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At least 271 records · Page 15

Numerical simulations of plasma double layers

The results of analytical studies of quasi-static electric fields along geomagnetic field lines are discussed. The calculations were targeted at the structure, generation mechanisms and stability parameters. The field consists of two oppositely charged layers, either weakly or strongly charged, with an electric field between. Existence conditions are defined for the double layer field and balancing requirements are explored. Details of the simulation techniques, i.e., particle in cell and Vlasov simulations, for studying the double layer are outlined, noting that both periodic and quasi-periodic simulations are used. Solutions to Poisson's equation for fixed and floating point boundary conditions are generated. Finally, attention is also given to oblique and two-dimensional magnetic double layers.

Goertz, C. K.↗

Machine learning assisted derivation of minimal low-energy models for metallic magnets

Abstract We consider the problem of extracting a low-energy spin Hamiltonian from a triangular Kondo Lattice Model (KLM). The non-analytic dependence of the effective spin-spin interactions on the Kondo exchange excludes the use of perturbation theory beyond the second order. We then introduce a Machine Learning (ML) assisted protocol to extract effective two- and four-spin interactions. The resulting spin model reproduces the phase diagram of the original KLM as a function of magnetic field and single-ion anisotropy and reveals the effective four-spin interactions that stabilize the field-induced skyrmion crystal phase. Moreover, this model enables the computation of static and dynamical properties with a much lower numerical cost relative to the original KLM. A comparison of the dynamical spin structure factor in the fully polarized phase computed with both models reveals a good agreement for the magnon dispersion even though this information was not included in the training data set.

Sharma, Vikram (ORCID:0000000189105519)↗

Design and evaluation of an optical fine-pointing control system for telescopes utilizing a digital star sensor

One of the most significant problems associated with the development of large orbiting astronomical telescopes is that of maintaining the very precise pointing accuracy required. A proposed solution to this problem utilizes dual-level pointing control. The primary control system maintains the telescope structure attitude stabilized within the field of view to the desired accuracy. In order to demonstrate the feasibility of optically stabilizing the star images to the desired accuracy a regulating system has been designed and evaluated. The control system utilizes a digital star sensor and an optical star image motion compensator, both of which have been developed for this application. These components have been analyzed mathematically, analytical models have been developed, and hardware has been built and tested.

Ostroff, A. J.↗

Investigation of hypersonic shock-induced combustion in a hydrogen-air system

A numerical study is conducted to simulate the ballistic range experiments at Mach 5.11 and 6.46. The flow field is found to be unsteady with periodic instabilities originating in the stagnation zone. The unsteadiness of the flow field decreased with increase in the Mach number, thus indicating that it is possible to stabilize such flow fields with a high degree of overdrive. The frequency of periodic instability is determined using Fourier power spectrum and is found to be in good agreement with the experimental data. The physics of the instability is explained by the wave interaction models available in the literature.

Ahuja, J. K.↗

High current density electron emission from an electrodeposited metal nanowire array

High-current electron field emitters are of interest for many applications, but state-of-the-art devices suffer from limitations such as high turn-on macroscopic field, low macroscopic current density, poor emission stability, and short lifetime. Field emitter arrays with a high spatial density of uniform emitters have the potential to address these problems. This work presents the process development, fabrication, and testing of a novel field emitter array. The authors employed electron beam lithography and templated electrodeposition to fabricate a high spatial density array of metallic nanowires, resulting in electron emission with high macroscopic current density (2 A/cm 2 ) and low turn-on macroscopic field (4.35 V/ μ m). Templated electrodeposition of metallic nanowire arrays is a promising method for producing high performance field emitters.

42 ENGINEERING↗

A stable corridor for toroidal plasma compression

In this study, a toroidal plasma compressed by a collapsing flux conserver is analyzed to reveal stable scenarios of operation to high compression ratios. The resistive and ideal MHD stability is calculated in full toroidal geometry, using the asymptotic matching method in realistic conditions, and comparing with nonlinear simulations. The near edge current profile, controlled by toroidal field ramping during compression, is shown to be critical to stability due to coupling between poloidal components of the least stable mode. The extension of a length of shaft on axis is also found to be critical at high compression, as the resulting good curvature region in magnetic field stabilizes pressure driven modes that would otherwise be unstable. This work extends from previous studies, which initially showed the existence of a stable scenario, to include findings of more extensive stable zones, detailed effects of geometry, and nonlinear simulations of the instabilities. The nonlinear simulations of the compression are consistent with the linear analyses, confirming both the conservation and stability properties.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Radiation Response of Ga 2 O 3 MOSFETs Probed via Focused Particle Beams

Gallium Oxide (Ga 2 O 3 ), particularly in its β-phase, is attracting lots of interest for high-power and high-voltage electronics due to its wide bandgap, high breakdown field, and thermal stability. This study investigates the radiation response of Ga 2 O 3 Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors (MOSFETs) under Total Ionizing Dose (TID) and Displacement Damage (DD) conditions, which are critical for applications in radiation environments. Utilizing a dual-beam Focused Ion Beam and Scanning Electron Microscope setup, microscale analysis of radiation effects on individual devices is performed. The findings reveal distinct behaviors under TID and DD + TID conditions, with TID leading to threshold voltage shifts due to trapped charges, while DD results in decreased drive current attributed to increased carrier scattering from lattice defects. Notably, it is demonstrated that the TID effect can be mitigated through dynamic threshold voltage adjustments and that the predicted TID from ions calculated by Monte Carlo simulations overestimates actual TID due to unaccounted charge yield effects. In conclusion, this research enhances the understanding of Ga2O3 MOSFETs' performance in harsh radiation environments, providing insights for the design of robust electronic devices for space and nuclear applications.

MOSFET↗

Characterization of convection related defects in II-VI compound semiconductors

The research carried out under NAG8-913, 'Characterization of Convection Related Defects in II-VI Compound Semiconductors', was aimed at exploration of the potential of axial magnetic fields for melt stabilization when applied in Bridgman geometry to the growth of HgMnTe. The thrust of the work was directed at the experimental establishment of the limits of magnetic melt stabilization during crystal growth and at the analytical verification of the effects of stabilization on critical materials properties. The data obtained indicate noticeable stabilization effects, particularly as far as the formation of microscopic compositional inhomogeneities is concerned. The effects of magnetic fields on precipitate formation are found to be minor. Magnetic field effects were investigated for both 'Bridgman' and 'travelling heater' geometries. The research was conducted during the period from May 22 to September 30, 1992.

Witt, August F.↗

Field Calibration Techniques used to Characterize the Radiometric Stability of the GEO-CAPE Airborne Simulator (GCAS)

The GEOstationary Coastal and Air Pollution Events (GEO-CAPE) Airborne Simulator (GCAS) was developed at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and has flown in multiple field campaigns to perform mapping of the regional-scale EPA criteria pollutants nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and formaldehyde. GCAS will also participate invalidation campaigns for NASA’s Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring POllution (TEMPO) mission and the Korean Geostationary Environment Monitoring Spectrometer (GEMS) mission, both scheduled to launch in the early 2020s. GCAS houses two commercial Offner-type grating spectrometers that measure backscattered solar spectral radiance from the near-ultraviolet to near-infrared at high spatial resolution (typically 250 meters at 8.5 kilometer altitude). These radiances are used to retrieve spatial and temporal distributions of trace gases relevant to the boundary layer and free tropospheric atmospheric chemistry cycles. In this paper, we describe the field calibration techniques employed to characterize the spectral and temporal radiometric stability of the system during its most recent deployment in the 2018 Long Island Sound Trace Ozone Study (LISTOS) field campaign. Overall measurement uncertainty, retrieval impacts, and lessons learned for future deployments will also be described.

NASA’s Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring POllutio↗

Flow Transitions in a Rotating Magnetic Field

Critical Rayleigh numbers have been measured in a liquid metal cylinder of finite height in the presence of a rotating magnetic field. Several different stability regimes were observed, which were determined by the values of the Rayleigh and Hartmann numbers. For weak rotating magnetic fields and small Rayleigh numbers, the experimental observations can be explained by the existence of a single non-axisymmetric meridional roll rotating around the cylinder, driven by the azimuthal component of the magnetic field. The measured dependence of rotational velocity on magnetic field strength is consistent with the existence of laminar flow in this regime.

Volz, M. P.↗

Azimuthal magnetic field distribution in gas-puff Z -pinch implosions with and without external magnetic stabilization

An experimental study of the magnetic field distribution in gas-puff Z pinches with and without a preembedded axial magnetic field (B z0 ) is presented. Spatially resolved, time-gated spectroscopic measurements were made at the Weizmann Institute of Science on a 300 kA, 1.6 μs rise time pulsed-power driver. The radial distribution of the azimuthal magnetic field, B θ , during the implosion, with and without a preembedded axial magnetic field of B z0 = 0.26 T, was measured using Zeeman polarization spectroscopy. The spectroscopic measurements of B θ were consistent with the corresponding values of B θ inferred from current measurements made with a B-dot probe. One-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic simulations, performed with the code TRAC-II, showed agreement with the experimentally measured implosion trajectory, and qualitatively reproduced the experimentally measured radial B θ profiles during the implosion when B z0 = 0.26 T was applied. Simulation results of the radial profile of B θ without a preembedded axial magnetic field did not qualitatively match experimental results due to magneto-Rayleigh-Taylor (MRT) instabilities. Furthermore, our analysis emphasizes the importance of MRT instability mitigation when studying the magnetic field and current distributions in Z pinches. Discrepancies of the simulation results with experiment are discussed.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Convection in the Physical Vapor Transport Process: Thermal - 1

The effects of convection on diffusive-convective physical vapor transport process are examined computationally. We analyze conditions ranging from typical laboratory conditions to conditions achievable only in a low gravity environment. This corresponds to thermal Rayleigh numbers Ra(sub tau) ranging from 1.80 x 10 to 1.92 x 10(exp 6). Our results indicate that the effect of the sublimation and condensation fluxes at the boundaries is to increase the threshold of instability. For typical ground based conditions, time dependent oscillatory convection can occur. This results in unsteady transport, and non-uniform temperature and concentration gradients at the crystal interface. Spectral analysis of the flow field shows parametric regions exhibiting both an oscillatory approach to steady state and a chaotic transient to a periodic state. Low gravity conditions stabilize the flow field. Convective effects are effectively reduced, thus resulting in uniform temperature and concentration gradients at the interface, a desirable condition for crystal growth.

Duval, Walter M. B.↗

Convection in the Physical Vapor Transport Process-I: Thermal

The effects of convection on diffusive-convective physical vapor transport process are examined computationally. We analyze conditions ranging from typical laboratory conditions to conditions achievable only in a low gravity environment. This corresponds to thermal Rayleigh numbers Ra, ranging from 1.80 x 10 to 1.92 x 10(exp 6). Our results indicate that the effect of the sublimation and condensation fluxes at the boundaries is to increase the threshold of instability. For typical ground based conditions, time dependent oscillatory convection can occur. This results in unsteady transport, and non- uniform temperature and concentration gradients at the crystal interface. Spectral analysis of the flow field shows parametric regions exhibiting both an oscillatory approach to steady state and a chaotic transient to a periodic state. Low gravity conditions stabilize the flow field. Convective effects are effectively reduced, thus resulting in uniform temperature and concentration gradients at the interface, a desirable condition for crystal growth.

Duval, Walter M. B.↗

Atomic Clock Based On Linear Ion Trap

Highly stable atomic clock based on excitation and measurement of hyperfine transition in 199Hg+ ions confined in linear quadrupole trap by radio-frequency and static electric fields. Configuration increases stability of clock by enabling use of enough ions to obtain adequate signal while reducing non-thermal component of motion of ions in trapping field, reducing second-order Doppler shift of hyperfine transition. Features described in NPO-17758 "Linear Ion Trap for Atomic Clock." Frequency standard based on hyperfine transition described in NPO-17456, "Trapped-Mercury-Ion Frequency Standard."

Prestage, John D.↗

Effects of electron viscosity on resonant layer responses to non-axisymmetric magnetic perturbations

The resonant field penetration to magnetic islands is the central MHD mechanism of non-axisymmetric plasma responses in a tokamak such as disruptive locking or favorable ELM stabilization. The resonant field penetration can be induced by any non-ideal processes as manifested in the delicate balance under the generalized Ohm's law. Here, we show that the viscous effects by electrons are not ignorable in the field penetration unlike previous presumption, even if the electron viscosity is as small as the square root of its mass compared to the ions. It is clear that its effects become only bigger if the electron viscosity becomes anomalously large. The work strictly follows the three-field model in the linear regime targeting the prediction of the onset of the field penetration and successfully extending it with electron viscosity and identifying new regimes. The results also indicate that the error field thresholds become more strongly dependent on plasma density than ones predicted in the linear regimes without the electron viscosity, which is consistent with experimental observations and thus a significant implication.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Field Immune Assessment during Simulated Planetary Exploration in the Canadian Arctic

Dysregulation of the immune system has been shown to occur during space flight, although the detailed nature of the phenomenon and the clinical risks for exploration class missions has yet to be established. In addition, the growing clinical significance of immune system evaluation combined with epidemic infectious disease rates in third world countries provides a strong rationale for the development of field-compatible clinical immunology techniques and equipment. In July 2002 NASA performed a comprehensive field immunology assessment on crewmembers participating in the Haughton-Mars Project (HMP) on Devon Island in the high Canadian Arctic. The purpose of the study was to evaluate mission-associated effects on the human immune system, as well as to evaluate techniques developed for processing immune samples in remote field locations. Ten HMP-2002 participants volunteered for the study. A field protocol was developed at NASA-JSC for performing sample collection, blood staining/processing for immunophenotype analysis, wholeblood mitogenic culture for functional assessments and cell-sample preservation on-location at Devon Island. Specific assays included peripheral leukocyte distribution; constitutively activated T cells, intracellular cytokine profiles and plasma EBV viral antibody levels. Study timepoints were L-30, midmission and R+60. The protocol developed for immune sample processing in remote field locations functioned properly. Samples were processed in the field location, and stabilized for subsequent analysis at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. The data indicated that some phenotype, immune function and stress hormone changes occurred in the HMP field participants that were largely distinct from pre-mission baseline and post-mission recovery data. These immune changes appear similar to those observed in Astronauts following spaceflight. The sample processing protocol developed for this study may have applications for immune assessment during exploration-class space missions or in remote terrestrial field locations. The data validate the use of the HMP as a ground-based spaceflight/planetary exploration analog for some aspects of human physiology.

Crucian, Brian↗

High-field superconducting halo in UTe 2

The heavy fermion material UTe 2 is a candidate topological superconductor that exhibits multiple magnetic field–induced superconducting phases. One such phase exists only at fields greater than 40 tesla, a considerable scale given its critical temperature of only 2 K. Here, in this work, we extend measurements of this state with fields outside of the bc crystallographic plane and reveal its core structure: The superconducting phase wraps around the b axis in a halo-like fashion and appears to be stabilized by a field component perpendicular to the magnetic easy axis. This angle dependence points to a multicomponent spin-triplet order parameter with a finite angular momentum of the Cooper pairs. The pairing mechanism remains enigmatic, and UTe 2 ’s specific magnetophilic superconducting tendencies seem incompatible with existing models for field-enhanced superconductivity.

Lewin, Sylvia K. [National Inst. of Standards and ↗