SEARCH · Engineering Papers
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.
Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.
A computer program was developed to generate random numbers on the Sigma V computer. A subroutine gave a random real number from a uniform distribution on the interval (0,1). A normal distribution with mean zero and variance 1 was also obtained.
Infrared (IR) telescopes, such as Spitzer and SOFIA, have revealed a rich variety of chemical species trapped in interstellar ices. The most fundamental parameters to be derived from observed IR spectra are the identity and abundance of each component. Several compounds have been conclusively or tentatively identified, but the band strengths and optical constants needed to derive accurate abundances for many of these are poorly constrained. We have developed a modified approach to the extraction of the real and imaginary parts of the refractive index (optical constants) of a thin film from a single transmission spectrum measured in the IR spectral range. Our algorithm is similar to those implemented by previous authors, with some major changes that yield results for strong absorptions where previous approaches fail: (1) an adaptive k-correction step size, (2) the use of a root-finding algorithm to obtain a more accurate k-correction at each iteration, and (3) a k-correction step that prevents non-physical results such as negative n-values that prevent convergence in the calculation algorithm. The algorithm is presented and described, with examples to show agreement with some existing results and improvements upon others. New optical-constants calculations for CH3OH, CO2, N2O, and CH4 are presented, and potential implications for the modeling of interstellar and planetary ice data from space telescopes are discussed. With the objective of being open-source and transparent, the full source code in the free Python programming language is made available along with the compiled version and the laboratory data used to produce the results shown.
Abstract not provided.
Abstract not provided.
Far-infrared (lambda/bar/ = 37 to 108 microns) observations of 13 planetary nebulae are presented. Their far-infrared spectral energy distributions are in general similar to that of NGC 7027, the only planetary heretofore observed at these wavelengths. Characteristic dust temperatures are near 100 K. The one planetary with a far-infrared spectral energy distribution significantly different from that of NGC 7027 is IC 418. Relative dust masses have been computed for the nebulae, and, within the very large errors, no signifcant differences are found between the masses of dust in individual nebulae. The one exception is, again, IC 418, which may have a significantly lower dust mass than the other nebulae. Emission optical depths are computed and appear to be roughly correlated with the nebular electron density.
Holographic computing principles make possible image improvement and synthesis in many cases of current scientific and engineering interest. Examples are given for the improvement of resolution in electron microscopy and 3-D reconstruction in electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography, following an analysis of optical versus digital computing in such applications.
Camera or lens-based detector calibration is essential for spatial accuracy in applications like dimensional tomography, optical metrology, and computer vision. Many methods and software exist yet there is still a lack of approaches that achieve both high accuracy and robustness while being easy to use and capable of handling a wide range of distortions. Radial lens distortion is common in high-resolution X-ray detector optics used in parallel-beam tomography at synchrotrons. Achieving sub-pixel accuracy requires calibrating with an optical target image. Although methods for characterizing radial distortion are well established, acquired images often also include perspective distortion and optical center offset. Here, we present our approaches to individually characterize and correct both types of distortion using a single calibration image, implemented in the Discorpy software.
Panoramic detection systems (PDSs) are developmental video monitoring and image-data processing systems that, as their name indicates, acquire panoramic views. More specifically, a PDS acquires images from an approximately cylindrical field of view that surrounds an observation platform. The main subsystems and components of a basic PDS are a charge-coupled- device (CCD) video camera and lens, transfer optics, a panoramic imaging optic, a mounting cylinder, and an image-data-processing computer. The panoramic imaging optic is what makes it possible for the single video camera to image the complete cylindrical field of view; in order to image the same scene without the benefit of the panoramic imaging optic, it would be necessary to use multiple conventional video cameras, which have relatively narrow fields of view.
Zinc oxide is potentially a useful material for ultraviolet detectors; however, a relatively long response time hinders practical implementation. Here by designing and fabricating a self-powered ZnO/perovskite-heterostructured ultraviolet photodetector, the pyroelectric effect, induced in wurtzite ZnO nanowires on ultraviolet illumination, has been utilized as an effective approach for high-performance photon sensing. The response time is improved from 5.4 s to 53 μs at the rising edge, and 8.9 s to 63 μs at the falling edge, with an enhancement of five orders in magnitudes. The specific detectivity and the responsivity are both enhanced by 322%. This work provides a novel design to achieve ultrafast ultraviolet sensing at room temperature via light-self-induced pyroelectric effect. The newly designed ultrafast self-powered ultraviolet nanosensors may find promising applications in ultrafast optics, nonlinear optics, optothermal detections, computational memories and biocompatible optoelectronic probes.
We study excitations and quantum optical properties of hybrid networks made up of metal nanoparticles, semiconductor quantum dots and molecules. Such processes can be used for the localization and the guiding of the electromagnetic field. Localized modes occurring in these networks and the generation of confined fields are also connected to the enhancement of Raman-scattering occurring in these systems. We review some recent theoretical and computational studies of optical properties in hybrid nano-systems to gain control of light–matter interactions at the quantum level for efficient energy transport and sensing applications.
We have developed a technique for image analysis, representation, and decomposition. This technique was motivated by Stephane Mallat's matching-pursuit algorithm. We've altered and simplified the mechanics of his algorithm to enable an extremely fast implementation via optical processing. Initial computer simulations show that our algorithm is capable of decomposing and representing a 2-D image as a linear combination of basis images with both high speed and high fidelity.
Collection of computer programs analyzes arrays of optical cube corners used in laser ranging. Programs compute impulse-response and interference effects of reflected pulses from optical cube corners and calculates interference-effects histogram and far-field diffraction patterns.
An advanced computer code is undergoing development for numerically simulating laser cooling and trapping of large numbers of atoms. The code is expected to be useful in practical engineering applications and to contribute to understanding of the roles that light, atomic collisions, background pressure, and numbers of particles play in experiments using laser-cooled and -trapped atoms. The code is based on semiclassical theories of the forces exerted on atoms by magnetic and optical fields. Whereas computer codes developed previously for the same purpose account for only a few physical mechanisms, this code incorporates many more physical mechanisms (including atomic collisions, sub-Doppler cooling mechanisms, Stark and Zeeman energy shifts, gravitation, and evanescent-wave phenomena) that affect laser-matter interactions and the cooling of atoms to submillikelvin temperatures. Moreover, whereas the prior codes can simulate the interactions of at most a few atoms with a resonant light field, the number of atoms that can be included in a simulation by the present code is limited only by computer memory. Hence, the present code represents more nearly completely the complex physics involved when using laser-cooled and -trapped atoms in engineering applications. Another advantage that the code incorporates is the possibility to analyze the interaction between cold atoms of different atomic number. Some properties that cold atoms of different atomic species have, like cross sections and the particular excited states they can occupy when interacting with each other and light fields, play important roles not yet completely understood in the new experiments that are under way in laboratories worldwide to form ultracold molecules. Other research efforts use cold atoms as holders of quantum information, and more recent developments in cavity quantum electrodynamics also use ultracold atoms to explore and expand new information-technology ideas. These experiments give a hint on the wide range of applications and technology developments that can be tackled using cold atoms and light fields. From more precise atomic clocks and gravity sensors to the development of quantum computers, there will be a need to completely understand the whole ensemble of physical mechanisms that play a role in the development of such technologies. The code also permits the study of the dynamic and steady-state operations of technologies that use cold atoms. The physical characteristics of lasers and fields can be time-controlled to give a realistic simulation of the processes involved such that the design process can determine the best control features to use. It is expected that with the features incorporated into the code it will become a tool for the useful application of ultracold atoms in engineering applications. Currently, the software is being used for the analysis and understanding of simple experiments using cold atoms, and for the design of a modular compact source of cold atoms to be used in future research and development projects. The results so far indicate that the code is a useful design instrument that shows good agreement with experimental measurements (see figure), and a Windows-based user-friendly interface is also under development.
The results of computer simulations of the electron-optical system of an electron gun with a plasma emitter are presented. The simulations are performed using the KOBRA3-INP, XOOPIC, and ANSYS codes. The results describe the electron beam formation and transport. The electron trajectories are analyzed. The mechanisms of gas influence on the energy inhomogeneity of the beam and its current in the regions of beam primary formation, acceleration, and transport are described. Recommendations for optimizing the electron-optical system with a plasma emitter are presented.
As a technology major from Jackson State University (JSU) I was called in as a summer intern at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) to work in the NASA Engineering, Control and Data Systems (NE-C) Division supporting the Spaceport Command and Control System (SCCS) at the Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF). I was given a two-part project; the first consisted of lending support relocating SCCS Computer Equipment and Project Personnel to the Launch Control Center (LCC). This task involved me using a Microsoft Office data processing tool to assist with the analysis and information management of logistics worth millions of dollars. With the assistance of two other interns, I was responsible for collecting data on equipment used, on a daily basis, by over 200 KSC employees. The many network servers, enterprise switches, desktop computers, and fiber optics had to be handled in an equally prompt and precise manner in order to ensure a minimal amount of equipment down time; which is critical in ensuring a properly secured networking environment. The second part of my project was to assist KSC in developing a more cost effective way of maintaining and taking full advantage of the functionality of some new kiosk units. Since KSC currently has no expert on the servicing and maintenance of the units, I, as a computer technology major, was given the opportunity to assess the hardware and software of the machines. The goal was to learn to establish a secure and remote environment for the kiosks; a goal highly valuing convenience by preserving valuable man-hours saved by not having to travel to each individual kiosk location. In addition, I was to leave a clear and precise plan for future users and administrators of the devices to follow.
Two approaches to the description of spin dynamics of electron-nuclear system in quantum dots are compared: the quantum-mechanical one is based on direct diagonalization of the model Hamiltonian and semiclassical one is based on coupled equations for precession of mean electron spin and mean spin of nuclear spin fluctuations. The comparison was done for a model problem describing periodic excitation of electron-nuclear system by optical excitation. The computation results show that scattering of parameters related to fluctuation of the nuclear spin system leads to appearance of an ordered state in the system caused by periodic excitation and to the effect of electron-spin mode locking in an external magnetic field. It is concluded that both models can qualitatively describe the mode-locking effect, however give significantly different quantitative results. This may indicate the limited applicability of the precession model for describing the spin dynamics in quantum dots in the presence of optical pumping.
Topics covered include: Wirelessly Interrogated Wear or Temperature Sensors; Processing Nanostructured Sensors Using Microfabrication Techniques; Optical Pointing Sensor; Radio-Frequency Tank Eigenmode Sensor for Propellant Quantity Gauging; High-Temperature Optical Sensor; Integral Battery Power Limiting Circuit for Intrinsically Safe Applications; Configurable Multi-Purpose Processor; Squeezing Alters Frequency Tuning of WGM Optical Resonator; Automated Computer Access Request System; Range Safety for an Autonomous Flight Safety System; Fast and Easy Searching of Files in Unisys 2200 Computers; Parachute Drag Model; Evolutionary Scheduler for the Deep Space Network; Modular Habitats Comprising Rigid and Inflatable Modules; More About N2O-Based Propulsion and Breathable-Gas Systems; Ultrasonic/Sonic Rotary-Hammer Drills; Miniature Piezoelectric Shaker for Distribution of Unconsolidated Samples to Instrument Cells; Lunar Soil Particle Separator; Advanced Aerobots for Scientific Exploration; Miniature Bioreactor System for Long-Term Cell Culture; Electrochemical Detection of Multiple Bioprocess Analytes; Fabrication and Modification of Nanoporous Silicon Particles; High-Altitude Hydration System; Photon Counting Using Edge-Detection Algorithm; Holographic Vortex Coronagraph; Optical Structural Health Monitoring Device; Fuel-Cell Power Source Based on Onboard Rocket Propellants; Polar Lunar Regions: Exploiting Natural and Augmented Thermal Environments; Simultaneous Spectral Temporal Adaptive Raman Spectrometer - SSTARS; Improved Speed and Functionality of a 580-GHz Imaging Radar; Bolometric Device Based on Fluxoid Quantization; Algorithms for Learning Preferences for Sets of Objects; Model for Simulating a Spiral Software-Development Process; Algorithm That Synthesizes Other Algorithms for Hashing; Algorithms for High-Speed Noninvasive Eye-Tracking System; and Adapting ASPEN for Orbital Express.
Dark-field X-ray microscopy (DFXM) is a novel diffraction-based imaging technique that non-destructively maps the local deformation from crystalline defects in bulk materials. While studies have demonstrated that DFXM can spatially map 3D defect geometries, it is still challenging to interpret DFXM images of the high-dislocation-density systems relevant to macroscopic crystal plasticity. This work develops a scalable forward model to calculate virtual DFXM images for complex discrete dislocation structure(s) (DDS) obtained from atomistic simulations. Our new DDS-DFXM model integrates a non-singular formulation for calculating the local strain from the DDS and an efficient geometrical optics algorithm for computing the DFXM image from the strain field. We apply the model to complex DDS obtained from a large-scale molecular dynamics simulation of compressive loading on single-crystal silicon. Simulated DFXM images exhibit prominent contrast for dislocation features between the multiple slip systems, demonstrating the potential of DFXM to resolve features from dislocation multiplication. In conclusion, the integrated DDS-DFXM model provides a toolbox for DFXM experimental design and image interpretation in the context of bulk crystal plasticity for a range of measurements across shock plasticity and the broader materials science community.