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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 559 records · Page 31
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2001

Fresnel Lens

Fresnel lenses span the full range of sizes from lens a few micrometers in diameter to lens several meters in diameter. These lenses are utilized in various fields including optical communication, theatrical lighting, office equipment, video entertainment systems, solar concentrators, and scientific research instruments. These lenses function either as diffractive or refractive optical elements depending on the geometrical feature size of the lens. The basic functions of these lenses is described followed by an overview of fabrication methods. A summary of applications is then provided illustrating the rich variety of applications for which fresnel lenses may be designed to fulfill.

Watson, Michael D.↗
NASA NTRS1974

The radiation from slots in truncated dielectric-covered surfaces

A theoretical approach based on the geometrical theory of diffraction is used to study the electromagnetic radiation from a narrow slot in a dielectric-covered perfectly-conducting surface terminated at an edge. The total far-zone field is composed of a geometrical optics field and a diffracted field. The geometrical optics field is the direct radiation from the slot to the field point. The slot also generates surface waves which are incident at the termination of the dielectric cover, where singly-diffracted rays and reflected surface waves are excited. The diffraction and reflection coefficients are obtained from the canonical problem of the diffraction of a surface wave by a right-angle wedge where the dielectric-covered surface is approximated by an impedance surface. This approximation is satisfactory for a very thin cover; however, the radiation from its vertical and faces cannot be neglected in treating the thicker dielectric cover. This is taken into account by using a Kirchhoff-type approximation, which contributes a second term to the diffraction coefficient previously obtained. The contributions from the geometrical optics field, the singly-diffracted rays and all significant multiply-diffracted rays are summed to give the total radiation. Calculated and measured patterns are found to be in good agreement.

Hwang, Y. M.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Glass mirrors for space telescopes

The Hubble Space Telescope uses a primary mirror having an area of 5 sq m. The mirrors needed for two possible future telescopes, 50 sq m and 500 sq m in area, are considered. The former would be an 8-m diameter monolithic mirror of 'zero-expansion' glass, and would be diffraction-limited at optical wavelengths (0.015 arcsecond images). The 500 sq m mirror, the area proposed for the Large Deployable Reflector, would be diffraction-limited down to 30-micron wavelength (0.3 arcsecond images). Both types of mirror could be of honeycomb sandwich construction made by a new 'air inflation' method. The larger reflector would consist of ultralightweight glass panels.

Angel, J. R. P.↗
DOE OSTI2019

Production of Airy-related beams by an Airy transform optical system

Based on the process of Huygens–Fresnel diffraction integral, we investigate theoretically the characteristics of fields generated by diffracted controllable dark-hollow beams (CDHBs) through an Airy transform optical system. It is shown that the CDHB is transformed into Airy-related beams and the dark central spot is converted into peak intensity. The effects of the incident CDHB parameters such as the mode number N, central spot width w{sub 0} and ε as well as the phase pattern parameters of Airy transform optical system on the generated beam are analyzed in detail with numerical examples.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2015

Structural phase transition causing anomalous photoluminescence behavior in perovskite (C{sub 6}H{sub 11}NH{sub 3}){sub 2}[PbI{sub 4}]

Optical and structural properties of the organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite-type (C{sub 6}H{sub 11}NH{sub 3}){sub 2}[PbI{sub 4}] (abbreviated as C{sub 6}PbI{sub 4}) were investigated using optical absorption, photoluminescence (PL), and x-ray diffraction measurements. Room temperature, optical absorption measurements, performed on spin-coated films of C{sub 6}PbI{sub 4}, revealed two absorption bands at 2.44 and 3.21 eV. Upon 325 nm (3.815 eV) laser irradiation, strong green PL emission peaks were observed at 2.41 eV (P1) and 2.24 eV (P2) and assigned to free and localized excitons, respectively. The exciton binding energy was estimated at 356 meV. At low temperature, two additional emission bands were detected at 2.366 eV (P3) and a large band (LB) at 1.97 eV. The former appeared only below 40 K and the latter emerged below 130 K. The thermal dependence of the PL spectra revealed an abnormal behavior accompanied by singularities in the peak positions and intensities at 40 and 130 K. X-ray diffraction studies performed on powder and single crystals as a function of temperature evidenced significant changes of the interlayer spacing at 50 K and ∼138 K. Around 138 K, a commensurate to incommensurate structural phase transition occurred on cooling. It involves a symmetry breaking leading to a distortion of the PbI{sub 6} octahedron. The resulting incommensurate spatial modulation of the Pb–I distances (and Pb–I–Pb angles) causes a spatial modulation of the band gap, which is at the origin of the emergence of the LB below ∼130 K and the anomalous behavior of the position of P1 below 130 K. The change of the interlayer spacing in the 40-50 K range may in turn be related to the significant decrease of the intensity of P2 and the maximum emission of the LB. These results underline the intricate character of the structural and the PL properties of the hybrid perovskites; understanding such properties should benefit to the design of optoelectronic devices with targeted properties.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2014

Conductivity and optical band gaps of polyethylene oxide doped with Li{sub 2}SO{sub 4} salt

The conductivity and optical properties of Li{sub 2}SO{sub 4} doped polyethylene oxide (PEO) films were studied. The polymer electrolyte films are prepared using solution casting technique. The material phase change was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. Optical absorption study was conducted using UV- Vis. Spectroscopy in the wavelength range 190–1100nm on pure and doped PEO films. The direct and indirect optical band gaps were found decreased from 5.81–4.51eV and 4.84–3.43eV respectively with increasing the Li{sub 2}SO{sub 4}. The conductivity found to increases with increasing the dopant concentration due to strong hopping mechanism at room temperature.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS2024

CODEX Optical Design and Alignment

The COronal Diagnostic EXperiment (CODEX) is a Heliophysics mission to measure the density, temperature, and velocity of the electrons in the solar corona with the primary goal of improving our understanding of the physical conditions of the solar wind in the acceleration region. The temperature and velocity measurement requires much higher signal-to-noise ratio than the density measurements. In solar coronagraphs, the diffraction of the solar disk light due to the occulting element is the dominant source of noise. Therefore, to further suppress the diffracted sun light with respect to the existing coronagraphs is a critical element of the CODEX design. To minimize the stray light due to diffraction, the selected optical design is a two-stage standard coronagraph with an external occulter, an internal occulter, and a Lyot stop. What is unique for this design is that a focal mask was inserted at the telescope focal plane. It works together with the field lens suppressing the stray light down by ~ another order of magnitude as compared to a traditional three-stage approach. During the optical design, a Fourier Transform based beam propagation software, i.e., GLAD, was used to model the beam path through the full coronagraph, from the external occulter to the detector array. All diffraction sensitive elements: external occulter, internal occulter, focal mask, and Lyot stop were carefully modeled and optimized. As a result, the requirement of achieving a stray light level which is one order of magnitude lower than F-corona was satisfied. On the other hand, to achieve the final suppression, a precision optical alignment is another must. This paper also presents our creative alignment procedure: using the combination of metrology, precision alignment equipment, and real time diffraction ring monitoring to minimize the diffraction. The final test results show that the suppression ratio (B/B 0 ) reaches 10 -11 level, which is equivalent to one order of magnitude lower than F-corona.

CODEX optical design and alignment↗
NASA NTRS1980

Vector analogues of the Maggi-Rubinowicz theory of edge diffraction

The Maggi-Rubinowicz technique for scalar and electromagnetic fields is interpreted as a transformation of an integral over an open surface to a line integral around its rim. Maggi-Rubinowicz analogues are found for several vector physical optics representations. For diffraction from a circular aperture, a numerical comparison between these formulations shows the two methods are in agreement. To circumvent certain convergence difficulties in the Maggi-Rubinowicz integrals that occur as the observer approaches the shadow boundary, a variable mesh integration is used. For the examples considered, where the ratio of the aperture diameter to wavelength is about ten, the Maggi-Rubinowicz formulation yields an 8 to 10 fold decrease in computation time relative to the physical optics formulation.

Meneghini, R.↗
DOE OSTI2017

Perfect X-ray focusing via fitting corrective glasses to aberrated optics

Due to their short wavelength, X-rays can in principle be focused down to a few nanometres and below. At the same time, it is this short wavelength that puts stringent requirements on X-ray optics and their metrology. Both are limited by today’s technology. In this work, we present accurate at wavelength measurements of residual aberrations of a refractive X-ray lens using ptychography to manufacture a corrective phase plate. Together with the fitted phase plate the optics shows diffraction-limited performance, generating a nearly Gaussian beam profile with a Strehl ratio above 0.8. As a result, this scheme can be applied to any other focusing optics, thus solving the X-ray optical problem at synchrotron radiation sources and X-ray free-electron lasers.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2014

Synthesis and dielectric properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles using a biotemplate

Zinc Oxide nanoparticles are synthesized using DNA as capping agent. Zinc oxide nanoparticles are synthesized using DNA as a capping agent. Structural and morphological characterizations are done using SEM, FTIR and XRD. The particle size and lattice parameters are calculated from the diffraction data. The optical properties are studied using UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and bandgap variation with temperature is determined. The dielectric property of nanoparticles is studied by varying temperature and frequency. The dielectric constant and dispersion parameters are found out. Method of Cole-Cole analysis is used to study the high temperature dispersion of relaxation time. The variation of both AC and DC conductivity are studied and activation energy calculated.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2015

Friction stir welding joint of dissimilar materials between AZ31B magnesium and 6061 aluminum alloys: Microstructure studies and mechanical characterizations

Friction stir welding is an efficient manufacturing method for joining dissimilar alloys, which can dramatically reduce grain sizes and offer high mechanical joint efficiency. Lap FSW joints between dissimilar AZ31B and Al 6061 alloy sheets were made at various tool rotation and travel speeds. Rotation and travel speeds varied between 560–1400 r/min and 16–40 mm/min respectively, where the ratio between these parameters was such that nearly constant pitch distances were applied during welding. X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), optical microscopy images (OM), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and scanning electron microscopy equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) were used to investigate the microstructures of the joints welded. Intermetallic phases including Al{sub 12}Mg{sub 17} (γ) and Al{sub 3}Mg{sub 2} (β) were detected in the weld zone (WZ). For different tool rotation speeds, the morphology of the microstructure in the stir zone changed significantly with travel speed. Lap shear tensile test results indicated that by simultaneously increasing the tool rotation and travel speeds to 1400 r/min and 40 mm/min, the joint tensile strength and ductility reached a maximum. Microhardness measurements and tensile stress–strain curves indicated that mechanical properties were affected by FSW parameters and mainly depended on the formation of intermetallic compounds in the weld zone. In addition, a debonding failure mode in the Al/Mg dissimilar weld nugget was investigated by SEM and surface fracture studies indicated that the presence of intermetallic compounds in the weld zone controlled the failure mode. XRD analysis of the fracture surface indicated the presence of brittle intermetallic compounds including Al{sub 12}Mg{sub 17} (γ) and Al{sub 3}Mg{sub 2} (β). - Highlights: • Dissimilar Al/Mg joint was obtained by lap friction stir welding technique. • Effect of rotation and travel speeds on the formation of intermetallic compounds • Microstructure and chemical studies including metallography, XRD, SEM-EDS, and EPMA • Mechanical property tests such as stress–strain curves, failure load and hardness • IMCs as Al{sub 3}Mg{sub 2} and Al{sub 12}Mg{sub 17} were identified in weld nugget and at Al/Mg interface.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Dielectric strength of parylene HT

The dielectric strength of parylene HT (PA-HT) films was studied at room temperature in a wide thickness range from 500 nm to 50 μm and was correlated with nano- and microstructure analyses. X-ray diffraction and polarized optical microscopy have revealed an enhancement of crystallization and spherulites development, respectively, with increasing the material thickness (d). Moreover, a critical thickness d{sub C} (between 5 and 10 μm) is identified corresponding to the beginning of spherulite developments in the films. Two distinct behaviors of the dielectric strength (F{sub B}) appear in the thickness range. For d ≥ d{sub C}, PA-HT films exhibit a decrease in the breakdown field following a negative slope (F{sub B} ∼ d{sup −0.4}), while for d < d{sub C}, it increases with increasing the thickness (F{sub B} ∼ d{sup 0.3}). An optimal thickness d{sub optim} ∼ 5 μm corresponding to a maximum dielectric strength (F{sub B} ∼ 10 MV/cm) is obtained. A model of spherulite development in PA-HT films with increasing the thickness is proposed. The decrease in F{sub B} above d{sub C} is explained by the spherulites development, whereas its increase below d{sub C} is induced by the crystallites growth. An annealing of the material shows both an enhancement of F{sub B} and an increase of the crystallites and spherulites dimensions, whatever the thickness. The breakdown field becomes thickness-independent below d{sub C} showing a strong influence of the nano-scale structural parameters. On the contrary, both nano- and micro-scale structural parameters appear as influent on F{sub B} for d ≥ d{sub C}.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
NASA NTRS1980

General optics evaluation program

Computer program GENOPTICS is generalized aid for analysis and evaluation of optical systems that employ lenses, mirrors, diffraction gratings, and other geometrical optical surfaces. It can exactly trace up to 800 rays through as many as 40 surfaces. Results can be used to compute third order aberation coefficients including spheric contributions.

Howell, B. J.↗
DOE OSTI2014

High temperature oxidation behavior of austenitic stainless steel AISI 304 in steam of nanofluids contain nanoparticle ZrO2

The objective of this study is to evaluate high temperature oxidation behavior of austenitic stainless steel SS 304 in steam of nanofluids contain nanoparticle ZrO{sub 2}. The oxidation was performed at high temperatures ranging from 600 to 800°C. The oxidation time was 60 minutes. After oxidation the surface of the samples was analyzed by different methods including, optical microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). X-ray diffraction examination show that the oxide scale formed during oxidation of stainless steel AISI 304 alloys is dominated by iron oxide, Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}. Minor element such as Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3} is also appeared in the diffraction pattern. Characterization by optical microscope showed that cross section microstructure of stainless steel changed after oxidized with the oxide scale on the surface stainless steels. SEM and x-ray diffraction examination show that the oxide of ZrO{sub 2} appeared on the surface of stainless steel. Kinetic rate of oxidation of austenite stainless steel AISI 304 showed that increasing oxidation temperature and time will increase oxidation rate.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2015

“MODAL NOISE” IN SINGLE-MODE FIBERS: A CAUTIONARY NOTE FOR HIGH PRECISION RADIAL VELOCITY INSTRUMENTS

Exploring the use of single-mode fibers (SMFs) in high precision Doppler spectrometers has become increasingly attractive since the advent of diffraction-limited adaptive optics systems on large-aperture telescopes. Spectrometers fed with these fibers can be made significantly smaller than typical “seeing-limited” instruments, greatly reducing cost and overall complexity. Importantly, classical mode interference and speckle issues associated with multi-mode fibers, also known as “modal noise,” are mitigated when using SMFs, which also provide perfect radial and azimuthal image scrambling. However, SMFs do support multiple polarization modes, an issue that is generally ignored for larger-core fibers given the large number of propagation modes. Since diffraction gratings used in most high resolution astronomical instruments have dispersive properties that are sensitive to incident polarization changes, any birefringence variations in the fiber can cause variations in the efficiency profile, degrading illumination stability. Here we present a cautionary note outlining how the polarization properties of SMFs can affect the radial velocity (RV) measurement precision of high resolution spectrographs. This work is immediately relevant to the rapidly expanding field of diffraction-limited, extreme precision RV spectrographs that are currently being designed and built by a number of groups.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2014

Magnetic and optical properties of electrospun hollow nanofibers of SnO{sub 2} doped with Ce-ion

Cerium doped SnO{sub 2} hollow nanofibers were synthesized by electrospinning. High resolution scanning electron microscope (HRSEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis showed hollow nanofibers with diameters around ∼200 nm. The optimized substitution of Ce ion into SnO{sub 2} lattices happened above 6 mol. % doping as confirmed by Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. Optical band gap was decreased by the doping confirming the direct energy transfer between f-electrons of rare earth ion and the SnO{sub 2} conduction or valence band. The compound also exhibited room temperature ferromagnetism with the saturation magnetization of 19 × 10{sup −5} emu/g at 6 mol. %. This study demonstrates the Ce doped SnO{sub 2} hollow nanofibers for applications in magneto-optoelectronic devices.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2018

Generation of coherent phonons by coherent extreme ultraviolet radiation in a transient grating experiment

In this work, we investigate the excitation of coherent acoustic and optical phonons by ultrashort extreme ultraviolet (EUV) pulses produced by a free electron laser. Two crossed femtosecond EUV (wavelength 12.7 nm) pulses are used to excite coherent phonons at a wavelength of 280 nm, which are detected via diffraction of an optical probe beam. Longitudinal and surface acoustic waves are measured in BK-7 glass, diamond, and Bi 4 Ge 3 O 12 ; in the latter material, the excitation of a coherent optical phonon mode is also observed. We discuss probing different acoustic modes in reflection and transmission geometries and frequency mixing of surface and bulk acoustic waves in the signal. The use of extreme ultraviolet radiation will allow the creation of tunable GHz to THz acoustic sources in any material without the need to fabricate transducer structures.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗