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At least 1,099 records · Page 61

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NASA NTRS1983

Endurance test of a 30-CM-diameter engineering model ion thruster. Task 12: Investigation of thin-film erosion monitors for ion thrusters

An investigation of short term measurement techniques for predicting the wearout of ion thrusters resulting from sputter erosion damage is described. The previously established laminar thin film techniques to provide high precision erosion rate data. However, the erosion rates obtained using this technique are generally substantially higher than those obtained during long term endurance tests (by virtue of the as deposited nature of the thin films), so that the results must be interpreted in a relative sense. Absolute measurements can be performed using a new masked substrate arrangement which was developed during this study. This new technique provides a means for estimating the lifetimes of critical discharge chamber components based on direct measurements of sputter erosion depths obtained during short duration (10 hour) tests. The method enables the effects on lifetime of thruster design and operating parameters to be inferred without the investment of the time and capital required to conduct long term (1000 hour) endurance tests. Results obtained using the direct measurement technique are shown to agree with sputter erosion depths calculated for the plasma conditions of the test and also with lifetest results. The direct measurement approach is shown to be applicable to both mercury and argon discharge plasma environments and should be useful in estimating the lifetimes of inert gas and extended performance mercury ion thrusters presently under development.

Beattie, J. R.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Photovoltaic properties of ferroelectric BaTiO3 thin films RF sputter deposited on silicon

Ferroelectric thin films of BaTiO3 have been successfully deposited on n-type silicon substrates at temperatures above 500 C by RF sputtering in an O2/Ar atmosphere. Analysis by X-ray diffraction patterns show that films deposited at room temperature are amorphous. At temperatures above 500 C, crystalline BaTiO3 films with a tetragonal structure are obtained. The polarization-electric field (P-E) hysteresis loops and a broad peak in the dielectric constant versus temperature curve at Curie point indicate that the RF sputtered BaTiO3 films are ferroelectric. An anomalous photovoltaic effect is observed in these thin films which is related to the remanent polarization of the material. The results on open-circuit and short-circuit measurements provide an important basis for a better understanding of the role of photovoltaic field, photovoltaic current, and the pyroelectric properties in photoferroelectric domain switching.

Dharmadhikari, V. S.↗

NASA NTRS1981

High frequency scattering by a thin dielectric slab

The geometrical theory of diffraction (GTD) is applied to the problem of a source in the presence of a three-dimensional thin dielectric slab. It is assumed that the reflection and transmission properties of the slab are known, and the slab is not lossy and/or multilayered. Two-dimensional thin dielectric layer scattering is analyzed when diffraction emanates from a single point, the source is not near the slab, and random energy approaching tangentially due to transmission is negligible. Coefficients are obtained for the scattering and the GTD solution is extended to the three dimensional case after development of a ray fixed coordinate system. The results are applied to a half wavelength dipole mounted above a square polystyrene covered ground plane.

Burnside, W. D.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Saturn meteorology - A diagnostic assessment of thin-layer configurations for the zonal flow

Voyager imaging, infrared, and radio observations for Saturn have been recently interpreted by Smith et al. (1982) as an indication that the jet streams observed at the cloud tops extend to depths greater than the 10,000-bar level. This analysis assumes a maximum latitudinal temperature contrast of a few percent, a mean atmospheric rotation rate at depth given by Saturn's ratio period, and no variation with latitude of the bottom pressure level for the zonal flow system. These assumptions are not, however, firmly constrained by observation. The diagnostic analysis of plausible alternative configurations for Saturn's atmospheric structure demonstrates that a thin weather layer system (confined at mid to high latitudes to levels above 200 bar) cannot be excluded by any of the available observations. A quantitative estimate of the effects of moisture condensation (including the differentiation of mean molecular weight) suggests that these might provide the buoyancy contrasts necessary to support a thin-layer flow provided that Saturn's outer envelope is enriched approximately 10 times in water abundance relative to a solar composition atmosphere and strongly differentiated with latitude at the condensation level.

Allison, M.↗

NASA NTRS1982

High efficiency, low cost thin GaAs solar cells

The feasibility of fabricating space-resistant, high efficiency, light-weight, low-cost GaAs shallow-homojunction solar cells for space application is demonstrated. This program addressed the optimal preparation of ultrathin GaAs single-crystal layers by AsCl3-GaAs-H2 and OMCVD process. Considerable progress has been made in both areas. Detailed studies on the AsCl3 process showed high-quality GaAs thin layers can be routinely grown. Later overgrowth of GaAs by OMCVD has been also observed and thin FaAs films were obtained from this process.

Fan, J. C. C.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Electroless-plating technique for fabricating thin-wall convective heat-transfer models

A technique for fabricating uniform thin-wall metallic heat-transfer models and which simulates a Shuttle thermal protection system tile is described. Two 6- by 6- by 2.5-in. tiles were fabricated to obtain local heat transfer rates. The fabrication process is not limited to any particular geometry and results in a seamless thin-wall heat-transfer model which uses a one-wire thermocouple to obtain local cold-wall heat-transfer rates. The tile is relatively fragile because of the brittle nature of the material and the structural weakness of the flat-sided configuration; however, a method was developed and used for repairing a cracked tile.

Avery, D. E.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Erosion of mylar and protection by thin metal films

Mylar strips, 2.5 microns thick, uncoated and coated with 50A, 100A and 200A of Al, Pd, and Au/Pd were exposed on STS-5 in order to measure the erosion of mylar and to test means of protecting thin plastic foils commonly used for space experiments in low earth orbit. Analysis by optical microscopy, SEM and STEM investigation, EDX measurements, FTIR spectroscopy and weight loss measurements showed that while up to 75 percent of the uncoated mylar was eroded during exposure, thin coatings of the above metals can protect mylar for integrated oxygen-fluxes of at least 10 to the 21st atoms/sq cm.

Fraundorf, P.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Recent advances in thin silicon solar cells

Recent progress in thin (2-4 mils, 50-100 microns) silicon solar cells which extends the capability of the cells into areas of use for possible space missions is reviewed. The production of thin flexible arrays using wrapped-around junction and wrapped-around contact cells is considered. Attention is also given to the formation of cells with very low solar absorptance (alpha-s less than 0.66) through changes in the AR coating, changes in front contact area, and maximizing cell efficiency.

Ho, F.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Radiation properties and emissivity parameterization of high level thin clouds

To parameterize emissivity of clouds at 11 microns, a study has been made in an effort to understand the radiation field of thin clouds. The contributions to the intensity and flux from different sources and through different physical processes are calculated by using the method of successive orders of scattering. The effective emissivity of thin clouds is decomposed into the effective absorption emissivity, effective scattering emissivity, and effective reflection emissivity. The effective absorption emissivity depends on the absorption and emission of the cloud; it is parameterized in terms of optical thickness. The effective scattering emissivity depends on the scattering properties of the cloud; it is parameterized in terms of optical thickness and single scattering albedo. The effective reflection emissivity follows the similarity relation as in the near infrared cases. This is parameterized in terms of the similarity parameter and optical thickness, as well as the temperature difference between the cloud and ground.

Wu, M.-L. C.↗

NASA NTRS1984

High temperature thermocouple and heat flux gauge using a unique thin film-hardware hot juncture

A special thin film-hardware material thermocouple (TC) and heat flux gauge concept for a reasonably high temperature and high flux flat plate heat transfer experiment was fabricated and tested to gauge temperatures of 911 K. This concept was developed for minimal disturbance of boundary layer temperature and flow over the plates and minimal disturbance of heat flux through the plates. Comparison of special heat flux gauge Stanton number output at steady-state conditions with benchmark literature data was good and agreement was within a calculated uncertainty of the measurement system. Also, good agreement of special TC and standard TC outputs was obtained and the results are encouraging. Oxidation of thin film thermoelements was a primary failure mode after about 5 of operation.

Liebert, C. H.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Advanced thin film thermocouples

The fabrication, materials characterization, and performance of thin film platinum rhodium thermocouples on gas turbine alloys was investigated. The materials chosen for the study were the turbine blade alloy systems MAR M200+Hf with NiCoCrAlY and FeCrAlY coatings, and vane alloy systems MAR M509 with FeCrAlY. Research was focussed on making improvements in the problem areas of coating substrate stability, adhesion, and insulation reliability and durability. Diffusion profiles between the substrate and coating with and without barrier coatings of Al2O3 are reported. The relationships between fabrication parameters of thermal oxidation and sputtering of the insulator and its characterization and performance are described. The best thin film thermocouples were fabricated with the NiCoCrAlY coatings which were thermally oxidized and sputter coated with Al2O3.

Kreider, K. G.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Ion beam sputter-deposited thin film coatings for protection of spacecraft polymers in low Earth orbit

Ion beam sputter-deposited thin films of Al2O3, SiO2, and a codeposited mixture of predominantly SiO2 with small amounts of a fluoropolymer were evaluated both in laboratory plasma ashing tests and in space on board shuttle flight STS-8 for effectiveness in preventing oxidation of polyimide Kapton. Measurements of mass loss and optical performance of coated and uncoated polyimide samples exposed to the low Earth orbital environment are presented. Optical techniques were used to measure loss rates of protective films exposed to atomic oxygen. Results of the analysis of the space flight exposed samples indicate that thin film metal oxide coatings are very effective in protecting the polyimide. Metal oxide coatings with a small amount of fluoropolymer codeposited have the additional benefit of great flexibility.

Banks, B. A.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Thin-film reliability and engineering overview

The reliability and engineering technology base required for thin film solar energy conversions modules is discussed. The emphasis is on the integration of amorphous silicon cells into power modules. The effort is being coordinated with SERI's thin film cell research activities as part of DOE's Amorphous Silicon Program. Program concentration is on temperature humidity reliability research, glass breaking strength research, point defect system analysis, hot spot heating assessment, and electrical measurements technology.

Ross, R. G., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Ultrasonic seam welding on thin silicon solar cells

The ultrathin silicon solar cell has progressed to where it is a serious candidate for future light weight or radiation tolerant spacecraft. The ultrasonic method of producing welds was found to be satisfactory. These ultrathin cells could be handled without breakage in a semiautomated welding machine. This is a prototype of a machine capable of production rates sufficiently large to support spacecraft array assembly needs. For comparative purposes, this project also welded a variety of cells with thicknesses up to 0.23 mm as well as the 0.07 mm ultrathin cells. There was no electrical degradation in any cells. The mechanical pull strength of welds on the thick cells was excellent when using a large welding force. The mechanical strength of welds on thin cells was less since only a small welding force could be used without cracking these cells. Even so, the strength of welds on thin cells appears adequate for array application. The ability of such welds to survive multiyear, near Earth orbit thermal cycles needs to be demonstrated.

Stofel, E. J.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Effective albedo of an optically thin scattering layer

An examination of the sensitivity of the effective albedo of an optically thin scattering layer for day-long solar irradiation at equinox to (1) the anisotropy parameter, which is controlled by the size of the scatterers, (2) the exclusion of the sun-near-horizon irradiation, and (3) the assumption of a spherical vs an irregular shape of the scatterers, is discussed. The albedo is analyzed assuming that for a specified phase function, which is split into a point-symmetrical component and an asymmetrical remainder, the albedo is proportional to the vertical optical thickness. It is shown that if the optical thickness and the phase function are not accurately known, lidar measurements of a thin dust layer can provide useful information for the climatic effect of the scatterers.

Otterman, J.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Observations of steady anomalous magnetic heating in thin current sheets

The Hard X-ray Imaging Spectrometer of the Solar Maximum Mission has yielded observations of a faint, steadily emitting loop-like structure, which have allowed the thermal evolution of this loop over a period of about 15 hr to be followed. Only 0.1 percent of the volume of the loop appears to be steadily heated, at the large rate of 0.6 erg/cu cm sec; this suggests that the heating represents the dissipation of magnetic fields in thin current sheets. Ion-kinetic tearing, as proposed by Galeev et al. (1981), is noted to be especially consonant with these observations. The source of the present X-ray emission is identified with the H-alpha filament in the same region. The present findings are held to constitute the first direct evidence for the steady dissipation of coronal magnetic fields via enhanced thin current sheet resistivity.

Martens, P. C. H.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Outdoor performance testing of thin-film devices

The Advanced Systems Research Group supports the photovoltaic advanced R&D (PV AR&D) project by providing outdoor (global) testing of PV cells, submodules, modules, and arrays. The group also provides in house engineering and analysis to identify and determine how technical issues such as cell/module/system adaptations, long term stability, reliability, economics, materials availability, safety, and environmental impacts affect the development and ultimate use of advanced PV thin film, innovative cell, and material technologies. A major thrust of the research effort is to develop and utilize instrumentation and procedures for monitoring and analyzing PV cells and submodules including outdoor performance and stability testing and life cycle accelerated stress testing. To accomplish the above, the solar energy research institute (SERI) outdoor PV test facility was established in 1982. The group has designed testing systems and analysis procedures for, and has tested, numerous amorphous silicon thin film submodules provided by SERI subcontractors and has performed long term outdoor stability tests on CdS/CuIr Se sub 2 and hydrogen passivated silicon solar cells. A significant contribution from this facility over the past year was the testing of large area amorphous silicon submodules.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1986

Apparatus for electrical measurements of thin films from 77 to 1000 K

A novel method of mounting thin samples for electrical measurements is described. A vacuum chuck holds a mounting plate, which, in turn, holds the sample. Contacts on the mounting plate establish electrical connection to the sample. The attachment of wires directly to the samples is unnecessary. Measurements can be made at temperatures from 77 to 1000 K. As an application of the apparatus, resistivity and Hall measurements of a thin silicon carbide sample are presented.

Matus, L. G.↗