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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 451 records · Page 25
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2011

Broadband Via-Less Microwave Crossover Using Microstrip-CPW Transitions

The front-to-back interface between microstrip and CPW (coplanar waveguide) typically requires complex fabrication or has high radiation loss. The microwave crossover typically requires a complex fabrication step. The prior art in microstrip-CPW transition requires a physical vias connection between the microstrip and CPW line on a separate layer. The via-less version of this transition was designed empirically and does not have a close form solution. The prior art of the micro wave crossover requires either additional substrate or wire bond as an air bridge to isolate two microwave lines at the crossing junction. The disadvantages are high radiation loss, no analytical solution to the problem, lengthy simulation time, and complex fabrication procedures to generate air bridges or via. The disadvantage of the prior crossover is a complex fabrication procedure, which also affects the device reliability and yield. This microstrip-CPW transition is visualized as two microstrip-slotline transitions combined in a way that the radiation from two slotlines cancels each other out. The invention is designed based on analytical methods; thus, it significantly reduces the development time. The crossover requires no extra layer to cross two microwave signals and has low radiation loss. The invention is simple to fabricate and design. It produces low radiation loss and can be designed with low insertion loss, with some tradeoff with signal isolation. The microstrip-CPW transition is used as an interface to connect between the device and the circuit outside the package. The via-less microwave crossover is used to allow two signals to cross without using an extra layer or fabrication processing step to enable this function. This design allows the solution to be determined entirely though analytical techniques. In addition, a planar via-less microwave crossover using this technique was proposed. The experimental results show that the proposed crossover at 5 GHz has a minimum isolation of 32 dB. It also has low in-band insertion loss and return loss of 1.2 dB and 18 dB, respectively, over more than 44 percent of bandwidth at room temperature. This microstrip-CPW transition requires the microstrip line to be split into two sections. Each section is connected to a microstrip quarter-wavelength openended stub. A slotline is also placed perpendicular to the microstrip section. The slot is connected to a grounded-end quarter-wavelength slotline and generates a microstrip-slotline transition. When two of these sections are placed in parallel and with the microstrip section combined at transition, a microstrip- CPW transition is formed. The slotline radiation is suppressed as two slots are excited with the electric field in an opposite direction, which cancels the radiation in far field. The invention on the crossover consists of the invented microstrip-CPW transitions combined back-to-back and a microstrip low-pass filter. One signal is crossed through to the microstrip layer, while the other signal is crossed through the CPW line located on the ground plane of the microstrip line. The microstrip low-pass filter produces a narrow line at the crossing point to enhance the system isolation. It also produces broadband response in the operating frequency band. The microstrip-CPW transition allows a microwave signal to travel from microstrip line to CPW line with low radiation loss. The crossover allows two microwave signals to cross with minimal parasitic coupling.

Stevenson, Thomas↗
DOE OSTI2025

Uniform field in microwave cavities through the use of effective magnetic walls

Wire medium (WM) resonators have emerged as a promising realization for plasma haloscopes—devices designed to detect axions, a potential component of dark matter. Key factors influencing the detection probability include cavity volume, resonance quality factor, and form factor. While the form factor has been explored for resonant frequency tuning, its optimization for axion detection remains unexplored. Here, in this work, we present an approach to significantly enhancing the form factor of WM plasma haloscopes. By shifting the metal walls of the resonator by a quarter wavelength, we effectively convert an electric wall boundary condition into a magnetic wall one, allowing for an almost uniform mode. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulations confirm that this modification improves the electric field profile and boosts the form factor, while also slightly enhancing the quality factor. We validate these findings through experimental results from two prototype resonators: one with a standard geometry and another with a quarter-wave air gap between the WM and the walls. Additionally, our method provides a simple way to control the field profile within WM cavities, which can be explored for further applications.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
NASA NTRS1977

Doppler extraction with a digital VCO

Digitally controlled oscillator in phased-locked loop may be useful for data communications systems, or may be modified to serve as information extraction component of microwave or optical system for collision avoidance or automatic braking. Instrument is frequency-synthesizing device with output specified precisely by digital number programmed into frequency register.

Starner, E. R.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Comparative study of bolometric and non-bolometric switching elements for microwave phase shifters

The performance of semiconductor and high critical temperature superconductor switches is compared as they are used in delay-line-type microwave and millimeter-wave phase shifters. Such factors as their ratios of the off-to-on resistances, parasitic reactances, power consumption, speed, input-to-output isolation, ease of fabrication, and physical dimensions are compared. Owing to their almost infinite off-to-on resistance ratio and excellent input-to-output isolation, bolometric superconducting switches appear to be quite suitable for use in microwave phase shifters; their only drawbacks are their speed and size. The SUPERFET, a novel device whose operation is based on the electric field effect in high critical temperature ceramic superconductors is also discussed. Preliminary results indicate that the SUPERFET is fast and that it can be scaled; therefore, it can be fabricated with dimensions comparable to semiconductor field-effect transistors.

Tabib-Azar, Massood↗
NASA NTRS1991

Comparative study of bolometric and non-bolometric switching elements for microwave phase shifters

The performance of semiconductor and high critical temperature superconductor switches is compared as they are used in delay-line-type microwave and millimeter-wave phase shifters. Such factors as their ratios of the off-to-on resistances, parasitic reactances, power consumption, speed, input-to-output isolation, ease of fabrication, and physical dimensions are compared. Owing to their almost infinite off-to-on resistance ratio and excellent input-to-output isolation, bolometric superconducting switches appear to be quite suitable for use in microwave phase shifters; their only drawbacks are their speed and size. The SUPERFET, a novel device whose operation is based on the electric field effect in high critical temperature ceramic superconductors is also discussed. Preliminary results indicate that the SUPERFET is fast and that it can be scaled; therefore, it can be fabricated with dimensions comparable to semiconductor field-effect transistors.

Tabib-Azar, Massood↗
NASA NTRS1986

Dc and microwave characteristics of a high current double interface GaAs/InGaAs/AlGaAs pseudomorphic modulation-doped field-effect transistor

Extremely large current double interface GaAs/In(0.15)Ga(0.85)As/Al(0.15)Ga(0.85)As pseudomorphic modulation-doped field-effect transistors (MODFET's) grown by molecular beam epitaxy were achieved. The 1-micron gate devices studied have peak current levels (430 mA/mm at 300 K and 483mA/mm at 77 K) roughly one and a half to two times that found in single interface pseudomorphic MODFET's. These devices also retain high transconductances over a broad range of gate voltage, peaking at 312 mS/mm at 300 K and 362 mS/mm at 77 K. Excellent microwave performance is also obtained with a maximum frequency of oscillation (f-max) of 37 GHz and a current gain cut-off frequency of as high as 23 GHz at 300 K. An output power level of 14 dBm (1 dB gain compression) was obtained at 6 GHz for a 290-micron gate width. This double interface single quantum well MODFET may be of great importance in millimeter wave power amplifiers.

Henderson, T.↗
DOE OSTI2025

High-Quality Factor Microwave Resonators using Rhenium

Coplanar waveguide resonators are a perfect tool to evaluate the losses induced by defects and interfaces in superconducting devices. Even if niobium is the most used superconductor for resonators and qubits, its native oxide at the metal-air (MA) interface limits the device results. Tantalum has recently significantly improved qubit performances due to a thinner and less disordered oxide layer compared to Nb. To further improve the MA interface, we used rhenium, a superconducting material with 1.7 K critical temperature resistant to oxidation: it forms an oxide layer thinner than 1 nm. In this study, we will present a thorough investigation of rhenium CPW resonator measurements with internal quality factors at the single photon level exceeding 2 million. The devices have been fabricated on a sapphire substrate while the processing parameters have been varying and optimized. The measurements have been performed as a function of power and temperature to disentangle different sources of losses, such as two-level systems (TLS) and quasi-particles. A peculiar TLS temperature dependence has been measured and analyzed. In this work, we also vary the participation ratio of the devices to extract the losses introduced by the involved interfaces with higher fidelity and precision. We carried on a deep material characterization effort to link the results to the differences in the fabrication steps, and we will present material characterization measurements performed via AFM, ToF-SIMS, XPS, and TEM.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
NASA NTRS2009

Circuits Enhance Scientific Instruments and Safety Devices

Since its founding in 1958, NASA has pioneered the use of different frequencies on the electromagnetic spectrum - including X-ray, microwave, and infrared wavelengths - to gather information about distant celestial bodies. During the 1962 Mariner 2 mission, NASA used microwave radiometers that operated in the range of 15-23 gigahertz (GHz) to assess the surface temperature of Venus and to determine the percentage of water vapor in its atmosphere. Today, there is another area on the spectrum proving uniquely useful to scientists: the terahertz (THz) range, spanning from about 100 GHz-10,000 GHz. (1 THz equals approximately 1,000 GHz.) Terahertz frequencies span the lesser-known gap on the electromagnetic spectrum between microwave radiation and infrared (and visible) light, falling within the spectral range where most simple molecules resonate. This molecular resonance makes terahertz particularly useful for chemical spectroscopy and the remote sensing of specific molecules. In the 1990s, NASA began using frequencies above 300 GHz (more than an order of magnitude higher than the instrumentation on Mariner 2) to perform spectral analysis of molecular clouds and planetary atmospheres. Instruments using these higher frequencies have included the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) on the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS), deployed from 1991-2001, and the Microwave Instrument for the Rosetta Orbiter (MIRO), launched in 2004. With UARS-MLS, NASA used advanced terahertz receivers to measure the emission signatures from atmospheric molecules, providing researchers with valuable data about the changes in the Earth s protective ozone layer. MIRO, set to rendezvous with the comet 67P Churyumov-Gerasimenko in 2014, will use terahertz instrumentation to analyze the comet s dust and gases. Although NASA has been a driving force behind the development of terahertz technology, scientific equipment for terahertz research - including transmitters, receivers, and basic test and measurement equipment - is not widely available, making scientific experiments in this range between traditional electronics and quantum photonics more costly and greatly limiting commercial development in the field. Given NASA s interest in studying distant bodies in space as well as in improving life on Earth, the Agency has collaborated with private industry to develop terahertz technologies.

Source record↗
DOE OSTI2021

Tunable Microwave Conductance of Nanodomains in Ferroelectric PbZr 0.2 Ti 0.8 O 3 Thin Film

Ferroelectric materials exhibit spontaneous polarization that can be switched by electric field. Beyond traditional applications as nonvolatile capacitive elements, the interplay between polarization and electronic transport in ferroelectric thin films has enabled a path to neuromorphic device applications involving resistive switching. A fundamental challenge, however, is that finite electronic conductivity may introduce considerable power dissipation and perhaps destabilize ferroelectricity itself. In this work, tunable microwave frequency electronic response of domain walls injected into ferroelectric lead zirconate titanate (PbZr 0.2 Ti 0.8 O 3 ) on the level of a single nanodomain is revealed. Tunable microwave response is detected through first-order reversal curve spectroscopy combined with scanning microwave impedance microscopy measurements taken near 3 GHz. Contributions of film interfaces to the measured AC conduction through subtractive milling, where the film exhibited improved conduction properties after removal of surface layers, are investigated. Using statistical analysis and finite element modeling, we inferred that the mechanism of tunable microwave conductance is the variable area of the domain wall in the switching volume. These observations open the possibilities for ferroelectric memristors or volatile resistive switches, localized to several tens of nanometers and operating according to well-defined dynamics under an applied field.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Material Plasma Exposure eXperiment High Heat Flux Microwave Absorber Design, Manufacture, and Articles Test

The Material Plasma Exposure eXperiment (MPEX) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is in the final design phase. MPEX will be capable of exposing neutron-irradiated materials to plasmas for the study of plasma-material interaction. This facility will provide information about the complex effects of plasmas on materials and contribute to examining new materials that can withstand high heat fluxes and high ion fluences for future fusion devices. MPEX plasma is heated by 70-GHz or 105-GHz electron Bernstein wave/electron cyclotron heating (ECH), and the high-frequency microwaves are prone to scattering microwave power, which can have detrimental effects, especially on diagnostic components. A large portion of the injected ECH power is expected to be absorbed by plasma, but the remainder requires that microwave absorbers be placed immediately upstream and downstream of the ECH launcher to minimize stray microwaves leaving the ECH region. These microwaves can inadvertently heat components that cannot be shielded or otherwise protected. The microwave absorber design is based on an array of pyramid-shaped ceramic tiles brazed to a water-cooled explosion-bonded heat sink and a stainless steel plate to produce one tile module. Computational fluid dynamics and structural analyses were performed to optimize and validate the design. Multiple test coupons were produced to validate the process for brazing the two different tile materials to the Glidcop AL-15 baseplate. The articles were tested to evaluate the reliability and thermal performance through exposure to an electron beam with a heat flux of up to 1.5 MW/m2. Nondestructive testing was performed before and after testing to identify voids or separations that may have been introduced by the high heat flux. This paper discusses the details of high heat flux microwave absorber design, manufacturing details and associated challenges, and test results, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed design.

Hussain, Aftab↗
NASA NTRS1973

Avalanche diodes for the generation of coherent radiation

Solid state devices and characterization, and optimum imbedding networks for realizing best performance were investigated along with a barrier injection transit time diode. These diodes were investigated for possible application as microwave amplifiers and oscillators. Measurements were made of diode noise figures in the frequency ranges of 4 - 6 GHz. Initial results indicate that a noise figure of 6 - 8 db may be possible. Optimum device structure and fabrication techniques necessary for low noise performance were investigated. Previously published documents on electrodynamics are included.

Penfield, P., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Status of the microwave power transmission components for the solar power satellite

During the 1970-1980 time period a substantial advance has been made in developing all portions of a microwave power transmission system for the solar power satellite (SPS). The most recent advances pertain to the transmitting portion of the system in the satellite and are based upon experimental observations of the use of the magnetron combined with a passive directional device to convert it into a highly efficient directional amplifier with excellent low-noise properties and potentially very long life. The ability of its microwave output to track a phase reference makes it possible to combine it with many other radiating units to provide a highly coherent microwave beam. The ability of its output to track an amplitude reference while operating from a dc power source with varying voltage makes it possible to eliminate most of the power conditioning equipment that would otherwise be necessary.

Brown, W. C.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Reduced T(sub c) Niobium Superconducting HEB Mixers

A reduction in the mixer noise is expected when using superconductors with a lower transition temperature (T(sub c)) since the thermal noise components of the mixer noise should scale with T(sub c). Also, the local oscillator (LO) power required for a diffusion-cooled device should decrease as T(sub c) when T(sub bath) << T(sub c). We previously studied mixing in aluminum based hot-electron bolometers (HEBs) at microwave frequencies (approximately 30 GHz), and observed a significant improvement in noise performance, and a reduction in LO power as predicted. However, the bias voltage range over which good mixer performance was observed was approximately 5 - 10 microV. These devices are thus susceptible to saturation effects, in particular output saturation. In the present work, we have investigated Nb HEBs whose T(sub c) is lowered by applying a magnetic field. The goal is to study a case intermediate between Nb and Al, and hopefully to find properties that will allow use in practical receivers. A 15 kOe perpendicular magnetic field was applied to a Nb HEB (L = 0.16 micrometers, W = 0.08 micrometers, R(sub N) = 90 ohms) to reduce T(sub c) from 5.2 K to 2.4 K. The mixer noise, as inferred from the output noise and the conversion efficiency, decreased from 390 K, DSB to 171 K, DSB. The LO power required for near optimum mixer conversion efficiency (eta(sub mixer) = -9 dB in this device) was 8 nW in zero field, and approximately 2 nW when T(sub c) was reduced to 2.4 K. T(sub bath) = 0.22 K. The conversion bandwidth was previously measured to be 2.4 GHz and the same bandwidth was observed in the presence of a magnetic field. By lowering T(sub c), the voltage range over which good mixing was observed also decreased. However, even with T(sub c) reduced to 2.4 K, the conversion efficiency dropped by 3 dB from its maximum value only when the bias voltage was changed by approximately 90 microV. Saturation effects should thus be much less of a concern in these devices than in Al HEBS. In situations where the application of a large magnetic field is not feasible, we suggest using Ta based HEBS. Ta HEBs should have T(sub c) = 3 - 3.5 K and material properties very similar to Nb.

Siddiqi, I.↗
DOE OSTI2025

High efficiency RF sources developments

Calabazas Creek Research, Inc. (CCR) and its collaborators are developing high efficiency RF sources operating from a few hundred MHz to C-Band and power levels from tens to hundreds of kilowatts with the goal of providing MW-relevant sources. The efficiencies approach or exceed 80% with projected costs as low as $0.50/ Watt. Sources under development include magnetrons with phase and amplitude control, single and multi-beam klystrons, multi-beam power grid tubes, and multiple beam IOTs. A magnetron system achieved more than 80% efficiency with fast amplitude control using modulation of the phase locking signal. This would be a low cost, high efficiency RF source for superconducting accelerators. An L-Band, single beam klystron was built with simulated efficiency of 80%. The klystron has yet to be tested to confirm the simulation results. CCR is currently developing a multi-beam klystron to produce more than 200 kW CW at 80% efficiency. Also in development is a multiple beam triode to produce 200 kW CW from 300 MHz to approximately 1 GHz. Not only does the simulated efficiency exceed 75%, but it would be the lowest cost RF source in this frequency range. Finally, CCR recently concluded research for a multiple beam IOT at 700 MHz using third harmonic drive to boost efficiency toward 85%. Successful development and transition to production of these sources will significantly alter the cost/performance landscape for RF power generation.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Additively-manufactured monocrystalline YBCO superconductor

Abstract Single-crystal microstructures enable high-performance YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-x superconductors which are however limited to simple shapes due to their brittleness. Additive manufacturing can fabricate YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-x superconductor with complex shapes, albeit with a polycrystalline microstructure. Here, we demonstrate a route to grow single-crystals from 3D-ink-printed, polycrystalline, sintered superconducting YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-x (YBCO or Y123) + Y 2 BaCuO 5 (Y211), manufacturing objects with complex architectures displaying both high critical current density (J c =2.1 × 10 4 A . cm –2 , 77 K) and high critical temperature (T c = 88-89.5 K). An ink containing precursor powders (Y 2 O 3 , BaCO 3 , and CuO) is 3D-extruded into complex geometries and then reaction-sintered to obtain polycrystalline Y123 + Y211. A seed is then utilized to transform these 3D-printed parts from polycrystal to monocrystal via the melt growth method. The geometric details of 3D-printed parts survive the process without slumping, sagging or collapse, despite the long-term presence of liquid above the peritectic temperature. Origami structures can be created by sheet folding after 3D-printing. This additive approach enables the facile fabrication of superconducting devices with complex shapes and architectures, such as advanced undulator magnets to generate synchrotron radiation and microwave cavities for dark-matter axion search. This work highlights the potential of additive manufacturing for producing monocrystalline cuprate superconductors and opens the door to additive manufacturing of other monocrystalline functional ceramic or semiconductor materials.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Dark matter axion search using a Josephson Traveling wave parametric amplifier

Here, we describe the first implementation of a Josephson Traveling Wave Parametric Amplifier (JTWPA) in an axion dark matter search. The operation of the JTWPA for a period of about two weeks achieved sensitivity to axion-like particle dark matter with axion–photon couplings above 10 -13 Ge V -1 over a narrow range of axion masses centered around 19.84 µeV by tuning the resonant frequency of the cavity over the frequency range of 4796.7–4799.5 MHz. The JTWPA was operated in the insert of the axion dark matter experiment as part of an independent receiver chain that was attached to a 0.56-l cavity. The ability of the JTWPA to deliver high gain over a wide (3 GHz) bandwidth has engendered interest from those aiming to perform broadband axion searches, a longstanding goal in this field.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2023

Physical Behavior of Quantum Metamaterials (Final Report)

We are on the cusp of creating artificial quantum matter through engineered structures that mimic natural atoms and create new electronic and electromagnetic behavior not observed in nature. My objective is to explore new quantum states of matter through creation of engineered quantum meta-atoms and their arrangement into structures that create qualitatively new types of quantum coherent behavior, especially in terms of their interaction with electromagnetic fields. The technical approach involves assembly of superconducting quantum devices that are nominally identical and strongly interacting with each other, and with a bath of microwave photons, and measuring their emergent behavior through their electromagnetic response. The results will give fundamental insights into the nature of condensed matter and specific outcomes include investigation of proposed but un-realized states of matter, emergent quantum phenomena, and controlled super-radiant behavior.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗