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At least 1,063 records · Page 59

Behavior of inversion layers in 3C silicon carbide

A study on the field-induced surface-charge region in 3C silicon carbide (SiC) using 1 MHz capacitance-voltage (C-V) measurements at room temperature is here reported. A double column mercury probe was used on oxidized SiC substrates to form metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) structures. These structures were characterized in terms of the substrate doping profile, effective fixed oxide charge, and interface trap density. A distinctive feature of the MOS C-V curves from accumulation to inversion is that after going into deep depletion the capacitance rises to its equilibrium inversion level during the voltage sweep. Capacitance transient measurements indicate that the minority-carrier generation occurs at the SiO2/SiC interface.

Avila, R. E.↗

Large optical nonlinearities in a GaAs/AlGaAs hetero n-i-p-i structure

Light-induced changes in the absorption of a multiple quantum well hetero n-i-p-i structure at room temperature have been measured using a pump-probe method. Changes in the absorption coefficient in the quantum wells of more than 2000/cm have been observed with pump intensities as small as 375 mW/sq cm. Corresponding changes in the index of refraction of about 0.02 have been calculated.

Kost, A.↗

Laboratory evaluation and application of microwave absorption properties under simulated conditions for planetary atmospheres

Radio absorptivity data for planetary atmospheres obtained from spacecraft radio occultation experiments and earth-based radio astronomical observations can be used to infer abundances of microwave absorbing atmospheric constituents in those atmospheres, as long as reliable information regarding the microwave absorbing properties of potential constituents is available. Work performed has shown that laboratory measurements of the millimeter-wave opacity of ammonia between 7.5 mm and 9.3 mm and also at the 3.2 mm wavelength require a different lineshape to be used in the theoretical prediction for millimeter-wave ammonia opacity than was previously used. The recognition of the need to make such laboratory measurements of simulated planetary atmospheres over a range of temperatures and pressures which correspond to the altitudes probed by both radio occultation experiments and radio astronomical observations, and over a range of frequencies which correspond to those used in both radio occultation experiments and radio astronomical observations, has led to the development of a facility at Georgia Tech which is capable of making such measurements. It has been the goal of this investigation to conduct such measurements and to apply the results to a wide range of planetary observations, both spacecraft and earth-based, in order to determine the identity and abundance profiles of constituents in those planetary atmospheres.

Steffes, Paul G.↗

Laboratory evaluation and application of microwave absorption properties under simulated conditions for planetary atmospheres

Radio absorptivity data for planetary atmospheres obtained from spacecraft radio occultation experiments and earth-based radio astronomical observations can be used to infer abundances of microwave absorbing atmospheric constituents in those atmospheres, as long as reliable information regarding the microwave absorbing properties of potential constituents is available. The use of theoretically derived microwave absorption properties for such atmospheric constituents, or using laboratory measurements of such properties under environmental conditions which are significantly different than those of the planetary atmosphere being studied, often leads to significant misinterpretation of available opacity data. The recognition of the need to make such laboratory measurements of simulated planetary atmospheres over a range of temperatures and pressures which correspond to the altitudes probed by both radio occultation experiments and radio astronomical observations, and over a range of frequencies which correspond to those used in both radio occultation experiments and radio astronomical observations, has led to the development of a facility at Georgia Tech which is capable of making such measurements. The goal of this investigation was to conduct such measurements and to apply the results to a wide range of planetary observations, both spacecraft and earth-based, in order to determine the identity and abundance profiles of constituents in those planetary atmospheres.

Steffes, Paul G.↗

Laboratory evaluation and application of microwave absorption properties under simulated conditions for planetary atmospheres

Radio absorptivity data for planetary atmospheres obtained from spacecraft radio occultation experiments and earth-based radio astronomical observations can be used to infer abundances of microwave absorbing atmospheric constituents in those atmospheres, as long as reliable information regarding the microwave absorbing properties of potential constituents is available. The use of theoretically-derived microwave absorption properties for such atmospheric constituents, or using laboratory measurements of such properties under environmental conditions which are significantly different than those of the planetary atmosphere being studied, often leads to significant misinterpretation of available opacity data. For example, laboratory measurements performed by Fahd and Steffes have shown that the opacity from gaseous SO2 under simulated Venus conditions can be well described by the Van Vleck-Weisskopf lineshape at wavelengths shortward of 2 cm, but that the opacity of wavelengths greater than 2 cm is best described by a different lineshape that was previously used in theoretical predictions. The recognition of the need to make such laboratory measurements of simulated planetary atmospheres over a range of temperatures and pressures which correspond to the altitudes probed by both radio occultation experiments and radio astronomical observations, and over a range of frequencies which correspond to those used in both radio occultation experiments and radio astronomical observations, has led to the development of a facility at Georgia Tech which is capable of making such measurements. It has been the goal of this investigation to conduct such measurements and to apply the results to a wide range of planetary observations, both spacecraft and earth-based, in order to determine the identity and abundance profiles of constituents in those planetary atmospheres.

Steffes, Paul G.↗

Multiwavelength search for protoplanetary disks

Infrared emission of circumstellar dust was observed for almost one hundred T Tauri stars. This dust is interpreted to be part of a protoplanetary disk orbiting the central star. T Tauri stars are young stellar objects and evolve into solar type stars. Planets are believed to form in these disks. The spectral energy distribution of a disk depends on its temperature profile. Different disk regions emit at different wavelengths. The disk-star boundary layer is hot and emits H(alpha) radiation. Inner disk regions at around 1 AU with a temperature of a few hundred Kelvin can be probed in near infrared wavelength regimes. Outer disk regions at around 100 AU distance from the star are colder and emit far infrared and sub-millimeter radiation. Also, X-ray emission from the stellar surface can reveal information on disk properties. Emission from the stellar surface and the boundary layer may be shielded by circumstellar gas and dust. T Tauri stars with low H(alpha) emission, i.e. no boundary layer, show stronger X-ray emission than classical T Tauri stars, because the inner disk regions of weak emission-line T Tauri stars may be clear of material. In this paper, first ROSAT all sky survey results on the X-ray emission of T Tauri stars and correlations between X-ray luminosity and properties of T Tauri disks are presented. Due to atmospheric absorption, X-ray and most infrared observations cannot be carried out on Earth, but from Earth orbiting satellites (e.g. IRAS, ROSAT, ISO) or from lunar based observatories, which would have special advantages such as a stable environment.

Neuhaeuser, Ralph↗

Laboratory Evaluation and Application of Microwave Absorption Properties Under Simulated Conditions for Planetary Atmospheres

Radio absorptivity data for planetary atmospheres obtained from spacecraft radio occultation experiments and earth-based radio astronomical observations can be used to infer abundances of microwave absorbing constituents in those atmospheres, as long as reliable information regarding the microwave absorbing properties of potential constituents is available. The use of theoretically-derived microwave absorption properties for such atmospheric constituents, or using laboratory measurements of such properties under environmental conditions which are significantly different than those of the planetary atmosphere being studied, often leads to significant misinterpretation of available opacity data. Laboratory measurements completed under this grant (NAGW-533), have shown that the opacity from, SO2 under simulated Venus conditions is best described by a different lineshape than was previously used in theoretical predictions. The recognition of the need to make such laboratory measurements of simulated planetary atmospheres over a range of temperatures and pressures which correspond to the altitudes probed by both radio occultation experiments and radio astronomical observations, and over a range of frequencies which correspond to those used in both radio occultation experiments and radio astronomical observations, has led to the development of a facility at Georgia Tech which is capable of making such measurements. It has been the goal of this investigation to conduct such measurements and to apply the results to a wide range of planetary observations, both spacecraft and earth-based, in order to determine the identity and abundance profiles of constituents in those planetary atmospheres.

Steffes, Paul G.↗

Assembly and Integration of Superconductive Measurement Circuits for a Spaceflight Experiment

Hybrid microelectronics containing both conventional electronic components and high-temperature superconductive films have been designed, fabricated, and tested. The devices operate from room temperature to 75K and perform d.c. four-probe resistance measurements on six superconductive specimens resident on each circuit. Four of these hybrid circuits were incorporated into the Materials In Devices As Superconductors (MIDAS) spaceflight experiment and evaluated over a 90-day period on the Mir space station. Prior to launch, comprehensive testing of the flight circuits was performed to determine the effects of thermal cycling, vibration loads, and long-term operation on circuit performance. This report describes the fabrication and assembly procedures used to produce the hybrid circuits, the techniques used to integrate the circuits into the MIDAS hardware system, and the results of pre-flight evaluations which verified circuit functionality.

Wise, Stephanie A.↗

Boundary-Layer Transition Detection in Cryogenic Wind Tunnel Using Fluorescent Paints

Luminescent molecular probes imbedded in a polymer binder form a temperature or pressure paint. On excitation by light of the proper wavelength, the luminescence, which is quenched either thermally or by oxygen, is detected by a camera or photodetector. From the detected luminescent intensity, temperature and pressure can be determined. The basic photophysics, calibration, accuracy and time response of a luminescent paints is described followed by applications in low speed, transonic, supersonic and cryogenic wind tunnels and in rotating machinery.

Sullivan, John↗

Comparison fo CO2 Lidar Backscatter with Particle Size Distribution and GOES-7 Data in Hurricane Juliette

Two NASA/MSFC continuous wave (CW) focused Doppler lidars obtained in-situ high resolution calibrated backscatter measurements in the upper levels of Hurricane Juliette as part of the 1995 NASA/Multicenter Airborne Coherent Atmospheric Wind Sensor (MACAWS) mission on board NASA's DC8 aircraft. These were also intercompared with in-situ cloud particle size distributions obtained from NASA/Ames Research Center's forward scattering spectrometer probe (FSSP), the DC8 aircraft infrared (IR) surface temperature radiometer data, and the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES-7) 11 micrometer IR emission images with their corresponding estimates of cloud top temperature and height. Two traverses of Hurricane Juliette's eye were made off the west coast of Mexico at altitude approx. 11.7 km on 21 September 1995. During this DC8 flight, late stages of eyewall decay-replacement cycles were observed, giving the appearance of an annular eye with clouds in the central region.

Jarzembski, Maurice A.↗

Plasma Flow During RF Discharges in VASIMR

The Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR) plasma source consists of a helical antenna, driven at frequencies of 4 to 19 MHz with powers up to 1 kW, in a magnetic field up to 3 kG. Helium is the current test gas, and future experiments with hydrogen are planned. Plasma density and temperature profiles were measured by a reciprocating Langmuir probe, and plasma flow profiles were measured with a reciprocating Mach probe. Both probes were located about 0.5 m downstream from the helical antenna. The plasma source operated in capacitive and inductive modes in addition to a helicon mode. During capacitive and inductive modes, densities were low and plasma flow was < 0.5 Cs. When the plasma operated in a helicon mode, the densities measured downstream from the source were higher [10(exp 12) / cubic cm ] and plasma flow along the magnetic field was of the order Mach 1. Details of the measurements will be shown.

Jacobson, V. T.↗

Observational Definition of Future AGN Echo-Mapping Experiments

We describe numerical simulations we have begun in order to determine the observational requirements for future echo-apping experiments. We focus on two particular problems: (1) determination of the structure and kinematics of the broad-line region through emission- line reverberation mapping, and (2) detection of interband continuum lags that may be used as a probe of the continuum source, presumably a temperature-stratified accretion disk. Our preliminary results suggest the broad-line region can be reverberation-mapped to good precision with spectra of signal-to-noise ratio per pixel S/N approx. = 30, time resolution (Delta)t approx. = 0.1 day, and duration of about 60 days (which is a factor of three larger than the longest time scale in the input models); data that meet these requirements do not yet exist. We also find that interband continuum lags of approx. greater than 0.5 days can be detected at approx. greater than 95% confidence with at least daily observations for about 6 weeks, or rather more easily and definitively with shorter programs undertaken with satellite-based observatories. The results of these simulations show that significant steps forward in multiwavelength monitoring will almost certainly require dedicated facilities.

Collier, Stefan↗

Organic Globules with Anomalous Nitrogen Isotopic Compositions in the Tagish Lake Meteorite: Products of Primitive Organic Reactions

Interstellar grains in molecular clouds consist primarily of silicate minerals, organic material, and ices. These interstellar materials are heated and partially evaporated during the birth of the protosolar nebula, and the remaining core-mantle grains grow into large aggregates by collision and subsequent sticking to become planetesimals. The chemical diversity of meteoritic material such as chondrules, Ca-Al rich inclusions and amoeboid-olivine aggregates reflects the material distribution in the late stage of the disk evolution before planetesimal formation began. Organic matter in carbonaceous chondrites should also be considered as a sensitive probe for the extent and timing of high temperature processes in the solar nebula. Current models suggest that many of the organic molecules found in the hydrated carbonaceous chondrite meteorites were synthesized by aqueous processing of a suite of precursor molecules, some of which were interstellar with significant isotopic anomalies, such as excesses of deuterium (D), and 15N.

Nakamura, K.↗

Evaluation of COTS Electronic Parts for Extreme Temperature Use in NASA Missions

Electronic systems capable of extreme temperature operation are required for many future NASA space exploration missions where it is desirable to have smaller, lighter, and less expensive spacecraft and probes. Presently, spacecraft on-board electronics are maintained at about room temperature by use of thermal control systems. An Extreme Temperature Electronics Program at the NASA Glenn Research Center focuses on development of electronics suitable for space exploration missions. The effects of exposure to extreme temperatures and thermal cycling are being investigated for commercial-off-the-shelf components as well as for components specially developed for harsh environments. An overview of this program along with selected data is presented.

Patterson, Richard L.↗

Self-Validating Thermocouple

Self-Validating Thermocouple (SVT) Systems capable of detecting sensor probe open circuits, short circuits, and unnoticeable faults such as a probe debonding and probe degradation are useful in the measurement of temperatures. SVT Systems provide such capabilities by incorporating a heating or excitation element into the measuring junction of the thermocouple. By heating the measuring junction and observing the decay time for the detected DC voltage signal, it is possible to indicate whether the thermocouple is bonded or debonded. A change in the thermal transfer function of the thermocouple system causes a change in the rise and decay times of the thermocouple output. Incorporation of the excitation element does not interfere with normal thermocouple operation, thus further allowing traditional validation procedures as well.

Perotti, Jose M.↗

Hot-Film and Hot-Wire Anemometry for a Boundary Layer Active Flow Control Test

Unsteady active flow control (AFC) has been used experimentally for many years to minimize bluff-body drag. This technology could significantly improve performance of rotorcraft by cleaning up flow separation. It is important, then, that new actuator technologies be studied for application to future vehicles. A boundary layer wind tunnel was constructed with a 1ft-x-3ft test section and unsteady measurement instrumentation to study how AFC manipulates the boundary layer to overcome adverse pressure gradients and flow separation. This unsteady flow control research requires unsteady measurement methods. In order to measure the boundary layer characteristics, both hot-wire and hot-film Constant Temperature Anemometry is used. A hot-wire probe is mounted in the flow to measure velocity while a hot-film array lays on the test surface to measure skin friction. Hot-film sensors are connected to an anemometer, a Wheatstone bridge circuit with an output that corresponds to the dynamic flow response. From this output, the time varying flow field, turbulence, and flow reversal can be characterized. Tuning the anemometers requires a fan test on the hot-film sensors to adjust each output. This is a delicate process as several variables drastically affect the data, including control resistance, signal input, trim, and gain settings.

Control Test↗

Sequentially evaporated thin Y-Ba-Co-O superconducting films on microwave substrates

The development of high T sub c superconducting thin films on various microwave substrates is of major interest in space electronic systems. Thin films of YBa2Cu3O(7-Delta) were formed on SrTiO3, MgO, ZrO2 coated Al2O3, and LaAlO3 substrates by multi-layer sequential evaporation and subsequent annealing in oxygen. The technique allows controlled deposition of Cu, BaF2 and Y layers, as well as the ZrO buffer layers, to achieve reproducibility for microwave circuit fabrication. The three layer structure of Cu/BaF2/Y is repeated a minimum of four times. The films were annealed in an ambient of oxygen bubbled through water at temperatures between 850 C and 900 C followed by slow cooling (-2 C/minute) to 450 C, a low temperature anneal, and slow cooling to room temperature. Annealing times ranged from 15 minutes to 5 hrs. at high temperature and 0 to 6 hr. at 450 C. Silver contacts for four probe electrical measurements were formed by evaporation followed with an anneal at 500 C. The films were characterized by resistance-temperature measurements, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. Critical transition temperatures ranged from 30 K to 87 K as a function of the substrate, composition of the film, thicknesses of the layers, and annealing conditions. Microwave ring resonator circuits were also patterned on these MgO and LaAlO3 substrates.

Valco, G. J.↗