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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 415 records · Page 23
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1989

Particle background effects for Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and the Lyman Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer

Requirements on orbital background counting rates are described for the UV and visible detectors on the planned second generation instrument Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) and for the proposed Lyman Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer. Expected background rates and shielding requirements are analyzed for detector types in both instruments for low earth orbits, and for high orbits in the case of Lyman.

Woodgate, B. E.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Variable energy X-ray fluorescence source

Here we detail the design of a variable energy, x-ray fluorescence source using a low activity (1.8×10 6 dpm) 99 Tc β source that irradiates thin foils. By rotating the source among foils of Ti, Zn, Nb, Ag, and Au, the device produces x rays between 4 and 70 keV at a rate near 1 Hz. When the source is placed in a storage position, the external radiation is non-detectable. The design of the shielding and rotation mechanism permits use in vacuum and at liquid nitrogen temperature. The design is intended for the study of the low energy response to radiation impinging upon Ge detector surfaces. The source will be useful for understanding the detector response in large-scale Ge arrays such as MAJORANA and LEGEND.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
NASA NTRS2004

A Portable Universal Hazardous Gas Detector

Experimental work on the Miniature Mass Spectrometer (MMS) at JPL has resulted in a 'table top' configuration with a CCD detector that has demonstrated a detection limit of 50 parts per billion. The CCD detector operates at ambient temperature. Intelligent Ion, Inc., a commercial instrument developer, has taken out a license on the JPL technology and has built a prototype using a Faraday Cup Array detector as a placeholder detector. The prototype instrument was tested at Kennedy Space Center and demonstrated detection limits in the parts per million range. The test results are presented as well as detailed photographs of the prototype instrument. A presentation of the MMS was made to an expert review panel for 'On-Board Environmental Monitoring Systems for the International Space Station (ISS).' The scores obtained by the MMS system are presented. The prototype instrument will be retro fitted with a CCD array detector in August 2004 and will again be tested at KSC. The instrument is expected to show a detection level for hydrazines of 10 ppb and a detection level for solvents below 10 ppb.The expectations are based on raw data from the first batch of CCD's that was tested.

spacecraft fuels↗
DOE OSTI2020

Multi-Anode Square Microchannel Plate Photomultiplier Tube

Photek has developed a high performance 4096-anode photomultiplier tube using microchannel plates as the gain medium. Additionally, the detector has been designed in a square format to maximise the active area and allow for easy tiling to cover large areas using multiple units. This paper analyses the detector performance in terms of gain and photocathode uniformity, single photon timing accuracy, count rate capability, cross talk and magnetic field susceptibility.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Performance of the CMS high-level trigger during LHC Run 2

The CERN LHC provided proton and heavy ion collisions during its Run 2 operation period from 2015 to 2018. Proton-proton collisions reached a peak instantaneous luminosity of 2.1 $\times$ 10$^{34}$ cm$^{-2}$s$^{-1}$, twice the initial design value, at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV. The CMS experiment records a subset of the collisions for further processing as part of its online selection of data for physics analyses, using a two-level trigger system: the Level-1 trigger, implemented in custom-designed electronics, and the high-level trigger, a streamlined version of the offline reconstruction software running on a large computer farm. This paper presents the performance of the CMS high-level trigger system during LHC Run 2 for physics objects, such as leptons, jets, and missing transverse momentum, which meet the broad needs of the CMS physics program and the challenge of the evolving LHC and detector conditions. Sophisticated algorithms that were originally used in offline reconstruction were deployed online. Highlights include a machine-learning b tagging algorithm and a reconstruction algorithm for tau leptons that decay hadronically.

high energy physics↗
DOE OSTI2025

Ultrawide bandgap semiconductor h-BN for direct detection of fast neutrons

III-nitride wide bandgap semiconductors have contributed on the grandest scale to many technological advances in lighting, displays, and power electronics. Among III-nitrides, BN has another unique application as a solid-state neutron detector material because the isotope B-10 is among a few elements that have an unusually large interaction cross section with thermal neutrons. A record high thermal neutron detection efficiency of 60% has been achieved by B-10 enriched h-BN detectors of 100 μm in thickness in our group. However, direct detection of fast neutrons with energies above 1 MeV is highly challenging due to the extremely low interaction cross section of fast neutrons with matter. We report the successful attainment of 0.4 mm thick freestanding h-BN 4"-diameter wafers, which enabled the demonstration of h-BN fast neutron detectors capable of delivering a detection efficiency of 2.2% in response to a bare AmBe neutron source. Furthermore, it was shown that the energy information of incoming fast neutrons is retained in the neutron pulse-height spectra. A comparison of characteristics between h-BN fast and thermal neutron detectors is summarized. Neutron detectors are vital diagnostic instruments for nuclear and fusion reactor power and safety monitoring, oil field exploration, neutron imaging and therapy, as well as for plasma and material science research. With the outstanding attributes resulting from its ultrawide bandgap (UWBG), including the ability to operate at extreme conditions of high power, voltage, and temperature, the availability of h-BN UWBG semiconductor detectors with the capability of simultaneously detecting thermal and fast neutrons with high efficiencies is expected to open unprecedented applications that are not possible to attain by any other types of neutron detectors.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Scintillator-based Timepix3 detector for neutron spin-echo techniques using intensity modulation

A scintillator-based Timepix3 (TPX3) detector was developed to resolve the high-frequency modulation of a neutron beam in both spatial and temporal domains, as required for neutron spin-echo experiments. In this system, light from a scintillator is manipulated with an optical lens and is intensified using an image intensifier, making it detectable with the TPX3 chip. Two different scintillators, namely, 6 LiF:ZnS(Ag) and 6 LiI:Eu, were investigated to achieve the high resolution needed for spin-echo modulated small-angle neutron scattering (SEMSANS) and modulation of intensity with zero effort (MIEZE). The methodology for conducting event-mode analysis is described, including the optimization of clustering parameters for both scintillators. The detector with both scintillators was characterized with respect to detection efficiency, spatial resolution, count rate, uniformity, and γ-sensitivity. The 6 LiF:ZnS(Ag) scintillator-based detector achieved a spatial resolution of 200 μm and a count rate capability of 1.1 × 10 5 cps, while the 6 LiI:Eu scintillator-based detector demonstrated a spatial resolution of 250 μm and a count rate capability exceeding 2.9 × 10 5 cps. Furthermore, high-frequency intensity modulations in both spatial and temporal domains were successfully observed, confirming the suitability of this detector for SEMSANS and MIEZE techniques, respectively.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2022

Characterization of 128 × 128 MM-PAD-2.1 ASIC: a fast framing hard x-ray detector with high dynamic range

Here, we characterize a new x-ray Mixed-Mode Pixel Array Detector (MM-PAD-2.1) Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). Using an integrating pixel front-end with dynamic charge removal architecture, the MM-PAD-2.1 ASIC extends the maximum measurable x-ray signal (in 20 keV photon units) to > 10 7 x-rays/pixel/frame while maintaining a low read noise across the full dynamic range, all while imaging continuously at a frame rate of up to 10 kHz. The in-pixel dynamic charge removal mechanism prevents saturation of the input amplifier and proceeds in parallel with signal integration to achieve deadtime-less measurements with incident x-ray rates of > 10 10 x-rays/pixel/s. The ASIC format consists of 128 × 128 square pixels each 150 μm on a side and is designed to be 3-side buttable so large arrays can be effectively tiled. Here we use both laboratory x-ray sources and the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) to characterize two single ASIC prototype detectors for both low (single x-ray) and high incident flux detection. In the first detector the ASIC was solder bump-bonded to a 500 μm thick Si sensor for efficient detection of x-rays below 20 keV, whereas the second detector used a 750 μm thick CdTe sensor for x-rays above ~20 keV.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1982

Speckle spectroscopy; an application for the multi-anode microchannel array detector system

Plans to combine the High Angular Resolution Imager/Spectrometer on the 4-meter Mayall telescope at the Kitt Peak National Observatory and the (256 x 1024)-pixel Multi-Anode Microchannel Array detector system to produce a unique instrument for speckle spectroscopy are described. The pulse-counting detector system will provide distortion-free imaging and will time tag each spatially-resolved photon event with an accuracy of 100 ns. The Imager/Spectrometer will provide a spatial resolution of 0.07 arcsec orthogonal to the plane of dispersion and 0.18 arcsec in the plane of dispersion.

Butcher, H. R.↗
NASA NTRS2020

Preparing for Delivery of the Lunar Ice Cube Compact IR Spectrometer Payload

Lunar Ice Cube, scheduled to be launched on ARTEMIS I in late 2021, is a deep space cubesat mission with the goalsof demonstrating 1) a cubesat-scale instrument (BIRCHES) capable of addressing NASA HEOMD Strategic KnowledgeGaps related to lunar volatile distribution (abundance, location, and transportation physics of water ice), and 2) cubesatpropulsion, via the Busek BIT 3 RF Ion engine. The mission will also demonstrate the AIM/IRIS microcryocooler for thefirst time in deep space. BIRCHES integration is nearly complete, with several changes made to the thermal design toimprove detector performance. Final preflight instrument testing and calibration, our ongoing concern to be emphasizedhere, have been delayed due to the mandated closure rules of NASA facilities. Lunar Ice Cube, along with two othercubesats deployed from ARTEMIS I, Lunar Flashlight and LunaH-Map, will be the first deep cubesat missions to deliverscience data to the Planetary Data System.

Mason, D.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Characterization of an architecture for front-end pixel binning in an integrating pixel array detector

Optimization of an area detector involves compromises between various parameters like frame rate, read noise, dynamic range and pixel size. We have implemented and tested a novel front-end binning design in a photon-integrating hybrid pixel array detector using the MM-PAD- 2.0 pixel architecture. In this architecture, the pixels can be optionally binned in a 2 x 2 pixel configuration using a network of switches to selectively direct the output of 4 sensor pixels to a single amplifier input. Doing this allows a trade-off between frame rate and spatial resolution. Tests show that the binned pixels perform well, but with some degradation on performance as compared to an un-binned pixel. The increased parasitic input capacitance does reduce the signal collected per x-ray as well as increases the noise of the pixel. Here, the increase in noise is, however, less than the factor of 2 increase one would observe for binning in post-processing. Spatial scans across the binned pixels show that no measured signal intensity is lost at the inner binning unit boundaries. In the high flux regime, at a 2 x 2 pixel wide beam spot (FWHM) size, binned mode responds linearly up to a photon flux of 10 7 x-rays/s, and performs comparably with un-binned mode up to a photon flux of 10 8 x-rays/s. While this study demonstrates a proof of concept for front-end binning in integrating detectors, we also identify changes to this early-stage prototype which can further improve the performance of binning pixel structures.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Crosstalk Effects in Microwave SQUID Multiplexed TES Bolometer Readout

Transition-edge sensor (TES) bolometers are broadly used for background-limited astrophysical measurements from the far-infrared to mm-waves. Many planned future instruments require increasingly large detector arrays, but their scalability is limited by their cryogenic readout electronics. Microwave SQUID multiplexing offers a highly capable scaling solution through the use of inherently broadband circuitry, enabling readout of hundreds to thousands of channels per microwave line. As with any multiplexing technique, the channelization mechanism gives rise to electrical crosstalk which must be understood and controlled so as to not degrade the instrument sensitivity. Here, in this study, we explore implications relevant for TES bolometer array applications, focusing in particular on upcoming mm-wave observatories such as the Simons Observatory and AliCPT. We model the relative contributions of the various underlying crosstalk mechanisms, evaluate the difference between fixed-tone and tone-tracking readout systems, and discuss ways in which crosstalk nonlinearity will complicate on-sky measurements.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Solid Cherenkov detector for studying nucleosynthesis in inertial confinement fusion

Measuring gamma rays emitted from nuclear reactions gives insight into their nuclear structure. Notably, there are several nuclear reactions that produce gamma rays at ~1 MeV–3 MeV energies such as T( 4 He, γ) 7 Li, 4 He( 3 He, γ) 7 Be, and 12 C(p, γ) 13 N, which may solve questions lingering about big-bang nucleosynthesis and stellar nucleosynthesis. To observe 1 MeV–3 MeV gamma rays in an inertial confinement fusion system, a new style of the Cherenkov detector was developed using aerogel and fused silica as a Cherenkov medium. Utilizing the OMEGA laser facility, both aerogel and fused silica media were compared with the existing gas-medium Cherenkov detector to validate the concept. Furthermore, gamma ray measurements from high yield inertial confinement fusion implosions (deuterium–tritium and deuterium– 3 He) demonstrated that aerogel and fused silica were viable Cherenkov media, paving the way for a potential optimized detector to make these cross section measurements on OMEGA or the National Ignition Facility.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2021

An all-digital associated particle imaging system for the 3D determination of isotopic distributions

Associated particle imaging (API) is a non-destructive nuclear technique for the 3D determination of isotopic distributions. By detecting the alpha particle associated with the emitted neutron in the deuterium–tritium fusion reaction with a position- and time-resolving detector, the direction of the 14.1 MeV neutron and its time of emission can be determined. Employing this method, isotope characteristic gamma rays emitted in inelastic neutron scattering events can be correlated with the neutron interaction location. Here, an API system consisting of a sealed-type neutron generator, gamma detectors, and a position-sensitive alpha detector was designed, constructed, and characterized. The system was tested with common soil elements and shown to be sensitive to 12 C, 16 O, 28 Si, 27 Al, and 56 Fe. New aspects of our approach are the use of a yttrium–aluminum–perovskite scintillator, using a sapphire window instead of a fiber-optic faceplate for light transport to the photomultiplier, and the all-digital data acquisition system. We present a description of the system with simulations and experimental results that show a position resolution on the alpha detector of 1 mm, a depth resolution using a LaBr 3 detector of 6.2 cm, and an angular resolution of 4.5°. Additionally, we present single-element gamma response measurements for the elements mentioned above together with a comparison to Monte Carlo simulations (MCNP6).

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
NASA NTRS2013

Folding Elastic Thermal Surface - FETS

The FETS is a light and compact thermal surface (sun shade, IR thermal shield, cover, and/or deployable radiator) that is mounted on a set of offset tape-spring hinges. The thermal surface is constrained during launch and activated in space by a thermomechanical latch such as a wax actuator. An application-specific embodiment of this technology developed for the MATMOS (Mars Atmospheric Trace Molecule Occultation Spectrometer) project serves as a deployable cover and thermal shield for its passive cooler. The FETS fits compactly against the instrument within the constrained launch envelope, and then unfolds into a larger area once in space. In this application, the FETS protects the passive cooler from thermal damage and contamination during ground operations, launch, and during orbit insertion. Once unfolded or deployed, the FETS serves as a heat shield, intercepting parasitic heat loads by blocking the passive cooler s view of the warm spacecraft. The technology significantly enhances the capabilities of instruments requiring either active or passive cooling of optical detectors. This can be particularly important for instruments where performance is limited by the available radiator area. Examples would be IR optical instruments on CubeSATs or those launched as hosted payloads because radiator area is limited and views are often undesirable. As a deployable radiator, the panels making up the FETS are linked thermally by thermal straps and heat pipes; the structural support and deployment energy is provided using tape-spring hinges. The FETS is a novel combination of existing technologies. Prior art for deployable heat shields uses rotating hinges that typically must be lubricated to avoid cold welding or static friction. By using tape-spring hinges, the FETS avoids the need for lubricants by avoiding friction altogether. This also eliminates the potential for contamination of nearby cooled optics by outgassing lubricants. Furthermore, the tape-spring design of the FETS is also self-locking so the panels stay in a rigid and extended configuration after deployment. This unexpected benefit makes the tape-spring hinge design of the FETS a light, simple, reliable, compact, non-outgassing hinge, spring, and latch. While tape-spring hinges are not novel, they have never been used to deploy passive unfolding thermal surfaces (radiator panels, covers, sun shades, or IR thermal shields). Furthermore, because this technology is compact, it has minimal impact on the launch envelope and mass specifications. FETS enhances the performance of hosted payload instruments where the science data is limited by dark noise. Incorporating FETS into a thermal control system increases radiator area, which lowers the optical detector temperature. This results in higher SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) and improved science data.

Urquiza, Eugenio↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Wide Band Gap Radiation Detectors for Deep Space Science

Understanding how the Sun, Earth, and other objects in the solar system interact with the space radiation environment is crucial for improving activities of humans on Earth and in space. Low-power, low-noise, multidirectional robust detectors for detecting ions with a wide range of mass and energies will provide a more complete understanding of space environment physics. To meet these challenges, new ion detectors based on wide band gap (WBG) semiconductors are being developed for integration on a variety of deep space platforms. NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) is applying its expertise and facilities in harsh environment instrumentation to develop supporting technologies to enable improved instruments for space science missions. New detector technologies being developed at GRC include SiC solid-state devices as practical robust, thermally stable large area detectors for LET measurements in compact, stacked charged particle telescope. The low-noise, thermally stable nature of the WBG detectors allows a small multidirectional array of charged particle telescopes to be packed in a 6U CubeSat without active cooling for operation in lunar orbit or deep space. Using a full variety of different WBG detectors, an extremely compact instrument to provide multi-directional, comprehensive (composition, velocity, and direction) in-situ measurements of heavy ions in space plasma environments can be realized.

ion detectors↗
NASA NTRS1988

Lunar observer laser altimeter

Understanding the global topography of the Moon is especially important for answering questions concerning lunar origin and evolution. Many outstanding problems in lunar science can be addressed with high resolution topographic data. The severe power, mass, size, and data-rate limitations imposed by the Lunar Geoscience Observer (LGO) and other Observer-class missions are major challenges for all instruments capable of measuring topography. A radar altimeter that meets these strict requirements could obtain a global prespective of lunar topography with a few kilometers spatial resolution and 10 m vertical resolution from a lunar orbit of 100 km. A prototype model is being constructed of the Lunar Observer Laser Altimeter (LOLA) capable of continuously measuring the range to the lunar surface with sub-meter vertical resolution within a 30 to 300 m diameter surface footprint. This same instrument is also designed to provide a direct measure of the surface height distribution in the footprint by waveform analysis of the backscattered laser pulse. Both these measurements are to be made in a continuous, nadir profile across the lunar surface from a 100 km orbit. The wavelength of the altimeter is 1064 nm. A short-pulse (2 nsec), diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser combined with a 25 cm diameter telescope, silicon avalanche photodiode detector, ranging electronics, and instrument computer was designed to make these measurements and meet all the requirements of the LGO mission.

Bufton, J. L.↗
DOE OSTI2022

A lightweight, user-configurable detector ASIC digital architecture with on-chip data compression for MHz X-ray coherent diffraction imaging

Today, most X-ray pixel detectors used at light sources transmit raw pixel data off the detector ASIC. With the availability of more advanced ASIC technology nodes for scientific application, more digital functionalities from the computing domains (e.g., compression) can be integrated directly into a detector ASIC to increase data velocity. In this paper, we describe a lightweight, user-configurable detector ASIC digital architecture with on-chip compression which can be implemented in 130 nm technologies in a reasonable area on the ASIC periphery. In addition, we present a design to efficiently handle the variable data from the stream of parallel compressors. The architecture includes user-selectable lossy and lossless compression blocks. The impact of lossy compression algorithms is evaluated on simulated and experimental X-ray ptychography datasets. This architecture is a practical approach to increase pixel detector frame rates towards the continuous 1 MHz regime for not only coherent imaging techniques such as ptychography, but also for other diffraction techniques at X-ray light sources.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗