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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 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

RF sheath induced sputtering on Proto-MPEX part 2: Impurity transport modeling and experimental comparison

The Prototype Material Plasma Exposure eXperiment (Proto-MPEX) is a pulsed linear plasma device that uses a radio frequency (RF) helicon antenna and a helicon ceramic window as the plasma ionization source. Modeling performed within this work on the helicon operations predicts hot spots on the helicon ceramic window due to an RF-induced sheath. The RF sheath potential leads to physical sputtering of the ceramic window predominantly where the helicon antenna sits around the helicon window. The role of oxygen in sputtering within Proto-MPEX is also investigated and is needed to match the experimental data. Experiments on Proto-MPEX show reasonable agreement with the modeled erosion/redeposition pattern on the helicon window, and the modeled impurity flux to the target shows radial transport within the device as expected from classical collisional impurity transport. Temperature screening of impurities is shown to be needed for Proto-MPEX to reduce impurity flux to the target. The modeling approach used in this work can be applied to other plasma RF applications for the determination of impurity production and transport.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

RF sheath induced sputtering on Proto-MPEX. I. Sheath equivalent dielectric layer for modeling the RF sheath

The pulsed linear plasma device Prototype Material Plasma Exposure eXperiment (Proto-MPEX) uses a radio frequency (RF) helicon antenna with an aluminum nitride ceramic window for plasma production. The RF sheath created under the helicon antenna is sufficient to cause ion impact energies to be greater than the sputtering threshold of the AlN helicon window material and for impurities to be created. In this study, we investigate the RF sheath on the inner diameter of the helicon window and its impact on the impurity production rates in Proto-MPEX. Three models—a 3D COMSOL finite element RF model of the Proto-MPEX helicon region, a rectified DC sheath potential model, and the 3D Global Impurity TRansport code—are coupled together to study impurity production and transportation. This novel method of impurity generation and transport modeling spans length scales ranging from the sheath (millimeters or less) up to the full device (meters) and can be applied to other radio frequency sources and antennas in a wide range of plasma physics studies, including basic plasmas, low-temperature processing plasmas, plasma thrusters, and fusion plasmas.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Erosion of high-Z refractory coatings for helicon plasma source window

Proto-MPEX (Materials Plasma Exposure eXperiment), a linear plasma device (LPD), using a high power radio frequency (RF) (⩾100 kW, 13.56 MHz) helicon plasma source, has suffered RF sheath-induced window erosion. The sputtered impurities from the window surface transport toward the downstream target affecting plasma-material interaction studies. The rectified sheath voltage formed was high enough to cause window erosion by light ions due to its low-Z components (e.g. Si 3 N 4 and AlN). Hence, we are proposing impurity mitigation strategies, which involve the application of a Faraday screen to lower the rectified sheath voltage and the application of high-Z refractory coatings on the existing window plasma-facing surface. In this work, we report the erosion of two different coatings, i.e., tantalum oxide (Ta 2 O 5 ) and hafnium oxide (HfO 2 ) on a silicon nitride (Si 3 N 4 ) window material under conditions of low-energy deuterium (D) ion impact, well below the Ta 2 O 5 sputtering energy threshold (i.e. 250 eV). The test samples were RF-biased and exposed to a high D-ion fluence (∼10 26 m −2 ) in Plasma Interaction with Surface Component Experimental Station (PISCES-A) LPD. The experimentally measured sputtering yields of the high-Z refractory coatings below the sputtering energy threshold of Ta 2 O 5 indicate an increased erosion due to the plasma impurities, especially due to oxygen. Improving the vacuum level could reduce the oxygen impurities and increase the lifespan of the coated helicon window for plasma operation. Post-surface analysis indicates no preferential erosion of oxygen or enrichment of the high-Z surface component. This is likely due to an effective energy transfer from the impurity ion for sputtering of the high-Z component in the coating. With the reduced rectified sheath voltage at the window surface and improved vacuum conditions, the proposed high-Z refractory coatings offer a promising solution for reducing window erosion in future MPEX plasma operations at ORNL.

RF bias↗
NASA NTRS2002

CIGS2 Thin-Film Solar Cells on Flexible Foils for Space Power

CuIn(1-x)Ga(x)S2 (CIGS2) thin-film solar cells are of interest for space power applications because of the near optimum bandgap for AM0 solar radiation in space. CIGS2 thin film solar cells on flexible stainless steel (SS) may be able to increase the specific power by an order of magnitude from the current level of 65 Wkg(sup -1). CIGS solar cells are superior to the conventional silicon and gallium arsenide solar cells in the space radiation environment. This paper presents research efforts for the development of CIGS2 thin-film solar cells on 127 micrometers and 20 micrometers thick, bright-annealed flexible SS foil for space power. A large-area, dual-chamber, inline thin film deposition system has been fabricated. The system is expected to provide thickness uniformity of plus or minus 2% over the central 5" width and plus or minus 3% over the central 6" width. During the next phase, facilities for processing larger cells will be acquired for selenization and sulfurization of metallic precursors and for heterojunction CdS layer deposition both on large area. Small area CIGS2 thin film solar cells are being prepared routinely. Cu-rich Cu-Ga/In layers were sputter-deposited on unheated Mo-coated SS foils from CuGa (22%) and In targets. Well-adherent, large-grain Cu-rich CIGS2 films were obtained by sulfurization in a Ar: H2S 1:0.04 mixture and argon flow rate of 650 sccm, at the maximum temperature of 475 C for 60 minutes with intermediate 30 minutes annealing step at 120 C. Samples were annealed at 500 C for 10 minutes without H2S gas flow. The intermediate 30 minutes annealing step at 120 C was changed to 135 C. p-type CIGS2 thin films were obtained by etching the Cu-rich layer segregated at the surface using dilute KCN solution. Solar cells were completed by deposition of CdS heterojunction partner layer by chemical bath deposition, transparent-conducting ZnO/ZnO: Al window bilayer by RF sputtering, and vacuum deposition of Ni/Al contact fingers through metal mask. PV parameters of a CIGS2 solar cell on 127 micrometers thick SS flexible foil measured under AM 0 conditions at NASA GRC were: V(sub oc) = 802.9 mV, J(sub sc) = 25.07 mA per square centimeters, FF = 60.06%, and efficiency 0 = 8.84%. For this cell, AM 1.5 PV parameters measured at NREL were: V(sub oc) = 788 mV, J(sub sc) = 19.78 mA per square centimeter, FF = 59.44%, efficiency 0 = 9.26%. Quantum efficiency curve showed a sharp QE cutoff equivalent to CIGS2 bandgap of approximately 1.50 eV, fairly close to the optimum value for efficient AM0 PV conversion in the space.

Dhere, Neelkanth G.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Empowering Machine Learning Forecasting of Labquake Using Event‐Based Features and Clustering Characteristics

Abstract Following recent advances of machine learning (ML), we present a novel approach to extract spatiotemporal seismo‐mechanical features from Acoustic Emission (AE) catalogs to empower ML‐based forecasting. The AE data were recorded during laboratory stick‐slip experiments on granite samples cut by rough faults. Based on the features computed for a past time window, a random forest (RF) classifier is used to forecast the occurrence of a large magnitude event ( M AE > 3.5) in the next time window. Event‐based features allow us to associate informative time‐space characteristics to each feature and nearest‐neighbor clustering analysis enables us to separate background and clustered seismicity and train individual models. The results show that the separation of AEs enhances the forecasting accuracy from 73.2% for the entire catalog up to 82.1% and 89.0% if background and clustered events are used separately. The presented new approach may be upscaled for applications to forecast tectonic earthquakes.

Karimpouli, Sadegh↗
DOE OSTI2026

Python-EPICS RF Conditioning Automatic Control System at the Spallation Neutron Source

The RF Test Facility (RFTF) at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) is used for the conditioning of RF compo-nents such as ceramic vacuum windows and power cou-plers prior to their installation in the H- ion linear accel-erator. This process exposes components to high-power RF fields and thermal cycling to improve performance and remove surface impurities. To automate and optimize this process, a Python-based EPICS control system was developed alongside targeted hardware upgrades. The system enables real-time monitoring and control of RF power levels, temperature, and vacuum pressure. A user-friendly graphical interface was implemented using CS-Studio (Phoebus), allowing operators to adjust parameters and collect data efficiently. The system integrates a High-Power Protection Module (HPM) for interlocks based on vacuum and arc detection, ensuring safe operation. These upgrades have significantly improved the efficiency, accuracy, and safety of RF conditioning at the SNS RFTF. This paper describes the updated RF conditioning sys-tem, highlighting the software and hardware develop-ments and their application in support of the Proton Pow-er Upgrade (PPU) project.

Lee, Sung-Woo [ORNL] (ORCID:000000030915835X)↗
NASA NTRS2005

Neptune Polar Orbiter with Probes

The giant planets of the outer solar system divide into two distinct classes: the gas giants Jupiter and Saturn, which consist mainly of hydrogen and helium; and the ice giants Uranus and Neptune, which are believed to contain significant amounts of the heavier elements oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon and sulfur. Detailed comparisons of the internal structures and compositions of the gas giants with those of the ice giants will yield valuable insights into the processes that formed the solar system and, perhaps, other planetary systems. By 2012, Galileo, Cassini and possibly a Jupiter Orbiter mission with microwave radiometers, Juno, in the New Frontiers program, will have yielded significant information on the chemical and physical properties of Jupiter and Saturn. A Neptune Orbiter with Probes (NOP) mission would deliver the corresponding key data for an ice giant planet. Such a mission would ideally study the deep Neptune atmosphere to pressures approaching and possibly exceeding 1000 bars, as well as the rings, Triton, Nereid, and Neptune s other icy satellites. A potential source of power would be nuclear electric propulsion (NEP). Such an ambitious mission requires that a number of technical issues be investigated, however, including: (1) atmospheric entry probe thermal protection system (TPS) design, (2) probe structural design including seals, windows, penetrations and pressure vessel, (3) digital, RF subsystem, and overall communication link design for long term operation in the very extreme environment of Neptune's deep atmosphere, (4) trajectory design allowing probe release on a trajectory to impact Neptune while allowing the spacecraft to achieve a polar orbit of Neptune, (5) and finally the suite of science instruments enabled by the probe technology to explore the depths of the Neptune atmosphere. Another driving factor in the design of the Orbiter and Probes is the necessity to maintain a fully operational flight system during the lengthy transit time from launch through Neptune encounter, and throughout the mission. Following our response to the recent NASA Research Announcement (NRA) for Space Science Vision Missions for mission studies by NASA for implementation in the 2013 or later time frame, our team has been selected to explore the feasibility of such a Neptune mission.

Bienstock, Bernard↗
NASA NTRS1998

A Comparison of Space and Ground Based Facility Environmental Effects for FEP Teflon

Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP) Teflon is widely used as a thermal control material for spacecraft, however, it is susceptible to erosion, cracking, and subsequent mechanical failure in low Earth orbit. One of the difficulties in determining whether FEP Teflon will survive during a mission is the wide disparity of erosion rates observed for this material in space and in ground based facilities. Each environment contains different levels of atomic oxygen, ions, and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation in addition to parameters such as the energy of the arriving species and temperature. These variations make it difficult to determine what is causing the observed differences in erosion rates. This paper attempts to narrow down which factors affect the erosion rate of FEP Teflon through attempting to change only one environmental constituent at a time. This was attempted through the use of a single simulation facility (plasma asher) environment with a variety of Faraday cages and VUV transparent windows. Isolating one factor inside of a radio frequency (RF) plasma proved to be very difficult. Two observations could be made. First, it appears that the erosion yield of FEP Teflon with respect to that of polyimide Kapton is not greatly affected by the presence or lack of VUV radiation present in the RF plasma and the relative erosion yield for the FEP Teflon may decrease with increasing fluence. Second, shielding from charged particles appears to lower the relative erosion yield of the FEP to approximately that observed in space, however it is difficult to determine for sure whether ions, electrons, or some other components are causing the enhanced erosion.

Rutledge, Sharon K.↗
NASA NTRS1986

JPL's role in the SETI program

The goal of the JPL SETI Team is to develop the strategies and the instrumentation required to carry out an effective, yet affordable, SETI Microwave Observing Program. The primary responsibility for JPL is the development and implementation of the Sky Survey component of the bimodal search program recommended by the SETI Science Working Group (NASA Technical Paper 2244, 1983). JPL is also responsible for the design and implementation of microwave analog instrumentation (including antenna feed systems, low noise RF amplifiers, antenna monitor and control interfaces, etc.) to cover the microwave window for the Sky Survey and the Target Search observations. The primary site for the current SETI Field Test activity is the Venus Station of the Goldstone Deep Space Communication Complex. A SETI controller was constructed and installed so that pre-programmed and real time SETI monitor and control data can be sent to and from the station controller. This unit will be interfaced with the MCSA. A SETI Hardware Handbook was prepared to describe the various systems that will be used by the project at the Venus Station; the handbook is frequently being expanded and updated. The 65,000 channel FFT Spectrum analyzer in the RFI Surveillance System was modified to permit operation with variable resolutions (300 Hz to less than 1 Hz) and with real-time accumulation, which will enhance the capability of the system for testing Sky Survey search strategies and signal detection algorithms.

Klein, M. J.↗
DOE OSTI2022

INITIAL STUDIES OF CAVITY FAULT PREDICTION AT JEFFERSON LABORATORY

The Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) at Jefferson Laboratory is a CW recirculating linac that utilizes over 400 superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) cavities to accelerate electrons up to 12 GeV through 5-passes. Recent work has shown that, given RF signals from a cavity during a fault as input, machine learning approaches can accurately classify the fault type. In this paper we report on initial results of predicting a fault onset using only data prior to the failure event. A data set was constructed using time-series data immediately before a fault (’unstable’) and 1.5 seconds prior to a fault (’stable’) gathered from over 5,000 saved fault events. The data was used to train a binary classifier. The results gave key insights into the behavior of several fault types and provided motivation to investigate whether data prior to a failure event could also predict the type of fault. We discuss our method using a sliding window approach and report on initial results. Recent modifications to the low-level RF control system will provide access to streaming signals and we outline a path forward for leveraging deep learning on streaming data

Vidyaratne, Lasitha↗
DOE OSTI2021

INITIAL STUDIES OF CAVITY FAULT PREDICTION AT JEFFERSON LABORATORY

The Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) at Jefferson Laboratory is a CW recirculating linac that utilizes over 400 superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) cavities to accelerate electrons up to 12 GeV through 5-passes. Recent work has shown that, given RF signals from a cavity during a fault as input, machine learning approaches can accurately classify the fault type. In this paper we report on initial results of predicting a fault onset using only data prior to the failure event. A data set was constructed using time-series data immediately before a fault (’unstable’) and 1.5 seconds prior to a fault (’stable’) gathered from over 5,000 saved fault events. The data was used to train a binary classifier. The results gave key insights into the behavior of several fault types and provided motivation to investigate whether data prior to a failure event could also predict the type of fault. We discuss our method using a sliding window approach and report on initial results. Recent modifications to the low-level RF control system will provide access to streaming signals and we outline a path forward for leveraging deep learning on streaming data

Vidyaratne, Lasitha↗
NASA NTRS1978

Optical signal processing

The article discusses several optical configurations used for signal processing. Electronic-to-optical transducers are outlined, noting fixed window transducers and moving window acousto-optic transducers. Folded spectrum techniques are considered, with reference to wideband RF signal analysis, fetal electroencephalogram analysis, engine vibration analysis, signal buried in noise, and spatial filtering. Various methods for radar signal processing are described, such as phased-array antennas, the optical processing of phased-array data, pulsed Doppler and FM radar systems, a multichannel one-dimensional optical correlator, correlations with long coded waveforms, and Doppler signal processing. Means for noncoherent optical signal processing are noted, including an optical correlator for speech recognition and a noncoherent optical correlator.

Casasent, D.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Ion Energy and Ion Flux Distributions of CF4/Ar/O2 Inductively Coupled Plasmas in a GEC Cell

Knowledge of ion kinetics in plasma processing gas mixtures, such as CF4:Ar:O2, is important for understanding plasma assisted etching and deposition of materials. Ion energies and ion fluxes were measured in this mixture for 80:10:10, 60:20:20, and 40:30:30 mixture ratios in the pressure range of 10-50 mTorr, and at 200 and 300 W of RF power. Ions from plasma, sampled through a 10 micron orifice in the center of the lower plane electrode, were energy and mass analyzed by a combination of electrostatic energy and quadrupole mass filters. CFx(+) (x = 1 - 3), F2(+), F(+), C(+) from CF4, Ar(+) from Ar, and O2(+) and O(+) from O2, and by-product ions SiFx(+)(x = 1 - 3) from etching of quartz coupling window, COFx(+)(x = 1 - 3), CO(+), CO2(+), and OF(+) were detected. In all conditions ion flux decreases with increase of pressure but increase with increase of RF power. Ar(+) signal decreases with increase of pressure while CF3(+), which is the dominant ion at all conditions, increases with increase in pressure. The loss mechanism for Ar(+) and increase of CF3(+) is due to large cross section for Ar(+) + CF4 yields Ar + CF3(+) + F. Ion energies, which range from 15-25 eV depending on plasma operating conditions, are nearly Gaussian. By-product ion signals are higher at lower pressures indicating stronger plasma interaction with quartz window.

Rao, M. V. V. S.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Development of a direct-sampling RF receiver for precision beam charge measurements in the MOLLER experiment

Here, we have developed and tested a direct-sampling RF receiver capable of measuring the amplitude of a 1497 MHz sinusoidal beam signal in 0.5 ms integration windows with a relative uncertainty of better than 10 parts per million. The receiver is intended for measuring signals from beam current monitoring cavities on the beamline of the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) at Jefferson Lab. The beam signal strength, frequency, and integration window fulfill the thus far unmet requirements of the upcoming MOLLER experiment to measure the beam charge for different helicity states.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Accelerating cavity fault prediction using deep learning at Jefferson Laboratory

Abstract Accelerating cavities are an integral part of the continuous electron beam accelerator facility (CEBAF) at Jefferson Laboratory. When any of the over 400 cavities in CEBAF experiences a fault, it disrupts beam delivery to experimental user halls. In this study, we propose the use of a deep learning model to predict slowly developing cavity faults. By utilizing pre-fault signals, we train a long short-term memory-convolutional neural network binary classifier to distinguish between radio-frequency (RF) signals during normal operation and RF signals indicative of impending faults. We optimize the model by adjusting the fault confidence threshold and implementing a multiple consecutive window criterion to identify fault events, ensuring a low false positive rate. Results obtained from analysis of a real dataset collected from the accelerating cavities simulating a deployed scenario demonstrate the model’s ability to identify normal signals with 99.99% accuracy and correctly predict 80% of slowly developing faults. Notably, these achievements were achieved in the context of a highly imbalanced dataset, and fault predictions were made several hundred milliseconds before the onset of the fault. Anticipating faults enables preemptive measures to improve operational efficiency by preventing or mitigating their occurrence.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
NASA NTRS1973

Complex permittivity measurements during high temperature recycling of space shuttle antenna window and dielectric heat shield materials

The research performed and the data obtained on candidate space shuttle antenna window and heat shield materials are presented. The measurement technique employs a free-space focused beam microwave bridge for obtaining RF transmission data, and a device which rotates a sample holder which is heated on one side by natural gas-air flames. The surface temperature of each sample is monitored by IR pyrometry; embedded and rear surface thermocouples are also used in obtaining temperature data. The surface of the sample undergoing test is subjected to approximately the same temperature/time profile that occurs at a proposed antenna position on the space shuttle as it re-enters. The samples are cycled through ten of these temperature profiles to determine the recycling effects. Very little change was noted in the materials due to the recycling.

Bassett, H. L.↗
DOE OSTI2026

A novel approach to RF power coupling in Radio-Frequency Quadrupole (RFQ) structures: built-in coaxial double-loop coupling port

Efficient and reliable RF power couplers in accelerating cavities require precise impedance matching and mechanical stability to ensure optimal beam energy transfer. In radio-frequency quadrupole (RFQ) accelerators, power is commonly delivered using waveguide iris or coaxial loop couplers. Iris couplers can handle high RF power but lack tunability, while coaxial loop couplers offer tuning flexibility but are limited in power handling and thermal performance. We propose a new RFQ power coupling concept utilizing a single input coaxial center-fed double-loop antenna built into a vane in an RFQ structure . The design integrates back-to-back loops into the RFQ vanes, fed by a TEM coaxial transmission line with standard 50-Ω characteristic impedance. The configuration can allow straightforward and easy ceramic window replacement without retuning, and coupling strength is adjusted with protruding tuning rods. Numerical simulations, performed with both a simplified RFQ model and the Spallation Neutron Source RFQ, demonstrate improved RF performance and reduced dipole mode excitation. The results establish the coaxial double-loop coupler as a practical alternative for high-power RFQ coupling applications.

Lee, Sung-Woo [ORNL] (ORCID:000000030915835X)↗