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At least 343 records · Page 19

Qualification of Domestic Lyocell Based Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablator (PICA-D) for NASA Missions

Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablator (PICA) is a low-density ablator that has been used as the planetary entry heatshield for several NASA missions since the late 90’s. Its low density and efficient performance characteristics have proven effective for use from Discovery to Flag-ship class missions, from Sample Return missions such as Stardust, OSIRIS-REx to large Mars Lander missions such as Mars Science Lab (MSL) and Mars 2020. The rayon-based carbon precursor raw material used in PICA preform manufacturing has experienced multiple supply chain issues. The challenge involved in finding a replacement fiber source is in processing as well as in the final performance of the ablator. Each replacement necessitates the requalification of the PICA. This has happened at least twice in the past 25 years, and a third substitution is now needed. Due to the obsolescence of the input foreign rayon fiber source, a new variant of PICA has been developed using a domestic rayon-like fiber source, Lyocell. Due to its flight heritage and proven capability, PICA is baselined as the Thermal Protection System (TPS) for Dragonfly and Mars Sample Return Sample Retrieval Lander mission and is being considered for the backshell of the Mars Sample Return Earth Entry System. All three missions are due to be launched between 2026 and 2028. The challenge this time is to ensure the PICA made with domestic material is a suitable replacement to the heritage PICA used in MSL and Mars 2020 so that the design of the heatshield can be matured without much risk. Results are presented from the recent efforts of 22 PICA-D billets that were Lot Acceptance Tested. Thermal, mechanical, and representative environment arc-jet tests have been conducted. Testing of PICA-Domestic (PICA-D) indicates very comparable performance with respect to “heritage” PICA materials and thus PICA-D is expected to be a sustainable and nearly a “drop-in” replacement solution for future NASA missions.

Matt Gasch↗

Simulating Ordinary Chondrite (Tamdakht) Ablation at the Hypersonic Materials Environmental Test System (HyMETS) Facility.

NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD) created the Asteroid Threat Assessment Project (ATAP) to inform decision-makers of risks associated with Potentially Hazardous Objects (PHOs), which may pose an existential threat to human civilization. ATAP assesses risk, in part, by developing analytical physics-based damage models which draw upon data collected during material property characterization efforts, entry simulations, hazard simulations, and ground-based arc-jet testing. Therefore, a pathfinder test campaign was con-ducted at the Hypersonic Materials Environmental Test System (HyMETS) at the NASA Langley Re-search Center to investigate the ablation mechanisms of an ordinary chondrite (Tamdakht H5) and a terrestrial analog (basalt). The HyMETS facility is a 400 kW constricted arc heater used to screen material performance under simulated aerothermal conditions of hypersonic flow.1 Facility conditions were chosen to simulate Earth entry conditions be-tween the upper-mesosphere and the lower thermo-sphere. The ablation mechanisms of Tamdakht and bas-alt are illustrated with still images collected from high-speed video cameras (fig. 1, Tamdakht). Tamdakht produces a relatively stable melt flow, as evidenced by the perpetual growth of a flange at the sidewall and the exiguous detachment of molten material into the flow. Furthermore, an inspection of high-speed video and chemical analysis of the post-test melt layer suggests that the dominant mode of mass loss for Tamdakht, at these test conditions, is expressed through the vaporization of volatiles (e.g., iron, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, and sulfur). The vaporization rates of Tamdakht are greater than basalt under the most extreme test conditions, which leads to an enhanced blowing layer, in-creased thermal shielding, and reduced recession. The ablation mechanisms of basalt are markedly different from Tamdakht and are attributed to the presence of hydrated minerals dispersed at irregular intervals throughout the silicate matrix. Rapid de-composition of secondary minerals and the subsequent formation of water lead to the ejection of the subsurface and overlying melt layer. Furthermore, the presence of water is suspected of lowering the viscosity of the melt layer resulting in increased mass loss near the edge of the test article where drag forces overcome rheological properties (fig. 1, bas-alt). Finally, the results will be discussed in the broader context of meteorite-based material response model development and the potential impact on the Asteroid Threat Assessment Project (ATAP).

Brody K. Bessire↗

Investigating Material Behavior in Atmospheric Entry Conditions: Arc-Jet Testing Insights from Meteorite Ablation to High-Temperature Coatings.

Arc-jet testing is an indispensable tool in elucidating the complex interactions materials undergo when subjected to the extreme thermal and mechanical stresses of atmospheric entry. By replicating these harsh conditions, arc-jets enable researchers to explore critical phenomena such as ablation, melting, and spallation, generating invaluable data that informs the development of sophisticated, physics-based models. These models are pivotal not only in predicting material performance for spacecraft re-entry systems but also in assessing the threat posed by celestial bodies as they encounter Earth’s atmosphere. One of the leading facilities for such investigations is the Hypersonic Materials Environmental Test System (HyMETS) at NASA’s Langley Research Center. A pioneering test campaign conducted at HyMETS focused on unraveling the ablation mechanisms of an ordinary chondrite meteorite (Tamdakht H5) and a terrestrial analog (basalt). These studies unveiled distinct material behaviors: Tamdakht demonstrated a remarkably stable melt flow, with mass loss primarily driven by the volatilization of elements such as iron and sodium, whereas basalt exhibited more aggressive surface degradation due to the rapid decomposition of hydrated minerals, culminating in significant spallation and surface material ejection. Beyond meteorite analysis, HyMETS has also been integral in the exploration of advanced Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) such as Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablator (PICA), a material with extensive flight heritage in missions like Stardust, Mars Science Laboratory, Mars 2020, and Osiris-REx. PICA, when coated with NuSil CV-1144-0—a polysiloxane resin designed to prevent particle shedding—undergoes a remarkable transformation upon heating. The resin pyrolyzes to form a thin, oxidation-resistant silicon oxycarbide layer that profoundly influences the material’s thermal response through a sophisticated four-stage process. Initially, the silicon oxycarbide acts as a formidable barrier, impeding reactive interactions with the PICA char and effectively suppressing surface temperature rise and material recession. However, as the heating persists, the protective layer decomposes via carbothermal reduction, exposing the underlying char, which in turn leads to a dramatic spike in surface temperature and accelerated material erosion. In the final stage, equilibrium is reached, with recession rates aligning with those of the virgin material. This intricate understanding of PICA-NuSil behavior under extreme conditions offers valuable insights, enhancing material response models and advancing the development of next-generation TPS for space exploration.

Chemistry↗

Laser ablation of polymers: a review

Laser ablation (LA), which employs a pulsed laser to remove materials from a substrate for generating micro-/nanostructures, has tremendous applications in the fabrication of metals, ceramics, glasses and polymers. It has become a noteworthy approach for achieving various functional structures in engineering, chemistry, biology, medicine and other fields. Polymers are one such class of materials; they can be melted and vaporized at high temperature during the ablation process. A number of polymers have been researched as candidate substrates in LA, and many different structures and patterns have been realized by this method. The current states of research and progress are reviewed from basic concepts to optimal parameters, polymer types and applications. Additionally, the significance of this paper is to provide a basis for follow-up research that leads to the development of superior materials and high-quality production through LA. In this review, we first introduce the basic concept of LA, including mechanism, laser types (millisecond, microsecond, nanosecond, picosecond and femtosecond) and influential parameters (wavelength, repetition rate, fluence and pulse duration). Then, we focus on several commonly used polymer materials and compare them in detail, including the effects of polymer properties, laser parameters and feature designs. Finally, we summarize the applications of various structures fabricated by LA in a variety of areas along with a perspective of the challenges in this research area. Overall, a thorough review of LA of several polymers is presented, which could pave the way for characterization of future novel materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

The effect of tumor size and location on efficacy and safety of US- and CT- guided percutaneous microwave ablation in renal cell carcinomas

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of size and central location of the tumor on safety and efficacy of percutaneous CEUS- and CT-guided MWA in biopsy-proven renal cell carcinomas (RCCs). Materials and methods: In this IRB-approved retrospective study, 69 biopsy-proven renal tumors in 56 patients, who underwent MWA in our institution from January 2013 to March 2017, were evaluated. Data collection included demographics, tumor characteristics, procedural protocols, and follow-up visits within 6 months post procedure. Primary outcomes were assessed by technical success (TS), local tumor progression (LTP), and complications. The Kaplan–Meier analysis was used for survival rate. Results: Overall technical success was achieved for all 69 lesions (92.8% primary TS, 100% overall). Median nephrometry score was 8 (4–11) and median tumor size was 2.5 cm (0.8–7). Five lesions which required second ablation had significantly higher median tumor size 4 cm (P = 0.039) with the same nephrometry score. Renal function remained stable with no significant change in eGFR before or after ablation. The LTP rate was 5.8%. The most recurrent tumors were clear cell (50%) followed by papillary tumors (25%). The complication rate was 5.8% with minor complications (hematoma and pain) and no major issues. There was no significant association between nephrometry score and technical success, recurrence, or complication rates. Overall and tumor-specific survival rates were 96.7% and 100% at 11.9 months. Conclusions: Image-guided MWA appears to be a safe and effective treatment regardless of nephrometry score and tumor location with high technical success, low recurrence, and complication rates.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Faraday detector uranium isotope ratio measurement: Insights from solution- and laser ablation-based sampling methodologies on the Neoma MC-ICP-MS

In this study we utilize an all-faraday cup detector configuration on the Neoma MC-ICP-MS to perform uranium isotope ratio determinations from certified reference materials and a nuclear fuel precursor material via solution and laser ablation based sampling methodologies. The goal in performing these measurements is primarily to demonstrate that the all-faraday cup method can produce highly precise and accurate isotope ratios even at relatively low signal intensity levels while also developing a preliminary understanding of how the complex interplay between different amplifier resistor levels (e.g. 10 11 vs 10 13 Ω) and integration times impacts the precision and accuracy of different types of measurements. Our results show that the faraday cups with 1013 Ω resistors in their amplifier feedback loops can be used to produce accurate and relatively precise isotope ratios for ion beams down to ~5 K cps. However, at the lower end of the signal intensities observed in this study, longer integration times are necessary to mitigate the impact of ion beam instability that can occur during laser ablation based sampling. Despite this potential limitation, the all-faraday cup method is highly versatile as exemplified by the analysis of a collection of uranium reference materials with highly variable uranium isotopic compositions.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Laser ablation of high-loading Li-ion battery electrodes improves accessible capacity and cycle life for Behind-the-Meter Storage

Adoption of Behind-the-Meter Storage (BTMS) requires design of batteries that enable high safety, long cycle life, and low cost at the system level. Pairing Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 (LTO) with LiMn 2 O 4 (LMO) achieves targets related to safety and cycle life, but these materials' low energy densities contribute to higher cost at the system scale. Increasing electrode loading is a simple approach to improve energy density, but comes with a trade-off in electrode utilization due to long, tortuous Li + diffusion pathways. Here, laser ablation is used to microstructure (pattern) high-loading electrodes to enhance electrode performance through improved Li + diffusion pathways. Four cell types, comprising combinations of standard or patterned anode and cathode, were prepared to evaluate the effects of laser ablation at each electrode. A rate test shows that patterning electrodes enhances active material utilization at ≳1C rates. Patterning the cathode yields the most benefit, as cells with a patterned cathode demonstrate a ~20% higher accessible capacity than those without at 1.4C. Additionally, 1C capacity retention of cells with patterned cathode (91% through 3000 cycles) is significantly improved over cells with only the anode patterned (64%) and non-patterned electrodes (50%). Characterization of post-mortem cells before and after refreshing their electrolyte suggests that 1C capacity retention is improved by mitigation of electrode "dry-out". We hypothesize that the microstructure acts as a reservoir of additional electrolyte, or a path for gas to escape, so that active material remains wetted throughout long-term cycling, and/or the microstructure may reduce localized, gas-forming overpotentials in the high-loading electrode.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Ambient Metabolic Profiling and Imaging of Biological Samples with Ultrahigh Molecular Resolution using Laser Ablation Electrospray Ionization 21 Tesla FTICR Mass Spectrometry

Mass spectrometry (MS) has been an indispensable analytical tool in capturing the complexity and array of biomolecules within biological systems. However, conventional MS-based analytical workflows are limited in both throughput and measuring the native molecular state these systems, due in large part to sample handling and preparation. The development of ambient ionization methods capable of sampling directly from tissues circumvent many of these issues but requires the use of high-performance MS to resolve the molecular complexity within these samples. Herein, we demonstrate the unique combination of laser ablation electrospray ionization (LAESI) coupled with a 21 Tesla Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (21T-FTICR-MS) for MS imaging applications. This analytical platform provides isotopic fine structure information directly from native tissues, delivering a higher degree of confidence for molecular identification. The ability to capture and visualize the complex metabolic behavior of living organisms in situ is a bioanalytical grand challenge that has yet to be fully realized. Due to their excellent sensitivity and selectivity, mass spectrometry (MS)-based platforms offer a unique opportunity to characterize an array of biomolecules from a variety of biological samples.[1] One method in particular, MS imaging (MSI), has demonstrated the ability to simultaneously determine the spatial distributions for hundreds of biomolecules, e. g., metabolites, lipids, peptides, and xenobiotics, within complex biological systems simultaneously.[2-3] Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)-MSI remains the most common of these methods.[4] However, the application of an exogenous matrix, and the limited availability of commercial sources that operate under atmospheric pressure,[5] has significantly prohibited the ability of MALDI to be useful for biomolecular mapping of living systems. Ambient ionization methods that require minimal to no sample preparation, like desorption electrospray ionization (DESI and nano-DESI) and laser ablation electrospray ionization (LAESI), demonstrated the ability to spatially map biomolecule distributions within live organisms.

Mass Spectometry, fourier transform ion cyclostron↗

Selectively accessing the hotspots of optical nanoantennas by self-aligned dry laser ablation

Plasmonic nanostructures serve as optical antennas for concentrating the energy of incoming light in localized hotspots close to their surface. By positioning nanoemitters in the antenna hotspots, energy transfer is enabled, leading to novel hybrid antenna-emitter-systems, where the antenna can be used to manipulate the optical properties of the nano-objects. The challenge remains how to precisely position emitters within the hotspots. We report a self-aligned process based on dry laser ablation of a calixarene that enables the attachment of molecules within the electromagnetic hotspots at the tips of gold nanocones. Within the laser focus, the ablation threshold is exceeded in nanoscale volumes, leading to selective access of the hotspot areas. A first indication of the site-selective functionalization process is given by attaching fluorescently labelled proteins to the nanocones. In a second example, Raman-active molecules are selectively attached only to nanocones that were previously exposed in the laser focus, which is verified by surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy. Enabling selective functionalization is an important prerequisite e.g. for preparing single photon sources for quantum optical technologies, or multiplexed Raman sensing platforms.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Impact of environmental oxygen on nanoparticle formation and agglomeration in aluminum laser ablation plumes

Here, the role of ambient oxygen gas (O 2 ) on molecular and nanoparticle formation and agglomeration was studied in laser ablation plumes. As a lab-scale surrogate to a high explosion detonation event, nanosecond laser ablation of an aluminum alloy (AA6061) target was performed in atmospheric pressure conditions. Optical emission spectroscopy and two mass spectrometry techniques were used to monitor the early to late stages of plasma generation to track the evolution of atoms, molecules, clusters, nanoparticles, and agglomerates. The experiments were performed under atmospheric pressure air, atmospheric pressure nitrogen, and 20% and 5% O 2 (balance N 2 ), the latter specifically with in situ mass spectrometry. Electron microscopy was performed ex situ to identify crystal structure and elemental distributions in individual nanoparticles. We find that the presence of ≈20% O 2 leads to strong AlO emission, whereas in a flowing N 2 environment (with trace O 2 ), AlN and strong, unreacted Al emissions are present. In situ mass spectrometry reveals that as O 2 availability increases, Al oxide cluster size increases. Nanoparticle agglomerates formed in air are found to be larger than those formed under N 2 gas. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy demonstrates that Al 2 O 3 and AlN nanoparticle agglomerates are formed in both environments; indicating that the presence of trace O 2 can lead to Al 2 O 3 nanoparticle formation. The present results highlight that the availability of O 2 in the ambient gas significantly impacts spectral signatures, cluster size, and nanoparticle agglomeration behavior. These results are relevant to understanding debris formation in an explosion event, and interpreting data from forensic investigations.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Ablation of hexagonal boron nitride by UV laser radiation

We report an experimental study of ablation of hexagonal boron nitride ceramics irradiated by 193- and 248-nm laser pulses. The dependences of the material removal rate and the crater wall slope on the energy density in the irradiation spot are obtained. An ablation regime is found, when the material removal rate reaches 5 mm per pulse, which is not typical of nanosecond laser radiation. It is shown that at relatively low radiation intensities (about 5–10 J cm{sup −2}), the slope angle of the formed crater wall does not exceed 20°. (interaction of laser radiation with matter)

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Lithography-Free Mesa Isolation of III–V Solar Cells Through Laser Ablation

Eliminating photolithography from solar cell processing is a significant opportunity for cost reduction for III-V solar cells. Here, in this work, we explore femtosecond laser ablation as an alternative to contact photolithography and wet chemical etching for mesa isolation. We demonstrate both GaAs and GaInP solar cells mesa-isolated by femtosecond laser ablation with minimal to no loss in solar cell performance. We show the best results with a 400 fs UV pulsed laser and a short clean-up etch that also serves as a contact layer removal etch.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Lithography-Free Mesa Isolation by Laser Ablation for Multijunction III-V Photovoltaic Space Power Generation

Eliminating photolithography from photovoltaic device processing is a significant opportunity for cost reduction and increased manufacturing throughput. In this work, we test femtosecond laser ablation and scribing as an alternative to contact photolithography and wet chemical etching for mesa isolation of multijunction devices. We demonstrate that upright multijunction devices isolated by using the laser as a scribe to cleave through the substrate had virtually no performance loss when compared to a baseline device processed with photolithography. By contrast, devices isolated by laser ablating through the active layers have performance losses that cannot be fully eliminated with postprocess etching. This demonstration of photolithography-free mesa isolation with no performance losses is promising as a pathway to less expensive and higher throughput III-V device manufacturing.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Comparison of damage and ablation dynamics of multilayer dielectric films initiated by few-cycle pulses versus longer femtosecond pulses

The importance of high intensity few- to single-cycle laser pulses for applications such as intense isolated attosecond pulse generation is constantly growing, and with the breakdown of the monochromatic approximation in field ionization models, the few-cycle pulse (FCP) interaction with solids near the damage threshold has ushered a new paradigm of nonperturbative light–matter interaction. In this Letter, we systematically study and contrast how femtosecond laser-induced damage and ablation behaviors of SiO 2 /HfO 2 -based reflective multilayer dielectric thin film systems vary between FCP and 110 fs pulses. With time-resolved surface microscopy and ex situ analysis, we show that there are distinct differences in the interaction depending on the pulse duration, specifically in the “blister” morphology formation at lower fluences (damage) as well as in the dynamics of debris formation at higher fluences (ablation).

42 ENGINEERING↗

Laser Ablation, Absorbance Ratio Spectrometry (LAARS) Assay Performance Study (FY2018 Annual Report)

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has a long history of testing and using laser-based technologies for a variety of safeguards applications. Notable laser-based on-site applications include: 3-dimensional laser range (3DLR) instruments, used for facility design information and verification (DIV); laser measurements to verify unique labels and detect signs of tampering; and laser spectroscopy, for non-contact process monitoring. The IAEA is also evaluating analytical laboratory instruments, such as laser-ablation inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) for interrogating individual particles to determine uranium isotopic ratios in collected environment samples. Recent laser technology advancements will continue to fuel future IAEA adoption of new and novel laser-based safeguards tools. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is developing one such tool, called the Laser Ablation, Absorbance Ratio Spectrometry (LAARS) technology, which is designed to provide high-fidelity 235 U/ 238 U isotope ratio measurements to support either on-site enrichment plant or off-site laboratory destructive assay (DA). Analyzing uranium hexafluoride (UF 6 ) DA samples on-site by LAARS could provide early indication of discrepancies with operator declarations during physical inventory verifications, so that such discrepancies could be addressed immediately, rather than after off-site analysis is completed. The IAEA is also seeking on-site DA options, because sample shipping time can be long and evolving restrictions on radioactive/corrosive material shipments may increasingly limit the IAEA’s ability to easily transport UF 6 samples. Routine on-site LAARS analysis could provide timely assay results and reduce the DA sample shipment inventory to just those needed for more definitive determination. A laboratory-based LAARS instrument could also provide rapid, cost-effective prescreening of selected DA samples shipped to the IAEA’s Nuclear Materials Laboratory in Seibersdorf, Austria. PNNL has also developed a complementary UF 6 sampling technology and method, called the Single-Use Destructive Assay (SUDA) sampler to easily collect DA samples that are ideal for on-site analysis by LAARS. Combining the LAARS and SUDA sampler technologies could provide a powerful new on-site DA option for the IAEA.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Cryo-Ablation Experiments for Omega in FY23 [Slides]

Future HED & Nuclear Survivability platforms will use macroscopic 2PP lattice materials for inter-shell support and as a host for higher-yield DT wetted-lattice ablator targets. Average EOS and shock spatial non-uniformity measurements are needed as a function of lattice properties. The FY23 goal is to understand ablative & shock characteristics of heterogeneous D 2 - filled lattice materials at low drive intensities (~250TW/cm 2 ) in planar geometry.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Laser Ablation for Low-Cost Multijunction III-V Solar Cell Mesa Isolations

Eliminating photolithography from solar cell processing is a significant opportunity for cost reduction for III-V solar cells. In this work, we test femtosecond laser ablation and scribing as an alternative to contact photolithography and wet chemical etching for mesa isolation, when processing multijunction cells. We demonstrate that upright multijunction solar cells isolated by using the laser as a scribe to cleave through the substrate had virtually no performance loss when compared to a baseline cell processed with photolithography. By contrast, cells isolated by laser ablating through the active layers have performance losses that cannot be fully eliminated with post-processing etches. This demonstration of photolithography-free mesa isolation with no performance losses is promising for less expensive III-V manufacturing.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Optical Microscopy-Guided Laser Ablation Electrospray Ionization Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry: Ambient Single Cell Metabolomics with Increased Confidence in Molecular Identification

Single cell analysis is a field of increasing interest as new tools are continually being developed to understand intercellular differences within large cell populations. Laser-ablation electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LAESI-MS) is an emerging technique for single cell metabolomics. Over the years, it has been validated that this ionization technique is advantageous for probing the molecular content of individual cells in situ. Here, we report the integration of a microscope into the optical train of the LAESI source to allow for visually informed ambient in situ single cell analysis. Additionally, we have coupled this ‘LAESI microscope’ to a drift-tube ion mobility mass spectrometer to enable separation of isobaric species and allow for the determination of ion collision cross sections in conjunction with accurate mass measurements. This combined information helps provide higher confidence for structural assignment of molecules ablated from single cells. Here, we show that this system enables the analysis of the metabolite content of Allium cepa epidermal cells with high confidence structural identification together with their spatial locations within a tissue.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗