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At least 415 records · Page 23
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1985

Hot-spot durability testing of amorphous cells and modules

This paper discusses the results of a study to determine the hot-spot susceptibility of amorphous-silicon (a-Si) cells and modules, and to provide guidelines for reducing that susceptibility. Amorphous-Si cells are shown to have hot-spot susceptibility levels similar to crystalline-silicon (C-Si) cells. This premise leads to the fact that the same general guidelines must apply to protecting a-Si cells from hot-spot stressing that apply to C-Si cells. Recommendations are made on ways of reducing a-Si module hot-spot susceptibility including the traditional method of using bypass diodes and a new method unique to thin-film cells, limiting the string current by limiting cell area.

Gonzalez, Charles↗
NASA NTRS1985

Electrochemical degradation of amorphous-silicon photovoltaic modules

Techniques of module electrochemical corrosion research, developed during reliability studies of crystalline-silicon modules (C-Si), have been applied to this new investigation into amorphous-silicon (a-Si) module reliability. Amorphous-Si cells, encapsulated in the polymers polyvinyl butyral (PVB) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), were exposed for more than 1200 hours in a controlled 85 C/85 percent RH environment, with a constant 500 volts applied between the cells and an aluminum frame. Plotting power output reduction versus charge transferred reveals that about 50 percent a-Si cell failures can be expected with the passage of 0.1 to 1.0 Coulomb/cm of cell-frame edge length; this threshold is somewhat less than that determined for C-Si modules.

Mon, G. R.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Ellipsometric and optical study of amorphous hydrogenated carbon films

A low-frequency plasma deposition system was used to prepare amorphous hydrogenated carbon (a-C:H) films. The growth energy was varied by changing the power and/or pressure of the plasma. Ellipsometry and optical absorption were used to obtain the optical energy gap, the density of states, and the refractive index. Ion sputtering was used in conjunction with ellipsometry and Auger electron spectroscopy to get absolute sputtering rates. The plasma deposited a-C:H is amorphous with an optical energy gap of approximately 2.0-2.4 eV. These a-C:H films have higher density and/or hardness, higher refractive index, and lower optical energy gaps with increasing energy of the particles in the plasma, while the density of states remains unchanged. These results are in agreement with, and give a fine-tuned positive confirmation to, an existing conjecture on the nature of the a-C:H films (Kaplan et al., 1985).

Alterovitz, S. A.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Thermal and structural stability of cosputtered amorphous Ta(x)Cu(1-x) alloy thin films on GaAs

The characteristics of thin films of Ta-Cu, prepared over a wide range of compositions by cosputter deposition onto GaAs and fused quartz substrates, are studied by X-ray diffraction and van der Pauw resistivity measurement. Results show films to be amorphous over the range of 55-95 at. pct, and show Ta(93)Cu(7) barriers to be effective in preventing Au in-diffusion, with a 3000-A layer remaining unpenetrated after an annealing at 700 C for 20 min. Diffusion of Ga and/or As into amorphous 93 at. pct Ta is found to be more rapid than that of Au, and interfacial reactions were shown to form compounds including Ta3Au, CuAu, TaAs2, and Ga3Cu7 above 700 C.

Oh, J. E.↗
NASA NTRS1987

The IR emission features - Emission from PAH molecules and amorphous carbon particles

Techniques for the assessment of the importance of the various forms of PAHs, and recent infrared observations concerning the PAH problem, are considered. Spectroscopic data suggest that the observed interstellar spectrum is due to both free molecule-sized PAHs producing the narrow features, and amorphous carbon particles contributing to the broad underlying components. Explanations for the multicomponent emission spectrum are discussed. A model of the emission mechanism for the example of chrysene is presented, and an exact treatment of the IR fluorescence from highly vibrationally excited large molecules shows that species containing 20-30 carbon atoms are responsible for the narrow features, although the spectra more closely resemble those of amorphous carbon particles. It is suggested that future emphasis should be placed on the spatial characteristics of the component spectra.

Allamandola, L. J.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Interactions of amorphous Ta(x)Cu(1-x) (x = 0.93 and 0.80) alloy films with Au overlayers and GaAs substrates

Amorphous Ta(93)Cu(7) and Ta(80)Cu(20) alloy films are prepared by cosputtering of pure Ta and pure Cu targets with a rotating sample holder table. To investigate the possible application of these materials as diffusion barriers for the Au-GaAs system, vacuum annealings are made in the temperature range from 200 to 800 C. Resistivity change, X-ray diffraction, and Auger electron spectroscopy measurements are performed to find the chemical and metallurgical stabilities of these materials in this system. The reaction temperature for Ta(x)Cu(1-x) in contact with GaAs lies between 500 and 700 C. For Au in contact with Ta(x)Cu(1-x) the reaction occurs at about 600 C. Amorphous Ta(93)Cu(7) shows different interdiffusion characteristics with surrounding elements than does Ta(80)Cu(20).

Oh, Jae E.↗
NASA NTRS1987

The IR emission features - Emission from PAH molecules and amorphous carbon particles

Given the current understanding of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), the spectroscopic data suggest that are at least two components which contribute to the interstellar emission spectrum: (1) free molecule-sized PAHs producing the narrow features and (2) amorphous carbon particles (which are primarily composed of an irregular 'lattice' of PAHs) contributing to the broad underlying components. An exact treatment of the IR fluorescence from highly vibrationally excited large molecules demonstrates that species containing between 20 and 30 carbon atoms are responsible for the narrow features, although the spectra match more closely with the spectra of amorphous carbon particles. It is concluded that, since little is known about the spectroscopic properties of free PAHs and PAH clusters, much laboratory work is required along with an observational program focusing on the spatial characteristics of the spectra.

Allamandola, L. J.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Tests Of Amorphous-Silicon Photovoltaic Modules

Progress in identification of strengths and weaknesses of amorphous-silicon technology detailed. Report describes achievements in testing reliability of solar-power modules made of amorphous-silicon photovoltaic cells. Based on investigation of modules made by U.S. manufacturers. Modules subjected to field tests, to accelerated-aging tests in laboratory, and to standard sequence of qualification tests developed for modules of crystalline-silicon cells.

Ross, Ronald G., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Ketimine modifications as a route to novel amorphous and derived semicrystalline poly(arylene ether ketone) homo- and copolymers

A series of amine terminal amorphous poly(arylene ether ketone) oligomers of controlled molecular weights (2-15 K) were synthesized. These oligomers have been found to undergo 'self-crosslinking' reactions upon heating above 220 C, via the reaction of the terminal amine groups with the in-chain keto carbonyl functionalities. The resulting networks are ductile, chemically resistant, and nonporous. The networks obtained via generated ketimine functionality were characterized by solid state NMR. They have also been found to be remarkably stable toward hydrolysis. Ketimine functional bishalide monomers have also been synthesized. Such monomers have been utilized to synthesize a wide variety of amorphous poly(arylene ether) ketimine polymers. A high molecular weight hydroquinone functional poly(arylene ether) ketimine has been acid treated to regenerate a poly(arylene ether ketone) backbone in solution. This novel procedure thus allows for the synthesis of important matrix resins under relatively mild conditions.

Mohanty, D. K.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Endurance Tests Of Amorphous-Silicon Photovoltaic Modules

Failure mechanisms in high-power service studied. Report discusses factors affecting endurance of amorphous-silicon solar cells. Based on field tests and accelerated aging of photovoltaic modules. Concludes that aggressive research needed if amorphous-silicon modules to attain 10-year life - value U.S. Department of Energy established as goal for photovoltaic modules in commercial energy-generating plants.

Ross, Ronald G., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1989

New transformations between crystalline and amorphous ice

High-pressure optical and spectroscopic techniques were used to obtain directly the ice I(h) - hda-ice transformation in a diamond-anvil cell, and the stability of the amorphous form is examined as functions of pressure and temperature. It is demonstrated that hda-ice transforms abruptly at 4 GPa and 77 K to a crystalline phase close in structure to orientationally disordered ice-VII and to a more highly ordered, ice-VIII-like structure at higher temperatures. This is the first time that an amorphous solid is observed to convert to a crystalline solid at low temperatures by compression alone. Phase transitions of this type may be relevant on icy planetary satellites, and there may also be implications for the high-pressure behavior of silica.

Hemley, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1990

On diamond, graphitic and amorphous carbons in primitive extraterrestrial solar system materials

Carbon is among the most abundant elements in the universe and carbon chemistry in meteorites and comets is an important key to understanding many Solar System and interstellar processes. Yet, the mineralogical properties and interrelations between various structural forms of elemental carbon remain ambiguous. Crystalline elemental carbons include rhombohedral graphite, hexagonal graphite, cubic diamond, hexagonal diamond (i.e., lonsdaleite or carbon-2H) and chaoite. Elemental carbon also occurs as amorphous carbon and poorly graphitized (or turbostratic) carbon but of all the forms of elemental carbon only graphite is stable under physical conditions that prevail in small Solar System bodies and in the interstellar medium. The recent discovery of cubic diamond in carbonaceous chondrites and hexagonal diamond in chondritic interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) have created a renewed interest in the crystalline elemental carbons that were not formed by shock processes on a parent body. Another technique, Raman spectroscopy, confirms a widespread occurrence of disordered graphite in the Allende carbonaceous chondrite and in chondritic IDPs. Elemental carbons have also been identified by their characteristic K-edge features in electron energy loss spectra (EELS). However, the spectroscopic data do not necessarily coincide with those obtained by selected area electron diffraction (SAED). In order to interpret these data in terms of rational crystalline structures, it may be useful to consider the principles underlying electron diffraction and spectroscopic analyses. Electron diffraction depends on electron scattering, on the type of atom and the distance between atoms in a crystal lattice. Spectroscopic data are a function of the type of atom and the energy of bonds between atoms. Also, SAED is a bulk sampling technique when compared to techniques such as Raman spectroscopy or EELS. Thus, it appears that combined analyses provide contradictory results and that amorphous, or short-range ordered, carbon identified by conventional TEM imaging and SAED may show evidence for sp(3) bonds in EELS spectra. It is suggested that complex, nanometer-scale, mineralogical interrelations are common to all elemental carbons irrespective of their origin. The subsequent thermal history, or energy balance, will determine the ultimate microstructure.

Rietmeijer, Frans J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1989

A comparative study of the continuum and emission characteristics of comet dust. 1: Are the silicates in Comet Halley and Kohoutek amorphous or crystalline

A continuum emission was subtracted from the 10 micron emission observed towards comets Halley and Kohoutek. The 10 micron excess emissions were compared with BN absorption and laboratory amorphous silicates. The results show that cometary silicates are predominantly amorphous which is consistent with the interstellar dust model of comets. It is concluded that cometary silicates are predominantly similar to interstellar silicates. For a periodic comet like Comet Halley, it is to be expected that some of the silicate may have been heated enough to convert to crystalline form. But apparently, this is only a small fraction of the total. A comparison of Comet Halley silicates with a combination of the crystalline forms observed in interplanetary dust particles (IPDs) seemed reasonable at first sight (Walker 1988, Brownlee 1988). But, if true, it would imply that the total silicate mass in Comet Halley dust is lower than that given by mass spectrometry data of Kissel and Krueger (1987). They estimated m sub org/m sub sil = 0.5 while using crystalline silicate to produce the 10 micron emission would give m sub org/m sub sil = 5 (Greenberg et al. 1988). This is a factor of 10 too high.

Nansheng, Zhao↗
NASA NTRS1991

Annealing characteristics of amorphous silicon alloy solar cells irradiated with 1.00 MeV protons

Amorphous Si:H and amorphous Si sub x, Ge sub (1-x):H solar cells were irradiated with 1.00 MeV proton fluences in the range of 1.00E14 to 1.25E15 cm (exp -2). Annealing of the short circuit current density was studied at 0, 22, 50, 100, and 150 C. Annealing times ranged from an hour to several days. The measurements confirmed that annealing occurs at 0 C and the initial characteristics of the cells are restored by annealing at 200 C. The rate of annealing does not appear to follow a simple nth order reaction rate model. Calculations of the short-circuit current density using quantum efficiency measurements and the standard AM1.5 global spectrum compare favorably with measured values. It is proposed that the degradation in J sub sc with irradiation is due to carrier recombination through the fraction of D (o) states bounded by the quasi-Fermi energies. The time dependence of the rate of annealing of J sub sc does appear to be consistent with the interpretation that there is a thermally activated dispersive transport mechanism which leads to the passivation of the irradiation induced defects.

Abdulaziz, Salman S.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Clathrate hydrate formation in amorphous cometary ice analogs in vacuo

Experiments conducted in clathrate hydrates with a modified electron microscope have demonstrated the possibility of such compounds' formation during the warming of vapor-deposited amorphous ices in vacuo, through rearrangements in the solid state. Subsolidus crystallization of compositionally complex amorphous ices may therefore be a general and ubiquitous process. Phase separations and microporous textures thus formed may be able to account for such anomalous cometary phenomena as the release of gas at large radial distances from the sun and the retention of volatiles to elevated temperatures.

Blake, David↗
NASA NTRS1992

Extremely low thermal conductivity of amorphous ice - Relevance to comet evolution

The thermal conductivity of very slowly deposited amorphous ice derived from experimental results is shown to be a factor of 0.0001 to 0.00001 less than hitherto estimated. Using the exceedingly low value of the thermal conductivity of comets deduced from the amorphous ice properties leads to the expectation that internal heating of comets is negligible below the outer several tens of centimeters.

Kouchi, A.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Amorphous-Carbon Films

Report describes structure, preparation, characterization, and applications of films of amorphous-carbon. Amorphous-carbon films potentially useful as masks in x-ray lithography, layers for passivation of high-speed microelectronic circuits, hard films to protect magnetic recording media and optical components from degradation by chemical etching or wear, and radiation detectors.

Pouch, John J.↗
NASA NTRS1992

A new measurement of thermal conductivity of amorphous ice and its implications for the thermal evolution of comets

Very slowly deposited amorphous ice has a thermal conductivity about four orders of magnitude or more smaller than hitherto estimated. Using the exceedingly low value of the thermal conductivity of comets deduced from the properties of amorphous ice leads to the expectation that internal heating of comets is negligible below the outer several tens of centimeters.

Kouchi, Akira↗