Large-scale Research Facilities Research Articles

Challenges of radiation measurements in an institute with various large-scale research facilities

The Paul Scherrer Institute is a unique Swiss research institute that operates five large-scale research facilities in which different types of particles, such as electrons, protons, neutrons, pions and muons, are accelerated or produced. Depending on the facility and location, the operational radiation protection has to deal with challenging measurements of mixed radiation fields, which can be in addition pulsed and of high-energy. In this article, we provide insight into the associated demands and challenges using two examples with different requirements for the monitoring technology. Using the example of the high-intensity proton accelerator (HIPA), the measurement technology around high-energy accelerators is examined in more detail. On the other hand, the problems of measuring technology for pulsed radiation and its dynamic range are discussed using the example of the Swiss X-ray free electron laser SwissFEL. The aim of this paper is to highlight the different requirements and technical challenges in radiation measurements for such complex facilities and, thus, to raise awareness and provide a stimulus for further developments in measurement technology.

Calibration of the online dose monitoring system at the free-electron laser SwissFEL

The latest large-scale research facility of the Paul Scherrer Institute, the x-ray free-electron laser SwissFEL, is installed in a 740 m long building. The facility accelerates electrons to a maximal energy of 5.8 GeV with repetition rates up to 100 Hz. The building is integrated in a regional recreation area with shielding of the accelerator vault dimensioned to tolerate temporary beam losses. An online dose monitoring system capable of shutting down SwissFEL ensures compliance with legal requirements. The studies present an overview of the evaluation of calibration factors for this system and results of dedicated benchmark measurements, carried out to verify underlying assumptions and simplifications.

PSII-21 Feed intake and growth of young turkeys in the brood when supplemented with Viribus Essentials, a blend of botanical extracts and natural flavors

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of adding Viribus Essentials (VB) on top of standard commercial brood diets on the performance and survivability of young turkeys in a large-scale commercial research facility. A total of 1,360 hybrid turkey toms were randomly assigned to 2 dietary treatments in a completely randomized design for a 42-d trial. There were 85 turkeys per pen and 8 replicate pens per treatment. The 2 dietary treatments were 1) CONTROL a standard set of commercial turkey brood rations (Starter, Grower), and 2) CONTROL + 1,362 grams per ton of VB in Starter and Grower. Body weight and feed disappearance were recorded by pen for d 0 to 42 to calculate average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio. The Grubb’s test was used to check data for outliers with P < 0.05 as the level of significance for eliminating a replicate; no replicates were removed. Data were used to calculate all parameters and were analyzed using the GLM procedure in Minitab with Fisher’s t-test determining differences between treatments. Results from this trial are shown in Table 1. VB improved feed intake by 4.6% (P < 0.05), which resulted in improved average daily gain (ADG) by 3.8% (P < 0.01), with no change in feed conversion ratio (FCR) or Mortality adjusted FCR. Survivability was numerically increased by 1.1% (P = 0.367). Overall, the supplementation of VB increases the body weight of the turkey toms at the end of the brood by 4.7% (P < 0.01) which is an important indicator for the lifetime performance of turkeys.

Comparative peculiarities of genomic diversity in Gallus gallus domesticus chickens with decorative plumage: the muffs and beard phenotype.

Throughout history, humans have been attempting to develop the ornamental features of domestic animals in addition to their productive qualities. Many chicken breeds have developed tufts of elongated feathers that jut out from the sides and bottom of the beak, leading to the phenotype known as muffs and beard. It is an incomplete autosomal dominant phenotype determined by the Mb locus localised on chromosome GGA27. This project aimed to analyse the genetic diversity of chicken breeds using full genomic genotyping with the Chicken 60K BeadChip. A total of 53,313 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms were analysed. DNA was obtained from breeds with the muffs and beard as a marker phenotype: Faverolles (n = 20), Ukrainian Muffed (n = 18), Orloff (n = 20), Novopavlov White (n = 20), and Novopavlov Coloured (n = 15). The Russian White (n = 20) was selected as an alternative breed without the muffs and beard phenotype. The chickens are owned by the Centre of Collective Use "Genetic Collection of Rare and Endangered Breeds of Chickens" (St. Petersburg region, Pushkin), and are also included in the Core Shared Research Facility (CSRF) and/or Large-Scale Research Facility (LSRF). Multidimensional scaling revealed that the Novopavlov White and the Novopavlov Coloured populations formed a separate group. The Ukrainian Muffed and the Orloff have also been combined into a separate group. Based on cluster analysis, with the cross-validation error and the most probable number of clusters K = 4 taken into account, the Orloff was singled out as a separate group. The Ukrainian Muffed exhibited a notable similarity with the Orloff under the same conditions. At K = 5, the populations of the Novopavlov White and the Novopavlov Coloured diverged. Only at K = 6, a distinct and separate cluster was formed by the Ukrainian Muffed. The Russian White had the greatest number of short (1-2 Mb) homozygous regions. If the HOXB8 gene is located between 3.402 and 3.404 Mb on chromosome GGA27, homozygous regions are rarely found in the chickens with the muffs and beard phenotype. Scanning the chicken genome with the Chicken 60K BeadChip provided enough information about the genetic diversity of the chicken breeds for the peculiarities of the development of the ornamental muffs and beard phenotypes in them to be understood. For example, Phoenix bantams, whose tail feathers grow throughout their lives, require greater consideration of husbandry conditions.

Cybersecurity in a Large-Scale Research Facility—One Institution’s Approach

A cybersecurity approach for a large-scale user facility is presented—utilizing the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (NHMFL) at Florida State University (FSU) as an example. The NHMFL provides access to the highest magnetic fields for scientific research teams from a range of disciplines. The unique challenges of cybersecurity at a widely accessible user facility are showcased, and relevant cybersecurity frameworks for the complex needs of a user facility with industrial-style equipment and hazards are discussed, along with the approach for risk identification and management, which determine cybersecurity requirements and priorities. Essential differences between information technology and research technology are identified, along with unique requirements and constraints. The need to plan for the introduction of new technology and manage legacy technologies with long usage lifecycles is identified in the context of implementing cybersecurity controls rooted in pragmatic decisions to avoid hindering research activities while enabling secure practices, which includes FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable) and open data management principles. The NHMFL’s approach to FAIR data management is presented. Critical success factors include obtaining resources to implement and maintain necessary security protocols, interdisciplinary and diverse skill sets, phased implementation, and shared allocation of NHMFL and FSU responsibilities.

An Introduction to Relativistic Theory as Implemented in GRASP

Computational atomic physics continues to play a crucial role in both increasing the understanding of fundamental physics (e.g., quantum electrodynamics and correlation) and producing atomic data for interpreting observations from large-scale research facilities ranging from fusion reactors to high-power laser systems, space-based telescopes and isotope separators. A number of different computational methods, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, is available to meet these tasks. Here, we review the relativistic multiconfiguration method as it applies to the General Relativistic Atomic Structure Package [grasp2018, C. Froese Fischer, G. Gaigalas, P. Jönsson, J. Bieroń, Comput. Phys. Commun. (2018). DOI: 10.1016/j.cpc.2018.10.032]. To illustrate the capacity of the package, examples of calculations of relevance for nuclear physics and astrophysics are presented.

Procurement of Scientific Equipment from Grant Funds on Material and Technical Infrastructure

This study is devoted to identifying typical problems in the field of scientific equipment procurement in the interests of core shared research facilities and large-scale research facilities and developing approaches to their solution. The paper provides an analysis on the practice of purchasing scientific equipment, conducted on the basis of statistical data obtained from representatives of core shared research facilities and large-scale research facilities that received governmental support in 2019–2021, as well as on the data of a sociological survey. As a result, the hypotheses put forward by the authors about the predominance of foreign-made scientific equipment in the procurement structure, about the decrease in the average cost of purchased equipment in 2019–2021, about the presence of significant unevenness of scientific equipment by subclasses in the procurement structure of scientific equipment, about the presence of similar organizational problems in the field of procurement of scientific equipment. The article suggests a number of approaches to solving the identified problems arising from the formulations of 4 proven hypotheses.

Variations in Geophysical Fields during the Tonga Volcanic Eruption According to the Data of the Mikhnevo Large-Scale Research Facility

Variations in Geophysical Fields during the Tonga Volcanic Eruption According to the Data of the Mikhnevo Large-Scale Research Facility

NEW APPROACH TO STRONG EARTHQUAKE PREDICTION IN THE SOUTH BAIKAL REGION ON THE BASIS OF ROCK DEFORMATION MONITORING DATA: METHODOLOGY AND RESULTS

The Southern Baikal is located within the actively developing Baikal rift zone (BRZ) that is characterized by a significant seismic potential, and M>7 earthquakes occur periodically with intensive shaking in the epicenters (up to 10 units). The problem of prediction and forecasting of strong earthquakes has always been critical for this region, considering its increasing urbanization, industrial clusters and transport systems. The article describes the methodology based on rock deformation monitoring data, which aims at developing a technology capable of efficient prediction and forecasting of strong earthquakes. In the Institute of Earth’s Crust SB RAS a set of studies is carried out in order to solve this problem, including those associated with the instrumental study of current movements of the lithosphere through GPS geodesy and deformations of rocks by strain gauges. The existing GPS sites and deformation measurements are combined into the Large-Scale Research Facilities "South Baikal instrumental complex for monitoring hazardous geodynamic processes" in frame of the Shared Research Facilities "Geodynamics and Geochronology" at the Institute of the Earth’s Crust, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Science.In this article, the deformation monitoring methodology is described in application to the monitoring sites installed in the study area. The description includes the details of its conceptual basis, technical support and data processing methods. The discussion focuses on the instrumental measurements of rock deformation related to three strong events in the study area – Kultuk (August 27, 2008), Bystrinskoe (September 21, 2020), and Kudara (December 10, 2020) earthquakes. The features of the deformation process before these seismic events are given special attention with account of the structural-geodynamic settings and positions of local monitoring sites relative to the earthquake epicenters.

SEISMIC MONITORING OF THE COAL MINING AREA ON SAKHALIN ISLAND USING TEMPORARY NETWORKS OF THE FRS GS RAS

In April – May 2021, in the Khabarovsk Territory and Sakhalin Region in the Far East Federal District of the Russian Federation, the Federal Research Center "Geophysical Survey RAS" deployed temporary networks as a part of Large-Scale Research Facilities – continuous seismic monitoring of the Russian Federation, adjacent areas and the world. The deployment of new stations provided a reliable integration of real-time seismic data into a centralized monitoring system for the Sakhalin Region. The seismic study has been performed in the Uglegorsk District, Sakhalin Region, where the Solntsevsky brown coal deposit – the most potential on the island – is located. There were presented the data on seismic events of different origin recorded since the stations had been brought into service. Emphasis has been placed on considerable improvements in epicenter location accuracy and enhancing possibilities of determining earthquakes and industrial explosions. There are shown the results of monitoring for earthquake mechanism studies. The monitoring system that is currently available allows recording the representative earthquake events with ML≥0.5 in the immediate vicinity of coal mines, thus providing the possibility of improving control of blasting work and of weak and potential induced seismicity caused by multiple anthropogenic impacts on subsoil.

VIBROSEISMIC INVESTIGATIONS OF THE BAIKAL RIFT ZONE WITH A POWERFUL CVO-100 VIBRATOR

The article provides an overview of vibroseismic studies carried out in the Baikal rift zone using LargeScale Research Facilities – a powerful CVO-100 seismic vibrator, installed at the South Baikal geodynamic test site SB RAS. Research is carried out according to several methods focused on different tasks: study of the structure of the Earth’s crust and upper mantle in the BRZ, active vibroseismic monitoring, and verification of velocity models of the Earth’s crust. To study the structure of the Earth’s crust and the upper mantle, there were done the vibrator-generated wavefield recordings at the stationary regional network of seismic stations in the Buryat and Baikal branches of the Federal Research Center of the GS RAS, as well as the experimental studies involving the mobile networks deployment (ICMMG SB RAS, SIPE RAS, GIN SB RAS). The aim of the work is to carry out deep vibroseismic sounding of the Earth’s crust (vibro-DSS) at the junction of the Siberian platform, the BRZ and the Sayan-Baikal folded area. The methodology is based on the study of vibration seismograms with the determination of arrival times of the main groups of waves and their correlation with the velocity models of the Earth’s crust in the BRZ. A CVO-100 vibrator and a regional network of seismic stations are used to carry out active vibroseismic monitoring of the southern part of the BRZ. The active monitoring area is about 500×200 km. During vibroseismic monitoring, there were done thorough studies of seasonal variations of the vibrator-generated wavefield and the development of techniques for spectral correction of seismograms. A seismic vibrator CVO-100 was used to carry out experimental verification of the velocity models of the Earth’s crust, developed based on the BEST and PASSCAL experimental data. The vibrational deep seismic sounding (vibro-DSS) on the Baikal – Ulan Bator profile was carried out by the ICMMG SB RAS, GIN SB RAS and BB FRC GS RAS (Russia) in cooperation with IAG MAN (Mongolia).

STUDY OF SEISMIC EFFECTS ON CHANGES IN GROUNDWATER PRESSURE: EQUIPMENNT AND SOME WELL OBSERVASTION RESULTS FOR THE KAMCHATKA PENINSULA

The relevance of the work is determined by the necessity to develop the hardware part of the seismic subsystem of the Large-Scale Research Facilities functioning at the Federal Research Center of the Geophysical Survey of the Russian Academy of Sciences to study seismic signals in groundwater pressure changes. For this purpose, the well monitoring on the territory of the Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky test site, Kamchatka Peninsula, was updated using Keller equipment, Switzerland (sensors of PAA36 XiW CTD Si, PAA36 XiW modifications, data logger GSM-2), Campbell Scientific Inc, USA (CR6 and CR1000 data loggers) and a budgetary hydrogeodynamic data recorder (HDDR) based on the STK-1 minicomputers, created at the Kamchatka Branch of the GS RAS. A description has been provided concerning the sets of digital equipment installed in four wells for precise recording of groundwater pressure variations with a frequency of 20.00–0.08 Hz. Consideration is being given to the characteristics of the equipment installed in individual wells and to the problems solved in the process of updating the well observation system in order to study vibration effects and hydrogeodynamic precursors of earthquakes. The paper presents the newly obtained results of recording the high-frequency variations in groundwater pressure in wells during the 2020–2021 local and remote earthquakes. A discussion is provided of new possibilities for studying vibration effects on changes in ground water pressure with a frequency comparable to the frequency of recording seismic events by seismometric equipment. Using a new equipment for recording water pressure in the unique well E-1 made it possible to record, a hydrogeodynamic precursor in real time before the March 16, 2021, Mw=6.6 earthquake which occurred at the epicentral distance of 350 km from the well.

BYSTROV VIBROSEISMIC LANDFILL OF THE GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY FEDERAL RESEARCH CENTRE RAS AS A UNIQUE FACILITY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND EXPERIMENTAL TESTING OF NEW GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGIES

Information is presented about the Bystrov vibroseismic landfill near Novosibirsk, which houses Large-Scale Research Facilities with no analogues in the world – powerful 50–100-ton vibration sources (GRV-50, CVM-100, CV-40). The infrastructure of the landfill, the composition of the equipment, the tasks of scientific research, Russian and foreign performers of developments are described. The main research results of fundamental and practical importance are presented. One of the main tasks that the created polygon is aimed at is active vibroseismic monitoring with powerful vibrators. The repeatability and accuracy of monitoring, which is one millisecond in kinematic parameters, is shown; the existing monitoring scheme and prospects for increasing the monitoring area due to a stationary seismological network of stations are presented. An example of one of the promising fundamental developments is shown – the study of seismic emission during the excitation of a powerful low-frequency impact on the environment.

LARGE-SCALE RESEARCH FACILITIES «MID-LATITUDE GEOPHYSICAL OBSERVATION COMPLEX «MIKHNEVO»

Presented here are the descriptions of the Large-Scale Research Facilities (LSRF) «Mid-latitude complex of geophysical observations "Mikhnevo"» at the Institute of Geospheres Dynamics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The composition of the measuring complex, equipment and applied techniques are provided. The paper also presents some of the scientific results obtained at the LSRF «Mikhnevo» in recent years.

UNIQUE LARGE-SCALE RESEARCH FACILITIES "SEISMIC INFRASOUND ARRAY FOR MONITORING ARCTIC CRYOLITOZONE AND CONTINUOUS SEISMIC MONITORING OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION, NEIGHBOURING TERRITORIES AND THE WORLD"

The description of the Unique Large-Scale Research Facilities "Seismic infrasound array for monitoring Arctic cryolithozone and continuous seismic monitoring of the Russian Federation, neighbouring territories and the world" (URF SIA MAC), its hardware and software components are presented. Methods and principle areas of research carried out using the URF are outlined. The URF SIA MAC includes 364 seismic stations throughout Russia and three infrasound arrays. The data obtained at the URF serve to provide domestic fundamental and applied research in the field of Earth Sciences (seismology, geophysics, geodynamics, geoecology) and to study catastrophic events of a natural induced nature. The modern URF data archive includes digital seismic records since 1993. In addition, there is a significant amount of analogue records (since 1904) available for further digitization. The URF SIA MAC provides seismological data to many Russian scientific, research and design organizations. The article presents the main results of the Federal Research Centre Geophysical Survey of the Russian Academy of Sciences obtained in recent years using the URF data.

UNIQUE LARGE-SCALE RESEARCH FACILITIES "SEISMIC INFRASOUND ARRAY FOR MONITORING ARCTIC CRYOLITOZONE AND CONTINUOUS SEISMIC MONITORING OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION, NEIGHBOURING TERRITORIES AND THE WORLD"

The description of the Unique Large-Scale Research Facilities "Seismic infrasound array for monitoring Arctic cryolithozone and continuous seismic monitoring of the Russian Federation, neighbouring territories and the world" (URF SIA MAC), its hardware and software components are presented. Methods and principle areas of research carried out using the URF are outlined. The URF SIA MAC includes 364 seismic stations throughout Russia and three infrasound arrays. The data obtained at the URF serve to provide domestic fundamental and applied research in the field of Earth Sciences (seismology, geophysics, geodynamics, geoecology) and to study catastrophic events of a natural induced nature. The modern URF data archive includes digital seismic records since 1993. In addition, there is a significant amount of analogue records (since 1904) available for further digitization. The URF SIA MAC provides seismological data to many Russian scientific, research and design organizations. The article presents the main results of the Federal Research Centre Geophysical Survey of the Russian Academy of Sciences obtained in recent years using the URF data.

SEARCH FOR AEROSOL MICROPARTICLES IN DATED LAYERS OF BOTTOM SEDIMENTS USING SYNCHROTRON RADIATION

The SR-micro-XRF method was used to search for microparticles of extraterrestrial matter in the bottom sediments of Lake Zapovednoye, located 60 km from the epicentre of the explosion of the Tunguska cosmic body (TCB) in 1908. The material of bottom sediments dating back to 1908–1910 was studied. The samples for the study were prepared in the form of a powder applied to a conductive adhesive tape, which made it possible to combine the data of optical observations, electron microscopy, and micro-XRF scanning. The experiments were carried out at the Large-Scale Research Facilities "Kurchatov Centre for Synchrotron Research" using a confocal X-ray microscope developed at the Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics SB RAS. The data obtained indicate the presence of microparticles with an increased Ni/Fe ratio, possibly of extraterrestrial origin.

CONTRIBUTION OF THE UNIQUE SCIENTIFIC FACILITIES "ARKHANGELSK SEISMIC NETWORK" TO THE RUSSIAN ARCTIC SEISMICITY STUDY

The article presents a Large-Scale Research Facilities "Arkhangelsk seismic network". The configuration, technical equipment, methods of processing earthquakes on the platform and the Russian part of the Arctic are presented. The actual results of the Large-Scale Research Facilities "Arkhangelsk Seismic Network" are discussed.

A RESPONSE OF THE "RESERVOIR-WELL" SYSTEM TO DISTANT EARTHQUAKES

The results of joint processing of hydrogeological and seismic data obtained at the Large-Scale Research Facilities "Mid-Latitude Geophysical Observation Complex "Mikhnevo" for a 12-year observation period are presented in the article. Responses of the "reservoir-well" system to the passage of seismic waves from distant earthquakes with magnitudes of 6.3-9.0, recorded at the epicentral distances from 1863 to 16507 km, have been identified in the database. Maximum values of groundwater level variations and ground velocity under seismic impact have been determined. The power-law dependence of the levels amplitudes of confined and weakly confined aquifers on the maximum vertical ground velocity has been established. A spectral analysis of 6-hour intervals (3 hours before and 3 hours after earthquakes) of seismic and hydrogeological data was performed. The frequencies corresponding to the maximum values of ground velocity and groundwater level variations were determined in the normalized spectra. The intervals within which the extremes of the hydrogeological responses are traced at background values of the ground velocity are identified in the low-frequency range. The amplitude-frequency characteristics of the "reservoir-well" systems differ under seismic impacts at epicentral distances up to 4901 km. The responses of the systems to earthquakes at epicentral distances of 11024-14026 km are similar.

Simultaneous Dimensional and Analytical Characterization of Ordered Nanostructures.

The spatial and compositional complexity of 3D structures employed in today's nanotechnologies has developed to a level at which the requirements for process development and control can no longer fully be met by existing metrology techniques. For instance, buried parts in stratified nanostructures, which are often crucial for device functionality, can only be probed in a destructive manner in few locations as many existing nondestructive techniques only probe the objects surfaces. Here, it is demonstrated that grazing exit X-ray fluorescence can simultaneously characterize an ensemble of regularly ordered nanostructures simultaneously with respect to their dimensional properties and their elemental composition. This technique is nondestructive and compatible to typically sized test fields, allowing the same array of structures to be studied by other techniques. For crucial parameters, the technique provides sub-nm discrimination capabilities and it does not require access-limited large-scale research facilities as it is compatible to laboratory-scaleinstrumentation.