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At least 253 records · Page 14

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NASA NTRS1988

X-ray diffraction imaging (topography) of electroopticcrystals by synchrotron radiation

Information of special interest to crystal growers and device physicists now available from monochromatic synchrotron diffraction imaging (topography) is reviewed. Illustrations are taken from a variety of electro-optic crystals. Aspects of the detailed understanding of crystal growth processes obtainable from carefully selected samples are described. Finally, new experimental opportunities now available for exploitation are indicated.

Steiner, Bruce↗

NASA NTRS1987

SHAPES - Spatial, High-Accuracy, Position-Encoding Sensor for multi-point, 3-D position measurement of large flexible structures

An electro-optical position sensor for precise simultaneous measurement of the 3-D positions of multiple points on large space structures is described. The sensor data rate is sufficient for most control purposes. Range is determined by time-of-flight correlation of short laser pulses returned from retroreflector targets using a streak tube/CCD detector. Angular position is determined from target image locations on a second CCD. Experimental verification of dynamic ranging to multiple targets is discussed.

Nerheim, N. M↗

NASA NTRS1987

Detection of radio-frequency modulated optical signals by two and three terminal microwave devices

An interdigitated photoconductor (two terminal device) on GaAlAs/GaAs heterostructure was fabricated and tested by an electro-optical sampling technique. Further, the photoresponse of GaAlAs/GaAs HEMT (three terminal device) was obtained by illuminating the device with an optical signal modulated up to 8 GHz. Gain-bandwidth product, response time, and noise properties of photoconductor and HEMT devices were obtained. Monolithic integration of these photodetectors with GaAs microwave devices for optically controlled phased array antenna applications is discussed.

Bhasin, K. B.↗

NASA NTRS1987

An optical processor for object recognition and tracking

The design and development of a miniaturized optical processor that performs real time image correlation are described. The optical correlator utilizes the Vander Lugt matched spatial filter technique. The correlation output, a focused beam of light, is imaged onto a CMOS photodetector array. In addition to performing target recognition, the device also tracks the target. The hardware, composed of optical and electro-optical components, occupies only 590 cu cm of volume. A complete correlator system would also include an input imaging lens. This optical processing system is compact, rugged, requires only 3.5 watts of operating power, and weighs less than 3 kg. It represents a major achievement in miniaturizing optical processors. When considered as a special-purpose processing unit, it is an attractive alternative to conventional digital image recognition processing. It is conceivable that the combined technology of both optical and ditital processing could result in a very advanced robot vision system.

Sloan, J.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Conceptual designs and computer models of imaging radiometers for earth observations

An analytical model is developed based on engineering principles which can be used to predict the performance of spaceborne electro-optical remote sensors. Computer simulations and trade-off studies can be performed with this model to determine optimal sensor performance and design parameters. Computer algorithms were developed from which LOTUS spreadsheet macros were written. Computer simulations were performed to determine the performance characteristics and design parameters for the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer Nadir (MODIS-N) currently under development at NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center.

Montgomery, Harry E.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Passive remote sensing of stratospheric and mesospheric winds

A passive infrared sensor is described for remote sounding of the wind field in the stratosphere and mesosphere from near Earth orbital spacecraft. The instrument uses gas correlation spectroscopy together with electro-optic phase modulation techniques to measure winds in the 20- to 120-km altitude range globally, both in the day and at night, and with a vertical resolution of better than the atmospheric scale height. Measurement of temperature and the amounts of key atmospheric species may also be made simultaneously and in coincident fields of view with the wind observations. The sensor is currently being developed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory as a candidate for the upcoming NASA Earth Observation System.

Mccleese, Daniel J.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Vision Test in Seconds

Acuity Systems, Inc. developed an electro-optical instrument under a grant from NASA to measure the visual performance of pilots. Transferred from Ames Research Center, this instrument now allows you to have your eyes tested in seconds by relatively unskilled operators. The device automatically measures refractive error of eye and prints out proper prescription for glasses. The unit also detects cataracts and glaucoma.

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NASA NTRS1976

Lead Poison Detection

With NASA contracts, Whittaker Corporations Space Science division has developed an electro-optical instrument to mass screen for lead poisoning. Device is portable and detects protoporphyrin in whole blood. Free corpuscular porphyrins occur as an early effect of lead ingestion. Also detects lead in urine used to confirm blood tests. Test is inexpensive and can be applied by relatively unskilled personnel. Similar Whittaker fluorometry device called "drug screen" can measure morphine and quinine in urine much faster and cheaper than other methods.

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NASA NTRS1977

Microbe Detector

The AutoMicrobic System (AMS) represents years of intensive research and development by McDonnell Douglas Corp. that originated with a NASA study aimed at development of a fully automated microbial detection and identification system for spacecraft use. A urine specimen is placed into the system, where it is subjected to different freeze-dried microbe nutrients for the nine most common pathogens. An electro-optical scanner studies each specimen once an hour through a 4-to-13 hour cycle, operating automatically. Changes in cell growths on each culture are monitored by computer. The presence of pathogens is indicated when growth reaches a predetermined level. The system also enumerates the pathogens and specifies the type. Developed initially to handle urine testing, AMS soon is expected to allow analyses of blood, spinal fluid, and other body fluids. An additional capability under development is "susceptibility testing," or the determination of which microbe-killing agents-such as penicillin or other antibiotics-would be most effective in eliminating the pathogens. The whole process of detecting, identifying, and enumerating the pathogens and determining susceptibility is accomplished in less half the time required for the manual procedure. The AMS minimizes human error, reduces technician time , and increases laboratory output.

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NASA NTRS1982

Automated mass spectrometer analysis system

An automated mass spectrometer analysis system is disclosed, in which samples are automatically processed in a sample processor and converted into volatilizable samples, or their characteristic volatilizable derivatives. Each volatilizable sample is sequentially volatilized and analyzed in a double focusing mass spectrometer, whose output is in the form of separate ion beams all of which are simultaneously focused in a focal plane. Each ion beam is indicative of a different sample component or different fragments of one or more sample components and the beam intensity is related to the relative abundance of the sample component. The system includes an electro-optical ion detector which automatically and simultaneously converts the ion beams, first into electron beams which in turn produce a related image which is transferred to the target of a vilicon unit. The latter converts the images into electrical signals which are supplied to a data processor, whose output is a list of the components of the analyzed sample and their abundances. The system is under the control of a master control unit, which in addition to monitoring and controlling various power sources, controls the automatic operation of the system under expected and some unexpected conditions and further protects various critical parts of the system from damage due to particularly abnormal conditions.

Kuppermann, Aron↗

NASA NTRS1978

Automated mass spectrometer analysis system

An automated mass spectrometer analysis system is disclosed, in which samples are automatically processed in a sample processor and converted into volatilizable samples, or their characteristic volatilizable derivatives. Each volatizable sample is sequentially volatilized and analyzed in a double focusing mass spectrometer, whose output is in the form of separate ion beams all of which are simultaneously focused in a focal plane. Each ion beam is indicative of a different sample component or different fragments of one or more sample components and the beam intensity is related to the relative abundance of the sample component. The system includes an electro-optical ion detector which automatically and simultaneously converts the ion beams, first into electron beams which in turn produce a related image which is transferred to the target of a vidicon unit. The latter converts the images into electrical signals which are supplied to a data processor, whose output is a list of the components of the analyzed sample and their abundances. The system is under the control of a master control unit, which in addition to monitoring and controlling various power sources, controls the automatic operation of the system under expected and some unexpected conditions and further protects various critical parts of the system from damage due to particularly abnormal conditions.

Boettger, Heinz G.↗

NASA NTRS1973

A Method of Monitoring Non-Resonant Raman Lidar Returns During Daylight Hours

A method for using non-resonant Raman lidar during daytime hours is presented. A dual (or quadruple) arrangement of electro-optical channels is set up in the lidar receiver. Each channel contains its own optical spectral response as determined by an appropriate set of interference filters. The incoming signal is split and fed into two channels, filtered (simultaneously) and then inserted into the input terminals of an operational amplifier. The difference signal is selected and amplified whereas the common portion of the signal is highly attenuated (Common Mode Re.jection Ratio = 75-80db). For the present hardware, daylight intensities 10(exp 2)-10(exp 3) times Raman signals are received simultaneously. Mean values of intensities of daylight signals which give rise to a constant differences merely shift the value of the measured variable at the ground. These mean value signals have their common part highly attenuated. The differences of the fluctuation portions of the daylight signal represents a noise signal. Identical (space-time) optical paths for each component of the daylight signal produce the same fluctuational spectra in each channel. Hence noise levels, much less than signal levels, are anticipated. First a N2-H2 ) signal pair is differenced. Then an N2-O2 pair is differenced and used for instrumental normalization purposes. Signal levels to be encountered are quite well known as a result of prior field work. Improved optical design of laser system can reduce mean value of daylight intensities by 10(exp 2). Thus the mean daylight intensity can be set equal to the expected signal levels by more advanced optical design. Performance characteristics of photomultiplier pairs are discussed in this connection.

Cooney, John↗

NASA NTRS1963