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At least 397 records · Page 22

LOCALIZATION OF SHORT DURATION GRAVITATIONAL-WAVE TRANSIENTS WITH THE EARLY ADVANCED LIGO AND VIRGO DETECTORS

The Laser Interferometer Gravitational wave Observatory (LIGO) and Virgo advanced ground-based gravitational-wave detectors will begin collecting science data in 2015. With first detections expected to follow, it is important to quantify how well generic gravitational-wave transients can be localized on the sky. This is crucial for correctly identifying electromagnetic counterparts as well as understanding gravitational-wave physics and source populations. We present a study of sky localization capabilities for two search and parameter estimation algorithms: coherent WaveBurst, a constrained likelihood algorithm operating in close to real-time, and LALInferenceBurst, a Markov chain Monte Carlo parameter estimation algorithm developed to recover generic transient signals with latency of a few hours. Furthermore, we focus on the first few years of the advanced detector era, when we expect to only have two (2015) and later three (2016) operational detectors, all below design sensitivity. These detector configurations can produce significantly different sky localizations, which we quantify in detail. We observe a clear improvement in localization of the average detected signal when progressing from two-detector to three-detector networks, as expected. Although localization depends on the waveform morphology, approximately 50% of detected signals would be imaged after observing 100-200 deg{sup 2} in 2015 and 60-110 deg{sup 2} in 2016, although knowledge of the waveform can reduce this to as little as 22 deg{sup 2}. This is the first comprehensive study on sky localization capabilities for generic transients of the early network of advanced LIGO and Virgo detectors, including the early LIGO-only two-detector configuration.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Probabilistic Assessment of Damage from Same Shock Response Spectra due to Variations in Damping

Interpretation of field data from shock tests and subsequent assessment of product safety margins via laboratory testing are based on the shock response spectra (SRS). The SRS capture how a single degree of freedom (SDOF) structure responds to the shock at differing frequencies and, therefore, no longer contain the duration or other temporal parameters pertaining to the shock. A single duration can often be included in the technical specification or in the recreation of acceleration vs. time history from the specified SRS; however, there is little basis for that beyond technical judgment. The loss of such temporal information can result in the recreated SRS being the same while its effect on a system or component can be different. This paper attempts to quantify this deficiency as well as propose a simple method of capturing damping from shock waves that can allow the original waveform to be more accurately reconstructed from the SRS. In this study the decay rate associated with various frequencies that comprise the overall shock was varied. This variation in the decay rate leads to a variation in the acceleration vs. time history, which can be correlated to a “Damage Index” that captures the fatigue damage imparted to the object under shock. Several waveforms that have the same SRS but varying rates of decay for either high- or low-frequency components of the shock were investigated. The resulting variation in stress cycles and Damage Index is discussed in the context of the lognormal distribution of fatigue failure data. It is proposed that, along with the SRS, the decay rate is also captured to minimize the discrepancy between field data and representative laboratory tests.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Inherent secure communications using lattice based waveform design

The wireless communications channel is innately insecure due to the broadcast nature of the electromagnetic medium. Many techniques have been developed and implemented in order to combat insecurities and ensure the privacy of transmitted messages. Traditional methods include encrypting the data via cryptographic methods, hiding the data in the noise floor as in wideband communications, or nulling the signal in the spatial direction of the adversary using array processing techniques. This work analyzes the design of signaling constellations, i.e. modulation formats, to combat eavesdroppers from correctly decoding transmitted messages. It has been shown that in certain channel models the ability of an adversary to decode the transmitted messages can be degraded by a clever signaling constellation based on lattice theory. This work attempts to optimize certain lattice parameters in order to maximize the security of the data transmission. These techniques are of interest because they are orthogonal to, and can be used in conjunction with, traditional security techniques to create a more secure communication channel.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Analysis of Diode Reverse Recovery Effect on ZVS Condition for GaN-Based LLC Resonant Converter

LLC resonant converter can achieve zero voltage switching (ZVS) for primary-side devices and zero current switching (ZCS) for secondary-side rectifiers. However, the reverse recovery and junction capacitance (C j ) of secondary-side diode critically affect the ZVS condition of primary-side switches. The effect of C j has been discussed in literature, but not the reverse recovery. In this paper, the reverse recovery charge (Q rr ) is converted to an equivalent capacitance (C rr_eq ) for the study of primary-side ZVS performance. An accurate model during deadtime is derived and further applied to characterize ZVS performance with different reverse recovery charges in different regions. The concept of establishing parameter C total to consider both C j and C rr_eq is proposed to evaluate the effect of the secondary-side rectifiers. This concept provides the guideline for diode and synchronous rectification MOSFET selection to ensure ZVS condition for LLC converters. To verify the concept and the derived model,a 200/400 V 400 W LLC resonant converter prototype operating from 200 to 700 kHz is built and its ZVS performances with different diodes are compared. Two issues caused by Q rr effect, including V ds reverse charging and asymmetrical waveform during deadtime, are explained thoroughly as well.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Delay analysis of combinations of pass transistors and classical logic gates

Combinations of pass transistors and logic gates driving nonlinear capacitive loads are analyzed for the presence of characteristics that will permit easier and more accurate digital logic simulation. Accurate time delay models are developed by studying the nature of the response of simplified circuit models to variations of input waveform rise and fall times and output loading. The nonlinear effects of the CMOS logic devices are minimized to permit easier interpretation of the influence of nonlinear capacitive loads. The performance of a CMOS inverter with a complex nonlinear load consisting of a pass transistor that separates a range of capacitances is compared to the same inverter circuit with a linear capacitive load to develop an understanding of the unique requirements of modeling a nonlinear system. Several methods of modeling the delay of CMOS circuits are reviewed, and a multi-parameter linear model is described. General guidelines for designing CMOS circuits with complex load circuits are developed, emphasizing that the circuit output rise delays and fall delays must be separately analyzed.

Gibson, Jonathan S.↗

InversionNet3D: Efficient and Scalable Learning for 3-D Full-Waveform Inversion

Seismic full-waveform inversion (FWI) techniques aim to find a high-resolution subsurface geophysical model provided with waveform data. Some recent effort in data-driven FWI has shown some encouraging results in obtaining 2-D velocity maps. However, due to high computational complexity and large memory consumption, the reconstruction of 3-D high-resolution velocity maps via deep networks is still a great challenge. Here, in this article, we present InversionNet3D (InvNet3D), an efficient and scalable encoder–decoder network for 3-D FWI. The proposed method employs group convolution in the encoder to establish an effective hierarchy for learning information from multiple sources while cutting down unnecessary parameters and operations at the same time. The introduction of invertible layers further reduces the memory consumption of intermediate features during training and, thus, enables the development of deeper networks with more layers and higher capacity as required by different application scenarios. Experiments on the 3-D Kimberlina dataset demonstrate that InvNet3D achieves state-of-the-art reconstruction performance with lower computational cost and lower memory footprint compared to the baseline.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Miniature L-Band Radar Transceiver

A miniature L-band transceiver that operates at a carrier frequency of 1.25 GHz has been developed as part of a generic radar electronics module (REM) that would constitute one unit in an array of many identical units in a very-large-aperture phased-array antenna. NASA and the Department of Defense are considering the deployment of such antennas in outer space; the underlying principles of operation, and some of those of design, also are applicable on Earth. The large dimensions of the antennas make it advantageous to distribute radio-frequency electronic circuitry into elements of the arrays. The design of the REM is intended to implement the distribution. The design also reflects a requirement to minimize the size and weight of the circuitry in order to minimize the weight of any such antenna. Other requirements include making the transceiver robust and radiation-hard and minimizing power demand. Figure 1 depicts the functional blocks of the REM, including the L-band transceiver. The key functions of the REM include signal generation, frequency translation, amplification, detection, handling of data, and radar control and timing. An arbitrary-waveform generator that includes logic circuitry and a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) generates a linear-frequency-modulation chirp waveform. A frequency synthesizer produces local-oscillator signals used for frequency conversion and clock signals for the arbitrary-waveform generator, for a digitizer [that is, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC)], and for a control and timing unit. Digital functions include command, timing, telemetry, filtering, and high-rate framing and serialization of data for a high-speed scientific-data interface. The aforementioned digital implementation of filtering is a key feature of the REM architecture. Digital filters, in contradistinction to analog ones, provide consistent and temperature-independent performance, which is particularly important when REMs are distributed throughout a large array. Digital filtering also enables selection among multiple filter parameters as required for different radar operating modes. After digital filtering, data are decimated appropriately in order to minimize the data rate out of an antenna panel. The L-band transceiver (see Figure 2) includes a radio-frequency (RF)-to-baseband down-converter chain and an intermediate- frequency (IF)-to-RF up-converter chain. Transmit/receive (T/R) switches enable the use of a single feed to the antenna for both transmission and reception. The T/R switches also afford a built-in test capability by enabling injection of a calibration signal into the receiver chain. In order of decreasing priority, components of the transceiver were selected according to requirements of radiation hardness, then compactness, then low power. All of the RF components are radiation-hard. The noise figure (NF) was optimized to the extent that (1) a low-noise amplifier (LNA) (characterized by NF < 2 dB) was selected but (2) the receiver front-end T/R switches were selected for a high degree of isolation and acceptably low loss, regardless of the requirement to minimize noise.

McWatters, Dalia↗

Parameters of the Lightning Attachment Processes in a Negative Cloud-To-Ground Stroke Observed on a Microsecond Timescale

We present time-correlated ultra-high-speed video camera and electromagnetic field measurements of the attachment processes in a natural negative cloud-to-ground stroke. The video camera frame exposure time and pixel resolution were 740 ns and 0.91 m/pixel, respectively. The common streamer zone (CSZ) was first observed 2.52 µs preceding the first frame showing the return stroke (RS) in progress, when the upward and downward leader-tips were 9.8 m apart. In the next frame, the two leaders were observed to have propagated toward each other within the CSZ, with their tips being 0.91 m apart. Our observations show with unprecedented precision/clarity that (a) the slow front in the field waveform is associated with the CSZ, and (b) the “proper” start of the RS is marked by the onset of the fast transition in the field waveform which occurs at the completion of the attachment processes (when the upward and downward leaders have merged).

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Highly Scalable Matching Pursuit Signal Decomposition Algorithm

Matching Pursuit Decomposition (MPD) is a powerful iterative algorithm for signal decomposition and feature extraction. MPD decomposes any signal into linear combinations of its dictionary elements or atoms . A best fit atom from an arbitrarily defined dictionary is determined through cross-correlation. The selected atom is subtracted from the signal and this procedure is repeated on the residual in the subsequent iterations until a stopping criterion is met. The reconstructed signal reveals the waveform structure of the original signal. However, a sufficiently large dictionary is required for an accurate reconstruction; this in return increases the computational burden of the algorithm, thus limiting its applicability and level of adoption. The purpose of this research is to improve the scalability and performance of the classical MPD algorithm. Correlation thresholds were defined to prune insignificant atoms from the dictionary. The Coarse-Fine Grids and Multiple Atom Extraction techniques were proposed to decrease the computational burden of the algorithm. The Coarse-Fine Grids method enabled the approximation and refinement of the parameters for the best fit atom. The ability to extract multiple atoms within a single iteration enhanced the effectiveness and efficiency of each iteration. These improvements were implemented to produce an improved Matching Pursuit Decomposition algorithm entitled MPD++. Disparate signal decomposition applications may require a particular emphasis of accuracy or computational efficiency. The prominence of the key signal features required for the proper signal classification dictates the level of accuracy necessary in the decomposition. The MPD++ algorithm may be easily adapted to accommodate the imposed requirements. Certain feature extraction applications may require rapid signal decomposition. The full potential of MPD++ may be utilized to produce incredible performance gains while extracting only slightly less energy than the standard algorithm. When the utmost accuracy must be achieved, the modified algorithm extracts atoms more conservatively but still exhibits computational gains over classical MPD. The MPD++ algorithm was demonstrated using an over-complete dictionary on real life data. Computational times were reduced by factors of 1.9 and 44 for the emphases of accuracy and performance, respectively. The modified algorithm extracted similar amounts of energy compared to classical MPD. The degree of the improvement in computational time depends on the complexity of the data, the initialization parameters, and the breadth of the dictionary. The results of the research confirm that the three modifications successfully improved the scalability and computational efficiency of the MPD algorithm. Correlation Thresholding decreased the time complexity by reducing the dictionary size. Multiple Atom Extraction also reduced the time complexity by decreasing the number of iterations required for a stopping criterion to be reached. The Course-Fine Grids technique enabled complicated atoms with numerous variable parameters to be effectively represented in the dictionary. Due to the nature of the three proposed modifications, they are capable of being stacked and have cumulative effects on the reduction of the time complexity.

Christensen, Daniel↗

Effect of net direct current on the properties of radio frequency sheaths: simulation and cross-code comparison

In order to understand, predict and control ion cyclotron range of frequency (ICRF) interactions with tokamak scrape-off layer plasmas, computational tools which can model radio frequency (RF) sheaths are needed. In particular, models for the effective surface impedance and DC rectified sheath potentials may be coupled with full wave RF simulation codes to predict self-consistent wave fields near surfaces and the resulting power dissipation and plasma-material interactions from ion sputtering. In this study, previous work assuming zero net DC current flow through the sheath is generalized to allow the surface to collect net positive or negative current, as is often observed in experiments. The waveforms, DC potential and RF admittance are investigated by means of analytical theory, nonlinear fluid and particle-in-cell (PIC) codes. Cross-code comparisons provide detailed model verification and elucidate the roles of ion and electron kinetics. When the sheath draws negative (positive) DC current, the voltage rectification is reduced (increased) compared with the zero-current case, and the magnitude of both the real and imaginary parts of the admittance are increased (reduced). In conclusion, a previous four-input parametrization of the sheath rectification and admittance properties is generalized to include a fifth parameter describing the DC sheath current.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Frequency domain laser velocimeter signal processor

The features and performance parameters of the frequency domain laser velocimeter signal processor (FDSP) for examining flow phenomena are described. A candidate for replacing the standard signal processor, the FDSP can function receiving bursts of as few as 150 photons in an instantaneous mode or down to a photon resolved regime for an averaging mode. the FDSP has a nonlinear A/D converter and data storage shift registers (high speed recorder group), an elliptic digital filter bank, a controlling microprocessor and frequency and signal gain control circuits (low speed data processing group). The high speed group amplifies, digitizes, identifies and stores burst waveforms and the low speed group identifies the signal frequency within the burst after the signal passes through digital filters. The FDSP can operate in a near-autonomous mode using photon correlation techniques and requires no human intervention for calibration.

Meyers, J. F.↗

Measurements of induced voltages and currents in a distribution power line and associated atmospheric parameters

The frequency and intensity of thunderstorms around the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) has affected scheduled launch, landing, and other ground operations for many years. In order to protect against and provide safe working facilities, KSC has performed and hosted several studies on lightning phenomena. For the reasons mentioned above, KSC has established the Atmospheric Science Field Laboratory (ASFL). At these facilities KSC launches wire-towing rockets into thunderstorms to trigger natural lightning to the launch site. A program named Rocket Triggered Lightning Program (RTLP) is being conducted at the ASFL. This report calls for two of the experiments conducted in the summer 1988 Rocket Triggered Lightning Program. One experiment suspended an electric field mill over the launching areas from a balloon about 500 meters high to measure the space charges over the launching area. The other was to connect a waveform recorder to a nearby distribution power line to record currents and voltages wave forms induced by natural and triggered lightning.

Santiago-Perez, Julio↗

Pulsar average waveforms and hollow cone beam models

An analysis of pulsar average waveforms at radio frequencies from 40 MHz to 15 GHz is presented. The analysis is based on the hypothesis that the observer sees one cut of a hollow-cone beam pattern and that stationary properties of the emission vary over the cone. The distributions of apparent cone widths for different observed forms of the average pulse profiles (single, double/unresolved, double/resolved, triple and multiple) are in modest agreement with a model of a circular hollow-cone beam with random observer-spin axis orientation, a random cone axis-spin axis alignment, and a small range of physical hollow-cone parameters for all objects.

Backer, D. C.↗

Full waveform inversion for time-distance helioseismology

Inferring interior properties of the Sun from photospheric measurements of the seismic wavefield constitutes the helioseismic inverse problem. Deviations in seismic measurements (such as wave travel times) from their fiducial values estimated for a given model of the solar interior imply that the model is inaccurate. Contemporary inversions in local helioseismology assume that properties of the solar interior are linearly related to measured travel-time deviations. It is widely known, however, that this assumption is invalid for sunspots and active regions and is likely for supergranular flows. Here, we introduce nonlinear optimization, executed iteratively, as a means of inverting for the subsurface structure of large-amplitude perturbations. Defining the penalty functional as the L {sub 2} norm of wave travel-time deviations, we compute the total misfit gradient of this functional with respect to the relevant model parameters at each iteration around the corresponding model. The model is successively improved using either steepest descent, conjugate gradient, or the quasi-Newton limited-memory Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno algorithm. Performing nonlinear iterations requires privileging pixels (such as those in the near field of the scatterer), a practice that is not compliant with the standard assumption of translational invariance. Measurements for these inversions, although similar in principle to those used in time-distance helioseismology, require some retooling. For the sake of simplicity in illustrating the method, we consider a two-dimensional inverse problem with only a sound-speed perturbation.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

MTUQ: a framework for estimating moment tensors, point forces, and their uncertainties

SUMMARY We introduce MTUQ, an open-source Python package for seismic source estimation and uncertainty quantification, emphasizing flexibility and operational scalability. MTUQ provides MPI-parallelized grid search and global optimization capabilities, compatibility with 1-D and 3-D Green’s function database formats, customizable data processing, C-accelerated waveform and first-motion polarity misfit functions, and utilities for plotting seismic waveforms and visualizing misfit and likelihood surfaces. Applicability to a range of full- and constrained-moment tensor, point force, and centroid inversion problems is possible via a documented application programming interface, accompanied by example scripts and integration tests. We demonstrate the software using three different types of seismic events: (1) a 2009 intraslab earthquake near Anchorage, Alaska; (2) an episode of the 2021 Barry Arm landslide in Alaska; and (3) the 2017 Democratic People’s Republic of Korea underground nuclear test. With these events, we illustrate the well-known complementary character of body waves, surface waves, and polarities for constraining source parameters. We also convey the distinct misfit patterns that arise from each individual data type, the importance of uncertainty quantification for detecting multimodal or otherwise poorly constrained solutions, and the software’s flexible, modular design.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Observations from Long-Term Performance Monitoring of the TOPEX Radar Altimeter

From its August 1992 launch to the present, we have performed performance analysis and engineering assessment for the TOPEX radar altimeter. We continually update databases containing: (1) on-board engineering parameters such as temperatures, voltages, and currents; (2) internal calibration mode indications of bias changes in range and power estimates; and (3) global over-ocean averages of geophysical quantities such as significant waveheight (SWH) and ocean surface radar backscattering cross-section (sigmaO). For some time now we have seen an apparent increase in the TOPEX cycle-average SWH, amounting now to an increase of about 10% from our earlier mission value of about 2.8 m. Recently several investigators have reported that the TOPEX SWH is increasing relative to ERS-2 and to ocean buoy measurements. We examined the past six years of waveform data from an internal calibration mode (Cal 1) which samples the altimeter's point target response (ptr), and found that the ptr sidelobes are apparently greater now than at start of mission. Modeling studies indicate that the sidelobe enhancement can account for most of the increase in the TOPEX SWH estimate; that is, the SWH increase is not real but result of some drift within the altimeter. Our modeling indicates that the TOPEX range estimates will change less than a centimeter for ptr changes seen to date. An approximate recipe for correcting the TOPEX SWH values will be made available on our web site (http://topex.wffnasa.gov/). We emphasize that a radar altimeter is a complex system requiring continuing calibration and monitoring throughout its entire lifetime.

Hayne, G. S.↗

Characterization Of Microwave Discharge Plasmas For Surface Processing

We have developed several diagnostic techniques to characterize two types of microwave (MW) discharge plasmas: a supersonic flowing argon MW discharge maintained in a cylindrical quartz cavity at frequency / = 2.45 GHz and a pulse repetitive MW discharge in air at f = 9.5 GHz. Low temperature MW discharges have been proven to possess attractive properties for plasma cleaning and etching of niobium surfaces of superconductive radio frequency (SRF) cavities. Plasma based surface modification technologies offer a promising alternative for etching and cleaning of SRF cavities. These technologies are low cost, environmentally friendly and easily controllable, and present a possible alternative to currently used acid based wet technologies, such as buffered chemical polishing (BCP), or electrochemical polishing (EP). In fact, weakly ionized, non-equilibrium, and low temperature gas discharges represent a powerful tool for surface processing due to the strong chemical reactivity of plasma radicals. Therefore, characterizing these discharges by applying non-perturbing, in situ measurement techniques is of vital importance. Optical emission spectroscopy has been employed to analyze the molecular structure and evaluate rotational and vibrational temperatures in these discharges. The internal plasma structure was studied by applying a tomographic numerical method based on the two-dimensional Radon formula. An automated optical measurement system has been developed for reconstruction of local plasma parameters. It was found that excited argon states are concentrated near the tube walls, thus confirming the assumption that the post discharge plasma is dominantly sustained by a travelling surface wave. Employing a laser induced fluorescence technique in combination with the time synchronization device allowed us to obtain time-resolved population densities of some excited atomic levels in argon. We have developed a technique for absolute measurements of electron density based on the time-resolved absolute intensity of a Nitrogen spectral band belonging to the Second Positive System, the kinetic model and the detailed particle balance of the iV2 (C3IIU) state. Measured electron density waveforms are in fair agreement with electron densities obtained using the Stark broadening technique. In addition, time dependent population densities of Ar I metastable and resonant levels were obtained by employing a kinetic model developed based on analysis of population density rates of excited Ar I p levels. Both the experimental results and numerical models for both types of gas discharges indicate that multispecies chemistry of gases plays an important role in understanding the dynamics and characterizing the properties of these discharges.

Nikolic, Milka↗

Detection, Identification, Location, and Remote Sensing Using SAW RFID Sensor Tags

The Electromagnetic Systems Branch (EV4) of the Avionic Systems Division at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX is studying the utility of surface acoustic wave (SAW) radiofrequency identification (RFID) tags for multiple wireless applications including detection, identification, tracking, and remote sensing of objects on the lunar surface, monitoring of environmental test facilities, structural shape and health monitoring, and nondestructive test and evaluation of assets. For all of these applications, it is anticipated that the system utilized to interrogate the SAW RFID tags may need to operate at fairly long range and in the presence of considerable multipath and multiple-access interference. Towards that end, EV4 is developing a prototype SAW RFID wireless interrogation system for use in such environments called the Passive Adaptive RFID Sensor Equipment (PARSED) system. The system utilizes a digitally beam-formed planar receiving antenna array to extend range and provide direction-of-arrival information coupled with an approximate maximum-likelihood signal processing algorithm to provide near-optimal estimation of both range and temperature. The system is capable of forming a large number of beams within the field of view and resolving the information from several tags within each beam. The combination of both spatial and waveform discrimination provides the capability to track and monitor telemetry from a large number of objects appearing simultaneously within the field of view of the receiving array. In this paper, we will consider the application of the PARSEQ system to the problem of simultaneous detection, identification, localization, and temperature estimation for multiple objects. We will summarize the overall design of the PARSEQ system and present a detailed description of the design and performance of the signal detection and estimation algorithms incorporated in the system. The system is currently configured only to measure temperature (jointly with range and tag ID), but future versions will be revised to measure parameters other than temperature as SAW tags capable of interfacing with external sensors become available. It is anticipated that the estimation of arbitrary parameters measured using SAW-based sensors will be based on techniques very similar to the joint range and temperature estimation techniques described in this paper.

Barton, Richard J.↗