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NASA NTRS2010

Aerogel-Positronium Technology for the Detection of Small Quantities of Organic and/or Toxic Materials

The Ps-aerogel system [Ps is positronium (an electron-positron-hydrogen-like atom)] has been evaluated and optimized as a potential tool for planetary exploration missions. Different configurations of use were assessed, and the results provide a quantitative measure of the expected performance. The aerogel density is first optimized to attain maximum production of Ps that reaches the pores of the aerogel. This has been accomplished, and the optimum aerogel density is .70 mg/cm3. The aerogel is used as a concentrator for target volatile moieties, which accumulate in its open porosity over an extended period of time. For the detection of the accumulated materials, the use of Ps as a probe for the environment at the pore surface, has been proposed. This concept is based on two steps: (1) using aerogel to produce Ps and (2) using the propensity of Ps to interact differently with organic and inorganic matter. The active area of such a detector will comprise aerogel with a certain density, specific surface area, and gas permeability optimized for Ps production and gas diffusion and adsorption. The aerogel is a natural adsorber of organic molecules, which adhere to its internal surface, where their presence is detected by the Ps probe. Initial estimates indicate that, e.g., trace organic molecules in the Martian atmosphere, can be detected at the ppm level, which rivals current methods having significantly higher complexity, volume, mass, and power consumption (e.g. Raman, IR).

Petkov, Mihail P.↗

NASA NTRS2001

Jet Stability and the Generation of Superluminal and Stationary Components

We present a numerical simulation of the response of an expanding relativistic jet to the ejection of a superluminal component. The simulation has been performed with a relativistic time-dependent hydrodynamical code from which simulated radio maps are computed by integrating the transfer equations for synchrotron radiation. The interaction of the superluminal component with the underlying jet results in the formation of multiple conical shocks behind the main perturbation. These trailing components can be easily distinguished because they appear to be released from the primary superluminal component instead of being ejected from the core. Their oblique nature should also result in distinct polarization properties. Those appearing closer to the core show small apparent motions and a very slow secular decrease in brightness and could be identified as stationary components. Those appearing farther downstream are weaker and can reach superluminal apparent motions. The existence of these trailing components indicates that not all observed components necessarily represent major perturbations at the jet inlet; rather, multiple emission components can be generated by a single disturbance in the jet. While the superluminal component associated with the primary perturbation exhibits a rather stable pattern speed, trailing components have velocities that increase with distance from the core but move at less than the jet speed. The trailing components exhibit motion and structure consistent with the triggering of pinch modes by the superluminal component. The increase in velocity of the trailing components is an indirect consequence of the acceleration of the expanding fluid, which is assumed to be relativistically hot; if observed, such accelerations would therefore favor an electron-positron (as opposed to proton rest mass) dominated jet.

Agudo, Ivan↗