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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 1,765 records · Page 98
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Computational Modeling, Simulation, and Potential Applications of Optical Stochastic Cooling

With the rising demand for intense particles beams, much research is being conducted in the area of particle beam cooling. One of these methods, called Stochastic Cooling (SC) (developed at CERN in the 1970's), delivered a feedback method to improve the quality and lifetime of circulating proton beams by reducing their 6D phase-space and has been widely implemented in a number of hadron machines. However, traditional stochastic cooling schemes are limited by the bandwidth of microwave frequency systems. Optical Stochastic Cooling (OSC) is a promising extension of the stochastic cooling beam cooling technique. OSC instead uses optical wavelengths which allows for improved control and increased cooling but creates its own technical challenges. This lays out work conducted toward the experimental demonstration of OSC at Fermilab's Integrable Optics Test Accelerator (IOTA) storage ring. This includes the design and characterization of parts of the optical delay system, the development and validation of a high-fidelity computational model of the OSC process, and the investigations into possible applications of the OSC mechanism to advanced beam manipulations.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Precision beam diagnostics at the NuMI facility using muon monitor observations

The Neutrinos at the Main Injector (NuMI) facility at Fermilab delivers an intense neutrino beam for multiple experiments by producing pions that decay into neutrinos, muons, and other particles. Magnetic horns—the primary pion focusing elements in the NuMI beamline—exhibit predominantly linear optics, enabling a predictable relationship between the proton beam and the resulting pion and muon phase spaces. This study has two primary objectives: first, to evaluate and confirm the linearity of the horn focusing mechanism using analytical models and numerical simulations; and second, to demonstrate that key beam parameters—such as proton beam intensity, beam position on target, and horn current—can be extracted from muon monitor observations within this linear optics framework. Using a machine learning model trained on spill-by-spill muon monitor data, we infer the horn current with a precision of ±0.05%, the beam intensity with ±0.1%, and the beam position on target with ±0.018⁢ mm horizontally and ±0.013⁢ mm vertically. This approach provides a reliable cross-check of beam parameters, helping to reduce systematic uncertainties that are critical for future experiments such as the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment, which will rely on the neutrino beam produced by the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility.

Beam control↗
DOE OSTI2015

The in-plane anisotropic magnetic damping of ultrathin epitaxial Co{sub 2}FeAl film

The in-plane orientation-dependent effective damping of ultrathin Co{sub 2}FeAl film epitaxially grown on GaAs(001) substrate by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) has been investigated by employing the time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr effect (TR-MOKE) measurements. It is found that the interface-induced uniaxial anisotropy is favorable for precession response and the anisotropy of precession frequency is mainly determined by this uniaxial anisotropy, while the magnetic relaxation time and damping factor exhibit the fourfold anisotropy at high-field regime. The field-independent anisotropic damping factor obtained at high fields indicates that the effective damping shows an intrinsic fourfold anisotropy for the epitaxial Co{sub 2}FeAl thin films.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Replenishing liquid sheet targets to enable high-intensity high-repetition-rate laser–plasma interactions for ion-beam technology

We report on the development of a robust microfluidic nozzle capable of generating replenishing liquid sheet targets with sub-micron thickness at up to kHz repetition rates, a λ/20 surface flatness over areas of at least 100 μm 2 , and in-vacuum dimensions of 6 × 1.5 mm 2 . The platform was evaluated for stability under hundreds of 4.3 J laser shots at 0.5 Hz and 6 × 10 20 W/cm 2 peak intensity, delivered in burst mode, totaling 2.9 kJ on the target. The key metrics of the platform, including sheet characteristics, nozzle aperture morphology, and proton spectra, showed no measurable degradation in the performance of the liquid sheet platform following this experiment. Beyond its application to ion beam technology, we outline a pathway to further develop the capabilities of the platform into a high-repetition-rate plasma mirror.

depth profiling techniques↗
DOE OSTI2019

Nanoscale probing of resonant photonic modes in dielectric nanoparticles with focused electron beams

We report that understanding the optical responses of nanostructures with high spatial resolution is paramount in photonic engineering. The excitation of resonant optical-frequency geometric modes in oxide nanoparticles is explored using monochromated electron energy-loss spectroscopy in a scanning transmission electron microscope. These geometric or cavity modes are found to produce a progression of resonance peaks within the bandgap regions of the electron energy-loss spectra of CeO 2 , TiO 2 , and MgO nanoparticles. Complementary simulations of the electron probe combined with analytic Mie analysis are performed to interpret the complex spectral features and to understand their underlying physical origins. The factors that influence the energies, shapes, and strengths of these modes are also investigated and their dependence upon nanoparticle size, geometry, refractive index, aggregation, impact parameter, and electron kinetic energy are elucidated. Taken together, this work demonstrates the unique ability of fast electron spectroscopy to determine the photonic density of states in individual and complex assemblies of dielectric nanoparticles.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2023

Quantifying uncertainties due to optical potentials in one-neutron knockout reactions

One-neutron knockout reactions have been widely used to extract information about the single-particle structure of nuclei from the valley of stability to the drip lines. The interpretation of knockout data relies on reaction models, where the uncertainties are typically not accounted for. In this work, we quantify uncertainties of optical potentials used in these reaction models and propagate them, for the first time, to knockout observables using a Bayesian analysis. We study two reactions in the present paper, the first of which involves a loosely bound halo projectile, 11 Be, and the second a tightly bound projectile, 12 C. We first quantify the parametric uncertainties associated with phenomenological optical potentials. Complementing this approach, we also quantify the model uncertainties associated with the chiral forces that can be used to construct microscopic optical potentials. For the phenomenological study, we investigate the impact of the imaginary terms of the optical potential on the breakup and stripping components of the knockout cross sections as well as the impact of the angular range. For the 11 Be case, the theoretical uncertainty from the phenomenological method is on the order of the experimental uncertainty of the knockout observables; however, for the 12 C case, the theoretical uncertainty is significantly larger. Additionally, the widths of the uncertainty bands for the knockout observables obtained for the microscopic study and the phenomenological approach are of similar orders of magnitude. Based on this work we conclude that structure information inferred from the ratio of the knockout cross sections will carry a theoretical uncertainty of at least 20% for halo nuclei and at least 40% for tightly bound nuclei.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1983

Optical Temperature Sensor Has Digital Output

New instrument measures temperature reliabily and accurately. Device uses Fabry-Perot multiple-beam sensor. Both temperature sensor and optical lines are free of all electrical and electromagnetic effects and interference. Variation in spacer is made sensitive to other physical quantities, such as pressure. Sensing element itself is quite small, enhancing use in confined areas.

James, K.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Focal-Plane-Array Optical Proximity Sensors

Objects detected at beam axis intersections. Group of light sources or detectors is mounted in box at focal plane of lens. Box can therefore illuminate or view several axes, each corresponding to source or detector of group. Proximity sensing system developed to trigger braking system of automatically controlled car.

Johnston, A. R.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Implementation of optical interconnections for VLSI

This paper reports on the progress in implementing optical interconnections for VLSI. Four areas are covered: (1) the holographic optical element (HOE), (2) the laser sources, (3) the detectors and associated circuits forming an optically addressed gate, and (4) interconnection experiments in which five gates are actuated from one source. A laser scanner system with a resolution of 12 x 20 microns has been utilized to generate the HOEs. Diffraction efficiency of the HOE and diffracted spot size have been measured. Stock lasers have been modified with a high-frequency package for interconnect experiments, and buried heterostructure fabrication techniques have been pursued. Measurements have been made on the fabricated photodetectors to determine dark current, responsivity, and response time. The optical gates and the overall chip have been driven successfully with an input light beam, as well as with the optical signal interconnected through the one to five holograms.

Wu, Wennie H.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Characterization of a Multilayered Dielectric Transmissive Phase Modulator

We describe a multilayered dielectric stack configuration designed specifically for use as a transmissive phase modulator for broadband optical signals. Applications for this device range from full aperture wavefront correction to nonmechanical beam steering arrays for free space optical communication links. Our implementation employs alternating GaAs and AlAs layers of varying thickness on a GaAs substrate to create a bandpass region of high average transmission centered about the one micrometer wavelength. Within this transmission bandpass, the phase component of the complex transmission coefficient varies in a near-linear fashion with respect to wavelength. The transmission bandpass is designed to have a bandwidth of 21.0 nm (or 6.3THz frequency bandwidth) and to have an edge-to-edge phase change of greater than 47T radians. Modification of the stack materials' optical properties causes the transmission profile to shift spectrally, resulting in a phase modulation for bands of transmitted frequencies. Our broadband phase modulator imparts up to a full-cycle of phase modulation with low loss and low group velocity dispersion. We identify several methods for implementing the requisite modulation, including refractive index modulation through free carrier injection and optical path length modulation through variation in angle of incidence. At least one sample comprising 91 alternating layers has been fabricated to exhibit the bandpass properties required for optical signal phase modulation. We experimentally characterize the sample using an interferometer and spectrometer to measure the transmitted signal spectrum and relative phase modulation. We compare the experimental data to computational predictions and discuss the results.

Keys, Andrew S.↗
NASA NTRS2008

Varying the Divergence of Multiple Parallel Laser Beams

A provision for controlled variation of the divergence of a laser beam or of multiple parallel laser beams has been incorporated into the design of a conceptual free-space optical-communication station from which the transmitted laser beam(s) would be launched via a telescope. The original purpose to be served by this provision was to enable optimization, under various atmospheric optical conditions, of the divergence of a laser beam or beams transmitted from a ground station to a spacecraft.

Kovalik, Joseph M.↗
DOE OSTI2015

Negative ion production in the RF multiaperture surface-plasma source

The experiments on negative hydrogen ion beam production in a multi-aperture long-pulse surface-plasma source are described. H- ions are produced on the surface of a plasma grid covered by cesium and illuminated by fast plasma particles. The source uses a radio-frequency driver to generate plasma. A composite magnet system made of external permanent magnets confines and filters electrons in the plasma region, and deflects them in the extraction area. A multiaperture, multi-electrode ion optical system is used for beam formation. The electrode heating and cooling during long pulses is accomplished by circulating a heat transfer fluid through channels drilled in the electrodes bodies. H- ions extraction through a single aperture and 21 apertures was performed and studied. A stable H- beam with the current up to 0.7 A, energy up to 74 kV, and pulse duration up to 7 s was routinely obtained.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2014

Quantitative high dynamic range beam profiling for fluorescence microscopy

Modern developmental biology relies on optically sectioning fluorescence microscope techniques to produce non-destructive in vivo images of developing specimens at high resolution in three dimensions. As optimal performance of these techniques is reliant on the three-dimensional (3D) intensity profile of the illumination employed, the ability to directly record and analyze these profiles is of great use to the fluorescence microscopist or instrument builder. Though excitation beam profiles can be measured indirectly using a sample of fluorescent beads and recording the emission along the microscope detection path, we demonstrate an alternative approach where a miniature camera sensor is used directly within the illumination beam. Measurements taken using our approach are solely concerned with the illumination optics as the detection optics are not involved. We present a miniature beam profiling device and high dynamic range flux reconstruction algorithm that together are capable of accurately reproducing quantitative 3D flux maps over a large focal volume. Performance of this beam profiling system is verified within an optical test bench and demonstrated for fluorescence microscopy by profiling the low NA illumination beam of a single plane illumination microscope. The generality and success of this approach showcases a widely flexible beam amplitude diagnostic tool for use within the life sciences.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
NASA NTRS2011

Method for Implementing Optical Phase Adjustment

A method has been developed to mechanically implement the optical phase shift by adjusting the polarization of the pump and probe beams in an NMOR (nonlinear magneto-optical rotation) magnetometer as the proper phase shift is necessary to induce self-oscillation. This innovation consists of mounting the pump beam on a ring that surrounds the atomic vapor sample. The propagation of the probe beam is perpendicular to that of the pump beam. The probe beam can be considered as defining the axis of a cylinder, while the pump beam is directed radially. The magnetic field to be measured defines a third vector, but it is also taken to lie along the cylinder axis. Both the pump and probe beams are polarized such that their electric field vectors are substantially perpendicular to the magnet field. By rotation of the ring supporting the pump beam, its direction can be varied relative to the plane defined by the probe electric field and the magnetic field to be measured.

Hovde, David C.↗
DOE OSTI2014

Note: Folded optical system for narrow forward looking probe

An optical system is described in which a laser beam makes three passes through a single graded index lens, forming a focus along the optic axis. It has important applications in endoscopic probes, where the forward looking characteristic permits the avoidance of obstacles and the narrow structure makes it minimally invasive.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS2004

Ion Engine Grid Gap Measurements

A simple technique for measuring the grid gap of an ion engine s ion optics during startup and steady-state operation was demonstrated with beam extraction. The grid gap at the center of the ion optics assembly was measured with a long distance microscope that was focused onto an alumina pin that protruded through the center accelerator grid aperture and was mechanically attached to the screen grid. This measurement technique was successfully applied to a 30 cm titanium ion optics assembly mounted onto an NSTAR engineering model ion engine. The grid gap and each grid s movement during startup from room temperature to both full and low power were measured. The grid gaps with and without beam extraction were found to be significantly different. The grid gaps at the ion optics center were both significantly smaller than the cold grid gap and different at the two power levels examined. To avoid issues associated with a small grid gap during thruster startup with titanium ion optics, a simple method was to operate the thruster initially without beam extraction to heat the ion optics. Another possible method is to apply high voltage to the grids prior to igniting the discharge because power deposition to the grids from the plasma is lower with beam extraction than without. Further testing would be required to confirm this approach.

Soulas, Gerge C.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Titanium Optics for Ion Thrusters

Ion thruster total impulse capability is limited, in part, by accelerator grid sputter erosion. A development effort was initiated to identify a material with a lower accelerator grid volumetric sputter erosion rate than molybdenum, but that could utilize the present NSTAR thruster grid design and fabrication techniques to keep development costs low, and perform as well as molybdenum optics. After comparing the sputter erosion rates of several atomic materials to that of molybdenum at accelerator voltages, titanium was found to offer a 45% reduction in volumetric erosion rates. To ensure that screen grid sputter erosion rates are not higher at discharge chamber potentials, titanium and molybdenum sputter erosion rates were measured at these potentials. Preliminary results showed only a slightly higher volumetric erosion rate for titanium, so that screen grid erosion is insignificant. A number of material, thermal, and mechanical properties were also examined to identify any fabrication, launch environment, and thruster operation issues. Several titanium grid sets were successfully fabricated. A titanium grid set was mounted onto an NSTAR 30 cm engineering model ion thruster and tested to determine optics performance. The titanium optics operated successfully over the entire NSTAR power range of 0.5 to 2.3 kW. Differences in impingement-limited perveances and electron backstreaming limits were found to be due to a larger cold gap for the titanium optics. Discharge losses for titanium grids were lower than those for molybdenum, likely due to a slightly larger titanium screen grid open area fraction. Radial distributions of beam current density with titanium optics were very similar to those with molybdenum optics at all power levels. Temporal electron backstreaming limit measurements showed that titanium optics achieved thermal equilibrium faster than molybdenum optics.

Soulas, George C.↗