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NASA NTRS1993

Gas-grain simulation experiment module conceptual design and gas-grain simulation facility breadboard development

This report delineates the Option portion of the Phase A Gas-Grain Simulation Facility study. The conceptual design of a Gas-Grain Simulation Experiment Module (GGSEM) for Space Shuttle Middeck is discussed. In addition, a laboratory breadboard was developed during this study to develop a key function for the GGSEM and the GGSF, specifically, a solid particle cloud generating device. The breadboard design and test results are discussed and recommendations for further studies are included. The GGSEM is intended to fly on board a low earth orbit (LEO), manned platform. It will be used to perform a subset of the experiments planned for the GGSF for Space Station Freedom, as it can partially accommodate a number of the science experiments. The outcome of the experiments performed will provide an increased understanding of the operational requirements for the GGSF. The GGSEM will also act as a platform to accomplish technology development and proof-of-principle experiments for GGSF hardware, and to verify concepts and designs of hardware for GGSF. The GGSEM will allow assembled subsystems to be tested to verify facility level operation. The technology development that can be accommodated by the GGSEM includes: GGSF sample generation techniques, GGSF on-line diagnostics techniques, sample collection techniques, performance of various types of sensors for environmental monitoring, and some off-line diagnostics. Advantages and disadvantages of several LEO platforms available for GGSEM applications are identified and discussed. Several of the anticipated GGSF experiments require the deagglomeration and dispensing of dry solid particles into an experiment chamber. During the GGSF Phase A study, various techniques and devices available for the solid particle aerosol generator were reviewed. As a result of this review, solid particle deagglomeration and dispensing were identified as key undeveloped technologies in the GGSF design. A laboratory breadboard version of a solid particle generation system was developed and characterization tests performed. The breadboard hardware emulates the functions of the GGSF solid particle cloud generator in a ground laboratory environment, but with some modifications, can be used on other platforms.

Zamel, James M.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Error analysis of optical correlators

With the growing interest in using binary phase only filters (BPOF) in optical correlators that are implemented on magnetooptic spatial light modulators, an understanding of the effect of errors in system alignment and optical components is critical in obtaining optimal system performance. We present simulations of optical correlator performance degradation in the presence of eight errors. We break these eight errors into three groups: 1) alignment errors, 2) errors due to a combination of component imperfections and alignment errors, and 3) errors which result solely from non-ideal components. Under the first group, we simulate errors in the distance from the object to the first principle plane of the transform lens, the distance from the second principle plane of the transform lens to the filter plane, and rotational misalignment of the input mask with the filter mask. Next we consider errors which result from a combination of alignment and component imperfections. These include errors in the transform lens, the phase compensation lens, and the inverse Fourier transform lens. Lastly we have the component errors resulting from the choice of spatial light modulator. These include contrast error and phase errors caused by the non-uniform flatness of the masks. The effects of each individual error are discussed, and the result of combining all eight errors under assumptions of reasonable tolerances and system parameters is also presented. Conclusions are drawn as to which tolerances are most critical for optimal system performance.

Ma, Paul W.↗

NASA NTRS2005

A Quasioptical Vector Interferometer for Polarization Control

We present a mathematical description of a Quasioptical Vector Interferometer (QVI), a device that maps an input polarization state to an output polarization state by introducing a phase delay between two linear orthogonal components of the input polarization. The advantages of such a device over a spinning wave-plate modulator for measuring astronomical polarization in the far-infrared through millimeter are: 1. The use of small, linear motions eliminates the need for cryogenic rotational bearings, 2. The phase flexibility allows measurement of Stokes V as well as Q and U, and 3. The QVI allows for both multi-wavelength and broadband modulation. We suggest two implementations of this device as an astronomical polarization modulator. The first involves two such modulators placed in series. By adjusting the two phase delays, it is possible to use such a modulator to measure Stokes Q, U, and V for passbands that are not too large. Conversely, a single QVI may be used to measure Q and V independent of frequency. In this implementation, Stokes U must be measured by rotating the instrument. We conclude this paper by presenting initial laboratory results.

Chuss, David T.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Phased array-fed antenna configuration study

The scope of this contract entails a configuration study for a phased array fed transmit antenna operating in the frequency band of 17.7 to 20.2 GHz. This initial contract provides a basis for understanding the design limitations and advantages of advanced phased array and cluster feeds (both utilizing intergral MMIC modules) illuminating folded reflector optics (both near field and focused types). Design parametric analyses are performed utilizing as constraints the objective secondary performance requirements of the Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (Table 1.0). The output of the study provides design information which serves as a data base for future active phased array fed antenna studies such as detailed designs required to support the development of a ground tested breadboard. In general, this study is significant because it provides the antenna community with an understanding of the basic principles which govern near field phased scanned feed effects on secondary reflector system performance. Although several articles have been written on analysis procedures and results for these systems, the authors of this report have observed phenomenon of near field antenna systems not previously documented. Because the physical justification for the exhibited performance is provided herein, the findings of this study add a new dimension to the available knowledge of the subject matter.

Crosswell, W. F.↗

DOE OSTI2024

DUNE Phase II: scientific opportunities, detector concepts, technological solutions

The international collaboration designing and constructing the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) at the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF) has developed a two-phase strategy toward the implementation of this leading-edge, large-scale science project. The 2023 report of the US Particle Physics Project Prioritization Panel (P5) reaffirmed this vision and strongly endorsed DUNE Phase I and Phase II, as did the European Strategy for Particle Physics. While the construction of the DUNE Phase I is well underway, this White Paper focuses on DUNE Phase II planning. DUNE Phase-II consists of a third and fourth far detector (FD) module, an upgraded near detector complex, and an enhanced 2.1 MW beam. The fourth FD module is conceived as a “Module of Opportunity”, aimed at expanding the physics opportunities, in addition to supporting the core DUNE science program, with more advanced technologies. This document highlights the increased science opportunities offered by the DUNE Phase II near and far detectors, including long-baseline neutrino oscillation physics, neutrino astrophysics, and physics beyond the standard model. It describes the DUNE Phase II near and far detector technologies and detector design concepts that are currently under consideration. A summary of key R&D goals and prototyping phases needed to realize the Phase II detector technical designs is also provided. DUNE's Phase II detectors, along with the increased beam power, will complete the full scope of DUNE, enabling a multi-decadal program of groundbreaking science with neutrinos.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

DOE OSTI2022

Disentangling Coexisting Structural Order Through Phase Lock-In Analysis of Atomic-Resolution STEM Data

As a real-space technique, atomic-resolution STEM imaging contains both amplitude and geometric phase information about structural order in materials, with the latter encoding important information about local variations and heterogeneities present in crystalline lattices. Such phase information can be extracted using geometric phase analysis (GPA), a method which has generally focused on spatially mapping elastic strain. Here we demonstrate an alternative phase demodulation technique and its application to reveal complex structural phenomena in correlated quantum materials. As with other methods of image phase analysis, the phase lock-in approach can be implemented to extract detailed information about structural order and disorder, including dislocations and compound defects in crystals. Extending the application of this phase analysis to Fourier components that encode periodic modulations of the crystalline lattice, such as superlattice or secondary frequency peaks, we extract the behavior of multiple distinct order parameters within the same image, yielding insights into not only the crystalline heterogeneity but also subtle emergent order parameters such as antipolar displacements. When applied to atomic-resolution images spanning large (~0.5 × 0.5 μm 2 ) fields of view, this approach enables vivid visualizations of the spatial interplay between various structural orders in novel materials.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2025

Heterointercalation in Chevrel-Phase Sulfides: A Model Periodic Solid for the Investigation of Chain Electron Transfer

Modulation of electron density localization on periodic crystal solids through electron transfer from interstitial cations can directly influence the bonding configurations of small-molecule intermediates at the catalyst binding site. This study presents the microwave-assisted solid-state synthesis of four heterointercalant Chevrel-phase (CP) sulfides with varying metal cation intercalants with compositional and electronic structure investigations of the electron density redistribution as a result of intercalation. The heterointercalant CP sulfides, with the general formula Cu x M y Mo 6 S 8 (where M = Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni; x, y = 1.5−2.5), are presented here for the probe reaction of electrochemical CO 2 reduction. A change in product selectivity is observed toward the production of methanol at low overpotentials of −0.5 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), as a result of the intercalant combination present within the CP interstitial cavity. Structural confirmation of all materials was examined through Rietveld refinement of the powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) data, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and selected-area electron diffraction (SAED). Electron transfer from the intercalated metal cations to the Mo 6 S 8 cluster was investigated via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of the intercalated metal cations and the chalcogenide cluster. Electron transfer was further confirmed through X-ray absorption analysis (XAS) of the K-edges of Mo and intercalants. Intermediate studies of electrochemical reduction of formaldehyde to methanol resulted in a faradaic efficiency of ∼78% methanol production on Cu x Ni y Mo 6 S 8 . The results presented herein identify distinct principles for materials design that can be utilized in other compositional spaces within the broad families of periodic crystal solids.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

NASA NTRS1993

Optical communications and a comparison of optical technologies for a high data rate return link from Mars

The important principles of direct- and heterodyne-detection optical free-space communications are reviewed. Signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) and bit-error-rate (BER) expressions are derived for both the direct-detection and heterodyne-detection optical receivers. For the heterodyne system, performance degradation resulting from received-signal and local oscillator-beam misalignment and laser phase noise is analyzed. Determination of interfering background power from local and extended background sources is discussed. The BER performance of direct- and heterodyne-detection optical links in the presence of Rayleigh-distributed random pointing and tracking errors is described. Finally, several optical systems employing Nd:YAG, GaAs, and CO2 laser sources are evaluated and compared to assess their feasibility in providing high-data-rate (10- to 1000-Mbps) Mars-to-Earth communications. It is shown that the root mean square (rms) pointing and tracking accuracy is a critical factor in defining the system transmitting laser-power requirements and telescope size and that, for a given rms error, there is an optimum telescope aperture size that minimizes the required power. The results of the analysis conducted indicate that, barring the achievement of extremely small rms pointing and tracking errors (less than 0.2 microrad), the two most promising types of optical systems are those that use an Nd:YAG laser (lambda = 1.064 microns) and high-order pulse position modulator (PPM) and direct detection, and those that use a CO2 laser (lambda = 10.6 microns) and phase shifting keying homodyne modulation and coherent detection. For example, for a PPM order of M = 64 and an rms pointing accuracy of 0.4 microrad, an Nd:YAG system can be used to implement a 100-Mbps Mars link with a 40-cm transmitting telescope, a 20-W laser, and a 10-m receiving photon bucket. Under the same conditions, a CO2 system would require 3-m transmitting and receiving telescopes and a 32-W laser to implement such a link. Other types of optical systems, such as a semiconductor laser systems, are impractical in the presence of large rms pointing errors because of the high power requirements of the 100-Mbps Mars link, even when optimal-size telescopes are used.

Spence, Rodney L.↗

NASA NTRS2009

T/R Multi-Chip MMIC Modules for 150 GHz

Modules containing multiple monolithic microwave integrated-circuit (MMIC) chips have been built as prototypes of transmitting/receiving (T/R) modules for millimeter-wavelength radar systems, including phased-array radar systems to be used for diverse purposes that could include guidance and avoidance of hazards for landing spacecraft, imaging systems for detecting hidden weapons, and hazard-avoidance systems for automobiles. Whereas prior landing radar systems have operated at frequencies around 35 GHz, the integrated circuits in this module operate in a frequency band centered at about 150 GHz. The higher frequency (and, hence, shorter wavelength), is expected to make it possible to obtain finer spatial resolution while also using smaller antennas and thereby reducing the sizes and masses of the affected systems.

Samoska, Lorene A.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Control of the Earth's electric field intensity through solar wind modulation of galactic cosmic radiation: Support for a proposed atmospheric electrical sun-weather mechanism

The ionospheric potential and galactic cosmic radiation, found to be inversely correlated with the solar wind velocity are examined as being germane to weather modification. Since the ionospheric potential is proportional to the fair weather electric field intensity and cosmic radiation is the dominant source of atmospheric ionization, it is concluded that the Earth's overall electric field varies in phase with atmospheric ionization and that the latter is modulated by the solar wind. A proposed mechanism, in which solar control of ionizing radiation influences atmospheric electrification and thus possibly cloud physical processes is discussed. An experimental approach to critically test the proposed mechanism through comparison of the temporal variation of the Earth's electric field with conditions in the interplanetary medium is outlined.

Markson, R.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Effect of Liner Cooling Flow on Combustor Emissions for Commercial Supersonics Technology

An overview is provided of a parametric study conducted to study the effect of liner cooling airflow rates on NOx emissions of a seven-element lean-direct injection (LDI) module with radial airflow main swirlers. The goal of the CFD study was to determine the increase in cooling flow rate at which the NOx emissions would exceed 20% of the predicted emissions with zero liner cooling flow. The Open version of the National Combustion Code (OpenNCC) was used to perform two-phase reacting flow computations with a new LDI injection module design with radial airflow swirlers instead of axial airflow swirlers. CFD analysis with OpenNCC predicted a 20% increase in EINOx emissions was reached when the liner cooling airflow rate was increased to 15% of the baseline combustor airflow rate. The liner cooling flow rate was predicted to have a non-linear effect on increase in overall EINOx of the seven element LDI injection module.

CFD↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Effect of Liner Cooling Flow on Combustor Emissions for Commercial Supersonics Technology

CFD↗

DOE OSTI2025

Linewidth narrowing and wideband frequency modulation of a DBR laser

We present a scheme to phase-lock a 240 mW, 852 nm distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) laser to a fixed-frequency narrow-linewidth laser with a rapidly tunable frequency offset near 9 GHz. The phase-lock is accomplished by electronic feedback on the beatnote between the two lasers. The frequency offset can be swept 200 MHz in 300 us, limited by the feedback loop bandwidth, allowing for its use in complex cooling and state preparation schemes needed in atomic physics experiments. Here, we find that the phase-lock reduces the linewidth of the DBR laser below its natural linewidth of ~400 kHz to ~100 kHz

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

DOE OSTI2025

Modulating Oxide‐Based Quantum Materials by Ion Implantation

Ion implantation has emerged as a powerful tool for manipulating and investigating oxide quantum materials, where strong electron correlations give rise to exotic phases and functionalities. This Review examines how controlled ion bombardment enables targeted modulation of structural, electronic, and magnetic properties in complex oxides. Recent advances in ion beam techniques is analyzed that provide unprecedented control over defect profiles, from point defects to extended damage cascades. In application, ion irradiation has demonstrated the ability to tune quantum phenomena including metal‐insulator transitions, magnetism, and superconductivity through selective doping, defect creation, and lattice strain. The ability to write quantum states with nanoscale precision using focused ion beams is opening new paths for quantum device fabrication. Challenges in understanding radiation damage mechanisms in strongly correlated systems is discussed, and identify opportunities for designing quantum functionality through defect‐engineering approaches. The technique's demonstrated capability to write quantum states with nanoscale precision, combined with its compatibility with existing semiconductor processing infrastructure, suggests a clear pathway for translating fundamental discoveries in quantum materials into practical technological applications.

defect engineering↗

NASA NTRS2006

Modification of Eye Movements and Motion Perception during Off-Vertical Axis Rotation

Constant velocity Off-Vertical Axis Rotation (OVAR) imposes a continuously varying orientation of the head and body relative to gravity. The ensuing ocular reflexes include modulation of both torsional and horizontal eye movements as a function of the varying linear acceleration along the lateral plane, and modulation of vertical and vergence eye movements as a function of the varying linear acceleration along the sagittal plane. Previous studies have demonstrated that tilt and translation otolith-ocular responses, as well as motion perception, vary as a function of stimulus frequency during OVAR. The purpose of this study is to examine normative OVAR responses in healthy human subjects, and examine adaptive changes in astronauts following short duration space flight at low (0.125 Hz) and high (0.5 Hz) frequencies. Data was obtained on 24 normative subjects (14 M, 10 F) and 14 (13 M, 1F) astronaut subjects. To date, astronauts have participated in 3 preflight sessions (n=14) and on R+0/1 (n=7), R+2 (n= 13) and R+4 (n= 13) days after landing. Subjects were rotated in darkness about their longitudinal axis 20 deg off-vertical at constant rates of 45 and 180 deg/s, corresponding to 0.125 and 0.5 Hz. Binocular responses were obtained with video-oculography. Perceived motion was evaluated using verbal reports and a two-axis joystick (pitch and roll tilt) mounted on top of a two-axis linear stage (anterior-posterior and medial-lateral translation). Eye responses were obtained in ten of the normative subjects with the head and trunk aligned, and then with the head turned relative to the trunk 40 deg to the right or left of center. Sinusoidal curve fits were used to derive amplitude, phase and bias of the responses over several cycles at each stimulus frequency. Eye responses during 0.125 Hz OVAR were dominated by modulation of torsional and vertical eye position, compensatory for tilt relative to gravity. While there is a bias horizontal slow phase velocity (SPV), the modulation of horizontal and vergence SPV is negligible at this lower stimulus frequency. Eye responses during 0.5 Hz OVAR; however, are characterized by modulation of horizontal and vergence SPV, compensatory for translation in the lateral and sagittal planes, respectively. Neither amplitude nor bias velocities were significantly altered by head-on-trunk position. The phases of the ocular reflexes, on the other hand, shifted towards alignment with the head. During the lower frequency OVAR, subjects reported the perception of progressing along the edge of a cone. During higher frequency OVAR, subjects reported the perception of progressing along the edge of an upright cylinder. In contrast to the eye movements, the phase of both perceived tilt and translation motion is not altered by stimulus frequency. Preliminary results from astronaut data suggest that the ocular responses are not substantially altered by short-duration spaceflight. However, compared to preflight averages, astronauts reported greater amplitude of both perceived tilt and translation at low and high frequency, respectively, during early post-flight testing. We conclude that the neural processing to distinguish tilt and translation linear acceleration stimuli differs between eye movements and motion perception. The results from modifying head-on-trunk position are consistent with the modulation of ocular reflexes during OVAR being primarily mediated by the otoliths in response to the sinusoidally varying linear acceleration along the interaural and naso-occipital head axis. While the tilt and translation ocular reflexes appear to operate in an independent fashion, the timing of perceived tilt and translation influence each other. We conclude that the perceived motion path during linear acceleration in darkness results from a composite representation of tilt and translation inputs from both vestibular and somatosensory systems.

Wood, S. J.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Power and spectrally efficient M-ARY QAM schemes for future mobile satellite communications

An effective method to compensate nonlinear phase distortion caused by the mobile amplifier is proposed. As a first step towards the future use of spectrally efficient modulation schemes for mobile satellite applications, we have investigated effects of nonlinearities and the phase compensation method on 16-QAM. The new method provides about 2 dB savings in power for 16-QAM operation with cost effective amplifiers near saturation and thereby promising use of spectrally efficient linear modulation schemes for future mobile satellite applications.

Sreenath, K.↗

NASA NTRS2007

Calibration Test Set for a Phase-Comparison Digital Tracker

An apparatus that generates four signals at a frequency of 7.1 GHz having precisely controlled relative phases and equal amplitudes has been designed and built. This apparatus is intended mainly for use in computer-controlled automated calibration and testing of a phase-comparison digital tracker (PCDT) that measures the relative phases of replicas of the same X-band signal received by four antenna elements in an array. (The relative direction of incidence of the signal on the array is then computed from the relative phases.) The present apparatus can also be used to generate precisely phased signals for steering a beam transmitted from a phased antenna array. The apparatus (see figure) includes a 7.1-GHz signal generator, the output of which is fed to a four-way splitter. Each of the four splitter outputs is attenuated by 10 dB and fed as input to a vector modulator, wherein DC bias voltages are used to control the in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) signal components. The bias voltages are generated by digital-to-analog- converter circuits on a control board that receives its digital control input from a computer running a LabVIEW program. The outputs of the vector modulators are further attenuated by 10 dB, then presented at high-grade radio-frequency connectors. The attenuation reduces the effects of changing mismatch and reflections. The apparatus was calibrated in a process in which the bias voltages were first stepped through all possible IQ settings. Then in a reverse interpolation performed by use of MATLAB software, a lookup table containing 3,600 IQ settings, representing equal amplitude and phase increments of 0.1 , was created for each vector modulator. During operation of the apparatus, these lookup tables are used in calibrating the PCDT.

Boas, Amy↗

DOE OSTI2021

Dual Phase Change Thermal Diodes with High Rectification for Thermal Management near Room Temperature

Thermal diodes are passive systems that modulate their thermal resistance depending on the direction of temperature gradient, thereby allowing preferential directional heat flow. A dual phase thermal diode consists of a junction between two phase change materials that have opposing temperature-dependent thermal conductivity trends, and whose performance (i.e., rectification ratio) is related to the ratio of the thermal conductivities of the different phases. In this work, a dual phase change diode with a rectification ratio of ~3.5 for an applied temperature bias of ~40 K is presented, which is among the highest-performing junction diodes based on phase change materials at the macroscale for near room temperature applications. The diode is composed of an aqueous solution of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), a thermo-responsive polymer, and calcium chloride hexahydrate -- a solid-liquid phase change material. Experimental insights are provided into the contributions of different heat transfer mechanisms, conduction, and convection, and the effect of concentration of the thermo-responsive polymer.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗