Charge-parity (CP) violation in the tau-charm energy region is a promising area for sensitive tests of Standard Model (SM) predictions and searches for new, beyond the SM physics. A future Tau-Charm Facility that operates at center-of-mass energies between 2.0 and 7.0 GeV, with a peak luminosity of 0.5×1035 cm−2 s−1, would provide huge numbers of hadrons and tau (τ) leptons that are produced in low-background environments and with well understood kinematic properties. In this report, prospects for unique studies of CP violation in the decay of charmed hadrons, and in the production and decay of hyperons and τ leptons at a next-generation tau-charm facility are discussed. In addition, opportunities for improved tests of CPT invariance test in K0−K̄0 mixing are presented.
Multiprincipal element alloys (MPEAs) are of potential interest as structural materials operating under extreme conditions over a wide temperature range. Among many composition systems, CoCrFeNi exhibits particularly favorable mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. However, manufacture at scale risks undesirable phase formation, such as carbides or oxides, which may substantially impact performance at elevated temperatures. Typically, these phases are avoided; however, we instead propose utilizing them to enhance thermal performance. Three different MPEAs were fabricated using arc melting followed by thermomechanical treatment, gas atomization, and mechanical alloying with spark plasma sintering, creating chromium oxide (Cr2O3) spheres and randomly distributed chromium carbides (Cr7C3). Specific heat capacities were strongly correlated with chemical short-range order (SRO). Thermal diffusivity was linked to strengthening precipitate distributions, while thermal conductivities of all materials were similar to those of Ni-superalloys and austenitic stainless steels, suggesting potential for drop-in replacement. Furthermore, thermal expansion coefficients were inversely proportional to precipitate density. Complementary molecular dynamics simulations were performed on two representative cases: (i) random CoCrFeNi alloys containing embedded Cr₂O₃ and Cr₇C₃ inclusions, and (ii) SROCoCrFeNi alloys without secondary phases, reproducing experimental trends in heat capacity and thermal conductivity. By separating these two variables, we confirm that both inclusion-induced scattering and SRO signatures contribute to enhanced thermal performance, reinforcing the consistency between atomistic and experimental observations.
Tri-structural isotropic nuclear fuel (TRISO), commonly used in high-temperature reactors is known for its exceptional durability. However, during neutron irradiation in the reactor core, under both normal and accidental conditions, damage can occur to the TRISO particle’s coating layers. In the context of fuel quality classification, TRISO particles should be examined both before and after fuel irradiation. To examine the inner layers of the spherical TRISO fuel, particles should be polished in order to reveal their mid-plane. Polished samples can then be thoroughly analysed using various tools. Although the polishing procedure for TRISO particles is relatively straightforward, using unsuitable materials can mechanically damage the surface of the coating layers. This study offers a detailed step-by-step guide for polishing TRISO particles in both cold and hot laboratories.
Medium-entropy alloys (MEAs) are emerging materials known for their remarkable mechanical properties. This study employs molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the deformation mechanisms of face centered cubic structure NiCoFe MEAs with a typical < 111 > orientation. The mechanical response is evaluated under various indentation velocities to understand the influence of the deformation rate on the mechanical behavior. The results show that the strain rate significantly influences deformation behavior. In single crystals, lower strain rates promote extensive Shockley partial dislocation and prismatic dislocation loop formation, while higher strain rates limit dislocation nucleation due to reduced relaxation time. In polycrystalline samples, grain boundaries (GBs) impede dislocation glide, leading to heterogeneous plastic deformation and increased residual stress at higher velocities. Smaller GBs enhance strain localization, resembling a Hall-Petch-like effect. These behaviors are governed by thermally activated dislocation interactions that are sensitive to indentation velocity, highlighting the critical role of strain rate in controlling the plastic response of NiCoFe MEAs. These findings advance our understanding of plastic deformation in MEAs and provide insights for designing alloys with improved strength and rate-sensitive performance.
We present GATE version 10, a major evolution of the open-source Monte Carlo simulation application for medical physics, built on Geant4. This release marks a transformative evolution, featuring a modern Python-based user interface, enhanced multithreading and multiprocessing capabilities, the ability to be embedded as a library within other software, and a streamlined framework for collaborative development. In this Part 1 paper, we outline GATE's position among other Monte Carlo codes, the core principles driving this evolution, and the robust development cycle employed. We also detail the new features and improvements. Part 2 will focus on the architectural innovations and technical challenges. By combining an open, collaborative framework with cutting-edge features, such a Monte Carlo platform supports a wide range of academic and industrial research, solidifying its role as a critical tool for innovation in medical physics.
