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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 955 records · Page 53

Hybrid Band effects program (Lockheed Martin shared vision CRADA)

Hybrid Band{trademark} (H-band) is a Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control (LMMFC) designation for a specific RF modulation that causes disruption of select electronic components and circuits. H-Band enables conventional high-power microwave (HPM) effects (with a center frequency of 1 to 2 GHz, for example) using a higher frequency carrier signal. The primary technical objective of this project was to understand the fundamental physics of Hybrid Band{trademark} Radio Frequency effects on electronic systems. The follow-on objective was to develop and validate a Hybrid Band{trademark} effects analysis process.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Progress & Frontiers in PV Performance

PowerPoint slides for a presentation given at Solar Power International 2016. Presentation includes System Advisor Model (SAM) introduction and battery modeling, bifacial PV modules and modeling, shade modeling and module level power electronics (MLPE), degradation rates, and PVWatts updates and validation.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Resolving broadening of ECRH deposition due to edge turbulence in DIII-D by heat deposition measurement

Interaction between microwave power, used for local heating and mode control, and density fluctuations can produce a broadening of the injected beam, as confirmed in experiment and simulation. Increased power deposition width could impact suppression of tearing mode structures on ITER[1]. This work discusses the experimental portion of an effort to understand scattering of injected microwaves by turbulence on the DIII-D tokamak. The corresponding theoretical modeling work can be found in M.B. Thomas et. al.: Submitted to Nuclear Fusion (2017)[Author Note - this paper to be published in same journal]. In a set of perturbative heat transport experiments, tokamak edge millimeter-scale fluctuation levels and microwave heat deposition are measured simultaneously. Beam broadening is separated from heat transport through fitting of modulated fluxes[2]. Electron temperature measurements from a 500 kHz, 48-channel ECE radiometer are Fourier analyzed and used to calculate a deposition-dependent flux[3]. Consistency of this flux with a transport model is evaluated. A diffusive(∝ ∇˜ T e ) and convective(∝ ˜ T e ) transport solution is linearized and compared with energy conservation-derived fluxes. Comparison between these two forms of heat flux is used to evaluate the quality of ECRF deposition profiles, and a Χ 2 minimization finds a significant broadening of 1D equilibrium ray tracing calculations from the benchmarked TORAY-GA ray tracing code[4] is needed. The physical basis, cross-validation, and application of the heat flux method is presented. The method is applied to a range of DIII-D discharges and finds a broadening factor of the deposition profile width which scales linearly with edge density fluctuation level. Furthermore, these experimental results are found to be consistent with the full-wave beam broadening measured by the 3D full wave simulations in the same discharges[5].

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

The use of intensity-modulated radiation therapy photon beams for improving the dose uniformity of electron beams shaped with MLC

Electrons are ideal for treating shallow tumors and sparing adjacent normal tissue. Conventionally, electron beams are collimated by cut-outs that are time-consuming to make and difficult to adapt to tumor shape throughout the course of treatment. We propose that electron cut-outs can be replaced using photon multileaf collimator (MLC). Two major problems of this approach are that the scattering of electrons causes penumbra widening because of a large air gap, and available commercial treatment planning systems (TPSs) do not support MLC-collimated electron beams. In this study, these difficulties were overcome by (1) modeling electron beams collimated by photon MLC for a commercial TPS, and (2) developing a technique to reduce electron beam penumbra by adding low-energy intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) photons (4 MV). We used blocks to simulate MLC shielding in the TPS. Inverse planning was used to optimize boost photon beams. This technique was applied to a parotid and a central nervous system (CNS) clinical case. Combined photon and electron plans were compared with conventional plans and verified using ion chamber, film, and a 2D diode array. Our studies showed that the beam penumbra for mixed beams with 90 cm source to surface distance (SSD) is comparable with electron applicators and cut-outs at 100 cm SSD. Our mixed-beam technique yielded more uniform dose to the planning target volume and lower doses to various organs at risk for both parotid and CNS clinical cases. The plans were verified with measurements, with more than 95% points passing the gamma criteria of 5% in dose difference and 5 mm for distance to agreement. In conclusion, the study has demonstrated the feasibility and potential advantage of using photon MLC to collimate electron beams with boost photon IMRT fields.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

The dependence of solar modulation on the sign of the cosmic ray particle charge

ISEE-3 spacecraft cosmic ray telescope data on the modulation of cosmic ray electrons are compared with IMP-8 spacecraft data on low energy He atoms to evaluate the effects of solar maxima on cosmic ray modulation. The investigation is constrained to the modulation of 70-95 MeV He-4 nuclei and 600-1000 MeV electrons over the period 1965-1984, an interval covering solar maxima in 1970 and 1981. It is shown that the occurrences of solar maxima are associated with magnetic field polarity reversals. When the interplanetary magnetic field reverses polarity, oppositely charged particles flow in different directions, thereby permitting studies of drift effects and modulation. Data on the recovery periods after the solar maxima show that the He-4 nuclei recovered before the electron population in 1970, while the situation was reversed in 1981. Actual flux ratio reversals were recorded in the years surrounding the maxima. Although the data support a connection between modulation of cosmic rays and the sign of charged particles, current models cannot account for the deviation of electron intensities from the nuclei intensities.

Garcia-Munoz, M.↗

Analysis of bunching of an electron beam at optical wavelengths

This paper presents an analysis of the bunching of an electron beam at optical wavelengths by means of the inverse Cerenkov effect. A laser light beam is used to modulate the velocity of the electrons, and this velocity modulation becomes charge-density modulation after an appropriate drift distance. The effects of energy and angular spread of the electrons are included, as well as the impact of scatterings in the index-matching medium. Bunching can occur with reasonable parameter values and the drift distance is of the order of several centimeters.

Chen, C. K.↗

Anisotropic transport in modulation-doped quantum-well structures

Anisotropic electron transport has been observed in GaAs modulation-doped quantum wells grown by molecular-beam epitaxy on a thick (001) Al(0.3)Ga(0.7)As buffer grown at 620 C. Thicker quantum wells (150, 200, and 300 A) show progressively less anisotropy, which vanishes for a 300-A quantum well. The degree of anisotropy is also reduced or eliminated by suspending growth of the Al(0.3)Ga(0.7)As for a period of 300 s prior to growing the GaAs quantum well. Growing the Al(0.3)Ga(0.7)As buffer at higher temperatures (680 C) also reduces the degree of anisotropy. Higher two-dimensional electron gas sheet densities result in less anisotropy.The anisotropy is eliminated by replacing the thick Al(0.3)Ga(0.7)As buffer with a periodic multilayer structure comprising 15 A of GaAs and 200 A of Al(0.3)Ga(0.7)As. The degree of anisotropy is related to the thickness and growth parameters of the Al(0.3)Ga(0.7)As layer grown just prior to the growth of the GaAs.

Radulescu, D. C.↗

Relaxation oscillations of superluminescence in a semiconductor caused by recovery of the Fermi distribution of nonequilibrium electrons

It is shown that modulation of the superluminescence intensity on a characteristic time scale on the order of a few picoseconds may occur in a semiconductor because of relaxation oscillations that result from the “healing” of local perturbations of the quasi-Fermi distribution of nonequilibrium electrons in energy space. The conditions for observing this effect in GaAs are estimated.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Strain-modulation of spin-dependent transport in graphene

We investigate strain modulation of the spin-dependent electron transport in a graphene junction using the transfer matrix method. As an analogy to optics, we define the modulation depth in the electron optics domain. Additionally, we discuss the transport properties and show that the modulation depth and the conductance depend on the spin-orbit coupling strength, the strain magnitude, the width of the strained area, and the energy of the incident electron. The conductances of the spin-down and spin-up electrons have opposite and symmetrical variations, which results in the analogous features of their modulation depths. The maximum conditions for both the modulation depth and the electron spin upset rate are also analyzed.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Manufacturing Supply Chain Development for Modular Solar-Thermochemical Conversion Platform [Abstract]

We will develop a tunable pulsed electron source capable of generating variable intensity highly-focused electron pulses at high repetition rates. Specifically, we need to demonstrate a high-speed variable electron gun capable of generating a variable intensity electron pulse containing between 102 and 105 electrons with an accelerating voltage of 1kV focused into a spot size <100nm in diameter at with a pulse rate >10MHz (with path to 300MHz). This combined performance cannot be achieved by commercially available electron sources. The primary technology path selected for this work will be to use a photocathode approach, where an easily modulated UV laser is used to stimulate electron emission. The approach utilizes the advances made in the development of the Dynamic TEM (DTEM), though this project will be simpler in that the pulse intensity is lower and there is no requirement for coherency. Alternate paths, including using a traditional electron beam modulated using a v-shaped slit and electrostatically deflecting the beam to adjust intensity; will also be considered for future capabilities. The electron source will then be used generate optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) in lithium fluoride (LiF) substrates to demonstrate the potential for OSL to serve as a basis technology for next generation data storage systems.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Optically Stimulated Luminescence Data Storage (Abstract)

We will develop a tunable pulsed electron source capable of generating variable intensity highly-focused electron pulses at high repetition rates. Specifically, we need to demonstrate a high-speed variable electron gun capable of generating a variable intensity electron pulse containing between 102 and 105 electrons with an accelerating voltage of 1kV focused into a spot size <100nm in diameter at with a pulse rate >10MHz (with path to 300MHz). This combined performance cannot be achieved by commercially available electron sources. The primary technology path selected for this work will be to use a photocathode approach, where an easily modulated UV laser is used to stimulate electron emission. The approach utilizes the advances made in the development of the Dynamic TEM (DTEM), though this project will be simpler in that the pulse intensity is lower and there is no requirement for coherency. Alternate paths, including using a traditional electron beam modulated using a v-shaped slit and electrostatically deflecting the beam to adjust intensity; will also be considered for future capabilities. The electron source will then be used generate optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) in lithium fluoride (LiF) substrates to demonstrate the potential for OSL to serve as a basis technology for next generation data storage systems.

42 ENGINEERING↗

High-Temperature SiC Power Module with Integrated SiC Gate Drivers for Future High-Density Power Electronics Applications

This paper presents a high-temperature capable intelligent power module that contains SiC power devices and SiC gate driver integrated circuits (ICs). The high-temperature capability of the SiC gate driver ICs allows for them to be packaged into the power module and be located physically close to the power devices. This provides a distinct advantage by reducing the gate driver loop inductance, which promotes high frequency operation, while also reducing the overall volume of the system through higher levels of integration. The power module was tested in a bridgeless-boost converter (Fig. 1) to determine the performance of the module in a system level application. The converter was operated with a switching frequency of 200 kHz with a peak output power of approximately 5 kW. The peak efficiency was found to be 97.5% at 2.9 kW.

Whitaker, Mr. Bret↗

Half-filled stripes in a hole-doped three-orbital spin-fermion model for cuprates

Using Monte Carlo techniques, we study a three-orbital CuO 2 spin-fermion model for copper-based high-critical-temperature superconductors that captures the charge-transfer properties of these compounds. Our studies reveal the presence of spin order in the parent compound and, more importantly, stripe spin and charge order under hole doping. Due to the p-d orbital hybridization, the added holes are approximately equally distributed among the two p orbitals of the oxygen atoms and the d orbital of the copper atoms in the unit cell. In rectangular clusters of dimension 16×4 half-filled stripes are observed upon hole doping; namely, when N h =2$n$ holes are introduced in the system, then n vertical stripes of length 4 along the short periodic direction are formed. The original antiferromagnetic order observed in the parent compound develops a π shift across each stripe, and the magnetic structure factor has a peak at wave vector k=(π-δ,π) with δ=2πN h /N=πN h /2L, where L=16. The electronic charge is also modulated, and the charge structure factor is maximized at $k$=(2δ,0). As electrons are removed from the system, intracell orbital nematicity with &#9001$n_{p_x}$&#9002 -&#9001$n_{p_y}$&#9002 ≠ 0 develops in the oxygen sector, as well as intercell magnetic nematicity with &#9001S$^z_{i,d}$(S$^z_{i+x,d}$-S$^z_{i+y,d}$)&#9002 ≠ 0 in the spin copper sector, in the standard notation. This occurs not only in rectangular but also in square 8×8 lattices. Our results suggest that the essence of the stripe spin and charge distribution experimentally observed in hole-doped cuprates is captured by unbiased Monte Carlo studies of a simple hole-doped charge-transfer insulator CuO 2 spin-fermion model.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

End-of-Life Management of Photovoltaic Panels: Trends in PV Module Recycling Technologies

Photovoltaic (PV) technology is one of the most promising technologies for improving energy security and mitigating climate change. The PV market is growing rapidly, and further market expansion is expected all over the world. In addition to its positive impacts on energy security and climate change, PV technology is also among the most environmentally friendly technologies of all energy and electricity generation technologies, particularly when evaluated from a life-cycle viewpoint, including end-of-life management. This means that proper end-of-life management is an indispensable issue for 'clean' energy technologies. All technologies eventually degrade to where they enter their end-of-life stage, eventually requiring replacement. PV modules have a useful lifespan of approximately 30 years. With PV deployment increasing exponentially, the number of PV modules that reach the end of useful life will also greatly increase after the time lag of operation, accumulating proportionately as waste. A report published by International Energy Agency Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (IEA PVPS) Task12 and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in 2016 projected waste PV modules globally to amount to 1,7-8,0 million tons cumulatively by 2030 and to 60-78 million tons cumulatively by 2050. Generally, sustainable waste management offers opportunities known as the 3Rs: reduce, reuse, and recycle. When a product cannot be repaired or reused, recycling is the next preferable option before disposing as waste. In anticipation of the large volume of waste PV modules, and to retain PV's position as a clean energy technology, PV module recycling has become an important emerging topic, and various discussions and activities have been conducted and developed by governments, organizations, and companies. (Discussions on the topic of PV module reuse are considered to be less mature.) The EU Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive revised in 2012 (2012/19/EU) addresses the waste management of all electronics, including waste PV modules, in the EU member states. It requires 75%/65% (recovery/recycling rate) of waste PV modules by mass to be recycled through 2016, then increases to 80%/75% through 2018 and to 85%/80% thereafter. In addition to such a regulatory scheme, it is obvious that recycling technologies must be available to meet the increasing requirements of WEEE. Available recycling facilities that treat PV modules can meet current WEEE requirements; additional research and development (R&D) is required to meet subsequent WEEE requirements at reasonable cost. This report aims to provide an international survey of trends related to the development of PV module recycling technology from the perspective of both the private and public sectors. For the private sector, we review patents, as patent filing has been increasing since 2011. For the public sector, we review R&D plans and investments made by many countries active in PV module recycling technology development. Because it takes a long time to develop and commercialize new technologies, we hope that this report will accelerate technology development through transparent sharing of status and insight pertaining to the development of PV module recycling technologies. Managing end-of-life PV modules to recover valuable materials that can displace virgin ones is an important step toward meeting the challenge of sustainabiliy.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Contemporary Use of Anomalous Diffraction in Biomolecular Structure Analysis

The normal elastic X-ray scattering that depends only on electron density can be modulated by an ?anomalous? component due to resonance between X-rays and electronic orbitals. Anomalous scattering thereby precisely identifies atomic species, since orbitals distinguish atomic elements, which enables the multi- and single-wavelength anomalous diffraction (MAD and SAD) methods. SAD now predominates in de novo structure determination of biological macromolecules, and we focus here on the prevailing SAD method. We describe the anomalous phasing theory and the periodic table of phasing elements that are available for SAD experiments, differentiating between those readily accessible for at-resonance experiments and those that can be effective away from an edge. We describe procedures for present-day SAD phasing experiments and we discuss optimization of anomalous signals for challenging applications. We also describe methods for using anomalous signals as molecular markers for tracing and element identification. Emerging developments and perspectives are discussed in brief.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Controlling Electron-Beam-Weld Focus

Control loop measures weld-spot temperature to regulate focus current. Square-wave generator modulates current in electron-beam focus coil so that focal point is varied between points slightly above and below surface of weld. Sensor detects intensity of light emitted by weld, proportional to fourth power of temperature at hottest part of weld spot. Sensor signal is detected by chopper demodulator synchronized by square-wave generator, to determine whether average position of focal point is higher than, coincident with, or lower than optimum point; and focus coil current is adjusted accordingly.

Coate, F. M.↗

Contributions of Electron Cyclotron Waves to Performance in Advanced Regimes on DIII-D

High-power electron cyclotron (EC) waves are used to increase performance in several Advanced Tokamak (AT) regimes on DIII-D where there is a simultaneous need for high noninductive current and high beta. In the Quiescent High-confinement mode (QH-mode), a direct measurement of the electron cyclotron current drive (ECCD) profile is made using modulation techniques, and a trapped electron mode (TEM) dominated regime with core T{sub e}>T{sub i} is created. In the 'highq{sub min}' AT scenario, ECCD provides part of the off-axis noninductive current and helps to produce a tearing stable equilibrium. In the hybrid regime, strong central current drive from EC waves and other sources increases the noninductive current fraction to {approx_equal}100%. Surprisingly, the core safety factor remains above unity, meaning good alignment between the current drive profile and the desired plasma current profile is not necessary in this scenario.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Arbitrary electron dose waveforms for electron microscopy

A device may include an electron source, a detector, and a deflector. The electron source may be directed toward a sample area. The detector may receive an electron signal or an electron-induced signal. A deflector may be positioned between the electron source and the sample. The deflector may modulate an intensity of the electron source directed to the sample area according to an electron dose waveform having a continuously variable temporal profile.

Bloom, Ruth Shewmon↗