Application of proton radiography in experiments of relevance to inertial confinement fusion

Multi-Mev proton beams generated by target normal sheath acceleration (TNSA) during the interaction of an ultra intense laser beam (I≥10¹⁹ W/cm²) with a thin metallic foil (thickness of the order of a few tens of microns) are particularly suited as a particle probe for laser plasma experiments. The proton imaging technique employs a laser-driven proton beam in a point-projection imaging scheme as a diagnostic tool for the detection of electric fields in such experiments. The proton probing technique has been applied in experiments of relevance to inertial confinement fusion (ICF) such as laser heated gasbags and laser-hohlraum experiments. The data provides direct information on the onset of laser beam filamentation and on the plasma expansion in the hohlraum’s interior, and confirms the suitability and usefulness of this technique as an ICF diagnostic.     

Simulated response of Cherenkov glass detectors to MeV photons

Cherenkov detectors are widely used for particle identification in high-energy physics and for track imaging in astrophysics. Glass Cherenkov detectors that are sensitive to beta emissions originating from neutron activation have been demonstrated recently as a potential replacement for activation foils. In this work, we evaluate Cherenkov glass detectors for sensitivity and specificity to MeV photons through simulations using Geant4. The model has been previously compared with measurements of isotopic gamma sources. It includes Cherenkov generation, light transport, light collection, photoelectron production and time response in photomultiplier tubes. The model incorporates measured, wavelength-dependent absorption and refractive index data. Simulations are conducted for glasses the size of fabricated samples and also for the same glasses in monolithic, square-meter-size. Implications for selective detection of MeV photons are discussed.     

Polyisobutylene-supported phosphines as recyclable and regenerable catalysts and reagents

Phosphines are important as catalysts or reagents in synthesis but must be separated from products after a reaction. This report shows that polyisobutylene (PIB)-bound alkyldiaryl- and triarylphosphines are useful as catalysts in addition and allylic amination reactions or as reagents in aza-Wittig and Mitsunobu reactions. Heptane solutions of such phosphines and their oxidized byproducts can be easily separated from polar solutions of organic products, and PIB-phosphine oxides formed during a reaction can readily be reduced to PIB-phosphines for reuse.     

Direct imaging of polyethylene films at single-chain resolution with torsional tapping atomic force microscopy

The physical properties of semicrystalline polymers depend on the organisation of chains within the crystal and amorphous regions, on the interface between the two, and on the location and nature of defects. Here, torsional tapping atomic force microscopy has been used to image crystalline lamellae and the crystal-amorphous-region interface at the single-chain level with resolution down to 3.7 ?. Defects within the crystalline phase, such as buried folds and chain ends, are revealed. Imaging at the chain level also allows direct measurement of crystalline stem lengths, providing a potential route to test theories of crystal thickness selection.     

On Versal Unfoldings of Singularities for General Two-Dimensional Spatial Motions

Local models are given for singularities which can appear on the trajectories of general two-dimensional spatial motions. Versal unfoldings of these model singularities give rise to computer generated pictures describing the family of trajectories arising from small deformations of the tracing point.     

The role of nonlinear effects in the propagation of noise from high-power jet aircraft

To address the question of the role of nonlinear effects in the propagation of noise radiated by high-power jet aircraft, extensive measurements were made of the F-22A Raptor during static engine run-ups. Data were acquired at low-, intermediate-, and high-thrust engine settings with microphones located 23-305 m from the aircraft along several angles. Comparisons between the results of a generalized-Burgers-equation-based nonlinear propagation model and the measurements yield favorable agreement, whereas application of a linear propagation model results in spectral predictions that are much too low at high frequencies. The results and analysis show that significant nonlinear propagation effects occur for even intermediate-thrust engine conditions and at angles well away from the peak radiation angle. This suggests that these effects are likely to be common in the propagation of noise radiated by high-power aircraft.