Three ORNL scientists receive DOE Early Career Research awards

Chengyun Hua, an R&D staff scientist in the Materials Science and Technology Division, was selected by the Basic Energy Sciences program for her proposal, "Nonequilibrium Spin States Probed by Neutrons."

Understanding how quantum many-body spin systems behave far from equilibrium is a significant challenge with important implications for physics and technology. This project uses novel laser pump-neutron probe techniques and advanced computational resources, including supercomputers and quantum simulations, to study these dynamical systems. The goal is to investigate how interactions between quantum spins influence dynamics in quantum magnets, thereby opening new avenues for future advancements in quantum technology.

Tushar Athawale, a computer scientist in data visualization in the Computer Science and Mathematics Division, was chosen for his proposal, "VisTrust: Probabilistic Visualization of Univariate and Multivariate Scalar Data for Trusted Scientific Analysis and Discovery."

Data from simulations, experiments and observations all have inherent uncertainty from model and instrument limitations. Large data sets are also reduced and processed, contributing to this uncertainty and leading to inaccurate data representation. Led by Athawale as the principal investigator, this project creates foundational techniques for better understanding and communication of uncertainty in two- and three-dimensional visualizations through efficient and scalable statistics/AI-driven probabilistic algorithms.

Yuxuan Zhang, a neutron imaging scientist for the Neutron Scattering Division, was selected for "Development of Neutron Dark-Field Tomography to Map Nanostructures in Bulk Systems."

Defects and design flaws spanning the nanoscale to the macroscale in advanced materials and systems could lead to degraded material performance or even catastrophic system failure. This research will develop a non-destructive, neutron dark-field tomography (nDFT) technique that can simultaneously map structural details across multiple length scales, including the nanoscale, in centimeter-sized bulk systems. A novel grating interferometry system will be designed and constructed at the Spallation Neutron Source while leveraging the nano-fabrication capabilities at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences- both DOE Office of Science user facilities. This research will enable nDFT as a robust and accessible characterization method that drive transformative scientific and manufacturing breakthroughs.

UT-Battelle manages ORNL for the Department of Energy's Office of Science, the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States. The Office of Science is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit energy.gov/science. - Mark Alewine