Journal Description
Quantum Beam Science
Quantum Beam Science
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on research derived from beam line facilities and related techniques published quarterly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, ESCI (Web of Science), CAPlus / SciFinder, Inspec, Astrophysics Data System, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: CiteScore - Q2 (Nuclear and High Energy Physics)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 27.6 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 5.1 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2024).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
1.3 (2023);
5-Year Impact Factor:
1.3 (2023)
Latest Articles
Comparative Evaluation of Two Analytical Functions for the Microdosimetry of Ions from 1H to 238U
Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(3), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8030018 - 10 Jul 2024
Abstract
The analytical microdosimetric function (AMF) implemented in the Monte Carlo code PHITS is a unique tool that bridges the gap between macro- and microscopic scales of radiation interactions, enabling accurate microdosimetric calculations over macroscopic bodies. The original AMF was published in 2006, based
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The analytical microdosimetric function (AMF) implemented in the Monte Carlo code PHITS is a unique tool that bridges the gap between macro- and microscopic scales of radiation interactions, enabling accurate microdosimetric calculations over macroscopic bodies. The original AMF was published in 2006, based on the results of track structure calculations. Recently, a newer version of the AMF was proposed, incorporating an improved description of the energy loss at the microscopic scale. This study compares the older and the newer AMFs in computing microdosimetric probability distributions, mean values, and the relative biological effectiveness (RBE). To this end, 16,000 microdosimetric lineal energy probability density distributions were simulated with PHITS for ions from 1H to 238U over a broad energy range (1–1000 MeV/n). The newer AMF was found to offer superior performance, particularly for very heavy ions, producing results that align more closely with published in vitro clonogenic survival experiments. These findings suggest that the updated AMF provides a more reliable tool for microdosimetric calculations and RBE modeling, essential for ion radiation therapy and space radiation protection.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quantum Beam Science: Feature Papers 2024)
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Open AccessTechnical Note
Prototype Setup Hardware Choice for the DUCK System
by
Dmitriy Beznosko, Valeriy Aseykin, Alexander Dyshkant, Alexander Iakovlev, Oleg Krivosheev, Tatiana Krivosheev, Vladimir Shiltsev and Valeriy Zhukov
Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(3), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8030017 - 10 Jul 2024
Abstract
This article covers the overall design hardware choices for the prototyping activities for the DUCK (Detector system of Unusual Cosmic ray casKades). The primary goal of the DUCK system is to verify the existence of the unusual cosmic events reported by other collaborations
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This article covers the overall design hardware choices for the prototyping activities for the DUCK (Detector system of Unusual Cosmic ray casKades). The primary goal of the DUCK system is to verify the existence of the unusual cosmic events reported by other collaborations and to look at the possibilities of adding innovations to the EAS (Extensive Atmospheric Shower) analysis methods of the EAS disk measurements at the observation level. Additionally, design and construction of the system provide educational experience to the students involved in the project and are developing the research capabilities of the university campus. The prototyping process has helped to choose between various design solutions in the process of optimizing of the individual detector components.
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(This article belongs to the Section Instrumentation and Facilities)
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Open AccessArticle
High Energy Pulsed Laser Beam to Produce a Thin Layer of Crystalline Silver without Heating the Deposition Substrate and Its Catalytic Effects
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Alexandru Cocean, Georgiana Cocean, Cristina Postolachi, Silvia Garofalide, Daniela Angelica Pricop, Bogdanel Silvestru Munteanu, Georgiana Bulai, Nicanor Cimpoesu, Iuliana Motrescu, Vasile Pelin, Razvan Vasile Ababei, Dan-Gheorghe Dimitriu, Iuliana Cocean and Silviu Gurlui
Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(2), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8020016 - 19 Jun 2024
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Crystalline silver thin layers were obtained using high-energy pulsed laser ablation without the heating of the deposition substrate. The fluid Plateau–Rayleigh (PRI), Rayleigh–Taylor (RTI), and Richtmyer–Meshkov (RMI) instabilities, as well as the crown splash induced during the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) in the
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Crystalline silver thin layers were obtained using high-energy pulsed laser ablation without the heating of the deposition substrate. The fluid Plateau–Rayleigh (PRI), Rayleigh–Taylor (RTI), and Richtmyer–Meshkov (RMI) instabilities, as well as the crown splash induced during the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) in the high energy regime, resulting in ring and pearl-shaped structures, offer the benefit of an increased sorption surface. These morphological structures obtained for the silver thin layers make them of interest for catalytic applications. This study addresses both fundamental and applied issues on the morphological structures obtained for the silver thin layers and their catalytic function in organic processes. In this sense, the catalytic action of the thin silver layer was highlighted by modifications of the Reactive Blue 21 dye (C.I.) in an aqueous solution with sodium bicarbonate. Specific investigations and analyses were carried out using electron microscopy and elemental analysis (SEM-EDX), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and profilometry, mass spectrometry, ablation plasma diagnosis, diffractograms (XRD), as well as IR spectroscopy (FTIR). In addition to the experimental investigation and analyses, the simulation of the ionization energy threshold was conducted in COMSOL for complementary evaluation on the involved processes and phenomena.
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Open AccessArticle
Analysis of Avoided Level Crossing Muon Spin Resonance Spectra of Muoniated Radicals in Anisotropic Environments: Estimation of Muon Dipolar Hyperfine Parameters for Lorentzian-like Δ1 Resonances
by
Iain McKenzie, Victoria L. Karner and Robert Scheuermann
Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(2), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8020015 - 17 Jun 2024
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Avoided level crossing muon spin resonance (ALC- SR) is used to characterize muoniated free radicals. These radicals are used as probes of the local environment and reorientational motion of specific components in complex systems. The parameter that provides information about the anisotropic
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Avoided level crossing muon spin resonance (ALC- SR) is used to characterize muoniated free radicals. These radicals are used as probes of the local environment and reorientational motion of specific components in complex systems. The parameter that provides information about the anisotropic motion is the motionally-averaged muon dipolar-hyperfine coupling constant ( ). The ALC- SR spectra of muoniated radicals in anisotropic environments frequently have Lorentzian-like resonances, which makes it challenging to extract . In this paper, we derive a means to estimate from ALC- SR spectra with Lorentzian-like resonances by measuring the amplitude, width, and position of the resonance and the amplitude, width, and position of a resonance. Numerical simulations were used to test this relationship for radicals with a wide range of muon and proton hyperfine parameters. We use this methodology to determine for the Mu adducts of the cosurfactant 2-phenylethanol in E4 bilayers. From this we determined the amplitude of the anisotropic reorientational motion of the cosurfactant.
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Open AccessArticle
Effect of Collimation on Diffraction Signal-to-Background Ratios at a Neutron Diffractometer
by
Dunji Yu, Yan Chen, David Conner, Kevin Berry, Harley Skorpenske and Ke An
Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(2), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8020014 - 30 May 2024
Abstract
High diffraction signal-to-background ratios (SBRs), the ratio of diffraction peak integrated intensity over its background intensity, are desirable for a neutron diffractometer to acquire good statistics for diffraction pattern measurements and subsequent data analysis. For a given detector, while the diffraction peak signals
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High diffraction signal-to-background ratios (SBRs), the ratio of diffraction peak integrated intensity over its background intensity, are desirable for a neutron diffractometer to acquire good statistics for diffraction pattern measurements and subsequent data analysis. For a given detector, while the diffraction peak signals primarily depend on the characteristics of the neutron beam and sample coherent scattering, the background largely originates from the sample incoherent scattering and the scattering from the instrument space. In this work, we investigated the effect of collimation on neutron diffraction SBRs of Si powder measurements using one high-angle area detector bank coupled with six different collimation configurations in a large and complex instrument space at the engineering materials diffractometer VULCAN, SNS, ORNL. The results revealed that the diffraction SBRs can be significantly improved by a proper coarse collimator that leaves no gap between the detector and the collimator, and the improvement of SBRs by a fine radial collimator was remarkable with a proper coarse collimator in place but not distinguishable without one. It was also found that the diffraction SBRs were not effectively improved by adding the neutron-absorbing element boron to the fine radial collimator body, which indicates that either the absorption of secondary scattered neutrons by the added boron is insignificant or the collimator base material (resin and ABS) alone attenuates background scattering sufficiently. These findings could serve as a useful reference for diffractometer developers and/or operators to optimize their collimation to achieve higher diffraction SBRs.
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(This article belongs to the Section Instrumentation and Facilities)
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Open AccessArticle
Simulation Dosimetry Studies for FLASH Radiation Therapy (RT) with Ultra-High Dose Rate (UHDR) Electron Beam
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Nick Gazis, Andrea Bignami, Emmanouil Trachanas, Melina Moniaki, Evangelos Gazis, Dimitrios Bandekas and Nikolaos Vordos
Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(2), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8020013 - 24 May 2024
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FLASH-radiotherapy (RT) presents great potential as an alternative to conventional radiotherapy methods in cancer treatment. In this paper, we focus on simulation studies for a linear particle accelerator injector design using the ASTRA code, which permits beam generation and particle tracking through electromagnetic
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FLASH-radiotherapy (RT) presents great potential as an alternative to conventional radiotherapy methods in cancer treatment. In this paper, we focus on simulation studies for a linear particle accelerator injector design using the ASTRA code, which permits beam generation and particle tracking through electromagnetic fields. Space charge-dominated beams were selected with the aim of providing an optimized generated beam profile and accelerator lattice with minimized emittance. The main results of the electron beam and ultra-high dose rate (UHDR) simulation dosimetry studies are reported for the FLASH mode radiobiological treatment. Results for the percentage depth dose (PDD) at electron beam energies of 5, 7, 15, 25, 50, 100 MeV and 1.2 GeV for Poly-methyl-methacrylate (PMMA) and water phantom vs. the penetration depth are presented. Additionally, the PDD transverse profile was simulated for the above energies, delivering the beam to the phantom. The simulation dosimetry results provide an UHDR electron beam under the conditions of the FLASH-RT. The performance of the beam inside the phantom and the dose depth depends on the linear accelerator beam’s energy and stability.
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Open AccessArticle
Modification of Cu Oxide and Cu Nitride Films by Energetic Ion Impact
by
Noriaki Matsunami, Masao Sataka, Satoru Okayasu and Bun Tsuchiya
Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(2), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8020012 - 10 Apr 2024
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We have investigated lattice disordering of cupper oxide (Cu2O) and copper nitride (Cu3N) films induced by high- and low-energy ion impact, knowing that the effects of electronic excitation and elastic collision play roles by these ions, respectively. For high-energy
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We have investigated lattice disordering of cupper oxide (Cu2O) and copper nitride (Cu3N) films induced by high- and low-energy ion impact, knowing that the effects of electronic excitation and elastic collision play roles by these ions, respectively. For high-energy ion impact, degradation of X-ray diffraction (XRD) intensity per ion fluence or lattice disordering cross-section (YXD) fits to the power-law: YXD = (BXDSe)NXD, with Se and BXD being the electronic stopping power and a constant. For Cu2O and Cu3N, NXD is obtained to be 2.42 and 1.75, and BXD is 0.223 and 0.54 (kev/nm)−1. It appears that for low-energy ion impact, YXD is nearly proportional to the nuclear stopping power (Sn). The efficiency of energy deposition, YXD/Se, as well as Ysp/Se, is compared with YXD/Sn, as well as Ysp/Sn. The efficiency ratio RXD = (YXD/Se)/(YXD/Sn) is evaluated to be ~0.1 and ~0.2 at Se = 15 keV/nm for Cu2O and Cu3N, meaning that the efficiency of electronic energy deposition is smaller than that of nuclear energy deposition. Rsp = (Ysp/Se)/(Ysp/Sn) is evaluated to be 0.46 for Cu2O and 0.7 for Cu3N at Se = 15 keV/nm.
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Open AccessArticle
Estimating Lung Volume Capacity from X-ray Images Using Deep Learning
by
Samip Ghimire and Santosh Subedi
Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(2), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8020011 - 28 Mar 2024
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Estimating lung volume capacity is crucial in clinical medicine, especially in disease diagnostics. However, the existing estimation methods are complex and expensive, which require experts to handle and consequently are more error-prone and time-consuming. Thus, developing an automatic measurement system without a human
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Estimating lung volume capacity is crucial in clinical medicine, especially in disease diagnostics. However, the existing estimation methods are complex and expensive, which require experts to handle and consequently are more error-prone and time-consuming. Thus, developing an automatic measurement system without a human operator that is less prone to human error and, thus, more accurate has always been a prerequisite. The limitation of radiation dose and various medical conditions in technologies like computed tomography was also the primary concern in the past. Although qualitative prediction of lung volume may be a trivial task, designing clinically relevant and automated methods that effectively incorporate imaging data is a challenging problem. This paper proposes a novel multi-tasking-based automatic lung volume estimation method using deep learning that jointly learns segmentation and regression of volume estimation. The two networks, namely, segmentation and regression networks, are sequentially operated with some shared layers. The segmentation network segments the X-ray images, whose output is regressed by the regression network to determine the final lung volume. Besides, the dataset used in the proposed method is collected from three different secondary sources. The experimental results show that the proposed multi-tasking approach performs better than the individual networks. Further analysis of the multi-tasking approach with two different networks, namely, UNet and HRNet, shows that the network with HRNet performs better than the network with UNet with less volume estimation mean square error of 0.0010.
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Open AccessReview
Lithium-Ion Batteries under the X-ray Lens: Resolving Challenges and Propelling Advancements
by
Mahdieh Samimi, Mehran Saadabadi and Hassan Hosseinlaghab
Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(2), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8020010 - 27 Mar 2024
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The quest for high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is at the forefront of energy storage research, necessitating a profound understanding of intricate processes like phase transformations and thermal runaway events. This review paper explores the pivotal role of X-ray spectroscopies in unraveling the mysteries
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The quest for high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is at the forefront of energy storage research, necessitating a profound understanding of intricate processes like phase transformations and thermal runaway events. This review paper explores the pivotal role of X-ray spectroscopies in unraveling the mysteries embedded within LIBs, focusing on the utilization of advanced techniques for comprehensive insights. This explores recent advancements in in situ characterization tools, prominently featuring X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray tomography (XRT), and transmission X-ray microscopy (TXM). Each technique contributes to a comprehensive understanding of structure, morphology, chemistry, and kinetics in LIBs, offering a selective analysis that optimizes battery electrodes and enhances overall performance. The investigation commences by highlighting the indispensability of tracking phase transformations. Existing challenges in traditional methods, like X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), become evident when faced with nanoscale inhomogeneities during the delithiation process. Recognizing this limitation, the review emphasizes the significance of advanced techniques featuring nanoscale resolution. These tools offer unprecedented insights into material structures and surface chemistry during LIB operation, empowering researchers to address the challenges posed by thermal runaway. Such insights prove critical in unraveling interfacial transport mechanisms and phase transformations, providing a roadmap for the development of safe and high-performance energy storage systems. The integration of X-ray spectroscopies not only enhances our understanding of fundamental processes within LIBs but also propels the development of safer, more efficient, and reliable energy storage solutions. In spite of those benefits, X-ray spectroscopies have some limitations in regard to studying LIBs, as referred to in this review.
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Open AccessArticle
Development of a Time-Gated Epithermal Neutron Spectrometer for Resonance Absorption Measurements Driven by a High-Intensity Laser
by
Zechen Lan, Yasunobu Arikawa, Yuki Abe, Seyed Reza Mirfayzi, Alessio Morace, Takehito Hayakawa, Tianyun Wei and Akifumi Yogo
Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8010009 - 29 Feb 2024
Abstract
The advance of laser-driven neutron sources (LDNSs) has enabled neutron resonance spectroscopy to be performed with a single shot of a laser. In this study, we describe a detection system of epithermal (∼eV) neutrons especially designed for neutron resonance spectroscopy. A time-gated photomultiplier
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The advance of laser-driven neutron sources (LDNSs) has enabled neutron resonance spectroscopy to be performed with a single shot of a laser. In this study, we describe a detection system of epithermal (∼eV) neutrons especially designed for neutron resonance spectroscopy. A time-gated photomultiplier tube (PMT) with a high cut-off ratio was introduced for epithermal neutron detection in a high-power laser experiment at the Institute of Laser Engineering, Osaka University. We successfully reduced the PMT response to the intense hard X-ray generated as a result of the interaction between laser light and the target material. A time-gated circuit was designed to turn off the response of the PMT during the laser pulse and resume recording the signal when neutrons arrive. The time-gated PMT was coupled with a 6Li glass scintillator, serving as a time-of-flight (TOF) detector to measure the neutron resonance absorption values of 182W and 109Ag in a laser-driven epithermal neutron generation experiment. The neutron resonance peaks at eV of 182W and eV of 109Ag were detected after a single pulse of laser at a distance of 1.07 m.
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(This article belongs to the Section High-Power Laser Physics)
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Open AccessArticle
New Ballistic Neutron Guide for the Time-of-Flight Spectrometer FOCUS at PSI
by
Fanni Juranyi, Masako Yamada, Christine Klauser, Lothar Holitzner and Uwe Filges
Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8010008 - 13 Feb 2024
Abstract
FOCUS is a direct-geometry cold neutron time-of-flight spectrometer at SINQ (PSI, CH). Its neutron guide was exchanged in 2019/2020 within the SINQ Upgrade project, while the rest of the instrument remained unchanged. The new guide provided a significant intensity increase across the whole
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FOCUS is a direct-geometry cold neutron time-of-flight spectrometer at SINQ (PSI, CH). Its neutron guide was exchanged in 2019/2020 within the SINQ Upgrade project, while the rest of the instrument remained unchanged. The new guide provided a significant intensity increase across the whole spectrum, especially at short wavelengths, due to the more efficient transport and extended phase space of the transported neutrons. The practically available energy transfer range (at the neutron energy loss side) was increased to about 40 meV. The main reason for the intensity benefit at short incident wavelengths was the improved guide coating, whereas at long wavelengths it was the new ballistic shape. The interesting part of the guide is the “peanut shape” of the curved part in the horizontal plane. For this, we derived the analytical restriction on the geometry to avoid a direct line of sight from the source. The guide geometry and the supermirror coating were optimized using Mcoptimize, a particle swarm optimization routine employing Mcstas. Future ballistic neutron guides may profit from the presented approaches, optimization strategy, and results.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Neutron Instrumentation, 2nd Edition)
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Open AccessArticle
Principal Preferred Orientation Evaluation of Steel Materials Using Time-of-Flight Neutron Diffraction
by
Pingguang Xu, Shuyan Zhang, Stefanus Harjo, Sven C. Vogel and Yo Tomota
Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8010007 - 17 Jan 2024
Abstract
Comprehensive information on in situ microstructural and crystallographic changes during the preparation/manufacturing processes of various materials is highly necessary to precisely control the microstructural morphology and the preferred orientation (or texture) characteristics for achieving an excellent strength–ductility–toughness balance in advanced engineering materials. In
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Comprehensive information on in situ microstructural and crystallographic changes during the preparation/manufacturing processes of various materials is highly necessary to precisely control the microstructural morphology and the preferred orientation (or texture) characteristics for achieving an excellent strength–ductility–toughness balance in advanced engineering materials. In this study, in situ isothermal annealing experiments with cold-rolled 17Ni-0.2C (mass%) martensitic steel sheets were carried out by using the TAKUMI and ENGIN-X time-of-flight neutron diffractometers. The inverse pole figures based on full-profile refinement were extracted to roughly evaluate the preferred orientation features along three principal sample directions of the investigated steel sheets, using the General Structure Analysis System (GSAS) software with built-in generalized spherical harmonic functions. The consistent rolling direction (RD) inverse pole figures from TAKUMI and ENGIN-X confirmed that the time-of-flight neutron diffraction has high repeatability and statistical reliability, revealing that the principal preferred orientation evaluation of steel materials can be realized through 90° TD ➜ ND (transverse direction ➜ normal direction) rotation of the investigated specimen on the sample stage during two neutron diffraction experiments. Moreover, these RD, TD, and ND inverse pole figures before and after the in situ experiments were compared with the corresponding inverse pole figures recalculated from the MUSASI-L complete pole figure measurement and the HIPPO in situ microstructure evaluation, respectively. The similar orientation distribution characteristics suggested that the principal preferred orientation evaluation method can be applied to the in situ microstructural evolution of bulk orthorhombic materials and spatially resolved principal preferred orientation mappings of large engineering structure parts.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis of Strain, Stress and Texture with Quantum Beams, 2nd Edition)
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Open AccessArticle
Spectral Characteristics of Polarization Radiation in the Water Window Range
by
M. V. Shevelev, A. S. Konkov, S. R. Uglov, B. A. Alekseev and Yu. M. Cherepennikov
Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8010006 - 15 Jan 2024
Abstract
The high-intensity and monochromatic radiation sources in the water window spectral range are desirable for many applications. One of the potential candidates of soft X-ray sources is polarization radiation produced by a charged particle passing through a thin foil. In the soft X-ray
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The high-intensity and monochromatic radiation sources in the water window spectral range are desirable for many applications. One of the potential candidates of soft X-ray sources is polarization radiation produced by a charged particle passing through a thin foil. In the soft X-ray range near the absorption edges of a target material, the real part of dielectric permittivity can exceed unity, and the Tamm–Frank criterion is fulfilled. Thus, two types of radiation are produced: transition and Cherenkov radiation. In this report, we theoretically investigated the spectral characteristics of radiation produced in both cases when the Tamm–Frank criterion is met or not met. We showed the dependences of the spectrum as a function of thickness and the incidence angle. To describe the properties of polarization radiation and the complex dielectric permittivity, the polarization current approach and Henke’s model were used, respectively.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quantum Beam Science: Feature Papers 2023)
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A Platform for Laser-Driven Ion Sources Generated with Nanosecond Laser Pulses in the Intensity Range of 1013–1015 W/cm2
by
L. Giuffrida, V. Istokskaia, A. Picciotto, V. Kantarelou, M. Barozzi, R. Dell`Anna, M. Divoky, O. Denk, D. Giubertoni, F. Grepl, A. Hadjikyriacou, M. Hanus, J. Krasa, M. Kucharik, T. Levato, P. Navratil, J. Pilar, F. Schillaci, S. Stancek, M. Tosca, M. Tryus, A. Velyhan, A. Lucianetti, T. Mocek and D. Margaroneadd
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Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8010005 - 10 Jan 2024
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An experimental platform for laser-driven ion (sub-MeV) acceleration and potential applications was commissioned at the HiLASE laser facility. The auxiliary beam of the Bivoj laser system operating at a GW level peak power (~10 J in 5–10 ns) and 1–10 Hz repetition rate
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An experimental platform for laser-driven ion (sub-MeV) acceleration and potential applications was commissioned at the HiLASE laser facility. The auxiliary beam of the Bivoj laser system operating at a GW level peak power (~10 J in 5–10 ns) and 1–10 Hz repetition rate enabled a stable production of high-current ion beams of multiple species (Al, Ti, Fe, Si, Cu, and Sn). The produced laser–plasma ion sources were fully characterized against the laser intensity on the target (1013–1015 W/cm2) by varying the laser energy, focal spot size, and pulse duration. The versatility and tuneability of such high-repetition-rate laser–plasma ion sources are of potential interest for user applications. Such a statistically accurate study was facilitated by the large amount of data acquired at the high repetition rate (1–10 Hz) provided by the Bivoj laser system.
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Open AccessReview
Nuclear Physics Opportunities at European Small-Scale Facilities
by
Jelena Vesić and Matjaž Vencelj
Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8010004 - 29 Dec 2023
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Small-scale facilities play a significant role in the landscape of nuclear physics research in Europe. They address a wide range of fundamental questions and are essential for teaching and training personnel in accelerator technology and science, providing them with diverse skill sets, complementary
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Small-scale facilities play a significant role in the landscape of nuclear physics research in Europe. They address a wide range of fundamental questions and are essential for teaching and training personnel in accelerator technology and science, providing them with diverse skill sets, complementary to large projects. The current status and perspectives of nuclear physics research at small-scale facilities in Europe will be given.
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Open AccessArticle
Helical Electron Beam Status Online Evaluation for Magnetron Injection Gun
by
Wei Jiang, Chaoxuan Lu, Binyang Han, Boxin Dai, Qiang Zheng, Guo Liu, Jianxun Wang and Yong Luo
Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8010003 - 29 Dec 2023
Abstract
The magnetron injection gun (MIG) is an essential component of the gyrotron traveling wave tube (gyro-TWT). Although the electron beam status influences the performance of the device, it cannot be measured directly in the experiment. An online evaluation module (OEM) for the experiment
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The magnetron injection gun (MIG) is an essential component of the gyrotron traveling wave tube (gyro-TWT). Although the electron beam status influences the performance of the device, it cannot be measured directly in the experiment. An online evaluation module (OEM) for the experiment is developed to calculate the instant beam parameters of MIG. The OEM, by reconstructing the geometry of the MIG and related magnetic field distribution, can obtain the electron beam status under the operating parameters through the online simulation. The beam velocity spread of thermal emission with instant temperature and surface roughness are also considered. The validation is done in a W-band gyro-TWT, and the beam performance is evaluated in the experiment. With a pitch factor of 1.06 electron beam, the velocity spread affected by the electric-magnetic mismatch, thermal emission, and roughness is 1.00%, 0.56%, and 0.43%, respectively. The other beam parameters are also presented in the developed module. The OEM could guide and accelerate the testing process and ensure the safe and stable operation of the device.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Challenges in Electron Beams)
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Open AccessArticle
Double-Relief Silver Coins Minted in the Greek Colonies (444–390/340–280/270 BC) of Southern Italy Analysed by XRF
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Jessica Brocchieri, Rosa Vitale and Carlo Sabbarese
Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8010002 - 25 Dec 2023
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A sample of 18 double-relief coins from different poleis of Magna Graecia and ancient Italy has been analysed using a handheld XRF spectrometer directly inside the Museo Provinciale Campano (Capua, Italy). The data analysis shows that (i) the main elements are Ag and
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A sample of 18 double-relief coins from different poleis of Magna Graecia and ancient Italy has been analysed using a handheld XRF spectrometer directly inside the Museo Provinciale Campano (Capua, Italy). The data analysis shows that (i) the main elements are Ag and Cu, indicating that the coins are of high fineness (average Ag 95.7%), (ii) trace elements can help to characterise the coins, (iii) a superficial chemically altered layer (corrosion) is absent, (iv) the values of ratio Ag Kα/Lα evidence the presence of an enrichment layer on the surface of silver or subaerata in some coins. Multivariate statistical analysis and graph analysis allowed the coins to be assigned to different groups with the highest possible accuracy on the basis of the chemical data obtained and models to be constructed to classify the coins according to their historical periods.
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Open AccessArticle
Stress Measurement of Stainless Steel Piping Welds by Complementary Use of High-Energy Synchrotron X-rays and Neutrons
by
Yasufumi Miura, Kenji Suzuki, Satoshi Morooka and Takahisa Shobu
Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8010001 - 22 Dec 2023
Abstract
Probabilistic fracture mechanics (PFM) is increasingly recognized as a viable approach for evaluating the structural integrity of nuclear components, such as piping, primarily affected by stress corrosion cracking (SCC). PFM analysis requires several input parameters, among which welding residual stress is critically important
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Probabilistic fracture mechanics (PFM) is increasingly recognized as a viable approach for evaluating the structural integrity of nuclear components, such as piping, primarily affected by stress corrosion cracking (SCC). PFM analysis requires several input parameters, among which welding residual stress is critically important due to its significant influence on SCC initiation and propagation. Recently, a novel technique involving a double-exposure method (DEM) utilizing synchrotron X-rays was introduced as an effective means for measuring welding residual stress with high spatial resolution. In this paper, we applied DEM to assess the residual stress of a plate specimen, which was extracted from a welded pipe through electrical discharge machining. Consequently, detailed stress maps under a plane stress state were generated. Additionally, the residual stress distributions in the welded pipe under a triaxial stress state were evaluated using neutron diffraction. Based on these findings, we proposed a methodology to acquire detailed stress maps of welded pipes by combining high-energy synchrotron X-rays and neutron diffraction.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis of Strain, Stress and Texture with Quantum Beams, 2nd Edition)
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Open AccessBrief Report
Cable Robots as Conventional Linear Stage Alternatives for the Investigation of Complex-Shaped Objects via Macroscopic X-ray Fluorescence Imaging
by
Matthias Alfeld, Philipp Tempel and Volkert van der Wijk
Quantum Beam Sci. 2023, 7(4), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs7040037 - 21 Nov 2023
Cited by 1
Abstract
The acquisition of elemental and chemical distribution images on the surface of cultural heritage objects has provided us new insights into our past. The techniques commonly employed, such as macroscopic X-ray fluorescence imaging (MA-XRF), in general require pointwise or whisk-broom scanning of an
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The acquisition of elemental and chemical distribution images on the surface of cultural heritage objects has provided us new insights into our past. The techniques commonly employed, such as macroscopic X-ray fluorescence imaging (MA-XRF), in general require pointwise or whisk-broom scanning of an object under constant measurement geometry for optimal results. Most scanners in this field use stacked linear motorized stages, which are a proven solution for 2D sample positioning. Instead of these serial systems, we propose the use of a parallel cable robot to position the measurement head relative to the object investigated. In this article, we illustrate the significance of the issue and present our own cable robot prototype and test its capabilities, but also discuss the current shortcomings of the concept. With this, we demonstrate the potential of cable robots as platforms for MA-XRF and similar imaging techniques.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Macro X-ray Fluorescence Applications)
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Open AccessArticle
Chromium–Aluminum Coatings for Oxidation Protection of Titanium–Aluminum Intermetallic Alloys
by
Almaz Nazarov, Alexey Maslov, Elena Korznikova and Kamil Ramazanov
Quantum Beam Sci. 2023, 7(4), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs7040036 - 20 Nov 2023
Abstract
This article explores the utilization of cathodic-arc deposition Cr-Al overlay coatings as oxidation protection for Ti-Al-Nb intermetallic alloys. The primary objective is to investigate PVD Al-Cr coatings deposited via cathodic-arc deposition without subsequent vacuum annealing. The microstructure, phase, and chemical composition of the
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This article explores the utilization of cathodic-arc deposition Cr-Al overlay coatings as oxidation protection for Ti-Al-Nb intermetallic alloys. The primary objective is to investigate PVD Al-Cr coatings deposited via cathodic-arc deposition without subsequent vacuum annealing. The microstructure, phase, and chemical composition of the coatings were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Isothermal exposure of samples in a laboratory air furnace was conducted, revealing the efficacy of Cr-Al coatings in protecting the Ti49-11Al-40Nb-1.5Zr-0.75V-0.75Mo-0.2Si (mass%) intermetallic alloy VTI-4 against oxidation. The findings highlight that the as-deposited coatings possess a layered structure and contain Al-Cr intermetallics. Post-exposure to the furnace without prior vacuum annealing results in coatings exhibiting a porous microstructure, raising concerns regarding oxidation protection. This investigation of Cr-Al coatings on a VTI-4 alloy substrate yields valuable insights into their nanolaminate structure and challenges associated with aluminum droplet fractions. The proposed additional vacuum heat treatment at 650 °C for 500 h effectively homogenizes the coating, leading to predominant Cr2Al and Ti-Al phases. Additionally, the formation of diffusion layers at the “coating–substrate” interface and the presence of oxide barriers contribute to the coatings’ heat resistance. Our research introduces possibilities for tailoring coating properties for specific high-temperature applications in aerospace, energy, or industrial contexts. Further refinement of the heat treatment process offers the potential for developing advanced coatings with enhanced performance characteristics.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quantum Beam Science: Feature Papers 2023)
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