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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

NASA Tech Briefs, January 2003

Topics covered include: Optoelectronic Tool Adds Scale Marks to Photographic Images; Compact Interconnection Networks Based on Quantum Dots; Laterally Coupled Quantum-Dot Distributed-Feedback Lasers; Bit-Serial Adder Based on Quantum Dots; Stabilized Fiber-Optic Distribution of Reference Frequency; Delay/Doppler-Mapping GPS-Reflection Remote-Sensing System; Ladar System Identifies Obstacles Partly Hidden by Grass; Survivable Failure Data Recorders for Spacecraft; Fiber-Optic Ammonia Sensors; Silicon Membrane Mirrors with Electrostatic Shape Actuators; Nanoscale Hot-Wire Probes for Boundary-Layer Flows; Theodolite with CCD Camera for Safe Measurement of Laser-Beam Pointing; Efficient Coupling of Lasers to Telescopes with Obscuration; Aligning Three Off-Axis Mirrors with Help of a DOE; Calibrating Laser Gas Measurements by Use of Natural CO2; Laser Ranging Simulation Program; Micro-Ball-Lens Optical Switch Driven by SMA Actuator; Evaluation of Charge Storage and Decay in Spacecraft Insulators; Alkaline Capacitors Based on Nitride Nanoparticles; Low-EC-Content Electrolytes for Low-Temperature Li-Ion Cells; Software for a GPS-Reflection Remote-Sensing System; Software for Building Models of 3D Objects via the Internet; "Virtual Cockpit Window" for a Windowless Aerospacecraft; CLARAty Functional-Layer Software; Java Library for Input and Output of Image Data and Metadata; Software for Estimating Costs of Testing Rocket Engines; Energy-Absorbing, Lightweight Wheels; Viscoelastic Vibration Dampers for Turbomachine Blades; Soft Landing of Spacecraft on Energy-Absorbing Self-Deployable Cushions; Pneumatically Actuated Miniature Peristaltic Vacuum Pumps; Miniature Gas-Turbine Power Generator; Pressure-Sensor Assembly Technique; Wafer-Level Membrane-Transfer Process for Fabricating MEMS; A Reactive-Ion Etch for Patterning Piezoelectric Thin Film; Wavelet-Based Real-Time Diagnosis of Complex Systems; Quantum Search in Hilbert Space; Analytic Method for Computing Instrument Pointing Jitter; and Semiselective Optoelectronic Sensors for Monitoring Microbes.

Source record↗

Support of the balloon-borne ultraviolet stellar spectrograph

A (256 x 1024)-pixel imaging ultraviolet Multi-mode Microchannel Array (MAMA) detector system for flight was fabricated, evaluated, and environmentally tested for flight on the Balloon Borne Ultraviolet Stellar Spectrograph (BUSS). The goal of the program was to replace the existing SEC Vidicon with the pulse-counting MAMA detector in order to, first, improve the overall sensitivity of the BUSS telescope and spectrograph for observations of stars down to m sub v = 7 and fainter, and, second, to improve the spectral resolution and wavelength accuracy by eliminating the image drifts in the Vidicon caused by magnetic field effects. A sealed MAMA detector tube structure employing a remotely processed photocathode mounted on a window in proximity focus with the front face of the MCP was developed to avoid contamination produced by a noisy and unstable device. The configuration of the BUSS detector system in its flight ready configuration is shown. The quantum efficiency curve for the semi-transparent Cs2Te photocathode is also shown.

Timothy, J. G.↗

Time-resolved scanning Kerr microscopy of flux beam formation in hard disk write heads

To meet growing data storage needs, the density of data stored on hard disk drives must increase. In pursuit of this aim, the magnetodynamics of the hard disk write head must be characterized and understood, particularly the process of “flux beaming.” In this study, seven different configurations of perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) write heads were imaged using time-resolved scanning Kerr microscopy, revealing their detailed dynamic magnetic state during the write process. It was found that the precise position and number of driving coils can significantly alter the formation of flux beams during the write process. These results are applicable to the design and understanding of current PMR and next-generation heat-assisted magnetic recording devices, as well as being relevant to other magnetic devices.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Computer enhancement of radiographs

Examination of three relevant noise processes and the image degradation associated with Marshall Space Flight Center's (MSFC) X-ray/scanning system was conducted for application to computer enhancement of radiographs using MSFC's digital filtering techniques. Graininess of type M, R single coat and R double coat X-ray films was quantified as a function of density level using root-mean-square (RMS) granularity. Quantum mottle (including film grain) was quantified as a function of the above film types, exposure level, specimen material and thickness, and film density using RMS granularity and power spectral density (PSD). For various neutral-density levels the scanning device used in digital conversion of radiographs was examined for noise characteristics which were quantified by RMS granularity and PSD. Image degradation of the entire pre-enhancement system (MG-150 X-ray device; film; and optronics scanner) was measured using edge targets to generate modulation transfer functions (MTF). The four parameters were examined as a function of scanning aperture sizes of approximately 12.5 25 and 50 microns.

Dekaney, A.↗

Theory of x-ray diffraction from laser-aligned molecules.

We present the theory of x-ray diffraction from an ensemble of symmetric-top molecules aligned by an intense optical laser pulse at finite rotational temperature. Using QED, the x-ray/molecule interaction is treated as an electronically elastic one-photon scattering process. In the practically important case that the x-ray pulse is quasi-monochromatic and its coherence time is much shorter than the time scale of molecular rotational dynamics in the laser field, there is a simple connection between the rotational wave-packet dynamics and the diffraction pattern obtained. Our theory thus opens up a new perspective for quantum molecular imaging using x-ray radiation.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

Imaging of Phase Objects using Partially Coherent Illumination

Screening high-power laser optics for light intensifying phase objects that cause laserinduced damage on downstream optics is critical to sustaining laser operation. Identifying such flaws on large-apertures is quite challenging since they are relatively small and invisible to conventional inspection methods. A Linescan Phase Differential Imaging (LPDI) system was developed to rapidly identify these flaws on large-aperture optics within a single full-aperture dark-field image. We describe a two-step production phase object screening process consisting of LPDI mapping and image analysis, followed by high-resolution interferometry and propagation based evaluation of the downstream damage potential of identified flaws. An image simulation code capable of modeling the LPDI partially coherent illumination was used to optimize its phase object sensitivity.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

An abuttable CCD imager for visible and X-ray focal plane arrays

A frame-transfer silicon charge-coupled-device (CCD) imager has been developed that can be closely abutted to other imagers on three sides of the imaging array. It is intended for use in multichip arrays. The device has 420 x 420 pixels in the imaging and frame-store regions and is constructed using a three-phase triple-polysilicon process. Particular emphasis has been placed on achieving low-noise charge detection for low-light-level imaging in the visible and maximum energy resolution for X-ray spectroscopic applications. Noise levels of 6 electrons at 1-MHz and less than 3 electrons at 100-kHz data rates have been achieved. Imagers have been fabricated on 1000-Ohm-cm material to maximize quantum efficiency and minimize split events in the soft X-ray regime.

Burke, Barry E.↗

One-dimensional GdVO{sub 4}:Ln{sup 3+} (Ln=Eu, Dy, Sm) nanofibers: Electrospinning preparation and luminescence properties

One-dimensional GdVO{sub 4}:Ln{sup 3+} (Ln=Eu, Dy, Sm) nanofibers have been prepared by a combination method of sol-gel process and electrospinning technology. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photoluminescence (PL), quantum efficiency (QE), and cathodoluminescence (CL) spectra as well as kinetic decays were used to characterize the samples. The XRD, FT-IR, and TG-DTA results show that GdVO{sub 4}:Ln{sup 3+} nanofibers samples crystallize at 700 {sup o}C. SEM images indicate that the as prepared precursor fibers are smooth. After being calcined at 700 {sup o}C for 4 h, the fibers still maintain their fiberlike morphology with rough surface. TEM image further manifests that the GdVO{sub 4}:Ln{sup 3+} nanofibers consist of nanoparticles. Under ultraviolet excitation and low-voltage electron beam excitation, GdVO{sub 4}:Ln{sup 3+} phosphors showed their strong characteristic emission due to an efficient energy transfer from vanadate groups to dopants. The optimum doping concentration of Ln{sup 3+} in the GdVO{sub 4} nanofibers also has been investigated. -- Graphical abstract: Display Omitted Research Highlights: {yields}1D and Q-1D GdVO{sub 4} fiber-like nanostructures were prepared electrospinning technique. {yields}Under ultraviolet excitation and electron beam excitation, the Ln{sup 3+} ions show their characteristic emissions, respectively. {yields}The quantum efficiencies are 14 (Eu{sup 3+}), 6 (Dy{sup 3+}), and 5 % (Sm{sup 3+}) in GdVO{sub 4}, respectively.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

New insights into the shock tube ignition of H 2 /O 2 at low to moderate temperatures using high-speed end-wall imaging

In this study, the effects of pre-ignition energy releases on H 2 —O 2 mixtures were explored in a shock tube with the aid of high-speed imaging and conventional pressure and emission diagnostics. Ignition delay times and time-resolved camera image sequences were taken behind the reflected shockwaves for two hydrogen mixtures. High concentration experiments spanned temperatures between 858 and 1035 K and pressures between 2.74 and 3.91 atm for a 15% H 2 \18% O 2 \Ar mixture. Low concentration data were also taken at temperatures between 960 and 1131 K and pressures between 3.09 and 5.44 atm for a 4% H 2 \2% O 2 \Ar mixture. These two model mixtures were chosen as they were the focus of recent shock tube work conducted in the literature. Experiments were performed in both a clean and dirty shock tube facility; however, no deviations in ignition delay times between the two types of tests were apparent. The high-concentration mixture (15%H 2 \18%O 2 \Ar) experienced energy releases in the form of deflagration flames followed by local detonations at temperatures < 1000 K. Measured ignition delay times were compared to predictions by three chemical kinetic mechanisms: GRI-Mech 3.0, AramcoMech 2.0, and Burke's et al. (2012) mechanisms. It was found that when proper thermodynamic assumptions are used, all mechanisms were able to accurately predict the experiments with superior performance from the well-validated AramcoMech 2.0 and Burke et al. mechanisms. Current work provides better guidance in using available literature hydrogen shock tube measurements, which spanned more than 50 years but were conducted without the aid of high-speed visualization of the ignition process, and their modeling using combustion kinetic mechanisms.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Dynamic tomography with a priori information

We present ''dynamic tomography'' algorithms that allow for the high-resolution, time-resolved imaging of dynamic (i.e., continuously time evolving) complex systems at existing x-ray micro-CT facilities. The behavior of complex systems is constrained by the underlying physics. By exploiting a priori knowledge of the geometry of the physical process being studied to allow the use of sophisticated iterative reconstruction techniques that incorporate constraints, we improve on current frame rates by at least an order of magnitude. This allows time-resolved imaging of previously intractable processes, such as two-phase fluid flow. We present reconstructions from experimental data collected at the Australian National University x-ray micro-CT facility.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Quantum Efficiency Gain in 2D Perovskite Photo and X‐Ray Detectors

Abstract The perovskite polycrystalline thin film detector fabricated by solution method is a promising low‐cost, scalable technology for radiation imaging, but its thin volume limits the sensing efficiency for high‐energy X‐ray photons. This work reports 2D perovskite thin film photo‐diodes with a detection gain when sensing visible and X‐ray photons. Detailed power and temperature‐dependent device characterizations reveal a charge multiplication effect to be responsible for the observed high gain. This is caused by a disparity in electron and hole transport, where electron transport is retarded by a trap/de‐trap process via shallow trap states, whereas the hole transport is fast enough to produce a photoconductive gain in satisfying the charge neutrality. The 2D perovskite made with butylamine spacers is also found to exhibit a larger efficiency gain than those made with phenylethylamines because of the higher likelihood of forming shallow traps in the former. The thin film diodes feature a high temporal response over 1 MHz due to the fast charge collection across a thin volume, and the discovery provides device physics mechanisms in connection to material structure‐function relationship for future optoelectronics design that can boost the efficiency of X‐ray sensing and dim light detection.

2D perovskites↗

The Synthescope: A Vision for Combining Synthesis with Atomic Fabrication

Here, the scanning transmission electron microscope, a workhorse instrument in materials characterization, is being transformed into an atomic-scale material-manipulation platform. With an eye on the trajectory of recent developments and the obstacles toward progress in this field, a vision for a path toward an expanded set of capabilities and applications is provided. The microscope is reconceptualized as an instrument for fabrication and synthesis with the capability to image and characterize atomic-scale structural formation as it occurs. Further development and refinement of this approach may have substantial impact on research in microelectronics, quantum information science, and catalysis, where precise control over atomic-scale structure and chemistry of a few “active sites” can have a dramatic impact on larger-scale functionality and where developing a better understanding of atomic-scale processes can help point the way to larger-scale synthesis approaches.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

System and method for investigating sub-surface features and 3D imaging of non-linear property, compressional velocity VP, shear velocity VS and velocity ratio VP/VS of a rock formation

A system and a method for generating a three-dimensional image of a rock formation, compressional velocity VP, shear velocity VS and velocity ratio VP/VS of a rock formation are provided. A first acoustic signal includes a first plurality of pulses. A second acoustic signal from a second source includes a second plurality of pulses. A detected signal returning to the borehole includes a signal generated by a non-linear mixing process from the first and second acoustic signals in a non-linear mixing zone within an intersection volume. The received signal is processed to extract the signal over noise and/or signals resulting from linear interaction and the three dimensional image of is generated.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Time delay and integration array (TDI) using charge transfer device technology. Phase 2, volume 1: Technical

The 20x9 TDI array was developed to meet the LANDSAT Thematic Mapper Requirements. This array is based upon a self-aligned, transparent gate, buried channel process. The process features: (1) buried channel, four phase, overlapping gate CCD's for high transfer efficiency without fat zero; (2) self-aligned transistors to minimize clock feedthrough and parasitic capacitance; and (3) transparent tin oxide electrode for high quantum efficiency with front surface irradiation. The requirements placed on the array and the performance achieved are summarized. This data is the result of flat field measurements only, no imaging or dynamic target measurements were made during this program. Measurements were performed with two different test stands. The bench test equipment fabricated for this program operated at the 8 micro sec line time and employed simple sampling of the gated MOSFET output video signal. The second stand employed Correlated Doubled Sampling (CDS) and operated at 79.2 micro sec line time.

Source record↗

Autophagy induction by silver nanowires: A new aspect in the biocompatibility assessment of nanocomposite thin films

Nanomaterials and their enabled products have increasingly been attracting global attention due to their unique physicochemical properties. Among these emerging products, silver nanowire (AgNW)-based thin films are being developed for their promising applications in next generation nanoelectronics and nanodevices. However, serious concerns remain about possible health and safety risks they may pose. Here, we employed a multi-modal systematic biocompatibility assessment of thin films incorporating AgNW. To represent the possible routes of nanomaterial entry during occupational or environmental exposure, we employed four different cell lines of epithelial, endothelial, gastric, and phagocytic origin. Utilizing a cell-based automated image acquisition and analysis procedure in combination with real-time impedance sensing, we observed a low level of cytotoxicity of AgNW, which was dependent on cell type, nanowire lengths, doses and incubation times. Similarly, no major cytotoxic effects were induced by AgNW-containing thin films, as detected by conventional cell viability and imaging assays. However, transmission electron microscopy and Western immunoblotting analysis revealed AgNW-induced autophasosome accumulation together with an upregulation of the autophagy marker protein LC3. Autophagy represents a crucial mechanism in maintaining cellular homeostasis, and our data for the first time demonstrate triggering of such mechanism by AgNW in human phagocytic cells. Finally, atomic force microscopy revealed significant changes in the topology of cells attaching and growing on these films as substrates. Our findings thus emphasize the necessity of comprehensive biohazard assessment of nanomaterials in modern applications and devices and a thorough analysis of risks associated with their possible contact with humans through occupational or environmental exposure. Highlights: ► Thin films containing nanomaterials are subject to increasing contact with humans. ► This study provides multi-modal biohazard assessment of AgNW-based thin films. ► Thin films containing AgNW affect human cell topology and attachment. ► AgNW toxicity depends on cell type, nanowire length, dose, and exposure time. ► AgNW can induce the process of autophagy in phagocytic cells.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Sharpness-Aware Low-Dose CT Denoising Using Conditional Generative Adversarial Network

Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) has offered tremendous benefits in radiation-restricted applications, but the quantum noise as resulted by the insufficient number of photons could potentially harm the diagnostic performance. Current image-based denoising methods tend to produce a blur effect on the final reconstructed results especially in high noise levels. In this paper, a deep learning-based approach was proposed to mitigate this problem. An adversarially trained network and a sharpness detection network were trained to guide the training process. Experiments on both simulated and real dataset show that the results of the proposed method have very small resolution loss and achieves better performance relative to state-of-the-art methods both quantitatively and visually.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

In-situ characterization of laser-powder interaction and cooling rates through high-speed imaging of powder bed fusion additive manufacturing

We report detailed understanding of the complex melt pool physics plays a vital role in predicting optimal processing regimes in laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing. In this work, we use high framerate video recording of Selective Laser Melting (SLM) to provide useful insight on the laser-powder interaction and melt pool evolution of 316 L powder layers, while also serving as a novel instrument to quantify cooling rates of the melt pool. The experiment was performed using two powder types – one gas- and one water-atomized – to further clarify how morphological and chemical differences between these two feedstock materials influence the laser melting process. Finally, experimentally determined cooling rates are compared with values obtained through computer simulation, and the relationship between cooling rate and grain cell size is compared with data previously published in the literature.

316 L stainless steel↗

Ultrasonic linear array validation via concrete test blocks

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) comparatively evaluated the ability of a number of NDE techniques to generate an image of the volume of 6.5′ X 5.0′ X 10″ concrete specimens fabricated at the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) NDE Validation Facility in Gainesville, Florida. These test blocks were fabricated to test the ability of various NDE methods to characterize various placements and sizes of rebar as well as simulated cracking and non-consolidation flaws. The first version of the ultrasonic linear array device, MIRA [version 1], was one of 7 different NDE equipment used to characterize the specimens. This paper deals with the ability of this equipment to determine subsurface characterizations such as reinforcing steel relative size, concrete thickness, irregularities, and inclusions using Kirchhoff-based migration techniques. The ability of individual synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT) B-scan cross sections resulting from self-contained scans are compared with various processing, analysis, and interpretation methods using the various features fabricated in the specimens for validation. The performance is detailed, especially with respect to the limitations and implications for evaluation of a thicker, more heavily reinforced concrete structures.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗