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NASA NTRS1976

Method and apparatus for measurement of trap density and energy distribution in dielectric films

Trap densities in dielectric films are determined by tunnel injection measurements when the film is incorporated in an insulated-gate field effect transistor. Under applied bias to the transistor gate, carriers (electrons or holes) tunnel into traps in the dielectric film. The resulting space charge tends to change channel conductance. By feeding back a signal from the source contact to the gate electrode, channel conductance is held constant, and by recording the gate voltage as a function of time, trap density can be determined as a function of distance from the dielectric-semiconductor interface. The process is repeated with the gate bias voltage at different levels in order to determine the energy distribution of traps as a function of distance from the interface.

Maserjian, J.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Influence of the interplanetary magnetic field on cometary and primordial dust orbits - Applications of Lorentz Scattering

The equations describing the change in orbital elements of interplanetary dust due to Lorentz-force accelerations are presented in a simplified form. Such accelerations depend on the charge state of the dust; results of theoretical calculations for five possible dust materials are presented. Under present-day conditions, it is possible that semiconducting material such as graphite might carry a net voltage near zero, compared with a roughly 10-V charge expected for other grains. The scattering of dust by a randomly changing magnetic field can be viewed analogously to the dust diffusing in space; the equations presented thus can be used to interpret observations of the present distribution of dust in terms of its possible sources and sinks. The stronger magnetic fields of the early solar system would have led to more vigorous scattering of the dust; particles as large as 1 mm could have been significantly transported by Lorentz scattering during this time.

Consolmagno, G. J.↗

DOE OSTI2020

Space Charge Effects for Transverse Collective Instabilities in Circular Machines

A brief historical review is presented of progressing understanding of transverse coherent instabilities of charged particles beams in circular machines when both Coulomb and wake fields are important. The paper relates to a talk given at ICFA Workshop on Mitigation of Coherent Beam Instabilities in Particle Accelerators, 23-27 September 2019 in Zermatt, Switzerland.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

NASA NTRS2014

Evaluation of Magnetoresistive RAM for Space Applications

Magnetoresistive random-access memory (MRAM) is a non-volatile memory that exploits electronic spin, rather than charge, to store data. Instead of moving charge on and off a floating gate to alter the threshold voltage of a CMOS transistor (creating different bit states), MRAM uses magnetic fields to flip the polarization of a ferromagnetic material thus switching its resistance and bit state. These polarized states are immune to radiation-induced upset, thus making MRAM very attractive for space application. These magnetic memory elements also have infinite data retention and erase/program endurance. Presented here are results of reliability testing of two space-qualified MRAM products from Aeroflex and Honeywell.

Heidecker, Jason↗

NASA NTRS1986

Star of Lima - Overview and optical diagnostics of a barium Alfven critical velocity experiment

The Alfven critical velocity mechanism for ionization of a neutral gas streaming across the magnetic field has been demonstrated in laboratory experiments. In March 1983, two rocket-borne experiments with Ba and Sr tested the effect in the wall-less laboratory of space from Punto Lobos, Peru, near 430 km altitude. 'Star of Lima' used a conical Ba shaped charge aimed at an instrument payload about 2 km away. Because of rocket overperformance the detonation occurred in partial sunlight, so that less than 21.6 percent of the ionizing UV was present. Particle and field measurements indicate the production of hot electrons and waves in the energy and frequency range that are respectively predicted to produce a cascade of ionization by the Alfven mechanism. However, the ionization fluxes and wave energy density did not reach cascade levels, and optical observations indicate that only 2.5 to 5 x 10 to the 20th Ba ions were produced. A substantial portion and perhaps all of the ionization could have been produced by solar UV. The failure of the Alfven process in this experiment is not well understood.

Wescott, E. M.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Simulations of phase space distributions of storm time proton ring current

We use results of guiding-center simulations of ion transport to map phase space densities of the stormtime proton ring current. We model a storm as a sequence of substorm-associated enhancements in the convection electric field. Our pre-storm phase space distribution is an analytical solution to a steady-state transport model in which quiet-time radial diffusion balances charge exchange. This pre-storm phase space spectra at L approximately 2 to 4 reproduce many of the features found in observed quiet-time spectra. Using results from simulations of ion transport during model storms having main phases of 3, 6, and 12 hr, we map phase space distributions from the pre-storm distribution in accordance with Liouville's theorem. We find stormtime enhancements in the phase space densities at energies E approximately 30-160 keV for L approximately 2.5 to 4. These enhancements agree well with the observed stormtime ring current. For storms with shorter main phases (approximately 3 hr), the enhancements are caused mainly by the trapping of ions injected from open night side trajectories, and diffusive transport of higher-energy (greater than or approximately 160 keV) ions contributes little to the stormtime ring current. However, the stormtime ring current is augmented also by the diffusive transport of higher-energy ions (E greater than or approximately 160 keV) durinng stroms having longer main phases (greater than or approximately 6 hr). In order to account for the increase in Dst associated with the formation of the stormtime ring current, we estimate the enhancement in particle-energy content that results from stormtime ion transport in the equatorial magnetosphere. We find that transport alone cannot account for the entire increase in absolute value of Dst typical of a major storm. However, we can account for the entire increase in absolute value of Dst by realistically increasing the stormtime outer boundary value of the phase space density relative to the quiet-time value. We compute the magnetic field produced by the ring current itself and find that radial profiles of the magnetic field depression resemble those obtained from observational data.

Chen, Margaret W.↗

DOE OSTI2021

Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulations to Support Efficiency Improvements in Aluminum Smelting Process

Smelting is broadly described as the extraction of a metal from its ore. In the United States, aluminum is commonly produced by smelting alumina in bauxite using the Hall-Héroult process. Optimization of equipment and processes in conventional smelting is crucial to enhancing process efficiency and productivity, is necessary for improving the techno-economic feasibility, which directly manifests as the growth of the American economy. To achieve optima, insightful data on the multiphysics phenomena that are inherent to the process must be obtained through physical investigation or high-fidelity numerical simulations. The resolution of relevant scales in time and space for smelting operations requires intensive, high-performance computing (HPC) simulations. Hostile operating conditions limit physical data acquisition to specific techniques; therefore, these data do not describe the multiscale interaction of simultaneous effects. Fortunately, in recent decades, significant advancements in computing hardware and computational methods have made the numerical resolution of such a complex process possible. In this study, a high-fidelity simulation of aluminum smelting was performed using an open-source tool, OpenFOAM, which analyzed many parameters characteristic to underlying phenomena. A multiphysics model based on the Eulerian-Eulerian multifluid approach was adopted. This model can resolve critical issues in the electrolytic smelting of aluminum, such as bubbling of carbon dioxide from the anode(s), magnetohydrodynamics from electromagnetic effects, ionic dissolution of the alumina in the electrolyte, and the evolution of thermal profiles. This study provides valuable connectivity for characteristic data that can direct the future designs of efficient smelters. A basic framework to model and simulate the smelting process using OpenFOAM is presented for user modification in keeping with process development. Of relevance to the flow field, a detailed investigation of vortices produced by bubble motion and electromagnetics is discussed, along with their impact on the evolution of thermal profiles. The predictions show small-scale vortices in the clearance between the anode and cathode caused by magnetic forces. Predictions also indicate relatively large-scale vortices in the inter-anode space resulting from carbon dioxide rising through the electrolytic flow field. The formation of vortices at the edges of anodes was shown to direct alumina charged by the feeder to the bottom of the anodes, thus preventing the entrapment of gas bubbles in the periphery of the bottom of the anode. Symmetry was observed in the location of cold spots in the electrolytic mixture in the vicinity of the feeder. Cold spots were also observed in the clearance between the anode and cathode due to the flow’s transmission of unconverted alumina to this region.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2022

Phase-space tailoring and cooling of charged-particle beams for energy- and intensity-frontier applications

This project addressed accelerator science & technology researches relevant to the Intensity and Energy frontiers by investigating generic techniques to tailor and cool the phase-space distributions of charged-particle beams. Specifically, the project had two main research thrusts: (i) the development of phase-space tailoring techniques using externally-applied electromagnetic fields and (ii) the investigation of phase-space control using the beam’s self-field such as the optical-stochastic cooling (OSC). The work related to the development of phase-space-tailoring techniques leveraged on the research performed under our previous grant DE-SC0011831 where new temporal-shaping methods were proposed and some experimentally demonstrated. The work related to the concept of beam manipulation using self fields, and especially OSC, built on the achievements supported by grant DE-SC0013761 which focused on a OSC proof-of-principle experiment at the Fermilab’s IOTA ring.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

DOE OSTI2024

Proposal for a Proton-Bunch Compression Experiment at IOTA in the Strong Space-Charge Regime

The longitudinal compression of intense proton bunches with strong space-charge force is an essential component of a proton-based muon source for a muon collider. This paper discusses a proton-bunch compression experiment at the Integrable Optics Test Accelerator (IOTA) storage ring at Fermilab to explore optimal radio frequency (RF) cavity and lattice configurations. IOTA is a compact fixed-energy storage ring that can circulate a 2.5-MeV proton beam with varying beam parameters and lattice configurations. The study will aim to demonstrate a bunch-compression factor of at least 2 in the IOTA ring while examining the impact of intense space-charge effects on the compression process.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

NASA NTRS1987

Three-dimensional charging effects

The physics of three dimensional spacecraft charging is reviewed. The asymmetric plasma sheath created around a spacecraft can significantly alter the trajectories of incoming particles or repel secondary particles emitted from the surface back to the surface. Thus seemingly anomolous potential variations can be encountered. Depending on the sensitivities of the spacecraft and its instruments to such variations, charging can jeopardize mission performance or even mission life through enhanced arcing. Three dimensional interactions between the Space Station and the ambient plasma and magnetic field are increasingly important.

Garrett, Henry Berry↗

NASA NTRS1989

Analysis of lightning field changes during active Florida thunderstorms

A computer algorithm for deriving accurate values of lightning-caused changes in cloud electric fields under active storm conditions was developed and applied to data obtained during two thunderstorms from a network of ground-based electric field mills at the NASA Kennedy Space Center and the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The resulting field changes were analyzed using a least-squares optimization procedure and point-charge (Q) and point-dipole (P) models. The values and the time variations of the Q-model parameters under active storm conditions were found to be similar to those reported by Maier and Krider (1986) for small storms, when the computations were carried out with the same analysis criteria and comparable biases. The parameters of the P solutions were found to vary with time within the storm interval and from storm to storm.

Koshak, William J.↗

NASA NTRS1991

A comparison of ASTROMAG coils made with aluminum and copper based superconductor

The use of an aluminum matrix superconductor in the coils for the ASTROMAG magnet will increase the integrated field for conducting particle astrophysics experiments in space as compared to equal mass coils made with a copper matrix superconductor. The increased ability to detect charged particles can be achieved without decreasing the current margin of the superconductor in the coils. The use of a low-resistivity aluminum matrix conductor increases the energy needed to initiate a quench by two orders or magnitude. The current decay time constant during a quench is substantially increased. As a result, the quench energy dumped into the helium tank is reduced (the ASTROMAG coils are thermally decoupled from the helium tank), and the forces on the shield and shells due to eddy currents will be lower. A description is also given of the problems associated with the use of an aluminum matrix superconductor in the coils.

Green, M. A.↗

NASA NTRS1999

A Novel Acousto-Electric Levitator for Studies of Drop and Particle Clusters and Arrays

A novel and compact instrumentation for studying the behavior of drop sprays and of clusters of drops now permits fundamental research into the behavior of reacting and non-reacting fluid and solid species. The new capability is made possible by simultaneous acousto-electric levitation and charging of "seed" droplets (10-30 microns in diameter) which come together in 2-D clusters (with up to 300 droplets). These clusters are interesting in their own right because of their crystalline and quasi-crystalline forms, which depend on the acoustic and electric field parameters. By varying the electric and acoustic field intensities, one can cause a cluster of droplets to condense into larger drops (e.g. 50-300 microns) which, because of their charge, form uniformly spaced 2-D arrays of monodispersed drops (e.g. 30-40 array drops in preliminary experiments). One or more layers of these 2-D arrays can form in the acoustic standing wave. Such a configuration permits a wide range of fundamental studies of drop evaporation, combustion, and nucleation. The drops can be single or multicomponent. Therefore, fundamental materials studies can also be performed. Using this same Cluster and Array Generation (CAG) instrumentation, it has been also possible in preliminary experiments to demonstrate the clustering and arraying of solid particles, both coated with an electrically conducting layer and uncoated, and both charged and uncharged.

Tian, Yuren↗

NASA NTRS1998

Dusty Plasma Dynamics Near Surfaces in Space

The investigation 'Dusty Plasma Dynamics Near Surfaces in Space' is an experimental and theoretical study of the dynamics of dust particles on airless bodies in the solar system in the presence of a photoelectron sheath generated by solar ultraviolet light impinging on the surface. Solar UV illumination of natural and manmade surfaces in space produces photoelectrons which form a plasma sheath near the surface. Dust particles on the surface acquire a charge and may be transported by electric fields in the photoelectron sheath generated by inhomogeneities in the surface or the illumination (such as shadows). The sheath itself has a finite vertical extent leading to (at least) an electric field normal to the illuminated surface. If dust particles are launched from the surface by some other process, such as meteoroid impact, or spacecraft activity on the surface, these grains become charged and move under the influence of gravity and the electric field. This can give rise to suspension of the particles above the surface, loss from the parent body entirely (if accelerated beyond escape velocity), and a different distribution of dust ejecta from what would be expected with purely gravitational dynamics.

Colwell, Joshua E.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Advanced Radiation Detectors and Detector Systems Research

Real‐time awareness of space radiation is critical for missions beyond LEO. Missions to the Moon, Mars, Near‐Earth‐Objects (NEOs), inner and outer planets, as well as other destinations in space, will require embedded instrumentation to provide feedback for “smart”, adaptive control systems. Precision instrumentation will also be needed to provide improved data for space radiation modeling and space weather forecasting and awareness. Compact instrumentation on small platforms such as CubeSats and other small space‐faring vehicles will provide a better understanding of the space radiation environment by supplying data from multiple locations in space where information is yet unknown. Compact integrable solid‐state detectors with low noise and high tolerance of operation in a radiation environment are enabled by the application of Wide Band Gap semiconductors as radiation detectors. NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) is applying its expertise and facilities in harsh environment instrumentation to develop supporting technologies that enable improved instruments for space science missions. A variety of radiation detectors are under development, such as silicon carbide semiconductor detectors, for applications to space science, lunar prospecting, and fission power systems.

Field and particle detectors↗

NASA NTRS2010

Summary of 2006 to 2010 FPMU Measurements of International Space Station Frame Potential Variations

Electric potential variations on the International Space Station (ISS) structure in low Earth orbit are dominated by contributions from interactions of the United States (US) 160 volt solar arrays with the relatively high density, low temperature plasma environment and inductive potentials generated by motion of the large vehicle across the Earth?s magnetic field. The Floating Potential Measurement Unit (FPMU) instrument suite comprising two Langmuir probes, a plasma impedance probe, and a floating potential probe was deployed in August 2006 for use in characterizing variations in ISS potential, the state of the ionosphere along the ISS orbit and its effect on ISS charging, evaluating effects of payloads and visiting vehicles, and for supporting ISS plasma hazard assessments. This presentation summarizes observations of ISS frame potential variations obtained from the FPMU from deployment in 2006 through the current time. We first describe ISS potential variations due to current collection by solar arrays in the day time sector of the orbit including eclipse exit and entry charging events, potential variations due to plasma environment variations in the equatorial anomaly, and visiting vehicles docked to the ISS structure. Next, we discuss potential variations due to inductive electric fields generated by motion of the vehicle across the geomagnetic field and the effects of external electric fields in the ionosphere. Examples of night time potential variations at high latitudes and their possible relationship to auroral charging are described and, finally, we demonstrate effects on the ISS potential due to European Space Agency and US plasma contactor devices.

Minow, Joseph I.↗

NASA NTRS2012

CREME96 and Related Error Rate Prediction Methods

Predicting the rate of occurrence of single event effects (SEEs) in space requires knowledge of the radiation environment and the response of electronic devices to that environment. Several analytical models have been developed over the past 36 years to predict SEE rates. The first error rate calculations were performed by Binder, Smith and Holman. Bradford and Pickel and Blandford, in their CRIER (Cosmic-Ray-Induced-Error-Rate) analysis code introduced the basic Rectangular ParallelePiped (RPP) method for error rate calculations. For the radiation environment at the part, both made use of the Cosmic Ray LET (Linear Energy Transfer) spectra calculated by Heinrich for various absorber Depths. A more detailed model for the space radiation environment within spacecraft was developed by Adams and co-workers. This model, together with a reformulation of the RPP method published by Pickel and Blandford, was used to create the CR ME (Cosmic Ray Effects on Micro-Electronics) code. About the same time Shapiro wrote the CRUP (Cosmic Ray Upset Program) based on the RPP method published by Bradford. It was the first code to specifically take into account charge collection from outside the depletion region due to deformation of the electric field caused by the incident cosmic ray. Other early rate prediction methods and codes include the Single Event Figure of Merit, NOVICE, the Space Radiation code and the effective flux method of Binder which is the basis of the SEFA (Scott Effective Flux Approximation) model. By the early 1990s it was becoming clear that CREME and the other early models needed Revision. This revision, CREME96, was completed and released as a WWW-based tool, one of the first of its kind. The revisions in CREME96 included improved environmental models and improved models for calculating single event effects. The need for a revision of CREME also stimulated the development of the CHIME (CRRES/SPACERAD Heavy Ion Model of the Environment) and MACREE (Modeling and Analysis of Cosmic Ray Effects in Electronics). The Single Event Figure of Merit method was also revised to use the solar minimum galactic cosmic ray spectrum and extended to circular orbits down to 200 km at any inclination. More recently a series of commercial codes was developed by TRAD (Test & Radiations) which includes the OMERE code which calculates single event effects. There are other error rate prediction methods which use Monte Carlo techniques. In this chapter the analytic methods for estimating the environment within spacecraft will be discussed.

Adams, James H., Jr.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Operando Contactless EFISH Study of the Rate-Determining Step of Light-Driven Water Oxidation on TiO 2 Photoanodes

For many slow solar-fuel-forming reactions, the accumulation of photogenerated minority carriers on the photoelectrode surface leads to light-induced band edge unpinning, affecting the junction properties by decreasing band bending in the semiconductor space charge layer and increasing the driving force of surface reactions in the electric double layer. In this study, we demonstrate a contactless operando electric field-induced second harmonic generation (EFISH) method for measuring the band bending change (δΔΦ SCR L ) on photoelectrodes upon photoexcitation. For ndoped rutile TiO 2 water oxidation photoanodes at pH 7, δΔΦ SCR L increases at more positive potentials or higher illumination power density until it reaches saturation values. We show that under fast mass transport conditions, δΔΦ SCR L is exclusively attributed to the accumulated charged rate-determining species that can be regarded as temporary surface states, and the relationship between the photocurrent and δΔΦ SCR L can be well modeled by assuming that hole trap states function as the reaction center. Kinetic isotope experiments identify proton-coupled electron transfer as the rate-determining step and suggest a possible chemical nature of the key intermediate. We demonstrate that light-induced band edge unpinning is a beneficial feature under high illumination conditions for oxygen evolution reaction on TiO 2 because it maintains the photon-to-current conversion efficiency by enhancing the surface reaction driving force, shedding light on the actual device application.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗