Future Facilities Research Articles

Incorporating Ecosystem Services into Solar Energy Siting to Enhance Sustainable Energy Transitions.

Solar energy is expected to play a large role in decarbonization of the energy sector globally. In the United States, solar energy is forecasted to generate roughly 45% of the electricity by 2050. Although solar energy mitigates the negative effects of climate change by providing electricity without releasing greenhouse gases, little is known about the implications of solar energy development for ecosystem services. In this study, we developed a spatially explicit, techno-ecological solar suitability model consisting of six scenarios designed to evaluate the trade-offs between ground-mounted solar energy generation and multiple ecosystem services. By incorporating solar suitability modeling with ecosystem service evaluation, we develop a method that provides a comprehensive understanding of potential techno-ecological trade-offs. To test our methodology, we used Connecticut (USA) as a study site for analyzing the potential trade-offs of future solar energy facilities, but the methods can be widely applied. Our results suggest that well-sited solar energy development can decrease sediment and nutrient export while offsetting carbon emissions from power plants. This study provides a holistic assessment of incorporating ecosystem services in future solar energy development decision-making and presents an approach for minimizing trade-offs and maximizing sustainable outcomes.

The Composite Spectral Energy Distribution of Quasars Is Surprisingly Universal Since Cosmic Noon

Leveraging the photometric data of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and the Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX), we construct mean/median spectral energy distributions (SEDs) for unique bright quasars in redshift bins of 0.2 and up to z≃3, after taking the GALEX non-detection into account. Further correcting for the absorption of the intergalactic medium, these mean/median quasar SEDs constitute a surprisingly redshift-independent mean/median composite SED from the rest-frame optical down to ≃500 A˚ for quasars with bolometric luminosity brighter than 1045.5ergs−1. Moreover, the mean/median composite quasar SED is plausibly also independent of black hole mass and Eddington ratio, and suggests similar properties of dust and gas in the quasar host galaxies since cosmic noon. Both the mean and median composite SEDs are nicely consistent with previous mean composite quasar spectra at wavelengths beyond ≃1000 A˚, but at shorter wavelengths, are redder, indicating, on average, less ionizing radiation than previously expected. Through comparing the model-predicted to the observed composite quasar SEDs, we favor a simply truncated disk model, rather than a standard thin disk model, for the quasar central engine, though we request more sophisticated disk models. Future deep ultraviolet facilities, such as the China Space Station Telescope and the Ultraviolet Explorer, would prompt revolutions in many aspects, including the quasar central engine, production of the broad emission lines in quasars, and cosmic reionization.

SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION AND PATRONAGE OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, NIGERIA

The paper examined the spatial distribution and patronage pattern of recreational facilities in the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN). The study used primary data, which were obtained through a structured questionnaire administered randomly to the selected academic and non - teaching staff of UNILORIN. Geo-spatial data on the locations of the recreational facilities were collected and analyzed with the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) and Nearest Neighbour Analysis respectively. Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Analysis was employed to examine the relationship between residence and patronage of recreational facilities at 5% level of significance. With an Rn value of 1.47 (p=0.000378), the distribution of recreational facilities in UNILORIN was dispersed. The paper also observed that, there was no significant relationship between staff place of residence and their patronage of recreational facilities (r = 0.05, p value = 0.474). The study established that health benefits and pleasure with Enhancing Factor Index of 2.58 and 2.46 respectively, were the major enhancing factors of recreational facilities patronage. The paper concluded that locations of recreational facilities are far from each other and by implication the distribution is nor regular. The paper therefore recommended that future recreational facilities should be evenly distributed so as to foster more patronage by staff members of University of Ilorin.

SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION AND PATRONAGE OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, NIGERIA

The paper examined the spatial distribution and patronage pattern of recreational facilities in the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN). The study used primary data, which were obtained through a structured questionnaire administered randomly to the selected academic and non - teaching staff of UNILORIN. Geo-spatial data on the locations of the recreational facilities were collected and analyzed with the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) and Nearest Neighbour Analysis respectively. Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Analysis was employed to examine the relationship between residence and patronage of recreational facilities at 5% level of significance. With an Rn value of 1.47 (p=0.000378), the distribution of recreational facilities in UNILORIN was dispersed. The paper also observed that, there was no significant relationship between staff place of residence and their patronage of recreational facilities (r = 0.05, p value = 0.474). The study established that health benefits and pleasure with Enhancing Factor Index of 2.58 and 2.46 respectively, were the major enhancing factors of recreational facilities patronage. The paper concluded that locations of recreational facilities are far from each other and by implication the distribution is nor regular. The paper therefore recommended that future recreational facilities should be evenly distributed so as to foster more patronage by staff members of University of Ilorin.

Machine Learning based Pointing Corrections for Radio/Sub-millimeter Telescopes

Radio, sub-millimeter and millimeter ground-based telescopes are powerful instruments for studying the gas and dust-rich regions of the Universe that are invisible at optical wavelengths, but the pointing accuracy is crucial for obtaining high-quality data. Pointing errors are small deviations of the telescope’s orientation from its desired direction. The telescopes use linear regression pointing models to correct for these errors, taking into account various factors such as weather conditions, telescope mechanical structure, and the target’s position in the sky. However, residual pointing errors can still occur due to factors that are hard to model accurately, such as thermal and gravitational deformation and environmental conditions like humidity and wind. Here we present a proof-of-concept for reducing pointing error for the Atacama Pathfinder EXperiment (APEX) telescope in the high-altitude Atacama Desert in Chile based on machine learning. Using historic pointing data from 2022, we trained eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) models that reduced the root-mean-square errors (RMSE) for azimuth and elevation (horizontal and vertical angle) pointing corrections by 4.3% and 9.5%, respectively, on hold-out test data. Our results will inform operations of current and future facilities such as the next-generation Atacama Large Aperture Submillimeter Telescope (AtLAST)

Above-threshold ionization with X-ray free-electron lasers

This study delves into the relatively uncharted territory of Above Threshold Ionization in atoms, triggered by intense X-ray radiation fields. At these frequencies, the energy of a single photon far exceeds the ionization potential of valence electrons in atoms and molecules. The conditions we examine are similar to those achievable with current or future free-electron laser facilities. Under such high-energy scenarios, the onset of strong field ionization requires a shift away from the traditional quasi-classical approach. Here, we present an analytical model to characterize how the field-free ionization potential, ponderomotive energy, and photon energy govern the transition to this regime, all accounted for by means of the Keldysh and Reiss parameters. We show that both of these parameters are needed to capture the onset of strong-field behavior due to both bound state and continuum state properties. At higher X-ray intensities, we find that ionization rates deviate from the linear intensity scaling expected from lowest order perturbative processes, corresponding to channel closure and higher-order photon absorption processes.

Coherent high-harmonic generation with laser-plasma beams

Active energy compression scheme is presently being investigated for future laser-plasma accelerators. This method enables generating laser-plasma accelerator electron beams with a small, ∼10−5, relative slice energy spread. When modulated by a laser pulse, such beams can produce coherent radiation at very high, ∼100th harmonics of the modulation laser wavelength, which are hard to access by conventional techniques. The scheme has a potential of providing additional capabilities for future plasma-based facilities by generating stable, tunable, narrow-band radiation. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Comparison of chamber beam geometry robustness to mispointing, imbalance and target offset for direct-drive laser fusion facilities

Abstract This study focuses on the optimization of beam chamber geometry designs for future direct-drive laser facilities. It provides a review of leading target chamber geometries, with a particular emphasis on random errors. Through comprehensive solid-sphere illuminations and analysis, we identify an optimized beam geometry design, highlighting its robustness and performance under realistic experimental conditions. Three major sources of random errors are evaluated, closely linked to experimental evaluations at OMEGA. The findings underscore the importance of optimizing the irradiation system alongside beam pattern considerations to enhance the efficiency and reliability of inertial confinement fusion experiments. We conclude that for a desired illumination uniformity of 1% in the presence of system errors, the split icosahedron design is the most robust. However, for a 0.3% uniformity goal, the charged-particle, icosahedron, and t-sphere methods exhibit similar performance.

Singlet–doublet Dirac Fermion dark matter from Peccei–Quinn symmetry

Weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) and axions are arguably the most compelling dark matter (DM) candidates in the literature. Here, we consider a model where the Peccei–Quinn (PQ) symmetry solves the strong CP problem, generates radiatively Dirac neutrino masses and gives origin to a multicomponent dark sector. Specifically, scotogenic Dirac neutrino masses arise at one-loop level. The lightest fermionic mediator acts as the second DM candidate due to a residual [Formula: see text] symmetry resulting from the PQ symmetry breaking. The WIMP DM component resembles the well-known singlet–doublet fermion DM. While the lower WIMP dark mass region is usually excluded, our model reopens that portion of the parameter space (for DM masses below [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GeV). Therefore, we perform a phenomenological analysis that addresses the constraints from direct searches of DM, neutrino oscillation data and charged lepton flavor violating processes. The model can be tested in future facilities where neutrino telescopes search for DM annihilation into Standard Model particles.

Tracking performances of the ePIC detector at the Electron-Ion Collider

The ePIC (electron–Proton/Ion Collider) experiment is a future facility at the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) complex, located at the Brookhaven National Laboratory, USA. It will use ∼70% longitudinally polarized beam of electrons, protons, and light ions to study their collisions to understand the properties of the quarks, gluons, and the strong force responsible for the formation of the nucleus. The layout of the central detector of the ePIC experiment is not symmetric along the beams axis consisting of barrel, forward, and backward detectors to achieve a wide pseudorapidity (|η|< 3.5) coverage. There are further far-forward and far-backward tracking detectors to measure the luminosity and reconstruct the particles and fragments for the study of the exclusive deep-inelastic scattering (DIS) processes. The experiment has a challenging environment due to the presence of the background radiations (synchrotron radiation, beam-gas interactions, minimum-bias events, etc.) which will produce additional background hits on the tracker. The synchrotron radiation is suppressed to some extent by coating the beampipe with a 5μm gold layer. The experiment uses state-of-the-art bent wafer-scale silicon monolithic active pixel sensors (MAPS) with a ∼5μs acquisition window, micro-pattern gas detector (MPGD) with a good time resolution (∼20–30ns), and time-of-flight detectors based on AC-LGAD sensors (time resolution ∼30ps). The timing information of each detector will play a crucial role in track finding and rejecting the background hits utilizing the 4-dimensional tracking (space, time) to ensure the excellent performance of the experiment. The article presents the expected tracking performance of the ePIC detector using the modular ePIC software stack for simulation, reconstruction, and analysis. The Geant4 toolkit is employed for full detector simulations, alongside DD4hep (Detector Description for High Energy Physics) for geometry definition and exchange. The reconstruction incorporates the JANA2 framework, in addition to the tracking and vertexing algorithms inherited from A Common Tracking Software (ACTS).

Exposing a dual-readout fibre calorimeter to electron beams, in preparation for HiDRa: High-resolution calorimeter for [formula omitted] colliders

Among the proposed accelerators for the post-LHC era are the Future Circular Collider (FCC) and the Circular Electron–Positron Collider (CEPC). Both projects would take advantage of the clean environment and low radiation damage of electron–positron collisions, providing the highest precision studies of electroweak and Higgs physics. The relatively high branching fraction of W, Z and Higgs bosons into hadronic jets makes the precise measurements of these objects an essential aspect on detector development for experiments at future collider facilities. One of the most promising calorimetry techniques for improved hadron energy reconstruction is the dual-readout method, which exploits signals from two different physics processes to correct for the fem of hadron showers, therefore boosting the standalone calorimeter performance. The usage of compact photosensors (e.g. Silicon PhotoMultipliers) for the readout enables a very fine segmentation, opening to particle-flow and advanced neural networks software reconstruction of events. In this contribution, the results of testing a small-scale dual-readout calorimeter prototype, characterised by a mixed PMT and SiPM readout solution, with an electron beam at the CERN SPS facility in the energy range [10, 120] GeV are presented. It follows the description of a larger prototype of the same type, currently under construction in the context of the INFN HiDRa project, that will be large enough to fully contain hadron showers. The design, construction technique and expected performance, as estimated through a Geant4 simulation parameterised on the previous prototype, are presented.

The K2 and TESS Synergy. III. Search and Rescue of the Lost Ephemeris for K2's First Planet

K2-2 b/HIP 116454 b, the first exoplanet discovery by K2 during its Two-Wheeled Concept Engineering Test, is a sub-Neptune (2.5 ± 0.1 R ⊕, 9.7 ± 1.2 M ⊕) orbiting a relatively bright (K S = 8.03) K-dwarf star on a 9.1 day period. Unfortunately, due to a spurious follow-up transit detection and ephemeris degradation, the transit ephemeris for this planet was lost. In this work, we recover and refine the transit ephemeris for K2-2 b, showing a ∼40σ discrepancy from the discovery results. To accurately measure the transit ephemeris and update the parameters of the system, we jointly fit space-based photometric observations from NASA’s K2, Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, and Spitzer missions with new photometric observations from the ground, as well as radial velocities from HARPS-N that are corrected for stellar activity using a new modeling technique. Ephemerides becoming lost or significantly degraded, as is the case for most transiting planets, highlights the importance of systematically updating transit ephemerides with upcoming large efforts expected to characterize hundreds of exoplanet atmospheres. K2-2 b sits at the high-mass peak of the known radius valley for sub-Neptunes, and is now well-suited for transmission spectroscopy with current and future facilities. Our updated transit ephemeris will ensure no more than a 13 minute uncertainty through 2030.

Mapping the SMEFT at high-energy colliders: from LEP and the (HL-)LHC to the FCC-ee

We present SMEFiT3.0, an updated global SMEFT analysis of Higgs, top quark, and diboson production data from the LHC complemented by electroweak precision observables (EWPOs) from LEP and SLD. We consider recent inclusive and differential measurements from the LHC Run II, alongside with a novel implementation of the EWPOs based on independent calculations of the relevant EFT contributions. We estimate the impact of HL-LHC measurements on the SMEFT parameter space when added on top of SMEFiT3.0, through dedicated projections extrapolating from Run II data. We quantify the significant constraints that measurements from two proposed high-energy circular e+e− colliders, the FCC-ee and the CEPC, would impose on both the SMEFT parameter space and on representative UV-complete models. Our analysis considers projections for the FCC-ee and the CEPC based on the latest running scenarios and includes Z-pole EWPOs, fermion-pair, Higgs, diboson, and top quark production, using optimal observables for both the W+W− and the tt¯\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$ t\\overline{t} $$\\end{document} channels. The framework presented in this work may be extended to other future colliders and running scenarios, providing timely input to ongoing studies towards future high-energy particle physics facilities.

Can millicharge be probed at future Super Tau Charm Facility via mono-π0 searches?

We propose a new channel to search for millicharged particles at the future Super Tau Charm Facility (STCF) via mono-π0 signature. For the first time, we compute the mono-π0 signal events at the future STCF due to millicharged particle production, as well as due to standard model irreducible/reducible backgrounds. By utilizing the assumed 20 ab−1 luminosity for each running energy with s=2 GeV, 4 GeV and 7 GeV, we derive the corresponding upper limits on millicharge, respectively. Via mono-π0 searches at the future STCF with s=2 GeV, the upper limits on millicharge can be improved than ArgoNeuT when the mass of millicharged particle is less than about 500 MeV, but are not very competitive compared to a latest derivation from a past BEBC experiment and a new SENSEI experiment. Regardless, the mono-π0 searches could be an important complement to investigate the invisible particles, such as dark matter.

Photoproduction of the X(3872) beyond vector meson dominance: the open-charm coupled-channel mechanism

Hidden-charm exotic hadrons will be searched for and investigated at future electron–ion colliders. For instance, the X(3872) can be produced through the exclusive process γ p → X(3872)p. The vector meson dominance model has been commonly employed in estimating the cross sections of such processes. However, the coupled-channel production mechanism through open-charm meson-baryon intermediate states may play a crucial role. To assess the significance of such contributions, we estimate the cross section of the γ p → X(3872)p reaction assuming the coupled-channel mechanism. For energies near the threshold, the total cross section is predicted to be of tens of nanobarns for γ p → X(3872)p, which can be measured at future experimental facilities. Furthermore, the open-charm coupled-channel mechanism leads to a distinct line shape of the total cross section that can be utilized to reveal the production dynamics.

Reducing the carbon footprint for a 30-bed haemodialysis unit by changing the delivery of acid concentrate supplied by individual 5 L containers to a central delivery system

BackgroundHaemodialysis treatments generate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions mainly as a result of the equipment, consumables and pharmaceuticals required. An internal audit demonstrated a 33% wastage of acid concentrate when using individual 5.0 L containers at a 1:44 dilution ratio. We therefore investigated whether changing the delivery system for acid concentrate would reduce wastage and any associated greenhouse gas emissions.MethodsWe calculated the difference for a 30-bed dialysis unit between receiving acid concentrate in single-use 5.0 L plastic containers versus bulk delivery for a central acid delivery system connected to the dialysis machines. Estimates of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions were made using the United Kingdom government database and other sources.ResultsA 30-station dialysis unit functioning at maximum capacity (3 shifts and 6 days/week), switching to bulk delivery and central acid delivery could realise an approximate total reduction of 33,841 kgCO2e/year; in reduced product wastage, saving 6192 kgCO2e, 5205 kgCO2e from fewer deliveries, and 22,444 kgCO2e saving from a reduction in packaging and waste generated, which equates approximately to a one tonne reduction in CO2e emissions per dialysis station/year.ConclusionsSwitching from delivering acid concentrate in individual 5.0 L containers to a central acid delivery system can result in substantial reductions in CO2e emissions within a dialysis clinic. The emission savings from reducing the single-use plastic packaging greatly outweigh any gains from eliminating wastage of acid concentrate. Dialysis companies and clinicians should consider reviewing the design of current and future dialysis facilities and policies to determine whether reductions in CO2e emissions can be made.Graphical

An effective model for the tidal disruption of satellites undergoing minor mergers with axisymmetric primaries

According to the hierarchical formation paradigm, galaxies form through mergers of smaller entities and massive black holes (MBHs), if present at their centers, migrate to the nucleus of the newly formed galaxy, where they form binary systems. The formation and evolution of MBH binaries, and in particular their coalescence timescale, is highly relevant for current and future facilities aimed at detecting the gravitational wave signal produced by the MBHs close to coalescence. While most of the studies targeting this process are based on hydrodynamic simulations, the high computational cost makes a complete parameter space exploration prohibitive. Semianalytic approaches represent a valid alternative, but they require ad hoc prescriptions for the mass loss of the merging galaxies in minor mergers due to tidal stripping, which is not commonly considered or is at best modelled assuming very idealised geometries. In this work we propose a novel, effective model for the tidal stripping in axisymmetric potentials, to be implemented in semi-analytic models. We validated our semi-analytic approach against N-body simulations considering different galaxy sizes, inclinations, and eccentricities, finding only a moderate dependence on the orbit eccentricity. In particular, we find that, for almost circular orbits, our model mildly overestimates the mass loss, and this is due to the adjustment of the stellar distribution after the mass is removed. Nonetheless, the model exhibits a very good agreement with simulations in all the considered conditions, and thus represents an extremely powerful addition to semi-analytic calculations.

Artificial intelligence applications for immunology laboratory: image analysis and classification study of IIF photos.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used in medicine to enhance the speed and accuracy of disease diagnosis and treatment. AI-based image analysis is expected to play a crucial role in future healthcare facilities and laboratories, offering improved precision and cost-effectiveness. As technology advances, the requirement for specialized software knowledge to utilize AI applications is diminishing. Our study will examine the advantages and challenges of employing AI-based image analysis in the field of immunology and will investigate whether physicians without software expertise can use MS Azure Portal for ANA IIF test classification and image analysis. This is the first study to perform Hep-2 image analysis using MS Azure Portal. We will also assess the potential for AI applications to aid physicians in interpreting ANA IIF results in immunology laboratories. The study was designed in four stages by two specialists. Stage 1: creation of an image library, Stage 2: finding an artificial intelligence application, Stage 3: uploading images and training artificial intelligence, Stage 4: performance analysis of the artificial intelligence application. In the first training, the average pattern identification accuracy for 72 testing images was 81.94%. After the second training, this accuracy increased to 87.5%. Patterns Precision improved from 71.42 to 79.96% after the second training. As a result, the number of correctly identified patterns and their accuracy increased with the second training process. Artificial intelligence-based image analysis shows promising potential. This technology is expected to become essential in healthcare facility laboratories, offering higher accuracy rates and lower costs.

Baryon-number — flavor separation in the topological expansion of QCD

Gauge invariance of QCD dictates the presence of string junctions in the wave functions of baryons. In high-energy inclusive processes, these baryon junctions have been predicted to induce the separation of the flows of baryon number and flavor. In this paper we describe this phenomenon using the analog-gas model of multiparticle production proposed long time ago by Feynman and Wilson and adapted here to accommodate the topological expansion in QCD. In this framework, duality arguments suggest the existence of two degenerate junction-antijunction glueball Regge trajectories of opposite C\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$ \\mathcal{C} $$\\end{document}-parity with intercept close to 1/2. The corresponding results for the energy and rapidity dependence of baryon stopping are in reasonably good agreement with recent experimental findings from STAR and ALICE experiments. We show that accounting for correlations between the fragmenting strings further improves agreement with the data, and outline additional experimental tests of our picture at the existing (RHIC, LHC, JLab) and future (EIC) facilities.

Method for measuring the charge radii of charged hyperons from the time-like region

We propose a novel method for measuring the charge radii of charged stable hadrons, with which the first measurement of the charge radii of the Σ+ and the Ξ− is foreseen. The method explores the facts that the Dalitz decay ψ(2S)→YY¯e+e− contains the hyperon form factors and the lowest measurable four-momentum transfer squared can be as low as ∼4me2=1.05×10−6GeV2 in the time-like region. We identify a kinematic region where the hyperon form factors are essential and propose a method for subtracting the background from the data. It is estimated that the hyperon charge radii can be measured to a precision of about 0.2 fm with the BESIII experiment and one order of magnitude better at the future Super τ-Charm Facility. Moreover, the same method can be used to measure the charge radius of the proton, which provides an independent cross-check on the extraction of proton radius from elastic ep scattering or leptonic hydrogen spectroscopy.