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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 271 records · Page 15
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1991

Spectroscopic characterization of dynamical processes for Tm,Ho:YAG lasers

The energy transfer processes in Tm,Ho:YAG lasers were investigated in spectral studies and measurements of the temporal response to pulsed excitation. These processes include the population of the 3H4 pump band of Tm, cross-relaxation in Tm, the transfer of energy from Tm to Ho, and various loss mechanisms. It was found that the Tm cross-relaxation is due to a dipole-dipole interaction between Tm ions and that the rate of this process is a function of temperature and ion concentration.

Armagan, G.↗
NASA NTRS1986

The global tracking networks for crustal dynamics

Highly accurate Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) and Very-Long-Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) have been implemented by the NASA Crustal Dynamics Project and many cooperating groups in many countries to form global SLR and VLBI networks for geodetic measurements of global plate motion, plate deformation, regional deformations in areas of high earthquake activity, and accurate measurements of the earth's polar motion and changes in rotation rate. These systems are measuring vector baselines between stations to an accuracy of 2-5 cm. New improvements being implemented will improve the accuracy to about 1 cm.

Coates, R. J.↗
DOE OSTI2021

A laser inverse Compton scattering diagnostic to study runaway electron dynamics during tokamak disruptions

The goal is to design a new diagnostic based on laser inverse Compton scattering (LICS) to study the dynamics of runaway electron formation and their subsequent loss during triggered disruptions in DIII-D. It is known that better measurements of the runaway electron population, throughout the evolution of a disruption, is critical for mitigating the impact of energetic electron beams especially in high plasma current discharges such as those in reactor relevant burning plasmas. The goal of the LICS approach being designed for DIII-D is to measure the timeresolved spatial profile and energy distribution of the runaway electrons while they are in the core of the tokamak plasma. During the last year, a code was developed to simulate the signals from a new laser scattering diagnostic for DIII-D, which will measure the relativistic electron population expected in DIII-D after disruptions triggered by argon pellet injection.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Aggregation‐Induced Stimulated Emission of 100% Dye Microspheres

Dyes with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties have gained interest due to their bright luminescence in solid-state aggregates. While fluorescence from AIE dyes is widely exploited, relatively little is known about aggregation-induced stimulated emission. Here, stimulated emission of tetraphenylethene (TPE)-based organoboron AIE dyes, TPEQBN, in thin films and in microcavity lasers is investigated. Using femtosecond pump–probe spectroscopy, gain coefficients up to 230 cm -1 at 500 nm are measured. Using rate equations, concentration- and pump-dependent gain dynamics as well as laser build-up dynamics are analyzed. During laser oscillation, radiative stimulated emission allows high instantaneous quantum yield greater than 90% to be achieved. Solid-state microspheres made of 100% AIE dyes are fabricated via microfluidic emulsion and solvent evaporation method. Coupled with high gain and high refractive index of 1.76, microspheres as small as 2 µm in diameter show lasing by nanosecond pumping with a threshold of ≈10 pJ µm –2 . Polymer coated, but not bare, microspheres are internalized by live cells and generate narrowband cavity-mode emission from within the cytoplasm. This work shows the potential of AIE dyes as laser materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1974

Low-current-density LED-pumped Nd:YAG laser using a solid cylindrical reflector

The dynamic behavior of Nd:YAG lasers is theoretically analyzed. In experiments, an array of twenty GaAlAs diodes was used as the pumping light source for a Nd:YAG laser. An index-matching glass half-cylinder was used instead of the conventional hollow metal reflector. The refractive index of the half-cylinder was 1.8, which matched the refractive index of the Nd:YAG rod. A maximum CW output power of 27 mW at a current density of 207 A/sq cm was achieved using this glass half-cylinder, while 6.7 mW were obtained when a hollow metal reflector was used.

Farmer, G. I.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Observing tectonic plate motions and deformations from satellite laser ranging

The scope of geodesy has been greatly affected by the advent of artificial near-earth satellites. The present paper provides a description of the results obtained from the reduction of data collected with the aid of satellite laser ranging. It is pointed out that dynamic reduction of satellite laser ranging (SLR) data provides very precise positions in three dimensions for the laser tracking network. The vertical components of the stations, through the tracking geometry provided by the global network and the accurate knowledge of orbital dynamics, are uniquely related to the center of mass of the earth. Attention is given to the observations, the methodologies for reducing satellite observations to estimate station positions, Lageos-observed tectonic plate motions, an improved temporal resolution of SLR plate motions, and the SLR vertical datum.

Christodoulidis, D. C.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Melt-Pool Dynamics and Microstructure of Mg Alloy WE43 under Laser Powder Bed Fusion Additive Manufacturing Conditions

Magnesium-based alloy WE43 is a state-of-the-art bioresorbable metallic implant material. There is a need for implants with both complex geometries to match the mechanical properties of bone and refined microstructure for controlled resorption. Additive manufacturing (AM) using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) presents a viable fabrication method for implant applications, as it offers near-net-shape geometrical control, allows for geometry customization based on an individual patient, and fast cooling rates to achieve a refined microstructure. In this study, the laser–alloy interaction is investigated over a range of LPBF-relevant processing conditions to reveal melt-pool dynamics, pore formation, and the microstructure of laser-melted WE43. In situ X-ray imaging reveals distinct laser-induced vapor depression morphology regimes, with minimal pore formation at laser-scan speeds greater than 500 mm/s. Optical and electron microscopy of cross-sectioned laser tracks reveal three distinct microstructural regimes that can be controlled by adjusting laser-scan parameters: columnar, dendritic, and banded microstructures. These regimes are consistent with those predicted by the analytic solidification theory for conduction-mode welding, but not for keyhole-mode tracks. The results provide insight into the fundamental laser–material interactions of the WE43 alloy under AM-processing conditions and are critical for the successful implementation of LPBF-produced WE43 parts in biomedical applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1981

The nonlinear wave equation for higher harmonics in free-electron lasers

The nonlinear wave equation and self-consistent pendulum equation are generalized to describe free-electron laser operation in higher harmonics; this can significantly extend their tunable range to shorter wavelengths. The dynamics of the laser field's amplitude and phase are explored for a wide range of parameters using families of normalized gain curves applicable to both the fundamental and harmonics. The electron phase-space displays the fundamental physics driving the wave, and this picture is used to distinguish between the effects of high gain and Coulomb forces.

Colson, W. B.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Multi-Particle Three-Dimensional Covariance Imaging: “Coincidence” Insights into the Many-Body Fragmentation of Strong-Field Ionized D 2 O

We demonstrate the applicability of covariance analysis to three-dimensional velocity-map imaging experiments using a fast timestamping detector. Studying the photofragmentation of strong-field doubly ionized D$_2$O molecules, we show that combining high count rate measurements with covariance analysis yields the same level of information typically limited to the `gold standard' of true, low count rate coincidence experiments, when averaging over a large ensemble of photofragmentation events. This increases the effective data acquisition rate by approximately two orders of magnitude, enabling a new class of experimental studies. This is illustrated through an investigation into the dependence of three-body D$_2$O$^{2+}$ dissociation on the intensity of the ionizing laser, revealing mechanistic insights into the nuclear dynamics driven during the laser pulse. Here, the experimental methodology laid out, with its drastic reduction in acquisition time, is expected to be of great benefit to future photofragment imaging studies.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS2007

NASA Tech Briefs, April 2007

Topics include: Wearable Environmental and Physiological Sensing Unit; Broadband Phase Retrieval for Image-Based Wavefront Sensing; Filter Function for Wavefront Sensing Over a Field of View; Iterative-Transform Phase Retrieval Using Adaptive Diversity; Wavefront Sensing With Switched Lenses for Defocus Diversity; Smooth Phase Interpolated Keying; Maintaining Stability During a Conducted-Ripple EMC Test; Photodiode Preamplifier for Laser Ranging With Weak Signals; Advanced High-Definition Video Cameras; Circuit for Full Charging of Series Lithium-Ion Cells; Analog Nonvolatile Computer Memory Circuits; JavaGenes Molecular Evolution; World Wind 3D Earth Viewing; Lithium Dinitramide as an Additive in Lithium Power Cells; Accounting for Uncertainties in Strengths of SiC MEMS Parts; Ion-Conducting Organic/Inorganic Polymers; MoO3 Cathodes for High-Temperature Lithium Thin-Film Cells; Counterrotating-Shoulder Mechanism for Friction Stir Welding; Strain Gauges Indicate Differential-CTE-Induced Failures; Antibodies Against Three Forms of Urokinase; Understanding and Counteracting Fatigue in Flight Crews; Active Correction of Aberrations of Low-Quality Telescope Optics; Dual-Beam Atom Laser Driven by Spinor Dynamics; Rugged, Tunable Extended-Cavity Diode Laser; Balloon for Long-Duration, High-Altitude Flight at Venus; and Wide-Temperature-Range Integrated Operational Amplifier.

Source record↗
DOE OSTI2023

Probing shock dynamics inside micro-wire targets after high-intensity laser irradiation using small angle x-ray scattering of a free-electron laser

In this paper, we present an experiment that explores the plasma dynamics of a 7μm diameter carbon wire after being irradiated with a near-relativistic-intensity short pulse laser. Using an x-ray free electron laser pulse to measure the small angle x-ray scattering signal, we observe that the scattering surface is bent and prone to instability over tens of picoseconds. The dynamics of this process are consistent with the presence of a sharp, propagating shock front inside the wire, moving at a speed close to the hole boring velocity or that expected from a thermal shock at a few tens of Mbar.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2023

Programmable-trajectory ultrafast flying focus pulses

“Flying focus” techniques produce laser pulses with dynamic focal points that travel distances much greater than a Rayleigh length. The implementation of these techniques in laser-based applications requires the design of optical configurations that can both extend the focal range and structure the radial group delay. This article describes a method for designing optical configurations that produce ultrashort flying focus pulses with programmable-trajectory focal points. The method is illustrated by several examples that employ an axiparabola for extending the focal range and either a reflective echelon or a deformable mirror-spatial light modulator pair for structuring the radial group delay. The latter configuration enables rapid exploration and optimization of flying foci, which could be ideal for experiments.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Quantitative time-resolved diagnostics of electric field dynamics during individual plasma breakdown events using burst laser pulse electric field induced second harmonic generation

In plasma discharges, the acceleration of electrons by a fast varying electric field and the subsequent collisional electron energy transfer determines the plasma dynamics, chemical reactivity, and breakdown. Current in situ electric field measurements require reconstruction of the temporal profile over many observations. However, such methods are unsuitable for non-repetitive and unstable plasmas. Here, in this paper, we present a method for creating “movies” of dynamic electric fields in a single acquisition at sample rates of 500 × 10 6 fps. This ultrafast diagnostic was demonstrated in radio frequency electric fields between two parallel plates in air, as well as in Ar nanosecond-pulsed single-sided dielectric barrier discharges.

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRS2017

Dynamic Control of Refractive Index During Pulsed-Laser-Deposited Waveguide Growth

Engineering the optical properties of waveguides is important for the optimization of their guided optical mode characteristics. Here, we document the dynamic control of the refractive index and composition of crystalline films, via the substrate temperature, during pulsed-laser-deposition growth of Er(1%)-doped yttrium gallium garnet on <100>-orientated single-crystal yttrium aluminium garnet. An increasing substrate temperature is observed to reduce the gallium content in the grown film, with a corresponding reduction of refractive index. We demonstrate the ability to accurately control the refractive index via this technique and use it to grow a complex multi-core crystal waveguide. Our results highlight the potential of using pulsed laser deposition to fabricate crystal films with bespoke optical properties and thus engineer passive and active waveguide devices in situ.

Temperature↗
DOE OSTI2021

Spatio-temporal ablation dynamics and plasma chemistry of aluminum induced by temporally modulated ytterbium fiber laser

Here, in this work, we studied single-pulse ablation dynamics of a temporally modulated continuous wave laser-material interaction with Al using in situ multimodal time-resolved diagnostics that describe in detail the associated physical and chemical processes. Time-resolved scattering, emission imaging, and optical emission spectroscopy unveiled a sequence of events spread out across three distinct phases: (i) early phase ablation process, associated with particle generation and liquid Al column formation (<20 μs), (ii) secondary detonation when sufficient ejected material is accumulated over the surface (20-50 μs), and (iii) molten liquid Al pool oscillation on the surface, followed by large droplet ejection from the liquid pool (100-500 μs). Atomic Al and AlO were observed with optical emission spectroscopy at different ratios during the entire lifetime of the event, verifying the formation of oxidized Al vapor upon its interaction with air. Morphological and compositional characterization confirmed surface oxidation and material re-solidification in the form of protrusions produced during the irradiation process. This work provides insights into the complex physical and chemical mechanisms of single-pulse ablation in the sub-millisecond laser pulse regime, which are critically important for parameter optimization in a variety of laser processing, microfabrication, and deposition applications.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS2001

Porosity and Variations in Microgravity Aerogel Nano-Structures: New Laser Speckle Characterization Methods - 2

The transition from sol to gel is a process that is critical to the properties of engineered nanomaterials, but one with few available techniques for observing the dynamic processes occurring during the evolution of the gel network. Specifically, the observation of various cluster aggregation models, such as diffusion-limited and reaction-limited cluster growth can be quite difficult. This can be rather important as the actual aggregation model can dramatically influence the mechanical properties of gels, and is significantly affected by the presence of convective flows, or their absence in microgravity. We have developed two new non-intrusive optical methods for observing the aggregation processes within gels in real time. These make use of the dynamic behavior of laser speckle patterns produced when an intense laser source is passed through a gelling sol. The first method is a simplified time-correlation measurement, where the speckle pattern is observed using a CCD camera and information on the movement of the scattering objects is readily apparent. This approach is extremely sensitive to minute variations in the flow field as the observed speckle pattern is a diffraction-based image, and is therefore sensitive to motions within the sol on the order of the wavelength of the probing light. Additionally, this method has proven useful in determining a precise time for the gel-point, an event often difficult to measure. Monitoring the evolution of contrast within the speckle field is another method that has proven useful for studying aeration. In this case, speckle contrast is dependent upon the size (correlation length) and number of scattering centers, increasing with increasing size, and decreasing with increasing numbers. The dynamic behavior of cluster growth in gels causes both of these to change simultaneously with time, the exact rate of which is determined by the specific aggregation model involved. Actual growth processes can now be observed, and the effects of varying gravity fields on the growth processes qualitatively described. Results on preliminary ground-based measurements have been obtained.

Hunt, A. J.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Controlling optical-cavity locking using reinforcement learning

Abstract This study applies an effective methodology based on Reinforcement Learning to a control system. Using the Pound–Drever–Hall locking scheme, we match the wavelength of a controlled laser to the length of a Fabry-Pérot cavity such that the cavity length is an exact integer multiple of the laser wavelength. Typically, long-term drift of the cavity length and laser wavelength exceeds the dynamic range of this control if only the laser’s piezoelectric transducer is actuated, so the same error signal also controls the temperature of the laser crystal. In this work, we instead implement this feedback control grounded on Q-Learning. Our system learns in real-time, eschewing reliance on historical data, and exhibits adaptability to system variations post-training. This adaptive quality ensures continuous updates to the learning agent. This innovative approach maintains lock for eight days on average.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗