Target Calibration: Retro-Reflection Mechnisms at 2 Microns
There is increased interest in the reflectance properties of hard target calibration materials at this wavelength.
diffuse scattering polarization optical scattering↗
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Results for “Optical diffusers”
Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.
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IXPECALCARF: vignetting and aperture corrections for IXPE spectropolarimetric data analysis
We report recent updates to IXPECALCARF, a tool developed by the IXPE Science Operation Center to generate Ancillary Response File (ARF) and Modulation Response File (MRF) for X-ray spectropolarimetric data analysis for IXPE. Using the Crab Nebula as a case study, we demonstrate corrections due to IXPE dithering patterns and off-axis corrections for user-defined regions when analyzing diffuse emissions away from the IXPE optical axis.
IXPE↗
Particulate Emission and Optical Measurements in n-Heptane Low-Swirl Non-Premixed Flames at Elevated Pressures
A series of ground combustion tests conducted at elevated pressures demonstrates in-chamber optical measurements of soot emissions, combined with conventional gaseous and particle emissions sampling techniques. Utilizing a micro-radial-entry counter-swirl (MRX) burner, we successfully stabilized an n-heptane low-swirl, non-premixed spray flame across a wide range of equivalence ratios at pressures reaching 250 psia. Our optical diagnostics feature a temporally gated diffused-backlight illumination extinction imaging (DBI-EI) system, equipped with a 470-nm strobe high-intensity LED array as the illumination source, along with a line-of-sight telecentric camera. By accessing the flame tube, the pulsed DBI-EI provides illuminating optical extinction images, enabling experimental estimation of soot volume fractions within the reaction zone. This imaging technique will allow for real-time observation of soot formation dynamics occurring above the air-blast fuel injector. To further enhance our analysis, we employed simultaneous gaseous and particulate extractive diagnostics, interpreting in-flame particulate information through CO2 sampling, exhaust particle sizing, and particle counting. The processed dataset reveals a promising application of DBI-EI for propulsion emission analysis in high-pressure environments, where optical beam-steering effects can significantly impact results. This report is essential to bridging the divide between in-flame optical diagnostics and exhaust extractive measurements. By achieving an understanding of non-premixed combustion emission characteristics, we attempt to provide invaluable data for computer code validation, advancing the field of combustion research and supporting the development of cleaner, more efficient engines.
high-pressure flame↗
Particulate Emission and Optical Measurements in n-Heptane Low-Swirl Non-Premixed Flames at Elevated Pressures
A series of ground combustion tests conducted at elevated pressures demonstrates in-chamber optical measurements of soot emissions, combined with conventional gaseous and particle emissions sampling techniques. Utilizing a micro-radial-entry counter-swirl (MRX) burner, we successfully stabilized an n-heptane low-swirl, non-premixed spray flame across a wide range of equivalence ratios at pressures reaching 250 psia. Our optical diagnostics feature a temporally gated diffused-backlight illumination extinction imaging (DBI-EI) system, equipped with a 470-nm strobe high-intensity LED array as the illumination source, along with a line-of-sight telecentric camera. By accessing the flame tube, the pulsed DBI-EI provides illuminating optical extinction images, enabling experimental estimation of soot volume fractions within the reaction zone. This imaging technique will allow for real-time observation of soot formation dynamics occurring above the air-blast fuel injector. To further enhance our analysis, we employed simultaneous gaseous and particulate extractive diagnostics, interpreting in-flame particulate information through CO2 sampling, exhaust particle sizing, and particle counting. The processed dataset reveals a promising application of DBI-EI for propulsion emission analysis in high-pressure environments, where optical beam-steering effects can significantly impact results. This report is essential to bridging the divide between in-flame optical diagnostics and exhaust extractive measurements. By achieving an understanding of non-premixed combustion emission characteristics, we attempt to provide invaluable data for computer code validation, advancing the field of combustion research and supporting the development of cleaner, more efficient engines.
high-pressure flame↗
High-Temperature, High-Pressure Optical Cells
Optical cell constructed for measurement of thermal diffusivity of HgCdTe semiconductor by laser pulses. Container allows radiation from laser to enter one side of alloy sample, while allowing lower-energy infrared radiation to leave opposite side of sample so temperature rise read by sensor. Composed entirely of fused silica, cell includes two optical windows joined by tube. Cell withstands 1,000 degrees C cell-operating temperature and contains molten alloy at its 100-atmosphere vapor pressure. Finally, allows alloy to solidify without bursting even though alloy expands on cooling.
Harris, R. P.↗
Microgravity Processing and Photonic Applications of Organic and Polymeric Materials
In recent years, a great deal of interest has been directed toward the use of organic materials in the development of high-efficiency optoelectronic and photonic devices. There is a myriad of possibilities among organic which allow flexibility in the design of unique structures with a variety of functional groups. The use of nonlinear optical (NLO) organic materials such as thin-film waveguides allows full exploitation of their desirable qualities by permitting long interaction lengths and large susceptibilities allowing modest power input. There are several methods in use to prepare thin films, such as Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) and self-assembly techniques, vapor deposition, growth from sheared solution or melt, and melt growth between glass plates. Organics have many features that make Abstract: them desirable for use in optical devices such as high second- and third-order nonlinearities, flexibility of molecular design, and damage resistance to optical radiation. However, their use in devices has been hindered by processing difficulties for crystals and thin films. In this chapter, we discuss photonic and optoelectronic applications of a few organic materials and the potential role of microgravity on processing these materials. It is of interest to note how materials with second- and third-order nonlinear optical behavior may be improved in a diffusion-limited environment and ways in which convection may be detrimental to these materials. We focus our discussion on third-order materials for all-optical switching, and second-order materials for all-optical switching, and second-order materials for frequency conversion and electrooptics.
Frazier, Donald 0↗
Heat Transfer Modeling and Validation for Optically Thick Alumina Fibrous Insulation
Combined radiation/conduction heat transfer through unbonded alumina fibrous insulation was modeled using the diffusion approximation for modeling the radiation component of heat transfer in the optically thick insulation. The validity of the heat transfer model was investigated by comparison to previously reported experimental effective thermal conductivity data over the insulation density range of 24 to 96 kg/cu m, with a pressure range of 0.001 to 750 torr (0.1 to 101.3 x 10(exp 3) Pa), and test sample hot side temperature range of 530 to 1360 K. The model was further validated by comparison to thermal conductivity measurements using the transient step heating technique on an insulation sample at a density of 144 kg/cu m over a pressure range of 0.001 to 760 torr, and temperature range of 290 to 1090 K.
Daryabeigi, Kamran↗
Nonadiabatic nonradial p-mode frequencies of the standard solar model, with and without helium diffusion
The nonadiabatic frequencies of a standard solar model and a solar model that includes helium diffusion are discussed. The nonadiabatic pulsation calculation includes physics that describes the losses and gains due to radiation. Radiative gains and losses are modeled in both the diffusion approximation, which is only valid in optically thick regions, and the Eddington approximation, which is valid in both optically thin and thick regions. The calculated pulsation frequencies for modes with l less than or equal to 1320 are compared to the observed spectrum of the Sun. Compared to a strictly adiabatic calculation, the nonadiabatic calculation of p-mode frequencies improves the agreement between model and observation. When helium diffusion is included in the model the frequencies of the modes that are sensitive to regions near the base of the convection zone are improved (i.e., brought into closer agreement with observation), but the agreement is made worse for other modes. Cyclic variations in the frequency spacings of the Sun as a function of frequency of n are presented as evidence for a discontinuity in the structure of the Sun, possibly located near the base of the convection zone.
Guenther, D. B.↗
An Update to the NASA Reference Solar Sail Thrust Model
An optical model of solar sail material originally derived at JPL in 1978 has since served as the de facto standard for NASA and other solar sail researchers. The optical model includes terms for specular and diffuse reflection, thermal emission, and non-Lambertian diffuse reflection. The standard coefficients for these terms are based on tests of 2.5 micrometer Kapton sail material coated with 100 nm of aluminum on the front side and chromium on the back side. The original derivation of these coefficients was documented in an internal JPL technical memorandum that is no longer available. Additionally more recent optical testing has taken place and different materials have been used or are under consideration by various researchers for solar sails. Here, where possible, we re-derive the optical coefficients from the 1978 model and update them to accommodate newer test results and sail material. The source of the commonly used value for the front side non-Lambertian coefficient is not clear, so we investigate that coefficient in detail. Although this research is primarily designed to support the upcoming NASA NEA Scout and Lunar Flashlight solar sail missions, the results are also of interest to the wider solar sail community.
Heaton, Andrew F.↗
Laboratory measurements of physical, chemical, and optical characteristics of Lake Chicot sediment waters
Reflectance, chromaticity, diffuse attenuation, beam attenuation, and several other physical and chemical properties were measured for various water mixtures of lake bottom sediment. Mixture concentrations range from 5 ppm to 700 ppm by weight of total suspended solids in filtered deionized tap water. Upwelled reflectance is a nonlinear function of remote sensing wave lengths. Near-infrared wavelengths are useful for monitoring highly turbid waters with sediment concentrations above 100 ppm. It is found that both visible and near infrared wavelengths, beam attenuation correlates well with total suspended solids ranging over two orders of magnitude.
Witte, W. G.↗
A laboratory study of the diffuse reflectance spectra of frosts occurring on astronomical objects
Mechanical, optical, and operating properties of an experiment chamber are examined and possible sample contamination difficulty is explained. The mechanical and operational characteristics of this apparatus are well suited for the study of the reflectance spectra of frosts. The infrared energy available at the detector is low and steps to increase the energy and the responsivity of the detector were taken. The problem of a standard diffuse reflector which is useful in the far ultraviolet region is considered and it is suggested that bright gold be used as the standard.
Glaser, F. M.↗
The optical and X-ray surface brightness of the Crab Nebula. I - A cosmic-ray diffusion model
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Weinberg, S. L.↗
X-Ray Emission from Supernovae in Dense Circumstellar Matter Environments: A Search for Collisionless Shock
The optical light curve of some supernovae (SNe) may be powered by the outward diffusion of the energy deposited by the explosion shock (so-called shock breakout) in optically thick (tau approx > 30) circumstellar matter (CSM). Recently, it was shown that the radiation-mediated and -dominated shock in an optically thick wind must transform into 8. collisionless shock and can produce hard X-rays. The X-rays are expected to peak at late times, relative to maximum visible light. Here we report on a search, using Swift-XRT and Chandra, for X-ray emission from 28 SNe that belong to classes whose progenitors are suspected to be embedded in dense CSM. Our sample includes 19 type-IIn SNe, one type-Ibn SN and ei~ht hydrogen-poor super-luminous SNe (SLSN-I; SN 2005ap like). Two SNe (SN 2006jc and SN 2010jl) have X-ray properties that are roughly consistent with the expectation for X-rays from a collisionless shock in optically thick CSl\l. Therefore, we suggest that their optical light curves are powered by shock breakout in CSM. We show that two other events (SN 2010al and SN 2011ht) were too X-ray bright during the SN maximum optical light to be explained by the shock breakout model. We conclude that the light curves of some, but not all, type-IIn/Ibn SNe are powered by shock breakout in CSM. For the rest of the SNe in our sample, including all the SLSN-I events, our X-ray limits are not deep enough and were typically obtained at too early times (i.e., near the SN maximum light) to conclude about their nature. Late time X-ray observations are required in order to further test if these SNe are indeed embedded in dense CSM. We review the conditions required for a shock breakOut in a wind profile. We argue that the time scale, relative to maximum light, for the SN to peak in X-rays is a probe of the column density and the density profile above the shock region. The optical light curves of SNe, for which the X-ray emission peaks at late times, are likely powered by the diffusion of shock energy from a dense CSM. We note that if the CSM density profile falls faster than a constant-rate wind density profile, then X-rays may escape at earlier times than estimated for the wind profile case. Furthermore, if the CSM have a region in which the density profile is very steep, relative to a steady wind density profile, or the CSM is neutral, then the radio free-free absorption may be low enough, and radio emission may be detected.
Ofek, E.O↗
The Use of the Molecular Adsorber Coating Technology to Mitigate Vacuum Chamber Contamination During Pathfinder Testing for the James Webb Space Telescope
As a coating made of highly porous zeolite materials, the Molecular Adsorber Coating (MAC) was developed to capture outgassed molecular contaminants, such as hydrocarbons and silicones. For spaceflight applications, the adsorptive capabilities of the coating can alleviate on-orbit outgassing concerns on or near sensitive surfaces and instruments within the spacecraft. Similarly, this sprayable paint technology has proven to be significantly beneficial for ground based space applications, in particular, for vacuum chamber environments. This paper describes the recent use of the MAC technology during Pathfinder testing of the Optical Ground Support Equipment (OGSE) for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC). The coating was used as a mitigation tool to entrap persistent outgassed contaminants, specifically silicone based diffusion pump oil, from within JSC's cryogenic optical vacuum chamber test facility called Chamber A. This paper summarizes the sample fabrication, installation, laboratory testing, post-test chemical analysis results, and future plans for the MAC technology, which was effectively used to protect the JWST test equipment from vacuum chamber contamination.
molecular contamination↗
The effect of Low Earth Orbit exposure on some experimental fluorine and silicon-containing polymers
Several experimental fluorine and silicon-containing polymers in film form were exposed to low Earth orbit (LEO) on a Space Shuttle flight experiment (STS-46, Evaluation of Oxygen Interaction with Materials, EOIM-3). The environmental parameters of primary concern were atomic oxygen (AO) and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The materials were exposed to 2.3 plus or minus 0.1 x 10(exp 20) oxygen atoms/sq cm and 30.6 UV sun hours during the flight. In some cases, the samples were exposed at ambient, 120 C and 200 C. The effects of exposure on these materials were assessed utilizing a variety of characterization techniques including optical, scanning electron (SEM) and scanning tunneling (STM) microscopy, UV-visible (UV-VIS) transmission, diffuse reflectance infrared (DR-FTIR), x-ray photoelectron (XPS) spectroscopy, and in a few cases, gel permeation chromatography (GPC). In addition, weight losses of the films, presumably due to AO erosion, were measured. The fluorine-containing polymers exhibited significant AO erosion and exposed films were diffuse or 'frosted' in appearance and consequently displayed dramatic reductions in optical transmission. The silicon-containing films exhibited minimum AO erosion and the optical transmission of exposed films was essentially unchanged. The silicon near the exposed surface in the films was converted to silicate/silicon oxide upon AO exposure which subsequently provided protection for the underlying material. The silicon-containing epoxies are potentially useful as AO resistant coatings and matrix resins as they are readily processed into carbon fiber reinforced composites and cured via electron radiation.
Connell, John W.↗
On the Emitted Dust Size Distribution and Its Variability: Insights From A Field Campaign in an Ephemeral Lake of the Lower Drâa Valley, Moroccan Sahara
During the last decades the emitted particle size distribution (PSD) of dust and its variability have been actively discussed due to their effects on the Earth System. Some frameworks support a higher proportion of aggregate’s fragmentation as wind speed increases, while others suggest the PSD independence of wind speed and soil properties, at least up to ~10 µm. Constraining the size-resolved dust emission and its variability is key to reduce the uncertainty of Earth system models, but still requires further analysis. The ERC project FRAGMENT addresses these and other issues related to dust emission, dust mineralogical composition and its effects upon climate. In this context we conducted a one month field campaign in September 2019 at L’Bour, an ephemeral lake located in the Lower Drâa Valley, resulting in a detailed description of the soil, dust emission and meteorology. During the campaign saltation and dust emission were very frequent under two prevailing wind directions. Friction velocity varied around 0.15 ms⁻¹, with peaks close to 0.4 ms⁻¹, except for a peak of 0.6 ms⁻¹ coinciding with the arrival of one of the moist convective storms or haboobs that occurred during this period. We study the near-surface concentration and diffusive flux PSDs along with their variability up to ~19 µm in optical diameter (~21 µm in geometric dust diameter). As expected, we find significant differences between the concentration and diffusive flux PSDs, with the latter showing a higher proportion of coarse and super-coarse particles. Our results also highlight dependencies of the PSDs with friction velocity, wind direction, and type of event (regular events vs haboob outflow events). We first discuss the potential origin of the variations and dependencies, which include 1) differences in fetch and surface between directions, 2) dry deposition of coarse and super-coarse dust depending on friction velocity, 3) more disaggregation with increasing friction velocity, and 4) the effect of the haboob gust front. Our calculations show the influence of dry deposition upon the diffusive flux PSDs. We finally compare our PSDs with brittle fragmentation theory, both with the original 2011 formulation using optical diameters, and with the more recent 2022 formulation including the emission of super-coarse dust and using geometric diameters.
particle size distribution↗
X-ray reverberations and the giant X-ray bursts
It is shown that the shape and spectral evolution of the giant X-ray bursts from the source 3U 1820-30 can be explained by Compton scattering of a short, intense X-ray pulse in a cloud surrounding the source. Pulse shapes due to Thomson scattering of an X-ray burst in an electron cloud were calculated for the (1) optically thin case on the assumption of one scattering per photon, (2) intermediate case with optical depth of about unity, and (3) optically thick case where the process is regarded as diffusion of photons through a uniform sphere. For the intermediate case, the effects of the reverberation were determined explicitly by Monte Carlo calculation. For an optical depth of 3, square pulse duration of 2 sec, characteristic cloud radius of 70,000 km, characteristic cloud density of 4 times 10 to the 14th per cu cm, and temperature of 5-30 keV, the calculations give a reasonably accurate description of X-ray bursts from 3U 1820-30. The scattering model does not imply the existence of a supermassive, central black hole.
Canizares, C. R.↗
Properties of grains derived from IRAS observations of dust
The authors used the results of Infrared Astronomy Satellite (IRAS) observations of diffuse medium dust to develop a theoretical model of the infrared properties of grains. Recent models based entirely on traditional observations of extinction and polarization include only particles whose equilibrium temperatures do not exceed 20 K in the diffuse interstellar medium. These classical grains, for which the authors have adopted the multipopulation model developed by Hong and Greenberg (1980), can explain only the emission in the IRAS 100 micron band. The measurements at shorter wavelengths (12, 25 and 60 microns) require two new particle populations. Vibrational fluorescence from aromatic molecules provides the most likely explanation for the emission observed at 12 microns, with polycyclic aeromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) containing about 10 percent of cosmic carbon. A simplified model of the emission process shows that PAH molecules can also explain most of the emission measured by IRAS at 25 microns. The authors identified the warm particles responsible for the excess 60 microns emission with small (a approx. equals 0.01 microns) iron grains. A compilation of the available data on the optical properties of iron indicates that the diffuse medium temperature of small iron particles should be close to 50 K and implies that a large, possibly dominant, fraction of cosmic iron must be locked up in metallic particles in order to match the observed 60 microns intensities. The model matches the infrared fluxes typically observed by IRAS in the diffuse medium and can also reproduce the infrared surface brightness distribution in individual clouds. In particular, the combination of iron and classical cool grains can explain the surprising observations of the 60/100 microns flux ratio in clouds, which is either constant or increases slightly towards higher opacities. The presence of metallic grains has significant implications for the physics of the interstellar medium, including catalytic H2 formation, for which iron grains could be the main site; differences in depletion patterns between iron and other refractory elements (Mg, Si); and superparamagnetic behavior of large grains with embedded iron clusters giving rise to the observed high degree of alignment by the galactic magnetic field.
Wesselius, P. R.↗