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At least 325 records · Page 18
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2011

Measurement of Phased Array Point Spread Functions for Use with Beamforming

Microphone arrays can be used to localize and estimate the strengths of acoustic sources present in a region of interest. However, the array measurement of a region, or beam map, is not an accurate representation of the acoustic field in that region. The true acoustic field is convolved with the array s sampling response, or point spread function (PSF). Many techniques exist to remove the PSF's effect on the beam map via deconvolution. Currently these methods use a theoretical estimate of the array point spread function and perhaps account for installation offsets via determination of the microphone locations. This methodology fails to account for any reflections or scattering in the measurement setup and still requires both microphone magnitude and phase calibration, as well as a separate shear layer correction in an open-jet facility. The research presented seeks to investigate direct measurement of the array's PSF using a non-intrusive acoustic point source generated by a pulsed laser system. Experimental PSFs of the array are computed for different conditions to evaluate features such as shift-invariance, shear layers and model presence. Results show that experimental measurements trend with theory with regard to source offset. The source shows expected behavior due to shear layer refraction when observed in a flow, and application of a measured PSF to NACA 0012 aeroacoustic trailing-edge noise data shows a promising alternative to a classic shear layer correction method.

Bahr, Chris↗
DOE OSTI2020

High power edge-cum-surface emitting terahertz laser arrays phased locked by vacuum guided plasmon waves

Terahertz semiconductor quantum-cascade lasers (QCLs) are widely implemented with metallic cavities that support low-loss plasmonic optical modes at long wavelengths. However, resonant optical modes in such cavities suffer from poor radiative characteristics due to their subwavelength transverse dimensions. Consequently, single-mode terahertz QCLs with metallic cavities and large (>100 mW) output power have only been realized in the surface-emitting configuration that affords a large radiating surface. Here, we demonstrate a method to enhance radiative outcoupling from such plasmonic lasers for high-power emission in the edge-emitting (end-fire or longitudinal) direction. Single-sided plasmon waves propagating in vacuum are resonantly excited in surrounding medium of metallic cavities with the QCL semiconductor medium. The vacuum guided plasmon waves with a large wavefront phase-lock multiple metallic cavities longitudinally, which leads to intense radiation in multiple directions, including that in the longitudinal direction in a narrow single-lobed beam. The multicavity array radiates predominantly in a single spectral mode. A peak-power output of 260 mW and a slope efficiency of 303 mW/A are measured for the end-fire beam from a 3.3 THz QCL operating at 54 K in a Stirling cooler. Finally, single-mode operation and lithographic tuning across a bandwidth of ~150 GHz are demonstrated.

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRS1977

Conceptual approach study of a 200 watt per kilogram solar array, phase 1

Two alternative designs were studied; one a retractable rollout design and the other a nonretractable foldout configuration. An end of life (EOL) power for either design of 0.79 beginning of life (BOL) is predicted based on one solar flare during a 3 year interplanetary mission. Both array configurations incorporate the features of flexible substrates and cover sheets. A power capacity of 10 kilowatt is achieved in a blanket area of 76 sq m with an area utilization factor of 0.8. A single array consists of two identical solar cell blankets deployed concurrently by a single, coilable longeron boom. An out of plane angle of 8-1/4 deg is maintained between the two blankets so that the inherent inplane stiffness of the blankets may be used to obtain out of plane stiffness. This V-stiffened design results in a 67% reduction in the stiffness requirement for the boom. Since boom mass scales with stiffness, a lower requirement on boom stiffness results in a lower mass for the boom. These solar arrays are designed to be compatible with the shuttle launch environment and shuttle cargo bay size limitations.

Rayl, G. J.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Coaxial phased array antenna

A coaxial antenna array for communicating circularly polarized electromagnetic radiation is disclosed. A pair of open ended antenna cavities is coaxially constructed and operates by excitation of linear radiation elements arranged within each of the cavities. A pair of crossed dipole radiation devices is centered within the inner cavity and operated by means of a phase shifting network circuit to transmit as well as receive circularly polarized radiation. Four monopole radiation devices are symmetrically arranged to operate in the outer cavity in phase quadrature by means of the phase shifting network circuit to both transmit and receive circularly polarized electromagnetic radiation. Combined operation of the two antenna cavities with a 180 deg phase differential between the fields related to the two antenna cavities provides a broad beam, relatively wide frequency bandwidth communication capability. Particular embodiments disclosed feature a generally square cavity array as well as a circular cavity array.

Ellis, H., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS2009

Phased-array optical whispering gallery mode modulation and method

A whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonator device and method capable of filtering sidebands of optical modulators are provided. The method includes providing an optical resonator adapted to support whispering gallery modes and forming a first field and a second field from a first location and a second location, respectively, at the circumference of the optical resonator and being separated by an arc angle, .alpha.. The method includes adjusting relative phase between the first field and the second field in accordance to a differential phase, .beta., and combining the first and the second fields into an output. Particular selection of the arc angle, .alpha., and the differential phase, .beta., can determine the function of the output.

Strekalov, Dmitry V.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Optically controlled phased array antenna concepts using GaAs monolithic microwave integrated circuits

The desire for rapid beam reconfigurability and steering has led to the exploration of new techniques. Optical techniques have been suggested as potential candidates for implementing these needs. Candidates generally fall into one of two areas: those using fiber optic Beam Forming Networks (BFNs) and those using optically processed BFNs. Both techniques utilize GaAs Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMICs) in the BFN, but the role of the MMIC for providing phase and amplitude variations is largely eliminated by some new optical processing techniques. This paper discusses these two types of optical BFN designs and provides conceptual designs of both systems.

Kunath, R. R.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Conceptual approach study 200 watt per kilogram solar array, phase 3

Activities are described that were directed by JPL to support the earlier conceptual design work with proof of concept models on the one hand, and laboratory test and evaluation of alternate designs and materials that hold promise for further mass economies, on the other. In support of this advanced solar blanket technology the following work was accomplished: (1) preparation of an 80 cell solar module for a 1000 cycle thermal test (2) fabrication of a 660 cell solar panel and performance evaluation of this article after a '0' g flight test, (3) design improvement of the cell interconnect for further mass reduction, (4) completion of UV exposure and thermal cycle tests for a variety of cell cover material and adhesives and (5) preparation of a quantity of representative solar array test specimens for space flight on NASA's Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF).

Rayl, G. J.↗
NASA NTRS1984

MMIC devices for active phased array antennas

The study of printed circuit discontinuities is necessary in order to design, for example, transitions between rectangular waveguides and printed circuits. New developments with respect to the analytical approaches to this problem are discussed. A summary of the progress in the experimental approach is presented. The accurate solution for the modes in various millimeter-wave waveguides is essential in the analysis of many integrated circuit components, such as filters and impedance transformers. Problems associated with the numerical computation of these modes in two frequently used waveguide forms, namely, the finline and microstrip, are presented. The spectral domain method of formulation, with a moment method solution, is considered. This approach can be readily extended to analyze an arbitrary configuration of dielectric and metallized regions in a shielded enclosure. Galerkin's method is used, where the testing and basic functions are the same. It is shown that the mode functions, or eigenfunctions, are more sensitive to errors than the phase constants, or eigenvalues. The approximate mode functions do not satisfy the orthogonality relationship well, resulting in difficulties when these modal solutions are used to form an approximate Green's function or are used in a mode matching analysis.

Mittra, R.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Economical phased-array antenna for environmental applications

Antenna system handles data acquisition and tracking, functions as a sensitive radio telescope, and serves as a radiometer in earth atmosphere investigations. Antenna's sensitivity permits resolution of solar disk quadrants in Doppler radar observations. Antenna also serves as a planetary radar device and link to commercial aircraft.

Higgins, W. T.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Electro-optical processing of phased array data

An on-line spatial light modulator for application as the input transducer for a real-time optical data processing system is described. The use of such a device in the analysis and processing of radar data in real time is reported. An interface from the optical processor to a control digital computer was designed, constructed, and tested. The input transducer, optical system, and computer interface have been operated in real time with real time radar data with the input data returns recorded on the input crystal, processed by the optical system, and the output plane pattern digitized, thresholded, and outputted to a display and storage in the computer memory. The correlation of theoretical and experimental results is discussed.

Casasent, D.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Airborne electronically steerable phased array

Results of a study directed to the design of a lightweight high-gain, spaceborne communications array are presented. The array includes simultaneous transmission and receiving, automatic acquisition and tracking of a signal within a 60-degree cone from the array normal, and provides for independent forming of the transmit and receive beams. Application for this array is the space shuttle, space station, or any of the advanced manned (or unmanned) orbital vehicles. Performance specifications are also given.

Coats, R.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Spraylon fluorocarbon encapsulation for silicon solar cell arrays, phase 3

The liquid transparent film-forming, fluorocarbon, Spraylon, a protective coating for terrestrial solar cell modules was evaluated. Two modules were completed and field tested. Problems developed early in the field testing which led to the shortened test period, specifically, lifting of the antireflection coating, followed in some areas by complete film delamination. It is believed that although these problems were certainly induced by the presence of the SPRAYLON film, they were not failures of the material per se. Instead, assembly procedures, module design, and cell coating quality should be evaluated to determine cause of failure.

Naes, L. G.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Single contact tailored gain phased array of semiconductor lasers

A single contact tailored gain-guided array is demonstrated in which the gain profile across the array is made strongly asymmetric by varying the width of the contact stripes. A proton isolated arary of six (GaAl)As lasers with 5-micron separations and widths varying linearly between 3 and 8 microns had a single lobed far field 2 deg wide, close to the diffraction limit for a single supermode. Fabrication of this device is simple, and suited to large-scale processing techniques. It is also shown that in such an asymmetric gain-guided array the fundamental mode is favored over higher order modes, and that higher order modes can have single lobed far-field patterns differing only slightly from that of the fundamental.

Lindsey, C. P.↗