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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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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1974

Experimental study of sharp and blunt nose streamwise corners at Mach 20

Extensive heat transfer and pressure distribution data and oil flow studies on sharp and blunt-nose streamwise corners at Mach 20 in helium are presented. The far corner boundary layers on the wedge surfaces forming the corners are laminar for most test conditions. Analysis of the data indicates that the corner flow field geometry can be described in terms of the inviscid shock pattern on the two dimensional surfaces forming the corner. Parameters used to correlate blunt shock growth can be used to correlate features of the flow field observed in oil flow photographs in addition to the measured pressure and heat transfer distributions on the models. The flow field structure is described from available experimental data. Regions of the flow in which the structure still is not known are discussed.

Watson, R. D.↗
DOE OSTI2018

Supramolecular Modulation of Structural Polymorphism in Pathogenic α‐Synuclein Fibrils Using Copper(II) Coordination

Abstract Structural variation of α‐synuclein (αSyn) fibrils has been linked to the diverse etiologies of synucleinopathies. However, little is known about what specific mechanism provides αSyn fibrils with pathologic features. Herein, we demonstrate Cu(II)‐based supramolecular approach for unraveling the formation process of pathogenic αSyn fibrils and its application in a neurotoxic mechanism study. The conformation of αSyn monomer was strained by macrochelation with Cu(II), thereby disrupting the fibril elongation while promoting its nucleation. This non‐canonical process formed shortened, β‐sheet enriched αSyn fibrils (<0.2 μm) that were rapidly transmitted and accumulated to neuronal cells, causing neuronal cell death, in sharp contrast to typical αSyn fibrils (ca. 1 μm). Our approach provided the supramolecular basis for the formation of pathogenic fibrils through physiological factors, such as brain Cu(II).

Choi, Tae Su↗
DOE OSTI2025

Large field-of-view event-mode camera for high-precision epithermal neutron resonance imaging

A large-area event-mode camera system coupled with a 6 LiF-ZnS:Ag scintillator is applied for neutron resonance imaging (NRI) on the energy-resolved neutron imaging (ERNI) flight path, also known as Flight Path 5 (FP5), at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE). This novel neutron imaging system, featuring a 120 x 120 mm 2 field of view, efficiently captures resonance information across the entire image in a single acquisition, significantly reducing beam time requirements compared to conventional energy-resolved neutron imaging systems. High-quality neutron radiographs with enhanced spatial resolution are achieved through the reconstruction of neutron events based on observations of individual photons emitted from the scintillator. The system demonstrates reduced background through neutron/gamma discrimination capabilities while maintaining sharpness across a large fields of view. In the measurements presented here, a spatial resolution of approximately 340 μm was achieved using center-of-gravity photon cluster centroiding. We demonstrate the system’s capability for quantitatively determining isotopic distributions in various thin samples, as well as automatically reconstructing complex scenes with overlapping resonances from diverse samples. These results are obtained using standard data analysis tools, despite the relatively slow 6 LiF-ZnS:Ag scintillator, which may not be optimal for absorption resonance detection. The capabilities demonstrated here offer a valuable, versatile, and cost-effective solution for high spatial and temporal resolution, large field-of-view energy-resolved neutron imaging, with potential applications across various scientific and industrial domains.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Comparison of bifurcation dynamics of turbulent transport models for the L-H transition

In more than three decades, a large amount of models and mechanisms have been proposed to describe a very beneficial feature of magnetically confined fusion plasmas: the L-H transition. Bifurcation theory can be used to compare these different models based on their dynamical transition structure. In this paper, we employ bifurcation theory to distinguish two fundamentally different descriptions of the interaction between turbulence levels and sheared flows. The analytic bifurcation analysis characterises the parameter space structure of the transition dynamics. Herewith, in these models three dynamically different types of transitions are characterised, sharp transitions, oscillatory transitions, and smooth transitions. One of the two models has a very robust transition structure and is therefore likely to be more accurate for such a robust phenomenon as the L-H transition. The other model needs more fine-tuning to get non-oscillatory transitions. These conclusions from the analytic bifurcation analysis are confirmed by dedicated numerical simulations, with the newly developed code Bifurcator.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2012

The scalar bi-spectrum in the Starobinsky model: the equilateral case

While a featureless, nearly scale invariant, primordial scalar power spectrum fits the most recent Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) data rather well, certain features in the spectrum are known to lead to a better fit to the data (although, the statistical significance of such results remains an open issue). In the inflationary scenario, one or more periods of deviations from slow roll are necessary in order to generate features in the scalar perturbation spectrum. Over the last couple of years, it has been recognized that such deviations from slow roll inflation can also result in reasonably large non-Gaussianities. The Starobinsky model involves the canonical scalar field and consists of a linear inflaton potential with a sudden change in the slope. The change in the slope causes a brief period of departure from slow roll which, in turn, results in a sharp rise in power, along with a burst of oscillations in the scalar spectrum for modes that leave the Hubble radius just before and during the period of fast roll. The hallmark of the Starobinsky model is that it allows the scalar power spectrum to be evaluated analytically in terms of the three parameters that describe the model, viz. the two slopes that describe the potential on either side of the discontinuity and the Hubble scale at the time when the field crosses the discontinuity. In this work, we evaluate the bi-spectrum of the scalar perturbations in the Starobinsky model in the equilateral limit. Remarkably, we find that, just as the power spectrum, all the different contributions to the the bi-spectrum too can be evaluated completely analytically and expressed in terms of the three paramaters that describe the model. We show that the quantity f{sub NL}, which characterizes the extent of non-Gaussianity, can be expressed purely in terms of the ratio of the two slopes on either side of the discontinuity in the potential. Further, we find that, for certain values of the parameters, f{sub NL} in the Starobinsky model can be as large as the mean value that has been arrived at from the analysis of the recent CMB data. We also demonstrate that the usual hierarchy of contributions to the bi-spectrum can be altered for certain values of the parameters. Altogether, we find that the Starobinsky model represents a unique scenario wherein, even when the slow roll conditions are violated, the background, the perturbations as well as the corresponding two and three point correlation functions can be evaluated completely analytically. As a consequence, the Starobinsky model can also be used to calibrate numerical codes aimed at computing the non-Gaussianities.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2019

Symmetric tensor gauge theories on curved spaces

Fractons and other subdimensional particles are an exotic class of emergent quasi-particle excitations with severely restricted mobility. A wide class of models featuring these quasi-particles have a natural description in the language of symmetric tensor gauge theories, which feature conservation laws restricting the motion of particles to lower-dimensional sub-spaces, such as lines or points. In this work, we investigate the fate of symmetric tensor gauge theories in the presence of spatial curvature. We find that weak curvature can induce small (exponentially suppressed) violations on the mobility restrictions of charges, leaving a sense of asymptotic fractonic/sub-dimensional behaviour on generic manifolds. Nevertheless, we show that certain symmetric tensor gauge theories maintain sharp mobility restrictions and gauge invariance on certain special curved spaces, such as Einstein manifolds or spaces of constant curvature.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2024

Methods to Evaluate Subcolumn Profiles Based on Two-Point Diagnostics

In atmospheric models, stochastic generation of subgrid-scale profiles or “subcolumns” has been used for a variety of purposes. Such subcolumns can be generated from subgrid probability density functions (PDFs) at different vertical levels, when such PDFs are available. To do so, the generator needs to decide how strongly points should be correlated in the vertical, that is, how much the values should be overlapped. This is sometimes called “PDF overlap.” To assess vertical correlation in a simplified, observable setting, here the vertical correlation of vertical velocity in subcloud layers is examined. Doppler lidar is used to evaluate the vertical profiles of vertical velocity produced by a large-eddy simulation (LES) model and the Subgrid Importance Latin Hypercube Sampler (SILHS) subcolumn generator. In order to diagnose unrealistic features in subcolumn profiles, various statistical diagnostics are examined here, including the bivariate PDF of vertical velocity at two separated points (i.e., altitudes), the two-point velocity correlation, the integral correlation length, the PDF of two-point velocity differences, and the skewness and kurtosis of two-point velocity differences. The profiles produced by LES match lidar well, except that they are too smooth at small scales. The profiles produced by SILHS exhibit sharp jumps from updraft to downdraft that are not observed in the lidar data. To reduce the generation of these unrealistically sharp jumps, the SILHS sampling method is revised. The diagnostics confirm that the revised sampling method reduces the overprediction of sharp jumps.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Evidence of a room-temperature quantum spin Hall edge state in a higher-order topological insulator

Room-temperature realization of macroscopic quantum phases is one of the major pursuits in fundamental physics. The quantum spin Hall phase is a topological quantum phase that features a two-dimensional insulating bulk and a helical edge state. Here we use vector magnetic field and variable temperature based scanning tunnelling microscopy to provide micro-spectroscopic evidence for a room-temperature quantum spin Hall edge state on the surface of the higher-order topological insulator Bi 4 Br 4 . Here, we find that the atomically resolved lattice exhibits a large insulating gap of over 200 meV, and an atomically sharp monolayer step edge hosts an in-gap gapless state, suggesting topological bulk–boundary correspondence. An external magnetic field can gap the edge state, consistent with the time-reversal symmetry protection inherent in the underlying band topology. We further identify the geometrical hybridization of such edge states, which not only supports the Z 2 topology of the quantum spin Hall state but also visualizes the building blocks of the higher-order topological insulator phase. Our results further encourage the exploration of high-temperature transport quantization of the putative topological phase reported here.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2015

Ultra-high Q even eigenmode resonance in terahertz metamaterials

We report the simultaneous excitation of the odd and the even eigenmode resonances in a periodic array of square split-ring resonators, with four resonators per unit cell. When the electric field is parallel to their gaps, only the two well-studied odd eigenmodes are excited. As the resonators are rotated relative to one another, we observe the emergence and excitation of an extremely sharp even eigenmode. In uncoupled split-ring resonators, this even eigenmode is typically radiative in nature with a broad resonance linewidth and low Q-factor. However, in our coupled system, for specific range of rotation angles, our simulations revealed a remarkably high quality factor (Q ∼ 100) for this eigenmode, which has sub-radiant characteristics. This type of quad-supercell metamaterial offers the advantage of enabling access to all the three distinct resonance features of the split-ring resonator, which consists of two odd eigenmodes in addition to the high-Q even eigenmode, which could be exploited for high performance multiband filters and absorbers. The high Q even eigenmode could find applications in designing label free bio-sensors and for studying the enhanced light matter interaction effects.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2018

Majorana spin in magnetic atomic chain systems

In this study, we establish that Majorana zero modes emerging from a topological band structure of a chain of magnetic atoms embedded in a superconductor can be distinguished from trivial localized zero energy states that may accidentally form in this system using spin-resolved measurements. To demonstrate this key Majorana diagnostics, we study the spin composition of magnetic impurity induced in-gap Shiba states in a superconductor using a hybrid model. By examining the spin and spectral densities in the context of the Bogoliubov-de Gennes (BdG) particle-hole symmetry, we derive a sum rule that relates the spin densities of localized Shiba states with those in the normal state without superconductivity. Extending our investigations to a ferromagnetic chain of magnetic impurities, we identify key features of the spin properties of the extended Shiba state bands, as well as those associated with a localized Majorana end mode when the effect of spin-orbit interaction is included. We then formulate a phenomenological theory for the measurement of the local spin densities with spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) techniques. By combining the calculated spin densities and the measurement theory, we show that spin-polarized STM measurements can reveal a sharp contrast in spin polarization between an accidental-zero-energy trivial Shiba state and a Majorana zero mode in a topological superconducting phase in atomic chains. We further confirm our results with numerical simulations that address generic parameter settings.

Majorana fermions↗
DOE OSTI2026

Binary pseudo-random array standard for extreme ultraviolet lithography tool characterization

Extreme ultraviolet (EUV) imaging tools play a crucial role in EUV lithography. Achieving high accuracy in EUV metrology is essential for advanced semiconductor manufacturing. A thorough characterization of the instrumentation in use is required. Binary pseudo-random arrays (BPRAs) are an established standard for calibrating and characterizing optical instruments in the frequency domain. Here, we expand the BPRA standard to applications in EUV imaging. To extend the technology to the EUV spectral range, a high-resolution BPRA target with the smallest feature size of 40 nm is developed. The EUV BPRA target establishes an in situ and portable calibration and alignment standard for EUV imaging. The target is patterned by means of electron-beam lithography, using a nickel absorber with a thickness of 39 nm. The substrate is a 4″ silicon wafer with a molybdenum/silicon multilayer coating. To demonstrate the efficacy of the target and develop the instrument calibration protocol, the target is imaged on the Sharp Hyper-NA Actinic Reticle Review Project EUV mask microscope. Power spectral density (PSD) data are presented. The characteristics of the imaging system are imprinted on the PSD. The modulation transfer function is extracted from the PSD data. A partially coherent imaging model is used as a reference to the experimental results.

BPRA↗
NASA NTRS2022

Global GNSS-RO Electron Density in the Lower Ionosphere

Lack of instrument sensitivity to low electron density (Ne) concentration makes it difficult to measure sharp Ne vertical gradients (four orders of magnitude over 30 km) in the D/E-region. A robust algorithm is developed to retrieve global D/E-region Ne from the high-rate GNSS radio occultation (RO) data, to improve spatio-temporal coverage using recent SmallSat/CubeSat constellations.The new algorithm removes F-region contributions in the RO excess phase profile by fitting a linear function to the data below the D-region.The new GNSS-RO observations reveal many interesting features in the diurnal, seasonal, solar-cycle, and magnetic-field-dependent variations in the Ne morphology. While the D/E-region Ne is a function of solar zenith angle (c), it exhibits strong latitudinal variations for the same c with a distribution asymmetric about noon. In addition, large longitudinal variations are observed along the same magnetic field pitch angle. The summer-midlatitude Ne and sporadic-E(Es) show a distribution similar to each other. The distribution of auroral electron precipitation correlates better with the pitch angle from the magnetosphere than from one at100 km. Finally, anew TEC retrieval technique is developed for the high-rate RO data with a top reaching at least 120 km. For better characterization of the E-to-F transition in Ne and more accurate TEC retrievals, it is recommended to have all GNSS-RO acquisition routinely up to 220 km.

GNSS radio occultation↗
NASA NTRS1991

Design of an inflatable, optically controlled and fed, phased array antenna

Initial studies on the antenna requirements of the Space Exploration Initiative (SEI) system architecture have indicated the need for large, lightweight antennas. This paper discusses the design of a modular, inflatable, optically controlled and fed phased array antenna suitable for SEI aplications. When high gain antennas are required for space applications, large aperture mesh or collapsible solid antenna reflectors are considered. However, these designs are generally not lightweight, and have complicated deployment mechanisms. Alternatively, the modular, inflatable antenna design discussed here is a lightweight, modular design that incorporates a simple deployment scheme, and after deployment, can be rigidized to enhance its structural integrity. Further, the design features the fiberoptic distribution of both RF and control signals to individual microwave integrated circuit/reflector modules in each of the inflatable, phased array antenna cells. The result of combining these two technologies is a modular, phased array antenna design that is both mechanically and electrically agile and robust.

Kunath, Richard R.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Magnetism and spin-dependent transport phenomena across Verwey and Morin transitions in iron oxide/Pt bilayers

Understanding the influence of phase coexistence and phase transitions on spin transport properties in a ferromagnet/heavy metal (FM/HM) system is of utmost importance for spintronics. Here, we report a comprehensive investigation of the magnetic and spin transport properties of biphase iron oxide (BPIO = α-Fe 2 O 3 +Fe 3 O 4 )/Pt films over a wide temperature range, 10K ≤ T ≤ 300K. In-plane (IP) and out-of-plane (OOP) magnetometry and radio frequency transverse susceptibility measurements confirm the characteristic features of the Verwey and Morin transitions at T V ~ 120K and TM ~ 200 K, respectively. Further, anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) is observed in the BPIO film, which arises mainly from the spin polarized tunneling of conduction electrons between neighboring uniformly magnetized grains through the resistive grain boundary. Spin Hall magnetoresistance (SMR) and spin Hall anomalous Hall effect (SH-AHE) are detected in the BPIO/Pt films. Around the T V , the temperature evolution of SMR shows a sharp maximum, while SH-AHE exhibits a steep decrease. Both SMR and SH-AHE are strongly susceptible to the Verwey transition but the Morin transition, indicating that the interfacial magnetism of our BPIO/Pt film is dominated by the Fe 3 O 4 phase rather than the α-Fe 2 O 3 phase.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Impact ionization of excitons in Ge/Si structures with Ge quantum dots grown on the oxidized Si(100) surfaces

Photoconductivity (PC) of Si/Ge structures with Ge quantum dots (QDs) grown on the Si(100) surfaces covered with the ultrathin, about 0.3–0.5 nm thick, SiO{sub 2} films is studied as a function of the interband light intensity under various lateral voltages. The structures exhibit PC with steps and a step with a peak at the step edge for low- and high-temperature grown structures, respectively. These PC features are associated with the impact ionization of QD-related excitons. The PC at step edges increases by several orders of magnitude for a certain value which is governed by the balance between rates of photo-generation, recombination, and impact ionization of excitons. The electron localization deeper in Si from the Ge QD layer in conjunction with a narrow binding-energy distribution of excitons is suggested to be the main reason that provides the sharpness of PC steps. The PC appears to be very sensitive to the impact ionization and QD preparation conditions. This allows revealing the specific characteristics of QD structures, related to their electronic and structural properties.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
NASA NTRS1988

Shock tube investigation of dynamic response of pressure transducers for validation of rotor performance measurements

For some time now, NASA has had a program under way to aid in the validation of rotor performance and acoustics codes associated with the UH-60 rotary-wing aircraft; and to correlate results of such studies with those obtained from investigations of other selected aircraft rotor performance. A central feature of these studies concerns the dynamic measurement of surface pressure at various locations up to frequencies of 25 KHz. For this purpose, fast-response gauges of the Kulite type are employed. The latter need to be buried in the rotor; they record surface pressures which are transmitted by a pipette connected to the gauge. The other end of the pipette is cut flush with the surface. In certain locations, the pipette configuration includes a rather sharp right-angle bend. The natural question has arisen in this connection: In what way are the pipettes modifying the signals received at the rotor surface and subsequently transmitted to the sensitive Kulite transducer element. The basic details and results of the program performed and recently completed in the High Pressure Shock Tube Laboratory of the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Stanford University are given.

Bershader, Daniel↗
NASA NTRS1992

Hopkins ultraviolet telescope observations of the far-ultraviolet spectrum of NGC 4151

Observations of the FUV spectrum of the Seyfert galaxy NGC 4151 from 912 to 1860 A during the flight of Astro-1 aboard the space shuttle Columbia in December 1990 are reported. Broad emission lines with full-width at half-maximum of about 8500 km/s dominate the spectrum. Numerous absorption features modify the continuum shape, particularly at wavelengths shortward of Ly-alpha. The continuum turns over sharply below 1000 A and disappears by 924 A, well above the redshifted Lyman edge of NGC 4151 at 915 A. The absorption lines have intrinsic widths of about 1000 km/s and are blueshifted relative to the system velocity of NGC 4151 by 200-1300 km/s. Absorption of the continuum by the converging higher-order Lyman lines explains the sharp turnover of the continuum below 1000 A. The blueshifts of the absorption lines, their large intrinsic widths, and the inferred high densities are all consistent with outflowing material originating in the broad-line region.

Kriss, G. A.↗