Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Nonlinear spectroscopy”

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 109 records · Page 6

Vibrational sum frequency generation spectroscopy reveals the inertness of chromium oxide (001) surfaces

Nanoengineered metal oxides such as Cr(III)-oxide (chromia) films have diverse potential applications in corrosion inhibition, remediation, energy generation, catalysis, data storage, and biological and environmental systems. Concerns about material degradation or oxidation to toxic chromate necessitate an understanding of chromia/aqueous interfaces, beginning with their hydroxylation and hydration behavior. Vibrational sum-frequency generation spectroscopy (vSFG) provides specific molecular-level information about water at the oxide/aqueous junction with high surface selectivity. To overcome the strong absorber problem typical of certain metal oxides in the UV–visible range during nonlinear optical studies, we employed molecular beam epitaxy to deposit transparent, epitaxial nanofilms of Cr 2 O 3 with (001) crystalline orientation on sapphire (Al 2 O 3 (001)) substrates, as confirmed by atomic force microscopy and X-ray diffraction. vSFG spectra of the air and water interfaces of the Cr 2 O 3 (001) films reveal hydroxyl features corresponding to both dissociated and molecular water on the surface. In contrast to the dangling hydroxyls found on the bare Al 2 O 3 (001) substrate, the hydroxyl groups on the deposited Cr 2 O 3 (001) nanofilm do not readily undergo isotopic H/D exchange when exposed to varying forms of D 2 O under ambient conditions. When considering the chemistries of the corresponding trivalent cations in aqueous solution, the finding is at variance with their similar acidities and proton exchange dynamics but consistent with markedly slower inner-sphere water ligand exchange of hexaquo Cr 3+ . This finding challenges the idea that proton and water exchange at the water/Cr₂O₃(001) interface are solely correlated, driven by the strength of metal-bridging oxygen bonds and surface hydroxyl distribution, without direct causation.

Boamah-Agyemang, Mavis D. [Pacific Northwest Natio↗

Analysis method for Fourier transform spectroscopy

A fast Fourier transform technique is given for the simulation of those distortion effects in the instrument line shape of the interferometric spectrum that are due to errors in the measured interferogram. The technique is applied to analyses of atmospheric absorption spectra and laboratory spectra. It is shown that the nonlinear least squares method can retrieve the correct information from the distorted spectrum. Analyses of HF absorption spectra obtained in a laboratory and solar CO absorption spectra gathered by a balloon-borne interferometer indicate that the retrieved amount of absorbing gas is less than the correct value in most cases, if the interferogram distortion effects are not included in the analysis.

Park, J. H.↗

The brighter-fatter effect in the JWST MIRI Si:As IBC detectors: I. Observations, impact on science, and modeling

Context.The Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) on board theJames WebbSpace Telescope (JWST) uses three Si:As impurity band conduction (IBC) detector arrays. The output voltage level of each MIRI detector pixel is digitally recorded by sampling up the ramp. For uniform or low-contrast illumination, the pixel ramps become nonlinear in a predictable way, but in areas of high contrast, the nonlinearity curve becomes much more complex. The origin of the effect is poorly understood and currently not calibrated out of the data. Aims.We provide observational evidence of the brighter-fatter effect (BFE) in MIRI conventional and high-contrast coronagraphic imaging, low-resolution spectroscopy, and medium-resolution spectroscopy data, and we investigate the physical mechanism that gives rise to the effect on the MIRI detector pixel raw voltage integration ramps. Methods.We used public data from the JWST/MIRI commissioning and Cycle 1 phase. We also developed a numerical electrostatic model of the MIRI detectors using a modified version of the publicPoisson_CCDcode. Results.We find that the physical mechanism behind the BFE manifesting in MIRI data is fundamentally different to that of charge-coupled devices and photodiode arrays such as the Hawaii-XRG near-infrared detectors used by the NIRISS, NIRCam, and NIRSpec instruments on board JWST. Observationally, the BFE makes the JWST MIRI data yield 10–25% larger point sources and spectral line profiles as a function of the relative level of de-biasing of neighboring detector pixels. This broadening impacts the MIRI absolute flux calibration, time-series observations of faint companions, and point spread function modeling and subtraction. We also find that the intra-pixel 2D profile of the shrinking Si:As IBC detector depletion region directly impacts the accuracy of the pixel ramp nonlinearity calibration model.

Astronomy & Astrophysics↗

Bound Exciton Complexes in Near-Infrared Emitting Quantum Shells

Near-infrared (NIR) light sources based on colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) represent a scalable, low-cost alternative to epitaxial semiconductor platforms. However, their performance remains hindered by rapid Auger recombination, a problem that is particularly pronounced in narrow-bandgap materials. Here, we report on CdS/HgS/CdS and CdS/HgCdSe/ ZnS quantum shells (QSs), a class of spherical quantum wells specifically engineered for a suppression of nonradiative Auger processes. Fabricated QSs exhibit tunable NIR emission with photoluminescence quantum yields reaching ∼60% below 1000 nm and up to 30% near 1300 nm. Optical gain and stimulated emission were observed in CdS/HgS/CdS QSs. In contrast, CdS/HgCdSe/ZnS QSs displayed a photoinduced absorption in lieu of optical gain despite demonstrating a comparatively stronger Auger suppression. Transient absorption spectroscopy revealed that this phenomenon arises from the formation of bound multiexciton complexes that induce long-lived sub-bandgap multiexciton states. The observation of such bound excitonic clusters at room temperature offers a pathway toward nonlinear NIR photonic phenomena, including biexciton−exciton cascade emission, optical modulation, and singleexciton gain.

Auger recombination↗

Simultaneous measurement of minor stratospheric constituents with emission far-infrared spectroscopy

The vertical mixing ratio profiles of H2O, HDO, O3, heavy ozone, HF, HCl, HCN, and OH in the stratosphere are retrieved from high-resolution far-infrared emission spectra. These spectra were obtained with a balloon-borne Fourier transform spectrometer in the spring of 1979 at 32 deg N. The nonlinear least squares fit method is used in the analysis. The results are obtained relative to the O2 mixing ratio, whose emission features can be found in the same spectra. The retrieval of OH together with other species should be particularly significant for the study of upper stratospheric photochemistry, although the errors are relatively large: 28 percent for OH and 16-19 percent for other species.

Carli, Bruno↗

Leveraging design of experiments to build chemometric models for the quantification of uranium (VI) and HNO3 by Raman spectroscopy

Partial least squares regression (PLSR) and support vector regression (SVR) models were optimized for the quantification of U(VI) (10–320 g L −1 ) and HNO 3 (0.6–6 M) by Raman spectroscopy with optimized calibration sets chosen by optimal design of experiments. The designed approach effectively minimized the number of samples in the calibration set for PLSR and SVR by selecting sample concentrations with a quadratic process model, despite complex confounding and covarying spectral features in the spectra. The top PLS2 model resulted in percent root mean square errors of prediction for U(VI), HNO 3 , and NO 3 − of 3.7%, 3.6%, and 2.9%, respectively. PLS1 models performed similarly despite modeling an analyte with a majority linear response (i.e., uranyl symmetric stretch) and another with more covarying vibrational modes (i.e., HNO 3 ). Partial least squares (PLS) model loadings and regression coefficients were evaluated to better understand the relationship between weaker Raman bands and covarying spectral features. Support vector machine models outperformed PLS1 models, resulting in percent root mean square error of prediction values for U(VI) and HNO 3 of 1.5% and 3.1%, respectively. The optimal nonlinear SVR model was trained using a similar number of samples (11) compared with the PLSR model, even though PLS is a linear modeling approach. The generic D-optimal design presented in this work provides a robust statistical framework for selecting training set samples in disparate two-factor systems. This approach reinforces Raman spectroscopy for the quantification of species relevant to the nuclear fuel cycle and provides a robust chemometric modeling approach to bolster online monitoring in challenging process environments.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Entanglement Witness for Indistinguishable Electrons Using Solid-State Spectroscopy

Characterizing entanglement in quantum materials is crucial for advancing next-generation quantum technologies. Despite recent strides in witnessing entanglement in magnetic materials with distinguishable spin modes, quantifying entanglement in systems formed by indistinguishable electrons remains a formidable challenge. To solve this problem, we introduce a method to extract various four-fermion correlations by analyzing the nonlinearity in resonant inelastic x-ray scattering spectra. These correlations constitute the primary components of the cumulant two-particle reduced density matrix. We further derive bounds for its eigenvalues and demonstrate the linear scaling with fermionic entanglement depth, providing a reliable witness for entanglement. Using the material-relevant strongly correlated models as examples, we show how this entanglement witness can efficiently quantify multipartite entanglement across different phase regions, highlighting its advantage over quantum Fisher information. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

Liu, Tongtong (ORCID:0000000295324061)↗

Fiber-Based Laser Transmitter for Oxygen A-Band Spectroscopy and Remote Sensing

A fiber-based laser transmitter has been designed for active remote-sensing spectroscopy. The transmitter uses a master-oscillator-power-amplifier (MOPA) configuration with a distributed feedback diode-laser master oscillator and an erbium-doped fiber amplifier. The output from the MOPA is frequency-doubled with a periodically poled nonlinear crystal. The utility of this single-frequency, wavelength-tunable, power-scalable laser has been demonstrated in a spectroscopic measurement of the diatomic oxygen A-band.

Stephen, Mark A.↗

DAmodel: hierarchical Bayesian modelling of DA white dwarfs for spectrophotometric calibration

We use hierarchical Bayesian modelling to calibrate a network of 32 all-sky faint DA white dwarf (DA WD) spectrophotometric standards (⁠16.5 < V , 19.5⁠) alongside three CALSPEC standards, from 912 Å to 32 μm. The framework is the first of its kind to jointly infer photometric zero points and WD parameters (surface gravity log g⁠, effective temperature T eff ⁠, extinction A V ⁠, dust relation parameter R V ) by simultaneously modelling both photometric and spectroscopic data. We model panchromatic Hubble Space Telescope Wide Field Camera 3 (HST/WFC3) UVIS and IR photometry, HST/STIS UV spectroscopy, and ground-based optical spectroscopy to sub-per cent precision. Photometric residuals for the sample are the lowest yet yielding < 0.004 mag RMS on average from the UV to the NIR, achieved by jointly inferring time-dependent changes in system sensitivity and WFC3/IR count-rate nonlinearity. Our GPU-accelerated implementation enables efficient sampling via Hamiltonian Monte Carlo, critical for exploring the high-dimensional posterior space. The hierarchical nature of the model enables population analysis of intrinsic WD and dust parameters. Inferred spectral energy distributions from this model will be essential for calibrating the James Webb Space Telescope as well as next-generation surveys, including Vera Rubin Observatory’s Legacy Survey of Space and Time and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.

methods: statistical↗

Investigation of infrared spectra of atmospheric gases to support stratospheric spectroscopic investigations

Four papers are presented which discuss the following: information measures in nonlinear experimental design; information in spectra of collision broadened absorption lines; band analysis by spectral curve fitting; and least squares analysis of Voight shaped lines. Abstracts of five research papers on which the author collaborated and which were delivered at the 34th Symposium of Molecular Spectroscopy (Ohio State University, June 1979) are included along with a subroutine for use with BMDP3R to retrieve the parameters of 10 Voight shaped lines.

Shaw, J. H.↗

Measurements of the quantum geometric tensor in solids

Understanding the geometric properties of quantum states and their implications in fundamental physical phenomena is a core aspect of contemporary physics. The quantum geometric tensor (QGT) is a central physical object in this regard, encoding complete information about the geometry of the quantum state. The imaginary part of the QGT is the well-known Berry curvature, which plays an integral role in the topological magnetoelectric and optoelectronic phenomena. The real part of the QGT is the quantum metric, whose importance has come to prominence recently, giving rise to a new set of quantum geometric phenomena such as anomalous Landau levels, flat band superfluidity, excitonic Lamb shifts and nonlinear Hall effect. Despite the central importance of the QGT, its experimental measurements have been restricted only to artificial two-level systems. Here, in this work, we develop a framework to measure the QGT in crystalline solids using polarization-, spin- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. Using this framework, we demonstrate the effective reconstruction of the QGT in the kagome metal CoSn, which hosts topological flat bands. Establishing this momentum- and energy-resolved spectroscopic probe of the QGT is poised to significantly advance our understanding of quantum geometric responses in a wide range of crystalline systems.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Chemical kinetic studies of atmospheric reactions using tunable diode laser spectroscopy

IR absorption using tunable diode laser spectroscopy provides a sensitive and quantitative detection method for laboratory kinetic studies of atmospheric trace gases. Improvements in multipass cell design, real time signal processing, and computer controlled data acquisition and analysis have extended the applicability of the technique. We have developed several optical systems using off-axis resonator mirror designs which maximize path length while minimizing both the sample volume and the interference fringes inherent in conventional 'White' cells. Computerized signal processing using rapid scan (300 kHz), sweep integration with 100 percent duty cycle allows substantial noise reduction while retaining the advantages of using direct absorption for absolute absorbance measurements and simultaneous detection of multiple species. Peak heights and areas are determined by curve fitting using nonlinear least square methods. We have applied these techniques to measurements of: (1) heterogeneous uptake chemistry of atmospheric trace gases (HCl, H2O2, and N2O5) on aqueous and sulfuric acid droplets; (2) vapor pressure measurements of nitric acid and water over prototypical stratospheric aerosol (nitric acid trihydrate) surfaces; and (3) discharge flow tube kinetic studies of the HO2 radical using isotopic labeling for product channel and mechanistic analysis. Results from each of these areas demonstrate the versatility of TDL absorption spectroscopy for atmospheric chemistry applications.

Worsnop, Douglas R.↗

High Resolution Spectroscopy to Support Atmospheric Measurements

Spectroscopic parameters (such as line position, intensity, broadening and shifting coefficients and their temperature dependences, line mixing coefficients etc.) for various molecular species of atmospheric interest are determined. In order to achieve these results, infrared spectra of several molecular bands are obtained using high-resolution recording instruments such as tunable diode laser spectrometer and Fourier transform spectrometers. Using sophisticated analysis routines (Multispectrum nonlinear least squares technique) these high-resolution infrared spectra are processed to determine the various spectral line parameters that are cited above. Spectra were taken using the McMath-Pierce Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) at the National Solar Observatory on Kitt Peak, Arizona as well as the Bruker FTS at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) at Richland, Washington. Most of the spectra are acquired not only at room temperature, but also at several different cold temperatures. This procedure is necessary to study the variation of the spectral line parameters as a function of temperature in order to simulate the Earth's and other planetary atmospheric environments. Depending upon the strength or weakness of the various bands recorded and analyzed, the length(s) of the absorption cells in which the gas samples under study are kept varied from a few centimeters up to several meters and the sample temperatures varied from approximately +30 C to -63 C. Research on several infrared bands of various molecular species and their isotopomers are undertaken. Those studies are briefly described.

Venkataraman, Malathy Devi↗

Multi-modality deep learning for pulse prediction in homogeneous nonlinear systems via parametric conversion

In this Letter, we introduce FusionNet, a multi-modality deep learning framework designed to predict and analyze output pulses in high-power rare-earth-doped laser systems driving parametric conversion in homogeneous guided nonlinear media. FusionNet integrates temporal, spectral, and physical experimental conditions to model ultrafast nonlinear phenomena, including parametric nonlinear frequency conversion, self-phase modulation, and cross-phase modulation in homogeneous guided systems such as gas-filled hollow-core fibers. These systems bridge physical models with experimental data, advancing our understanding of light-guiding principles and nonlinear interactions while expediting the design and optimization of on-demand high-power, high-brightness systems. Our results demonstrate a 73% reduction in prediction error and an 83% improvement in computational efficiency compared to conventional neural networks. This work establishes a new paradigm for accelerating parametric simulations and optimizing experimental designs in high-power laser systems, with further implications for high-precision spectroscopy, quantum information science, and distributed entangled interconnects.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

NASA Tech Briefs, July 2009

Topics covered include: Dual Cryogenic Capacitive Density Sensor; Hail Monitor Sensor; Miniature Six-Axis Load Sensor for Robotic Fingertip; Improved Blackbody Temperature Sensors for a Vacuum Furnace; Wrap-Around Out-the-Window Sensor Fusion System; Wide-Range Temperature Sensors with High-Level Pulse Train Output; Terminal Descent Sensor Simulation; A Robust Mechanical Sensing System for Unmanned Sea Surface Vehicles; Additive for Low-Temperature Operation of Li-(CF)n Cells; Li/CFx Cells Optimized for Low-Temperature Operation; Number Codes Readable by Magnetic-Field-Response Recorders; Determining Locations by Use of Networks of Passive Beacons; Superconducting Hot-Electron Submillimeter-Wave Detector; Large-Aperture Membrane Active Phased-Array Antennas; Optical Injection Locking of a VCSEL in an OEO; Measuring Multiple Resistances Using Single-Point Excitation; Improved-Bandwidth Transimpedance Amplifier; Inter-Symbol Guard Time for Synchronizing Optical PPM; Novel Materials Containing Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes Wrapped in Polymer Molecules; Light-Curing Adhesive Repair Tapes; Thin-Film Solid Oxide Fuel Cells; Zinc Alloys for the Fabrication of Semiconductor Devices; Small, Lightweight, Collapsible Glove Box; Radial Halbach Magnetic Bearings; Aerial Deployment and Inflation System for Mars Helium Balloons; Steel Primer Chamber Assemblies for Dual Initiated Pyrovalves; Voice Coil Percussive Mechanism Concept for Hammer Drill; Inherently Ducted Propfans and Bi-Props; Silicon Nanowire Growth at Chosen Positions and Orientations; Detecting Airborne Mercury by Use of Gold Nanowires; Detecting Airborne Mercury by Use of Palladium Chloride; Micro Electron MicroProbe and Sample Analyzer; Nanowire Electron Scattering Spectroscopy; Electron-Spin Filters Would Offer Spin Polarization Greater than 1; Subcritical-Water Extraction of Organics from Solid Matrices; A Model for Predicting Thermoelectric Properties of Bi2Te3; Integrated Miniature Arrays of Optical Biomolecule Detectors; A Software Rejuvenation Framework for Distributed Computing; Kurtosis Approach to Solution of a Nonlinear ICA Problem; Robust Software Architecture for Robots; R4SA for Controlling Robots; Bio-Inspired Neural Model for Learning Dynamic Models; Evolutionary Computing Methods for Spectral Retrieval; Monitoring Disasters by Use of Instrumented Robotic Aircraft; Complexity for Survival of Living Systems; Using Drained Spacecraft Propellant Tanks for Habitation; Connecting Node; and Electrolytes for Low-Temperature Operation of Li-CFx Cells.

Source record↗

A nonlinear optical perspective on the chemistry at liquid/liquid interfaces

In this review, we discuss some of the subtle (and not-so-subtle) rules that govern chemistry and transport at liquid/liquid (L/L) interfaces. An overview of the importance of L/L interfaces is provided with context about why these interfaces are so challenging to study. Emphasis is placed on the use of vibrational sum-frequency generation (SFG), a surface-specific spectroscopy, to probe these interfaces at and away from equilibrium. Highlights from our laboratory’s work probing these interfaces in the context of chemical separations and soft-matter electronics are discussed. In conclusion, revealing the rules that govern self-assembly, chemical recognition, and transport at these dynamic, highly heterogeneous interfaces can allow formulation of avenues to control chemical and physical transformations, impacting a range of basic and applied fields.

Doughty, Benjamin L. [Oak Ridge National Laborator↗

Strategies for the in-orbit gain tracking using the modulated X-ray sources for the Resolve microcalorimeter spectrometer on the X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission

Accurate and precise correction of the gain drift is the key to achieve the required energy resolution of the Resolve microcalorimeter spectrometer on the X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM). Therefore, Resolve is equipped with highly configurable X-ray sources called the modulated X-ray source (MXS). The pulsed nature allows us to separate calibration and astrophysical X-rays by time interval selections. However, undesirable characteristics of the MXS, such as the afterglow X-rays, restrict the allowed configuration range. Moreover, the nonlinear and discontinuous behaviors of the calibration line count rate make the determination of the optimal setting highly complex. The MXS count rate model has been established using measurements in the spacecraft thermal vacuum test with the flight detector and MXS. A trade-off study using the model enables us to choose a few settings for the continuous use of the MXS optimized for different ranges of target gain tracking intervals. An alternative approach, where the MXS is used only intermittently, has also been developed and implemented. This new mode enables us to reconstruct the drift without having most of the undesirable effects in science data. This also forms the basis of the gain tracking under the current Resolve configuration with the closed gate valve.

Astronomy and AstroPhysics↗

Diode laser absorption sensors for gas-dynamic and combustion flows

Recent advances in room-temperature, near-IR and visible diode laser sources for tele-communication, high-speed computer networks, and optical data storage applications are enabling a new generation of gas-dynamic and combustion-flow sensors based on laser absorption spectroscopy. In addition to conventional species concentration and density measurements, spectroscopic techniques for temperature, velocity, pressure and mass flux have been demonstrated in laboratory, industrial and technical flows. Combined with fibreoptic distribution networks and ultrasensitive detection strategies, compact and portable sensors are now appearing for a variety of applications. In many cases, the superior spectroscopic quality of the new laser sources compared with earlier cryogenic, mid-IR devices is allowing increased sensitivity of trace species measurements, high-precision spectroscopy of major gas constituents, and stable, autonomous measurement systems. The purpose of this article is to review recent progress in this field and suggest likely directions for future research and development. The various laser-source technologies are briefly reviewed as they relate to sensor applications. Basic theory for laser absorption measurements of gas-dynamic properties is reviewed and special detection strategies for the weak near-IR and visible absorption spectra are described. Typical sensor configurations are described and compared for various application scenarios, ranging from laboratory research to automated field and airborne packages. Recent applications of gas-dynamic sensors for air flows and fluxes of trace atmospheric species are presented. Applications of gas-dynamic and combustion sensors to research and development of high-speed flows aeropropulsion engines, and combustion emissions monitoring are presented in detail, along with emerging flow control systems based on these new sensors. Finally, technology in nonlinear frequency conversion, UV laser materials, room-temperature mid-IR materials and broadly tunable multisection devices is reviewed to suggest new sensor possibilities.

Non-NASA Center↗