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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 1,081 records · Page 60
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1982

Fiber optic wavelength multiplexing for civil aviation applications

Research is being conducted to accelerate the acceptance of advanced technologies by the airframe manufacturers. These technologies will make the aircraft of the 1990-2000 period more efficient and less expensive to operate. The implementation of advanced control functions requires the employment of suitable onboard flight electronics systems. The present investigation is concerned with a concept for reliable onboard data distribution which is focused around the use of fiber optic wavelength division multiplexing (WDM). Attention is given to aircraft control and data distribution, the wavelength division multiplexing data bus, semiconductor lasers and optical transmitters, an optical coupler-multiplexer, and optical demultiplexers. Results of tests on the prototype WDM systems indicate that the WDM concept can be engineered into a successful system with currently available components.

Hendricks, H. D.↗
DOE OSTI2019

Embedded Fiber-Optic Sensors for In-Pile Applications

Qualification and commercialization of new nuclear fuels and materials requires a comprehensive set of data regarding behavior under irradiation. There are currently very limited options for in-situ monitoring of material evolution during irradiation due to the extremely harsh environment (i.e., high temperatures and intense radiation) of materials test reactors. This paper describes work being performed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory to embed metal-coated fiber-optic sensors into in-core irradiation experiments to enable measurement of radial dimensional changes and spatially distributed temperature and strain. Some critical issues that must be addressed before embedded fiber optics can be deployed in-core include (1) embedding of metal-coated fibers without failure or prohibitively large signal attenuation, (2) embedding in curved channels to allow for radial dimensional measurements, and (3) demonstrating that embedded fibers can survive the large stresses that result from differential thermal expansion between the glass fiber and the surrounding metal matrix. This work shows how optical fibers have been successfully embedded in aluminum and copper alloys in both straight and curved channels with various bend radii. The embedded fibers have also survived heating to temperatures of 500°C and cooling to room temperature. This paper presents some of the experimental results including measured light attenuation resulting from embedding with and without bends and high-temperature testing.

Petrie, Christian↗
DOE OSTI2017

Optically Transparent Thin-Film Electrode Chip for Spectroelectrochemical Sensing

The electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical applications of an optically transparent thin film electrode chip are investigated. The working electrode is composed of indium tin oxide (ITO); the counter and quasi-reference electrodes are composed of platinum. The stability of the platinum quasi-reference electrode is modified by coating it with a planar, solid state Ag/AgCl layer. The Ag/AgCl reference is characterized with scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Open circuit potential measurements indicate that the potential of the planar Ag/AgCl electrode varies a maximum of 20 mV over four days. Cyclic voltammetry measurements show that the electrode chip is comparable to a standard electrochemical cell. Randles-Sevcik analysis of 10 mM K3[Fe(CN)6] in 0.1 M KCl using the electrode chip shows a diffusion coefficient of 1.59 × 10-6 cm2/s, in comparison to the standard electrochemical cell value of 2.38 × 10-6 cm2/s. By using the electrode chip in an optically transparent thin layer electrode (OTTLE), the spectroelectrochemical modulation of [Ru(bpy)3]2+ florescence was demonstrated, achieving a detection limit of 36 nM.

Ag/AgCl↗
DOE OSTI2019

Coherent Optical Transition Radiation Imaging for Laser-Driven Plasma Accelerator Electron-Beam Diagnostics

Application of coherent optical transition radiation (COTR) diagnostics to compact accelerators has been demonstrated for the laser-driven wake field accelerator (LWFA) case recently. It is proposed that such diagnostics for beam size, beam divergence, microbunching fraction, spectral content, and bunch length would be useful before and after any subsequent acceleration in crystals or nanostructures. In addition, there are indications that under some scenarios a microbunched beam could resonantly excite wake fields in nanostructures that might lead to an increased acceleration gradient.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
NASA NTRS2001

Utilization of Infrared Fiber Optic in the Automotive Industry

Fiber optics are finding a place in the automotive industry. Illumination is the primary application today. Soon, however, fiber optics will be used for data communications and sensing applications. Silica fiber optics and plastic fibers are sufficient for illumination and communication applications however, sensing applications involving high temperature measurement and remote gas analysis would benefit from the use of infrared fiber optics. Chalcogonide and heavy metal fluoride glass optical fibers are two good candidates for these applications. Heavy metal fluoride optical fibers are being investigated by NASA for applications requiring transmission in the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Zirconium-Barium-Lanthanum-Aluminum-Sodium-Fluoride (ZBLAN) is one such material which has been investigated. This material has a theoretical attenuation coefficient 100 times lower than that of silica and transmits into the mid-IR. However, the measured attenuation coefficient is higher than silica due to impurities and crystallization. Impurities can be taken care of by utilizing cleaner experimental protocol. It has been found that crystallization can be suppressed by processing in reduced gravity. Fibers processed in reduced gravity on the KC135 reduced gravity aircraft were found to be free of crystals while those processed on the ground were found to have crystals. These results will be presented along with plans for producing continuous lengths of ZBLAN optical fiber on board the International Space Station.

Tucker, Dennis S.↗
DOE OSTI2018

Large‐Area, Semitransparent, and Flexible All‐Polymer Photodetectors

Abstract Photodetectors, converting optical signals from specific wavelengths to electrical signals, have many applications on photoimaging, optical communication, and environmental monitoring. Solution‐processed organic photodetectors (OPDs) based on organic materials emerge promise especially for wearable electronics and smart buildings. In this work, new all‐polymer photodetectors (all‐PPDs) are developed based on bulk‐heterojunction active layers which incorporate a donor polymer and an acceptor polymer. The inverted all‐PPDs exhibit outstanding external quantum efficiency over 70%, low dark current density ( J d ) of 1.1 × 10 −8 A cm −2 , and high detectivity ( D *) over 3.0 × 10 12 Jones with planar response over the entire visible range. It is one of the best‐performing all‐PPDs reported so far and is also comparable with many organic and inorganic photodetectors. By using lamination technique, large‐area, semitransparent, flexible, and “fully” polymeric photodetectors are successfully fabricated for the first time, with D * over 10 11 Jones for double‐side light detection. The results highlight the great potential for producing high‐performance all‐PPDs by taking advantages of various device architecture and solution‐processing techniques.

Xu, Xiaofeng↗
NASA NTRS2007

Larger, Lighter Space Telescopes by Implementing In-Space Manufacturing Concepts

There is a continuous demand for larger, lighter, and higher quality telescopes from both the astronomical and global surveillance communities one looking up and the other down. Enabling technologies must be developed and implemented that will allow this goal to be financially and technically feasible. The optical systems needed far high spatial resolution surveillance and astronomical applications require large optical, apertures with mention of future systems up to 150 meter in diameter. With traditional optical manufacturing technologies, large optical aperture means high mass and long fabrication lead times with associated high costs. Completely new approaches to optical fabrication must be developed to enable the fabrication of such optical systems. The cost and lead time associated with the fabrication of lightweight, high quality optical systems limits the feasible size of the optics. A primary factor in the launch cost of space optical systems is volume and mass. To minimize the mass of the high quality optics, optical fabricators implement materials with high specific stiffness and use honeycomb, or other structural minimization patterns, to support the optical surface; however, the structure must still be designed to survive launch loads. This sigmficantly adds to the fabrication difficulty and dramatically increases launch costs. One approach to minimizing launch volume and negating the need for the design to survive launch loads is to send the manufacturing facility and raw materials into space and perform the fabrication in-situ. We, are currently performing feasibility studies of initial concepts for inspace manufacturing of optical systems. By utilizing the micro-gravity and vacuum environment of space while eliminating the constraints defined by high launch forces and limited volume of the launch vehicle, the development of large, high quality glass membrane mirrors may be feasible. Several concepts were investigated to address the manufacturing of both optical surfaces and telescope structure. We will describe one of the primary approaches to utilize the space environment for optical manufacturing and describe initial results.

Mooney, James t.↗
DOE OSTI2024

AC Magnetometry Using Nano-ferrofluid Cladded Multimode Interferometric Fiber Optic Sensors for Power Grid Monitoring Applications

The AC magnetic field response of the superparamagnetic nano-ferrofluid is an interplay between the Neel and Brownian relaxation processes and is generally quantified via the susceptibility measurements at high frequencies. The high frequency limit is dictated by these relaxation times which need to be shorter than the time scale of the time varying magnetic field for the nano-ferrofluid to be considered in an equilibrium state at each time instant. Even though the high frequency response of ferrofluid has been extensively investigated for frequencies up to GHz range by non-optical methods, harnessing dynamic response by optical means for AC magnetic field sensing in fiber-optic-based sensors-field remains unexplored. Instead, the incorporation of nano-ferrofluid as sensing materials has been only limited to DC magnetic field sensing, often citing their long response time as a limiting factor to AC field sensing. This work reports the finding of high frequency (up to 15 kHz) AC magnetic field sensing capability of nanomagnetic fluid as the cladding material of a fiber-optic multimode interferometry (MMI) structure optimized for the fourth self-imaging spectral response. The key parameter enabling high frequency response is the short response time (<1 ms) achieved by optimizing both the sensing structure and nano-ferrofluid solution. Focus has been imparted on 60 Hz line-frequency profiles of various current/magnetic fields to test the efficacy of these sensors in metering and monitoring current and current-induced magnetic fields in the electrical power grid systems. The magnetic field sensitivity of 240 mV/Gauss per dBm of transmitted power was achieved for 60 Hz field applied via Helmholtz coil, whereas the 60 Hz AC current sensitivity of 2.83 mV/A was measured due to magnetic field induced by current in a straight conducting wire.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2016

Symposium KK, Resonant Optics in Dielectric and Metallic Structures: Fundamentals and Applications

Symposium KK focused on the design, fabrication, characterization of novel nanoscale optical resonators and alternative materials for sub-diffraction scale resonant particles. Contributions discussed all aspects of this field, and the organizers had more than 130 contributing participants to this session alone, spanning North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Participants discussed cutting edge research results focused on the structure, physical and optical properties, and ultrafast dynamic response of nanoscale resonators such as plasmonic and dielectric nanoparticles. A strong focus on state-of-the-art characterization and fabrication approaches, as well as presentations on novel materials for sub-diffraction resonators took place. As expected, the sessions provided strong interdisciplinary interactions and lively debate among presenters and participants.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Colloidal quantum dots for optoelectronics

Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanocrystals that have unique size-tunable optoelectronic properties and are suitable for wet processing. QD research aims to answer fundamental questions about the chemical and physical properties of nanoscale materials and use these tools for technological applications ranging from bio-imaging to quantum optics. At the core of this field is a set of synthetic, processing and analytical methods designed to produce QDs in uniform ensembles that meet the highest performance standards. Here, this Primer reviews QD fabrication methods with a focus on the applications of QDs in printed optoelectronics and quantum optics. After outlining the current state-of-the-art QD syntheses, the experimental and computational analysis of QDs is discussed. These topics are then connected to the methodologies, processes and concepts required for developing QD-based photodetectors, light-emitting devices and quantum optics applications. Special attention is paid to challenges in reproducibility and current limitations of the field, such as the need to balance non-restricted material composition with high performing technology while achieving long-term stability in QD devices under operating conditions. Finally, the ongoing advancement in QD synthesis, precise atomic-level analysis and computational methodologies are highlighted as key drivers towards rational QD design, particularly in understanding how structural changes under loading impact QD properties.

optical materials↗
NASA NTRS2010

Methods of Optimizing X-Ray Optical Prescriptions for Wide-Field Applications

We are working on the development of a method for optimizing wide-field x-ray telescope mirror prescriptions, including polynomial coefficients, mirror shell relative displacements, and (assuming 4 focal plane detectors) detector placement and tilt that does not require a search through the multi-dimensional parameter space. Under the assumption that the parameters are small enough that second order expansions are valid, we show that the performance at the detector surface can be expressed as a quadratic function of the parameters with numerical coefficients derived from a ray trace through the underlying Wolter I optic. The best values for the parameters are found by solving the linear system of equations creating by setting derivatives of this function with respect to each parameter to zero. We describe the present status of this development effort.

Elsner, R. F.↗
DOE OSTI2012

Solvothermal synthesis and study of nonlinear optical properties of nanocrystalline thallium doped bismuth telluride

Nanocrystalline Bismuth telluride and thallium (4 mol %) doped Bismuth telluride were synthesized through hydrothermal method. The as-prepared products were characterized using Powder X-ray Diffraction, High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy, UV-Visible spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Powder XRD results revealed the crystalline nature of the obtained phases. HRTEM showed the particle-like morphology of the products. The decrease in the absorption coefficient due to thallium doping was observed in FTIR spectra. The intensity dependent nonlinear optical properties of nanocrystalline bismuth telluride and thallium doped bismuth telluride were studied using the Z-scan technique in open-aperture configuration. Bismuth telluride doped with thallium showed enhanced nonlinear optical response compared to pristine bismuth telluride and hence could be used as a potential candidate for optical power limiting applications. - Graphical Abstract: Nonlinear transmission (Z-scan) curves of nanocrystalline bismuth telluride ({Delta}) and thallium doped bismuth telluride ({open_square}). Thallium doped bismuth telluride showed enhanced nonlinear absorption compared to bismuth telluride. Inset: TEM micrograph of bismuth telluride nanocrystallites. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Synthesis of Nanocrystalline Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3} and Thallium doped Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3} through solvothermal method. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Reduced absorption coefficient due to thallium doping found from IR spectroscopy. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Open-aperture Z-scan technique for nonlinear optical studies. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Two photon absorption based model for theoretical fitting of Z-scan data. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Enhanced nonlinear absorption in Thallium doped Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3} - potential candidate for optical power limiting applications.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS2010

Optimizing X-Ray Optical Prescriptions for Wide-Field Applications

X-ray telescopes with spatial resolution optimized over the field of view (FOV) are of special interest for missions, such as WFXT, focused on moderately deep and deep surveys of the x-ray sky, and for solar x-ray observations. Here we report on the present status of an on-going study of the properties of Wolter I and polynominal grazing incidence designs with a view to gain a deeper insight into their properties and simply the design process. With these goals in mind, we present some results in the complementary topics of (1) properties of Wolter I x-ray optics and polynominal x-ray optic ray tracing. Of crucial importance for the design of wide-field x-ray optics is the optimization criteria. Here we have adopted the minimization of a merit function, M, which measures the spatial resolution averaged over the FOV: M= ((integral of d phi) between the limits of 0 and 2 pi) (integral of d theta theta w(theta) sigma square (theta,phi) between the limits of 0 and theta(sub FOV)) (integral of d phi between the limits of 0 and phi/4) (Integral of d theta theta w(theta) between the limits of 0 and theta(sub FOV) where w(theta(sub 1) is a weighting function and Merit function: sigma-square (theta, phi) = summation of (x,y,z) [ -<(x,y,z)> (exp 2)] is the spatial variance for a point source on the sky at polar and azimuthal off-axis angles (theta,phi).

Elsner, R. F.↗
NASA NTRS2010

Concerning the Development of the Wide-Field Optics for WFXT Including Methods of Optimizing X-Ray Optical Prescriptions for Wide-Field Applications

We present a progress report on the various endeavors we are undertaking at MSFC in support of the Wide Field X-Ray Telescope development. In particular we discuss assembly and alignment techniques, in-situ polishing corrections, and the results of our efforts to optimize mirror prescriptions including polynomial coefficients, relative shell displacements, detector placements and tilts. This optimization does not require a blind search through the multi-dimensional parameter space. Under the assumption that the parameters are small enough so that second order expansions are valid, we show that the performance at the detector can be expressed as a quadratic function with numerical coefficients derived from a ray trace through the underlying Wolter I optic. The optimal values for the parameters are found by solving the linear system of equations creating by setting derivatives of this function with respect to each parameter to zero.

Weisskopf, M. C.↗
DOE OSTI2015

Plasmon enhanced broadband optical absorption in ultrathin silicon nanobowl array for photoactive devices applications

Both photonic and plasmonic nanostructures are key optical components of photoactive devices for light harvesting, enabling solar cells with significant thickness reduction, and light detectors capable of detecting photons with sub-band gap energies. In this work, we study the plasmon enhanced broadband light absorption and electrical properties of silicon nanobowl (SiNB) arrays. The SiNB-metal photonic-plasmonic nanostructure-based devices exhibited superior light-harvesting ability across a wide range of wavelengths up to the infrared regime well below the band edge of Si due to effective optical coupling between the SiNB array and incident sunlight, as well as electric field intensity enhancement around metal nanoparticles due to localized surface plasmon resonance. The photonic-plasmonic nanostructure is expected to result in infrared-light detectors and high-efficiency solar cells by extending light-harvesting to infrared frequencies.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
NASA NTRS1977

Electron microscopic and optical studies of prism faces of synthetic quartz

Application of electron and optical microscopic techniques to the study of growth spirals on quartz crystal faces is described. Attention is centered on the centers of the spirals and on screw ledges; overhanging kinks are revealed on one side of the spiral centers. The possibility that these special features may have developed after growth of the crystals went to completion is explored. The conjecture is raised that such structures might result from adsorption of growth-inhibiting impurities at the center of the growth spiral on the quartz habit faces.

Buzek, B. C.↗