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At least 1,027 records · Page 57

A Dual Track Treadmill in a Virtual Reality Environment as a Countermeasure for Neurovestibular Adaptations in Microgravity

While the neurovestibular system is capable of adapting to altered environments such as microgravity, the adaptive state achieved in space in inadequate for 1G. This leads to giant and postural instabilities when returning to a gravity environment and may create serious problems in future mission to Mars. New methods are needed to improve the understanding of the adaptive capabilities of the human neurovestibular system and to develop more effective countermeasures. The concept behind the current study is that by challenging the neurovestibular system while walking or running a treadmill can help to read just the relationship between the visual, vestibular and proprioceptive signals that are altered in a microgravity environment. As a countermeasure, this device could also benefit the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems and at the same time decrease the overall time spent exercising. The overall goal of this research is to design, develop, build and test a dual track treadmill, which utilizes virtual reality, VR, displays.

DAndrea, Susan E.↗

Identification and characterization of deep nitrogen acceptors in β-Ga 2 O 3 using defect spectroscopies

The ability to achieve highly resistive beta-phase gallium oxide (β-Ga 2 O 3 ) layers and substrates is critical for β-Ga 2 O 3 high voltage and RF devices. To date, the most common approach involves doping with iron (Fe), which generates a moderately deep acceptor-like defect state located at E C -0.8 eV in the β-Ga 2 O 3 bandgap. Recently, there has been growing interest in alternative acceptors, such as magnesium (Mg) and nitrogen (N), due to their predicted deeper energy levels, which could avoid inadvertent charge modulation during device operation. In this work, a systematic study that makes direct correlations between the introduction of N using ion implantation and the observation of a newly observed deep level at E C -2.9 eV detected by deep-level optical spectroscopy (DLOS) is presented. The concentration of this state displayed a monotonic dependence with N concentration over a range of implant conditions, as confirmed by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). With a near 1:1 match in absolute N and E C -2.9 eV trap concentrations from SIMS and DLOS, respectively, which also matched the measured removal of free electrons from capacitance-voltage studies, this indicates that N contributes a very efficiently incorporated compensating defect. Density functional theory calculations confirm the assignment of this state to be an N (0/-1) acceptor with a configuration of N occupying the oxygen site III [N O(III) ]. The near ideal efficiency for this state to compensate free electrons and its location toward the midgap region of the β-Ga 2 O 3 bandgap demonstrates the potential of N doping as a promising approach for producing semi-insulating β-Ga 2 O 3 .

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Nanostructured carbon electrocatalyst supports for intermediate-temperature fuel cells: Single-walled versus multi-walled structures

It is unknown if nanostructured carbons possess the requisite electrochemical stability to be used as catalyst supports in the cathode of intermediate-temperature solid acid fuel cells (SAFCs) based on the CsH2PO4 electrolyte. To investigate this application, single-walled carbon nanohorns (SWNHs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were used as supports for Pt catalysts in SAFCs operating at 250 °C. SWNH-based cathodes display greater maximum activity than their MWNT-based counterparts at a cell voltage of 0.8 V, but are unstable in the SAFC cathode as a consequence of electrochemical carbon corrosion. MWNT-based cells are resistant to this effect and capable of operation for at least 160 h at 0.6 V and 250 °C. Cells fabricated with nanostructured carbon supports are more active (52 mA cm -1 vs. 28 mA cm -1 at 0.8 V) than state-of-the-art carbon-free formulations while simultaneously displaying enhanced Pt utilization (40 mA mgPt -1 vs. 16 mA mgPt -1 at 0.8 V). Finally, these results suggest that MWNTs are a viable support material for developing stable, high-performance, low-cost air electrodes for solid-state electrochemical devices operating above 230 °C.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Nd3+ Doping effect on the optical and electrical properties of SnO2 thin films prepared by nebulizer spray pyrolysis for opto-electronic application

Highlights: • High quality, Nd:SnO{sub 2} thin films prepared using simple nebulizer spray pyrolysis technique. • Characterizations of the films confirmed good crystallinity and smooth surface morphology. • High optical transparency with low electrical resistivity in nebulizer spray pyrolysis prepared Nd: SnO{sub 2} thin films is presented. - Abstract: Neodymium doped tin oxide (Nd: SnO{sub 2}) thin films were deposited on heated glass substrates with different Nd concentrations (0, 2, 4 and 6 %) by nebulizer spray pyrolysis method. Effects of Nd doping on structural, optical and electrical properties of the prepared films were investigated. X-ray diffraction study confirmed that all the deposited Nd: SnO{sub 2} films are in polycrystalline tetragonal structure with (211) preferential orientation. FESEM images showed that the prepared SnO{sub 2} particles are in nano-size in spherical shape, completely covering the substrate. AFM topology showed smooth deposition of the films with minimum surface roughness. The films showed maximum optical transmittance 90 % in the visible region with a band gap value 3.67 eV, also showed low refractive index and extinction coefficients. Room temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectrum exhibited a strong UV emission peak at 356 nm for all the films. All the Nd: SnO{sub 2} films displayed n-type conductivity with low electrical resistivity 5.88 × 10{sup −4} (Ω cm) for 4 % Nd doping. As the films showed good figure of merit (ϕ) values, these Nd doped SnO{sub 2} thin films can perform better role in optoelectronic device.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Electronic and optical characterization of bulk single crystals of cubic boron nitride (cBN)

Cubic boron nitride (cBN) is a relatively less studied wide bandgap semiconductor despite its many promising mechanical, thermal, and electronic properties. We report on the electronic, structural, and optical characterization of commercial cBN crystal platelets. Temperature dependent transport measurements revealed the charge limited diode behavior of the cBN crystals. The equilibrium Fermi level was determined to be 0.47 eV below the conduction band, and the electron conduction was identified as n-type. Unirradiated dark and amber colored cBN crystals displayed broad photoluminescence emission peaks centered around different wavelengths. RC series zero phonon line defect emission peaks were observed at room temperature from the electron beam irradiated and oxygen ion implanted cBN crystals, making this material a promising candidate for high power microwave devices, next generation power electronics, and future quantum sensing applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Impact of 12-nm FinFET Technology Variations on TID Effects: A Comparative Study of GF 12LP and 12LP+ at the Transistor Level

Here, this article presents a comparative analysis of total ionizing dose (TID) response in GlobalFoundries’ (GF) 12 low-power (LP) and 12LP+12-nm bulk fin field effect transistor (FinFET) technologies using 10-keV X-rays. Our findings show that 12LP+ n-type transistors demonstrate higher sensitivity to TID degradation of the off-state leakage drain current compared to 12LP. Data indicate that for both 12LP and 12LP+, transistors with higher threshold voltages (VTs) exhibit lower off-state drain-source leakage postirradiation compared to transistors with lower VTs. Data consistently show that transistors with fewer fins per transistor show superior TID tolerance, in both 12LP and 12LP+ technologies. Lower VT transistors in both technologies display similar preirradiation leakage currents. On the other hand, higher VT transistors in 12LP+ show lower preirradiation leakage currents than those in 12LP, highlighting that the front-end-of-line of 12LP+ technology has been modified compared to 12LP. p-type devices in 12LP+ presented negligible degradation. Larger TID sensitivity in 12LP+ might be attributed to the implementation of dual-metal gate work functions, reduced halo doping, deeper source/drain (S/D) doping profiles, and/or 12LP+ having narrower fins compared to 12LP.

Dual-metal gate work functions↗

Skin friction and Reynolds stress measurements for a turbulent boundary layer following manipulation using flat plates

Research has been undertaken to experimentally study the alterations in turbulent boundary-layer properties due to turbulence manipulation using thin flat plates. Plate geometry and placement within the boundary layer were selected to coincide with recent studies. Direct, local measurements of skin friction and Reynolds stresses were made within the boundary layer downstream of the manipulator devices for cases with an approach momentum thickness Reynolds number of 3700. A strong tendency for recovery of the Reynolds stresses was observed, accompanied by local skin-friction reductions of up to 15 percent. The mean velocity profile in the manipulated flow displayed the same similarity shape in the logarithmic region as a natural boundary layer, but had an enhanced wake component. The results indicate that the plate wake plays an important role in the boundary layer response to this sort of manipulation.

Westphal, R. V.↗

NASA Tech Briefs, March 2011

Topics covered include: Optimal Tuner Selection for Kalman-Filter-Based Aircraft Engine Performance Estimation; Airborne Radar Interferometric Repeat-Pass Processing; Plug-and-Play Environmental Monitoring Spacecraft Subsystem; Power-Combined GaN Amplifier with 2.28-W Output Power at 87 GHz; Wallops Ship Surveillance System; Source Lines Counter (SLiC) Version 4.0; Guidance, Navigation, and Control Program; Single-Frame Terrain Mapping Software for Robotic Vehicles; Auto Draw from Excel Input Files; Observation Scheduling System; CFDP for Interplanetary Overlay Network; X-Windows Widget for Image Display; Binary-Signal Recovery; Volumetric 3D Display System with Static Screen; MMIC Replacement for Gunn Diode Oscillators; Feature Acquisition with Imbalanced Training Data; Mount Protects Thin-Walled Glass or Ceramic Tubes from Large Thermal and Vibration Loads; Carbon Nanotube-Based Structural Health Monitoring Sensors; Wireless Inductive Power Device Suppresses Blade Vibrations; Safe, Advanced, Adaptable Isolation System Eliminates the Need for Critical Lifts; Anti-Rotation Device Releasable by Insertion of a Tool; A Magnetically Coupled Cryogenic Pump; Single Piezo-Actuator Rotary-Hammering Drill; Fire-Retardant Polymeric Additives; Catalytic Generation of Lift Gases for Balloons; Ionic Liquids to Replace Hydrazine; Variable Emittance Electrochromics Using Ionic Electrolytes and Low Solar Absorptance Coatings; Spacecraft Radiator Freeze Protection Using a Regenerative Heat Exchanger; Multi-Mission Power Analysis Tool; Correction for Self-Heating When Using Thermometers as Heaters in Precision Control Applications; Gravitational Wave Detection with Single-Laser Atom Interferometers; Titanium Alloy Strong Back for IXO Mirror Segments; Improved Ambient Pressure Pyroelectric Ion Source; Multi-Modal Image Registration and Matching for Localization of a Balloon on Titan; Entanglement in Quantum-Classical Hybrid; Algorithm for Autonomous Landing; Quantum-Classical Hybrid for Information Processing; Small-Scale Dissipation in Binary-Species Transitional Mixing Layers; Superpixel-Augmented Endmember Detection for Hyperspectral Images; Coding for Parallel Links to Maximize the Expected Value of Decodable Messages; and Microwave Tissue Soldering for Immediate Wound Closure.

Source record↗

Effects of Temperature on the Performance and Stability of Recent COTS Silicon Oscillators

Silicon oscillators have lately emerged to serve as potential replacement for crystal and ceramic resonators to provide timing and clock signals in electronic systems. These semiconductor-based devices, including those that are based on MEMS technology, are reported to be resistant to vibration and shock (an important criteria for systems to be deployed in space), immune to EMI, consume very low current, require few or no external components, and cover a wide range of frequency for analog and digital circuits. In this work, the performance of five recently-developed COTS silicon oscillator chips from different manufacturers was determined within a temperature range that extended beyond the individual specified range of operation. In addition, restart capability at extreme temperatures, i.e. power switched on while the device was soaking at extreme (hot or cold) temperature, and the effects of thermal cycling under a wide temperature range on the operation of these silicon oscillators were also investigated. Performance characterization of each oscillator was obtained in terms of its output frequency, duty cycle, rise and fall times, and supply current at specific test temperatures. The five different oscillators tested operated beyond their specified temperature region, with some displaying excellent stability throughout the whole test temperature range. Others experienced some instability at certain temperature test points as evidenced by fluctuation in the output frequency. Recovery from temperature-induced changes took place when excessive temperatures were removed. It should also be pointed out that all oscillators were able to restart at the extreme test temperatures and to withstand the limited thermal cycling without undergoing any significant changes in their characteristics. In addition, no physical damage was observed in the packaging material of any of these silicon oscillators due to extreme temperature exposure and thermal cycling. It is recommended that additional and more comprehensive testing under long term cycling be carried out to fully establish the reliability of these devices and to determine their suitability for use in space exploration missions under extreme temperature conditions.

Patterson, Richard L.↗

Room‐Temperature Phosphorescent Platinum(II) Alkynyls with Microsecond Lifetimes Bearing a Strong‐Field Pincer Ligand

Abstract The use of organometallic triplet emitters in organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) is motivated by the premise of efficient intersystem crossing leading to unit internal quantum efficiencies. However, since most devices are based on solid‐state components, an inherent limitation to square‐planar platinum(II) phosphors is their tendency toward aggregation‐based quenching. Here, a new class of emissive, four‐coordinate Pt II species based on the bisimidazolyl carbazolide (BIMCA) ligand is introduced, which displays highly efficient, long‐lived solid‐state phosphorescence at room temperature. A set of four BIMCAPt phenyl acetylides were synthesized that emit in the green ( λ max =507–540 nm) with >60 % quantum yield and millisecond lifetimes. The structures of the resulting species reveal a non‐planar structure imposed by steric clashes between BIMCA and the iodo or alkynyl co‐ligand. Ground‐state and photophysical characterization are presented. Density functional theory calculations indicate that the BIMCA ligand dominates the frontier orbitals along with the first Franck–Condon singlet and triplet excited states.

Liska, Tadeas↗

Hot excited state management for long-lived blue phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes

Since their introduction over 15 years ago, the operational lifetime of blue phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes (PHOLEDs) has remained insufficient for their practical use in displays and lighting. Their short lifetime results from annihilation between high-energy excited states, producing energetically hot states (46.0 eV) that lead to molecular dissociation. We introduce a strategy to avoid dissociative reactions by including a molecular hot excited state manager within the device emission layer. Hot excited states transfer to the manager and rapidly thermalize before damage is induced on the dopant or host. As a consequence, the managed blue PHOLED attains T80=334±5 h (time to 80% of the 1,000 cd m -2 initial luminance) with a chromaticity coordinate of (0.16, 0.31), corresponding to 3.6±0.1 times improvement in a lifetime compared to conventional, unmanaged devices. We believe that, this significant improvement results in the longest lifetime for such a blue PHOLED.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Perovskite-Fullerene Hybrid Materials Eliminate Hysteresis In Planar Diodes

Solution-processed planar perovskite devices are highly desirable in a wide variety of optoelectronic applications; however, they are prone to hysteresis and current instabilities. Here we report the first perovskite–PCBM hybrid solid with significantly reduced hysteresis and recombination loss achieved in a single step. This new material displays an efficient electrically coupled microstructure: PCBM is homogeneously distributed throughout the film at perovskite grain boundaries. The PCBM passivates the key PbI3 antisite defects during the perovskite self-assembly, as revealed by theory and experiment. Photoluminescence transient spectroscopy proves that the PCBM phase promotes electron extraction. We showcase this mixed material in planar solar cells that feature low hysteresis and enhanced photovoltage. Using conductive AFM studies, we reveal the memristive properties of perovskite films. We close by positing that PCBM, by tying up both halide-rich antisites and unincorporated halides, reduces electric field-induced anion migration that may give rise to hysteresis and unstable diode behaviour.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Chalcogenide Perovskite YScS 3 as a Potential p-Type Transparent Conducting Material

Transparent conducting materials (TCMs) have been widely used in optoelectronic applications such as touchscreens, flat panel displays and thin film solar cells. These applications of TCMs are currently dominated by n-type doped oxides. High-performance p-type TCMs are still lacking due to their low hole mobility or p-type doping bottleneck, which impedes efficient device design and novel applications such as transparent electronics. Here, based on first-principles calculations, we propose chalcogenide perovskite YScS 3 as a promising p-type TCM. According to our calculations, its optical absorption onset is above 3 eV, which allows transparency to visible light. Its hole conductivity effective mass is 0.48m 0 , which is among the smallest in p-type TCMs, suggesting enhanced hole mobility. It could be doped to p-type by group-II elements on cation sites, all of which yield shallow acceptors. Here, combining these properties, YScS 3 holds great promise to enhancing the performance of p-type TCMs toward their n-type counterparts.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Monitoring and Control of Chemical Composition of InGaN Layers During MOCVD

This Department of Energy SBIR Phase II grant targets the inefficiency of the epitaxial processes used to deposit wide band-gap semiconductor thin films that are an essential part of the next generation high-brightness LEDs for solid state lighting. Non-uniformity of the layers over a single wafer and non-repeatability over the wafers in a single batch, separate batches and separate reactors are some of the primary source of reduced manufacturing yield. The team performed extensive research, development and validation of an in-situ spectroscopic optical monitoring and epitaxial process control system. The system monitors the LED thin films as they grow on the individual wafers inside the epitaxial reactor, records the signal in a broad spectral range and processes the information to retrieve essential film quality parameters and their variation over a single wafer, all the wafers in a batch and multiple batches. A novel software algorithm is implemented, which performs real-time spectral pattern recognition and displays any abnormalities or differences in the deposition, which is used by the engineer to optimize the epitaxial process. The project resulted in the optimization of the LED film growth and improvement of its uniformity and repeatability, reducing the cost of the final LED devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

The JPL flux mapper

The flux mapper is a device that can map the intensity distribution in three dimensions of concentrated solar energy at the focus of a concentrator. Intensities to 10,000 solar constants can be measured. Constructed to assist in concentrator and receiver development, it consists of a radiometer which is moved through the concentrated sunlight in a series of planes perpendicular to the optical axis by means of a mechanical rastering device. Various radiometer probes can be utilized depending on the time and accuracy requirements of the program. Energy levels are recorded as a function of location. Reduction of this data can be in various formats, e.g., contour maps, digital arrays, isometric visualizations and other displays as the user requires.

Owen, W. A.↗

Pulsed response of a traveling-wave tube

The consequence of frequency-domain multiple access (FDMA) channelization in a satellite communications system is that the ground- and space-based components are often required to operate at reduced output power to prevent the generation of distortions. However, the components of a time-division multiple access (TDMA) satellite system, such as a traveling-wave tube (TWT), can operate at the highest output power because the channelization technique is relatively insensitive to the distortions resulting from saturated operation. A Hughes 30-GHz TWT was tested to determine the suitability of such a device in a TDMA system. Testing was focused on the ability of the TWT to rise up to full power at the leading edge of TDMA bursts, which were simulated by a pulse train. A Wavetek model 8502A peak power meter was used to display and measure the pulsed signal waveform. Measurements of the TWT output signal rise time indicate that the TWT lengthened the rise time by 10 to 20 nsec. Imposing a modulator turn-on time that precedes the data burst by the TWT rise time is a logical approach to coordinating the traveling-wave tube amplifier and modulator specifications.

May, Brian D.↗

Simulation and Optimization of Vacuum Swing Adsorption Units for Spacesuit Carbon Dioxide and Humidity Control

Controlling carbon dioxide (CO2) and humidity levels in a spacesuit is critical to ensuring both the safety and comfort of an astronaut during extra-vehicular activity (EVA). Traditionally, this has been accomplished utilizing either non-regenerative lithium hydroxide (LiOH) or regenerative but heavy metal oxide (MetOx) canisters which pose a significant weight burden. Although such technology enables air revitalization, the volume requirements to store the waste canisters as well as the mass to transport multiple units become prohibitive as mission durations increase. Consequently, motivation exists toward developing a fully regenerative technology for spacesuit environmental control. The application of solid amine materials with vacuum swing adsorption technology has shown the capacity to control CO2 while concomitantly managing humidity levels through a fully regenerative cycle eliminating constraints imposed with the traditional technologies. Prototype air revitalization units employing this technology have been fabricated in both a rectangular and cylindrical geometry. Experimental results for these test articles have been collected and are described herein. In order to accelerate the developmental efforts, an axially-dispersed plug flow model with an accompanying energy balance has been established and correlated with the experimental data. The experimental and simulation results display good agreement for a variety of flow rates (110-170 ALM), replicated metabolic challenges (100-590 Watts), and atmosphere pressures under consideration for the spacesuit (248 and 760 mm Hg). The testing and model results lend insight into the operational capabilities of these devices as well as the influence the geometry of the device has on performance. In addition, variable metabolic profiles were imposed on the test articles in order to assess the ability of the technology to transition to new metabolic conditions. The advent of the model provides the capacity to apply computer-aided engineering practices to support the ongoing efforts to optimize and mature this technology for future application to space exploration.

Swickrath, Michael J.↗

D and D decision model and mobile application for selection of fixative, strippable coating, and decontamination gel products - 15696

Deactivation and decommissioning (D and D) is the process of taking an active/excess/abandoned facility to a final disposition end state. D and D presents unique hazards that must be addressed from a safety, programmatic, environmental, and technological standpoint. This definition is especially applicable to Savannah River Site's 235-F facility. The facility was constructed in the 1950's as part of the weapons complex materials production and fabrication. The most significant quantities of residual contamination remaining in 235-F building is in the form of Plutonium-238. A Decision Model was created using MatLab to work hand-in-hand with a product list containing commercially available D and D products. This model was created to further enhance and accelerate the decontamination process. It is envisioned that D and D engineers will be able to use this Decision Model in the field via a mobile device. It allows the user to select four inputs to match their situation. The model searches the database and returns the products that fit the criteria selected by the user. This Decision Model will be made available in a web-based application and as a mobile application to ensure end users can access it when needed. The MatLab code recognizes what position in the text box is selected and then this input is converted to the corresponding string. The string is then compared with the information in the product list in the specified column in order to reduce processing time. Then the products that contain the string inputted are displayed on the table and are separated by category. The web-based version of the model will receive three specified criteria and sub-criteria from the user and update the table with products that fit each criteria. A web-based version of this Decision Model is under way and will be set up on the D and D KM-IT platform. There will be two versions of this mobile application: for devices with internet connection and for those that do not have internet connection. This will ensure end users have access to the Decision application at any time or place during the D and D process. A mobile version of the model will also be developed in the near future.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗