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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 91 records · Page 5
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2001

The Marshall Magnetic Mirror Beam-Plasma Experiment

Plasma propulsion is an advanced propulsion concept with the potential to realize very high specific impulse. Present designs for plasma propulsion devices share a common feature, the incorporation of a magnetic mirror. A magnetic mirror is a plasma confinement scheme whereby charged particles are trapped (or reflected) between two regions of high magnetic field strength. A cylindrical geometry is most often employed to create a magnetic mirror, which is a natural geometry for propulsion devices. To utilize the magnetic mirror configuration in a plasma propulsion device, however, will require efficient coupling of power into the system. With the development of compact and efficient electron sources, such as hollow cathode sources, coupling power into a magnetic mirror using electron beams may be an attractive approach. A system, the Marshall Magnetic Mirror (M3), has been constructed to study the coupling of an electron beam into a magnetic mirror. A description of the M3 device will be provided as well as data from initial beam-plasma coupling experiments.

Schneider, Todd A.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Auger electron spectroscopy at high spatial resolution and nA primary beam currents

An experimental Auger microprobe system is described which incorporates a field-emission electron gun and total beam currents in the nanoampere range. The distinguishing characteristics of this system include a large multistation UHV specimen chamber, pulse counting and fully digital Auger signal-processing techniques, and digital referencing methods to eliminate the effects of beam instabilities. Some preliminary results obtained with this system are described, and it is concluded that field-emission electron sources can be used for high-resolution Auger electron spectroscopy with primary-beam spots of less than 100 nm and beam currents of the order of 1 nA.

Todd, G.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Io-accelerated electrons - Predictions for Pioneer 10 and Pioneer 11

Based on a model in which electrons are accelerated to energies of 100 kiloelectron volts through sheaths associated with Io, predictions are made about energetic electrons to be observed by Pioneer 10 and Pioneer 11 in the Jovian magnetosphere. This energetic electron source may be distinguishable from the solar wind diffusion source by the radial flux profile and by the characteristic electron energies.

Shawhan, S. D.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Atmospheric Electron-Induced X-Ray Spectrometer (AEXS) Development

This paper describes the progress in the development of the so-called Atmospheric Electron X-ray Spectrometer (AEXS) instrument in our laboratory at JPL. The AEXS is a novel miniature instrument concept based on the excitation of characteristic X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and luminescence spectra using a focused electron beam, for non-destructive evaluation of surfaces of samples in situ, in planetary ambient atmosphere. In situ operation is obtained through the use of a thin electron transmissive membrane to isolate the vacuum within the AEXS electron source from the outside ambient atmosphere. By using a focused electron beam, the impinging electrons on samples in the external atmosphere excite XRF spectra from the irradiated spots with high-to-medium spatial resolution. The XRF spectra are analyzed using an energy-dispersive detector to determine surface elemental composition. The use of high- intensity electron beam results in rapid spectrum acquisition (several minutes), and consequently low energy consumption (several tens of Joules) per acquired XRF spectrum in comparison to similar portable instruments.

X-ray fluorescence (XRF)↗
NASA NTRS1974

Fluorescence and phosphorescence of photomultiplier window materials under electron irradiation

The fluorescence and phosphorescence of photomultiplier window materials under electron irradiation were investigated using a Sr-90/Y-90 beta emitter as the electron source. Spectral emission curves of UV grade, optical grade, and electron-irradiated samples of MGF2 and LiF, CaF2, BaF2, sapphire, fused silica, and UV transmitting glasses were obtained over the spectral range of 200 nm to 650 nm. Fluorescence yields, expressed as the number of counts in a solid angle of 2 pi steradian per 1MeV of incident electron energy deposited, were determined on these materials utilizing photomultiplier tubes with cesium telluride, bialkali, and trialkali (S-20) photocathodes, respectively.

Viehmann, W.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Photomultiplier window materials under electron irradiation - Fluorescence and phosphorescence

The fluorescence and phosphorescence of photomultiplier window materials under electron irradiation have been investigated using a Sr-90/Y-90 beta emitter as the electron source. Spectral emission curves of UV-grade, optical-grade, and electron-irradiated samples of MgF2 and LiF, and of CaF2, BaF2, sapphire, fused silica, and UV-transmitting glasses were obtained over the 200-650-nm spectral range. Fluorescence yields were determined on these materials utilizing photomultiplier tubes with cesium telluride, bialkali, and trialkali (S-20) photocathodes, respectively. Optical-grade MgF2 and LiF, as well as electron-irradiated UV-grade samples of these two materials, show enhanced fluorescence due to color-center formation and associated emission bands in the blue and red wavelength regions. Large variations in fluorescence intensities were found in UV-grade sapphire samples of different origins, particularly in the red end of the spectrum, presumably due to various amounts of chromium-ion content. Phosphorescence decay with time is best described by a sum of exponential terms, with time constants ranging from a few minutes to several days.

Viehmann, W.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Operation of an electron-bombardment ion source using various gases

An electron-bombardment ion thruster of the SERT 2 type was operated with xenon, krypton, argon, neon, nitrogen, helium, and carbon dioxide. The discharge performance with xenon, krypton, and argon was similar to that obtained previously with mercury. Mass spectrometer data indicated that the xenon contained no significant multiple ionization. Restriction of the beam area, with an associated decrease in discharge potential, was necessary to reduce multiple ionization with argon to a negligible level. This modification also resulted in more stable operation of the thruster. Performance with the remaining gases was poor because the basic thruster designed was optimized for operation with mercury.

Byers, D. C.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Instrumentation and Measurements for Electron Emission from Charged Insulators

The electron was first discovered in 1898 by Sir John Joseph Thomson and has since been the subject of detailed study by nearly every scientific discipline. At nearly the same time Heinrich Rudolf Hertz conducted a series of experiments using cathode tubes, high potentials and ultraviolet light. When applying a large potential to a cathode he found that an arching event across the metal plates would occur. In addition, when shining an ultraviolet light on the metal he found that less potential was required to induce the spark. This result, taken together with other electrical phenomena brought about by the shining of light upon metal and was eventually termed the photoelectric effect. The work of Thomson and Hertz represent the beginning of electron emission studies and a body of ideas that pervade nearly all aspects of physics. In particular these ideas tell us a great deal about the nature of physical interactions within solids. In this thesis we will focus on the emission of electrons induced by an incident electron source over a range of energies, in which one can observe changes in emitted electron flux and energy distribution. In particular, when energetic particles impinge on a solid they can impart their energy, exciting electrons within the material. If this energy is sufficient to overcome surface energy barriers such as the work function, electron affinity or surface charge potential, electrons can escape from the material. The extent of electron emission from the material can be quantified as the ratio of incident particle flux to emitted particle flux, and is termed the electron yield.

Sim, Alec M.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Middle atmosphere response to measured relativistic electrons

During two independent rocket programs, Aurorozone 1 and 2 at Poker Flat Research Range, Alaska in September 1976 and March 1978 respectively, frequent penetration and absorption of relativistic electrons were observed between 40-70 km altitude. This relativistic electron source was compared with bremsstrahlung X-ray energy deposition in the same altitude domain. Correlated atmospheric electrical response was simultaneously observed. Ozone was also measured following each event to determine its departure from quiet nighttime values. Preliminary results for Aurorozone 1 show that the relativistic electrons observed on September 23, 1976 dominated X-ray bremmstrahlung as an energy source to an atmospheric depth of 55 km. Above this height, the deposition ratio rapidly grew to a value greater than 100, clearly demonstrating the dominant role of relativistic electrons as an important energy source for this lower mesospheric domain.

Barcus, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Method of forming aperture plate for electron microscope

An electron microscope is described with an electron source a condenser lens having either a circular aperture for focusing a solid cone of electrons onto a specimen or an annular aperture for focusing a hollow cone of electrons onto the specimen. It also has objective lens with an annular objective aperture, for focusing electrons passing through the specimen onto an image plane. A method of making the annular objective aperture using electron imaging, electrolytic deposition and ion etching techniques is included.

Heinemann, K.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Electron microscope aperture system

An electron microscope including an electron source, a condenser lens having either a circular aperture for focusing a solid cone of electrons onto a specimen or an annular aperture for focusing a hollow cone of electrons onto the specimen, and an objective lens having an annular objective aperture, for focusing electrons passing through the specimen onto an image plane are described. The invention also entails a method of making the annular objective aperture using electron imaging, electrolytic deposition and ion etching techniques.

Heinemann, K.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Two-Dimensional Transport Studies for the Composition and Structure of the Io Plasma Torus

The overall objective of this project is to investigate the roles of local and spatially extended plasma sources created by Io, plasma torus chemistry, and plasma convective and diffusive transport in producing the long-lived S(+), S(++) and O(+) radial ribbon structures of the plasma torus, their System III longitude and local-time asymmetries, their energy sources and their possible time variability. To accomplish this objective, two-dimensional [radial (L) and System III longitude] plasma transport equations for the flux-tube plasma content and energy content will be solved that include the convective motions for both the east-west electric field and co-rotational velocity-lag profile near Io s orbit, radial diffusion, and the spacetime dependent flux-tube production and loss created by both neutral-plasma and plasma-ion reaction chemistry in the plasma torus. For neutral-plasma chemistry, the project will for the first time undertake the calculation of realistic three-dimensional, spatially-extended, and time-varying contributions to the flux-tube ion-production and loss that are produced by Io's corona and extended neutral clouds. The unknown two-dimensional spatial nature of diffusion in the plasma transport will be isolated and better defined in the investigation by the collective consideration of the foregoing different physical processes. For energy transport, the energy flow from hot pickup ions (and a new electron source) to thermal ions and electrons will be included in investigating the System III longitude and local-time temperature asymmetries in the plasma torus. The research is central to the scope of the NASA Sun-Earth Connection Roadmap in Quest II Campaign 4 "Comparative Planetary Space Environments" by addressing key questions for understanding the magnetosphere of planets with high rotation rates and large internal plasma sources and, in addition, is of considerable importance to the NASA Solar System Exploration Science Theme. In this regard, Jupiter is the most extreme example with its rapid rotation and with its inner Galilean satellite Io providing the dominant plasma source for the magnetosphere.

Smyth, William H.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Decimetric gyrosynchrotron emission during a solar flare

A decimetric, microwave, and hard X-ray burst was observed during a solar flare in which the radio spectrum below peak flux fits an f+2 power law over more than a decade in frequency. The spectrum is interpreted to mean that the radio emission originated in a homogeneous, thermal, gyrosynchrotron source. This is the first time that gyrosynchrotron radiation has been identified at such low decimetric frequencies (900-998) MHz). The radio emission was cotemporal with the largest single hard X-ray spike burst ever reported. The spectrum of the hard X-ray burst can be well represented by a thermal bremsstrahlung function over the energy range from 30 to 463 keV at the time of maximum flux. The temporal coincidence and thermal form of both the X-ray and radio spectra suggest a common source electron distribution. The unusual low-frequency extent of the single-temperature thermal radio spectrum and its association with the hard X-ray burst imply that the source had an area approx. 10(18) sq cm a temperature approx 5x10(8) K, an electron density approx. 7.10(9) cu cm and a magnetic field of approx. 120 G. H(alpha) and 400-800 MHz evidence suggest that a loop structure of length 10,000 km existed in the flare active region which could have been the common, thermal source of the observed impulsive emissions.

Batchelor, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Spontaneous-Desorption Ionizer for a TOF-MS

A time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOF-MS) like the one mentioned in the immediately preceding article has been retrofitted with an ionizer based on a surface spontaneous-desorption process. This ionizer includes an electron multiplier in the form of a microchannel plate (MCP). Relative to an ionizer based on a hot-filament electron source, this ionizer offers advantages of less power consumption and greater mechanical ruggedness. The current density and stability characteristics of the electron emission of this ionizer are similar to those of a filament-based ionizer. In tests of various versions of this ionizer in the TOF-MS, electron currents up to 100 nA were registered. Currents of microamperes or more - great enough to satisfy requirements in most TOFMS applications - could be obtained by use of MCPs different from those used in the tests, albeit at the cost of greater bulk. One drawback of this ionizer is that the gain of the MCP decreases as a function of the charge extracted thus far; the total charge that can be extracted over the operational lifetime is about 1 coulomb. An MCP in the ion-detector portion of the TOF-MS is subject to the same limitation.

Schultz, J. Albert↗
NASA NTRS1993

Planetary and satellite x ray spectroscopy: A new window on solid-body composition by remote sensing

The rings and most of the satellites of the outer planets orbit within the radiation belts of their parent bodies. This is an environment with intense fluxes of energetic electrons. As a result, these objects are strong emitters of X-rays. The characteristic X-ray lines from these bodies depend on atomic composition, but they are not sensitive to how the material is arranged in compounds or mixtures. X-ray fluorescence spectral analysis has demonstrated its unique value in the laboratory as a qualitative and quantitative analysis tool. This technique has yet to be fully exploited in a planetary instrument for remote sensing. The characteristic X-ray emissions provide atomic relative abundances. These results are complementary to the molecular composition information obtained from IR, visible, and UV emission spectra. The atomic relative abundances are crucial to understanding the formation and evolution of these bodies. They are also crucial to the proper interpretation of the molecular composition results from the other sensors. The intensities of the characteristic X-ray emissions are sufficiently strong to be measured with an instrument of modest size. Recent developments in X-ray detector technologies and electronic miniaturization have made possible space-flight X-ray imaging and nonimaging spectrometers of high sensitivity and excellent energy resolution that are rugged enough to survive long-duration space missions. Depending on the application, such instruments are capable of resolving elemental abundances of elements from carbon through iron. At the same time, by measuring the bremsstrahlung intensity and energy spectrum, the characteristics of the source electron flux can be determined. We will discuss these concepts, including estimated source strengths, and will describe a small instrument capable of providing this unique channel of information for future planetary missions. We propose to build this instrument using innovative electronics packaging methods to minimize size and weight.

Chenette, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Energy transport by energetic electrons released during solar flares. I - Thermal versus nonthermal processes

The propagation of energetic electrons through a flaring flux tube is studied in an attempt to determine how the energy of the electrons is deposited in the flux tube. One-dimensional electrostatic particle simulations are used in the present investigation. As the energetic electrons propagate into the system, a return current of ambient plasma electrons and some of the energetic electrons is drawn into the energetic electron source. It is found that, as the ambient temperature relative to the ion temperature increases above about 3, the heated return-current electrons can excite ion-sound waves.

Winglee, R. M.↗