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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 469 records · Page 26
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1978

New candidate lasers for power beaming and discussion of their applications

Solar power has obvious advantages for long-duration high-power laser operations in space, provided that cost effective conversion of solar photons to laser photons can be accomplished. Both the CO baseline system and the iodine direct-pumped system described in the present paper imply total system weights of 50 to 150 thousand kilograms per 100 MW of power transmitted. To equal the contemplated 5 to 10 GW of each microwave-linked space power system now being studied would require 50 to 100 STAG-type devices having total weights in orbit in the range of (2.5 to 15.0) by 10 to the sixth kilograms. The analysis indicates that laser options can be from 2 to 20 times more favorable weight-wise than other space power system options. The cost advantages would scale similarly.

Rather, J. D. G.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Performance Enhancement of Tunable Bandpass Filters Using Selective Etched Ferroelectric Thin Films

The inclusion of voltage-tunable barium strontium titanate (BSTO) thin films into planar band pass filters offers tremendous potential to increase their versatility. The ability to tune the passband so as to correct for minor deviations in manufacturing tolerances, or to completely reconfigure the operating frequencies of a microwave communication system, are highly sought-after goals. However, use of ferroelectric films in these devices results in higher dielectric losses, which in turn increase the insertion loss and decrease the quality factors of the filters. This study explores the use of patterned ferroelectric layers to minimize dielectric losses without degrading tunability. Patterning the ferroelectric layers enables us to constrict the width of the ferroelectric layers between the coupled microstrip lines, and minimize losses due to ferroelectric layers. Coupled one-pole microstrip bandpass filters with fundamental resonances at approx. 7.2 GHz and well defined harmonic resonances at approx. 14.4 and approx. 21.6 GHz, were designed, simulated and tested. For one of the filters, experimental results verified that its center frequency was tunable by 528 MHz at a center frequency of 21.957 GHz, with insertion losses varying from 4.3 to 2.5 dB, at 0 and 3.5 V/micron, respectively. These data demonstrate that the tuning-to-loss figure of merit of tunable microstrip filters can be greatly improved using patterned ferroelectric thin films as the tuning element, and tuning can be controlled by engineering the ferroelectric constriction in the coupled sections.

Miranda, Felix A.↗
NASA NTRS2009

A Comparison of Surface Acoustic Wave Modeling Methods

Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) technology is low cost, rugged, lightweight, extremely low power and can be used to develop passive wireless sensors. For these reasons, NASA is investigating the use of SAW technology for Integrated Vehicle Health Monitoring (IVHM) of aerospace structures. To facilitate rapid prototyping of passive SAW sensors for aerospace applications, SAW models have been developed. This paper reports on the comparison of three methods of modeling SAWs. The three models are the Impulse Response Method a first order model, and two second order matrix methods; the conventional matrix approach, and a modified matrix approach that is extended to include internal finger reflections. The second order models are based upon matrices that were originally developed for analyzing microwave circuits using transmission line theory. Results from the models are presented with measured data from devices.

Wilson, W. c.↗
NASA NTRS2009

Comparison of Transmission Line Methods for Surface Acoustic Wave Modeling

Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) technology is low cost, rugged, lightweight, extremely low power and can be used to develop passive wireless sensors. For these reasons, NASA is investigating the use of SAW technology for Integrated Vehicle Health Monitoring (IVHM) of aerospace structures. To facilitate rapid prototyping of passive SAW sensors for aerospace applications, SAW models have been developed. This paper reports on the comparison of three methods of modeling SAWs. The three models are the Impulse Response Method (a first order model), and two second order matrix methods; the conventional matrix approach, and a modified matrix approach that is extended to include internal finger reflections. The second order models are based upon matrices that were originally developed for analyzing microwave circuits using transmission line theory. Results from the models are presented with measured data from devices. Keywords: Surface Acoustic Wave, SAW, transmission line models, Impulse Response Method.

Wilson, William↗
DOE OSTI2021

Method and system for microwave mixer phase response measurement

A system, method and apparatus for mixer phase response measurement comprises a vector network analyzer connectable to a device under test, an additional device connected to the analyzer the additional device configured to have an equal phase response to that of the device under test, a local oscillator connected to the device under test and the additional device, a series of switches connecting the device under test and the additional device to a vector voltmeter, and a reference generator connected to the vector voltmeter.

Frolov, Daniil↗
NASA NTRS1979

Prospects for advances in microwave atomic frequency standards

Traditional standards based on rubidium, cesium and hydrogen have been greatly refined over the past decade, such that the frequency stability of the current generation of devices is generally limited by those basic concepts on which they are based. Future advances in frequency stability will principally come from changes in the concepts on which the standards are based, and only secondarily from more careful engineering of the old concepts. The fundamental limitations in these standards are considered and the important conceptual and component advances which could have a major impact on future performance of these standards are indicated. A very promising new class of microwave standards based on ion storage techniques is examined.

Walls, F. L.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Bidirectional interconversion of microwave and light with thin-film lithium niobate

Abstract Superconducting cavity electro-optics presents a promising route to coherently convert microwave and optical photons and distribute quantum entanglement between superconducting circuits over long-distance. Strong Pockels nonlinearity and high-performance optical cavity are the prerequisites for high conversion efficiency. Thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) offers these desired characteristics. Despite significant recent progresses, only unidirectional conversion with efficiencies on the order of 10 −5 has been realized. In this article, we demonstrate the bidirectional electro-optic conversion in TFLN-superconductor hybrid system, with conversion efficiency improved by more than three orders of magnitude. Our air-clad device architecture boosts the sustainable intracavity pump power at cryogenic temperatures by suppressing the prominent photorefractive effect that limits cryogenic performance of TFLN, and reaches an efficiency of 1.02% (internal efficiency of 15.2%). This work firmly establishes the TFLN-superconductor hybrid EO system as a highly competitive transduction platform for future quantum network applications.

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRS1978

Active microwave users working group program planning

A detailed programmatic and technical development plan for active microwave technology was examined in each of four user activities: (1) vegetation; (2) water resources and geologic applications, and (4) oceanographic applications. Major application areas were identified, and the impact of each application area in terms of social and economic gains were evaluated. The present state of knowledge of the applicability of active microwave remote sensing to each application area was summarized and its role relative to other remote sensing devices was examined. The analysis and data acquisition techniques needed to resolve the effects of interference factors were reviewed to establish an operational capability in each application area. Flow charts of accomplished and required activities in each application area that lead to operational capability were structured.

Ulaby, F. T.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Solar power satellite

The solar power satellite (SPS) concept, under evaluation by NASA since 1974, is discussed. A typical system providing a total of 10,000 MW of electrical power to the ground receiving stations is considered. Energy conversion systems, including the photovoltaic device category using single-crystal silicon cells, are taken into account, as are the 2.45-GHz microwave power-transmission link and the ground receiver (or rectenna). Concepts involving space construction of the satellite's large structures (5 x 25 km) are described, noting that a process similar to the familiar roll-forming of light sheet metal parts has been adapted to the space environment. Transportation vehicles are discussed, including the Space Shuttle planned to reach 60 flights per year by the mid 1980's. Electrical power forecasts and advanced systems cost projections are analyzed, together with a description of costs estimates. The indirect economics of energy research and development, and the present NASA/DOE SPS program are noted.

Davis, H. P.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Personal Beacon

The MicroPLB (personal locator beacon) is a search and rescue satellite-aided tracking (SARSAT) transmitter. When activated it emits a distress signal to a constellation of internationally operated satellites. The endangered person's identity and location anywhere on Earth is automatically forwarded to central monitoring stations around the world. It is accurate to within just a few meters. The user uses the device to download navigation data from a global positioning satellite receiver. After the download is complete, the MicroPLB functions as a self-locating beacon. Also, it is the only PLB to use a safe battery. In the past, other PLB devices have used batteries that have enough volatility to explode with extreme force. It was developed by Microwave Monolithic, Inc. through SBIR funding from Glenn Research Center and Goddard Space Flight Center.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2003

Arrays of Carbon Nanotubes as RF Filters in Waveguides

Brushlike arrays of carbon nanotubes embedded in microstrip waveguides provide highly efficient (high-Q) mechanical resonators that will enable ultraminiature radio-frequency (RF) integrated circuits. In its basic form, this invention is an RF filter based on a carbon nanotube array embedded in a microstrip (or coplanar) waveguide, as shown in Figure 1. In addition, arrays of these nanotube-based RF filters can be used as an RF filter bank. Applications of this new nanotube array device include a variety of communications and signal-processing technologies. High-Q resonators are essential for stable, low-noise communications, and radar applications. Mechanical oscillators can exhibit orders of magnitude higher Qs than electronic resonant circuits, which are limited by resistive losses. This has motivated the development of a variety of mechanical resonators, including bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonators, surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonators, and Si and SiC micromachined resonators (known as microelectromechanical systems or MEMS). There is also a strong push to extend the resonant frequencies of these oscillators into the GHz regime of state-of-the-art electronics. Unfortunately, the BAW and SAW devices tend to be large and are not easily integrated into electronic circuits. MEMS structures have been integrated into circuits, but efforts to extend MEMS resonant frequencies into the GHz regime have been difficult because of scaling problems with the capacitively-coupled drive and readout. In contrast, the proposed devices would be much smaller and hence could be more readily incorporated into advanced RF (more specifically, microwave) integrated circuits.

Hoppe, Daniel↗
DOE OSTI2023

Microwave-Based Quantum Control and Coherence Protection of Tin-Vacancy Spin Qubits in a Strain-Tuned Diamond-Membrane Heterostructure

Robust spin-photon interfaces in solids are essential components in quantum networking and sensing technologies. Ideally, these interfaces combine a long-lived spin memory, coherent optical transitions, fast and high-fidelity spin manipulation, and straightforward device integration and scaling. The tin- vacancy center (SnV) in diamond is a promising spin-photon interface with desirable optical and spin properties at 1.7 K. However, the SnV spin lacks efficient microwave control, and its spin coherence degrades with higher temperature. In this work, we introduce a new platform that overcomes these challenges—SnV centers in uniformly strained thin diamond membranes. The controlled generation of crystal strain introduces orbital mixing that allows microwave control of the spin state with 99.36(9)% gate fidelity and spin coherence protection beyond a millisecond. Moreover, the presence of crystal strain suppresses temperature-dependent dephasing processes, leading to a considerable improvement of the coherence time up to 223(10) μs at 4 K, a widely accessible temperature in common cryogenic systems. Critically, the coherence of optical transitions is unaffected by the elevated temperature, exhibiting nearly lifetime-limited optical linewidths. Combined with the compatibility of diamond membranes with device integration, the demonstrated platform is an ideal spin-photon interface for future quantum technologies.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

Low Noise Frequency-Domain Multiplexing of TES Bolometers Using SQUIDs at Sub-Kelvin Temperature

Digital Frequency-Domain Multiplexing (DfMux) is a technique that uses MHz superconducting resonators and Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) arrays to read out sets of transition edge sensors. DfMux has been used by several Cosmic Microwave Background experiments, including most recently POLARBEAR-2 and SPT-3 G with multiplexing factors as high as 68, and is the baseline readout technology for the planned satellite mission LiteBIRD. Here, we present recent work focused on improving DfMux readout noise, reducing parasitic impedance, and improving sensor operation. We have achieved a substantial reduction in stray impedance by integrating the sensors, resonators, and SQUID array onto a single-carrier board operated at 250 mK. This also drastically simplifies the packaging of the cryogenic components and leads to better-controlled crosstalk. We demonstrate a low readout noise level of 8.6 pA/Hz1 1/2 , which was made possible by operating the SQUID array at a reduced temperature and with a low dynamic impedance. This is a factor of two improvement compared to the achieved readout noise level in currently operating Cosmic Microwave Background experiments using DfMux and represents a critical step toward maturation of the technology for the next generation of instruments.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
NASA NTRS1982

Microwave ice prevention

The concept of using microwave energy to provide aircraft ice protection, specifically an anti-icing system, and the feasibility of such a system are discussed. In a microwave anti-icing system impinging supercooled water droplets are heated to above freezing by the resonant absorption of microwave energy located upstream of the aircraft. This process is inherently more efficient than existing anti-icing devices due to the saving of the latent heat of fusion (a substantial 334 joules/gm (80 cal/gm)) and the fact that only the droplets are heated, thereby reducing convective losses to the air.

Hansman, R. J., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Ka-Band Waveguide Three-Way Serial Combiner for MMIC Amplifiers

In this innovation, the three-way combiner consists internally of two branch-line hybrids that are connected in series by a short length of waveguide. Each branch-line hybrid is designed to combine input signals that are in phase with an amplitude ratio of two. The combiner is constructed in an E-plane split-block arrangement and is precision machined from blocks of aluminum with standard WR-28 waveguide ports. The port impedances of the combiner are matched to that of a standard WR-28 waveguide. The component parts include the power combiner and the MMIC (monolithic microwave integrated circuit) power amplifiers (PAs). The three-way series power combiner is a six-port device. For basic operation, power that enters ports 3, 5, and 6 is combined in phase and appears at port 1. Ports 2 and 4 are isolated ports. The application of the three-way combiner for combining three PAs with unequal output powers was demonstrated. NASA requires narrow-band solid-state power amplifiers (SSPAs) at Ka-band frequencies with output power in the range of 3 to 5 W for radio or gravity science experiments. In addition, NASA also requires wideband, high-efficiency SSPAs at Ka-band frequencies with output power in the range of 5 to 15 W for high-data-rate communications from deep space to Earth. The three-way power combiner is designed to operate over the frequency band of 31.8 to 32.3 GHz, which is NASA s deep-space frequency band.

Wintucky, Edwin G.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Low-Loss Thin-Film Al-On-Si Microwave Resonators for Astronomy Applications Designing and Characterizing the Next Generation of Microwave Detectors

We present measurements of prototype thin film Al microwave kinetic inductance detectors (MKIDs) intended for application in the sub-mm astronomy balloon experiment EXCLAIM. The device we show is dark, or non-optically coupled, and contains 16 coplanar waveguide (CPW) resonators etched into a 261 nm sputter deposited Al layer on a Si wafer. The resonators span the f0 = 3.5 - 4 GHz range, and include both lambda=2 and lambda=4 resonators. Each resonator is coupled to the feedline using one of three alternating coupling designs. We performed transmission line measurements of the device for a series of excitation powers ranging from -90 dBm to -30 dBm, and at a series of base temperatures ranging from 73 mK to 400 mK. We observed quality factors of up to Qi  107 at a base temperature of 73 mK. The lambda=2 and lambda=4 resonators performed similarly, achieving comparable Qi values. The results of these measurements are actively informing the fi nal design of the EXCLAIM instrument. EXCLAIM will incorporate six spectrometers, each containing an array of over 300 resonators in the 420-540 GHz range.

Carrie Volpert↗
NASA NTRS1980

Microwave tunable laser source: A stable, precision tunable heterodyne local oscillator

The development and capabilities of a tunable laser source utilizing a wideband electro-optic modulator and a CO2 laser are described. The precision tunability and high stability of the device are demonstrated with examples of laboratory spectroscopy. Heterodyne measurements are also presented to demonstrate the performance of the laser source as a heterodyne local oscillator. With the use of five CO2 isotope lasers and the 8 to 18 GHz sideband offset tunability of the modulator, calculations indicate that 50 percent spectral coverage in the 9 to 12 micron region is achievable. The wavelength accuracy and stability of this laser source is limited by the CO2 laser and is more than adequate for the measurement of narrow Doppler-broadened line profiles. The room-temperature operating capability and the programmability of the microwave tunable laser source are attractive features for its in-the-field implementation. Although heterodyne measurements indicated some S/N degradation when using the device as a local oscillator, there does not appear to be any fundamental limitation to the heterodyne efficiency of this laser source. Through the use of a lower noise-figure traveling wave tube amplifier and optical matching of the output beam with the photomixer, a substantial increase in the heterodyne S/N is expected.

Sachse, G. W.↗