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At least 1,369 records · Page 76

Anisotropic Fano resonance in the Weyl semimetal candidate LaAlSi

Topological Weyl semimetal (WSM) is a solid-state realization of chiral Weyl fermions, whose phonon behaviors provide in-depth knowledge of their electronic properties. In this work, anisotropic Fano resonance is observed in a type-II WSM candidate LaAlSi by polarized Raman spectroscopy. The asymmetric line shape occurs for the $B^2_1$ phonon mode of LaAlSi only for 488- and 532-nm laser excitations but not for 364-, 633-, and 785-nm excitations, suggesting the excitation selectivity. The asymmetry, frequency, and linewidth of the $B^2_1$ phonon mode, along with the spectral background, all show fourfold rotational symmetry as a function of the polarization angle in the polarized Raman spectra. While the shift of Raman frequency in a metal or semimetal is typically attributed to Kohn anomaly, here we show that the anisotropic frequency shift in LaAlSi cannot be explained by the effect of Kohn anomaly, but potentially by the anisotropic scattering background of Fano resonance. Origins of the excitation-energy dependence and anisotropic behavior of the Fano resonance are discussed by the first-principles calculated electronic band structure and phonon dispersion.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

V-grooved silicon solar cells

Silicon solar cells with macroscopic V-shaped grooves and microscopically texturized surfaces have been made by preferential etching techniques. Various conditions for potassium hydroxide and hydrazine hydrate etching were investigated. Optical reflection losses from these surface were reduced. The reduced reflection occurred at all wavelengths and resulted in improved short circuit current and spectral response. Improved collection efficiency is also expected from this structure due to generation of carriers closer to the cell junction. Microscopic point measurements of collected current using a scanning electron microscope showed that current collected at the peaks of the texturized surface were only 80% of those collected in the valleys.

Baraona, C. R.↗

Rotor wake characteristics relevant to rotor-stator interaction noise generation

Mean and turbulent wake properties at three axial locations behind the rotor of an aerodynamically loaded 1.2 pressure ratio fan were measured using a stationary cross film anemometer in an anechoic wind tunnel. Wake characteristics at four radial immersions across the duct at four different fan speeds were determined utilizing a signal enhancement technique. The shapes of the waveforms of the mean rotor relative and mean upwash velocities were shown to change significantly across the span of the blades. In addition, an increase in fan rotational speed caused an increase in the maximum wake turbulence intensity levels near the hub and tip. Spectral analysis was used to described the complex nature of the rotor wake.

Shaw, L. M.↗

Rotor wake characteristics relevant to rotor-stator interaction noise generation

Mean and turbulence wake properties at three axial locations behind the rotor of an aerodynamically loaded 1.2 pressure ratio fan were measured using a stationary cross film anemometer in an anechoic wind tunnel. Wake characteristics at four radial immersions across the duct at four different fan speeds were determined utilizing a signal enhancement technique. The shapes of the waveforms of the mean rotor relative and mean upwash velocities were shown to change significantly across the span of the blades. In addition, an increase in fan rotational speed caused an increase in the maximum wake turbulence intensity levels near the hub and tip. Spectral analysis was used to describe the complex nature of the rotor wake.

Shaw, L. M.↗

Broad Band X-Ray Telescope observations of NGC 4151 - Iron line diagnostics

The Fe K-alpha emission line is a potentially powerful diagnostic tool in the X-ray spectra of AGNs, however, this feature has previously been observed with relatively poor spectral resolution. The Broad Band X-Ray Telescope has provided us with the first high-quality, medium-resolution X-ray spectral data. We are able to constrain the width of the 6.4 keV Fe K-alpha line in NGC 4151 to be less than 160 eV FWHM (7,500 km/s), in contrast with former measurements of the line width. Also, we have limited information on the shape of the line profile. In addition to the strong narrow Fe K-alpha feature, we detect weaker broad residuals between 5-8 keV.

Weaver, K. A.↗

Simultaneous FUSE, HST, and Chandra Observations or Intrinsic Absorbers in NGC 7469 and MRK 279

We obtained FUSE observations of NGC 7469 on 2002 Dec 13 & 14. The two exposures totaled only 7 ks. The observations only have good data in one channel, LiF1, due to channel alignment problems. These observations were obtained simultaneously with high-quality HST/STIS and Chandra HETG spectra. The previously known O VI absorption lines in the FUSE spectrum are detected at good signal to noise ratio, and a wide array of other intrinsic absorption lines are visible in the X-ray spectrum and in the STIS spectrum. Compared to prior FUSE observations, the continuum flux for this observation was 50% lower. We see the effects of this in the lowest-velocity O VI absorber, which we associate with the X-ray absorbing gas also detected in this object. This O VI absorber has only a 50% covering fraction, consistent with its covering only the continuum in this source, and its strength and inferred column density increased as the continuum flux of NGC 7469 decreased. This is consistent with the recombination expected from photoionization models of the highly ionized gas. We obtained FUSE observations of Mrk 279 on 2002 May 18. As for NGC 7469, channel alignment problems led to good data being present only in LiFl. While we obtained a much longer integration on the target than planned (47.4 ks vs. 31 ks requested), the UV flux was down a factor of 10 or more from previous HST and FUSE observations, and our wavelength coverage was restricted due to the channel alignment problems. These data still cover the important O VI emission line and absorption lines in Mrk 279. The FUSE flux also agrees well with the simultaneous HST STIS data, which have good signal to noise. We have also analyzed FUSE observations made at three earlier epochs. We detect the Fe K-alpha emission line in the Chandra spectrum, and its flux is consistent with the low X-ray continuum flux level of Mrk 279 at the time of the observation. Because of low signal-to-noise ratios (S/N) in the Chandra spectrum, no O VII or O VIII absorption features are observable in the Chandra data, but the UV spectra reveal strong and complex absorption from H I and high-ionization species such as O VI, N V, and C IV, as well as from low-ionization species such as C III, N III, C II, and N II in some velocity components. The far-UV spectral coverage of the FUSE data provides information on high-order Lyman series absorption, which we use to calculate the optical depths and line and continuum covering fractions in the intrinsic H I absorbing gas in a self-consistent fashion. Based on the velocities, profile shapes, covering fractions and variability of the UV absorption, we conclude that some of the absorption components, particularly those showing prominent low-ionization lines, are likely associated with the host galaxy of Mrk 279, and possibly with its interaction with a close companion galaxy, while the remainder arises in a nuclear outflow.

Sonneborn, George↗

Updates on the Debrisat Hypervelocity Experiment and Characterization of Fragments in Support of Environmental Models

To develop, maintain, and update orbital debris environmental and break-up models, such as the NASA Orbital Debris Engineering Model (ORDEM) and the NASA Standard Satellite Breakup Model (SSBM), the NASA Orbital Debris Program Office (ODPO) relies on the most recent validated datasets from various measurement sources, both laboratory and environmental. One key project that will provide insight for break-up events using modern-day spacecraft materials and construction techniques is the DebriSat laboratory hypervelocity-impact test. Based on the mass of the target, the projectile, and the impact velocity, the expected number of fragments greater than 2 mm, generated using the NASA SSBM, was estimated to be close to 85,000. To date, the DebriSat fragment database continues to grow, with over 200,000 fragments collected that will help inform updates to the SSBM. Additionally, the growing fragment ensemble will support key parameters for the next release of NASA’s environmental models, employing fragment shapes, densities, and size distributions. To further support these environmental models, specifically the size parameter used in ground-based optical measurements, optical characterization on a subset of DebriSat fragments is being conducted in ODPO’s Optical Measurement Center (OMC). Broadband bidirectional reflectance distribution (BRDF) measurements will provide insight into the optical-based NASA Size Estimation Model (OSEM). The OSEM equates an object’s brightness to size (e.g., diameter of a disk or sphere) given several assumed parameters, including a defined phase function, albedo, and range. To address the first defined parameter, the ODPO has been using ray-tracing software to simulate light conditions in the OMC and to generate phase functions (i.e., specular, Lambertian, and experimentally-derived) of known shapes, materials, and sizes. This simulated data, in addition to the experimentally derived measurements collected in the OMC, will aid in determining whether a new phase function would be suitable for an updated OSEM. The OSEM also assumes a single-value albedo, thus pre-impact spectral measurements on a subset of DebriSat materials were acquired for baseline material characterization and to provide insight into spacecraft material taxonomies. This DebriSat spectral data, along with spectral measurements from other known spacecraft material samples, will allow for better analyses of albedo variations and the effect on size calculations of defined laboratory targets, thus further supporting OSEM updates. This paper provides an overview of DebriSat, the status of the project, updates on the parameter distributions, an overview of the NASA SSBM, and ongoing fragment characterization efforts within the OMC.

Heather Cowardin↗

Modeling of transient interference phenomena in colinear laser spectroscopy

Colinear laser spectroscopy of fast atomic beams has been established as one of the main tools to perform precision experiments with atoms containing short-lived nuclei. Although highly sensitive, the spectral resolution of these techniques is typically limited to several MHz. Here, we study the use of transient interference phenomena to potentially improve the experimental resolution. Previous attempts to implement Ramsey-type measurements with fast beams were limited by the lack of understanding of the observed line shapes. Additionally, by using a simple model, we provide a satisfactory description of the previously observed line shapes and propose alternative experimental schemes to improve the resolution in fast ion-beam experiments.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Laser measurement of the spectral extinction coefficients of fluorescent, highly absorbing liquids

A conceptual method is developed to deduce rapidly the spectral extinction coefficient of fluorescent, highly absorbing liquids, such as crude or refined petroleum oils. The technique offers the advantage of only requiring one laser wavelength and a single experimental assembly and execution for any specific fluorescent liquid. The liquid is inserted into an extremely thin wedge-shaped cavity for stimulation by a laser from one side and flurescence measurement on the other side by a monochromator system. For each arbitrarily selected extinction wavelength, the wedge is driven slowly to increasing thicknesses until the fluorescence extinguishes. The fluorescence as a function of wedge thickness permits a determination of the extinction coefficient using an included theoretical model. When the monochromator is set to the laser emission wavelength, the extinction coefficient is determined using the usual on-wavelength signal extinction procedure.

Hoge, F. E.↗

White-Light, Dispersed-Fringe Interferometric Keratometer

Proposed keratometer based on scheme involving spectral dispersal of white-light interference fringes. Instrument operates in "snapshot" mode: no scanning necessary, not necessary to immobilize patient's eye. Insensitive to vibration, involves no phase shifting, and has variable sensitivity. Intended primarily for use in medical assessments of human corneas, also used to measure shapes of animal corneas, lenses, and other aspherical or spherical reflective or partly reflective surfaces.

Hochberg, Eric B.↗

The infrared and microwave spectroscopy of the argon-propyne dimer

Microwave and infrared measurements are reported for the van der Waals complex ArCH3CCH and its isotopomers. The structure is T-shaped with equilibrium center-of-mass separation of 3.73 A and an angle of 82 deg between the molecule symmetry axis and the van der Waals bond. The infrared and microwave spectra are complex due to the effects of a slightly hindered internal rotor. Analysis of the spectral data shows that the dipole moment is almost parallel to the dimer b axis. A modified vibration/rotation Hamiltonian that includes an internal rotor potential is used to show that the barrier to internal rotation is near 10.8/cm.

Blake, Thomas A.↗

Spectrophotometry of Wolf-Rayet stars. I - Continuum energy distributions

All available low-resolution IUE spectra are assembled for Galactic, LMC, and SMC W-R stars and are merged with ground-based optical and NIR spectra in order to collate in a systematic fashion the shapes of these energy distributions over the wavelength range 0.1-1 micron. They can be consistently fitted by a power law of the form F(lambda) is approximately equal to lambda exp -alpha over the range 1500-9000 A to derive color excesses E(B-V) and spectral indices by removing the 2175-A interstellar absorption feature. The WN star color excesses derived are found to be in good agreement with those of Schmutz and Vacca (1991) and Koesterke et al. (1991). Significant heterogeneity in spectral index values was generally seen with any given subtype, but the groups consisting of the combined set of Galactic and LMC W-R stars, the separate WN and WC sequences, and the Galactic and LMC W-R stars all showed a striking and consistent Gaussian-like frequency distribution of values.

Morris, Patrick W.↗

[?]Nonlinear Issues in the Aerothermochemistry of Gases and Materials and the Associated Physics and Dynamics of Interfaces

Our research and technology are focused on nonlinear issues in the aerothermochemistry of gases and materials and the associated physics and dynamics of interfaces. Our program is now organized to aggressively support the NASA Aeronautics Enterprise so as to: (a) develop a new generation of environmentally compatible, economic subsonic aircraft; (b) develop the technology base for an economically viable and environmentally compatible high-speed civil transport; (c) develop the technology options for new capabilities in high-performance aircraft; (d) develop hypersonic technologies for air-breathing flight; and (e) develop advanced concepts, understanding of physical phenomena, and theoretical, experimental, and computational tools for advanced aerospace systems. The implications from our research for aeronautical and aerospace technology have been both broad and deep. For example, using advanced computational techniques, we have determined exact solutions for the Schrodinger equation in electron-molecule scattering allowing us to evaluate atmospheric models important to reentry physics. We have also found a new class of exact solutions for the Navier Stokes equations. In experimental fluid dynamics, we have found explicit evidence of turbulence modification of droplet sizes in shock tube flow with condensation. We have developed a new diagnostic tool for the direct estimation of flow velocities at MHz sampling rates in quasi-one dimensional turbulent flow. This procedure suggests an unexpected confirmation of the possibility of 'natural' closure in Reynolds stresses with deep implications for the development of turbulent models. A transient increase is observed in both the spectral energy decay rate and the degree of chaotic complexity at the interface of a shock wave and a turbulent ionized gas. Even though the gas is apparently brought to rest by the shock wave, no evidence is found either of the expected relaminarization. A unique diamond-shaped nozzle has been designed for a detailed investigation of the effect of significant streamwise vorticity on the acoustic and IR characteristics of supersonic jets. Our results provide convincing evidence of the significant effect of vorticity on the far-field noise for the diamond jet as compared to the conventional round jets. We have found that the countercurrent shear layer mixes much more efficiently than conventional coflowing shear layers. We also developed the fluid thrust vectoring procedures which use counter flow to vector a jet. Our materials research has shown that the steep stress gradients at the fiber-matrix interface could be the primary cause of interface cracks after the processing of metallic and intermetallic matrix composites. New techniques have been evolved for: the microcharacterization of materials including microplastic strain and, point by point, the misorientation and plasticity for matrix composites; thermally induced stress measurements and load relaxation; the growth and characterization of metallic matrix composite interfaces; and for the growth of ferrite materials by pulsed laser deposition. The FAMU commitment to the HBCU Research Center also continues to be broad and deep.

Johnson, Joseph A., III↗

An Experimental Approach to Understanding the Optical Effects of Space Weathering

The creation and accumulation of nanophase iron (npFe(sup 0)) is the primary mechanism by which spectra of materials exposed to the space environment incur systematic changes referred to as "space weathering." The optical effects of this npFe(sup 0) on lunar soils are well documented. Space weathering though, should occur on the surface of any planetary body that is not protected by an atmosphere. There is no reason to assume that cumulative space weathering products throughout the solar system will be the same as those found in lunar soils. In fact, these products are likely to be very dependent on the specific environmental conditions under which they were produced. We have prepared a suite of analog soils to explore the optical effects of npFe(sup 0). By varying the size and concentration of npFe(sup 0) in the analogs we found significant systematic changes in the Vis/NIR spectral properties of the materials. Smaller npFe(sup 0) (<10 nm in diameter) dramatically reddens spectra in the visible wavelengths while leaving the infrared region largely unaffected. Larger npFe(sup 0) (>40 nm in diameter) lowers the albedo across the Vis/NIR range with little change in the overall shape of the continuum. Intermediate npFe(sup 0) sizes impact the spectra in a distinct pattern that changes with concentration. The products of these controlled experiments have implications for space-weathered material throughout the inner solar system. Our results indicate that the lunar soil continuum is best modeled by npFe(sup 0) particles with bulk properties in the approx.15-25 nm size range. Larger npFe0 grains result in spectra that are similar in shape to the Mercury continuum. The continuum of S-type asteroid spectra appear to be best represented by small amounts of npFe(sup 0) that is similar to, but slightly smaller on average, than the npFe(sup 0) in lunar soils (approx.10-15 nm).

Noble, Sarah K.↗

Detection of Rotational Acceleration of Bennu Using HST Light Curve Observations

We observed the near‐Earth asteroid (101955) Bennu from the ground in 1999 and 2005, and with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) in 2012, to constrain its rotation rate. The data reveal an acceleration of 2.64±1.05 × 10−6deg/day2, which could be due to a change in the moment of inertia of Bennu or to spin up from the Yarkovsky‐O'Keefe‐Radzievskii‐Paddack effect or other source of angular momentum. The best solution is within 1 σ of the period determined by Nolan et al. (2013, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2013.05.028). The Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security–Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS‐REx) mission will determine the rotation state independently in 2019.Those measurements should show whether the change in rotation rate is a steady increase (due, e.g., to the Yarkovsky‐O'Keefe‐Radzievskii‐Paddack effect) or some other phenomenon. The precise shape and surface properties measured by the OSIRIS‐REx science team will allow for a better understanding of variations in rotation rate of small asteroids.

M C Nolan↗

A Novel Fiber-Bragg-Grating-Based Unique Identifier for Use in Tags and Seals

Tags and seals are important tools used in safeguards regimes for the control of nuclear materials. Vital to a successful tag or seal is the ability to securely, uniquely, and positively distinguish it from others of the same kind. This allows one to validate that items entered into an inspection regime to which the tag or seal is affixed are as claimed. We are developing a new type of unique identifier (UID) for such applications that is based on fiber-Bragg grating (FBG) technology. The index of refraction of the core glass of a fiber optic can be locally and permanently altered if sensitized fibers are exposed to intense ultraviolet light. This can be used to create index modulations with a regular periodicity comparable to the wavelengths of light with which the fiber is used. If broadband illumination is sent down the fiber, any light that is in resonance with the modulations will be reflected back to the input end of the fiber where it can be detected. The shape of the returned spectrum can be set by the modulation pattern written into the fiber’s core. We take advantage of these properties to create a compact UID that contains several FBGs potted into a monolithic body. By connecting the UID to an optical interrogator, the complex spectral return can be uniquely identified with a short measurement, providing a robust identification. As a device based on narrowband spectral returns, FBGs are inherently radiation tolerant, making them ideal for use with nuclear materials. Further, they can be read out remotely via a long fiber optic or locally via brief connection to a portable optical interrogator. Because the spectral signature of FBGs is sensitive to external mechanical perturbations, we are exploring the ability to reversibly alter the signature obtained from the UID by applying controlled mechanical forces with a simple device. Such a “key” will allow different stakeholders to obtain their own unique signature from the device, providing a new level of surety to safeguards inspections.

Ziock, Klaus-Peter↗

Constraining the local pulsar population with the cosmic-ray positron fraction

Observations of the TeV halos associated with nearby pulsars indicate that these objects inject significant fluxes of very high-energy electron-positrons pairs into the interstellar medium (ISM), thereby likely providing the dominant contribution to the cosmic-ray positron flux. In this paper, we use the cosmic-ray positron fraction as measured by the AMS-02 Collaboration to constrain the characteristics of the local pulsar population. For reasonable model parameters, we find that we can obtain good agreement with the measured positron fraction up to energies of E e ~ 300 GeV. At higher energies, the positron fraction is dominated by a small number of pulsars, making it difficult to reliably predict the shape of the expected positron fraction. The low-energy positron spectrum supports the conclusion that pulsars typically transfer approximately η ~ 5–20% of their total spindown power into the production of very high-energy electron-positron pairs, producing a spectrum of such particles with a hard spectral index, α ~ 1.5–1.7. Such pulsars typically spindown on a timescale on the order of τ ~ 10 4 years. Our best fits were obtained for models in which the radio and gamma-ray beams from pulsars are detectable to 28% and 62% of surrounding observers, respectively.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Effect of radiometric errors on accuracy of temperature-profile measurement by spectral scanning using absorption-emission pyrometry

The spectral-scanning method may be used to determine the temperature profile of a jet- or rocket-engine exhaust stream by measurements of gas radiation and transmittance, at two or more wavelengths. A single, fixed line of sight is used, using immobile radiators outside of the gas stream, and there is no interference with the flow. At least two sets of measurements are made, each set consisting of the conventional three radiometric measurements of absorption-emission pyrometry, but each set is taken over a different spectral interval that gives different weight to the radiation from a different portion of the optical path. Thereby, discrimination is obtained with respect to location along the path. A given radiometric error causes an error in computed temperatures. The ratio between temperature error and radiometric error depends on profile shape, path length, temperature level, and strength of line absorption, and the absorption coefficient and its temperature dependency. These influence the choice of wavelengths, for any given gas. Conditions for minimum temperature error are derived. Numerical results are presented for a two-wavelength measurement on a family of profiles that may be expected in a practical case of hydrogen-oxygen combustion. Under favorable conditions, the fractional error in temperature approximates the fractional error in radiant-flux measurement.

Buchele, D. R.↗