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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 649 records · Page 36
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1976

The application of an optical Fourier spectrum analyzer on detecting defects in mass-produced satellite photographs

Various defects in mass-produced pictures transmitted to earth from a satellite are investigated. It is found that the following defects are readily detectable via Fourier spectrum analysis: (1) bit slip, (2) breakup causing loss of image, and (3) disabled track at the top of the imagery. The scratches made on the film during mass production, which are difficult to detect by visual observation, also show themselves readily in Fourier spectrum analysis. A relation is established between the number of scratches, their width and depth and the intensity of their Fourier spectra. Other defects that are found to be equally suitable for Fourier spectrum analysis or visual (image analysis) detection are synchronous loss without blurring of image, and density variation in gray scale. However, the Fourier spectrum analysis is found to be unsuitable for detection of such defects as pin holes, annotation error, synchronous loss with blurring of images, and missing image in the beginning of the work order. The design of an automated, real time system, which will reject defective films, is treated.

Athale, R.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Automated control of crystal growth

Optical sensors detect liquid/crystal-interface growth parameters. Technique enables automation by using cold-cathode-discharge sensors and linear imaging devices to determine process status and direct growth process.

Hatch, A.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Large sounding rockets as a base for probing the distant magnetosphere

The Echo program's use of large sounding rockets to inject electron beams into the outer trapping region where the earth's plasma sheet interacts with the inner magnetosphere is discussed. The beams pass through the plasma sheet and the trapping region, reflect at the southern hemisphere conjugate point and return to the vicinity of the rocket where they are detected and analyzed for acceleration and diffusion processes which may also be responsible for the radiation belts. The motion of electron beams in the magnetosphere is discussed from the standpoint of single particle motion, and the trajectories of electrons injected with known energy, known angle between the electron velocity vector and the local magnetic field vector, and known position are examined. The interaction between the rocket motion and the electron drift motion is described, and the advantages and drawbacks of beam detection by optical methods and by throwaway detectors are compared. Planned Echo experiments using the Space Shuttle are discussed

Winckler, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Thematic mapper data quality and performance assessment in renewable resource/agricultural remote sensing

A "quick look" investigation of the initial LANDSAT-4, thematic mapper (TM) scene received from Goddard Space Flight Center was performed to gain early insight into the characteristics of TM data. The initial scene, containing only the first four bands of the seven bands recorded by the TM, was acquired over the Detroit, Michigan, area on July 20, 1982. It yielded abundant information for scientific investigation. A wide variety of studies were conducted to assess all aspects of TM data. They ranged from manual analyses of image products to detect obvious optical, electronic, or mechanical defects to detailed machine analyses of the digital data content for evaluation of spectral separability of vegetative/nonvegetative classes. These studies were applied to several segments extracted from the full scene. No attempt was made to perform end-to-end statistical evaluations. However, the output of these studies do identify a degree of positive performance from the TM and its potential for advancing state-of-the-art crop inventory and condition assessment technology.

Erickson, J. D.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Emissions from neutrals and ions in the Jovian magnetosphere

Observations of the system of neutrals and plasma surrounding Jupiter and originating at Io and their interpretation are reviewed, and related processes are discussed. The optical emission detected from the neutral cloud around Jupiter is treated, and results of measurements of the thermal electron density, the ion and electron temperatures are presented. The results of studies of the EUV emissions are considered, and the mechanisms and rates of ionization of neutral material to form the plasma torus are discussed along with the radial diffusion processes that transport plasma through and out of the torus. Finally, the competing plasma loss process of dielectronic recombination is addressed.

Pilcher, C. B.↗
NASA NTRS1983

The broad-band X-ray spectrum of Cygnus X-2

Cygnus X-2 was observed with the broad-band X-ray spectroscopy experiment, HEAO 1 A-2, in the energy range 0.4-18 keV for four intervals of approximately 31 s over the course of 5 days in 1977. The spectra can be adequately represented by single-temperature thermal bremmstrahlung continua with temperatures ranging from 3.7 x 10 to the 7th K to 6.4 x 10 to the 7th K. An examination of the spectra and the spectra-luminosity relationship effectively rules out one degenerate dwarf model for the X-ray emission. The far-UV continuum emission could be dominated by this continuum component during X-ray high states, an effect which would be detected in optical UV line observations. A Comptonized X-ray cloud around a neutron star remains a viable model for the observed X-ray spectra.

Pravdo, S. H.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Flywheel-powered X-ray generator

The use of a small flywheel appears to be a practical alternative to other power sources for mobile X-ray system applications. A 5 kg flywheel has been constructed which runs at 10 krpm and stores 30 KJ while requiring less than 500 W to bring the system up to speed. The wheel is coupled to an aircraft alternator and can yield pulsed power levels over 50 KWp. The aircraft alternator has the advantage of high frequency output which has also permitted the design of smaller high voltage transformers. A series of optical sensors detecting shaft position function as an electronic commutator so that the alternator may operate as a motor to bring the wheel up to operating speed. The system permits the generation of extremely powerful X-rays from a variety of low power sources such as household power outlets, automobile batteries or sources of poorly regulated electrical power such as those found in third world countries.

Siedband, M. P.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Photometry with Multi-anode Microchannel Arrays (mamas) and Charge Injection Devices (cids)

The characteristics of two kinds of detectors are summarized with emphasis on those aspects that would affect their use in high accuracy astronomical photometry. The first type, the multianode microchannel arrays (MAMA), are a family of pulse counting array detectors. Components and operation principles are reviewed and quantum efficiency, noise characteristics, and dynamic range characteristics are described. The second type, charge injection devices (CID), are discussed in reference to their applicability to photometric detection at optical wavelengths.

Timothy, J. G.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Error control coding for satellite and space communications

The optical direct detection channel is discussed. It is shown how simple trellis coded modulation can be used to improve performance or increase throughput (in bits per second) without a bandwidth expansion and no performance loss. In fact, a modest performance gain can be achieved. The concentration is on signals derived from the pulse-position modulation format by allowing overlap.

Georghiades, Costas N.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Optical boundary-layer transition detection in a transonic wind tunnel

A high-sensitivity interferometer has been developed and used to detect boundary-layer transitions over a symmetric airfoil. The tests, which included both natural and roughness-induced transitions, were performed in a transonic wind tunnel. The measurements showed a peak amplitude rms and higher energy in the spectrum of the signal associated with transition. The tests revealed that the interferometer system can be used to locate the transition region over three-dimensional aerodynamic models.

Azzazy, M.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Integrated optics implementation of a fiber optic rotation sensor - Analysis and development

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is developing a fiber optic rotation sensor (FORS) for use on the Mariner Mark II series of planetary explorer craft and in other space applications. FORS is a closed-loop phase-nulling device and embodies a number of interesting innovations. Chief among these are the incorporation of the device's couplers, phase modulators, and polarizer on a single lithium niobate (LinbO3) integrate optics chip and a novel means of reading out angular position and rotation rate based on optical beat detection. Various aspects of the FORS design and operation are described and discussed. Particular attention is paid to analyzing errors attributable to polarizer imperfection and the so-called residual Michelson effect.

Bartman, R. K.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Detection of H I, OH, CO, and optical imaging of the distant galaxy IRAS 12112 + 0305

The detection of H I absorption and OH and CO emission from the galaxy IRAS 12112 + 0305, which is receding from the sun at about 7 percent of the speed of light is reported. This galaxy, which appears to be an ongoing merger, radiates about 2 x 10 to the 12th solar luminosities in the infrared. The H I, OH, and CO spectra are indicative of large turbulent motions. From the millimeter wave CO observations, a total mass of molecular gas of 4 x 10 to the 10th solar masses is inferred. The OH emission in the 1667 MHz line is the most luminous extragalactic OH maser reported so far, with an isotropic luminosity of 1800 solar luminosities.

Mirabel, I. F.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Tunable superlattice p-i-n photodetectors: Characteristics, theory, and applications

Extended measurements and theory on the recently developed monolithic wavelength demultiplexer consisting of voltage-tunable superlattice p-i-n photodetectors in a waveguide configuration are discussed. It is shown that the device is able to demultiplex and detect two optical signals with a wavelength separation of 20 nm directly into different electrical channels at a data rate of 1 Gb/s and with a crosstalk attenuation varying between 20 and 28 dB, depending on the polarization. The minimum acceptable crosstalk attenuation at a data rate of 100 Mb/s is determined to be 10 dB. The feasibility of using the device as a polarization angle sensor for linearly polarized light is also demonstrated. A theory for the emission of photogenerated carriers out of the quantum wells is included, since this is potentially a speed limiting mechanism in these detectors. It is shown that a theory of thermally assisted tunneling by polar optical phonon interaction is able to predict emission times consistent with the observed temporal response.

Larsson, Anders↗
NASA NTRS1988

Lightning in Jupiter's atmosphere

This paper introduces some current ideas on the dynamical structure of Jupiter's atmosphere that are likely to be important for the generation of lightning and reviews briefly the present understanding of Jovian lightning. The Galileo probe into Jupiter's atmosphere is now scheduled for a space shuttle launch in October 1989, with the probe entry into Jupiter's atmosphere to occur in December 1995. The atmospheric probe carries a radio frequency (RF) and optical lightning detection instrument to investigate the characteristics of Jovian lightning,.

Lanzerotti, L. J.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Diplex Fiber-Optic Link For Frequency And Time Signals

Diplex fiber-optic link part of Goldstone Deep Space Communications complex. Relatively inexpensive equipment delivers signals of high quality. At central station, signal combiner adds 5-MHz reference-frequency signal and 36-bit time-code signal, forming composite signal, which modulates light transmitted along optical fiber. At remote station, fiber-optic receiver detects composite signal and provides input to diplexer, which separates frequency reference signal from time-code signal. Signals then amplified to desired levels.

Lutes, George F.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Design and fabrication of a long-life Stirling cycle cooler for space application. Phase 3: Prototype model

A second-generation, Stirling-cycle cryocooler (cryogenic refrigerator) for space applications, with a cooling capacity of 5 watts at 65 K, was recently completed. The refrigerator, called the Prototype Model, was designed with a goal of 5 year life with no degradation in cooling performance. The free displacer and free piston of the refrigerator are driven directly by moving-magnet linear motors with the moving elements supported by active magnetic bearings. The use of clearance seals and the absence of outgassing material in the working volume of the refrigerator enable long-life operation with no deterioration in performance. Fiber-optic sensors detect the radial position of the shafts and provide a control signal for the magnetic bearings. The frequency, phase, stroke, and offset of the compressor and expander are controlled by signals from precision linear position sensors (LVDTs). The vibration generated by the compressor and expander is cancelled by an active counter balance which also uses a moving-magnet linear motor and magnetic bearings. The driving signal for the counter balance is derived from the compressor and expander position sensors which have wide bandwidth for suppression of harmonic vibrations. The efficiency of the three active members, which operate in a resonant mode, is enhanced by a magnetic spring in the expander and by gas springs in the compressor and counterbalance. The cooling was achieved with a total motor input power of 139 watts. The magnetic-bearing stiffness was significantly increased from the first-generation cooler to accommodate shuttle launch vibrations.

Keung, C.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Design and performance of a fiber optic gyroscope using integrated optics

Navigation grade fiber optic rotation sensors (FORS) are being developed as an alternative to spinning mass gyro's for unmanned planetary exploration spacecraft. FORS is attractive because of its many advantages such as long life, low weight, low power, and low cost as compared to its mechanical counterparts. FORS incorporates an advanced integrated optics circuit. The advanced eight-component integrated optics circuit performs all the key signal processing functions and in addition incorporates a unique optical beat detection circuit thereby providing an output in the form of pulses proportional to incremental angular position similar to a ring laser gyro (RLG) but without the inherent lock-in problem RLG's possess.

Youmans, B. R.↗