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At least 1,189 records · Page 66

A Cautionary Tale: Failure of the Valence CASSCF to Describe the Hallmark of Hydrogen Bonding

Valence CASSCF (vCAS) calculations for the hydrogen-bonded (H2O)2, (HF)2, and HF–H2O dimers fail to predict the lengthening of the hydrogen donor bond and the corresponding red shift in the donor bond vibrational stretching frequency. Analysis of the active orbitals in the vCAS calculation reveals that one of the weakly occupied orbitals in each dimer is used to correlate the electrons in the acceptor lone pairs rather than those in the donor bonding orbitals. This has significant implications for subsequent treatments of the dynamical correlation that are based on the vCAS wavefunction.

Nguyen, Long H.↗

Utilizing Quantum Cascade Lasers for Ultranarrow Velocity Resolution and Quantum-State Selectivity in Molecular Beam Scattering and Spectroscopy

Here, we demonstrate the capability of a narrow linewidth quantum cascade laser (QCL) to selectively excite a very narrow velocity range of nitric oxide (σ ≤ 7(3) m/s) with a pure ro-vibrational quantum state. By implementing a counter-propagating geometry, the molecules are selectively excited according to the Doppler shift of the ro-vibrational transition frequency such that the velocity width associated with the excited molecules depends only on the QCL linewidth. We demonstrate a velocity distribution limited by the effective linewidth of our free-running QCL (Γ = 3.2 MHz). Our development provides a cost-effective, flexible approach to resolve quantum-state selective chemical dynamics with excellent velocity resolution in a wide variety of molecules with infrared-active transitions. This technique has been formulated to provide ultrahigh collisional energy resolution in molecular beams to delineate final quantum-state product pairs in studies of molecular collisions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Lake sediment heatwaves under global warming

Lake sediment heatwaves, driven by rising global temperatures, pose emerging threats to freshwater ecosystems by altering sediment thermal regimes and intensifying sediment biogeochemical processes. Here we present a global-scale assessment of lake sediment heatwaves, examining their historical patterns and projecting future trends under various climate scenarios in 41,499 representative lakes worldwide. Using daily simulated lake sediment temperatures from 1981 to 2010 and future (2071-2100) projections under three Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP126, SSP370, SSP585), we investigate lake sediment heatwave characteristics, including their duration, intensity, frequency, and seasonal timing, worldwide. Our results show that lake sediment heatwaves are generally more persistent and frequent than lake surface heatwaves, with sediment heatwaves in pelagic regions experiencing a significant lag relative to surface conditions. Under future climate scenarios, sediment heatwaves are projected to intensify, with their duration and frequency increasing substantially, particularly under SSP585. These shifts could exacerbate the production of greenhouse gases like methane and increase sediment respiration rates in lakes. This study highlights the need to account for sediment heatwaves in freshwater ecosystem management and climate adaptation strategies to mitigate future impacts.

Limnology↗

Comparison of Dead-Time Effects in a WPT System Inverter for Different Fixed-Frequency Modulation Techniques

In this paper, a comparative study of the dead-time effects in a wireless power transfer (WPT) system inverter is performed for different fixed-frequency control techniques. The dead-time is provided between the complementary switching instances of the inverter phase-legs to ensure safe operation of the input power source. Under certain operating conditions, the dead-time results in waveform distortions or voltage-polarity reversal (VPR) at the inverter output. The VPR affects the switching characteristics, harmonic spectrum, switching losses, and output voltage/power of the system. A detailed analysis of the dead-time effect on the WPT system parameters such as output voltage and output power is conducted for the different fixed-frequency control strategies (i.e., traditional phase-shift control, asymmetrical clamped-mode, and asymmetrical duty-cycle control). Furthermore, the impact of dead-time on the inverter switching losses is compared for the different control strategies.

Kavimandan, Utkarsh↗

First Results from the Thomson Scattering Diagnostic on the Large Plasma Device

We present the first Thomson scattering measurements of electron density and temperature in the Large Plasma Device (LAPD), a 22 m long magnetized linear plasma device at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). The diagnostic spectrally resolves the Doppler shift imparted on light from a frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser when scattered by plasma electrons. A fiber array coupled to a triple-grating spectrometer is used to obtain high stray light rejection and discriminate the faint scattering signal from a much larger background. In the center of the plasma column, the measured electron density and temperature are about ne≈1.5×1013 cm−3 and Te≈ 3 eV, respectively, depending on the discharge parameters and in good agreement with Langmuir probe data. Optical design considerations to maximize photon count while minimizing alignment sensitivity are discussed in detail and compared to numerical calculations. Raman scattering off of a quartz crystal probe is used for an absolute irradiance calibration of the system.

Kaloyan, Marietta (ORCID:0000000182593038)↗

An estimate of field size distributions for selected sites in the major grain producing countries

The field size distributions for the major grain producing countries of the World were estimated. LANDSAT-1 and 2 images were evaluated for two areas each in the United States, People's Republic of China, and the USSR. One scene each was evaluated for France, Canada, and India. Grid sampling was done for representative sub-samples of each image, measuring the long and short axes of each field; area was then calculated. Each of the resulting data sets was computer analyzed for their frequency distributions. Nearly all frequency distributions were highly peaked and skewed (shifted) towards small values, approaching that of either a Poisson or log-normal distribution. The data were normalized by a log transformation, creating a Gaussian distribution which has moments readily interpretable and useful for estimating the total population of fields. Resultant predictors of the field size estimates are discussed.

Podwysocki, M. H.↗

Operational modes for a wave injection facility aboard spacelab and a sub-satellite

Various modes of operation are described for an orbiting wave injection facility planned to measure the properties of waves propagating in space plasma. Such a facility would cover a wide frequency range including MF and HF. Phase shift and Doppler shift measurements will yield more accurate measurements of echo time delay and the angle of arrival. Because Spacelab will involve some sub-satellites, some consideration is given to propagation between two vehicles both at HF and VHF.

Dyson, P. L.↗

SAR imaging - Seeing the unseen

The functional abilities and operations of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) are described. SAR employs long wavelength radio waves in bursts, imaging a target by 'listening' to the small frequency changes that result from the Doppler shift due to the relative motion of the imaging craft and the motions of the target. The time delay of the signal return allows a determination of the location of the target, leading to the build up of a two-dimensional image. The uses of both Doppler shifts and time delay enable detailed imagery which is independent of distance. The synthetic aperture part of the name of SAR derives from the beaming of multiple pulses, which result in a picture that is effectively the same as using a large antenna. Mechanisms contributing to the fineness of SAR images are outlined.

Kobrick, M.↗

A system for remote measurements of the wind stress over the ocean

The DISSTRESS system for remote measurements of the surface wind stress over the ocean from ships and buoys is described. It is fully digital, utilizing the inertial dissipation technique. Parallel processing allows anemometer data to be filtered in natural frequency space; that is, the filter cutoffs shift linearly with the mean wind speed of the data to be filtered. The construction of the digital Butterworth bandpass filters is presented in detail. The performance of the system is evaluated by analyzing the results from 28 days of operation during the Frontal Air-Sea Interaction Experiment. The mean wind speed is checked, the anemometer response function is established, and drag coefficients are compared to previous studies. The capability of the system is demonstrated by continuous time series of the friction velocity computed every 20 min. The conclusion is that the surface wind stress can be measured more reliably and accurately (20 percent) with this system than from anemometer wind speeds and a bulk formula.

Large, William G.↗

Phase and amplitude characteristics of InP:Fe modified interdigitated gap photoconductive microwave switches

The transmission amplitude and phase characteristics of InP:Fe modified interdigitated gap photoconductive microwave switches are reported. Measurements in the 0.1-1 GHz frequency range show that the phase is shifted about 90 deg and that the corresponding change in amplitude ranges from 43 dB at 0.1 GHz to 23 dB at 1 GHz when the illumination-induced conductance is switched from a low OFF-state value (aboit 4 x 10 to the -8 S) to a high ON-state value (5 mS). The observed characteristics can be described by a phase-shifting region and an amplitude modulation region. In the phase-shifting region the phase strongly depends on the conductance, and the amplitude is almost constant. In the amplitude modulation region both the amplitude and the phase depend on the conductance but the effect on the amplitude is much more pronounced. A lumped-element model describing the device performance is presented. It is concluded that these optoelectronic microwave switching devices are suitable for high-speed amplitude modulation but are not promising as high-speed phase shifters.

Andersson, Ingmar L.↗

Multiple-Symbol Differential Detection Of MPSK

Multiple-symbol differential detection proposed for reception of radio-frequency signals modulated by mutliple-phase-shift keying (MPSK). Offers advantage of less complexity in not requiring equipment to acquire and track carrier signal. Performance approaches that of ideal coherent detection. Applicable to coded as well as uncoded MPSK, and to other forms of modulation.

Divsalar, Dariush↗

Behavior Of Costas Loop In Reception Of Telemetry

Report presents theoretical study of behavior of Costas loop in reception of radio carrier signal modulated in phase by sinusoidal or square-wave subcarrier, further modulated in phase by nonreturn-to-zero binary data signal. Phase and frequency of received signal affected by Doppler shift, and instantaneous amplitude of received signal corrupted by additive white Gaussian noise. Signals of this type ordinarily used in spacecraft telemetry, sine-wave subcarrier being preferred for shorter signal paths and square-wave subcarrier for longer signal paths.

Nguyen, Tien M.↗

Excitation of slosh waves associated with low frequency impulsive reverse gravity acceleration of geyser initiation

The objective of the cryogenic fluid management of the spacecraft propulsion system is to develop the technology necessary for acquisition or positioning of liquid and vapor within a tank in reduced gravity to enable liquid outflow or vapor venting. The requirement to settle or to position liquid fuel over the outlet end of the spacecraft propellant tank prior to main engine restart poses a microgravity fluid behavior problem. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the stability of the most efficient technique for propellant resettling through the minimization of propellant usage and weight penalties. In this study slosh wave excitation induced by the resettling flow field activated by 0.1 Hz low frequency, impulsive reverse gravity acceleration, during reorientation with the initiation of geyser for liquid fill levels of 30, 50, 65, 70 and 80 percent, have been studied. Characteristics of slosh waves with various frequencies excited are discussed. Slosh wave excitation shift the fluid mass distribution in the container which impose time dependent variations in spacecraft moment of inertia. This information is important for the spacecraft control during the course of liquid reorientation.

Hung, R. J.↗

Effect of spaceflight on skeletal muscle: Mechanical properties and myosin isoform content of a slow muscle

This study examined changes in contractile, biochemical, and histochemical properties of slow antigravity skeletal muscle after a 6-day spaceflight mission. Twelve male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups: flight and ground-based control. Approximately 3 h after the landing, in situ contractile measurements were made on the soleus muscles of the flight animals. The control animals were studied 24 h later. The contractile measurements included force-velocity relationship, force-frequency relationship, and fatigability. Biochemical measurements focused on the myosin heavy chain (MHC) and myosin light chain profiles. Adenosinetriphosphatase histochemistry was performed to identify cross-sectional area of slow and fast muscle fibers and to determine the percent fiber type distribution. The force-velocity relationships of the flight muscles were altered such that maximal isometric tension P(sub o) was decreased by 24% and maximal shortening velocity was increased by 14% (P less than 0.05). The force-frequency relationship of the flight muscles was shifted to the right of the control muscles. At the end of the 2-min fatigue test, the flight muscles generated only 34% of P(sub o), whereas the control muscles generated 64% of P(sub o). The flight muscles exhibited de novo expression of the type IIx MHC isoform as well as a slight decrease in the slow type I and fast type IIa MHC isoforms. Histochemical analyses of flight muscles demonstrated a small increase in the percentage of fast type II fibers and a greater atrophy of the slow type I fibers. The results demonstrate that contractile properties of slow antigravity skeletal muscle are sensitive to the microgravity environment and that changes begin to occur within the 1st wk. These changes were at least, in part, associated with changes in the amount and type of contractile protein expressed.

Caiozzo, Vincent J.↗

Acceleration and heating of heavy ions in high speed solar wind streams

Left hand polarized Alfven waves generated in coronal holes propagate in the direction of high speed solar wind streams, accelerating and heating heavy ions. As the solar wind expands, the ratio between the frequency of the Alfven waves and the proton gyrofrequency increases, due to the decrease of the interplanetary magnetic field, and encounter first the local ion gyrofrequency of the species with the largest M(sub l) = m(sub l)/z(sub l)m(sub p) (m(sub l) is the mass of species l, m(sub p) is the proton mass and z(sub l) is the degree of ionization of species l). It is shown that the Alfven waves experience there strong absorption and cannot propagate any further until the ions are accelerated and heated. Once this occurs, the Alfven waves continue to propagate until they meet the gyrofrequency of the next species giving rise to a similar phenomenon. In order to show this contention, we use the linear dispersion relation of ion cyclotron waves in a multicomponent plasma consisting of oxygen ions, alpha particles and protons. We assume that at any distance from the sun, the Alfven waves follow the local dispersion relation of electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves. To illustrate the results, we solve the dispersion relation for oxygen ions and alpha particles drifting relative to the protons. The dispersion relation has three branches. The first branch starts at zero frequency and goes to the Doppler-shifted oxygen ion gyrofrequency. The second branch starts close to the oxygen gyrofrequency, and goes to the Doppler-shifted alpha particle gyrofrequency. The third branch starts close to the alpha particle gyrofrequency, and goes to the proton gyrofrequency. The Alfven waves propagate following the first branch of the dispersion relation. When they reach the Doppler-shifted oxygen ion gyrofrequency, the ions are accelerated and heated to some definite values. When these values are reached, the dispersion relation changes, and it is now the first branch of the dispersion relation, the one which goes to the Doppler-shifted alpha particle gyrofrequency. The Alfven waves continue to propagate along the first branch of the dispersion relation and proceed to accelerate and heat the alpha particles.

Gomberoff, L.↗

Accuracy Study of a 2-Component Point Doppler Velocimeter (PDV)

A two-component Point Doppler Velocimeter (PDV) which has recently been developed is described, and a series of velocity measurements which have been obtained to quantify the accuracy of the PDV system are summarized. This PDV system uses molecular iodine vapor cells as frequency discriminating filters to determine the Doppler shift of laser light which is scattered off of seed particles in a flow. The majority of results which have been obtained to date are for the mean velocity of a rotating wheel, although preliminary data are described for fully-developed turbulent pipe flow. Accuracy of the present wheel velocity data is approximately +/- 1 % of full scale, while linearity of a single channel is on the order of +/- 0.5 % (i.e., +/- 0.6 m/sec and +/- 0.3 m/sec, out of 57 m/sec, respectively). The observed linearity of these results is on the order of the accuracy to which the speed of the rotating wheel has been set for individual data readings. The absolute accuracy of the rotating wheel data is shown to be consistent with the level of repeatability of the cell calibrations. The preliminary turbulent pipe flow data show consistent turbulence intensity values, and mean axial velocity profiles generally agree with pitot probe data. However, there is at present an offset error in the radial velocity which is on the order of 5-10 % of the mean axial velocity.

Kuhlman, John↗

The Alternative Low Noise Fan

A 106 bladed fan with a design takeoff tip speed of 1100 ft/sec was hypothesized as reducing perceived noise because of the shift of the blade passing harmonics to frequencies beyond the perceived noise rating range. A 22 in. model of this Alternative Low Noise Fan, ALNF, was tested in the NASA Glenn 9x 15 Wind Tunnel. 'Me fan was tested with a 7 vane long chord stator assembly and a 70 vane conventional stator assembly in both hard and acoustically treated configurations. In addition a partially treated 7 vane configuration was tested wherein the acoustic material between the 7 long chord stators was made inactive. The noise data from the 106 bladed fan with 7 long chord stators in a hard configuration was shown to be around 4 EPNdB quieter than a low tip speed Allison fan at takeoff and around 5 EPNdB quieter at approach. Although the tone noise behaved as hypothesized, the majority of this noise reduction was from reduced broadband noise related to the large number of rotor blades. This 106 bladed ALNF is a research fan designed to push the technology limits and as such is probably not a practical device with present materials technology. However, a low tip speed fan with around 50 blades would be a practical device and calculations indicate that it could be 2 to 3 EPNdB quieter at takeoff and 3 to 4 EPNdB quieter at approach than the Allison fan. 7 vane data compared with 70 vane data indicated that the tone noise was controlled by rotor wake-stator interaction but that the broadband noise is probably controlled by the interaction of the rotor with incoming flows. A possible multiple pure tone noise reduction technique for a fan/acoustic treatment system was identified. The data from the fully treated configuration showed significant noise reductions over a large frequency range thereby providing a real tribute to this bulk absorber treatment design. The tone noise data with the partially treated 7 vane configuration indicated that acoustic material in the source noise generation region may be more effective than similar material outside of the generation region.

Dittmar, James H.↗

Local Intensity Enhancements in Spherical Microcavities: Implications for Photonic Chemical and Biological Sensors

In this report, we summarize recent findings regarding the use spherical microcavities in the amplification of light that is inelastically scattered by either fluorescent or Raman-active molecules. This discussion will focus on Raman scattering, with the understanding that analogous processes apply to fluorescence. Raman spectra can be generated through the use of a very strong light source that stimulates inelastic light scattering by molecules, with the scattering occurring at wavelengths shifted from that of the source and being most prominent at shifts associated with the molecules natural vibrational frequencies. The Raman signal can be greatly enhanced by exposing a molecule to the intense electric fields that arise near surfaces (typically of gold or silver) exhibiting nanoscale roughness. This is known as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). SERS typically produces gain factors of 103 - 106, but under special conditions, factors of 1010 - 1014 have been achieved.

Fuller, Kirk A.↗