Two-dimensional particle-in-cell modeling of blow-off impulse by X-ray irradiation

Space objects such as spacecraft or missiles may be exposed to intense X-rays in outer space,leading to severe damage.The reinforcement of these objects to reduce the damage caused by X-ray irradiation is a significant concern.The blow-off impulse(BOI)is a crucial physical quantity for investigating material damage induced by X-ray irradiation.However,the accurate calculation of BOI is challenging,particularly for large deformations of materials with complex configurations.In this study,we develop a novel two-dimensional particle-in-cell code,Xablation2D,to calculate BOIs under far-field X-ray irradiation.This significantly reduces the dependence of the numerical simulation on the grid shape.The reliability of this code is verified by simulation results from open-source codes,and the calculated BOIs are consistent with the experimental and analytical results.

Five-view three-dimensional reconstructionfor ultrafast dynamic imaging of pulsedradiation sources

Multiaxial neutron/x-ray imaging and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction techniques play a crucial role in gaining valuable insights intothe generation and evolution mechanisms of pulsed radiation sources. Owing to the short emission time (∼200 ns) and drastic changes of thepulsed radiation source, it is necessary to acquire projection data within a few nanoseconds in order to achieve clear computed tomography3D imaging. As a consequence, projection data that can be used for computed tomography image reconstruction at a certain moment are oftenavailable for only a few angles. Traditional algorithms employed in the process of reconstructing 3D images with extremely incomplete datamay introduce significant distortions and artifacts into the final image. In this paper, we propose an iterative image reconstruction methodusing cylindrical harmonic decomposition and a self-supervised denoising network algorithm based on the deep image prior method. Weaugment the prior information with a 2D total variation prior and a 3D deep image prior. Single-wire Z-pinch imaging experiments have beencarried out at Qin-1 facility in five views and four frames, with a time resolution of 3 ns for each frame and a time interval of 40 ns betweenadjacent frames. Both numerical simulations and experiments verify that our proposed algorithm can achieve high-quality reconstructionresults and obtain the 3D intensity distribution and evolution of extreme ultraviolet and soft x-ray emission from plasma.

Stress wave analysis of high-voltage pulse discharge rock fragmentation based on plasma channel impedance model

High-voltage pulse discharge(HVPD)rock fragmentation controls a plasma channel forming inside the rock by adjusting the electrical parameters,electrode type,etc.In this work,an HVPD rock fragmentation test platform was built and the test waveforms were measured.Considering the effects of temperature,channel expansion and electromagnetic radiation,the impedance model of the plasma channel in the rock was established.The parameters and initial values of the model were determined by an iterative computational process.The model calculation results can reasonably characterize the development of the plasma channel in the rock and estimate the shock wave characteristics.Based on the plasma channel impedance model,the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of the radial stress and tangential stress in the rock were calculated,and the rock fragmentation effect of the HVPD was analyzed.

Sensitivity study of the SiGe heterojunction bipolar transistor single event effect based on pulsed laser and technology computer-aided design simulation

The single event effect of a silicon–germanium heterojunction bipolar transistor(SiGe HBT) was thoroughly investigated. By considering the worst bias condition, the sensitive area of the proposed device was scanned with a pulsed laser.With variation of the collector bias and pulsed laser incident energy, the single event transient of the SiGe HBT was studied.Moreover, the single event transient produced by laser irradiation at a wavelength of 532 nm was more pronounced than at a wavelength of 1064 nm. Finally, the impact of the equivalent linear energy transfer of the 1064 nm pulsed laser on the single event transient was qualitatively examined by performing technology computer-aided design simulations, and a good consistency between the experimental data and the simulated outcomes was attained.

Impact of Novel Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Device on Competitive Athlete Performance

The interaction of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) with the human body may result in a variety of positive outcomes including analgesia, enhanced healing, chondroprotection, cognitive improvement and better quality of life. Previous human studies have also revealed the potential of PEMF to enhance muscle function and athletic performance. To further evaluate this potential, an open label pilot study was conducted with 19 competitive cyclists who repeatedly participated in 63 training routes. Cyclist performance was tracked before and during use of a novel and portable PEMF device that is worn as a wristband. Comparison of performance before and during use of the wristband revealed a significant association with improved muscle power. The odds ratio was 3.02 (P < 0.01) for experiencing increased muscle power while wearing the PEMF device. Among the cycling routes in which an increase was observed, the average increase in power was about 9.8%. The data suggests the novel PEMF technology may be a safe and effective therapeutic approach for improved physical performance and likely involves improved oxygen delivery due to reduced rouleaux (erythrocyte aggregation). These results warrant further investigation comprising larger studies and additional outcomes.

Compact intense electron-beam accelerators based on high energy density liquid pulse forming lines

This paper provides a review of the compact intense electron-beam accelerators (IEBAs) based on liquid pulse forming lines (PFLs) that havebeen developed at the National University of Defense Technology (NUDT) in China. The history and roadmap of the compact IEBAs used todrive high-power microwave (HPM) devices at NUDT are reviewed. The properties of both de-ionized water and glycerin as energy storagemedia are presented. Research into the breakdown properties of liquid dielectrics and the desire to maximize energy storage have resulted in theinvention of several coaxial PFLs with different electromagnetic structures, which are detailed in this paper. These high energy density liquidPFLs have been used to increase the performance of IEBA subsystems, based on which the SPARK (Single Pulse Accelerator with spark gaps)and HEART (High Energy-density Accelerator with Repetitive Transformer) series of IEBAs were constructed. This paper also discusses howthese compact IEBAs have been used to drive typical HPM devices and concludes by summarizing the associated achievements and theconclusions that can be drawn from the results.

High current pulse forming network switched by static induction thyristor

A high-current pulse forming network (PFN) has been developed for applications to artificial solar-wind generation. It is switched by staticinduction thyristor (SIThy) and is capable of generating pulsed current of ~9.7 kA for a time duration of ~1 ms. The SIThy switch module ismade that it can be controlled by an optical signal and it can be operated at elevated electrical potential. The experiments reported in this paperused two switch modules connected in series for maximum operating voltage of 3.5 kV. The experimental results have demonstrated a pulsedhigh-current generator switched by semiconductor devices, as well as the control and operation of SIThy for pulsed power application.

The Effects of High-intensity Pulsed Electromagnetic Field on Proliferation and Differentiation of Neural Stem Cells of Neonatal Rats in vitro

The effects of high-intensity pulsed electromagnetic stimulation （HIPEMS） on proliferation and differentiation of neonatal rat neural stem cells in vitro were investigated. Neural stem cells derived from neonatal rats were exposed to 0.1 Hz, 0.5–10 Tesla （T） [8 groups of B–I, respectively], 5 stimuli of HIPEMF. The sham exposure controls were correspondingly established. Inverted phase contrast microscope was used to observe the cultured cells, MTT assay to detect the viability of the cells as expressed by absorbance （A） value, and flow cytometry to measure differentiation of neural stem cells. The results showed that A values of neural stem cells in both 3.0 T and 4.0 T groups were significantly higher than the other groups 24 to 168 h post HPEMS, indicating a strong promotion of the growth of neural stem cells （P〈0.05）. The A values of neural stem cells in the 6.0 T, 8.0 T, and 10.0 T groups were lower than the sham exposure control group, indicating a restraint of the growth of neural stem cells. The rate of neuron-specific enolase-positive neurons revealed by flow cytometry in HPEMS groups was the same as that in control group （P〉0.05）. It was suggested that 0.1 Hz, 5 pulses stimulation of HPEMS within certain scale of intensity （0.5–10.0 T）, significantly promoted the growth of neural stem cells with the rational intensity being 4.0 T.

The 266-nm ultraviolet-beam generation of all-fiberized super-large-mode-area narrow-linewidth nanosecond amplifier with tunable pulse width and repetition rate

We report on a compact, stable, all-fiberized narrow-linewidth(0.045 nm) pulsed laser source emitting laser beam with a wavelength of 266 nm, and tunable pulse width and repetition rate. The system is based on all-fiberized nanosecond amplifier architecture, which consists of Yb-doped fiber preamplifiers and a super-large-mode-area Yb-doped fiber power amplifier. The fiber amplifier with a core of 50 μm is used to raise the threshold of the stimulated Brillouin scattering(SBS) effect and to obtain high output power and single pulse energy. Using lithium triborate(LBO) crystal and betabarium borate(BBO) crystal for realizing the second-harmonic generation(SHG) and fourth-harmonic generation(FHG),we achieve 17 μJ(1.73 W) and 0.66 μJ(66 mW), respectively, at wavelengths of 532 nm and 266 nm and a repetition rate of 100 kHz with pulse width of 4 ns. This source has great potential applications in fluorescence research and solar-blind ultraviolet optical communication.

Non-Nutritive Bioactive Compounds in Pulses and Their Impact on Human Health: An Overview

This review describes the non-nutritive biologically active components in grain legumes and discusses about the bioactivity of phenols, isoflavones, phytosterols, phytic acid, saponins, tannins, protease inhibitors and bioactive complex carbohydrates in different pulse grains. These bioactive components have wide ranging biological activities and conesquently many different targets and mechanism of action. The potential beneficial effect of these compounds especially their antioxidant properties and their role in the prevention of non-communicable chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes has been discussed.

Noise-like rectangular pulses in a mode-locked double-clad Er:Yb laser with a record pulse energy

Generation of noise-like rectangular pulse was investigated systematically in an Er–Yb co-doped fiber laser based on an intra-cavity coupler with different coupling ratios.When the coupling ratio was 5/95,stable mode-locked pulses could be obtained with the pulse packet duration tunable from 4.86 ns to 80 ns.The repetition frequency was 1.186 MHz with the output spectrum centered at 1.6μm.The average output power and single pulse energy reached a record 1.43 W and1.21μJ,respectively.Pulse characteristics under different coupling ratios(5/95,10/90,20/80,30/70,40/60)were also presented and discussed.

A calculation model for breakdown time delay and jitter of gas switches under hundred-nanosecond pulses and its application in a self-triggered pre-ionized switch

In this paper, a calculation model for the breakdown time delay and jitter of gas switches under hundred-nanosecond pulses is proposed and applied in a self-triggered pre-ionized switch. The effects of injection time of pre-ionization, pulse rise time, and the pre-ionization jitter are discussed and verified through experiments. It indicates that the pre-ionization should be injected when the electric field is high enough in the gap, injection after 80% peak-time can ensure its effectiveness.Then the statistical time delay jitter will be determined by the pre-ionization jitter, which is an intrinsic restriction of the self-triggered switch. However, when the changing rate of the pulsed electric field exceeds a certain value, the breakdown time delay jitter can be partly offset in the formative stage because the formative time delay has an exponential relationship with the electric field. Therefore, lower time jitter can be obtained under pulses with a shorter pulse rise time. In general, the results of the calculation model agree with the experimental results, and the experimental parameters which lead to a low jitter can also be used as a reference.

Research on Nanosecond Pulse Corona Discharge Attenuation

A line-to-plate reactor was set-up in the experimental study on the application of nanosecond pulsed corona discharge plasma technology in environmental pollution control. Investigation on the attenuation and distortion of the amplitude of the pulse wave front and the discharge image as well as the waveform along the corona wire was conducted. The results show that the wave front decreases sharply during the corona discharge along the corona wire. The higher the amplitude of the applied pulse is, the more the amplitude of the wave front decreased. The wave attenuation responds in a lower corona discharge inversely. To get a higher efficiency of the line-to-plate reactor a sharp attenuation of the corona has to be considered in practical design.

Pulsed Magnetic Field Measurement Outside Finite Length Solenoid: Experimental Results &Mathematical Verification

The paper deals with magnetic field mapping outside a finite length solenoid electromagnet, by an in-house designed and calibrated inductive pick-up or search coil. The search coil is calibrated in a unique methodology based on the azimuthal magnetic field component generated by a straight wire. This unique calibration technique helps us to avoid additional circuitry to integrate the signal obtained from search coil. The methodology proves advantageous in diffusion, implosion studies where the signal frequency changes with dimension and material of experimental job-piece (hollow metal tube). Remedial measures have been taken to avoid electrostatic capacitive pick-up (which eventually exacerbates with integration) keeping measurement simple and accurate. The experimentally measured field values have also been compared with electromagnetic field results obtained from mathematical calculations and finite element based simulations. Two different mathematical approaches have been demonstrated for field computation based on Biot-Savart Law. Both the methods have taken into account the exact geometry of the solenoid, including the inter-turn gaps. The methods use appropriate combination of closed-form mathematical expression and numerical integration techniques and are capable of determining all the vector components of magnetic field anywhere around the finite length solenoid. The mathematical computations are equally significant contributions in the paper especially because exact determination of magnetic fields outside finite length solenoids has not been discussed in sufficient specific details in already existing literature. The mathematical computations, finite element simulations and experimental verification together provide a holistic solution to magnetic field determination problems in pulse power applications that have not been discussed in available literature or books in specific details.

An Adaptive Pulse Compression Filter for Ultrasound Contrast Harmonic Imaging

Coded excitation is useful for ultrasound contrast imaging to increase penetration and SNR, and improve the contrast to tissue ratio (CTR). The waveform of bubble response depends greatly on bubble size, the frequency and bandwidth of the excitation chirp signal. This makes the pulse compression filter based on square-law be wrong for bubbles with changing sizes. In this paper, an adaptive pulse compression (APC) filter for the second harmonic of microbubble with varying size distribution is proposed. The APC filter is designed based on the estimated power spectrum of the received bubble harmonic echoes. Theoretical analysis and simulation studies are presented for evaluating performance of the APC filter. For monodisperse bubble, the power improvement factor of the APC filter can be more than 20 dB.

Reducing Radiation Dose by Using Pulse X-Ray Apparatus

Pulse X-ray diagnostics is capable of reducing the radiation exposure considerably. As for pulse X-ray diagnostic machines, which form pulses with the duration of 0.1 μs, using them one can get outstanding results in this area. This fact can be explained by the long period of luminophor persistence in intensifying X-ray luminescent screens. In this paper we present experimental data, comparing radiation doses, measured at pulse X-ray apparatus and apparatus of constant radiation.

Comparative study of pulsed breakdown processes and mechanisms in self-triggered four-electrode pre-ionized switches

This work investigates the pulsed breakdown processes and mechanisms of self-triggered preionized switches with a four-electrode structure in nitrogen through intensified charge coupled device photographs.The diameter of the trigger plane hole mainly determines the switch’s electric field distribution.Two configurations with minimum and maximum trigger plane holes are adopted for comparison.In the switch with a minimum trigger plane hole,the maximum electric field distributes at the surfaces of the main electrodes.Although charged particles in the triggering spark channel cannot drift out,homogeneous discharges can be stimulated from both the cathode and anode surfaces through ultraviolet illumination.Two sub-gaps are likely to break down simultaneously.In the switch with a maximum trigger plane hole,the maximum electric field locates near the trigger electrodes.Discharges in both sub-gaps initiate from the trigger electrodes in the form of a positive or negative streamer.Due to the lower breakdown voltage and electric field threshold for discharge initiation,the cathode side sub-gap breaks down first.The analysis of two extreme examples can be referenced in the future design and improvement of self-triggered four-electrode switches with different trigger electrode structures.

Temporal characteristic analysis of single event effects in pulse width modulator

In this paper,the nature and origin of single event effects(SEE) are studied by injecting laser pulses into different circuit blocks,combining with analysis to map pulse width modulators circuitry in the microchip die.A time-domain error-identification method is used in the temporal characteristic analysis of SEE.SEE signatures of different injection times are compared.More serious SEE are observed when the laser shot occurs on a rising edge of the device output for blocks of the error amplifier,current sense comparator,and T and SR latches.

Influence of Hot-Carriers on the On-State Resistance in Si and GaAs Photoconductive Semiconductor Switches Working at Long Pulse Width

We demonstrate that the transport of hot carriers may result in the phenomenon where an oscillated output current appears at the waveforms in a high-power photoconductive semiconductor switch(PCSS) working at long pulse width when the laser disappears or the electric field changes. The variational laser and electric field will affect the scattering rates of hot carriers and crystal lattice in high-power PCSS, and the drift velocity of hot carriers and also the on-state resistance will be changed. The present result is important for reducing the on-state resistance and improving the output characteristics of high-power Si/Ga As PCSS.

A Test Study of 50% Lightning Impulse Breakdown Voltage on Rod-Plane Gap with Two-Phase Mixture of Gas and Solid Particles

A test study on 50% lightning impulse breakdown voltage in two-phase mixture of gas and solid particles has been carried out in a specially designed discharge cabinet. A mechanical sieve is set up for sifting different solid particles into the discharge space uniformly. The lightning impulse voltage according with international electro-technical commission （IEC） standard is applied to the electrodes inside the discharge cabinet by the rule of up-down method in a total of 40 times. The results showed that the 50% lightning impulse breakdown voltage in two-phase mixture of gas and solid particles has its own features and is much different from that in air.