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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
NASA NTRS2013

Micro-XRF for In Situ Geological Exploration of Other Planets

In situ analysis of rock chemistry is a fundamental tool for exploration of planets. To meet this need, a high-spatial-resolution micro x-ray fluorescence (Micro-XRF) instrument was developed that is capable of determining the elemental composition of rocks (elements Na U) with 100 microns spatial resolution, thus providing insight to the composition of features as small as sand grains and individual laminae. The resulting excitation beam is of sufficient intensity that high signal-to-noise punctual spectra are acquired in seconds to a few minutes using an Amptek Silicon Drift Detector (SDD). The instrument features a tightly focused x-ray tube and HVPS developed by Moxtek that provides up to 200 micro-A at 10 to 50 keV, with a custom polycapillary optic developed by XOS Inc. and integrated into a breadboard Micro-XRF (see figure). The total mass of the complete breadboard instrument is 2.76 kg, including mounting hardware, mounting plate, camera, laser, etc. A flight version of this instrument would require less than 5W nominal power and 1.5 kg mass. The instrument includes an Amptek SDD that draws 2.5 W and has a resolution of 135 to 155 eV FWHM at 5.9 keV. It weighs 180 g, including the preamplifier, digital pulse processor, multichannel analyzer, detector and preamp power supplies, and packaging. Rock samples are positioned relative to the instrument by a three-axis arm whose position is controlled by closed-loop translators (mimicking the robotic arm of a rover). The distance from the source to the detector is calculated from the position of a focused laser beam on the sample as imaged by the camera. The instrument enables quick scans of major elements in only 1 second, and rapid acquisition (30 s) of data with excellent signal-to-noise and energy resolution for trace element analysis

Wade, Lawrence A.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Utah FORGE Well 56-32 Sludge XRF

This is an Excel spreadsheet containing the results of X-ray fluorescence from well 56-32 sludge samples. The instrumentation used was a Olympus Vanta M series handheld XRF analyzer. A glass (SiO2) "blank" was analyzed at the beginning and end of each sample batch to detect contamination within the instrument. The standard 2711A was analyzed at the beginning and end of each sample batch to detect drift in instrument precision over time. Material was analyzed in a plastic cup with a prolene thin film cover for minimal interference.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

INL CRMO XRF Report 2024-01: Provenance Determinations for 135 Haskett Projectile Points from Eastern Idaho

This report presents provenance determinations for 135 obsidian and fine-grained volcanic (FGV) Haskett projectile points from across eastern Idaho. These determinations were made using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) spectrometry at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Cultural Resource Management Office (CRMO) under the direction of Dr. Kyle Freund.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

INL CRMO XRF Report 2025-03: Provenance Determinations for 854 Projectile Points from Idaho Falls District Bureau of Land Management Archaeological Collections

This report presents provenance determinations for 854 obsidian and fine-grained volcanic projectile points from Idaho Falls District Bureau of Land Management collections. Provenance determinations were made using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) spectrometry at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Cultural Resource Management Office (CRMO) under the direction of Dr. Kyle Freund.

99 - GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2025

INL CRMO XRF Report 2025-04: Provenance Determinations for 116 Obsidian Artifacts from Upper Snake U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Archaeological Collections

This report presents provenance determinations for 116 obsidian artifacts from Upper Snake U.S. Bureau of Reclamation collections. Provenance determinations were made using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) spectrometry at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Cultural Resource Management Office (CRMO) under the direction of Dr. Kyle Freund.

99 - GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2025

INL CRMO XRF Report 2025-02: Provenance Determinations for 1,124 Projectile Points from Lands and Collections Managed by the U.S. Department of Energy-Idaho Operations Office (DOE-ID)

This report presents provenance determinations for 1,124 obsidian and fine-grained volcanic (FGV) projectile points from lands and collections managed by the U.S. Department of Energy-Idaho Operations Office (DOE-ID). These determinations were made using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) spectrometry at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Cultural Resource Management Office (CRMO) under the direction of Dr. Kyle Freund.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

INL CRMO XRF Report 2025-05: Provenance Determinations for 23 Folsom and Midland Projectile Points from Eastern Idaho

This report presents provenance determinations for 23 obsidian and fine-grained volcanic Folsom and Midland projectile points from eastern Idaho. Provenance determinations were made using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) spectrometry at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Cultural Resource Management Office (CRMO) under the direction of Dr. Kyle Freund.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

INL CRMO XRF Report 2025-06: Provenance Determinations for 246 Obsidian and Fine-grained Volcanic Artifacts from Folsom-era Sites in Eastern Idaho

This report presents provenance determinations for 246 obsidian and fine-grained volcanic artifacts from Folsom-era sites in eastern Idaho. Provenance determinations were made using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) spectrometry at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Cultural Resource Management Office (CRMO) under the direction of Dr. Kyle Freund.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS2007

Performance of a Borehole XRF Spectrometer for Planetary Exploration

We have designed and constructed a borehole XRF Spectrometer (XRFS) as part of the Mars Subsurface Access program. It will be used to determine the composition of the Mars regolith at various depths by insertion into a pre-drilled borehole. The primary performance metrics for the instrument are the lower limits of detection over a wide range of the periodic table. Power consumption during data collection was also measured. The prototype instrument is complete and preliminary testing has been performed. Terrestrial soil Standard Reference Materials were used as the test samples. Detection limits were about 10 weight parts-per-million for most elements, with light elements being higher, up to 1.4 weight percent for magnesium. Power consumption (excluding ground support components) was 12 watts.

Kelliher, Warren C.↗
NASA NTRS2012

The Use of Handheld X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Technology in Unraveling the Eruptive History of the San Francisco Volcanic Field, Arizona

While traditional geologic mapping includes the examination of structural relationships between rock units in the field, more advanced technology now enables us to simultaneously collect and combine analytical datasets with field observations. Information about tectonomagmatic processes can be gleaned from these combined data products. Historically, construction of multi-layered field maps that include sample data has been accomplished serially (first map and collect samples, analyze samples, combine data, and finally, readjust maps and conclusions about geologic history based on combined data sets). New instruments that can be used in the field, such as a handheld xray fluorescence (XRF) unit, are now available. Targeted use of such instruments enables geologists to collect preliminary geochemical data while in the field so that they can optimize scientific data return from each field traverse. Our study tests the application of this technology and projects the benefits gained by real-time geochemical data in the field. The integrated data set produces a richer geologic map and facilitates a stronger contextual picture for field geologists when collecting field observations and samples for future laboratory work. Real-time geochemical data on samples also provide valuable insight regarding sampling decisions by the field geologist

Young, Kelsey E.↗
NASA NTRS2014

Nondestructive Analysis of Apollo Samples by Micro-CT and Micro-XRF Analysis: A PET Style Examination

An integral part of any sample return mission is the initial description and classification of returned samples by the preliminary examination team (PET). The goal of a PET is to characterize and classify the returned samples, making this information available to the general research community who can then conduct more in-depth studies on the samples. A PET strives to minimize the impact their work has on the sample suite, which often limits the PET work to largely visual measurements and observations like optical microscopy. More modern techniques can also be utilized by future PET to nondestructively characterize astromaterials in a more rigorous way. Here we present our recent analyses of Apollo samples 14321 and 14305 by micro-CT and micro-XRF (respectively), assess the potential for discovery of "new" Apollo samples for scientific study, and evaluate the usefulness of these techniques in future PET efforts.

Zeigler, Ryan A.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Spectral Data Fusion From Handheld Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) Analyzers for Improved Detection of Cerium in a Simulated Dispersal Accident

Here, this work implements a mid-level data fusion methodology on spectral data from handheld X-ray fluorescence and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy analyzers to quantify plutonium surrogate (CeO 2 ) contamination in soil samples for the first time. Spectral data from each analyzer were used independently to train supervised machine learning regressions to predict Ce concentration. Fused features from both data sets were then used to train the same models, comparing prediction performance by evaluating model precision and sensitivity. Fusing principal component scores from the two sensors yielded an order of magnitude improvement in precision and sensitivity of predictions made with an artificial neural network, compared to predictions made by models trained on independent sensor data. As a result, a boosted ensemble trained on the fused spectral features yielded an ideal predictor with root-mean-squared error on the order of 10 –6 and calculated limit of detection order 10 –5 wt %.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2026

Pixel-Registered Multimodal Synchrotron XRF and FTIR Microscopies Reveal Salinity Stress Response Mechanisms in Pistachio

Background: Salinity is a major abiotic stress that negatively affects nearly all plant species at all stages of growth. Drought and poor-quality irrigation cause high soil salinity and salt accumulation via evaporation, reducing crop productivity. Despite its critical importance, the spatial localization of salt ions and associated biochemical changes within plants experiencing high salinity remains largely unknown. In this study, we developed a multimodal imaging pipeline to understand the impact of salinity on the pistachio rootstock UCB-1 (Pistacia atlantica x Pistacia integerrima). We directly link biochemical fingerprints in stem tissue architecture with salt ion localization to provide insights into the strategies pistachio uses to tolerate salinity. Results: We observed that Pistacia spp. exposed to high salt conditions accumulated Ca, Si, Cl, Al and Mg as hotspots within the pith, compared to the control (of which only Ca and Al co-locate). In contrast, there was a decrease in K between the control and salinity treatment. Hotspots of amide I and II were present in the cortex and pith of the salinity treated sample. Additionally, the salinity treatment resulted in an increased abundance of pectin and carbohydrates within the pith compared to the control, and the abundance of esters/carboxylic acid was greater in the salinity treatment. Conclusions: We determined that Cl and K, S and P, and biochemical components polysaccharide and pectin, esters and carboxylic acid, amide I and cellulose are the strongest drivers of salinity- treatment induced variability. In the cortex and phloem/xylem, a negative K-Ca correlation decreases in the salinity treatment. Several hotspots of elements and amide I (proteins) appear under salinity treatment, particularly in the cortex, suggesting an increase in the production of stress-related proteins (in response to high Cl) and/or structural proteins (i.e. Ca). Together, these results indicate that pistachio responds to salinity through ion compartmentalization coupled with a targeted biochemical adjustment, rather than a broadscale tissue-wide response. Overall, these novel, spatially resolved pixel-registered multimodal imaging data provide an enabling platform to understand the mechanisms of salinity tolerance in Pistacia spp and can be broadly applied to studying stress-related phenotype response in various plant tissues.

FTIR spectromicroscopy↗
DOE OSTI2023

Using micro-XRF to characterize chloride ingress through cold joints in 3D printed concrete

Digital fabrication methods with concrete have been rapidly developing, with many problems related to component production and material control being solved in recent years. These processes produce inherently layered cementitious components that are anisotropic, and in many cases, produces a weak interface between layers, which are generally referred to as cold joints. While material strength at these interfaces has been well studied in recent years, durability has received less attention, even though cold joints can function as channels for aggressive agents, such as chlorides. This work presents a method using micro-X-ray fluorescence (μXRF) to image chloride ingress into layer interfaces of 3D printed fine-grained concrete specimens produced with varying layer deposition time intervals, and also compares it to neutron imaging of moisture uptake. The results show that cold joints formed after a 1 day time interval are highly susceptible to chloride ingress, and that curing conditions play a major role in how quickly interfacial transport can take place. The μXRF method is also shown to be useful for study of transport of chlorides in cold joints, due to its spatial resolution and direct analysis of an aggressive species of interest.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1978

A new color correlation method applied to XRF Al/Si ratios and other lunar remote sensing data

Orbital X-ray fluorescence Al/Si intensity ratios, corrected for variations in solar activity, are correlated with normal albedo, elevation measurements from laser altimetry data, and gamma ray data in the 2.75-8.60 MeV range. Each of these data sets is placed into a digital array consisting of 1/4 deg latitude by 1/4 deg longitude pixels. Information relative to the correlation of Al/Si ratios with each of the other data sets is presented in the following forms: (1) histograms are given for each data set to show the frequency distribution within the areas of common coverage; (2) density plots are produced from the plot of a two-dimensional array consisting of the Al/Si ratio vs the other parameter value for each pixel; and (3) color correlation maps are produced by placing the two-dimensional array into a 3 x 3 matrix consisting of nine equal subarrays containing an equal number of data points.

Clark, P. E.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Methods for identification and verification using vacuum XRF system

Apparatus and methods in which one or more elemental taggants that are intrinsically located in an object are detected by x-ray fluorescence analysis under vacuum conditions to identify or verify the object's elemental content for elements with lower atomic numbers. By using x-ray fluorescence analysis, the apparatus and methods of the invention are simple and easy to use, as well as provide detection by a non line-of-sight method to establish the origin of objects, as well as their point of manufacture, authenticity, verification, security, and the presence of impurities. The invention is extremely advantageous because it provides the capability to measure lower atomic number elements in the field with a portable instrument.

Schramm, Fred↗
NASA NTRS2007

The 'Supercritical Pile' GRB Model: Afterglows and GRB, XRR, XRF Unification

We present the general notions and observational consequences of the "Supercritical Pile" GRB model; the fundamental feature of this model is a detailed process for the conversion of the energy stored in relativistic protons in the GRB Relativistic Blast Waves (RBW) into relativistic electrons and then into radiation. The conversion is effected through the $p \, \gamma \rightarrow p \, e circumflex + e circumflex -$ reaction, whose kinematic threshold is imprinted on the GRB spectra to provide a peak of their emitted luminosity at energy \Ep $\sim 1$ MeV in the lab frame. We extend this model to include, in addition to the (quasi--)thermal relativistic post-shock protons an accelerated component of power law form. This component guarantees the production of $e circumflex +e circumflex- - $pairs even after the RBW has slowed down to the point that its (quasi-) thermal protons cannot fulfill the threshold of the above reaction. We suggest that this last condition marks the transition from the prompt to the afterglow GRB phase. We also discuss conditions under which this transition is accompanied by a significant drop in the flux and could thus account for several puzzling, recent observations. Finally, we indicate that the same mechanism applied to the late stages of the GRB evolution leads to a decrease in \Ep $\propto \Gamma circumflex 2(t)\propto t circumflex {-3/4}$, a feature amenable to future observational tests.

Kazanas, D.↗