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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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At least 235 records · Page 13
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1991

Submicron area NbN/MgO/NbN tunnel junctions for SIS mixer applications

The development of submicron area mixer elements for operation in the submillimeter wave range is discussed. High-current-density NbN/MgO/NbN tunnel junctions with areas down to 0.1 sq microns have been fabricated in both planar and edge geometries. The planar junctions were fabricated from in situ deposited trilayers using electron-beam lithography to pattern submicron area mesas. Modifications of fabrication techniques used in larger-area NbN tunnel junctions are required and are discussed. The NbN/MgO/NbN edge junction process using sapphire substrates has been transferred to technologically important quartz substrates using MgO buffer layers to minimize substrate interactions. The two junction geometries are compared and contrasted in the context of submillimeter wave mixer applications.

Leduc, H. G.↗
NASA NTRS2005

The Impact of the Sun on Passive Remote Sensing at L-band

The sun is a strong source of radiation at L-band behaving roughly like a thermal source with a temperature ranging between 10(exp 5) - 10(exp 7) K, depending on solar activity. This is an important consideration at 1.4 GHz (the window set aside for passive use only) where future satellite sensors will operate to monitor soil moisture and sea surface salinity (e.g. SMOS, Aquarius, and Hydros). Straight forward calculations show that such a source of radiation can be a significant issue for these remote sensing applications, especially in the case of remote sensing of sea surface salinity. Radiation from the sun impacts passive remote sensing systems in several ways. First, is the solar radiation that comes directly from the sun (line-of-sight from sun to spacecraft that enters the radiometer through antenna side lobes). This is a particular problem for sensors in sunsynchronous orbits near the terminator (e.g. orbits with equatorial crossing times near 6am/6pm) because the spacecraft is in the sun most of the time. Second, is solar radiation that is reflected (specularly) from the mean surface to the radiometer. This contribution can be nearly as large as the direct ray, especially when the reflection is from the ocean surface which has a high reflection coefficient. Finally, there is "incoherent" signal reflected from the surface structure (roughness) to the radiometer antenna. Examples illustrating the significance of these terms is presented for the case of a pushbroom radiometer such as Aquarius and a conically scanning radiometer such as proposed for Hydros. Calculations are made using a set of theoretical patterns for these beams together with data on solar radiation obtained from by a worldwide network of observing stations known as Radio Solar Telescope Network (RSTN). Near solar minimum, solar contamination is not a problem unless the sun enters near the main beam. But near solar maximum, account must be made for radiation from the sun even when the signal enters in sidelobes far from the main beam.

LeVine, David M.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Ground plane interference elimination by passive element

The radiation pattern of a beam at elevation angles near the horizon is improved for phased array antennas by control of the radiation field intensity near the horizon to reduce multipath disturbances, and to improve the axial ratio of a circularly polarized phased array antenna. This is accomplished by placing a parasitic phase shifting element directly below the antenna beam axis. The waveguide section is designed to produce a phase shift in the portion of antenna radiation energy passing through it to cancel some of the radiation energy in the direction of the horizon. The spacing of the waveguide section in front of the antenna is determined empirically for optimum results, i.e., for reduction of beam power below about 20.degree. without affecting beam power at high elevation angles.

Bonebright, Mark E.↗
NASA NTRS2010

Terrestrial Myriametric Radio Burst Observed by IMAGE and Geotail Satellites

We report IMAGE and Geotail simultaneous observations of a terrestrial myriametric radio burst (TMRB) detected on August 19, 2001. The TMRB was confined in time (0830-1006 UT) and frequency (12-50 kHz), suggesting a fan beam-like emission pattern from a single discrete source. Analysis and comparisons with existing TMR radiations strongly suggest that the TMRB is a distinct emission perhaps resulting from dayside magnetic reconnection instigated by northward interplanetary field condition.

Fung, Shing F.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Nonpropulsive applications of ion beams

This paper describes the results of an investigation of the nonpropulsive applications of electric propulsion technology. Eight centimeter ion beam sources utilizing xenon and argon have been developed that operate over a wide range of beam energies and currents. Three types of processes have been studied - sputter deposition, ion beam machining, and ion beam surface texturing. The broad range of source operating conditions allows optimum sputter deposition of various materials. An ion beam source has also been used to ion mill laser reflection holograms using photoresist patterns on silicon. Ion beam texturing has been tried with many materials and has a multitude of potential applications.

Hudson, W. R.↗
DOE OSTI2021

ANALYSIS OF MULTIBUNCH SPECTRUM FOR AN UNEVEN BUNCH DISTRIBUTION IN A STORAGE RING

Modern storage-ring designs often require an uneven bunch distribution pattern. An uneven bunch fill pattern can result in complex structures for the beam current spectra. Particularly at high average beam currents, these complex current spectra need to be taken into account in concern of beam-dynamical effects. In this study, we analyze a beam current spectrum for various filling patterns with bunch trains and gaps. The characteristics of the resulting beam current spectra are illustrated and discussed.

Li, Rui↗
NASA NTRS2011

Apparatus and method for a light direction sensor

The present invention provides a light direction sensor for determining the direction of a light source. The system includes an image sensor; a spacer attached to the image sensor, and a pattern mask attached to said spacer. The pattern mask has a slit pattern that as light passes through the slit pattern it casts a diffraction pattern onto the image sensor. The method operates by receiving a beam of light onto a patterned mask, wherein the patterned mask as a plurality of a slit segments. Then, diffusing the beam of light onto an image sensor and determining the direction of the light source.

Leviton, Douglas B.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Latitudinal beaming of Jupiter's low frequency radio emissions

By comparing RAE-1 and IMP-6 satellite measurements of Jupiter's radio emission near 1MHz with recent Voyager-1 and 2 observations in the same frequency range, the properties of the low frequency radiation pattern over a 10 deg range of latitudes with respect to the Jovian rotation equator can be studied. These observations, which cover a wider latitudinal range than is possible from the earth, are consistent with many aspects of earlier ground-based measurements used to infer a sharp beaming pattern for the decameter wavelength emissions. Marked, systematic changes are found in the statistical occurrence probability distributions with system 3 central meridian longitude as the jovigraphic latitude of the observer changes over this range. Simultaneous observations by the two Voyager spacecraft suggest that the instantaneous beam width may be no more than a few degrees at times. The new hectometer-wave results can be interpreted in terms of a narrow, curved sheet at a fixed magnetic latitude into which the emission is beamed to escape the planet.

Alexander, J. K.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Interference patterns in the Spacelab 2 plasma wave data - Oblique electrostatic waves generated by the electron beam

During the Spacelab 2 mission the University of Iowa's Plasma Diagnostics Package (PDP) explored the plasma environment around the shuttle. Wideband spectrograms of plasma waves were obtained from the PDP at frequencies of 0-30 kHz and at distances up to 400 m from the shuttle. Strong low-frequency (below 10 kHz) electric field noise was observed in the wideband data during two periods in which an electron beam was ejected from the shuttle. This noise shows clear evidence of interference patterns caused by the finite (3.89 m) antenna length. The low-frequency noise was the most dominant type of noise produced by the ejected electron beam. Analysis of antenna interference patterns generated by these waves permits a determination of the wavelength, the direction of propagation, and the location of the source region. The observed waves have a linear dispersion relation very similar to that of ion acoustic waves. The waves are believed to be oblique ion acoustic or high-order ion cyclotron waves generated by a current of ambient electrons returning to the shuttle in response to the ejected electron beam.

Feng, Wei↗
NASA NTRS1973

Recent advances in antenna synthesis.

A technique for the synthesis of planar aperture antennas has been developed. It applies equally well to continuous or array type apertures. Patterns with shaped main beams and complex sidelobe structures can be synthesized. The method involves applying corrections iteratively and converging toward the desired pattern. The iteration process terminates when the synthesized pattern approximates the desired pattern to within a specified tolerance. A computer program has been written to perform all calculations. The source distribution which is required to produce the synthesized pattern is provided as output. The method is such that patterns requiring complex source distributions will not be synthesized (such as superdirective patterns).

Stutzman, W. L.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Optimization of irradiation configuration using spherical t-designs for laser-direct-drive inertial confinement fusion

Abstract A new class of beam configurations is proposed for symmetric-direct-drive inertial confinement fusion laser systems. These configurations are based on spherical t -designs that are studied in spherical design theory in mathematics (Delsarte et al 1977 Geom. Dedicata 6 363). Employing t -design configurations offers elimination of spherical-harmonic intensity modulations for modes ℓ ⩽ t . Additionally, these configurations provide fast decay of intensity nonuniformities with increasing number of beams and symmetric intensity patterns on the surface of the target. Methods developed in spherical design theory offer a convenient, systematic way of obtaining beam configurations for an arbitrary number of beams.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1983

Measurement of ultrasonic fields in transparent media using a scanning differential interferometer

An experimental system for the detection of three dimensional acoustic fields in optically transparent media using a dual beam differential interferometer is described. In this system, two coherent, parallel, focused laser beams are passed through the specimen and the interference fringe pattern which results when these beams are combined shifts linearly by an amount which is related to the optical pathlength difference between the two beams. It is shown that for small signals, the detector output is directly proportional to the amplitude of the acoustic field integrated along the optical beam path through the specimen. A water tank and motorized optical platform were constructed to allow these dual beams to be scanned through an ultrasonic field generated by a piezoelectric transducer at various distances from the transducer. Scan data for the near, Fresnel, and far zones of a uniform, circular transducer are presented and an algorithm for constructing the radial field profile from this integrated optical data, assuming cylindrical symmetry, is described.

Dockery, G. D.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Low-Flow-Rate Dry-Powder Feeder

Apparatus feeds small, precise flow of dry powder through laser beam of optical analyzer, measuring patterns of light created by forward scattering (Fraunhofer diffraction) of laser beam from powder particles. From measurement, statistical distribution of sizes of powder particles computed. Developed for analyzing particle-size distributions of solid-propellant powders. Also adapted to use in pharmaceutical industry, in manufacture of metal powder, and in other applications in which particle-size distributions of materials used to control rates of chemical reactions and/or physical characteristics of processes.

Ramsey, Keith E.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Low-Flow-Rate Dry-Powder Feeder

Apparatus feeds small, precise flow of dry powder through laser beam of optical analyzer measuring patterns of light created by forward scattering (Fraunhofer diffraction) of laser beam from powder particles. From this optical measurement, statistical distribution of sizes of powder particles computed. Rates of flow optimized for measurement of particle-size distributions. Developed for analyzing particle-size distributions of solid-propellant powders. Also adapted to pharmaceutical industry, in manufacture of metal powder, and in other applications where particle-size distributions of materials used to control rates of chemical reactions and/or physical characteristics of processes.

Ramsey, Keith E.↗
DOE OSTI2026

New measurement techniques for gear-changing research using DESIREE

In this work we cover some of the newer techniques developed to measure the effects of a gear changing system maintained in DESIREE at Stockholm University. Gear-changing is a collider synchronization method where two rings with different harmonic numbers in them maintain collisions through different velocities, pathlengths or a combination of the two. This system has been demonstrated using the low energy ion collider DESIREE at Stockholm university. We have not only continued our previous methods of studying the beam using a repeating pattern technique where one bucket in each ring is intentionally left empty, but we now also use recently installed pickups outside of the merger region to study the beams separately while they collide.

Accelerator Physics↗
NASA NTRS1992

Self-amplified optical pattern-recognition technique

A self-amplified optical pattern-recognition technique that utilizes a photorefractive crystal as a real-time volume holographic filter with recording accomplished by means of laser beams of proper polarization and geometric configuration is described. After the holographic filter is recorded, it can be addressed with extremely weak object beams and an even weaker reference beam to obtain a pattern-recognition signal. Because of beam-coupling energy transfer from the input object beam to the diffracted beam, the recognition signal is greatly amplified. Experimental results of this technique using BaTiO3 crystal show that 5 orders of magnitude of amplification of a recognition signal can be obtained.

Liu, Hua-Kuang↗
NASA NTRS1998

Potential for EMU Fabric Damage by Electron Beam and Molten Metal During Space Welding for the International Space Welding Experiment

As a consequence of preparations concerning the International Space Welding Experiment (ISWE), studies were performed to better understand the effect of molten metal contact and electron beam impingement with various fabrics for space suit applications. The question arose as to what would occur if the electron beam from the Ukrainian Universal Hand Tool (UHT) designed for welding in space were to impinge upon a piece of Nextel AF-62 ceramic cloth designed to withstand temperatures up to 1427 C. The expectation was that the electron beam would lay down a static charge pattern with no damage to the ceramic fabric. The electron beam is capable of spraying the fabric with enough negative charge to repel further electrons from the fabric before significant heating occurs. The static charge pattern would deflect any further charge accumulation except for a small initial amount of leakage to the grounded surface of the welder. However, when studies were made of the effect of the electron beam on the insulating ceramic fabric it was surprisingly found that the electron beam did indeed burn through the ceramic fabric. It was also found that the shorter electron beam standoff distances had longer burnthrough times than did some greater electron beam standoff distances. A possible explanation for the longer burnthrough times for the small electron beam standoff distance would be outgassing of the fabric which caused the electron beam hand-tool to cycle on and off to provide some protection for the cathodes. The electron beam hand tool was observed to cycle off at the short standoff distance of two inches likely due to vapors being outgassed. During the electron beam welding process there is an electron leakage, or current leakage, flow from the fabric. A static charge pattern is initially laid down by the electron beam current flow. The static charge makes up the current leakage flow which initially slightly heats up the fabric. The initially laid down surface charge leaks a small amount of current. The rate at which the current charge leaks from the fabric controls how fast the fabric heats up. As the ceramic fabric is heated it begins to outgass primarily from contamination/impurities atoms or molecules on and below the fabric surface. The contaminant gases ionize to create extra charge carriers and multiply a current of electrons. The emitted gas which ionized in the electron leakage flow promotes further leakage. Thus, the small leakage of charge from the fabric surface is enhanced by outgassing. When the electron beam current makes up the lost current, the incoming electrons heat the fabric and further enhance the outgassing. The additional leakage promotes additional heating up of the ceramic fabric. The electrons bound to the ceramic fabric surface leak off more and more as the surface gets hotter promoting even greater leakage. The additional electrons that result also gain energy in the field and produce further electrons. Eventually the process becomes unstable and accelerates to the point where a hole is burned through the fabric.

Fragomeni, James M.↗