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Results for “Ionization activation”

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 253 records · Page 14
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1971

Circadian periodicity of resistance to ionizing radiation in the pocket mouse.

Investigation of the response of pocket mice to Co 60 irradiation delivered at two times of day - namely, the predicted high and low points of the metabolic rate. The validity of torpor as an assay of the circadian period of body temperature in pocket mice and as a basis for selecting irradiation times is examined. A study is made of the mitotic activity in the pocket mouse intestinal epithelium as an example of a physiological rhythm which might influence radiation sensitivity. The results of tests in which pocket mice were exposed to ionizing radiation at two different times of day are cited. It is found that under the investigated conditions pocket mice irradiated during their metabolically active period (2330 hr) live significantly longer than those irradiated while their metabolic rate is low (0900 hr).

Lindberg, R. G.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Wind Variability of B Supergiants: The Rapid Rotator HD 64760 (B0.5 Ib) - No. 1

We present the results of a 6 day time series of observations of the rapidly rotating B0.5 Ib star HD 64760. We point out several reasons why such intermediate luminosity B supergiants are ideal targets for wind variability studies and then present our results that show the following: continuous wind activity throughout the 6 day run with the wind never in steady state for more than a few hr; wind variability very near nu = 0 km sec(exp -1) in the resonance lines from the lower ionization stages (Al III and C II); a distinct correlation between variability in the Si III ; lambda(lambda)1300 triplets, the strong C III (lambda)1247 singlet, and the onset of extremely strong wind activity, suggesting a connection between photospheric and wind activity; long temporal coherence in the behavior of the strong absorption events; evidence for large-scale spatial coherence, implied by a whole scale, simultaneous weakening in the wind absorption over a wide range in velocities; and ionization variability in the wind accompanying the largest changes in the absorption strengths of the wind lines. In addition, modeling of the wind lines provides the following information about the state the wind in HD 64760. The number of structures on the portion of a constant velocity surface occulting the stellar disk at a particular time must be quite small, while the number on the entire constant velocity surface throughout the wind must be large. The escape probability at low velocity is overestimated by a normal beta approx. 1 velocity law, perhaps due to the presence of low-velocity shocks deep in the wind or a shallow velocity gradient at low velocity. Estimates of the ionization structure in the wind indicate that the ionization ratios are not those expected from thermal equilibrium wind models or from an extrapolation of previous O star results. The large observed q(N V)/q(Si IV) ratio is almost certainly due to distributed X-rays, but the level of ionization predicted by distributed X-ray wind models is inconsistent with the predicted mass-loss rate. Thus, it is impossible to reconcile the observed ionization ratios and the predicted mass-loss rate within the framework of the available models.

Massa, Derck↗
NASA NTRS2010

Lithosphere-Atmosphere-Ionosphere Coupling (LAIC) Model - An Unified Concept for Earthquake Precursors Validation

The paper presents a conception of complex multidisciplinary approach to the problem of clarification the nature of short-term earthquake precursors observed in atmosphere, atmospheric electricity and in ionosphere and magnetosphere. Our approach is based on the most fundamental principles of tectonics giving understanding that earthquake is an ultimate result of relative movement of tectonic plates and blocks of different sizes. Different kind of gases: methane, helium, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide leaking from the crust can serve as carrier gases for radon including underwater seismically active faults. Radon action on atmospheric gases is similar to the cosmic rays effects in upper layers of atmosphere: it is the air ionization and formation by ions the nucleus of water condensation. Condensation of water vapor is accompanied by the latent heat exhalation is the main cause for observing atmospheric thermal anomalies. Formation of large ion clusters changes the conductivity of boundary layer of atmosphere and parameters of the global electric circuit over the active tectonic faults. Variations of atmospheric electricity are the main source of ionospheric anomalies over seismically active areas. Lithosphere-Atmosphere-Ionosphere Coupling (LAIC) model can explain most of these events as a synergy between different ground surface, atmosphere and ionosphere processes and anomalous variations which are usually named as short-term earthquake precursors. A newly developed approach of Interdisciplinary Space-Terrestrial Framework (ISTF) can provide also a verification of these precursory processes in seismically active regions. The main outcome of this paper is the unified concept for systematic validation of different types of earthquake precursors united by physical basis in one common theory.

Pulinets, S.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Semiconductor technology program. Progress briefs

The current status of NBS work on measurement technology for semiconductor materials, process control, and devices is reported. Results of both in-house and contract research are covered. Highlighted activities include modeling of diffusion processes, analysis of model spreading resistance data, and studies of resonance ionization spectroscopy, resistivity-dopant density relationships in p-type silicon, deep level measurements, photoresist sensitometry, random fault measurements, power MOSFET thermal characteristics, power transistor switching characteristics, and gross leak testing. New and selected on-going projects are described. Compilations of recent publications and publications in press are included.

Bullis, W. M.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Modulation of Venus ion densities associated with solar variations

The dayside ion concentrations in the Venus ionosphere obtained by the Pioneer Venus orbiter ion mass spectrometer exhibit a modulation corresponding to the 27-day solar variation. Comparisons were made of the amplitudes of modulation of CO(2(+), C(+), and O2(+), with the amplitudes of the 27-day variation in the 10.7-cm solar radio flux and the simultaneously measured EUV fluxes at He II (304 A) and Lyman-beta(1026 A), together with a theoretical analysis of the effects of solar variability on the ionosphere and neutral atmosphere of Venus. This analysis leads to the conclusion that the observed modulation of dayside ion densities is primarily due to the variability in the ionizing EUV radiations and, to a much lesser extent, the result of the variability with solar activity of the neutral atmosphere via the variability in exospheric temperature. In this connection, it is also shown theoretically why the percentage variation of exospheric temperature on Venus (as observed in the ONMS data) for a given variation in the 10.7-cm radio flux is only half of the exospheric temperature variation for earth.

Bauer, S. J.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Ultraviolet Al III emission lines and the physics of the solar transition region

Two lines of the solar UV spectrum were identified as due to 3p-3d Al III transitions near 1612 A; the ratios of these lines to the 3s-3p Al III doublet near 1855 A were found to be very sensitive to temperature. Thus, the temperatures of formation of the Al III lines could be determined by using one of the line ratios in two quiet sun regions, a coronal hole, and an active region. The results were found to be consistent with expectations based on the assumption of ionization equilibrium for Al III. It is suggested that S III lines near 1350 A and 1200 A may also serve as a temperature diagnostic.

Doschek, G. A.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Effects of neutral gas releases on electron beam injection from electrically tethered spacecraft

The presence of high neutral densities at low altitudes and/or during thruster firings is known to modify the spacecraft potential during active electron beam injection. Two-dimensional (three velocity) particle simulations are used to investigate the ionization processes including the neutral density required, the modification of the spacecraft potential, beam profile and spatial distribution of the return current into the spacecraft. Three processes are identified: (1) beam-induced ionization, (2) vehicle-induced ionization, and (3) beam plasma discharge. Only in the first two cases does the beam propagate away with little distortion.

Winglee, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Solar control of the earth's emission of energetic O(+)

Energetic (0.1-16 keV/e) O(+) data obtained in the earth's plasma sheet (between 10 and 23 RE) by an ion mass spectrometer on the ISEE-1 spacecraft are compared statistically with published data on the concurrent solar wind and IMF. The most strongly variable parameter of the plasma sheet O(+) is its density, which is found to be well correlated with certain solar wind parameters, especially with the solar wind flow speed and the IMF component perpendicular to the flow vector. When those two solar wind parameters are combined to form an electric field (-v x B), both the number density and the energy density of the O(+) are found to vary in proportion to the square of that electric field, on average, suggesting that the emission of energetic O(+) ions from the earth may be powered by that same field. Based on this and on the previously published correlation with solar activity, it is argued that the emission of O(+) is controlled by a combination of HF (ionizing) and quasi-static (accelerating) solar electromagnetic fields.

Lennartsson, W.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Near-infrared (Fe II) and Pa Beta imaging and spectroscopy of Arp 220

We have imaged the ultraluminous infrared galaxy Arp 220 in light of the near-infrared (Fe II) 1.257 micron and Pa-beta lines, and have obtained spectra in the J- and H-band atmospheric windows. Arp 220 is a strong source of (Fe II) and Pa-beta emission, with luminosities of 1.3 x 10(exp 41) and 9.2 x 10(exp 40) ergs/s, respectively. The (Fe II) and Pa-beta emission are both extended over the central 2 sec-3 sec, but with different morphologies. We suggest that the extended (Fe II) emission is produced through the interaction of fast shocks with ambient gas in the interstellar medium (ISM) at the base of the outflowing, supernovae-driven superwind mapped by Heckman et al. (1987). The bolometric luminosity of the starburst required to power this wind is estimated to be at least 2 x 10(exp 11) solar luminosity. If the spatially unresolved (Fe II) emission is produced via a large number of supernova remnants, the implied rate is approximately 0.6/yr. The overall luminosity of such a starburst could account for a large fraction (1/2-1/3) of the Arp 220 energy budget, but the large deficit of ionizing photons (as counted by the Pa-beta luminosity) requires that the starburst be rapidly declining and/or have a low upper mass cutoff. Alternatively, dust may effectively compete with the gas for ionizing photons, or much of the ionizing radiation may escape through 'holes' in the ISM. It is also possible that a buried active galactic nuclei (AGN) produces a large fraction of the unresolved (Fe II) and Pa-beta emission. We briefly discuss these possibilities in light of these new imaging and spectroscopic data.

Armus, L.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Flow Tube Studies of Gas Phase Chemical Processes of Atmospheric Importance

The objective of this project is to conduct measurements of elementary reaction rate constants and photochemical parameters for processes of importance in the atmosphere. These measurements are being carried out under temperature and pressure conditions covering those applicable to the stratosphere and upper troposphere, using the chemical ionization mass spectrometry turbulent flow technique developed in our laboratory. The next section summarizes our research activities during the first year of the project, and the section that follows consists of the statement of work for the third year. Additional details concerning the projects listed in the statement of work were described in our original proposal.

Molina, Mario J.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Energy Calibration of the Scintillating Optical Fiber Calorimeter Chamber (SOFCAL)

The Scintillating Optical Fiber Calorimeter (SOFCAL) detector is designed to make direct measures of the primary cosmic ray spectrum from -200 GeV/amu - 20 TeV/amu. The primary particles are resolved into groups according to their charge (p, He, CNO, Medium Z, Heavy Z) using both active and passive components integrated into the detector. The principal part of SOFCAL is a thin ionization calorimeter that measures the electromagnetic cascades that result from these energetic particles interacting in the detector. The calorimeter is divided into two sections: a thin passive emulsion/x-ray film calorimeter, and a fiber calorimeter that uses crossing layers of small scintillating optical fibers to sample the energy deposition of the cascades. The energy determination is made by fitting the fiber data to transition curves generated by Monte Carlo simulations. The fiber data must first be calibrated using the electron counts from the emulsion plates in the calorimeter for a small number of events. The technique and results of this calibration will be presented together with samples of the data from a balloon flight.

Christl, M. C.↗
NASA NTRS2009

In Situ Measurement Activities at the NASA Orbital Debris Program Office

The NASA Orbital Debris Program Office has been involved in the development of several particle impact instruments since 2003. The main objective of this development is to eventually conduct in situ measurements to better characterize the small (millimeter or smaller) orbital debris and micrometeoroid populations in the near-Earth environment. In addition, the Office also supports similar instrument development to define the micrometeoroid and lunar secondary ejecta environment for future lunar exploration activities. The instruments include impact acoustic sensors, resistive grid sensors, fiber optic displacement sensors, and impact ionization sensors. They rely on different mechanisms and detection principles to identify particle impacts. A system consisting of these different sensors will provide data that are complimentary to each other, and will provide a better description of the physical and dynamical properties (e.g., size, mass, and impact speed) of the particles in the environment. Details of several systems being considered by the Office and their intended mission objectives are summarized in this paper.

Liou, J.-C.↗
NASA NTRS2010

James Webb Space Telescope Project Overview and Status for the SPIE

Often described as the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope, the JWST will serve astronomers world-wide in much the same way: Science & mission operations managed by the Space Telescope Science Institute The science investigations performed by the JWST will be determined by the General Observer community. Observing time allocated through annual peer-reviewed proposal cycles Four science themes have been defined by a succession of international community working groups to guide engineering development of the JWST: a) Identify the first bright objects that formed in the early Universe, and follow the ionization history. b) Determine how galaxies and dark matter, including gas, stars, metals, overall morphology and active nuclei evolved to the present day. c) Observe the birth and early development of stars and the formation of planets. d) Study the physical and chemical properties of solar systems (including our own) and where the building blocks of life may be present.

Sabelhaus, Phillip A.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Dynamics of Solar Energetic Particles in Geospace

Solar energetic particles (SEPs) penetrate deep into the geospace and the Earth's atmosphere, initiating nuclear and chemical reactions. These reactions produce secondary hadrons, leptons, and photons, posing radiation hazards at commercial aviation altitudes, particularly during high-latitude flights. During solar particle events, protons with energies above 10 MeV can reach below 100 km altitude, causing ionization that disrupts HF communication and navigation in polar regions. Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCRs) and Solar Energetic Particles (SEPs) pose radiation risks to satellites, astronauts, and ground infrastructure. High-energy particles can lead to single-event effects in spacecraft electronics, such as upsets, latch-ups, and burnouts. These particles also interact with the Earth's atmosphere, generating ionization and secondary particles like hadrons, leptons, and photons, creating hazards for astronauts, especially during extravehicular activities. The work presented in the paper is focused on characterizing the SEP population in geospace in the altitude range starting from that of LEO through MEO and GEO, and up to the magnetopause accounting for the realistic geomagnetic field. The dynamics of SEPs are studied during quiet and geomagnetically active times using Monte Carlo simulations. The paper discusses the variability of the SEP population in geospace in response to geomagnetic activity. The former manifests in the temporal trapping of SEPs in geospace and the suppression of rigidity cutoff during geomagnetic storms.

Valeriy Tenishev↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Thermal Performance of Perovskite-Based Photovoltaics for Operation in Low Earth Orbit

Perovskite-based photovoltaics are attractive for applications in space. The space environment is harsh with extreme temperatures, atomic oxygen, ionizing radiation, UV radiation, and thermal cycling. Here, we evaluate the thermal performance of a perovskite active layer and perovskite photovoltaic devices in low earth orbit. We determine that a 1 µm layer of silicon oxide coupled with a 500 nm zirconia thin film aid in cell thermal management. We model the residual stresses between various layers in the device and prove that thermally induced mechanical failure of the perovskite (t > 460 years) is unlikely during the operating lifetime of a space mission. We identify target power conversion efficiencies to manage operating temperature of a perovskite-based photovoltaic.

Timothy S. Krause↗
NASA NTRS2013

The Suzaku View of Highly Ionized Outflows in AGN: Statistical Detection and Global Absorber Properties - 1

We present the results of a new spectroscopic study of Fe K-band absorption in active galactic nuclei (AGN). Using data obtained from the Suzaku public archive we have performed a statistically driven blind search for Fe XXV Healpha and/or Fe XXVI Lyalpha absorption lines in a large sample of 51 Type 1.0−1.9 AGN. Through extensive Monte Carlo simulations we find that statistically significant absorption is detected at E greater than or approximately equal to 6.7 keV in 20/51 sources at the P(sub MC) greater than or equal tov 95 per cent level, which corresponds to approximately 40 per cent of the total sample. In all cases, individual absorption lines are detected independently and simultaneously amongst the two (or three) available X-ray imaging spectrometer detectors, which confirms the robustness of the line detections. The most frequently observed outflow phenomenology consists of two discrete absorption troughs corresponding to Fe XXV Healpha and Fe XXVI Lyalpha at a common velocity shift. From xstar fitting the mean column density and ionization parameter for the Fe K absorption components are log (N(sub H) per square centimeter)) is approximately equal to 23 and log (Xi/erg centimeter per second) is approximately equal to 4.5, respectively. Measured outflow velocities span a continuous range from less than1500 kilometers per second up to approximately100 000 kilometers per second, with mean and median values of approximately 0.1 c and approximately 0.056 c, respectively. The results of this work are consistent with those recently obtained using XMM-Newton and independently provides strong evidence for the existence of very highly ionized circumnuclear material in a significant fraction of both radio-quiet and radio-loud AGN in the local universe.

Gofford, Jason↗
NASA NTRS1995

Synthetic properties of starburst galaxies

We present the results of an extensive grid of evolutionary synthesis models for populations of massive stars. The parameter space has been chosen to correspond to conditions typically found in objects like giant H II regions, H II galaxies, blue compact dwarf galaxies, nuclear starbursts, and infrared luminous starburst galaxies. The models are based on the most up-to-date input physics for the theory of stellar atmospheres, stellar winds, and stellar evolution. A population of massive stars is not only important in terms of its output of radiation but also via its deposition of mechanical energy. The output of radiative and mechanical luminosity is compared at various starburst epochs. In a supernova dominated instantaneous starburst, the mechanical luminosity can be as large as almost 10% of the total radiative luminosity. This occurs when most massive O stars have disappeared, and the synthetic spectrum in the optical and near-ultraviolet is dominated by B and A stars. During this epoch, the output of ionizing radiation below 912 A becomes very small, as indicated by a very large Lyman discontinuity and a very small ratio of ionizing over mechanical luminosity. We discuss the relevance of these results for the interpretation of starburst galaxies, active galactic nuclei, and the energetics of the interstellar medium.

Leitherer, Claus↗
NASA NTRS1999

Spectroscopic Observations of Steep Spectrum Narrow-Line Seyfert 1 Galaxies

ROSAT observations of narrow-line Seyfert 1s found consistently steep spectra and rapid variability, but ASCA observations show more diversity, very different to classical Seyfert 1s. However, in 3 NLS1s, ASCA finds common characteristics of these exciting new class of AGN (active galactic nuclei): a very strong high temperature soft excess, weak hard tail, a possible blue shifted ionized oxygen edge, and rapid large amplitude variability characterized by flares and quiescent periods. It is necessary to observe many more such objects in order to understand the physical processes underlying the different phenomenology in ASCA. ASCA observations of two NLS1s discovered by ROSAT's all sky survey were proposed and an observation of one of these objects, RX J0439-45, was awarded. The results of spectral and variability analysis are included in Leighly 1999ab, and preliminary results are found in Leighly 1998ab.

Leighly, Karen↗