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At least 109 records · Page 6

Power-Combined GaN Amplifier with 2.28-W Output Power at 87 GHz

Future remote sensing instruments will require focal plane spectrometer arrays with higher resolution at high frequencies. One of the major components of spectrometers are the local oscillator (LO) signal sources that are used to drive mixers to down-convert received radio-frequency (RF) signals to intermediate frequencies (IFs) for analysis. By advancing LO technology through increasing output power and efficiency, and reducing component size, these advances will improve performance and simplify architecture of spectrometer array systems. W-band power amplifiers (PAs) are an essential element of current frequency-multiplied submillimeter-wave LO signal sources. This work utilizes GaN monolithic millimeter-wave integrated circuit (MMIC) PAs developed from a new HRL Laboratories LLC 0.15- m gate length GaN semiconductor transistor. By additionally waveguide power combining PA MMIC modules, the researchers here target the highest output power performance and efficiency in the smallest volume achievable for W-band.

Fung, King Man↗

A Compact Two-Stage 120 W GaN High Power Amplifier for SweepSAR Radar Systems

This work presents the design and measured results of a fully integrated switched power two-stage GaN HEMT high-power amplifier (HPA) achieving 60% power-added efficiency at over 120Woutput power. This high-efficiency GaN HEMT HPA is an enabling technology for L-band SweepSAR interferometric instruments that enable frequent repeat intervals and high-resolution imagery. The L-band HPA was designed using space-qualified state-of-the-art GaN HEMT technology. The amplifier exhibits over 34 dB of power gain at 51 dBm of output power across an 80 MHz bandwidth. The HPA is divided into two stages, an 8 W driver stage and 120 W output stage. The amplifier is designed for pulsed operation, with a high-speed DC drain switch operating at the pulsed-repetition interval and settles within 200 ns. In addition to the electrical design, a thermally optimized package was designed, that allows for direct thermal radiation to maintain low-junction temperatures for the GaN parts maximizing long-term reliability. Lastly, real radar waveforms are characterized and analysis of amplitude and phase stability over temperature demonstrate ultra-stable operation over temperature using integrated bias compensation circuitry allowing less than 0.2 dB amplitude variation and 2 deg phase variation over a 70 C range.

Thrivikraman, Tushar↗

Refractive Index of Polyaryletherketone (PEEK) at X- and W-Band

This report details refractive index measurements of polyaryletherketone (PEEK) thermoplastic between X-band (8 to 12 GHz) and W-band (75 to 110 GHz) frequencies. Scattering-parameter data are collected using both traditional waveguide and modified free-space techniques. The complex-valued refractive index is calculated using the standard Nicolson-Ross-Weir method. Results indicate that PEEK’s refractive index is n = 1.783 – 0.001i across X-band and n = 1.792 – 0.007i across W-band. Therefore, PEEK exhibits a moderate real refractive index component and low transmission loss. Coupled with its favorable mechanical and thermal properties, this makes PEEK an ideal material to inspect using NASA’s submillimeter radiofrequency-based technology.

Polyaryletherketone↗

High Temperature W-band Complex Permittivity Measurements of Thermally Cycled Ceramic-Metal Composites: AlN:Mo with 0.25 vol% to 4.0 vol% Mo from 25 °C to 1000 °C in Air

An apparatus for measuring the W-band (75-110GHz) complex permittivity of dielectrics at 1000 °C was developed. This apparatus allows for measurements at approximately twice the temperature of previously published high temperature free-space measurement systems while maintaining similar precision. Challenges were addressed related to high temperature measurements, including temperature uniformity, the accuracy of temperature measurements, and preventing temperature related changes to mm-wave measurement systems. The details of complex permittivity extraction from the measured S-parameters are discussed. Sources of error related to permittivity measurement and mathematical models were identified and are discussed in detail herein. Thermally-cycled, mm-wave absorbing, aluminum nitride ceramic composites containing varying levels of molybdenum additives were measured over the range of 25-1000 °C. These measurements were compared to the same composites before thermal cycling. It was found that ceramic composites are largely stable after thermal cycling in terms of dielectric properties despite the presence of visible surface modifications.

Zane W Cohick↗

Zeeman observations of W Sgr

A new precise method for measuring magnetic fields on Zeeman plates of the southern Cepheid 'W Sgr' is reviewed. Ten plates over the 7.6(d) period of pulsation show two extrema in the measured values of the effective magnetic field. The method has a precision of + or - 0.4 microns in the Zeeman shift corresponding to + or - 50 Gauss (g). A negative spike of -220 g occurred at the time of arrival of the compressional wave of pulsation at the stellar surface. A positive field of +270 g occurred at the phase of most rapid contraction near the temperature minimum of the pulsation cycle.

Wood, H. J.↗

Near-infrared imaging of FSC 10214+4724 with the W. M. Keck Telescope

Near-infrared observations of the z = 2.286 IRAS source FSC 10214+4724, made with the near-infrared camera on the W. M. Keck Telescope, are reported. Deep broad-band images at 2.15 and 1.27 micrometers, and narrow-band images at 2.165 and 2.125 micrometers with 0.6 sec to 0.9 sec seeing show that FSC 10214+4724 consists of at least three distinct components in a compact group of galaxies. The source of the infrared luminosity appears to be in a strongly interacting galaxy that has a luminosity of approximately 100 times that of a present-day L* galaxy. The interaction suggests and 'age' of this galaxy of approximately equal to 10(exp 9) yr. The H-alpha emission is resolved as a source of diameter approximately equal to 5 kpc, suggesting that a starburst contributes to the observed H-alpha emission. There is an excess of objects in the FSC 10214+4724 field that could represent galaxies in an associated cluster.

Matthews, K.↗

Stress-rupture strength and microstructural stability of W-HF-C wire reinforced superalloy composites

W-Hf-C/superalloy composites were found to be potentially useful for turbine blade applications on the basis of stress-rupture strength. The 100-and 1000-hour rupture strengths obtained for 70 volume percent fiber composites tested at 1090 C were 420 and 280 MN/sq m (61,000 and 41,000 psi). The investigation indicated that with better quality fibers, composites having 100- and 1000-hour rupture strengths of 570 and 370 MN/sq m (82,000 and 54,000 psi) may be obtained. Metallographic studies indicated sufficient fiber-matrix compatibility for long time applications at 1090 C for 1000 hours or more.

Petrasek, D. W.↗

Stress-rupture strength and microstructural stability of W-HF-C wire-reinforced superalloy composites

W-Hf-C superalloy composites were found to be potentially useful for turbine-blade applications on the basis of stress-rupture strength. The 100- and 1000-hour rupture strengths obtained for 70 volume percent fiber composites tested at 1090 C were 420 and 280 MN/sq m. The investigation indicated that with better quality fibers, composites having 100- and 1000-hour rupture strengths of 570 and 370 MN/sq m may be obtained. Metallographic studies indicated sufficient fiber-matrix compatibility for long-term applications at 1090 C for 1000 hours or more.

Petrasek, D. W.↗

A low speed two-dimensional study of flow separation on the GA(W)-1 airfoil with 30-percent chord Fowler flap

Measurements of flow fields with low speed turbulent boundary layers were made for the GA(W)-1 airfoil with a 0.30 c Fowler flap deflected 40 deg at angles of attack of 2.7 deg, 7.7 deg, and 12.8 deg, at a Reynolds number of 2.2 million, and a Mach number of 0.13. Details of velocity and pressure fields associated with the airfoil flap combination are presented for cases of narrow, optimum and wide slot gaps. Extensive flow field turbulence surveys were also conducted employing hot-film anemometry. For the optimum gap setting, the boundaries of the regions of flow reversal within the wake were determined by this technique for two angles of attack. Local skin friction distributions for the basic airfoil and the airfoil with flap (optimum gap) were obtained using the razor blade technique.

Seetharam, H. C.↗

Wind tunnel tests of the GA(W)-2 airfoil with 20% aileron, 25% slotted flap, 30% Fowler flap and 10% slot-lip spoiler

Two dimensional wind tunnel tests were conducted for the GA(W)-2 airfoil section with: 20% aileron, 25% slotted flap; 30% Fowler flap, and 10% slot-lip spoiler. All tests were conducted at a Reynolds number of 2,200,000 and a Mach Number of 0.13. In addition to force measurements, tuft studies were conducted for the slotted and Fowler flap configurations. Aileron and spoiler hinge moments were obtained by integration of surface pressure measurements. Tests results show that a value of 3.82 was obtained with 30% Fowler flap. Aileron control effectiveness and hinge moments were similar to other airfoils. The slot-lip spoiler provided powerful, positive roll control at all flap settings.

Wentz, W. H., Jr.↗

Interplanetary magnetic field polarity and the size of low-pressure troughs near 180 deg W longitude

The relationship between interplanetary magnetic field polarity and the area of low pressure (300 mbar) troughs near 180 deg W longitude is examined. For most of the winters from 1951 to 1973, the trough size, as indicated by the vorticity area index, is found to be significantly greater when the interplanetary magnetic field is directed away from the sun than when the field is directed towards the sun. This relationship is shown to hold for various combinations of winters and for most months within a winter, and be most pronounced at the time when polarity was determined. It is suggested that the phenomenon is caused by merging of interplanetary magnetic field lines, when polarity is directed away from the sun, with geomagnetic field lines in the Northern Hemisphere (where these measurements were made), allowing energetic particle fluxes to have access to the north polar region

Wilcox, J. M.↗

Identification of a faint X-ray source with the W Ursae Majoris star VW Cephei

The NRL instrument aboard the HEAO 1 satellite has detected a faint X-ray source, which has been identified tentatively with the contact binary star (W UMa variable) VW Cephei. Its luminosity is between 3 x 10 to the 30th and 4 x 10 to the 31st ergs/sec (0.1-10 keV), and the results suggest some variation of the X-ray flux with phase.

Carroll, R. W.↗

Pressure Distributions for the GA(W)-2 Airfoil with 20% Aileron, 25% Slotted Flap and 30% Fowler Flap

Surface pressure distributions were measured for the 13% thick GA(W)-2 airfoil section fitted with 20% aileron, 25% slotted flap and 30% Fowler flap. All tests were conducted at a Reynolds number of 2.2 x 10 to the 6th power and a Mach number of 0.13. Pressure distribution and force and moment coefficient measurements are compared with theoretical results for a number of cases. Agreement between theory and experiment is generally good for low angles of attack and small flap deflections. For high angles and large flap deflections where regions of separation are present, the theory is inadequate. Theoretical drag predictions are poor for all flap-extended cases.

Wentz, W. H., Jr.↗

Additional flow field studies of the GA(W)-1 airfoil with 30-percent chord Fowler flap including slot-gap variations and cove shape modifications

Experimental measurements were made to determine the effects of slot gap opening and flap cove shape on flap and airfoil flow fields. Test model was the GA(W)-1 airfoil with 0.30c Fowler flap deflected 35 degrees. Tests were conducted with optimum, wide and narrow gaps, and with three cove shapes. Three test angles were selected, corresponding to pre-stall and post-stall conditions. Reynolds number was 2,200,000 and Mach number was 0.13. Force, surface pressure, total pressure, and split-film turbulence measurements were made. Results were compared with theory for those parameters for which theoretical values were available.

Wentz, W. H., Jr.↗

22 W coherent GaAlAs amplifier array with 400 emitters

Greater than 22 W of optical power has been demonstrated from a multiple-emitter, traveling-wave semiconductor amplifier, with approximately 87 percent of the output at the frequency of the injection source. The device integrates, in AlGaAs graded-index separate-confinement heterostructure single quantum well (GRINSCH-SQW) epitaxy, 400 ridge waveguide amplifiers with a coherent optical signal distribution circuit on a 12 x 6 mm chip.

Krebs, D.↗