Showing papers by "Richard C. Lanza published in 2013"

The Long-Baseline Neutrino Experiment: Exploring Fundamental Symmetries of the Universe

Abstract: The preponderance of matter over antimatter in the early Universe, the dynamics of the supernova bursts that produced the heavy elements necessary for life and whether protons eventually decay --- these mysteries at the forefront of particle physics and astrophysics are key to understanding the early evolution of our Universe, its current state and its eventual fate. The Long-Baseline Neutrino Experiment (LBNE) represents an extensively developed plan for a world-class experiment dedicated to addressing these questions. LBNE is conceived around three central components: (1) a new, high-intensity neutrino source generated from a megawatt-class proton accelerator at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, (2) a near neutrino detector just downstream of the source, and (3) a massive liquid argon time-projection chamber deployed as a far detector deep underground at the Sanford Underground Research Facility. This facility, located at the site of the former Homestake Mine in Lead, South Dakota, is approximately 1,300 km from the neutrino source at Fermilab -- a distance (baseline) that delivers optimal sensitivity to neutrino charge-parity symmetry violation and mass ordering effects. This ambitious yet cost-effective design incorporates scalability and flexibility and can accommodate a variety of upgrades and contributions. With its exceptional combination of experimental configuration, technical capabilities, and potential for transformative discoveries, LBNE promises to be a vital facility for the field of particle physics worldwide, providing physicists from around the globe with opportunities to collaborate in a twenty to thirty year program of exciting science. In this document we provide a comprehensive overview of LBNE's scientific objectives, its place in the landscape of neutrino physics worldwide, the technologies it will incorporate and the capabilities it will possess.

An in situ accelerator-based diagnostic for plasma-material interactions science on magnetic fusion devices.

Abstract: This paper presents a novel particle accelerator-based diagnostic that nondestructively measures the evolution of material surface compositions inside magnetic fusion devices. The diagnostic's purpose is to contribute to an integrated understanding of plasma-material interactions in magnetic fusion, which is severely hindered by a dearth of in situ material surface diagnosis. The diagnostic aims to remotely generate isotopic concentration maps on a plasma shot-to-shot timescale that cover a large fraction of the plasma-facing surface inside of a magnetic fusion device without the need for vacuum breaks or physical access to the material surfaces. Our instrument uses a compact (∼1 m), high-current (∼1 milliamp) radio-frequency quadrupole accelerator to inject 0.9 MeV deuterons into the Alcator C-Mod tokamak at MIT. We control the tokamak magnetic fields – in between plasma shots – to steer the deuterons to material surfaces where the deuterons cause high-Q nuclear reactions with low-Z isotopes ∼5 μm into the material. The induced neutrons and gamma rays are measured with scintillation detectors; energy spectra analysis provides quantitative reconstruction of surface compositions. An overview of the diagnostic technique, known as accelerator-based in situ materials surveillance (AIMS), and the first AIMS diagnostic on the Alcator C-Mod tokamak is given. Experimental validation is shown to demonstrate that an optimized deuteron beam is injected into the tokamak, that low-Z isotopes such as deuterium and boron can be quantified on the material surfaces, and that magnetic steering provides access to different measurement locations. The first AIMS analysis, which measures the relative change in deuterium at a single surface location at the end of the Alcator C-Mod FY2012 plasma campaign, is also presented.

A distributed, field emission-based x-ray source for phase contrast imaging

Abstract: An x-ray source for use in Phase Contrast Imaging is disclosed. In particular, the x-ray source includes a cathode array of individually controlled field-emission electron guns. The field emission guns include very small diameter tips capable of producing a narrow beam of electrons. Beams emitted from the cathode array are accelerated through an acceleration cavity and are directed to a transmission type anode, impinging on the anode to create a small spot size, typically less than five micrometers. The individually controllable electron guns can be selectively activated in patterns, which can be advantageously used in Phase Contrast Imaging.

Performance of X-ray detectors with SiPM readout in cargo accelerator-based inspection systems

Abstract: Existing requirements for high throughput cargo radiography inspection include high resolution images (better than 5 mm line pair resolution), penetration beyond 400 mm steel equivalent, material discrimination (organic, inorganic, high Z), high scan speeds (> 10kph, up to 60kph), low dose and small radiation exclusion zone; all in a cost effective system To meet and exceed these requirements research into a number of new radiography methods has been initiated Novel concepts relying on intrapulse modulated energy X-ray sources, mono-energetic gamma-ray sources, and new types of fast X-ray detectors, Scintillation-Cherenkov Detectors, are expected to be more beneficial being combined with unique features of Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) technology

Method for coded-source phase contrast x-ray imaging

Abstract: Described here is a method for performing phase contrast imaging using an array of independently controllable x-ray sources. The array of x-ray sources can be controlled to produce a distinct spatial pattern of x-ray radiation and thus can be used to encode phase contrast signals without the need for a coded aperture. The lack of coded aperture increases the flexibility of the imaging method. For instance, because a fixed, coded aperture is not required, the angular resolution of the imaging technique can be increased as compared to coded-aperture imaging. Moreover, the lack of a radioopaque coded aperture increases the photon flux that reaches the subject, thereby increasing the attainable signal-to-noise ratio.

Technical Review of the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office Transformational and Applied Research Directorate's Research and Development Program

Abstract: At the request of the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO), a Study Committee comprised of representatives from the American Physical Society, Panel on Public Affairs, the IEEE, and Nuclear and Plasma Sciences Society performed a technical review of the DNDO Transformational and Applied Research Directorate (TARD) R&D program. TARD's principal objective is to address gaps in the Global Nuclear Detection Architecture (GNDA) through improvements in the performance, cost, and operational burden of detectors and systems. The charge to the Study Committee was to investigate the existing TARD R&D plan and portfolio, recommend changes to the existing plan, and recommend possible new R&D areas and opportunities. This report is the result of an independent, detailed analysis of the current R&D plan and includes, for each application area, observations, and recommendations to focus future investments within the context of the TARD mission.