Are you centered? Computer-controlled crystal centering using Cryscenter. ANUBHAV JAIN (Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853) VIVIAN STOJANOFF (Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973)

True high-throughput protein crystallography requires an automatic crystal centering system. Automated centering greatly improves the efficiency of the data collection process, allowing more samples to be tested and making the beamline more user-friendly. A fully computer-controlled centering software, Cryscenter, is introduced. Cryscenter analyzes images from a camera using image processing techniques, locating the loop’s position. The location of the x-ray beam is determined via a set of crosshairs imprinted on the image, which have been calibrated to the beam position. Cryscenter uses this information to automatically move the goniometer head such that the loop is centered in the beam, ready for diffraction. Crystal centering is achieved simply by double-clicking the crystal in the Cryscenter frame. This software currently allows researchers to center crystals in less time, without needing to go inside the hutch and press motor switches. Future work will concentrate on no-click crystal centering, opening up the possibility of fully automated beamlines.

Centralized Laser Energy Monitoring System (CLEMS) with Network Capabilities and Remote Triggering. DMITRIY BEKKER (Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY 14623) KARL KUSCHE (Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973)

The Accelerator Test Facility (ATF) at the Brookhaven National Laboratory has a number of interconnected laser laboratories where laser energy is measured with various types of joulemeters. To increase convenience and improve efficiency of operating the laser system from multiple locations, a centralized laser energy monitoring system has been developed that allows for: (1) data acquisition from up to eight wired laser energy probes, (2) the ability to read all eight channels from any networked computer in the facility, and (3) the ability to trigger, by remote control, a single laser pulse synchronized to ATF’ s electron linear accelerator (LINAC). CLEMS has been designed using National Instrument’s (NI) LabView 5.1.1. The program interacts with NI’s MIO-16E-1 data acquisition board and the BNC-2090 accessory. Optoacoustic laser probes used to measure laser energy have been studied and calibrated to work with the BNC-2090 accessory. The remote synchronous triggering capability of the system has been developed using Rayming’s transmitter and receiver boards along with Reynolds Electronics’ RX-6 relay module and a synchronization circuit. CLEMS has been verified to work on the network with optoacoustic laser probes and remote synchronous triggering capability in a high electro-magnetic noise environment associated with operation of ATF’s laser system. More electro-magnetic noise will be generated once ATF’s terawatt laser amplifier system is powered on. The functionality of CLEMS in the presence of the terawatt amplifier system is currently under investigation. Future work will include setting up CLEMS to work with a variety of joulemeter probes, making improvement to the server/client interface, and studying the effects of noise on remote synchronous triggering and data acquisition.

Cryogenic Cycle for a High Temperature Superconducting Magnet. JENNIFER PAI (Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853) KUO-CHEN WU (Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973)

With current advances in high temperature superconductivity, new superconductors can be run at temperatures higher than 4K. These new materials require cooling and refrigerating to temperatures between 5 and 80K while still producing similar results as those of previous superconductors. Currently at Brookhaven National Laboratory, a fragment separator is studied that operates at 20-30K. Several process cycles were developed and studied with parameters specific to this magnet. The parameters included a 5,000 watt heat load based on previous studies on the magnet. Thermodynamic calculations were performed using Excel with helium properties provided by a Hepak program. Process cycles were adapted from existing 4K refrigerators with a modified cold end configuration. Each process cycle was evaluated with Carnot efficiencies ranging from 11 to 23%. The most efficient process design happened to contain the fewest components. This resulting process cycle will serve as the baseline and later be refined for cooling the high temperature superconducting magnet at Brookhaven National Laboratory.

Design and Operation of a Cryogenic Radiation-Effects Apparatus. KIMBERLY BUTCHER (University at Buffalo, Amherst, NY 14261) GEORGE ALANSON GREENE (Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973)

The evaluation of radiation effects is crucial in the design and operation of facilities which would be subjected to long periods of high-intensity, high-energy particle irradiation. Such effects can be encountered in diverse applications such as space exploration, nuclear physics studies and nuclear reactor facilities. Our objectives were to design, construct and operate a portable and versatile vacuum-cryostat apparatus that would be capable of performing measurements on the effects of various forms of ionizing radiation on matter, with a precision not previously achievable. The apparatus would use novel cryogenic techniques recently developed at Brookhaven National Laboratory to perform precision measurements of radiation effects, including energy deposition due to nuclear spallation radiation of protons and heavy ions in structural materials and radiation damage in metals, oxides and superconductors by protons and neutrons. The apparatus consists of a vacuum chamber into which a liquid helium cryostat is inserted; instrumented targets are mounted to the cold-head. Resistance measurements are taken of the targets with high precision at liquid helium temperature in a hard vacuum. Radiation effects are evaluated by correlating these electrical resistance measurements with physical parameters in, such as specific energy deposition (J/gm/particle) or radiation damage displacement cross sections (barns), order to quantify the effects. Initial shakedown testing of the apparatus indicates reliable operation at 10-9 Torr and 5K for up to 24 hours, with a precision of 0.01 K in controlling temperature. Our experimental plans are to measure radiation damage displacement cross sections by neutrons and protons, and eventually heavy ions, over an energy range of several MeV to several GeV.

Development of Electronic Logic for the Brookhaven Atmospheric Tracer Sampler. JOHN CORNWELL (Duke University, Durham, NC 27708) JOHN HEISER (Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973)

The Brookhaven Atmospheric Tracer Sampler (BATS) is designed to collect air samples by pumping air though adsorbent tubes. Manmade tracers, which are released into the atmosphere at various locations, pass though the tubes and become trapped on the adsorbent material inside. The tubes are then brought back to the lab for analysis. Although the pumping and pneumatic valve systems are still state of the art, the electronic logic within the BATS has become outdated over the past 20 years. It lacks programmability and is prone to failure in the field. The main goal of this internship was to examine possible means of improving or replacing these electronics. Options ranged from simply redesigning the digital logic to imbedding a ruggedized laptop within the machine to control it. The option mainly explored was to use a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) to control the pump and valves. The PDA was programmed using Embedded Visual C++ to have the functionality of the BATS logic through a graphical user interface. To activate the pump and valve assembly, the PDA was connected to a simple circuit board through a nine-pin serial cable. This circuit board was developed with a PIC18F1320 microcontroller to read serial input signals and provide motor controllers to activate the pump and valves on the BATS. The benefits of using a PDA are its programmability and it’s ability to change sample periods on the fly using 802.11b wireless internet. Although this solution still requires circuitry, it was simple and inexpensive to develop a working prototype. The circuitry needed was uncomplicated because all of the behavior of the unit was stored in memory on the PDA.

Fundamentals of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and designing a PLC Controlled Accelerator Experimental Beamline Access Security System. WILLIAM DINAPOLI (Bronx Community College, Bronx, NY 10462) VINCENT CASTILLO (Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973)

Allen-Bradley (A-B) has 2 Programmable logic Controllers (PLC) application software packages: RS Logix generates logic codes for reading data from sensing modules and writing commands to controlling modules and RS View allows for the formulation of human-machine (H-M) interfaces, on computer screens, that interact with operating systems in real time using the information from the RS Logix program. Simple RS Logix programs are written and tested on hardware in a laboratory setting to get an understanding of how these programs function, along with the RS View H-M interfaces. This knowledge and skill with RS Logix and RS View is used to build a Controlling system for access security to a typical Experimental Beamline on the Experimental floor of the Alternating Gradient Syncrotron (AGS).

Fundamentals of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and designing a PLC Controlled Accelerator Experimental Beamline Access Security System. MWESIGWA MUSISI-NKAMBWE (Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11972) VINCENT J. CASTILLO (Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973)

Allen-Bradley (A-B) has 2 Programmable logic Controllers (PLC) application software packages: RS Logix generates logic codes for reading data from sensing modules and writing commands to controlling modules and RS View allows for the formulation of human-machine (H-M) interfaces, on computer screens, that interact with operating systems in real time using the information from the RS Logix program. Simple RS Logix programs are written and tested on hardware in a laboratory setting to get an understanding of how these programs function, along with the RS View H-M interfaces. This knowledge and skill with RS Logix and RS View is used to build a Controlling system for access security to a typical Experimental Beamline on the Experimental floor of the Alternating Gradient Syncrotron (AGS).

Hydraulic Modeling Analysis of Brookhaven National Laboratory’s Potable Water Supply System. ALAN KOUCHINSKY (Universiy of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742) MICHEAL KRETSCHMANN (Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973)

The potable water supply distribution network at Brookhaven National Laboratory consists of 26 miles of mains, 253 hydrants, and 477 valves. A majority of the network is between 40 and 60 years old. The piping supplies water for experimental cooling, domestic consumption, fire suppression systems and Fire Department use. It has been determined by annual flow tests that the flow capacity of the aging network is diminishing over time. For example, one of the 23 annual flow test sites showed a flow capacity decrease of 15 percent in the last decade. A quantitative analysis of the potable water supply distribution network, by building a hydraulic model based on the Hazen-Williams formula, is necessary to understand and mitigate the diminishing flow capacity in the BNL network. In order to create a realistic hydraulic model, two major data sets are needed to accurately portray the present hydraulic dynamics of any water supply network. The two data sets are: establish the "C" factor (roughness) for sampled categories of pipe groups, and determine the distribution of experimental cooling, and domestic water usage throughout the network. To establish the "C" factor, nine pressure gradient tests were selected to represent the different categories of pipe based on pipe material, sizes, and age groups in the network. Factors that influence the results were: type of pipe material, pipe size, average water velocity from daily water usage, and proximity to water supply sources. Determining the true distribution of experimental cooling, and domestic water usage throughout the network requires the use of both documented information and estimation methods. BNL consumed an average of 1.43 million gallons per day over the last 12 month period. Dividing the average daily demand between experimental cooling and domestic water usage is based on hypotheses because of the limited use of water meters on the piping network. Domestic consumption was determined based on industry averages for daily consumption by total number of employees in each building or structures at BNL. Assigning experimental cooling usage for each building will require determining consumption of equipment/processes. The preliminary work to create the hydraulic model is vital to determining how to maintain flow capacities to fight fires at BNL. This work is a continuous process, and further analysis needs to be complete to mimic actual flow rates.

Laser Electron Facility Sample Changer. ALEXANDER REBEN (Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL 32901) JAMES WISHART (Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973)

The Laser Electron Accelerator Facility (LEAF) contains an apparatus that is used to investigate fast reaction radiation chemistry. Since the facility puts out high radiation levels it is not possible to be in its protected vault while operating. If an experimenter wanted to test several solutions, they would need to shut down the accelerator to manually switch samples. Implementing an automatic sample changer can overcome this problem. Multiple solutions were investigated, including an expensive but precise system using motorized stages, but ultimately the decision was to make a simple "carousel" system using a microcontroller interface to LabView instrumentation control software. The system consists of a round aluminum plate with four square sample holder holes in it. The sample holders are of a standard size as to facilitate interoperability between sample holder systems and the ability to accommodate different sample containers. This disk is then attached to a low speed motor that in turn connects to relays that are connected to the microcontroller. The plate has four optical switches to read position and three limit switches to report the stop command to the microcontroller. This whole assembly is then connected to a custom "block" that contains the mirrors to guide the pulse laser and proper hardware to attach itself to the beam lines. It was important to keep the device together as a module so that it could be removed and attached with minimal recalibration. The "block" inside the vault is then fed its control through cables from the control box outside the vault, which contains the microprocessor. This control box provides audio/visual feedback and allows complete manual control of the changer if so desired. The control box then provides rudimentary control signals in the form of TTL binary logic to the LabView interface board. It is at this point where the signals are opto-isolated for safety. The LabView then has a custom "Virtual Instrument" to control the sample changer and read its position, ensuring proper operation. This system will enable scientists to continue their research with minimal interruption and downtime due to the shutdown and warm up time required to perform sample changes.

Mechanical Design Study of a Five-Meter Superconducting Undulator. PATRICK LYNCH (Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA 17837) JOHN SKARITKA (Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973)

In an effort for brighter, shorter pulse radiation, engineers around the world are looking to improve upon synchrotron light sources through updated insertion device technology and specifically, the superconducting undulator. This study aims to develop a mechanical design for a superconducting undulator, five meters in length, including cryogenic cooling and vacuum containment systems, as well as a variable gap mechanism. A simple wedged bearing system connecting the magnet cores with a thick steel plate set on rails will allow for vertical separation between the magnets through horizontal movement of the plate. In addition, a specially designed beam tube will eliminate the need for the magnet cores to be located within ultra-high vacuum and thus allows for maintenance and insertion without breaking into the ultra-high ring vacuum. Finally, recent advancements in Pulse Tube cryocoolers have enabled sufficient cooling to reach the 4.2 K temperatures necessary for superconductivity. While this study has provided several solutions to the engineering design issues associated with a superconducting undulator, more in depth studies are necessary. These include finite element analysis to evaluate thermal properties, as well as strength, flexure, and cryogenic heat transfer studies. The results of this study will be used in the future design of a working superconducting undulator, which may initially be used within the Nation Synchrotron Light Source.

Microstructure Gas Electron. CLIFFORD WILLIAMS (Southern University A&M College, Baton Rouge, LA 70813) DR. PETER SIDDONS (Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973)

Abstract Microstructure Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) A unique feature about a gas electron multiplier (GEM) detector is that it can be easily adapted to the experimental needs with pads or strips avoiding any accidental discharges. Using a GEM will allow the electrons to be collected directly onto a collector electrode, limiting their traveling distance, thus decreasing electron loss. Our team will be testing a new prototype 1-D x-ray detector designed by Dr. Peter Siddons located at BNL. The microstructure gas electron multiplier consists of a GEM which is a theoretically simple technique for producing a large gas avalanche gain by focusing the drift field over a very short distance, to the point that avalanching occurring increasing the number of drifting electrons. The GEM consists of a thin polymer sheet (Kapton) covered on each side with a thin metal layer (Cu); with tiny holes approximately 100µm in diameter through its entirety and with a pitch of typically 200µm on each side of a square matrix. The microstructure also includes a metal cathode plate. Below the GEM and cathode plate are collecting metal strips that direct the charge to amplifiers. These components will be enclosed in a 38x33mm rectangular airtight plexi-glass structure. ArCO2 will enter the structure via one inlet while exiting out another. Then an x-ray beamline, located at NSLS, BNL, will pass through the microstructure interacting with ArCO2 creating an avalanche affect of electrons.

Microstructure Gas Electron Multiplier. SHAYLA WILKINSON (Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA 70813) DR. PETER SIDDONS (Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973)

Abstract Microstructure Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) A unique feature about a gas electron multiplier (GEM) detector is that it can be easily adapted to the experimental needs with pads or strips avoiding any accidental discharges. Using a GEM will allow the electrons to be collected directly onto a collector electrode, limiting their traveling distance, thus decreasing electron loss. Our team will be testing a new prototype 1-D x-ray detector designed by Dr. Peter Siddons located at BNL. The microstructure gas electron multiplier consists of a GEM which is a theoretically simple technique for producing a large gas avalanche gain by focusing the drift field over a very short distance, to the point that avalanching occurring increasing the number of drifting electrons. The GEM consists of a thin polymer sheet (Kapton) covered on each side with a thin metal layer (Cu); with tiny holes approximately 100µm in diameter through its entirety and with a pitch of typically 200µm on each side of a square matrix. The microstructure also includes a metal cathode plate. Below the GEM and cathode plate are collecting metal strips that direct the charge to amplifiers. These components will be enclosed in a 38x33mm rectangular airtight plexi-glass structure. ArCO2 will enter the structure via one inlet while exiting out another. Then an x-ray beamline, located at NSLS, BNL, will pass through the microstructure interacting with ArCO2 creating an avalanche affect of electrons.

Regional Distribution of Arachidonoyl Ethanolamide (anandamide) in Relation to the Location of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) in Mouse Brain. ELIZABETH RICHARDSON (Salt Lake Community College, Salt Lake City, UT 84116) ANDREW GIFFORD (Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973)

Past studies have demonstrated that fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), plays a crucial role in the degradation of the neurotransmitter anandamide. Anandamide, when administered to FAAH knockout mice, has similar localized effects as D 9-tetrahydrocannabinol or (D 9-THC), the psychoactive component in marijuana (Cravatt, 2001). In this project, we hope to establish a concrete link between the regional accumulation of anandamide and its metabolites and the rate of regional degradation in vivo (Day 2001, Deutsch 2001, Glaser 2003, Ortega-Gutierrez 2004.). In order to find this connection, four wild type mice were injected along a time course with radiolabeled anandamide. After which, the amount of radioactivity was quantified in the collected blood samples and different portions of the brain including the anterior cortex, posterior cortex, hippocampus, caudate putamen, and cerebellum. A higher accumulation of anandamide and its metabolites was observed in the anterior cortex, posterior cortex, and cerebellum when normalized over the caudate putamen. These findings corroborate recent imaging data that also observed differential accumulation of AEA and its metabolites in wild type mouse brains, but not the brains of FAAH knockout mice. Together, these data suggest that FAAH activity is driving the observed differential accumulation. It is our hope that this recently developed protocol can be used as a screening method for FAAH inhibitors with the goal of using inhibitors of anandamide metabolism as a pharmaceutical drug with only localized activity.

Statistical Analysis of Parameter Variations in an Integrated Circuit Amplifier for the ATLAS Cathode Strip Chamber. JOSE PEREZ (The City College of New York, New York, NY 10031) PAUL O'CONNOR (Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973)

The ATLAS (A Toroidal LHC ApparatuS) experiment is one the most ambitious projects in modern physics. One of the objectives of the project is the discovery and study of elementary particles obtained in the head-on collisions of protons of extraordinarily high energy. This research consisted in the testing, data collection and analysis of the monolithic pre-amplifier shaper ICs to be used in the ATLAS Cathode Strip Chamber (CSC). The function of the pre-amp is to generate a pulse signal based on the energy, trajectory, and time of occurrence of particles passing through the CSC. For this research, this event was simulated with the Automated Test Motherboard (ATM), which measured the amplitude, width, base-line, and other parameters of the pulse generated by the pre-amp and stored this information into a database. Using a hybrid pre-amp, the values of the injection capacitors in the test board were measured and the gain of all pre-amp channels were calculated. C scripts were written and used with ROOT to generate plots of the data collected. An analysis of these plots showed a correlation between the value of the injection capacitors and the pre-amp’s measured gain. This information, as well as other data analysis, will be used in the future to select the pre-amps that will make the final cut to the assembly phase and into ATLAS.

Strontium-90 BGRR/ WCF/ PFS Groundwater Treatment System. BRENT LEE SHUE LING (City College of New York (CUNY), New York, NY 10031) ALAN RAPHAEL (Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973)

This project addresses the removal and treatment of contaminated groundwater emanating from the central portion of the Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) site. The groundwater in this area has been impacted by concentrations of Strontium-90 (Sr-90) above the drinking water standard of 8 pico curies/liter, which originated from the Brookhaven Graphite Research Reactor (BGRR), its associated Pile Fan Sump (PFS) area, and the Waste Concentration Facility (WCF). Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are also present in the groundwater above the dinking water standard of 5 ppb and are being treated as well. A plume distribution map was created from geoprobes samples that were collected at multiple depth intervals at a total of 60 locations within the areas of contaminant sources. Groundwater characterization has shown a maximum level of Sr-90 concentration at 3,150 pCi/L from a geoprobe located south of BGRR Building 701 at a depth of 44 feet below land surface Corrective action has included plans to install a Groundwater Remediation System on the BNL campus in Upton, New York at Building 855 located to the east of the WCF and to the northeast of the BGRR and PFS. The system will incorporate groundwater extraction, treatment using ion exchange and on-site discharge of treated water. A column study that was conducted as part of the Sr-90 Pilot Study has shown clinoptilolite a naturally occurring zeolite would be the most efficient ion exchange media. Groundwater modeling simulations were used to refine and optimize the groundwater extraction (different number of extraction wells and locations). The groundwater modeling also was used to predict the time needed to reach the cleanup goal (8 pCi/l) in the aquifer. This resulted in a proposed system which will include 5 extraction wells placed at the "hot spots" for optimal contaminant removal with a combined pumping rate of 25 gallons/minute (gpm). The lower concentration portions of the Sr-90 plumes will be allowed to naturally attenuate through radioactive decay as they travel south with the regional groundwater flow, while remaining within the BNL campus. This process is projected to return the groundwater to a DWS state in approximately 65 years. This project is currently in the construction stage and is anticipated to be completed in the Fall of 2004.

The Construction of a Novel Apparatus for the Study of Natural Gas Hydrates. BRYAN GRABIAS (Columbia University, New York, NY 10027) DEVINDER MAHAJAN (Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973)

This work describes the setup and operation of a high-pressure cell used in natural gas hydrate kinetic studies. Due to their thermodynamic stability requirements (pressures in excess of 1000 psi and temperatures below 277K), laboratory hydrates are typically formed in one of two ways, depending on analysis requirements. For large volumes of hydrate (greater than 1-2 cm3), a sealed vessel is used - not allowing for the visual inspection of in situ hydrates. To alleviate such a problem, a small vessel fitted with a high-pressure window (usually of single-crystal sapphire) is constructed. However, such a small cell is not useful for studying hydrate behavior on a large and industrially applicable scale. Additionally, while it is possible to construct a voluminous cell made entirely of the high-strength single crystal sapphire, the cost for most laboratories would be excessive, making such a construction economically impractical. In order to solve both problems simultaneously, those of in situ inspection and macroscopic applicability, a large (500 cm3) stainless steel cell fitted with two borosilicate windows was constructed. The cell is pressure rated to 5000 psi and has temperature capabilities (limited currently by a water bath) from 273 - 313K, making it an ideal vessel in which to study hydrates at oceanic conditions. Additionally, the cell is highly configurable, and can support a host of hydrate forming environments, from crude oils to sediments, with very little modification on the part of the researcher. We have obtained preliminary methane hydrate formation data and found that the cell can adequately conform to predictions made by theory. With the viability of our novel cell now validated, we plan to examine the potential for hydrate deposits to serve as sites of carbon dioxide sequestration as well as study current dissociation models.