DOE SBIR 2012

The Internet is a collection of independently owned and operated networks interconnected in a complex mesh to meet the needs of today’s digital society. These networks range from broadband networks supporting consumer activities (i.e., entertainment, business, and SOHO work activities) to multi-Gigibit/sec Research and Education Networks (RENs) supporting largescale science experiments at major academic, industry, and government research institutions. Further complications arise when application traffic crosses multiple network domains, as a performance problem anywhere along the path will be visible to the application user, but the resolution may require action on the part of some remote network operator. While low-level tools like NetLogger (http://netlogger.lbl.gov/) can help identify bottlenecks that impact application level performance, it takes an expert in the tool to interpret the results before steps
can be taken to eliminate those bottlenecks.

Therefore, it is essential that new technologies, tools, and high-level services get developed and deployed to make it easier for network operators to identify where performance problems exist and to raise user expectations. Dealing with these complex issues will require new multi-domain tools and services that provide authorized personnel access to performance and operations data along the entire end-to-end application path. It should also be recognized that individual users may need summary information to assist them in reporting problems, while network operators need more detailed information to fix problems. Meeting both types of needs using a single measurement and monitoring infrastructure would greatly improve the network experience for a large number of users.

While DOE science applications push the limits of today’s networks in terms of absolute performance, all network operators face a growing need for advanced tools and services to better manage their infrastructure. This topic solicits proposals that deal directly with all aspects of building, operating, and maintaining large network infrastructures.

World-wide energy production is modifying the chemical composition of the atmosphere. Such modifications are linked not only with environmental degradation and human health problems but also with changes in the most sensitive parts of the physical climate system – namely, clouds and aerosols. The Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) examined the effect of changes in clouds and aerosols on the Earth’s energy balance. It was determined that innovative measurement technologies are needed to provide both input and comparison data for models used to assess the energetic impacts of clouds and aerosols. These technologies will require high accuracy and time stability, in order to support a strategy of sustainable and pollution-free energy development for the future.

When the last IPCC report was published in 2007, there was a lack of data on the Arctic. The latest scientific data on the rate of Arctic warming show dramatic levels of melting and sea level rise occurring far faster than previous climate model estimates. The U.S. Arctic remains one of the most difficult places on Earth for year-round scientific observations and research. One of the major recommendations of an Arctic Research Consortium of the U.S. (ARCUS), 19971 report, “Logistics Recommendations for an Improved U.S. Arctic Research Capability” (www.arcus.org/logistics/index.html), was to increase use of robotic aircraft to meet the growing need for environmental observing in the Arctic. Measurements of the vertical distribution of aerosol properties provide essential information for generating more accurate model estimates of radiative forcing and atmospheric heating rates compared with employing remotely sensed column averaged properties. Therefore, we are seeking miniaturization of airborne instrumentation for light aircraft platforms in the Manta, ScanEagle, or Raven classes of unpiloted aerial vehicles (UAVs). (See sub-topics (a.) and (b). We expect the Instruments for the UAV to fit the payload capacities of light UAVs, ranging from a few kg up to approximately 5 kg. Available operating power for these instruments will be in the range of 10 to 50 watts, depending on the vehicle. We desire that Instrument packages be configurable where possible to allow adaptation for various science mission requirements and UAV platforms.

Grant applications that respond to this topic must propose Phase I bench tests of critical technologies. (“Critical technologies” refers to components, materials, equipment, or processes that overcome significant limitations to current capabilities.) In addition, grant applications should (1) describe the purpose and benefits of any proposed teaming arrangements with government laboratories or universities, and (2) support claims of commercial potential for proposed technologies (e.g., endorsements from relevant industrial sectors, market analysis, or identification of potential spin-offs). Grant applications proposing only computer modeling without physical testing will be considered non-responsive.

Improved measurement methods are needed for the real-time characterization of the bulk and the sizeresolved chemical composition of ambient aerosols, particularly carbonaceous aerosols. Such improved measurements would be used to facilitate the identification of the origin of aerosols, (i.e., primary versus secondary and fossil fuel versus biogenic). Also, these measurements could help elucidate how the particles of an aerosol are processed in the atmosphere by chemical reactions and by clouds, and how their hygroscopic properties change as they age. This information is important because relatively little is known about organic and absorbing particles, which are abundant in many locations in the atmosphere. In particular, there is a need for instruments suitable for real-time measurements of the composition of these particles at the molecular level. Although recent advances have led to the development of new instruments, such as particle mass spectrometers and single particle analyzers, these instruments have important limitations in their ability to quantify black carbon vs. organic carbon, provide speciation of refractory and volatile organic compounds, and calibrate both organic and inorganic components.
Furthermore, instruments that otherwise would be suitable for ground-based operation often have limitations (size, weight, power, stability, etc.) that restrict their application for in situ measurements, where critical atmospheric processes actually occur (e.g., in or near clouds).

In order to better understand the chemical composition of atmospheric aerosols, grant applications are sought to develop improved instruments, or entirely new measurement methods, that provide: (1) speciation of individual organics, including those containing oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur; (2) identification of elemental carbon and other carbonaceous material, so that the makeup of the absorbing fraction is known; (3) identification of source markers, such as isotopic
abundances in aerosols; and (4) the ability to probe the chemical composition of aerosol surfaces. Proposed approaches that can measure aerosol chemical composition from airborne platforms would be of particular interest.

In order to address the deficiencies associated with current techniques, proposed approaches should seek to provide: (1) quantifiable results over a wide range of compounds, which is a deficiency of laser ablation aerosol mass spectrometer methods; (2) measurements over a range of volatility so that dust, carbon, and salt are detectable, which is a deficiency of thermal decomposition aerosol mass spectrometers; and (3) measurements with high time resolution, which is a deficiency of filter techniques.

Questions – contact Ashley Williamson, ashley.williamson@science.doe.gov

In order to better understand the evolution of aerosols in the open air, grant applications are sought to develop instruments that can make fast measurements of gas phase organics or other substances that might either condense or dissolve into aerosols or cloud droplets. Of special interest are volatile organic compounds (VOC) and intermediate volatility organic compounds (IVOC). Although VOCs and IVOCs partition primarily into the gas phase, they may react with gaseous oxidants or with existing aerosol particles and droplets to form a secondary organic aerosol (SOA) mass. Current methods for predicting SOA production rates, based only on precursor organic compounds that have been quantified (both VOCs and oxygenates), underestimate SOA production by factors of 3 or more. One problem is that many gaseous organic compounds are not detected by commonly-used techniques, such as gas chromatographic or chemical ionization-mass spectrometric methods.

Grant applications also are sought to develop instruments to determine the total amount of carbon in these organic compounds. The data provided by these instruments would allow scientific insights to be gained regarding the reason for the underestimation of SOA production. (That is, is the underestimation due to key precursors that are not measured? Or, is it due to the use of extrapolations – from laboratory kinetic and equilibrium data – that were not appropriate for ambient conditions?)

Finally, grant applications are sought to develop improved measurements of inorganic aerosol precursors. Examples of compounds of interest (with desirable detection limits and response rates listed in parenthesis) include gaseous HNO3 (0.1 ppbv, 1 Hz), O3 (2-3 ppbv, 10 Hz), and SO2 (5 pptv, 1 Hz).

In addition to the free-air measurements described above, grant applications are sought to develop instruments or instrument systems for measuring aerosol precursors in cloud droplets. Such systems must address (1) methods for the efficient sampling of droplets; and (2) a mechanism for transferring the sample to the appropriate analytical instrumentation, in which the organic or inorganic target analytes are measured. Of particular interest are systems that can
separate or discriminate between interstitial compounds and compounds that occur dissolved or suspended within cloud droplets. Proposed instruments that are suitable for sampling from airborne platforms (that is, with reduced weight and power requirements, high sensitivity, and fast response time) would be of particular interest.

Questions – contact Ashley Williamson, ashley.williamson@science.doe.gov

Eighty-five percent of our nation's energy results from the burning of fossil fuels from vast reservoirs of coal, oil, and natural gas. These processes add carbon to the atmosphere, principally in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2). It is important to understand the fate of this excess CO2 in the global carbon cycle in order to assess contemporary terrestrial carbon sinks, the sensitivity of climate to atmospheric CO2, and future potentials for sequestration of carbon in terrestrial systems. Therefore, improved measurement approaches are needed to quantify the change of CO2 in atmospheric components of the global carbon cycle, and to understand processes and mechanisms of carbon sequestration of the terrestrial biosphere. There is also interest in innovative approaches for flux and concentration measurements of methane and other greenhouse gas constituents associated with terrestrial systems.

The “First State of the Carbon Cycle Report (SOCCR)” (Reference 1) provides rough estimates of terrestrial carbon sinks for North America. A DOE working paper on carbon sequestration science and technology (Reference 2) also describes research needs and technology requirements for sequestering carbon by terrestrial systems. Both documents call for advanced sensor technology and measurement approaches for detecting changes of atmospheric CO2 properties
and of carbon quantities of terrestrial systems (including biotic, microbial, and soil components). Such measurement technology would improve the quantification of CO2 , as well as carbon stock and flux, in the major sinks identified by the SOCCR report (see Figure ES.1 therein).

Grant applications submitted to this topic should (1) demonstrate performance characteristics of proposed measurement systems, and (2) show a capability for deployment at field scales ranging from experimental plot size (meters to hectares of land, with comparable dimensions for marine systems) to nominal dimensions of ecosystems (hectares to square kilometers). Phase I projects must perform feasibility and/or field tests of proposed measurement systems to assure a high degree of reliability and robustness. Combinations of stationary remote and in situ approaches will be considered, and priority will be given to ideas/approaches for verifying biosphere carbon changes and for estimating carbon sequestration. Measurements using aircraft or balloon platforms must be explicitly linked to real-time ground-based measurements. Grant applications based on satellite remote sensing platforms are beyond the scope of this topic, and will be declined.

Measurement technology is required to quantify carbon sequestration by natural vegetation and ecosystems (i.e., carbon sinks) as well as CO2 emissions to the atmosphere from natural or industrial sources. Grant applications are sought to develop sensors and unique measurement techniques (and associated system technology, if appropriate) to detect and quantify annual net carbon changes of terrestrial vegetation for large areas, or to measure and verify the magnitude of CO2 emissions from various sources. Approaches of interest include the development of sensors to measure fluxes between the atmosphere and land-surface vegetation, new technology for accurate measurement of soil carbon content and change, and the development of miniaturized sensors to determine atmospheric CO2 concentration.

For the measurement of CO2 sinks, the sensor systems or new technology must be applicable for forests, grasslands, shrub lands, agricultural lands, and/or wetlands, and have the capability of producing spatially resolved aggregate estimates of terrestrial carbon changes to an accuracy of 10 to 25 g/m2/yr (or approximately 0.25 tonnes of carbon per hectare per year), with less than 25 percent uncertainty.

For measuring emissions or atmospheric concentrations, the apparatus must be located at a point remote from the actual site of CO2 release and provide accuracy estimates for CO2 concentrations of approximately 0.3 ppm or less in dry air. Mechanical sensors must be durable in the full range of normal environmental conditions and exposures, including exposure to dust, rain, snow, heat, extreme cold, and fog. Operation in unattended, remote locations for weeks at a time, without degradation of the measurement, is also required; however, daily telecommunication with the system for monitoring performance
and detecting potential operational problems would be desirable.

Proposed approaches, including both mechanical sensors and non-mechanical technology should consist of new, innovative methodologies that are significant advances over conventional scientific approaches used to measure CO2, carbon, and methane within the atmospheric and terrestrial components of the global carbon cycle. Specifically, the measurement systems should be different from, or substantially augment, existing techniques for eddy flux (covariance)
methods and routine monitoring of atmospheric CO2 concentrations, or for estimating carbon quantities of land and/or ocean constituents of the carbon cycle. Grant applications proposing in situ or in-stream measurement of flue gas emissions will be declined, as will applications that offer only incremental or marginal improvements over existing measurement systems.

Questions – contact Rick Petty, rick.petty@science.doe.gov

Improved measurement technology is needed to better characterize processes involving carbon transformations of soil, vegetation, and associated
ecosystem components and exchanges with the atmosphere. Particular areas of interest include high resolution measurements of soil carbon/organic matter – i.e., the carbon content of biological tissues in various components (e.g., phytomass, detritus) of terrestrial ecosystems; improved measurement technology for atmospheric CO2 and its isotopes; and high accuracy and precision measurement of other trace greenhouse gases. Requests for specific grant applications are described in items (1) to (4) below:

(1) For determining the carbon content of biota and soil, grant applications are sought to develop and demonstrate measurement technology for estimating changes of carbon quantities and/or fluxes involving major components of ecosystems, with an accuracy on the order of 10 grams per square meter or less. Quantification of spatially resolved aggregate estimates of terrestrial carbon changes should have an accuracy of 10 to 25 g/m2/yr (or approximately 0.25 tonnes of carbon per hectare per year), with less than 25 percent uncertainty.

(2) Grant applications are sought to design and demonstrate a new CO2 analyzer that (a) can determine the mole fraction of CO2 in dry ambient air to a relative precision of 1 part in 3000 or better, in one minute or less; (b) operates with small amounts of gas (30 cc/min or less) to minimize problems due to water vapor and to minimize consumption of reference gases, if employed; (c) is robust enough for unattended field deployment for periods of half a year or
longer; (d) costs less than $5000 when manufactured in quantity; and (e) is not sensitive to motion.

(3) Grant applications are sought to develop lightweight sensors (approximately 100 grams) for measuring atmospheric CO2. The sensors must be capable of measuring fluctuations of CO2 in air of the order of plus or minus 1 ppm, in a background of 370 ppm. The devices must be suitable for launch on ballonsondes or similar platforms, and therefore must be insensitive to large changes in ambient temperature and pressure. The devices also must be able to operate on low power (e.g., 9v battery) and have a response time of less than 30 seconds.

(4) Grant applications are sought to develop new technology platforms that can be used to measure fluxes and/or concentrations of important trace greenhouse gas constituents, as well as the isotopes of carbon, methane, CO, and other trace species. Instrument designs should (a) place emphasis on determining the sources and sinks of carbon, CO, and trace species, and (b) ensure long-term and robust field deployment. Grant applications dealing with the remote measurement of vascular plant properties and processes will be considered, provided that they meet the requirements described below.

In general, new technology for measuring terrestrial biota and soil must be accomplished by in situ and/or non-invasive means, across a range of temporal scales (from seconds to days) and spatial scales (from millimeters to kilometers), depending on the system properties being observed. The remote sensing of organic carbon is also of interest – the term "remote sensing" means that the observation method is physically separated from the object of interest. All instruments must be portable and deployable in remote locations, and must not adversely impact the site of deployment. Two other approaches are also of interest: (1) the development of unique surface-based observations that are used for the calibration/interpretation of other remotely derived data; and (2) potential applications of CO2 sensors via balloon sonde – however, remote sensing data acquisition by airborne or satellite platforms will not be considered.

Questions – contact Rick Petty, rick.petty@science.doe.gov

New measurement and monitoring tools for interrogating physical, chemical, and biological processes in subsurface environments are important elements of Department of Energy (DOE) research efforts to support the assessment of remediation performance and DOE site stewardship. The purpose of these research efforts is to determine the fate and transport of contaminants generated from past weapons production activities, assess and control processes to
remediate contaminants, and provide for the long-term monitoring of sites.

Grant applications submitted to this topic must describe why and how proposed in situ fieldable technologies will substantially improve the state-of-the-art, include bench and/or field tests to demonstrate the technology, and clearly state the projected dates for likely operational deployment. New or advanced technologies, which can be demonstrated to operate under field conditions with mixed/multiple contaminants and can be deployed in 2-3 years, will receive
selection priority. Claims of relevance to DOE sites, or of commercial potential for proposed technologies, must be supported by endorsements from relevant site managers, market analyses, or the identification of commercial spin-offs. Grant applications that propose incremental improvements to existing technologies are not of interest and will be declined.

For the following subtopics, collaboration with government laboratories or universities, either during or after the SBIR/STTR project, may speed the development and field evaluation of the measurement or monitoring technology. In addition, some of these organizations operate user facilities that may be of value to proposed projects. These facilities include: Integrated Field Research Challenge (IFRC) research sites in Oak Ridge, TN (http://www.esd.ornl.gov/orifrc/index.html); Old Rifle, CO (http://ifcrifle.pnl.gov/); and Hanford, WA (http://ifchanford.pnl.gov/). At IFRC research sites, scientists can conduct fieldscale
research and obtain DOE-relevant samples of soils, sediments, and ground waters for laboratory research.

The Environmental Molecular Science Laboratory (EMSL) at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (http://www.emsl.pnl.gov). EMSL is a national scientific user facility with state-ofthe-art instrumentation in environmental spectroscopy, high field magnetic resonance, high performance mass spectroscopy, high resolution electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and high performance computing. Grant applications must describe, in the technical approach or work plan, the purpose and specific benefits of any proposed teaming arrangements.

Sensitive, accurate, and real-time monitoring of geochemical, biogeochemical, and microbial conditions are needed in subsurface environments, including
groundwater, sediments, and biofilms. In particular, highly selective, sensitive, and rugged in situ devices are needed for low-cost field deployment in remote locations, in order to enhance our ability to monitor processes at finer levels of resolution and over broader areas. Therefore, grant applications are sought to develop innovative sensors and systems to detect and monitor geochemical and biogeochemical processes that control the chemical speciation or transport of metals and radionuclides in the subsurface. Only the following radionuclides and metals are of interest: technetium, chromium, strontium-90, mercury, uranium, iodine-129, plutonium, americium, cesium-137, and cobalt. The ability to distinguish between the relevant oxidation states of these elements and their chemical species is of particular concern. In addition, the microbes and metabolic processes of interest are limited to those that may be involved in controlling the subsurface fate, transport, and remediation of these elements. Grant applications that address other contaminants will be declined. Grant applications must provide convincing documentation (experimental data, calculations, etc.) to show that the sensing method is both highly sensitive (i.e., low detection limit), precise, and highly selective to the target analyte, microbe, or microbial association (i.e., free of anticipated physical/chemical/biological interferences). Approaches that leave significant doubt regarding sensor functionality in realistic multi-component samples and realistic field conditions will not be considered.

Grant applications also are sought to develop integrated sensing systems for autonomous or unattended applications of the above measurement needs. The integrated system should include all of the components necessary for a complete sensor package (such as micro-machined pumps, valves, micro-sensors, solar power cells, etc.) for field applications in the subsurface. Approaches of interest include: (1) fiber optic, solid-state, chemical, or silicon micro-machined sensors; and (2) biosensors (devices employing biological molecules or systems in the sensing elements) that can be used in the field – biosensor systems may incorporate, but are not limited to, whole cell biosensors (i.e., chemiluminescent or bioluminescent systems), enzyme or immunology-linked detection systems (e.g., enzyme-linked immunosensors incorporating colorimetric or fluorescent portable detectors), lipid characterization systems, or DNA/RNA
probe technology with amplification and hybridization. Substantial progress has been made in fiber optics and chemical sensing technology in the last decade; therefore, grant applications that propose minor adaptations of readily available materials/hardware, and/or cannot demonstrate substantial improvements over the current state-of-the-art, are not of interest and will be declined.

Questions – contact David Lesmes, david.lesmes@science.doe.gov

Advanced electron-beam diagnostic instruments are needed to support the development of X-ray Free Electron Lasers (FEL), as well as the operation and upgrade of 3rd generation light sources. Grant applications are sought to develop monitors for beam position and electron bunch length. The beam position monitor should have nanometer resolution and associated electronics for both linac and storage ring applications. The electron beam bunch length monitor should perform non-destructive measurements, be capable of single-bunch resolution better than 100 fs, and possess a system design that is relevant for the bunch parameters of the future X-ray FEL and 3rd generation light sources.

Grant applications also are sought to develop diagnostic devices for the non-destructive measurement of electron beam emittance and for the energy spread within electron bunches. For FEL applications, measurements of electron bunch properties require resolution on the order of 10 ?m, so that the so-called “slice” properties can be determined with sufficient accuracy. Both
the beam emittance and the energy spread of the beam are critical parameters in FELs, and the measurement techniques must allow for rapid and noninvasive tuning, as well as for the implementation of feedback systems for systems optimization. Approaches of interest include optical techniques that employ transition radiation or synchrotron radiation. The diagnostics should be small (< 1 m length scale) and suitable for integration into an operational light source.

Grant applications also are sought to develop diagnostics for the measurement of charge modulation within an electron bunch at optical wavelengths in the regime 50-1000 nm. Seeded FELs utilize an inverse FEL scheme to first introduce an energy modulation into an electron bunch; then a dispersive transport region converts the energy modulation into a charge density modulation along the electron bunch. The charge density is modulated with the same period as
the laser, i.e., in the wavelength regime 50-1000 nm.

Grant applications are sought to develop a diagnostic technique for the dynamic measurement of the transverse position of the centroid of an electron bunch, as a function of position along that bunch. The transverse wakefields in a linac may introduce the so-called “banana shape” beam as a result of the beam-breakup instability, in which deflecting wakefields introduce a transverse spatial offset in the electron distribution along a bunch. Proposed diagnostics must be able to measure this effect with spatial resolution on the order of 1 ?m, and with temporal resolution (along the bunch) of 10-100 fs, in bunches of peak current 10-500 A.

Finally, grant applications are sought to develop high resolution multi-function diagnostics cavity beam position monitors (BPMs), which are well suited for LINAC applications as well as for advanced storage rings and energy recovery linacs (ERLs), represent one approach of interest. Such cavity BPM diagnostics should (1) have measurement capabilities that include sub-micron positioning, beam tilt, and charge; and (2) be physically small and low cost, in order to enable commercialization.

Questions – contact Eliane Lessner, Eliane.Lessner@science.doe.gov

Technology is needed to mitigate cavitation damage erosion (CDE) in short-pulse liquid-mercury spallation targets. CDE has the potential to limit the power capacity and lifetime of targets. Damage has been observed inside test target vessels irradiated with small numbers of intense proton beam pulses; also, this damage has been studied at length in out-of-beam experiments that mimic the driving mechanism of cavitation. The damage is caused by intense and abrupt pressure waves that are induced by the nearinstantaneous heating of the mercury by the proton beam. Although certain surface hardening processes have shown promise in resisting damage, their potential to greatly enhance power capacity is believed to be limited. Therefore, grant applications are sought to develop:

Small gas bubbles to reduce beam-induced pressure. A population of small gas bubbles introduced in the mercury could absorb and attenuate the beam-induced pressure sufficiently to halt the driving mechanism for cavitation. The desired bubble size is approximately 10 ?m in diameter and the required void fraction approaches 1%. Grant applications are sought to develop: (1) techniques for generating this population of bubbles in mercury; and (2) credible diagnostics to quantify the generated population.

Protective gas layers: Mercury, with its highly non-wetting characteristic and high surface tension is well suited to the formation and stabilization of large gas pockets. Therefore, one promising option for damage mitigation involves the creation of an interstitial gas layer between the liquid metal and the containment vessel wall.

Innovative gas/liquid flow concepts for utilizing gas layers to protect pressure-vessel surfaces from damage due to the cavitation of flowing mercury. Approaches of interest include: (1) the use of radiation-hard solid materials, such as metallic porous media or screens, as separate structures that are not part of the pressure boundary; (2) extensive surface modifications, such as grooves or cross-hatching to increase surface area; or (3) other geometries designed to trap gas permanently at the desired location. Because the most vulnerable pressure boundary surfaces in the SNS target are vertical, proposed solutions must address the problem of blanketing (protecting) vertical surfaces, where the hydrostatic gradient tends to force the gas to rise.

Alternative and innovative concepts for damage mitigation, aside from small gas bubbles or protective gas walls: grant applications must demonstrate an awareness of spallation target design and environmental requirements, with respect to high radiation and mercury compatibility.

Questions – contact Eliane Lessner, Eliane.Lessner@science.doe.gov

Advanced undulator radiation sources are required for current and future light sources. Grant applications are sought for the development of:

(1) Superconducting undulators (SCUs) that can generate tunable, monochromatic x-ray beams in the 2-30 keV photon energy range of medium-energy (2-3 GeV) synchrotrons. These requirements demand that the undulators have a short period (around 1.5 cm) and high peak magnetic fields (around 1.6 tesla). The permanent-magnets commonly used in undulators do not produce sufficiently high magnetic fields to fully cover the desired photon energy range without gaps in the spectrum. Development efforts are underway at several national laboratories and in industry to develop SCUs that promise to overcome these deficiencies. However, current designs suffer from an inability to operate without quenching in the presence of the heat induced by the stored electron beam current and by synchrotron radiation encountered in modern synchrotron light sources. This heat load can be up to 10 watts per meter of undulator length. Novel ideas for SCU design, construction, and thermal management are needed to meet these challenging requirements.

(2) Superconducting undulators with time varying fields. This technology is in its infancy and could offer interesting possibilities for insertion-device radiation sources

(3) Cryogenically-Cooled Permanent Magnet Undulators (CPMUs). When permanent magnet materials are cooled to low temperatures, they exhibit a large coercivity (5-10%) for conventional materials, such as NdFeB or CoSm, and up to 20% for more exotic materials. To make use of this effect, undulators must be cooled to cryogenic temperatures, and, in the cooled down stage, magnetic measurements and adjustments of the permanent magnet must be performed. This requires a complex design.

(4) High coercivity permanent magnet materials for CPMUs. To take full advantage of CPMUs, sintering and manufacturing procedures need to be developed for permanent magnet material like PrFeB, which exhibits large increases in coercivity at cryogenic temperatures.

(5) New superconducting materials for undulator applications. Three types of materials promise a considerable enhancement of undulator performance: High temperature superconducting materials such as YBCO, which operate at about 90K, would allow current densities up 100kA/mm2. The challenge here is to optimize the conductor design to maximize the current density and the transport current, leading to the development of coil manufacturing techniques based on such materials (as the next step). Thin film high temperature superconducting materials such as MgB2, which are operated at ~39K, may become a good material for undulator magnets, depending upon the choice of substrate material, which will determine the mechanical properties of the superconductor. The challenge here is the production of thin films and the choice of optimum substrate materials. APC (artificially enhanced pinning center) NbTi superconductor, which would allow super-high current densities that exceed the Jc of conventional NbTi superconductor by a large factor (14 kA/mm2 at 2 T). In particular, the high current density might offer an advantage for the design of magnet coils for undulator magnets.

(6) Undulators with period < 1 cm. The resonant condition requires undulator radiation at short wavelength (approximately 1 nm), with low energy electron beams (of 1-2 GeV), and with a shorter period than generally available from existing synchrotron radiation sources. The undulators should be designed with K-value ~1, impedance shielding of pole faces, and a gap that is greater than 2.25 mm.

Questions – contact Eliane Lessner, Eliane.Lessner@science.doe.gov

Grant applications are sought to develop new or improved computational tools for the design, study, or operation of charged particle beams. Of particular interest is the development of a front-end design for user-friendly interfaces. The modeling challenges addressed must be relevant to present and future BES accelerator facilities. These challenges include, but are not limited to, beam halo generation and control; generation and synchronization of sub-ps x-ray pulses; wakefield computation; multiple and single bunch collective instabilities; electron cloud generation and effects, especially in high intensity proton rings; and high-intensity operation (beam losses, thermal effects, etc.).

Grant applications also are sought to investigate and develop enhancements to the suite of tools in the Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System (EPICS), in order to better support existing facilities and meet the requirements of future machines. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, high-availability alternative-communication protocols; enhanced functionality within the Input-Output Controller; highly integrated development environments; and ensuring scalability to very large installations (such as the International Linear Collider). Grant applications should address how the results will guide long-term EPICS development.

As the time scale of interest in modern accelerators is reduced, the required computational resources are becoming prohibitive for currently-available low-order electromagnetic codes; for example, the estimated memory requirement for modeling a typical accelerator structure interacting with a 1-ps bunch is 1 TB. Such an extreme computation is intractable for most accelerator laboratories. Therefore, in order to break the computational bottleneck, grant applications are also sought to develop computational electromagnetic codes with high-order accuracy.

Finally, grant applications are sought to develop large-scale timing and synchronization systems for next generation light sources, with timing stability requirements extending from ~100 femtosecons to 1 femtosecond or less. For example, these requirements include the need to enable the synchronization of multiple radio frequency components and laser systems, over distances of the scale of kilometers, in advanced accelerators and free electron lasers. This precision in timing must be maintained over periods of time on the order of 24 hours.

Questions – contact Eliane Lessner, Eliane.Lessner@science.doe.gov

Advanced laser systems are needed for photoinjectors, for Free Electron Laser Seeding, for current-enhanced self-amplified spontaneous emission (ESASE), for laser-ion stripping of hydrogen beams, and for laser wire beam profile measurements in proton particle accelerators. Grant applications are sought for the development of:

(1) High power laser oscillator systems for high repetition rate (1-100 MHz) electron guns that can deliver pulses of 10-100 ?J energy in the 1 ?m wavelength range, with pulses capable of being expanded to10-50 ps duration.

(2) Laser pulse shaping systems that can modify the laser pulse in 3D, in order to minimize emittance growth due to space charge effect in a photoinjector. Approaches of interest include pulse stacking, laser phase modulation, and others. In general, the pulse should have a homogeneous intensity distribution (10% modulation) confined in a sharp boundary in three dimensions, with either a cylindrical or ellipsoidal geometry.

(3) A mid-IR, carrier envelope phase (CEP) stabilized laser with tens of mJs of energy and a few carrier cycles within a Full-Width at Half-Max (FWHM) of 10-50 fs.

(4) A mid-IR (2.0 micron) laser for E-SASE, with a pulse under 100 fs, possibly CEP-stabilized in the energy range of a few mJ.

(5) Tunable lasers to be used as seeds for free electron lasers (FELs). The central wavelength should be within the wavelength range, 10-50 nm, and the laser should be continuously tunable within a band that is at least 20% of that wavelength range. Pulse duration should be adjustable and on order of 100 fs. Peak power within the pulse should be on order of 100 kW. Optical pulses should be reproducible on a shot-to-shot basis, with good temporal coherence within the pulse, good beam quality (M2<1.3), and a repetition rate of 100 kHz or greater.

(6) Lasers for laser-ion stripping of hydrogen beams. The lasers should have high repetition rate (~400 MHz), high peak power (~1MW), and picosecond 355 nm pulses to match the in-beam structure of the linac for Spallation Neutron Source (micropulses that are 50 ps long, separated by 2.5 ns, gated into minipulses of 650 ns that repeat at 1.058 MHz, and are bunched into 1 ms macropulses).

(7) A laser power-recycling cavity at 355 nm to reduce average laser power requirements for ion stripping. Important design criteria include compactness, a length to match bunch repetition rate, stabilization to a small fraction of a wavelength, protection of mirrors from electron and gamma radiation, and an in-vacuum configuration.

Questions – contact Eliane Lessner, Eliane.Lessner@science.doe.gov

Electron microscopy and microcharacterization capabilities are important in the materials sciences and are used in numerous research projects funded by the Department. Grant applications are sought to develop components and accessories of electron microscopes that will significantly enhance the capabilities of the electron-based microcharacterization, including improved spatial and temporal resolution in imaging, diffraction and spectroscopy with and without applied stimuli (e.g., temperature, stress, electromagnetic field, and gaseous or liquid environment):

Stages and holders that provide new capabilities for in situ transmission electron microscopy experiments in liquid, gaseous, optoelectronic and/or other extreme environments that also provide capability for simultaneous spectroscopy.

New electron sources that can operate in pulsed modes to femtosecond frequencies. Of particular interest are laser-assisted field emission guns for application to pulsed mode operation as a single purpose apparatus for time-resolved diffraction experiment, or incorporated into a conventional electron microscope to achieve more versatile capabilities. Proposed solutions must demonstrate point-source-emitter capability.

Ultra-high energy resolution and collection efficiency x-ray, electron loss, and/or optical spectrometers compatible with transmission electron microscopy. Analytical electron energy loss spectroscopy approaches include systems able to achieve high energy resolution (10 meV or better), high energy dispersion (>25mm/eV), efficient trapping of the zero-loss-peak (ZLP) so that spectra at energies <1eV will not be dominated by the ZLP “tail”. Energy dispersive spectroscopy approach of interest should include efficient detector materials and improved geometry for maximum signal collection. Single electron detector arrays facilitating ultra high speed counting for electron spectroscopy (~ nanosecond) are of particular interest.

High efficiency and high sensitivity electron detectors. Approaches of interest include CMOSbased electron detectors for high-resolution imaging, detectors with a wide dynamic range (16-20bit) for electron diffraction, and secondary electron detectors for surface imaging.

Systems for automated data collection, processing, and quantification in TEM and/or STEM. Approaches of interest should include (1) hardware and platform-independent software for data collection and visualization, (2) automated measurement and mapping of crystallography, internal magnetic or electric field, or strain, and (3) multi-spectral analysis. Proposed solutions must be demonstrated in TEM or STEM mode.

Questions – contact Jane Zhu, Jane.Zhu@science.doe.gov

Scanning probe microscopy is vital to the advancement of nanoscale and energy science, and is used in numerous materials research projects and facilities funded by the Department. Grant applications are sought to develop: New generations of SPM platforms capable of operation in the functional gas atmospheres and broad temperature/pressure ranges, functional SPM probes, sample holders/cells (including electrochemical and photoelectrochemical cells), and controller/software support for ultrafast, environmental and functional detection. Areas of interest include: (1) SPM platforms capable of imaging in the controlled and reactive gas environments and elevated temperatures for fuel cell, and catalysis research, (2) variable pressure systems with capabilities for surface cleaning and preparation bridging the gap between ambient and ultra-high vacuum platforms, (3) insulated and shielded probes and electrochemical cells for high-resolution electrical imaging in conductive solutions; (4) heated probes combined with dynamic thermal measurements including thermomechanical, temperature, and integrated with Raman and mass-spectrometry systems, and (5) probes integrated with electrical, thermal, and magnetic field sensors for probing dynamic electrical and magnetic phenomena in the 10 MHz - 100 GHz regime, and (6) SPM platforms and probes for other functional imaging modes (including but not limited to microwave, pumpprobe, etc). Probes and probe/holder assemblies should be compatible with existing commercial hardware platforms, or bundled with adaptation kits. Complementary to this effort is the development of reliable hardware, software, and calibration methods for the vertical, lateral, and longitudinal spring constants of the levers, sensitivities, and frequency-dependent transfer functions of the probes.

SPM platforms designed for SPM combined with other high-resolution structural and chemical characterization modes. Examples include but are not limited to (a) SPM platforms integrated with high-resolution electron beam imaging in transmission and scanning transmission electron microscopy environments, (b) SPM platforms integratable with focused X-ray, (c) imaging modalities providing local chemical information including mass-spectrometry and nanooptical
detection.

A new generation of optical and other cantilever detectors for beam-deflection-based force microscopies. Areas of interest include: (1) low-noise laser sources and detectors approaching the thermomechanical noise limit, (2) high bandwidth optical detectors operating in the 10-100 MHz regime, and (3) small-spot (sub-3 micron) laser sources for video-rate Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) measurements. Piezoresistive and tuning-fork force detectors compatible with existing low-temperature high-magnetic field environments are also of interest. Systems for next-generation controllers and stand-alone modules for data acquisition and analysis. Areas of interest include: (1) multiple-frequency and fast detection schemes for mapping energy dissipation, as well as mechanical and other functional properties; (2) active control of tip trajectory, grid, and spectral acquisition; and (3) interactive SPMs incorporating decision making process on the single-pixel level. Proposed systems should include provisions for rapid data collection (beyond the ~1kHz bandwidth of feedback/image acquisition of a standard SPM), processing, and quantification; and hardware and platform-independent software for data collection and visualization, including multispectral and multidimensional image analysis (i.e., for force volume imaging or other spectroscopic imaging techniques generating 3D or 4D data arrays). For rapid data acquisition systems, software and data processing algorithms for data interpretation are strongly encouraged.

Questions – contact Jane Zhu, Jane.Zhu@science.doe.gov

Separation technologies recover, isolate, and purify products in virtually every industrial process. Pervasive throughout industrial operations, conventional separation processes are energy intensive and costly. Separation processes represent 40 to 70 percent of both capital and operating costs in industry. They also account for 45 percent of all the process energy used by the chemical and petroleum refining industries every year. Industrial efforts to increase costcompetitiveness, boost energy efficiency, increase productivity, and prevent pollution demand more efficient separation processes. In response to these needs, the Department of Energy supports the development of high-risk, innovative separation technologies. In particular, membrane technology offers a viable alternative to conventional energy intensive separations.

Successful membrane applications today include producing oxygen-enriched air for combustion, recovering and recycling hot wastewater, volatile organic carbon recovery, and hydrogen purification. Membranes have also been combined with conventional techniques such as distillation to deliver improved product purity at a reduced cost. Membrane separations promise to yield substantial economic, energy, and environmental benefits leading to enhanced competitiveness by reducing annual energy consumption, increasing capital productivity, and reducing waste streams and pollution abatement costs.

Despite the successes and advancements, many challenges must be overcome before membrane technology becomes more widely adapted. Technical barriers include fouling, instability, low flux, low separation factors, and poor durability. Advancements are needed that will lead to new generations of organic, inorganic, and ceramic membranes. These membranes require greater thermal and chemical stability, greater reliability, improved fouling and corrosion resistance, and higher selectivity. The objective is better performance in existing industrial applications, as well as opportunities for new applications. To advance the use of membrane separations, research is needed to develop new, more effective membrane materials and innovative ways to incorporate
membranes in industrial processes. Grant applications must address the potential public benefits that the proposed technology would provide, both from reduced energy consumption and from the reduction in one or more of the following: materials consumption, water consumption, and toxic and pollutants dispersion. Grant applications should also include a plan for introducing the new technology into the manufacturing sector, in order to access capabilities for widespread technology dissemination.

At least half of the U.S. solid hydrocarbon fuel deposits are not economically recoverable according to EIA. Uneconomic deposits are usually situated in geologically challenging, environmentally restricted or costly locations. Research is sought that evaluates or demonstrates man-made modifications to existing biomimetic microbial methods of exploiting known genetic attributes of microbial mechanisms for efficiently converting solid hydrocarbon deposits into higher value or more easily transportable products. Examples include modifying methanogenic microbial or biomimetic means for enhanced methane yields in broader temperature ranges, broader moisture ranges or broader solid hydrocarbon fuel species. Although, chemical or processing pathways exist for higher value chemical products such as inks, toners or pharmaceuticals, there are limited studies in near-zero or reduced carbon dioxide emissions using microbial or biologically direct pathways to higher value products from solid hydrocarbon fuel deposits. What is sought are verifiable or validated modifications that yield
lower life cycle carbon dioxide emissions, lower costs and greater conversion efficiency of solid hydrocarbon fuel deposits residing in difficult to extract locations at unconventional depths. Verification means can include computational methods backed by appropriate experimental validation.

Other US Government agencies such as USGS, NSF, USDA and NASA previously completed or published research on naturally occurring microbial methanogenic organisms, some of which are referenced herein.

Grant applications are sought for the development of a genomic modification to an existing organism such as an existing methanogenic bacteria species. The objective is to identify a yield improvement that can be reasonably tested and shown to have significant, economically justifiable product yields. Alternatively, research is sought for biomimetic chemical conversion pathways more optimal than pathways observed using said microbial organisms which would
reduce carbon dioxide emissions or revitalize uneconomic CBM fields. Proposed approaches must be novel, innovative and show compelling economic advantages over the prior approaches.

Questions – contact Joe Wong, joe.wong@hq.doe.gov

High temperature (650°C to 850°C) planar solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stacks are comprised of alternating fuel and air chambers, which are sealed from each other and connected to fuel and air delivery manifolds, respectively. These seals are subject to a demanding set of performance criteria due to the extreme operating environment. The seals must have a low electrical conductivity, be chemically and mechanically stable in a high temperature reactive environment (moist reducing and/or oxidizing conditions), and demonstrate chemical compatibility with the cell and interconnect materials of the particular cell/stack design. Grant applications are sought to develop viscous glass-based sealing concepts for SOFCs. Ideally, the viscous glasses would maintain a softening temperature at or slightly below the lower bounds of the SOFC operating temperature (650°C) and retain suitable viscosity to the upper bound (850ºC), over the life of the seal, and be resistant to devitrification within the SOFC environment. Given that such a glass on its own may be unable to withstand the differential pressure across the seal (up to 2 psid) or the stack bearing load, it is envisioned that an engineered composite solution will be required to carry bearing loads and retain the viscous sealing material. The ultimate objective is the development of an economically-viable, manufacturable seal material followed by a composite system design that can provide sealing under all operating conditions for the life of planar SOFC stacks.

For reference purposes, the sealed perimeter for a single fuel cell-interconnect repeat unit seal is approximately 100cm. Approaches of interest should meet the following performance criteria: (1) volatile constituents in the seal should be minimized to less than 1% weight loss over 40,000 hours; (2) fuel leakage should be less than 1%, averaged over the seal area and not catastrophic for the duration of the seal life; and (3) the seal material must be capable of a service life of more than 40,000 hours and dozens of thermal cycles for stationary systems.

Phase I should focus on the identification of candidate viscous glasses and conduct rigorous analysis and experimentation to characterize crystallization, volatility, reactivity, wetting, and viscosity in the SOFC environment. Phase II would entail composite seal design and experimental validation, culminating in larger-scale testing, potentially in partnership with other SECA R&D efforts or one or more SECA Industry Teams.

Questions – contact Briggs White, Briggs.White@netl.doe.gov

The projected doubling of world energy consumption within the next 50 years, along with resource constraints and environmental concerns about using fossil fuels , have spurred great interest in generating electrical energy from renewable sources such as wind and solar. The variable and stochastic nature of renewable sources, however, makes solar and wind power difficult to manage, especially at high levels of penetration. To effectively use the intermittent renewable energy and enable its delivery demand electrical energy storage (EES). For example, storage operating near an intermittent, renewable wind energy source can smooth out wind variability, lessen the slope on ramp rates, and, at sufficient scale, can store off peak wind energy. EES is also an effective tool to improve the reliability, stability, and efficiency of the future electrical grid, i.e. smart grid that enables real-time, two-way communication to balance demand and generation and supports plug-in electrical vehicles. Electrical energy storage can shave peaks from a user or utility load profile, increase asset utilization by improving duty factor and delaying utility upgrades, decrease fossil fuel use for ancillary services, provide high levels of power quality, and increase grid stability. Distributed energy storage near load centers can reduce congestion on both the distribution and transmission systems.

Among the most promising electrical storage technologies are redox flow batteries (RFBs) and sodium (Na) batteries. RFBs have the advantage of allowing separationof power and energy. The power (kW) of the system is determined by the size of the electrodes and the number of cells in a stack, whereas the energy storage capacity (kWh) by the concentration and volume of the electrolyte. Varied RFBs have been developed, including the all vanadium redox flow batteries (VRBs) that have recently demonstrated operation at multi-MWs with unlimited cycle life. The use of abundant, low cost Na makes the Na-batteries attractive to further cost reduction for the grid applications. Sodium batteries typically come with either a polysulfide or metal halide cathode. Both deliver good performance but at high capital and levelized costs (>$3,000/kW and >30¢/kWh, respectively). One of the major cost drivers for sodium batteries is the solid-state electrolyte membrane, while for VRBs the cost is attributed to the electrolyte. Finally, the ultimate in low-cost, high energy density energy storage are the metal-air systems, which have been demonstrated in the laboratory but suffer from drastically limited cycle life and low efficiency at the discharge and recharge cathode half-reactions.

Particularly sought this year are research efforts related to novel, high performance and low-cost electrolytes in RFBs, high conductivity solid-state electrolyte membranes either for sodium or for other abundantly available lightweight multivalent cation systems (e.g., aluminum or magnesium), and technologies with promise to extend the life of metal-air cathodes to thousands of cycles at low cost and high cycle efficiencies.

The plasma facing components (PFCs) in energy producing fusion devices will experience 5-15 MW/m2 surface heat flux under normal operation (steadystate)
and off-normal energy deposition up to 1 MJ/m2 within 0.1 to 1.0 ms. Refractory solid surfaces represent one type of PFC option. These PFCs are envisioned to have a refractory metal heat sink, cooled by helium gas, and a plasma facing surface, consisting of an engineered refractory metal surface or a thin coating of refractory material that minimizes thermal stresses. The materials being considered include tungsten and molybdenum alloys. Grant applications are sought to develop: (1) innovative refractory alloys having good thermal conductivity (similar to Mo, at a minimum), resistance to recrystallization and grain growth, good mechanical properties (e.g., strength and ductility), and resistance to thermal fatigue; (2) coatings or specialized low-Z surface treatments of refractory alloy armor for improved plasma performance; (3) innovative refractory-metal heat sink designs for enhanced helium gas cooling; (4) efficient fabrication methods for engineered surfaces that mitigate the stresses due to high heat flux; and (5) joining methods, for attaching the plasma facing material to the heat sink, that are reliable, efficient to manufacture, and capable of high heat transfer – these new joining techniques may be applicable to either advanced, helium-cooled, refractory heat sinks or present-day, water-cooled, copperalloy heat sinks.

In addition, grant applications are sought to develop new or improved in situ diagnostic techniques to monitor the health and performance of operating PFCs and plasma edge conditions. A carefully selected combination of microelectromechanical (MEMS)-like, robust diagnostics could create an instrumented PFC that monitors important characteristics (such as the temperature and stress gradients) within the PFC or provides real-time information on erosion/deposition rates or tritium uptake during operation. Measurements of current, B-field, plasma edge temperature and density, spectral emissions, and heat flux also would be of interest. Such diagnostics must be an integral part of the PFC, be self-powered, operate at elevated temperatures in the presence of high magnetic fields and neutron fluence, be immune to RF noise, provide for wireless data transmission with high signal to noise ratio, and be compatible with high performance plasma operation.

Another PFC option is to use a flowing liquid metal surface as a plasma facing component, an approach which will require the production and control of thin, fast flowing, renewable films of liquid lithium, gallium, or tin for particle control at divertors. Grant applications are sought to develop: (1) techniques for the production, control, and removal of flowing (velocity 0.01 to 10 m/s) liquid metal films (0.5-5 mm thick) over a temperature controlled substrate; (2) advances in materials that are wet by liquid metals at temperatures near the respective metal melting point and that are conducive to the production of uniform well-adhered films; (3) techniques for active control of liquid metal flow and stabilization in the presence of plasma instabilities (time and space varying magnetic field); and (4) computational tools that model the flow and magnetohydrodynamic response of flowing liquid metals.

Grant applications also are sought to develop and demonstrate innovative computational techniques directly related to modeling surface material properties and/or plasma surface/interactions, for the purpose designing and assessing PFC surface materials. Finally grant applications are sought to develop cost-effective experimental techniques that integrate multiple approaches, listed in the paragraphs above, in order to allow advanced plasma-materialinteraction
testing and simulation.

Questions – contact Peter Pappano, peter.pappano@science.doe.gov

Blanket systems including an integrated first wall facing the plasma are complex, multi-function, multi-material components that capture neutrons emitted from the burning plasma to both produce tritium via nuclear reactions with lithium, and extract the energy for efficient power conversion. Associated with the blanket are coolant and tritium processing systems, all of which have scientific and technological issues in need of resolution. Proposals that address these issues in areas such as:

thermofluid and thermomechanical simulation of coolant flows and structural responses under surface and volumetric heat loads;
mass transport (corrosion and tritium) modeling development and simulations;
ceramic breeder and beryllium pebbles material fabrication, characterization, and thermomechanics;
SiC or alternate insulators for electric current and thermal heat;
tritium permeation barriers and permeator windows, corrosion barriers, etc.;
chemistry and impurity control in coolants (helium, liquid metals, etc.);
Flow and other diagnostic sensors compatible with fusion environment; or any blanket and tritium system relevant development issue.

Several areas of particular interest are described in more detail below.

There is a strong need to understand and predict in greater detail both the corrosion, transport and redoposition of materials, and the generation, bubble formation, transport and permeation of tritium in the fusion relevant coolant and breeder material Pb-15.7Li alloy. Both numerical predictive tools and increased database from experimental studies are needed to better characterize the corrosion and tritium transport behavior in Pb-Li alloy under fusion relevant conditions that include operation at 400-700C and the presences of strong magnetic fields in contact with various materials such as ferritic steels, silicon-carbide, and other proposed tritium or corrosion barrier or permeator materials for tritium extraction.

The pebble-bed solid breeder configuration introduces several operational limits: thermomechanical uncertainties caused by pebble-bed wall interaction, potential sintering and subsequent macro-cracking, and a low pebble-bed thermal conductivity – all of which result in small characteristic bed dimensions and limit windows of operation. A new form of solid breeder morphology is required that holds the promise for increased breeding ratios – dictated by increased breeder material density; long term structural reliability; and enhanced operational control – compared to packed beds. Grant applications are sought for new solid breeder material concepts that include: (1) increased breeder material densities (~80%); (2) higher thermal conductivities (provided by a fully interconnected structure, as opposed to point contacts between pebbles); (3) better thermal contact, such as reliable bonded contact, with cooling structures (instead of point contacts between pebbles and wall); (4) the absence of major geometry changes between beginning-of-life and end-of life (such as sintering in pebble beds) in the presence of high neutron fluence; and (5) structural integrity in freestanding and selfsupporting structures with significant thermo-mechanical flexibility.

Flow channel inserts (FCIs) act as magnetohydrodynamic and thermal insulators in ferritic steel channels containing, for example, a slowly flowing tritium breeder such as molten Pb-15.7Li alloy. The insert geometry is approximately box-channel-shaped in straight channels, with more complex shapes possible, for insertion in manifolds and other complex-geometry elements in the flow path. Although SiC/SiC composite is a candidate FCI material, its use would differ from its potential application as a structural material in that high thermal and electrical conductivity would not be desirable. In fact, the electrical conductivity should be low, with a target maximum around 1 to 50 ?-1m-1. In addition, the strength requirements for a SiC/SiC FCI are reduced compared to the composite’s application as a structural material, because the primary stresses and pressure loads will be very low. On the other hand, the insert must be able to withstand thermal stresses from through-surface temperature differences in the range of 150-300K, over a thickness of 3 to 15 mm depending on designs. Grant applications are sought to develop manufacturing techniques for radiation resistant, low thermal/electrical conductivity SiC/SiC composites or other suitable, compatible materials that would make for effective FCIs. One approach that has been envisioned is the use of a final “sealing” layer of SiC matrix material, which would be near theoretical density and cover any porosity or exposed fibers in the main body of the insert. Two-dimensional weaves are also thought to be satisfactory, as well as an effective way to reduce electrical conductivity normal to the interface between the insert and the Pb-15.7Li (the more important of the directions). In addition, grant applications are sought to develop experimental techniques for determining: (1) the compatibility between the SiC/SiC composite and such breeder materials as Pb-15.7Li alloy, and (2) the insert integrity under cyclic thermal loading and other in-service conditions.

One of the missions of the ITER project is the integrated testing of fusion blanket modules in a true integrated fusion environment. This ITER fusion environment includes radiation and magnetic fields, along with surface and volumetric heating, under pulsed and/or steady-state plasma operation. The testing of first wall/blanket components will be performed in ITER by inserting “test blanket modules” (TBMs) that will be complicated systems of different functional materials (breeder, multiplier, coolant, structure, insulator, etc.) in various configurations with many responses and interacting phenomena (e.g., thermomechanical, thermofluid, nuclear). As part of the design and validation process an overall simulation of a “virtual” TBM, integrating all of the individual computational modeling simulations at the system level, is essential to define meaningful experiments. Such a simulation would be inherently multi-scale and multi-physics and will require careful code and algorithm design. Therefore, grant applications are sought to develop a TBM and general power reactor relevant simulation code that can provide detailed predictions of: (1) fluid flow and thermal hydraulic characteristics; (2) the thermal response of all materials (structure, breeder, multiplier, coolant, insulator, etc); (3) structural responses such as stress and deformation magnitudes with respect to different loadings, including both steadystate surface heat flux and dynamic loadings; (4) mass transfer characteristics including both corrosion and tritium transport phenomena, and (5) other important performance characteristics of the TBM or blanket system. The overall code framework/structure must effectively link all of the simulation components of the virtual TBM and serve as an efficient, useful, and user-friendly tool that is extendable from ITER to demonstration power reactor conditions.

Questions – contact Ed Stevens, edward.stevens@science.doe.gov

New or advanced superconducting magnet concepts are needed for plasma fusion confinement systems. Of particular interest are magnet components, superconducting, structural and insulating materials, or diagnostic systems that lead to magnetic confinement devices which operate at higher magnetic fields (14T-20T), in higher nuclear irradiation environments, provide improved access/maintenance or allow for wider operating ranges in temperature or pulsed magnetic fields. Grant applications are sought for:

(1) Innovative and advanced superconducting materials and manufacturing processes that have a high potential for improved conductor performance and low fabrication costs. Of specific interest are materials such as YBCO conductors that are easily adaptable to bundling into high current cables carrying 30 - 60 kA. Desirable characteristics include high critical currents at temperatures from 4.5 K to 50 K, magnetic fields in the range 5 T to 20 T, higher copper fractions, low transient losses, low sensitivity to strain degradation effects, high radiation resistance, and improved methods for cabling tape conductors taking into account twisting and other methods of transposition to ensure uniform current distribution.

(2) Novel methods for joining coil sections for manufacture of demountable magnets that allow for highly reliable, re-makeable joints that exhibit excellent structural integrity, low electrical resistance, low ac losses, and high stability in high magnetic field and in pulsed applications. These include conventional lap and butt joints, as well as very high current plate-to-plate joints. Reliable sliding joints can be considered.

(3) Innovative structural support methods and materials, and magnet cooling and quench protection methods suitable for operation in a fusion radiation environment, that result in high overall current density magnets.

(4) Novel, advanced sensors and instrumentation for monitoring magnet and helium parameters (e.g., pressure, temperature, voltage, mass flow, quench, etc.); of specific interest are fiber optic based devices and systems that allow for electromagnetic noise-immune interrogation of these parameters as well as positional information of the measured parameter within the coil winding pack. A specific use of fiber sensors is for rapid and redundant quench detection. Novel fiber optic sensors may also be used for precision measurement of distributed and local temperature or strain for diagnostic and scientific studies of conductor behavior and code calibration.

(5) Radiation-resistant electrical insulators, e.g., wrapable inorganic insulators and low viscosity organic insulators that exhibit low gas generation under irradiation, less expensive resins and higher pot life; and insulation systems with high bond and higher strength and flexibility in shear.

Questions – contact Barry Sullivan, barry.sullivan@science.doe.gov

Fusion materials and structures must function for a long time in a uniquely hostile environment that includes combinations of high temperatures, reactive chemicals, high stresses, and intense damaging radiation. The goal is to establish the feasibility of designing, constructing and operating a fusion power plant with materials and components that meet demanding objectives for safety, performance and minimal environmental impact. Pursuant to this goal grant applications are sought for:

(1) Development of innovative methods for joining beryllium (~2 mm thick layer) to RAFM steels. The resulting bonds must be resistant to the effects of neutron irradiation, exhibit sufficient thermal fatigue resistance, and minimize or prevent the formation of brittle intermetallic phases that could result in coating debonding.

(2) Development of fabrication techniques for typical component geometries envisioned for use in test blanket modules for operation in ITER using current generation RAFM steels. Such fabrication techniques could include but are not limited to appropriate welding, hot-isostatic pressing, hydroforming, and investment casting methods as well as effective post joining heat treatment techniques and procedures. Appropriate fabrication technologies must produce
components within dimensional tolerances, while meeting minimum requirements on mechanical and physical properties.

(3) Development of oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) ferritic steels. Approaches of interest include the development of low cost production techniques, improved isotropy of mechanical properties, development of joining methods that maintain the properties of the ODS steel, and development of improved ODS steels with the capability of operating up to ~800°C, while maintaining adequate fracture toughness at room temperature and above.

(4) Development of high ductility, high-fracture toughness tungsten alloys with isotropic properties. Areas of interest include improvements in the grain boundary strength and fracture toughness, and joining techniques. In addition, development of engineered tungsten/PFC materials to control or eliminate blistering associated with the interaction of tungsten with He and H isotopes from the plasma by providing high diffusivity paths to release He and H and
decrease retention of these gases is of interest.

(5) Development of functional coatings for the RAFM/Pb-Li blanket concept. Coatings are needed for functions that include (1) compatibility: minimizing dissolution of RAFM in Pb-Li at 700°C, (2) permeation: reducing tritium permeation (hydrogen for demonstration) by a factor of >100 and (3) electrically insulating: reducing the pressure drop due to the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effect. Proposed approaches must: (1) account for compatibility with both the coated structural alloy and liquid metal coolant for long-time operation at 500-700°C (2) address the potential application of candidate coatings on large-scale system components; and (3) demonstrate that the permeation and MHD coatings are functional during or after exposure to Pb-Li.

(6) Development of failure assessment and lifetime prediction methodologies of structural materials in the fusion environment, including physics-based methods to determine damage accumulation, residual life, and reliability of structural components under combinations of steady and cyclic loading, high-temperature, and neutron irradiation.

(7) Development of innovative modeling tools for the above joining methods, materials, and coatings. Modeling approaches may range from atomistic and molecular dynamics simulations of atomic collision and defect migration events to improved finite element analysis or thermodynamic stability methods.
Priority will be given to innovative methods or experimental approaches that enhance the ability to obtain key mechanical or physical property data on miniaturized specimens, and to the micromechanics evaluation of deformation and fracture processes.

Questions – contact Peter Pappano, peter.pappano@science.doe.gov

Grant applications are sought to develop components related to the generation, transmission, and launching of high power electromagnetic waves in the frequency ranges of Ion Cyclotron Resonance Heating (ICRH, 50 to 300 MHz), Lower Hybrid Heating (LHH, 2 to 10 GHz), and Electron Cyclotron Resonance (or Electron Bernstein Wave) Heating (ECRH / EBW, 28 to 300 GHz). These improved components are sought for the microwave heating systems of the current large facilities in the United States (Alcator C-Mod, DIII-D and NSTX), facilities under construction (including ITER), and smaller machines exploring innovative and alternate concepts. Components of interests include power supplies, high power microwave sources or generators, fault protection devices, transmission line components, and antenna and launching systems. Specific examples of some of the components that are needed include tuning and matching systems, unidirectional couplers, circulators, mode convertors, windows, output couplers, loads, energy extraction systems from spent electron beams and particle accelerators, and diagnostics to evaluate the performance of these components. Of particular interest are components that can safely handle a range of frequencies and increased power levels.

For the ITER project, the United States will be supplying the transmission lines for both the ECRH (2 MW/line) system, at a frequency of 170 GHz, and for the ICRH system (6 MW/line), operating in the range of 40 – 60 MHz.. For this project, grant applications are needed for advanced components that are capable of improving the efficiency and power handling capability of the transmission lines, in order to reduce losses and protect the system from overheating, arcing, damage or failure during the required long pulse operation (~3000s). Examples of components needed for the ECRH transmission line include high power loads, low loss miter bends, polarizers, power samplers, windows, switches, and dielectric breaks. For the ITER transmission lines, improved techniques are needed for the mass production of components, in order to reduce cost. Lastly, advanced computer codes are needed to simulate the microwave, thermal, and mechanical components of the transmission lines. Components needed for the ICRH lines include high power loads and reliable tuning/matching components.

Questions – contact Barry Sullivan, barry.sullivan@science.doe.gov

The realistic simulation of fusion plasmas is important for the design and evaluation of plasma discharge feedback and control systems; the design, operation, and performance assessment of existing and proposed fusion experiments; the planning of experiments on existing devices; and the interpretation of the experimental data obtained from these experiments. The simulation of fusion plasmas is very challenging because (1) the range of temporal and spatial scales involved is enormous and these scales often overlap, violating the assumption of scale separation; and (2) the nonlinear physical processes that govern the behavior of these plasmas are strongly coupled in the regimes of interest for fusion energy production. Although, in recent years, considerable progress has been made toward the understanding of these processes – including particle, momentum, and energy
transport driven by plasma turbulence, macroscopic equilibrium and stability, wave-plasma interactions, energetic particle physics, and the behavior of the edge plasma – there remains a critical need to integrate the various plasma models, in order to develop an integrated predictive simulation capability for magnetically confined plasmas. In addition, efficient computational tools are needed to manage, analyze, and visualize the enormous datasets resulting from large scale fusion simulations and experiments.

Grant applications are sought to develop computer algorithms and tools that are applicable to simulations of magnetically confined plasmas, incorporate an expanded number of plasma features, and integrate multiple physical processes across multiple spatial and temporal scales. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to: (1) algorithms incorporating advanced mathematical techniques; (2) algorithms targeting novel computing architectures, including GPU
and hybrid computing; ; (3) verification and validation tools, including efficient methods for facilitating comparison of simulation results with experimental data and the development of synthetic diagnostics; (4) data management, visualization, and analysis tools for local and remote multi-dimensional time-dependent datasets resulting from large scale simulations or experiments; (5) techniques for coupling simulation codes, including coupling across different computer platforms and through high speed networks; (6) methodologies for building highly configurable and modular scientific codes and flexible data interfaces; and (7) remote collaboration tools that enhance the ability of geographically distributed groups of scientists to interact in real-time.

The simulation and data analysis tools should be developed using modern software techniques, should be capable of exploiting the potential of next generation high performance computers, and should be based on high fidelity physics models. The applications submitted in response to this call should have a strong potential for commercialization and should not propose work that is normally funded by program funds.

Questions – contact John Mandrekas, john.mandrekas@science.doe.gov

The Department has an interest in producing and developing the science of high-energy-density plasmas. Research and development activities are sought to support on-going activities in laser-driven, pulsedpower- driven, and heavy-ion-driven high-energy-density plasma physics. Proposed work should be focused on a specific application, diagnostic or need that would lead to potential commercialization.

Proposed work is sought in the following subfields and cross-cutting areas of HEDLP, as described in the Report of the ReNeW in HEDLP, with additional scope indicated specifically below:

1. High Energy Density Hydrodynamics Specific areas of interest include, but are not limited to, turbulent mixing, probing properties of HED matter through hydrodynamics, solid-state hydrodynamics at high pressures, new hydrodynamic instabilities, and hydrodynamic scaling.

2. Radiation-Dominated Dynamics and Material Properties Specific areas of interest include, but are not limited to, radiative shocks, radiation waves and
radiation transport, radiative cooling, opacities and equation of state, radiative instabilities, and radiation pressure.

3. Magnetized High-Energy Density Plasma Physics Specific areas of interest include, but are not limited to, basic properties of magnetized HED plasmas, coupled dynamics and atomic kinetics, phase transitions in the presence of high magnetic fields and current densities, ultra high magnetic fields and their measurements, radiation-dominated HED dynamo, and radiation-dominated reconnection.

4. Nonlinear Optics of Plasmas and Laser-Plasma Interactions Specific areas of interest include, but are not limited to, the interplay between coherent
radiation and nonlinear states in HED plasmas, nonlinear-wave-particle interactions, multiple coexisting instabilities, broadband radiation in plasma, and quantum phenomena in HED plasmas.

5. Relativistic HED Plasmas and Intense Beam Physics Specific areas of interest include, but are not limited to, relativistic laser and beam propagation, relativistic laser-solid interaction, ultrahigh energy density plasmas at the QED limit, relativistic thermal plasmas, and relativistic shocks.

6. Warm Dense Matter Specific areas of interest include, but are not limited to, phase transitions in and around the WDM regime, comprehensive theory connecting different WDM regimes, equation of state dependence on formation history, transport properties of warm dense matter, and quarkgluon plasma similarities to warm dense matter.

7. Diagnostics for HEDLP Grant applications will be considered for the development of advanced diagnostic instruments, methods and experimental techniques, as discussed in the ReNeW report, to be developed at the home institution or on intermediate scale HED facilities but that would, if the research is fruitful, have proposals to the National Ignition Facility (NIF). The intent here is to fund research and concept development and demonstration, only, and engineering development for fielding on NIF should not be part of the proposed work.

Questions – contact Ann Satsangi, ann.satsangi@science.doe.gov

The DOE supports the development of computational technologies essential for success of the experimental, theoretical, and R&D programs in the Office of High Energy Physics (HEP). HEP funded research is aimed at understanding how our universe works at its most fundamental level though Energy, Intensity and Cosmic Frontiers [1]. Experiments for HEP science are data intensive, and rely heavily on scientific computing for planning, operations, data taking and data analysis. State of the art modeling and simulation are integral to the planning and development of the particle accelerators that drive experimental research in the Energy and Intensity frontiers. Theory research spanning the accelerator based and non accelerator based HEP research is also strongly dependent on advanced computing and simulations. HEP programmatic activities that require computational technology are described in the Energy, Intensity and Cosmic frontiers and the various subtopics [1]

Although particle physics computer systems and software development typically occur in large collaborative efforts at national particle accelerator centers, there are opportunities for small businesses to make innovative and creative contributions that can be commercialized. Applicants interested to apply for the SBIR/STTR projects in the HEP area are encouraged to collaborate with active high energy particle physicists at universities or national laboratories to establish mutually beneficial goals. National Laboratories that support HEP research can be found at [2] and on-line directories of appropriate researchers are available by institution at [3]. Prospective applicants are also advised to consult with the SBIR commercialization department and their collaborator’s university or laboratory small business offices for appropriate presentation of commercialization plan.

Although some aspects of HEP computing technology may have similarities with other disciplines applicants should consult with their HEP supported collaborators and focus on proposals that enhance HEP research interests. Areas of present interest include innovative and scalable software and codes for multi core computer systems including parallelizing community codes like GEANT [4]; web tools and collaboration software for distributed computing and data
sharing initiatives like the Open Science Grid [5]; development of wide area networks [6] and cyber security systems for distributed data; frameworks and database development including data storage, management, reliability, and preservation systems [7]; research on computing clusters including GPUs [8].

All grant applications must clearly and specifically indicate their relevance to present or future HEP programmatic activities as described in the Energy, Intensity and Cosmic frontiers.

Grant applications are sought for the development of novel devices and instrumentation for use in producing intense low energy muon beams suitable for precision muon experiments, and intense high energy muon beams suitable for neutrino factories and/or muon colliders. Approaches of interest include the development of: (1) new concepts for the generation, capture, acceleration, and colliding of intense muon beams; (2) concepts or devices for ionization cooling, including emittance exchange processes; (3) improved simulation packages for studying ionization cooling of muon beams; (4) novel cooling schemes of optical stochastic cooling, coherent electron cooling, and paramteric ionization cooling; (5) concepts or devices for manipulation and control of the longitudinal phase space of large emittance muon beams, including bunching, phase rotation, and bunch merging; (6) concepts or devices for producing intense polarized muon beams; (7) large aperture kickers for injection and extraction in muon cooling rings; (8) concepts and prototyping elements for cost effective rapid acceleration, e.g., 1 T/s pulsed magnets; (9) instrumentation for muon cooling channels that have muon intensities of 1012 muons/pulse; or (10) fast (on the order of 10 picosecond) timing detectors for muon cooling experiments with low muon intensity (on the order of 105 muons/second).

Grant applications are also sought to develop non-scaling Fixed Field Alternating Gradient (FFAG) and Recirculating Linear Accelerator (RLA) systems for muon acceleration. For FFAG, approaches of interest include: (1) the development and analysis of FFAG designs that contain insertion sections, (2) engineering design and cost analysis of injection and extraction systems for a neutrino factory FFAG, including the effect of the kicker system on the beam dynamics, and (3) detailed analysis of the dynamics of recently proposed non-scaling FFAG designs, including such features as dynamic aperture (and how it depends on acceleration
rate) and sensitivity to errors.

For RLA, approaches of interest include: (1) lattice optimization for a large energy range, (2) examination of the practical upper limit to the number of passes the beam can make through an RLA, and (3) detailed design of a suitable switchyard and its magnets.

Lastly, grant applications are sought for new concepts, approaches, or designs for radiofrequency amplifiers, or pulse compression schemes, for use in the acceleration and ionization cooling channels of a future muon collider. The amplifiers or compressors must have high peak power (>30 MW) and pulsed, low frequency (from 2 ms pulses at 20 MHz to 0.1 ms pulses at
200 MHz). Higher power (>100 MW) pulsed sources at higher frequencies, e.g., 30 ?s at 400 MHz, also are of interest. All muon collider amplifiers must have moderate repetition rate capability (e.g., 50 Hz). Grant applications should address the cost per unit of peak power, including the cost of required power supplies.

Questions – contact LK Len, lk.len@science.doe.gov

Grant applications are sought for the development of electromagnetic, permanent magnet, silicon microcircuit, or electron-beambased
charged particle optical elements for particle beam focusing. Examples include, but are not limited to, (1) dipoles, quadrupoles, higher order multipole correctors for use in electron linear accelerators; and (2) solenoids for use in electron-beam or ion-beam sources, or for klystron or other radio frequency amplifier tubes operating at wavelengths from 0.7 to 10 cm. In these optical elements, permanent magnets or hybrid magnets incorporating magnetic materials that have very high residual magnetization, radiation resistance, and thermal stability (low variation of field strength with temperature) are of particular interest.

Grant applications also are sought to develop (1) undulators for bunching high energy electron beams, needed for phased injection in high frequency accelerating structures and for generating coherent transition radiation; (2) electron lenses for compensation of space-charge and beam-beam effects and for particle collimation; (3) novel charged particle beam monitors to measure the transverse or longitudinal charge distribution, emittance, or phase-space distributions of small radius (0.1 ?m to 5 mm diameter), short length (10 ?m to 10 mm) relativistic electron or ion beams; and (4) devices capable of measuring and recording the Schottky or transition radiation spectrum of these beams (proposed techniques should be nondestructive, or minimally perturbative, to the beams monitored and have computer-compatible readouts).
Grant applications also are sought to develop achromatic, isochronous compact focusing systems with broad energy acceptance and compact broadband (10-100 MeV) spectrometers, suitable for use in laser acceleration experiments.

Lastly, grant applications are sought to develop high density (range of 1018-1020 cm-3), high repetition rate (?10 Hz) pulsed gas jets, capable of producing longitudinally tailored density profiles with long lengths (centimeter scale) and narrow widths (few hundred microns) for use in laser wakefield accelerators. The gas jet should have sharp entrance gradients, with a transition region/length on the order of 500 ?m. The pulse duration of the jets should be less than 500 ?s to minimize the amount of gas loading in vacuum chambers. Cluster gas jets, i.e., jets that are cooled and produce atomic clusters, are also of interest.

Questions – contact LK Len, lk.len@science.doe.gov

Grant applications are sought to develop: (1) improved software systems for command and control functions, real time database management, real-time or off-line modeling of the accelerator system and beam, and status display systems encountered in state-of-the-art approaches to accelerator control and optimization; and (2) improved decision and database management tools, specifically for use in planning and controlling the integrated cost, schedule, and resources in large HEP R&D and construction projects.

Grant applications also are sought to develop real-time optical networks for pulsed-accelerator control. These networks require timing information to be combined with data-communication functions on a single optical fiber connected to pulsed device-controllers. The single fiber should provide each controller with an RF-synchronized clock that has the following features: (1) an arrival time that is phase-locked to the temperature-stabilized RF reference phase, (2) a phaselocked machine pulse fiducial point, (3) digital data for machine pulse-type selection and specific pulse identification, and (4) real-time-streaming pulsed waveform data-acquisition capabilities. The controllers serve as interfaces to systems that provide such functions as low-level RF signal generation, modulator control, beam position monitors, and machine protection system sensing. The network should provide real-time, fast-feedback loop closure and TCP/IP connectivity for slow control functions such as database access, device configuration, and code downloading and debugging.

Finally, grant applications are sought to develop real-time processors and software for pulsed accelerator control and monitoring. The software should be based on a multiprocessor architecture that can be deeply embedded within pulsed device-controllers, which employ system-on-a-chip, field-programmable gate-array, or application-specific integrated circuit technologies. The architectures should feature distinct processors for real-time pulse-to-pulse functions, and conventional slow control functions. Architectural provisions for supporting machine protection functions via an additional processor or dedicated hardware also should be included.

For the preceding two paragraphs, proposed solutions should be engineered to include: (1) resistance to electromagnetic interference generated by nearby, large pulsed-power systems; and (2) maximum availability in remote deployment locations.

Questions – contact LK Len, lk.len@science.doe.gov

The DOE supports research and development in a wide range of technologies essential to experiments in High Energy Physics (HEP) and to the accelerators at DOE high energy accelerator laboratories. The development of advanced technologies for particle detection and identification for use in HEP experiments or particle accelerators is desired. Broadly the areas of interest are improvements in the sensitivity, robustness, and cost effectiveness of particle detectors. Principal areas of interest include particle detectors based on new techniques and technological developments, or detectors that can be used in novel ways as a consequence of associated technological developments in electronics (e.g., sensitivity or bandwidth). Also of interest are novel experimental systems that use new detectors, or use old ones in new ways or with significant improvement, in order to either extend basic HEP experimental research capabilities or result in less costly and less complex apparatus. Devices which exhibit insensitivity to very high radiation levels have recently become extremely important. Grant applications must clearly and specifically indicate their particular relevance to HEP programmatic activities.

Although particle physics detector development is often concentrated at major national particle accelerator centers, there are many developmental endeavors, especially in collaborative efforts, where small businesses can make creative and innovative contributions that further develop the required advanced technologies. Nonetheless, applicants are encouraged to collaborate with active high energy elementary particle physicists at universities or national laboratories to establish mutually beneficial goals. On-line directories of appropriate researchers are available at http://www.hep.net/sites/directories.html.

Proposed devices must be explicitly related to future high-energy physics experiments, either accelerator or non-accelerator based, or to future uses in particle accelerators. Relevant potential improvements over existing devices and techniques must be discussed explicitly. For example with respect to radiation hardness, energy, position, and timing resolution, sensitivity, rate capability, stability, dynamic range, durability, compactness, cost, etc. Electromagnetic calorimeters, also called shower counters or gamma ray detectors, must be optimized for photons with energies above 1 GeV. X-ray detectors are not relevant to this topic. Grant applications are sought in the following subtopics:

A recent trend in nuclear physics is to construct data handling and distribution systems using web services or data grid infrastructure software – such as Globus, Condor, SRB, and xrootd – for large scale data processing and distribution. Grant applications are sought for (1) hardware and/or software techniques to improve the effectiveness and reduce the costs of storing, retrieving, and moving such large volumes of data, including, but not limited to, automated data replication coupled with application-level knowledge of data usage, data transfers to Tier 2 and Tier 3 centers from multiple data provenance – with an aim for least wait-time and maximal coordination (coordination of otherwise chaotic transfers), distributed storage systems of commercial off-theshelf (COTS) hardware, storage buffers coupled to 10 Gbps (or greater) networks, and end-toend monitoring and diagnostics of WAN file transport; (2) hardware and/or software techniques to improve the effectiveness of computational and data grids for nuclear physics – examples include integrating storage and data management services with scalable distributed data repositories such as xrootd, and developing application-level monitoring services for status and error diagnosis; (3) effective new approaches to data mining, automatic structuring of data and information, and facilitated information retrieval; (4) new tools for configuring and scheduling compute and storage resources for data-intensive high performance computing tasks such as in user analyses where repeated passes over large datasets requiring fast turnaround times are needed; and (5) distributed authorization and identity management systems, enabling single sign-on access to data distributed across many sites. Proposed infrastructure software solutions should consider and address the advantages of integrating closely with relevant components of Grid middleware, such as the Virtual Data Toolkit (VDT), as the foundation used by nuclear physics and other science communities. Applicants that propose data distribution and processing projects are encouraged to determine relevance and possible future migration strategies into existing infrastructures.

Grant applications also are sought (1) to provide redundancy and increased reliability for servers employing parallel architecture, so that they are capable of handling large numbers of simultaneous requests by multiple users; (2) for hardware and software to improve remote user access to computer facilities at nuclear physics research centers, while at the same time providing adequate security to protect the servers from unauthorized access; and (3) for hardware and software to significantly improve the energy efficiency and reduce the operating costs of computer facilities at nuclear physics research centers.

Questions - contact Manouchehr Farkhondeh, manouchehr.farkhondeh@science.doe.gov

Modern data acquisition systems are becoming more heterogenous and distributed. This presents new challenges in synchronization of the different elements of this event-driven architecture. The building blocks of the data acquisition system are digitizers, either flash digitizers or integrating digitizers of time, pulse height or charge. These elements respond in real-time to convert electrical signals from detectors into digital form. The data from each detector element is labeled with a precisely synchronized time and transmitted to buffers. The total charge, the number of coincident elements or other information summaries are used to determine if something interesting has happened, that is, forming a trigger. If the trigger justifies it, the data from the elements are assembled together into a time-correlated event for later analysis, a process called Event Building. At present the elements tend to be connected by buses (VME, cPCI), custom interconnects or serial connections (USB).

A concept of the next generation data acquisition system is that it will be ultimately composed of separate ADC's for each detector element, connected by commercial network or serial technology, is envisioned. Development is required to implement the elements of this distributed data acquisition over commercially available network technologies such as 10 Gb Ethernet or Advanced Telecommunications Computing Architecture (ATC). The initial work needed is to develop a software architecture for a system that works efficiently in the available network bandwidth and latencies. The elements desired in the architecture are to (1) synchronize time to a sufficient precision, as good as 10ns or better to support Flash Analog-to-Digital Converter (FADC) clock synchronization, 100ns or better to support trigger formation and event building, (2) determine a global trigger from information transmitted by the individual components (3) notify the elements of a successful trigger, in order to locally store the current information, (4) collect event data from the individual elements to be assembled into events and (5) software tools to validate the function of the synchronization, triggering and event building during normal operation. The synchronization of time is critical to the success of this architecture, as is the constant validation of the synchronization.

The software architecture would specify a functional model for the individual elements of the system, the high level network protocols, and requirements on the communications fabric for given data rates and system latencies. In certain types of experiments at FRIB, low event rates of 1 to 10 kevents/s are anticipated, with large data streams from FADC-based detector systems. The large latencies possible in highly buffered flash ADC architectures can be used to advantage in the design of the architecture. A portable software implementation of the elements would be the next step in the development.

Such an architecture and its implementation could form the basis of a standard for next generation data acquisition in nuclear physics, particularly at the FRIB. Interested parties should contact Dr. Robert Varner at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (varnerrl@ornl.gov).

Questions - contact Manouchehr Farkhondeh, manouchehr.farkhondeh@science.doe.gov

Grant applications are sought to develop custom-designed integrated circuits, as well as circuits (including firmware) and systems, for rapidly processing data from highlysegmented, position-sensitive germanium detectors (pixel sizes of approximately 1 cm2) and from particle detectors (e.g., gas detectors, scintillation counters, silicon drift chambers, silicon strip detectors, particle calorimeters, and Cherenkov counters) used in nuclear physics experiments. Areas of specific interest include (1) representative circuits such as low-noise preamplifiers, amplifiers, peak sensors, analog storage devices, analog-to-digital and time-todigital converters, transient digitizers, and time-to-amplitude converters; (2) front-end and multiplexing integrated circuits operating in cryogenic environment, to allow for reduction of noise, power, and number of feedthroughs in highly segmented germanium detectors; (3) multiple-sampling application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), to allow for pulse-shape analysis; (4) readout electronics for solid-state pixilated detectors, including interconnection technologies and amplifier/sample-and-hold integrated circuits; (5) systems with exceedingly large dynamic range (> 5000) employing, for example, either dynamic CSA gain changing or combinations of a standard linear CSA with a time-over-threshold (TOT) that works well into CSA saturation; and (6) constant-fraction discriminators with uniform response for low- and high energy gamma rays. These circuits should be fast; low-cost; high-density; configurable in software for thresholds, gains, etc.; easy to use with commercial auxiliary electronics; low power; compact; and efficiently packaged for multi-channel devices.

In addition, planned luminosity upgrades at RHIC will require fine-grained vertex and tracking detectors (both silicon and gas) for high particle multiplicity environments. Therefore, grant applications are sought for advances in microelectronics that are specifically designed for low noise amplification and processing of detector signals, and that are suitable for these next generation detectors. The microelectronics and associated interconnections must be lightweight and have low power dissipation. Of particular interest are designs that minimize higher-gate leakage currents due to tunneling and maintain dynamic range.

Questions - contact Manouchehr Farkhondeh, manouchehr.farkhondeh@science.doe.gov

Grant applications are sought to develop (1) manufacturing techniques for large, thin, multiple-layer printed circuit boards (PCBs) with plated-through holes, dimensions from 2m x 2m to 5m x 5m, and thicknesses from 100 to 200 microns (these PCBs would have use in cathode pad chambers, cathode strip chambers, time projection chamber cathode boards, etc); (2) techniques to add plated-through holes, in a reliable robust way, to large rolls of metallized mylar or kapton (which would have applications in detectors such as time expansion chambers or large cathode strip chambers); and (3) miniaturization techniques for connectors and cables with 5 times to 10 times the density of standard interdensity connectors.

In addition, many next-generation detectors will have highly segmented electrode geometries with 5-5000 channels per square centimeter, covering areas up to several square meters. Conventional packaging and assembly technology cannot be used at these high densities. Grant applications are sought to develop (1) advanced microchip module interconnect technologies that address the issues of high-density area-array connections – including modularity, reliability, repair/rework, and electrical parasitics; (2) technology for aggregating and transporting the signals (analog and digital) generated by the front-end electronics, and for distributing and conditioning power and common signals (clock, reset, etc.); (3) low-cost methods for efficient cooling of on-detector electronics; (4) low-cost and low-mass methods for grounding and shielding; and (5) standards for interconnecting ASICs (which may have been developed by diverse groups in different organizations) into a single system for a given experiment – these standards should address the combination of different technologies, which utilize different voltage levels and signal types, with the goal of reusing the developed circuits in future experiments.

Lastly, highly-segmented detectors with pixels smaller than 100 microns present a significant challenge for integration with frontend electronics. New monolithic techniques based on vertical integration and through-silicon vias have potential advantages over the current bump-bonded approach. Grant applications are sought to demonstrate reliable, readily-manufacturable technologies to interconnect silicon pixel detectors with CMOS front-end integrated circuits. Of highest long term interest are high-density high-functionality 3D circuits with direct bonding of high resistivity silicon detector layer of an appropriate thickness (50 to 500 microns) to a 3D stack of thin CMOS layers. The high resistivity detector layer would be fully depleted to enable fast charge collection with very low diffusion. The thickness of this layer would be optimized for the photon energy of interest or to obtain sufficient signal from minimum ionizing particles.

Questions - contact Manouchehr Farkhondeh, manouchehr.farkhondeh@science.doe.gov

Grant applications are sought to improve or advance superconducting and room-temperature materials or components for RF devices used in particle accelerators. Areas of interest include (1) peripheral components, for both room temperature and superconducting structures, such as ultra high vacuum seals, terminations, high reliability radio frequency windows using alternative materials (e.g., sapphire), RF power couplers, and magnetostrictive or piezoelectric cavity-tuning mechanisms; (2) fast ferroelectric microwave components that control reactive power for fast tuning of cavities or fast control of input power coupling; (3) materials that efficiently absorb microwaves from 2 to 90 GHz and are compatible with ultra-high vacuum, particulate-free environments at 2 to 4 K; (4) innovative designs for hermetically sealed helium refrigerators and other cryogenic equipment, which simplify procedures and reduce costs associated with repair and modification; (5) more cost effective, kW-to-multiple-kW level, liquid helium refrigerators; (6) simple, lowcost mechanical techniques for damping length oscillations in accelerating structures, effective in the 10-300 Hz range at 2 and/or 4.5 K; (7) alternative cavity fabrication techniques, such as hydro forming or spinning of seamless SRF cavities; and (8) novel SRF linac mechanical support structures with low thermal conductivity and high vibration isolation and strength.

Grant applications also are sought to develop (1) methods for manufacturing superconducting radio frequency (SRF) accelerating structures with Q0>1010 at 2.0 K, or with correspondingly lower Q’s at higher temperatures such as 4.5 K; and (2) advanced fabrication methods for SRF cavities of various geometries (including elliptical, quarter and half wave resonators) to reduce production costs. Industrial metal forming techniques, especially with large grain or ingot material, have the potential for significant cost reductions by simplifying sub-assemblies – e.g., dumbbells and beam tube – and reducing the number of electron beam welds.

Grant applications also are sought to develop (1) improved superconducting materials that have lower RF losses, operate at higher temperatures, and/or have higher RF critical fields than sheet niobium; and (2) techniques to create a layer of niobium on the interior of a copper elliptical cavity, such as by energetic ion deposition, so that the resulting 700-1500 MHz structures have Q0>8 x 109 at 2 K. Approaches of interest involving atomic layer deposition (ALD) synthesis should identify appropriate precursors and create high quality Nb, NbN, Nb3Sn, or MgB2 films with anti-diffusion dielectric overlayers.

Grant applications also are sought for laser or electron beam surface glazing of niobium for surface purification and annealing in vacuum.

Finally, grant applications are sought to develop advanced techniques for surface processing of superconducting resonators, including methods for electropolishing, high temperature treatments, and surface coatings that enhance or stabilize performance parameters. Methods which avoid use of hydrofluoric acid are desirable. Surface conditioning processes of interest should (1) yield microscopically smooth (Rq< 10 nm / 10?m2), crystallographically clean bulk niobium surfaces; and/or (2) reliably remove essentially all surface particulate contaminates (> 0.1 ?m) from interior surfaces of typical RF accelerating structures. Grant applications aimed at design solutions that enable integrated cavity processing with tight process quality control are highly sought.

For questions related to items (1) through (7) in the first paragraph of this subtopic, contact Dr. Robert Rimmer at Thomas Jefferson Laboratory (rarimmer@jlab.org). For all other questions, contact Dr. Charles Reece at Thomas Jefferson Laboratory (reece@jlab.org).

Questions - contact Manouchehr Farkhondeh, manouchehr.farkhondeh@science.doe.gov

Grant applications are sought for the design, fabrication, and operation of radio frequency accelerating structures and systems for electrons, protons, and light- and heavy-ion particle accelerators. Areas of interest include (1) continuous wave (cw) structures, both superconducting and nonsuperconducting, for the acceleration of beams in the velocity regime between 0.001 and 0.03 times the velocity of light, and with charge-to-mass ratios between 1/6 and 1/240; (2) superconducting RF accelerating structures appropriate for rare isotope beam accelerator drivers, for particles with speeds in the range of 0.02-0.8 times the speed of light; (3) innovative techniques for field control of ion acceleration structures (1º or less of phase and 0.1% amplitude) and electron acceleration structures (0.1º of phase and 0.01% amplitude) in the presence of 10-100 Hz variations of the structures’ resonant frequencies (0.1-1.5 GHz); (4) multi-cell, superconducting, 0.5-1.5 GHz accelerating structures that have sufficient higher-order mode damping, for use in energy-recovering linac-based devices with ~1 A of electron beam; (5) methods for preserving beam quality by damping beam-break-up effects in the presence of otherwise unacceptably-large, higher-order cavity modes – one example of which would be a very high bandwidth feedback system; (6) development of tunable superconducting RF cavities for acceleration and/or storage of relativistic heavy ions; and (7) development of rapidly tunable RF systems for applications such as non-scaling fixed-field alternating gradient accelerators (FFAG) and rapid cycling synchrotrons, either for providing high power proton beams or for proton therapy.

Grant applications also are sought to develop software for the design and modeling of the above systems. Desired modeling capabilities include (1) charged particle dynamics in complex shapes, including energy recovery analysis; (2) the incorporation of complex fine structures, such as higher order mode dampers; (3) the computation of particle- and field-induced heat loads on walls; (4) the incorporation of experimentally measured 3-D charge and bunch distributions; and (5) and the simulation of the electron cloud effect and its suppression. For questions related to software design and modeling, contact Dr. Ilan Ben-Zvi at Brookhaven National Laboratory (benzvi@bnl.gov).

A high-integrated-voltage SRF cw crab crossing cavity is also of interest. Therefore, grant applications are sought for (1) designs, computer-modeling, and hardware development for an SRF crab crossing cavity with 0.5 to 1.5 GHz frequency and 20 to 50 MV integrated voltage; and (2) beam dynamics simulations of an interaction region with crab crossing. One example of candidate technologies would be a multi-cell SRF deflecting cavity. For questions or further specifications, contact Drs. Yaroslav Derbenev, Geoffrey Krafft or Yuhong Zhang at Thomas Jefferson Laboratory (derbenev@jlab.org, krafft@jlab.org, yzhang@jlab.org). For questions related to multicell SRF deflecting cavities, Dr. Ilan Ben-Zvi at Brookhaven National Laboratory (benzvi@bnl.gov) also may be contacted.

Grant applications also are sought to develop Hi-B solenoids with minimum fringe field – using 9 T solenoids in the same cryo module of a SRF accelerator as niobium cavities requires the external fringe fields to be very low. The problem is complicated by the inclusion of dipole correction coils and limited space, and the reduced field must be small in multiple directions. The development of cost-effective, compact units would make cryo module production simpler and cost effective. For questions, contact Dr. Al Zeller, NSCL/MSU (zeller@nscl.msu.edu).

Finally, grant applications also are sought to develop and demonstrate low level RF system control algorithms or control hardware that provide a robust and adaptive environment suitable for any accelerator RF system. Of special interest are approaches that address the particular challenges of superconducting RF systems, but room temperature systems are of interest as well.

Questions - contact Manouchehr Farkhondeh, manouchehr.farkhondeh@science.doe.gov

Grant applications are sought to develop (1) particle beam ion sources with improved intensity, emittance, and range of species; (2) methods and/or devices for reducing the emittance of relativistic ion beams – such as coherent electron cooling, and electron or optical-stochastic cooling; (3) methods and devices to increase the charge state of ion beams (e.g., by the use of special electron-cyclotron-resonance ionizers, electron-beam ionizers, or special stripping techniques); (4) techniques for in situ beam pipe surface coating to reduce the ohmic resistance and/or secondary electron yield; and (5) high brightness electron beam sources utilizing continuous wave (cw) superconducting RF cavities with integral photocathodes operating at high acceleration gradients. For questions on ion sources contact Dr. Anatoli Zelenski at Brookhaven National Laboratory (zelenski@bnl.gov).

Accelerator techniques for medium energy rings with high space charge are also of interest. Therefore, grant applications are sought to develop methods for maintaining low 4-D emittance in low and medium energy proton rings (10-30 GeV) with high space charge. Approaches of interest could include, but are not limited to, (1) novel magnet lattices designs, (2) advanced beam injection and ejection schemes, and (3) advanced studies on ring impedance and its reduction. Interested parties should contact Drs. Yaroslav Derbenev, Geoffrey Krafft or Yuhong Zhang at Thomas Jefferson Laboratory (derbenev@jlab.org, krafft@jlab.org, yzhang@jlab.org), for further specifications.

Accelerator techniques for energy recovery linac ERL based electron beam cooling are of high interest for next generation colliders for nuclear physics experiments. Therefore, grant applications are sought to develop (1) designs, computer-modeling, and hardware for a fast beam-switching kicker with 0.5 ns duration and 10 to 20 kW power in the range of 5-50 MHz repetition rate; and (2) optics designs and tracking simulations of beam systems for energy recovery linacs and electron circulator rings, with energy range from 5 to 130 MeV. Examples of candidate technologies include SRF deflecting cavity, pulse compression techniques, and beam-based kicker. Grant applications also are sought to develop computer software for the design, modeling and simulating any of these devices and beam transport systems. For questions and further specifications, contact Drs. Yaroslav Derbenev, Geoffrey Krafft or Yuhong Zhang at Thomas Jefferson Laboratory (derbenev@jlab.org, krafft@jlab.org, yzhang@jlab.org). For further information related to coherent electron cooling, please contact Dr. Vladimir Litvinenko at Brookhaven National Laboratory (vl@bnl.gov)

Lastly, grant applications are sought to develop software that adds significantly to the state-ofthe- art in the simulation of beam physics. Areas of interest include (1) intra-beam scattering, (2) spin dynamics, (3) polarized beam generation including modeling of cathode geometries for high current polarized electron sources, (4) electron cooling, beam dynamics, transport and instabilities; and (5) electron or plasma discharge in vacuum under the influence of charged beams. The software should use modern best practices for software design, should run on multiple platforms, and should run in both serial and parallel configurations. Grant applications also are sought to develop graphical user interfaces for problem definition and setup. For questions, contact Dr. Ilan Ben-Zvi at Brookhaven National Laboratory (benzvi@bnl.gov).

Questions - contact Manouchehr Farkhondeh, manouchehr.farkhondeh@science.doe.gov

Grant applications are sought to develop (1) ion sources for radioactive beams, (2) techniques for secondary radioactive beam collection, charge equilibration, and cooling; (3) technology for stopping energetic radioactive ions in helium gas and extracting them efficiently as high-quality low-energy ion beams; and (4) advanced parallel-computing simulation techniques for the optimization of both normal- and super-conducting accelerating structures for the future rare isotope facility.

Grant applications also are sought to develop radiofrequency devices for ion transport along surfaces. The transport of ions along walls of gas-filled vacuum chambers by means of a series of electrodes, to which radiofrequency voltages are applied, has gained significant importance, not only in nuclear physics for the stopping and thermalization of rare isotope beams but also in ion chemistry. Ultra-high vacuum compatible large-size printed circuit boards, or similar approaches, together with tailored RF circuitry, are considered most promising for providing low-maintenance reliable performance. Interested parties should contact Dr. Georg Bollen, FRIB/MSU (bollen@frib.msu.edu).

Grant applications also are sought to develop fast-release solid catcher materials. The stopping of high-energy (>MeV/u) heavy-ion reaction products in solid catchers is interesting for realizing high-intensity low-energy beams of certain elements and for the parasitic use of rare isotopes produced by projectile fragmentation. The development of suitable high-temperature materials to achieve fast release of the stopped rare isotopes as atomic or single-species molecular vapor is required. Interested parties should contact Dave Morrissey, NSCL/MSU (morrissey@nscl.msu.edu).

Grant applications also are sought to develop techniques for efficient rare isotope extraction from water. Water-filled beam dumps or reaction product catchers, considered in the context of highpower rare isotope beam production, could provide a source for the harvesting heavy-ion reaction products stopped in the water. In the case of interest contact Dr. Dave Morrissey, NSCL/MSU (morrissey@nscl.msu.edu).

Grant applications also are sought to develop techniques for the charge breeding of rare isotopes in Electron Beam Ion Sources or Traps (EBIS/T) prior to reacceleration. High breeding efficiencies in single charge states and short breeding times are required. In order to be able to optimize these values simulation tools will be needed that realistically describe electron-ion interaction and ion cooling mechanisms and use accurate electric and magnetic field models. Also high performance electron guns with well-behaved beam compression into the magnetic field of the EBIS/T will be required. The electron guns will have to be optimized for high perveance and multi-Ampere electron current output in order to optimize ion capacity, ion beam acceptance and breeding times. Interested parties should contact Dr. Stefan Schwarz NSCL//MSU (schwarz@nscl.msu.edu).

Grant applications are sought for development of radiation tolerant or radiation resistant multipole inserts in large-aperture superconducting quadrupoles used in fragment separators. Sextupole and octupole coils with multipole fields of up to 0.4 T are required to operate in a 2-T quadrupole field. Minimum cold mass and all-inorganic construction are requirements that may be partially met with High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) coils or conventional superconductors with non-standard insulation. Interested parties should contact Dr. Al Zeller, FRIB/MSU (zeller@frib.msu.edu).

Lastly, grant applications are sought to develop advanced and innovative approaches to the construction of large aperture superconducting and/or room temperature magnets, for use in fragment separators and magnetic spectrographs at rare isotope beam accelerator facilities. Grant applications also are sought for special designs that are applicable for use in high radiation areas. (Additional needs for high-radiation applications can be found in subtopic “d” of Topic 35, Nuclear Physics Detection Systems, Instrumentation and Techniques.)

Questions - contact Manouchehr Farkhondeh, manouchehr.farkhondeh@science.doe.gov

Grant applications are sought to develop (1) advanced beam diagnostics concepts and devices that provide high speed computer-compatible measurement and monitoring of particle beam intensity, position, emittance, polarization, luminosity, momentum profile, time of arrival, and energy (including such advanced methods as neural networks or expert systems, and techniques that are nondestructive to the beams being monitored); (2) beam diagnostic devices that have increased sensitivities through the use of superconducting components (for example, filters based on high Tc superconducting technology or Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices); (3) measurement devices/systems for cw beam currents in the range 0.1 to 100 ?A, with very high precision (<10-4) and short integration times; (4) beam diagnostics for ion beams with intensities less than 107 nuclei/second; (5) nondestructive beam diagnostics for stored proton/ion beams, such as at the RHIC, and/or for 100 mA class electron beams; (6) devices/systems that measure the emittance of intense (>100kW) cw ion beams, such as those expected at a future rare isotope beam facility; (7) beam halo monitor systems for ion beams; and (8) instrumentation for electron cloud effect diagnostics and suppression.

Grant applications are sought for the development of triggerable, high speed optical and/or IR cameras, with associated frame grabbers of high memory capacity for investigating time dependent phenomena in accelerator beams. Equipment needs to operate in a high-radiation environment, needs to have memory capacity at the level of 1000 frames, and have a frame capture rate of 1 MHz. The cameras will be used for high-speed analysis of optical transition or optical diffraction radiation data. Interested parties should contact Geoffrey Krafft at Thomas Jefferson Laboratory (krafft@jlab.org).

Grant applications also are sought for “intelligent” software and hardware to facilitate the improved control and optimization of charged particle accelerators and associated components for nuclear physics research. Areas of interest include the development of (1) generic solutions to problems with respect to the initial choice of operation parameters and the optimization of selected beam parameters with automatic tuning; (2) systems for predicting insipient failure of accelerator components, through the monitoring/cataloging/scanning of real-time or logged signals; and (3) devices that can perform direct 12-14 bit digitization of signals at 0.5-2 GHz and that have bandwidths of 100+ kHz.

Questions - contact Manouchehr Farkhondeh, manouchehr.farkhondeh@science.doe.gov

Nuclear physics research has a need for devices to detect, analyze, and track charged particles, and neutral particles such as neutrons, neutrinos, photons, and single atoms. Grant applications are sought to develop (1) photosensitive devices such as avalanche photodiodes, hybrid photomultiplier devices, single and multiple anode photomultiplier tubes, silicon-based photomultipliers, high-intensity (~1020 ?/s) gammaray current-readout detectors (e.g., Compton Diodes), photodiodes for operation at liquid helium temperatures with a signal-to-noise ratio comparable to a photomultiplier tube, photomultiplier tubes designed to work in a liquid helium environment, and other novel photon detectors; (2) detectors utilizing photocathodes for Cherenkov, visible and ultra-violet (UV) light detection, and new types of large-area photo-emissive materials such as solid, liquid, or gas photocathodes; (3) liquid argon and xenon ionization chambers and other cryogenic detectors; (4) single-atom detectors using laser techniques and electromagnetic traps; (5) particle polarization detectors; (6) electromagnetic and hadronic calorimeters, including high energy neutron detectors; and (7) systems for detecting the magnetization of polarized nuclei in a magnetic field (e.g., Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs) or cells with paramagnetic atoms that employ large pickup loops to surround the sample).

With respect to particle identification detectors, grant applications are sought for the development of: (1) cost-effective, large-area, high-quality Cherenkov materials; (2) costeffective, position sensitive, large-sized photon detection devices for Cherenkov counters; (3) high resolution time-of-flight detectors, such as Microchannel Plates (MCPs), Multigap Resistive Plate Chambers (MRPCs), and Geiger Avalanche Photodiodes (GAPDs), with the goal of attaining a time resolution of < 10 ps over large areas; (4) affordable methods for the production of large volumes of xenon and krypton gas (which would contribute to the development of transition radiation detectors and also would have many applications in X-ray detectors); (5) very high resolution particle detectors or bolometers (including the required thermistors) based on semiconductor materials and cryogenic techniques;. Of particular interest are detector technologies capable of measuring energies of alpha particles and protons with less than 5 keV resolution, thereby allowing spectroscopy experiments using light charged particles to be performed in the same way as spectroscopy experiments using gammas.

In addition, grant applications are sought to develop devices designed to perform precision calibration of the detectors listed above. Such devices include novel, controllable calibration sources for electrons, gammas, alphas, and neutrons; pulsed calibration sources for neutrons, gammas, and electrons; precision charged particle beams; and pulsed UV optical sources.

Grant applications also are sought for the development of tilted solenoids for spectrometers. In high field devices, iron has the undesirable property that saturation effects change the field characteristics as a function of induction. However, without iron, the stray fields are very often unacceptably high. For superconducting solenoids this problem can be solved by active shielding. The development of magnet systems with tilted crossed solenoid windings and active shielding could provide a solution for a broad variety of ironless superconducting dipoles, which, for example, could be used in high-acceptance spectrometers like the ISLA spectrometer planned for FRIB. Interested parties should contact Dr. Daniel Bazin, NSCL/MSU (bazin@nscl.msu.edu).

Finally, grant applications are sought for innovative designs of high-resolution particle separators and spectrometers for research programs associated with next-generation rare isotope beam and intense stable beam facilities. Developments of interest include both air-core and iron dominated superconducting magnets that use either conventional low-temperature conductor or new medium to high temperature conductors. Such magnets are needed for magnetic spectrometers, fragment separators, and beam transport systems. Innovative designs such as elliptical aperture multipoles and other combined function magnets are of interest. Also, there is a need for cryogenics systems in the mid-capacity range for use with superconducting spectrometers for nuclear physics. The emphasis is on cryogenic systems with higher capacity, improved efficiency, and reduced maintenance requirements at both low (4-20 K) and intermediate temperatures (50-77 K) relative to the present generation of cryocoolers. Interested parties should contact Dr. J. A. Nolen, Jr. at Argonne National Laboratory (nolen@anl.gov).

Questions - contact Manouchehr Farkhondeh, manouchehr.farkhondeh@science.doe.gov

Nuclear physics research has a need for devices to track charged particles, and neutral particles such as neutrons, neutrinos, photons, and single atoms. Grant applications are sought to develop advancements in the technology of solid-state tracking devices such as highly-segmented coaxial and planar germanium detectors; silicon drift, strip, and pixel detectors; and silicon 3D devices. With respect to solid state tracking devices, approaches of interest include (1) manufacturing techniques, including interconnection technologies for high granularity, high resolution, lightweight, and radiation-hard solid state devices; (2) highly arrayed solid state detectors for neutron detection, with integrated electronics to read-out pulse height; (3) thicker (more than 1.5 mm) segmented silicon charged-particle and x-ray detectors and associated high density, high resolution electronics; (4) cost-effective production of n-type and p-type silicon drift chambers with active areas greater than 16 cm2; (5) novel, low-noise cooling devices for efficiently operating these silicon drift chambers; (6) and other solid state detectors described in (2)-(4); and (7) techniques for substantial cost reduction of large-mass Ge detectors.

Grant applications also are sought to develop micro-channel plates; and gas-filled tracking detectors such as proportional, drift, streamer, microstrip, Gas Electron Multipliers (GEMs), Micromegas and other types of micropattern detectors, straw drift tube detectors. For straw tube detectors grant applications are sought for automated assembly and wiring techniques. Interested parties should contact Dr. Bernd Surrow (surrow@mit.edu).

Grant applications also are sought to develop position-sensitive charged particle and photon tracking devices, as well as associated technology for these devices, including (1) positionsensitive, high-resolution germanium detectors capable of determining the position (to within a few millimeters utilizing pulse shape analysis) and energy of individual interactions of gammarays (with energies up to several MeV), hence allowing for the reconstruction of the energy and path of individual gamma-rays using tracking techniques; (2) hardware and software needed for digital signal processing and gamma-ray tracking – of particular interest is the development of efficient and fast algorithms for signal decomposition and improved tracking programs; High speed triggers using FPGA’s capable of decision making in less than 1 us; (3) alternative materials, with comparable resolution to germanium, but with significantly higher efficiency and relatively higher temperature operation (in order to overcome the costly and bulky requirement to cool germanium detectors to liquid nitrogen temperatures); (4) improvements and new developments in micropattern detectors – this would specifically include commercial and cost effective production of GEM foils and other types of micropattern structures, such as fine meshes used in Micromegas, as well as novel approaches that could provide high-resolution multidimensional readout; (5) advances in more conventional charged-particle tracking detector systems, such as drift chambers, pad chambers, time expansion chambers, and time projection chambers (areas of interest include improved gases or gas additives that resist aging, improve detector resolution, decrease flammability, and offer larger/more uniform drift velocity); (6) high-resolution, gas-filled, time-projection chambers employing CCD cameras to perform an optical readout; (7) gamma-ray detectors capable of making accurate measurements of high intensities (>1011 /s) with a precision of 1-2 %, as well as economical gamma-ray beam-profile monitors; (8) for rare isotope beams, next-generation, high-spatial-resolution focal plane detectors for magnetic spectrographs and recoil separators, for use with heavy ions in the energy range from less than 1 MeV/u to over 100 MeV/u; (9) a bolometer with high-Z material (e.g., W, Ta, Pb) for gamma ray detection with segmentation, capable of handling 100 -1000 gamma rays per second; (10) detectors made of more conventional materials (silicon or scintillator), capable of reconstructing multiple-Compton gamma-ray scattering with mm resolution; and (11) advances in CCD technology, particularly in areas of fast parallel, low-power readout, and crosstalk control. In the context of (4) we are developing large area imaging devices using the Micromegas technology associated with the read-out of a high number of channels (typically ~10,000) we will need to develop PCB boards that have an extremely good surface finish (in the sub-micron domain), in order to get minimize gain fluctuations and sparking. Interested parties should contact Dr. Wolfgang Mittig, NSCL/MSU (mittig@nscl.msu.edu).

Finally, grant applications are sought to develop high-rate, position sensitive particle tracking detectors and timing detectors for high-energy heavy-ions, (for example diamond detectors). Future rare isotope beam facilities like FRIB will provide beams with unprecedented intensity, creating a challenge for single particle tracking and beam profile measurements. The development of position sensitive fast particle detectors for particle tracking/timing and with high rate capability would be desirable. Ideally these detectors would provide both position and timing measurements in a transmission mode and be radiation resistant and of very homogenous density and thickness. Interested parties should contact Dr. Marc Hausmann, FRIB/MSU (Hausmann@frib.msu.edu).

Questions - contact Manouchehr Farkhondeh, manouchehr.farkhondeh@science.doe.gov

The establishment of next generation rare isotope beam facilities requires new and improved techniques, instrumentations and strategies to deal with the anticipated high radiation environment in the production, stripping and transport of ion beams. Therefore grant applications are sought to develop:

(1) Rotating vacuum seals for application in high-radiation environment: Vacuum rotary feedthroughs for high rotational speeds, which have a long lifetime under a high-radiation environment, are highly desirable for the realization of rotating targets and beam dumps for rare isotope beam production and beam strippers in high-power heavy-ion accelerators. Interested parties should contact Dr. Wolfgang Mittig, NSCL/MSU (mittig@nscl.msu.edu).

(2) Radiation resistant multiple-use vacuum seals: Elastomer-based multi-use vacuum seals have a limited lifetime due to radiation damage in the high-radiation environment found in the target facility of FRIB and other high-power target facilities. Alternative solutions that provide extended lifetimes and are suitable for remote-handling applications are needed. Interest parties should contact Tom Burgess, NSTD/ORNL (burgesstw@ornl.gov).

(3) Radiation resistant magnetic field probes based on new technologies: An issue in all highpower target facilities and accelerators is the limited lifetime of conventional nuclear magnetic resonance probes in high-radiation environments. The development of radiationresistant magnetic field probes (possibly based on new techniques like ion traps) for 0.2-5 Tesla and a precision of dB/B<1E-4 would be highly desirable. Interested parties should contact Dr. Georg Bollen, FRIB/MSU (bollen@frib.msu.edu).

(4) Techniques to study radiation transport in beam production systems: The use of energetic and high-power heavy ion beams at future research facilities will create significant radiation fields. Radiation transport studies are needed to design and operate facilities efficiently and safely. Further improvements to radiation transport codes and models of secondary radiation production, shielding, and heat deposition – along with their validation against experimental data – are necessary. Heavy ion transport calculations in general take significantly longer computational time than for light ion transport. Therefore, improvements in calculation efficiencies are needed. Currently available heavy ion transport codes do not account for the production and intensity of the ions, or for changes in charge-state distributions as the ions pass through matter or magnetic fields. The development and incorporation of charge-state distribution models into radiation transport codes would enhance both the design of beam stripping and beam absorption components and the safety and lifetime consequences of produced radiation fields. Interested parties should contact Dr. Reg Ronningen, NSCL/MSU (ronningen@nscl.msu.edu).

(5) Techniques for modeling radiation damage with heavy ions: The use of energetic and highpower heavy ion beams at future research facilities will create significant levels of radiation damage to facility components, thus limiting their useful lifetimes. Sparse experimental data taken at low energies indicate that the radiation damage caused by heavy ions may be orders of magnitude higher than that predicted by existing models, such as those currently implemented in radiation transport codes. It is purported that phenomena such as the Swift Heavy Ion effect, which are not accounted for, may be important. New and/or improved models are needed to reliably estimate the effects of radiation damage by heavy ions, in order to better design and optimize the performance of future facilities. Interested parties should contact Dr. Reg Ronningen, NSCL/MSU (ronningen@nscl.msu.edu).

Questions - contact Manouchehr Farkhondeh, manouchehr.farkhondeh@science.doe.gov

Separation of isotopes from contaminants and bulk material and the purification of the isotope to customer specifications is a critical process in the production cycle of an isotope. Traditional strategies and techniques rely on old technologies and still require an extensive workforce to operate specialized equipment, such as manipulators for remote handling in hot cell environments. Conventional separation methods may include liquid-liquid extraction, column extraction, distillation or precipitation and are used to separate radioactive and nonradioactive trace metals from target materials, lanthanides, alkaline and alkaline earth metals, halogens, or organic materials. High-purity isotope products are essential for high-yield protein radiolabeling, for radiopharmaceutical use, or to replace materials with undesirable radioactive emissions. Improved radiochemical separation methods can be achieved and costs of isotope production can be reduced by a) improvements in separations chemistry methods, and b) implementing automated systems and robotics. Of particular interest are developments that automate routine separation processes in order to reduce operator labor hours and worker radiation dose, including semi-automation modules for separations or automated, microprocessor controlled systems for elution, radiolabeling, purification, and dispensing. Such automated assemblies should be easily adaptable to different processes and hot cell use at multiple sites, including the DOE laboratories currently producing radioisotopes.

Applications are sought for innovative developments and advances in separation technologies to reduce processing time, to improve separations efficiencies, to automate separation systems, to minimize waste streams, and to develop advanced materials for high-purity radiochemical separations. In particular, the Department seeks improvements in (1) lanthanide and actinide separations, (2) in the development of higher binding capacity resins and adsorbents for radioisotope separations to decrease void volume and to increase activity concentrations, (3) the scale-up of separation methods demonstrated on a small scale to large-volume production level, and (4) new resin and adsorbent materials with increased resistance to radiation.

The following are some new strategies for radioisotope processing and separation technologies. In lanthanide radiochemistry, improvements are sought to a) prepare high-purity samarium-153 by removing contaminant promethium and europium; or b) to prepare high-purity gadolinium- 148 and gadolinium-153 by ultra-pure separation from europium, samarium, and promethium contaminants. Sn-117m has gotten a lot of interest in the last few years. It has favorable nuclear properties for both imaging and therapy. However commercial quantities of the isotope at high specific activity is not available. Supply of commercial quantities of high specific activity Sn- 117m would be of high interest. Re-186 has excellent nuclear properties for therapy and is chemically similar to Tc-99m which is widely used for diagnostic imaging. Therefore, Re-186 could used as a therapeutic matched pair for currently available diagnostic imaging agents. However, high specific activity Re-186 is not available. So, alternative methods of production or mass separation to remove stable Re isotopes, which can provide commercial quantities of high specific activity Re-186 is highly desirable. In actinide radiochemistry, innovative methods are sought a) to improve radiochemical separations of or lower-cost approaches for producing highpurity actinium-225 and actinium-227 from contaminant metals, including thorium, radium, lead, and/or bismuth; or b) to improve ion-exchange column materials needed for generating lead-212 from radium-224, and bismuth-213 from actinium-225 or radium-225. The new technologies must be applicable in extreme radiation fields that are characteristic of chemical processing involving high levels of alpha-and/or beta-/gamma-emitting radionuclides. Interested parties may contact Dr. Russ Knapp (knappffjr@ornl.gov).

Questions - contact Manouchehr Farkhondeh, manouchehr.farkhondeh@science.doe.gov

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