Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “contrast”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 415 records · Page 23

Wavefront Amplitude Variation of TPF's High Contrast Imaging Testbed: Modeling and Experiment

Knowledge of wavefront amplitude is as important as the knowledge of phase for a coronagraphic high contrast imaging system. Efforts have been made to understand various contributions of the amplitude variation in Terrestrial Planet Finder's (TPF) High Contrast Imaging Testbed (HCIT). Modeling of HCIT with as-built mirror surfaces has shown an amplitude variation of 1.3% due to the phase-amplitude mixing for the testbed's front-end optics. Experimental measurements on the testbed have shown the amplitude variation is about 2.5% with the testbed's illumination pattern has a major contribution as the low order amplitude variation.

coronagraph↗

Electric Field Reconstruction in the Image Plane of a High-Contrast Coronagraph Using a Set of Pinholes around the Lyot Plane

In a setup similar to the self coherent camera, we have added a set of pinholes in the diffraction ring of the Lyot plane in a high-contrast stellar Lyot coronagraph. We describe a novel complex electric field reconstruction from image plane intensity measurements consisting of light in the coronagraph's dark hole interfering with light from the pinholes. The image plane field is modified by letting light through one pinhole at a time. In addition to estimation of the field at the science camera, this method allows for self-calibration of the probes by letting light through the pinholes in various permutations while blocking the main Lyot opening. We present results of estimation and calibration from the High Contrast Imaging Testbed along with a comparison to the pair-wise deformable mirror diversity based estimation technique. Tests are carried out in narrow-band light and over a composite 10% bandpass.

coronagraphs↗

Rapid Assessment of Contrast Sensitivity with Mobile Touch-screens

The availability of low-cost high-quality touch-screen displays in modern mobile devices has created opportunities for new approaches to routine visual measurements. Here we describe a novel method in which subjects use a finger swipe to indicate the transition from visible to invisible on a grating which is swept in both contrast and frequency. Because a single image can be swiped in about a second, it is practical to use a series of images to zoom in on particular ranges of contrast or frequency, both to increase the accuracy of the measurements and to obtain an estimate of the reliability of the subject. Sensitivities to chromatic and spatio-temporal modulations are easily measured using the same method. We will demonstrate a prototype for Apple Computer's iPad-iPod-iPhone family of devices, implemented using an open-source scripting environment known as QuIP (QUick Image Processing,

mobile devices↗

Studies of the Effects of Actuator Errors on the HCIT/PIAA Contrast Performance

The High Contrast Imaging Testbed Phase Induced Amplitude Apodization (HCIT/PIAA) coronagraph system at JPL relies on an Electric-Field Conjugation (EFC) wavefront correction algorithm to obtain the required high contrast. This algorithm works with one deformable mirror (DM) to estimate the electric-field to be controlled, and with one or multiple DM's to create a "dark-hole" in the image plane. We have investigated the effects of DM actuator errors on the efficiency of the EFC algorithm. The structural design of the optical system as well as the parameters of various optical elements used in the analysis are drawn from those of the HCIT/PIAA system that have been and will be implemented with one or two DM's. The simulation takes into account the surface errors of various optical elements. In this paper, we report our findings in the case of narrowband wavelength light.

PIAA↗

The Moving Group Targets of the Seeds High-Contrast Imaging Survey of Exoplanets and Disks: Results and Observations from the First Three Years

We present results from the first three years of observations of moving group (MG) targets in the Strategic Exploration of Exoplanets and Disks with Subaru (SEEDS) high-contrast imaging survey of exoplanets and disks using the Subaru telescope. We achieve typical contrasts of (is) approximately10(exp 5) at 1" and (is) approximately 10(exp 6) beyond 2" around 63 proposed members of nearby kinematic MGs. We review each of the kinematic associations to which our targets belong, concluding that five, beta Pictoris ((is) approximately 20 Myr), AB Doradus ((is) approximately 100 Myr), Columba ((is) approximately 30 Myr), Tucana-Horogium ((is) approximately 30 Myr), and TW Hydrae ((is) approximately 10 Myr), are sufficiently well-defined to constrain the ages of individual targets. Somewhat less than half of our targets are high-probability members of one of these MGs. For all of our targets, we combine proposed MG membership with other age indicators where available, including Ca ii HK emission, X-ray activity, and rotation period, to produce a posterior probability distribution of age. SEEDS observations discovered a substellar companion to one of our targets, kappa And, a late B star. We do not detect any other substellar companions, but do find seven new close binary systems, of which one still needs to be confirmed. A detailed analysis of the statistics of this sample, and of the companion mass constraints given our age probability distributions and exoplanet cooling models, will be presented in a forthcoming paper.

SEEDS high-contrast imaging survey of exoplanets↗

A Method for Rapid Measurement of Contrast Sensitivity on Mobile Touch-Screens

Touch-screen displays in cell phones and tablet computers are now pervasive, making them an attractive option for vision testing outside of the laboratory or clinic. Here we de- scribe a novel method in which subjects use a finger swipe to indicate the transition from visible to invisible on a grating which is swept in both contrast and frequency. Because a single image can be swiped in about a second, it is practical to use a series of images to zoom in on particular ranges of contrast or frequency, both to increase the accuracy of the measurements and to obtain an estimate of the reliability of the subject. Sensitivities to chromatic and spatio-temporal modulations are easily measured using the same method. A proto- type has been developed for Apple Computer's iPad/iPod/iPhone family of devices, implemented using an open-source scripting environment known as QuIP (QUick Image Processing, http://hsi.arc.nasa.gov/groups/scanpath/research.php). Preliminary data show good agreement with estimates obtained from traditional psychophysical methods as well as newer rapid estimation techniques. Issues relating to device calibration are also discussed.

contrast sensitivity↗

The Maturing of High Contrast Imaging and Starlight Suppression Techniques for Future NASA Exoplanet Characterization Missions

Over 3000 exoplanets and hundreds of exoplanetary systems have been detected to date and we are now rapidly moving toward an era where the focus is shifting from detection to direct imaging and spectroscopic characterization of these new worlds and their atmospheres. NASA is currently studying several exoplanet characterization mission concepts for the 2020 Decadal Survey ranging from probe class to flagships. Detailed and comprehensive exoplanet characterization, particularly of exo-Earths, leading to assessment of habitability, or indeed detection of life, will require significant advances beyond the current state-of-the-art in high contrast imaging and starlight suppression techniques which utilize specially shaped precision optical elements to block the light from the parent star while controlling scattering and diffraction thus revealing and enabling spectroscopic study of the orbiting exoplanets in reflected light. In this paper we describe the two primary high contrast starlight suppression techniques currently being pursued by NASA: 1) coronagraphs (including several design variations) and 2) free-flying starshades. These techniques are rapidly moving from the technology development phase to the design and engineering phase and we discuss the prospects and projected performance for future exoplanet characterization missions utilizing these techniques coupled with large aperture telescopes in space.

high contrast↗

Maximum-Likelihood Parameter Estimation for High-Contrast Wavefront Sensing & Control

Stellar coronagraphs use closed-loop focal-plane wavefront sensing and control algorithms to create high-contrast dark zones suitable for imaging exoplanets and exozodiacal dust clouds around nearby stars. At present, the deepest contrast has been achieved using model-based algorithms, which use the predicted focal-plane influence of the coronagraph's deformable mirrors to drive diffracted starlight toward zero over time in an optimal control framework. However, model-based algorithms are susceptible to model mismatch, wherein a departure of the coronagraph's true optical characteristics from the model predictions causes reduced control loop performance. Here, we report on a technique for maximum-likelihood estimation of the wavefront control Jacobian matrix and noise statistics of the coronagraph focal-plane electric field from data acquired in situ during closed-loop wavefront control operations. By empirically tuning the Jacobian and noise properties in a statistically rigorous fashion, the maximum-likelihood approach mitigates model mismatch and recovers near-optimal control loop performance.

coronagraphy↗

Drought onset mechanisms revealed by satellite solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence: Insights from two contrasting extreme events

This study uses the droughts of 2011 in Texas and 2012 over the central Great Plains as case studies to explore the potential of satellite-observed solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) for monitoring drought dynamics. We find that the spatial patterns of negative SIF anomalies from the Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment 2 (GOME-2) closely resembled drought intensity maps from the U.S. Drought Monitor for both events. The drought-induced suppression of SIF occurred throughout 2011 but was exacerbated in summer in the Texas drought. This event was characterized by a persistent depletion of root zone soil moisture caused by yearlong below-normal precipitation. In contrast, for the central Great Plains drought, warmer temperatures and relatively normal precipitation boosted SIF in the spring of 2012; however, a sudden drop in precipitation coupled with unusually high temperatures rapidly depleted soil moisture through evapotranspiration, leading to a rapid onset of drought in early summer. Accordingly, SIF reversed from above to below normal. For both regions, the GOME-2 SIF anomalies were significantly correlated with those of root zone soil moisture, indicating that the former can potentially be used as proxy of the latter for monitoring agricultural droughts with different onset mechanisms. Further analyses indicate that the contrasting dynamics of SIF during these two extreme events were caused by changes in both fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation fPAR and fluorescence yield, suggesting that satellite SIF is sensitive to both structural and physiological/biochemical variations of vegetation. Here, we conclude that the emerging satellite SIF has excellent potential for dynamic drought monitoring.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Seasonally contrasting responses of evapotranspiration to warming and elevated CO 2 in a semiarid grassland

Abstract Global climate change is expected to alter seasonal patterns and rates of evapotranspiration in dry regions. Although climate change will involve elevated CO 2 and increased temperatures, independently, these factors may have different impacts on actual evapotranspiration (AET) due to their opposing effects on transpiration. We used canopy gas exchange chambers to quantify AET in a semiarid grassland experimentally altered by elevated CO 2 and warming over 3 years with contrasting ambient precipitation. Seasonal and interannual variations in AET due to background climate variability were larger than the effects of climate manipulation treatments. However, in a year with average precipitation, cumulative growing season AET was suppressed by warming by 23%. Across years, warming increased AET early in the growing season and suppressed it later in the growing season. By contrast, elevated CO 2 suppressed AET early in the growing season and enhanced it later, but only in years with average or above‐average precipitation. Vegetation greenness (a proxy for photosynthetically active leaf area) was consistently the strongest predictor of AET, whereas soil moisture and vapor pressure deficit were secondary drivers. Our research demonstrates that effects of increased atmospheric CO 2 and temperature on AET will be mediated by plant phenological development and seasonal climatic conditions.

Sorokin, Y.↗

Spatial and temporal variations of new particle formation in East Asia using an NPF-explicit WRF-chem model: North-south contrast in new particle formation frequency

The new particle formation (NPF)-explicit version of the WRF-chem model, which we developed recently, can calculate the growth and sink of nucleated clusters explicitly with 20 aerosol size bins from 1 nm to 10 μm. In this study, the model is used to understand spatial and temporal variations of the frequency of NPF events and the concentrations of aerosols (condensation nuclei, CN) and cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) within the boundary layer in East Asia in spring 2009. Model simulations show distinct north-south contrast in the frequency and mechanism of NPF in East Asia. NPF mostly occurred over limited periods and regions between 30° and 45°N, such as northeast China, Korea, and Japan, including regions around active volcanoes (Miyakejima and Sakurajima). At these latitudes, NPF was considerably suppressed by high concentrations of preexisting particles under stagnant air conditions associated with high-pressure systems, while nucleation occurred more extensively on most days during the simulation period. Conversely, neither nucleation nor NPF occurred frequently south of 30°N because of lower SO2 emissions and H2SO4 concentrations. The period-averaged NPF frequency was 3 times higher at latitudes of 30° - 45°N than at latitudes of 20° - 30°N. The north-south contrast of NPF frequency is validated by surface measurements in outflow regions in East Asia. The period- and domain-averaged contribution of secondary particles is estimated to be 44% for CN (> 10 nm) and 26% for CCN at a supersaturation of 1.0% in our simulation, though the contribution is highly sensitive to the magnitudes and size distributions of primary aerosol emissions and the coefficients in the nucleation parameterizations.

Matsui, H.↗

Electrically Pumped Epitaxially Regrown GaSb-Based Type-I Quantum-Well Surface-Emitting Lasers with Buried High-Index-Contrast Photonic Crystal Layer

Epitaxially regrown electrically pumped photonic crystal surface-emitting lasers (PCSELs) emitting near 2 and 2.6 μm are designed, fabricated, and characterized. A high-index-contrast photonic crystal layer is incorporated into the GaSb-based laser heterostructure by air-hole-retaining epitaxial regrowth. A square lattice of triangular holes is etched in the top waveguide core layer of the incomplete laser heterostructure. The nanopatterned surface is subsequently cleaned and regrown with AlGaAsSb p-cladding material. Transmission electron microscopy studies demonstrate uniform regrowth over the nanopatterned GaSb surface. The selected regrowth regimes yield a buried 2D array of elongated air-holes. The diode PCSELs based on moderately etched nanopatterns demonstrate band-edge lasing near 2 μm up to room temperatures. The cascade diode PCSELs operate near 2.6 μm with minimum threshold current densities of about 500 A cm -2 achieved at 180 K. The devices generate mW level output in narrow divergence beam emitted from the window in substrate contact. The angle-resolved electroluminescence measurements reveal a four-sub-band band structure with an apparent photonic bandgap corresponding to the buried high-index-contrast square photonic crystal layer. Finally, the PCSELs made of heterostructures supporting two modes in the vertical direction demonstrate two sets of sub-bands showing anti-crossing-like interaction.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Mechanism of Contrasting Ionic Conductivities in Li 2 ZrCl 6 via I and Br Substitution

Understanding the complex structural and chemical factors that influence ionic conduction mechanisms is paramount for developing advanced inorganic superionic conductors in all‐solid‐state batteries, particularly halide solid electrolytes with excellent electrochemical oxidative stability and mechanical sinterability. Herein, contrasting ionic conduction behaviors in I − and Br − substituted Li 2 ZrCl 6 are revealed by combining experimental structural analyses and theoretical calculations. The inter‐slab distance along the c ‐axis, which varies with the anion substitution and M2‐M3 site disorder, is a key factor for opening the ab ‐plane conduction and facilitating the overall Li + conduction. Increased M3 site occupancy generally leads to contracted inter‐slab distance. The substantial increase in Li + conductivity upon I substitution (from 0.40 to 0.91 mS cm −1 ) originates from a sufficiently expanded lattice volume owing to its large ionic radii (I − = 2.20 Å), particularly inter‐slab distance that facilitates the ab intra‐plane Li + conduction, which also benefits from decreased M2‐M3 disorder. In contrast, Br (Br − = 1.96 Å) substitution results in insufficiently expanded Li + channels, which, exacerbated by increased M2‐M3 disorder, leads to degradation in Li + conductivity. Implementing I − substituted Li 2 ZrCl 6 resulted in superior electrochemical performance in LiCoO 2 ||Li‐In cells compared to those with an unsubstituted catholyte.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Double contrast-enhanced ultrasound improves the detection and localization of occult lesions in the pancreatic tail: a initial experience report

Purpose: The aim of this study is to review our initial experience of Double contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (DCEUS) in the preoperative detection of pancreatic tail occult tumors. Methods: Thirty-five patients were recruited to undergo DCEUS of the pancreas suspected by occult lesions of pancreatic with MRI or clinical evidence. The radiologists assessed the images (conventional US, DCEUS, and MRI) for enhancement phases, tumor presence, location, enhancement characteristics, and tumor conspicuity. The differences in the onset times of the phases between DCEUS and MRI were noted. Tumor conspicuity was graded on a four-point scale for conspicuity comparison among three imaging modalities. Results: Pancreatic tail tumors were missed on conventional transabdominal US in 11 of 35 patients. DCEUS revealed 12 lesions of 35 patients. Pancreatic tail tumors were identified on MRI in 10 of 35 patients. The sensitivity and specificity of DCEUS for depicting occult lesions of ≤ 2.2 cm were 92% and 95%, respectively. In contrast, the sensitivity and specificity of conventional US were 67% and 66%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI were 91% and 88%, respectively. The conspicuity ratings of the three phases did not significantly differ between the DCEUS and MRI groups (P > 0.05). The DCEUS phases started much earlier than the corresponding MRI phases. Conclusion: DCEUS is a promising technique in the detection of occult pancreatic tail tumors and is possibly superior to dynamic enhanced MRI in the case of some peripheral lesions.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Textural analysis on contrast-enhanced CT in pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms: association with WHO grade

Purpose: Grades of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PNENs) are associated with the choice of treatment strategies. Texture analysis has been used in tumor diagnosis and staging evaluation. In this study, we aim to evaluate the potential ability of texture parameters in differentiation of PNENs grades. Materials and methods: 37 patients with histologically proven PNENs and underwent pretreatment dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography examinations were retrospectively analyzed. Imaging features and texture features at contrast-enhanced images were evaluated. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine the cut-off values and the sensitivity and specificity of prediction. Results: There were significant differences in tumor margin, pancreatic duct dilatation, lymph nodes invasion, size, portal enhancement ratio (PER), arterial enhancement ratio (AER), mean grey-level intensity, kurtosis, entropy, and uniformity among G1, G2, and pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma (PNEC) G3 (p < 0.01). Similar results were found between pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) G1/G2 and PNEC G3. AER and PER showed the best sensitivity (0.86–0.94) and specificity (0.92–1.0) for differentiating PNEC G3 from PNETs G1/G2. Mean grey-level intensity, entropy, and uniformity also showed acceptable sensitivity (0.73–0.91) and specificity (0.85–1.0). Mean grey-level intensity was also showed acceptable sensitivity (91% to 100%) and specificity (82% to 91%) in differentiating PNET G1 from PNET G2. Conclusions: Our data indicated that texture parameters have potential in grading PNENs, in particular in differentiating PNEC G3 from PNETs G1/G2.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Differentiation of hepatic abscess from metastasis on contrast-enhanced dynamic computed tomography in patients with a history of extrahepatic malignancy: emphasis on dynamic change of arterial rim enhancement

Objectives: The objective of the study is to identify computed tomography (CT) findings that differentiate hepatic abscess from hepatic metastasis in a patient with a history of extrahepatic malignancy. Materials and methods: This retrospective study included 30 patients with 93 hepatic abscesses and 40 patients with 125 hepatic metastases who had a history of extrahepatic malignancy and underwent contrast-enhanced dynamic CT with arterial phase (AP) and portal venous phase (PVP). The diagnosis of hepatic abscess and hepatic metastasis was made using pathological confirmation or clinical diagnosis. Margin, patchy parenchymal enhancement, arterial rim enhancement, dynamic change of arterial rim enhancement, size discrepancy of lesions between arterial and portal phases, bile duct dilatation, perilesional hyperemia, and perilesional low density were evaluated by two radiologists independently. Significant findings for differentiating two groups were identified at univariate and multivariate analysis with nomogram for predicting hepatic abscess. Interobserver agreement was also analyzed for each variable. Results: Multivariate analysis revealed that patchy parenchymal enhancement (P < 0.001), arterial rim enhancement persistent through PVP (P < 0.001), and perilesional hyperemia (P = 0.013) were independent significant findings to predict hepatic abscess than metastasis. Among them, arterial rim enhancement persistent through PVP showed a highest odds ratio (OR 33.73) on multivariate analysis and a highest predictor point on a nomogram for predicting hepatic abscess. When two of these three criteria were combined, 80.7% (75/93) of hepatic abscess were correctly identified, with a specificity of 85.6% (107/125). When all three criteria were satisfied, specificity was up to 100% (125/125). Conclusions: At contrast-enhanced dynamic CT, patchy parenchymal enhancement, arterial rim enhancement persistent through PVP, perilesional hyperemia, and their combinations may be reliable CT features for differentiating hepatic abscess from metastasis in patients with a history of primary extrahepatic malignancy.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Improving preoperative detection of synchronous liver metastases in pancreatic cancer with combined contrast-enhanced and diffusion-weighted MRI

Purpose: To explore the value of gadolinium-enhanced MRI combined with diffusion-weighted MRI (Gd-enhanced MRI with DWI) in addition to contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) for detection of synchronous liver metastases for potentially resectable pancreatic cancer. Methods: By means of a retrospective cohort study we included patients with potentially resectable pancreatic cancer on CECT, who underwent Gd-enhanced MRI with DWI between January 2012 and December 2016. A single observer evaluated MRI and CT and was blinded to imaging, pathology, and surgery reports. Liver lesions were scored in both modalities, using a 3-point scale: 1-benign, 2-indeterminate, 3- malignant (i.e., metastasis). The primary outcome parameters were the presence of liver metastases on Gd-enhanced MRI with DWI and the sensitivity of Gd-enhanced MRI with DWI for synchronous liver metastases. Results: We included 66 patients (42 men, 24 women; median age 65 years, range 36–82 years). In 19 patients, liver metastases were present, which were confirmed by histopathology (n = 12), {sup 18}FDG-PET (n = 6), or surgical inspection (n = 1). Gd-enhanced MRI with DWI showed metastases in 16/19 patients (24%), which resulted in a sensitivity of 84% (95% CI 60–97%). Contrast-enhanced MRI showed 156 and DWI 397 metastases (p = 0.051), and 339 were particularly small (< 5 mm). Conclusions: In this study, Gd-enhanced MRI with DWI detected synchronous liver metastases in 24% of patients with potentially resectable pancreatic cancer on CECT with a sensitivity of 84%. Diffusion-weighted MRI showed a greater number of metastases than any other sequence, particularly small metastases (< 5 mm).

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Real-Time US-{sup 18}FDG-PET/CT Image Fusion for Guidance of Thermal Ablation of {sup 18}FDG-PET-Positive Liver Metastases: The Added Value of Contrast Enhancement

Purpose: To assess the feasibility of US-{sup 18}FDG-PET/CT fusion-guided microwave ablation of liver metastases either poorly visible or totally undetectable with US, CEUS and CT, but visualized by PET imaging. Materials and Methods: Twenty-three patients with 58 liver metastases underwent microwave ablation guided by image fusion system that combines US with {sup 18}FDG-PET/CT images. In 28/58 tumors, {sup 18}FDG-PET/CT with contrast medium (PET/CECT) was used. The registration technical feasibility, registration time, rates of correct targeting, technical success at 24 h, final result at 1 year and complications were analyzed and compared between the PET/CT and PET/CECT groups. Results: Registration was successfully performed in all cases with a mean time of 7.8 + 1.7 min (mean + standard deviation), (4.6 + 1.5 min for PET/CECT group versus 10.9 + 1.8 min for PET/CT group, P < 0.01). In total, 46/58 (79.3%) tumors were correctly targeted, while 3/28 (10.7%) and 9/30 (30%) were incorrectly targeted in PET/CT and PET/CECT group, respectively (P < 0.05). Complete ablation was obtained at 24 h in 70.0% of cases (n = 40 tumors), 23/28 (82.1%) in the PET/CECT group and 17/30 (56.7%) in the PET/CT group (P < 0.037). Fourteen tumors underwent local retreatment (11 ablations, 2 with resection and 1 with stereotactic body radiation therapy), while 4 tumors could not be retreated because of distant disease progression and underwent systemic therapy. Finally, 54/58 (93.1%) tumors were completely treated at 1 year. One major complication occurred, a gastrointestinal hemorrhage which required surgical repair. Conclusions: Percutaneous ablation of {sup 18}FDG-PET-positive liver metastases using fusion imaging of real-time US and pre-acquired {sup 18}FDG-PET/CT images is feasible, safe and effective. Contrast-enhanced PET/CT improves overall ablation accuracy and shortens procedural duration time.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗