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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 577 records · Page 32
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2012

International Space Station Major Constituent Analyzer On-Orbit Performance

The Major Constituent Analyzer is a mass spectrometer based system that measures the major atmospheric constituents on the International Space Station. A number of limited-life components require periodic changeout, including the ORU 02 analyzer and the ORU 08 Verification Gas Assembly. Over the past two years, two ORU 02 analyzer assemblies have operated nominally while two others have experienced premature on-orbit failures. These failures as well as nominal performances demonstrate that ORU 02 performance remains a key determinant of MCA performance and logistical support. It can be shown that monitoring several key parameters can maximize the capacity to monitor ORU health and properly anticipate end of life. Improvements to ion pump operation and ion source tuning are expected to improve lifetime performance of the current ORU 02 design.

Gardner, Ben D.↗
NASA NTRS2014

Radio Frequency Power Load and Associated Method

A radio frequency power load and associated method. A radio frequency power load apparatus may include a container with an ionized fluid therein. The apparatus may include one conductor immersed in a fluid and another conductor electrically connected to the container. A radio frequency transmission system may include a radio frequency transmitter, a radio frequency amplifier connected to the transmitter and a radio frequency power load apparatus connected to the amplifier. The apparatus may include a fluid having an ion source therein, one conductor immersed in a fluid, and another conductor electrically connected to the container. A method of dissipating power generated by a radio frequency transmission system may include constructing a waveguide with ionized fluid in a container and connecting the waveguide to an amplifier of the transmission system.

Srinivasan, V. Karthik↗
NASA NTRS2014

The Neutral Mass Spectrometer on the Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer Mission

The Neutral Mass Spectrometer (NMS) of the Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) Mission is designed to measure the composition and variability of the tenuous lunar atmosphere. The NMS complements two other instruments on the LADEE spacecraft designed to secure spectroscopic measurements of lunar composition and in situ measurement of lunar dust over the course of a 100-day mission in order to sample multiple lunation periods. The NMS utilizes a dual ion source designed to measure both surface reactive and inert species and a quadrupole analyzer. The NMS is expected to secure time resolved measurements of helium and argon and determine abundance or upper limits for many other species either sputtered or thermally evolved from the lunar surface.

Moon↗
NASA NTRS2017

Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer (MOMA) Laser Desorption/Ionization Source Design and Performance Characterization

The Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer (MOMA), a dual-source, ion trap-based instrument capable of both pyrolysis-gas chromatography mass spectrometry (pyr/GC-MS) and laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (LDI-MS), is the core astrobiology investigation on the ExoMars rover. The MOMA instrument will be the first spaceflight mass analyzer to exploit the LDI technique to detect refractory organic compounds and characterize host mineralogy; this mode of analysis will be conducted at Mars ambient conditions. In order to achieve high performance in the Martian environment while keeping the instrument compact and low power, a number of innovative designs and components have been implemented for MOMA. These include a miniaturized linear ion trap (LIT), a fast actuating aperture valve with ion inlet tube, and a Microelectromechanical System (MEMS) Pirani sensor. Advanced analytical capabilities like Stored Waveform Inverse Fourier Transform (SWIFT) for selected ion ejection and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) are realized in LDI-MS mode, and enable the isolation and enhancement of specific mass ranges and structural analysis, respectively. We report here the technical details of these instrument components as well as system-level analytical capabilities, and we review the applications of this technology to Mars and other high-priority targets of planetary exploration.

Xiang Li↗
NASA NTRS2018

Tandem LA-ICP-MS & LIBS; A New Micro-Analytical Technique for the Measurement of Every Element in the Periodic Table

Laser Ablation ICP-MS (LA-ICP-MS) has been widely accepted as a microanalytical technique for in-situ trace (ppb) elemental analysis on the micron scale in a variety of geologic materials. LA-ICP-MS (single or multi-collector) provides both elemental and isotopic measurements critical for a wide range of geological research by generating a fine grained aerosol (nm scale) during the laser ablation event and delivering that aerosol to the ICP ion source of the mass spectrometer via an inert carrier gas. LA-ICP-MS, however, suffers from limitations in analyzing high ionization potential elements as well as elements subject to atmospheric and argon based interferences. LA-ICP-MS also has limitations in analyzing major elements due to detector saturation. An alternative laser ablation technique, Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), employs an optical spectrometer integrated into the laser ablation system that analyzes the laser induced plasma at the sample surface across the entire optical spectrum for emission lines of every element in the periodic table. Elements that are difficult or impossible to measure with LA-ICP-MS are now possible to analyze with LIBS down to low ppm levels with CCD and/or ICCD detection. We introduce a new laser based technique, “Tandem LA-LIBS”, that combines LA for ICP-MS and LIBS into one integrated laser ablation system. This system has the effect of expanding the elemental coverage and the dynamic range of the laser ablation experiment as measurements from ppb to % level matrix elements can now be analyzed in a single ablation experiment. We present both femtosecond and nanosecond Tandem LA-LIBS quantitative and qualitative data on wide range of geological materials for those elements that are difficult or impossible by traditional LA-ICP-MS techniques such as F, H, O, N, C, S, halogens, etc. We also demonstrate that the simultaneous measurement of trace, minor and major elements are now possible in a single laser ablation experiment with Tandem LA-LIBS technology.

LA-ICP-MS↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Update on Planetary, Lunar, & Asteroid Natural Environment Testbed (PLANET)

At ISMSE15, the Planetary, Lunar, & Asteroid Natural Environment Testbed (PLANET) was introduced as an upcoming high-fidelity, combined-effects planetary surface environment laboratory. This year, we will present an update on the facility status, describing the procurement, installation, commissioning of the chamber in Huntsville, Alabama (USA). With NASA’s push to return to the Moon through the Artemis program, there is a clear need for more high-fidelity test chambers that can replicate multiple aspects of the lunar surface, especially the fine, dusty lunar soil known as regolith. The PLANET chamber is designed to fill this gap, enabling research & development, qualification, and verification testing in a combined lunar surface environment, at an affordable price, for government, commercial/industry, and academic partners. Features include a large regolith simulant bed, low energy electron and ion sources to replicate the solar wind, full-spectrum UV and Solar simulation, and a liquid nitrogen cryogenic shroud, all in a high-vacuum environment (as low as 10^-7 mbar). PLANET’s initial focus will be on the lunar environment, but other surface environments (Martian, asteroid, etc.) are also possible to simulate. Besides the environmental instrumentation, PLANET will be equipped with specialized test systems that the Space Environmental Effects Team has developed over the past two years, including an in-situ tribometer and uniform dust distribution system. The chamber is currently being manufactured, with plans to install in May 2024. This will be followed by outfitting and commissioning. The challenges and accomplishments seen during this process will be detailed, and data from the first tests performed in PLANET will be shared with the community.

environmental testing↗
DOE OSTI2021

NIBS 2020 Reference Sheets

In preparation for NIBS 2020 various labs prepared reference sheets containing key information about their ion sources and the machines that they serve. The contents of the reference sheets have been formatted and edited into this paper for posterity and ease of access.

Welton, Robert F.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Compact high gradient ion accelerating structure

A high gradient linear accelerating structure can propagate high frequency waves at a negative harmonic to accelerate low-energy ions. The linear accelerating structure can provide a gradient of 50 MV/m for particles at a β of between 0.3 and 0.4. The high gradient structure can be a part of a linear accelerator configured to provide an energy range from an ion source to 450 MeV/u for 12 C 6+ and 250 MeV for protons. The linear accelerator can include one or more of the following sections: a radiofrequency quadrupole (RFQ) accelerator operating at the sub-harmonic of the S-band frequency, a high gradient structure for the energy range from ˜45 MeV/u to ˜450 MeV/u.

Kutsaev, Sergey↗
DOE OSTI2023

Time-drift Aware RF Optimization with Machine Learning Techniques

The Fermilab Linac delivers 400 MeV H- beam to the rest of the accelerator chain. Providing stable intensity, energy, and emittance is key since it directly affects downstream machines. To operate high current beam, accelerators must minimize uncontrolled particle loss; this can be accomplished by minimizing beam longitudinal emittance via RF parameter optimization. However, RF tuning is required daily since the resonance frequency of the accelerating cavities is affected by ambient temperature and humidity variations and thus drifts with time. In addition, the energy and phase space distribution of particles emerging from the ion source are subject to fluctuations. Such drift is not unique to Fermilab, but rather affects most laboratories. We are exploring machine learning (ML) algorithms for automated RF tuning for 2 objectives: optimization of Linac output energy and phase oscillation correction, with an emphasis on time-drift aware modeling that can account for conditions changing over time.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2023

LLRF System for the Fermilab PIP-II Superconducting LINAC

PIP-II is an 800 MEV superconducting linac that is in the initial acceleration chain for the Fermilab accelerator complex. The RF system consists of a warm front-end with an ion source, RFQ and buncher cavities along with 25 superconducting cryo-modules comprised of five different acceleration \(\beta\). The LLRF system for the LINAC has to provide field and resonance control for a total of 125 RF cavities.The LLRF system design is in the final design review phase and will enter the production phase next year. The PIP-II project is an international collaboration with various partner labs contributing subsystems. The LLRF system design for the PIP-II Linac is presented and the specification requirements and system performance in various stages of testing are described in this paper.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
NASA NTRS1981

Ion beam deposited protective films

Sputter deposition of adherent thin films on complex geometric surfaces by ion beam sources is examined in order to evaluate three different types of protective coatings for die materials. In the first experiment, a 30 cm diameter argon ion source was used to sputter deposit adherent metallic films up to eight microns thick on H-13 steel, and a thermal fatigue test specimen sputter deposited with metallic coatings one micron thick was immersed in liquid aluminum and cooled by water for 15,000 cycles to simulate operational environments. Results show that these materials do protect the steel by reducing thermal fatigue and thereby increasing die lifetime. The second experiment generated diamond-like carbon films using a dual beam ion source system that directed an eight cm argon ion source beam at the substrates. These films are still in the process of being evaluated for crystallinity, hardness and infrared absorption. The third experiment coated a fiber glass beam shield incorporated in the eight-cm diameter mercury ion thruster with molybdenum to ensure proper electrical and thermal properties. The coating maintained its integrity even under acceleration tests.

Mirtich, M. J.↗
DOE OSTI2023

A compact dication source for Ba 2+ tagging and heavy metal ion sensor development

Here, we present a tunable metal ion beam that delivers controllable ion currents in the picoamp range for testing of dry-phase ion sensors. Ion beams are formed by sequential atomic evaporation and single or multiple electron impact ionization, followed by acceleration into a sensing region. Controllability of the ionic charge state is achieved through tuning of electrode potentials that influence the retention time in the ionization region. Barium, lead, and cadmium samples have been used to test the system, with ion currents identified and quantified using a quadrupole mass analyzer. Realization of a clean Ba 2+ ion beam within a bench-top system represents an important technical advance toward the development and characterization of barium tagging systems for neutrinoless double beta decay searches in xenon gas. This system also provides a testbed for investigation of novel ion sensing methodologies for environmental assay applications, with dication beams of Pb 2+ and Cd 2+ also demonstrated for this purpose.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
NASA NTRS1987

Occultation of compact radio sources by the ion tail of Halley's Comet

Enhancements of scintillations of the compact radio sources PKS 2314+03 and 1827-360 were observed at 103 MHz and 408 MHz during 18-21 December 1985 and on 29 March 1986, respectively, when the plasma tail of Halley's Comet swept across them. At 103 MHz the RMS plasma density variation along the tail was 10 and 3.3/cu cm at 0.12 AU and 0.18 AU, respectively, as measured from the comet's position. At 408 MHz it was 1.9/cu cm at 0.036 AU. Comparison of results of these two sets of observations is presented.

Alurkar, S. K.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Micromachined Ion Accelerators

Proposed ion accelerators made by micromachining techniques. Advantages include small size and weight, modularity, and compatibility with integrated circuits. Used as sources of ion beams for industrial processes. Ion accelerator of this type combined with integrated electronic control and power circuitry, plus similarly miniaturized valves and other mechanisms for regulating flow of gas used to generate ions - all micromachined on single chip. Provides flexibility for tailoring characteristics of ion sources for specific applications; for example, construct array of many such devices to obtain large ion source or position multiple devices to obtain desired ion-beam pattern in processing chamber.

Brophy, John↗
NASA NTRS1976

Ion plating with an induction heating source

Induction heating is introduced as an evaporation heat source in ion plating. A bare induction coil without shielding can be directly used in the glow discharge region with no arcing. The only requirement is to utilize an rf inductive generator with low operating frequency of 75 kHz. Mechanical simplicity of the ion plating apparatus and ease of operation is a great asset for industrial applications; practically any metal such as nickel, iron, and the high temperature refractories can be evaporated and ion plated.

Spalvins, T.↗
NASA NTRS1995

The Thermal Ion Dynamics Experiment and Plasma Source Instrument

The Thermal Ion Dynamics Experiment (TIDE) and the Plasma Source Instrument (PSI) have been developed in response to the requirements of the ISTP Program for three-dimensional (3D) plasma composition measurements capable of tracking the circulation of low-energy (0-500 eV) plasma through the polar magnetosphere. This plasma is composed of penetrating magnetosheath and escaping ionospheric components. It is in part lost to the downstream solar wind and in part recirculated within the magnetosphere, participating in the formation of the diamagnetic hot plasma sheet and ring current plasma populations. Significant obstacles which have previously made this task impossible include the low density and energy of the outflowing ionospheric plasma plume and the positive spacecraft floating potentials which exclude the lowest-energy plasma from detection on ordinary spacecraft. Based on a unique combination of focusing electrostatic ion optics and time of flight detection and mass analysis, TIDE provides the sensitivity (seven apertures of about 1 cm squared effective area each) and angular resolution (6 x 18 degrees) required for this purpose. PSI produces a low energy plasma locally at the POLAR spacecraft that provides the ion current required to balance the photoelectron current, along with a low temperature electron population, regulating the spacecraft potential slightly positive relative to the space plasma. TIDE/PSI will: (a) measure the density and flow fields of the solar and terrestrial plasmas within the high polar cap and magnetospheric lobes; (b) quantify the extent to which ionospheric and solar ions are recirculated within the distant magnetotail neutral sheet or lost to the distant tail and solar wind; (c) investigate the mass-dependent degree energization of these plasmas by measuring their thermodynamic properties; (d) investigate the relative roles of ionosphere and solar wind as sources of plasma to the plasma sheet and ring current.

Moore, T. E.↗
NASA NTRS1983

A source of the backstreaming ion beams in the foreshock region

The proposed source mechanism for the 'reflected' ion beams observed in the bow shock region's foreshock places the origin of the beams in the magnetosheath, downstream of the quasi-perpendicular shock portion whose transition is characterized by the downstream ion populations. Particle simulations indicate that highly anisotropic downstream ion distributions can excite electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves which, in turn, pitch angle-scatter the gyrating ions in a few ion gyroperiods. As a result, some ions acquire large parallel velocities and move fast enough along the convecting downstream magnetic field to escape back across the bow shock into the upstream region. The results presented are in general agreement with ISEE reflected ion observations.

Tanaka, M.↗