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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 73 records · Page 4
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1986

ROM-Based Plan-Position-Indicator Sweep Driver

Circuit produces PPI display on conventional X-Y oscilloscope. Circuit requires three inputs. First is once-per-scan pulse to synchronize display to north, relative heading, or another reference direction. Second is once-per-degree-of-rotation pulse to advance sweep rotation. Third input is normal sweep ramp. Duration of ramp corresponds to maximum displayed range. Changing ramp duration, while holding its peak amplitude constant, changes maximum displayed range. Conventional methods to accomplish this task use mechanically-driven deflection coils or mechanically-driven sine and cosine potentiometers, requiring mechanical preventive maintenance plus dedicated display indicator. New method displays radar sweep on any conventional storage oscilloscope.

Franke, J. M.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Development of advanced vacuum technologies for extending plasma pulse duration on EAST

Advanced vacuum technologies, including pumping, fueling and wall conditioning, have been successfully developed or upgraded to efficiently control the fuel and impurity particles to extend the plasma pulse duration in the experimental advanced superconducting tokamak (EAST). To improve the particle exhaust rate cryopumps with a 60% increase in pumping speed and ∼2 times increase in saturation capacity have been developed, and molecular pumps with a ∼30% increase in pumping speed have been upgraded. In order to monitor the molecular pump status while avoiding bearing faults and overload accidents, a fault detection system has been built which can offer an early warning to avoid more losses within the fusion device. A series of fueling technologies have been developed including gas injection system, supersonic molecular beam injector, pellet injector (PI), massive gas injector and shattered pellet injector, installed at the midplane and divertor positions at different ports to improve fueling uniformity and efficiency. Meanwhile, routine wall conditioning such as electric and hot N 2 baking, ion cyclotron wall conditioning and glow discharge cleaning have been successfully developed to remove the impurity particles from the inner component and materials. The low Z material wall coating and real-time powder injection during plasma discharge are also designed and applied to further improve particle control capability. Finally, by using these advanced vacuum related technologies, good vacuum (<2 × 10 −6 Pa) and wall conditions are realized, and the fuel and impurity particles can be effectively and stably controlled, which promotes the achievement of the record plasma of ∼1056 s pulse duration with the line-averaged electron density of 1.8 × 10 19 m −3 on EAST. They provide a very important reference for vacuum system design and operation for future fusion devices.

EAST↗
DOE OSTI2014

Autocorrelation measurement of femtosecond laser pulses based on two-photon absorption in GaP photodiode

Semiconductor materials which exhibit two-photon absorption characteristic within a spectral region of interest can be useful in building an ultra-compact interferometric autocorrelator. In this paper, we report on the evidence of a nonlinear absorption process in GaP photodiodes which was exploited to measure the temporal profile of femtosecond Ti:sapphire laser pulses with a tunable peak wavelength above 680 nm. The two-photon mediated conductivity measurements were performed at an average laser power of less than a few tenths of milliwatts. Its suitability as a single detector in a broadband autocorrelator setup was assessed by investigating the nonlinear spectral sensitivity bandwidth of a GaP photodiode. The highly favourable nonlinear response was found to cover the entire tuning range of our Ti:sapphire laser and can potentially be extended to wavelengths below 680 nm. We also demonstrated the flexibility of GaP in determining the optimum compensation value of the group delay dispersion required to restore the positively chirped pulses inherent in our experimental optical system to the shortest pulse width possible. With the rise in the popularity of nonlinear microscopy, the broad two-photon response of GaP and the simplicity of this technique can provide an alternative way of measuring the excitation laser pulse duration at the focal point of any microscopy systems.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2015

NIF and OMEGA X-Ray Environments Summary

The National Ignition Facility (NIF) is a 192-beam laser system at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California. The facility can deliver up to 1.8 MJ of ultraviolet energy to a target in shaped pulses that range from 1 – 20 ns in duration. The facility offers a 10 m diameter target chamber at high vacuum (10 -5 – 10 -4 torr) in which objects under test can be located. There are three diagnostic instrument manipulators (DIMs) that can be used for precise positioning of test objects or quick service and refurbishment of diagnostic systems. The facility plans to add two more DIMs by the end of calendar year 2016. The NIF currently pursues research into inertially confined fusion processes, high-energy-density science for the U.S. stockpile stewardship program, fundamental science research, and other national security applications such as radiation effects on materials, devices and systems, and weapons effects phenomena as well as issues relating to counter nuclear terrorism.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS2017

Development of the European Service Module Propulsion Subsystem for the Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle

Hardware Heritage Schedule limitations and budget constraints drove the need for extensive use of heritage hardware designs. In some cases (OMS and TVC) flight hardware reuse (from Shuttle) was required,and will be delta-qualified for use on Orion Primary sources of heritage: ATV Shuttle Orion CM PSS Ariane 5 EPS Targeted Development Testing Component development testing was performed to address the highest risk areas of heritage design compliance with Orion requirements Assembly level development testing was performed to understand complex assemblies and component interactions Heritage Direct re-use of assets from Shuttle Orbiters, all assets have varying flight history. Orion Use Used by Orion to gimbal the main engine during major translational maneuvers Development Testing Random vibration on controller box (lead to card retention design mod) Design Changes (only as required) Circuit board retention in controller box (single instance from Shuttle flight history) New, longer harnesses Basic Specs(8) fixed position engines Thrust: 105 lbf Nozzle area ratio: 164:1 Orion Use Nominally used for separation maneuvers and mid-course correction maneuvers In contingency scenario (failed main engine), used for major translational maneuvers Drives the need for long continuous duration firing Drives the need for off-pulsing (to steer) Control authority requires 50 duty cycle Development Testing Random Vibration (added vibration isolation bracket) Hot fire, duty cycle (changed MR)

pressure fed↗
DOE OSTI2016

NEMA NU 2-2012 performance studies for the SiPM-based ToF-PET component of the GE SIGNA PET/MR system

Purpose: The GE SIGNA PET/MR is a new whole body integrated time-of-flight (ToF)-PET/MR scanner from GE Healthcare. The system is capable of simultaneous PET and MR image acquisition with sub-400 ps coincidence time resolution. Simultaneous PET/MR holds great potential as a method of interrogating molecular, functional, and anatomical parameters in clinical disease in one study. Despite the complementary imaging capabilities of PET and MRI, their respective hardware tends to be incompatible due to mutual interference. In this work, the GE SIGNA PET/MR is evaluated in terms of PET performance and the potential effects of interference from MRI operation. Methods: The NEMA NU 2-2012 protocol was followed to measure PET performance parameters including spatial resolution, noise equivalent count rate, sensitivity, accuracy, and image quality. Each of these tests was performed both with the MR subsystem idle and with continuous MR pulsing for the duration of the PET data acquisition. Most measurements were repeated at three separate test sites where the system is installed. Results: The scanner has achieved an average of 4.4, 4.1, and 5.3 mm full width at half maximum radial, tangential, and axial spatial resolutions, respectively, at 1 cm from the transaxial FOV center. The peak noise equivalent count rate (NECR) of 218 kcps and a scatter fraction of 43.6% are reached at an activity concentration of 17.8 kBq/ml. Sensitivity at the center position is 23.3 cps/kBq. The maximum relative slice count rate error below peak NECR was 3.3%, and the residual error from attenuation and scatter corrections was 3.6%. Continuous MR pulsing had either no effect or a minor effect on each measurement. Conclusions: Performance measurements of the ToF-PET whole body GE SIGNA PET/MR system indicate that it is a promising new simultaneous imaging platform.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2019

Electrostatic solitary waves in ion beam neutralization

The excitation and propagation of electrostatic solitary waves (ESWs) are observed in two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations of ion beam neutralization by electron injection by a filament. Electrons from the filament are attracted by positive ions and bounce inside the ion beam pulse. Bouncing back and forth electron streams start to mix, creating two-stream instability. The instability saturates with the formation of ESWs. These ESWs reach several centimeters in longitudinal size and are stable for a long time (>>τ b , the duration of the ion beam pulse). The excitation of large-amplitude ESWs reduces the degree of neutralization of the ion beam pulse. In addition, the dissipation of ESWs causes heating of neutralizing electrons and their escape from the ion beam, leading to a further reduction of neutralization degree. Here, the appearance of these waves can explain the results of previous experimental studies, which showed poor ion beam neutralization by electro-emitting filaments.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1980

Technique of electrical stimulation of the vestibular analyzer under clinical conditions

Vestibular reactions appear under the action of direct current (dc) on the labyrinth of man and animals. A decrease of the stimulation effect of dc on the extralabyrinthine nervous formations in the suggested method is achieved by the use of electric pulses with steep front and back parts, as well as by previous anesthetization of the skin in the electrode application area by means of novocain solution electrophoresis. For this purpose a pulse producer giving trapezoid pulses with smoothly changing fronts and duration was constructed. With the help of an interrupter it is possible to stop the current increase instantly, and stimulation is performed at the level of the pulse 'plateau'. To induce vestibular reactions under monopolar stimulation, it is necessary to apply the current twice as high as that with bipolar electrode position. The use of short pulses with steep front and back parts for electrode stimulation of the vestibular analyzer is considered to be inexpedient.

Khechinashvili, S. N.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Miniature EPSPs and sensory encoding in the primary afferents of the vestibular lagena of the toadfish, Opsanus tau

The synaptic activity transmitted from vestibular hair cells of the lagena to primary afferent neurons was recorded in vitro using sharp, intracellular microelectrodes. At rest, the activity was composed of miniature excitatory postsynaptic potentials (mEPSPs) at frequencies from 5 to 20/s and action potentials (APs) at frequencies betwen 0 and 10/s. mEPSPs recorded from a single fiber displayed a large variability. For mEPSPs not triggering APs, amplitudes exhibited an average coefficient of variance (CV) of 0.323 and rise times an average CV of 0.516. APs were only triggered by mEPSPs with larger amplitudes (estimated 4-6 mV) and/or steeper maximum rate of rise (10.9 mV/ms, +/- 3.7 SD, n=4 experiments) compared to (3.50 mV/ms, +/-0.07 SD, n=6 experiments) for nontriggering mEPSPs. The smallest mEPSPs showed a fast rise time (0.99 ms between 10% and 90% of peak amplitude) and limited variability across fibers (CV:0.18) confirming that they were not attenuated signals, but rather represented single-transmitter discharges (TDs). The mEPSP amplitude and rise-time relationship suggests that many mEPSPs represented several, rather than a single pulse of secretion of TDs. According to the estimated overall TD frequency, the coincidence of TDs contributing to the same mEPSP were not statistically independent, indicating a positive interaction between TDs that is reminiscent of the way subminiature signals group to form miniature signals at the neuromuscular junction. Depending on the duration and intensity of efferent stimulation, a complete block of AP initiation occurred either immediately or after a delay of a few seconds. Efferent stimulation did not significantly change AP threshold level, but abruptly decreased mEPSP frequency to a near-complete block that followed the block of APs. Maximum mEPSP rate of rise decreased during, and recovered progressively after, efferent stimulation. After termination of efferent stimulation, mEPSP amplitude did not recover instantly and for a few seconds the amplitude distribution of synaptic events showed fewer large-amplitude events than during the control period. This confirms that mEPSP amplitude and rate of rise properties, which are critical for triggering afferent APs, are modified by efferent activity. The depression of afferent AP firing during efferent stimulation corresponded to a decrease in mEPSP frequency and, to a lesser extent, a decrease in mEPSP amplitude and rate of rise, suggesting, a decrease in the level of interaction among TDs contibuting to a mEPSP.

Non-NASA Center↗
DOE OSTI2020

Comparison between mirror Langmuir probe and gas-puff imaging measurements of intermittent fluctuations in the Alcator C-Mod scrape-off layer

Statistical properties of the scrape-off layer plasma fluctuations are studied in ohmically heated plasmas in the Alcator C-Mod tokamak. For the first time, plasma fluctuations as well as parameters that describe the fluctuations are compared across measurements from a mirror Langmuir probe (MLP) and from gas-puff imaging (GPI) that sample the same plasma discharge. This comparison is complemented by an analysis of line emission time-series data, synthesized from the MLP electron density and temperature measurements. The fluctuations observed by the MLP and GPI typically display relative fluctuation amplitudes of order unity together with positively skewed and flattened probability density functions. Such data time series are well described by an established stochastic framework that models the data as a superposition of uncorrelated, two-sided exponential pulses. The most important parameter of the process is the intermittency parameter, $γ=τ_d/τ_w$, where τd denotes the duration time of a single pulse and $τ_w$ gives the average waiting time between consecutive pulses. In this study we show, using a new deconvolution method, that these parameters can be consistently estimated from different statistics of the data. We also show that the statistical properties of the data sampled by the MLP and GPI diagnostic are very similar. Finally, a synthetic GPI signal using only plasma parameters sampled by the MLP shows qualitatively different fluctuation statistics from the measured GPI signal.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Innovative laser-based methods for monitoring fuel retention in ITER

This paper addresses the challenge of tritium inventory management in ITER and future fusion reactors, highlighting the importance of accurate tritium measurement and its spatial distribution within the vacuum vessel. Given ITER’s operational constraints, especially the limit on tritium retention, precise measurement is essential for both safety and regulatory compliance. To tackle these questions, the paper presents the T-monitor diagnostic system developed by Forschungszentrum Jülich, which uses Laser-Induced Desorption (LID) in combination with Diagnostic Residual Gas Analysis (DRGA) to measure hydrogen isotope concentrations on the surface of divertor tiles. The system integrates a high-power laser, advanced optical components, and a Fast Scanning Mirror Unit (FSMU) for accurate laser spot positioning with rapid response. Designed to measure in situ tritium retention, the diagnostic provides high-resolution spatial mapping, vital for evaluating detritiation strategies. The laser heating process increases the divertor surface temperature to 1600 K within the laser spot, promoting hydrogen isotope desorption. Accurate measurements require the precise control of laser parameters, including pulse duration and spot size, with a target relative accuracy of 20%. The optical design includes both in-vessel and ex-vessel components, such as durable high-reflectivity mirrors made of gold and copper, selected not only for their infrared performance but also for their transmission of visible wavelengths for observation purposes. To protect optical components from contamination, a pneumatic shutter is used.

Hydrogen isotopes↗
DOE OSTI2016

Dual polarized receiving steering antenna array for measurement of ultrawideband pulse polarization structure

To measure simultaneously two orthogonal components of the electromagnetic field of nano- and subnano-second duration, an antenna array has been developed. The antenna elements of the array are the crossed dipoles of dimension 5 × 5 cm. The arms of the dipoles are connected to the active four-pole devices to compensate the frequency response variations of a short dipole in the frequency band ranging from 0.4 to 4 GHz. The dipoles have superimposed phase centers allowing measuring the polarization structure of the field in different directions. The developed antenna array is the linear one containing four elements. The pattern maximum position is controlled by means of the switched ultrawideband true time delay lines. Discrete steering in seven directions in the range from −40° to +40° has been realized. The error at setting the pattern maximum position is less than 4°. The isolation of the polarization exceeds 29 dB in the direction orthogonal to the array axis and in the whole steering range it exceeds 23 dB. Measurement results of the polarization structure of radiated and scattered pulses with different polarization are presented as well.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2023

Generation of multiple attosecond sub-bursts in femtosecond pulse trains by long-wavelength driving lasers

High-order harmonics generated by a long intense femtosecond laser are known experimentally to create attosecond pulse trains (APTs). In the time domain, an APT consists of a sequence of sharp attosecond bursts that are equally separated by each half optical cycle. Here, in this work, we show that such well-known features can be modified when a longer wavelength driving laser is used. From our simulations, we show that multiple shorter attosecond sub-bursts exist in the femtosecond pulse train within each half optical cycle and the duration of each sub-burst scales approximately as $λ^{–2}_0$ with the driving laser wavelength λ 0 . We show that such sub-bursts can be found using quantitative rescattering model for harmonics generated from a single atom, and their origin is due to the interference of the quantum orbits from first two returns of the recombining electron. We further show that such sub-bursts can be phase matched under proper laser focusing condition and the position of the gas cell, thus, such new features should be observable experimentally.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2018

Effect of plasma on gas flow and air concentration in the effluent of a pulsed cold atmospheric pressure helium plasma jet

In this work, we report on the flow effects induced by a nanosecond pulsed helium cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet impinging on a glass substrate. Herein, gas temperature measurements have been performed using optical emission spectroscopy including rotational spectra of OH(A-X) (0,0) and N 2 (C-B) (0,0) and resonance broadening of a helium emission line at 667.8 nm. The measured increase in gas temperature was less than 15 K. We have measured the air concentration distribution in the jet effluent by means of Rayleigh scattering exploiting the large difference in Rayleigh cross-section of air and helium. The obtained results show that the plasma causes a broadening of the helium channel suggesting an enhanced gas velocity and mixing with the ambient air. The impact of the plasma on the jet effluent is polarity dependent and is larger in the case of positive applied voltage pulses. Using an estimation of the increased gas velocity required to obtain the observed air concentrations, we have shown that both gas heating and electrohydrodynamic (EHD) forces related to the propagation of an ionization front are not causing the observed phenomena. The surface charge which can exist for a much longer time than the duration of the applied voltage pulse is the primary cause of the EHD forces on the bulk charges which lead to significant different air concentration profiles in the jet effluent for plasma on and off.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2016

Formation of a fine-dispersed liquid-metal target under the action of femto- and picosecond laser pulses for a laser-plasma radiation source in the extreme ultraviolet range

We report the results of studying the dynamics of deformation and fragmentation of liquid-metal droplets under the action of ultrashort laser pulses. The experiments have been performed to optimise the shape of the droplet target used in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation sources based on the laser-produced plasma using the pre-pulse technology. The pre-pulse is generated by a system incorporating a master Ti : sapphire oscillator and a regenerative amplifier, allowing one to vary the pulse duration from 50 fs to 50 ps. The power density of laser radiation at the droplet target, averaged over the pulse duration and spatial coordinates, has reached 3 × 10{sup 15} W cm{sup -2}. The production of liquid-metal droplets has been implemented by means of a droplet generator based on a nozzle with a ring piezoceramic actuator. The droplet material is the eutectic indium – tin alloy. The droplet generator could operate in the droplet and jet regime with a maximal rate of stable operation 5 and 150 kHz, respectively. The spatial stability of droplet position σ = 1% – 2% of its diameter is achieved. The size of the droplets varied within 30 – 70 μm, their velocity was 2 – 8 m s{sup -1} depending on the operation regime. (interaction of laser radiation with matter. laser plasma)

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2023

Intense laser interaction with micro-bars

Intense laser fields interact very differently with micrometric rough surfaces than with flat objects. The interaction features high laser energy absorption and increased emission of MeV electrons, ions, and of hard x-rays. In this work, we irradiated isolated, translationally-symmetric objects in the form of micrometric Au bars. The interaction resulted in the emission of two forward-directed electron jets having a small opening angle, a narrow energy spread in the MeV range, and a positive angle to energy correlation. Our numerical simulations show that following ionization, those electrons that are pulled into vacuum near the object’s edge, remain in-phase with the laser pulse for long enough so that the Lorentz force they experience drive them around the object’s edge. After these electrons pass the object, they form attosecond duration bunches and interact with the laser field over large distances in vacuum in confined volumes that trap and accelerate them within a narrow range of momentum. The selectivity in energy of the interaction, its directionality, and the preservation of the attosecond duration of the electron bunches over large distances, offer new means for designing future laser-based light sources.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2015

Emission spectra of a laser based on an In(Ga)As/GaAs quantum-dot superlattice

The spectral characteristics of a laser with an active region based on a ten-layer system of In(Ga)As/GaAs vertically correlated quantum dots with 4.5-nm GaAs spacer layers between InAs quantum dots are studied under the conditions of spontaneous and stimulated emission, depending on the current and the duration of pump pulses. Data obtained by transmission electron microscopy and electroluminescence and absorption polarization anisotropy measurements make it possible to demonstrate that the investigated system of tunnel-coupled InAs quantum dots separated by thin GaAs barriers represents a quantum-dot superlattice. With an increase in the laser pump current, the electroluminescence intensity increases linearly and the spectral position of the electroluminescence maximum shifts to higher energies, which is caused by the dependence of the miniband density-of-states distribution on the pump current. Upon exceeding the threshold current, multimode lasing via the miniband ground state is observed. One of the lasing modes can be attributed to the zero-phonon line, and the other is determined by the longitudinal-optical phonon replica of quantum-dot emission. The results obtained give evidence that, under conditions of the laser pumping of an In(Ga)As/GaAs quantum-dot superlattice, strong coupling between the discrete electron states in the miniband and optical phonons takes place. This leads to the formation of quantum-dot polarons, resulting from the resonant mixing of electronic states whose energy separation is comparable to the optical-phonon energy.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS2006

Bimorphic polymeric photomechanical actuator

A bimorphic polymeric photomechanical actuator, in one embodiment using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as a photosensitive body, transmitting light over fiber optic cables, and controlling the shape and pulse duration of the light pulse to control movement of the actuator. Multiple light beams are utilized to generate different ranges of motion for the actuator from a single photomechanical body and alternative designs use multiple light beams and multiple photomechanical bodies to provide controlled movement. Actuator movement using one or more ranges of motion is utilized to control motion to position an actuating element in three dimensional space.

Sarkisov, Sergey S.↗