Nonlinear dynamics of the reversed shear Alfvén eigenmode in burning plasmas

In a tokamak fusion reactor operated at steady state,the equilibrium magnetic field is likely to have reversed shear in the core region,as the noninductive bootstrap current profile generally peaks off-axis.The reversed shear Alfvén eigenmode(RSAE)as a unique branch of the shear Alfvén wave in this equilibrium,can exist with a broad spectrum in wavenumber and frequency,and be resonantly driven unstable by energetic particles(EP).After briefly discussing the RSAE linear properties in burning plasma condition,we review several key topics of the nonlinear dynamics for the RSAE through both wave-EP resonance and wave-wave coupling channels,and illustrate their potentially important role in reactor-scale fusion plasmas.By means of simplified hybrid MHD-kinetic simulations,the RSAEs are shown to have typically broad phase space resonance structure with both circulating and trapped EP,as results of weak/vanishing magnetic shear and relatively low frequency.Through the route of wave-EP nonlinearity,the dominant saturation mechanism is mainly due to the transported resonant EP radially decoupling with the localized RSAE mode structure,and the resultant EP transport generally has a convective feature.The saturated RSAEs also undergo various nonlinear couplings with other collective oscillations.Two typical routes as parametric decay and modulational instability are studied using nonlinear gyrokinetic theory,and applied to the scenario of spontaneous excitation by a finite amplitude pump RSAE.Multiple RSAEs could naturally couple and induce the spectral energy cascade into a low frequency Alfvénic mode,which may effectively transfer the EP energy to fuel ions via collisionless Landau damping.Moreover,zero frequency zonal field structure could be spontaneously excited by modulation of the pump RSAE envelope,and may also lead to saturation of the pump RSAE by both scattering into stable domain and local distortion of the continuum structure.

Final results of the first phase of the PROTO-SPHERA experiment: obtainment of the full current stable screw pinch and first evidences of the jet + torus combined plasma configuration

In astrophysics, the boundary conditions for plasma phenomena are provided by nature and the astronomer faces the problem of understanding them from a variety of observations [Hester J J et al 1996 Astrophys. J. 456 225], on the other hand, in laboratory plasma experiments the electromagnetic boundary conditions become a major problem in the set-up of the machine that produces the plasma, an issue that has to be investigated step by step and to be modified and adapted with great patience, in particular in the case of an innovative plasma confinement experiment. The PROTO-SPHERA machine [Alladio F et al 2006 Nucl. Fusion 46 S613] is a magnetic confinement experiment, that emulates in the laboratory the jet + torus plasma configurations often observed in astrophysics: an inner magnetized jet of plasma centered on the(approximate) axis of symmetry and surrounded by a magnetized plasma torus orthogonal to this jet. The PROTO-SPHERA plasma is simply connected, i.e., no metal current conducting rod is linked to the plasma torus, while instead it is the inner magnetized plasma jet(in the following always called the plasma centerpost) that is linked to the torus. It is mandatory that no spurious plasma current path modifies the optimal shape of the plasma centerpost. Moreover, as the plasma torus is produced and sustained, in absence of any applied inductive electric field, by the inner plasma centerpost through magnetic reconnections [Taylor J B and Turner M F 1989 Nucl.Fusion 29 219], it is required as well that spurious current paths do not surround the torus on its outboard, in order not to lower the efficiency of the magnetic reconnections that maintain the plasma torus at the expense of the plasma centerpost. Boundary conditions have been corrected,up to the point that the first sustainment in steady state has been achieved for the combined plasma.

Collisionless shock acceleration of protons in a plasma slab produced in a gas jet by the collision of two laser-driven hydrodynamic shockwaves

We have recently proposed a new technique of plasma tailoring by laser-driven hydrodynamic shockwaves generated on both sides of a gas jet[Marquès et al.,Phys.Plasmas 28,023103(2021)].In a continuation of this numerical work,we study experimentally the influence of the tailoring on proton acceleration driven by a high-intensity picosecond laser in three cases:without tailoring,by tailoring only the entrance side of the picosecond laser,and by tailoring both sides of the gas jet.Without tailoring,the acceleration is transverse to the laser axis,with a low-energy exponential spectrum,produced by Coulomb explosion.When the front side of the gas jet is tailored,a forward acceleration appears,which is significantly enhanced when both the front and back sides of the plasma are tailored.This forward acceleration produces higher-energy protons,with a peaked spectrum,and is in good agreement with the mechanism of collisionless shock acceleration(CSA).The spatiotemporal evolution of the plasma profile is characterized by optical shadowgraphy of a probe beam.The refraction and absorption of this beam are simulated by post-processing 3D hydrodynamic simulations of the plasma tailoring.Comparison with the experimental results allows estimation of the thickness and near-critical density of the plasma slab produced by tailoring both sides of the gas jet.These parameters are in good agreement with those required for CSA.

Radioisotope production using lasers:From basic science to applications

The discovery of chirped pulse amplification has led to great improvements in laser technology,enabling energetic laser beams to be compressed to pulse durations of tens of femtoseconds and focused to a few micrometers.Protons with energies of tens of MeV can be accelerated using,for instance,target normal sheath acceleration and focused on secondary targets.Under such conditions,nuclear reactions can occur,with the production of radioisotopes suitable for medical application.The use of high-repetition lasers to produce such isotopes is competitive with conventional methods mostly based on accelerators.In this paper,we study the production of^(67)Cu,^(63)Zn,^(18)F,and^(11)C,which are currently used in positron emission tomography and other applications.At the same time,we study the reactions^(10)B(p,α)^(7)Be and^(70)Zn(p,4n)^(67)Ga to put further constraints on the proton distributions at different angles,as well as the reaction^(11)B(p,α)^(8)Be relevant for energy production.The experiment was performed at the 1 PW laser facility at VegaⅢin Salamanca,Spain.Angular distributions of radioisotopes in the forward(with respect to the laser direction)and backward directions were measured using a high purity germanium detector.Our results are in reasonable agreement with numerical estimates obtained following the approach of Kimura and Bonasera[Nucl.Instrum.Methods Phys.Res.,Sect.A 637,164–170(2011)].

一总线在北京谱仪实验模型BESⅢ Slow Control中的应用

介绍了北京正负电子对撞机国家重点工程中,BESⅢS low Con tro l在全新北京谱仪中的重要性,并对通过在三个探测器:M uon RPC、量能器EM C、漂移室M DC实验模型中的具体实例应用,介绍了慢控制主要采用的一总线技术。

Combined Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques for Studying the Large Roman Urban System Expansion during the Last Twenty Years

Several factors may contribute to on-going challenges for spatial planning and policy in megacities such as Rome, including rapid population shifts, poorly organized areas, and lack of data through which monitoring urban growth and land use change. This research was conducted to examine past and current effects of the urbanization process, occurred over the large Roman urban system, on the basis of multi-source and multi-temporal optical remote sensing (RS) data, collected between 1990 and 2013. These changes were then validated via Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques, in a particular procedure applied to urban land/agricultural transformations. The proposed approach, based on geo-statistical methods, was used to calculate the index of innovative space (AP Index), useful for the monitoring of the urban sprawl phenomenon. Strong evidence of urban expansion over the north-eastern quarter of the city, accompanied by environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity, is provided. Urban infill developments are expected to emerge in the south-eastern areas too, and these might increase urban pressure as well. In conclusion, RS and GIS technologies together with ancillary data can be used to assist decision makers in preparing future plans to find out appropriate solutions to urbanization encroachment.

Self-consistent kinetic theory with nonlinear wave-particle resonances

We have developed, based on the oscillating-center transformation, a general theoretical approach for self-consistent plasma dynamics including, explicitly, effects of nonlinear(higherorder) wave-particle resonances. A specific example is then given for low-frequency responses of trapped particles in axisymmetric tokamaks. Possible applications to transport as well as nonlinear wave growth/damping are also briefly discussed.

Advanced Laser Retroreflectors for Astrophysics and Space Science

We developed advances laser retroreflectors for solar system exploration, geodesy and for precision test of General Relativity (GR) and new gravitational physics: a micro-reflector array (INRRI, Instrument for landing-Roving laser Retroreflectors Investigations), a midsize reflector array for the European Earth Observation (EO) program, Copernicus (CORA, COpernicus laser Retroreflector Array), a large, single-retroreflector (MoonLIGHT, Moon Laser Instrumentation for General relativity High accuracy Tests). These laser retroreflectors will be fully characterized at the SCF_Lab (Satellite/lunar/GNSS laser ranging/altimetry Cube/microsat Characterization Facilities Laboratory), a unique and dedicated infrastructure of INFN-LNF (www.lnf.infn.it/esperimenti/etrusco/). Our research program foresees several activities: 1) Developing and characterizing the mentioned laser retroreflector devices to determine landing accuracy, rover positioning during exploration and planetary/Moon’s surface georeferencing. These devices will be passive, laser wavelength- independent, long-lived reference point. INRRI will enable the performance of full-column measurement of trace species in the Mars atmosphere by future space-borne lidars. These measurements will be complementary to highly localized measurements made by gas sampling techniques on the Rover or by laser back-scattering lidar techniques on future orbiters and/or from the surface. INRRI will also support laser and quantum communications, carried out among future Mars Orbiters and Mars Rovers. This will be possible also because the INRRI laser retroreflectors will be metal back-coated and, therefore, will not change the photon polarization. The added value of INRRI is its low mass, compact size, zero maintenance and its usefulness for any future laser altimetry, ranging, communications, atmospheric lidar capable Mars orbiter, for virtually decades after the end of the Mars surface mission, like the Apollo and Lunokhod lunar laser retroreflectors. MoonLIGHT and INRRI are proposed for landings on the Moon (two Google Lunar X Prize Missions, namely Moon Express;Russia’s Luna-27 mission, as well as others under consideration/negotia- tion, also with the help of ASI, ESA and other partnerships);2) Precision tests of GR with LLR to MoonLIGHT reflectors. Development of new fundamental gravity physics models and study of experimental constraints to these models use also laser ranging and laser reflectors throughout the solar system: extension of general relativity to include Spacetime Torsion, Non-Minimal Coupling between matter and curvature (so-called “ ” theories, or NMC gravity);3) Extension of program to: Mars, Phobos and Deimos, Jupiter and Saturn icy/rocky moons, Near Earth Asteroids.

Nonlinear excitation of a geodesic acoustic mode by reversed shear Alfvén eignemodes

The parametric decay process of a reversed shear Alfvén eigenmeode(RSAE)into a geodesic acoustic mode and a kinetic RSAE is investigated using nonlinear gyrokinetic theory.The excitation conditions mainly require the pump RSAE amplitude to exceed a certain threshold,which could be readily satisfied in burning plasmas operated in steady-state advanced scenario.This decay process can contribute to thermal plasma heating and confinement improvement.

高能量粒子测地声模与Dimits区漂移波相互作用

基于包含驱动和阻尼的三波非线性相互作用模型,构建了一个描述高能量粒子测地声模(EGAM)与Dimits区漂移波湍流相互作用的系统,并在系统的线性增长及非线性振荡阶段分别进行了解析和数值研究.更进一步的数值结果表明,在忽略EGAM的贡献时,该系统具有随着线性驱动/阻尼率等参数的变化,从极限环振荡经历倍周期分岔最终进入混沌的行为特征.在此基础上,形式上构建了本系统的非线性饱和Dimits区,并研究了EGAM对Dimits区漂移波的影响.结果表明,对于不同幅度和频率的EGAM,被调制后的漂移波将表现出受到激发或抑制的效果.对此,采用相空间分析的方法给出了相应的解释.

径向电场对离子温度梯度模稳定性的影响

为了理解托卡马克装置中给定径向电场对离子温度梯度模(ITG)稳定性的影响,基于非线性回旋动理学理论和气球模表象推导了环位形下包含径向电场引起的极向流和密度扰动影响的ITG的本征模方程,并分别在长/短波长极限下研究了高能量粒子诱发测地声模(EGAM)所伴随的径向电场对ITG的本征频率、增长率和平行模结构的影响.不仅对该本征模方程进行了理论研究,还使用本征矩阵法对其进行数值求解,以便对理论结果进行验证.研究发现EGAM伴随的电场引起的极向转动会大幅降低ITG的增长率,而极向模数m=1的密度扰动对ITG的线性稳定性影响很小.这一结果与一般认为的带状流通过极向流剪切抑制湍流的结果是一致的.除此之外,使用本文发展的一般性方法也可以研究高能量粒子激发的阿尔芬不稳定性与漂移波湍流通过阿尔芬不稳定性激发带状结构发生的间接非线性相互作用,即带状结构所伴随的径向电场通过极向转动和密度扰动影响ITG的稳定性.该间接非线性通道可以作为对主导背景等离子体输运的微观湍流和主导高能量粒子输运的阿尔芬不稳定性之间的直接相互作用通道的补充.

Traffic Fluxes and Urban Congestion: A Simple Approach with the <i>Attractors</i>’ Method

Situations of heavy and congested traffic in urban areas have been analysed by using a statistical approach based on both the identification of specific locations that attract drivers in a multipoint-to-multipoint traffic structure and their classification (attractor’s value) as a function of the number of people visiting them by car in different time ranges. By using a Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) function, attractors’ distribution density values have been estimated and then integrated with nodal and critical traffic points and traffic density in a “congestion” map. Finally, cross-comparing congestion values with the location of buildings, the road network and the Corine Land Use/Land Cover environmental classification, a “Quality of Life” map has been generated. The authors use this term because the congestion of traffic flows, with all the problems that it entails (such as long travel time, air and acoustic pollution, and so on) is a good indicator of the quality of life, especially in small towns. Results show that this type of “off-line” analysis would allow administrators to identify, quickly and at low cost, areas where citizens’ quality of life is most affected by traffic noise and jumps and, hence, to focus costly ground measurements and interventions primarily there.

Characterization and performance of the Apollon short-focal-area facility following its commissioning at 1 PW level

We present the results of the first commissioning phase of the short-focal-length area of the Apollon laser facility(located in Saclay,France),which was performed with the first available laser beam(F2),scaled to a nominal power of 1 PW.Under the conditions that were tested,this beam delivered on-target pulses of 10 J average energy and 24 fs duration.Several diagnostics were fielded to assess the performance of the facility.The on-target focal spot and its spatial stability,the temporal intensity profile prior to the main pulse,and the resulting density gradient formed at the irradiated side of solid targets have been thoroughly characterized,with the goal of helping users design future experiments.Emissions of energetic electrons,ions,and electromagnetic radiation were recorded,showing good laser-to-target coupling efficiency and an overall performance comparable to that of similar international facilities.This will be followed in 2022 by a further commissioning stage at the multipetawatt level.

Interpretation of the pre-edge X-ray absorption fine structures in MnO

The weak pre-edge features in the Mn K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectrumof manganese monoxide (MnO) were investigated by comparing experimental data with dipolar and quadrupolarcross-section calculations in the framework of multiple-scattering theory. We assign the first pre-edge feature to a di-rect quadrupolar transition from Is core state to 3d molecular orbitals of the central atom, e.g., the lowest in energy,due to the more effective attraction of the core hole. The second peak in this region arises unambiguously from thehybridization between p-orbitals of the central atom with higher-shell metal octahedral orbitals.

Traffic Attractors and Congestion in the Urban Context, the Case of the City of Rome

Traffic flows form a complex system, especially in the context of urban sprawl. Direct estimation of traffic flows requires significant efforts and knowing in advance where to focus the study and where to place tools to directly measure traffic flows, and consequently traffic congestion could lead to significant savings in time and money. In the case of Rome municipality, we have monitored a situation in which a very high rate of urban fragmentation has occurred in the last 30 years, making the direct estimation of traffic difficult. The work described here can help to solve the problem of estimating traffic flows and in particular the congestion phenomenon through a very cheap approach by using remote sensing and geographical information system technology. This method is based on the identification of attractor points that draw traffic flows such as malls, schools, offices, shops, etc. that is to say, points in a territory that attract a certain number of people with vehicles (estimated with a scale) in specific periods of the day. The identification of those points and the calculation of the urban density through the satellite image processing have allowed the creation of a congestion map for the study area. Then the road network and the buildings have been classified according to the congestion values. The results highlight the most critical and congested areas that affect the traffic flows and impact the quality of life.

Infrared synchrotron radiation spectroscopy and microspectroscopy: new tools for interdisciplinary applications

Synchrotron radiation sources, whose number is steadily increasing, are undoubtedly the most powerful and brilliant sources in the X-ray range. Although the synchrotron emission covers with high brilliance also the infrared region, its use in this energy range has developed at a much slower rate. Nowadays, after a couple of decades of attempts, the aim of extending the unique performances of the synchrotron source to the infrared domain is achieved by several dedicated beamlines in different countries. With their high-brilliance, polarized and broad-band radiation one may perform experiments that are out of the range of conventional sources from the near-IR up to the far-IR range.

Unexpanded nonlinear electromagnetic gyrokinetic equations for magnetized plasmas

Nonlinear electromagnetic gyrokinetic equations have been constructed without expanding the field variables into background and finite but small-amplitude fluctuating components. At the long-wavelength limit, these unexpanded nonlinear gyrokinetic equations recover the wellknown drift-kinetic equations. At the expanded limit, they recover the usual nonlinear gyrokinetic equations. These equations can therefore be applied to long-term simulations covering from microscopic to macroscopic spatial scales.

Quasi Exact Solution of the Fisher Equation

We propose an accurate non numerical solution of the Fisher Equation (FE), capable of reproducing the known analytical solutions and those obtained from a numerical analysis. The form we propose is based on educated guesses concerning the possibility of merging diffusive and logistic behavior into a single formula.

Broadband Optical Active Waveguides Written by Femtosecond Laser Pulses in Lithium Fluoride

Broadband waveguiding through light-emitting strips directly written in a blank lithium fluoride crystal with a femtosecond laser is reported. Light guiding was observed at several optical wavelengths, from blue, 458 nm, to near-infrared, at 155nm. Visible photoluminescence spectra of the optically active F2 and F33 color centers produced by the fs laser writing process were measured. The wavelength-dependent refractive index increase was estimated to be in the order of 10-3-10-4 in the visible and near-infrared spectral intervals, which is consistent with the stable formation of point defects in LiF.

Sub Farm Interface of the ATLAS Dataflow System

Sub Farm Interface is the event builder of the ATLAS（A Toroidal LHC ApparatuS） Dataflow System. It receives event fragments from the Read Out System, builds full events and sends complete events to the Event Filter for high level event selection. This paper describes the implementation of the Sub Farm Interface. Furthermore, this paper introduces some issues on SFI（Sub Farm Interface） optimization and the monitoring service inside SFI.