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At least 235 records · Page 13

ESR Measurement Of Crystallinity In Semicrystalline Polymers

Photogenerated free radicals decay at different rates in crystalline and amorphous phases. Degree of crystallinity in polymer having both crystalline and amorphous phases measured indirectly by technique based in part on electron-spin-resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. Accuracy of crystallinity determined by new technique equals or exceeds similar determinations by differential scanning calorimetry, wide-angle x-ray scattering, or measurement of density.

Kim, Soon Sam↗

Characterization and measurement of phase-locked loop performance

A set of performance measures and tests are presented which can be implemented at the 'black box' level for the characterization of such statistical aspects of phase-locked loop behavior as the acquisition and tracking threshold, phase error jitter, Doppler accuracy, etc. Also presented is an automatic measurement system, designated the Statistical Loop Analyzer, which has been developed in order to undertake these phase-locked device performance measurements.

Lindsey, W. C.↗

Cryogenic optical tests of a lightweight HIP beryllium mirror

Five interferometric tests were conducted at cryogenic temperatures on a lightweight, 50 cm diameter, hot isostatic pressed (HIP) beryllium mirror in the Ames Research Center (ARC) Cryogenic Optics Test Facility. The purpose of the tests was to determine the stability of the mirror's figure when cooled to cryogenic temperatures. Test temperatures ranged from room ambient to 8 K. One cycle to 8 K and five cycles to 80 K were performed. Optical and thermal test methods are described. Data is presented to show the amount of cryogenic distortion and hysteresis present in the mirror when measured with an earlier, Shack interferometer, and with a newly-acquired, phase-measuring interferometer.

Melugin, Ramsey K.↗

Fundamental Limits to Wavefront Sensing in the Submillimeter

With the advent of large-format submillimeter wavelength detector arrays, and a new 25 m diameter submillimeter telescope under consideration, the question of optimal wavefront sensing methods is timely. Indeed, not only should bolometric array detectors allow the use of a variety of wavefront sensing techniques already in use in the optical/infrared, but in some cases it should actually be easier to apply these techniques because of the more benign temporal properties of the atmosphere at long wavelengths. This paper thus addresses the fundamental limits to wavefront sensing at submillimeter wavelengths, in order to determine how well a telescope surface can be measured in the submillimeter band. First several potential measurement approaches are discussed and compared. Next the theoretical accuracy of a fringe phase measurement in the submillimeter is discussed. It is concluded that with Mars as the source, wavefront sensing at the micron level should be achievable at submillimeter wavelengths in quite reasonable integration times.

wavefront sensing↗

Measurement of Palladium Hydride and Palladium Deuteride Isotherms Between 130 K and 393 K

The data collected in the present work extend the measured phase diagram for palladium hydride and palladium deuteride to a region that has been sparsely reported in open literature. Absorption isotherms were measured using a 2.5-g bed of palladium powder at temperatures between 130 K and 393 K and pressures less than 1.3 x 10 5 Pa. Such low-pressure and low-temperature measurements are useful for characterizing palladium beds used for tritium pumping and storage. For tritium storage, pressures are kept below a few millibar for safety reasons. Low temperatures increase the tritium storage capacity of palladium. The measured absorption isotherms show the well-documented, two-phase behavior for this system: two solubility regions and a mixed, hydride-forming region. The isotherms show that an increased quantity of hydride is formed at lower temperatures, as marked by an increase in the hydride-forming region. This region exceeds hydrogen to metal ratios of 0.75 for T ≤ 273 K. Equilibrium pressures in the mixed region decrease with decreasing temperatures until a critical temperature is reached for each isotope. Below these critical temperatures, the rate of pressure decrease with decreasing temperature is significantly reduced. This change in trend suggests hydrogen isotopes are adsorbed onto the palladium surface, rather than forming a hydride. Using the equilibrium pressures recorded at temperatures between 236 K and 393 K for protium and between 211 K and 354 K for deuterium, the van’t Hoff constants were calculated to be A = –36 ± 1 kJ/mol and B = 88 ± 3 J/K for protium and A = -32 ± 2 kJ/mol and B = 88 ± 9 J/K for deuterium. As a result, these constants agree favorably with literature in the range where the temperatures of the measured isotherms overlap.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Sensitivity measurements for a 250 MHz quartz shear-horizontal surface acoustic wave biosensor under liquid viscous loading

Surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices have been used in biochemical assays due to their high sensitivity. The device sensitivity is a function of changes in the density and viscosity of the liquid. Here, we studied the effect of fluid viscosity using a 250 MHz quartz shear-horizontal (SH)-SAW biosensor by monitoring different concentrations of binary aqueous/glycerol solutions. In this study, the sensitivity of the biosensor was determined by fitting the data to models derived from perturbation theory. Measurements in water were used as the reference. For a 0% to 50% glycerol solution, an 87°–204° separation in the phase shift was observed. The slope of the plot of the phase shift vs (ηρ)0.5 was used to indicate the sensor’s sensitivity. The sensitivity for our 250 MHz quartz SH-SAW sensors was calculated to be 3.7×10−3m2sKg. The corresponding mass sensitivity was determined to be 9.25 × 105m2Kg. The limit of detection was calculated to be 36 picograms (pg), while the limit of quantification or LOQ was calculated to be 109 pg. Traditionally, liquid phase measurements have been challenging for SAW devices because liquids dampen the vibrating sensors severely. This problem has been largely solved using a transverse (shear) wave instead of the more popular longitudinal or Rayleigh waves. Liquid measurements are now possible using transverse waves, also known as shear waves, because transverse waves are only minimally attenuated by liquids. Shear-horizontal SAW sensors (SH-SAW) show great promise as label-free biosensors because of their ability to handle liquid samples. However, the viscosity of the liquid still induces loading effects and can be measured when the liquid is loaded onto the SH-SAW propagating surface (delay line). When the liquid above the delay line is perturbed by physical or chemical changes, such as binding to a receptor, it alters the propagating acoustic wave. The SH-SAW device can measure these changes in liquid properties as a change in the wave’s phase compared to the original wave. The device’s phase shift was recorded as a function of the changes in the density and viscosity of the binary glycerol solution and used to determine the sensitivity in the linear dynamic range of responses.

Materials Science↗

Investigation into the propagation of Omega very low frequency signals and techniques for improvement of navigation accuracy including differential and composite omega

An analysis of Very Low Frequency propagation in the atmosphere in the 10-14 kHz range leads to a discussion of some of the more significant causes of phase perturbation. The method of generating sky-wave corrections to predict the Omega phase is discussed. Composite Omega is considered as a means of lane identification and of reducing Omega navigation error. A simple technique for generating trapezoidal model (T-model) phase prediction is presented and compared with the Navy predictions and actual phase measurements. The T-model prediction analysis illustrates the ability to account for the major phase shift created by the diurnal effects on the lower ionosphere. An analysis of the Navy sky-wave correction table is used to provide information about spatial and temporal correlation of phase correction relative to the differential mode of operation.

Source record↗

NASA's Preparations for ESA's L3 Gravitational Wave Mission

Telescope Subsystem - Jeff Livas (GSFC): Demonstrate pathlength stability, straylight and manufacturability. Phase Measurement System - Bill Klipstein (JPL): Key measurement functions demonstrated. Incorporate full flight functionality. Laser Subsystem - Jordan Camp (GSFC): ECL master oscillator, phase noise of fiber power amplifier, demonstrate end-to-end performance in integrated system, lifetime. Micronewton Thrusters - John Ziemer (JPL): Propellant storage and distribution, system robustness, manufacturing yield, lifetime. Arm-locking Demonstration - Kirk McKenzie (JPL): Studying a demonstration of laser frequency stabilization with GRACE Follow-On. Torsion Pendulum - John Conklin (UF): Develop U.S. capability with GRS and torsion pendulum test bed. Multi-Axis Heterodyne Interferometry - Ira Thorpe (GSFC): Investigate test mass/optical bench interface. UV LEDs - John Conklin+ (UF): Flight qualify UV LEDs to replace mercury lamps in discharging system. Optical Bench - Guido Mueller (UF): Investigate alternate designs and fabrication processes to ease manufacturability. LISA researchers at JPL are leading the Laser Ranging Interferometer instrument on the GRACE Follow-On mission.

Midterm Assessment↗

Radius of Curvature Measurement of Large Optics Using Interferometry and Laser Tracker

The determination of radius of curvature (ROC) of optics typically uses either a phase measuring interferometer on an adjustable stage to determine the position of the ROC and the optics surface under test. Alternatively, a spherometer or a profilometer are used for this measurement. The difficulty of this approach is that for large optics, translation of the interferometer or optic under test is problematic because of the distance of translation required and the mass of the optic. Profilometry and spherometry are alternative techniques that can work, but require a profilometer or a measurement of subapertures of the optic. The proposed approach allows a measurement of the optic figure simultaneous with the full aperture radius of curvature.

Hagopian, John↗

Measurement of very small phase fluctuations by means of the operational approach

Recently Noh, Fourgeres and Mandel (NFM) have improved the operational approach to the quantum phase problem substantially and measured the phase dispersion of coherent light down to very small means photon numbers of the order of 10(exp -2). This has prompted many other investigations and clarified some important questions in relation to what is actually measured. Although their treatment is rather general, we confine ourselves here to the case of a strong local oscillator (LO) and reproduce their measurement scheme. Surprisingly enough, this simultaneous measurement of the sine and the cosine of the phase difference is completely equivalent to an old proposal to measure the phase after strong linear amplification realized experimentally by the Welling group. The reason for this rests on the fact, that in both cases the results are determined by the Q function of the signal. This was shown for amplification in and for the measurement after beam splitting by Lai and Haus.

Bandilla, Arno↗

Structural Alignment Sensor Feasibility Demonstration

A structural alignment sensor (SAS) was developed for use with large deployable antenna systems for contour measurement and/or active control. The SAS is a laser ranging system using frequency modulation and accurate phase measurement to determine distance. Work was done with a CO2 and HeNe laser. The capability of the SAS to measure antenna rib contours was studied over ranges of 50 meters to a resolution of 100 microns. Initial resolution data was taken with the CO2 system. This data shows that it will indeed meet the SAS requirements. The development of the HeNe system was initiated because it offers substantial improvement in size, weight, and power over the CO2 system. The final demonstration was made with the HeNe system and it too showed that the SAS requirements could be met with this alternate approach. The projection of these results to a conceptual design for a flight system and its application are described.

Anderson, R. H.↗

Long term prediction of roll phase for an undisturbed spinning spacecraft

This paper describes the attitude control of the Pioneer 10 spacecraft since the loss of the sun-sensor signal in late 1983. It is necessary to control the attitude of the spin-stablized spacecraft so as to maintain communications with earth. Roll phase is calculated on earth using data from a science instrument on-board Pioneer 10, the imaging-photopolarimeter, which, along with its other functions, was designed to collect images of Jupiter during encounter in 1973. With calculation of instantaneous roll phase performed only once per week, the spacecraft roll angle can be predicted more than a week ahead for timing reorientation impulses. Attitude reorientation maneuvers based on roll phase predictions have been successfully executed for several years on Pioneer 10. Of 10 maneuvers analyzed in this paper, predictions were made for as many as 10 days in the future based on a roll-phase measurements spanning only 12 days of data. The average maneuver was planned by projecting the roll phase for 3 days (22,000 spacecraft revolutions) and resulted in a maneuver execution phase error of only 11 deg.

Smith, M. A.↗

Satellite Boreal Measurements over Alaska and Canada During June-July 2004: Simultaneous Measurements of Upper Tropospheric CO, C2H6, HCN, CH3Cl, CH4, C2H2, CH2OH, HCOOH, OCS, and SF6 Mixing Ratios

Simultaneous ACE (Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment) upper tropospheric CO, C2H6, HCN, CH3Cl, CH4 , C2H2 , CH30H, HCOOH, and OCS measurements show plumes up to 185 ppbv (10 (exp -9) per unit volume) for CO, 1.36 ppbv for C2H6, 755 pptv (10(exp -12) per unit volume) for HCN, 1.12 ppbv for CH3C1, 1.82 ppmv, (10(exp -6) per unit volume) for CH4, 0.178 ppbv for C2H2, 3.89 ppbv for CH30H, 0.843 ppbv for HCOOH, and 0.48 ppbv for OCS in western Canada and Alaska at 50 deg N-68 deg N latitude between 29 June and 23 July 2004. Enhancement ratios and emission factors for HCOOH, CH30H, HCN, C2H6, and OCS relative to CO at 250-350 hPa are inferred from measurements of young plumes compared with lower mixing ratios assumed to represent background conditions based on a CO emission factor derived from boreal measurements. Results are generally consistent with the limited data reported for various vegetative types and emission phases measured in extratropical forests including boreal forests. The low correlation between fire product emission mixing ratios and the S176 mixing ratio is consistent with no significant SF6 emissions from the biomass fires.

Rinsland, Curtis P.↗

VIlRS Polarization Re-Testing

The VIIRS instrument's polarization sensitivity, for the VIS/NIR bands will be measured again to reduce the uncertainties associated with the initial degree of linear polarization and associated phase measurements. In preparation for this re-test, work at Goddard and Raytheon is ongoing aimed at understanding the limitations of the test equipment, specifically a large spherical integrating sphere, and the sheet polarizes and effects of straylight. The results of the Goddard preliminary tests and ground support equipment characterizations will be presented.

Waluschka, Eugene↗

A digital beacon receiver

A digital satellite beacon receiver is described which provides measurement information down to a carrier/noise density ratio approximately 15 dB below that required by a conventional (phase locked loop) design. When the beacon signal fades, accuracy degrades gracefully, and is restored immediately (without hysteresis) on signal recovery, even if the signal has faded into the noise. Benefits of the digital processing approach used include the minimization of operator adjustments, stability of the phase measuring circuits with time, repeatability between units, and compatibility with equipment not specifically designed for propagation measuring. The receiver has been developed for the European Olympus satellite which has continuous wave (CW) beacons at 12.5 and 29.7 GHz, and a switched polarization beacon at 19.8 GHz approximately, but the system can be reconfigured for CW and polarization-switched beacons at other frequencies.

Ransome, Peter D.↗

Broadband Performance of TPF's High-contrast Imaging Testbed: Modeling and Simulations

The broadband performance of the high-contrast imaging testbed (HCIT) at JPL is investigated through optical modeling and simulations. The analytical tool is an optical simulation algorithm developed by combining the HCIT's optical model with a speckle-nulling algorithm that operates directly on coronagraphic images, an algorithm identical to the one currently being used on the HCIT to actively suppress scattered light via a deformable mirror. It is capable of performing full three-dimensional end-to-end near-field diffraction analysis on the HCIT's optical system. By conducting speckle-nulling optimization, we clarify the HCIT's capability and limitations in terms of its broadband contrast performance under various realistic conditions. Considered cases include non-ideal occulting masks, such as a mask with optical density and wavelength dependent parasitic phase-delay errors (i.e., a not band-limited occulting mask) and the one with an optical-density profile corresponding to a measured, non-standard profile, as well as the independently measured phase errors of all optics. Most of the information gathered on the HCIT's optical components through measurement and characterization over the last several years at JPL has been used in this analysis to make the predictions as accurate as possible. The best contrast values predicted so far by our simulations obtainable on the HCIT illuminated with a broadband light having a bandwidth of 80nm and centered at 800nm wavelength are Cm=1.1x10-8 (mean) and C4=4.9x10-8 (at 4(lamda)/D), respectively. In this paper we report our preliminary findings about the broadband light performance of the HCIT.

integrated modeling↗

Velocity and drop size measurements in a confined, swirl-stabilized, combusting spray

Drop size and velocity measurements in a confined, swirl-stabilized, reacting spray are presented. The configuration consisted of a center-mounted research air-assist atomizer surrounded by a coflowing air stream. A quartz tube surrounded the burner and provided the confinement. Both the air-assist and coflow streams had swirl imparted to them in the same direction with 45-degree-angle swirlers. The fuel and air entered the combustor at ambient temperature. The gas-phase measurements reported were obtained from the velocity drops with a mean diameter of four microns. Heptane fuel was used for all the experiments. Measurements of drop size and velocity, gas-phase velocity and drop number flux are reported for axial distances of 23, 5, 10, 15, 25, and 50 mm downstream of the nozzle. The measurements were performed using a two-component phase/Doppler particle analyzer. Profiles across the entire flowfield are presented.

Bulzan, Daniel L.↗