Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “surface plasmon”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 91 records · Page 5

Novel optoelectronic devices; Proceedings of the Meeting, The Hague, Netherlands, Mar. 31-Apr. 2, 1987

The present conference on novel optoelectronics discusses topics in the state-of-the-art in this field in the Netherlands, quantum wells, integrated optics, nonlinear optical devices and fiber-optic-based devices, ultrafast optics, and nonlinear optics and optical bistability. Attention is given to the production of fiber-optics for telecommunications by means of PCVD, lifetime broadening in quantum wells, nonlinear multiple quantum well waveguide devices, tunable single-wavelength lasers, an Si integrated waveguiding polarimeter, and an electrooptic light modulator using long-range surface plasmons. Also discussed are backward-wave couplers and reflectors, a wavelength-selective all-fiber switching matrix, the impact of ultrafast optics in high-speed electronics, the physics of low energy optical switching, and all-optical logical elements for optical processing.

Adams, Michael J.↗

Method of forming silicon structures with selectable optical characteristics

Silicon and metal are coevaporated onto a silicon substrate in a molecular beam epitaxy system with a larger than stoichiometric amount of silicon so as to epitaxially grow particles of metal silicide embedded in a matrix of single crystal epitaxially grown silicon. The particles interact with incident photons by resonant optical absorption at the surface plasmon resonance frequency. Controlling the substrate temperature and deposition rate and time allows the aspect ratio of the particles to be tailored to desired wavelength photons and polarizations. The plasmon energy may decay as excited charge carriers or phonons, either of which can be monitored to indicate the amount of incident radiation at the selected frequency and polarization.

Fathauer, Robert W.↗

Optical detector having a plurality of matrix layers with cobalt disilicide particles embedded therein

Silicon and metal are coevaporated onto a silicon substrate in a molecular beam epitaxy system with a larger than stoichiometric amount of silicon so as to epitaxially grow particles of metal silicide embedded in a matrix of single crystal epitaxially grown silicon. The particles interact with incident photons by resonant optical absorption at the surface plasmon resonance frequency. Controlling the substrate temperature and deposition rate and time allows the aspect ratio of the particles to be tailored to desired wavelength photons and polarizations. The plasmon energy may decay as excited charge carriers of phonons, either of which can be monitored to indicate the amount of incident radiation at the selected frequency and polarization.

Fathauer, Robert W.↗

Third Order Optical Nonlinearity of Colloidal Metal Nanoclusters Formed by MeV Ion Implantation

We report the results of characterization of nonlinear refractive index of the composite material produced by MeV Ag ion implantation of LiNbO(sub 3) crystal (z-cut). The material after implantation exhibited a linear optical absorption spectrum with the surface plasmon peak near 430 nm attributed to the colloidal silver nanoclusters. Heat treatment of the material at 500 deg C caused a shift of the absorption peak to 550 nm. The nonlinear refractive index of the sample after heat treatment was measured in the region of the absorption peak with the Z-scan technique using a tunable picosecond laser source (4.5 ps pulse width).The experimental data were compared against the reference sample made of MeV Cu implanted silica with the absorption peak in the same region. The nonlinear index of the Ag implanted LiNbO(sub 3) sample produced at five times less fluence is on average two times greater than that of the reference.

Sarkisov, S. S.↗

Au Colloids Formed by Ion Implantation in Muscovite Mica Studied by Vibrational and Electronic Spectroscopes and Atomic Force Microscopy

Au was implanted into the (001) surface of Muscovite mica at an energy of 1.1 MeV and at doses of 1, 3, 6, and 10 x 10(exp 16) ions/cu cm. Optical spectra of the as-implanted samples revealed a peak at 2.28 eV (545 nm) which is attributed to the surface plasmon absorption of Au colloids. The infrared reflectance measurements show a decreasing reflectivity with increasing ion dose in the Si-O stretching region (900-1200 /cm). A new peak observed at 967 /cm increases with the ion dose and is assigned to an Si-O dangling bond. Atomic force microscopy images of freshly cleaved samples implanted with 6 and 10 x 10(exp 16) ions/sq cm indicated metal colloids with diameters between 0.9- 1.5 nm. AFM images of the annealed samples showed irregularly shaped structures with a topology that results from the fusion of smaller colloids.

Tung, Y. S.↗

Tunable Optical Properties of Metal Nanoparticle Sol-Gel Composites

We demonstrate that the linear and non-linear optical properties of sol-gels containing metal nanoparticles are highly tunable with porosity. Moreover, we extend the technique of immersion spectroscopy to inhomogeneous hosts, such as aerogels, and determine rigorous bounds for the average fractional composition of each component, i.e., the porosity of the aerogel, or equivalently, for these materials, the catalytic dispersion. Sol-gels containing noble metal nanoparticles were fabricated and a significant blue-shift in the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was observed upon formation of an aerogel, as a result of the decrease in the dielectric constant of the matrix upon supercritical extraction of the solvent. However, as a result of chemical interface damping and aggregation this blue-shift does not strictly obey standard effective medium theories. Mitigation of these complications is achieved by avoiding the use of alcohol and by annealing the samples in a reducing atmosphere.

Smith, David D.↗

Site-specific regulatory interaction between spinach leaf sucrose-phosphate synthase and 14-3-3 proteins

We report an Mg2+-dependent interaction between spinach leaf sucrose-phosphate synthase (SPS) and endogenous 14-3-3 proteins, as evidenced by co-elution during gel filtration and co-immunoprecipitation. The content of 14-3-3s associated with an SPS immunoprecipitate was inversely related to activity, and was specifically reduced when tissue was pretreated with 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide riboside, suggesting metabolite control in vivo. A synthetic phosphopeptide based on Ser-229 was shown by surface plasmon resonance to bind a recombinant plant 14-3-3, and addition of the phosphorylated SPS-229 peptide was found to stimulate the SPS activity of an SPS:14-3-3 complex. Taken together, the results suggest a regulatory interaction of 14-3-3 proteins with Ser-229 of SPS.

Non-NASA Center↗

Workshop II: Nanotechnology and Advanced Cell Concepts

Workshop focused on few emerging concepts(beyond tandem cells): 1. Engineering incident sun spectrum and transparency losses a) Nano emitters (dot concentrator); b) Surface plasmonics; c) Up converters; d) Down converter. 2. Intermediate band solar cells a) Efficiency projections (detail energy balance projections); b) Inserting 0,1 and 2D semiconductor structures in solar cells 3. Polymer and hybrid cells a) Nanotubes/dot polymers; b) Exciton dissociation.

Source record↗

NASA Tech Briefs, January 2005

Topics covered include: Fiber-Optic Sensor Would Monitor Growth of Polymer Film; Sensors for Pointing Moving Instruments Toward Each Other; Pd/CeO2/SiC Chemical Sensors; Microparticle Flow Sensor; Scattering-Type Surface-Plasmon-Resonance Biosensors; Diode-Laser-Based Spectrometer for Sensing Gases; Improved Cathode Structure for a Direct Methanol Fuel Cell; X-Band, 17-Watt Solid-State Power Amplifier; Improved Anode for a Direct Methanol Fuel Cell; Tools for Designing and Analyzing Structures; Interactive Display of Scenes with Annotations; Solving Common Mathematical Problems; Tools for Basic Statistical Analysis; Program Calculates Forces in Bolted Structural Joints; Integrated Structural Analysis and Test Program; Molybdate Coatings for Protecting Aluminum Against Corrosion; Synthesizing Diamond from Liquid Feedstock; Modifying Silicates for Better Dispersion in Nanocomposites; Powder-Collection System for Ultrasonic/Sonic Drill/Corer; Semiautomated, Reproducible Batch Processing of Soy; Hydrogen Peroxide Enhances Removal of NOx from Flue Gases; Subsurface Ice Probe; Real-Time Simulation of Aeroheating of the Hyper-X Airplane; Using Laser-Induced Incandescence To Measure Soot in Exhaust; Method of Real-Time Principal-Component Analysis; Insect-Inspired Flight Control for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles; Domain Compilation for Embedded Real-Time Planning; Semantic Metrics for Analysis of Software; Simulation of Laser Cooling and Trapping in Engineering Applications; Large Fluvial Fans and Exploration for Hydrocarbons; Doping-Induced Interband Gain in InAs/AlSb Quantum Wells; Development of Software for a Lidar-Altimeter Processor; Upgrading the Space Shuttle Caution and Warning System; and Fractal Reference Signals in Pulse-Width Modulation.

Source record↗

Crowd-Sourced Technology Challenge for Improving Visual Color Detection of Hydrazine and Monomethylhydrazine Vapors in Spacecraft Environments

NASA currently uses a visual colorimetric detection method for potential hydrazine, monomethylhydrazine (MMH), or unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) contamination in the International Space Station. Astronauts exposed to propellants or their residues during extravehicular activities may transfer contaminants into the airlock. The colorimetric detection method employs the Contamination Detection Kit (CDK), which uses a potassium tetrachloroaurate redox reaction with the propellant hydrazine vapors and a color comparison card to determine airborne concentrations. Seeking ideas for improvement, the NASA Tournament Lab (NTL) crowdsourced a way to tackle the challenge of detecting hydrazine and MMH vapors using colorimetric detection methods. This Rid the Rocket competition drew over 200 participants and 20 submissions from around the world proposing innovative ways to develop a new chemical colorimetric detection method for hydrazine and MMH vapors on spacecraft. Using a phased approach to evaluate contestants, NASA eventually narrowed the field to five finalists from the United States, Romania, Taiwan, and India. Concept papers and hardware submissions were judged on feasibility, creativity, and ability to detect hydrazine and MMH vapors before being sent to the NASA White Sands Test Facility for laboratory evaluation. Finalists employed variations of sampling methods and color-detection chemistry using a variety of sampling pumps and indicator pads or solutions—including those employing potassium or hydrogen tetrachloroaurate, para -dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (PDAB), and modifiers including sodium metasilicate and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide—to enhance gold nanoparticle formation and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) resulting in visual blue to purple color development. This paper presents a summary of the crowdsourced submissions and results of laboratory testing.

Crowd-Sourced↗

Colorimetric and Label-Free Optical Detection of Pb 2+ Ions via Colloidal Gold Nanoparticles

The detection of Lead (Pb) heavy metal in water is crucial in many chemical processes as it is associated with serious health hazard. Here, we report the selective and precise colorimetric detection of Pb 2+ ions in water exploiting the mechanisms of aggregation and self-assembly of Glutathione (GSH) functionalized gold nanoparticles (GNPs). The carboxyl functional groups are available to create coordination complexes with Pb 2+ inducing aggregation amongst the GSH-GNPs in the presence of Pb 2+ due to the chelation of the GSH ligands. The resulting aggregation of amongst the GSHGNPs in the presence of Pb2+ increases the aggregate size depending on available Pb 2+ ions affecting the plasmonic coupling. This causes in a substantial shift in the plasmon wavelength to a longer wavelength side with increasing Pb 2+ concentration, resulting in a red-to-blue colorimetric or visual change, enabling instant determination of lead content in water.

calorimetric detection↗

Electride Mediated Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS)

An electride may provide surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The electride, a compound where the electrons serve as anions, may be a ceramic electride, such as a conductive ceramic derived from mayenite, or an organic electride, for example. The textured electride surface or electride particles may strongly enhance the Raman scattering of organic or other Raman active analytes. This may also provide a sensitive method for monitoring the chemistry and electronic environment at the electride surface. The results are evidence of a new class of polariton (i.e., a surface electride-polariton resonance mechanism) that is analogous to the surface plasmon-polariton resonance that mediates conventional SERS.

Anderson, Mark S.↗

Material for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, and SER sensors and method for preparing same

Metal-doped sol-gel materials, suitable for use as sensors for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic analysis for trace chemical detection, are produced by effecting gelation and solvent removal of a doped sol-gel under mild temperature conditions. At least in certain instances reaction and drying will desirably be effected in an oxygen-starved environment. The metal of the sol-gel material functions, when irradiated, to produce a plasmon field for interaction with molecules of an analyte in contact therewith, increasing by orders of magnitude Raman photons that are generate by excitation radiation, and the method allows matching of the metal and metal particle size to a wavelength of light (or incident radiation, e.g., laser radiation) to generate surface plasmons. The porosity of the sol-gel material dramatically increases the surface area, and thereby the amount of metal exposed for analyte interaction. The sensors provided may be in the form of glass vials, fiber optics, multi-well micro-sample plates, etc., having surface coatings of the doped sol-gel material, to provide sampling systems for use in a Raman instrument.

Farquharson, Stuart↗

Spoof Plasmon Polaritons for NDE Applications an Experimental Demonstration

NASA is exploring the use of microwave spoof plasmon polaritons to detect defects in metallic structures. This work investigates the detection of simulated defects in the form of aluminum wires as small as 1.6 mm diameter and 2mm long that are placed in a grooved aluminum test article. The inclusions simulate manufacturing defects, and the sum of the delta impedance is shown to increase with increasing volume of added metal. A threshold value of 50Ω has been proposed for defect detection. In addition to detecting defects, the technique also estimates the volume of the defect.

Microwave↗

Spoof Plasmon Sensing for NDE Application

NASA is exploring the use of microwave spoof plasmon polaritons to detect defects in metallic structures. This work investigates the detection of simulated defects in the form of aluminum wires as small as 1.6 mm diameter and 2 mm long that are placed in a grooved aluminum test article. The inclusions simulate manufacturing defects, and the sum of the delta impedance is shown to increase with increasing volume of added metal. Based on the results, a threshold value of 50Ω has been proposed for defect detection. In addition to detecting defects, the technique also estimates the volume of the defect.

Microwave↗

Surface characterization in composite and titanium bonding: Carbon fiber surface treatments for improved adhesion to thermoplastic polymers

The effect of anodization in NaOH, H2SO4, and amine salts on the surface chemistry of carbon fibers was examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The surfaces of carbon fibers after anodization in NaOH and H2SO4 were examined by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), angular dependent XPS, UV absorption spectroscopy of the anodization bath, secondary ion mass spectrometry, and polar/dispersive surface energy analysis. Hercules AS-4, Dexter Hysol XAS, and Union Carbide T-300 fibers were examined by STEM, angular dependent XPS, and breaking strength measurement before and after commercial surface treatment. Oxygen and nitrogen were added to the fiber surfaces by anodization in amine salts. Analysis of the plasmon peak in the carbon 1s signal indicated that H2SO4 anodization affected the morphological structure of the carbon fiber surface. The work of adhesion of carbon fibers to thermoplastic resins was calculated using the geometric mean relationship. A correlation was observed between the dispersive component of the work of adhesion and the interfacial adhesion.

Devilbiss, T. A.↗

Enhancing SERS by Means of Supramolecular Charge Transfer

In a proposed method of sensing small quantities of molecules of interest, surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy would be further enhanced by means of intermolecular or supramolecular charge transfer. There is a very large potential market for sensors based on this method for rapid detection of chemical and biological hazards. In SERS, the Raman signals (vibrational spectra) of target molecules become enhanced by factors of the order of 108 when those molecules are in the vicinities of nanostructured substrate surfaces that have been engineered to have plasmon resonances that enhance local electric fields. SERS, as reported in several prior NASA Tech Briefs articles and elsewhere, has remained a research tool and has not yet been developed into a practical technique for sensing of target molecules: this is because the short range (5 to 20 nm) of the field enhancement necessitates engineering of receptor molecules to attract target molecules to the nanostructured substrate surfaces and to enable reliable identification of the target molecules in the presence of interferants. Intermolecular charge-transfer complexes have been used in fluorescence-, photoluminescence-, and electrochemistry-based techniques for sensing target molecules, but, until now, have not been considered for use in SERS-based sensing. The basic idea of the proposed method is to engineer receptor molecules that would be attached to nanostructured SERS substrates and that would interact with the target molecules to form receptor-target supramolecular charge-transfer complexes wherein the charge transfer could be photoexcited.

Wong, Eric↗

Polarization-Controlled Directional Multiphoton Photoemission from Hot Spots on Single Au Nanoshells

Directional photoemission from single Au nanoshells is demonstrated in the low-intensity, multiphoton regime. Thisdirectionality is shown to be due to the plasmonic excitation of highly photoemissive, nanometer scale surface regions, which are characterized by correlated momentum mapping, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and laser polarization-dependence studies. Furthermore, the photoelectron flux from a single nanoshell can be systematically rotated by over 90° in momentum space simply by polarization-controlled coupling to different hot spots. Photoelectrondistributions are directly characterized in momentum space via velocity map imaging (VMI) of the two-dimensional transverse (px, py) momentum components for single nanoshells. For the majority of nanoshells studied, the photoemission is directionally orthogonal to the laser polarization, which implicates nanoscale crevice-shaped "hotspots" clearly observed in the correlated SEM/VMI studies, with the near-field plasmonic nature of these crevices clarified further via finite-element simulations. These results rationalize the large photoemission enhancements observed in previous Au nanoshell studies, but more importantly provide a novel experimental access to directionally tunable electron emission from nanoscale sources. The ability to control photoemission/photocurrent angular distributions at the nanoscale with only modest optical fields indicates a new parameter for optimizing nanoplasmonic system performance and suggests new plasmonic applications such as ultrafast, polarization-controlled photoelectric/photovoltaic switches.

Pettine, Jacob↗