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At least 235 records · Page 13

A multisource limb flare observed at multiple radio wavelengths

A flare with several radio sources occurred on the solar limb at 2155 UT on 1989 June 20. It was observed by the Very Large Array (VLA) and the Owens Valley Radio Observatory (OVRO). The VLA data consisted of images at 1.4 GHz, while OVRO provided spectral and spatial information over the range 1-15 GHz. We develop a new gyrosynchrotron model to analyze the sources observed at flare peak. This model differs from many previous ones in that it contains spatial variations of both the magnetic field and accelerated particle density. It uses a new gyrosynchrotron approximation which is valid at very low harmonics of the gyrofrequency. For the first time we find that the cause of the change of microwave source size with frequency in the event studied was due primarily to the spatial variation of the accelerated electron density. This is contrary to the common assumption that the variation in size is due to a nonuniform magnetic field. We also investigate a polarized source which brightened later in the flare, finding that it could have been due to plasma radiation or gyrosynchrotron emission.

Kucera, T. A.↗

A spectral radiance comparison of a noise tube and a HgXe arc lamp between 60 GHz and 600 GHz

The relative spectral radiance of a noise tube, model TN-167, designed for the frequency range 90-140 GHz (3.3 mm to 2.1 mm) was compared to that from a 200-watt high pressure HgXe arc lamp over the wavelength region from 0.5 to about 5 mm. A Michelson Fourier transform spectrometer and a lamellar grating instrument were used in conjunction with liquid helium-cooled bolometers of NEP 10 to the -12th to 10 to the -14th watt/(Hz) exp 1/2 to measure relative spectral radiant power. With this instrumental arrangement, the noise tube exhibited a very sharp low frequency cutoff at about 2.2/cm. The HgXe arc lamp emitted more radiant power than the noise tube in the wavelength region below 3 mm (100 GHz) down to 0.5 mm. Above 3 mm, the noise tube had a stronger output. The noise tube spectral radiance shifted to lower frequencies when the input current was lowered from 125 mA to 50 mA.

Heaney, J. B.↗

Identification of major backscattering sources in trees and shrubs at 10 GHz

A short-range very-fine-resolution FM-CW radar scatterometer has been used to identify the primary contributors to 10-GHz radar backscatter from pine, pin oak, American sycamore and sugar maple trees, and from creeping juniper shrubs. This system provided a range resolution of 11 cm and gave a 16-cm diameter illumination area at the target range of about 4 m. For a pine tree, the needles caused the strongest backscatter as well as the strongest attenuation in the radar signal. Cones, although insignificant contributors to the total backscatter, were more important for backscattering than for attenuation. For the rest of the trees, leaves were the strongest cause of backscattering and attenuation. However, in the absence of leaves, the petioles, small twigs, and branches gave relatively strong backscatter. For American sycamore and sugar maple trees, the fruits did not affect the total backscatter unless they were packed in clusters. For creeping juniper the backscattered energy and attenuation in the radar signal were mainly due to the top two layers of the evergreen scales. The contribution of the tree trunks was not determined.

Zoughi, R.↗

Low-Loss Waveguides for Terahertz Frequencies

Hollow-core, periodic bandgap (HCPBG) flexible waveguides have been proposed as a means of low-loss transmission of electromagnetic signals in the frequency range from about 300 GHz to 30 THz. This frequency range has been called the "terahertz gap" because it has been little utilized: Heretofore, there has been no way of low-loss guiding of terahertz beams other than by use of fixed-path optical beam guides with lenses and mirrors or multimode waveguides that cannot maintain mode purity around bends or modest discontinuities.

Siegel, Peter↗

Bolometric detectors for the Planck surveyor

The High Frequency Instrument on the NASA/ESA Planck Surveyor, scheduled for launch in 2007, will map the entire sky in 6 frequency bands ranging from 100 GHz to 857 GHz to probe Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) anisotropy and polarization with angular resolution ranging from 9' to 5'. The HFI focal plane will contain 48 silicon nitride micromesh bolometers operating from a 100 mK heat sink. Four detectors in each of the 6 bands will detect unpolarized radiation. An additional 4 pairs of detectors will provide sensitivity to linear polarization of emission at 143, 217 and 353 GHz. We report on the development and characterization of these detectors before delivery to the European HFI consortium.

bolometers millimeter-wave Planck↗

Power-Amplifier Module for 145 to 165 GHz

A power-amplifier module that operates in the frequency range of 145 to 165 GHz has been designed and constructed as a combination of (1) a previously developed monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) power amplifier and (2) a waveguide module. The amplifier chip was needed for driving a high-electron-mobility-transistor (HEMT) frequency doubler. While it was feasible to connect the amplifier and frequency-doubler chips by use of wire bonds, it was found to be much more convenient to test the amplifier and doubler chips separately. To facilitate separate testing, it was decided to package the amplifier and doubler chips in separate waveguide modules. Figure 1 shows the resulting amplifier module. The amplifier chip was described in "MMIC HEMT Power Amplifier for 140 to 170 GHz" (NPO-30127), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 27, No. 11, (November 2003), page 49. To recapitulate: This is a three-stage MMIC power amplifier that utilizes HEMTs as gain elements. The amplifier was originally designed to operate in the frequency range of 140 to 170 GHz. The waveguide module is based on a previously developed lower frequency module, redesigned to support operation in the frequency range of 140 to 220 GHz. Figure 2 presents results of one of several tests of the amplifier module - measurements of output power and gain as functions of input power at an output frequency of 150 GHz. Such an amplifier module has many applications to test equipment for power sources above 100 GHz.

Samoska, Lorene↗

Electromagnetic wave absorption of multifunctional cementitious composites incorporating polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers and fly ash: Effects of microstructure and hydration

Highlights: • The cementitious composite shows excellent wide-band electromagnetic wave absorption in a frequency range of 2–18 GHz. • The PVA fibers and the fly ash change the dielectric properties of the cementitious composite by Debye polarization. • The iron oxide of the cementitious binders contributes to the magnetic properties of the composites. • The impacts of the microstructure and the hydration of the cementitious composite on its microwave absorption are analyzed. This paper devises a novel method for the adjustment of the pore structure and the hydration of cement to improve the electromagnetic wave absorption of the cementitious composites incorporating polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers and fly ash in a frequency range of 2–18 GHz. The underlying mechanism of the absorption is investigated to explore the possibility of the structural and functional integration of these composites. The electromagnetic parameters of the prepared cementitious composites and those of the raw materials are analyzed in a frequency range of 0.5–18 GHz. Moreover, the pore structure and the chemical environment of the cementitious composites are examined by mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), back-scattered electron detector (BSE), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results indicate that the PVA fibers and the high-volume fly ash have a positive effect on electromagnetic wave absorption of the cementitious composites through the adjustment of their pore structure and hydration.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Wideband fixed-tuned SIS receiver for 200-GHz operation

We report on the design and development of a heterodyne receiver, designed to cover the frequency range 176-256 GHz. This receiver incorporates a niobium superconductor-insulator-superconductor (SIS) tunnel junction mixer, which, chiefly for reasons of reliability and ease of operation, is a fixed-tuned waveguide design. On-chip tuning is provided to resonate out the junction's geometric capacitance and produce a good match to the waveguide circuit. Laboratory measurements on the first test receiver indicate that the required input bandwidth (about 40%) is achieved with an average receiver noise temperature of below 50 K. Mixer conversion gain is observed at some frequencies, and the lowest measured receiver noise is less than 30 K. Furthermore, the SIS mixer used in this receiver is of simple construction, is easy to assemble and is therefore a good candidate for duplication.

RECEIVER NOISE TEMPERATURE↗

W/V-Band RF Propagation Experiment Design

The utilization of frequency spectrum for space-to-ground communications applications has generally progressed from the lowest available bands capable of supporting transmission through the atmosphere to the higher bands, which have required research and technological advancement to implement. As communications needs increase and the available spectrum in the microwave frequency bands (3 30 GHz) becomes congested globally, future systems will move into the millimeter wave (mm-wave) range (30 300 GHz). While current systems are operating in the Ka-band (20 30 GHz), systems planned for the coming decades will initiate operations in the Q-Band (33 50 GHz), V-Band (50 75 GHz) and W Band (75 110 GHz) of the spectrum. These bands offer extremely broadband capabilities (contiguous allocations of 500 MHz to 1GHz or more) and an uncluttered spectrum for a wide range of applications. NASA, DoD and commercial missions that can benefit from moving into the mm-wave bands include data relay and near-Earth data communications, unmanned aircraft communications, NASA science missions, and commercial broadcast/internet services, all able to be implemented via very small terminals. NASA Glenn Research Center has a long history of performing the inherently governmental function of opening new frequency spectrum by characterizing atmospheric effects on electromagnetic propagation and collaborating with the satellite communication industry to develop specific communications technologies for use by NASA and the nation. Along these lines, there are critical issues related to W/V-band propagation that need to be thoroughly understood before design of any operational system can commence. These issues arise primarily due to the limitations imposed on W/V-band signal propagation by the Earth s atmosphere, and to the fundamental lack of understanding of these effects with regards to proper system design and fade mitigation. In this paper, The GRC RF propagation team recommends measurements that are required to assure that the risk associated with the use of mm-wave is minimized. We develop first order beacon and transponder system payload requirements and beacon terminal requirements. We will suggest and discuss a possible hardware implementation for the space segment, as well for the ground segment. A discussion on a propagation measurement campaign for taking relevant statistical data is also included.

Acosta, Roberto J.↗

Microwave characteristics of the ocean surface in the 1-10 GHz band

The microwave characteristics of calm, rough, and foam-covered ocean surfaces were studied, and a technique was developed for deriving thermodynamic ocean surface temperatures from brightness temperatures measured by an earth-orbiting radiometer. This investigation encompassed frequencies in the range 1 to 10 GHz (wavelength range of 30 to 3 cm) and was based on the use of a one-dimensional geometrical optics roughness model, including shadowing and multiple scattering of radiant electromagnetic energy. Provision is made in the model for characterizing surface roughness through the rms slope versus wind velocity relations previously established. Suitable foam and atmospheric models were superimposed on the roughness model.

Strong, A. E.↗

The spectrum of Orion-KL at 2 millimeters (150-160 GHz)

A spectral survey of Orion-KL has been carried out in the 2 mm atmospheric window in the frequency range 149.6-159.6 GHz, using the FCRAO 14 m telescope. Typical sensitivities achieved were T(sub A sup *) approximately 0.03-0.1 K, peak-to-peak. Over 180 spectral lines were detected, including approximately 45 unidentified features. The spectra were measured with a single-sideband receiver and, even at levels of T(sub A sup *) approximately 30 mK, are far from being confusion-limited. Fifteen known species were conclusively identified in Orion in this spectral region, with the largest numbers of lines arising from methyl formate, ethyl cyanide, methanol, and dimethyl ether. These species have beam-averaged column densities of N(sub tot) approximately 0.5-8 x 10(exp 15)/sq cm. Several other species have been tentatively observed, including acetaldehyde, C2S, and possibly EtOH. The large organic species, however, appear to arise from different regions. For example, CH3CCH and (CH3)2O come primarily from the extended ridge, while EtCN and VyCN exclusively arise in the hot core. This survey clearly demonstrates that the 2 mm window is rich in spectral lines. It also suggests there is much chemical selectivity in the formation of large organic interstellar molecules.

Ziurys, L. M.↗

Terahertz Schottky Multiplier Sources

This viewgraph presentation reviews the multiplier source technologies and the status/Performance of THz multiplier sources. An example of a THz application is imaging radar. The presentation reviews areas of requirements for THz sources: (1) Figures of merit, (i.e., Frequency Terahertz for high resolution Bandwidth of at least 15 GHz for high range resolution Efficiency (i.e., minimize power supply requirements) (2) Output power: (i.e., Milliwatts below 800 GHz, 10s of microwatts above 1 THz, 1-2 microwatts near 2 THz (3) Mechanical--stability, compact, low mass (4) Environmental -- radiation, vibration, thermal. Several sources for 0.3 - 2 THz are reviewed: FIR lasers, quantum cascade lasers (QCL), backward-wave oscillator (BWO), and Multiplier sources. The current state of the art (SoA) is shown as Substrateless Technology. It also shows where the SoA is for devices beyond 1 THz. The presentation concludes by reviewing the options for future development, and 2 technology roadmaps

submillimeter wave↗

Millimeter-wave dielectric tunability driven by topological polar structure switching in PbTiO 3 /SrTiO 3 superlattices

Dielectric tunability induced by an external electric field in materials underpins radio frequency signal modulation devices such as phase shifters, which are critical components in wireless communication and sensing systems. However, the tunability and integrability of current devices have yet to be enhanced for emerging applications, particularly at millimeter-wave frequencies. Here, we demonstrate that topological polar structures formed in PbTiO 3 /SrTiO 3 superlattices exhibit large tunable in-plane dielectric properties, as determined by their multiscale structural configurations and polarization switching behaviors. Under a moderate field of 30 kV cm −1 , the dipole wave structure maintains a tunability exceeding 15% at 70 GHz and above 8% over the measured range up to 110 GHz, contrasting with the weakly tunable flux closure structure. Based on in situ structural characterizations and molecular dynamics simulations, we delineate the polarization switching processes and elucidate the mechanisms underlying the observed tunable millimeter-wave dielectric responses. Our results provide new insights into the high-frequency dielectric properties of topological polar phases, potentially broadening the versatility of these materials in next-generation integrated electronic applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

On-Wafer Measurement of a Silicon-Based CMOS VCO at 324 GHz

The world s first silicon-based complementary metal oxide/semiconductor (CMOS) integrated-circuit voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) operating in a frequency range around 324 GHz has been built and tested. Concomitantly, equipment for measuring the performance of this oscillator has been built and tested. These accomplishments are intermediate steps in a continuing effort to develop low-power-consumption, low-phase-noise, electronically tunable signal generators as local oscillators for heterodyne receivers in submillimeter-wavelength (frequency > 300 GHz) scientific instruments and imaging systems. Submillimeter-wavelength imaging systems are of special interest for military and law-enforcement use because they could, potentially, be used to detect weapons hidden behind clothing and other opaque dielectric materials. In comparison with prior submillimeter- wavelength signal generators, CMOS VCOs offer significant potential advantages, including great reductions in power consumption, mass, size, and complexity. In addition, there is potential for on-chip integration of CMOS VCOs with other CMOS integrated circuitry, including phase-lock loops, analog- to-digital converters, and advanced microprocessors.

Samoska, Lorene↗

Schottky Heterodyne Receivers With Full Waveguide Bandwidth

Compact THz receivers with broad bandwidth and low noise have been developed for the frequency range from 100 GHz to 1 THz. These receivers meet the requirements for high-resolution spectroscopic studies of planetary atmospheres (including the Earth s) from spacecraft, as well as airborne and balloon platforms. The ongoing research is significant not only for the development of Schottky mixers, but also for the creation of a receiver system, including the LO chain. The new receivers meet the goals of high sensitivity, compact size, low total power requirement, and operation across complete waveguide bands. The exceptional performance makes these receivers ideal for the broader range of scientific and commercial applications. These include the extension of sophisticated test and measurement equipment to 1 THz and the development of low-cost imaging systems for security applications and industrial process monitoring. As a particular example, a WR-1.9SHM (400-600 GHz) has been developed (see Figure 1), with state-of-the-art noise temperature ranging from 1,000-1,800 K (DSB) over the full waveguide band. Also, a Vector Network Analyzer extender has been developed (see Figure 2) for the WR1.5 waveguide band (500 750 GHz) with 100-dB dynamic range.

Hesler, Jeffrey↗

Superconductor Semiconductor Research for NASA's Submillimeter Wavelength Missions

Wideband, coherent submillimeter wavelength detectors of the highest sensitivity are essential for the success of NASA's future radio astronomical and atmospheric space missions. The critical receiver components which need to be developed are ultra- wideband mixers and suitable local oscillator sources. This research is focused on two topics, (1) the development of reliable varactor diodes that will generate the required output power for NASA missions in the frequency range from 300 GHZ through 2.5 THz, and (2) the development of wideband superconductive mixer elements for the same frequency range.

Crowe, Thomas W.↗

Sequentially evaporated thin film YBa2Cu3O(7-x) superconducting microwave ring resonator

There is great interest in the application of thin film high temperature superconductors in high frequency electronic circuits. A ring resonator provides a good test vehicle for assessing the microwave losses in the superconductor and for comparing films made by different techniques. Ring resonators made of YBa2Cu3O(7-x) have been investigated on LaAlO3 substrates. The superconducting thin films were deposited by sequential electron beam evaporation of Cu, Y, and BaF2 with a post anneal. Patterning of the superconducting film was done using negative photolithography. A ring resonator was also fabricated from a thin gold film as a control. Both resonators had a gold ground plane on the backside of the substrate. The ring resonators' reflection coefficients were measured as a function of frequency from 33 to 37 GHz at temperatures ranging from 20 K to 68 K. The resonator exhibited two resonances which were at 34.5 and 35.7 GHz at 68 K. The resonant frequencies increased with decreasing temperature. The magnitude of the reflection coefficients was in the calculation of the unloaded Q-values. The performance of the evaporated and gold resonator are compared with the performance of a laser ablated YBa2Cu3O(7-x) resonator. The causes of the double resonance are discussed.

Rohrer, Norman J.↗

Terahertz NDE Application for Corrosion Detection and Evaluation under Shuttle Tiles

Pulsed Terahertz NDE is being examined as a method to inspect for possible corrosion under Space Shuttle Tiles. Other methods such as ultrasonics, infrared, eddy current and microwave technologies have demonstrable shortcomings for tile NDE. This work applies Terahertz NDE, in the frequency range between 50 GHz and 1 THz, for the inspection of manufactured corrosion samples. The samples consist of induced corrosion spots that range in diameter (2.54 to 15.2 mm) and depth (0.036 to 0.787 mm) in an aluminum substrate material covered with tiles. Results of these measurements are presented for known corrosion flaws both covered and uncovered and for blind tests with unknown corrosion flaws covered with attached tiles. The Terahertz NDE system is shown to detect all artificially manufactured corrosion regions under a Shuttle tile with a depth greater than 0.13 mm.

Anastasi, Robert F.↗