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At least 37 records · Page 2

Development of a high-altitude airborne dial system: The Lidar Atmospheric Sensing Experiment (LASE)

The ability of a Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) system to measure vertical profiles of H2O in the lower atmosphere was demonstrated both in ground-based and airborne experiments. In these experiments, tunable lasers were used that required real-time experimenter control to locate and lock onto the atmospheric H2O absorption line for the DIAL measurements. The Lidar Atmospheric Sensing Experiment (LASE) is the first step in a long-range effort to develop and demonstrate an autonomous DIAL system for airborne and spaceborne flight experiments. The LASE instrument is being developed to measure H2O, aerosol, and cloud profiles from a high-altitude ER-2 (extended range U-2) aircraft. The science of the LASE program, the LASE system design, and the expected measurement capability of the system are discussed.

Browell, E. V.↗

LASE measurements of convective boundary layer development during SGP97

The Southern Great Plains 1997 (SGP97) field experiment was conducted in Oklahoma during June-July 1997 to validate the models used for computing remote soil moisture using measurements by microwave radiometers. One of the objectives of SGP97 was to examine the effect of soil moisture on the evolution of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer (ABL) and clouds over the Southern Great Plains (SGP) during the warm season. The LASE (Lidar Atmospheric Sensing Experiment) airborne DIAL (Differential Absorption Lidar) system, which was flown autonomously on the NASA ER-2 aircraft during previous missions, was reconfigured to fly on the NASA P3 research aircraft. During SGP97 LASE was used to study the morning evolution of the ABL, particularly as manifested in the development of the convective boundary layer, and to study the influence of soil moisture variations on the development of ABL. The ABL development is strongly influenced by the surface energy budget, which is in turn influenced by soil moisture, mesoscale meteorology, clouds, and solar insolation. LASE data acquired during this mission are being used to study the ABL water vapor budget, the development of the ABL, spatial and temporal variabilities in the ABL, and the meteorological factors that influence the ABL development. This field experiment also permitted comparisons of LASE water vapor measurements with water vapor profiles acquired by radiosondes launched at the DOE (Department of Energy) Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Southern Great Plain (SGP) site and at NASA/Wallops Flight Facility, as well as with measurements from other SGP97 aircraft.

Ismail, Syed↗

Method of Controlling Lasing Wavelength(s)

A method is provided to control the lasing wavelength of a laser material without changing or adjusting the mechanical components of a laser device, The rate at which the laser material is pumped with the pumping energy is controlled so that lasing occurs at one or more lasing wavelengths based on the rate. The lasing wavelengths are determined by transition lifetimes and/or energy transfer rates.

Norman P Barnes↗

Phase-locked laser array having a non-uniform spacing between lasing regions

A phase-locked semiconductor array wherein the lasing regions of the array are spaced an effective distance apart such that the modes of oscillation of the different lasing regions are phase-locked to one another. The center-to-center spacing between the lasing regions is non-uniform. This variation in spacing perturbs the preferred 180.degree. phase difference between adjacent lasing regions thereby providing an increased yield of arrays exhibiting a single-lobed, far-field radiation pattern.

Ackley, Donald E.↗

LASE Measurements of Water Vapor, Aerosol, and Cloud Distributions in Saharan Air Layers and Tropical Disturbances

LASE (Lidar Atmospheric Sensing Experiment) on-board the NASA DC-8 measured high resolution profiles of water vapor and aerosols, and cloud distributions in 14 flights over the eastern North Atlantic during the NAMMA (NASA African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analyses) field experiment. These measurements were used to study African easterly waves (AEWs), tropical cyclones (TCs), and the Saharan Air Layer(s) (SAL). Interactions between the SAL and tropical air were observed during the early stages of the TC development. These LASE measurements represent the first simultaneous water vapor and aerosol lidar measurements to study the SAL and its impact on AEWs and TCs. Examples of profile measurements of aerosol scattering ratios, aerosol extinction coefficients, aerosol optical thickness, water vapor mixing ratios, RH, and temperature are presented to illustrate their characteristics in SAL, convection, and clear air regions. LASE data suggest that the SAL suppresses low-altitude convection at the convection-SAL interface region. Mid-level convection associated with the AEW and transport are likely responsible for high water vapor content observed in the southern regions of the SAL on August 20, 2008. This interaction is responsible for the transfer of about 7 x 10(exp 15) J latent heat energy within a day to the SAL. Measurements of lidar extinction-to-backscatter ratios in the range 36+/-5 to 45+/-5 are within the range of measurements from other lidar measurements of dust. LASE aerosol extinction and water vapor profiles are validated by comparison with onboard in situ aerosol measurements and GPS dropsonde water vapor soundings, respectively.

Ismail, Syed↗

LASE measurements of water vapor, aerosol, and cloud distribution in hurricane environments and their role in hurricane development

LASE measures high resolution moisture, aerosol, and cloud distributions not available from conventional observations. LASE water vapor measurements were compared with dropsondes to evaluate their accuracy. LASE water vapor measurements were used to assess the capability of hurricane models to improve their track accuracy by 100 km on 3 day forecasts using Florida State University models.

hurricanes water vapor LASE data assimilation↗

Attosecond inner-shell lasing at ångström wavelengths

Since the invention of the laser, nonlinear effects such as filamentation, Rabi cycling and collective emission have been explored in the optical regime, leading to a wide range of scientific and industrial applications. X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) have extended many optical techniques to X-rays for their advantages of ångström-scale spatial resolution and elemental specificity. An example is XFEL-driven inner-shell Kα 1 (2p 3/2 → 1s 1/2 ) X-ray lasing in elements ranging from neon to copper, which has been used for nonlinear spectroscopy and development of new X-ray laser sources. Here, in this study, we show that strong lasing effects similar to those in the optical regime can occur at 1.5–2.1 Å wavelengths during high-intensity (>10 19 W cm −2 ) XFEL-driven Kα 1 lasing of copper and manganese. Depending on the temporal XFEL pump pulse substructure, the resulting X-ray pulses (about 10 6 −10 8 photons) can exhibit strong spatial inhomogeneities and spectral splitting, inhomogeneities and broadening. Three-dimensional Maxwell–Bloch calculations show that the observed spatial inhomogeneities result from X-ray filamentation and that the broad spectral features are driven by sub-femtosecond Rabi cycling. Our simulations indicate that these X-ray pulses can have pulse lengths of less than 100 attoseconds and coherence properties that provide opportunities for quantum X-ray optics applications.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

3D small-gain formula allowing strong focusing and harmonic lasing for a ring-based x-ray free electron laser oscillator

We present a detailed derivation of a formula for the small-gain calculation for an x-ray free electron laser oscillator (XFELO) based on a medium-energy (3–4 GeV) storage ring. We found harmonic lasing and strong focusing are essential for this beam energy range. Taking the small-signal low-gain formula developed by Kim and his colleagues, we modified it in such a way that the gain can be calculated without the “no focusing approximation,” and a strong focusing can be applied, as well as harmonic lasing. In this formula, the gain is represented as a product of two factors with one of them depending only on the harmonic number, undulator period, and gap. Using this factor, we show that it is favorable to use harmonic lasing to achieve hard x-ray FEL working in the small-signal low-gain regime with the medium-energy electron beam. Our formula also allows FEL optimization by varying the vertical gradient of the undulator, the vertical dispersion, and the horizontal and vertical focusing, independently. As an example, we applied this formula to study the feasibility of an XFELO option for the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) upgrade. Since a quite high peak current is required for the FEL, collective effects of beam dynamics in medium-energy synchrotrons significantly affect the electron beam parameters. We carried out a multiparameter optimization taking collective effects into account. Note, even though our example is for a ring-based XFELO at 3 to 4 GeV, the formula and, in particular, the approach developed here may be applied to other types of FELs. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Fission-fragment nuclear lasing of Ar/He/-Xe

Nuclear-pumped lasing of Ar-Xe and He-Xe has been demonstrated using (U-235)F6 fission-fragment excitation. Fission fragments were created by absorption of thermal neutrons in a combination of gaseous (U-235)F6 and laser-tube wall coatings formed from UF6 chemical reaction products. At a pressure of 600 torr Ar-(3%)Xe, lasing occurred at 2.65 microns in Xe. Up to 3 torr of gaseous (U-235)F6 was added to 600 torr Ar-Xe before serious laser quenching occurred. With 3 torr of (U-235)F6 added, 38% of the energy deposition came from gaseous UF6 and the remainder from the uranium wall coating. The neutron flux at lasing threshold was found to be 4 x 10 to the 15th n/sq cm sec.

De Young, R. J.↗

Planetary radio lasing

Both the Earth's auroral kilometric radiation (AKR) and Jupiter's decametric radio S-bursts are attributed to natural radio lasing. Presumably consisting of self-excited, closed-loop wave feedback oscillations between local irregularities of the source plasma density, this radio lasing is comparable to that which occurs in man-made optical lasers, although at radio, rather than optical wavelengths. As a result, it should produce a multiple discrete emission spectrum and intense, coherent beams. Recent observations of the AKR's discreteness and coherence have clearly ruled out the previous open-loop amplifier model for such emissions, and recent observations of the Jovian S-bursts have shown the expected, regularly-spaced, longitudinal laser modes. These new observations thus confirm the proposed planetary cyclotron radio lasing at both planets.

Calvert, W.↗

LASE measurements of aerosols and water vapor during TARFOX

The TARFOX (Tropospheric Aerosol Radiative Forcing Observational Experiment) intensive field campaign was designed to reduce uncertainties in estimates of the effects of anthropogenic aerosols on climate by measuring direct radiative effects and the optical, physical, and chemical properties of aerosols [1]. TARFOX was conducted off the East Coast of the United States between July 10-31, 1996. Ground, aircraft, and satellite-based sensors measured the sensitivity of radiative fields at various atmospheric levels to aerosol optical properties (i.e., optical thickness, phase function, single-scattering albedo) and to the vertical profile of aerosols. The LASE (Lidar Atmospheric Sensing Experiment) instrument, which was flown on the NASA ER-2 aircraft, measured vertical profiles of total scattering ratio and water vapor during a series of 9 flights. These profiles were used in real-time to help direct the other aircraft to the appropriate altitudes for intensive sampling of aerosol layers. We have subsequently used the LASE aerosol data to derive aerosol backscattering and extinction profiles. Using these aerosol extinction profiles, we derived estimates of aerosol optical thickness (AOT) and compared these with measurements of AOT from both ground and airborne sun photometers and derived from the ATSR-2 (Along Track and Scanning Radiometer 2) sensor on ERS-2 (European Remote Sensing Satellite-2). We also used the water vapor mixing ratio profiles measured simultaneously by LASE to derive precipitable water vapor and compare these to ground based measurements.

Ferrare, Richard A.↗

Lase Validation Experiment

This report discusses the work done in validation the Lidar Atmospheric Sensing Experiment (LASE) data. This data was analyzed and compared to data from the RS-80 radiosonde. After an error was found and corrected in the programs used to analyze the LASE data, the results were closer to the results expected. The interpretation of the LASE measurements was based on the use of the Goddard Cumulus Ensemble model. This work is further described in the report.

Garstang, Michael↗

Simultaneous Measurements of Water Vapor Profiles From Airborne MIR and LASE

A NASA ER-2 aircraft flight with both Millimeter-wave Imaging radiometer (MIR) and lidar Atmospheric Sensing Experiment (LASE) was made over ocean areas in the eastern United States on September 25, 1995. The water vapor profiles derived from both instruments under both clear and cloudy conditions are compared in this paper. It is shown that good agreement is found between the MIR-derived and the LASE-measured water vapor profiles over the areas of clear-sky condition. In the cloudy areas, the MIR-retrieved values at the altitudes of the cloud layers and below are generally higher than those measured by the LASE.

Wang, J. R.↗

Profiling of Atmospheric Water Vapor with MIR and LASE

This paper presents the first and the only simultaneous measurements of water vapor by MIR (Millimeter-wave Imaging Radiometer) and LASE (Lidar Atmospheric Sounding Experiment) on board the same ER-2 aircraft. Water vapor is one of the most important constituents in the Earth's atmosphere, as its spatial and temporal variations affect a wide spectrum of meteorological phenomena ranging from the formation of clouds to the development of severe storms. Its concentration, as measured in terms of relative humidity, determines the extinction coefficient of atmospheric aerosol particles and therefore visibility. These considerations point to the need for effective and frequent measurements of the atmospheric water vapor. The MIR and LASE instruments provide measurements of water vapor profiles with two markedly different techniques. LASE can give water vapor profiles with excellent vertical resolution under clear condition, while MIR can retrieve water vapor profiles with a crude vertical resolution even under a moderate cloud cover. Additionally, millimeter-wave measurements are relatively simple and provide better spatial coverage.

Wang, J. R.↗

LASE Observations of Interactions Between African Easterly Waves and the Saharan Air Layer

The Lidar Atmospheric Sensing Experiment (LASE) participated in the NASA African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analyses (NAMMA) field experiment in 2006 that was conducted from Sal, Cape Verde to study the Saharan Air Layer (SAL) and its influence on the African Easterly Waves (AEWs) and Tropical Cyclones (TCs). During NAMMA, LASE collected simultaneous water vapor and aerosol lidar measurements from 14 flights onboard the NASA DC- 8. In this paper we present three examples of the interaction of the SAL and AEWs regarding: moistening of the SAL and transfer of latent heat; injection of dust in an updraft; and influence of dry air intrusion on an AEW. A brief discussion is also given on activities related to the refurbishment of LASE to enhance its operational performance and plans to participate in the next NASA hurricane field experiment in the summer of 2010.

Ismail, Syed↗

Materials Data on LaSe by Materials Project

LaSe is BCT5-derived structured and crystallizes in the triclinic P1 space group. The structure is two-dimensional and consists of two LaSe sheets oriented in the (0, 0, 1) direction. there are two inequivalent La2+ sites. In the first La2+ site, La2+ is bonded to five Se2- atoms to form a mixture of distorted corner and edge-sharing LaSe5 square pyramids. There are four shorter (3.02 Å) and one longer (3.06 Å) La–Se bond lengths. In the second La2+ site, La2+ is bonded to five Se2- atoms to form a mixture of distorted corner and edge-sharing LaSe5 square pyramids. There are four shorter (3.02 Å) and one longer (3.06 Å) La–Se bond lengths. There are two inequivalent Se2- sites. In the first Se2- site, Se2- is bonded to five La2+ atoms to form a mixture of distorted corner and edge-sharing SeLa5 square pyramids. In the second Se2- site, Se2- is bonded to five La2+ atoms to form a mixture of distorted corner and edge-sharing SeLa5 square pyramids.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Hydrogen-Bonded Organic Framework Enables Phase-Pure Layered Tin Perovskite Nanowires for Room-Temperature Lasing

Room-temperature lasing is a key milestone in the development of miniaturized optoelectronic and photonic devices. We present a simple approach to synthesize phase-pure quasi-2D layered tin perovskite nanowires with varying quantum well thicknesses (n = 1 to 4). By incorporating a new organic spacer capable of forming a hydrogen-bonded organic framework, this method promoted anisotropic crystal growth and enhanced lattice rigidity. Furthermore, introducing molecular intercalants enabled controlled crystallization into well-defined nanowires that function as Fabry−Pérot cavities. Cavities made from n = 2 to 4 perovskites support efficient and robust nearinfrared, room-temperature optically pumped lasing with the threshold as low as 75.8 μJ/cm 2 , cavity quality factor over 3000, and negligible degradation over 106 pulses. A cleaved coupled nanolaser was fabricated as a proof-of-concept device for photonic applications.

Cavities↗

Lasing Below 170 nm Using an Oscillator FEL

The short wavelength operation of free-electron laser (FEL) oscillators is limited by the availability of high-reflectivity, thermally stable, and radiation-resistant FEL mirrors in the VUV wavelength. We report our recent work to extend the shortest lasing wavelength of the oscillator FEL to 168.6 nm using a storage ring FEL. This progress has been made possible by developing a new FEL configuration with substantially reduced undulator harmonic radiation on the FEL mirror, a thermally stable FEL optical cavity, and a new type of high-reflectivity fluoride-based multilayer coating with a protective capping layer. Using these fluoride-based mirrors, we have demonstrated storage ring FEL lasing from 168.6 to 179.7 nm with excellent beam stability. Employing this VUV FEL in Compton scattering, we have produced the first 120 MeV gamma rays at the High Intensity Gamma-ray Source (HIGS). Furthermore, operating the HIGS in this new high-energy region will create many new opportunities for photonuclear physics research, in particular, the low-energy QCD research.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗