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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 865 records · Page 48
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1985

Operation of a microchannel plate counting system in a mass spectrometer

A multiplier detector system has been developed as part of a mass spectrometer in an ion counting mode. During its operation ions striking a microchannel plate release pulses of electrons which are accelerated to a phosphor layer. The resulting flash of light is carried by a fiber-optic bundle to a photodiode array. The detector simultaneously counts ions throughout a mass spectrum covering more than 30 amu. It extends the mass spectrometer's operation toward low count rates for trace gas analysis. Each mass peak can be independently measured at count rates between 0.1 and 1000 counts/s. Higher rates on a few peaks do not blind the entire detector. The detector's capabilities have been demonstrated by measuring Kr and Xe isotopes in air at natural abundances. The mass spectrometer, detector, and readout electronics are sufficiently compact to permit use in a balloon-borne experiment.

Murphy, D. M.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Study and design of laser communications system for space shuttle

The design, development and operation are described of the laser communications system developed for potential space shuttle application. A brief study was conducted to identify the need, if any, for narrow bandwidth space-to-space communication on the shuttle vehicles. None have been specifically identified that could not be accommodated with existing equipments. The key technical features developed in this hardware are the conically scanned tracker for optimized track while communicating with a single detector, and the utilization of a common optical carrier frequency for both transmission and detection. This latter feature permits a multiple access capability so that several transceivers can communicate with one another. The conically scanned tracker technique allows the received signal energy to be efficiently divided between the tracking and communications functions within a common detector.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1992

Observations of winds with an incoherent lidar detector

A Fabry-Perot interferometer and image-plane detector system to be used as a receiver for a Doppler lidar have been developed. This system incorporates the latest technology in multichannel detectors, and it is an important step toward the development of operational wind profiler systems for the atmosphere. The instrumentation includes a stable high-resolution optically contacted plane etalon and a multiring anode detector to scan the image plane of the Fabry-Perot interferometer spatially. The high wavelength resolution provided by the interferometer permits the aerosol and molecular components of the backscattered signal to be distinguished, and the Doppler shift of either component can then be used to determine the wind altitude profile. The receiver performance has been tested by measuring the wind profile in the boundary layer. The Fabry-Perot interferometer and image-plane detector characteristics are described and sample measurements are presented. The potential of the system as a wind profiler in the troposphere, the stratosphere, and the mesosphere is also considered.

Abreu, Vincent J.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Surface roughness studies with DALLAS-detector array for laser light angular scattering

An attempt is made to develop a better mathematical description of optical scattering phenomena, in order to construct an optical scattering apparatus for reliable and routine measurements of roughness parameters without resorting to comparator standards. After a brief outline of optical scattering theory, a description is presented of an experimental instrument for measuring surface roughness which incorporates optical scattering principles. The instrument has a He-Ne laser which illuminates the test surface at a variable angle of incidence. Scattered light distribution is detected by an array of 87 fiber-optic sensors positioned in a rotating semicircular yoke. The output from the detector is digitized and analyzed in a laboratory computer. For a comparison with experimental data, theoretical distributions are calculated by substituting the roughness profiles into the operand of and integral equation for electromagnetic scattering developed by Beckmann and Spizzichino (1963). A schematic diagram of the instrument is provided and the general implications of the experimental results are discussed.

Vorburger, T. V.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Design and performance of very long-wavelength GaAs/Al(x)Ga(1-x)As quantum-well infrared photodetectors

We present an extensive and detailed study of very long wavelength quantum well infrared photodetectors covering the spectral region between 14 and 20 micrometers. Measurements were made on seven different molecular beam epitaxy grown samples having different well widths and barrier heights. In this study we combine experimental results with theoretical analysis and focus on the relationship between the quantum well structure and detector performance, i.e., responsivity, dark current, dynamic resistance, noise current, optical-gain, and detectivity. These results provide the basis for further optimization, and the detector parameters needed for the design of the readout circuit for focal plane arrays.

Sarusi, G.↗
NASA NTRS2013

Per-Pixel, Dual-Counter Scheme for Optical Communications

Free space optical communications links from deep space are projected to fulfill future NASA communication requirements for 2020 and beyond. Accurate laser-beam pointing is required to achieve high data rates at low power levels.This innovation is a per-pixel processing scheme using a pair of three-state digital counters to implement acquisition and tracking of a dim laser beacon transmitted from Earth for pointing control of an interplanetary optical communications system using a focal plane array of single sensitive detectors. It shows how to implement dim beacon acquisition and tracking for an interplanetary optical transceiver with a method that is suitable for both achieving theoretical performance, as well as supporting additional functions of high data rate forward links and precision spacecraft ranging.

Farr, William H.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Optical Performance Modeling of FUSE Telescope Mirror

We describe the Metrology Data Processor (METDAT), the Optical Surface Analysis Code (OSAC), and their application to the image evaluation of the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) mirrors. The FUSE instrument - designed and developed by the Johns Hopkins University and launched in June 1999 is an astrophysics satellite which provides high resolution spectra (lambda/Delta(lambda) = 20,000 - 25,000) in the wavelength region from 90.5 to 118.7 nm The FUSE instrument is comprised of four co-aligned, normal incidence, off-axis parabolic mirrors, four Rowland circle spectrograph channels with holographic gratings, and delay line microchannel plate detectors. The OSAC code provides a comprehensive analysis of optical system performance, including the effects of optical surface misalignments, low spatial frequency deformations described by discrete polynomial terms, mid- and high-spatial frequency deformations (surface roughness), and diffraction due to the finite size of the aperture. Both normal incidence (traditionally infrared, visible, and near ultraviolet mirror systems) and grazing incidence (x-ray mirror systems) systems can be analyzed. The code also properly accounts for reflectance losses on the mirror surfaces. Low frequency surface errors are described in OSAC by using Zernike polynomials for normal incidence mirrors and Legendre-Fourier polynomials for grazing incidence mirrors. The scatter analysis of the mirror is based on scalar scatter theory. The program accepts simple autocovariance (ACV) function models or power spectral density (PSD) models derived from mirror surface metrology data as input to the scatter calculation. The end product of the program is a user-defined pixel array containing the system Point Spread Function (PSF). The METDAT routine is used in conjunction with the OSAC program. This code reads in laboratory metrology data in a normalized format. The code then fits the data using Zernike polynomials for normal incidence systems or Legendre-Fourier polynomials for grazing incidence systems. It removes low order terms from the metrology data, calculates statistical ACV or PSD functions, and fits these data to OSAC models for the scatter analysis. In this paper we briefly describe the laboratory image testing of FUSE spare mirror performed in the near and vacuum ultraviolet at John Hopkins University and OSAC modeling of the test setup performed at NASA/GSFC. The test setup is a double-pass configuration consisting of a Hg discharge source, the FUSE off-axis parabolic mirror under test, an autocollimating flat mirror, and a tomographic imaging detector. Two additional, small fold flats are used in the optical train to accommodate the light source and the detector. The modeling is based on Zernike fitting and PSD analysis of surface metrology data measured by both the mirror vendor (Tinsley) and JHU. The results of our models agree well with the laboratory imaging data, thus validating our theoretical model. Finally, we predict the imaging performance of FUSE mirrors in their flight configuration at far-ultraviolet wavelengths.

Saha, Timo T.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Microminiature Monitor for Vital Electrolyte and Metabolite Levels of Astronauts

Ions, such as proton (pH) and potassium, play a crucial role in body fluids to maintain proper basic functioning of cells and tissues. Metabolites, such as glucose, control the energy available to the entire human body in normal as well as stress situations, and before, during, and after meals. These molecules diffuse easily between blood in the capillaries and the interstitial fluid residing between cells and tissues. We have developed and approach to monitoring of critical ions (called electrolytes) and glucose in the interstitial fluid under the human skin. Proton and potassium levels sensed using optode technology that translates the respective ionic concentrations into variable colors of corresponding ionophore/dye/polymeric liquid membranes. Glucose is monitored indirectly, by coupling through immobilized glucose oxidase with local pH that is then detected using a similar color scheme. The monitor consists of a tiny plastic bar, 100-200 microns wide and 1-2 mm long, placed just under the skin, with color changing spots for each analyte as well as blanks. The colors are read and translated into concentration values by a CCD camera. Direct optical coupling between the in vivo sensing bar and the ex vivo detector device requires no power, and thus eliminates the need for wires or optical fibers crossing the skin. The microminiature bar penetrates the skin easily and painlessly, so that astronauts could insert it themselves. The approach is fully compatible with telemetry in space, and thus, in vivo clinical data will be available real time in the Earth based command center once the device is fully developed. The information provided can be used for collecting hitherto unavailable vital data on clinical effects of space travel. Managing clinical emergencies in space with the sensor already in place should also become much more efficient than without a continuous monitor, as is currently the case. Civilian applications may include better glucose control of patients with moderate to severe diabetes: a growing health problem in the US and World-wide.

Tohda, Koji↗
NASA NTRS2019

Technologies to Enable the Next Great Observatory

The Large Ultraviolet/Optical/Infrared Surveyor (LUVOIR) is one of four mission concepts being studied by NASA for the 2020 Decadal Survey in Astronomy and Astrophysics. LUVOIR will be capable of a broad range of science, including: direct imaging and characterization of a wide range of exoplanets and the search for biosignatures on Earth-like planets around sun-like stars; studying galaxy formation and evolution; investigating star and planet formation; and remote sensing of bodies within the Solar System. Enabling a mission as ambitious as LUVOIR requires an array of technologies, such as ultra-stable structures and optics, precision metrology and wavefront sensing, high-contrast imaging techniques, large-format detectors with very low noise, and high-throughput ultraviolet instrumentation. Critically, a systems-level approach must be taken to developing these technologies, guided by architecture studies to place each technology in the appropriate system context.In this poster, we describe LUVOIR's technology needs, as well as current efforts that are actively developing these technologies. We will discuss recent advancements in: measuring picometer-level displacements of optical and structural elements; sub-milli-kelvin thermal sensing and control; non-contact vibration isolation for pointing and dynamic stability; coronagraph design for achieving 10-10 contrast on a segmented system; high-speed metrology for optical system alignment; low-order and out-of-band wavefront sensing for maintaining high-contrast images; low-noise detectors across the ultraviolet, optical, and near infrared bands; broadband coatings with high-reflectivity below Ly. We will also describe a systems approach to coordinating the development of these technologies to achieve the necessary maturity for a LUVOIR mission start in the next decade.

space telescopes↗
NASA NTRS2018

Developing a Novel Platform for Characterizing Thermoelectric Materials for Uncooled Detectors for Land Imaging Applications

Thermal land imaging (imaging at ~8-14 micron optical wavelength) is an essential tool for understanding and managing terrestrial freshwater resources. Current thermal imaging instruments employ low temperature detectors, which require cryocoolers. Consequently, cost-saving reductions in size, weight, and power can be achieved by employing uncooled detectors. One uncooled detector concept, which NASA is pursuing, is a thermopile detector with sub-micron thick doped-Si thermoelectric materials. In order to characterize the thermoelectric properties of the doped silicon, we designed and optimized a novel apparatus. This simple apparatus measures the Seebeck coefficient with thermally isolated stages and LABVIEW automation. We optimized thermal stability using PID tuning and optimized the thermal contact between the thin film samples and stages using electrically conductive springs. Utilizing our apparatus, we measured the Seebeck coefficient of 0.45 micron thick phosphorus-doped single crystal Si samples bonded to alumina substrates. Using these Seebeck coefficient measurements and four-wire electrical resistivity measurements, we determined the relationship between the thermoelectric figure of merit and dopant concentration. These characterization results for doped-Si will guide our thermopile detector design to provide an optimal and competitive detector alternative for future thermal imaging instruments.

Reid, Riley A.↗
NASA NTRS2007

Detector Modeling and CMB Polarimetry Technology Development at GSFC

Pixel size limits the resolution in the focal plane. This should be accounted for in optical design. Alternatively, this reduces the effective number of independent detectors. Polarization and scattering are intrinsically related, and both are more severe at low pnambda. Future work: Quantification of the pixel cross-coupling- calculate a theoretical covariance matrix to predict performance of future detector arrays.

Chuss, David T.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Testing of a Fiber Optic Wear, Erosion and Regression Sensor

The nature of the physical processes and harsh environments associated with erosion and wear in propulsion environments makes their measurement and real-time rate quantification difficult. A fiber optic sensor capable of determining the wear (regression, erosion, ablation) associated with these environments has been developed and tested in a number of different applications to validate the technique. The sensor consists of two fiber optics that have differing attenuation coefficients and transmit light to detectors. The ratio of the two measured intensities can be correlated to the lengths of the fiber optic lines, and if the fibers and the host parent material in which they are embedded wear at the same rate the remaining length of fiber provides a real-time measure of the wear process. Testing in several disparate situations has been performed, with the data exhibiting excellent qualitative agreement with the theoretical description of the process and when a separate calibrated regression measurement is available good quantitative agreement is obtained as well. The light collected by the fibers can also be used to optically obtain the spectra and measure the internal temperature of the wear layer.

Korman, Valentin↗
NASA NTRS1995

BIB mixers

We have determined that the multi-pin 'microprocessor style' packages in which current Blocked Impurity Band (BIB) devices are mounted will not meet our IF bandwidth spec of greater than 2 GHz for a practical mixer. Hence we have started to repackage the Ga:Ge BIB devices in new microwave compatible packages. The smaller size of the microwave package mount necessitates cutting the BIB array down to include only the 3 smallest detectors: 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 mm sq. A FIR beam incident at f/1.5 can be focussed on the smallest element for wavelengths shorter than 100 microns. A more typical (easier) beam convergence of f/3 will require 0.4 mm elements at 100 microns and 0.6 mm elements at 170 microns wavelength. Since the device capacitance (parasitic loss) scales with detector size, there is a tradeoff of speed of response and optical convenience. Our existing optics produce only the slower convergence beam, so we need to redesign the optical layout and are looking at long focal length all-reflective microscope objectives. BIB detectors and the edge-coupled microbolometers have restricted IF bandwidths, an order of magnitude less than what is possible with the Schottky-diode mixers we currently use for astronomical observations. Consequently the frequencies of the FIR laser lines must be close to the astronomical line of interest to be an effective Local Oscillator (LO). We have therefore begun a coordinated effort to discover and measure new FIR laser transition lines in close frequency coincidence with important astrophysical lines. Most of this effort involves pumping isotopic variants of known good laser molecules with laser lines from isotopic variants of CO2. We have been most successful in detecting new FIR lines in deuterated ammonia. One line in particular is very close to the frequency of HD rotational line at 2675 GHz.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1985

In situ orbital debris experiment concepts

Implementation of the radar, lidar and passive optical remote sensing concepts for measuring space debris from an Earth orbiting platform was investigated. Each system was compared for their requirements on the host platform, their performance relative to the space debris measurement program and the estimated cost of developing each concept into a flight instrument. It is found that the radar and lidar systems offer the greatest versatility and accuracy since they control the direction, intensity and duration of the energy incident on the target object. The performance of the passive optical system is determined by the capability of the detector and by the baseline separation of the telescopes, which requires the use of an on-orbit deployment mechanism. The passive optical concept provides the largest total event rae, and includes significant detections of particle sizes greater than 10 cm to allow correlation with ground based observations of the larger particles. The event rate for the radar system is relatively constant with particle while the lidar system is slightly biased toward the smaller sizes. These event rate differences result from a combination of the debris flux size distribution and the variation of sensitive detection area with particle size for the three concepts.

Neste, S. L.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Spectral slicing X-ray telescope

Layered synthetic microstructure (LSM) X-ray optics is investigated as a system for coupling a conventional glancing incidence X-ray mirror to a high sensitivity X-ray detector. It is shown that, by the use of figured LSM optics, it is possible to magnify the X-ray image produced by the primary mirrors so as to maintain their high inherent spatial resolution. The results of theoretical and design analyses of several spectral slicing X-ray telescope systems that utilize LSM mirrors of hyperboloidal, spherical, ellipsoidal, and constant optical path aspheric configurations are presented. It is shown that the spherical LSM optics are the preferred configuration, yielding subarcsecond performance over the entire field. The Stanford/Marshall Space Flight Center Rocket X-ray Telescope, which will utilize normal incidence LSM optics to couple a Wolter-Schwarzschild primary mirror to high resolution detectors for solar X-ray/EUV studies, is discussed. Design diagrams are included.

Hoover, R. B.↗
NASA NTRS1996

LaserCom System Architecture With Reduced Complexity

Spatial acquisition and precision beam pointing functions are critical to spaceborne laser communication systems. In the present invention a single high bandwidth CCD detector is used to perform both spatial acquisition and tracking functions. Compared to previous lasercom hardware design, the array tracking concept offers reduced system complexity by reducing the number of optical elements in the design. Specifically, the design requires only one detector and one beam steering mechanism. It also provides means to optically close the point-ahead control loop. The technology required for high bandwidth array tracking was examined and shown to be consistent with current state of the art. The single detector design can lead to a significantly reduced system complexity and a lower system cost.

Lesh, James R.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Acquisition and tracking performance measurements for a high speed area array detector system

A proof-of-concept (POC) demonstration system has been developed which demonstrates acquisition, tracking and point-ahead angle sensing for a space optical communications terminal utilizing a single high speed area array detector. The detector is the 128 x 128 pixel Kodak HS-40 photodiode array. It has 64 parallel readout channels and can operate at frames rates up to 40,000 frames/sec with rms readout noise of 20 photoelectrons. A windowing scheme and special purpose digital signal processing electronics are employed to implement acquisition and tracking algorithms. The system operates at greater than 1 kHz sample (frame) rates. Acquisition can be performed in as little as 30 milliseconds with less than 1 picowatt of 0.85 micron beacon power on the detector. At the same power level, the rms tracking accuracy is approximately 1/16 pixel. Results of system analysis and measurements using the POC system are presented.

Short, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Chamber For Testing Infrared Imaging Detectors

Chamber provides cold, vacuum, low-background-radiation environment and optical and electrical feedthroughs needed for testing and calibration of planar arrays of long-wavelength infrared photodetectors. Equipped with multiple ports for vacuum pumps, vacuum gauges, cryogenic fluids, sources of radiation, and camera heads. Accommodates variety of infrared sources, detectors, and associated equipment for testing at temperatures down to about 4.2 K in low-background-radiation environment.

Staller, Craig O.↗