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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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A comparison of transients from heavy-ion and pulsed-laser testing shows good agreement for many different voltage configurations. The agreement is illustrated by comparing directly individual transients and plots of transient amplitude versus width.
A technique for synchronizing a pulse light source to charge coupled device cameras is presented. The technique permits the use of pulse light sources for continuous as well as stop action flow visualization. The technique has eliminated the need to provide separate lighting systems at facilities requiring continuous and stop action viewing or photography.
The individual cascade curves of EAS with E sub 0 10 to the 17th power eV/I to 3/ were studied by detection of EAS Cherenkov light pulses. The scintillators located at the center of the Yakutsk EAS array within a 500-m radius circle were used to select the showers and to determine the main EAS parameters. The individual cascade curves N(t) were obtained using the EAS Cherenkov light pulses satisfying the following requirements: (1) the signal-to-noise ratio fm/delta sub n 15, (2) the EAS axis-detector distance tau sub 350 m, (3) the zenith angle theta 30 deg, (4) the probability for EAS to be detected by scintillators W 0.8. Condition (1) arises from the desire to reduce the amplitude distortion of Cherenkov pulses due to noise and determines the range of EAS sizes, N(t). The resolution times of the Cherenkov pulse shape detectors are tau sub 0 approx. 23 ns which results in distortion of a pulse during the process of the detection. The distortion of pulses due to the finiteness of tau sub 0 value was estimated. It is shown that the rise time of pulse becomes greater as tau sub 0.5/tau sub 0 ratio decreases.
Time-resolved optical imaging technique has been used to image the spatial distribution of small droplets and jet sprays in a highly scattering environment. The snake and ballistic components of the transmitted pulse are less scattered, and contain direct information about the sample to facilitate image formation as opposed to the diffusive components which are due to multiple collisions as a light pulse propagates through a scattering medium. In a time-gated imaging scheme, these early-arriving, image-bearing components of the incident pulse are selected by opening a gate for an ultrashort period of time and a shadowgram image is detected. Using a single shot cooled CCD camera system, the formation of water droplets is monitored as a function of time. Picosecond time-gated image of drop in scattering cells, spray droplets as a function of let speed and gas pressure, and model calcification samples consisted of calcium carbonate particles of irregular shapes ranging in size from 0. 1 to 1.5 mm affixed to a microscope slide have been measured. Formation produced by an impinging jet will be further monitored using a CCD with 1 kHz framing illuminated with pulsed light. The desired image resolution of the fuel droplets is on the 20 pm scale using early light through a highly scattering medium. A 10(exp -6)m displacement from a jet spray with a flow speed of 100 m/sec introduced by the ns grating pulse used in the imaging is negligible. Early ballistic/snake light imaging offers nondestructive and noninvasive method to observe the spatial distribution of hidden objects inside a highly scattering environment for space, biomedical, and materials applications. In this paper, the techniques we will present are time-resolved K-F transillumination imaging and time-gated scattered light imaging. With a large dynamic range and high resolution, time-gated early light imaging has the potential for improving rocket/aircraft design by determining jets shape and particle sizes. Refinements to these techniques may enable drop size measurements in the highly scattering, optically dense region of multi-element rocket injectors. These types of measurements should greatly enhance the design of stable, and higher performing rocket engines.
Abstract We present a time-dependent computational approach to study Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) beyond the ultra-short core-hole relaxation time approximation and, as a test case, we apply it to the paradigmatic example of a one-dimensional Mott insulator represented by a half-filled Hubbard chain. The Auger spectrum is usually calculated by assuming that, after the creation of a core-hole, the system thermalizes almost instantaneously. This leads to a relatively simple analytical expression that uses the ground-state with a core-hole as a reference state and ignores all the transient dynamics related to the screening of the core-hole. In this picture, the response of the system can be associated to the pair spectral function. On the other hand, in our numerical calculations, the core hole is created by a light pulse, allowing one to study the transient dynamics of the system in terms of the pulse duration and in the non-perturbative regime. Time-dependent density matrix renormalization group calculations reveal that the relaxation process involves the creation of a polarization cloud of doublon excitations that have an effect similar to photo-doping. As a consequence, there is a leak of spectral weight to higher energies into what otherwise would be the Mott gap. For longer pulses, these excited states, mostly comprised of doublons, can dominate the spectrum. By changing the duration of the light-pulse, the entire screening process can be resolved in time.
The function of the altimeter is to provide precise measurements of Apollo vehicle height above known positions on the lunar surface. A short duration light pulse from the laser is directed through a telescope in a narrow beam to the lunar surface. A portion of the light is reflected by the moon back to the altimeter where it is intercepted by a receiving telescope and relayed to a detector. The time from the moment when the light pulse leaves the laser until its return, which is measured with the aid of a quartz crystal controlled clock oscillator, is a measure for the altitude.
The abundance of plant nucleolin mRNA is regulated during de-etiolation by phytochrome. A close correlation between the mRNA abundance of nucleolin and mitosis has also been previously reported. These results raised the question of whether the effects of light on nucleolin mRNA expression were a consequence of light effects on mitosis. To test this we compared the kinetics of light-mediated increases in cell proliferation with that of light-mediated changes in the abundance of nucleolin mRNA using plumules of dark-grown pea (Pisum sativum) seedlings. These experiments show that S-phase increases 9 h after a red light pulse, followed by M-phase increases in the plumule leaves at 12 h post-irradiation, a time course consistent with separately measured kinetics of red light-induced increases in the expression of cell cycle-regulated genes. These increases in cell cycle-regulated genes are photoreversible, implying that the light-induced increases in cell proliferation are, like nucleolin mRNA expression, regulated via phytochrome. Red light stimulates increases in the mRNA for nucleolin at 6 h post-irradiation, prior to any cell proliferation changes and concurrent with the reported timing of phytochrome-mediated increases of rRNA abundance. After a green light pulse, nucleolin mRNA levels increase without increasing S-phase or M-phase. Studies in animals and yeast indicate that nucleolin plays a significant role in ribosome biosynthesis. Consistent with this function, pea nucleolin can rescue nucleolin deletion mutants of yeast that are defective in rRNA synthesis. Our data show that during de-etiolation, the increased expression of nucleolin mRNA is more directly regulated by light than by mitosis.
A report describes the Laser Mapper (LAMP) -- a lightweight, compact, low-power lidar system under development for guidance of a spacecraft or exploratory robotic vehicle (rover) at Mars or another planet. The LAMP is intended especially for use during rendezvous of two spacecraft in orbit, for mapping terrain during descent and landing of a spacecraft, for capturing a sample that has been launched into orbit, or navigation and avoidance of obstacles by a rover traversing terrain. The LAMP includes a laser that emits high-power, short light pulses. The laser beam is aimed in azimuth and elevation by use of a mirror on a two-axis gimbal, which scans the beam across a field of regard. Light reflected by a target is collected by a telescope, and the distance to the target is determined by measuring the round-trip travel time for reflected light pulses. The distance information is combined with directional information to construct a three-dimensional map of targets in the field of regard.
Abstract Flexible optoelectronics, based on non-planar substrates, hold promise for diverse applications such as wearables, health monitors, and displays due to their cost-effective manufacturing methods. Despite the superior properties of metal oxides, the challenge of processing them at high temperatures incompatible with plastic substrates necessitates innovative annealing approaches. Photonic curing, which delivers microsecond to millisecond broadband (200–1500 nm) light pulses on a sample, emerges as a viable solution. Depending on the optical properties, the targeted film absorbs the radiant energy resulting in rapid heating while the transparent substrate absorbs a minimal amount of light and remains at ambient temperature. The light intensity can be high, but since the light pulse is short, the total energy absorbed by the sample remains low and will not damage the plastic substrate. This perspective explores the innovative application of photonic curing to fabricate flexible metal oxide optoelectronics, including thin-film transistors, metal–insulator–metal devices, solar cells, transparent conductors, and Li batteries, emphasizing the conversion of sol–gel precursors to metal oxides. However, this technique was initially developed for sintering metal nanoparticles to conductive patterns and poses intriguing challenges in explaining its mechanism for metal oxide conversion, especially considering the limited absorption of visible light by most sol–gel precursors. The review delves into UV-induced photochemistry, common flexible metal-oxide optoelectronic components, and non-intuitive distinctions between photonic curing and thermal annealing. By elucidating the distinctive role of photonic curing in overcoming temperature-related challenges and advancing the fabrication of flexible metal oxide optoelectronics, this perspective offers valuable insights that could shape the future of flexible optoelectronics.
To shorten annealing time and minimize substrate heating, flash lamps that deliver short, intense light pulses, commonly called photonic curing, are used to replace thermal annealing using hot plates or ovens. This method is different from equilibrium heating in that the radiant energy is selectively absorbed by the film. The high-intensity light pulses produce a high peak temperature in the film. Because most processes follow Arrhenius behavior, reaching high temperatures allow chemical reactions/phase transformations to occur in a short time, significantly reducing the processing time. Often the results are non-intuitive. We will present fabricating flexible halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) on indium tin oxide (ITO) coated Willow glass. The effect of ITO transmittance on the photonic curing of nickel nitrate sol-gel precursors into nickel oxide to fabricate hole transport layer and consequently the performance of PSCs. Unexpectedly, ITO samples processed by photonic curing show improved optical and electrical properties.
The laser system is the most complex component of a light-pulse atom interferometer (LPAI), controlling frequencies and intensities of multiple laser beams to configure quantum gravity and inertial sensors. Its main functions include cold-atom generation, state preparation, state-selective detection, and generating a coherent two-photon process for the light-pulse sequence. To achieve substantial miniaturization and ruggedization, we integrate key laser system functions onto a photonic integrated circuit. Our study focuses on a high-performance silicon photonic suppressed-carrier single-sideband (SC-SSB) modulator at 1560 nanometers, capable of dynamic frequency shifting within the LPAI. By independently controlling radio frequency (RF) channels, we achieve 30-decibel carrier suppression and unprecedented 47.8-decibel sideband suppression at peak conversion efficiency of –6.846 decibels (20.7%). We investigate imbalances in both amplitudes and phases between the RF signals. Using this modulator, we demonstrate cold-atom generation, state-selective detection, and atom interferometer fringes to estimate gravitational acceleration, g ≈ 9.77 ± 0.01 meters per second squared, in a rubidium ( 87 Rb) atom system.
The preceding paper describes the results so far (interrupted in the Spring of 1989 because of lack of funds) of an experiment comparing the one-way light propagation times on the surface of the rotating Earth. For the 20 Km path length component in the East-West direction the predicted difference between the opposite sense propagation times would be 160 ps, if the approximately 360 Km/s surface speed of the Earth gives effective light speeds of 3 x 10(exp 8) m/s +/- 360 m/s. This could lead to a prediction of the difference between the clock transport and the light pulse synchronization methods described in the preceding paper: delta(T) = 0.5 (160) = 80 ps. The current upper bound of approximately 100 ps for delta(T) is limited by poorly understood systematic errors. The most important seems to be intensity-dependent time delays in the remote light pulse avalanche photo-diode detector. This will be replaced by a continuously operating circular scan streak camera having single photon sensitivity and a time resolution of approximately 5 ps. (This camera has recently been developed by the Xian Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics in the P.R.C.). Better isolation from shocks and vibration for the Sigma-Tau hydrogen maser during transport will be provided. It is hoped that delta(T) is less than 20 ps can be achieved.
Optical/electronic keratometer system produces contour map of corneal surface illuminated by infrared light pulses. Prevents operator error and eliminates need to apply fluorescent liquids to cornea. Keratometer provides both video display and numerical recording for corneal-transplant and radial-keratotomy surgery and for contact-lens fitting. Optical system of keratometer, circular grating pattern transmitted to corneal surface reflected onto identical circular grating on surface of fiber plate, producing Moire pattern. Data-analysis-and-display mode, laser light pulsed, and Moire pattern converted to digital information in frame grabber. Digital picture information sent to computer for processing and display.
Here, we theoretically investigate the feasibility of applying spin squeezing to a light pulse atom interferometer in the presence of large momentum transfer using off resonant Raman transitions, in order to enhance the sensitivity of accelerometry close to the Heisenberg limit. We also show how to implement this scheme in a dual-species atom interferometer for a precision test of the equivalence principle by measuring the Eötvös parameter, and to identify the spin squeezing protocol that is best suited for such an experiment. For a space borne platform in low Earth orbit, such a scheme may eventually enable the measurement of the Eötvös parameter with a sensitivity of the order of 10 -20 within 150 days when 10 5 atoms are employed in each cycle of the experiment.
Spectral emission of visible from Q switched dye lasers
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A horizontal two-way time comparison link in air between the University of Maryland laser ranging and time transfer equipment at the Goddard Optical Research Facility (GORF) 1.2 m telescope and the Time Services Division of the U.S. Naval Observatory (USNO) was established. Flat mirrors of 25 cm and 30 cm diameter respectively were placed on top of the Washington Cathedral and on a water tower at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. Two optical corner reflectors at the USNO reflect the laser pulses back to the GORF. Light pulses of 100 ps duration and an energy of several hundred microjoules are sent at the rate of 10 pulses per second. The detection at the USNO is by means of an RCA C30902E avalanche photodiode and the timing is accomplished by an HP 5370A computing counter and an HP 1000 computer with respect to a 10 pps pulse train from the Master Clock.
Picosecond light pulse measurement by two beam overlap technique using nonlinear photoelectric effect