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Standing striations with a unique pattern have been observed in a radio-frequency-generated hydrogen plasma. The striation pattern consists of a sequence of closely spaced bright ring doublets and two types of dark gaps of different widths. The bright and dark regions in striations were spectroscopically resolved with the Balmer series and the Fulcher band emission lines of hydrogen. Temperatures in these fine structures were determined. In general, the wider dark gap has a higher excitation temperature than the nearby narrower ones in the striation pattern sequence. Bright regions are rotationally hotter than the adjacent dark ones. However, for vibrational temperatures, the trends are not so obvious. No clear pressure dependence of temperatures was observed in striations within the pressure range of maintaining stable standing striations in this work. In addition to optical emission spectroscopy, we used graphite granules as in situ probes for plasma conditions in different striation regions. The striated hydrogen plasma-treated graphite granules were analyzed with Raman spectroscopy. The observed hydrogen-graphite interaction was correlated with the measured temperatures and the fine structures of striations in a discharge tube. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hollow cathodes are an integral part of ion, and Hall thrusters are used for electric propulsion in deep space missions and in commercial communications satellites. Hollow cathodes are known to operate in a quiescent "spot mode" and in a noisy "plume mode" in which plasma instabilities generate erosive energetic ions. The onset of the plume mode in hollow cathodes has been defined historically as when the keeper voltage oscillation values exceed 5 Vpp (peak-to-peak). Using a LaB6 hollow cathode in a vacuum chamber setup that simulates operation in ion and Hall thrusters, a set of emissive and Langmuir probes have been used to investigate the plasma properties associated with plume mode onset as a function of discharge current and gas flow rate. We find that the plume mode onset occurs at even less than 2 Vpp of the keeper voltage for the 5–75 A hollow cathode investigated here and starts at higher gas flow rates than expected from the traditional 5 Vpp metric used by those in the field. Mode competition and coupling between three different instabilities observed in the near-cathode plume affect the overall plasma oscillation levels that are correlated to energetic ion production. We find that the plasma oscillation levels measured by in situ plasma diagnostics are more indicative of the presence of oscillations and the generation of energetic ions than indirect keeper voltage measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct thrust measurements are performed on a circular waveguide electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) thruster working at 5.8 GHz using a pendulum thrust balance with mechanically amplified displacement. Thrust levels between 1 and 3.5 mN are found for power levels in the range of 60–350 W and xenon flow rate between 2 and 8 SCCM. A maximum thrust efficiency of 3.5% is reached at 2 SCCM and 60 W. Plasma plume diagnostics are used to estimate the thruster partial efficiencies to understand the main losses, and to perform a comparative analysis between directly and indirectly measured thrust. Results suggest that the low energy conversion efficiency and propellant utilization efficiency (< 6.4 % and < 53%, respectively) are the key factors spoiling the ECR thruster performance. Finally, retarding potential analyzer measurements show the presence of energetic electrons with energy tail up to about 300 eV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser-driven neutron sources are routinely produced by the interaction of laser-accelerated protons with a converter. They present complementary characteristics to those of conventional accelerator-based neutron sources (e.g. short pulse durations, enabling novel applications like radiography). We present here results from an experiment aimed at performing a global characterization of the neutrons produced using the Titan laser at the Jupiter Laser Facility (Livermore, USA), where protons were accelerated from 23 m thick plastic targets and directed onto a LiF converter to produce neutrons. For this purpose, several diagnostics were used to measure these neutron emissions, such as CR-39, activation foils, time-of-flight detectors and direct measurement of residual activity in the LiF converters. The use of these different, independently operating diagnostics enables comparison of the various measurements performed to provide a robust characterization. These measurements led to a neutron yield of neutrons per shot with a modest angular dependence, close to that simulated.

Laser Thomson scattering is a minimally intrusive diagnostic technique for determining electron temperature, density, and bulk velocity in plasma systems. Advances in technology have made possible the application of Thomson scattering to electric propulsion-relevant plasma systems, with reported electron number-density detection limits as low as 1 × 10 16 m − 3 , and electron temperatures from one-to-tens eV. However, the implementation of laser Thomson scattering in large vacuum testing facilities, wherein electric propulsion devices are tested, remains a challenge. This work presents the implementation of a laser Thomson scattering system in a large vacuum test facility at the Georgia Tech High Power Electric Propulsion Laboratory. The diagnostic was optimized for maximum light-collection efficiency and ease of re-alignment while the facility is at vacuum. The high light-collection efficiency allowed reduced accumulation times to achieve the target detection limit of 1 × 10 17 m − 3 . The diagnostic is used to measure axial electron property profiles in the near-field plume of a lanthanum hexaboride hollow cathode operating at 25 A on krypton at a background pressure of 1.3 × 10 − 6 Torr—Kr. The diagnostic is quantitatively compared to similar systems in the literature. The resulting axial points, collected from 2 to 8 mm downstream of the cathode keeper orifice, are qualitatively and quantitatively compared with simulations and experimental measurements made with electrostatic probes and laser-induced fluorescence. The main quantitative difference between measured values and results is the one to two order of magnitude difference in the peak electron density, being attributed to the relative size and location of the external anode with respect to the cathode keeper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sputter deposition of ultrathick (≈ 20 μ m) Au–Ta alloy coatings on sphero-cylindrical substrates is key for the fabrication of hohlraums for magnetically assisted inertial confinement fusion. Here, we study the deposition of AuTa 4 alloy coatings onto rotating substrates. We use high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) in a constant peak target voltage mode. Results show that the target erosion state has a strong impact on the dominant crystallographic phase, microstructure, surface morphology, and electrical resistivity of AuTa 4 films. This is due to effects of changes in the confining magnetic field with target erosion on the HiPIMS discharge characteristics and the sputter source output. We quantify these effects via plasma diagnostics and discuss the optimization of HiPIMS deposition of ultrathick films for cases when target erosion effects dominate film properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Air-breathing Microwave Plasma CAThode (AMPCAT) has been developed for air-breathing electric propulsion in very-low Earth orbit. In this study, the standalone AMPCAT plasma characteristics are analyzed by means of several diagnostic tools and operation on xenon is compared to a conventional hollow cathode. A transition of AMPCAT extracted current from a lower (< 0.1 A) to higher-current (> --> 0.5 A) mode, triggered by increasing the negative cathode bias voltage, is accompanied by a significant rise in internal electron density and external electron temperature. The AMPCAT is coupled with a cylindrical Hall thruster in the 100–300 W power-level running on 0.5–0.7 mg/s of xenon, and the thrust is directly measured for cathode operation with both xenon and air. Stable thruster operation is demonstrated for the AMPCAT running on both propellants. For xenon, the performance is compared to a hollow cathode, which reveals matching discharge current profiles but a significantly higher thrust for the AMPCAT at low discharge voltages, approximately two times higher at 200 V. Langmuir probe measurements highlight a 30–40 V lower plasma potential in the cathode vicinity for the AMPCAT with xenon compared to both the hollow cathode and AMPCAT with air. This indicates a significantly improved coupling of cathode electrons to the thruster discharge, yielding an increased degree of ionization. Faraday probe and Wien filter results show that a larger current utilization efficiency drives the observed performance difference at low discharge voltages, rather than a significant change in ion acceleration or plume divergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuclear fusion is entering the era of power plant-scale devices, which are now undergoing extensive studies to support the design phase. Plasma disruptions pose a high risk to these classes of devices because of the large stored thermal and magnetic energy which might jeopardize machine integrity and availability. Therefore, disruptions within these devices must be virtually eliminated, and any disruptions which do happen must be highly mitigated. However, the characterisation, prediction and technology used to mitigate disruptions is still an area of active development. In this paper, the authors investigate the disruptions within ST40, with particular attention at the identification of causes and effects associated with disruptions, both from a physics basis and an engineering standpoint. This paper aims at presenting preliminary predictive analyses of ST40 plasma scenarios by exploiting Machine Learning techniques applied to an experimental database populated by plasma pulses executed during the ST40 2021–2022 experimental campaign. The database contains both disrupted and non-disrupted pulses. Using Machine Learning, common features within disruptions are automatically classified and identified, mapping the controllable operational space in terms of plasma displacement and variation of specific plasma internal parameters. The classification was validated by benchmarking the numerical reconstruction of the plasma dynamics with experimental data recovered from the plasma diagnostics. Subsequent Machine Learning analyses allowed the extrapolation of new disrupted plasma configurations for preliminary predictive simulations of the plasma column displacement. Thanks to the numerical simulations performed in MAXFEA environment, it is possible to investigate the plasma vertical displacement both during disrupted and regularly terminated plasma scenarios and to provide lessons to be learnt for the next ST40 experimental campaign and for the design of future ST devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we investigated the effect of a dielectric film on the transmission spectrum of a bar-type flat cutoff probe (BCP). By conducting electromagnetic wave simulations, we found that placing a dielectric film with a thickness of 1 mm or less on the sensor did not affect the measurement of the BCP under thin sheath condition. However, a film thickness of 1 mm or more results in a low-frequency shift in the cutoff frequency. The shift in the cutoff frequency was related not only to the film thickness, but also to the dielectric constant of the film and sheath width, which could be understood through a circuit model of the BCP. The calculated results were experimentally validated using alumina plates of various thicknesses. Consequently, our findings demonstrate that measuring the electron density on a BCP is feasible even when a dielectric film is deposited, thereby improving the accuracy of the measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a method to determine the diagnostics of magnetic fields based on arrays of nano-thin-film probes that are manufactured by using magnetron sputtering-based fabrication and arranged in a two-dimensional (2D) topological design. Measurements of the magnetic field and its wave number based on the proposed method were validated in a linear cylindrical plasma device, the linear experimental advanced device. We manufactured nano-thin-film probes, each with a thickness of 500 nm, a diameter of 9 mm, and a shape similar to the Greek letter "omega" by depositing silver nanoparticles generated through magnetron sputtering to improve the accuracy of the fabrication as well as their time response. The 2D topological arrangement of the array of probes enabled the determination of the diagnostics of the magnetic field and its wave number at a high spatial resolution. Measurements of the amplitude of the magnetic field and its wavenumber obtained using the proposed method were in good agreement with the results of theoretical simulations in COMSOL, which verifies its high reliability and accuracy in obtaining low-pressure plasma diagnostics. In future work, we plan to apply our diagnostic method based on the array of thin-film probes to scenarios that require a high spatial resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims to detect the Mucin‐1 (MUC1) breast cancer biomarker using a label‐free impedimetric biosensor of silver molybdate anchored on reduced graphene oxide (Ag2MoO4‐rGO). A hydrothermal method has been employed to synthesize the Ag2MoO4‐rGO nanocomposite. Subsequently, they have been studied through analytical characterization techniques to study the electrocatalytic activity, electroactive surface area, surface functionalities, and morphologies to determine the suitability of the material for biosensor fabrication. Results reveal that the Ag2MoO4‐rGO nanocomposite possesses excellent electroconductivity and surface properties that have significant characteristics for the biosensor's performance. A biosensor has been fabricated by the immobilization of Ag2MoO4‐rGO nanocomposite and anti‐MUC1 antibody on a glassy carbon electrode. The electroanalytical studies revealed that the biosensor has excellent sensitivity and detection performance having a wide linearity of 100 fg mL−1–5 ng mL−1 and a low limit of detection of 2.70 fg mL−1. Moreover, the remarkable selectivity, reproducibility, stability, and detection in serum samples determine the high performance of the biosensor. Therefore, the presented biosensor could be a promising diagnostic tool that shows the remarkable potential to efficiently detect the breast cancer MUC1 biomarker in patient's serum samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on plasma physics methods, the relationship among the channel current (i), core channel radius ( r c c ), and other related parameters including electrical conductivity (σ), thermal conductivity ( λ e ), and thermal diffusion coefficient ( D e T ) was investigated and strong interdependence was found among these parameters. Then, these dependent relationships together with the measured electron temperature ( T e ) and electron density ( n e ), derived from spectral diagnostics, were applied to determine the measured results on the i, r c c , σ , λ e , and D e T of channel plasma in artificially triggered lightning along with their measured accuracies. Good accordance can be found with the aid of comparisons with other measurements of the artificially triggered lightning [L. Cai et al., J. Electrost. 109, 103537 (2021)]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The SPARC tokamak is a high-field, Bt0 ∼12 T, medium-sized, R0 = 1.85 m, tokamak that is presently under construction in Devens, MA, led by Commonwealth Fusion Systems. It will be used to de-risk the high-field tokamak path to a fusion power plant and demonstrate the commercial viability of fusion energy. SPARC's first campaign plan is to achieve Qfus > 1 using an ICRF-heated, <10 MW, high current, Ip ∼ 8.5 MA, L-mode fueled by D–T gas injection, and its second campaign will investigate H-mode operations in D–D. To facilitate plasma control and scientific learning, a targeted set of ∼50 plasma diagnostics are being designed and built for operation during these campaigns. While nearly all diagnostics are based on established techniques, the pace of deployment, relative to the first plasma, and the harshness of the thermal, electromagnetic, and radiation environment are unprecedented for medium-sized tokamaks. An overview of the SPARC diagnostic set is given, providing context to further details communicated by the SPARC team in companion publications that are system-specific. The system engineering philosophy for SPARC diagnostics is outlined, and the design and engineering verification process for components inside and outside the primary vacuum boundary are described. Diagnostics are mounted directly to the vacuum vessel as well as housed within a series of eight midplane and 24 off-midplane replaceable port plugs. With limited exceptions, signal conditioning, digitization electronics and cameras as well as lasers and microwave sources are localized to a series of five Diagnostic Lab spaces, totaling ∼350 m2, located >15 m from the center of the tokamak, on the other side of a 2.4 m concrete shielding wall. A series of 31 large-scale penetrations have been included in the SPARC Tokamak Hall to facilitate integration of early campaign diagnostics and to provide upgradability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A suite of plasma diagnostics will be installed on the SPARC tokamak to allow for real-time plasma control, an investigation of high-field tokamak physics, and to de-risk the design of ARC, a compact fusion power plant with the aim to supply electricity to the grid. Among these diagnostics is the neutral gas diagnostics system (NTGS), a set of pressure sensors and gas analyzers used to monitor neutral pressure and gas composition for plasma control, optimization of wall conditioning, and helium ash removal, among other measurement functions linked to operational and scientific research needs. While reliable measurements of neutral pressure and gas composition have been fielded on existing magnetic-confinement fusion devices, SPARC represents a step increase in challenge due to its larger power density, higher field, high vacuum vessel bake temperatures, and higher neutron flux environment, as well as a step decrease in the accessibility for maintenance of in-vessel sensors. Multiple sensor types will be employed to have defense-in-depth and mitigate common failure modes. The NTGS system is currently progressing through final design, working to close out decisions using prototyping and analysis, and then moving on to procuring sensors for assembly and installation on SPARC. This paper outlines the current status of the system design and the diagnostic requirements that motivate neutral gas measurements on SPARC, as well as highlights the planned prototyping activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of dense plasmas inside dielectric materials by ultrashort laser pulses has many applications ranging from refractive‐index modifications to the formation of channels and voids. Furthermore, such plasmas enable the fundamental investigation of ultrafast non‐equilibrium dynamics in highly excited materials. The present paper provides an overview of current experimental approaches to investigating such plasmas. Much information about the plasma relaxation is obtained by measuring the spatial and temporal evolution of the dielectric properties of the excited material through time‐resolved absorption and phase‐shift measurements. In order to investigate and resolve the individual stages of plasma formation, experimental approaches with a temporal resolution beyond the capabilities of traditional optical pump‐probe studies are required. Recent examples for schemes that may enable the investigation of the plasma formation with sub‐cycle time resolution are thus reviewed. These include recent results from time‐resolved high‐harmonic generation as well as the two‐color pump‐probe analysis of non‐perturbative low‐order wave mixing for the tracking of strong‐field excitation dynamics. Alternative approaches employ attosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, attosecond polarization spectroscopy and nonlinear photoconductive sampling for resolving the temporal evolution of the carrier dynamics down to sub‐optical‐cycle timescales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a compact and portable microwave atmospheric pressure plasma jet (MW‐APPJ) generator based on a coaxial transmission line resonator (CTLR) was proposed. Based on the electromagnetic simulations, the jet generator was designed as a tapered inner conductor structure that ensures plasma generation at low power. A self‐igniting argon (Ar) plasma jet of 10 mm length was generated at an input power of ~20 W and maintained at 2 W. Thanks to the high efficiency of the CTLR structure, plasmas of mixed reactive gases were also realized. Intrinsic plasma parameters and active species were determined using optical emission spectroscopy. Furthermore, the MW‐APPJ device was used to modify the polytetrafluoroethylene surface, and improvement of hydrophilicity was achieved without thermal damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analysis of the high-resolution ( R ∼ 48000 ) optical spectrum of hot (B1Ibe) post-AGB star LS 4331 (IRAS 17381−1616) is presented. The detailed identification of the observed absorption and emission features in the wavelength range 3700–9200 Å is carried out for the first time. The atmospheric parameters and chemical composition of the star are derived from the non-LTE analysis of absorption lines. We estimated T eff = 20900 ± 500 K, log g = 2.57 ± 0.08 , V r = - 51.7 ± 0.8 km s - 1 , ξ t = 24 ± 4 km s - 1 and v sin i = 30 ± 5 km s - 1 . An abundance analysis for C, N, O, Mg, Al, S, and Si reveals that the N and O abundance is close to solar while metal underabundances relative to the solar value (i.e., [ Mg / H ] = - 1.04 dex, [ Al / H ] = - 1.20 dex, [ Si / H ] = - 0.46 dex) are found. LS 4331 is a high galactic latitude metal-poor and carbon-deficient hot post-AGB star. The underabundance of carbon ( [ C / H ] = - 0.64 dex) is similar to that found in other hot post-AGB stars and indicates that the star's AGB phase of evolution was terminated before the third dredge-up. Plasma diagnostics are derived from the nebular emission lines. The presence of nebular emission lines in the spectrum of LS 4331 indicates that the photoionization of the circumstellar envelope has already started. The nebular parameters and expansion velocity of the nebula are derived. Using the Gaia DR3 distance, the absolute luminosity of the star is derived, and the star's position on the post-AGB evolutionary tracks suggests that its initial main sequence mass is about 1.2 M ⊙ . It is also reported that fast irregular brightness variations with an amplitude of up to 0.3 mag in the V band have been found in the star, typical of hot post-AGB objects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dense plasma focus (DPF) device has great potential as a fusion energy generator using hydrogen-boron (pB11) fuel1. Experiments using deuterium have already demonstrated mean ion energies >200 keV, in the range needed for burning pB112. To test that potential, we are preparing for experiments with hydrogen-boron fuel in the megampere DPF device, FF-2B. We plan to use isotopically-pure decaborane (B10H14) as the fuel source and have installed equipment for the safe handling and disposal of the toxic vapors from this material. High isotopic purity of the boron-11 is required to avoid generation of radioactive Be-7. While the main pB11 fusion reaction produces no neutrons, two side reactions do produce both neutrons and radioactive C-11. We show how these reaction products can be used with suitable detectors to provide accurate data on fusion yield, and the density and ion energy of the confined fusionproducing plasma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glaucoma is a group of neurodegenerative diseases that can lead to irreversible blindness. Yet, the progression can be slowed down if diagnosed and treated early enough. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) can non-invasively provide valuable information about the retinal microcirculation that has shown to be correlated with the onset of the disease. The vessel density (VD) is the most commonly used biomarker to quantify this vascular information. However, different studies showed that there is a great impact of the acquisition area on the performance of the VD to distinguish between glaucoma patients and a healthy control group. It also seems that the separate capillary plexuses are differently affected by the disease and therefore also influence the results. So in this study we investigate the impact of the acquisition area (3 × 3 mm macular scan, 6.44 × 6.4 mm macular scan, 6 × 6 mm optic nerve head (ONH) scan) and the different plexuses on the machine-learning-based distinction between glaucoma patients and healthy controls. The results yielded that the 6 × 6 mm ONH show the best performance over all plexuses. Moreover the deep learning-based approach outperforms the VD as a biomarker on every acquisition area and plexus. In addition to that, it also performs better than traditional biomarkers obtained from the OCT scans that are used in the clinical routine for diagnosis and progression tracking of glaucoma. Consequently, OCTA scans of the ONH might be a useful addition to OCT when studying glaucoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a large vacuum facility (6-ft-diameter, 10-ft-long chamber) equipped with a magnetic filter-type low Earth orbit plasma source. A recommended operating envelope for the plasma source was established through single-point measurements by varying the discharge currents of the plasma source and the gas flow rates. A three-axis translation stage was fabricated and tested with 2D and 3D scans of the simulated plasma environment. The measured plasma density during this study was between 1.63×1012-3.1×1012m-3 for the electrons and 7.54×1013m-3 for the ions, whereas the electron and ion temperatures ranged from 0.55 to 2.06 eV and 1 to 3 eV, respectively. The simulated plasma environment compares well with orbital equivalents, specifically the F layers of the ionosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The next generation of fusion reactors, exemplified by projects such as the Demonstration Power Plant following the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor, faces the monumental challenge of proving the viability of generating electricity through thermonuclear fusion. This pursuit introduces heightened complexities in diagnostic methodologies, particularly in microwave-based diagnostics. The increased neutron fluence necessitates significant reductions in vessel penetrations and the elimination of internal diagnostics, posing substantial challenges. SoC technology offers a promising solution by enabling the miniaturization, modularization, integration, and enhancing the reliability of microwave systems. After seven years of research, our team successfully pioneered the V- and W-band system-on-chip approach, leading to the development of active transmitters and passive receiver modules applied in practical settings, notably within the DIII-D tokamak project. Arrays of these modules have supported microwave imaging diagnostics. New physics measurement results from the Electron Cyclotron Emission Imaging system on DIII-D provide compelling evidence of improved diagnostics following the adoption of SoC technology. Furthermore, we achieved a breakthrough in developing an F-band SoC, advancing higher frequency capabilities for fusion devices. These achievements represent a significant leap forward in fusion diagnostic technology, marking substantial progress toward establishing reliable and efficient plasma diagnostics for future fusion reactors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a numerical study on the electron and ion density perturbation in low-temperature plasmas driven by the frequency detuning of two intense laser beams. Our study is performed in the hydrodynamic regime, which becomes applicable when the plasma grating period induced by the beating of the laser beams is greater than the Debye length and collective processes such as plasma oscillations can be excited. Our findings show a resonance in electron density perturbation as the frequency detuning approaches a value consistent with the Bohm–Gross dispersion relation in low- and high-pressure plasmas. We discuss the potential of this resonance as a diagnostic tool for precisely measuring electron temperature and density in low-temperature plasmas through coherent scattering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper comprehensively explores the integration of machine learning (ML) with atmospheric pressure plasma, highlighting its transformative impact in areas, such as modeling, diagnostics, and applications. The paper delves into the application of neural networks and deep learning models in simulating complex plasma dynamics, enhancing prediction accuracy, and reducing computational demands. We also examine the application of ML in plasma diagnostics, including real‐time data analysis and process optimization, demonstrating advancements in monitoring and controlling plasma systems. The article discusses the challenges encountered in this integration process, such as data quality, computational resources, and model interpretability. Finally, we outline future development directions, emphasizing the potential of ML in revolutionizing plasma research, improving operational efficiency, and opening new avenues in plasma technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents an artificial neural network-based model for tomography reconstruction of visible plasma radiation distribution at the GOLEM tokamak. The model was trained using a dataset from emissivity phantoms and associated synthetic measurements from a poloidal cross-section of the GOLEM tokamak. The model validation was performed on the prediction of various unseen phantom samples with shapes similar to those in the training dataset. The backfit of line-integrated measurements indicates the considerable potential of the proposed model for reconstructing the position, size, shape and intensity of the radiation function of one cross section. Additionally, the neural network-based model offers a significantly shorter prediction time compared to traditional tomography methods, providing a substantial advantage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clean production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with water, oxygen, and renewable energy is considered an important green synthesis route, offering a valuable substitute for the traditional anthraquinone method. Currently, renewable energy-driven production of H2O2 mostly relies on soluble additives, such as electrolytes and sacrificial agents, inevitably compromising the purity and sustainability of H2O2. Herein, we develop a solution plasma catalysis technique that eliminates the need for soluble additives, enabling eco-friendly production of concentrated H2O2 directly from water and O2. Screening over 40 catalysts demonstrates the superior catalytic performance of carbon nitride interacting with discharge plasma in water. High-throughput density functional theory calculations for 68 models, along with machine learning using 29 descriptors, identify cyano carbon nitride (CCN) as the most efficient catalyst. Solution plasma catalysis with the CCN achieves concentrated H2O2 of 20 mmol L-1, two orders of magnitude higher than photocatalysis by the same catalyst. Plasma diagnostics, isotope labeling, and COMSOL simulations collectively validate that the interplay of solution plasma and the CCN accounts for the significantly increased production of singlet oxygen and H2O2 thereafter. Our findings offer an efficient and sustainable pathway for H2O2 production, promising wide-ranging applications across the chemical industry, public health, and environmental remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current diagnostic tests for high sensitivity detection of protein biomarkers involve long incubation times or require bulky/expensive instrumentation, hindering their use for point-of-care testing. Here, we report a microfluidic electrochemical immunosensor that employs a unique finger-actuated mixer for rapid, ultrasensitive measurements of protein biomarkers. Mixing was implemented during the incubation steps, which accelerated biomolecular transport and promoted immunocomplex formation, leading to enhanced analytical sensitivity and a shortened detection time. Electrochemical measurements were performed using a handheld diagnostic device consisting of a smartphone and miniature potentiostat. Proof of principle was demonstrated by using this platform for quantitative measurements of C–X–C motif chemokine ligand 9 (CXCL9), a serological biomarker for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, which could be detected in human plasma at concentrations as low as 4.7 pg mL−1 in <25 min. The ability to rapidly detect protein biomarkers with high sensitivity in a point-of-care format makes this device a promising tool for diagnostic testing, particularly in resource-limited settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-dimensional magnetic probe system has been designed and implemented at the Space Plasma Environment Research Facility (SPERF). This system has been developed to measure the magnetic field with high spatial and temporal resolution, enabling studies of fundamental processes in space physics, such as magnetic reconnection at the Earth's magnetopause, on the basis of SPERF. The system utilizes inductive components as sensors, arranged in an array and soldered onto a printed circuit board (PCB), achieving a spatial resolution of 2.5 mm. The system's electrical parameters have been measured, and its amplitude–frequency response characteristics have been simulated. The system has demonstrated good performance with response capabilities below 50 kHz. The experimental setup and results are discussed, highlighting the system's effectiveness in accurately measuring weak magnetic signals and its suitability for magnetic reconnection experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the proposed research is to develop plasma soft X-ray (SXR) radiation imaging that includes spectral information in addition to standard SXR tomography for the purpose of studying, for example, tungsten transport and its interplay with magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) in tokamak plasmas in an ITER-relevant approach. The SXR radiation provides valuable information about both aspects, particularly when measured with high spatial and temporal resolution and when tomographic reconstructions are performed. The spectral data will facilitate the tracking of both light and high-Z impurities. This approach is pertinent to both the advancement of a detailed understanding of physics and the real-time control of plasma, thereby preventing radiative collapses. The significance of this development lies in its ability to provide three-dimensional plasma tomography, a capability that extends beyond the scope of conventional tomography. The utilization of two-dimensional imaging capabilities inherent to Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) detectors in a toroidal view, in conjunction with the conventional poloidal tomography, allows for the acquisition of three-dimensional information, which should facilitate the study of, for instance, the interplay between impurities and MHD activities. Furthermore, this provides a valuable opportunity to investigate the azimuthal asymmetry of tokamak plasmas, a topic that has rarely been researched. The insights gained from this research could prove invaluable in understanding other toroidal magnetically confined plasmas, such as stellarators, where comprehensive three-dimensional measurements are essential. To illustrate, by attempting to gain access to anisotropic radiation triggered by magnetic reconnection or massive gas injections, such diagnostics will provide the community with enhanced experimental tools to understand runaway electrons (energy distribution and spatial localization) and magnetic reconnection (spatial localization, speed...). This work forms part of the optimization studies of a detecting unit proposed for use in such a diagnostic system, based on GEM technology. The detector is currently under development with the objective of achieving the best spatial resolution feasible with this technology (down to approximately 100 µm). The diagnostic design focuses on the monitoring of photons within the 2–15 keV range. The findings of the optimization studies conducted on the amplification stage of the detector, particularly with regard to the geometrical configuration of the GEM foils, are presented herein. The impact of hole shape and spacing in the amplifying foils on the detector parameters, including the spatial size of the avalanches and the electron gain/multiplication, has been subjected to comprehensive numerical analysis through the utilization of Degrad (v. 3.13) and Garfield++ (v. bd8abc76) software. The results obtained led to the identification of two configurations as the most optimal geometrical configurations of the amplifying foil for the three-foil GEM system for the designed detector. The first configuration comprises cylindrical holes with a diameter of 70 μm, while the second configuration comprises biconical holes with diameters of 70/50/70 μm. Both configurations had a hole spacing of 120 μm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study documents several correlations observed during the first run of the plasma wakefield acceleration experiment E300 conducted at FACET-II, using a single drive electron bunch. The established correlations include those between the measured maximum energy loss of the drive electron beam and the integrated betatron X-ray signal, the calculated total beam energy deposited in the plasma and the integrated X-ray signal, among three visible light emission measuring cameras and between the visible plasma light and X-ray signal. The integrated X-ray signal correlates almost linearly with both the maximum energy loss of the drive beam and the energy deposited into the plasma, demonstrating its usability as a measure of energy transfer from the drive beam to the plasma. Visible plasma light is found to be a useful indicator of the presence of a wake at three locations that overall are two metres apart. Despite the complex dynamics and vastly different time scales, the X-ray radiation from the drive bunch and visible light emission from the plasma may prove to be effective non-invasive diagnostics for monitoring the energy transfer from the beam to the plasma in future high-repetition-rate experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background This study characterizes the clinical utility and validity of the Karius test (KT), a plasma microbial cell-free DNA sequencing platform, as an infection surveillance tool among hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) recipients, including monitoring for cytomegalovirus (CMV) and detecting infections relative to standard microbiologic testing (SMT). Methods A prospective, observational cohort study was performed among adult HCT recipients as inpatients and outpatients. Serial KTs were performed starting with 1 sample within 14 days before HCT, then weekly from 7–63 days posttransplant then monthly from 3–12 months post-HCT. Diagnostic performance of KT versus CMV polymerase chain reaction was evaluated with positive percent agreement and negative percent agreement. Infectious events (<12 months post-HCT) were extracted from medical records. For infectious events without positive SMT, 2 clinicians adjudicated KT results to determine if any detections were a probable cause. Difference in time from KT pathogen detection and infection onset was calculated. Results Of the 70 participants, mean age was 49.9 years. For CMV surveillance, positive percent agreement was 100% and negative percent agreement was 90%. There was strong correlation between CMV DNA and KT molecules per microliter (r 2: 0.84, P <.001). Of the 32 SMT+/KT+ infectious events, KT identified 26 earlier than SMT (median: −12 days) and an additional 5 diagnostically difficult pathogens identified by KT but not SMT. Conclusions KT detected CMV with high accuracy and correlation with quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Among infectious events, KT demonstrated additive clinical utility by detecting pathogens earlier than SMT and those not detected by SMT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sagittally focusing x-ray crystal spectrometers with elliptical profiles in the meridional (x-ray dispersion) plane are proposed for plasma diagnostics in experiments accompanied by high neutron yields. The spectrometers feature a variable sagittal radius of curvature to ensure the sagittal focusing of rays for each photon energy in a chosen detection plane. The detector is placed after the ray crossing point at the second ellipse focus, and the source-to-detector distance is maximized to reduce the neutron-induced background. The elliptical shape imposes a limitation on the spectrometer geometry such that the influence of the source size on the spectral resolution can be avoided only for a demagnifying spectrometer (the source-to-crystal distance is larger than that of crystal-to-detector). Hence, two designs are proposed. The first design, featuring high magnification and limited spectral resolution can be suitable for x-ray continuum spectroscopy. The second design of high demagnification is optimized for spectral resolution, and can be used for time-resolved spectroscopy of plasma's characteristic emission lines using streak cameras. The key performance characteristics of the two designs are verified using ray tracing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Langmuir probes cannot be used to diagnose cold atmospheric plasma jet, because their presence in the high electric field after-glow region modifies the plasma parameters that they are intended to measure. Here, we propose a system to sample the plasma plume from ambient conditions into a low-pressure region, where probe analysis can be accomplished. The effect of such a sampling process on the number density and velocity of the gas has been studied through simulations and using analytical equations. Simulation results regarding the effect of chamber and orifice dimensions on these parameters, have been presented. Based on this study an experimental chamber was fabricated and Langmuir probe analysis of the sampled plasma was done. Continuum flowing plasma theory was applied and the plasma density and electron temperature were estimated to be 1.8 × 1020m−3 and 4.7 eV respectively for the operating condition of 3 W plasma power at 12 kHz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on experiments and simulations, various plasma parameters are found to undergo a hysteresis as a function of the driving voltage amplitude in capacitively coupled CF4 discharges. Phase Resolved Optical Emission Spectroscopy reveals that the discharge operates in a hybrid combination of the drift-ambipolar and α -mode at low voltage. In this mode, the electric field and mean electron energy are high in the electronegative plasma bulk region. As the cross section for electron attachment is appreciable only at high electron energies, this mode results in strong negative ion production and keeps the electron density low as well as the mode of plasma operation stable, when the voltage is increased moderately. Increasing the driving voltage amplitude further ultimately induces a mode transition into a pure α -mode, once the electron density increases strongly. Decreasing the voltage again results in a reverse mode transition at a lower voltage compared to the previous mode transition, because the electron density is now initially high in the bulk and, thus, the bulk electric field and mean electron energy are low resulting in inefficient generation of negative ions via electron attachment. This keeps the electron density high even at lower driving voltages. This effect leads to the emergence of two steady states of plasma operation within a certain voltage range. The different electron energy distribution functions in these two states result in markedly different generation and density profiles of F atoms, with higher values occurring in the increasing voltage branch of the hysteresis. The ion flux and mean energy at the electrodes also differ. The voltage range, where the hysteresis occurs, is affected by the ion induced secondary electron coefficient (γ). A larger value of γ results in a shift of the hysteresis voltage range towards lower values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work addresses the development of diagnostics for core plasma radiated power and soft x-ray intensity measurements, which will be useful in future fusion reactors to ensure reliable plasma control (by monitoring the power loss across the separatrix) in accordance with the DEMO control requirements. For this purpose, we look into the development of such a detection system that will provide the required information via soft x-ray diagnostics. The target photon range for such a detecting system is considered to be 3–50 keV. The aspects of the development have included detailed diagnostics design, physics, engineering and integration studies, as well as an investigation into the feasibility and performance of the diagnostics and its components. The development is currently in the design phase. Nevertheless, the answer is already needed regarding the fulfillment of system requirements. In order to monitor the power crossing the separatrix, a precise estimation of the plasma radiation is needed to maintain the high-efficiency plasma. This requires strict measurement accuracy criteria, with 3% accuracy margin for the core plasma radiated power estimate and 5% noise for a single measurement of a single detector within the detector array. Here, an initial estimation of the detecting system's accuracy was provided based on an analysis of both the tomography reconstruction and detector measurement capabilities. The optimal number of lines of sight for tomography reconstruction was found for the considered plasma field of view. Additionally, the initial concept for a photon-sensitive chamber of the detecting system was developed. This allowed for the assessment of the predicted measurement accuracy of the detector for horizontal and vertical lines of sight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precisely assessing plasma parameters holds paramount importance in investigating the arc extinguishing mechanism of semi-sealed splitter plate DC circuit breakers, refining the configuration of splitter plates, and optimizing the overall structural design of circuit breakers. Based on the principle of the Langmuir probe, a double probe diagnostic method is proposed to investigate the air arc plasma in the opening process of a DC circuit breaker. The diagnostic circuit of the probes is designed, and three sets of double probes are arranged to trace the evolution of the plasma density during the opening process. The research reveals that the plasma center density, measured by the diagnostic system during the opening process of the DC circuit breaker, is about 1022 m−3–1023 m−3. This density is compared with the diagnostic results obtained by other methods, confirming the accuracy of the Langmuir double probe for plasma measurements in the DC circuit breaker. The study also revealed an exponential decay behavior of electron density along the radial direction of the arc. A mathematical model was employed to describe this phenomenon, establishing a relationship between the distribution of electron density and arc current. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The properties of the S-bursts observed during the storm on 20-21 June 2022 in frequency band 10-32 MHz by the radio telescope URAN-2 are discussed in this paper. The storm was highly populated with other solar bursts, such as Type III bursts and drift pairs. The occurrence rate of S-bursts was very high reaching 60 bursts per minute. All observed S-bursts were characterized by low fluxes with respect to the background radio emission. Thus special processing methods are used to retrieve spectral properties of the bursts. Some individual "long" S-bursts covered the whole frequency band of the URAN-2 radio telescope from 10 to 32 MHz. Such extended in frequency S-bursts were recorded for the first time. 50 extended S-bursts were selected for the further analysis. Methods: The S-bursts dynamic spectra with time-frequency resolutions of 100 ms and 4 kHz as well as single-frequency profiles were used in the analysis. Due to low S-bursts intensities the drift rates were estimated from the timedifferentiated dynamic spectra, highlighting the tracks of the bursts maxima. Polarization dynamic spectra were used for measuring the degree and sense of the S-bursts circular polarization. Individual S-bursts tracks were used for instant coronal inhomogeneities diagnostics. Mean S-bursts parameters retrieved from the statistical processing of the set of 50 bursts were compared with previously obtained ones. Results: We concluded that by the mean durations, drift rates, frequency extent and the polarization all observed S-bursts could be divided into two separate groups, the "short" and the "long" S-bursts. The power-law index of the drift ratefrequency dependence averaged over all 50 selected bursts was found to be 1.7. It was shown that sources of S-bursts most likely move through the Newkirk corona with the velocities of 0.06-0.08c. The power-law dependence of the "long" S-bursts durations on frequency in frequency band of 12-30 MHz was obtained. Its index equal to -0.61 appeared to be very close to that for Type III bursts. From this dependence the electron velocity dispersion in the beam, responsible for S-bursts generation was calculated. Its value of 0.02 indicates that the beams, responsible for S-bursts generation are almost monoenergetic. Discussion: It is assumed that non-monotonic appearance of individual S-bursts tracks on the dynamic spectrum reflects density inhomogeneities encountered by the sources on their paths. From the dynamic spectra of such S-bursts the characteristic size and amplitude of these coronal inhomogeneities were detected. From the S-bursts durations and the velocities of their sources the longitudinal sizes of the latter were estimated. It was then shown that the sizes of small-scale coronal inhomogeneities were comparable to those of "long" Sbursts sources. Thus we concluded that individual tracks of the "long" S-bursts can be used for fie diagnostics the coronal plasma at heliocentric heights range from 1.7 to 3.2 Rs, where Rs is the solar radius. On the other hand, these tracks being ensemble-averaged give the information about the long-term large scale properties of the corona. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A single-line laser absorption diagnostic technique has been developed for rapid measurements of temperature and pressure in high-enthalpy gas environments. This technique targets atomic potassium via the absorption lineshape of the D2 transition near 766.7 nm. Potassium is a convenient spectroscopic target because it has strong resonance transitions, is naturally occurring in many experimental facilities, and is active in the near-infrared where robust and cost-effective optical equipment is easily available. The approach was tested and validated at a measurement rate of 50 kHz in a shock tube at conditions ranging from 800–3600 K and 0.04–1 atm. Collisional broadening coefficients for potassium vapor in argon and in nitrogen were extended to this temperature range. The approach is most sensitive to pressure at low temperatures and high pressures, where the lineshape is most Lorentzian in form; conversely, it is most sensitive to temperature at high temperatures and low pressures where the lineshape is most Gaussian in form. At intermediate temperatures and pressures, it is sensitive to both quantities. Measurement uncertainties were as low as 6% in temperature and pressure. The technique can also be extended to other species for developing similar single-line diagnostics sensitive to different regions in temperature and pressure space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanomaterials are the key to the success of cutting-edge monitoring and diagnostics systems enabled by flexible electronics that are revolutionizing healthcare systems. Among them, layered 2D-based materials with exceptional qualities including high electrical conductivity, mechanical flexibility, thermal stability, and optical adaptability stand out. These include graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides. This comprehensive examination covers the fabrication and characterisation of these nanomaterials, as well as their immense potential for usage in flexible electronics for biomedical applications. The layered 2D-based nanomaterials have changed the face of healthcare technology by providing examples ranging from wearable health monitoring devices to implantable sensors. This has improved both device performance and user experience. There are many difficulties including biocompatibility and long-term stability while simultaneously addressing moral and legal issues, highlighting the significance of responsible technology development in this game-changing area. The extraordinary characteristics of layered 2D-based nanomaterials are revealed in this study, presenting them as key features in developing flexible electronics with the potential to take patient care and diagnostics to whole new levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermophoresis refers to the directional movement of particles driven by temperature gradients, which is ubiquitous in nature. This phenomenon can be conveniently used to manipulate molecules and objects such as biomolecules, colloids, metal nanoparticles, and cells. Because of these advantages, thermophoresis is widely used in biosensing. In vitro diagnosis, as an important field of biosensing, is highly compatible with thermophoresis. Compared with traditional in vitro diagnostic techniques, thermophoretic diagnosis is a homogeneous system that boasts high efficiency and rapid detection as well as a wide detection range; thus, thermophoresis has a myriad of applications. The emergence of microscale and multifield coupling thermophoresis technologies yield widespread applications of thermophoresis in the field of in vitro diagnostics. This study presents the history of thermophoresis and reviews various cases of biosensors utilizing thermophoresis. Those biosensors are widely used in in vitro diagnostics, biomarker discovery, and other fields. Furthermore, it assesses the advantages of thermophoresis, and finally discusses its current challenges and future development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thromboembolism, a global leading cause of mortality, needs accurate risk assessment for effective prophylaxis and treatment. Current stratification methods fall short in predicting thrombotic events, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of clot properties. Fibrin clot permeability, a crucial parameter in hypercoagulable states, impacts clot structure and resistance to lysis. Current clot permeability measurement limitations propel the need for standardized methods. Prior findings underscore the importance of clot permeability in various thrombotic conditions but call for improvements and more precise, repeatable, and standardized methods. Addressing these challenges, our study presents an upgraded, portable, and cost-effective system for measuring blood clot permeability, which utilizes a pressure-based approach that adheres to Darcy's law. By enhancing precision and sensitivity in discerning clot characteristics, this innovation provides a valuable tool for assessing thrombotic risk and associated pathological conditions. In this paper, the authors present a device that is able to automatically perform the permeability measurements on plasma or fibrinogen in vitro-induced clots on specific holders (filters). The proposed device has been tailored to distinguish clot permeability, with high precision and sensitivity, between healthy subjects and high cardiovascular-risk patients. The precise measure of clot permeability represents an excellent indicator of thrombotic risk, thus allowing the clinician, also on the basis of other anamnestic and laboratory data, to attribute a risk score to the subject. The proposed instrument was characterized by performing permeability measurements in plasma and purified fibrinogen clots derived from 17 Behcet patients and 15 sex- and age-matched controls. As expected, our results clearly indicate a significant difference in plasma clot permeability in Behcet patients with respect to controls (0.0533 ± 0.0199 d vs. 0.0976 ± 0.0160 d, p < 0.001). This difference was confirmed in the patient's vs. control fibrin clots (0.0487 ± 0.0170 d vs. 0.1167 ± 0.0487 d, p < 0.001). In conclusion, our study demonstrates the feasibility, efficacy, portability, and cost-effectiveness of a novel device for measuring clot permeability, allowing healthcare providers to better stratify thrombotic risk and tailor interventions, thereby improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs, which could significantly improve the management of thromboembolic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salivary pH is one of the crucial biomarkers used for non-invasive diagnosis of intraoral diseases, as well as general health conditions. However, standard pH sensors are usually too bulky, expensive, and impractical for routine use outside laboratory settings. Herein, a miniature hydrogel sensor, which enables quick and simple colorimetric detection of pH level, is shown. The sensor structure was manufactured from non-toxic hydrogel ink and patterned in the form of a matrix with 5 mm × 5 mm × 1 mm individual sensing pads using a 3D printing technique (bioplotting). The authors' ink composition, which contains sodium alginate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and bromothymol blue indicator, enables repeatable and stable color response to different pH levels. The developed analysis software with an easy-to-use graphical user interface extracts the R(ed), G(reen), and B(lue) components of the color image of the hydrogel pads, and evaluates the pH value in a second. A calibration curve used for the analysis was obtained in a pH range of 3.5 to 9.0 using a laboratory pH meter as a reference. Validation of the sensor was performed on samples of artificial saliva for medical use and its mixtures with beverages of different pH values (lemon juice, coffee, black and green tea, bottled and tap water), and correct responses to acidic and alkaline solutions were observed. The matrix of square sensing pads used in this study provided multiple parallel responses for parametric tests, but the applied 3D printing method and ink composition enable easy adjustment of the shape of the sensing layer to other desired patterns and sizes. Additional mechanical tests of the hydrogel layers confirmed the relatively high quality and durability of the sensor structure. The solution presented here, comprising 3D printed hydrogel sensor pads, simple colorimetric detection, and graphical software for signal processing, opens the way to development of miniature and biocompatible diagnostic devices in the form of flexible, wearable, or intraoral sensors for prospective application in personalized medicine and point-of-care diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a life-threatening condition that requires a prompt diagnosis and therapeutic intervention. Although serum troponin I and creatinine kinase-MB (CK-MB) are established biomarkers for ACS, reaching diagnostic values for ACS may take several hours. In this study, we attempted to explore novel biomarkers for ACS with higher sensitivity than that of troponin I and CK-MB. The metabolomic profiles of 18 patients with ACS upon hospital arrival and those of the age-matched control (HC) group of 24 healthy volunteers were analyzed using liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Volcano plots showed 24 metabolites whose concentrations differed significantly between the ACS and HC groups. Using these data, we developed a multiple logistic regression model for the ACS diagnosis, in which lysine, isocitrate, and tryptophan were selected as minimum-independent metabolites. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve value for discriminating ACS from HC was 1.00 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00–1.00). In contrast, those for troponin I and CK-MB were 0.917 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.812–1.00) and 0.988 (95% CI: 0.966–1.00), respectively. This study showed the potential for combining three plasma metabolites to discriminate ACS from HC with a higher sensitivity than troponin I and CK-MB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study determined the electron temperature and density in atmospheric pressure argon plasma using optical emission spectroscopy. The analysis combined continuum and line spectral data. Visible bremsstrahlung inversion was used to derive a partial electron energy probability function (EEPF) from the continuum spectrum. Subsequently, electron temperature was estimated assuming a two-temperature distribution based on the derived EEPF. Electron density was obtained by fitting a collisional-radiative (CR) model to the line spectrum, incorporating the obtained EEPF instead of assuming a Druyvesteynian EEPF. Comparative analysis revealed that the electron densities determined using the approach were approximately one order of magnitude lower than those derived from the CR model with the Druyvesteynian EEPF. However, they exhibited strong agreement with the results obtained by the CR model using a two-temperature distribution. This approach demonstrated favorable performance in reproducing both continuum and line spectra, revealing its high reliability and accuracy for atmospheric pressure argon plasma diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Penumbral imaging is a technique used in plasma diagnostics in which a radiation source shines through one or more large apertures onto a detector. To interpret a penumbral image, one must reconstruct it to recover the original source. The inferred source always has some error due to noise in the image and uncertainty in the instrument geometry. Interpreting the inferred source thus requires quantification of that inference's uncertainty. Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms have been used to quantify uncertainty for similar problems but have never been used for the inference of the shape of an image. Because of this, there are no commonly accepted ways of visualizing uncertainty in two-dimensional data. This paper demonstrates the application of the Hamiltonian Monte Carlo algorithm to the reconstruction of penumbral images of fusion implosions and presents ways to visualize the uncertainty in the reconstructed source. This methodology enables more rigorous analysis of penumbral images than has been done in the past. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We revisit one of the most used techniques for quantifying the aqueous OH radicals (OHaq) in plasma–liquid systems, the molecular probe method which obtains the [OHaq] by measuring a stable material formed through a rapid reaction between the molecular probe and the OHaq. In this study, we used disodium terephthalate (NaTA) as the molecular probe; the experimental results with a theoretical analysis suggest that to obtain the correct OHaq concentration, the concentration of the molecular probe should be greater than a certain value, which depends on the types of the plasma–liquid systems. However, this is not the case in most of the existing reports in which the NaTA is often much less than the requisite value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the statistical analysis of particles hopping outside the cages formed by their nearest neighboring particles, a new diagnostic of the hopping particle (HP) percentage is proposed to identify the solid–liquid phase transition in two-dimensional (2D) dusty plasmas. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the HP percentage, Langevin dynamical simulations of 2D Yukawa systems under various conditions are performed to mimic 2D dusty plasmas. It is found that the HP percentage exhibits a significant jump while decreasing the coupling parameter around the melting point, just corresponding to the solid–liquid phase transition. As compared with other traditionally used diagnostics, the HP percentage diagnostic is sensitive enough, and the dynamical information is incorporated inside. By comparing to the most widely used diagnostic of the bond-angular order parameter, the melting criterion of this HP percentage diagnostic is determined to be about 30% for the suitable time interval, which is general for the 2D Yukawa systems with different screening parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PANDORA (Plasmas for Astrophysics Nuclear Decays Observation and Radiation for Archaeometry) is an INFN project aiming at measuring, for the first time, possible variations in in-plasma β -decay lifetimes in isotopes of astrophysical interest as a function of thermodynamical conditions of the in-laboratory controlled plasma environment. Theoretical predictions indicate that the ionization state can dramatically modify the β -decay lifetime (even of several orders of magnitude). The PANDORA experimental approach consists of confining a plasma able to mimic specific stellar-like conditions and measuring the nuclear decay lifetime as a function of plasma parameters. The β -decay events will be measured by detecting the γ -ray emitted by the daughter nuclei, using an array of 12 HPGe detectors placed around the magnetic trap. In this frame, plasma parameters have to be continuously monitored online. For this purpose, an innovative, non-invasive multi-diagnostic system, including high-resolution time- and space-resolved X-ray analysis, was developed, which will work synergically with the γ -rays detection system. In this contribution, we will describe this multi-diagnostics system with a focus on spatially resolved high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy. The latter is performed by a pin-hole X-ray camera setup operating in the 0.5–20 keV energy domain. The achieved spatial and energy resolutions are 450 µm and 230 eV at 8.1 keV, respectively. An analysis algorithm was specifically developed to obtain SPhC (Single Photon-Counted) images and local plasma emission spectrum in High-Dynamic-Range (HDR) mode. Thus, investigations of image regions where the emissivity can change by even orders of magnitude are now possible. Post-processing analysis is also able to remove readout noise, which is often observable and dominant at very low exposure times (ms). Several measurements have already been used in compact magnetic plasma traps, e.g., the ATOMKI ECRIS in Debrecen and the Flexible Plasma Trap at LNS. The main outcomes will be shortly presented. The collected data allowed for a quantitative and absolute evaluation of local emissivity, the elemental analysis, and the local evaluation of plasma density and temperature. This paper also discusses the new plasma emission models, implemented on PIC-ParticleInCell codes, which were developed to obtain powerful 3D maps of the X-rays emitted by the magnetically confined plasma. These data also support the evaluation procedure of spatially resolved plasma parameters from the experimental spectra as well as, in the near future, the development of appropriate algorithms for the tomographic reconstruction of plasma parameters in the X-ray domain. The described setups also include the most recent upgrade, consisting of the use of fast X-ray shutters with special triggering systems that will be routinely implemented to perform both space- and time-resolved spectroscopy during transient, stable, and turbulent plasma regimes (in the ms timescale). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ITER diagnostic systems provide measurements to the Plasma Control System (PCS) in real-time. These measurements are used for plasma control and machine protection. Latency is an important parameter in the assessment of such systems. It is a time gap between capturing an external event by hardware and finishing the processing of acquired data. PCS requires the diagnostic systems to introduce a maximum total latency of 10 to 100 ms, therefore, the systems need to be tested if they meet the requirements. The system evaluated in this paper is a reference real-time image acquisition system developed as a base for ITER diagnostic systems. It consists of hardware based on the Micro Telecommunications Computing Architecture (MicroTCA) standard, developed firmware, and software. It supports cameras with various interfaces. In the paper, two cameras, with a Camera Link and 1 GigE Vision interfaces were selected to perform latency evaluation. The paper presents two methods of measuring the latency of image acquisition. The first one is based on precise time stamping consecutive stages of acquisition. This approach allows for determining which step of acquisition takes more or less time. In consequence, the software or hardware can be optimized. The other one uses LED to evaluate a particular camera, by checking the time of camera reaction to the trigger. A dedicated testing framework is developed to perform automated tests to evaluate latency. It supports collecting and analyzing the results of measurements. Besides that, a dedicated hardware is used to perform the latency tests using LED. The results and discussion of the measurements are presented in the manuscript. They show the latency evaluated using earlier proposed methods, comparing the cameras used in the image acquisition system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dense plasma focus (DPF) device has great potential as a fusion energy generator using hydrogen-boron (pB11) fuel1. Experiments using deuterium have already demonstrated mean ion energies >200 keV, in the range needed for burning pB112. To test that potential, we are preparing for experiments with hydrogen-boron fuel in the megampere DPF device, FF-2B. We plan to use isotopically-pure decaborane (B10H14) as the fuel source and have installed equipment for the safe handling and disposal of the toxic vapors from this material. High isotopic purity of the boron-11 is required to avoid generation of radioactive Be-7. While the main pB11 fusion reaction produces no neutrons, two side reactions do produce both neutrons and radioactive C-11. We show how these reaction products can be used with suitable detectors to provide accurate data on fusion yield, and the density and ion energy of the confined fusion-producing plasma.

In the diagnosis of plasma microwave transmission, when the plasma size is large and the electron density is high, the microwave will cause a phase period ambiguity problem. In order to solve the phase ambiguity, a novel method of using the phase shift group delay (PSGD) to recover the true phase shift is proposed. The PSGD method is used to recover the simulated phase shift and diagnose the plasma. The diagnostic accuracy is all greater than 91%, which verifies the method. And the new method is used to diagnose the real inductively coupled plasma with high precision. Through analysis, the method of group delay recover phase shift is more suitable for stable plasma or slow-varying plasma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]