Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “optical structures”

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 919 records · Page 51

Cosmological Constraints from Combining Photometric Galaxy Surveys and Gravitational Wave Observatories

Spatial variations in survey properties due to selection effects generate substantial systematic errors in large-scale structure measurements in optical galaxy surveys on very large scales. On such scales, the statistical sensitivity of optical surveys is also limited by their finite sky coverage. By contrast, gravitational wave (GW) sources appear to be relatively free of these issues, provided the angular sensitivity of GW experiments can be accurately characterized. We quantify the expected cosmological information gain from combining the forecast LSST 3$\times$2pt analysis (combination of three 2-point correlations of galaxy density and weak lensing shear fields) with the large-scale auto-correlation of GW sources from proposed next-generation GW experiments. We find that in $\Lambda$CDM and $w$CDM models, there is no significant improvement in cosmological constraints from combining GW with LSST 3$\times$2pt over LSST alone, due to the large shot noise for the former; however, this combination does enable a $\sim6\%$ constraint on the linear galaxy bias of GW sources. More interestingly, the optical-GW data combination provides tight constraints on models with primordial non-Gaussianity (PNG), due to the predicted scale-dependent bias in PNG models on large scales. Assuming that the largest angular scales that LSST will probe are comparable to those in Stage III surveys ($\ell_{\rm min}\sim50$), the inclusion of next-generation GW measurements could improve constraints on the PNG parameter $f_{\rm NL}$ by up to a factor of $\simeq6.6$ compared to LSST alone, yielding $\sigma(f_{\rm NL})=8.5$. These results assume the expected capability of a network of Einstein Telescope-like GW observatories, with a detection rate of $10^6$ events/year. We investigate the sensitivity of our results to different assumptions about future GW detectors as well as different LSST analysis choices.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Deposition of TiO2: A Review

Atmospheric pressure plasma (APP) deposition techniques are useful today because of their simplicity and their time and cost savings, particularly for growth of oxide films. Among the oxide materials, titanium dioxide (TiO2) has a wide range of applications in electronics, solar cells, and photocatalysis, which has made it an extremely popular research topic for decades. Here, we provide an overview of non-thermal APP deposition techniques for TiO2 thin film, some historical background, and some very recent findings and developments. First, we define non-thermal plasma, and then we describe the advantages of APP deposition. In addition, we explain the importance of TiO2 and then describe briefly the three deposition techniques used to date. We also compare the structural, electronic, and optical properties of TiO2 films deposited by different APP methods. Lastly, we examine the status of current research related to the effects of such deposition parameters as plasma power, feed gas, bias voltage, gas flow rate, and substrate temperature on the deposition rate, crystal phase, and other film properties. The examples given cover the most common APP deposition techniques for TiO2 growth to understand their advantages for specific applications. In addition, we discuss the important challenges that APP deposition is facing in this rapidly growing field.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Modeling and simulations of hydrodynamic shocks in a plasma flowing across randomized ICF scale laser beams

High-energy laser beams interacting with flowing plasmas can produce a plasma response that leads to deflection of the beam, beam bending. Such beams have usually a speckle structure generated by optical smoothing techniques that reduce the spatial and temporal coherence in the laser field pattern. The cumulative plasma response from laser speckles slows down the velocity of the incoming flow by momentum conservation. For slightly super-sonic flow the cumulative plasma response to the ponderomotive force exerted by the beam speckle ensemble is the strongest, such that slowing down the flow to subsonic velocities leads eventually to the generation of a shock around the cross section of the beam. This scenario has been predicted theoretically and is confirmed here by our hydrodynamic simulations in two dimensions with speckled beams and in one dimension with a reduced model. The conditions of shock generation are given in terms of the ponderomotive pressure, speckle size and the flow velocity. The nonlinear properties of the shocks are analyzed using Rankine–Hugoniot relations. According to linear theory, temporally smoothed laser beams exhibit a higher threshold for shock generation. Numerical simulations with beams that are smoothed by spectral dispersion compare well with the linear theory results, diverging from those produced by beams with only a random phase plates in the nonlinear regime. The conditions necessary for shock generation and their effects on the laser plasma coupling in inertial confinement fusion (ICF) experiments are also discussed.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Preliminary design report, Large Space Telescope OTA/SI Phase B study: High speed area photometer

A photometer is examined which combines several features from separate instruments into a single package. The design presented has both point and area photometry capability with provision for inserting filters to provide spectral discrimination. The electronics provide for photon counting mode for the point detectors and both photon counting and analog modes for the area detector. The area detector also serves as a target locating device for the point detectors. Topics discussed include: (1) electronic equipment requirements, (2) optical properties, (3) structural housing for the instrument, (4) motors and other mechanical components, (5) ground support equipment, and (6) environment control for the instrument. Engineering drawings and block diagrams are shown.

Source record↗

High resolution 10 mu spectrometry at different planetary latitudes. A practical Hadamard transform spectrometer for astronomical application

Infrared observations at different latitudes were studied in order to obtain spectra in the 10 micrometers region to understand differences in chemical composition or physical structure of the optical features. In order to receive such spectra of a rotating planet, simultaneous observations at different latitudes were made. A Hadamard transform spectrometer with 15 entrance slits was used to obtain 15 simultaneous spectra, at a resolution of 0.01 micrometers. The spectral band covered contained 255 spectral elements.

Tai, M. H.↗

Voyager imaging experiment

The Voyager imaging experiment, which involves two independently operated television systems (a narrow- and a wide-angle camera), is designed to conduct investigations of the atmospheres and surface properties of Jupiter, Saturn, their satellites and Saturn's rings. Objects of the investigations include the horizontal and vertical structure of visible clouds, the vertical structure of high, optically thin scattering layers on Jupiter and Saturn, the Great Red Spot, the South Equatorial Belt, chromophores on Io and Titan, the geology of several satellites, the masses, spin axes and periods of rotation of several satellites, the radial distribution of material in Saturn's rings, and the optical scattering properties of the primaries, rings, and satellites at a variety of wavelengths and phase angles.

Smith, B. A.↗

The High Energy Astronomy Observatory X-ray Telescope

The High Energy Astronomy Observatory-Mission B (HEAO-B) is a satellite observatory for the purpose of performing a detailed X-ray survey of the celestial sphere. Measurements will be made of stellar radiation in the range 0.2 through 20 keV. The primary viewing requirement is to provide final aspect solution and internal alignment information to correlate an observed X-ray image with the celestial sphere to within one-and-one-half arc seconds. The Observatory consists of the HEAO Spacecraft together with the X-ray Telescope. The Spacecraft provides the required attitude control and determination system, data telemetry system, space solar power system, and interface with the launch vehicle. The X-ray Telescope includes a high resolution mirror assembly, optical bench metering structure, X-ray detectors, detector positioning system, detector electronics and aspect sensing system.

Miller, R.↗

Advanced very high resolution radiometer, Mod 2 engineering report

The Advanced High Resolution Radiometer, Mod 2 (AVHRR/2) is a modification of the original AVHRR (AVHRR/1) to expand the number of channels from four to five and provide additional sensing in the infrared region. A comparison of the spectral regions employed in the two instruments is given. Three of the channels are the same on both instruments. The difference in instruments is in the long wave IR region where a single channel was replaced by two channels. The modification from AVHRR/1 to AVHRR/2 was done with a minimum of changes. The areas of change are highlighted and the modifications by module are summarized. It is seen that the primary changes are in the relay optics and in the cooler. In this development program only two models are involved. The first model, the Optical Test Model was constructed and tested to prove the performance and structural integrity of the optical system and the modified cooler. The second model constructed is the Protoflight. Only the areas of the AVHRR/2 which were modified from the AVHRR/1 design are discussed.

Source record↗

Space infrared astronomy - Overview of NASA planning

The present status and potential future direction of the NASA space infrared astronomy program is reviewed. Projects and project concepts discussed include the Infrared Astronomy Satellite, Small Infrared Telescope on Spacelab 2, Cosmic Background Explorer, Shuttle Infrared Telescope Facility, Space Telescope, large deployable reflector, molecular line survey, and infrared interferometer in space. Needs for continued engineering development in critical technology areas such as detectors, cryogenics, optics, and space structures are indicated.

Hauser, M. G.↗

Large Deployable Reflector Science and Technology Workshop. Volume 3: Systems and Technology Assessment

The results of five technology panels which convened to discuss the Large Deployable Reflector (LDR) are presented. The proposed LDR is a large, ambient-temperature, far infrared/submillimeter telescope designed for space. Panel topics included optics, materials and structures, sensing and control, science instruments, and systems and missions. The telescope requirements, the estimated technology levels, and the areas in which the generic technology work has to be augmented are enumerated.

Leidich, C. A.↗

Technology Panel Reports

Results are presented from five technology panels which convened to identify relevant technologies within their discipline for the Large Deployable Reflector (LDR) and to assess the current and projected state of these technologies. The five panels considered the following topics: optics, materials and structure, sensing and control, science instruments, and systems and missions.

Source record↗

Solidification study of some Ni- and Co-base alloys

An ongoing research program aims to characterize the solidification of several Ni- and Co-based commercial wrought type alloys. The techniques used and the data items sought are: (1) thermal analysis, liquidus, nonequilibrium solidus as a function of cooling rate, secondary reactions temperatures, incipient melting, progress of solidification as a function of temperature; (2) optical metallography, characteristic structures and secondary dendrite arm spacing as a function of cooling rate; (3) X-ray diffraction, identification of precipitates; and (4) SEM/EDAX, measure of microsegregation.

Jeanfils, C. L.↗

Detalied X-ray observations of the Cygnus Loop

High quality X-ray spectra and imaging observations of the Cygnus Loop have been obtained with three different instruments. The High Resolution Imager (HRI) on the Einstein Observatory was used to obtain arcsecond resolution images of select bright regions in the Cygnus Loop which permit detailed comparisons between the X-ray, optical, and radio structure of the Loop. The Imaging Proportional Counter (IPC) on the Einstein Observatory was used to obtain an arcminute resolution map of essentially the full Loop structure. Finally, an Imaging Gas Scintillation Proportional Counter (IGSPC), carried aloft by a sounding rocket last fall, obtained modest resolution, spatially resolved spectrophotometry of the Cygnus Loop. An X-ray map of the Loop in the energy of the O VIII line was obtained. These data combine to yield a very powerful probe of the abundance, temperature, and density distribution of material in the supernova remnant, and in the interstellar medium.

Ku, W. H.-M.↗

HOST instrumentation R and D program overview

The turbine hot-section technology (HOST) Instrumentation R&D program focuses on two main classes of instrumentation: (1) those that characterizes the environment around the turbine engine components, which include gas flows measurement, gas temperatures, and heat fluxes; (2) to characterize the effect of the environment on the turbine engine components, which include strain measurements and an optical system to structural responses such as cracking, buckling, spalling, carbon buildup. The HOST Instrumentation R&D program concentrates on the critical measurements that can not be made by commercially available instruments or with instruments that are already in development. The measurements of strain and gas flow are emphasized, these measurements are extremely critical to the success of the HOST program and the HOST requirements differ from the current state of the art by a considerable margin.

Wenger, N. C.↗