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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2000

Potential Applications of Satellite Based Low Frequency Microwave Measurements of Snow and Ice

In this presentation we will examine some potential applications of low frequency microwave radar and radiometer data to remote sensing of snow and ice conditions over land. We focus on the following low frequency bands; L-band (1.28 GHz), S-band (2.69 GHz), and C-band (5.0 GHz). To predict the effect of snow cover on microwave emission, we need to characterize the dielectric properties of the snow in terms of important physical parameters such as snow density, temperature, and wetness. For the case of dry snow, we use an empirical mixing formula which gives the effective complex permittivity of snow as a function of density, temperature, and frequency. For wet snow, we use another mixing formula which gives the effective complex permittivity as a function of snow wetness. With dry snow, the loss at low microwave frequencies is very small so the corresponding penetration depths are very large (eg., 100 m). Clearly seasonal snow covers are far too thin to have a direct scattering or emission effect on these low frequency bands. There are, however, indirect effects introduced because of altered reflection at the snow/soil boundary, and an extra reflecting interface at the snow/air boundary. For C-band, layers of snow with different densities can have an impact if the number of layers grows sufficiently large. (eg., many meters of snow pack with cm-scale density layering.) Wet snow poses a more difficult problem. Liquid water is much more effective than ice at scattering and absorbing L-band radiation, so even a small amount of wetness will greatly reduce penetration. For example, with a snow wetness of 1 percent (volume fraction), and a density of 300 kg/cu. m, the penetration depths for L-band, S-band, and C-band are about 1.6 m, 0.3 m, and 0.15 m respectively. Very wet snow has more than 10 percent liquid water, and the corresponding L-band penetration is less than 0.2 m. Because the penetration distance is a strong function of frequency, it may be possible to identify a particular class of snow where the wetness is a few percent, and the depth is around one meter by looking at the frequency gradient.

West, Richard D.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Stabilizing Microwave Frequency of a Photonic Oscillator

A scheme for stabilizing the frequency of a microwave signal is proposed that exploits the operational characteristics of a coupled optoelectronic oscillator (COEO) and related optoelectronic equipment. An essential element in the scheme is a fiber mode-locked laser (MLL), the optical frequency of which is locked to an atomic transition. In this scheme, the optical frequency stability of the mode-locked laser is transferred to that of the microwave in the same device. Relative to prior schemes for using wideband optical frequency comb to stabilize microwave signals, this scheme is simpler and lends itself more readily to implementation in relatively compact, rugged equipment. The anticipated development of small, low-power, lightweight, highly stable microwave oscillators based on this scheme would afford great benefits in communication, navigation, metrology, and fundamental sciences. COEOs of various designs, at various stages of development, in some cases called by different names, have been described in a number of prior NASA Tech Briefs articles. A COEO is an optoelectronic apparatus that generates both short (picosecond) optical pulses and a steady microwave signal having an ultrahigh degree of spectral purity. The term "coupled optoelectronic" in the full name of such an apparatus signifies that its optical and electronic oscillations are coupled to each other in a single device. The present frequency-stabilization scheme is best described indirectly by describing the laboratory apparatus used to demonstrate it. The apparatus (see figure) includes a COEO that generates a comb-like optical spectrum, the various frequency components of which interfere, producing short optical pulses. This spectrum is centered at a nominal wavelength of 1,560 nm. The spectrum separation of this comb is about 10 GHz, as determined primarily by the length of an optical loop and the bandpass filter in the microwave feedback loop. The optical loop serves as microwave resonator having a very high value of the resonance quality factor (Q). The optical frequency of MLL is then stabilized by locking it to an atomic transition as described below. The COEO contains a tunable 1-nm band-pass optical filter and a piezoelectric-transducer (PZT) drum over which a stretch of fiber is wound. The 1-nm-wide pass band of the filter provides coarse tuning to overlap the frequency comb with the atomic transition frequency. Controlled stretching of the fiber by means of the PZT drum can be used in conjunction with temperature control for locking the laser frequency. To reference to an atomic resonance at 780 nm in this demonstration setup, the optical output of the COEO at 1,560 nm is fed through an erbium-doped-fiber amplifier (EDFA) to a frequency doubler in the form of a periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) crystal. The frequency-doubled output is combined with the output of a separate frequency-stabilized diode laser at a photodetector. As described thus far, the two 780-nm laser subsystems are nominally independent of each other and can, therefore, operate at different frequencies. Hence, at the photodetector, the two laser beams interfere, so that the output of the photodetector includes a beat note (a component at the difference between the two laser frequencies).

Maleki, Lute↗
DOE OSTI2023

Reduced graphene oxide catalytically enhances the rate of cyanate ester curing under variable frequency microwave heating

Here, the curing of Lonza Primaset PT-30 novolac cyanate ester resin and EPON 826 bisphenol-A diglycidyl ether were investigated using convective thermal heating and variable frequency microwave (VFM) heating. The addition of 1 part per hundred reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) to PT-30 novolac cyanate ester increased the VFM cure rate compared to thermal heating. Curing it at 160°C for 240 min with VFM heating resulted in a 55% degree of cure compared to a 26% degree of cure with thermal heating. This observed VFM rate enhancement is due to selective microwave heating of the r-GO particles in the resin resulting in increased r-GO catalytic activity toward cyanate ester curing. It is both a thermal and catalytic effect, the latter of which is absent when r-GO is added to a bisphenol-A diglycidyl ether resin with o-phenylenediamine hardener. Impurities present in the PT-30 matrix do not appear to contribute to its overall cure kinetics, nor do they participate in the observed VFM rate enhancement.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Radiation modeling and experimental validation of sub-cyclotron frequency microwave synchrotron radiation as a diagnostic tool for runaway electrons in present and future tokamaks

The microwave synchrotron radiation in the sub-cyclotron frequency region has been systematically validated as a diagnostic method for runaway electrons (>1 MeV) with radiation modeling and experiments on the DIII-D tokamak. Experimental observations reveal that sub-cyclotron frequency microwave radiation emerges only after runaway electrons are excited during plasma disruptions. Electron gyro-magnetic radiation modeling confirms that only runaway electrons with energies exceeding 1 MeV can emit radiation in the observed sub-cyclotron frequency band on DIII-D. The synchrotron Razin and Beaming effects are modeled in both the sub-cyclotron and standard Electron Cyclotron Emission (ECE) frequency region. Due to the pronounced beaming effect, the modeling supports that a standard ECE system is insensitive to synchrotron radiation from beamed runaway electrons (p ∥ >> p ⟂ ), but very sensitive to ECE radiation from isotropic suprathermal electrons (100 keV or less). DIII-D experiments further show that combining ECE and sub-cyclotron receivers reveals new insights into transient runaway dynamics during the plateau phase. Certain transient crash events appear only in the sub-cyclotron band or lead to opposite changes on the sub-cyclotron and standard ECE signals, supporting models where transient MHD events can exert a different effect on electrons of different energy levels. This novel diagnostic technique offers a powerful tool for studying and detecting runaway electron dynamics in both present-day and high-field future tokamaks. The diagnostic approach has been extrapolated to the SPARC tokamak, where sub-cyclotron radiation is predicted to respond sensitively and solely to runaway electrons during SPARC’s L-mode startup phase.

Yu, Guanying [Hefei Comprehensive National Science↗
NASA NTRS2010

Technique for Performing Dielectric Property Measurements at Microwave Frequencies

A paper discusses the need to perform accurate dielectric property measurements on larger sized samples, particularly liquids at microwave frequencies. These types of measurements cannot be obtained using conventional cavity perturbation methods, particularly for liquids or powdered or granulated solids that require a surrounding container. To solve this problem, a model has been developed for the resonant frequency and quality factor of a cylindrical microwave cavity containing concentric cylindrical samples. This model can then be inverted to obtain the real and imaginary dielectric constants of the material of interest. This approach is based on using exact solutions to Maxwell s equations for the resonant properties of a cylindrical microwave cavity and also using the effective electrical conductivity of the cavity walls that is estimated from the measured empty cavity quality factor. This new approach calculates the complex resonant frequency and associated electromagnetic fields for a cylindrical microwave cavity with lossy walls that is loaded with concentric, axially aligned, lossy dielectric cylindrical samples. In this approach, the calculated complex resonant frequency, consisting of real and imaginary parts, is related to the experimentally measured quantities. Because this approach uses Maxwell's equations to determine the perturbed electromagnetic fields in the cavity with the material(s) inserted, one can calculate the expected wall losses using the fields for the loaded cavity rather than just depending on the value of the fields obtained from the empty cavity quality factor. These additional calculations provide a more accurate determination of the complex dielectric constant of the material being studied. The improved approach will be particularly important when working with larger samples or samples with larger dielectric constants that will further perturb the cavity electromagnetic fields. Also, this approach enables the ability to have a larger sample of interest, such as a liquid or powdered or granulated solid, inside a cylindrical container.

Barmatz, Martin B.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Optical Techniques for Low Noise Microwave Frequency Sources

Optical techniques and mathematical models are described for low noise microwave frequency sources. The contents include: 1) Why Optical Techniques; 2) Wavemixing: Advantages and Disadvantages; 3) Wavemixing with Feedback: The OEO; 4) Feedback in both loops: COEO; and 5) State of the Art and Future Prospects.

microwave oscillators↗
NASA NTRS1972

The emissivity of sea foam at microwave frequencies.

A consistent picture of the emission characteristics of sea foam at microwave frequencies has emerged from a survey of published radiometric measurements. The results are summarized, as functions of frequency and angle, by means of simple equations. Available data on the reflection properties of foam are also examined and shown to be qualitatively, but not quantitatively, in agreement with the radiometric results.

Stogryn, A.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Apparatus for Use in Determining Surface Conductivity at Microwave Frequencies

An apparatus is provided for use in determining surface conductivity of a flat or shaped conductive material at microwave frequencies. A plate has an electrically conductive surface with first and second holes passing through the plate. An electrically conductive material under test (MUT) is maintained in a spaced apart relationship with the electrically conductive surface of the plate by one or more nonconductive spacers. A first coupling loop is electrically shielded within the first hole while a second coupling loop is electrically shielded within the second hole. A dielectric resonator element is positioned between the first and second coupling loops, while also being positioned closer to the MUT than the electrically conductive surface of the plate. Microwave energy at an operating frequency f is supplied from a signal source to the first coupling loop while microwave energy received at the second coupling loop is measured. The apparatus is capable of measuring the Q-factor of the dielectric resonator situated in the 'cavity' existing between the electrically conductive surface of the plate and the MUT. Surface conductivity of the electrically conductive surface can be determined via interpolation using: 1 ) the measured Q-factor with the electrically conductive surface in place, and 2) the measured Q-factor when the MUT is replaced with reference standards having known surface conductivities.

Hearn, Chase P.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Apparatus for use in determining surface conductivity at microwave frequencies

An apparatus is provided for use in determining surface conductivity of a flat or shaped conductive material at microwave frequencies. A plate has an electrically conductive surface with first and second holes passing through the plate. An electrically conductive material under test (MUT) is maintained in a spaced apart relationship with the electrically conductive surface of the plate by one or more non-conductive spacers. A first coupling loop is electrically shielded within the first hole while a second coupling loop is electrically shielded within the second hole. A dielectric resonator element is positioned between the first and second coupling loops, while also being positioned closer to the MUT than the electrically conductive surface of the plate. Microwave energy at an operating frequency f is supplied from a signal source to the first coupling loop while microwave energy received at the second coupling loop is measured. The apparatus is capable of measuring the Q-factor of the dielectric resonator situated in the cavity existing between the electrically conductive surface of the plate and the MUT. Surface conductivity of the electrically conductive surface can be determined via interpolation using: 1) the measured Q-factor with the electrically conductive surface in place, and 2) the measured Q-factor when the MUT is replaced with reference standards having known surface conductivities.

Hearn, Chase P.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Dielectric measurements of selected ceramics at microwave frequencies

Dielectric measurements of strontium titanate and lead titanate zirconate ceramics are conducted at microwave frequencies using a cylindrical resonant cavity in the TE(sub 011) mode. The perturbations of the electric field are recorded in terms of the frequency shift and Q-changes of the cavity signal. Slater's perturbation equations are used to calculate e' and e" of the dielectric constant as a function of temperature and frequency.

Dahiya, J. N.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Remote Strain Sensing of CFRP Using Microwave Frequency Domain Reflectometry

NASA's Advanced Composites Project is investigating technologies that increase automated remote inspection of aircraft composite structures. Therefore, microwave Frequency Domain Reflectometry (FDR) is being investigated as a method of enabling rapid remote measurement of strain occurring at the first ply of a composite fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) structure using Radio Frequency (RF) Electro-Magnetic (EM) radiation. While microwave reflectometry has been used to detect disbonds in CFRP structures, its use in detecting strain has been limited. This work will present data demonstrating the measurement of the reactance changes due to loading conditions that are indicative of strain in a CFRP structure. In addition, the basic EM signature will be presented along with an analysis of temperature and humidity effects.

Wilson, William C.↗
NASA NTRS1977

An improved model for the dielectric constant of sea water at microwave frequencies

The advent of precision microwave radiometry has placed a stringent requirement on the accuracy with which the dielectric constant of sea water must be known. To this end, measurements of the dielectric constant have been conducted at S-band and L-band with a quoted uncertainty of tenths of a percent. These and earlier results are critically examined, and expressions are developed which will yield computations of brightness temperature having an error of no more than 0.3 K for an undisturbed sea at frequencies lower than X-band. At the higher microwave and millimeter wave frequencies, the accuracy is in question because of uncertainties in the relaxation time and the dielectric constant at infinite frequency.

Klein, L. A.↗
NASA NTRS1980

The development of a stepped frequency microwave radiometer and its application to remote sensing of the Earth

The design, development, application, and capabilities of a variable frequency microwave radiometer are described. This radiometer demonstrated the versatility, accuracy, and stability required to provide contributions to the geophysical understanding of ocean and ice processes. A closed-loop feedback method was used, whereby noise pulses were added to the received electromagnetic radiation to achieve a null balance in a Dicke switched radiometer. Stability was achieved through the use of a constant temperature enclosure around the low loss microwave front end. The Dicke reference temperature was maintained to an absolute accuracy of 0.1 K using a closed-loop proportional temperature controller. A microprocessor based digital controller operates the radiometer and records the data on computer compatible tapes. This radiometer exhibits an absolute accuracy of better than 0.5 K when the sensitivity is 0.1 K. The sensitivity varies between 0.0125 K and 1.25 K depending upon the bandwidth and integration time selected by the digital controller. Remote sensing experiments were conducted from an aircraft platform and the first radiometeric mapping of an ocean polar front; exploratory experiments to measure the thickness of lake ice; first discrimination between first year and multiyear ice below 10 GHz; and the first known measurements of frequency sensitive characteristics of sea ice.

Harrington, R. F.↗
NASA NTRS1991

On-orbit structural dynamic performance of a low-frequency microwave radiometer for Mission to Planet Earth applications

The present paper addresses the on-orbit dynamic performance of a low-frequency microwave radiometer for earth science applications. The radiometer is one of the earth-observing instruments aboard a geostationary platform proposed as part of the Mission to Planet Earth. The paper includes establishing the structural requirements of the antenna, developing the structural and disturbance models, performing modal and forced response analyses, and evaluating the resulting distortions in terms of the antenna's ability to meet stringent structural performance requirements. Two antenna configurations are discussed: free-flying and platform-mounted. These configurations are analyzed for a representative disturbance function which simulates rotation of the subreflector in order to perform a raster-type scan of the earth disk. Results show that the scanning maneuver modeled did not induce antenna performance errors which were outside their estimated limits.

Wahls, Deborah M.↗