diamond detector. For smaller field sizes the lateral extension of the ionization chamber hampers its use. We therefore recommend that the readily available silicon diode detector should be used for output factor measurements in complex electron fields.

A dosimetry study comparing NCS report-5, IAEA TRS-381, AAPM TG-51 and IAEA TRS-398 in three clinical electron beam energies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palmans, Hugo; Nafaa, Laila; de Patoul, Nathalie; Denis, Jean-Marc; Tomsej, Milan; Vynckier, Stefaan

2003-05-01

New codes of practice for reference dosimetry in clinical high-energy photon and electron beams have been published recently, to replace the air kerma based codes of practice that have determined the dosimetry of these beams for the past twenty years. In the present work, we compared dosimetry based on the two most widespread absorbed dose based recommendations (AAPM TG-51 and IAEA TRS-398) with two air kerma based recommendations (NCS report-5 and IAEA TRS-381). Measurements were performed in three clinical electron beam energies using two NE2571-type cylindrical chambers, two Markus-type plane-parallel chambers and two NACP-02-type plane-parallel chambers. Dosimetry based on direct calibrations of all chambers in 60Co was investigated, as well as dosimetry based on cross-calibrations of plane-parallel chambers against a cylindrical chamber in a high-energy electron beam. Furthermore, 60Co perturbation factors for plane-parallel chambers were derived. It is shown that the use of 60Co calibration factors could result in deviations of more than 2% for plane-parallel chambers between the old and new codes of practice, whereas the use of cross-calibration factors, which is the first recommendation in the new codes, reduces the differences to less than 0.8% for all situations investigated here. The results thus show that neither the chamber-to-chamber variations, nor the obtained absolute dose values are significantly altered by changing from air kerma based dosimetry to absorbed dose based dosimetry when using calibration factors obtained from the Laboratory for Standard Dosimetry, Ghent, Belgium. The values of the 60Co perturbation factor for plane-parallel chambers (katt . km for the air kerma based and pwall for the absorbed dose based codes of practice) that are obtained from comparing the results based on 60Co calibrations and cross-calibrations are within the experimental uncertainties in agreement with the results from other investigators.

Method for generating a plasma wave to accelerate electrons

DOEpatents

Umstadter, D.; Esarey, E.; Kim, J.K.

1997-06-10

The invention provides a method and apparatus for generating large amplitude nonlinear plasma waves, driven by an optimized train of independently adjustable, intense laser pulses. In the method, optimal pulse widths, interpulse spacing, and intensity profiles of each pulse are determined for each pulse in a series of pulses. A resonant region of the plasma wave phase space is found where the plasma wave is driven most efficiently by the laser pulses. The accelerator system of the invention comprises several parts: the laser system, with its pulse-shaping subsystem; the electron gun system, also called beam source, which preferably comprises photo cathode electron source and RF-LINAC accelerator; electron photo-cathode triggering system; the electron diagnostics; and the feedback system between the electron diagnostics and the laser system. The system also includes plasma source including vacuum chamber, magnetic lens, and magnetic field means. The laser system produces a train of pulses that has been optimized to maximize the axial electric field amplitude of the plasma wave, and thus the electron acceleration, using the method of the invention. 21 figs.

Method for generating a plasma wave to accelerate electrons

DOEpatents

Umstadter, Donald; Esarey, Eric; Kim, Joon K.

1997-01-01

The invention provides a method and apparatus for generating large amplitude nonlinear plasma waves, driven by an optimized train of independently adjustable, intense laser pulses. In the method, optimal pulse widths, interpulse spacing, and intensity profiles of each pulse are determined for each pulse in a series of pulses. A resonant region of the plasma wave phase space is found where the plasma wave is driven most efficiently by the laser pulses. The accelerator system of the invention comprises several parts: the laser system, with its pulse-shaping subsystem; the electron gun system, also called beam source, which preferably comprises photo cathode electron source and RF-LINAC accelerator; electron photo-cathode triggering system; the electron diagnostics; and the feedback system between the electron diagnostics and the laser system. The system also includes plasma source including vacuum chamber, magnetic lens, and magnetic field means. The laser system produces a train of pulses that has been optimized to maximize the axial electric field amplitude of the plasma wave, and thus the electron acceleration, using the method of the invention.

Design and development of the 6-18 MeV electron beam system for medical and other applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shahzad, A.; Phatangare, A. B.; Bharud, V. D.; Bhadane, M. S.; Tahakik, C. D.; Patil, B. J.; Dahiwale, S. S.; Chavan, S. T.; Pethe, S. N.; Dhole, S. D.; Bhoraskar, V. N.

2017-12-01

A system for the electron and photon therapy has been designed and developed at SAMEER, IITB, Mumbai. All the components of the system such as the 270° beam bending electromagnet, trim coils, magnet chamber, electron scattering foil, slits, applicators, etc., were designed and fabricated indigenously. The electrons of 6, 8, 9, 12, 15 and 18 MeV energies were provided by a linear accelerator, indigenously designed and made at SAMEER, IITB campus, Mumbai. The electron beam from the LINAC enters the magnet chamber horizontally, and after deflection and focusing in the 270° bending magnet, comes out of the exit port, and travels a straight path vertically down. After passing through the beryllium and tantalum scattering foils, the electron beam gets scattered and turns into a solid cone shape such that the diameter increases with the travel distance. The simulation results indicate that at the exit port of the 270° beam bending magnet, the electron beam has a divergence angle of ≤ 3 mrad and diameter ∼2-3 mm, and remains constant over 6-18 MeV. Normally, 6-18 MeV electrons are used for the electron therapy of skin and malignant cancer near the skin surface. On a plane at a distance of 100 cm from the scattering foils, the size of the electron beam could be varied from 10 cm × 10 cm to 25 cm × 25 cm using suitable applicators and slits. Different types of applicators were therefore designed and fabricated to provide required beam profile and dose of electrons to a patient. The 6 MeV cyclic electron accelerator called Race-Track Microtron of S. P. Pune University, Pune, was extensively used for studying the performances of the scattering foils, electron beam uniformity and radiation dose measurement. Different types of thermoluminescent dosimetry dosimeters were developed to measure dose in the range of 1-10kGy.

Information or resolution: Which is required from an SEM to study bulk inorganic materials?: Evaluate SEMs’ practical performance

DOE PAGES

Xing, Q.

2016-07-11

Significant technological advances in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have been achieved over the past years. Different SEMs can have significant differences in functionality and performance. This work presents the perspectives on selecting an SEM for research on bulk inorganic materials. Understanding materials demands quantitative composition and orientation information, and informative and interpretable images that reveal subtle differences in chemistry, orientation/structure, topography, and electronic structure. The capability to yield informative and interpretable images with high signal-to-noise ratios and spatial resolutions is an overall result of the SEM system as a whole, from the electron optical column to the detection system. Themore » electron optical column determines probe performance. The roles of the detection system are to capture, filter or discriminate, and convert signal electrons to imaging information. The capability to control practical operating parameters including electron probe size and current, acceleration voltage or landing voltage, working distance, detector selection, and signal filtration is inherently determined by the SEM itself. As a platform for various accessories, e.g. an energydispersive spectrometer and an electron backscatter diffraction detector, the properties of the electron optical column, specimen chamber, and stage greatly affect the performance of accessories. Ease-of-use and ease-of-maintenance are of practical importance. It is practically important to select appropriate test specimens, design suitable imaging conditions, and analyze the specimen chamber geometry and dimensions to assess the overall functionality and performance of an SEM. Finally, for an SEM that is controlled/operated with a computer, the stable software and user-friendly interface significantly affect the usability of the SEM.« less

Information or resolution: Which is required from an SEM to study bulk inorganic materials?

PubMed

Xing, Q

2016-11-01

Significant technological advances in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have been achieved over the past years. Different SEMs can have significant differences in functionality and performance. This work presents the perspectives on selecting an SEM for research on bulk inorganic materials. Understanding materials demands quantitative composition and orientation information, and informative and interpretable images that reveal subtle differences in chemistry, orientation/structure, topography, and electronic structure. The capability to yield informative and interpretable images with high signal-to-noise ratios and spatial resolutions is an overall result of the SEM system as a whole, from the electron optical column to the detection system. The electron optical column determines probe performance. The roles of the detection system are to capture, filter or discriminate, and convert signal electrons to imaging information. The capability to control practical operating parameters including electron probe size and current, acceleration voltage or landing voltage, working distance, detector selection, and signal filtration is inherently determined by the SEM itself. As a platform for various accessories, e.g. an energy-dispersive spectrometer and an electron backscatter diffraction detector, the properties of the electron optical column, specimen chamber, and stage greatly affect the performance of accessories. Ease-of-use and ease-of-maintenance are of practical importance. It is practically important to select appropriate test specimens, design suitable imaging conditions, and analyze the specimen chamber geometry and dimensions to assess the overall functionality and performance of an SEM. For an SEM that is controlled/operated with a computer, the stable software and user-friendly interface significantly improve the usability of the SEM. SCANNING 38:864-879, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Information or resolution: Which is required from an SEM to study bulk inorganic materials?: Evaluate SEMs’ practical performance

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xing, Q.

Significant technological advances in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have been achieved over the past years. Different SEMs can have significant differences in functionality and performance. This work presents the perspectives on selecting an SEM for research on bulk inorganic materials. Understanding materials demands quantitative composition and orientation information, and informative and interpretable images that reveal subtle differences in chemistry, orientation/structure, topography, and electronic structure. The capability to yield informative and interpretable images with high signal-to-noise ratios and spatial resolutions is an overall result of the SEM system as a whole, from the electron optical column to the detection system. Themore » electron optical column determines probe performance. The roles of the detection system are to capture, filter or discriminate, and convert signal electrons to imaging information. The capability to control practical operating parameters including electron probe size and current, acceleration voltage or landing voltage, working distance, detector selection, and signal filtration is inherently determined by the SEM itself. As a platform for various accessories, e.g. an energydispersive spectrometer and an electron backscatter diffraction detector, the properties of the electron optical column, specimen chamber, and stage greatly affect the performance of accessories. Ease-of-use and ease-of-maintenance are of practical importance. It is practically important to select appropriate test specimens, design suitable imaging conditions, and analyze the specimen chamber geometry and dimensions to assess the overall functionality and performance of an SEM. Finally, for an SEM that is controlled/operated with a computer, the stable software and user-friendly interface significantly affect the usability of the SEM.« less

The effect of cavity tuning on oxygen beam currents of an A-ECR type 14 GHz electron cyclotron resonance ion source

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tarvainen, O., E-mail: olli.tarvainen@jyu.fi; Orpana, J.; Kronholm, R.

2016-09-15

The efficiency of the microwave-plasma coupling plays a significant role in the production of highly charged ion beams with electron cyclotron resonance ion sources (ECRISs). The coupling properties are affected by the mechanical design of the ion source plasma chamber and microwave launching system, as well as damping of the microwave electric field by the plasma. Several experiments attempting to optimize the microwave-plasma coupling characteristics by fine-tuning the frequency of the injected microwaves have been conducted with varying degrees of success. The inherent difficulty in interpretation of the frequency tuning results is that the effects of microwave coupling system andmore » the cavity behavior of the plasma chamber cannot be separated. A preferable approach to study the effect of the cavity properties of the plasma chamber on extracted beam currents is to adjust the cavity dimensions. The results of such cavity tuning experiments conducted with the JYFL 14 GHz ECRIS are reported here. The cavity properties were adjusted by inserting a conducting tuner rod axially into the plasma chamber. The extracted beam currents of oxygen charge states O{sup 3+}–O{sup 7+} were recorded at various tuner positions and frequencies in the range of 14.00–14.15 GHz. It was observed that the tuner position affects the beam currents of high charge state ions up to several tens of percent. In particular, it was found that at some tuner position / frequency combinations the plasma exhibited “mode-hopping” between two operating regimes. The results improve the understanding of the role of plasma chamber cavity properties on ECRIS performances.« less

Multiplex fluorescent immunoassay device based on magnetic nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Godjevargova, T. I.; Ivanov, Y. L.; Dinev, D. D.

2017-02-01

Immunofluorescent analyzer based compact disc for simultaneous detection of 3 antibiotics in the same milk sample is consisting of two parts: CD-based immunofluorescence kit and optoelectronic fluorometer. Kit consists of 2 parts: Lyophilized immobilized antibodies on supermagnetic nanoparticles in Eppendorf tubes and CD-based microfluidic disk, in which are formed five chamber systems for simultaneous detecting of 5 separate samples. Each system consists of 2 chambers connected by a special micro channel acting as a hydrophobic valve. In the first chamber lyophilised conjugates of 3 antibiotics with accordingly 3 different fluorescent dyes are placed. The second chamber is for detection of fluorescent signal. The optoelectronic fluorometer is comprising of: integrated thermostatic block; mechanical-detecting unit (fluorometer) and block with controlling and visualizing electronics.The disc gets into a second block of the analyzer, where centrifugation is performed and also reporting of the fluorescent signals. This unit comprises a rotor on which the disc is fixed, permanent electromagnet in the form of a ring inserted under the disc and module of 3 LED diodes with emission filters for the relevant wavelengths corresponding to the used fluorescent dyes and 1 integrated photodiode, in front of which is mounted filter with 3 spectral peaks.The signal from the photodiode is detected by the electronic unit which is sensitive "lock-in" amplifier, the engine rotor management, control of thermostatic device and management of periphery of the analyzer, consisting of display and communications with computer.

A Lab Assembled Microcontroller-Based Sensor Module for Continuous Oxygen Measurement in Portable Hypoxia Chambers

PubMed Central

Mathupala, Saroj P.; Kiousis, Sam; Szerlip, Nicholas J.

2016-01-01

Background Hypoxia-based cell culture experiments are routine and essential components of in vitro cancer research. Most laboratories use low-cost portable modular chambers to achieve hypoxic conditions for cell cultures, where the sealed chambers are purged with a gas mixture of preset O2 concentration. Studies are conducted under the assumption that hypoxia remains unaltered throughout the 48 to 72 hour duration of such experiments. Since these chambers lack any sensor or detection system to monitor gas-phase O2, the cell-based data tend to be non-uniform due to the ad hoc nature of the experimental setup. Methodology With the availability of low-cost open-source microcontroller-based electronic project kits, it is now possible for researchers to program these with easy-to-use software, link them to sensors, and place them in basic scientific apparatus to monitor and record experimental parameters. We report here the design and construction of a small-footprint kit for continuous measurement and recording of O2 concentration in modular hypoxia chambers. The low-cost assembly (US$135) consists of an Arduino-based microcontroller, data-logging freeware, and a factory pre-calibrated miniature O2 sensor. A small, intuitive software program was written by the authors to control the data input and output. The basic nature of the kit will enable any student in biology with minimal experience in hobby-electronics to assemble the system and edit the program parameters to suit individual experimental conditions. Results/Conclusions We show the kit’s utility and stability of data output via a series of hypoxia experiments. The studies also demonstrated the critical need to monitor and adjust gas-phase O2 concentration during hypoxia-based experiments to prevent experimental errors or failure due to partial loss of hypoxia. Thus, incorporating the sensor-microcontroller module to a portable hypoxia chamber provides a researcher a capability that was previously available only to labs with access to sophisticated (and expensive) cell culture incubators. PMID:26862760

A Lab Assembled Microcontroller-Based Sensor Module for Continuous Oxygen Measurement in Portable Hypoxia Chambers.

PubMed

Mathupala, Saroj P; Kiousis, Sam; Szerlip, Nicholas J

2016-01-01

Hypoxia-based cell culture experiments are routine and essential components of in vitro cancer research. Most laboratories use low-cost portable modular chambers to achieve hypoxic conditions for cell cultures, where the sealed chambers are purged with a gas mixture of preset O2 concentration. Studies are conducted under the assumption that hypoxia remains unaltered throughout the 48 to 72 hour duration of such experiments. Since these chambers lack any sensor or detection system to monitor gas-phase O2, the cell-based data tend to be non-uniform due to the ad hoc nature of the experimental setup. With the availability of low-cost open-source microcontroller-based electronic project kits, it is now possible for researchers to program these with easy-to-use software, link them to sensors, and place them in basic scientific apparatus to monitor and record experimental parameters. We report here the design and construction of a small-footprint kit for continuous measurement and recording of O2 concentration in modular hypoxia chambers. The low-cost assembly (US$135) consists of an Arduino-based microcontroller, data-logging freeware, and a factory pre-calibrated miniature O2 sensor. A small, intuitive software program was written by the authors to control the data input and output. The basic nature of the kit will enable any student in biology with minimal experience in hobby-electronics to assemble the system and edit the program parameters to suit individual experimental conditions. We show the kit's utility and stability of data output via a series of hypoxia experiments. The studies also demonstrated the critical need to monitor and adjust gas-phase O2 concentration during hypoxia-based experiments to prevent experimental errors or failure due to partial loss of hypoxia. Thus, incorporating the sensor-microcontroller module to a portable hypoxia chamber provides a researcher a capability that was previously available only to labs with access to sophisticated (and expensive) cell culture incubators.

Multiwire proportional chamber development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Doolittle, R. F.; Pollvogt, U.; Eskovitz, A. J.

1973-01-01

The development of large area multiwire proportional chambers, to be used as high resolution spatial detectors in cosmic ray experiments is described. A readout system was developed which uses a directly coupled, lumped element delay-line whose characteristics are independent of the MWPC design. A complete analysis of the delay-line and the readout electronic system shows that a spatial resolution of about 0.1 mm can be reached with the MWPC operating in the strictly proportional region. This was confirmed by measurements with a small MWPC and Fe-55 X-rays. A simplified analysis was carried out to estimate the theoretical limit of spatial resolution due to delta-rays, spread of the discharge along the anode wire, and inclined trajectories. To calculate the gas gain of MWPC's of different geometrical configurations a method was developed which is based on the knowledge of the first Townsend coefficient of the chamber gas.

Experimental Measurements of the Secondary Electron Yield in the Experimental Measurement of the Secondary Electron Yield in the PEP-II Particle Accelerator Beam Line

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pivi, M.T.F.; Collet, G.; King, F.

Beam instability caused by the electron cloud has been observed in positron and proton storage rings and it is expected to be a limiting factor in the performance of the positron Damping Ring (DR) of future Linear Colliders (LC) such as ILC and CLIC. To test a series of promising possible electron cloud mitigation techniques as surface coatings and grooves, in the Positron Low Energy Ring (LER) of the PEP-II accelerator, we have installed several test vacuum chambers including (i) a special chamber to monitor the variation of the secondary electron yield of technical surface materials and coatings under themore » effect of ion, electron and photon conditioning in situ in the beam line; (ii) chambers with grooves in a straight magnetic-free section; and (iii) coated chambers in a dedicated newly installed 4-magnet chicane to study mitigations in a magnetic field region. In this paper, we describe the ongoing R&D effort to mitigate the electron cloud effect for the LC damping ring, focusing on the first experimental area and on results of the reduction of the secondary electron yield due to in situ conditioning.« less

Clean Room Facility

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-07

NASA Glenn technician Ariana Miller prepares an ultrahigh vacuum chamber used to test the materials used in silicon carbide based sensors and electronics that can operate at extremely high temperatures (500 degrees Celsius and higher) for applications such as sensor systems for aircraft engines and Venus exploration.

Design and fabrication of the vacuum systems for TPS pulsed septum magnets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chan, C. K.; Chang, C. C.; Chen, C. L.; Yang, C. S.; Chen, C. S.; Lin, F. Y.; Chen, J. R.

2014-11-01

Three in-air pulsed septum magnets were developed to inject and extract electron beams for the 3 GeV synchrotron facility, the Taiwan Photon Source (TPS). The vacuum chamber is a novel combined aluminium-stainless steel design, using a bimetallic flange to connect the two material types. To evaluate the vacuum performances of these vacuum chambers, we set up a test bench at which we simultaneously measure the rates of thermal outgassing of the aluminium chamber and the septum tube with a throughput method. The test result indicates that the rate q72 of thermal outgassing measured after 1 day from baking at 150 °C was 1×10-13 mbar L s-1 cm-2. The magnetic leakage measurements show the combination of conductor slitting, magnetic shielding and the aluminium vacuum chamber reduce the peak value of the leakage field integral to ~10 G cm along the trajectory of the stored beam.

Coal-water slurry spray characteristics of an electronically-controlled accumulator fuel injection system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caton, J. A.; Payne, S. E.; Terracina, D. P.; Kihm, K. D.

Experiments have been complete to characterize coal-water slurry sprays from a electronically-controlled accumulator fuel injection system of diesel engine. The sprays were injected into a pressurized chamber equipped with windows. High speed movies, fuel pressures and needle lifts were obtained as a function of time, orifice diameter, coal loading, gas density in the chamber, and accumulator fuel pressure. For the base conditions 50% (by mass) coal loading, 0.4 mm diameter nozzle hole, coal-water slurry pressure of 82 MPa (12,000 psi), and a chamber density of 25 kg/m(exp 3), the break-up time was 0.30 ms. An empirical correlation for both spray tip penetration and initial jet velocity was developed. For the conditions of this study, the spray tip penetration and initial jet velocity were 15% greater for coal-water slurry than for diesel fuel or water. Cone angles of the sprays were dependent on the operating conditions and fluid, as well as the time and locations of the measurement. The time-averaged cone angle for the base case conditions was 13.6 degrees. Results of this study and the correlation are specific to the tested coal-water slurry and are not general for other coal-water slurry fuels.

Quartz Crystal Fabrication Facility.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-05-01

controllers, cryopump compressors , and mass spectrometer indicator/controller were placed in cabinets. The frequency plating control equipment was designed ...contributions of J. F. Howell , GEND Manufacturing Engineering Operation, for his design of the electrical and electronics system and for his tireless...report describes the design and operation of a five chamber, interconnected vacuum system, which is capable of cleaning, plating, and sealing

The electronics and data acquisition system for the DarkSide-50 veto detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agnes, P.; Agostino, L.; Albuquerque, I. F. M.; Alexander, T.; Alton, A. K.; Arisaka, K.; Back, H. O.; Baldin, B.; Biery, K.; Bonfini, G.; Bossa, M.; Bottino, B.; Brigatti, A.; Brodsky, J.; Budano, F.; Bussino, S.; Cadeddu, M.; Cadoni, M.; Calaprice, F.; Canci, N.; Candela, A.; Cao, H.; Cariello, M.; Carlini, M.; Catalanotti, S.; Cavalcante, P.; Chepurnov, A.; Cocco, A. G.; Covone, G.; Crippa, L.; D'Angelo, D.; D'Incecco, M.; Davini, S.; De Cecco, S.; De Deo, M.; De Vincenzi, M.; Derbin, A.; Devoto, A.; Di Eusanio, F.; Di Pietro, G.; Edkins, E.; Empl, A.; Fan, A.; Fiorillo, G.; Fomenko, K.; Foster, G.; Franco, D.; Gabriele, F.; Galbiati, C.; Giganti, C.; Goretti, A. M.; Granato, F.; Grandi, L.; Gromov, M.; Guan, M.; Guardincerri, Y.; Hackett, B. R.; Herner, K. R.; Hungerford, E. V.; Ianni, Aldo; Ianni, Andrea; James, I.; Jollet, C.; Keeter, K.; Kendziora, C. L.; Kobychev, V.; Koh, G.; Korablev, D.; Korga, G.; Kubankin, A.; Li, X.; Lissia, M.; Lombardi, P.; Luitz, S.; Ma, Y.; Machulin, I. N.; Mandarano, A.; Mari, S. M.; Maricic, J.; Marini, L.; Martoff, C. J.; Meregaglia, A.; Meyers, P. D.; Miletic, T.; Milincic, R.; Montanari, D.; Monte, A.; Montuschi, M.; Monzani, M. E.; Mosteiro, P.; Mount, B. J.; Muratova, V. N.; Musico, P.; Napolitano, J.; Nelson, A.; Odrowski, S.; Orsini, M.; Ortica, F.; Pagani, L.; Pallavicini, M.; Pantic, E.; Parmeggiano, S.; Pelczar, K.; Pelliccia, N.; Pocar, A.; Pordes, S.; Pugachev, D. A.; Qian, H.; Randle, K.; Ranucci, G.; Razeto, A.; Reinhold, B.; Renshaw, A. L.; Riffard, Q.; Romani, A.; Rossi, B.; Rossi, N.; Rountree, S. D.; Sablone, D.; Saggese, P.; Saldanha, R.; Sands, W.; Sangiorgio, S.; Savarese, C.; Segreto, E.; Semenov, D. A.; Shields, E.; Singh, P. N.; Skorokhvatov, M. D.; Smirnov, O.; Sotnikov, A.; Stanford, C.; Suvorov, Y.; Tartaglia, R.; Tatarowicz, J.; Testera, G.; Tonazzo, A.; Trinchese, P.; Unzhakov, E. V.; Vishneva, A.; Vogelaar, R. B.; Wada, M.; Walker, S.; Wang, H.; Wang, Y.; Watson, A. W.; Westerdale, S.; Wilhelmi, J.; Wojcik, M. M.; Xiang, X.; Xu, J.; Yang, C.; Yoo, J.; Zavatarelli, S.; Zec, A.; Zhong, W.; Zhu, C.; Zuzel, G.

2016-12-01

DarkSide-50 is a detector for dark matter candidates in the form of weakly interacting massive particles. It utilizes a liquid argon time projection chamber for the inner main detector, surrounded by a liquid scintillator veto (LSV) and a water Cherenkov veto detector (WCV). The LSV and WCV act as the neutron and cosmogenic muon veto detectors for DarkSide-50. This paper describes the electronics and data acquisition system used for these two detectors. The system is made of a custom built front end electronics and commercial National Instruments high speed digitizers. The front end electronics, the DAQ, and the trigger system have been used to acquire data in the form of zero-suppressed waveform samples from the 110 PMTs of the LSV and the 80 PMTs of the WCV. The veto DAQ system has proven its performance and reliability. This electronics and DAQ system can be scaled and used as it is for the veto of the next generation DarkSide-20k detector.

High-emission cold cathode

DOEpatents

Mancebo, L.

1974-01-29

A field-emission cathode having a multitude of field emission points for emitting a copious stream of electrons when subjected to a high field is described. The cathode is constructed by compressing a multitude of tungsten strips alternately arranged with molybdenum strips and copper ribbons or compressing alternately arranged copper plated tungsten and molybdenum strips, heating the arrangement to braze the tungsten and molybdenum strips together with the copper, machining and grinding the exposed strip edges of one side of the brazed arrangement to obtain a precisely planar surface, etching a portion of the molybdenum and copper to leave the edges of the tungsten strips protruding for electron emission, and subjecting the protruding edges of the tungsten strips to a high electric field to degas and roughen the surface to pnovide a large number of emitting points. The resulting structure is particularly useful as a cathode in a transversely excited gaseous laser where the cathode is mounted in a vacuum chamber for emitting electrons under the influence of a high electric field between the cathode and an extractor grid. The electrons pass through the extractor grid, a thin window in the wall of the laser chamber and into the laser chamber which is filled with a gaseous mixture of helium, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. A second grid is mounted on the gaseous side of the window. The electrons pass into the laser chamber under the influence of a second electric field between the second grid and an anode in the laser chamber to raise selected gas atoms of the gaseous mixture to appropriately excited states so that a subsequent coherent light beam passing through the mixture transversely to the electron stream through windows in opposite ends of the laser chamber stimulates the excited atoms to amplify the beam. (Official Gazette)

Evaluation of stabilization techniques for ion implant processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ross, Matthew F.; Wong, Selmer S.; Minter, Jason P.; Marlowe, Trey; Narcy, Mark E.; Livesay, William R.

1999-06-01

With the integration of high current ion implant processing into volume CMOS manufacturing, the need for photoresist stabilization to achieve a stable ion implant process is critical. This study compares electron beam stabilization, a non-thermal process, with more traditional thermal stabilization techniques such as hot plate baking and vacuum oven processing. The electron beam processing is carried out in a flood exposure system with no active heating of the wafer. These stabilization techniques are applied to typical ion implant processes that might be found in a CMOS production process flow. The stabilization processes are applied to a 1.1 micrometers thick PFI-38A i-line photoresist film prior to ion implant processing. Post stabilization CD variation is detailed with respect to wall slope and feature integrity. SEM photographs detail the effects of the stabilization technique on photoresist features. The thermal stability of the photoresist is shown for different levels of stabilization and post stabilization thermal cycling. Thermal flow stability of the photoresist is detailed via SEM photographs. A significant improvement in thermal stability is achieved with the electron beam process, such that photoresist features are stable to temperatures in excess of 200 degrees C. Ion implant processing parameters are evaluated and compared for the different stabilization methods. Ion implant system end-station chamber pressure is detailed as a function of ion implant process and stabilization condition. The ion implant process conditions are detailed for varying factors such as ion current, energy, and total dose. A reduction in the ion implant systems end-station chamber pressure is achieved with the electron beam stabilization process over the other techniques considered. This reduction in end-station chamber pressure is shown to provide a reduction in total process time for a given ion implant dose. Improvements in the ion implant process are detailed across several combinations of current and energy.

Development of an Integrated Thermocouple for the Accurate Sample Temperature Measurement During High Temperature Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (HT-ESEM) Experiments.

PubMed

Podor, Renaud; Pailhon, Damien; Ravaux, Johann; Brau, Henri-Pierre

2015-04-01

We have developed two integrated thermocouple (TC) crucible systems that allow precise measurement of sample temperature when using a furnace associated with an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). Sample temperatures measured with these systems are precise (±5°C) and reliable. The TC crucible systems allow working with solids and liquids (silicate melts or ionic liquids), independent of the gas composition and pressure. These sample holder designs will allow end users to perform experiments at high temperature in the ESEM chamber with high precision control of the sample temperature.

Mixing-Chamber Preamplifier for Spin Qubit Readout

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Curry, Matthew; Mounce, Andrew; England, Troy; Manginell, Ronald; Wendt, Joel; Pluym, Tammy; Carr, Stephen; Carroll, Malcolm

Spin qubit states are often read out with a nearby charge sensor. To improve signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and bandwidth, we amplify a charge sensor with a low-current-bias, silicon-germanium heterojunction-bipolar-transistor (HBT). The HBT is located at the mixing chamber of a dilution refrigerator, which minimizes parasitic capacitance and amplifies signal before fridge noise is introduced. Using the HBT-charge-sensor circuit, we tune a few-electron quantum dot (QD) into resonance with a donor-like object and observe singlet-triplet (ST) behavior. ST separation in this MOS donor-implanted-QD molecular system is measured using magnetospectroscopy to be approximately 100 μeV. The low current bias of the HBT minimizes both heating of the charge-sensed QD as well as maintains an overall low power at the mixing chamber. HBT bias impact on QD electron temperature is examined and we find that the HBT preamplifier can operate at around 100 nW with a current gain of around 500 without influencing the electron temperature, which is around 150 mK. We will also examine single-shot readout of a charge state using the HBT preamplifier. Sandia National Laboratories is a multi-program laboratory operated by Sandia Corporation, a Lockheed-Martin Company, for the U. S. Department of Energy under Contract No. DE-AC04-94AL85000.

ION SOURCE

DOEpatents

Leland, W.T.

1960-01-01

The ion source described essentially eliminater the problem of deposits of nonconducting materials forming on parts of the ion source by certain corrosive gases. This problem is met by removing both filament and trap from the ion chamber, spacing them apart and outside the chamber end walls, placing a focusing cylinder about the filament tip to form a thin collimated electron stream, aligning the cylinder, slits in the walls, and trap so that the electron stream does not bombard any part in the source, and heating the trap, which is bombarded by electrons, to a temperature hotter than that in the ion chamber, so that the tendency to build up a deposit caused by electron bombardment is offset by the extra heating supplied only to the trap.

STUDIES OF A FREE ELECTRON LASER DRIVEN BY A LASER-PLASMA ACCELERATOR

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Montgomery, A.; Schroeder, C.; Fawley, W.

A free electron laser (FEL) uses an undulator, a set of alternating magnets producing a periodic magnetic fi eld, to stimulate emission of coherent radiation from a relativistic electron beam. The Lasers, Optical Accelerator Systems Integrated Studies (LOASIS) group at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) will use an innovative laserplasma wakefi eld accelerator to produce an electron beam to drive a proposed FEL. In order to optimize the FEL performance, the dependence on electron beam and undulator parameters must be understood. Numerical modeling of the FEL using the simulation code GINGER predicts the experimental results for given input parameters. Amongmore » the parameters studied were electron beam energy spread, emittance, and mismatch with the undulator focusing. Vacuum-chamber wakefi elds were also simulated to study their effect on FEL performance. Energy spread was found to be the most infl uential factor, with output FEL radiation power sharply decreasing for relative energy spreads greater than 0.33%. Vacuum chamber wakefi elds and beam mismatch had little effect on the simulated LOASIS FEL at the currents considered. This study concludes that continued improvement of the laser-plasma wakefi eld accelerator electron beam will allow the LOASIS FEL to operate in an optimal regime, producing high-quality XUV and x-ray pulses.« less

Failure detection of liquid cooled electronics in sealed packages. [in airborne information management system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoadley, A. W.; Porter, A. J.

1991-01-01

The theory and experimental verification of a method of detecting fluid-mass loss, expansion-chamber pressure loss, or excessive vapor build-up in NASA's Airborne Information Management System (AIMS) are presented. The primary purpose of this leak-detection method is to detect the fluid-mass loss before the volume of vapor on the liquid side causes a temperature-critical part to be out of the liquid. The method detects the initial leak after the first 2.5 pct of the liquid mass has been lost, and it can be used for detecting subsequent situations including the leaking of air into the liquid chamber and the subsequent vapor build-up.

[Determination of absorbed dose to water for high energy photon and electron beams--comparison of different dosimetry protocols].

PubMed

Zakaria, Golam Abu; Schütte, Wilhelm

2003-01-01

The determination of absorbed dose to water for high-energy photon and electron beams is performed in Germany according to the dosimetry protocol DIN 6800-2 (1997). At an international level, the main protocols used are the AAPM dosimetry protocol TG-51 (1999) and the IAEA Code of Practice TRS-398 (2000). The present paper systematically compares these three dosimetry protocols, and identifies similarities and differences. The investigations were performed using 4 and 10 MV photon beams, as well as 6, 8, 9, 10, 12 and 14 MeV electron beams. Two cylindrical and two plane-parallel type chambers were used for measurements. In general, the discrepancies among the three protocols were 1.0% for photon beams and 1.6% for electron beams. Comparative measurements in the context of measurement technical control (MTK) with TLD showed a deviation of less than 1.3% between the measurements obtained according to protocols DIN 6800-2 and MTK (exceptions: 4 MV photons with 2.9% and 6 MeV electrons with 2.4%). While only cylindrical chambers were used for photon beams, measurements of electron beams were performed using both cylindrical and plane-parallel chambers (the latter used after a cross-calibration to a cylindrical chamber, as required by the respective dosimetry protocols). Notably, unlike recommended in the corresponding protocols, we found out that cylindrical chambers can be used also for energies from 6 to 10 MeV.

Coordinate interferometric system for measuring the position of a sample with infrared telecom laser diode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holá, Miroslava; Lazar, Josef; Čížek, Martin; Hucl, Václav; Řeřucha, Šimon; Číp, Ondřej

2016-11-01

We report on a design of an interferometric position measuring system for control of a sample stage in an e-beam writer with reproducibility of the position on nanometer level and resolution below nanometer. We introduced differential configuration of the interferometer where the position is measured with respect to a central reference point to eliminate deformations caused by thermal and pressure effects on the vacuum chamber. The reference is here the electron gun of the writer. The interferometer is designed to operate at infrared, telecommunication wavelength due to the risk of interference of stray light with sensitive photodetectors in the chamber. The laser source is here a narrow-linewidth DFB laser diode with electronics of our own design offering precision and stability of temperature and current, low-noise, protection from rf interference, and high-frequency modulation. Detection of the interferometric signal relies on a novel derivative technique utilizing hf frequency modulation and phase-sensitive detection.

The electronics and data acquisition system for the DarkSide-50 veto detectors

DOE PAGES

Agnes, P.; Agostino, L.; Albuquerque, I. F. M.; ...

2016-12-01

DarkSide-50 is a detector for dark matter candidates in the form of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs). It utilizes a liquid argon time projection chamber (LAr TPC) for the inner main detector. The TPC is surrounded by a liquid scintillator veto (LSV) and a water Cherenkov veto detector (WCV). The LSV and WCV, both instrumented with PMTs, act as the neutron and cosmogenic muon veto detectors for DarkSide-50. This paper describes the electronics and data acquisition system used for these two detectors.

Space and time resolved representation of a vacuum arc light emission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Georgescu, N.; Sandolache, G.; Zoita, V.

1999-04-01

An optoelectronic multichannel detection system for the study of the visible light emission of a vacuum circuit breaker arc is described. The system consists of two multiple slit collimator assemblies coupled directly to the arc discharge chamber and an electronic detection part. The light emitted by the arc is collected by the two collimator assemblies and is transmitted through optical fibres to the electronic detection part. By using a new, simple computational method two-dimensional plots of the vacuum arc light emission at different times are obtained.

Trigger probe for determining the orientation of the power distribution of an electron beam

DOEpatents

Elmer, John W [Danville, CA; Palmer, Todd A [Livermore, CA; Teruya, Alan T [Livermore, CA

2007-07-17

The present invention relates to a probe for determining the orientation of electron beams being profiled. To accurately time the location of an electron beam, the probe is designed to accept electrons from only a narrowly defined area. The signal produced from the probe is then used as a timing or triggering fiducial for an operably coupled data acquisition system. Such an arrangement eliminates changes in slit geometry, an additional signal feedthrough in the wall of a welding chamber and a second timing or triggering channel on a data acquisition system. As a result, the present invention improves the accuracy of the resulting data by minimizing the adverse effects of current slit triggering methods so as to accurately reconstruct electron or ion beams.

Simultaneous selection of soil electroactive bacterial communities associated to anode and cathode in a two-chamber Microbial Fuel Cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiellini, Carolina; Bacci, Giovanni; Fani, Renato; Mocali, Stefano

2016-04-01

Different bacteria have evolved strategies to transfer electrons over their cell surface to (or from) their extracellular environment. This electron transfer enables the use of these bacteria in bioelectrochemical systems (BES) such as Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs). In MFC research the biological reactions at the cathode have long been a secondary point of interest. However, bacterial biocathodes in MFCs represent a potential advantage compared to traditional cathodes, for both their low costs and their low impact on the environment. The main challenge in biocathode set-up is represented by the selection of a bacterial community able to efficiently accept electrons from the electrode, starting from an environmental matrix. In this work, a constant voltage was supplied on a two-chamber MFC filled up with soil over three weeks in order to simultaneously select an electron donor bacterial biomass on the anode and an electron acceptor biomass on the cathode, starting from the same soil. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) analysis was performed to characterize the bacterial community of the initial soil, in the anode, in the cathode and in the control chamber not supplied with any voltage. Results highlighted that both the MFC conditions and the voltage supply affected the soil bacterial communities, providing a selection of different bacterial groups preferentially associated to the anode (Betaproteobacteria, Bacilli and Clostridia) and to the cathode (Actinobacteria and Alphaproteobacteria). These results confirmed that several electroactive bacteria are naturally present within a top soil and, moreover, different soil bacterial genera could provide different electrical properties.

Current-voltage characteristics of a cathodic plasma contactor with discharge chamber for application in electrodynamic tether propulsion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Kan; Martinez, Rafael A.; Williams, John D.

2014-04-01

This paper focuses on the net electron-emission current as a function of bias voltage of a plasma source that is being used as the cathodic element in a bare electrodynamic tether system. An analysis is made that enables an understanding of the basic issues determining the current-voltage (C-V) behaviour. This is important for the efficiency of the electrodynamic tether and for low impedance performance without relying on the properties of space plasma for varying orbital altitudes, inclinations, day-night cycles or the position of the plasma contactor relative to the wake of the spacecraft. The cathodic plasma contactor considered has a cylindrical discharge chamber (10 cm in diameter and ˜11 cm in length) and is driven by a hollow cathode. Experiments and a 1D spherical model are both used to study the contactor's C-V curves. The experiments demonstrate how the cathodic contactor would emit electrons into space for anode voltages in the range of 25-40 V, discharge currents in the range of 1-2.5 A, and low xenon gas flows of 2-4 sccm. Plasma properties are measured and compared with (3 A) and without net electron emission. A study of the dependence of relevant parameters found that the C-V behaviour strongly depends on electron temperature, initial ion energy and ion emission current at the contactor exit. However, it depended only weakly on ambient plasma density. The error in the developed model compared with the experimental C-V curves is within 5% at low electron-emission currents (0-2 A). The external ionization processes and high ion production rate caused by the discharge chamber, which dominate the C-V behaviour at electron-emission currents over 2 A, are further highlighted and discussed.

Apparatus for in situ cleaning of carbon contaminated surfaces

DOEpatents

Klebanoff, Leonard E.; Grunow, Philip; Graham, Jr., Samuel

2004-08-10

Activated gaseous species generated adjacent a carbon contaminated surface affords in-situ cleaning. A device for removing carbon contamination from a surface of the substrate includes (a) a housing defining a vacuum chamber in which the substrate is located; (b) a source of gaseous species; and (c) a source of electrons that are emitted to activate the gaseous species into activated gaseous species. The source of electrons preferably includes (i) a filament made of a material that generates thermionic electron emissions; (ii) a source of energy that is connected to the filament; and (iii) an electrode to which the emitted electrons are attracted. The device is particularly suited for photolithography systems with optic surfaces, e.g., mirrors, that are otherwise inaccessible unless the system is dismantled.

Charged particle mobility refrigerant analyzer

DOEpatents

Allman, S.L.; Chunghsuan Chen; Chen, F.C.

1993-02-02

A method for analyzing a gaseous electronegative species comprises the steps of providing an analysis chamber; providing an electric field of known potential within the analysis chamber; admitting into the analysis chamber a gaseous sample containing the gaseous electronegative species; providing a pulse of free electrons within the electric field so that the pulse of free electrons interacts with the gaseous electronegative species so that a swarm of electrically charged particles is produced within the electric field; and, measuring the mobility of the electrically charged particles within the electric field.

Charged particle mobility refrigerant analyzer

DOEpatents

Allman, Steve L.; Chen, Chung-Hsuan; Chen, Fang C.

1993-01-01

A method for analyzing a gaseous electronegative species comprises the steps of providing an analysis chamber; providing an electric field of known potential within the analysis chamber; admitting into the analysis chamber a gaseous sample containing the gaseous electronegative species; providing a pulse of free electrons within the electric field so that the pulse of free electrons interacts with the gaseous electronegative species so that a swarm of electrically charged particles is produced within the electric field; and, measuring the mobility of the electrically charged particles within the electric field.

Evaluation of alanine as a reference dosimeter for therapy level dose comparisons in megavoltage electron beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McEwen, Malcolm; Sharpe, Peter; Vörös, Sándor

2015-04-01

When comparing absorbed dose standards from different laboratories (e.g. National Measurement Institutes, NMIs, for Key or Supplementary comparisons) it is rarely possible to carry out a direct comparison of primary standard instruments, and therefore some form of transfer detector is required. Historically, air-filled, unsealed ionization chambers have been used because of the long history of using these instruments, very good stability over many years, and ease of transport. However, the use of ion chambers for therapy-level comparisons is not without its problems. Findings from recent investigations suggest that ion chambers are prone to non-random variations, they are not completely robust to standard courier practices, and failure at any step in a comparison can render all measurements potentially useless. An alternative approach is to identify a transfer system that is insensitive to some of these concerns—effectively a dosimeter that is inexpensive, simple to use, robust, but with sufficient precision and of a size relevant to the disseminated quantity in question. The alanine dosimetry system has been successfully used in a number of situations as an audit dosimeter and therefore the purpose of this investigation was to determine whether alanine could also be used as the transfer detector for dosimetric comparisons, which require a lower value for the measurement uncertainty. A measurement protocol was developed for comparing primary standards of absorbed dose to water in high-energy electron beams using alanine pellets irradiated in a water-equivalent plastic phantom. A trial comparison has been carried out between three NMIs and has indicated that alanine is a suitable alternative to ion chambers, with the system used achieving a precision of 0.1%. Although the focus of the evaluation was on the performance of the dosimeter, the comparison results are encouraging, showing agreement at the level of the combined uncertainties (~0.6%). Based on this investigation, a large-scale comparison of primary standards for high-energy electron beams is currently being developed under the auspices of the BIPM.

Sea salt irradiation experiments relevant to the surface conditions of ocean worlds such as Europa and Enceladus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hand, Kevin P.; Carlson, Robert W.

2015-11-01

We have conducted a set of laboratory experiments to measure changes in NaCl, KCl, MgCl2, and mixtures of these salts, as a function of exposure to the temperature, pressure, and radiation conditions relevant to ice covered ocean worlds in our solar system. Reagent grade salts were placed onto a diffuse aluminum target at the end of a cryostat coldfinger and loaded into an ultra-high vacuum chamber. The samples were then cooled to 100 K and the chamber pumped down to ~10-8 Torr, achieving conditions comparable to the surface of several moons of the outer solar system. Samples were subsequently irradiated with 10 keV electrons at an average current of 1 µA.We examined a range of conditions for NaCl including pure salts grains (~300 µm diameter), salt grains with water ice deposited on top, and evaporites. For the evaporites saturated salt water was loaded onto the cryostat target, the chamber closed, and then slowly pumped down to remove the water, leaving behind a salt evaporate for irradiation.The electron bombardment resulted in the trapping of electrons in halogen vacancies, yielding the the F- and M- color centers. After irraditiation we observed yellow-brown discoloration in NaCl. KCl was observed to turn a distinct violet. In NaCl these centers have strong absorptions at 450 nm and 720 nm, respectively, providing a highly diagnostic signature of otherwise transparent alkali halides, making it possible to remotely characterize and quantify the composition and salinity of ocean worlds.

Growing Gallium Arsenide On Silicon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Radhakrishnan, Gouri

1989-01-01

Epitaxial layers of high quality formed on <111> crystal plane. Present work reports successful growth of 1- and 2-micrometer thick layers of n-type, 7-ohms per cm, 2-inch diameter, Si<111> substrate. Growth conducted in Riber-2300(R) MBE system. Both doped and undoped layers of GaAs grown. Chamber equipped with electron gun and camera for in-situ reflection high-energy-electron diffraction measurements. RHEED patterns of surface monitored continuously during slow growth stage.

Oxygen - Enemy or Friend for Microbial Fuel Cell Anode Performance?

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Until recently, scientists and engineers have held a strong belief that oxygen intrusion into the anode chamber of a bioelectrochemical system (BES) is detrimental to microbial fuel cell (MFC) performance because oxygen acts as an alternate electron acceptor. This would, according to recent beliefs...

Environmental fog/rain visual display system for aircraft simulators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chase, W. D. (Inventor)

1982-01-01

An environmental fog/rain visual display system for aircraft simulators is described. The electronic elements of the system include a real time digital computer, a caligraphic color display which simulates landing lights of selective intensity, and a color television camera for producing a moving color display of the airport runway as depicted on a model terrain board. The mechanical simulation elements of the system include an environmental chamber which can produce natural fog, nonhomogeneous fog, rain and fog combined, or rain only. A pilot looking through the aircraft wind screen will look through the fog and/or rain generated in the environmental chamber onto a viewing screen with the simulated color image of the airport runway thereon, and observe a very real simulation of actual conditions of a runway as it would appear through actual fog and/or rain.

Consequences of air around an ionization chamber: Are existing solid phantoms suitable for reference dosimetry on an MR-linac?

PubMed

Hackett, S L; van Asselen, B; Wolthaus, J W H; Kok, J G M; Woodings, S J; Lagendijk, J J W; Raaymakers, B W

2016-07-01

A protocol for reference dosimetry for the MR-linac is under development. The 1.5 T magnetic field changes the mean path length of electrons in an air-filled ionization chamber but has little effect on the electron trajectories in a surrounding phantom. It is therefore necessary to correct the response of an ionization chamber for the influence of the magnetic field. Solid phantoms are used for dosimetry measurements on the MR-linac, but air is present between the chamber wall and phantom insert. This study aimed to determine if this air influences the ion chamber measurements on the MR-linac. The absolute response of the chamber and reproducibility of dosimetry measurements were assessed on an MR-linac in solid and water phantoms. The sensitivity of the chamber response to the distribution of air around the chamber was also investigated. Measurements were performed on an MR-linac and replicated on a conventional linac for five chambers. The response of three waterproof chambers was measured with air and with water between the chamber and the insert to measure the influence of the air volume on absolute chamber response. The distribution of air around the chamber was varied indirectly by rotating each chamber about the longitudinal chamber axis in a solid phantom and a water phantom (waterproof chambers only) and measuring the angular dependence of the chamber response, and varied directly by displacing the chamber in the phantom insert using a paper shim positioned at different orientations between the chamber casing and the insert. The responses of the three waterproof chambers measured on the MR-linac were 0.7%-1.2% higher with water than air in the chamber insert. The responses of the chambers on the conventional linac changed by less than 0.3% when air in the insert was replaced with water. The angular dependence of the chambers ranged from 0.6% to 1.9% in the solid phantom on the MR-linac but was less than 0.5% in water on the MR-linac and less than 0.3% in the solid phantom on the conventional linac. Inserting a shim around the chamber induced changes of the chamber response in a magnetic field of up to 2.2%, but the change in chamber response on the conventional linac was less than 0.3%. The interaction between the magnetic field and secondary electrons in the air around the chamber reduces the charge collected from 0.7% to 1.2%. The large angular dependence of ion chambers measured in the plastic phantom in a magnetic field appears to arise from a change of air distribution as the chamber is moved within the insert, rather than an intrinsic isotropy of the chamber sensitivity to radiation. It is recommended that reference dosimetry measurements on the MR-linac can be performed only in water, rather than in existing plastic phantoms.

Method and apparatus for measuring purity of noble gases

DOEpatents

Austin, Robert

2008-04-01

A device for detecting impurities in a noble gas includes a detection chamber and a source of pulsed ultraviolet light. The pulse of the ultraviolet light is transferred into the detection chamber and onto a photocathode, thereby emitting a cloud of free electrons into the noble gas within the detection chamber. The cloud of electrons is attracted to the opposite end of the detection chamber by a high positive voltage potential at that end and focused onto a sensing anode. If there are impurities in the noble gas, some or all of the electrons within the cloud will bond with the impurity molecules and not reach the sensing anode. Therefore, measuring a lower signal at the sensing anode indicates a higher level of impurities while sensing a higher signal indicates fewer impurities. Impurities in the range of one part per billion can be measured by this device.

A Diffusion Cloud Chamber Study of Very Slow Mesons. II. Beta Decay of the Muon

DOE R&D Accomplishments Database

Lederman, L. M.; Sargent, C. P.; Rinehart, M.; Rogers, K.

1955-03-01

The spectrum of electrons arising from the decay of the negative mu meson has been determined. The muons are arrested in the gas of a high pressure hydrogen filled diffusion cloud chamber. The momenta of the decay electrons are determined from their curvature in a magnetic field of 7750 gauss. The spectrum of 415 electrons has been analyzed according to the theory of Michel.

A novel environmental chamber for neuronal network multisite recordings.

PubMed

Biffi, E; Regalia, G; Ghezzi, D; De Ceglia, R; Menegon, A; Ferrigno, G; Fiore, G B; Pedrocchi, A

2012-10-01

Environmental stability is a critical issue for neuronal networks in vitro. Hence, the ability to control the physical and chemical environment of cell cultures during electrophysiological measurements is an important requirement in the experimental design. In this work, we describe the development and the experimental verification of a closed chamber for multisite electrophysiology and optical monitoring. The chamber provides stable temperature, pH and humidity and guarantees cell viability comparable to standard incubators. Besides, it integrates the electronics for long-term neuronal activity recording. The system is portable and adaptable for multiple network housings, which allows performing parallel experiments in the same environment. Our results show that this device can be a solution for long-term electrophysiology, for dual network experiments and for coupled optical and electrical measurements. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Discharge Chamber Primary Electron Modeling Activities in Three-Dimensions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steuber, Thomas J.

2004-01-01

Designing discharge chambers for ion thrusters involves many geometric configuration decisions. Various decisions will impact discharge chamber performance with respect to propellant utilization efficiency, ion production costs, and grid lifetime. These hardware design decisions can benefit from the assistance of computational modeling. Computational modeling for discharge chambers has been limited to two-dimensional codes that leveraged symmetry for interpretation into three-dimensional analysis. This paper presents model development activities towards a three-dimensional discharge chamber simulation to aid discharge chamber design decisions. Specifically, of the many geometric configuration decisions toward attainment of a worthy discharge chamber, this paper focuses on addressing magnetic circuit considerations with a three-dimensional discharge chamber simulation as a tool. With this tool, candidate discharge chamber magnetic circuit designs can be analyzed computationally to gain insight into factors that may influence discharge chamber performance such as: primary electron loss width in magnetic cusps, cathode tip position with respect to the low magnetic field volume, definition of a low magnetic field region, and maintenance of a low magnetic field region across the grid span. Corroborating experimental data will be obtained from mockup hardware tests. Initially, simulated candidate magnetic circuit designs will resemble previous successful thruster designs. To provide opportunity to improve beyond previous performance benchmarks, off-design modifications will be simulated and experimentally tested.

A review of the use of Al-alloy vacuum components for operation at 10-13 Torr

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishimaru, Hajime

1990-02-01

An extremely high vacuum (XHV) chamber was fabricated and tested. The vacuum chamber was made of special surface finished (EX-process) aluminum alloy in oxygen and argon atmosphere. The chamber was assembled using TIG welding in an argon atmosphere and by electron beam welding. The system was evacuated with a turbo-backed 300 l/s turbomolecular pump separated from the main chamber using a right angle valve. The liquid nitrogen shroud is installed inside the main vacuum chamber. The XHV is maintained by two 300 l/s sputter ion pumps and a titanium sublimation pump with a liquid nitrogen shroud. These pumps are also made of aluminum alloys. An ultimate pressure of 3×10-13 Torr was measured with a point collector gauge with a spherical anode mounted on an Al-flange. Residual gas analysis in the order 10-13 Torr was performed by a newly developed Q-mass filter. To suppress outgassing from the quadrupole electrode, the ion source is mounted on an Al-flange separated from the quadrupole electrode.

Monte Carlo study of si diode response in electron beams.

PubMed

Wang, Lilie L W; Rogers, David W O

2007-05-01

Silicon semiconductor diodes measure almost the same depth-dose distributions in both photon and electron beams as those measured by ion chambers. A recent study in ion chamber dosimetry has suggested that the wall correction factor for a parallel-plate ion chamber in electron beams changes with depth by as much as 6%. To investigate diode detector response with respect to depth, a silicon diode model is constructed and the water/silicon dose ratio at various depths in electron beams is calculated using EGSnrc. The results indicate that, for this particular diode model, the diode response per unit water dose (or water/diode dose ratio) in both 6 and 18 MeV electron beams is flat within 2% versus depth, from near the phantom surface to the depth of R50 (with calculation uncertainty <0.3%). This suggests that there must be some other correction factors for ion chambers that counter-balance the large wall correction factor at depth in electron beams. In addition, the beam quality and field-size dependence of the diode model are also calculated. The results show that the water/diode dose ratio remains constant within 2% over the electron energy range from 6 to 18 MeV. The water/diode dose ratio does not depend on field size as long as the incident electron beam is broad and the electron energy is high. However, for a very small beam size (1 X 1 cm(2)) and low electron energy (6 MeV), the water/diode dose ratio may decrease by more than 2% compared to that of a broad beam.

High energy primary electron spectrum observed by the emulsion chamber

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nishimura, J.; Fujii, M.; Aizu, H.; Hiraiwa, N.; Taira, T.; Kobayashi, T.; Niu, K.; Koss, T. A.; Lord, J. J.; Golden, R. L.

1978-01-01

A detector of the emulsion chamber type is used to measure the energy spectrum of cosmic-ray electrons. Two large emulsion chambers, each having an area of 40 by 50 sq cm, are exposed for about 25.5 hr at an average pressure altitude of 3.9 mbar. About 500 high-energy cascades (no less than about 600 GeV) are detected by searching for dark spots on the X-ray films. A power-law energy dependence formula is derived for the spectrum of primary cosmic-ray electrons in the energy region over 100 GeV. The results are in good agreement with the transition curves obtained previously by theoretical and Monte Carlo calculations.

GEM Detector Performance Assessment in the BM@N Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kapishin, Mikhail; Karjavin, Vladimir; Kulish, Elena; Lenivenko, Vasilisa; Makankin, Alexander; Maksymchuk, Anna; Palichik, Vladimir; Vasiliev, Sergey

2018-02-01

The Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) chambers are developed for modern purposes in the elementary particle physics. In the BM@N experiment, a GEM system is used for the reconstruction of the trajectories of the charged particles. The investigation of GEM performance (efficiency and spatial resolution) is presented.

Performance study of large area encoding readout MRPC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, X. L.; Wang, Y.; Chen, G.; Han, D.; Wang, X.; Zeng, M.; Zeng, Z.; Zhao, Z.; Guo, B.

2018-02-01

Muon tomography system built by the 2-D readout high spatial resolution Multi-gap Resistive Plate Chamber (MRPC) detector is a project of Tsinghua University. An encoding readout method based on the fine-fine configuration has been used to minimize the number of the readout electronic channels resulting in reducing the complexity and the cost of the system. In this paper, we provide a systematic comparison of the MRPC detector performance with and without fine-fine encoding readout. Our results suggest that the application of the fine-fine encoding readout leads us to achieve a detecting system with slightly worse spatial resolution but dramatically reduce the number of electronic channels.

The effect of low-energy electrons on the response of ion chambers to ionizing photon beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

La Russa, Daniel J.

Cavity ionization chambers are one of the most popular and widely used devices for quantifying ionizing photon beams. This popularity originates from the precision of these devices and the relative ease with which ionization measurements are converted to quantities of interest in therapeutic radiology or radiation protection, collectively referred to as radiation dosimetry. The formalisms used for these conversions, known as cavity theory, make several assumptions about the electron spectrum in the low-energy range resulting from the incident photon beam. These electrons often account for a significant fraction of the ion chamber response. An inadequate treatment of low-energy electrons can therefore significantly effect calculated quantities of interest. This thesis sets out to investigate the effect of low-energy electrons on (1) the use of Spencer-Attix cavity theory with 60Co beams; and (2) the standard temperature-pressure correction factor, P TP, used to relate the measured ionization to a set of reference temperature and pressure conditions for vented ion chambers. Problems with the PTP correction are shown to arise when used with kilovoltage x rays, where ionization measurements are due primarily to electrons that do not have enough energy to cross the cavity. A combination of measurements and Monte Carlo calculations using the EGSnrc Monte Carlo code demonstrate the breakdown of PTP in these situations when used with non-air-equivalent chambers. The extent of the breakdown is shown to depend on cavity size, energy of the incident photons, and the composition of the chamber. In the worst case, the standard P TP factor overcorrects the response of an aluminum chamber by ≈12% at an air density typical of Mexico City. The response of a more common graphite-walled chamber with similar dimensions at the same air density is undercorrected by ≈ 2%. The EGSnrc Monte Carlo code is also used to investigate Spencer-Attix cavity theory as it is used in the formalism to determine the air kerma for a 60Co beam. Following a comparison with measurements in the literature, the air kerma formalism is shown to require a fluence correction factor, Kfl, to ensure the accuracy of the formalism regardless of chamber composition and cavity size. The need for such a correction stems from the fact that the cavity clearly distorts the fluence for mismatched cavity and wall materials, and the inability to select the appropriate "cut-off" energy, Delta, in the Spencer-Attix stopping-power ratio. A discussion of this issue is followed by detailed calculations of K fl values for several of the graphite ionization chambers used at national metrology institutes, which range between 0.9999 and 0.9994 with a one standard deviation uncertainty of +/- 0.0002.

Modular electronics packaging system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hunter, Don J. (Inventor)

2001-01-01

A modular electronics packaging system includes multiple packaging slices that are mounted horizontally to a base structure. The slices interlock to provide added structural support. Each packaging slice includes a rigid and thermally conductive housing having four side walls that together form a cavity to house an electronic circuit. The chamber is enclosed on one end by an end wall, or web, that isolates the electronic circuit from a circuit in an adjacent packaging slice. The web also provides a thermal path between the electronic circuit and the base structure. Each slice also includes a mounting bracket that connects the packaging slice to the base structure. Four guide pins protrude from the slice into four corresponding receptacles in an adjacent slice. A locking element, such as a set screw, protrudes into each receptacle and interlocks with the corresponding guide pin. A conduit is formed in the slice to allow electrical connection to the electronic circuit.

Structural Characterization and Gas Reactions of Small Metal Particles by High Resolution In-situ TEM and TED. [Transmission Electron Microscopy and Transmission Electron Diffraction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heinemann, K.

1985-01-01

A commercial electron microscope with flat-plate upper pole piece configuration of the objective lens and top entry specimen introduction was modified to obtain 5 x 10 to the minus 10th power mbar pressure at the site of the specimen while maintaining the convenience of a specimen airlock system that allows operation in the 10 to the 10th power mbar range within 15 minutes after specimen change. The specimen chamber contains three wire evaporation sources, a specimen heater, and facilities for oxygen or hydrogen plasma treatment to clean as-introduced specimens. Evacuation is achieved by dural differential pumping, with fine entrance and exit apertures for the electron beam. With the microscope operating at .000001 mbar, the first differential pumping stage features a high-speed cryopump operating in a stainless steel chamber that can be mildly baked and reaches 1 x 10 to the minus 8th power mbar. The second stage, containing the evaporation sources and a custom ionization gauge within 10 cm from the specimen, is a rigorously uncompromised all-metal uhv-system that is bakable to above 200 C throughout and is pumped with an 80-liter ion pump. Design operating pressures and image quality (resolution of metal particles smaller than 1 nm in size) was achieved.

Experimental evaluation of environmental scanning electron microscopes at high chamber pressure.

PubMed

Fitzek, H; Schroettner, H; Wagner, J; Hofer, F; Rattenberger, J

2015-11-01

In environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) high pressure applications have become increasingly important. Wet or biological samples can be investigated without time-consuming sample preparation and potential artefacts from this preparation can be neglected. Unfortunately, the signal-to-noise ratio strongly decreases with increasing chamber pressure. To evaluate the high pressure performance of ESEM and to compare different electron microscopes, information about spatial resolution and detector type is not enough. On the one hand, the scattering of the primary electron beam increases, which vanishes the contrast in images; and on the other hand, the secondary electrons (SE) signal amplification decreases. The stagnation gas thickness (effective distance the beam has to travel through the imaging gas) as well as the SE detection system depend on the microscope and for a complete and serious evaluation of an ESEM or low vacuum SEM it is necessary to specify these two parameters. A method is presented to determine the fraction of scattered and unscattered electrons and to calculate the stagnation gas thickness (θ). To evaluate the high pressure performance of the SE detection system, a method is presented that allows for an analysis of a single image and the calculation of the signal-to-noise ratio of this image. All investigations are performed on an FEI ESEM Quanta 600 (field emission gun) and an FEI ESEM Quanta 200 (thermionic gun). These methods and measurements should represent opportunities for evaluating the high pressure performance of an ESEM. © 2015 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2015 Royal Microscopical Society.

Light-Based Triggering and Reconstruction of Michel Electrons in LArIAT

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Foreman, W.

2016-01-19

The LArIAT Experiment aims to calibrate the liquid argon time projection chamber (LArTPC) using a beam of charged particles at the Fermilab Test Beam Facility. It is equipped with a novel scintillation light readout system using PMTs and custom SiPM preamplifier boards to detect light from reflector foils coated with wavelength-shifting TPB. A trigger on delayed secondary flashes of light captures events containing stopping cosmic muons together with the Michel electrons coming from their subsequent decay. This dedicated Michel trigger supplies an abundant sample of low-energy electrons throughout the detector's active volume, providing opportunities to study the combined calorimetric capabilitiesmore » of the light system and the TPC. Preliminary results using scintillation light to study properties of the Michel electron sample are presented.« less

GET electronics samples data analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giovinazzo, J.; Goigoux, T.; Anvar, S.; Baron, P.; Blank, B.; Delagnes, E.; Grinyer, G. F.; Pancin, J.; Pedroza, J. L.; Pibernat, J.; Pollacco, E.; Rebii, A.; Roger, T.; Sizun, P.

2016-12-01

The General Electronics for TPCs (GET) has been developed to equip a generation of time projection chamber detectors for nuclear physics, and may also be used for a wider range of detector types. The goal of this paper is to propose first analysis procedures to be applied on raw data samples from the GET system, in order to correct for systematic effects observed on test measurements. We also present a method to estimate the response function of the GET system channels. The response function is required in analysis where the input signal needs to be reconstructed, in terms of time distribution, from the registered output samples.

Front-end electronics for the LZ experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morad, James; LZ Collaboration

2016-03-01

LZ is a second generation direct dark matter detection experiment with 5.6 tonnes of liquid xenon active target, which will be instrumented as a two-phase time projection chamber (TPC). The peripheral xenon outside the active TPC (``skin'') will also be instrumented. In addition, there will be a liquid scintillator based outer veto surrounding the main cryostat. All of these systems will be read out using photomultiplier tubes. I will present the designs for front-end electronics for all these systems, which have been optimized for shaping times, gains, and low noise. Preliminary results from prototype boards will also be presented.

Consequences of air around an ionization chamber: Are existing solid phantoms suitable for reference dosimetry on an MR-linac?

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hackett, S. L., E-mail: S.S.Hackett@umcutrecht.nl

Purpose: A protocol for reference dosimetry for the MR-linac is under development. The 1.5 T magnetic field changes the mean path length of electrons in an air-filled ionization chamber but has little effect on the electron trajectories in a surrounding phantom. It is therefore necessary to correct the response of an ionization chamber for the influence of the magnetic field. Solid phantoms are used for dosimetry measurements on the MR-linac, but air is present between the chamber wall and phantom insert. This study aimed to determine if this air influences the ion chamber measurements on the MR-linac. The absolute responsemore » of the chamber and reproducibility of dosimetry measurements were assessed on an MR-linac in solid and water phantoms. The sensitivity of the chamber response to the distribution of air around the chamber was also investigated. Methods: Measurements were performed on an MR-linac and replicated on a conventional linac for five chambers. The response of three waterproof chambers was measured with air and with water between the chamber and the insert to measure the influence of the air volume on absolute chamber response. The distribution of air around the chamber was varied indirectly by rotating each chamber about the longitudinal chamber axis in a solid phantom and a water phantom (waterproof chambers only) and measuring the angular dependence of the chamber response, and varied directly by displacing the chamber in the phantom insert using a paper shim positioned at different orientations between the chamber casing and the insert. Results: The responses of the three waterproof chambers measured on the MR-linac were 0.7%–1.2% higher with water than air in the chamber insert. The responses of the chambers on the conventional linac changed by less than 0.3% when air in the insert was replaced with water. The angular dependence of the chambers ranged from 0.6% to 1.9% in the solid phantom on the MR-linac but was less than 0.5% in water on the MR-linac and less than 0.3% in the solid phantom on the conventional linac. Inserting a shim around the chamber induced changes of the chamber response in a magnetic field of up to 2.2%, but the change in chamber response on the conventional linac was less than 0.3%. Conclusions: The interaction between the magnetic field and secondary electrons in the air around the chamber reduces the charge collected from 0.7% to 1.2%. The large angular dependence of ion chambers measured in the plastic phantom in a magnetic field appears to arise from a change of air distribution as the chamber is moved within the insert, rather than an intrinsic isotropy of the chamber sensitivity to radiation. It is recommended that reference dosimetry measurements on the MR-linac can be performed only in water, rather than in existing plastic phantoms.« less

Experimental determination of pCo perturbation factors for plane-parallel chambers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kapsch, R. P.; Bruggmoser, G.; Christ, G.; Dohm, O. S.; Hartmann, G. H.; Schüle, E.

2007-12-01

For plane-parallel chambers used in electron dosimetry, modern dosimetry protocols recommend a cross-calibration against a calibrated cylindrical chamber. The rationale for this is the unacceptably large (up to 3-4%) chamber-to-chamber variations of the perturbation factors (pwall)Co, which have been reported for plane-parallel chambers of a given type. In some recent publications, it was shown that this is no longer the case for modern plane-parallel chambers. The aims of the present study are to obtain reliable information about the variation of the perturbation factors for modern types of plane-parallel chambers, and—if this variation is found to be acceptably small—to determine type-specific mean values for these perturbation factors which can be used for absorbed dose measurements in electron beams using plane-parallel chambers. In an extensive multi-center study, the individual perturbation factors pCo (which are usually assumed to be equal to (pwall)Co) for a total of 35 plane-parallel chambers of the Roos type, 15 chambers of the Markus type and 12 chambers of the Advanced Markus type were determined. From a total of 188 cross-calibration measurements, variations of the pCo values for different chambers of the same type of at most 1.0%, 0.9% and 0.6% were found for the chambers of the Roos, Markus and Advanced Markus types, respectively. The mean pCo values obtained from all measurements are \\bar{p}^Roos_Co = 1.0198, \\bar{p}^Markus_Co = 1.0175 and \\bar{p}^Advanced_Co = 1.0155 ; the relative experimental standard deviation of the individual pCo values is less than 0.24% for all chamber types; the relative standard uncertainty of the mean pCo values is 1.1%.

Photon Detector System Timing Performance in the DUNE 35-ton Prototype Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Adams, D.L.; et al.

The 35-ton prototype for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment far detector was a single-phase liquid argon time projection chamber with an integrated photon detector system, all situated inside a membrane cryostat. The detector took cosmic-ray data for six weeks during the period of February 1, 2016 to March 12, 2016. The performance of the photon detection system was checked with these data. An installed photon detector was demonstrated to measure the arrival times of cosmic-ray muons with a resolution better than 32 ns, limited by the timing of the trigger system. A measurement of the timing resolution using closely-spaced calibration pulses yielded a resolution of 15 ns for pulses at a level of 6 photo-electrons. Scintillation light from cosmic-ray muons was observed to be attenuated with increasing distance with a characteristic length ofmore » $$155 \\pm 28$$ cm.« less

Photographic Equipment Test System (PETS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

The Photographic Equipment Test System is presented. The device is a mobile optical system designed for evaluating performance of various sensors in a laboratory, in a vacuum chamber or on a flight line. The carriage is designed to allow elevation as well as azimuth control of the direction of the light from the collimator. The pneumatic tires provide an effective vibration isolation system. A target/illumination system is mounted on a motor driven linear slide, and focusing and exposure control can be operated remotely from the small electronics control console.

New central drift chamber for the MARK II at SLC

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bartelt, J.E.

A new central drift chamber has been constructed for the Mark II detector for use at the new SLAC Linear Collider (SLC). The design of the chamber is based on a multi-sense-wire cell of the jet chamber type. In addition to drift-time measurements, pulse-height measurements from the sense wires provide electron-hadron separation by dE/dx. The chamber has been tested in operation at PEP before its move to the SLC. The design and construction are described, and measurements from the new chamber are presented.

Ion thruster performance model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brophy, J. R.

1984-01-01

A model of ion thruster performance is developed for high flux density, cusped magnetic field thruster designs. This model is formulated in terms of the average energy required to produce an ion in the discharge chamber plasma and the fraction of these ions that are extracted to form the beam. The direct loss of high energy (primary) electrons from the plasma to the anode is shown to have a major effect on thruster performance. The model provides simple algebraic equations enabling one to calculate the beam ion energy cost, the average discharge chamber plasma ion energy cost, the primary electron density, the primary-to-Maxwellian electron density ratio and the Maxwellian electron temperature. Experiments indicate that the model correctly predicts the variation in plasma ion energy cost for changes in propellant gas (Ar, Kr and Xe), grid transparency to neutral atoms, beam extraction area, discharge voltage, and discharge chamber wall temperature. The model and experiments indicate that thruster performance may be described in terms of only four thruster configuration dependent parameters and two operating parameters. The model also suggests that improved performance should be exhibited by thruster designs which extract a large fraction of the ions produced in the discharge chamber, which have good primary electron and neutral atom containment and which operate at high propellant flow rates.

Air kerma calibration factors and chamber correction values for PTW soft x-ray, NACP and Roos ionization chambers at very low x-ray energies.

PubMed

Ipe, N E; Rosser, K E; Moretti, C J; Manning, J W; Palmer, M J

2001-08-01

This paper evaluates the characteristics of ionization chambers for the measurement of absorbed dose to water using very low-energy x-rays. The values of the chamber correction factor, k(ch), used in the IPEMB 1996 code of practice for the UK secondary standard ionization chambers (PTW type M23342 and PTW type M23344), the Roos (PTW type 34001) and NACP electron chambers are derived. The responses in air of the small and large soft x-ray chambers (PTW type M23342 and PTW type M23344) and the NACP and Roos electron ionization chambers were compared. Besides the soft x-ray chambers, the NACP and Roos chambers can be used for very low-energy x-ray dosimetry provided that they are used in the restricted energy range for which their response does not change by more than 5%. The chamber correction factor was found by comparing the absorbed dose to water determined using the dosimetry protocol recommended for low-energy x-rays with that for very low-energy x-rays. The overlap energy range was extended using data from Grosswendt and Knight. Chamber correction factors given in this paper are chamber dependent, varying from 1.037 to 1.066 for a PTW type M23344 chamber, which is very different from a value of unity given in the IPEMB code. However, the values of k(ch) determined in this paper agree with those given in the DIN standard within experimental uncertainty. The authors recommend that the very low-energy section of the IPEMB code is amended to include the most up-to-date values of k(ch).

Making MUSIC: A multiple sampling ionization chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shumard, B.; Henderson, D. J.; Rehm, K. E.; Tang, X. D.

2007-08-01

A multiple sampling ionization chamber (MUSIC) was developed for use in conjunction with the Atlas scattering chamber (ATSCAT). This chamber was developed to study the (α, p) reaction in stable and radioactive beams. The gas filled ionization chamber is used as a target and detector for both particles in the outgoing channel (p + beam particles for elastic scattering or p + residual nucleus for (α, p) reactions). The MUSIC detector is followed by a Si array to provide a trigger for anode events. The anode events are gated by a gating grid so that only (α, p) reactions where the proton reaches the Si detector result in an anode event. The MUSIC detector is a segmented ionization chamber. The active length of the chamber is 11.95 in. and is divided into 16 equal anode segments (3.5 in. × 0.70 in. with 0.3 in. spacing between pads). The dead area of the chamber was reduced by the addition of a Delrin snout that extends 0.875 in. into the chamber from the front face, to which a mylar window is affixed. 0.5 in. above the anode is a Frisch grid that is held at ground potential. 0.5 in. above the Frisch grid is a gating grid. The gating grid functions as a drift electron barrier, effectively halting the gathering of signals. Setting two sets of alternating wires at differing potentials creates a lateral electric field which traps the drift electrons, stopping the collection of anode signals. The chamber also has a reinforced mylar exit window separating the Si array from the target gas. This allows protons from the (α, p) reaction to be detected. The detection of these protons opens the gating grid to allow the drift electrons released from the ionizing gas during the (α, p) reaction to reach the anode segment below the reaction.

SYNCHROTRON RADIATION, FREE ELECTRON LASER, APPLICATION OF NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY, ETC. Design of a multi-cusp ion source for proton therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Xiao-Bing; Huang, Tao; Ouyang, Hua-Fu; Zhang, Hua-Shun; Gong, Ke-Yun

2010-12-01

The permanent magnets of the discharge chamber in a multi-cusp proton source are studied and designed. The three electrode extraction system is adopted and simulated. A method to extract different amounts of current while keeping the beam emittance unchanged is proposed.

Small field electron beam dosimetry using MOSFET detector.

PubMed

Amin, Md Nurul; Heaton, Robert; Norrlinger, Bern; Islam, Mohammad K

2010-10-04

The dosimetry of very small electron fields can be challenging due to relative shifts in percent depth-dose curves, including the location of dmax, and lack of lateral electronic equilibrium in an ion chamber when placed in the beam. Conventionally a small parallel plate chamber or film is utilized to perform small field electron beam dosimetry. Since modern radiotherapy departments are becoming filmless in favor of electronic imaging, an alternate and readily available clinical dosimeter needs to be explored. We have studied the performance of MOSFET as a relative dosimeter in small field electron beams. The reproducibility, linearity and sensitivity of a high-sensitivity microMOSFET were investigated for clinical electron beams. In addition, the percent depth doses, output factors and profiles have been measured in a water tank with MOSFET and compared with those measured by an ion chamber for a range of field sizes from 1 cm diameter to 10 cm × 10 cm for 6, 12, 16 and 20 MeV beams. Similar comparative measurements were also per-formed with MOSFET and films in solid water phantom. The MOSFET sensitivity was found to be practically constant over the range of field sizes investigated. The dose response was found to be linear and reproducible (within ± 1% for 100 cGy). An excellent agreement was observed among the central axis depth dose curves measured using MOSFET, film and ion chamber. The output factors measured with MOSFET for small fields agreed to within 3% with those measured by film dosimetry. Overall results indicate that MOSFET can be utilized to perform dosimetry for small field electron beam.

Experimental observation of electron bounce resonance through electron energy distribution measurement in a finite size inductively coupled plasma

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gu, Seuli; Kang, Hyun-Ju; Kim, Yu-Sin

2016-06-15

The electron bounce resonance was experimentally investigated in a low pressure planar inductively coupled plasma. The electron energy probability functions (EEPFs) were measured at different chamber heights and the energy diffusion coefficients were calculated by the kinetic model. It is found that the EEPFs begin to flatten at the first electron bounce resonance condition, and the plateau shifts to a higher electron energy as the chamber height increases. The plateau which indicates strong electron heating corresponds not only to the electron bounce resonance condition but also to the peaks of the first component of the energy diffusion coefficients. As amore » result, the plateau formation in the EEPFs is mainly due to the electron bounce resonance in a finite inductive discharge.« less

On the p(dis) correction factor for cylindrical chambers.

PubMed

Andreo, Pedro

2010-03-07

The authors of a recent paper (Wang and Rogers 2009 Phys. Med. Biol. 54 1609) have used the Monte Carlo method to simulate the 'classical' experiment made more than 30 years ago by Johansson et al (1978 National and International Standardization of Radiation Dosimetry (Atlanta 1977) vol 2 (Vienna: IAEA) pp 243-70) on the displacement (or replacement) perturbation correction factor p(dis) for cylindrical chambers in 60Co and high-energy photon beams. They conclude that an 'unreasonable normalization at dmax' of the ionization chambers response led to incorrect results, and for the IAEA TRS-398 Code of Practice, which uses ratios of those results, 'the difference in the correction factors can lead to a beam calibration deviation of more than 0.5% for Farmer-like chambers'. The present work critically examines and questions some of the claims and generalized conclusions of the paper. It is demonstrated that for real, commercial Farmer-like chambers, the possible deviations in absorbed dose would be much smaller (typically 0.13%) than those stated by Wang and Rogers, making the impact of their proposed values negligible on practical high-energy photon dosimetry. Differences of the order of 0.4% would only appear at the upper extreme of the energies potentially available for clinical use (around 25 MV) and, because lower energies are more frequently used, the number of radiotherapy photon beams for which the deviations would be larger than say 0.2% is extremely small. This work also raises concerns on the proposed value of pdis for Farmer chambers at the reference quality of 60Co in relation to their impact on electron beam dosimetry, both for direct dose determination using these chambers and for the cross-calibration of plane-parallel chambers. The proposed increase of about 1% in p(dis) (compared with TRS-398) would lower the kQ factors and therefore Dw in electron beams by the same amount. This would yield a severe discrepancy with the current good agreement between electron dosimetry based on an electron cross-calibrated plane-parallel chamber (against a Farmer) or on a directly 60Co calibrated plane-parallel chamber, which is not likely to be in error by 1%. It is suggested that the influence of the 60Co source spectrum used in the simulations may not be negligible for calculations aimed at an uncertainty level of 0.1%.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: On the pdis correction factor for cylindrical chambers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andreo, Pedro

2010-03-01

The authors of a recent paper (Wang and Rogers 2009 Phys. Med. Biol. 54 1609) have used the Monte Carlo method to simulate the 'classical' experiment made more than 30 years ago by Johansson et al (1978 National and International Standardization of Radiation Dosimetry (Atlanta 1977) vol 2 (Vienna: IAEA) pp 243-70) on the displacement (or replacement) perturbation correction factor pdis for cylindrical chambers in 60Co and high-energy photon beams. They conclude that an 'unreasonable normalization at dmax' of the ionization chambers response led to incorrect results, and for the IAEA TRS-398 Code of Practice, which uses ratios of those results, 'the difference in the correction factors can lead to a beam calibration deviation of more than 0.5% for Farmer-like chambers'. The present work critically examines and questions some of the claims and generalized conclusions of the paper. It is demonstrated that for real, commercial Farmer-like chambers, the possible deviations in absorbed dose would be much smaller (typically 0.13%) than those stated by Wang and Rogers, making the impact of their proposed values negligible on practical high-energy photon dosimetry. Differences of the order of 0.4% would only appear at the upper extreme of the energies potentially available for clinical use (around 25 MV) and, because lower energies are more frequently used, the number of radiotherapy photon beams for which the deviations would be larger than say 0.2% is extremely small. This work also raises concerns on the proposed value of pdis for Farmer chambers at the reference quality of 60Co in relation to their impact on electron beam dosimetry, both for direct dose determination using these chambers and for the cross-calibration of plane-parallel chambers. The proposed increase of about 1% in pdis (compared with TRS-398) would lower the kQ factors and therefore Dw in electron beams by the same amount. This would yield a severe discrepancy with the current good agreement between electron dosimetry based on an electron cross-calibrated plane-parallel chamber (against a Farmer) or on a directly 60Co calibrated plane-parallel chamber, which is not likely to be in error by 1%. It is suggested that the influence of the 60Co source spectrum used in the simulations may not be negligible for calculations aimed at an uncertainty level of 0.1%.

New controlled environment vitrification system for preparing wet samples for cryo-SEM.

PubMed

Ge, H; Suszynski, W J; Davis, H T; Scriven, L E

2008-01-01

A new controlled environment vitrification system (CEVS) has been designed and constructed to facilitate examination by cryogenic scanning electron microscopy (Cryo-SEM) of initial suspension state and of microstructure development in latex, latex-composite and other coatings while they still contain solvent. The new system has a main chamber with provisions for coating as well as drying, and for well-controlled plunging into cryogen. An added subsidiary chamber holds samples for drying or annealing over minutes to days before they are returned to the main chamber and plunged from it. In the main chamber, samples are blade-coated on 5 x 7 mm pieces of silicon wafer and held at selected temperature and humidity for successively longer times, either there or after transfer along a rail into the subsidiary chamber. They are then placed in the sample holder mounted on the plunge rod, so as to permit adjustment of the sample's attitude when it plunges, at controlled speed, into liquid ethane at its freezing point, to a chosen depth, in order to solidify the sample without significant shear or freezing artifacts. The entries of plunging samples and related sample holders into liquid ethane were recorded with a high-speed, high-resolution Photron digital camera. The data were interpreted with a new hypothesis about the width of the band of extremely rapid cooling by deeply subcooled nucleate boiling below the line of entry. Complementary cryo-SEM images revealed that the freezing rate and surface shearing of a sample need to be balanced by adjusting the plunging attitude.

The Development of a Tactical Dual-Wavelength Nephelometer.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-11-24

Instrument Layout 50 4.5 Optical Systems 53 4.6 Electronic Systems 56 4.6.1 Transmitter System 56 4.6.2 Receiver Systems 58 5. R&D TEST AND ACCEPTANCE PLAN 61... PLAN , 136 HSS-B-086, 10 DEC1981. APPENDIX B ARVIN CALSPAN DOCUMENTATION OF 155 EXTINCTION AND PARTICLE SIZE MEASUREMENTS FOR CHAMBER TESTS OF MAY 1982. 6...121 FP’enn Aerosol Models. 8.9 Aerosol Extinction Coefficients at Two Wavelenghts 129 and their Ratio for Four Deirmendjian Aerosol Models. 10

Sci-Thur PM: YIS - 07: Monte Carlo simulations to obtain several parameters required for electron beam dosimetry.

PubMed

Muir, B; Rogers, D; McEwen, M

2012-07-01

When current dosimetry protocols were written, electron beam data were limited and had uncertainties that were unacceptable for reference dosimetry. Protocols for high-energy reference dosimetry are currently being updated leading to considerable interest in accurate electron beam data. To this end, Monte Carlo simulations using the EGSnrc user-code egs_chamber are performed to extract relevant data for reference beam dosimetry. Calculations of the absorbed dose to water and the absorbed dose to the gas in realistic ion chamber models are performed as a function of depth in water for cobalt-60 and high-energy electron beams between 4 and 22 MeV. These calculations are used to extract several of the parameters required for electron beam dosimetry - the beam quality specifier, R 50 , beam quality conversion factors, k Q and k R50 , the electron quality conversion factor, k' R50 , the photon-electron conversion factor, k ecal , and ion chamber perturbation factors, P Q . The method used has the advantage that many important parameters can be extracted as a function of depth instead of determination at only the reference depth as has typically been done. Results obtained here are in good agreement with measured and other calculated results. The photon-electron conversion factors obtained for a Farmer-type NE2571 and plane-parallel PTW Roos, IBA NACP-02 and Exradin A11 chambers are 0.903, 0.896, 0.894 and 0.906, respectively. These typically differ by less than 0.7% from the contentious TG-51 values but have much smaller systematic uncertainties. These results are valuable for reference dosimetry of high-energy electron beams. © 2012 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Development of GEM detector for plasma diagnostics application: simulations addressing optimization of its performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chernyshova, M.; Malinowski, K.; Kowalska-Strzęciwilk, E.; Czarski, T.; Linczuk, P.; Wojeński, A.; Krawczyk, R. D.

2017-12-01

The advanced Soft X-ray (SXR) diagnostics setup devoted to studies of the SXR plasma emissivity is at the moment a highly relevant and important for ITER/DEMO application. Especially focusing on the energy range of tungsten emission lines, as plasma contamination by W and its transport in the plasma must be understood and monitored for W plasma-facing material. The Gas Electron Multiplier, with a spatial and energy-resolved photon detecting chamber, based SXR radiation detection system under development by our group may become such a diagnostic setup considering and solving many physical, technical and technological aspects. This work presents the results of simulations aimed to optimize a design of the detector's internal chamber and its performance. The study of the effect of electrodes alignment allowed choosing the gap distances which maximizes electron transmission and choosing the optimal magnitudes of the applied electric fields. Finally, the optimal readout structure design was identified suitable to collect a total formed charge effectively, basing on the range of the simulated electron cloud at the readout plane which was in the order of ~ 2 mm.

T-Violation experiment using polarized Li-8 at TRIUMF

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murata, Jiro; MTV Collaboration

2014-09-01

The MTV experiment searching T-Violating electron transverse polarization in polarized nuclear beta decay at TRIUMF is running. The main electron tracking detector as a Mott polarimeter was upgraded from a planer drift chamber to a cylindrical drift chamber (CDC), which has been commissioned and tested. In this talk, preparation status of the next physics production using the CDC will be presented.

First observation of low energy electron neutrinos in a liquid argon time projection chamber

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Acciarri, R.; Adams, C.; Asaadi, J.

Liquid argon time projection chambers (LArTPCs) produce remarkable fidelity in the observation of neutrino interactions. The superior capabilities of such detectors to reconstruct the spatial and calorimetric information of neutrino events have made them the detectors of choice in a number of experiments, specifically those looking to observe electron neutrino (more » $$\

First results of 28 GHz superconducting electron cyclotron resonance ion source for KBSI accelerator.

PubMed

Park, Jin Yong; Lee, Byoung-Seob; Choi, Seyong; Kim, Seong Jun; Ok, Jung-Woo; Yoon, Jang-Hee; Kim, Hyun Gyu; Shin, Chang Seouk; Hong, Jonggi; Bahng, Jungbae; Won, Mi-Sook

2016-02-01

The 28 GHz superconducting electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) ion source has been developed to produce a high current heavy ion for the linear accelerator at KBSI (Korea Basic Science Institute). The objective of this study is to generate fast neutrons with a proton target via a p(Li,n)Be reaction. The design and fabrication of the essential components of the ECR ion source, which include a superconducting magnet with a liquid helium re-condensed cryostat and a 10 kW high-power microwave, were completed. The waveguide components were connected with a plasma chamber including a gas supply system. The plasma chamber was inserted into the warm bore of the superconducting magnet. A high voltage system was also installed for the ion beam extraction. After the installation of the ECR ion source, we reported the results for ECR plasma ignition at ECRIS 2014 in Russia. Following plasma ignition, we successfully extracted multi-charged ions and obtained the first results in terms of ion beam spectra from various species. This was verified by a beam diagnostic system for a low energy beam transport system. In this article, we present the first results and report on the current status of the KBSI accelerator project.

First results of 28 GHz superconducting electron cyclotron resonance ion source for KBSI accelerator

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Park, Jin Yong; Lee, Byoung-Seob; Choi, Seyong

The 28 GHz superconducting electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) ion source has been developed to produce a high current heavy ion for the linear accelerator at KBSI (Korea Basic Science Institute). The objective of this study is to generate fast neutrons with a proton target via a p(Li,n)Be reaction. The design and fabrication of the essential components of the ECR ion source, which include a superconducting magnet with a liquid helium re-condensed cryostat and a 10 kW high-power microwave, were completed. The waveguide components were connected with a plasma chamber including a gas supply system. The plasma chamber was inserted intomore » the warm bore of the superconducting magnet. A high voltage system was also installed for the ion beam extraction. After the installation of the ECR ion source, we reported the results for ECR plasma ignition at ECRIS 2014 in Russia. Following plasma ignition, we successfully extracted multi-charged ions and obtained the first results in terms of ion beam spectra from various species. This was verified by a beam diagnostic system for a low energy beam transport system. In this article, we present the first results and report on the current status of the KBSI accelerator project.« less

An amplitude modulated radio frequency plasma generator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lei, Fan; Li, Xiaoping; Liu, Yanming; Liu, Donglin; Yang, Min; Xie, Kai; Yao, Bo

2017-04-01

A glow discharge plasma generator and diagnostic system has been developed to study the effects of rapidly variable plasmas on electromagnetic wave propagation, mimicking the plasma sheath conditions encountered in space vehicle reentry. The plasma chamber is 400 mm in diameter and 240 mm in length, with a 300-mm-diameter unobstructed clear aperture. Electron densities produced are in the mid 1010 electrons/cm3. An 800 W radio frequency (RF) generator is capacitively coupled through an RF matcher to an internally cooled stainless steel electrode to form the plasma. The RF power is amplitude modulated by a waveform generator that operates at different frequencies. The resulting plasma contains electron density modulations caused by the varying power levels. A 10 GHz microwave horn antenna pair situated on opposite sides of the chamber serves as the source and detector of probe radiation. The microwave power feed to the source horn is split and one portion is sent directly to a high-speed recording oscilloscope. On mixing this with the signal from the pickup horn antenna, the plasma-induced phase shift between the two signals gives the path-integrated electron density with its complete time dependent variation. Care is taken to avoid microwave reflections and extensive shielding is in place to minimize electronic pickup. Data clearly show the low frequency modulation of the electron density as well as higher harmonics and plasma fluctuations.

Requirements for CEC POP Machine Protection System

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pinayev, I.

2015-02-18

The requirements of CEC POP machine protection system are meant to prevent damage to a vacuum chamber by a missteered electron beam. In this example, beam energy = 22 MeV, Maximal bunch charge = 5 nC, Maximal repetition rate = 78 kHz, Normalized emittance = 5 mm mrad, Minimal β-function = 1 m. From this information the requirements of the protection system can be calculated by factoring the information into equations to find beam densities and temperature excursions.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Agnes, P.; Agostino, L.; Albuquerque, I. F. M.

DarkSide-50 is a detector for dark matter candidates in the form of weakly interacting massive particles. It utilizes a liquid argon time projection chamber for the inner main detector, surrounded by a liquid scintillator veto (LSV) and a water Cherenkov veto detector (WCV). The LSV and WCV act as the neutron and cosmogenic muon veto detectors for DarkSide-50. This paper describes the electronics and data acquisition system used for these two detectors. The system is made of a custom built front end electronics and commercial National Instruments high speed digitizers. The front end electronics, the DAQ, and the trigger systemmore » have been used to acquire data in the form of zero-suppressed waveform samples from the 110 PMTs of the LSV and the 80 PMTs of the WCV. The veto DAQ system has proven its performance and reliability. This electronics and DAQ system can be scaled and used as it is for the veto of the next generation DarkSide-20k detector. Abstract (arXiv)« less

[Development of cloud chamber having thin-film entrance windows and proposal of practical training for beginners using X-ray equipment and unsealed radioactive material].

PubMed

Konishi, Yuki; Hayashi, Hiroaki; Takegami, Kazuki; Fukuda, Ikuma; Ueno, Junji

2014-01-01

A cloud chamber is a detector that can visualize the tracks of charged particles. Hayashi, et al. suggested a visualization experiment in which X-rays generated by diagnostic X-ray equipment were directed into a cloud chamber; however, there was a problem in that the wall of the cloud chamber scattered the incoming X-rays. In this study, we developed a new cloud chamber with entrance windows. Because these windows are made of thin film, we were able to direct the X-rays through them without contamination by scattered X-rays from the cloud chamber wall. We have newly proposed an experiment in which beta-particles emitted from radioisotopes are directed into a cloud chamber. We place shielding material in the cloud chamber and visualize the various shielding effects seen with the material positioned in different ways. During the experiment, electrons scattered in the air were measured quantitatively using GM counters. We explained the physical phenomena in the cloud chamber using Monte Carlo simulation code EGS5. Because electrons follow a tortuous path in air, the shielding material must be placed appropriately to be able to effectively block their emissions. Visualization of the tracks of charged particles in this experiment proved effective for instructing not only trainee radiological technologists but also different types of healthcare professionals.

A diamond detector in the dosimetry of high-energy electron and photon beams.

PubMed

Laub, W U; Kaulich, T W; Nüsslin, F

1999-09-01

A diamond detector type 60003 (PTW Freiburg) was examined for the purpose of dosimetry with 4-20 MeV electron beams and 4-25 MV photon beams. Results were compared with those obtained by using a Markus chamber for electron beams and an ionization chamber for photon beams. Dose distributions were measured in a water phantom with the detector connected to a Unidos electrometer (PTW Freiburg). After a pre-irradiation of about 5 Gy the diamond detector shows a stability in response which is better than that of an ionization chamber. The current of the diamond detector was measured under variation of photon beam dose rate between 0.1 and 7 Gy min(-1). Different FSDs were chosen. Furthermore the pulse repetition frequency and the depth of the detector were changed. The electron beam dose rate was varied between 0.23 and 4.6 Gy min(-1) by changing the pulse-repetition frequency. The response shows no energy dependence within the covered photon-beam energy range. Between 4 MeV and 18 MeV electron beam energy it shows only a small energy dependence of about 2%, as expected from theory. For smaller electron energies the response increases significantly and an influence of the contact material used for the diamond detector can be surmised. A slight sublinearity of the current and dose rate was found. Detector current and dose rate are related by the expression i alpha Ddelta, where i is the detector current, D is the dose rate and delta is a correction factor of approximately 0.963. Depth-dose curves of photon beams, measured with the diamond detector, show a slight overestimation compared with measurements with the ionization chamber. This overestimation is compensated for by the above correction term. The superior spatial resolution of the diamond detector leads to minor deviations between depth-dose curves of electron beams measured with a Markus chamber and a diamond detector.

Data Quality Monitoring System for New GEM Muon Detectors for the CMS Experiment Upgrade

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

King, Robert; CMS Muon Group Team

2017-01-01

The Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) detectors are novel detectors designed to improve the muon trigger and tracking performance in CMS experiment for the high luminosity upgrade of the LHC. Partial installation of GEM detectors is planned during the 2016-2017 technical stop. Before the GEM system is installed underground, its data acquisition (DAQ) electronics must be thoroughly tested. The DAQ system includes several commercial and custom-built electronic boards running custom firmware. The front-end electronics are radiation-hard and communicate via optical fibers. The data quality monitoring (DQM) software framework has been designed to provide online verification of the integrity of the data produced by the detector electronics, and to promptly identify potential hardware or firmware malfunctions in the system. Local hits reconstruction and clustering algorithms allow quality control of the data produced by each GEM chamber. Once the new detectors are installed, the DQM will monitor the stability and performance of the system during normal data-taking operations. We discuss the design of the DQM system, the software being developed to read out and process the detector data, and the methods used to identify and report hardware and firmware malfunctions of the system.

Manufacturing of a superconducting magnet system for 28 GHz electron cyclotron resonance ion source at KBSI.

PubMed

Lee, B S; Choi, S; Yoon, J H; Park, J Y; Won, M S

2012-02-01

A magnet system for a 28 GHz electron cyclotron resonance ion source is being developed by the Korea Basic Science Institute. The configuration of the magnet system consists of 3 solenoid coils for a mirror magnetic field and 6 racetrack coils for a hexapole magnetic field. They can generate axial magnetic fields of 3.6 T at the beam injection part and 2.2 T at the extraction part. A radial magnetic field of 2.1 T is achievable at the plasma chamber wall. A step type winding process was employed in fabricating the hexapole coil. The winding technique was confirmed through repeated cooling tests. Superconducting magnets and a cryostat system are currently being manufactured.

SU-F-J-147: Magnetic Field Dose Response Considerations for a Linac Monitor Chamber

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Reynolds, M; Fallone, B

Purpose: The impact of magnetic fields on the readings of a linac monitor chamber have not yet been investigated. Herein we examine the total dose response as well as any deviations in the beam parameters of flatness and symmetry when a Varian monitor chamber is irradiated within an applied magnetic field. This work has direct application to the development of Linac-MR systems worldwide. Methods: A Varian monitor chamber was modeled in the Monte Carlo code PENELOPE and irradiated in the presence of a magnetic field with a phase space generated from a model of a Linac-MR prototype system. The magneticmore » field strength was stepped from 0 to 3.0T in both parallel and perpendicular directions with respect to the normal surface of the phase space. Dose to each of the four regions in the monitor chamber were scored separately for every magnetic field adaptation to evaluate the effect of the magnetic field on flatness and symmetry. Results: When the magnetic field is perpendicular to the phase space normal we see a change in dose response with a maximal deviation (10–25% depending on the chamber region) near 0.75T. In the direction of electron deflection we expectedly see opposite responses in chamber regions leading to a measured asymmetry. With a magnetic field parallel to the phase space normal we see no measured asymmetries, however there is a monotonic rise in dose response leveling off at about +12% near 2.5T. Conclusion: Attention must be given to correct for the strength and direction of the magnetic field at the location of the linac monitor chamber in hybrid Linac-MR devices. Elsewise the dose sampled by these chambers may not represent the actual dose expected at isocentre; additionally there may be a need to correct for the symmetry of the beam recorded by the monitor chamber. Fallone is a co-founder and CEO of MagnetTx Oncology Solutions (under discussions to license Alberta bi-planar linac MR for commercialization).« less

SU-C-201-03: Ionization Chamber Collection Efficiency in Pulsed Radiation Fields of High Pulse Dose

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gotz, M; Karsch, L; Pawelke, J

Purpose: To investigate the reduction of collection efficiency of ionization chambers (IC) by volume recombination and its correction in pulsed fields of very high pulse dose. Methods: Measurements of the collection efficiency of a plane-parallel advanced Markus IC (PTW 34045, 1mm electrode spacing, 300V nominal voltage) were obtained for collection voltages of 100V and 300V by irradiation with a pulsed electron beam (20MeV) of varied pulse dose up to approximately 600mGy (0.8nC liberated charge). A reference measurement was performed with a Faraday cup behind the chamber. It was calibrated for the liberated charge in the IC by a linear fitmore » of IC measurement to reference measurement at low pulse doses. The results were compared to the commonly used two voltage approximation (TVA) and to established theories for volume recombination, with and without considering a fraction of free electrons. In addition, an equation system describing the charge transport and reactions in the chamber was solved numerically. Results: At 100V collection voltage and moderate pulse doses the established theories accurately predict the observed collection efficiency, but at extreme pulse doses a fraction of free electrons needs to be considered. At 300V the observed collection efficiency deviates distinctly from that predicted by any of the established theories, even at low pulse doses. However, the numeric solution of the equation system is able to reproduce the measured collection efficiency across the entire dose range of both voltages with a single set of parameters. Conclusion: At high electric fields (3000V/cm here) the existing theoretical descriptions of collection efficiency, including the TVA, are inadequate to predict pulse dose dependency. Even at low pulse doses they might underestimate collection efficiency. The presented, more accurate numeric solution, which considers additional effects like electric shielding by the charges, might provide a valuable tool for future investigations. This project was funded by the German ministry of research and education (BMBF) under grant number: 03Z1N511 and by the state of Saxony under grant number: B 209.« less

Poster - 19: Investigation of Electron Reference Dosimetry Based on Optimal Chamber Shift

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhan, Lixin; Jiang, Runqing; Liu, Baochang

An addendum/revision to AAPM TG-51 electron reference dosimetry is highly expected to meet the clinical requirement with the increasing usage of new ion chambers not covered in TG-51. A recent study, Med. Phys. 41, 111701, proposed a new fitting equation for the beam quality conversion factor k’{sub Q} to a wide spectrum of chambers. In the study, an optimal Effective Point of Measurement (EPOM) from Monte Carlo calculations was recommended and the fitting parameters to k’{sub Q} was based on it. We investigated the absolute dose obtained based on the optimal EPOM method and the original TG-51 method with k’{submore » R50} determined differently. The results showed that using the Markus curve is a better choice than the well-guarded chamber fitting for an IBA PPC-05 parallel plate chamber if we need to strictly follow the AAPM TG-51 protocol. We also examined the usage of the new fitting equation with measurement performed at the physical EPOM, instead of the optimal EPOM. The former is more readily determined and more practical in clinics. Our study indicated that the k’{sub Q} fitting based on the optimal EPOM can be used to measurement at the physical EPOM with no significant clinical impact. The inclusion of Farmer chamber gradient correction P{sub gr} in k’{sub Q}, as in the mentioned study, asks for the precise positioning of chamber center at dref. It is not recommended in clinics to avoid over-correction for low electron energies, especially for an institute having matching Linacs implemented.« less

Electron-Beam Produced Air Plasma: Optical Measurement of Beam Current

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vidmar, Robert; Stalder, Kenneth; Seeley, Megan

2006-10-01

Experiments to quantify the electron beam current and distribution of beam current in air plasma are discussed. The air plasma is produced by a 100-keV 10-mA electron beam source that traverses a transmission window into a chamber with air as a target gas. Air pressure is between 1 mTorr and 760 Torr. Strong optical emissions due to electron impact ionization are observed for the N2 2^nd positive line at 337.1 nm and the N2^+ 1^st negative line at 391.4 nm. Calibration of optical emissions using signals from the isolated transmission window and a Faraday plate are discussed. The calibrated optical system is then used to quantify the electron distribution in the air plasma.

Estimate of radiation damage to low-level electronics of the RF system in the LHC cavities arising from beam gas collisions.

PubMed

Butterworth, A; Ferrari, A; Tsoulou, E; Vlachoudis, V; Wijnands, T

2005-01-01

Monte Carlo simulations have been performed to estimate the radiation damage induced by high-energy hadrons in the digital electronics of the RF low-level systems in the LHC cavities. High-energy hadrons are generated when the proton beams interact with the residual gas. The contributions from various elements-vacuum chambers, cryogenic cavities, wideband pickups and cryomodule beam tubes-have been considered individually, with each contribution depending on the gas composition and density. The probability of displacement damage and single event effects (mainly single event upsets) is derived for the LHC start-up conditions.

Small field electron beam dosimetry using MOSFET detector

PubMed Central

Heaton, Robert; Norrlinger, Bern; Islam, Mohammad K.

2010-01-01

The dosimetry of very small electron fields can be challenging due to relative shifts in percent depth‐dose curves, including the location of dmax, and lack of lateral electronic equilibrium in an ion chamber when placed in the beam. Conventionally a small parallel plate chamber or film is utilized to perform small field electron beam dosimetry. Since modern radiotherapy departments are becoming filmless in favor of electronic imaging, an alternate and readily available clinical dosimeter needs to be explored. We have studied the performance of MOSFET as a relative dosimeter in small field electron beams. The reproducibility, linearity and sensitivity of a high‐sensitivity microMOSFET were investigated for clinical electron beams. In addition, the percent depth doses, output factors and profiles have been measured in a water tank with MOSFET and compared with those measured by an ion chamber for a range of field sizes from 1 cm diameter to 10 cm× 10 cm for 6, 12, 16 and 20 MeV beams. Similar comparative measurements were also performed with MOSFET and films in solid water phantom. The MOSFET sensitivity was found to be practically constant over the range of field sizes investigated. The dose response was found to be linear and reproducible (within ±1% for 100 cGy). An excellent agreement was observed among the central axis depth dose curves measured using MOSFET, film and ion chamber. The output factors measured with MOSFET for small fields agreed to within 3% with those measured by film dosimetry. Overall results indicate that MOSFET can be utilized to perform dosimetry for small field electron beam. PACS number: 87.55.Qr

Technical note: A facility for respiration measurements in cattle.

PubMed

Machado, F S; Tomich, T R; Ferreira, A L; Cavalcanti, L F L; Campos, M M; Paiva, C A V; Ribas, M N; Pereira, L G R

2016-06-01

A respiration system consisting of 4 climate-controlled chambers and 1 set of flowmeters and analyzers was constructed and validated. Each chamber had volume of 21.10m(3) (3.68×2.56×2.24m) and was made from steel with double-glazed windows on either side enabling visual contact between animals. The chambers are independently climate-controlled and can maintain temperature and relative humidity in a range from 5 to 45°C and 30 to 80%, respectively. A flow generator and mass flowmeter continuously pull air from each chamber and a slight negative pressure inside the chamber is ensured. Air from all chambers and ambient air share a common gas analysis and data acquisition system for monitoring O2, CO2, and CH4 concentrations over the measurement period, with the cycle time set to 20min. Analyzers are regularly calibrated and the chambers have mean recoveries of 99.0 and 98.0% for CO2 and CH4, respectively. The chambers are equipped with infrared cameras and electronic feed and water bins for intake measurements, as well as sensors for monitoring animal position and heart rate. Data acquisition and analysis software is used to calculate the rate of consumption of O2 and production of CO2 and CH4. The dynamic respiration measurements are integrated with feed intake data and other sensors. The daily gas exchanges are estimated by integration to determine methane emission and heat production. We conducted a trial with 12 lactating 3/4 Holstein × 1/4 Gyr crossbred dairy cows (6 multiparous and 6 primiparous) under 2 feeding regimens (ad libitum or restricted) to validate the system. Two 22-h respiration measurements were obtained from each cow. Restricted-fed cows showed lower values for milk yield, methane emission, and heat production compared with ad libitum-fed animals. We found no difference between groups for CH4 produced per kilogram of dry matter intake. Repeatability for CH4 emission and heat production was high (0.97 and 0.92, respectively). The respiration system described herein is a useful tool for measuring the dynamic and accumulated data of heat production, methane emission, and feed intake. Copyright © 2016 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

LETS: Lunar Environments Test System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vaughn, Jason A.; Schneider, Todd; Craven, Paul; Norwood, Joey

2008-01-01

The Environmental Effects Branch (EM50) at the Marshall Space Flight Center has developed a unique capability within the agency, namely the Lunar Environment Test System (LETS). LETS is a cryo-pumped vacuum chamber facility capable of high vacuum (10-7 Torr). LETS is a cylindrical chamber, 30 in. (0.8 m) diameter by 48 in. (1.2 m) long thermally controlled vacuum system. The chamber is equipped with a full array of radiation sources including vacuum ultraviolet, electron, and proton radiation. The unique feature of LETS is that it contains a large lunar simulant bed (18 in. x 40 in. x 6 in.) holding 75 kg of JSC-1a simulant while operating at a vacuum of 10-7 Torr. This facility allows three applications: 1) to study the charging, levitation and migration of dust particles, 2) to simulate the radiation environment on the lunar surface, and 3) to electrically charge the lunar simulant enhancing the attraction and adhesion of dust particles to test articles more closely simulating the lunar surface dust environment. LETS has numerous diagnostic instruments including TREK electrostatic probes, residual gas analyzer (RGA), temperature controlled quartz crystal microbalance (TQCM), and particle imaging velocimeter (PIV). Finally, LETS uses continuous Labview data acquisition for computer monitoring and system control.

High dose-per-pulse electron beam dosimetry - A model to correct for the ion recombination in the Advanced Markus ionization chamber.

PubMed

Petersson, Kristoffer; Jaccard, Maud; Germond, Jean-François; Buchillier, Thierry; Bochud, François; Bourhis, Jean; Vozenin, Marie-Catherine; Bailat, Claude

2017-03-01

The purpose of this work was to establish an empirical model of the ion recombination in the Advanced Markus ionization chamber for measurements in high dose rate/dose-per-pulse electron beams. In addition, we compared the observed ion recombination to calculations using the standard Boag two-voltage-analysis method, the more general theoretical Boag models, and the semiempirical general equation presented by Burns and McEwen. Two independent methods were used to investigate the ion recombination: (a) Varying the grid tension of the linear accelerator (linac) gun (controls the linac output) and measuring the relative effect the grid tension has on the chamber response at different source-to-surface distances (SSD). (b) Performing simultaneous dose measurements and comparing the dose-response, in beams with varying dose rate/dose-per-pulse, with the chamber together with dose rate/dose-per-pulse independent Gafchromic™ EBT3 film. Three individual Advanced Markus chambers were used for the measurements with both methods. All measurements were performed in electron beams with varying mean dose rate, dose rate within pulse, and dose-per-pulse (10 -2  ≤ mean dose rate ≤ 10 3 Gy/s, 10 2  ≤ mean dose rate within pulse ≤ 10 7  Gy/s, 10 -4  ≤ dose-per-pulse ≤ 10 1  Gy), which was achieved by independently varying the linac gun grid tension, and the SSD. The results demonstrate how the ion collection efficiency of the chamber decreased as the dose-per-pulse increased, and that the ion recombination was dependent on the dose-per-pulse rather than the dose rate, a behavior predicted by Boag theory. The general theoretical Boag models agreed well with the data over the entire investigated dose-per-pulse range, but only for a low polarizing chamber voltage (50 V). However, the two-voltage-analysis method and the Burns & McEwen equation only agreed with the data at low dose-per-pulse values (≤ 10 -2 and ≤ 10 -1  Gy, respectively). An empirical model of the ion recombination in the chamber was found by fitting a logistic function to the data. The ion collection efficiency of the Advanced Markus ionization chamber decreases for measurements in electron beams with increasingly higher dose-per-pulse. However, this chamber is still functional for dose measurements in beams with dose-per-pulse values up toward and above 10 Gy, if the ion recombination is taken into account. Our results show that existing models give a less-than-accurate description of the observed ion recombination. This motivates the use of the presented empirical model for measurements with the Advanced Markus chamber in high dose-per-pulse electron beams, as it enables accurate absorbed dose measurements (uncertainty estimation: 2.8-4.0%, k = 1). The model depends on the dose-per-pulse in the beam, and it is also influenced by the polarizing chamber voltage, with increasing ion recombination with a lowering of the voltage. © 2017 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Characteristics of the Plasma Source for Ground Ionosphere Simulation Surveyed by Disk-Type Langmuir Probe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryu, Kwangsun; Lee, Junchan; Kim, Songoo; Chung, Taejin; Shin, Goo-Hwan; Cha, Wonho; Min, Kyoungwook; Kim, Vitaly P.

2017-12-01

A space plasma facility has been operated with a back-diffusion-type plasma source installed in a mid-sized vacuum chamber with a diameter of 1.5 m located in Satellite Technology Research Center (SaTReC), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). To generate plasma with a temperature and density similar to the ionospheric plasma, nickel wires coated with carbonate solution were used as filaments that emit thermal electrons, and the accelerated thermal electrons emitted from the heated wires collide with the neutral gas to form plasma inside the chamber. By using a disk-type Langmuir probe installed inside the vacuum chamber, the generation of plasma similar to the space environment was validated. The characteristics of the plasma according to the grid and plate anode voltages were investigated. The grid voltage of the plasma source is realized as a suitable parameter for manipulating the electron density, while the plate voltage is suitable for adjusting the electron temperature. A simple physical model based on the collision cross-section of electron impact on nitrogen molecule was established to explain the plasma generation mechanism.

Front-end electronics of the Belle II drift chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shimazaki, Shoichi; Taniguchi, Takashi; Uchida, Tomohisa; Ikeno, Masahiro; Taniguchi, Nanae; Tanaka, Manobu M.

2014-01-01

This paper describes the performance of the Belle II central drift chamber (CDC) front-end electronics. The front-end electronics consists of a current sensitive preamplifier, a 1/t cancellation circuit, baseline restorers, a comparator for timing measurement and an analog buffer for the dE/dx measurement on a CDC readout card. The CDC readout card is located on the endplate of the CDC. Mass production will be completed after the performance of the chip is verified. The electrical performance and results of a neutron/gamma-ray irradiation test are reported here.

Pulse mode readout techniques for use with non-gridded industrial ionization chambers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Popov, Vladimir E.; Degtiarenko, Pavel V.

2011-10-01

Highly sensitive readout technique for precision long-term radiation measurements has been developed and tested in the Radiation Control Department at Jefferson Lab. The new electronics design is used to retrieve ionization data in a pulse mode. The dedicated data acquisition system works with M=Audio Audiophile 192 High-Definition 24-bit/192 kHz audio cards, taking data in continuous waveform recording mode. The on-line data processing algorithms extract signals of the ionization events from the data flow and measure the ionization value for each event. Two different ion chambers are evaluated. The first is a Reuter-Stokes Argon-filled (at 25 atm) High Pressure Ionization Chambermore » (HPIC), commonly used as a detector part in many GE Reuter-Stokes instruments of the RSS series. The second is a VacuTec Model 70181, 5 atm Xenon-filled ionization chamber. Results for both chambers indicate that the techniques allow using industrial ICs for high sensitivity and precision long-term radiation measurements, while at the same time providing information about spectral characteristics of the radiation fields.« less

Investigation of electron-loss and photon scattering correction factors for FAC-IR-300 ionization chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohammadi, S. M.; Tavakoli-Anbaran, H.; Zeinali, H. Z.

2017-02-01

The parallel-plate free-air ionization chamber termed FAC-IR-300 was designed at the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, AEOI. This chamber is used for low and medium X-ray dosimetry on the primary standard level. In order to evaluate the air-kerma, some correction factors such as electron-loss correction factor (ke) and photon scattering correction factor (ksc) are needed. ke factor corrects the charge loss from the collecting volume and ksc factor corrects the scattering of photons into collecting volume. In this work ke and ksc were estimated by Monte Carlo simulation. These correction factors are calculated for mono-energy photon. As a result of the simulation data, the ke and ksc values for FAC-IR-300 ionization chamber are 1.0704 and 0.9982, respectively.

Sorption of Organophosphorus Flame-Retardants on Settled ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Dust is an important sink for indoor air pollutants, such as organophosphorus flame-retardants (OPFRs) that are used as additives in industrial and consumer products including electrical and electronic products, furniture, plastics, textile, and building/construction materials. This research investigated the sorption of OPFRs, tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), tris(1-chlor-2-propyl) phosphate (TCPP), and tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP) on settled Arizona Test Dust (ATD) using a dual small chamber system. During the test, seven free film release paper dust trays covered with ATD were placed in the sink test chamber. Constant gas phase OPFRs from the source chamber were dosed into the test chamber. The dust evenly spread on each dust tray was removed from the test chamber at different exposure times to determine the amount of OPFRs absorbed by the dust. The ATD has been characterized for a nominal particle size and surface area. The mass of dust on each of seven dust trays was weighed before the dust was placed inside the sink chamber. OPFRs concentrations at the inlet and faceplate of the test chamber were monitored by collecting polyurethane foam (PUF) samples. The OPFR exposed dust and PUF samples were extracted by 1:1 ethyl acetate/methylene chloride and analyzed on GC/MS. The data were used to calculate the OPFR sorption concentration on the dust through dust/air partition. Settled dust can adsorb OPFR from air. The sorption concentration wa

High energy electrons beyond 100 GEV observed by emulsion chamber

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nishimura, J.; Fujii, M.; Yoshida, A.; Taira, T.; Aizu, H.; Nomura, Y.; Kobayashi, T.; Kazuno, M.; Nishio, A.; Golden, R. L.

1986-01-01

Much efforts have been expended to observe the spectrum of electrons in the high energy region with large area emulsion chambers exposed at balloon altitudes, and now 15 electrons beyond 1 TeV have been observed. The observed integral flux at 1 TeV is (3.24 + or - 0.87)x10(-5)/sq m sec sr. The statistics of the data around a few hundred GeV are also improving by using new shower detecting films of high sensitivity. The astrophysical significance of the observed spectrum are discussed for the propagation of electrons based on the leaky box and the nested leaky box model.

Time resolution of resistive plate chambers investigated with 10 MeV electrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paradela, C.; Ayyad, Y.; Benlliure, J.; Casarejos, E.; Duran, I.

2014-01-01

The time resolution of double-gap timing resistive plate chambers (tRPC) has been measured with 10 MeV electron bunches of variable intensity. The use of electrons delivered in bunches of a few picoseconds was an attempt to mimic the energy deposition of heavy ions in the tRPC gas gap. The measurements show a clear dependence of the time resolution with the number of electrons per bunch, reaching 21 ps (standard deviation) for the highest beam intensity. The signal charge distribution and the time resolution are compared to data obtained with the same detectors for cosmic rays and 238U ions at 1 AGeV.

A flexible, on-line magnetic spectrometer for ultra-intense laser produced fast electron measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ge, Xulei; Yuan, Xiaohui; Yang, Su; Deng, Yanqing; Wei, Wenqing; Fang, Yuan; Gao, Jian; Liu, Feng; Chen, Min; Zhao, Li; Ma, Yanyun; Sheng, Zhengming; Zhang, Jie

2018-04-01

We have developed an on-line magnetic spectrometer to measure energy distributions of fast electrons generated from ultra-intense laser-solid interactions. The spectrometer consists of a sheet of plastic scintillator, a bundle of non-scintillating plastic fibers, and an sCMOS camera recording system. The design advantages include on-line capturing ability, versatility of detection arrangement, and resistance to harsh in-chamber environment. The validity of the instrument was tested experimentally. This spectrometer can be applied to the characterization of fast electron source for understanding fundamental laser-plasma interaction physics and to the optimization of high-repetition-rate laser-driven applications.

Langmuir Probe Measurements in a Grid-Assisted Magnetron Sputtering System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sagás, Julio César; Pessoa, Rodrigo Sávio; Maciel, Homero Santiago

2018-02-01

The grid-assisted magnetron sputtering is a variation of the magnetron sputtering commonly used for thin film deposition. In this work, Langmuir probe measurements were performed in such a system by using the grid under two basic and practical electrical conditions, i.e., floating and grounded. The results show that grounding the grid leads to an enhancement of the plasma confinement and to increases in both floating and plasma potential, as inferred from the probe characteristics. The grounded grid drains electrons from the plasma, acting as an auxiliary anode and reducing the plasma diffusion toward the chamber walls. For the same discharge current, the improved confinement results in a lower electron temperature when compared to floating condition, although the electron densities are comparable in both cases.

Signal enhancement due to high-Z nanofilm electrodes in parallel plate ionization chambers with variable microgaps.

PubMed

Brivio, Davide; Sajo, Erno; Zygmanski, Piotr

2017-12-01

We developed a method for measuring signal enhancement produced by high-Z nanofilm electrodes in parallel plate ionization chambers with variable thickness microgaps. We used a laboratory-made variable gap parallel plate ionization chamber with nanofilm electrodes made of aluminum-aluminum (Al-Al) and aluminum-tantalum (Al-Ta). The electrodes were evaporated on 1 mm thick glass substrates. The interelectrode air gap was varied from 3 μm to 1 cm. The gap size was measured using a digital micrometer and it was confirmed by capacitance measurements. The electric field in the chamber was kept between 0.1 kV/cm and 1 kV/cm for all the gap sizes by applying appropriate compensating voltages. The chamber was exposed to 120 kVp X-rays. The current was measured using a commercial data acquisition system with temporal resolution of 600 Hz. In addition, radiation transport simulations were carried out to characterize the dose, D(x), high-energy electron current, J(x), and deposited charge, Q(x), as a function of distance, x, from the electrodes. A deterministic method was selected over Monte Carlo due to its ability to produce results with 10 nm spatial resolution without stochastic uncertainties. Experimental signal enhancement ratio, SER(G) which we defined as the ratio of signal for Al-air-Ta to signal for Al-air-Al for each gap size, was compared to computations. The individual contributions of dose, electron current, and charge deposition to the signal enhancement were determined. Experimental signals matched computed data for all gap sizes after accounting for several contributions to the signal: (a) charge carrier generated via ionization due to the energy deposited in the air gap, D(x); (b) high-energy electron current, J(x), leaking from high-Z electrode (Ta) toward low-Z electrode (Al); (c) deposited charge in the air gap, Q(x); and (d) the decreased collection efficiency for large gaps (>~500 μm). Q(x) accounts for the electrons below 100 eV, which are regarded as stopped by the radiation transport code but which can move and form electron current in small gaps (<100 μm). While the total energy deposited in the air gap increases with gap size for both samples, the average high-energy current and deposited charge are moderately decreasing with the air gap. When gap sizes are smaller than ~20 μm, the contribution to signal from dose approaches zero while contributions from high-energy current and deposited charges give rise to an offset signal. The measured signal enhancement ratio (SER) was 40.0 ± 5.0 for the 3 μm gap and rapidly decreasing with gap size down to 9.9 ± 1.2 for the 21 μm gap and to 6.6 ± 0.3 for the 100 μm gap. The uncertainties in SER were mostly due to uncertainties in gap size and data acquisition system. We developed an experimental method to determine the signal enhancement due to high-Z nanolayers in parallel plate ionization chambers with micrometer spatial resolution. As the water-equivalent thicknesses of these air gaps are 3 nm to 10 μm, the method may also be applicable for nanoscopic spatial resolution of other gap materials. The method may be extended to solid insulator materials with low Z. © 2017 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Huang, Z; Jiang, W; Stuart, B

Purpose: Since electrons are easily scattered, the virtual source position for electrons is expected to locate below the x-ray target of Medical Linacs. However, the effective SSD method yields the electron virtual position above the x-ray target for some applicators for some energy in Siemens Linacs. In this study, we propose to use IC Profiler (Sun Nuclear) for evaluating the electron virtual source position for the standard electron applicators for various electron energies. Methods: The profile measurements for various nominal source-to-detector distances (SDDs) of 100–115 cm were carried out for electron beam energies of 6–18 MeV. Two methods were used:more » one was to use a 0.125 cc ion chamber (PTW, Type 31010) with buildup mounted in a PTW water tank without water filled; and the other was to use IC Profiler with a buildup to achieve charge particle equilibrium. The full width at half-maximum (FWHM) method was used to determine the field sizes for the measured profiles. Backprojecting (by a straight line) the distance between the 50% points on the beam profiles for the various SDDs, yielded the virtual source position for each applicator. Results: The profiles were obtained and the field sizes were determined by FWHM. The virtual source positions were determined through backprojection of profiles for applicators (5, 10, 15, 20, 25). For instance, they were 96.415 cm (IC Profiler) vs 95.844 cm (scanning ion chamber) for 9 MeV electrons with 10×10 cm applicator and 97.160 cm vs 97.161 cm for 12 MeV electrons with 10×10 cm applicator. The differences in the virtual source positions between IC profiler and scanning ion chamber were within 1.5%. Conclusion: IC Profiler provides a practical method for determining the electron virtual source position and its results are consistent with those obtained by profiles of scanning ion chamber with buildup.« less

Role of ion magnetization in formation of radial density profile in magnetically expanding plasma produced by helicon antenna

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yadav, Sonu; Ghosh, Soumen; Bose, Sayak; Barada, Kshitish K.; Pal, Rabindranath; Chattopadhyay, Prabal K.

2018-04-01

Experimentally, the density profile in the magnetic nozzle of a helicon antenna based plasma device is seen to be modified from being centrally peaked to that of hollow nature as the external magnetic field is increased. It occurs above a characteristic field value when the ions become magnetized in the expansion chamber. The density profile in the source chamber behind the nozzle, however, remains peaked on-axis irrespective of the magnetic field. The electron temperature there is observed to be hollow and this nature is carried to the expansion chamber along the field line. In the electron energy distribution near the off axis peak location, a high energy tail exists. Rotation of these tail electrons in the azimuthal direction due to the gradient-B drift in the expansion chamber leads to an additional off-axis ionization and forms the hollow density profile. It seems that if the ions are not magnetized, then the off-axially produced additional plasma is not confined and the density profile retains the on-axis peak nature. The present experiment successfully demonstrates how the knowledge of the ion magnetization together with tail electrons significantly contributes to the design of an efficient helicon plasma based thruster.

SU-F-T-73: Experimental Determination of the Effective Point of Measurement in Electron Beams Using a Commercial Scintillation Detector

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Simiele, E; Smith, B; Culberson, W

2016-06-15

Purpose: The aim of this work was to determine experimentally the effective point of measurement (EPOM) in clinical electron beams for three cylindrical ionization chambers using a commercial scintillation detector as a reference detector. Methods: Percent depth dose (PDD) curves were measured using an Exradin W1 scintillation detector and were used as a representative PDD to water. Depth dose curves were measured with the Exradin A18, A1SL, and A28 ionization chambers. The raw ionization chamber curve data were corrected by the chamber fluence perturbation correction factor and restricted mass collisional stopping power ratio at each depth to obtain a percentmore » depth dose curve to the gas volume (PDDGV) of the detector. Ratios of the W1 PDD to the ion chamber PDDGV were calculated for each measurement depth. The W1 PDD curve was shifted by small depth increments, Δz, until the ratio of the W1 PDD to the ion chamber PDDGV was depth-independent (optimal Δz). A MATLAB routine was developed to determine the optimal Δz value. Results: The optimal Δz shift was used as an estimate of the EPOM for each chamber. The average calculated EPOM shifts (expressed as a fraction of the chamber cavity radius) for the A18, A1SL, and A28 ionization chambers were 0.21 ± 0.04, 0.10 ± 0.05, and 0.22 ± 0.03, respectively. Conclusion: The experimentally determined EPOM values for the A18 and A1SL in this work agreed with the simulated values of Muir and Rogers (MedPhys 2014). The results also indicate that the Exradin W1 scintillator is water equivalent for electron energies of 6 MeV, 9 MeV, 12 MeV, and 16 MeV. In addition, we confirmed that the AAPM TG51 recommended EPOM shift of 0.5 times the cavity radius is not accurate for the A18 and A1SL chambers.« less

Sample mounting and transfer for coupling an ultrahigh vacuum variable temperature beetle scanning tunneling microscope with conventional surface probes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nafisi, Kourosh; Ranau, Werner; Hemminger, John C.

2001-01-01

We present a new ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) chamber for surface analysis and microscopy at controlled, variable temperatures. The new instrument allows surface analysis with Auger electron spectroscopy, low energy electron diffraction, quadrupole mass spectrometer, argon ion sputtering gun, and a variable temperature scanning tunneling microscope (VT-STM). In this system, we introduce a novel procedure for transferring a sample off a conventional UHV manipulator and onto a scanning tunneling microscope in the conventional ''beetle'' geometry, without disconnecting the heating or thermocouple wires. The microscope, a modified version of the Besocke beetle microscope, is mounted on a 2.75 in. outer diameter UHVmore » flange and is directly attached to the base of the chamber. The sample is attached to a tripod sample holder that is held by the main manipulator. Under UHV conditions the tripod sample holder can be removed from the main manipulator and placed onto the STM. The VT-STM has the capability of acquiring images between the temperature range of 180--500 K. The performance of the chamber is demonstrated here by producing an ordered array of island vacancy defects on a Pt(111) surface and obtaining STM images of these defects.« less

Readying ISIM for its First Thermal Vacuum Test

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-12-08

Engineers work with the Integrated Science Instrument Module for the James Webb Space Telescope inside the thermal vacuum chamber at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. The ISIM and the ISIM System Integration Fixture that holds the ISIM Electronics Compartment was recently lifted inside the chamber for its first thermal vacuum test. In this image one of the ISIM's many protective blanket layers is pulled back. The blankets will be removed during testing. Image credit: NASA/Chris Gunn NASA image use policy. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Find us on Instagram

A method for sampling microbial aerosols using high altitude balloons.

PubMed

Bryan, N C; Stewart, M; Granger, D; Guzik, T G; Christner, B C

2014-12-01

Owing to the challenges posed to microbial aerosol sampling at high altitudes, very little is known about the abundance, diversity, and extent of microbial taxa in the Earth-atmosphere system. To directly address this knowledge gap, we designed, constructed, and tested a system that passively samples aerosols during ascent through the atmosphere while tethered to a helium-filled latex sounding balloon. The sampling payload is ~ 2.7 kg and comprised of an electronics box and three sampling chambers (one serving as a procedural control). Each chamber is sealed with retractable doors that can be commanded to open and close at designated altitudes. The payload is deployed together with radio beacons that transmit GPS coordinates (latitude, longitude and altitude) in real time for tracking and recovery. A cut mechanism separates the payload string from the balloon at any desired altitude, returning all equipment safely to the ground on a parachute. When the chambers are opened, aerosol sampling is performed using the Rotorod® collection method (40 rods per chamber), with each rod passing through 0.035 m3 per km of altitude sampled. Based on quality control measurements, the collection of ~ 100 cells rod(-1) provided a 3-sigma confidence level of detection. The payload system described can be mated with any type of balloon platform and provides a tool for characterizing the vertical distribution of microorganisms in the troposphere and stratosphere. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Measurement of absorbed dose with a bone-equivalent extrapolation chamber.

PubMed

DeBlois, François; Abdel-Rahman, Wamied; Seuntjens, Jan P; Podgorsak, Ervin B

2002-03-01

A hybrid phantom-embedded extrapolation chamber (PEEC) made of Solid Water and bone-equivalent material was used for determining absorbed dose in a bone-equivalent phantom irradiated with clinical radiation beams (cobalt-60 gamma rays; 6 and 18 MV x rays; and 9 and 15 MeV electrons). The dose was determined with the Spencer-Attix cavity theory, using ionization gradient measurements and an indirect determination of the chamber air-mass through measurements of chamber capacitance. The collected charge was corrected for ionic recombination and diffusion in the chamber air volume following the standard two-voltage technique. Due to the hybrid chamber design, correction factors accounting for scatter deficit and electrode composition were determined and applied in the dose equation to obtain absorbed dose in bone for the equivalent homogeneous bone phantom. Correction factors for graphite electrodes were calculated with Monte Carlo techniques and the calculated results were verified through relative air cavity dose measurements for three different polarizing electrode materials: graphite, steel, and brass in conjunction with a graphite collecting electrode. Scatter deficit, due mainly to loss of lateral scatter in the hybrid chamber, reduces the dose to the air cavity in the hybrid PEEC in comparison with full bone PEEC by 0.7% to approximately 2% depending on beam quality and energy. In megavoltage photon and electron beams, graphite electrodes do not affect the dose measurement in the Solid Water PEEC but decrease the cavity dose by up to 5% in the bone-equivalent PEEC even for very thin graphite electrodes (<0.0025 cm). In conjunction with appropriate correction factors determined with Monte Carlo techniques, the uncalibrated hybrid PEEC can be used for measuring absorbed dose in bone material to within 2% for high-energy photon and electron beams.

[A parallel-plate small volume chamber for dosimetry of fast electrons and its use].

PubMed

Markus, B

1976-12-01

The ionization chamber described is designed for dosimetry of electron radiation above ca. 100 keV. It is used for the measurement of the cavity ion dose and of the absorbed dose within solid or water phantoms. Its construction corresponds to a flat chamber in accordance with DIN 6800. The cylindric main body is made of plexiglass (diameter 30 mm, height 14 mm) and encompasses the measuring volume being flush with the surface (diameter 5 mm, height 2 mm; chamber window 2.3 mg/cm2; build up cap for measurements in water 236 mg/cm2). The chamber is constructed with regard to its independency on energy and direction of the incidence as well as to the minimization of the remaining influence quantities, thus answering for the accuracy class "reference-class instrument" (+/- 0.5%). The polarity effect and field perturbation effect are to be neglected, the displacement comes to 0.1 mm, the statistical inaccuracy of measurement to 0.1%. The calibration for the chamber was obtained with a 15 MeV electron beam. The calibration factor for the cavity ion dose is constant, not being related to energy, at least in the range of performance from 2 to 15 MeV according to the primary standard used for calibration (graphic double extrapolation chamber). The overall uncertainty of the calibration factor amounts to +/- 1.5% for the cavity ion dose and to +/- 1.8% for the energy dose. Numerical values of all characteristic quantities and influence quantities which correspond to DIN 6817 and also measurement results for the determination of dose and energy are reported.

76 FR 35219 - Federal Acquisition Regulation; Information Collection; Payment by Electronic Fund Transfer

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-16

... Chambers, Procurement Analyst, Acquisition Policy Division, GSA (202) 501-3221, or Edward.chambers@gsa.gov...: June 7, 2011. Millisa Gary, Acting Director, Office of Governmentwide Acquisition Policy. [FR Doc. 2011...

New evaporator station for the center for accelerator target science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greene, John P.; Labib, Mina

2018-05-01

As part of an equipment grant provided by DOE-NP for the Center for Accelerator Target Science (CATS) initiative, the procurement of a new, electron beam, high-vacuum deposition system was identified as a priority to insure reliable and continued availability of high-purity targets. The apparatus is designed to contain TWO electron beam guns; a standard 4-pocket 270° geometry source as well as an electron bombardment source. The acquisition of this new system allows for the replacement of TWO outdated and aging vacuum evaporators. Also included is an additional thermal boat source, enhancing our capability within this deposition unit. Recommended specifications for this system included an automated, high-vacuum pumping station, a deposition chamber with a rotating and heated substrate holder for uniform coating capabilities and incorporating computer-controlled state-of-the-art thin film technologies. Design specifications, enhanced capabilities and the necessary mechanical modifications for our target work are discussed.

Multiple scattering theory for total skin electron beam design.

PubMed

Antolak, J A; Hogstrom, K R

1998-06-01

The purpose of this manuscript is to describe a method for designing a broad beam of electrons suitable for total skin electron irradiation (TSEI). A theoretical model of a TSEI beam from a linear accelerator with a dual scattering system has been developed. The model uses Fermi-Eyges theory to predict the planar fluence of the electron beam after it has passed through various materials between the source and the treatment plane, which includes scattering foils, monitor chamber, air, and a plastic diffusing plate. Unique to this model is its accounting for removal of the tails of the electron beam profile as it passes through the primary x-ray jaws. A method for calculating the planar fluence profile for an obliquely incident beam is also described. Off-axis beam profiles and percentage depth doses are measured with ion chambers, film, and thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD). The measured data show that the theoretical model can accurately predict beam energy and planar fluence of the electron beam at normal and oblique incidence. The agreement at oblique angles is not quite as good but is sufficiently accurate to be of predictive value when deciding on the optimal angles for the clinical TSEI beams. The advantage of our calculational approach for designing a TSEI beam is that many different beam configurations can be tested without having to perform time-consuming measurements. Suboptimal configurations can be quickly dismissed, and the predicted optimal solution should be very close to satisfying the clinical specifications.

OPTOELECTRONICS, FIBER OPTICS, AND OTHER ASPECTS OF QUANTUM ELECTRONICS: Delivery of cryotargets to a laser focus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baranov, G. D.; Koresheva, E. R.; Listratov, V. I.; Merkul'ev, Yu A.; Mineev, G. V.; Nikitenko, A. I.; Osipov, I. E.; Rogachev, A. V.; Tolokonnikov, S. M.; Chumanov, A. N.

1989-08-01

It is suggested that cryogenic targets be delivered to the focus of a laser fusion chamber by a "cryogenic gun" system based on the principle of electromagnetic acceleration of a special ferromagnetic plunger carrying a target. The performance of the acceleration unit of the cryogenic gun is considered. Experimental results are reported.

Front-end electronics development for TPC detector in the MPD/NICA project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheremukhina, G.; Movchan, S.; Vereschagin, S.; Zaporozhets, S.

2017-06-01

The article is aimed at describing the development status, measuring results and design changes of the TPC front-end electronics. The TPC is placed in the middle of Multi-Purpose Detector (MPD) and provides tracing and identifying of charged particles in the pseudorapidity range |η| < 1.2. The readout system is one of the most complex parts of the TPC. The electronics of each readout chamber is an independent system. The whole system contains 95232 channels, 1488 64-channel—front-end cards (FEC), 24 readout control units (RCU). The front-end electronics (FEE) is based on ASICs, FPGAs and high-speed serial links. The concept of the TPC front-end electronics has been motivated from one side—by the requirements concerning the NICA accelerator complex which will operate at the luminosity up to 1027 cm-2 s-1 for Au79+ ions over the energy range of 4 < √SNN < 11 GeV with the trigger rate up to 7 kHz and from the other side—by the requirements of the 4-π geometry to minimize the substance on the end-caps of the TPC.

Resist characteristics with direct-write electron beam and SCALPEL exposure system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, Mitsuru; Omori, Katsumi; Ishikawa, Kiyoshi; Nakayama, Toshimasa; Novembre, Anthony E.; Ocola, Leonidas E.

1999-06-01

High acceleration voltage electron beam exposure is one of the possible candidates for post-optical lithography. The use of electrons, instead of photons, avoids optical related problems such as the standing wave issues. However, resists must conform to certain needs for the SCALPEL system, such as exposure in a vacuum chamber with 100kv electron beams. Taking into account the challenging requirements of high resolution, high sensitivity, low bake dependency and no outgassing, TOK has been able to develop resists to meet most of the SCALPEL system needs. However, due to the nature of chemical amplification and the PEB dependency, as is the case with DUV resist which varies for different features, we must recommend different resist for multiple features such as dense lines, isolated lines and contact holes. TOK has designed an electron beam negative resist, EN-009, which demonstrate 100nm pattern resolution. The dose to print on the SCALPEL system is 5.0(mu) C/cm2. The electron beam positive resist, EP-004M, has been designed for line and space patterns. The dose to print on the SCALPEL system is 8.25(mu) C/cm2. The processing conditions are standard, using 0.26N developer. These are the lowest exposure energies reported to date for similar resolution on this exposure tools.

A sun-tracking environmental chamber for the outdoor quantification of CPV modules

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Faiman, David, E-mail: faiman@bgu.ac.il; Melnichak, Vladimir, E-mail: faiman@bgu.ac.il; Bokobza, Dov, E-mail: faiman@bgu.ac.il

2014-09-26

The paper describes a sun-tracking environmental chamber and its associated fast electronics, devised for the accurate outdoor characterization of CPV cells, receivers, mono-modules, and modules. Some typical measurement results are presented.

The LAMP instrument at the Linac Coherent Light Source free-electron laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osipov, Timur; Bostedt, Christoph; Castagna, J.-C.; Ferguson, Ken R.; Bucher, Maximilian; Montero, Sebastian C.; Swiggers, Michele L.; Obaid, Razib; Rolles, Daniel; Rudenko, Artem; Bozek, John D.; Berrah, Nora

2018-03-01

The Laser Applications in Materials Processing (LAMP) instrument is a new end-station for soft X-ray imaging, high-field physics, and ultrafast X-ray science experiments that is available to users at the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) free-electron laser. While the instrument resides in the Atomic, Molecular and Optical science hutch, its components can be used at any LCLS beamline. The end-station has a modular design that provides high flexibility in order to meet user-defined experimental requirements and specifications. The ultra-high-vacuum environment supports different sample delivery systems, including pulsed and continuous atomic, molecular, and cluster jets; liquid and aerosols jets; and effusive metal vapor beams. It also houses movable, large-format, high-speed pnCCD X-ray detectors for detecting scattered and fluorescent photons. Multiple charged-particle spectrometer options are compatible with the LAMP chamber, including a double-sided spectrometer for simultaneous and even coincident measurements of electrons, ions, and photons produced by the interaction of the high-intensity X-ray beam with the various samples. Here we describe the design and capabilities of the spectrometers along with some general aspects of the LAMP chamber and show some results from the initial instrument commissioning.

A Miniaturized Variable Pressure Scanning Electron Microscope (MVP-SEM) for the Surface of Mars: An Instrument for the Planetary Science Community

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Edmunson, J.; Gaskin, J. A.; Danilatos, G.; Doloboff, I. J.; Effinger, M. R.; Harvey, R. P.; Jerman, G. A.; Klein-Schoder, R.; Mackie, W.; Magera, B.;

Database and interactive monitoring system for the photonics and electronics of RPC Muon Trigger in CMS experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wiacek, Daniel; Kudla, Ignacy M.; Pozniak, Krzysztof T.; Bunkowski, Karol

2005-02-01

The main task of the RPC (Resistive Plate Chamber) Muon Trigger monitoring system design for the CMS (Compact Muon Solenoid) experiment (at LHC in CERN Geneva) is the visualization of data that includes the structure of electronic trigger system (e.g. geometry and imagery), the way of its processes and to generate automatically files with VHDL source code used for programming of the FPGA matrix. In the near future, the system will enable the analysis of condition, operation and efficiency of individual Muon Trigger elements, registration of information about some Muon Trigger devices and present previously obtained results in interactive presentation layer. A broad variety of different database and programming concepts for design of Muon Trigger monitoring system was presented in this article. The structure and architecture of the system and its principle of operation were described. One of ideas for building this system is use object-oriented programming and design techniques to describe real electronics systems through abstract object models stored in database and implement these models in Java language.

Variable g- Mars environmental chamber: a small window of the martian environment for life science investigations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sgambati, Antonella; Slenzka, Klaus; Schmeyers, Bernd; Di Capua, Massimiliano; Harting, Benjamin

Human exploration and permanent settlement on the Martian surface is the one of the most attractive and ambitious endeavors mankind has ever faced. As technology and research progress, solutions and information that were before unavailable are slowly making the dream become everyday more feasible. In the past years a huge amount of knowledge was gathered by the Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity and now, even more insight is being gathered through the latest rover of the family, Curiosity. In this work, data from the various missions will be used to define and reproduce on Earth the characteristic Martian atmospheric conditions. A small Mars environmental chamber has been designed and built with the objective of studying the effects of the Martian environment on biological systems. The Variable gravity Mars Environmental Chamber (VgMEC) will allow researchers to replicate atmospheric pressure, gas composition, temperature and UVA/B exposure typical of the equatorial regions of Mars. By exposing biological systems to a controllable set of stressor it will be possible to identify both multi and single stressor effects on the system of interest. While several Mars environment simulation facilities exist, due to their size and mass, all are confined to floor-fixed laboratory settings. The VgMEC is an OHB funded project that wishes to bring together the scientific community and the industry. Collaborations will be enabled by granting low cost access to cutting-edge instrumentation and services. Developed at OHB System AG, VgMEC has been designed from the ground up to be a 28L, compact and lightweight test volume capable of being integrated in existing centrifuges (such as the ESA-ESTEC LCD), gimbal systems and parabolic flight aircraft. The VgMEC support systems were designed to accommodate continuous operations of virtually unlimited duration through the adoption of solutions such as: hot swappable gas/liquid consumables bottles, low power requirements, an observation window and robust embedded electronics. VgMEC is a new-generation chamber equipped with state-of-the-art contactless sensors and actuators, which can be controlled and monitored remotely allowing the system to be used without requiring the user to be physically in front of the experiential setup. The chamber is also equipped with a load lock system, which allows samples to be placed in the main chamber without breaking its environmental condition and so avoiding the samples experiencing vacuum during the chamber filling phase. Lastly while the VgMEC has been designed specifically for biological systems, its core properties allow alternative sample analysis therefore providing an extremely flexible, accurate, controllable and low-cost alternative for scientific research and Mars flight hardware evaluation.

BONUS Gas Handling System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferrer, James

2004-10-01

The BONUS experiment, at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility aims to measure structure functions of the neutron via electron scattering. In order to overcome the unavailability of a neutron target, the BONUS collaboration will use a deuterium target. By detecting the recoil (spectator) proton in coincidence with the scattered electron, the kinematics of the electron-neutron interaction will be fully determined, thus overcoming theoretical complications that arise when extracting neutron cross sections. In order to detect low energy recoil protons, in the 70-100 MeV/c range, a (6 cm-radius) radial time projection chamber (RTPC) will be used. The BONUS RTPC is based on the gas electron multiplier (GEM) technology recently developed at CERN. One of the key components of this detector is the gas handling system, designed and built to deliver the correct mixture of gas to the detector safely, accurately, and reliably. The building and testing of this system is the major contribution of James Madison University to the BONUS collaboration. This poster provides a general overview of the BONUS detector, focusing on the gas handling system.

A gating grid driver for time projection chambers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tangwancharoen, S.; Lynch, W. G.; Barney, J.; Estee, J.; Shane, R.; Tsang, M. B.; Zhang, Y.; Isobe, T.; Kurata-Nishimura, M.; Murakami, T.; Xiao, Z. G.; Zhang, Y. F.; SπRIT Collaboration

2017-05-01

A simple but novel driver system has been developed to operate the wire gating grid of a Time Projection Chamber (TPC). This system connects the wires of the gating grid to its driver via low impedance transmission lines. When the gating grid is open, all wires have the same voltage allowing drift electrons, produced by the ionization of the detector gas molecules, to pass through to the anode wires. When the grid is closed, the wires have alternating higher and lower voltages causing the drift electrons to terminate at the more positive wires. Rapid opening of the gating grid with low pickup noise is achieved by quickly shorting the positive and negative wires to attain the average bias potential with N-type and P-type MOSFET switches. The circuit analysis and simulation software SPICE shows that the driver restores the gating grid voltage to 90% of the opening voltage in less than 0.20 μs, for small values of the termination resistors. When tested in the experimental environment of a time projection chamber larger termination resistors were chosen so that the driver opens the gating grid in 0.35 μs. In each case, opening time is basically characterized by the RC constant given by the resistance of the switches and terminating resistors and the capacitance of the gating grid and its transmission line. By adding a second pair of N-type and P-type MOSFET switches, the gating grid is closed by restoring 99% of the original charges to the wires within 3 μs.

Electron density measurements for plasma adaptive optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neiswander, Brian W.

Over the past 40 years, there has been growing interest in both laser communications and directed energy weapons that operate from moving aircraft. As a laser beam propagates from an aircraft in flight, it passes through boundary layers, turbulence, and shear layers in the near-region of the aircraft. These fluid instabilities cause strong density gradients which adversely affect the transmission of laser energy to a target. Adaptive optics provides corrective measures for this problem but current technology cannot respond quickly enough to be useful for high speed flight conditions. This research investigated the use of plasma as a medium for adaptive optics for aero-optics applications. When a laser beam passes through plasma, its phase is shifted proportionally to the electron density and gas heating within the plasma. As a result, plasma can be utilized as a dynamically controllable optical medium. Experiments were carried out using a cylindrical dielectric barrier discharge plasma chamber which generated a sub-atmospheric pressure, low-temperature plasma. An electrostatic model of this design was developed and revealed an important design constraint relating to the geometry of the chamber. Optical diagnostic techniques were used to characterize the plasma discharge. Single-wavelength interferometric experiments were performed and demonstrated up to 1.5 microns of optical path difference (OPD) in a 633 nm laser beam. Dual-wavelength interferometry was used to obtain time-resolved profiles of the plasma electron density and gas heating inside the plasma chamber. Furthermore, a new multi-wavelength infrared diagnostic technique was developed and proof-of-concept simulations were conducted to demonstrate the system's capabilities.

Detection of secondary and backscattered electrons for 3D imaging with multi-detector method in VP/ESEM.

PubMed

Slówko, Witold; Wiatrowski, Artur; Krysztof, Michał

2018-01-01

The paper considers some major problems of adapting the multi-detector method for three-dimensional (3D) imaging of wet bio-medical samples in Variable Pressure/Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (VP/ESEM). The described method pertains to "single-view techniques", which to create the 3D surface model utilise a sequence of 2D SEM images captured from a single view point (along the electron beam axis) but illuminated from four directions. The basis of the method and requirements resulting from them are given for the detector systems of secondary (SE) and backscattered electrons (BSE), as well as designs of the systems which could work in variable conditions. The problems of SE detection with application of the Pressure Limiting Aperture (PLA) as the signal collector are discussed with respect to secondary electron backscattering by a gaseous environment. However, the authors' attention is turned mainly to the directional BSE detection, realized in two ways. The high take off angle BSE were captured through PLA with use of the quadruple semiconductor detector placed inside the intermediate chamber, while BSE starting at lower angles were detected by the four-folded ionization device working in the sample chamber environment. The latter relied on a conversion of highly energetic BSE into low energetic SE generated on walls and a gaseous environment of the deep discharge gap oriented along the BSE velocity direction. The converted BSE signal was amplified in an ionising avalanche developed in the electric field arranged transversally to the gap. The detector system operation is illustrated with numerous computer simulations and examples of experiments and 3D images. The latter were conducted in a JSM 840 microscope with its combined detector-vacuum equipment which could extend capabilities of this high vacuum instrument toward elevated pressures (over 1kPa) and environmental conditions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Argonne CDF Group

Science.gov Websites

calorimeter, Shower Max., Preshower, Crack Chambers (1979-present) Run II Upgrade: Front end electronics (QIE , Preshower electronics and DAQ Support for Level-2 electron and photon triggers (RECES and ISO) Deputy Head

Rapid electron beam accelerator (REBA-tron)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kapetanakos, C.A.; Sprangle, P.A.; Dialetis, D.

1986-03-05

This invention comprises a particle accelerator with a toroidal vacuum chamber, an injector for injecting a charged-paticle beam into the chamber and an exit port to extract the accelerated particle beam. A toroidal magnetic field to confine the beam in the chamber is generated by a set of coils with their axis along the minor axis of the chamber and by two twisted wires that carry current in the same direction wrapped around the chamber. The two twisted wires also generate a torsatron magnetic field that controls the minor radius of the beam. A time-varying magnetic field is generated bymore » two concentric cylindrical plates surrounding the chamber. A convoluted transmission line generates a localized electric field in the chamber to accelerate the beam.« less

OBSERVATIONS OF HIGH-ENERGY COSMIC-RAY ELECTRONS FROM 30 GeV TO 3 TeV WITH EMULSION CHAMBERS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kobayashi, T.; Komori, Y.; Yoshida, K.

2012-12-01

We have performed a series of cosmic-ray electron observations using balloon-borne emulsion chambers since 1968. While we previously reported the results from subsets of the exposures, the final results of the total exposures up to 2001 are presented here. Our successive experiments have yielded a total exposure of 8.19 m{sup 2} sr day at altitudes of 4.0-9.4 g cm{sup -2}. The performance of the emulsion chambers was examined by accelerator beam tests and Monte Carlo simulations, and the on-board calibrations were carried out by using the flight data. In this work, we present the cosmic-ray electron spectrum in the energymore » range from 30 GeV to 3 TeV at the top of the atmosphere, which is well represented by a power-law function with an index of -3.28 {+-} 0.10. The observed data can also be interpreted in terms of diffusive propagation models. The evidence of cosmic-ray electrons up to 3 TeV suggests the existence of cosmic-ray electron sources at distances within {approx}1 kpc and times within {approx}1 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 5} yr ago.« less

First observation of low energy electron neutrinos in a liquid argon time projection chamber

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Acciarri, R.; Adams, C.; Asaadi, J.

The capabilities of liquid argon time projection chambers (LArTPCs) to reconstruct the spatial and calorimetric information of neutrino events have made them the detectors of choice in a number of experiments, specically those looking to observe electron neutrino (e) appearance. The LArTPC promises excellent background rejection capabilities, especially in this \\golden" channel for both short and long baseline neutrino oscillation experiments. We present the rst experimental observation of electron neutrinos and anti-neutrinos in the ArgoNeut LArTPC, in the energy range relevant to DUNE and the Fermilab Short Baseline Neutrino Program. We have selected 37 electron candidate events and 274 gammamore » candidate events, and measured an 80% purity of electrons based on a topological selection. Additionally, we present a of separation of electrons from gammas using calorimetric energy deposition, demonstrating further separation of electrons from background gammas.« less

Nuclear Science Symposium, 19th, and Nuclear Power Systems Symposium, 4th, Miami, Fla., December 6-8, 1972, Proceedings.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

Major topics covered include radiation monitoring instrumentation, nuclear circuits and systems, biomedical applications of nuclear radiation in diagnosis and therapy, plasma research for fusion power, reactor control and instrumentation, nuclear power standards, and applications of digital computers in nuclear power plants. Systems and devices for space applications are described, including the Apollo alpha spectrometer, a position sensitive detection system for UV and X-ray photons, a 4500-volt electron multiplier bias supply for satellite use, spark chamber systems, proportional counters, and other devices. Individual items are announced in this issue.

Plasma parameter diagnosis using hydrogen emission spectra of a quartz-chamber 2.45 GHz ECRIS at Peking University

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, WenBin; Ren, HaiTao; Peng, ShiXiang; Xu, Yuan; Wen, JiaMei; Zhang, Tao; Zhang, JingFeng; Zhang, AiLin; Sun, Jiang; Guo, ZhiYu; Chen, JiaEr

2018-04-01

A quartz-chamber 2.45 GHz electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS) was designed for diagnostic purposes at Peking University [Patent Number: ZL 201110026605.4]. This ion source can produce a maximum 84 mA hydrogen ion beam at 50 kV with a duty factor of 10%. The root-mean-square (RMS) emittance of this beam is less than 0.12π mm mrad. In our initial work, the electron temperature and electron density inside the plasma chamber had been measured with the line intensity ratio of noble gases. Based on these results, the atomic and molecular emission spectra of hydrogen were applied to determine the dissociation degree of hydrogen and the vibrational temperature of hydrogen molecules in the ground state, respectively. Measurements were performed at gas pressures from 4×10-4 to 1×10-3 Pa and at input peak RF power ranging from 1000 to 1800 W. The dissociation degree of hydrogen in the range of 0.5%-10% and the vibrational temperature of hydrogen molecules in the ground state in the range of 3500-8500 K were obtained. The plasma processes inside this ECRIS chamber were discussed based on these results.

A simple method for electron energy constancy measurement

PubMed Central

King, R. Paul; Anderson, R. Scott

2001-01-01

A device is described for use in confirming the energy constancy of clinical electron beams. A wedge shaped absorber is placed over an ionization chamber leading to an energy dependent response. A measurement under the energy filter is divided by a measurement in air to correct for the inherent energy dependence of the chamber. A nearly linear response is demonstrated. PACS number(s): 87.52.–g, 87.53.–j, 87.66.–a PMID:11674838

Absolute dose determination in high-energy electron beams: Comparison of IAEA dosimetry protocols

PubMed Central

Sathiyan, S.; Ravikumar, M.

2008-01-01

In this study, absorbed doses were measured and compared for high-energy electrons (6, 9, 12, 16, and 20 MeV) using International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Technical Reports Series No. 277 (TRS), TRS 381, and TRS 398 dosimetry protocols. Absolute dose measurements were carried out using FC65-G Farmer chamber and Nordic Association of Clinical Physicists (NACP) parallel plate chamber with DOSE1 electrometer in WP1-D water phantom for reference field size of 15 × 15 cm2 at 100 cm source-to-surface distance. The results show that the difference between TRS 398 and TRS 381 was about 0.24% to 1.3% depending upon the energy, and the maximum difference between TRS 398 and TRS 277 was 1.5%. The use of cylindrical chamber in electron beam gives the maximum dose difference between the TRS 398 and TRS 277 in the order of 1.4% for energies above 10 MeV (R50 > 4 g/cm2). It was observed that the accuracy of dose estimation was better with the protocols based on the water calibration procedures, as no conversion quantities are involved for conversion of dose from air to water. The cross-calibration procedure of parallel plate chamber with high-energy electron beams is recommended as it avoids pwall correction factor entering into the determination of kQ,Qo. PMID:19893700

Studies of beam plasma interactions in a space simulation chamber using prototype Space Shuttle instruments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Banks, P. M.; Raitt, W. J.; Denig, W. F.

1982-01-01

In March, 1981, electron beam experiments were conducted in a large space simulation chamber using equipment destined to be flown aboard NASA's Office of Space Science-1 pallet (OSS-1). Two major flight experiments were involved. They include the Vehicle Charging and Potential (VCAP) experiment and the Plasma Diagnostics Package (PDP). Apparatus connected with VCAP included a Fast Pulse Electron Gun (FPEG), and a Charge and Current Probe (CCP). A preliminary view is provided of the results obtained when the electron emissions were held steady over relatively long periods of time such that steady state conditions could be obtained with respect to the electron beam interaction with the neutral gases and plasma of the vacuum chamber. Of particular interest was the plasma instability feature known as the Beam Plasma Discharge. For the present experiments the FPEG was used in a dc mode with a range of currents of 2 to 80 mA at a beam energy of 970 eV. Attention is given to the emissions of VLF and HF noise associated with the dc beam.

Extracellular bioreduction

DOEpatents

Chidambaram, Devicharan [Middle Island, NY; Francis, Arokiasamy J [Middle Island, NY

2012-04-17

A method for processing environmental or industrial samples to remove, reclaim or otherwise reduce the level of chemical species present in the sample that act as redox active species. The redox active species is kept in a waste chamber and is separated from an aqueous bacterial culture that is held in a culture chamber. The waste chamber and the culture chamber are separated by a porous membrane through which electron transfer can occur but through which the aqueous bacterial culture cannot pass. The redox active species substantially remains in the waste chamber and is in non-contact with the aqueous bacterial culture during the process of removal, reduction or reclamation.

Bolt-on source of spin-polarized electrons for inverse photoemission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schedin, Fredrik; Warburton, Ranald; Thornton, Geoff

1998-06-01

We have developed a portable spin-polarized electron gun which can be bolted on to an ultrahigh vacuum chamber. The gun has been successfully operated with an electron gun to target distance of about 150 mm. This allows accommodation of other surface science equipment in the same vacuum system. The spin-polarized electrons are obtained via photoemission from a negative electron affinity GaAs(001) surface with circularly polarized light. A transversely polarized beam is achieved with a 90° electrostatic deflector. A set of two three-element electrostatic tube lenses are employed to transport and to focus the electrons onto a target. The measured transmission through the electron optics is >70% for electron energies in the range 7-20 eV. This is achieved by using large diameter electron transport lenses. The energy resolution of the electron beam is measured to be better than 0.27 eV and the polarization is determined to be 25±5%.

Motor vehicle technology:Mobility for prosperity

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1985-01-01

This book presents the papers given at a conference on internal combustion engines for vehicles. Topics considered at the conference included combustion chambers, the lubrication of turbocharged engines, oil filters, fuel consumption, traffic control, crashworthiness, brakes, acceleration, unleaded gasoline, methanol fuels, pressure drop, safety regulations, tire vibration, detergents, fuel economy, ceramics in engines, steels, catalytic converters, fuel additives, heat exchangers, pump systems, emissions control, fuel injection systems, noise pollution control, natural gas fuels, assembly plant productivity, aerodynamics, torsion, electronics, and automatic transmissions.

Center for Advanced Propulsion Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-02-01

breakup model for two chamber pressures. 7.5.4 Exciplex images for a single main injection. Images are 126 ensemble averaged for 8 individual images. Times...to obtain data using an electronic fuel injector (UCORS). Exciplex fluorescence and photographic imaging were used to study liquid and vapor...later paper, (Bower and Foster, 1993) in the same combustion bomb, the authors applied Exciplex fluorescence techniques to visualize fuel liquid and fuel

Information Technology Industry 2004

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-01-01

American Chamber of Commerce – Japan Diet Member Mr. Taro Kono Sony Media World NTT DoCoMo Asia Technology Information Program Japan IT...lines by entering consumer electronic markets (plasma and LCD televisions, digital cameras, and digital music players, etc.) with higher profit...in “business to business” sales. BEA Systems and IBM lead sales in this software sub-market. Likewise, Nintendo and Sony continue to dominate the

The Qweak experimental apparatus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allison, T.; Anderson, M.; Androić, D.; Armstrong, D. S.; Asaturyan, A.; Averett, T.; Averill, R.; Balewski, J.; Beaufait, J.; Beminiwattha, R. S.; Benesch, J.; Benmokhtar, F.; Bessuille, J.; Birchall, J.; Bonnell, E.; Bowman, J. D.; Brindza, P.; Brown, D. B.; Carlini, R. D.; Cates, G. D.; Cavness, B.; Clark, G.; Cornejo, J. C.; Dusa, S. Covrig; Dalton, M. M.; Davis, C. A.; Dean, D. C.; Deconinck, W.; Diefenbach, J.; Dow, K.; Dowd, J. F.; Dunne, J. A.; Dutta, D.; Duvall, W. S.; Echols, J. R.; Elaasar, M.; Falk, W. R.; Finelli, K. D.; Finn, J. M.; Gaskell, D.; Gericke, M. T. W.; Grames, J.; Gray, V. M.; Grimm, K.; Guo, F.; Hansknecht, J.; Harrison, D. J.; Henderson, E.; Hoskins, J. R.; Ihloff, E.; Johnston, K.; Jones, D.; Jones, M.; Jones, R.; Kargiantoulakis, M.; Kelsey, J.; Khan, N.; King, P. M.; Korkmaz, E.; Kowalski, S.; Kubera, A.; Leacock, J.; Leckey, J. P.; Lee, A. R.; Lee, J. H.; Lee, L.; Liang, Y.; MacEwan, S.; Mack, D.; Magee, J. A.; Mahurin, R.; Mammei, J.; Martin, J. W.; McCreary, A.; McDonald, M. H.; McHugh, M. J.; Medeiros, P.; Meekins, D.; Mei, J.; Michaels, R.; Micherdzinska, A.; Mkrtchyan, A.; Mkrtchyan, H.; Morgan, N.; Musson, J.; Mesick, K. E.; Narayan, A.; Ndukum, L. Z.; Nelyubin, V.; Nuruzzaman; van Oers, W. T. H.; Opper, A. K.; Page, S. A.; Pan, J.; Paschke, K. D.; Phillips, S. K.; Pitt, M. L.; Poelker, M.; Rajotte, J. F.; Ramsay, W. D.; Roberts, W. R.; Roche, J.; Rose, P. W.; Sawatzky, B.; Seva, T.; Shabestari, M. H.; Silwal, R.; Simicevic, N.; Smith, G. R.; Sobczynski, S.; Solvignon, P.; Spayde, D. T.; Stokes, B.; Storey, D. W.; Subedi, A.; Subedi, R.; Suleiman, R.; Tadevosyan, V.; Tobias, W. A.; Tvaskis, V.; Urban, E.; Waidyawansa, B.; Wang, P.; Wells, S. P.; Wood, S. A.; Yang, S.; Zhamkochyan, S.; Zielinski, R. B.

2015-05-01

The Jefferson Lab Qweak experiment determined the weak charge of the proton by measuring the parity-violating elastic scattering asymmetry of longitudinally polarized electrons from an unpolarized liquid hydrogen target at small momentum transfer. A custom apparatus was designed for this experiment to meet the technical challenges presented by the smallest and most precise e → p asymmetry ever measured. Technical milestones were achieved at Jefferson Lab in target power, beam current, beam helicity reversal rate, polarimetry, detected rates, and control of helicity-correlated beam properties. The experiment employed 180 μA of 89% longitudinally polarized electrons whose helicity was reversed 960 times per second. The electrons were accelerated to 1.16 GeV and directed to a beamline with extensive instrumentation to measure helicity-correlated beam properties that can induce false asymmetries. Møller and Compton polarimetry were used to measure the electron beam polarization to better than 1%. The electron beam was incident on a 34.4 cm liquid hydrogen target. After passing through a triple collimator system, scattered electrons between 5.8° and 11.6° were bent in the toroidal magnetic field of a resistive copper-coil magnet. The electrons inside this acceptance were focused onto eight fused silica Cherenkov detectors arrayed symmetrically around the beam axis. A total scattered electron rate of about 7 GHz was incident on the detector array. The detectors were read out in integrating mode by custom-built low-noise pre-amplifiers and 18-bit sampling ADC modules. The momentum transfer Q2=0.025 GeV2 was determined using dedicated low-current (~ 100 pA) measurements with a set of drift chambers before (and a set of drift chambers and trigger scintillation counters after) the toroidal magnet.

Real-time combustion control and diagnostics sensor-pressure oscillation monitor

DOEpatents

Chorpening, Benjamin T [Morgantown, WV; Thornton, Jimmy [Morgantown, WV; Huckaby, E David [Morgantown, WV; Richards, George A [Morgantown, WV

2009-07-14

An apparatus and method for monitoring and controlling the combustion process in a combustion system to determine the amplitude and/or frequencies of dynamic pressure oscillations during combustion. An electrode in communication with the combustion system senses hydrocarbon ions and/or electrons produced by the combustion process and calibration apparatus calibrates the relationship between the standard deviation of the current in the electrode and the amplitudes of the dynamic pressure oscillations by applying a substantially constant voltage between the electrode and ground resulting in a current in the electrode and by varying one or more of (1) the flow rate of the fuel, (2) the flow rate of the oxidant, (3) the equivalence ratio, (4) the acoustic tuning of the combustion system, and (5) the fuel distribution in the combustion chamber such that the amplitudes of the dynamic pressure oscillations in the combustion chamber are calculated as a function of the standard deviation of the electrode current. Thereafter, the supply of fuel and/or oxidant is varied to modify the dynamic pressure oscillations.

TACTIC: the TRIUMF Annular Chamber for Tracking and Identification of Charged particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martin, L.; Ruprecht, G.; Hager, U.; Amaudruz, P.-A.; Buchmann, L.; Fox, S. P.; Laird, A. M.; Martin, E.

2018-01-01

An in-depth characterization of the TACTIC detector was performed using data from a 148Gd alpha source and some test runs with a stable ion beam. The detector is an active target time-projection chamber with a blind central region for maximizing beam tolerance and GEM-based electron amplification, equipped with a modern digitizing data acquisition system allowing the recording of full signals. The system was developed to study the reaction 8Li(α,n)11B, which is important for bridging the mass 8 gap in scenarios of low 4He density like Inhomogeneous Big Bang Nucleosynthesis and the production of r-process seeds in supernovae. Both energy resolution and tracking accuracy were found to agree with theoretical predictions and Geant4 simulations. The 8Li beam rate capability of the system is predicted to be of the order of 105s-1, several orders of magnitude higher than most previous measurements of the same reaction, while still maintaining a high detection efficiency of 70% to 80 %.

Space station protective coating development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pippin, H. G.; Hill, S. G.

1989-01-01

A generic list of Space Station surfaces and candidate material types is provided. Environmental exposures and performance requirements for the different Space Station surfaces are listed. Coating materials and the processing required to produce a viable system, and appropriate environmental simulation test facilities are being developed. Mass loss data from the original version of the atomic oxygen test chamber and the improved facility; additional environmental exposures performed on candidate materials; and materials properties measurements on candidate coatings to determine the effects of the exposures are discussed. Methodologies of production, and coating materials, used to produce the large scale demonstration articles are described. The electronic data base developed for the contract is also described. The test chamber to be used for exposure of materials to atomic oxygen was built.

Operation of the J-series thruster using inert gas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rawlin, V. K.

1982-01-01

Electron bombardment ion thrusters using inert gases are candidates for large space systems. The J-Series 30 cm diameter thruster, designed for operation up to 3 k-W with mercury, is at a state of technology readiness. The characteristics of operation with xenon, krypton, and argon propellants in a J-Series thruster with that obtained with mercury are compared. The performance of the discharge chamber, ion optics, and neutralizer and the overall efficiency as functions of input power and specific impulse and thruster lifetime were evaluated. As expected, the discharge chamber performance with inert gases decreased with decreasing atomic mass. Aspects of the J-Series thruster design which would require modification to provide operation at high power with insert gases were identified.

Dry low NOx combustion system with pre-mixed direct-injection secondary fuel nozzle

DOEpatents

Zuo, Baifang; Johnson, Thomas; Ziminsky, Willy; Khan, Abdul

2013-12-17

A combustion system includes a first combustion chamber and a second combustion chamber. The second combustion chamber is positioned downstream of the first combustion chamber. The combustion system also includes a pre-mixed, direct-injection secondary fuel nozzle. The pre-mixed, direct-injection secondary fuel nozzle extends through the first combustion chamber into the second combustion chamber.

TU-D-201-03: Results of a Survey On the Implementation of the TG-51 Protocol and Associated Addendum On Reference Dosimetry of External Beams

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kim, G; Muir, B; Culberson, W

Purpose: The working group on the review and extension of the TG-51 protocol (WGTG51) collected data from American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) members with respect to their current TG-51 and associated addendum usage in the interest of considering future protocol addenda and guidance on reference dosimetry best practices. This study reports an overview of this survey on dosimetry of external beams. Methods: Fourteen survey questions were developed by WGTG51 and released in November 2015. The questions collected information on reference dosimetry, beam quality specification, and ancillary calibration equipment. Results: Of the 190 submissions completed worldwide (U.S. 70%), 83%more » were AAPM members. Of the respondents, 33.5% implemented the TG-51 addendum, with the maximum calibration difference for any photon beam, with respect to the original TG-51 protocol, being <1% for 97.4% of responses. One major finding is that 81.8% of respondents used the same cylindrical ionization chamber for photon and electron dosimetry, implying that many clinics are foregoing the use of parallel-plate chambers. Other evidence suggests equivalent dosimetric results can be obtained with both cylindrical and parallel-plate chambers in electron beams. This, combined with users comfort with cylindrical chambers for electrons will likely impact recommendations put forward in an upcoming electron beam addendum to the TG-51 protocol. Data collected on ancillary equipment showed 58.2% (45.0%) of the thermometers (barometers) in use for beam calibration had NIST traceable calibration certificates, but 48.4% (42.7%) were never recalibrated. Conclusion: This survey provides a snapshot of TG-51 external beam reference dosimetry practice in radiotherapy centers. Findings demonstrate the rapid take-up of the TG-51 photon beam addendum and raise issues for the WGTG51 to focus on going forward, including guidelines on ancillary equipment and the choice of chamber for electron beam dosimetry.« less

Atmospheric-pressure plasma decontamination/sterilization chamber

DOEpatents

Herrmann, Hans W.; Selwyn, Gary S.

2001-01-01

An atmospheric-pressure plasma decontamination/sterilization chamber is described. The apparatus is useful for decontaminating sensitive equipment and materials, such as electronics, optics and national treasures, which have been contaminated with chemical and/or biological warfare agents, such as anthrax, mustard blistering agent, VX nerve gas, and the like. There is currently no acceptable procedure for decontaminating such equipment. The apparatus may also be used for sterilization in the medical and food industries. Items to be decontaminated or sterilized are supported inside the chamber. Reactive gases containing atomic and metastable oxygen species are generated by an atmospheric-pressure plasma discharge in a He/O.sub.2 mixture and directed into the region of these items resulting in chemical reaction between the reactive species and organic substances. This reaction typically kills and/or neutralizes the contamination without damaging most equipment and materials. The plasma gases are recirculated through a closed-loop system to minimize the loss of helium and the possibility of escape of aerosolized harmful substances.

Simulating synchrotron radiation in accelerators including diffuse and specular reflections

DOE PAGES

Dugan, G.; Sagan, D.

2017-02-24

An accurate calculation of the synchrotron radiation flux within the vacuum chamber of an accelerator is needed for a number of applications. These include simulations of electron cloud effects and the design of radiation masking systems. To properly simulate the synchrotron radiation, it is important to include the scattering of the radiation at the vacuum chamber walls. To this end, a program called synrad3d has been developed which simulates the production and propagation of synchrotron radiation using a collection of photons. Photons generated by a charged particle beam are tracked from birth until they strike the vacuum chamber wall wheremore » the photon is either absorbed or scattered. Both specular and diffuse scattering is simulated. If a photon is scattered, it is further tracked through multiple encounters with the wall until it is finally absorbed. This paper describes the synrad3d program, with a focus on the details of its scattering model, and presents some examples of the program’s use.« less

Construction of a Thermal Vacuum Chamber for Environment Test of Triple CubeSat Mission TRIO-CINEMA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeon, Jeheon; Lee, Seongwhan; Yoon, Seyoung; Seon, Jongho; Jin, Ho; Lee, Donghun; Lin, Robert P.

2013-12-01

TRiplet Ionospheric Observatory-CubeSat for Ion, Neutron, Electron & MAgnetic fields (TRIO-CINEMA) is a CubeSat with 3.14 kg in weight and 3-U (10 × 10 × 30 cm) in size, jointly developed by Kyung Hee University and UC Berkeley to measure magnetic fields of near Earth space and detect plasma particles. When a satellite is launched into orbit, it encounters ultrahigh vacuum and extreme temperature. To verify the operation and survivability of the satellite in such an extreme space environment, experimental tests are conducted on the ground using thermal vacuum chamber. This paper describes the temperature control device and monitoring system suitable for CubeSat test environment using the thermal vacuum chamber of the School of Space Research, Kyung Hee University. To build the chamber, we use a general purpose thermal analysis program and NX 6.0 TMG program. We carry out thermal vacuum tests on the two flight models developed by Kyung Hee University based on the thermal model of the TRIO-CINEMA satellite. It is expected from this experiment that proper operation of the satellite in the space environment will be achieved.

Liquid Argon TPC Signal Formation, Signal Processing and Hit Reconstruction

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Baller, Bruce

2017-03-11

This document describes the early stage of the reconstruction chain that was developed for the ArgoNeuT and MicroBooNE experiments at Fermilab. These experiments study accelerator neutrino interactions that occur in a Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber. Reconstructing the properties of particles produced in these interactions requires knowledge of the micro-physics processes that affect the creation and transport of ionization electrons to the readout system. A wire signal deconvolution technique was developed to convert wire signals to a standard form for hit reconstruction, to remove artifacts in the electronics chain and to remove coherent noise.

Laboratory plasma with cold electron temperature of the lower ionosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dickson, Shannon; Robertson, Scott

2009-10-01

For the first time, plasma with cold electron temperatures less than 300K has been created continuously in the laboratory. The plasma is created in a cylindrical double-walled vacuum chamber in which the inner chamber (18cm in diameter and 30cm long) is wrapped in copper tubing through which vapor from liquid nitrogen flows, providing a cooling mechanism for the neutral gas. The inner chamber has two negatively-biased filaments for plasma generation and a platinum wire Langmuir probe for diagnostic measurements. Neutral gas pressures of 1.6mTorr and a total filament emission current of 2mA are used to obtain plasma densities near 4 x 10^8 cm-3. When carbon monoxide is used as the working gas, decreasing the neutral gas temperature also decreases the cold electron temperatures, yielding cold electrons with 21meV (240K) when the neutral CO is at 150K. The same experiment conducted with H2, He, or Ar results in a doubling of the cold electron temperatures, yielding 80meV (930K) when the neutral gas is at 150K. The lower electron temperature with CO is attributed to the asymmetric CO molecule having a nonzero electric dipole moment which increases the cross section for electron energy exchange. Nitric oxide, a dominant constituent of the ionosphere, has a similar dipole moment and collision cross section as carbon monoxide and is likely to be equally effective at cooling electrons.

Limitations of silicon diodes for clinical electron dosimetry.

PubMed

Song, Haijun; Ahmad, Munir; Deng, Jun; Chen, Zhe; Yue, Ning J; Nath, Ravinder

2006-01-01

This work investigates the relevance of several factors affecting the response of silicon diode dosemeters in depth-dose scans of electron beams. These factors are electron energy, instantaneous dose rate, dose per pulse, photon/electron dose ratio and electron scattering angle (directional response). Data from the literature and our own experiments indicate that the impact of these factors may be up to +/-15%. Thus, the different factors would have to cancel out perfectly at all depths in order to produce true depth-dose curves. There are reports of good agreement between depth-doses measured with diodes and ionisation chambers. However, our measurements with a Scantronix electron field detector (EFD) diode and with a plane-parallel ionisation chamber show discrepancies both in the build-up and in the low-dose regions, with a ratio up to 1.4. Moreover, the absolute sensitivity of two diodes of the same EFD model was found to differ by a factor of 3, and this ratio was not constant but changed with depth between 5 and 15% in the low-dose regions of some clinical electron beams. Owing to these inhomogeneities among diodes even of the same model, corrections for each factor would have to be diode-specific and beam-specific. All these corrections would have to be determined using parallel plane chambers, as recommended by AAPM TG-25, which would be unrealistic in clinical practice. Our conclusion is that in general diodes are not reliable in the measurement of depth-dose curves of clinical electron beams.

Self-regenerating Nanotips: Indestructable Field-emission Cathodes for Low-power Electric Propulsion

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-09-27

Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope. The chamber was evacuated using a series of three ion pumps and vacuum pressure of 10-7 Torr was...backed by a 110-L/min dry scroll pump . The chamber is also equipped with a 300-L/s combination ion/sublimation pump that can maintain pressure of...Torr for 2 to 24 hours and then the ion pump was turned off to let the vacuum pressure slowly increase while observing the electron emission

Characteristics of ring-cusp discharge chambers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Matossian, J. N.; Beattie, J. R.

1991-01-01

Measurements have been obtained for the operating characteristics of a 30 cm diameter ring-cusp ion thruster (RCIT), quantitatively comparing its performance parameters to those of a divergent-field J-series cluster of the same size. The high level of performance established for the RCIT is due to its maintenance of both a higher primary-electron population and Maxwellian-electron temperature, as the beam-ion production cost is reduced to its baseline value. Ion losses to the discharge-chamber walls can be reduced by an applied electrostatic field.

Technical Note: Out‐of‐field dose measurement at near surface with plastic scintillator detector

PubMed Central

Bourgouin, Alexandra; Varfalvy, Nicolas

2016-01-01

Out‐of‐field dose depends on multiple factors, making peripheral dosimetry complex. Only a few dosimeters have the required features for measuring peripheral dose. Plastic scintillator dosimeters (PSDs) offer numerous dosimetric advantages as required for out‐of‐field dosimetry. The purpose of this study is to determine the potential of using PSD as a surface peripheral dosimeter. Measurements were performed with a parallel‐plate ion chamber, a small volume ion chamber, and with a PSD. Lateral‐dose measurements (LDM) at 0.5 cm depth and depth‐dose curve (PDD) were made and compared to the dose calculation provided by a treatment planning system (TPS). This study shows that a PSD can measure a dose as low as 0.51±0.17cGy for photon beam and 0.58±0.20cGy for electron beam with a difference of 0.2 and 0.1 cGy compared to a parallel‐plate ion chamber. This study demonstrates the potential of using PSD as an out‐of‐field dosimeter since measurements with PSD avoid averaging over a too‐large depth, at 1 mm diameter, and can make precise measurement at very low dose. Also, electronic equilibrium is easier to reach with PSD due to its small sensitive volume and its water equivalence. PACS number(s): 87.55.N, 87.55.km PMID:27685131

A miniature microbial fuel cell operating with an aerobic anode chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ringeisen, Bradley R.; Ray, Ricky; Little, Brenda

A miniature microbial fuel cell (mini-MFC) is described that utilizes an aerobic culture of Shewanella oneidensis DSP10 as the active electrochemical species in the anode chamber. We find that the maximum aerobic mini-MFC power without the addition of exogenous mediators was 0.40 mW, a 33% decrease when compared with an anaerobic DSP10 culture (0.6 mW) operating in the mini-MFC. This decrease is most likely due to the presence of dissolved oxygen in the anode chamber that scavenges electrons to form water, thereby reducing the number of electrons donated to the anode. Aerobic power and current density at maximum power using the true surface area of the anode (611 cm 2) were calculated to be 6.5 mW m -2 and 13 mA m -2. The power density rises to 2.0 W m -2 and 330 W m -3 when calculated using the cross-sectional area and volume of the device (2 cm 2, 1.2 cm 3). The Coulombic efficiency was also reduced from 11 to 5% when using the aerobic versus anaerobic culture. Similar results were found when the external mediator anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate (AQDS) was added to the aerobic culture, resulting in a maximum power of 0.54 mW, a 37% drop in power when compared to the anaerobic mediated system.

Dosimetry of Al2O3 optically stimulated luminescent dosimeter at high energy photons and electrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yusof, M. F. Mohd; Joohari, N. A.; Abdullah, R.; Shukor, N. S. Abd; Kadir, A. B. Abd; Isa, N. Mohd

2018-01-01

The linearity of Al2O3 OSL dosimeters (OSLD) were evaluated for dosimetry works in clinical photons and electrons. The measurements were made at a reference depth of Zref according to IAEA TRS 398:2000 codes of practice at 6 and 10 MV photons and 6 and 9 MeV electrons. The measured dose was compared to the thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLD) and ionization chamber commonly used for dosimetry works for higher energy photons and electrons. The results showed that the measured dose in OSL dosimeters were in good agreement with the reported by the ionization chamber in both high energy photons and electrons. A reproducibility test also reported excellent consistency of readings with the OSL at similar energy levels. The overall results confirmed the suitability of OSL dosimeters for dosimetry works involving high energy photons and electrons in radiotherapy.

Combustion-gas recirculation system

DOEpatents

Baldwin, Darryl Dean

2007-10-09

A combustion-gas recirculation system has a mixing chamber with a mixing-chamber inlet and a mixing-chamber outlet. The combustion-gas recirculation system may further include a duct connected to the mixing-chamber inlet. Additionally, the combustion-gas recirculation system may include an open inlet channel with a solid outer wall. The open inlet channel may extend into the mixing chamber such that an end of the open inlet channel is disposed between the mixing-chamber inlet and the mixing-chamber outlet. Furthermore, air within the open inlet channel may be at a pressure near or below atmospheric pressure.

Radioisotope Stirling Engine Powered Airship for Low Altitude Operation on Venus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Colozza, Anthony J.

2012-01-01

The feasibility of a Stirling engine powered airship for the near surface exploration of Venus was evaluated. The heat source for the Stirling engine was limited to 10 general purpose heat source (GPHS) blocks. The baseline airship utilized hydrogen as the lifting gas and the electronics and payload were enclosed in a cooled insulated pressure vessel to maintain the internal temperature at 320 K and 1 Bar pressure. The propulsion system consisted of an electric motor driving a propeller. An analysis was set up to size the airship that could operate near the Venus surface based on the available thermal power. The atmospheric conditions on Venus were modeled and used in the analysis. The analysis was an iterative process between sizing the airship to carry a specified payload and the power required to operate the electronics, payload and cooling system as well as provide power to the propulsion system to overcome the drag on the airship. A baseline configuration was determined that could meet the power requirements and operate near the Venus surface. From this baseline design additional trades were made to see how other factors affected the design such as the internal temperature of the payload chamber and the flight altitude. In addition other lifting methods were evaluated such as an evacuated chamber, heated atmospheric gas and augmented heated lifting gas. However none of these methods proved viable.

The Electronics and Data Acquisition System of the DarkSide Dark Matter Search

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Agnes, P.; et al.

2014-12-09

It is generally inferred from astronomical measurements that Dark Matter (DM) comprises approximately 27\\% of the energy-density of the universe. If DM is a subatomic particle, a possible candidate is a Weakly Interacting Massive Particle (WIMP), and the DarkSide-50 (DS) experiment is a direct search for evidence of WIMP-nuclear collisions. DS is located underground at the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso (LNGS) in Italy, and consists of three active, embedded components; an outer water veto (CTF), a liquid scintillator veto (LSV), and a liquid argon (LAr) time projection chamber (TPC). This paper describes the data acquisition and electronic systems ofmore » the DS detectors, designed to detect the residual ionization from such collisions.« less

A reticle retrofit and dosimetric consideration for a linear accelerator.

PubMed

Krithivas, V

1996-01-01

An imperfect reticle system in an accelerator causes uncertainties in source-skin distance (SSD), off-axis distance (OAD), isocenter, and so forth. A reticle was designed and fabricated, and its implications on x-ray and electron beam dosimetry were investigated. A new reticle frame was dimensioned to fit snugly in the accelerator. The frame was fabricated to carry a pair of adjustable cross wires and to allow the machine operation in the photon and electron modes. The impact of the cross wires on 6 MV photon and 5-10 MeV electron beam parameters such as dose rate (Gy/monitor unit), beam uniformity, surface dose, and so forth, were studied using suitable ion chambers and phantoms. The retrofitted system offered long-term mechanical stability leading to precise SSD, OAD, and isocenter measurements. Changes introduced by the cross wires on the 6 MV photon and 5-10 MeV electron beams are presented. Long-term stability of a reticle in an accelerator is important for an accurate patient setup and for making reliable dosimetric measurements. Beam characteristrics have to be studied whenever modifications on a reticle system are made.

Modification of Experimental Protocols for a Space Shuttle Flight and Applications for the Analysis of Cytoskeletal Structures During Fertilization, Cell Division , and Development in Sea Urchin Embryos

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chakrabarti, Amitabha; Stoecker, Andrew; Schatten, Heide

1995-01-01

To explore the role of microgravity on cytoskeletal organization and skeletal calcium deposition during fertilization, cell division, and early development, the sea urchin was chosen as a model developmental system. Methods were developed to employ light, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy on cultures being prepared for flight on the Space Shuttle. For analysis of microfilaments, microtubules, centrosomes, and calcium-requiring events, our standard laboratory protocols had to be modified substantially for experimentation on the Space Shuttle. All manipulations were carried out in a closed culture chamber containing 35 ml artificial sea water as a culture fluid. Unfertilized eggs stored for 24 hours in these chambers were fertilized with sperm diluted in sea water and fixed with concentrated fixatives for final fixation in formaldehyde, taxol, EGTA, and MgCl2(exp -6)H2O for 1 cell to 16 cell stages to preserve cytoskeletal structures for simultaneous analysis with light, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy, and 1.5 percent glutaraldehyde and 0.4 percent formaldehyde for blastula and plueus stages. The fixed samples wre maintained in chambers without degradation for up to two weeks after which the specimens were processed and analyzed with routine methods. Since complex manipulations are not possible in the closed chambers, the fertilization coat was removed from fixation using 0.5 percent freshly prepared sodium thioglycolate solution at pH 10.0 which provided reliable immunofluorescence staining for microtubules. Sperm/egg fusion, mitosis, cytokinesis, and calcium deposition during spicule formatin in early embryogenesis were found to be without artificial alterations when compared to cells fixed fresh and processed with conventional methods.

Method of synthesizing metal doped diamond-like carbon films

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ueno, Mayumi (Inventor); Sunkara, Mahendra Kumar (Inventor)

2003-01-01

A method of synthesizing metal doped carbon films by placing a substrate in a chamber with a selected amount of a metalorganic compound. An electron cyclotron resonance is applied to the chamber in order to vaporize the metalorganic compound. The resonance is applied to the chamber until a metal doped carbon film is formed. The metalorganic compound is preferably selected from the group consisting of an organic salt of ruthenium, palladium, gold or platinum.

Temperature Control System for Mushroom Dryer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wibowo, I. A.; Indah, Nur; Sebayang, D.; Adam, N. H.

2018-03-01

The main problem in mushroom cultivation is the handling after the harvest. Drying is one technique to preserve the mushrooms. Traditionally, mushrooms are dried by sunshine which depends on the weather. This affects the quality of the dried mushrooms. Therefore, this paper proposes a system to provide an artificial drying for mushrooms in order to maintain their quality. The objective of the system is to control the mushroom drying process to be faster compared to the natural drying at an accurate and right temperature. A model of the mushroom dryer has been designed, built, and tested. The system comprises a chamber, heater, blower, temperature sensor and electronic control circuit. A microcontroller is used as the controller which is programmed to implement a bang-bang control that regulates the temperature of the chamber. A desired temperature is inputted as a set point of the control system. Temperature of 45 °C is chosen as the operational drying temperature. Several tests have been carried out to examine the performance of the system including drying speed, the effects of ambient conditions, and the effects of mushroom size. The results show that the system can satisfy the objective.

Isothermal Dendritic Growth Experiment - Science, engineering, and hardware development for USMP space flights

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glicksman, M. E.; Hahn, R. C.; Koss, M. B.; Tirmizi, S. H.; Selleck, M. E.; Velosa, A.; Winsa, E.

1991-01-01

The Isothermal Dendritic Growth Experiment (IDGE) has been designed to provide microgravity data on dendritic growth for a critical test of theory. This paper updates progress on constructing a crystal growth chamber suitable for space flight. The IDGE chamber is constructed from glass and stainless steel and is hermetically sealed by electron beam welds and glass-metal seals. Initial tests of the chambers sample's melting point plateau show that the new chamber design is capable of preserving the 99.9995 percent purity of succinonitrile. Dendrite growth can be initiated in the center of the IDGE chamber by means of thermo-electric coolers and a capillary injector tube (stinger). The new IDGE chamber is ready for fully integrated tests with the prototype IDGE engineering hardware at NASA's Lewis Research Center.

Improving the accuracy of ionization chamber dosimetry in small megavoltage x-ray fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McNiven, Andrea L.

The dosimetry of small x-ray fields is difficult, but important, in many radiation therapy delivery methods. The accuracy of ion chambers for small field applications, however, is limited due to the relatively large size of the chamber with respect to the field size, leading to partial volume effects, lateral electronic disequilibrium and calibration difficulties. The goal of this dissertation was to investigate the use of ionization chambers for the purpose of dosimetry in small megavoltage photon beams with the aim of improving clinical dose measurements in stereotactic radiotherapy and helical tomotherapy. A new method for the direct determination of the sensitive volume of small-volume ion chambers using micro computed tomography (muCT) was investigated using four nominally identical small-volume (0.56 cm3) cylindrical ion chambers. Agreement between their measured relative volume and ionization measurements (within 2%) demonstrated the feasibility of volume determination through muCT. Cavity-gas calibration coefficients were also determined, demonstrating the promise for accurate ion chamber calibration based partially on muCT. The accuracy of relative dose factor measurements in 6MV stereotactic x-ray fields (5 to 40mm diameter) was investigated using a set of prototype plane-parallel ionization chambers (diameters of 2, 4, 10 and 20mm). Chamber and field size specific correction factors ( CSFQ ), that account for perturbation of the secondary electron fluence, were calculated using Monte Carlo simulation methods (BEAM/EGSnrc simulations). These correction factors (e.g. CSFQ = 1.76 (2mm chamber, 5mm field) allow for accurate relative dose factor (RDF) measurement when applied to ionization readings, under conditions of electronic disequilibrium. With respect to the dosimetry of helical tomotherapy, a novel application of the ion chambers was developed to characterize the fan beam size and effective dose rate. Characterization was based on an adaptation of the computed tomography dose index (CTDI), a concept normally used in diagnostic radiology. This involved experimental determination of the fan beam thickness using the ion chambers to acquire fan beam profiles and extrapolation to a 'zero-size' detector. In conclusion, improvements have been made in the accuracy of small field dosimetry measurements in stereotactic radiotherapy and helical tomotherapy. This was completed through introduction of an original technique involving micro-CT imaging for sensitive volume determination and potentially ion chamber calibration coefficients, the use of appropriate Monte Carlo derived correction factors for RDF measurement, and the exploitation of the partial volume effect for helical tomotherapy fan beam dosimetry. With improved dosimetry for a wide range of challenging small x-ray field situations, it is expected that the patient's radiation safety will be maintained, and that clinical trials will adopt calibration protocols specialized for modern radiotherapy with small fields or beamlets. Keywords. radiation therapy, ionization chambers, small field dosimetry, stereotactic radiotherapy, helical tomotherapy, micro-CT.

The Cosmic-Ray Electron and Positron Spectra Measured at 1 AU during Solar Minimum Activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boezio, M.; Carlson, P.; Francke, T.; Weber, N.; Suffert, M.; Hof, M.; Menn, W.; Simon, M.; Stephens, S. A.; Bellotti, R.; Cafagna, F.; Castellano, M.; Circella, M.; De Marzo, C.; Finetti, N.; Papini, P.; Piccardi, S.; Spillantini, P.; Ricci, M.; Casolino, M.; De Pascale, M. P.; Morselli, A.; Picozza, P.; Sparvoli, R.; Barbiellini, G.; Bravar, U.; Schiavon, P.; Vacchi, A.; Zampa, N.; Grimani, C.; Mitchell, J. W.; Ormes, J. F.; Streitmatter, R. E.; Golden, R. L.; Stochaj, S. J.

2000-03-01

We report on a new measurement of the cosmic-ray electron and positron spectra. The data were collected by the balloon-borne experiment CAPRICE94, which was flown from Lynn Lake, Canada, on 1994 August 8-9 at an altitude corresponding to 3.9 g cm-2 of average residual atmosphere. The experiment used the NMSU-WIZARD/CAPRICE94 balloon-borne magnet spectrometer equipped with a solid radiator Ring Imaging Cerenkov (RICH) detector, a time-of-flight system, a tracking device consisting of drift chambers and multiwire proportional chambers, and a silicon-tungsten calorimeter. This was the first time a RICH detector was used together with an imaging calorimeter in a balloon-borne experiment. A total of 3211 electrons, with a rigidity at the spectrometer between 0.3 and 30 GV, and 734 positrons, between 0.3 and 10 GV, were identified with small backgrounds from other particles. The absolute energy spectra were determined in the energy region at the top of the atmosphere between 0.46 and 43.6 GeV for electrons and between 0.46 and 14.6 GeV for positrons. We found that the observed positron spectrum and the positron fraction are consistent with a pure secondary origin. A comparison of the theoretically predicted interstellar spectrum of electrons shows that the injection spectrum of primary electrons is steeper than that of the nucleonic components of cosmic rays. Furthermore, the observed electron and positron spectra can be reproduced from the interstellar spectra by a spherically symmetric model for solar modulation; hence, the modulation is independent of the sign of the particle charge.

SU-F-I-13: Correction Factor Computations for the NIST Ritz Free Air Chamber for Medium-Energy X Rays

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bergstrom, P

Purpose: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) uses 3 free-air chambers to establish primary standards for radiation dosimetry at x-ray energies. For medium-energy × rays, the Ritz free-air chamber is the main measurement device. In order to convert the charge or current collected by the chamber to the radiation quantities air kerma or air kerma rate, a number of correction factors specific to the chamber must be applied. Methods: We used the Monte Carlo codes EGSnrc and PENELOPE. Results: Among these correction factors are the diaphragm correction (which accounts for interactions of photons from the x-ray source inmore » the beam-defining diaphragm of the chamber), the scatter correction (which accounts for the effects of photons scattered out of the primary beam), the electron-loss correction (which accounts for electrons that only partially expend their energy in the collection region), the fluorescence correction (which accounts for ionization due to reabsorption ffluorescence photons and the bremsstrahlung correction (which accounts for the reabsorption of bremsstrahlung photons). We have computed monoenergetic corrections for the NIST Ritz chamber for the 1 cm, 3 cm and 7 cm collection plates. Conclusion: We find good agreement with other’s results for the 7 cm plate. The data used to obtain these correction factors will be used to establish air kerma and it’s uncertainty in the standard NIST x-ray beams.« less

Scalability, Scintillation Readout and Charge Drift in a Kilogram Scale Solid Xenon Particle Detector

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yoo, J.; Cease, H.; Jaskierny, W. F.

2014-10-23

We report a demonstration of the scalability of optically transparent xenon in the solid phase for use as a particle detector above a kilogram scale. We employ a liquid nitrogen cooled cryostat combined with a xenon purification and chiller system to measure the scintillation light output and electron drift speed from both the solid and liquid phases of xenon. Scintillation light output from sealed radioactive sources is measured by a set of high quantum efficiency photomultiplier tubes suitable for cryogenic applications. We observed a reduced amount of photons in solid phase compared to that in liquid phase. We used amore » conventional time projection chamber system to measure the electron drift time in a kilogram of solid xenon and observed faster electron drift speed in the solid phase xenon compared to that in the liquid phase.« less

Plasma Perturbations in High-Speed Probing of Hall Thruster Discharge Chambers: Quantification and Mitigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jorns, Benjamin A.; Goebel, Dan M.; Hofer, Richard R.

2015-01-01

An experimental investigation is presented to quantify the effect of high-speed probing on the plasma parameters inside the discharge chamber of a 6-kW Hall thruster. Understanding the nature of these perturbations is of significant interest given the importance of accurate plasma measurements for characterizing thruster operation. An array of diagnostics including a high-speed camera and embedded wall probes is employed to examine in real time the changes in electron temperature and plasma potential induced by inserting a high-speed reciprocating Langmuir probe into the discharge chamber. It is found that the perturbations onset when the scanning probe is downstream of the electron temperature peak, and that along channel centerline, the perturbations are best characterized as a downstream shift of plasma parameters by 15-20% the length of the discharge chamber. A parametric study is performed to investigate techniques to mitigate the observed probe perturbations including varying probe speed, probe location, and operating conditions. It is found that the perturbations largely disappear when the thruster is operated at low power and low discharge voltage. The results of this mitigation study are discussed in the context of recommended methods for generating unperturbed measurements of the discharge chamber plasma.

In-Situ Analysis System for Correlated Electron Heterostructures

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-11-20

semiconductor materials and elemental metals. Specifically, films must be pristine and ideally remain intact during analytical procedure [1]. In addition...involves a rather complex engineering design described below. A laser heater ! (a) ! (b) ! 1 Figure 1. (a) An empty Neocera’s sample holder rack...the center of the analytical chamber. (fiber-coupled, high-power 808 nm diode laser JOLD -100-CPXF-2P, Jenoptik), is free of such limitations because

Detecting special nuclear material using a neutron time projection chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carosi, G.; Bernstein, A.; Bowden, N.; Burke, J.; Carter, D.; Foxe, M.; Heffner, M.; Jovanovic, I.; Mintz, J.; O'Malley, P.

2010-02-01

Time projection chambers are 3-dimensional charged particle cameras based on drifting ionization tracks at a known velocity onto an electronic readout plane. These instruments are capable of detecting fast neutrons which are unique signatures of special nuclear material with low natural background rates. Here we describe a neutron Time Projection Chamber (nTPC) developed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) which has demonstrated directional sensitivity to fission neutrons along with high rejection of background gamma-ray and electron events. Using a combination hydrogen/methane drift gas at several atmospheres we've demonstrated the ability to point to a Cf-252 source simulating 6kg of weapons grade plutonium at 10's of meters with one hour integration time. Plans for future field deployable devices will also be outlined. )

A SEARCH FOR THE DECAY $mu$$Yields$e+$nu$ $gamma$

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Frankel, S.; Frati, W.; Halpern, J.

1963-02-16

A search for the decay mu min gave no sig e + gamma is made using spark chambers and sodium iodide crystals. The spark chambers provide the means of measuring the angle between the electron and photon, while the sodium iodide crystals are used to measure the particle energies. A lithium target and thin (0.001 in.) aluminum foils in the spark chamber are used to minimize the scattering of the electron. An upper limit of 4.3, 10/sup -8/ (90% confidence) is found for the ratio of the rate of the mu min gave no sig e + gamma decay tomore » the normal muon decay rate. A search for the decay mu min gave no sig e + gamma + gamma is also made. (auth)« less

Apparatus for reading two-dimensional electrophoretograms containing. beta. -ray-emitting labeled compounds

DOEpatents

Anderson, H.L.; Kinnison, W.W.; Lillberg, J.W.

1985-04-30

An apparatus and method for electronically reading planar two-dimensional ..beta..-ray emitter-labeled gel electrophoretograms. A single, flat rectangular multiwire proportional chamber is placed in close proximity to the gel and the assembly placed in an intense uniform magnetic field disposed in a perpendicular manner to the rectangular face of the proportional chamber. Beta rays emitted in the direction of the proportional chamber are caused to execute helical motions which substantially preserve knowledge the coordinates of their origin in the gel. Perpendicularly oriented, parallel wire, parallel plane cathodes electronically sense the location of the ..beta..-rays from ionization generated thereby in a detection gas coupled with an electron avalanche effect resulting from the action of a parallel wire anode located therebetween. A scintillator permits the present apparatus to be rendered insensitive when signals are generated from cosmic rays incident on the proportional chamber. Resolution for concentrations of radioactive compounds in the gel exceeds 700-..mu..m. The apparatus and method of the present invention represent a significant improvement over conventional autoradiographic techniques in dynamic range, linearity and sensitivity of data collection. A concentration and position map for gel electrophoretograms having significant concentrations of labeled compounds and/or highly radioactive labeling nuclides can generally be obtained in less than one hour.

Apparatus and method for reading two-dimensional electrophoretograms containing .beta.-ray-emitting labeled compounds

DOEpatents

Anderson, Herbert L.; Kinnison, W. Wayne; Lillberg, John W.

1987-01-01

Apparatus and method for electronically reading planar two dimensional .beta.-ray emitter-labeled gel electrophoretograms. A single, flat rectangular multiwire proportional chamber is placed in close proximity to the gel and the assembly placed in an intense uniform magnetic field disposed in a perpendicular manner to the rectangular face of the proportional chamber. Beta rays emitted in the direction of the proportional chamber are caused to execute helical motions which substantially preserve knowledge of the coordinates of their origin in the gel. Perpendicularly oriented, parallel wire, parallel plane cathodes electronically sense the location of the .beta.-rays from ionization generated thereby in a detection gas coupled with an electron avalanche effect resulting from the action of a parallel wire anode located therebetween. A scintillator permits the present apparatus to be rendered insensitive when signals are generated from cosmic rays incident on the proportional chamber. Resolution for concentrations of radioactive compounds in the gel exceeds 700 .mu.m. The apparatus and method of the present invention represent a significant improvement over conventional autoradiographic techniques in dynamic range, linearity and sensitivity of data collection. A concentration and position map for gel electrophoretograms having significant concentrations of labeled compounds and/or highly radioactive labeling nuclides can generally be obtained in less than one hour.

RF generator interlock by plasma grid bias current - An alternate to Hα interlock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bandyopadhyay, M.; Gahlaut, A.; Yadav, R. K.; Pandya, K.; Tyagi, H.; Vupugalla, M.; Bhuyan, M.; Bhagora, J.; Chakraborty, A.

2017-08-01

ROBIN is inductively coupled plasma (ICP) based negative hydrogen ion source, operated with a 100kW, 1MHz Tetrode based RF generator (RFG). Inductive plasma ignition by the RFG in ROBIN is associated with electron seeding by a hot filament and a gas puff. RFG is triggered by the control system to deliver power just at the peak pressure of the gas puff. Once plasma is ignited due to proper impedance matching, a bright light, dominated by Hα (˜656nm wavelength) radiation is available inside RF driver which is used as a feedback signal to the RFG to continue its operation. If impedance matching is not correct, plasma is not produced due to lack of power coupling and bright light is not available. During such condition, reflected RF power may damage the RFG. Therefore, to protect the RFG, it needs to be switched off automatically within 200ms by the control system in such cases. This plasma light based RFG interlock is adopted from BATMAN ion source. However, in case of vacuum immersed RF ion source in reactor grade NBI system, such plasma light based interlock may not be feasible due to lack of adequate optical fiber interfaces. In reactor grade NBI system, neutron and gamma radiations have impact on materials which may lead to frequent maintenance and machine down time. The present demonstration of RFG interlock by Bias Current (BC) in ROBIN testbed gives an alternate option in this regard. In ROBIN, a bias plate (BP) is placed in the plasma chamber near the plasma grid (PG). BP is electrically connected to the plasma chamber wall of the ion source and PG is isolated from the wall. A high current ˜85 A direct current (DC) power supply of voltage in the range of 0 - 33V is connected between the PG and the BP in such a way that PG can be biased positively with respect to the BP or plasma chamber. This arrangement is actually made to absorb electrons and correspondingly reduce co-extracted electron current during beam extraction. However, in case of normal plasma operation, BC rises due to the presence of plasma electrons, almost in the same timescale as plasma light detection system and so, BC signal can also be used as RFG interlock. The BC signal transmission is through optical isolation to reduce noise interference with the signal. The response of the current monitoring signal available from the PG power supply of ROBIN is quite slow (in the order of few tens of milliseconds). Therefore, a fast response current detection electronic circuit having the ability to generate a PG current detection pulse with adjustable threshold set point has been developed and integrated with ROBIN, and the above concept has been demonstrated in ROBIN recently. The present paper will discuss this experimental activity and its results.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cebe, M; Pacaci, P; Mabhouti, H

Purpose: In this study, the two available calculation algorithms of the Varian Eclipse treatment planning system(TPS), the electron Monte Carlo(eMC) and General Gaussian Pencil Beam(GGPB) algorithms were used to compare measured and calculated peripheral dose distribution of electron beams. Methods: Peripheral dose measurements were carried out for 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 22 MeV electron beams of Varian Triology machine using parallel plate ionization chamber and EBT3 films in the slab phantom. Measurements were performed for 6×6, 10×10 and 25×25cm{sup 2} cone sizes at dmax of each energy up to 20cm beyond the field edges. Using the same filmmore » batch, the net OD to dose calibration curve was obtained for each energy. Films were scanned 48 hours after irradiation using an Epson 1000XL flatbed scanner. Dose distribution measured using parallel plate ionization chamber and EBT3 film and calculated by eMC and GGPB algorithms were compared. The measured and calculated data were then compared to find which algorithm calculates peripheral dose distribution more accurately. Results: The agreement between measurement and eMC was better than GGPB. The TPS underestimated the out of field doses. The difference between measured and calculated doses increase with the cone size. The largest deviation between calculated and parallel plate ionization chamber measured dose is less than 4.93% for eMC, but it can increase up to 7.51% for GGPB. For film measurement, the minimum gamma analysis passing rates between measured and calculated dose distributions were 98.2% and 92.7% for eMC and GGPB respectively for all field sizes and energies. Conclusion: Our results show that the Monte Carlo algorithm for electron planning in Eclipse is more accurate than previous algorithms for peripheral dose distributions. It must be emphasized that the use of GGPB for planning large field treatments with 6 MeV could lead to inaccuracies of clinical significance.« less

Atomically Thin Graphene Windows That Enable High Contrast Electron Microscopy without a Specimen Vacuum Chamber.

PubMed

Han, Yimo; Nguyen, Kayla X; Ogawa, Yui; Park, Jiwoong; Muller, David A

2016-12-14

Scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) require a high vacuum environment to generate and shape an electron beam for imaging; however, the vacuum conditions greatly limit the nature of specimens that can be examined. From a purely scattering physics perspective, it is not necessary to place the specimen inside the vacuum chamber-the mean free paths (MFPs) for electron scattering in air at typical SEM beam voltages are 50-100 μm. This is the idea behind the airSEM, which removes the specimen vacuum chamber from the SEM and places the sample in air. The thickness of the gas layer is less than a MFP from an electron-transparent window to preserve the shape and resolution of the incident beam, resulting in comparable imaging quality to an all-vacuum SEM. Present silicon nitride windows scatter far more strongly than the air gap and are currently the contrast and resolution limiting factor in the airSEM. Graphene windows have been used previously to wrap or seal samples in vacuum for imaging. Here we demonstrate the use of a robust bilayer graphene window for sealing the electron optics from the room environment, providing an electron transparent window with only a 2% drop in contrast. There is a 5-fold-increase in signal/noise ratio for imaging compared to multi-MFP-thick silicon nitride windows, enabling high contrast in backscattered, transmission, and surface imaging modes for the new airSEM geometry.

Use of a Burkholderia cenocepacia ABTS Oxidizer in a Microbial Fuel Cell

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) often use biological processes to generate electrons from organic material contained in the anode chamber and abiotic processes employing atmospheric oxygen as the oxidant in the cathode chamber. This study investigated the accumulation of an oxidant in bacterial cultures...

Improved Ion Resistance for III-V Photocathodes in High Current Guns

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mulhollan, Gregory, A.

2012-11-16

The two photocathode test systems were modified, baked and recommissioned. The first system was dedicated to ion studies and the second to electron stimulated recovery (ESR) work. The demonstration system for the electron beam rejuvenation was set up, tested and demonstrated to one of the SSRL team (Dr. Kirby) during a site visit. The requisite subsystems were transferred to SSRL, installed and photoemission studies conducted on activated surfaces following electron beam exposure. Little surface chemistry change was detected in the photoemission spectra following the ESR process. The yield mapping system for the ion (and later, the electron beam rejuvenation) studiesmore » was implemented and use made routine. Ion species and flux measurements were performed for H, He, Ne, Ar, Kr and Xe ions at energies of 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 kV. Gas induced photoyield measurements followed each ion exposure measurement. These data permit the extraction of photoyield induced change per ion (by species) at the measured energies. Electron beam induced rejuvenation was first demonstrated in the second chamber with primary electron beam energy and dependency investigations following. A Hiden quadrupole mass spectrometer for the electron stimulated desorption (ESD) measurements was procured. The UHV test systems needed for subsequent measurements were configured, baked, commissioned and utilized for their intended purposes. Measurements characterizing the desorption products from the ESD process and secondary electron (SE) yield at the surfaces of negative electron affinity GaAs photocathodes have been performed. One US Utility Patent was granted covering the ESR process.« less

Performance of a resistive plate chamber equipped with a new prototype of amplified front-end electronics in the ALICE detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marchisone, Massimiliano

2017-09-01

ALICE is the LHC experiment dedicated to the study of heavy-ion collisions. At forward rapidity a muon spectrometer detects muons from low mass mesons, quarkonia (c\\bar{c} and b\\bar{b} mesons), open heavy-flavor hadrons (D and B mesons) as well as from weak bosons. A muon selection based on transverse momentum is made by a trigger system composed of 72 Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs). For the LHC Run 1 and the ongoing Run 2 the RPCs have been equipped with a non-amplified Front-End Electronics (FEE) called ADULT. However, in view of an increase in luminosity expected for Run 3 (foreseen to start in 2021) the possibility to use an amplified FEE has been explored in order to improve the counting rate limitation and to prevent the aging of the detector by reducing the charge per hit. A prototype of this new electronics (FEERIC) has been developed and tested first with cosmic rays before equipping one RPC in the ALICE cavern with it. In this proceeding the most important performance indicators (such as efficiency, dark current, dark rate, cluster size, total charge and charge per hit) of the RPC equipped with this new FEE will be reviewed and compared to the others read out with ADULT.

The LAMP instrument at the Linac Coherent Light Source free-electron laser

DOE PAGES

Osipov, Timur; Bostedt, Christoph; Castagna, J. -C.; ...

2018-03-23

The Laser Applications in Materials Processing (LAMP) instrument is a new end-station for soft X-ray imaging, high-field physics, and ultrafast X-ray science experiments that is available to users at the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) free-electron laser. While the instrument resides in the Atomic, Molecular and Optical science hutch, its components can be used at any LCLS beamline. The end-station has a modular design that provides high flexibility in order to meet user-defined experimental requirements and specifications. The ultra-high-vacuum environment supports different sample delivery systems, including pulsed and continuous atomic, molecular, and cluster jets; liquid and aerosols jets; and effusivemore » metal vapor beams. It also houses movable, large-format, high-speed pnCCD X-ray detectors for detecting scattered and fluorescent photons. Multiple charged-particle spectrometer options are compatible with the LAMP chamber, including a double-sided spectrometer for simultaneous and even coincident measurements of electrons, ions, and photons produced by the interaction of the high-intensity X-ray beam with the various samples. Here in this paper we describe the design and capabilities of the spectrometers along with some general aspects of the LAMP chamber and show some results from the initial instrument commissioning.« less

The LAMP instrument at the Linac Coherent Light Source free-electron laser

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Osipov, Timur; Bostedt, Christoph; Castagna, J. -C.

The Laser Applications in Materials Processing (LAMP) instrument is a new end-station for soft X-ray imaging, high-field physics, and ultrafast X-ray science experiments that is available to users at the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) free-electron laser. While the instrument resides in the Atomic, Molecular and Optical science hutch, its components can be used at any LCLS beamline. The end-station has a modular design that provides high flexibility in order to meet user-defined experimental requirements and specifications. The ultra-high-vacuum environment supports different sample delivery systems, including pulsed and continuous atomic, molecular, and cluster jets; liquid and aerosols jets; and effusivemore » metal vapor beams. It also houses movable, large-format, high-speed pnCCD X-ray detectors for detecting scattered and fluorescent photons. Multiple charged-particle spectrometer options are compatible with the LAMP chamber, including a double-sided spectrometer for simultaneous and even coincident measurements of electrons, ions, and photons produced by the interaction of the high-intensity X-ray beam with the various samples. Here in this paper we describe the design and capabilities of the spectrometers along with some general aspects of the LAMP chamber and show some results from the initial instrument commissioning.« less

Silver Recovery and Power Generation from Ammonia Chelated Silver Solution in a Bio-Electrochemical Reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ho, N. A. D.; Babel, S.

2017-06-01

Silver has valuable features and limited availability, and thus recovery from wastewater or aqueous solutions plays an important role in environmental protection and economic profits. In this study, silver recovery along with power generation and COD removal were investigated in a bio-electrochemical system (BES). The BES comprised of an anode and a cathode chamber which were separated by a cation exchange membrane to prevent the cross-over of electrolytes. During the biological oxidation of acetate as an electron donor in the anode chamber, the reduction of ammonia chelated silver ions as electron acceptors in the cathode side occurred spontaneously. Results showed that a silver recovery of 99% and COD removal efficiency of 60% were achieved at the initial silver concentration of 1,000 mg/L after 48 hours of operation. The power generation improved 4.66%, from 3,618 to 3,795 mW/m3, by adding NaNO3 of 850 mg/L to the catholyte containing 2,000 mg/L of silver ions. Deposits on the cathode surface were characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). Metallic silver with dendritic structures and high purity were detected. This study demonstrated that BES technology can be employed to recover silver from complex chelating solution, produce electricity, and treat wastewater.

An online proton beam monitor for cancer therapy based on ionization chambers with micro pattern readout

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basile, E.; Carloni, A.; Castelluccio, D. M.; Cisbani, E.; Colilli, S.; De Angelis, G.; Fratoni, R.; Frullani, S.; Giuliani, F.; Gricia, M.; Lucentini, M.; Santavenere, F.; Vacca, G.

2012-03-01

A unique compact LINAC accelerator for proton therapy is under development in Italy within the TOP-IMPLART project. The proton beam will reach the kinetic energy of 230 MeV, it will have a widely variable current intensity (0.1-10 μA, with average up to 3.5 nA) associated with a high pulse repetition frequency (1-3.5 μs long pulses at 10-100 Hz). The TOP-IMPLART system will provide a fully active 3+1D dose delivery, that is longitudinal (energy modulation), transverse active spot scanning, and current intensity modulation. These accelerator features will permit a highly conformational dose distribution, which therefore requires an effective, online, beam monitor system with wide dynamic range, good sensitivity, adequate spatial resolution and rapid response. In order to fulfill these requisites a new device is under development for the monitoring of the beam intensity profile, its centroid and direction; it is based on transmission, segmented, ionization chambers with typical active area of 100 × 100 mm2. Micro pattern x/y pad like design has been used for the readout plane in order to maximize the field uniformity, reduce the chamber thickness and obtain both beam coordinates on a single chamber. The chamber prototype operates in ionization region to minimize saturation and discharge effects. Simulations (based on FLUKA) have been carried on to study the perturbation of the chamber on the beam parameters and the effects on the delivered dose (on a water phantom). The charge collected in each channel is integrated by dedicated auto-ranging readout electronics: an original scheme has been developed in order to have an input dynamic range greater than 104 with sensitivity better than 3%. This is achieved by a dynamical adjustment of the integrating capacitance to the signal intensity.

Design and characterization of electron beam focusing for X-ray generation in novel medical imaging architecturea

PubMed Central

Bogdan Neculaes, V.; Zou, Yun; Zavodszky, Peter; Inzinna, Louis; Zhang, Xi; Conway, Kenneth; Caiafa, Antonio; Frutschy, Kristopher; Waters, William; De Man, Bruno

2014-01-01

A novel electron beam focusing scheme for medical X-ray sources is described in this paper. Most vacuum based medical X-ray sources today employ a tungsten filament operated in temperature limited regime, with electrostatic focusing tabs for limited range beam optics. This paper presents the electron beam optics designed for the first distributed X-ray source in the world for Computed Tomography (CT) applications. This distributed source includes 32 electron beamlets in a common vacuum chamber, with 32 circular dispenser cathodes operated in space charge limited regime, where the initial circular beam is transformed into an elliptical beam before being collected at the anode. The electron beam optics designed and validated here are at the heart of the first Inverse Geometry CT system, with potential benefits in terms of improved image quality and dramatic X-ray dose reduction for the patient. PMID:24826066

Limitations to soybean photosynthesis at elevated carbon dioxide in free-air enrichment and open top chamber systems.

PubMed

Bunce, James A

2014-09-01

It has been suggested that the stimulation of soybean photosynthesis by elevated CO2 was less in free-air carbon dioxide enrichment (FACE) systems than in open top chambers (OTC), which might explain smaller yield increases at elevated CO2 in FACE systems. However, this has not been tested using the same cultivars grown in the same location. I tested whether soybean photosynthesis at high light and elevated CO2 (ambient+180 μmol mol(-1)) was limited by electron transport (J) in FACE systems but by ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylation capacity (VCmax) in OTC. FACE systems with daytime and continuous CO2 enrichment were also compared. The results indicated that in both cultivars examined, midday photosynthesis at high light was always limited by VCmax, both in the FACE and in the OTC systems. Daytime only CO2 enrichment did not affect photosynthetic parameters or limitations, but did result in significantly smaller yields in both cultivars than continuous elevation. Photosynthesis measured at low photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) was not higher at elevated than at ambient CO2, because of an acclimation to elevated CO2 which was only evident at low measurement PPFDs. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Dark Matter Search Results from the PICO - 60 C 3 F 8 Bubble Chamber

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Amole, C.; Ardid, M.; Arnquist, I. J.

2017-06-01

New results are reported from the operation of the PICO-60 dark matter detector, a bubble chamber filled with 52 kg of C 3F 8 located in the SNOLAB underground laboratory. As in previous PICO bubble chambers, PICO-60C 3F 8 exhibits excellent electron recoil and alpha decay rejection, and the observed multiple-scattering neutron rate indicates a single-scatter neutron background of less than one event per month.

Development of a high resolution liquid xenon imaging chamber for gamma-ray astronomy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aprile, Elena

1991-01-01

The objective was to develop the technology of liquid xenon (LXe) detectors for spectroscopy and imaging of gamma rays from astrophysical sources emitting in the low to medium energy regime. In particular, the technical challenges and the physical processes relevant to the realization of the LXe detector operated as a Time Projection Chamber (TPC) were addressed and studied. Experimental results were obtained on the following topics: (1) long distance drift of free electrons in LXe (purity); (2) scintillation light yield for electrons and alphas in LXe (triggering); and (3) ionization yield for electrons and gamma rays in LXe (energy resolution). The major results from the investigations are summarized.

SPEAKING IN LIGHT - Jupiter radio signals as deflections of light-emitting electron beams in a vacuum chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petrovic, K.

2015-10-01

Light emitting electron beam generated in a vacuum chamber is used as a medium for visualizing Jupiter's electromagnetic radiation. Dual dipole array antenna is receiving HF radio signals that are next amplified to radiate a strong electromagnetic field capable of influencing the propagation of electron beam in plasma. Installation aims to provide a platform for observing the characteristics of light emitting beam in 3D, as opposed to the experiments with cathode ray tubes in 2-dimensional television screens. Gas giant 'speaking' to us by radio waves bends the light in the tube, allowing us to see and hear the messages of Jupiter - God of light and sky.

The central electrode correction factor for high-Z electrodes in small ionization chambers.

PubMed

Muir, B R; Rogers, D W O

2011-02-01

Recent Monte Carlo calculations of beam quality conversion factors for ion chambers that use high-Z electrodes [B. R. Muir and D. W. O. Rogers, Med. Phys. 37, 5939-5950 (2010)] have shown large deviations of kQ values from values calculated using the same techniques as the TG-51 and TRS-398 protocols. This report investigates the central electrode correction factor, Pcel, for these chambers. Ionization chambers are modeled and Pcel is calculated using the EGSnrc user code egs_chamber for three cases: in photon and electron beams under reference conditions; as a function of distance from an iridium-192 point source in a water phantom; and as a function of depth in a water phantom on which a 200 kVp x-ray source or 6 MV beam is incident. In photon beams, differences of up to 3% between Pcel calculations for a chamber with a high-Z electrode and those used by TG-51 for a 1 mm diameter aluminum electrode are observed. The central electrode correction factor for a given value of the beam quality specifier is different depending on the amount of filtration of the photon beam. However, in an unfiltered 6 MV beam, Pcel, varies by only 0.3% for a chamber with a high-Z electrode as the depth is varied from 1 to 20 cm in water. The difference between Pcel calculations for chambers with high-Z electrodes and TG-51 values for a chamber with an aluminum electrode is up to 0.45% in electron beams. The central electrode correction, which is roughly proportional to the chambers absorbed dose sensitivity, is found to be large and variable as a function of distance for chambers with high-Z and aluminum electrodes in low-energy photon fields. In this work, ionization chambers that employ high-Z electrodes have been shown to be problematic in various situations. For beam quality conversion factors, the ratio of Pcel in a beam quality Q to that in a Co-60 beam is required; for some chambers, kQ is significantly different from current dosimetry protocol values because of central electrode effects. It would be best for manufacturers to avoid producing ion chambers that use high-Z electrodes.

An encoding readout method used for Multi-gap Resistive Plate Chambers (MRPCs) for muon tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yue, X.; Zeng, M.; Wang, Y.; Wang, X.; Zeng, Z.; Zhao, Z.; Cheng, J.

2014-09-01

A muon tomography facility has been built in Tsinghua University. Because of the low flux of cosmic muon, an encoding readout method, based on the fine-fine configuration, was implemented for the 2880 channels induced signals from the Multi-gap Resistive Plate Chamber (MRPC) detectors. With the encoding method, the number of the readout electronics was dramatically reduced and thus the complexity and the cost of the facility was reduced, too. In this paper, the details of the encoding method, and the overall readout system setup in the muon tomography facility are described. With the commissioning of the facility, the readout method works well. The spatial resolution of all MRPC detectors are measured with cosmic muon and the preliminary imaging result are also given.

Prevention of breakdown behind railgun projectiles

DOEpatents

Hawke, R.S.

1992-10-13

An electromagnetic railgun accelerator system, for accelerating projectiles by a plasma arc, introduces a breakdown inhibiting gas into the railgun chamber behind the accelerating projectile. The breakdown inhibiting gas, which absorbs electrons, is a halide or a halide compound such as fluorine or SF[sub 6]. The gas is introduced between the railgun rails after the projectile has passed through inlets in the rails or the projectile; by coating the rails or the projectile with a material which releases the gas after the projectile passes over it; by fabricating the rails or the projectile or insulators out of a material which releases the gas into the portions of the chamber through which the projectile has travelled. The projectile may have a cavity at its rear to control the release of ablation products. 12 figs.

Prevention of breakdown behind railgun projectiles

DOEpatents

Hawke, R.S.

1992-09-01

An electromagnetic railgun accelerator system, for accelerating projectiles by a plasma arc, introduces a breakdown inhibiting gas into the railgun chamber behind the accelerating projectile. The breakdown inhibiting gas, which absorbs electrons, is a halide or a halide compound such as fluorine or SF[sub 6]. The gas is introduced between the railgun rails after the projectile has passed through inlets in the rails or the projectile; by coating the rails or the projectile with a material which releases the gas after the projectile passes over it; by fabricating the rails or the projectile or insulators out of a material which releases the gas into the portions of the chamber through which the projectile has travelled. The projectile may have a cavity at its rear to control the release of ablation products. 12 figs.

Low circumferential voltage gradient self supporting electrode for solid oxide fuel cells

DOEpatents

Reichner, Philip

1989-01-01

The porous, self-supporting, elongated electrode is made, having at least two chambers through its axial length, the chambers separated by an electronically conductive member. This electrode can be an air electrode of a fuel cell, having a superimposed solid electrolyte and fuel electrode.

Research and Development Toward Massive Liquid Argon Time Projection Chambers for Neutrino Detection

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Thiesse, Matthew

Liquid argon (LAr) time projection chambers (TPC) have rapidly increased in importance as particle detectors throughout the past four decades. While much research has been completed, there are still many areas which require further development to build and operate the next generation LAr TPC experiment, such as the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE). These include high voltage breakdown, argon purification and purity monitoring, and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) scintillation light measurement. Visual monitoring of high voltage breakdown is helpful in allowing assessment of the performance of high voltage component design. Thus, a system of cryogenic cameras, the first of its kind,more » was developed for use in a large LAr cryostat, without the need for additional electronics heating. The system functioned without problem for 50 days at cryogenic temperature, with some degradation of image quality, and provided a useful monitor for the DUNE 35-ton cryogenics systems. The system did not observe any high voltage breakdowns during the run. Further development of the concept is ongoing for future installation in other experiments. The monitoring of LAr purity using TPC data is a fundamental study for LAr TPC experiments. However, the study has not been performed for a large LAr TPC in the presence of high electronic noise. Custom software was developed and validated for the accurate reconstruction of signals in noisy TPC data. The results of the reconstruction were used to successfully measure the LAr electron lifetime with an uncertainty comparable to alternate methods of measurement. The electron lifetime of the 35-ton Phase II run is determined to be 4.12 ± 0.17 (stat.) ±0.40 (syst.) ms. For general purpose research and development of high purity LAr as a particle detection medium, a dedicated test stand was designed, constructed, and commissioned. The system is used to test the gaseous photomultiplier (GPM) performance at cryogenic temperatures. The GPM functions with photoelectron multiplication at 77 K, at a reduced gain. Further study is required to show the detector’s direct sensitivity to LAr VUV scintillation light.« less

Properties of the electron cloud in a high-energy positron and electron storage ring

DOE PAGES

Harkay, K. C.; Rosenberg, R. A.

2003-03-20

Low-energy, background electrons are ubiquitous in high-energy particle accelerators. Under certain conditions, interactions between this electron cloud and the high-energy beam can give rise to numerous effects that can seriously degrade the accelerator performance. These effects range from vacuum degradation to collective beam instabilities and emittance blowup. Although electron-cloud effects were first observed two decades ago in a few proton storage rings, they have in recent years been widely observed and intensely studied in positron and proton rings. Electron-cloud diagnostics developed at the Advanced Photon Source enabled for the first time detailed, direct characterization of the electron-cloud properties in amore » positron and electron storage ring. From in situ measurements of the electron flux and energy distribution at the vacuum chamber wall, electron-cloud production mechanisms and details of the beam-cloud interaction can be inferred. A significant longitudinal variation of the electron cloud is also observed, due primarily to geometrical details of the vacuum chamber. Furthermore, such experimental data can be used to provide realistic limits on key input parameters in modeling efforts, leading ultimately to greater confidence in predicting electron-cloud effects in future accelerators.« less

Electronics for CMS Endcap Muon Level-1 Trigger System Phase-1 and HL LHC upgrades

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Madorsky, A.

2017-07-01

To accommodate high-luminosity LHC operation at a 13 TeV collision energy, the CMS Endcap Muon Level-1 Trigger system had to be significantly modified. To provide robust track reconstruction, the trigger system must now import all available trigger primitives generated by the Cathode Strip Chambers and by certain other subsystems, such as Resistive Plate Chambers (RPC). In addition to massive input bandwidth, this also required significant increase in logic and memory resources. To satisfy these requirements, a new Sector Processor unit has been designed. It consists of three modules. The Core Logic module houses the large FPGA that contains the track-finding logic and multi-gigabit serial links for data exchange. The Optical module contains optical receivers and transmitters; it communicates with the Core Logic module via a custom backplane section. The Pt Lookup table (PTLUT) module contains 1 GB of low-latency memory that is used to assign the final Pt to reconstructed muon tracks. The μ TCA architecture (adopted by CMS) was used for this design. The talk presents the details of the hardware and firmware design of the production system based on Xilinx Virtex-7 FPGA family. The next round of LHC and CMS upgrades starts in 2019, followed by a major High-Luminosity (HL) LHC upgrade starting in 2024. In the course of these upgrades, new Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) detectors and more RPC chambers will be added to the Endcap Muon system. In order to keep up with all these changes, a new Advanced Processor unit is being designed. This device will be based on Xilinx UltraScale+ FPGAs. It will be able to accommodate up to 100 serial links with bit rates of up to 25 Gb/s, and provide up to 2.5 times more logic resources than the device used currently. The amount of PTLUT memory will be significantly increased to provide more flexibility for the Pt assignment algorithm. The talk presents preliminary details of the hardware design program.

Isothermal dendritic growth experiment: Science, engineering, and hardware development for USMP space flights

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glicksman, M. E.; Hahn, R. C.; Koss, M. B.; Tirmizi, S. H.; Selleck, M. E.; Velosa, A.; Winsa, E.

The Isothermal Dendritic Growth Experiment (IDGE) has been designed to provide microgravity data on dendritic growth for a critical test of theory. This paper updates our progress on constructing a crystal growth chamber suitable for space flight. The IDGE chamber is constructed from glass and stainless steel and is hermetically sealed by electron beam welds and glass-metal seals. Initial tests of the chambers sample's melting point plateau show that the new chamber design is capable of preserving the 99.9995 pct purity of succinonitrile (SCN). One can initiate dendrite growth in the center of the IDGE chamber by means of thermo-electric coolers and a capillary injector tube (stinger). The new IDGE chamber is ready for fully integrated tests with the prototype IDGE engineering hardware at NASA's Lewis Research Center.

Rf capacitively-coupled electrodeless light source

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Manos, Dennis M.; Diggs, Jessie; Ametepe, Joseph D.

2000-01-01

An rf capacitively-coupled electrodeless light source is provided. The light source comprises a hollow, elongated chamber and at least one center conductor disposed within the hollow, elongated chamber. A portion of each center conductor extends beyond the hollow, elongated chamber. At least one gas capable of forming an electronically excited molecular state is contained within each center conductor. An electrical coupler is positioned concentric to the hollow, elongated chamber and the electrical coupler surrounds the portion of each center conductor that extends beyond the hollow, elongated chamber. A rf-power supply is positioned in an operable relationship to the electrical couplermore » and an impedance matching network is positioned in an operable relationship to the rf power supply and the electrical coupler.« less

Mechatronic Development and Vision Feedback Control of a Nanorobotics Manipulation System inside SEM for Nanodevice Assembly

PubMed Central

Yang, Zhan; Wang, Yaqiong; Yang, Bin; Li, Guanghui; Chen, Tao; Nakajima, Masahiro; Sun, Lining; Fukuda, Toshio

2016-01-01

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) have been developed in recent decades for nanodevices such as nanoradios, nanogenerators, carbon nanotube field effect transistors (CNTFETs) and so on, indicating that the application of CNTs for nanoscale electronics may play a key role in the development of nanotechnology. Nanorobotics manipulation systems are a promising method for nanodevice construction and assembly. For the purpose of constructing three-dimensional CNTFETs, a nanorobotics manipulation system with 16 DOFs was developed for nanomanipulation of nanometer-scale objects inside the specimen chamber of a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Nanorobotics manipulators are assembled into four units with four DOFs (X-Y-Z-θ) individually. The rotational one is actuated by a picomotor. That means a manipulator has four DOFs including three linear motions in the X, Y, Z directions and a 360-degree rotational one (X-Y-Z-θ stage, θ is along the direction rotating with X or Y axis). Manipulators are actuated by picomotors with better than 30 nm linear resolution and <1 micro-rad rotary resolution. Four vertically installed AFM cantilevers (the axis of the cantilever tip is vertical to the axis of electronic beam of SEM) served as the end-effectors to facilitate the real-time observation of the operations. A series of kinematic derivations of these four manipulators based on the Denavit-Hartenberg (D-H) notation were established. The common working space of the end-effectors is 2.78 mm by 4.39 mm by 6 mm. The manipulation strategy and vision feedback control for multi-manipulators operating inside the SEM chamber were been discussed. Finally, application of the designed nanorobotics manipulation system by successfully testing of the pickup-and-place manipulation of an individual CNT onto four probes was described. The experimental results have shown that carbon nanotubes can be successfully picked up with this nanorobotics manipulation system. PMID:27649180

Mechatronic Development and Vision Feedback Control of a Nanorobotics Manipulation System inside SEM for Nanodevice Assembly.

PubMed

Yang, Zhan; Wang, Yaqiong; Yang, Bin; Li, Guanghui; Chen, Tao; Nakajima, Masahiro; Sun, Lining; Fukuda, Toshio

2016-09-14

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) have been developed in recent decades for nanodevices such as nanoradios, nanogenerators, carbon nanotube field effect transistors (CNTFETs) and so on, indicating that the application of CNTs for nanoscale electronics may play a key role in the development of nanotechnology. Nanorobotics manipulation systems are a promising method for nanodevice construction and assembly. For the purpose of constructing three-dimensional CNTFETs, a nanorobotics manipulation system with 16 DOFs was developed for nanomanipulation of nanometer-scale objects inside the specimen chamber of a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Nanorobotics manipulators are assembled into four units with four DOFs (X-Y-Z-θ) individually. The rotational one is actuated by a picomotor. That means a manipulator has four DOFs including three linear motions in the X, Y, Z directions and a 360-degree rotational one (X-Y-Z-θ stage, θ is along the direction rotating with X or Y axis). Manipulators are actuated by picomotors with better than 30 nm linear resolution and <1 micro-rad rotary resolution. Four vertically installed AFM cantilevers (the axis of the cantilever tip is vertical to the axis of electronic beam of SEM) served as the end-effectors to facilitate the real-time observation of the operations. A series of kinematic derivations of these four manipulators based on the Denavit-Hartenberg (D-H) notation were established. The common working space of the end-effectors is 2.78 mm by 4.39 mm by 6 mm. The manipulation strategy and vision feedback control for multi-manipulators operating inside the SEM chamber were been discussed. Finally, application of the designed nanorobotics manipulation system by successfully testing of the pickup-and-place manipulation of an individual CNT onto four probes was described. The experimental results have shown that carbon nanotubes can be successfully picked up with this nanorobotics manipulation system.

Vapor-barrier Vacuum Isolation System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weinstein, Leonard M. (Inventor); Taminger, Karen M. (Inventor)

2014-01-01

A system includes a collimated beam source within a vacuum chamber, a condensable barrier gas, cooling material, a pump, and isolation chambers cooled by the cooling material to condense the barrier gas. Pressure levels of each isolation chamber are substantially greater than in the vacuum chamber. Coaxially-aligned orifices connect a working chamber, the isolation chambers, and the vacuum chamber. The pump evacuates uncondensed barrier gas. The barrier gas blocks entry of atmospheric vapor from the working chamber into the isolation chambers, and undergoes supersonic flow expansion upon entering each isolation chamber. A method includes connecting the isolation chambers to the vacuum chamber, directing vapor to a boundary with the working chamber, and supersonically expanding the vapor as it enters the isolation chambers via the orifices. The vapor condenses in each isolation chamber using the cooling material, and uncondensed vapor is pumped out of the isolation chambers via the pump.

Detector system dose verification comparisons for arc therapy: couch vs. gantry mount

PubMed Central

Manikandan, Arjunan; Nandy, Maitreyee; Sureka, Chandra Sekaran; Gossman, Michael S.; Sujatha, Nadendla; Rajendran, Vivek Thirupathur

2014-01-01

The aim of this study was to assess the performance of a gantry‐mounted detector system and a couch set detector system using a systematic multileaf collimator positional error manually introduced for volumetric‐modulated arc therapy. Four head and neck and esophagus VMAT plans were evaluated by measurement using an electronic portal imaging device and an ion chamber array. Each plan was copied and duplicated with a 1 mm systematic MLC positional error in the left leaf bank. Direct comparison of measurements for plans with and without the error permitted observational characteristics for quality assurance performance between detectors. A total of 48 different plans were evaluated for this testing. The mean percentage planar dose differences required to satisfy a 95% match between plans with and without the MLCPE were 5.2% ± 0.5% for the chamber array with gantry motion, 8.12% ± 1.04% for the chamber array with a static gantry at 0°, and 10.9% ± 1.4% for the EPID with gantry motion. It was observed that the EPID was less accurate due to overresponse of the MLCPE in the left leaf bank. The EPID always images bank‐A on the ipsilateral side of the detector, whereas for a chamber array or for a patient, that bank changes as it crosses the ‐90° or +90° position. A couch set detector system can reproduce the TPS calculated values most consistently. We recommend it as the most reliable patient specific QA system for MLC position error testing. This research is highlighted by the finding of up to 12.7% dose variation for H/N and esophagus cases for VMAT delivery, where the mere source of error was the stated clinically acceptability of 1 mm MLC position deviation of TG‐142. PACS numbers: 87.56.‐v, 87.55.‐x, 07.57.KP, 29.40.‐n, 85.25.Pb PMID:24892330

The Potential-Well Distortion Effect and Coherent Instabilities of Electron Bunches in Storage Rings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korchuganov, V. N.; Smygacheva, A. S.; Fomin, E. A.

2018-05-01

The effect of electromagnetic interaction between electron bunches and the vacuum chamber of a storage ring on the longitudinal motion of bunches is studied. Specifically, the potential-well distortion effect and the so-called coherent instabilities of coupled bunches are considered. An approximate analytical solution for the frequencies of incoherent oscillations of bunches distributed arbitrarily within the ring is obtained for a distorted potential well. A new approach to determining frequencies of coherent oscillations and an approximate analytical relation for estimating the stability of a system of bunches as a function of their distribution in the accelerator orbit are presented.

Scanning tunneling microscopy study of low temperature silicon epitaxy on hydrogen/silicon(001) and phosphine adsorption on silicon(111)-7x7

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, Jeong-Young

A three-chamber ultra-high-vacuum (UHV) system with preparation, scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) chambers was designed and built. Here, one can perform surface preparation, STM e-beam lithography, precursor gas dosing, ion sputtering, silicon epitaxy, and various measurements such as reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED), low energy electron diffraction (LEED), and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). Processes performed in the ultra-clean preparation and gas-filled CVD chambers can be monitored by transferring the samples back to the STM chamber to take topographical images. Si deposition on H-terminated Si(001)-2x1 surfaces at temperatures 300--530 K was studied by scanning tunneling microscopy. Hydrogen apparently hinders Si adatom diffusion and enhances surface roughening. Post-growth annealing transfers the top layer atoms downward to fill in vacancies in the lower layer, restoring the crystallinity of the thin film. Hydrogen is shown to remain on the growth front up to at least 10 ML. Si deposition onto the H/Si(001)-3x1 surface at 530 K suggests that dihydride units further suppress Si adatom diffusion and increase surface roughness. PH3 adsorption on Si(111)-7x7 was studied for various exposures between 0.3--60 L at room temperature by means of the scanning-tunneling-microscopy (STM). PH3-, PH2-, H-reacted, and unreacted adatoms can be identified by analyzing STM images at different sample biases. Most of PH3 adsorbs dissociatively on the surface at initial exposure, generating H and PH2 adsorption sites, followed by molecular adsorption of PH3. Rest atoms are more reactive than the adatoms and PH 2-reacted rest atom sites are also observed in STM images. Statistical analysis shows that center adatoms are more reactive than corner adatoms and the saturation P coverage is ˜0.22 ML. Finally, 900 K annealing of a PH 3 dosed surface results in a disordered, partially P-covered surface and PH3 dosing at 900 K forms the same surface reconstruction as a P2-adsorbed surface at similar temperature.

An Experimental Determination of Subatmospheric Burning Rates and Critical Diameters for AP/HTPB Propellant

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-12-01

round uses an AP/HTPB propellant in the projectile base to reduce base drag during flight . Subatmospheric burning rates, simulating operation at...the partial vacuum created at the projectile base in flight . The combustion gases escape the combustion chamber through an unchoked port in the...determination. Combustion of the sample was video recorded by a system with both synchronized electronic strobe and shutter. The camera captures 60 fields

Translations on USSR Science and Technology, Physical Sciences and Technology, Number 16

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-08-05

34INVESTIGATION OF SPLITTING OF LIGHT NUCLEI WITH HIGH-ENERGY y -RAYS WITH THE METHOD OF WILSON’S CHAMBER OPERATING IN POWERFUL BEAMS OF ELECTRONIC...boast high reliability, high speed, and extremely modest power requirements. Information oh the Screen Visual display devices greatly facilitate...area of application of these units Includes navigation, control of power systems, machine tools, and manufac- turing processes. Th» ^»abilities of

Sci-Sat AM: Radiation Dosimetry and Practical Therapy Solutions - 03: Energy dependence of a clinical probe-format calorimeter and its pertinence to absolute photon and electron beam dosimetry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Renaud, James; Seuntjens, Jan; Sarfehnia, Arman

Purpose: To evaluate the intrinsic and absorbed-dose energy dependence of a small-scale graphite calorimeter probe (GPC) developed for use as a routine clinical dosimeter. The influence of charge deposition on the response of the GPC was also assessed by performing absolute dosimetry in clinical linac-based electron beams. Methods: Intrinsic energy dependence was determined by performing constant-temperature calorimetry dose measurements in a water-equivalent solid phantom, under otherwise reference conditions, in five high-energy photon (63.5 < %dd(10){sub X} < 76.3), and five electron (2.3 cm < R{sub 50} < 8.3 cm) beams. Reference dosimetry was performed for all beams in question usingmore » an Exradin A19 ion chamber with a calibration traceable to national standards. The absorbed-dose component of the overall energy dependence was calculated using the EGSnrc egs-chamber user code. Results: A total of 72 measurements were performed with the GPC, resulting in a standard error on the mean absorbed dose of better than 0.3 % for all ten beams. For both the photon and electron beams, no statistically-significant energy dependence was observed experimentally. Peak-to-peak, variations in the relative response of the GPC across all beam qualities of a given radiation type were on the order of 1 %. No effects, either transient or permanent, were attributable to the charge deposited by the electron beams. Conclusions: The GPC’s apparent energy-independence, combined with its well-established linearity and dose rate independence, make it a potentially useful dosimetry system capable measuring photon and electron doses in absolute terms at the clinical level.« less

Morphology and histology of the digestive system of the vector leafhopper Psammotettix striatus (L.) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae).

PubMed

Zhang, Fangmei; Zhang, Chunni; Dai, Wu; Zhang, Yalin

2012-06-01

The vector leafhopper Psammotettix striatus (L.) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) is an important economic pest that is a serious threat to wheat in Northwest China, causing great losses to agricultural production by transmitting wheat blue dwarf (WBD) in a persistent circulative manner. Studies on morphology and ultrastructure of the digestive system were made using light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The gross morphology of the alimentary canal consists of esophagus (foregut), midgut, hindgut, and special filter chamber. The esophagus, a narrow and slender tube, runs through the whole thorax extending into the filter chamber and connecting with the anterior midgut. The midgut consists of three major regions, anterior, middle and posterior midgut. The anterior midgut is composed of exceptionally thick epithelial cells surrounding a large lumen. Numerous well-developed microvilli occur at the basal region of the epithelium. A large number of electron-lucent and lipid-like vesicles are observed under the microvilli. The posterior midgut is smaller than the anterior midgut in diameter. Numerous different concentric circular bodies are characteristic of the posterior midgut. The hindgut arises from the posterior midgut at the boundary of the filter chamber. It extends downward toward the anus where the hindgut enlarges to form the rectum. The rectum is formed by various cells typical of epithelium, whose nuclei are relatively smaller than those of the midgut. Relatively large muscle cells are present at the well-defined and thick basement membrane. There are two pairs of Malpighian tubules. Numerous mitochondria and lamellar rough endoplasmic reticulum in the cells of the anterior segment of the Malpighian tubules; the sub-anterior segment of the tubules resemble the distal segment which are wave-like, amount vesicles in the cells; numerous tightly packed large vesicles contain two types of brochosomes in the inflated segment of the Malpighian tubules. The salivary system of P. striatus contains one pair of salivary glands, which are made up of the principal and accessory gland. The principal glands are divided into anterior, mid- and posterior lobes. About nineteen acini are observed in the principal glands of P. striatus, and vary in structure and colour. Five cellular types are found in the principal glands by transmission electron microscopy, which are rich in secretory granules, modified in size, electron-dense and shape. Rough endoplasmic reticulum in the shape of vesicular and lamellar, mitochondria and Golgi complexes are observed. The accessory gland has only an oval or a rod-shaped acinus. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xu, H; Guerrero, M; Chen, S

Purpose: The TG-71 report was published in 2014 to present standardized methodologies for MU calculations and determination of dosimetric quantities. This work explores the clinical implementation of a TG71-based electron MU calculation algorithm and compares it with a recently released commercial secondary calculation program–Mobius3D (Mobius Medical System, LP). Methods: TG-71 electron dosimetry data were acquired, and MU calculations were performed based on the recently published TG-71 report. The formalism in the report for extended SSD using air-gap corrections was used. The dosimetric quantities, such PDD, output factor, and f-air factors were incorporated into an organized databook that facilitates data accessmore » and subsequent computation. The Mobius3D program utilizes a pencil beam redefinition algorithm. To verify the accuracy of calculations, five customized rectangular cutouts of different sizes–6×12, 4×12, 6×8, 4×8, 3×6 cm{sup 2}–were made. Calculations were compared to each other and to point dose measurements for electron beams of energy 6, 9, 12, 16, 20 MeV. Each calculation / measurement point was at the depth of maximum dose for each cutout in a 10×10 cm{sup 2} or 15×15cm{sup 2} applicator with SSDs 100cm and 110cm. Validation measurements were made with a CC04 ion chamber in a solid water phantom for electron beams of energy 9 and 16 MeV. Results: Differences between the TG-71 and the commercial system relative to measurements were within 3% for most combinations of electron energy, cutout size, and SSD. A 5.6% difference between the two calculation methods was found only for the 6MeV electron beam with 3×6 cm{sup 2}cutout in the 10×10{sup 2}cm applicator at 110cm SSD. Both the TG-71 and the commercial calculations show good consistency with chamber measurements: for 5 cutouts, <1% difference for 100cm SSD, and 0.5–2.7% for 110cm SSD. Conclusions: Based on comparisons with measurements, a TG71-based computation method and a Mobius3D program produce reasonably accurate MU calculations for electron-beam therapy.« less

Boron hydride polymer coated substrates

DOEpatents

Pearson, R.K.; Bystroff, R.I.; Miller, D.E.

1986-08-27

A method is disclosed for coating a substrate with a uniformly smooth layer of a boron hydride polymer. The method comprises providing a reaction chamber which contains the substrate and the boron hydride plasma. A boron hydride feed stock is introduced into the chamber simultaneously with the generation of a plasma discharge within the chamber. A boron hydride plasma of ions, electrons and free radicals which is generated by the plasma discharge interacts to form a uniformly smooth boron hydride polymer which is deposited on the substrate.

Boron hydride polymer coated substrates

DOEpatents

Pearson, Richard K.; Bystroff, Roman I.; Miller, Dale E.

1987-01-01

A method is disclosed for coating a substrate with a uniformly smooth layer of a boron hydride polymer. The method comprises providing a reaction chamber which contains the substrate and the boron hydride plasma. A boron hydride feed stock is introduced into the chamber simultaneously with the generation of a plasma discharge within the chamber. A boron hydride plasma of ions, electrons and free radicals which is generated by the plasma discharge interacts to form a uniformly smooth boron hydride polymer which is deposited on the substrate.

TG‐51: Experience from 150 institutions, common errors, and helpful hints

PubMed Central

Tailor, R. C.; Hanson, W. F.; Ibbott, G. S.

2003-01-01

The Radiological Physics Center (RPC) is a resource to the medical physics community for assistance regarding dosimetry procedures. Since the publication of the AAPM TG‐51 calibration protocol, the RPC has responded to numerous phone calls raising questions and describing areas in the protocol where physicists have had problems. At the beginning of the year 2000, the RPC requested that institutions participating in national clinical trials provide the change in measured beam output resulting from the conversion from the TG‐21 protocol to TG‐51. So far, the RPC has received the requested data from ~ 150 of the ~ 1300 institutions in the RPC program. The RPC also undertook a comparison of TG‐21 and TG‐51 and determined the expected change in beam calibration for ion chambers in common use, and for the range of photon and electron beam energies used clinically. Analysis of these data revealed two significant outcomes: (i) a large number (~ 1/2) of the reported calibration changes for photon and electron beams were outside the RPC's expected values, and (ii) the discrepancies in the reported versus the expected dose changes were as large as 8%. Numerous factors were determined to have contributed to these deviations. The most significant factors involved the use of plane‐parallel chambers, the mixing of phantom materials and chambers between the two protocols, and the inconsistent use of depth‐dose factors for transfer of dose from the measurement depth to the depth of dose maximum. In response to these observations, the RPC has identified a number of circumstances in which physicists might have difficulty with the protocol, including concerns related to electron calibration at low energies (R50<2cm), and the use of a cylindrical chamber at 6 MeV electrons. In addition, helpful quantitative hints are presented, including the effect of the prescribed lead filter for photon energy measurements, the impact of shifting the chamber depth for photon depth‐dose measurements, and the impact of updated stopping‐power data used in TG‐51versus that used in TG‐21, particularly for electron calibrations. PACS number(s): 87.53.–j, 87.66.–a PMID:12777144

Multi-chamber deposition system

DOEpatents

Jacobson, Richard L.; Jeffrey, Frank R.; Westerberg, Roger K.

1989-10-17

A system for the simultaneous deposition of different coatings onto a thin web within a large volume vacuum chamber is disclosed which chamber is provided with a plurality of deposition chambers in which the different layers are deposited onto the film as its moves from a supply roll to a finished take-up roll of coated web. The deposition chambers provided within the large vacuum chamber are provided with separate seals which minimize back diffusion of any dopant gas from adjacent deposition chambers.

Multi-chamber deposition system

DOEpatents

Jacobson, Richard L.; Jeffrey, Frank R.; Westerberg, Roger K.

1989-06-27

A system for the simultaneous deposition of different coatings onto a thin web within a large volume vacuum chamber is disclosed which chamber is provided with a plurality of deposition chambers in which the different layers are deposited onto the film as its moves from a supply roll to a finished take-up roll of coated web. The deposition chambers provided within the large vacuum chamber are provided with separate seals which minimize back diffusion of any dopant gas from adjacent deposition chambers.

Structure of Wet Specimens in Electron Microscopy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Parsons, D. F.

1974-01-01

Discussed are past work and recent advances in the use of electron microscopes for viewing structures immersed in gas and liquid. Improved environmental chambers make it possible to examine wet specimens easily. (Author/RH)

Current Mode Neutron Noise Measurements in the Zero Power Reactor CROCUS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pakari, O.; Lamirand, V.; Perret, G.; Braun, L.; Frajtag, P.; Pautz, A.

2018-01-01

The present article is an overview of developments and results regarding neutron noise measurements in current mode at the CROCUS zero power facility. Neutron noise measurements offer a non-invasive method to determine kinetic reactor parameters such as the prompt decay constant at criticality α = βeff / λ, the effective delayed neutron fraction βeff, and the mean generation time λ for code validation efforts. At higher detection rates, i.e. above 2×104 cps in the used configuration at 0.1 W, the previously employed pulse charge amplification electronics with BF3 detectors yielded erroneous results due to dead time effects. Future experimental needs call for higher sensitivity in detectors, higher detection rates or higher reactor powers, and thus a generally more versatile measurement system. We, therefore, explored detectors operated with current mode acquisition electronics to accommodate the need. We approached the matter in two ways: 1) By using the two compensated 10B-coated ionization chambers available in CROCUS as operational monitors. The compensated current signal of these chambers was extracted from coremonitoring output channels. 2) By developing a new current mode amplification station to be used with other available detectors in core. Characteristics and first noise measurements of the new current system are presented. We implemented post-processing of the current signals from 1)and 2) with the APSD/CPSD method to determine α. At two critical states (0.5 and 1.5 W), using the 10B ionization chambers and their CPSD estimate, the prompt decay constant was measured after 1.5 hours to be α=(156.9 ± 4.3) s-1 (1σ). This result is within 1σ of statistical uncertainties of previous experiments and MCNPv5-1.6 predictions using the ENDF/B-7.1 library. The newsystem connected to a CFUL01 fission chamber using the APSDestimate at 100 mW after 33 min yielded α = (160.8 ± 6.3) s-1, also within 1σ agreement. The improvements to previous neutron noise measurementsinclude shorter measurement durations that can achievecomparable statistical uncertainties and measurements at higherdetection rates.

The trajectories of secondary electrons in the scanning electron microscope.

PubMed

Konvalina, Ivo; Müllerová, Ilona

2006-01-01

Three-dimensional simulations of the trajectories of secondary electrons (SE) in the scanning electron microscope have been performed for plenty of real configurations of the specimen chamber, including all its basic components. The primary purpose was to evaluate the collection efficiency of the Everhart-Thornley detector of SE and to reveal fundamental rules for tailoring the set-ups in which efficient signal acquisition can be expected. Intuitive realizations about the easiness of attracting the SEs towards the biased front grid of the detector have shown themselves likely as false, and all grounded objects in the chamber have been proven to influence the spatial distribution of the signal-extracting field. The role of the magnetic field penetrating from inside the objective lens is shown to play an ambiguous role regarding possible support for the signal collection.

Acquisition parameters optimization of a transmission electron forward scatter diffraction system in a cold-field emission scanning electron microscope for nanomaterials characterization.

PubMed

Brodusch, Nicolas; Demers, Hendrix; Trudeau, Michel; Gauvin, Raynald

2013-01-01

Transmission electron forward scatter diffraction (t-EFSD) is a new technique providing crystallographic information with high resolution on thin specimens by using a conventional electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) system in a scanning electron microscope. In this study, the impact of tilt angle, working distance, and detector distance on the Kikuchi pattern quality were investigated in a cold-field emission scanning electron microscope (CFE-SEM). We demonstrated that t-EFSD is applicable for tilt angles ranging from -20° to -40°. Working distance (WD) should be optimized for each material by choosing the WD for which the EBSD camera screen illumination is the highest, as the number of detected electrons on the screen is directly dependent on the scattering angle. To take advantage of the best performances of the CFE-SEM, the EBSD camera should be close to the sample and oriented towards the bottom to increase forward scattered electron collection efficiency. However, specimen chamber cluttering and beam/mechanical drift are important limitations in the CFE-SEM used in this work. Finally, the importance of t-EFSD in materials science characterization was illustrated through three examples of phase identification and orientation mapping. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Characterization of a hybrid GEM-Micromegas detector with respect to its application in a continuously read out TPC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ratza, Viktor; Ball, Markus; Liebtrau, M.; Ketzer, Bernhard

2018-02-01

In the context of the upgrade of the LHC during the second long shutdown the interaction rate of the ALICE experiment will be increased up to 50 kHz for Pb-Pb collisions. As a consequence, a continuous read-out of the Time Projection Chamber (TPC) will be required. To keep the space-charge distortions at a manageable size, the ion backflow of the charge amplification system has to be significantly reduced. At the same time an excellent detector performance and stability of the system has to be maintained. A solution with four Gaseous Electron Multipliers (GEMs) has been adopted as baseline solution for the upgraded chambers. As an alternative approach a hybrid GEM-Micromegas detector consisting of one Micromegas (MM) and two GEMs has been investigated. The recent results of the study of the hybrid GEM-Micromegas detector will be presented and compared to measurements with four GEM foils.

Automatic fixation facility for plant seedlings in the TEXUS Sounding Rocket Programme.

PubMed

Tewinkel, M; Burfeindt, J; Rank, P; Volkmann, D

1991-10-01

Automatic chemical fixation of plant seedlings within a 6 min period of reduced gravity (10(-4)g) was performed on three ballistic rocket flights provided by the German Sounding Rocket Programme TEXUS (Technologische Experimente unter Schwerelosigkeit = Technological Experiments in Microgravity). The described TEXUS experiment module consists of a standard experiment housing with batteries, cooling and heating systems, timer, and a data recording unit. Typically, 60 min before launch an experiment plug-in unit containing chambers with the plant material, the fixation system, and the temperature sensors is installed into the module which is already integrated in the payload section of the sounding rocket (late access). During the ballistic flight plant chambers are rapidly filled at pre-selected instants to preserve the cell structure of gravity sensing cells. After landing the plant material is processed for transmission electron microscopy. Up to now three experiments were successfully performed with cress roots (Lepidium sativum L.). Detailed improvements resulted in an automatic fixation facility which in principle can be used in unmanned missions.

Ion beam treatment of potential space materials at the NASA Lewis Research Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kussmaul, Michael; Mirtich, Michael J.; Curren, Arthur

1992-01-01

Ion source systems in different configurations, have been used to generate unique morphologies for several NASA space applications. The discharge chamber of a 30 cm ion source was successfully used to texture potential space radiator materials for the purpose of obtaining values of thermal emittance greater than 0.85 at 700 and 900 K. High absorptance surfaces were obtained using ion beam seed texturing, for space radiator materials that were flown on the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) for 5.8 years in space. An ion source discharge chamber was also used to develop electrode surfaces with suppressed secondary electron emission characteristics for use in collectors in microwave amplifier traveling wave tubes. This was accomplished by sputtering textured carbon onto copper as well as texturing copper using tantalum and molybdenum as sacrificial texture inducing seeding materials. In a third configuration, a dual ion beam system was used to generate high transmittance diamondlike carbon (DLC) films.

Simulation and experimental verification of silicon dioxide deposition by PECVD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Qing; Li, Yu-Xing; Li, Xiao-Ning; Wang, Jia-Bin; Yang, Fan; Yang, Yi; Ren, Tian-Ling

2017-02-01

Deposition of silicon dioxide in high-density plasma is an important process in integrated circuit manufacturing. A software named CFD-ACE was used to simulate the mechanism of plasma in the chamber of plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) system, and the evolution of the feature profile was simulated based on CFD-TOPO. Simulation and experiment of silicon dioxide that deposited in SiH4/N2O mixture by PECVD system was researched. The particle density, energy and angular distribution in the chamber were simulated and discussed. We also studied how the depth/width ratio affected the step coverage of the trench and analyzed the deposition rate of silicon dioxide on the feature scale. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to analyze the elemental composition of thin films. Images of the feature profiles were taken by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The simulation results were in good agreement with experimental, which could guide the semiconductor device manufacture.

A universal sample manipulator with 50 kV negative bias

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kenny, M. J.; Wielunski, L. S.; Scott, M. D.; Clissold, R. A.; Stevenson, D.; Baxter, G.

1991-04-01

A manipulator incorporating a number of novel features has been built for a research ion implanter. The system is designed to enable uniform dose implantation of both planar and nonplanar surfaces by incorporating one translational and two rotational degrees of freedom. Negative target bias of up to 50 kV may be applied to the target, thus increasing the ion energy by this amount. The target chamber and all external manipulator controls are grounded. With the exception of the high voltage power supply, cable and feedthrough, all high voltage components are within the vacuum system. A secondary electron suppression cage which can be held at a negative bias of up to 60 kV relative to the chamber (i.e. 10 kV relative to the manipulator) surrounds the manipulator. Performance has been evaluated using 15N ions and nuclear reaction analysis through 15N(p,α) 12C to profile ion concentrations for dose uniformity and for ion depth at elevated target potentials.

Automated in-chamber specimen coating for serial block-face electron microscopy.

PubMed

Titze, B; Denk, W

2013-05-01

When imaging insulating specimens in a scanning electron microscope, negative charge accumulates locally ('sample charging'). The resulting electric fields distort signal amplitude, focus and image geometry, which can be avoided by coating the specimen with a conductive film prior to introducing it into the microscope chamber. This, however, is incompatible with serial block-face electron microscopy (SBEM), where imaging and surface removal cycles (by diamond knife or focused ion beam) alternate, with the sample remaining in place. Here we show that coating the sample after each cutting cycle with a 1-2 nm metallic film, using an electron beam evaporator that is integrated into the microscope chamber, eliminates charging effects for both backscattered (BSE) and secondary electron (SE) imaging. The reduction in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) caused by the film is smaller than that caused by the widely used low-vacuum method. Sample surfaces as large as 12 mm across were coated and imaged without charging effects at beam currents as high as 25 nA. The coatings also enabled the use of beam deceleration for non-conducting samples, leading to substantial SNR gains for BSE contrast. We modified and automated the evaporator to enable the acquisition of SBEM stacks, and demonstrated the acquisition of stacks of over 1000 successive cut/coat/image cycles and of stacks using beam deceleration or SE contrast. © 2013 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2013 Royal Microscopical Society.

Atmospheric electromagnetic pulse propagation effects from thick targets in a terawatt laser target chamber.

PubMed

Remo, John L; Adams, Richard G; Jones, Michael C

2007-08-20

Generation and effects of atmospherically propagated electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) initiated by photoelectrons ejected by the high density and temperature target surface plasmas from multiterawatt laser pulses are analyzed. These laser radiation pulse interactions can significantly increase noise levels, thereby obscuring data (sometimes totally) and may even damage sensitive probe and detection instrumentation. Noise effects from high energy density (approximately multiterawatt) laser pulses (approximately 300-400 ps pulse widths) interacting with thick approximately 1 mm) metallic and dielectric solid targets and dielectric-metallic powder mixtures are interpreted as transient resonance radiation associated with surface charge fluctuations on the target chamber that functions as a radiating antenna. Effective solutions that minimize atmospheric EMP effects on internal and proximate electronic and electro-optical equipment external to the system based on systematic measurements using Moebius loop antennas, interpretations of signal periodicities, and dissipation indicators determining transient noise origin characteristics from target emissions are described. Analytic models for the effect of target chamber resonances and associated noise current and temperature in a probe diode laser are described.

Atmospheric electromagnetic pulse propagation effects from thick targets in a terawatt laser target chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Remo, John L.; Adams, Richard G.; Jones, Michael C.

2007-08-01

Generation and effects of atmospherically propagated electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) initiated by photoelectrons ejected by the high density and temperature target surface plasmas from multiterawatt laser pulses are analyzed. These laser radiation pulse interactions can significantly increase noise levels, thereby obscuring data (sometimes totally) and may even damage sensitive probe and detection instrumentation. Noise effects from high energy density (approximately multiterawatt) laser pulses (˜300-400 ps pulse widths) interacting with thick (˜1 mm) metallic and dielectric solid targets and dielectric-metallic powder mixtures are interpreted as transient resonance radiation associated with surface charge fluctuations on the target chamber that functions as a radiating antenna. Effective solutions that minimize atmospheric EMP effects on internal and proximate electronic and electro-optical equipment external to the system based on systematic measurements using Moebius loop antennas, interpretations of signal periodicities, and dissipation indicators determining transient noise origin characteristics from target emissions are described. Analytic models for the effect of target chamber resonances and associated noise current and temperature in a probe diode laser are described.

Atmospheric electromagnetic pulse propagation effects from thick targets in a terawatt laser target chamber

DOE PAGES

Remo, John L.; Adams, Richard G.; Jones, Michael C.

2007-08-16

Generation and effects of atmospherically propagated electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) initiated by photoelectrons ejected by the high density and temperature target surface plasmas from multiterawatt laser pulses are analyzed. These laser radiation pulse interactions can significantly increase noise levels, thereby obscuring data (sometimes totally) and may even damage sensitive probe and detection instrumentation. Noise effects from high energy density (approximately multiterawatt) laser pulses (~300–400 ps pulse widths) interacting with thick (~1 mm) metallic and dielectric solid targets and dielectric–metallic powder mixtures are interpreted as transient resonance radiation associated with surface charge fluctuations on the target chamber that functions as a radiatingmore » antenna. Effective solutions that minimize atmospheric EMP effects on internal and proximate electronic and electro-optical equipment external to the system based on systematic measurements using Moebius loop antennas, interpretations of signal periodicities, and dissipation indicators determining transient noise origin characteristics from target emissions are described. Analytic models for the effect of target chamber resonances and associated noise current and temperature in a probe diode laser are described.« less

ARCS A wide-Anglular Range Chopper Spectrometer at the SNS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Prof. Brent Fultz; Dr. Doug Abernathy

The ARCS spectrometer project has been funded for 39 months. Procurements are now amain activity, although engineering effort remains, and installation has begun. Most of the subsystems are under control, and represent no risk to the project. These are: cryo-goniometer, detectors and electronics, Fermi chopper system, computing cluster, basic reduction software, T0 chopper and main neutron guide. The sample hutch and radiationshielding are still items of some risk. At the time of this writing, we are awaiting vendor proposals for the scattering chamber with integrated sample isolation system. This is thelargest uncertainty in the ARCS project today. The ARCS Chiefmore » Engineer, Kevin Shaw, joined the project in 2004. Project controlsservices are now performed by the SNS. A construction progress review was held in the August, 2004, before which the project was rebaselined, and after which the ProjectExecution Plan was updated. The ARCS project will be rebaselined in March 2005 after a vendor is selected for the scattering chamber with integrated isolation system. Projectcompletion by Sept. 2006 is possible but challenging.« less

SU-F-BRA-08: An Investigation of Well-Chamber Responses for An Electronic Brachytherapy Source

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Culberson, W; Micka, J

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the variation of well-type ionization chamber response between a Xoft Axxent™ electronic brachytherapy (EBT) source and a GE Oncoseed™ 6711 I-125 seed. Methods: A new EBT air-kerma standard has recently been introduced by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Historically, the Axxent source strength has been based on a well chamber calibration from an I-125 brachytherapy source due to the lack of a primary standard. Xoft utilizes a calibration procedure that employs a GE 6711 seed calibration as a surrogate standard to represent the air-kerma strength of an Axxentmore » source. This method is based on the premise that the energies of the two sources are similar and thus, a conversion factor would be a suitable interim solution until a NIST standard was established. For this investigation, a number of well chambers of the same model type and three different EBT sources were used to determine NIST-traceable calibration coefficients for both the GE 6711 seed and the Axxent source. The ratio of the two coefficients was analyzed for consistency and also to identify any possible correlations with chamber vintage or the sources themselves. Results: For all well chambers studied, the relative standard deviation of the ratio of calibration coefficients between the two standards is less than 1%. No specific trends were found with the well chamber vintage or between the three different EBT sources used. Conclusion: The variation of well chamber calibration coefficients between a Xoft Axxent™ EBT source versus a GE 6711 Oncoseed™ are consistent across well chamber vintage and between sources. The results of this investigation confirm the underlying assumptions and stability of the surrogate standard currently in use by Xoft, and establishes a migration path for future implementation of the new NIST air kerma standard. This research is supported in part by Xoft, a subsidiary of iCAD.« less

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and secondary electron yield analysis of Al and Cu samples exposed to an accelerator environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosenberg, R. A.; McDowell, M. W.; Ma, Q.; Harkay, K. C.

2003-09-01

It is well known that exposure to an accelerator environment can cause ``conditioning'' of the vacuum chamber surfaces. In order to understand the manner in which the surface structure might influence the production of gases and electrons in the accelerator, such surfaces should be studied both before and after exposure to accelerator conditions. Numerous studies have been performed on representative materials prior to being inserted into an accelerator, but very little has been done on materials that have ``lived'' in the accelerator for extended periods. In the present work, we mounted Al and Cu coupons at different positions in a section of the Advanced Photon Source storage ring and removed them following exposures ranging from 6 to 18 months. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of the surface was performed before and after exposure. Changes were observed that depended on the location and whether the coupon was facing the chamber interior or chamber wall. These results will be presented and compared to XPS and secondary electron yield data obtained from laboratory measurements meant to simulate the accelerator conditions.

Effect of electron divergence in air gaps on the measurement of the energy of cascades in emulsion chambers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Apanasenko, A. V.; Baradzey, L. T.; Kanevskaya, Y. A.; Smorodin, Y. A.

1975-01-01

The effect of an increase in electron density in the vicinity of the cascade axis caused by an avalanche passing through the gap between lead filters of the emulsion chamber was investigated experimentally. Optical densities were measured in three X-ray films spaced at 400, 800 and 1200 micrometer from the filter surface having a thickness of 6 cascade units. The optical densities of blackening spots caused by electron photon cascades of 1 to 2, 2 to 7 and greater than 7 BeV energies were measured. The results prove the presence of a gap between the filter and the nuclear emulsion which results in the underestimation of energy by several tenths of a percent.

A test of the IAEA code of practice for absorbed dose determination in photon and electron beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leitner, Arnold; Tiefenboeck, Wilhelm; Witzani, Josef; Strachotinsky, Christian

1990-12-01

The IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) code of practice TRS 277 gives recommendations for absorbed dose determination in high energy photon and electron beams based on the use of ionization chambers calibrated in terms of exposure of air kerma. The scope of the work was to test the code for cobalt 60 gamma radiation and for several radiation qualities at four different types of electron accelerators and to compare the ionization chamber dosimetry with ferrous sulphate dosimetry. The results show agreement between the two methods within about one per cent for all the investigated qualities. In addition the response of the TLD capsules of the IAEA/WHO TL dosimetry service was determined.

Investigation of the chamber correction factor (k(ch)) for the UK secondary standard ionization chamber (NE2561/NE2611) using medium-energy x-rays.

PubMed

Rosser, K E

1998-11-01

This paper evaluates the characteristics of ionization chambers for the measurement of absorbed dose to water for medium-energy x-rays. The values of the chamber correction factor, k(ch), used in the IPEMB code of practice for the UK secondary standard (NE2561/NE2611) ionization chamber are derived and their constituent factors examined. The comparison of the chambers' responses in air revealed that of the chambers tested only the NE2561, NE2571 and NE2505 exhibit a flat (within 5%) energy response in air. Under no circumstances should the NACP, Sanders electron chamber, or any chamber that has a wall made of high atomic number material, be used for medium-energy x-ray dosimetry. The measurements in water reveal that a chamber that has a substantial housing, such as the PTW Grenz chamber, should not be used to measure absorbed dose to water in this energy range. The value of k(ch) for an NE2561 chamber was determined by measuring the absorbed dose to water and comparing it with that for an NE2571 chamber, for which k(ch) data have been published. The chamber correction factor varies from 1.023 +/- 0.03 to 1.018 +/- 0.001 for x-ray beams with HVL between 0.15 and 4 mm Cu. The values agree with that for an NE2571 chamber within the experimental uncertainty. The corrections due to the stem, waterproof sleeve and replacement of the phantom material by the chamber for an NE2561 chamber are described.

ION SOURCE

DOEpatents

Bell, W.A. Jr.; Love, L.O.; Prater, W.K.

1958-01-28

An ion source is presented capable of producing ions of elements which vaporize only at exceedingly high temperatures, i.e.,--1500 degrees to 3000 deg C. The ion source utilizes beams of electrons focused into a first chamber housing the material to be ionized to heat the material and thereby cause it to vaporize. An adjacent second chamber receives the vaporized material through an interconnecting passage, and ionization of the vaporized material occurs in this chamber. The ionization action is produced by an arc discharge sustained between a second clectron emitting filament and the walls of the chamber which are at different potentials. The resultant ionized material egresses from a passageway in the second chamber. Using this device, materials which in the past could not be processed in mass spectometers may be satisfactorily ionized for such applications.

Inverse time-of-flight spectrometer for beam plasma research

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yushkov, Yu. G., E-mail: yuyushkov@gmail.com; Zolotukhin, D. B.; Tyunkov, A. V.

2014-08-15

The paper describes the design and principle of operation of an inverse time-of-flight spectrometer for research in the plasma produced by an electron beam in the forevacuum pressure range (5–20 Pa). In the spectrometer, the deflecting plates as well as the drift tube and the primary ion beam measuring system are at high potential with respect to ground. This provides the possibility to measure the mass-charge constitution of the plasma created by a continuous electron beam with a current of up to 300 mA and electron energy of up to 20 keV at forevacuum pressures in the chamber placed atmore » ground potential. Research results on the mass-charge state of the beam plasma are presented and analyzed.« less

A portable electronic system for radiation dosimetry using electrets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cruvinel, P. E.; Mascarenhas, S.; Cameron, J.

1990-02-01

An electret dosimeter with a cylindrical active volume has been introduced by Mascarenhas and collaborators [Proc. 10th Anniversary Conf. 1969-1979, Associacâo Brasileira de Fisicos em Medicina, p. 488; Topics Appl. Phys. 33 (1987) 321] for possible use in personnel and area monitoring. The full energy response curve as well as the degree of reproducibility and accuracy of the dosimeter are reported in a previous report [O. Guerrini, Master Science Thesis, São Carlos, USP-IFQSC (1982)]. For dimensions similar to those of the common pen dosimeter, the electret has a total surface charge of the order of 10 -9 C and it has a readout sensitivity of the order of 10 -5 Gy with a useful range of 5 × 10 -2 Gy. In this paper we describe a portable electronic system to measure X and γ-rays using a cylindrical electret ionization chamber. It uses commercially available operational amplifiers, and charge measurements can also be made by connecting a suitable capacitor in the feedback loop. With this system it is possible to measure equivalent surface charges up to (19.99±0.01) on the dosimeter. The readout doses are shown on a 3 {1}/{2} digit liquid crystal display (LCD). We have used complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) and bipolar metal oxide semiconductor (BiMOS) operatonal amplifier devices in the system's design. This choice provides small power consumption and is ideal for battery powered instruments. Furthermore the instrument is ideally suited for in situ measurements of X and γ radiation using a cylindrical electret ionization chamber.

Application of environmental scanning electron microscopy to determine biological surface structure.

PubMed

Kirk, S E; Skepper, J N; Donald, A M

2009-02-01

The use of environmental scanning electron microscopy in biology is growing as more becomes understood about the advantages and limitations of the technique. These are discussed and we include new evidence about the effect of environmental scanning electron microscopy imaging on the viability of mammalian cells. We show that although specimen preparation for high-vacuum scanning electron microscopy introduces some artefacts, there are also challenges in the use of environmental scanning electron microscopy, particularly at higher resolutions. This suggests the two technologies are best used in combination. We have used human monocyte-derived macrophages as a test sample, imaging their complicated and delicate membrane ruffles and protrusions. We have also explored the possibility of using environmental scanning electron microscopy for dynamic experiments, finding that mammalian cells cannot be imaged and kept alive in the environmental scanning electron microscopy. The dehydration step in which the cell surface is exposed causes irreversible damage, probably via loss of membrane integrity during liquid removal in the specimen chamber. Therefore, mammalian cells should be imaged after fixation where possible to protect against damage as a result of chamber conditions.

Sleeve reaction chamber system

DOEpatents

Northrup, M Allen [Berkeley, CA; Beeman, Barton V [San Mateo, CA; Benett, William J [Livermore, CA; Hadley, Dean R [Manteca, CA; Landre, Phoebe [Livermore, CA; Lehew, Stacy L [Livermore, CA; Krulevitch, Peter A [Pleasanton, CA

2009-08-25

A chemical reaction chamber system that combines devices such as doped polysilicon for heating, bulk silicon for convective cooling, and thermoelectric (TE) coolers to augment the heating and cooling rates of the reaction chamber or chambers. In addition the system includes non-silicon-based reaction chambers such as any high thermal conductivity material used in combination with a thermoelectric cooling mechanism (i.e., Peltier device). The heat contained in the thermally conductive part of the system can be used/reused to heat the device, thereby conserving energy and expediting the heating/cooling rates. The system combines a micromachined silicon reaction chamber, for example, with an additional module/device for augmented heating/cooling using the Peltier effect. This additional module is particularly useful in extreme environments (very hot or extremely cold) where augmented heating/cooling would be useful to speed up the thermal cycling rates. The chemical reaction chamber system has various applications for synthesis or processing of organic, inorganic, or biochemical reactions, including the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and/or other DNA reactions, such as the ligase chain reaction.

Direct electron-pair production by high energy heavy charged particles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Takahashi, Y.; Gregory, J. C.; Hayashi, T.; Dong, B. L.

1989-01-01

Direct electron pain production via virtual photons by moving charged particles is a unique electro-magnetic process having a substantial dependence on energy. Most electro-magnetic processes, including transition radiation, cease to be sensitive to the incident energy above 10 TeV/AMU. Thus, it is expected, that upon establishment of cross section and detection efficiency of this process, it may provide a new energy measuring technique above 10 TeV/AMU. Three accelerator exposures of emulsion chambers designed for measurements of direct electron-pains were performed. The objectives of the investigation were to provide the fundamental cross-section data in emulsion stacks to find the best-fit theoretical model, and to provide a calibration of measurements of direct electron-pairs in emulsion chamber configurations. This paper reports the design of the emulsion chambers, accelerator experiments, microscope measurements, and related considerations for future improvements of the measurements, and for possible applications to high energy cosmic ray experiments. Also discussed are the results from scanning 56m of emulsion tracks at 1200x magnification so that scanning efficiency is optimized. Measurements of the delta-ray range spectrum were also performed for much shorter track lengths, but with sufficiently large statistics in the number of measured delta-rays.

Practical use of a plastic scintillator for quality assurance of electron beam therapy.

PubMed

Yogo, Katsunori; Tatsuno, Yuya; Tsuneda, Masato; Aono, Yuki; Mochizuki, Daiki; Fujisawa, Yoshiki; Matsushita, Akihiro; Ishigami, Minoru; Ishiyama, Hiromichi; Hayakawa, Kazushige

2017-06-07

Quality assurance (QA) of clinical electron beams is essential for performing accurate and safe radiation therapy. However, with advances in radiation therapy, QA has become increasingly labor-intensive and time-consuming. In this paper, we propose a tissue-equivalent plastic scintillator for quick and easy QA of clinical electron beams. The proposed tool comprises a plastic scintillator plate and a charge-coupled device camera that enable the scintillation light by electron beams to be recorded with high sensitivity and high spatial resolution. Further, the Cerenkov image is directly subtracted from the scintillation image to discriminate Cerenkov emissions and accurately measure the dose profiles of electron beams with high spatial resolution. Compared with conventional methods, discrepancies in the depth profile improved from 7% to 2% in the buildup region via subtractive corrections. Further, the output brightness showed good linearity with dose, good reproducibility (deviations below 1%), and dose rate independence (within 0.5%). The depth of 50% dose measured with the tool, an index of electron beam quality, was within  ±0.5 mm of that obtained with an ionization chamber. Lateral brightness profiles agreed with the lateral dose profiles to within 4% and no significant improvement was obtained using Cerenkov corrections. Field size agreed to within 0.5 mm with those obtained with ionization chamber. For clinical QA of electron boost treatment, a disk scintillator that mimics the shape of a patient's breast is applied. The brightness distribution and dose, calculated using a treatment planning system, was generally acceptable for clinical use, except in limited zones. Overall, the proposed plastic scintillator plate tool efficiently performs QA for electron beam therapy and enables simultaneous verification of output constancy, beam quality, depth, and lateral dose profiles during monthly QAs at lower doses of irradiation (small monitor units, MUs).

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Agnes, P.; Albuquerque, I. F. M.; Alexander, T.

The DarkSide-50 experiment at the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso is a search for dark matter using a dual phase time projection chamber with 50 kg of low radioactivity argon as target. Light signals from interactions in the argon are detected by a system of 38 photo-multiplier tubes (PMTs), 19 above and 19 below the TPC volume inside the argon cryostat. We describe the electronics which processes the signals from the photo-multipliers, the trigger system which identifies events of interest, and the data-acquisition system which records the data for further analysis. The electronics include resistive voltage dividers on the PMTs,more » custom pre-amplifiers mounted directly on the PMT voltage dividers in the liquid argon, and custom amplifier/discriminators (at room temperature). After amplification, the PMT signals are digitized in CAEN waveform digitizers, and CAEN logic modules are used to construct the trigger, the data acquisition system for the TPC is based on the Fermilab "artdaq" software. The system has been in operation since early 2014.« less

Design of a hydraulic analog of the circulatory system for evaluating artificial hearts.

PubMed

Donovan, F M

1975-01-01

A major problem in improving artificial heart designs is the absence of methods for accurate in vitro testing of artificial heart systems. A mock circulatory system has been constructed which hydraulically simulates the systemic and pulmonary circulations of the normal human. The device is constructed of 1/2 in. acrylic sheet and has overall dimensions of 24 in. wide, 16 in. tall, and 8 in. deep. The artificial heart to be tested is attached to the front of the device, and pumps fluid from the systemic venous chamber into the pulmonary arterial chamber and from the pulmonary venous chamber into the systemic arterial chamber. Each of the four chambers is hermetically sealed. The compliance of each chamber is determined by the volume of air trapped above the fluid in that chamber. The pulmonary and systemic resistances are set automatically by bellows-operated valves to simulate the barroreceptor response in the systemic arteries and the passive pulmonary resistance response in the pulmonary arteries. Cardiac output is measured by a turbine flowmeter in the systemic circulation. Results using the Kwan-Gett artificial heart show a good comparison between the mock circulatory system response and the calf response.

SAMPA Chip: the New 32 Channels ASIC for the ALICE TPC and MCH Upgrades

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adolfsson, J.; Ayala Pabon, A.; Bregant, M.; Britton, C.; Brulin, G.; Carvalho, D.; Chambert, V.; Chinellato, D.; Espagnon, B.; Hernandez Herrera, H. D.; Ljubicic, T.; Mahmood, S. M.; Mjörnmark, U.; Moraes, D.; Munhoz, M. G.; Noël, G.; Oskarsson, A.; Osterman, L.; Pilyar, A.; Read, K.; Ruette, A.; Russo, P.; Sanches, B. C. S.; Severo, L.; Silvermyr, D.; Suire, C.; Tambave, G. J.; Tun-Lanoë, K. M. M.; van Noije, W.; Velure, A.; Vereschagin, S.; Wanlin, E.; Weber, T. O.; Zaporozhets, S.

2017-04-01

This paper presents the test results of the second prototype of SAMPA, the ASIC designed for the upgrade of read-out front end electronics of the ALICE Time Projection Chamber (TPC) and Muon Chamber (MCH). SAMPA is made in a 130 nm CMOS technology with 1.25 V nominal voltage supply and provides 32 channels, with selectable input polarity, and three possible combinations of shaping time and sensitivity. Each channel consists of a Charge Sensitive Amplifier, a semi-Gaussian shaper and a 10-bit ADC; a Digital Signal Processor provides digital filtering and compression capability. In the second prototype run both full chip and single test blocks were fabricated, allowing block characterization and full system behaviour studies. Experimental results are here presented showing agreement with requirements for both the blocks and the full chip.

SEM technique for imaging and measuring electronic transport in nanocomposites based on electric field induced contrast

DOEpatents

Jesse, Stephen [Knoxville, TN; Geohegan, David B [Knoxville, TN; Guillorn, Michael [Brooktondale, NY

2009-02-17

Methods and apparatus are described for SEM imaging and measuring electronic transport in nanocomposites based on electric field induced contrast. A method includes mounting a sample onto a sample holder, the sample including a sample material; wire bonding leads from the sample holder onto the sample; placing the sample holder in a vacuum chamber of a scanning electron microscope; connecting leads from the sample holder to a power source located outside the vacuum chamber; controlling secondary electron emission from the sample by applying a predetermined voltage to the sample through the leads; and generating an image of the secondary electron emission from the sample. An apparatus includes a sample holder for a scanning electron microscope having an electrical interconnect and leads on top of the sample holder electrically connected to the electrical interconnect; a power source and a controller connected to the electrical interconnect for applying voltage to the sample holder to control the secondary electron emission from a sample mounted on the sample holder; and a computer coupled to a secondary electron detector to generate images of the secondary electron emission from the sample.

Parasitic load control system for exhaust temperature control

DOEpatents

Strauser, Aaron D.; Coleman, Gerald N.; Coldren, Dana R.

2009-04-28

A parasitic load control system is provided. The system may include an exhaust producing engine and a fuel pumping mechanism configured to pressurize fuel in a pressure chamber. The system may also include an injection valve configured to cause fuel pressure to build within the pressure chamber when in a first position and allow injection of fuel from the pressure chamber into one or more combustion chambers of the engine when in a second position. The system may further include a controller configured to independently regulate the pressure in the pressure chamber and the injection of fuel into the one or more combustion chambers, to increase a load on the fuel pumping mechanism, increasing parasitic load on the engine, thereby increasing a temperature of the exhaust produced by the engine.

TH-AB-201-09 [Medical Physics, Jun 2016, v. 43(6)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mirzakhanian, L; Benmakhlouf, H; Seuntjens, J

2016-06-15

Purpose: To determine the k-(Q-msr,Q)^(f-msr,f-ref ) factor, introduced in the small field formalism for five common type chambers used in the calibration of Leksell Gamma-Knife Perfexion model over a range of different phantom electron densities. Methods: Five chamber types including Exradin-A16, A14SL, A14, A1SL and IBA-CC04 are modeled in EGSnrc and PENELOPE Monte Carlo codes using the blueprints provided by the manufacturers. The chambers are placed in a previously proposed water-filled phantom and four 16-cm diameter spherical phantoms made of liquid water, Solid Water, ABS and polystyrene. Dose to the cavity of the chambers and a small water volume aremore » calculated using EGSnrc/PENELOPE codes. The calculations are performed over a range of phantom electron densities for two chamber orientations. Using the calculated dose-ratio in reference and machine specific reference field, the k-(Q-msr,Q)^(f-msr,f-ref ) factor can be determined. Results: When chambers are placed along the symmetry axis of the collimator block (z-axis), the CC04 requires the smallest correction followed by A1SL and A16. However, when detectors are placed perpendicular to z-axis, A14SL needs the smallest and A16 the largest correction. Moreover, an increase in the phantom electron density results in a linear increase in the k-(Q-msr,Q)^(f-msr,f-ref ). Depending on the chambers, the agreement between this study and a previous study performed varies between 0.05–0.70% for liquid water, 0.07–0.85% for Solid Water and 0.00–0.60% for ABS phantoms. After applying the EGSnrc-calculated k-(Q-msr,Q)^(f-msr,f-ref ) factors for A16 to the previously measured dose-rates in liquid water, Solid Water and ABS normalized to the dose-rate measured with TG-21 protocol and ABS phantom, the dose-rate ratios are found to be 1.004±0.002, 0.996±0.002 and 0.998±0.002 (3σ) respectively. Conclusion: Knowing the electron density of the phantoms, the calculated k-(Q-msr,Q)^(f-msr,f-ref ) values in this work will enable users to apply the appropriate correction for their own specific phantom material. LM acknowledges partial support by the CREATE Medical Physics Research Training Network grant of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (Grant number: 432290)« less

Blood Pressure Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1986-01-01

Engineering Development Laboratory developed a system for the cardiovascular study of weightless astronauts. This was designed to aid people with congestive heart failure and diabetes. While in space, astronauts' blood pressure rises, heart rate becomes unstable, and there are sometimes postflight lightheadedness or blackouts. The Baro-Cuff studies the resetting of blood pressure. When a silicone rubber chamber is strapped to the neck, the Baro-Cuff stimulates the carotid arteries by electronically controlled pressure application. Blood pressure controls in patients may be studied.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Agnes, P.; Agostino, L.; Albuquerque, I. F. M.

DarkSide-50 is a detector for dark matter candidates in the form of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs). It utilizes a liquid argon time projection chamber (LAr TPC) for the inner main detector. The TPC is surrounded by a liquid scintillator veto (LSV) and a water Cherenkov veto detector (WCV). The LSV and WCV, both instrumented with PMTs, act as the neutron and cosmogenic muon veto detectors for DarkSide-50. This paper describes the electronics and data acquisition system used for these two detectors.

Experimental Measurements at the MASURCA Facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Assal, W.; Bosq, J. C.; Mellier, F.

2012-12-01

Dedicated to the neutronics studies of fast and semi-fast reactor lattices, MASURCA (meaning “mock-up facility for fast breeder reactor studies at CADARACHE”) is an airflow cooled fast reactor operating at a maximum power of 5 kW playing an important role in the CEA research activities. At this facility, a lot of neutron integral experimental programs were undertaken. The purpose of this poster is to show a panorama of the facility from this experimental measurement point of view. A hint at the forthcoming refurbishment will be included. These programs include various experimental measurements (reactivity, distributions of fluxes, reaction rates), performed essentially with fission chambers, in accordance with different methods (noise methods, radial or axial traverses, rod drops) and involving several devices systems (monitors, fission chambers, amplifiers, power supplies, data acquisition systems ...). For this purpose are implemented electronics modules to shape the signals sent from the detectors in various mode (fluctuation, pulse, current). All the electric and electronic devices needed for these measurements and the relating wiring will be fully explained through comprehensive layouts. Data acquired during counting performed at the time of startup phase or rod drops are analyzed by the mean of a Neutronic Measurement Treatment (TMN in French) programmed on the basis of the MATLAB software. This toolbox gives the opportunity of data files management, reactivity valuation from neutronics measurements and transient or divergence simulation at zero power. Particular TMN using at MASURCA will be presented.

System Configured For Applying Multiple Modifying Agents To A Substrate.

DOEpatents

Propp, W. Alan; Argyle, Mark D.; Janikowski, Stuart K.; Fox, Robert V.; Toth, William J.; Ginosar, Daniel M.; Allen, Charles A.; Miller, David L.

2005-11-08

The present invention is related to the modifying of substrates with multiple modifying agents in a single continuous system. At least two processing chambers are configured for modifying the substrate in a continuous feed system. The processing chambers can be substantially isolated from one another by interstitial seals. Additionally, the two processing chambers can be substantially isolated from the surrounding atmosphere by end seals. Optionally, expansion chambers can be used to separate the seals from the processing chambers.

System configured for applying multiple modifying agents to a substrate

DOEpatents

Propp, W. Alan; Argyle, Mark D.; Janikowski, Stuart K.; Fox, Robert V.; Toth, William J.; Ginosar, Daniel M.; Allen, Charles A.; Miller, David L.

2003-11-25

The present invention is related to the modifying of substrates with multiple modifying agents in a single continuous system. At least two processing chambers are configured for modifying the substrate in a continuous feed system. The processing chambers can be substantially isolated from one another by interstitial seals. Additionally, the two processing chambers can be substantially isolated from the surrounding atmosphere by end seals. Optionally, expansion chambers can be used to separate the seals from the processing chambers.

An integrated wire harp and readout electronics inside vacuum

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chatterjee, Mou; Nabhiraj, P. Y.

A wire harp is a well known instrument used in ion beam profile measurement and beam diagnostics. Till date, for beam instrumentation, the harp is placed inside the vacuum chamber or beam line in direct exposure to the beam profile to be measured, whereas the related readout electronics is placed outside somewhere at a convenient place. Here, a harp has been developed along with the readout electronics as an integrated part of it and both were placed inside the beam line vacuum (order of 10{sup −7} Torr) to make the system much simpler, easy to operate, and measure small beammore » current more accurately. The entire signal conversion and processing is done inside the vacuum unlike other systems; hence, the electronics is kept inside. This results in a lesser number (only 4 pin) of electrical connections (feedthrough) including power which otherwise would have required 32 feedthrough pins only for signal readout for a 13 × 13 (X × Y) channel harp. This paper describes a completely new approach to the design of a conventional beam harp widely used for beam instrumentation.« less

An integrated wire harp and readout electronics inside vacuum.

PubMed

Chatterjee, Mou; Nabhiraj, P Y

2015-03-01

A wire harp is a well known instrument used in ion beam profile measurement and beam diagnostics. Till date, for beam instrumentation, the harp is placed inside the vacuum chamber or beam line in direct exposure to the beam profile to be measured, whereas the related readout electronics is placed outside somewhere at a convenient place. Here, a harp has been developed along with the readout electronics as an integrated part of it and both were placed inside the beam line vacuum (order of 10(-7) Torr) to make the system much simpler, easy to operate, and measure small beam current more accurately. The entire signal conversion and processing is done inside the vacuum unlike other systems; hence, the electronics is kept inside. This results in a lesser number (only 4 pin) of electrical connections (feedthrough) including power which otherwise would have required 32 feedthrough pins only for signal readout for a 13 × 13 (X × Y) channel harp. This paper describes a completely new approach to the design of a conventional beam harp widely used for beam instrumentation.

An integrated wire harp and readout electronics inside vacuum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chatterjee, Mou; Nabhiraj, P. Y.

2015-03-01

A wire harp is a well known instrument used in ion beam profile measurement and beam diagnostics. Till date, for beam instrumentation, the harp is placed inside the vacuum chamber or beam line in direct exposure to the beam profile to be measured, whereas the related readout electronics is placed outside somewhere at a convenient place. Here, a harp has been developed along with the readout electronics as an integrated part of it and both were placed inside the beam line vacuum (order of 10-7 Torr) to make the system much simpler, easy to operate, and measure small beam current more accurately. The entire signal conversion and processing is done inside the vacuum unlike other systems; hence, the electronics is kept inside. This results in a lesser number (only 4 pin) of electrical connections (feedthrough) including power which otherwise would have required 32 feedthrough pins only for signal readout for a 13 × 13 (X × Y) channel harp. This paper describes a completely new approach to the design of a conventional beam harp widely used for beam instrumentation.

A Bubble Chamber Simulator: A New Tool for the Physics Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gagnon, Michel

2011-01-01

Mainly used in the 1960s, bubble chambers played a major role in particle physics. Now replaced with modern electronic detectors, we believe they remain an important didactic tool to introduce particle physics as they provide visual, appealing and insightful pictures. Sadly, this rare type of detector is mostly accessible through open-door events…

Influence of the electron cyclotron resonance plasma confinement on reducing the bremsstrahlung production of an electron cyclotron resonance ion source with metal-dielectric structures.

PubMed

Schachter, L; Stiebing, K E; Dobrescu, S

2009-01-01

The influence of metal-dielectric (MD) layers (MD structures) inserted into the plasma chamber of an electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS) onto the production of electron bremsstrahlung radiation has been studied in a series of dedicated experiments at the 14 GHz ECRIS of the Institut für Kernphysik der Universität Frankfurt. The IKF-ECRIS was equipped with a MD liner, covering the inner walls of the plasma chamber, and a MD electrode, covering the plasma-facing side of the extraction electrode. On the basis of similar extracted currents of highly charged ions, significantly reduced yields of bremsstrahlung radiation for the "MD source" as compared to the standard (stainless steel) source have been measured and can be explained by the significantly better plasma confinement in a MD source as compared to an "all stainless steel" ECRIS.

Comparisons of NDT Methods to Inspect Cork and Cork filled Epoxy Bands

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lingbloom, Mike

2007-01-01

Sheet cork and cork filled epoxy provide external insulation for the Reusable Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) on the Nation's Space Transportation System (STS). Interest in the reliability of the external insulation bonds has increased since the Columbia incident. A non-destructive test (NDT) method that will provide the best inspection for these bonds has been under evaluation. Electronic Shearography has been selected as the primary NDT method for inspection of these bond lines in the RSRM production flow. ATK Launch Systems Group has purchased an electronic shearography system that includes a vacuum chamber that is used for evaluation of test parts and custom vacuum windows for inspection of full-scale motors. Although the electronic shearography technology has been selected as the primary method for inspection of the external bonds, other technologies that exist continue to be investigated. The NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) NDT department has inspected several samples for comparison with electronic shearography with various inspections systems in their laboratory. The systems that were evaluated are X-ray backscatter, terahertz imaging, and microwave imaging. The samples tested have some programmed flaws as well as some flaws that occurred naturally during the sample making process. These samples provide sufficient flaw variation for the evaluation of the different inspection systems. This paper will describe and compare the basic functionality, test method and test results including dissection for each inspection technology.

The Dartmouth Elephant plasma facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lynch, K. A.

2017-12-01

The Elephant facility in the Dartmouth Dept of Physics and Astronomyis a 1m by 2m chamber with a microwave-resonant plasma source togetherwith a higher energy electron/ion electrostatic gun. In this chamber weaim to re-create features of the auroral ionosphere including both thethermal plasma background, and the precipitating energetic auroral beam.We can manipulate the position and attitude of various sensors withinthe chamber and monitor their response to the various sources. Recentefforts have focussed on the sheath environment near and around thermalion RPA sensors and the small payloads which carry them into theionosphere.

Numerical analysis of electromagnetic cascades in emulsion chambers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Plyasheshnikov, A. V.; Vorobyev, K. V.

1985-01-01

A new calculational scheme of the Monte Carlo method assigned for the investigation of the development of high and extremely high energy electromagnetic cascades (EMC) in the matter was elaborated. The scheme was applied to the analysis of angular and radial distributions of EMC electrons in the atmosphere. By means of this scheme the EMC development in dense medium is investigated and some preliminary data are presented on the behavior of EMC in emulsion chambers. The results of more detailed theoretical analysis of the EMC development in emulsion chambers are discussed.

Nitrogen fixation apparatus

DOEpatents

Chen, Hao-Lin

1984-01-01

A method and apparatus for achieving nitrogen fixation includes a volumetric electric discharge chamber. The volumetric discharge chamber provides an even distribution of an electron beam, and enables the chamber to be maintained at a controlled energy to pressure (E/p) ratio. An E/p ratio of from 5 to 15 kV/atm of O.sub.2 /cm promotes the formation of vibrationally excited N.sub.2. Atomic oxygen interacts with vibrationally excited N.sub.2 at a much quicker rate than unexcited N.sub.2, greatly improving the rate at which NO is formed.

Nitrogen fixation method and apparatus

DOEpatents

Chen, Hao-Lin

1983-01-01

A method and apparatus for achieving nitrogen fixation includes a volumetric electric discharge chamber. The volumetric discharge chamber provides an even distribution of an electron beam, and enables the chamber to be maintained at a controlled energy to pressure (E/p) ratio. An E/p ratio of from 5 to 15 kV/atm of O.sub.2 /cm promotes the formation of vibrationally excited N.sub.2. Atomic oxygen interacts with vibrationally excited N.sub.2 at a much quicker rate than unexcited N.sub.2, greatly improving the rate at which NO is formed.

Nitrogen fixation method and apparatus

DOEpatents

Chen, H.L.

1983-08-16

A method and apparatus for achieving nitrogen fixation includes a volumetric electric discharge chamber. The volumetric discharge chamber provides an even distribution of an electron beam, and enables the chamber to be maintained at a controlled energy to pressure (E/p) ratio. An E/p ratio of from 5 to 15 kV/atm of O[sub 2]/cm promotes the formation of vibrationally excited N[sub 2]. Atomic oxygen interacts with vibrationally excited N[sub 2] at a much quicker rate than unexcited N[sub 2], greatly improving the rate at which NO is formed. 1 fig.

Characterisation of a MOSFET-based detector for dose measurement under megavoltage electron beam radiotherapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jong, W. L.; Ung, N. M.; Tiong, A. H. L.; Rosenfeld, A. B.; Wong, J. H. D.

2018-03-01

The aim of this study is to investigate the fundamental dosimetric characteristics of the MOSkin detector for megavoltage electron beam dosimetry. The reproducibility, linearity, energy dependence, dose rate dependence, depth dose measurement, output factor measurement, and surface dose measurement under megavoltage electron beam were tested. The MOSkin detector showed excellent reproducibility (>98%) and linearity (R2= 1.00) up to 2000 cGy for 4-20 MeV electron beams. The MOSkin detector also showed minimal dose rate dependence (within ±3%) and energy dependence (within ±2%) over the clinical range of electron beams, except for an energy dependence at 4 MeV electron beam. An energy dependence correction factor of 1.075 is needed when the MOSkin detector is used for 4 MeV electron beam. The output factors measured by the MOSkin detector were within ±2% compared to those measured with the EBT3 film and CC13 chamber. The measured depth doses using the MOSkin detector agreed with those measured using the CC13 chamber, except at the build-up region due to the dose volume averaging effect of the CC13 chamber. For surface dose measurements, MOSkin measurements were in agreement within ±3% to those measured using EBT3 film. Measurements using the MOSkin detector were also compared to electron dose calculation algorithms namely the GGPB and eMC algorithms. Both algorithms were in agreement with measurements to within ±2% and ±4% for output factor (except for the 4 × 4 cm2 field size) and surface dose, respectively. With the uncertainties taken into account, the MOSkin detector was found to be a suitable detector for dose measurement under megavoltage electron beam. This has been demonstrated in the in vivo skin dose measurement on patients during electron boost to the breast tumour bed.

Simultaneous imaging electron- and ion-feature Thomson scattering measurements of radiatively heated Xe.

PubMed

Pollock, B B; Meinecke, J; Kuschel, S; Ross, J S; Shaw, J L; Stoafer, C; Divol, L; Tynan, G R; Glenzer, S H

2012-10-01

Uniform density and temperature Xe plasmas have been produced over >4 mm scale-lengths using x-rays generated in a cylindrical Pb cavity. The cavity is 750 μm in depth and diameter, and is heated by a 300 J, 2 ns square, 1054 nm laser pulse focused to a spot size of 200 μm at the cavity entrance. The plasma is characterized by simultaneous imaging Thomson scattering measurements from both the electron and ion scattering features. The electron feature measurement determines the spatial electron density and temperature profile, and using these parameters as constraints in the ion feature analysis allows an accurate determination of the charge state of the Xe ions. The Thomson scattering probe beam is 40 J, 200 ps, and 527 nm, and is focused to a 100 μm spot size at the entrance of the Pb cavity. Each system has a spatial resolution of 25 μm, a temporal resolution of 200 ps (as determined by the probe duration), and a spectral resolution of 2 nm for the electron feature system and 0.025 nm for the ion feature system. The experiment is performed in a Xe filled target chamber at a neutral pressure of 3-10 Torr, and the x-rays produced in the Pb ionize and heat the Xe to a charge state of 20±4 at up to 200 eV electron temperatures.

Comparison and uncertainty evaluation of different calibration protocols and ionization chambers for low-energy surface brachytherapy dosimetry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Candela-Juan, C., E-mail: ccanjuan@gmail.com; Vijande, J.; García-Martínez, T.

2015-08-15

Purpose: A surface electronic brachytherapy (EBT) device is in fact an x-ray source collimated with specific applicators. Low-energy (<100 kVp) x-ray beam dosimetry faces several challenges that need to be addressed. A number of calibration protocols have been published for x-ray beam dosimetry. The media in which measurements are performed are the fundamental difference between them. The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface dose rate of a low-energy x-ray source with small field applicators using different calibration standards and different small-volume ionization chambers, comparing the values and uncertainties of each methodology. Methods: The surface dose rate ofmore » the EBT unit Esteya (Elekta Brachytherapy, The Netherlands), a 69.5 kVp x-ray source with applicators of 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 mm diameter, was evaluated using the AAPM TG-61 (based on air kerma) and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) TRS-398 (based on absorbed dose to water) dosimetry protocols for low-energy photon beams. A plane parallel T34013 ionization chamber (PTW Freiburg, Germany) calibrated in terms of both absorbed dose to water and air kerma was used to compare the two dosimetry protocols. Another PTW chamber of the same model was used to evaluate the reproducibility between these chambers. Measurements were also performed with two different Exradin A20 (Standard Imaging, Inc., Middleton, WI) chambers calibrated in terms of air kerma. Results: Differences between surface dose rates measured in air and in water using the T34013 chamber range from 1.6% to 3.3%. No field size dependence has been observed. Differences are below 3.7% when measurements with the A20 and the T34013 chambers calibrated in air are compared. Estimated uncertainty (with coverage factor k = 1) for the T34013 chamber calibrated in water is 2.2%–2.4%, whereas it increases to 2.5% and 2.7% for the A20 and T34013 chambers calibrated in air, respectively. The output factors, measured with the PTW chambers, differ by less than 1.1% for any applicator size when compared to the output factors that were measured with the A20 chamber. Conclusions: Measurements using both dosimetric protocols are consistent, once the overall uncertainties are considered. There is also consistency between measurements performed with both chambers calibrated in air. Both the T34013 and A20 chambers have negligible stem effect. Any x-ray surface brachytherapy system, including Esteya, can be characterized using either one of these calibration protocols and ionization chambers. Having less correction factors, lower uncertainty, and based on measurements, performed in closer to clinical conditions, the TRS-398 protocol seems to be the preferred option.« less

System for sterilizing objects. [cleaning space vehicle systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bryan, C. J.; Wright, E. E., Jr.; Moyers, C. V. (Inventor)

1981-01-01

A system for producing a stream of humidified sterilizing gas for sterilizing objects such as the water systems of space vehicles and the like includes a source of sterilant gas which is fed to a mixing chamber which has inlet and outlet ports. The level of the water only partially fills the mixing chamber so as to provide an empty space adjacent the top of the chamber. A heater is provided for heating the water in the chamber so as to produce a humidified atmosphere. The sterilant gas is fed through an arcuate shaped tubular member connected to the inlet port of the mixing chamber for producing a vortex type of flow of sterilant gas into the chamber for humidification. A tubular member extends from the mixing chamber for supplying the humidified sterilant gas to the object for being sterilized. Scrubbers are provided for removing the sterilant gas after use.

Ionization detection system for aerosols

DOEpatents

Jacobs, Martin E.

1977-01-01

This invention relates to an improved smoke-detection system of the ionization-chamber type. In the preferred embodiment, the system utilizes a conventional detector head comprising a measuring ionization chamber, a reference ionization chamber, and a normally non-conductive gas triode for discharging when a threshold concentration of airborne particulates is present in the measuring chamber. The improved system utilizes a measuring ionization chamber which is modified to minimize false alarms and reductions in sensitivity resulting from changes in ambient temperature. In the preferred form of the modification, an annular radiation shield is mounted about the usual radiation source provided to effect ionization in the measuring chamber. The shield is supported by a bimetallic strip which flexes in response to changes in ambient temperature, moving the shield relative to the source so as to vary the radiative area of the source in a manner offsetting temperature-induced variations in the sensitivity of the chamber.

The JPL Cryogenic Dilatometer: Measuring the Thermal Expansion Coefficient of Aerospace Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Halverson, Peter G.; Dudick, Matthew J.; Karlmann, Paul; Klein, Kerry J.; Levine, Marie; Marcin, Martin; Parker, Tyler J.; Peters, Robert D.; Shaklan, Stuart; VanBuren, David

2007-01-01

This slide presentation details the cryogenic dilatometer, which is used by JPL to measure the thermal expansion coefficient of materials used in Aerospace. Included is a system diagram, a picture of the dilatometer chamber and the laser source, a description of the laser source, pictures of the interferometer, block diagrams of the electronics and software and a picture of the electronics, and software. Also there is a brief review of the accurace.error budget. The materials tested are also described, and the results are shown in strain curves, JPL measured strain fits are described, and the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) is also shown for the materials tested.

Experimental study of low-energy charge transfer in nitrogen

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, A.

1979-01-01

Total charge transfer cross sections were obtained for the N2(+)-N2 system with relative translational ion energies between 9 and 441 eV. Data were obtained to examine the dependence of total cross section on ion energy. The effect of ion excitation on the cross sections was studied by varying the electron ionization energy in the mass spectrometer ion source over an electron energy range between 14.5 and 32.1 eV. The dependence of total cross section on the neutralization chamber gas pressure was examined by obtaining data at pressure values from 9.9 to 0.000199 torr. Cross section values obtained were compared with experimental and theoretical results of other investigations.

Direct determination of k Q factors for cylindrical and plane-parallel ionization chambers in high-energy electron beams from 6 MeV to 20 MeV.

PubMed

Krauss, A; Kapsch, R-P

2018-02-06

For the ionometric determination of the absorbed dose to water, D w , in high-energy electron beams from a clinical accelerator, beam quality dependent correction factors, k Q , are required. By using a water calorimeter, these factors can be determined experimentally and potentially with lower standard uncertainties than those of the calculated k Q factors, which are tabulated in various dosimetry protocols. However, one of the challenges of water calorimetry in electron beams is the small measurement depths in water, together with the steep dose gradients present especially at lower energies. In this investigation, water calorimetry was implemented in electron beams to determine k Q factors for different types of cylindrical and plane-parallel ionization chambers (NE2561, NE2571, FC65-G, TM34001) in 10 cm  ×  10 cm electron beams from 6 MeV to 20 MeV (corresponding beam quality index R 50 ranging from 1.9 cm to 7.5 cm). The measurements were carried out using the linear accelerator facility of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt. Relative standard uncertainties for the k Q factors between 0.50% for the 20 MeV beam and 0.75% for the 6 MeV beam were achieved. For electron energies above 8 MeV, general agreement was found between the relative electron energy dependencies of the k Q factors measured and those derived from the AAPM TG-51 protocol and recent Monte Carlo-based studies, as well as those from other experimental investigations. However, towards lower energies, discrepancies of up to 2.0% occurred for the k Q factors of the TM34001 and the NE2571 chamber.

Direct determination of k Q factors for cylindrical and plane-parallel ionization chambers in high-energy electron beams from 6 MeV to 20 MeV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krauss, A.; Kapsch, R.-P.

2018-02-01

For the ionometric determination of the absorbed dose to water, D w, in high-energy electron beams from a clinical accelerator, beam quality dependent correction factors, k Q, are required. By using a water calorimeter, these factors can be determined experimentally and potentially with lower standard uncertainties than those of the calculated k Q factors, which are tabulated in various dosimetry protocols. However, one of the challenges of water calorimetry in electron beams is the small measurement depths in water, together with the steep dose gradients present especially at lower energies. In this investigation, water calorimetry was implemented in electron beams to determine k Q factors for different types of cylindrical and plane-parallel ionization chambers (NE2561, NE2571, FC65-G, TM34001) in 10 cm  ×  10 cm electron beams from 6 MeV to 20 MeV (corresponding beam quality index R 50 ranging from 1.9 cm to 7.5 cm). The measurements were carried out using the linear accelerator facility of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt. Relative standard uncertainties for the k Q factors between 0.50% for the 20 MeV beam and 0.75% for the 6 MeV beam were achieved. For electron energies above 8 MeV, general agreement was found between the relative electron energy dependencies of the k Q factors measured and those derived from the AAPM TG-51 protocol and recent Monte Carlo-based studies, as well as those from other experimental investigations. However, towards lower energies, discrepancies of up to 2.0% occurred for the k Q factors of the TM34001 and the NE2571 chamber.

Considerations for NSLS-II Synchrotron Radiation Protection When Operating Damping Wigglers at Low Machine Energy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Seletskiy, S.; Podobedov, B.

2015-12-30

The NSLS-II storage ring vacuum chamber, including frontends (FE) and beamlines (BL), is protected from possible damage from synchrotron radiation (SR) emitted from insertion devices (IDs) by a dedicated active interlock system (AIS). The system monitors electron beam position and angle and triggers a beam dump if the beam orbit is outside of the active interlock envelope (AIE). The AIE was calculated under the assumptions of 3 GeV beam energy and ID gaps set to their minimum operating values (i.e. “fully closed”). Recently it was proposed to perform machine studies that would ramp the stored beam energy significantly below themore » nominal operational value of 3 GeV. These studies may potentially include the use of NSLS-II damping wigglers (DWs) for electron beam emittance reduction and control.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Thompson, Cyril V.; Whitten, William B.

This report describes Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s (ORNL) FY15 progress in support of National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA) Portable Mass Spectrometer project. A retrofit PolarisQ ion trap mass spectrometer (RPMS) has been assembled from components of two PolarisQ ion trap mass spectrometers used in previous isotope ratio programs. The retrofit mass spectrometer includes a custom Hastelloy vacuum chamber which is about ¼ the size of the standard aluminum vacuum chamber and reduces the instrument weight from the original by nine pounds. In addition, the new vacuum chamber can be independently heated to reduce impurities such as water, which reacts withmore » UF 6 to produce HF in the vacuum chamber. The analyzer and all components requiring service are mounted on the chamber lid, facilitating quick and easy replacement of consumable components such as the filament and electron multiplier.« less

The influence of ambipolarity on plasma confinement and on the performance of electron cyclotron resonance ion sources.

PubMed

Schachter, L; Dobrescu, S; Stiebing, K E; Thuillier, T; Lamy, T

2008-02-01

Charge diffusion in an electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS) discharge is usually characterized by nonambipolar behavior. While the ions are transported to the radial walls, electrons are lost axially from the magnetic trap. Global neutrality is maintained via compensating currents in the conducting walls of the vacuum chamber. It is assumed that this behavior reduces the ion breeding times compared to a truly ambipolar plasma. We have carried out a series of dedicated experiments in which the ambipolarity of the ECRIS plasma was influenced by inserting special metal-dielectric structures (MD layers) into the plasma chamber of the Frankfurt 14 GHz ECRIS. The measurements demonstrate the positive influence on the source performance when the ECR plasma is changed toward more ambipolar behavior.

Combustor nozzle for a fuel-flexible combustion system

DOEpatents

Haynes, Joel Meier [Niskayuna, NY; Mosbacher, David Matthew [Cohoes, NY; Janssen, Jonathan Sebastian [Troy, NY; Iyer, Venkatraman Ananthakrishnan [Mason, OH

2011-03-22

A combustor nozzle is provided. The combustor nozzle includes a first fuel system configured to introduce a syngas fuel into a combustion chamber to enable lean premixed combustion within the combustion chamber and a second fuel system configured to introduce the syngas fuel, or a hydrocarbon fuel, or diluents, or combinations thereof into the combustion chamber to enable diffusion combustion within the combustion chamber.

Design and experimental study of an integrated vapor chamber-thermal energy storage system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kota, Krishna M.

Future defense, aerospace and automotive technologies involve electronic systems that release high pulsed waste heat like during high power microwave and laser diode applications in tactical and combat aircraft, and electrical and electronic systems in hybrid electric vehicles, which will require the development of an efficient thermal management system. A key design issue is the need for fast charging so as not to overheat the key components. The goal of this work is to study the fabrication and technology implementation feasibility of a novel high energy storage, high heat flux passive heat sink. Key focus is to verify by theory and experiments, the practicability of using phase change materials as a temporary storage of waste heat for heat sink applications. The reason for storing the high heat fluxes temporarily is to be able to reject the heat at the average level when the heat source is off. Accordingly, a concept of a dual latent heat sink intended for moderate to low thermal duty cycle electronic heat sink applications is presented. This heat sink design combines the features of a vapor chamber with rapid thermal energy storage employing graphite foam inside the heat storage facility along with phase change materials and is attractive owing to its passive operation unlike some of the current thermal management techniques for cooling of electronics employing forced air circulation or external heat exchangers. In addition to the concept, end-application dependent criteria to select an optimized design for this dual latent heat sink are presented. A thermal resistance concept based design tool/model has been developed to analyze and optimize the design for experiments. The model showed that it is possible to have a dual latent heat sink design capable of handling 7 MJ of thermal load at a heat flux of 500 W/cm2 (over an area of 100 cm 2) with a volume of 0.072 m3 and weighing about 57.5 kg. It was also found that with such high heat flux absorption capability, the proposed conceptual design could have a vapor-to-condenser temperature difference of less than 10°C with a volume storage density of 97 MJ/m 3 and a mass storage density of 0.122 MJ/kg. The effectiveness of this heat sink depends on the rapidness of the heat storage facility in the design during the pulse heat generation period of the duty cycle. Heat storage in this heat sink involves transient simultaneous laminar film condensation of vapor and melting of an encapsulated phase change material in graphite foam. Therefore, this conjugate heat transfer problem including the wall inertia effect is numerically analyzed and the effectiveness of the heat storage mechanism of the heat sink is verified. An effective heat capacity formulation is employed for modeling the phase change problem and is solved using finite element method. The results of the developed model showed that the concept is effective in preventing undue temperature rise of the heat source. Experiments are performed to investigate the fabrication and implementation feasibility and heat transfer performance for validating the objectives of the design, i.e., to show that the VCTES heat sink is practicable and using PCM helps in arresting the vapor temperature rise in the heat sink. For this purpose, a prototype version of the VCTES heat sink is fabricated and tested for thermal performance. The volume foot-print of the vapor chamber is about 6"X5"X2.5". A custom fabricated thermal energy storage setup is incorporated inside this vapor chamber. A heat flux of 40 W/cm2 is applied at the source as a pulse and convection cooling is used on the condenser surface. Experiments are done with and without using PCM in the thermal energy storage setup. It is found that using PCM as a second latent system in the setup helps in lowering the undue temperature rise of the heat sink system. It is also found that the thermal resistance between the vapor chamber and the thermal energy storage setup, the pool boiling resistance at the heat source in the vapor chamber, the condenser resistance during heat discharging were key parameters that affect the thermal performance. Some suggestions for future improvements in the design to ease its implementation and enhance the heat transfer of this novel heat sink are also presented.

Vibrating-chamber levitation systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barmatz, M. B.; Granett, D.; Lee, M. C. (Inventor)

1985-01-01

Systems are described for the acoustic levitation of objects, which enable the use of a sealed rigid chamber to avoid contamination of the levitated object. The apparatus includes a housing forming a substantially closed chamber, and means for vibrating the entire housing at a frequency that produces an acoustic standing wave pattern within the chamber.

Electrochemical cell for rebalancing REDOX flow system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thaller, L. H. (Inventor)

1979-01-01

An electrically rechargeable REDOX cell or battery system including one of more rebalancing cells is described. Each rebalancing cell is divided into two chambers by an ion permeable membrane. The first chamber is fed with gaseous hydrogen and a cathode fluid which is circulated through the cathode chamber of the REDOX cell is also passed through the second chamber of the rebalancing cell. Electrochemical reactions take place on the surface of insert electrodes in the first and second chambers to rebalance the electrochemical capacity of the anode and cathode fluids of the REDOX system.

Ion extraction from a plasma

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aston, G.; Wilbur, P. J.

1981-01-01

The physical processes governing ion extraction from a plasma have been examined experimentally. The screen hole plasma sheath (the transition region wherein significant ion acceleration and complete electron retardation occurs) has been defined by equipotential plots for a variety of ion accelerator system geometries and operating conditions. It was found that the screen hole plasma sheath extends over a large distance, and influences ion and electron trajectories at least 15 Debye lengths within the discharge chamber. The electron density variation within the screen hole plasma sheath satisfied a Maxwell-Boltzmann density distribution at an effective electron temperature dependent on the discharge plasma primary-to-Maxwellian electron density ratio. Plasma ion flow up to and through the sheath was predominantly one-dimensional, and the ions entered the sheath region with a modified Bohm velocity. Low values of the screen grid thickness to screen hole diameter ratio were found to give good ion focusing and high extracted ion currents because of the effect of screen webbing on ion focusing.

Photoelectron spectra of the decomposition of ethylene on /110/ tungsten

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Plummer, E. W.; Waclawski, B. J.; Vorburger, T. V.

1974-01-01

The experimental apparatus used in the investigation consisted of an ultrahigh-vacuum chamber, a triple-grid, a microwave-excited resonance lamp, and an electron energy analyzer. The chemical nature of the chemisorbed species was studied, taking into account the energy distribution of photoemitted electrons, work function determinations, and low-energy electron diffraction patterns.

Inner-Shell Electron Recoil Discrimination in Xenon

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Trask, Makayla; Lippincott, Hugh; Baxter, Dan

2017-01-01

\\bulletmore » $$$$ Dark matter searches using time projection chambers (TPCs) rely on the ability to distinguish between nuclear and electron interactions $$$$ Xenon TPCs are specifically searching for a low energy nuclear recoil ( < 30 keV ) signal $$$$ To do this, these interactions must be discernable from the electron recoil background« less

Fast Gas Replacement in Plasma Process Chamber by Improving Gas Flow Pattern

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morishita, Sadaharu; Goto, Tetsuya; Akutsu, Isao; Ohyama, Kenji; Ito, Takashi; Ohmi, Tadahiro

2009-01-01

The precise and high-speed alteration of various gas species is important for realizing precise and well-controlled multiprocesses in a single plasma process chamber with high throughput. The gas replacement times in the replacement of N2 by Ar and that of H2 by Ar are measured in a microwave excited high-density and low electron-temperature plasma process chamber at various working pressures and gas flow rates, incorporating a new gas flow control system, which can avoid overshoot of the gas pressure in the chamber immediately after the valve operation, and a gradational lead screw booster pump, which can maintain excellent pumping capability for various gas species including lightweight gases such as H2 in a wide pressure region from 10-1 to 104 Pa. Furthermore, to control the gas flow pattern in the chamber, upper ceramic shower plates, which have thousands of very fine gas injection holes (numbers of 1200 and 2400) formed with optimized allocation on the plates, are adopted, while the conventional gas supply method in the microwave-excited plasma chamber uses many holes only opened at the sidewall of the chamber (gas ring). It has been confirmed that, in the replacement of N2 by Ar, a short replacement time of approximately 1 s in the cases of 133 and 13.3 Pa and approximately 3 s in the case of 4 Pa can be achieved when the upper shower plate has 2400 holes, while a replacement time longer than approximately 10 s is required for all pressure cases where the gas ring is used. In addition, thanks to the excellent pumping capability of the gradational lead screw booster pump for lightweight gases, it has also been confirmed that the replacement time of H2 by Ar is almost the same as that of N2 by Ar.

Spatial Resolution in Scanning Electron Microscopy and Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy Without a Specimen Vacuum Chamber.

PubMed

Nguyen, Kayla X; Holtz, Megan E; Richmond-Decker, Justin; Muller, David A

2016-08-01

A long-standing goal of electron microscopy has been the high-resolution characterization of specimens in their native environment. However, electron optics require high vacuum to maintain an unscattered and focused probe, a challenge for specimens requiring atmospheric or liquid environments. Here, we use an electron-transparent window at the base of a scanning electron microscope's objective lens to separate column vacuum from the specimen, enabling imaging under ambient conditions, without a specimen vacuum chamber. We demonstrate in-air imaging of specimens at nanoscale resolution using backscattered scanning electron microscopy (airSEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy. We explore resolution and contrast using Monte Carlo simulations and analytical models. We find that nanometer-scale resolution can be obtained at gas path lengths up to 400 μm, although contrast drops with increasing gas path length. As the electron-transparent window scatters considerably more than gas at our operating conditions, we observe that the densities and thicknesses of the electron-transparent window are the dominant limiting factors for image contrast at lower operating voltages. By enabling a variety of detector configurations, the airSEM is applicable to a wide range of environmental experiments including the imaging of hydrated biological specimens and in situ chemical and electrochemical processes.

Spatial Resolution in Scanning Electron Microscopy and Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy Without a Specimen Vacuum Chamber

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nguyen, Kayla X.; Holtz, Megan E.; Richmond-Decker, Justin

2016-07-25

Abstract A long-standing goal of electron microscopy has been the high-resolution characterization of specimens in their native environment. However, electron optics require high vacuum to maintain an unscattered and focused probe, a challenge for specimens requiring atmospheric or liquid environments. Here, we use an electron-transparent window at the base of a scanning electron microscope’s objective lens to separate column vacuum from the specimen, enabling imaging under ambient conditions, without a specimen vacuum chamber. We demonstrate in-air imaging of specimens at nanoscale resolution using backscattered scanning electron microscopy (airSEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy. We explore resolution and contrast using Montemore » Carlo simulations and analytical models. We find that nanometer-scale resolution can be obtained at gas path lengths up to 400μm, although contrast drops with increasing gas path length. As the electron-transparent window scatters considerably more than gas at our operating conditions, we observe that the densities and thicknesses of the electron-transparent window are the dominant limiting factors for image contrast at lower operating voltages. By enabling a variety of detector configurations, the airSEM is applicable to a wide range of environmental experiments including the imaging of hydrated biological specimens andin situchemical and electrochemical processes.« less

Ionization-chamber smoke detector system

DOEpatents

Roe, Robert F.

1976-10-19

This invention relates to an improved smoke-detection system of the ionization-chamber type. In the preferred embodiment, the system utilizes a conventional detector head comprising a measuring ionization chamber, a reference ionization chamber, and a normally non-conductive gas triode for discharging when a threshold concentration of airborne particulates is present in the measuring chamber. The improved system is designed to reduce false alarms caused by fluctuations in ambient temperature. Means are provided for periodically firing the gas discharge triode and each time recording the triggering voltage required. A computer compares each triggering voltage with its predecessor. The computer is programmed to energize an alarm if the difference between the two compared voltages is a relatively large value indicative of particulates in the measuring chamber and to disregard smaller differences typically resulting from changes in ambient temperature.

Environmental chamber for in situ dynamic control of temperature and relative humidity during x-ray scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salas-de la Cruz, David; Denis, Jeffrey G.; Griffith, Matthew D.; King, Daniel R.; Heiney, Paul A.; Winey, Karen I.

2012-02-01

We have designed, constructed, and evaluated an environmental chamber that has in situ dynamic control of temperature (25 to 90 °C) and relative humidity (0% to 95%). The compact specimen chamber is designed for x-ray scattering in transmission with an escape angle of 2θ = ±30°. The specimen chamber is compatible with a completely evacuated system such as the Rigaku PSAXS system, in which the specimen chamber is placed inside a larger evacuated chamber (flight path). It is also compatible with x-ray systems consisting of evacuated flight tubes separated by small air gaps for sample placement. When attached to a linear motor (vertical displacement), the environmental chamber can access multiple sample positions. The temperature and relative humidity inside the specimen chamber are controlled by passing a mixture of dry and saturated gas through the chamber and by heating the chamber walls. Alternatively, the chamber can be used to control the gaseous environment without humidity. To illustrate the value of this apparatus, we have probed morphology transformations in Nafion® membranes and a polymerized ionic liquid as a function of relative humidity in nitrogen.

Test Stand at the Rocket Engine Test Facility

NASA Image and Video Library

1973-02-21

The thrust stand in the Rocket Engine Test Facility at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Lewis Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. The Rocket Engine Test Facility was constructed in the mid-1950s to expand upon the smaller test cells built a decade before at the Rocket Laboratory. The $2.5-million Rocket Engine Test Facility could test larger hydrogen-fluorine and hydrogen-oxygen rocket thrust chambers with thrust levels up to 20,000 pounds. Test Stand A, seen in this photograph, was designed to fire vertically mounted rocket engines downward. The exhaust passed through an exhaust gas scrubber and muffler before being vented into the atmosphere. Lewis researchers in the early 1970s used the Rocket Engine Test Facility to perform basic research that could be utilized by designers of the Space Shuttle Main Engines. A new electronic ignition system and timer were installed at the facility for these tests. Lewis researchers demonstrated the benefits of ceramic thermal coatings for the engine’s thrust chamber and determined the optimal composite material for the coatings. They compared the thermal-coated thrust chamber to traditional unlined high-temperature thrust chambers. There were more than 17,000 different configurations tested on this stand between 1973 and 1976. The Rocket Engine Test Facility was later designated a National Historic Landmark for its role in the development of liquid hydrogen as a propellant.

Trigger drift chamber for the upgraded mark II detector at PEP

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ford, W. T.; Smith, J. G.; Wagner, S. R.; Weber, P.; White, S. L.; Alvarez, M.; Calviño, F.; Fernandez, E.

1987-04-01

A small cylindrical track detector was built as an array of single-wire drift cells with aluminized mylar cathode tubes. Point measurement resolution of ˜ 90 μm was achieved with a drift gas of 50% argon-50% ethane at atmospheric pressure. The chamber construction, electronics, and calibration are discussed. Performance results from PEP colliding-beam data are presented.

Neodymium:YAG laser cutting of intraocular lens haptics.

PubMed

Gorn, R A; Steinert, R F

1985-11-01

Neodymium:YAG laser cutting of polymethylmethacrylate and polypropylene anterior chamber and posterior chamber intraocular lens haptics was studied in terms of ease of transection and physical structure of the cut areas as seen by scanning electron microscopy. A marked difference was discovered, with the polymethylmethacrylate cutting easily along transverse planes, whereas the polypropylene resisted cutting along longitudinal fibers. Clinical guidelines are presented.

Characterization of reticulated vitreous carbon foam using a frisch-grid parallel-plate ionization chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Edwards, Nathaniel S.; Conley, Jerrod C.; Reichenberger, Michael A.; Nelson, Kyle A.; Tiner, Christopher N.; Hinson, Niklas J.; Ugorowski, Philip B.; Fronk, Ryan G.; McGregor, Douglas S.

2018-06-01

The propagation of electrons through several linear pore densities of reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) foam was studied using a Frisch-grid parallel-plate ionization chamber pressurized to 1 psig of P-10 proportional gas. The operating voltages of the electrodes contained within the Frisch-grid parallel-plate ionization chamber were defined by measuring counting curves using a collimated 241Am alpha-particle source with and without a Frisch grid. RVC foam samples with linear pore densities of 5, 10, 20, 30, 45, 80, and 100 pores per linear inch were separately positioned between the cathode and anode. Pulse-height spectra and count rates from a collimated 241Am alpha-particle source positioned between the cathode and each RVC foam sample were measured and compared to a measurement without an RVC foam sample. The Frisch grid was positioned in between the RVC foam sample and the anode. The measured pulse-height spectra were indiscernible from background and resulted in negligible net count rates for all RVC foam samples. The Frisch grid parallel-plate ionization chamber measurement results indicate that electrons do not traverse the bulk of RVC foam and consequently do not produce a pulse.

Atmospheric pressure reaction cell for operando sum frequency generation spectroscopy of ultrahigh vacuum grown model catalysts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roiaz, Matteo; Pramhaas, Verena; Li, Xia; Rameshan, Christoph; Rupprechter, Günther

2018-04-01

A new custom-designed ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) chamber coupled to a UHV and atmospheric-pressure-compatible spectroscopic and catalytic reaction cell is described, which allows us to perform IR-vis sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy during catalytic (kinetic) measurements. SFG spectroscopy is an exceptional tool to study vibrational properties of surface adsorbates under operando conditions, close to those of technical catalysis. This versatile setup allows performing surface science, SFG spectroscopy, catalysis, and electrochemical investigations on model systems, including single crystals, thin films, and deposited metal nanoparticles, under well-controlled conditions of gas composition, pressure, temperature, and potential. The UHV chamber enables us to prepare the model catalysts and to analyze their surface structure and composition by low energy electron diffraction and Auger electron spectroscopy, respectively. Thereafter, a sample transfer mechanism moves samples under UHV to the spectroscopic cell, avoiding air exposure. In the catalytic cell, SFG spectroscopy and catalytic tests (reactant/product analysis by mass spectrometry or gas chromatography) are performed simultaneously. A dedicated sample manipulation stage allows the model catalysts to be examined from LN2 temperature to 1273 K, with gaseous reactants in a pressure range from UHV to atmospheric. For post-reaction analysis, the SFG cell is rapidly evacuated and samples are transferred back to the UHV chamber. The capabilities of this new setup are demonstrated by benchmark results of CO adsorption on Pt and Pd(111) single crystal surfaces and of CO adsorption and oxidation on a ZrO2 supported Pt nanoparticle model catalyst grown by atomic layer deposition.

Study on optimization of multiionization-chamber system for BNCT.

PubMed

Fujii, T; Tanaka, H; Maruhashi, A; Ono, K; Sakurai, Y

2011-12-01

In order to monitor stability of doses from the four components such as thermal, epi-thermal, fast neutron and gamma-ray during BNCT irradiation, we are developing a multiionization-chamber system. This system is consisted of four kinds of ionization chamber, which have specific sensitivity for each component, respectively. Since a suitable structure for each chamber depends on the energy spectrum of the irradiation field, the optimization study of the chamber structures for the epi-thermal neutron beam of cyclotron-based epi-thermal neutron source (C-BENS) was performed by using a Monte Carlo simulation code "PHITS" and suitable chamber-structures were determined. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The plasma properties and electron emission characteristics of near-zero differential resistance of hollow cathode-based plasma contactors with a discharge chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Kan; Farnell, Casey C.; Williams, John D.

2014-08-01

The formation of electron emission-bias voltage (I-V) characteristics of near-zero differential resistance in the cathodic plasma contactor for bare electrodynamic tether applications, based on a hollow cathode embedded in a ring-cusp ionization stage, is studied. The existence of such an I-V regime is important to achieve low impedance performance without being affected by the space plasma properties for a cathodic plasma contactor. Experimental data on the plasma structure and properties downstream from the ionization stage are presented as functions of the xenon flow rate and the electron emission current. The electrons were emitted from the cathode to the cylindrical vacuum chamber wall (r = 0.9 m) under ≈10-5 Torr of vacuum pressure. The ring-cusp configuration selected for the plasma contactor created a 125-Gauss axial field near the cathode orifice, along with a large-volume 50-Gauss magnitude pocket in the stage. A baseline ion energy cost of ≈300 eV/ion was measured in the ionization stage when no electrons were emitted to the vacuum chamber wall. In addition, the anode fall growth limited the maximum propellant unitization to below ≈75% in the discharge loss curves for this ion stage. Detailed measurements on the plasma properties were carried out for the no-electron emission and 3 A emission conditions. The experimental data are compared with 1-D models, and the effectiveness of the model is discussed. The four key issues that played important roles in the process of building the near-zero different resistance I-V regime are: a significant amount of ionization by the emission electrons, a decrease in the number of reflected electrons in the plume, the electron-temperature increment, and low initial ion energy at the source outlet.

Saturation current and collection efficiency for ionization chambers in pulsed beams.

PubMed

DeBlois, F; Zankowski, C; Podgorsak, E B

2000-05-01

Saturation currents and collection efficiencies in ionization chambers exposed to pulsed megavoltage photon and electron beams are determined assuming a linear relationship between 1/I and 1/V in the extreme near-saturation region, with I and V the chamber current and polarizing voltage, respectively. Careful measurements of chamber current against polarizing voltage in the extreme near-saturation region reveal a current rising faster than that predicted by the linear relationship. This excess current combined with conventional "two-voltage" technique for determination of collection efficiency may result in an up to 0.7% overestimate of the saturation current for standard radiation field sizes of 10X10 cm2. The measured excess current is attributed to charge multiplication in the chamber air volume and to radiation-induced conductivity in the stem of the chamber (stem effect). These effects may be accounted for by an exponential term used in conjunction with Boag's equation for collection efficiency in pulsed beams. The semiempirical model follows the experimental data well and accounts for both the charge recombination as well as for the charge multiplication effects and the chamber stem effect.

Integral electrical characteristics and local plasma parameters of a RF ion thruster

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Masherov, P. E.; Riaby, V. A., E-mail: riaby2001@yahoo.com; Godyak, V. A.

2016-02-15

Comprehensive diagnostics has been carried out for a RF ion thruster based on inductively coupled plasma (ICP) source with an external flat antenna coil enhanced by ferrite core. The ICP was confined within a cylindrical chamber with low aspect ratio to minimize plasma loss to the chamber wall. Integral diagnostics of the ICP electrical parameters (RF power balance and coil current) allowed for evaluation of the antenna coils, matching networks, and eddy current loss and the true RF power deposited to plasma. Spatially resolved electron energy distribution functions, plasma density, electron temperatures, and plasma potentials were measured with movable Langmuirmore » probes.« less

Study of Electromagnetic Interactions in the MicroBooNE Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caratelli, David

This thesis presents results on the study of electromagnetic (EM) activity in the MicroBooNE Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber (LArTPC) neutrino detector. The LArTPC detector technology provides bubble-chamber like information on neutrino interaction final states, necessary to perform precision measurements of neutrino oscillation parameters. Accelerator-based oscillation experiments heavily rely on the appearance channel numu → nu e to make such measurements. Identifying and reconstructing the energy of the outgoing electrons from such interactions is therefore crucial for their success. This work focuses on two sources of EM activity: Michel electrons in the 10-50 MeV energy range, and photons from pi 0 decay in the ˜30-300 MeV range. Studies of biases in the energy reconstruction measurement, and energy resolution are performed. The impact of shower topology at different energies is discussed, and the importance of thresholding and other reconstruction effects on producing an asymmetric and biased energy measurement are highlighted. This work further presents a study of the calorimetric separation of electrons and photons with a focus on the shower energy dependence of the separation power.

Study of Electromagnetic Interactions in the MicroBooNE Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Caratelli, David

This thesis presents results on the study of electromagnetic (EM) activity in the MicroBooNE Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber (LArTPC) neutrino detector. The LArTPC detector technology provides bubble-chamber like information on neutrino interaction final states, necessary to perform precision measurements of neutrino oscillation parameters. Accelerator-based oscillation experiments heavily rely on the appearance channel ! e to make such measurements. Identifying and reconstructing the energy of the outgoing electrons from such interactions is therefore crucial for their success. This work focuses on two sources of EM activity: Michel electrons in the 10-50 MeV energy range, and photons from 0 decay inmore » the 30-300 MeV range. Studies of biases in the energy reconstruction measurement, and energy resolution are performed. The impact of shower topology at different energies is discussed, and the importance of thresholding and other reconstruction effects on producing an asymmetric and biased energy measurement are highlighted. This work further presents a study of the calorimetric separation of electrons and photons with a focus on the shower energy dependence of the separation power.« less

Auxiliary engine digital interface unit (DIU)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

This auxiliary propulsion engine digital unit controls both the valving of the fuel and oxidizer to the engine combustion chamber and the ignition spark required for timely and efficient engine burns. In addition to this basic function, the unit is designed to manage it's own redundancy such that it is still operational after two hard circuit failures. It communicates to the data bus system several selected information points relating to the operational status of the electronics as well as the engine fuel and burning processes.

The LUX prototype detector: Heat exchanger development

DOE PAGES

Akerib, D. S.; Bai, X.; Bedikian, S.; ...

2013-01-24

The LUX (large underground xenon) detector is a two-phase xenon time projection chamber (TPC) designed to search for WIMP–nucleon dark matter interactions. As with all noble element detectors, continuous purification of the detector medium is essential to produce a large (> 1 ms) electron lifetime; this is necessary for efficient measurement of the electron signal which in turn is essential for achieving robust discrimination of signal from background events. Here, we describe the development of a novel purification system deployed in a prototype detector. The results from the operation of this prototype indicated heat exchange with an efficiency above 94%more » up to a flow rate of 42 slpm, allowing for an electron drift length greater than 1 m to be achieved in approximately 2 days and sustained for the duration of the testing period.« less

Impact of the resistive wall impedance on beam dynamics in the Future Circular e+e- Collider

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Migliorati, M.; Belli, E.; Zobov, M.

2018-04-01

The Future Circular Collider study, which aims at designing post-LHC particle accelerator options, is entering in the final stage, which foresees a conceptual design report containing the basic requirements for a hadron and a lepton collider, as well as options for an electron-proton machine. Due to the high beam intensities of these accelerators, collective effects have to be carefully analyzed. Among them, the finite conductivity of the beam vacuum chamber represents a major source of impedance for the electron-positron collider. By using numerical and analytical tools, a parametric study of longitudinal and transverse instabilities caused by the resistive wall is performed in this paper for the case of the Future Circular Collider lepton machine, by taking into account also the effects of coating, used to fight the electron cloud build up. It will be proved that under certain assumptions the coupling impedance of a two layer system does not depend on the conductivity of the coating and this property represents an important characteristic for the choice of the material itself. The results and findings of this study have an impact on the machine design in several aspects. In particular the quite low threshold of single bunch instabilities with respect to the nominal beam current and the not negligible power losses due to the resistive wall are shown, together with the necessity of a new feedback system to counteract the fast transverse coupled bunch instability. The importance of a round vacuum chamber to avoid the quadrupolar tune shift is also discussed. Finally the crucial importance of the beam pipe material coating and thickness choice for the above results is underlined.

Study of the dE/dx resolution of a GEM Readout Chamber prototype for the upgrade of the ALICE TPC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mathis, Andreas

2018-02-01

The ALICE Collaboration is planning a major upgrade of its central barrel detectors to be able to cope with the increased LHC luminosity beyond 2020. For the TPC, this implies a replacement of the currently used gated MWPCs (Multi-Wire Proportional Chamber) by GEM (Gas Electron Multiplier) based readout chambers. In order to prove, that the present particle identification capabilities via measurement of the specific energy loss are retained after the upgrade, a prototype of the ALICE IROC (Inner Readout Chamber) has been evaluated in a test beam campaign at the CERN PS. The dE/dx resolution of the prototype has been proven to be fully compatible with the current MWPCs.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Averyanov, A. V.; Bajajin, A. G.; Chepurnov, V. F.

The time-projection chamber (TPC) is the main tracking detector in the MPD/NICA. The information on charge-particle tracks in the TPC is registered by the MWPG with cathode pad readout. The frontend electronics (FEE) are developed with use of modern technologies such as application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), and data transfer to a concentrator via a fast optical interface. The main parameters of the FEE are as follows: total number of channels, ∼95 000; data stream from the whole TPC, 5 GB/s; low power consumption, less than 100 mW/ch; signal to noise ratio (S/N), 30; equivalent noisemore » charge (ENC), <1000e{sup –} (C{sub in} = 10–20 pF); and zero suppression (pad signal rejection ∼90%). The article presents the status of the readout chamber construction and the data acquisition system. The results of testing FEE prototypes are presented.« less

Johnson Space Center's regenerative life support systems test bed

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Henninger, Donald L.; Tri, Terry O.; Barta, Daniel J.; Stahl, Randal S.

1991-01-01

The Regenerative Life Support System (RLSS) Test Bed at NASA's Johnson Space Center is an atmospherically closed, controlled environment facility for the evaluation of regenerative life support systems using higher plants in conjunction with physicochemical life support systems. When completed, the facility will be comprised of two large scale plant growth chambers, each with approximately 10 m(exp 2) growing area. One of the two chambers, the Variable Pressure Growth Chamber (VPGC), will be capable of operating at lower atmospheric pressures to evaluate a range of environments that may be used in Lunar or Martian habitats; the other chamber, the Ambient Pressure Growth Chamber (APGC) will operate at ambient atmospheric pressure. The root zone in each chamber will be configurable for hydroponic or solid state media systems. Research will focus on: (1) in situ resource utilization for CELSS systems, in which simulated lunar soils will be used in selected crop growth studies; (2) integration of biological and physicochemical air and water revitalization systems; (3) effect of atmospheric pressure on system performance; and (4) monitoring and control strategies.

Venturi vacuum systems for hypobaric chamber operations.

PubMed

Robinson, R; Swaby, G; Sutton, T; Fife, C; Powell, M; Butler, B D

1997-11-01

Physiological studies of the effects of high altitude on man often require the use of a hypobaric chamber to simulate the reduced ambient pressures. Typical "altitude" chambers in use today require complex mechanical vacuum systems to evacuate the chamber air, either directly or via reservoir system. Use of these pumps adds to the cost of both chamber procurement and maintenance, and service of these pumps requires trained support personnel and regular upkeep. In this report we describe use of venturi vacuum pumps to perform the function of mechanical vacuum pumps for human and experimental altitude chamber operations. Advantages of the venturi pumps include their relatively low procurement cost, small size and light weight, ease of installation and plumbing, lack of moving parts, and independence from electrical power sources, fossil fuels and lubricants. Conversion of three hyperbaric chambers to combined hyper/hypobaric use is described.

Effects of E × B drift on electron transport across the magnetic field in a miniature microwave discharge neutralizer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hiramoto, Kenta; Nakagawa, Yuichi; Koizumi, Hiroyuki; Takao, Yoshinori

2017-06-01

Using a three-dimensional particle-in-cell model, electron transport across a magnetic field has been investigated by obtaining the time-varying electric field and plasma parameters in a miniature microwave discharge neutralizer. The size of the neutralizer is 20 × 20 × 4 mm3. Ring-shaped antenna producing 4.2 GHz microwaves and permanent magnets for xenon plasma discharges are present inside. There are four orifices for electron extraction. The simulation area consists of both the discharge chamber and the vacuum region for the extraction. The numerical results show that radial striped patterns occur where the peak electron density is obtained, and the patterns seem to rotate in the azimuthal direction. This characteristic structure is very similar to recent results obtained in Hall thrusters and is probably due to the electron drift instability. Owing to the plasma structure, the azimuthal electric field is generated, which results in the E × B drift velocity in the axial direction with the radial magnetic field of the permanent magnets. This E × B drift velocity is a key factor in the electron transport across the magnetic field, leading to the electron extraction from the discharge chamber.

Light extinction method on high-pressure diesel injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Tzay-Fa; El-Beshbeeshy, Mahmound S.; Corradini, Michael L.; Farrell, Patrick V.

1995-09-01

A two dimensional optical diagnostic technique based on light extinction was improved and demonstrated in an investigation of diesel spray characteristics at high injection pressures. Traditional light extinction methods require the spray image to be perpendicular to the light path. In the improved light extinction scheme, a tilted spray image which has an angle with the light path is still capable of being processed. This technique utilizes high speed photography and digital image analysis to obtain qualitative and quantitative information of the spray characteristics. The injection system used was an electronically controlled common rail unit injector system with injection pressures up to 100 MPa. The nozzle of the injector was a mini-sac type with six holes on the nozzle tip. Two different injection angle nozzles, 125 degree(s) and 140 degree(s), producing an in-plane tilted spray and an out of plane tilted spray were investigated. The experiments were conducted on a constant volume spray chamber with the injector mounted tilted at an angle of 62.5 degree(s)$. Only one spray plume was viewed, and other sprays were free to inject to the chamber. The spray chamber was pressurized with argon and air under room temperature to match the combustion chamber density at the start of the injection. The experimental results show that the difference in the spray tip penetration length, spray angle, and overall average Sauter mean diameter is small between the in- plane tilted spray and the out of plane tilted spray. The results also show that in-plane tilted spray has a slightly larger axial cross- section Sauter mean diameter than the out of plane tilted spray.

Epitaxial Growth of Cadmium Telluride Films on Silicon and Indium Antimonide Substrates Using a Closed Hot Wall Epitaxy System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuo, Tien-Chuan

For many applications, such as infrared detector and high speed devices, we need high quality cadmium telluride (CdTe) films. To fabricate CdTe films we are using a home -built Closed Hot Wall Epitaxy system (CHWE). This system consists of two growth chambers, preheat chamber, substrate exchange load lock and ultra-high vacuum system. It can exchange the substrates without disturbing the vacuum environment and prevents the source materials from contamination. Two different substrate materials, Si and InSb, are used in this work. Deposition parameters were varied in order to determine the growth condition for obtaining good quality CdTe films. The characteristics of the films were investigated by Scanning Electron Microscope, X-ray diffractormeter and Auger Electron Spectroscope. The electrical properties of Al/CdTe/InSb MIS diodes are also examined. Experimental results show that the quality of the CdTe films on these two substrates are functions of the source and substrate temperatures. The surface of CdTe films grown on Si substrate are rougher than CdTe films grown on InSb substrate. X -ray patterns show that the crystal orientations of the CdTe films are, (100) and (111), similar to those of the substrates under optimum growth conditions. The CdTe film are stoichiometric based on the results of Auger survey. Electrical measurement also indicates that CdTe films grown on InSb substrates have very high purity and are insulator. The induced stresses due to the differences of lattice constant and thermal expansion coefficient between CdTe films and substrates were observed in CdTe films. The critical thickness of CdTe films on InSb substrates are measured by X-ray diffraction to be 2.63 um.

Dosimetry for Small and Nonstandard Fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Junell, Stephanie L.

The proposed small and non-standard field dosimetry protocol from the joint International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and American Association of Physicist in Medicine working group introduces new reference field conditions for ionization chamber based reference dosimetry. Absorbed dose beam quality conversion factors (kQ factors) corresponding to this formalism were determined for three different models of ionization chambers: a Farmer-type ionization chamber, a thimble ionization chamber, and a small volume ionization chamber. Beam quality correction factor measurements were made in a specially developed cylindrical polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) phantom and a water phantom using thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) and alanine dosimeters to determine dose to water. The TLD system for absorbed dose to water determination in high energy photon and electron beams was fully characterized as part of this dissertation. The behavior of the beam quality correction factor was observed as it transfers the calibration coefficient from the University of Wisconsin Accredited Dosimetry Calibration Laboratory (UWADCL) 60Co reference beam to the small field calibration conditions of the small field formalism. TLD-determined beam quality correction factors for the calibration conditions investigated ranged from 0.97 to 1.30 and had associated standard deviations from 1% to 3%. The alanine-determined beam quality correction factors ranged from 0.996 to 1.293. Volume averaging effects were observed with the Farmer-type ionization chamber in the small static field conditions. The proposed small and non-standard field dosimetry protocols new composite-field reference condition demonstrated its potential to reduce or remove ionization chamber volume dependancies, but the measured beam quality correction factors were not equal to the standard CoP's kQ, indicating a change in beam quality in the small and non-standard field dosimetry protocols new composite-field reference condition relative to the standard broad beam reference conditions. The TLD- and alanine-determined beam quality correction factors in the composite-field reference conditions were approximately 3% greater and differed by more than one standard deviation from the published TG-51 kQ values for all three chambers.

Energy spectrum of medium energy gamma-rays from the galactic center region. [experimental design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Palmeira, R. A. R.; Ramanujarao, K.; Dutra, S. L. G.; Bertsch, D. L.; Kniffen, D. A.; Morris, D. J.

1978-01-01

A balloon-borne magnetic core digitized spark chamber with two assemblies of spark-chambers above and below the scintillation counters was used to measure the medium energy gamma ray flux from the galactic center region. Gamma ray calculations are based on the multiple scattering of the pair electrons in 15 aluminum plates interleaved in the spark chamber modules. Counting rates determined during ascent and at ceiling indicate the presence of diffuse component in this energy range. Preliminary results give an integral flux between 15 and 70 MeV compared to the differential points in other results.

A straw chambers' tracker for the high rate experiment 835 at the Fermilab accumulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bagnasco, S.; Dughera, G.; Giraudo, G.; Govi, G.; Marchetto, F.; Menichetti, E.; Pastrone, N.; Rumerio, P.; Trapani, P. P.

1998-02-01

Two layers of proportional drift tubes (aluminum mylar straws) are staggered in two cylindrical light chambers to measure charged particles' azimuthal angle. To stand the high rates (˜10 kHz/ cm2) and minimize the pile-up of the high luminosity experiment 835 at FNAL, a fast ASIC Amplifier-Shaper-Discriminator (ASD-8B) was chosen. The front-end electronics, designed exclusively with SMD components, was mounted on the downstream end plug of each chamber to avoid oscillations and noise. Design, construction and operational performances of these detectors are presented.

LIONs at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Constant, T.N.; Zdarko, R.W.; Simmons, R.H.

1998-01-01

The term LION is an acronym for Long Ionization Chamber. This is a distributed ion chamber which is used to monitor secondary ionization along the shield walls of a beam line resulting from incorrectly steered charged particle beams in lieu of the use of many discrete ion chambers. A cone of ionizing radiation emanating from a point source as a result of incorrect steering intercepts a portion of 1-5/8 inch Heliax cable (about 100 meters in length) filled with Argon gas at 20 psi and induces a pulsed current which is proportional to the ionizing charge. This signal is transmittedmore » via the cable to an integrator circuit whose output is directed to an electronic comparators, which in turn is used to turn off the accelerated primary beam when preset limits are exceeded. This device is used in the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC) Beam Containment System (BCS) to prevent potentially hazardous ionizing radiation resulting from incorrectly steered beams in areas that might be occupied by people. This paper describes the design parameters and experience in use in the Final Focus Test Beam (FFTB) area of the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center.« less

Readout Electronics for the Central Drift Chamber of the Belle-II Detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uchida, Tomohisa; Taniguchi, Takashi; Ikeno, Masahiro; Iwasaki, Yoshihito; Saito, Masatoshi; Shimazaki, Shoichi; Tanaka, Manobu M.; Taniguchi, Nanae; Uno, Shoji

2015-08-01

We have developed readout electronics for the central drift chamber (CDC) of the Belle-II detector. The space near the endplate of the CDC for installation of the electronics was limited by the detector structure. Due to the large amounts of data generated by the CDC, a high-speed data link, with a greater than one gigabit transfer rate, was required to transfer the data to a back-end computer. A new readout module was required to satisfy these requirements. This module processes 48 signals from the CDC, converts them to digital data and transfers it directly to the computer. All functions that transfer digital data via the high speed link were implemented on the single module. We have measured its electrical characteristics and confirmed that the results satisfy the requirements of the Belle-II experiment.

The AtChem On-line model and Electronic Laboratory Notebook (ELN): A free community modelling tool with provenance capture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Young, J. C.; Boronska, K.; Martin, C. J.; Rickard, A. R.; Vázquez Moreno, M.; Pilling, M. J.; Haji, M. H.; Dew, P. M.; Lau, L. M.; Jimack, P. K.

2010-12-01

AtChem On-line1 is a simple to use zero-dimensional box modelling toolkit, developed for use by laboratory, field and chamber scientists. Any set of chemical reactions can be simulated, in particular the whole Master Chemical Mechanism (MCM2) or any subset of it. Parameters and initial data can be provided through a self-explanatory web form and the resulting model is compiled and run on a dedicated server. The core part of the toolkit, providing a robust solver for thousands of chemical reactions, is written in Fortran and uses SUNDIALS3 CVODE libraries. Chemical systems can be constrained at multiple, user-determined timescales; this enabled studies of radical chemistry at one minute timescales. AtChem On-line is free to use and requires no installation - a web browser, text editor and any compressing software is all the user needs. CPU and storage are provided by the server (input and output data are saved indefinitely). An off-line version is also being developed, which will provide batch processing, an advanced graphical user interface and post-processing tools, for example, Rate of Production Analysis (ROPA) and chainlength analysis. The source code is freely available for advanced users wishing to adapt and run the program locally. Data management, dissemination and archiving are essential in all areas of science. In order to do this in an efficient and transparent way, there is a critical need to capture high quality metadata/provenance for modelling activities. An Electronic Laboratory Notebook (ELN) has been developed in parallel with AtChem Online as part of the EC EUROCHAMP24 project. In order to use controlled chamber experiments to evaluate the MCM, we need to be able to archive, track and search information on all associated chamber model runs, so that they can be used in subsequent mechanism development. Therefore it would be extremely useful if experiment and model metadata/provenance could be easily and automatically stored electronically. Archiving metadata/provenance via an ELN makes it easier to write a paper or thesis and for mechanism developers/evaluators/peer review to search for appropriate experimental and modelling results and conclusions. The development of an ELN in the context mechanism evaluation/development using large experimental chamber datasets is presented.

Status on Technology Development of Optic Fiber-Coupled Laser Ignition System for Rocket Engine Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Trinh, Huu P.; Early, Jim; Osborne, Robin; Thomas, Matthew; Bossard, John

2003-01-01

To pursue technology developments for future launch vehicles, NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is examining vortex chamber concepts for liquid rocket engine applications. Past studies indicated that the vortex chamber schemes potentially have a number of advantages over conventional chamber methods. Due to the nature of the vortex flow, relatively cooler propellant streams tend to flow along the chamber wall. Hence, the thruster chamber can be operated without the need of any cooling techniques. This vortex flow also creates strong turbulence, which promotes the propellant mixing process. Consequently, the subject chamber concept: not only offer system simplicity, but also enhance the combustion performance. Test results have shown that chamber performance is markedly high even at a low chamber length-to-diameter ratio. This incentive can be translated to a convenience in the thrust chamber packaging.

26th Space Simulation Conference Proceedings. Environmental Testing: The Path Forward

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Packard, Edward A.

2010-01-01

Topics covered include: A Multifunctional Space Environment Simulation Facility for Accelerated Spacecraft Materials Testing; Exposure of Spacecraft Surface Coatings in a Simulated GEO Radiation Environment; Gravity-Offloading System for Large-Displacement Ground Testing of Spacecraft Mechanisms; Microscopic Shutters Controlled by cRIO in Sounding Rocket; Application of a Physics-Based Stabilization Criterion to Flight System Thermal Testing; Upgrade of a Thermal Vacuum Chamber for 20 Kelvin Operations; A New Approach to Improve the Uniformity of Solar Simulator; A Perfect Space Simulation Storm; A Planetary Environmental Simulator/Test Facility; Collimation Mirror Segment Refurbishment inside ESA s Large Space; Space Simulation of the CBERS 3 and 4 Satellite Thermal Model in the New Brazilian 6x8m Thermal Vacuum Chamber; The Certification of Environmental Chambers for Testing Flight Hardware; Space Systems Environmental Test Facility Database (SSETFD), Website Development Status; Wallops Flight Facility: Current and Future Test Capabilities for Suborbital and Orbital Projects; Force Limited Vibration Testing of JWST NIRSpec Instrument Using Strain Gages; Investigation of Acoustic Field Uniformity in Direct Field Acoustic Testing; Recent Developments in Direct Field Acoustic Testing; Assembly, Integration and Test Centre in Malaysia: Integration between Building Construction Works and Equipment Installation; Complex Ground Support Equipment for Satellite Thermal Vacuum Test; Effect of Charging Electron Exposure on 1064nm Transmission through Bare Sapphire Optics and SiO2 over HfO2 AR-Coated Sapphire Optics; Environmental Testing Activities and Capabilities for Turkish Space Industry; Integrated Circuit Reliability Simulation in Space Environments; Micrometeoroid Impacts and Optical Scatter in Space Environment; Overcoming Unintended Consequences of Ambient Pressure Thermal Cycling Environmental Tests; Performance and Functionality Improvements to Next Generation Thermal Vacuum Control System; Robotic Lunar Lander Development Project: Three-Dimensional Dynamic Stability Testing and Analysis; Thermal Physical Properties of Thermal Coatings for Spacecraft in Wide Range of Environmental Conditions: Experimental and Theoretical Study; Molecular Contamination Generated in Thermal Vacuum Chambers; Preventing Cross Contamination of Hardware in Thermal Vacuum Chambers; Towards Validation of Particulate Transport Code; Updated Trends in Materials' Outgassing Technology; Electrical Power and Data Acquisition Setup for the CBER 3 and 4 Satellite TBT; Method of Obtaining High Resolution Intrinsic Wire Boom Damping Parameters for Multi-Body Dynamics Simulations; and Thermal Vacuum Testing with Scalable Software Developed In-House.

Development and Preliminary Evaluation of a Spray Deposition Sensing System for Improving Pesticide Application.

PubMed

Kesterson, Melissa A; Luck, Joe D; Sama, Michael P

2015-12-17

An electronic, resistance-based sensor array and data acquisition system was developed to measure spray deposition from hydraulic nozzles. The sensor surface consisted of several parallel tin plated copper traces of varying widths with varying gap widths. The system contained an embedded microprocessor to monitor output voltage corresponding to spray deposition every second. In addition, a wireless module was used to transmit the voltage values to a remote laptop. Tests were conducted in two stages to evaluate the performance of the sensor array in an attempt to quantify the spray deposition. Initial tests utilized manual droplet placement on the sensor surface to determine the effects of temperature and droplet size on voltage output. Secondary testing utilized a spray chamber to pass nozzles at different speeds above the sensor surface to determine if output varied based on different application rates or spray droplet classification. Results from this preliminary analysis indicated that manual droplets of 5 and 10 μL resulted in significantly different values from the sensors while temperature did not consistently affect output. Spray chamber test results indicated that different application rates and droplet sizes could be determined using the sensor array.

Development and Preliminary Evaluation of a Spray Deposition Sensing System for Improving Pesticide Application

PubMed Central

Kesterson, Melissa A.; Luck, Joe D.; Sama, Michael P.

2015-01-01

An electronic, resistance-based sensor array and data acquisition system was developed to measure spray deposition from hydraulic nozzles. The sensor surface consisted of several parallel tin plated copper traces of varying widths with varying gap widths. The system contained an embedded microprocessor to monitor output voltage corresponding to spray deposition every second. In addition, a wireless module was used to transmit the voltage values to a remote laptop. Tests were conducted in two stages to evaluate the performance of the sensor array in an attempt to quantify the spray deposition. Initial tests utilized manual droplet placement on the sensor surface to determine the effects of temperature and droplet size on voltage output. Secondary testing utilized a spray chamber to pass nozzles at different speeds above the sensor surface to determine if output varied based on different application rates or spray droplet classification. Results from this preliminary analysis indicated that manual droplets of 5 and 10 μL resulted in significantly different values from the sensors while temperature did not consistently affect output. Spray chamber test results indicated that different application rates and droplet sizes could be determined using the sensor array. PMID:26694417

Effects of AEC chamber selection on patient dose and image quality.

PubMed

Hawking, Nancy; Elmore, Angie

2009-01-01

To determine whether manipulation of the standard automatic exposure control (AEC) chamber selections reduces the patient's entrance skin exposure (ESE) without compromising image quality. Data for density and radiation dose were gathered at 2 clinical locations by exposing abdomen and pelvis phantoms to radiation using 3 AEC chamber selection configurations. ESE (skin dose) was measured using a multipurpose dosimeter. The experiment included both film-screen and computed radiography (CR) systems. For both phantoms, using the 2 outside chambers resulted in the lowest dose on the film-screen and CR systems. In general, optical density (OD) and exposure indicator (EI) remained within acceptable ranges and image quality was maintained using this chamber configuration. Using only the center chamber resulted in the highest dose increases and lowest image quality for film-screen and CR systems. When performing anteroposterior (AP) abdomen and AP pelvis examinations, radiographers can reduce patients' ESE and maintain image quality by selecting the 2 outside AEC chambers. Further research on AEC chamber selection should be conducted for additional anatomical regions.

A macrosonic system for industrial processing

PubMed

Gallego-Juarez; Rodriguez-Corral; Riera-Franco de Sarabia E; Campos-Pozuelo; Vazquez-Martinez; Acosta-Aparicio

2000-03-01

The development of high-power applications of sonic and ultrasonic energy in industrial processing requires a great variety of practical systems with characteristics which are dependent on the effect to be exploited. Nevertheless, the majority of systems are basically constituted of a treatment chamber and one or several transducers coupled to it. Therefore, the feasibility of the application mainly depends on the efficiency of the transducer-chamber system. This paper deals with a macrosonic system which is essentially constituted of a high-power transducer with a double stepped-plate radiator coupled to a chamber of square section. The radiator, which has a rectangular shape, is placed on one face of the chamber in order to drive the inside fluid volume. The stepped profile of the radiator allows a piston-like radiation to be obtained. The radiation from the back face of the radiator is also applied to the chamber by using adequate reflectors. Transducer-chamber systems for sonic and ultrasonic frequencies have been developed with power capacities up to about 5 kW for the treatment of fluid volumes of several cubic meters. The characteristics of these systems are presented in this paper.

Using sputter coated glass to stabilize microstrip gas chambers

DOEpatents

Gong, Wen G.

1997-01-01

By sputter coating a thin-layer of low-resistive, electronically-conductive glass on various substrates (including quartz and ceramics, thin-film Pestov glass), microstrip gas chambers (MSGC) of high gain stability, low leakage current, and a high rate capability can be fabricated. This design can make the choice of substrate less important, save the cost of ion-implantation, and use less glass material.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Earl, James A.

From 1948 until 1963, cloud chambers were carried to the top of the atmosphere by balloons. From these flights, which were begun by Edward P. Ney at the University of Minnesota, came the following results: discovery of heavy cosmic ray nuclei, development of scintillation and cherenkov detectors, discovery of cosmic ray electrons, and studies of solar proton events. The history of that era is illustrated here by cloud chamber photographs of primary cosmic rays.

Ion beam generating apparatus

DOEpatents

Brown, I.G.; Galvin, J.

1987-12-22

An ion generating apparatus utilizing a vacuum chamber, a cathode and an anode in the chamber. A source of electrical power produces an arc or discharge between the cathode and anode. The arc is sufficient to vaporize a portion of the cathode to form a plasma. The plasma is directed to an extractor which separates the electrons from the plasma, and accelerates the ions to produce an ion beam. 10 figs.

SU-E-T-552: Monte Carlo Calculation of Correction Factors for a Free-Air Ionization Chamber in Support of a National Air-Kerma Standard for Electronic Brachytherapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mille, M; Bergstrom, P

2015-06-15

Purpose: To use Monte Carlo radiation transport methods to calculate correction factors for a free-air ionization chamber in support of a national air-kerma standard for low-energy, miniature x-ray sources used for electronic brachytherapy (eBx). Methods: The NIST is establishing a calibration service for well-type ionization chambers used to characterize the strength of eBx sources prior to clinical use. The calibration approach involves establishing the well-chamber’s response to an eBx source whose air-kerma rate at a 50 cm distance is determined through a primary measurement performed using the Lamperti free-air ionization chamber. However, the free-air chamber measurements of charge or currentmore » can only be related to the reference air-kerma standard after applying several corrections, some of which are best determined via Monte Carlo simulation. To this end, a detailed geometric model of the Lamperti chamber was developed in the EGSnrc code based on the engineering drawings of the instrument. The egs-fac user code in EGSnrc was then used to calculate energy-dependent correction factors which account for missing or undesired ionization arising from effects such as: (1) attenuation and scatter of the x-rays in air; (2) primary electrons escaping the charge collection region; (3) lack of charged particle equilibrium; (4) atomic fluorescence and bremsstrahlung radiation. Results: Energy-dependent correction factors were calculated assuming a monoenergetic point source with the photon energy ranging from 2 keV to 60 keV in 2 keV increments. Sufficient photon histories were simulated so that the Monte Carlo statistical uncertainty of the correction factors was less than 0.01%. The correction factors for a specific eBx source will be determined by integrating these tabulated results over its measured x-ray spectrum. Conclusion: The correction factors calculated in this work are important for establishing a national standard for eBx which will help ensure that dose is accurately and consistently delivered to patients.« less

Status and Perspectives for a Slow Positron Beam Facility at the HH—NIPNE Bucharest

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Constantin, Florin; Craciun, Liviu Stefan; Constantinescu, Olimpiu; Ghita, Ionica Alina; Ionescu, Cristina; Racolta, Petru Mihai; Straticiuc, Mihai; Vasilescu, Angela; Braic, Viorel; Zoita, Catalin; Kiss, Adrian; Bojin, Dionezie

2009-03-01

The development of a positron annihilation spectroscopy laboratory at the HH-NIPNE Bucharest-to be used for material studies and applications was started in the last 10 years. In the framework of a national research project extended over the last 3 years, was designed a low energy positron accelerator, as a high-vacuum dedicated beam line with two options: a 25 mCi 22NaCl source and in line with the NIPNE-cyclotron or a new intense compact cyclotron. The construction of the beam line was planned as a sequence of modules: source- moderator system; magnetical filter for fast positrons in order to select the positrons energies in the range 0.8-1 keV; a modular system for focusing, transport and acceleration of monoenergetic positrons in the energy range 0.8-50 keV and a CDBS analysis chamber. The moderator proposed—is tungsten as a foil of about 3 μm prepared at the Optoelectronics Institute were put into a thermal treatment vacuum chamber and bombarded with electrons from a 100 W electron gun After the treatment, they were tested for changes of elemental composition of the surface and structure at the Polytechnic University. The structure tests were performed on a DRON 3 M diffractometer, with a Co tube (λKα = 1.7903 A)—the angular regions studied were around 34° (1 0 0) and 69° (2 0 0). In the present time, the trajectories of the positron are going to be simulated with dedicated software (an ion and electron optics simulator). For the coincidence measurements (CDBS) set-up we used a home-made 22NaCl source, by separation without carrier from a metallic Mg target irradiated with 12 MeV protons and separated by columnar cation exchange. A home- made biparametric system for CDBS measurements will be reported, also.

Status and Perspectives for a Slow Positron Beam Facility at the HH-NIPNE Bucharest

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Straticiuc, Mihai; Craciun, Liviu Stefan; Constantinescu, Olimpiu; Ghita, Ionica Alina; Ionescu, Cristina; Racolta, Petru Mihai; Vasilescu, Angela; Braic, Viorel; Zoita, Catalin; Kiss, Adrian; Bojin, Dionezie

2009-03-01

The development of a positron annihilation spectroscopy laboratory at the HH-NIPNE Bucharest-to be used for material studies and applications was started in the last 10 years. In the framework of a national research project extended over the last 3 years, was designed a low energy positron accelerator, as a high-vacuum dedicated beam line with two options: a 25 mCi 22NaCl source and in line with the NIPNE-cyclotron or a new intense compact cyclotron. The construction of the beam line was planned as a sequence of modules: source- moderator system; magnetical filter for fast positrons in order to select the positrons energies in the range 0.8-1 keV; a modular system for focusing, transport and acceleration of monoenergetic positrons in the energy range 0.8-50 keV and a CDBS analysis chamber. The moderator proposed-is tungsten as a foil of about 3 μm prepared at the Optoelectronics Institute were put into a thermal treatment vacuum chamber and bombarded with electrons from a 100 W electron gun After the treatment, they were tested for changes of elemental composition of the surface and structure at the Polytechnic University. The structure tests were performed on a DRON 3 M diffractometer, with a Co tube (λKα = 1.7903 A)-the angular regions studied were around 34° (1 0 0) and 69° (2 0 0). In the present time, the trajectories of the positron are going to be simulated with dedicated software (an ion and electron optics simulator). For the coincidence measurements (CDBS) set-up we used a home-made 22NaCl source, by separation without carrier from a metallic Mg target irradiated with 12 MeV protons and separated by columnar cation exchange. A home- made biparametric system for CDBS measurements will be reported, also.

Characterization of Low-Frequency Combustion Stability of the Fastrac Engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rocker, Marvin; Jones, Preston (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

A series of tests were conducted to measure the combustion performance of the Fastrac engine thrust chamber. During mainstage, the thrust chamber exhibited no large-amplitude chamber pressure oscillations that could be identified as low-frequency combustion instability or 'chug'. However, during start-up and shutdown, the thrust chamber very briefly exhibited large-amplitude chamber pressure oscillations that were identified as chug. These instabilities during start-up and shutdown were regarded as benign due to their brevity. Linear models of the thrust chamber and the propellant feed systems were formulated for both the thrust chamber component tests and the flight engine tests. These linear models determined the frequency and decay rate of chamber pressure oscillations given the design and operating conditions of the thrust chamber and feed system. The frequency of chamber pressure oscillations determined from the model closely matched the frequency of low-amplitude, low-frequency chamber pressure oscillations exhibited in some of the later thrust chamber mainstage tests. The decay rate of the chamber pressure oscillations determined from the models indicated that these low-frequency oscillations were stable. Likewise, the decay rate, determined from the model of the flight engine tests indicated that the low-frequency chamber pressure oscillations would be stable.

Tailored plasma sprayed MCrAlY coatings for aircraft gas turbine applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pennisi, F. J.; Gupta, D. K.

1981-01-01

Eighteen plasma sprayed coating systems, nine based on the NiCoCrAly chemistry and nine based on the CoCrAly composition, were evaluated to identify coating systems which provide equivalent or superior life to that shown by the electron beam physical vapor deposited NiCoCrAly and CoCrAly coatings respectively. NiCoCrAly type coatings were examined on a single crystal alloy and the CoCrAly based coatings were optimized on the B1900+ Hf alloy. Cyclic burner rig oxidation and hot corrosion and tensile ductility tests used to evaluate the various coating candidates. For the single crystal alloy, a low pressure chamber plasma sprayed NiCoCrAly + Si coating exhibited a 2x oxidation life improvement at 1394 K (2050 F) over the vapor deposited NiCoCrAly material while showing equivalent tensile ductility. A silicon modified low pressure chamber plasma sprayed CoCrAly coating was found to be more durable than the baseline vapor deposited CoCrAly coating on the B1900+ Hf alloy.

Development of a large-scale isolation chamber system for the safe and humane care of medium-sized laboratory animals harboring infectious diseases*

PubMed Central

Pan, Xin; Qi, Jian-cheng; Long, Ming; Liang, Hao; Chen, Xiao; Li, Han; Li, Guang-bo; Zheng, Hao

2010-01-01

The close phylogenetic relationship between humans and non-human primates makes non-human primates an irreplaceable model for the study of human infectious diseases. In this study, we describe the development of a large-scale automatic multi-functional isolation chamber for use with medium-sized laboratory animals carrying infectious diseases. The isolation chamber, including the transfer chain, disinfection chain, negative air pressure isolation system, animal welfare system, and the automated system, is designed to meet all biological safety standards. To create an internal chamber environment that is completely isolated from the exterior, variable frequency drive blowers are used in the air-intake and air-exhaust system, precisely controlling the filtered air flow and providing an air-barrier protection. A double door transfer port is used to transfer material between the interior of the isolation chamber and the outside. A peracetic acid sterilizer and its associated pipeline allow for complete disinfection of the isolation chamber. All of the isolation chamber parameters can be automatically controlled by a programmable computerized menu, allowing for work with different animals in different-sized cages depending on the research project. The large-scale multi-functional isolation chamber provides a useful and safe system for working with infectious medium-sized laboratory animals in high-level bio-safety laboratories. PMID:20872984

Glycol leak detection system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rabe, Paul; Browne, Keith; Brink, Janus; Coetzee, Christiaan J.

2016-07-01

MonoEthylene glycol coolant is used extensively on the Southern African Large Telescope to cool components inside the telescope chamber. To prevent coolant leaks from causing serious damage to electronics and optics, a Glycol Leak Detection System was designed to automatically shut off valves in affected areas. After two years of research and development the use of leaf wetness sensors proved to work best and is currently operational. These sensors are placed at various critical points within the instrument payload that would trigger the leak detector controller, which closes the valves, and alerts the building management system. In this paper we describe the research of an initial concept and the final accepted implementation and the test results thereof.

Helicon thruster plasma modeling: Two-dimensional fluid-dynamics and propulsive performances

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ahedo, Eduardo; Navarro-Cavalle, Jaume

2013-04-15

An axisymmetric macroscopic model of the magnetized plasma flow inside the helicon thruster chamber is derived, assuming that the power absorbed from the helicon antenna emission is known. Ionization, confinement, subsonic flows, and production efficiency are discussed in terms of design and operation parameters. Analytical solutions and simple scaling laws for ideal plasma conditions are obtained. The chamber model is then matched with a model of the external magnetic nozzle in order to characterize the whole plasma flow and assess thruster performances. Thermal, electric, and magnetic contributions to thrust are evaluated. The energy balance provides the power conversion between ionsmore » and electrons in chamber and nozzle, and the power distribution among beam power, ionization losses, and wall losses. Thruster efficiency is assessed, and the main causes of inefficiency are identified. The thermodynamic behavior of the collisionless electron population in the nozzle is acknowledged to be poorly known and crucial for a complete plasma expansion and good thrust efficiency.« less

Development of an environmental chamber for evaluating the performance of low-cost air quality sensors under controlled conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Papapostolou, Vasileios; Zhang, Hang; Feenstra, Brandon J.; Polidori, Andrea

2017-12-01

A state-of-the-art integrated chamber system has been developed for evaluating the performance of low-cost air quality sensors. The system contains two professional grade chamber enclosures. A 1.3 m3 stainless-steel outer chamber and a 0.11 m3 Teflon-coated stainless-steel inner chamber are used to create controlled aerosol and gaseous atmospheres, respectively. Both chambers are temperature and relative humidity controlled with capability to generate a wide range of environmental conditions. The system is equipped with an integrated zero-air system, an ozone and two aerosol generation systems, a dynamic dilution calibrator, certified gas cylinders, an array of Federal Reference Method (FRM), Federal Equivalent Method (FEM), and Best Available Technology (BAT) reference instruments and an automated control and sequencing software. Our experiments have demonstrated that the chamber system is capable of generating stable and reproducible aerosol and gas concentrations at low, medium, and high levels. This paper discusses the development of the chamber system along with the methods used to quantitatively evaluate sensor performance. Considering that a significant number of academic and research institutions, government agencies, public and private institutions, and individuals are becoming interested in developing and using low-cost air quality sensors, it is important to standardize the procedures used to evaluate their performance. The information discussed herein provides a roadmap for entities who are interested in characterizing air quality sensors in a rigorous, systematic and reproducible manner.

Chemical vapor deposition growth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ruth, R. P.; Manasevit, H. M.; Kenty, J. L.; Moudy, L. A.; Simpson, W. I.; Yang, J. J.

1976-01-01

A chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactor system with a vertical deposition chamber was used for the growth of Si films on glass, glass-ceramic, and polycrystalline ceramic substrates. Silicon vapor was produced by pyrolysis of SiH4 in a H2 or He carrier gas. Preliminary deposition experiments with two of the available glasses were not encouraging. Moderately encouraging results, however, were obtained with fired polycrystalline alumina substrates, which were used for Si deposition at temperatures above 1,000 C. The surfaces of both the substrates and the films were characterized by X-ray diffraction, reflection electron diffraction, scanning electron microscopy optical microscopy, and surface profilometric techniques. Several experiments were conducted to establish baseline performance data for the reactor system, including temperature distributions on the sample pedestal, effects of carrier gas flow rate on temperature and film thickness, and Si film growth rate as a function of temperature.

Analysis and design of ion thrusters for large space systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

James, E. L.

1980-01-01

This study undertakes the analysis and conceptual design of a 0.5 Newton electrostatic ion thruster suitable for use on large space system missions in the next decade. Either argon or xenon gas shall be used as propellant. A 50 cm diameter discharge chamber was selected to meet stipulated performance goals. The discharge plasma is contained at the boundary by a periodic structure of alternating permanent magnets generating a series of line cusps. Anode strips between the magnets collect Maxwellian electrons generated by a central cathode. Ion extraction utilizes either two or three grid optics at the user's choice. An extensive analysis was undertaken to investigate optics behavior in the high power environment of this large thruster. A plasma bridge neutralizer operating on inert gas provides charge neutralizing electrons to complete the design. The resulting conceptual thruster and the necessary power management and control requirements are described.

Electron concentration distribution in a glow discharge in air flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukhamedzianov, R. B.; Gaisin, F. M.; Sabitov, R. A.

1989-04-01

Electron concentration distributions in a glow discharge in longitudinal and vortex air flows are determined from the attenuation of the electromagnetic wave passing through the plasma using microwave probes. An analysis of the distribution curves obtained indicates that electron concentration decreases in the direction of the anode. This can be explained by charge diffusion toward the chamber walls and electron recombination and sticking within the discharge.

Thermohydrodynamic model: Hydrothermal system, shallowly seated magma chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiryukhin, A. V.

1985-02-01

The results of numerical modeling of heat exchange in the Hawaiian geothermal reservoir demonstrate the possibility of appearance of a hydrothermal system over a magma chamber. This matter was investigated in hydrothermal system. The equations for the conservation of mass and energy are discussed. Two possible variants of interaction between the magma chamber and the hydrothermal system were computated stationary dry magma chamber and dry magma chamber changing volume in dependence on the discharge of magma and taking into account heat exchange with the surrounding rocks. It is shown that the thermal supplying of the hydrothermal system can be ensured by the extraction of heat from a magma chamber which lies at a depth of 3 km and is melted out due to receipt of 40 cubic km of basalt melt with a temperature of 1,300 C. The initial data correspond with computations made with the model to the temperature values in the geothermal reservoir and a natural heat transfer comparable with the actually observed values.

Determination of Energy of a Clinical Electron Beam as Part of a Routine Quality Assurance and Audit System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hernández-Bello, Jimmy; D'Souza, Derek; Rossenberg, Ivan

2002-08-01

A method to determine the electron beam energy and an electron audit based on the current IPEM electron Code of Practice has been devised. During the commissioning on the new Varian 2100CD linear accelerator in The Middlesex Hospital, two methods were devised for the determination of electron energy. The first method involves the use of a two-depth method, whereby the ratio of ionisation (presented as a percentage) measured by an ion chamber at two depths in solid water is used to compare against the baseline ionisation depth value for that energy. The second method involves the irradiation of an X-ray film in solid water to obtain a depth dose curve and, hence determine the half value depth and practical range of the electrons. The results showed that the two-depth method has a better accuracy, repeatability, reliability and consistency than the X-ray method. The results for the electron audit showed that electron absolute outputs are obtained from ionisation measurements in solid water, where the energy-range parameters such as practical range and the depth at which ionisation is 50% of that at the maximum for the depth-ionisation curve are determined.

Liquid scanning transmission electron microscopy: imaging protein complexes in their native environment in whole eukaryotic cells.

PubMed

Peckys, Diana B; de Jonge, Niels

2014-04-01

Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) of specimens in liquid, so-called Liquid STEM, is capable of imaging the individual subunits of macromolecular complexes in whole eukaryotic cells in liquid. This paper discusses this new microscopy modality within the context of state-of-the-art microscopy of cells. The principle of operation and equations for the resolution are described. The obtained images are different from those acquired with standard transmission electron microscopy showing the cellular ultrastructure. Instead, contrast is obtained on specific labels. Images can be recorded in two ways, either via STEM at 200 keV electron beam energy using a microfluidic chamber enclosing the cells, or via environmental scanning electron microscopy at 30 keV of cells in a wet environment. The first series of experiments involved the epidermal growth factor receptor labeled with gold nanoparticles. The labels were imaged in whole fixed cells with nanometer resolution. Since the cells can be kept alive in the microfluidic chamber, it is also feasible to detect the labels in unfixed, live cells. The rapid sample preparation and imaging allows studies of multiple whole cells.

Enhancement of negative hydrogen ion production in an electron cyclotron resonance source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dugar-Zhabon, V. D.; Murillo, M. T.; Karyaka, V. I.

2013-07-01

In this paper, we present a method for improving the negative hydrogen ion yield in the electron cyclotron resonance source with driven plasma rings where the negative ion production is realized in two stages. First, the hydrogen and deuterium molecules are excited in collisions with plasma electrons to high-laying Rydberg and high vibration levels in the plasma volume. The second stage leads to negative ion production through the process of repulsive attachment of low-energy electrons by the excited molecules. The low-energy electrons originate due to a bombardment of the plasma electrode surface by ions of a driven ring and the thermoelectrons produced by a rare earth ceramic electrode, which is appropriately installed in the source chamber. The experimental and calculation data on the negative hydrogen ion generation rate demonstrate that very low-energy thermoelectrons significantly enhance the negative-ion generation rate that occurs in the layer adjacent to the plasma electrode surface. It is found that heating of the tungsten filaments placed in the source chamber improves the discharge stability and extends the pressure operation range.

Open loop, auto reversing liquid nitrogen circulation thermal system for thermo vacuum chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naidu, M. C. A.; Nolakha, Dinesh; Saharkar, B. S.; Kavani, K. M.; Patel, D. R.

2012-11-01

In a thermo vacuum chamber, attaining and controlling low and high temperatures (-100 Deg. C to +120 Deg. C) is a very important task. This paper describes the development of "Open loop, auto reversing liquid nitrogen based thermal system". System specifications, features, open loop auto reversing system, liquid nitrogen flow paths etc. are discussed in this paper. This thermal system consists of solenoid operated cryogenic valves, double embossed thermal plate (shroud), heating elements, temperature sensors and PLC. Bulky items like blowers, heating chambers, liquid nitrogen injection chambers, huge pipe lines and valves were not used. This entire thermal system is very simple to operate and PLC based, fully auto system with auto tuned to given set temperatures. This system requires a very nominal amount of liquid nitrogen (approx. 80 liters / hour) while conducting thermo vacuum tests. This system was integrated to 1.2m dia thermo vacuum chamber, as a part of its augmentation, to conduct extreme temperature cycling tests on passive antenna reflectors of satellites.

TiN Coating of Accelerator Beamline Chambers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leung, K. N.; Gough, R. A.; Mashaw, A.; Lee, Y.; Wutte, D.

1997-05-01

One of the problems encountered in many high-power rf systems is multipactoring inside vacuum cavities. The potential for multipactoring occurs whenever the secondary electron emission (SEM) coefficient of the surface exceeds unity. The secondary electtron emission coefficient of titanium-nitride is always less than unity. Therefore, a TiN coating can reduce multipactoring and also reduce photoemission electron from beam-pipe surfaces. The TiN film is very stable. A new technique is being explored at LBNL that will allow an efficient way to coat differently shaped surfaces. In this technique, rf-induction discharge with an exposed Ti induction antenna is used. Tests are being performed using argon, nitrogen, and a mixture of argon/nitrogen gases. Results of this testing will be presented.

FPGA-based trigger system for the LUX dark matter experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akerib, D. S.; Araújo, H. M.; Bai, X.; Bailey, A. J.; Balajthy, J.; Beltrame, P.; Bernard, E. P.; Bernstein, A.; Biesiadzinski, T. P.; Boulton, E. M.; Bradley, A.; Bramante, R.; Cahn, S. B.; Carmona-Benitez, M. C.; Chan, C.; Chapman, J. J.; Chiller, A. A.; Chiller, C.; Currie, A.; Cutter, J. E.; Davison, T. J. R.; de Viveiros, L.; Dobi, A.; Dobson, J. E. Y.; Druszkiewicz, E.; Edwards, B. N.; Faham, C. H.; Fiorucci, S.; Gaitskell, R. J.; Gehman, V. M.; Ghag, C.; Gibson, K. R.; Gilchriese, M. G. D.; Hall, C. R.; Hanhardt, M.; Haselschwardt, S. J.; Hertel, S. A.; Hogan, D. P.; Horn, M.; Huang, D. Q.; Ignarra, C. M.; Ihm, M.; Jacobsen, R. G.; Ji, W.; Kazkaz, K.; Khaitan, D.; Knoche, R.; Larsen, N. A.; Lee, C.; Lenardo, B. G.; Lesko, K. T.; Lindote, A.; Lopes, M. I.; Malling, D. C.; Manalaysay, A. G.; Mannino, R. L.; Marzioni, M. F.; McKinsey, D. N.; Mei, D.-M.; Mock, J.; Moongweluwan, M.; Morad, J. A.; Murphy, A. St. J.; Nehrkorn, C.; Nelson, H. N.; Neves, F.; O`Sullivan, K.; Oliver-Mallory, K. C.; Ott, R. A.; Palladino, K. J.; Pangilinan, M.; Pease, E. K.; Phelps, P.; Reichhart, L.; Rhyne, C.; Shaw, S.; Shutt, T. A.; Silva, C.; Skulski, W.; Solovov, V. N.; Sorensen, P.; Stephenson, S.; Sumner, T. J.; Szydagis, M.; Taylor, D. J.; Taylor, W.; Tennyson, B. P.; Terman, P. A.; Tiedt, D. R.; To, W. H.; Tripathi, M.; Tvrznikova, L.; Uvarov, S.; Verbus, J. R.; Webb, R. C.; White, J. T.; Whitis, T. J.; Witherell, M. S.; Wolfs, F. L. H.; Yin, J.; Young, S. K.; Zhang, C.

2016-05-01

LUX is a two-phase (liquid/gas) xenon time projection chamber designed to detect nuclear recoils resulting from interactions with dark matter particles. Signals from the detector are processed with an FPGA-based digital trigger system that analyzes the incoming data in real-time, with just a few microsecond latency. The system enables first pass selection of events of interest based on their pulse shape characteristics and 3D localization of the interactions. It has been shown to be > 99 % efficient in triggering on S2 signals induced by only few extracted liquid electrons. It is continuously and reliably operating since its full underground deployment in early 2013. This document is an overview of the systems capabilities, its inner workings, and its performance.

Simultaneous imaging electron- and ion-feature Thomson scattering measurements of radiatively heated Xe

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pollock, B. B.; University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, California 92093; Meinecke, J.

2012-10-15

Uniform density and temperature Xe plasmas have been produced over >4 mm scale-lengths using x-rays generated in a cylindrical Pb cavity. The cavity is 750 {mu}m in depth and diameter, and is heated by a 300 J, 2 ns square, 1054 nm laser pulse focused to a spot size of 200 {mu}m at the cavity entrance. The plasma is characterized by simultaneous imaging Thomson scattering measurements from both the electron and ion scattering features. The electron feature measurement determines the spatial electron density and temperature profile, and using these parameters as constraints in the ion feature analysis allows an accuratemore » determination of the charge state of the Xe ions. The Thomson scattering probe beam is 40 J, 200 ps, and 527 nm, and is focused to a 100 {mu}m spot size at the entrance of the Pb cavity. Each system has a spatial resolution of 25 {mu}m, a temporal resolution of 200 ps (as determined by the probe duration), and a spectral resolution of 2 nm for the electron feature system and 0.025 nm for the ion feature system. The experiment is performed in a Xe filled target chamber at a neutral pressure of 3-10 Torr, and the x-rays produced in the Pb ionize and heat the Xe to a charge state of 20{+-}4 at up to 200 eV electron temperatures.« less

Two-statge sorption type cryogenic refrigerator including heat regeneration system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, Jack A. (Inventor); Wen, Liang-Chi (Inventor); Bard, Steven (Inventor)

1989-01-01

A lower stage chemisorption refrigeration system physically and functionally coupled to an upper stage physical adsorption refrigeration system. Waste heat generated by the lower stage cycle is regenerated to fuel the upper stage cycle thereby greatly improving the energy efficiency of a two-stage sorption refrigerator. The two stages are joined by disposing a first pressurization chamber providing a high pressure flow of a first refrigerant for the lower stage refrigeration cycle within a second pressurization chamber providing a high pressure flow of a second refrigerant for the upper stage refrigeration cycle. The first pressurization chamber is separated from the second pressurization chamber by a gas-gap thermal switch which at times is filled with a thermoconductive fluid to allow conduction of heat from the first pressurization chamber to the second pressurization chamber.

Advanced Expander Test Bed Program

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-04-01

CHAMBER COOLANT DP 503. CHAMBER COOLANT DT 896. ETA C* 0.993 CHAMBER Q 12371. ENGINE STATION CONDITIONS FUEL SYSTEM CONDITIONS STATION PRESS TEMP FLOW...1597.3 452.5 7.44 1507.1 0.62 CHAMBER 1500.0 * OXYGEN SYSTEM CONDITIONS STATION PRESS TEMP FLOW ENTHALPY DENSITY ENGINE INLET 70.0 163.0- 44.64 61.2...FUEL SYSTEM CONOITIONS PRESS TEMP FLOM ENTHALPY OENSITY STATION (PSIA) (DEG R) (LB/SEC) [(BTU/LB) (LB/FT31 ENGINE INLET 73.0 38.0 7.440 -104.8 4.389

Analysis and Characterization of the Mechanical Structure for the I-Tracker of the Mu2e Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Lorenzis, L.; Grancagnolo, F.; L'Erario, A.; Maffezzoli, A.; Miccoli, A.; Rella, S.; Spedicato, M.; Zavarise, G.

2014-03-01

The design of a tracking detector for electrons in a magnetic field consisting of a drift chamber is discussed. The chosen materials for its construction must be light to minimize the effects of the subatomic particles interactions with the chamber walls. Low-density materials and very thin wall thicknesses are therefore needed. From a mechanical engineering point of view, it is important to analyse the drift chamber structure and define the conditions to which it is subject in terms of both mechanical loads and geometric constraints. The analysis of the structural response of the drift chamber has been performed through the Finite Element Method (FEM) as implemented in the commercial software ANSYS and its interface for the analysis for composite structures ACP (Ansys Composite Pre/Post).

Effect of axial magnetic field on a 2.45 GHz permanent magnet ECR ion source.

PubMed

Nakamura, T; Wada, H; Asaji, T; Furuse, M

2016-02-01

Herein, we conduct a fundamental study to improve the generation efficiency of a multi-charged ion source using argon. A magnetic field of our electron cyclotron resonance ion source is composed of a permanent magnet and a solenoid coil. Thereby, the axial magnetic field in the chamber can be tuned. Using the solenoid coil, we varied the magnetic field strength in the plasma chamber and measured the ion beam current extracted at the electrode. We observed an approximately three times increase in the Ar(4+) ion beam current when the magnetic field on the extractor-electrode side of the chamber was weakened. From our results, we can confirm that the multi-charged ion beam current changes depending on magnetic field intensity in the plasma chamber.

Two-chamber configuration of Bio-Nano electron cyclotron resonance ion source for fullerene modification.

PubMed

Uchida, T; Rácz, R; Muramatsu, M; Kato, Y; Kitagawa, A; Biri, S; Yoshida, Y

2016-02-01

We report on the modification of fullerenes with iron and chlorine using two individually controllable plasmas in the Bio-Nano electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS). One of the plasmas is composed of fullerene and the other one is composed of iron and chlorine. The online ion beam analysis allows one to investigate the rate of the vapor-phase collisional modification process in the ECRIS, while the offline analyses (e.g., liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) of the materials deposited on the plasma chamber can give information on the surface-type process. Both analytical methods show the presence of modified fullerenes such as fullerene-chlorine, fullerene-iron, and fullerene-chlorine-iron.

Detecting the Use of Intentionally Transmitting Personal Electronic Devices Onboard Commercial Aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Woods, Randy; Ely, Jay J.; Vahala, Linda

2003-01-01

The need to detect unauthorized usage of intentionally transmitting portable electronic devices (PEDs) onboard commercial aircraft is growing, while still allowing passengers to use selected unintentionally transmitting devices, such as laptop computers and CD players during non-critical stages of flight. The following paper presents an installed system for detecting PEDs over multiple frequency bands. Additionally, the advantages of a fixed verses mobile system are discussed. While data is presented to cover the frequency range of 20 MHz to 6.5 GHz, special attention was given to the Cellular/PCS bands as well as Bluetooth and the FRS radio bands. Measurement data from both the semi-anechoic and reverberation chambers are then analyzed and correlated with data collected onboard a commercial aircraft to determine the dominant mode of coupling inside the passenger cabin of the aircraft versus distance from the source. As a final check of system feasibility, several PEDs transmission signatures were recorded and compared with the expected levels.

System design and simulation of a long-wave infrared hyperspectral imaging spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Li-yin; Xu, Wei-ming; He, Zhi-ping; Lin, Ying; Shu, Rong; Wang, Jian-yu

2009-07-01

A ground-based long-wave hyperspectral imaging spectrometer (LWHIS) is designed and simulated. The spectrometer is based on a focal plane array detector with a spectral response that covers the range 7700 to 9300 nm. Optical system of this instrument is all-reflective and provides up to 30 continuous spectral channels with 54 nm of dispersion per pixel. The entrance aperture is 20 mm and feeds an F/2 telescope front end. The telescope has a 11-deg field of view with 256 spatially resolved elements (detector pixel size is 30 μm). To get high enough signal noise rate (SNR), no concern about the electronic part, first, the cool stop of the detector is used as soon as possible, and second, background thermal radiance of the opto-mechanical system seen by the focal plane must be suppressed. Thus, the entire instrument is set in a vacuum chamber and the opto-mechanical subsystem is cooled by liquid nitrogen. The background thermal radiance verse different cases is discussed. Based on the radiation simulation and analysis, if the opto-mechanical subsystem of the spectrometer within the vacuum chamber is cooled blew 100 Kelvin, significant performance gains can be realized. The design and simulation provides an example for illustrating the design principles specific and radiation simulation to this type of system.

Oxide Protective Coats for Ir/Re Rocket Combustion Chambers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fortini, Arthur; Tuffias, Robert H.

2003-01-01

An improved material system has been developed for rocket engine combustion chambers for burning oxygen/ hydrogen mixtures or novel monopropellants, which are highly oxidizing at operating temperatures. The baseline for developing the improved material system is a prior iridium/rhenium system for chambers burning nitrogen tetroxide/monomethyl hydrazine mixtures, which are less oxidizing. The baseline combustion chamber comprises an outer layer of rhenium that provides structural support, plus an inner layer of iridium that acts as a barrier to oxidation of the rhenium. In the improved material system, the layer of iridium is thin and is coated with a thermal fatigue-resistant refractory oxide (specifically, hafnium oxide) that serves partly as a thermal barrier to decrease the temperature and thus the rate of oxidation of the rhenium. The oxide layer also acts as a barrier against the transport of oxidizing species to the surface of the iridium. Tests in which various oxygen/hydrogen mixtures were burned in iridium/rhenium combustion chambers lined with hafnium oxide showed that the operational lifetimes of combustion chambers of the improved material system are an order of magnitude greater than those of the baseline combustion chambers.

Development of Alumina Ceramics Vacuum Chamber for J-PARC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kinsho, Michikazu; Saito, Yoshio; Kabeya, Zenzaburo; Ogiwara, Norio

We successfully developed alumina ceramics vacuum chamber for the 3 GeV-RCS of J-PARC at JAEA. This chamber has titanium flanges and an outer RF shield to reduce duct impedance, and moreover TiN film is coated on the inside surface to preclude charge build up and to reduce secondary emitted electrons. The outgassing rate of the ceramics chamber measured by the conductance modulation method has a sufficiently low value of 1.2×10-8 Pa m3 s-1 m2 after 50 hours pumping. The temperature of the titanium flange became 45°C due to eddy current heating under dipole magnet operation. It was found that the radiation damage to the capacitor used for the RF shield of this duct was small, the capacitance only decreased by 7% after gamma ray irradiation of 30 MGy. In order to determine effect of the ceramics chamber on the proton beam, this ceramics chamber prepared for J-PARC was installed instead in the 12 GeV main ring at KEK-PS. The proton beam could be controlled to accelerate stably after installation, and thus it was found that this chamber did not influence the beam very much. This ceramics chamber is thus usable for the 3 GeV-RCS of J-PARC.

Stacked microbial desalination cells to enhance water desalination efficiency.

PubMed

Chen, Xi; Xia, Xue; Liang, Peng; Cao, Xiaoxin; Sun, Haotian; Huang, Xia

2011-03-15

Microbial desalination cell (MDC) is a new method to obtain clean water from brackish water using electricity generated from organic matters by exoelectrogenic bacteria. Anions and cations, derived from salt solution filled in the desalination chamber between the anode and cathode, move to the anode and cathode chambers under the force of electrical field, respectively. On the basis of the primitive single-desalination-chambered MDC, stacked microbial desalination cells (SMDCs) were developed in order to promote the desalination rate in the present study. The effects of desalination chamber number and external resistance were investigated. Results showed that a remarkable increase in the total desalination rate (TDR) could be obtained by means of increasing the desalination cell number and reducing the external resistance, which caused the charge transfer efficiency increased since the SMDCs enabled more pairs of ions separated while one electron passed through the external circuit. The maximum TDR of 0.0252 g/h was obtained using a two-desalination-chambered SMDC with an external resistance of 10 Ω, which was 1.4 times that of single-desalination-chambered MDC. SMDCs proved to be an effective approach to increase the total water desalination rate if provided a proper desalination chamber number and external resistance.

Standing helicon induced by a rapidly bent magnetic field in plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takahashi, Kazunori; Takayama, Sho; Komuro, Atsushi; Ando, Akira; Plasma physics Team

2016-09-01

An electron energy probability function and an rf magnetic field are measured in an rf hydrogen helicon source, where axial and transverse static magnetic fields are applied to the source by solenoids and to the diffusion chamber by filter magnets, respectively. It is demonstrated that the helicon wave is reflected by the rapidly bent magnetic field and the resultant standing wave heats the electrons between the source and the magnetic filter, while the electron cooling effect by the magnetic filter is maintained. It is interpreted that the standing wave is generated by the presence of spatially localized change of a refractive index. The application to the hydrogen negative ion source used for the neutral beam injection system for fusion plasma heating is discussed. This work is partially supported by grant-in-aid for scientific research (16H04084 and 26247096) from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.

Thin film studies toward improving the performance of accelerator electron sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mamun, Md Abdullah Al

Future electron accelerators require DC high voltage photoguns to operate beyond the present state of the art to conduct new experiments that require ultra-bright electron beams with high average current and higher bunch charge. To meet these demands, the accelerators must demonstrate improvements in a number of photogun areas including vacuum, field emission elimination in high voltage electrodes, and photocathodes. This dissertation illustrates how these improvements can be achieved by the application of suitable thin-films to the photogun structure for producing ultra-bright electron beams. This work is composed of three complementary studies. First, the outgassing rates of three nominally identical 304L stainless steel vacuum chambers were studied to determine the effects of chamber coatings (silicon and titanium nitride) and heat treatments. For an uncoated stainless steel chamber, the diffusion limited outgassing was taken over by the recombination limited process as soon as a low outgassing rate of ~1.79(+/-0.05) x 10--13 Torr L s--1 cm--2 was achieved. An amorphous silicon coating on the stainless steel chambers exhibited recombination limited behavior and any heat treatment became ineffective in reducing the outgassing rate. A TiN coated chamber yielded the smallest apparent outgassing rate of all the chambers: 6.44(+/-0.05) x 10--13 Torr L s--1 cm--2 following an initial 90 °C bake and 2(+/-20) x 10--16 Torr L s --1 cm--2 following the final bake in the series. This perceived low outgassing rate was attributed to the small pumping nature of TiN coating itself. Second, the high voltage performance of three TiN-coated aluminum electrodes, before and after gas conditioning with helium, were compared to that of bare aluminum electrodes and electrodes manufactured from titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V). This study suggests that aluminum electrodes, coated with TiN, could simplify the task of implementing photocathode cooling, which is required for future high current electron beam applications. The best performing TiN-coated aluminum electrode demonstrated less than 15 pA of field emission current at --175 kV for a 10 mm cathode/anode gap, which corresponds to a field strength of 22.5 MV/m. Third, the effect of antimony thickness on the performance of bialkali-antimonide photocathodes was studied. The high-capacity effusion source enabled us to successfully manufacture photocathodes having a maximum QE around 10% and extended low voltage 1/e lifetime (> 90 days) at 532 nm via the co-deposition method, with relatively thick layers of antimony (≥ 300 nm). We speculate that alkali co-deposition provides optimized stoichiometry for photocathodes manufactured using thick Sb layers, which could serve as a reservoir for the alkali. In summary, this research examined the effectiveness of thin films applied on photogun chamber components to achieve an extremely high vacuum, to eliminate high voltage induced field emission from electrodes, and to generate photocurrent with high quantum yield with an extended operational lifetime. Simultaneous implementation of these findings can meet the challenges of future ultra-bright photoguns.

Thin film studies toward improving the performance of accelerator electron sources

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mamun, Md Abdullah

Future electron accelerators require DC high voltage photoguns to operate beyond the present state of the art to conduct new experiments that require ultra-bright electron beams with high average current and higher bunch charge. To meet these demands, the accelerators must demonstrate improvements in a number of photogun areas including vacuum, field emission elimination in high voltage electrodes, and photocathodes. This dissertation illustrates how these improvements can be achieved by the application of suitable thin-films to the photogun structure for producing ultra-bright electron beams. This work is composed of three complementary studies. First, the outgassing rates of three nominally identicalmore » 304L stainless steel vacuum chambers were studied to determine the effects of chamber coatings (silicon and titanium nitride) and heat treatments. For an uncoated stainless steel chamber, the diffusion limited outgassing was taken over by the recombination limited process as soon as a low outgassing rate of ~1.79(±0.05) x 10- 13 Torr L s -1 cm -2 was achieved. An amorphous silicon coating on the stainless steel chambers exhibited recombination limited behavior and any heat treatment became ineffective in reducing the outgassing rate. A TiN coated chamber yielded the smallest apparent outgassing rate of all the chambers: 6.44(±0.05) x 10 -13 Torr L s -1 cm -2 following an initial 90 °C bake and 2(±20) x 10 -16 Torr L s -1 cm -2 following the final bake in the series. This perceived low outgassing rate was attributed to the small pumping nature of TiN coating itself. Second, the high voltage performance of three TiN-coated aluminum electrodes, before and after gas conditioning with helium, were compared to that of bare aluminum electrodes and electrodes manufactured from titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V). This study suggests that aluminum electrodes, coated with TiN, could simplify the task of implementing photocathode cooling, which is required for future high current electron beam applications. The best performing TiN-coated aluminum electrode demonstrated less than 15 pA of field emission current at -- 175 kV for a 10 mm cathode/anode gap, which corresponds to a field strength of 22.5 MV/m. Third, the effect of antimony thickness on the performance of bialkali-antimonide photocathodes was studied. The high-capacity effusion source enabled us to successfully manufacture photocathodes having a maximum QE around 10% and extended low voltage 1/e lifetime (> 90 days) at 532 nm via the co-deposition method, with relatively thick layers of antimony (≥ 300 nm). We speculate that alkali co-deposition provides optimized stoichiometry for photocathodes manufactured using thick Sb layers, which could serve as a reservoir for the alkali. In summary, this research examined the effectiveness of thin films applied on photogun chamber components to achieve an extremely high vacuum, to eliminate high voltage induced field emission from electrodes, and to generate photocurrent with high quantum yield with an extended operational lifetime. Simultaneous implementation of these findings can meet the challenges of future ultra-bright photoguns.« less

LRL 25-inch Bubble Chamber

DOE R&D Accomplishments Database

Alvarez, L. W.; Gow, J. D.; Barrera, F.; Eckman, G.; Shand, J.; Watt, R.; Norgren, D.; Hernandez, H. P.

1964-07-08

The recently completed 25-inch hydrogen bubble chamber combines excellent picture quality with a fast operating cycle. The chamber has a unique optical system and is designed to take several pictures each Bevatron pulse, in conjunction with the Bevatron rapid beam ejection system.

Volume-based characterization of postocclusion surge.

PubMed

Zacharias, Jaime; Zacharias, Sergio

2005-10-01

To propose an alternative method to characterize postocclusion surge using a collapsible artificial anterior chamber to replace the currently used rigid anterior chamber model. Fundación Oftamológica Los Andes, Santiago, Chile. The distal end of a phacoemulsification handpiece was placed inside a compliant artificial anterior chamber. Digital recordings of chamber pressure, chamber volume, inflow, and outflow were performed during occlusion break of the phacoemulsification tip. The occlusion break profile of 2 different consoles was compared. Occlusion break while using a rigid anterior chamber model produced a simultaneous increase of chamber inflow and outflow. In the rigid chamber model, pressure decreased sharply, reaching negative pressure values. Alternatively, with the collapsible chamber model, a delay was observed in the inflow that occurs to compensate the outflow surge. Also, the chamber pressure drop was smaller in magnitude, never undershooting below atmospheric pressure into negative values. Using 500 mm Hg as vacuum limit, the Infiniti System (Alcon) performed better that the Legacy (Alcon), showing an 18% reduction in peak volume variation. The collapsible anterior chamber model provides a more realistic representation of the postocclusion surge events that occur in the real eye during cataract surgery. Peak volume fluctuation (mL), half volume recovery time(s), and volume fluctuation integral value (mL x s) are proposed as realistic indicators to characterize the postocclusion surge performance. These indicators show that the Infiniti System has a better postocclusion surge behavior than the Legacy System.

Full Geant4 and FLUKA simulations of an e-LINAC for its use in particle detectors performance tests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alpat, B.; Pilicer, E.; Servoli, L.; Menichelli, M.; Tucceri, P.; Italiani, M.; Buono, E.; Di Capua, F.

2012-03-01

In this work we present the results of full Geant4 and FLUKA simulations and comparison with dosimetry data of an electron LINAC of St. Maria Hospital located in Terni, Italy. The facility is being used primarily for radiotherapy and the goal of the present study is the detailed investigation of electron beam parameters to evaluate the possibility to use the e-LINAC (during time slots when it is not used for radiotherapy) to test the performance of detector systems, in particular those designed to operate in space. The critical beam parameters are electron energy, profile and flux available at the surface of device to be tested. The present work aims to extract these parameters from dosimetry calibration data available at the e-LINAC. The electron energy ranges from 4 MeV to 20 MeV. The dose measurements have been performed by using an Advanced Markus Chamber which has a small sensitive volume.

Ohmic contact junction of carbon nanotubes fabricated by in situ electron beam deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Y. G.; Wang, T. H.; Lin, X. W.; Dravid, V. P.

2006-12-01

We present experimental evidence of in situ fabrication of multi-walled carbon nanotube junctions via electron beam induced deposition. The tip-to-tip interconnection of the nanotubes involves the alignment of two nanotubes via a piezodriven nanomanipulator and nano-welding by electron beam deposition. Hydrocarbon contamination from the pump oil vapour of the vacuum system of the TEM chamber was used as the solder; this is superior to the already available metallic solders because its composition is identical to the carbon nanotube. The hydrocarbon deposition, with perfect wettability, on the nanotubes establishes strong mechanical binding between the two nanotubes to form an integrated structure. Consequently, the nanotubes cross-linked by the hydrocarbon solder produce good electrical and mechanical connections. The joint dimension was determined by the size of the electron beam, which results in a sound junction with well-defined geometry and the smallest junction size obtained so far. In situ electric measurement showed a linear current-voltage property for the multi-walled nanotube junction.

Evaluation of Impinging Stream Vortex Chamber Concepts for Liquid Rocket Engine Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Trinh, Huu P.; Bullard, Brad; Kopicz, Charles; Michaels, Scott; Turner, James (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

To pursue technology developments for future launch vehicles, NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is examining vortex chamber concepts for liquid rocket engine applications. Past studies indicated that the vortex chamber schemes potentially have a number of advantages over conventional chamber methods. Due to the nature of the vortex flow, relatively cooler propellant streams tend to flow along the chamber wall. Hence, the thruster chamber can be operated without the need of any cooling techniques. This vortex flow also creates strong turbulence, which promotes the propellant mixing process. Consequently, the subject chamber concepts not only offer the system simplicity, but they also would enhance the combustion performance. The test results showed that the chamber performance was markedly high even at a low chamber length-to-diameter ratio (L/D). This incentive can be translated to a convenience in the thrust chamber packaging. Variations of the vortex chamber concepts have been introduced in the past few decades. These investigations include an ongoing work at Orbital Technologies Corporation (ORBITEC). By injecting the oxidizer tangentially at the chamber convergence and fuel axially at the chamber head end, Knuth et al. were able to keep the wall relatively cold. A recent investigation of the low L/D vortex chamber concept for gel propellants was conducted by Michaels. He used both triplet (two oxidizer and one fuel orifices) and unlike impinging schemes to inject propellants tangentially along the chamber wall. Michaels called the subject injection scheme as Impinging Stream Vortex Chamber (ISVC). His preliminary tests showed that high performance, with an Isp efficiency of 92%, can be obtained. MSFC and the U.S. Army are jointly investigating an application of the ISVC concept for the cryogenic oxygen/hydrocarbon propellant system. This vortex chamber concept is currently tested with gel propellants at AMCOM at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. A version of this concept for the liquid oxygen (LOX)/hydrocarbon fuel (RPM) system has been derived from the one for the gel propellant.

Long-Life/Low-Power Ion-Gun Cathode

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fitzgerald, D. J.

1982-01-01

New cathode has form of hollow tube through which gas enters region of high electron density, produced by electric discharge with auxiliary electrode referred to as "keeper." Ion-gun cathode emits electrons that bombard gas in chamber. Ions accelerated out of source are used to dope semiconductor material.

Systems for column-based separations, methods of forming packed columns, and methods of purifying sample components

DOEpatents

Egorov, Oleg B.; O'Hara, Matthew J.; Grate, Jay W.; Chandler, Darrell P.; Brockman, Fred J.; Bruckner-Lea, Cynthia J.

2000-01-01

The invention encompasses systems for column-based separations, methods of packing and unpacking columns and methods of separating components of samples. In one aspect, the invention includes a method of packing and unpacking a column chamber, comprising: a) packing a matrix material within a column chamber to form a packed column; and b) after the packing, unpacking the matrix material from the column chamber without moving the column chamber. In another aspect, the invention includes a system for column-based separations, comprising: a) a fluid passageway, the fluid passageway comprising a column chamber and a flow path in fluid communication with the column chamber, the flow path being obstructed by a retaining material permeable to a carrier fluid and impermeable to a column matrix material suspended in the carrier fluid, the flow path extending through the column chamber and through the retaining material, the flow path being configured to form a packed column within the column chamber when a suspension of the fluid and the column matrix material is flowed along the flow path; and b) the fluid passageway extending through a valve intermediate the column chamber and the retaining material.

Systems For Column-Based Separations, Methods Of Forming Packed Columns, And Methods Of Purifying Sample Components

DOEpatents

Egorov, Oleg B.; O'Hara, Matthew J.; Grate, Jay W.; Chandler, Darrell P.; Brockman, Fred J.; Bruckner-Lea, Cynthia J.

2006-02-21

The invention encompasses systems for column-based separations, methods of packing and unpacking columns and methods of separating components of samples. In one aspect, the invention includes a method of packing and unpacking a column chamber, comprising: a) packing a matrix material within a column chamber to form a packed column; and b) after the packing, unpacking the matrix material from the column chamber without moving the column chamber. In another aspect, the invention includes a system for column-based separations, comprising: a) a fluid passageway, the fluid passageway comprising a column chamber and a flow path in fluid communication with the column chamber, the flow path being obstructed by a retaining material permeable to a carrier fluid and impermeable to a column matrix material suspended in the carrier fluid, the flow path extending through the column chamber and through the retaining material, the flow path being configured to form a packed column within the column chamber when a suspension of the fluid and the column matrix material is flowed along the flow path; and b) the fluid passageway extending through a valve intermediate the column chamber and the retaining material.

Systems For Column-Based Separations, Methods Of Forming Packed Columns, And Methods Of Purifying Sample Components.

DOEpatents

Egorov, Oleg B.; O'Hara, Matthew J.; Grate, Jay W.; Chandler, Darrell P.; Brockman, Fred J.; Bruckner-Lea, Cynthia J.

2004-08-24

The invention encompasses systems for column-based separations, methods of packing and unpacking columns and methods of separating components of samples. In one aspect, the invention includes a method of packing and unpacking a column chamber, comprising: a) packing a matrix material within a column chamber to form a packed column; and b) after the packing, unpacking the matrix material from the column chamber without moving the column chamber. In another aspect, the invention includes a system for column-based separations, comprising: a) a fluid passageway, the fluid passageway comprising a column chamber and a flow path in fluid communication with the column chamber, the flow path being obstructed by a retaining material permeable to a carrier fluid and impermeable to a column matrix material suspended in the carrier fluid, the flow path extending through the column chamber and through the retaining material, the flow path being configured to form a packed column within the column chamber when a suspension of the fluid and the column matrix material is flowed along the flow path; and b) the fluid passageway extending through a valve intermediate the column chamber and the retaining material.

RF attenuation as a dusty plasma diagnostic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doyle, Brandon; Konopka, Uwe; Thomas, Edward

2017-10-01

When a dusty plasma is formed by adding dust to a plasma environment, the electron density of the background plasma is depleted as the dust particles acquire their negative charge. The magnitude of the electron depletion depends on the dust particle charge, and thus its properties, as well as the dust number density. A direct measurement of the electron density in a dusty plasma therefore contains information about the charging state of the dust particles. This measurement is difficult to obtain without influencing the system. For example, Langmuir probes influence the system by creating voids, or they become unreliable due to their potential contamination with dust. A less invasive diagnostic tool might be realized using plasma chamber electrodes for a plasma impedance measurement as it depends on the excitation frequency: the spatially averaged electron density is derived from the electron plasma frequency, which is related to the radio frequency attenuation characteristic. We present preliminary experiments using two impedance probe designs: probes immersed in a plasma and electrodes located at the edge of the plasma. We evaluate the potential application of this method for ground-based laboratory experiments and future microgravity experiment facilities aboard the ISS. This work was supported by JPL/NASA (JPL-RSA 1571699) the US Dept. of Energy (DE-SC0016330) and NSF (PHY-1613087).

Real time viability detection of bacterial spores

DOEpatents

Vanderberg, Laura A.; Herdendorf, Timothy J.; Obiso, Richard J.

2003-07-29

This invention relates to a process for detecting the presence of viable bacterial spores in a sample and to a spore detection system, the process including placing a sample in a germination medium for a period of time sufficient for commitment of any present viable bacterial spores to occur, mixing the sample with a solution of a lanthanide capable of forming a fluorescent complex with dipicolinic acid, and, measuring the sample for the presence of dipicolinic acid, and the system including a germination chamber having inlets from a sample chamber, a germinant chamber and a bleach chamber, the germination chamber further including an outlet through a filtering means, the outlet connected to a detection chamber, the detection chamber having an inlet from a fluorescence promoting metal chamber and the detection chamber including a spectral excitation source and a means of measuring emission spectra from a sample, the detection chamber further connected to a waste chamber. A germination reaction mixture useful for promoting commitment of any viable bacterial spores in a sample including a combination of L-alanine, L-asparagine and D-glucose is also described.

Loop Heat Pipe with Thermal Control Valve as a Variable Thermal Link

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hartenstine, John; Anderson, William G.; Walker, Kara; Dussinger, Pete

2012-01-01

Future lunar landers and rovers will require variable thermal links that allow for heat rejection during the lunar daytime and passively prevent heat rejection during the lunar night. During the lunar day, the thermal management system must reject the waste heat from the electronics and batteries to maintain them below the maximum acceptable temperature. During the lunar night, the heat rejection system must either be shut down or significant amounts of guard heat must be added to keep the electronics and batteries above the minimum acceptable temperature. Since guard heater power is unfavorable because it adds to system size and complexity, a variable thermal link is preferred to limit heat removal from the electronics and batteries during the long lunar night. Conventional loop heat pipes (LHPs) can provide the required variable thermal conductance, but they still consume electrical power to shut down the heat transfer. This innovation adds a thermal control valve (TCV) and a bypass line to a conventional LHP that proportionally allows vapor to flow back into the compensation chamber of the LHP. The addition of this valve can achieve completely passive thermal control of the LHP, eliminating the need for guard heaters and complex controls.

The Software Element of the NASA Portable Electronic Device Radiated Emissions Investigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koppen, Sandra V.; Williams, Reuben A. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

NASA Langley Research Center's (LaRC) High Intensity Radiated Fields Laboratory (HIRF Lab) recently conducted a series of electromagnetic radiated emissions tests under a cooperative agreement with Delta Airlines and an interagency agreement with the FAA. The frequency spectrum environment at a commercial airport was measured on location. The environment survey provides a comprehensive picture of the complex nature of the electromagnetic environment present in those areas outside the aircraft. In addition, radiated emissions tests were conducted on portable electronic devices (PEDs) that may be brought onboard aircraft. These tests were performed in both semi-anechoic and reverberation chambers located in the HIRF Lab. The PEDs included cell phones, laptop computers, electronic toys, and family radio systems. The data generated during the tests are intended to support the research on the effect of radiated emissions from wireless devices on aircraft systems. Both tests systems relied on customized control and data reduction software to provide test and instrument control, data acquisition, a user interface, real time data reduction, and data analysis. The software executed on PC's running MS Windows 98 and 2000, and used Agilent Pro Visual Engineering Environment (VEE) development software, Common Object Model (COM) technology, and MS Excel.

Method and apparatus for noble gas atom detection with isotopic selectivity

DOEpatents

Hurst, G. Samuel; Payne, Marvin G.; Chen, Chung-Hsuan; Parks, James E.

1984-01-01

Apparatus and methods of operation are described for determining, with isotopic selectivity, the number of noble gas atoms in a sample. The analysis is conducted within an evacuated chamber which can be isolated by a valve from a vacuum pumping system capable of producing a pressure of 10.sup.-8 Torr. Provision is made to pass pulses of laser beams through the chamber, these pulses having wavelengths appropriate for the resonance ionization of atoms of the noble gas under analysis. A mass filter within the chamber selects ions of a specific isotope of the noble gas, and means are provided to accelerate these selected ions sufficiently for implantation into a target. Specific types of targets are discussed. An electron measuring device produces a signal relatable to the number of ions implanted into the target and thus to the number of atoms of the selected isotope of the noble gas removed from the gas sample. The measurement can be continued until a substantial fraction, or all, of the atoms in the sample have been counted. Furthermore, additional embodiments of the apparatus are described for bunching the atoms of a noble gas for more rapid analysis, and for changing the target for repetitive cycling of the gas in the chamber. The number of repetitions of the cyclic steps depend upon the concentration of the isotope of interest, the separative efficiency of the mass filter, etc. The cycles are continued until a desired selectivity is achieved. Also described are components and a method of operation for a pre-enrichment operation for use when an introduction of a total sample would elevate the pressure within the chamber to levels in excess of those for operation of the mass filter, specifically a quadrupole mass filter. Specific examples of three noble gas isotope analyses are described.

A multiple chamber, semicontinuous, crop carbon dioxide exchange system: design, calibration, and data interpretation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

van Iersel, M. W.; Bugbee, B.

2000-01-01

Long-term, whole crop CO2 exchange measurements can be used to study factors affecting crop growth. These factors include daily carbon gain, cumulative carbon gain, and carbon use efficiency, which cannot be determined from short-term measurements. We describe a system that measures semicontinuously crop CO2 exchange in 10 chambers over a period of weeks or months. Exchange of CO2 in every chamber can be measured at 5 min intervals. The system was designed to be placed inside a growth chamber, with additional environmental control provided by the individual gas exchange chambers. The system was calibrated by generating CO2 from NaHCO3 inside the chambers, which indicated that accuracy of the measurements was good (102% and 98% recovery for two separate photosynthesis systems). Since the systems measure net photosynthesis (P-net, positive) and dark respiration(R-dark, negative), the data can be used to estimate gross photosynthesis, daily carbon gain, cumulative carbon gain, and carbon use efficiency. Continuous whole-crop measurements are a valuable tool that complements leaf photosynthesis measurements. Multiple chambers allow for replication and comparison among several environmental or cultural treatments that may affect crop growth. Example data from a 2 week study with petunia (Petunia x hybrida Hort. Vilm.-Andr.) are presented to illustrate some of the capabilities of this system.

The response of a scintillation counter below an emulsion chamber to heavy nucleus interactions in the chamber

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burnett, T. H.; Dake, S.; Derrickson, J. H.; Fountain, W. F.; Fuki, M.; Gregory, J. C.; Hayashi, T.; Hayashi, T.; Holynski, R.; Iwai, J.;

Use of an Electrochemical Split Cell Technique to Evaluate the Influence of Shewanella oneidensis Activities on Corrosion of Carbon Steel.

PubMed

Miller, Robert Bertram; Sadek, Anwar; Rodriguez, Alvaro; Iannuzzi, Mariano; Giai, Carla; Senko, John M; Monty, Chelsea N

2016-01-01

Microbially induced corrosion (MIC) is a complex problem that affects various industries. Several techniques have been developed to monitor corrosion and elucidate corrosion mechanisms, including microbiological processes that induce metal deterioration. We used zero resistance ammetry (ZRA) in a split chamber configuration to evaluate the effects of the facultatively anaerobic Fe(III) reducing bacterium Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 on the corrosion of UNS G10180 carbon steel. We show that activities of S. oneidensis inhibit corrosion of steel with which that organism has direct contact. However, when a carbon steel coupon in contact with S. oneidensis was electrically connected to a second coupon that was free of biofilm (in separate chambers of the split chamber assembly), ZRA-based measurements indicated that current moved from the S. oneidensis-containing chamber to the cell-free chamber. This electron transfer enhanced the O2 reduction reaction on the coupon deployed in the cell free chamber, and consequently, enhanced oxidation and corrosion of that electrode. Our results illustrate a novel mechanism for MIC in cases where metal surfaces are heterogeneously covered by biofilms.

An instrument employing electronic counters and an emulsion chamber for studying heavy cosmic ray interactions (JACEE-3)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Austin, R. W.; Meegan, C. A.; Parnell, T. A.; Selig, W. J.; Watts, J. W.; Burnett, T. H.; Iwai, J.; Lord, J. J.; Strauscz, S.; Wilkes, R. J.;

Roos and NACP-02 ion chamber perturbations and water-air stopping-power ratios for clinical electron beams for energies from 4 to 22 MeV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bailey, M.; Shipley, D. R.; Manning, J. W.

2015-02-01

Empirical fits are developed for depth-compensated wall- and cavity-replacement perturbations in the PTW Roos 34001 and IBA / Scanditronix NACP-02 parallel-plate ionisation chambers, for electron beam qualities from 4 to 22 MeV for depths up to approximately 1.1 × R50,D. These are based on calculations using the Monte Carlo radiation transport code EGSnrc and its user codes with a full simulation of the linac treatment head modelled using BEAMnrc. These fits are used with calculated restricted stopping-power ratios between air and water to match measured depth-dose distributions in water from an Elekta Synergy clinical linear accelerator at the UK National Physical Laboratory. Results compare well with those from recent publications and from the IPEM 2003 electron beam radiotherapy Code of Practice.

Electron Energy Distribution function in a weakly magnetized expanding helicon plasma discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sirse, Nishant; Harvey, Cleo; Gaman, Cezar; Ellingboe, Bert

2016-09-01

Helicon wave heating is well known to produce high-density plasma source for application in plasma thrusters, plasma processing and many more. Our previous study (B Ellingboe et al. APS Gaseous Electronics Conference 2015, abstract #KW2.005) has shown observation of helicon wave in a weakly magnetized inductively coupled plasma source excited by m =0 antenna at 13.56 MHz. In this paper, we investigated the Electron Energy Distribution Function (EEDF) in the same setup by using an RF compensated Langmuir probe. The ac signal superimposition technique (second harmonic technique) is used to determine EEDF. The EEDF is measured for 5-100 mTorr gas pressure, 100 W - 1.5 kW rf power and at different locations in the source chamber, boundary and diffusion chamber. This paper will discuss the change in the shape of EEDF for various heating mode transitions.

Plasma processes in inert gas thrusters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaufman, H. R.; Robinson, R. S.

1979-01-01

Inert gas thrusters, particularly with large diameters, have continued to be of interest for space propulsion applications. Two plasma processes are treated in this study: electron diffusion across magnetic fields and double ion production in inert-gas thrusters. A model is developed to describe electron diffusion across a magnetic field that is driven by both density and potential gradients, with Bohm diffusion used to predict the diffusion rate. This model has applications to conduction across magnetic fields inside a discharge chamber, as well as through a magnetic baffle region used to isolate a hollow cathode from the main chamber. A theory for double ion production is presented, which is not as complete as the electron diffusion theory described, but it should be a useful tool for predicting double ion sputter erosion. Correlations are developed that may be used, without experimental data, to predict double ion densities for the design of new and especially larger ion thrusters.

Lattice Matched Iii-V IV Semiconductor Heterostructures: Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition and Remote Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Sungwoo

1992-01-01

This thesis describes the growth and characterization of wide gap III-V compound semiconductors such as aluminum gallium arsenide (Al_{rm x} Ga_{rm 1-x}As), gallium nitride (GaN), and gallium phosphide (GaP), deposited by the metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) and remote plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (Remote PECVD). In the first part of the thesis, the optimization of GaAs and Al_{rm x}Ga _{rm 1-x}As hetero -epitaxial layers on Ge substrates is described in the context of the application in the construction of cascade solar cells. The emphasis on this study is on the trade-offs in the choice of the temperature related to increasing interdiffusion/autodoping and increasing perfection of the epilayer with increasing temperature. The structural, chemical, optical, and electrical properties of the heterostructures are characterized by x-ray rocking curve measurement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron beam induced current (EBIC), cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (X-TEM), Raman spectroscopy, secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), and steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL). Based on the results of this work the optimum growth temperature is 720^circC. The second part of the thesis describes the growth of GaN and GaP layers on silicon and sapphire substrates and the homoepitaxy of GaP by remote PECVD. I have designed and built an ultra high vacuum (UHV) deposition system which includes: the gas supply system, the pumping system, the deposition chamber, the load-lock chamber, and the waste disposal system. The work on the deposition of GaN on Si and sapphire focuses onto the understanding of the growth kinetics. In addition, Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) for surface analysis, x-ray diffraction methods and microscopic analyses using SEM and TEM for structural characterization, infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) absorption measurements for optical characterization, and electrical characterization results on the GaN films are presented. In the deposition GaP thin films by remote PECVD, trimethylgallium and in-situ generated phosphine precursors are employed as source gases which permits homo- and heteroepitaxial growth as substrate temperature of 590-620^ circC. Also, the growth kinetics of gallium phosphide is discussed. As in the case of GaN, the surface, structural, chemical, optical, and electrical properties are characterized and the results are discussed.

Performance of a resistive plate chamber equipped with a new prototype of amplified front-end electronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marchisone, Massimiliano

2016-06-01

ALICE is the LHC experiment dedicated to the study of heavy-ion collisions. At forward rapidity a muon spectrometer detects muons from low mass mesons, quarkonia, open heavy-flavor hadrons as well as weak bosons. A muon selection based on transverse momentum is made by a trigger system composed of 72 resistive plate chambers (RPCs). For the LHC Run 1 and the ongoing Run 2 the RPCs have been equipped with a non-amplified FEE called ADULT. However, in view of an increase in luminosity expected for Run 3 (2021-2023) the possibility to use an amplified FEE has been explored in order to improve the counting rate limitation and to prevent the aging of the detector, by reducing the charge per hit. A prototype of this new electronics (FEERIC) has been developed and tested first with cosmic rays before equipping one RPC in the ALICE cavern with it. In this paper the most important performance indicators— efficiency, dark current, dark rate, cluster size and total charge —of an RPC equipped with this new FEE will be reviewed and compared to the others read out with ADULT, in pp collisions at √s=5 and 13 TeV and in Pb-Pb collisions at √sNN=5 TeV.

Rectangular beam (5 X 40 cm multipole ion source). M.S. Thesis - Nov. 1979; [applications to electron bombardment in materials processing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haynes, C. M.

1980-01-01

A 5 x 40 cm rectangular-beam ion source was designed and fabricated. A multipole field configuration was used to facilitate design of the modular rectangular chamber, while a three-grid ion optics system was used for increased ion current densities. For the multipole chamber, a magnetic integral of 0.000056 Tesla-m was used to contain the primary electrons. This integral value was reduced from the initial design value, with the reduction found necessary for discharge stability. The final value of magnetic integral resulted in discharge losses at typical operating conditions which ranged from 600 to 1000 eV/ion, in good agreement with the design value of 800 eV/ion. The beam current density at the ion optics was limited to about 3.2 mA/sq cm at 500 eV and to about 3.5 mA/sq cm at 1000 ev. The effects of nonuniform ion current, dimension tolerance, and grid thermal warping were considered. The use of multiple rectangular-beam ion sources to process wider areas than would be possible with a single source (approx. 40 cm) was also studied. Beam profiles were surveyed at a variety of operating conditions and the results of various amounts of beam overlap calculated.