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Results for “Infrared optics”

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 19 records

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

DOE OSTI2016

Infrared optical absorption in low-spin Fe 2+ -doped SrTiO 3

Band gap engineering in SrTiO3 and related titanate perovskites has long been explored due to the intriguing properties of the materials for photocatalysis and photovoltaic applications. A popular approach in the materials chemistry community is to substitutionally dope aliovalent transition metal ions onto the B site in the lattice to alter the valence band. However, in such a scheme there is limited control over the dopant valence, and compensating defects often form. Here we demonstrate a novel technique to controllably synthesize Fe2+- and Fe3+-doped SrTiO3 thin films without formation of compensating defects by co-doping with La3+ ions on the A site. We stabilize Fe2+-doped films by doping with two La ions for every Fe dopant, and find that the Fe ions exhibit a low-spin electronic configuration, producing optical transitions in the near infrared regime and degenerate doping. The novel electronic states observed here offer a new avenue for band gap engineering in perovskites for photocatalytic and photovoltaic applications.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

NASA NTRS2017

Mirror coatings for large aperture UV optical infrared telescope optics

Large space telescope concepts such as LUVOIR and HabEx aiming for observations from far UV to near IR require advanced coating technologies to enable efficient gathering of light with important spectral signatures including those in far UV region down to 90nm. Typical Aluminum mirrors protected with MgF2 fall short of the requirements below 120nm. New and improved coatings are sought to protect aluminum from oxidizing readily in normal environment causing severe absorption and reduction of reflectance in the deep UV. Choice of materials and the process of applying coatings present challenges. Here we present the progress achieved to date with experimental investigations of coatings at JPL and at GSFC and discuss the path forward to achieve high reflectance in the spectral region from 90 to 300nm without degrading performance in the visible and NIR regions taking into account durability concerns when the mirrors are exposed to normal laboratory environment as well as high humidity conditions. Reflectivity uniformity required on these mirrors is also discussed.

Quijada, Manuel↗

NASA NTRS1990

Simultaneous multifrequency observations of the Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 4051 - Constant optical-infrared emission observed during large-amplitude X-ray variability

Simultaneous infrared, optical, ultraviolet, and X-ray observations of the low-luminosity Seyfert 1 galaxy, NGC 4051 are reported. A new method of reduction was developed to correct the optical flux for atmospheric variations due to seeing and extinction. The X-ray flux varied by factors of up to 2 on time-scales of tens of minutes, while the optical flux remained steady to within 1 percent. The results rule out all models, including Compton scattering and synchrotron models, in which a single electron population is responsible for the formation of both the infrared-to-optical and the X-ray spectra. The optical emission region must be an order of magnitude larger than, or completely separate from, the X-ray source.

Done, C.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Optical infrared sky survey instrumentation

An unusual, highly modified, Baker reflector-corrector class telescope has been adapted for wide field survey photography in the near infrared. This optical system uses a full field corrector plate and a field flattening lens to provide a flat field subtending about 4.5 deg on the sky. The small aperture telescope (20 inch primary) has been modified for use in the Newtonian focus configuration while preserving the optical elements of the Prime focus configuration. The telescope has been further modified to accept a very large format (146mm diameter photocathode) image intensifier camera to serve as a detector. The camera output is recorded photographically on film rather than glass plates. This unique instrument system is used in a program of sky survey photography in the optical infrared (8000-9000A bandpass) supplemented by visual bandpass photography. The photographs obtained with this system are of value not only for the extreme redness of the band but also because of their high resolution and their freedom from hydrogen emission.

Craine, E. R.↗

NASA NTRS2004

Cryo-Infrared Optical Characterization at NASA GSFC

The development of large space infrared optical systems, such as the Next Generation Space Telescope (NGST), has increased requirements for measurement accuracy in the optical properties of materials. Many materials used as optical components in infrared optical systems, have strong temperature dependence in their optical properties. Unfortunately, data on the temperature dependence of most of these materials is sparse. In this paper, we provide a description of the capabilities existing in the Optics Branch at the Goddard Space Flight Center that enable the characterization of the refractive index and absorption coefficient changes and other optical properties in infrared materials at cryogenic temperatures. Details of the experimental apparatus, which include continuous flow liquid helium optical cryostat, and a Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer are discussed.

Boucarut, Ray↗

NASA NTRS2003

Nanotechnology Infrared Optics for Astronomy Missions

The program "Nanotechnology Infrared Optics for Astronomy Missions" will design and develop new, nanotechnology techniques for infrared optical devices suitable for use in NASA space missions. The proposal combines expertise from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, the Naval Research Laboratory, the Goddard Space Flight Center, and the Physics Department at the Queen Mary and Westfield College in London, now relocated to the University of Cardiff, Cardiff, Wales. The method uses individually tailored metal grids and layered stacks of metal mesh grids, both inductive (freestanding) and capacitive (substrate-mounted), to produce various kinds of filters. The program has the following goals: 1) Model FIR filter properties using electric-circuit analogs and near-field, EM diffraction calculations. 2) Prototype fabrication of meshes on various substrates, with various materials, and of various dimensions. 3) Test filter prototypes and iterate with the modeling programs. 4) Travel to related sites, including trips to Washington, D.C. (location of NRL and GSFC), London (location of QMW), Cardiff, Wales, and Rome (location of ISO PMS project headquarters). 5) Produce ancillary science, including both publication of testing on mesh performance and infrared astronomical science.

Smith, Howard A.↗

NASA NTRS2002

Nanotechnology Infrared Optics for Astronomy Missions

The program "Nanotechnology Infrared Optics for Astronomy Missions" will design and develop new, nanotechnology techniques for infrared optical devices suitable for use in NASA space missions. The proposal combines expertise from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, the Naval Research Laboratory, the Goddard Space Flight Center, and the Physics Department at the Queen Mary and Westfield College in London, now relocated to the University of Cardiff, Cardiff, Wales. The method uses individually tailored metal grids, and layered stacks of metal mesh grids, both inductive (free-standing) and capacitive (substrate-mounted), to produce various kinds of filters. The program has the following goals: (1) Model FIR filter properties using electric-circuit analogs, and near-field, EM diffraction calculations; (2) Prototype fabrication of meshes on various substrates, with various materials, and of various dimensions; (3) Test of filter prototypes, and iterate with the modeling programs; (4) Travel to related sites, including trips to Washington, D.C. (location of NRL and GSFC), London (location of QMW), Cardiff, Wales, and Rome (location of ISO PMS project headquarters); (5) Produce ancillary science, including publication of both testing on mesh performance and infrared astronomical science.

Smith, Howard A.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Infrared optical constants of H2O ice, amorphous nitric acid solutions, and nitric acid hydrates

We determined the infrared optical constants of nitric acid trihydrate, nitric acid dihydrate, nitric acid monohydrate, and solid amorphous nitric acid solutions which crystallize to form these hydrates. We have also found the infrared optical constants of H2O ice. We measured the transmission of infrared light throught thin films of varying thickness over the frequency range from about 7000 to 500/cm at temperatures below 200 K. We developed a theory for the transmission of light through a substrate that has thin films on both sides. We used an iterative Kramers-Kronig technique to determine the optical constants which gave the best match between measured transmission spectra and those calculated for a variety of films of different thickness. These optical constants should be useful for calculations of the infrared spectrum of polar stratospheric clouds.

Toon, Owen B.↗

NASA NTRS1965

Far infrared optical properties of some space- craft paints

Far infrared optical properties of spacecraft paints

OPTICAL PROPERTY↗

DOE OSTI2014

Dispersion properties and low infrared optical losses in epitaxial AlN on sapphire substrate in the visible and infrared range

Optical waveguiding properties of a thick wurtzite aluminum nitride highly [002]-textured hetero-epitaxial film on (001) basal plane of sapphire substrate are studied. The physical properties of the film are determined by X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, microRaman, and photocurrent spectroscopy. The refractive index and the thermo-optic coefficients are determined by m-lines spectroscopy using the classical prism coupling technique. The optical losses of this planar waveguide are also measured in the spectral range of 450–1553 nm. The lower value of optical losses is equal to 0.7 dB/cm at 1553 nm. The optical losses due to the surface scattering are simulated showing that the contribution is the most significant at near infrared wavelength range, whereas the optical losses are due to volume scattering and material absorption in the visible range. The good physical properties and the low optical losses obtained from this planar waveguide are encouraging to achieve a wide bandgap optical guiding platform from these aluminum nitride thin films.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

NASA NTRS2016

Initial Technology Assessment for the Large UV-Optical-Infrared (LUVOIR) Mission Concept Study

The NASA Astrophysics Divisions 30-Year Roadmap prioritized a future large-aperture space telescope operating in the ultra-violet-optical-infrared wavelength regime. The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy envisioned a similar observatory, the High Definition Space Telescope. And a multi-institution group also studied the Advanced Technology Large Aperture Space Telescope. In all three cases, a broad science case is outlined, combining general astrophysics with the search for bio-signatures via direct-imaging and spectroscopic characterization of habitable exo-planets. We present an initial technology assessment that enables such an observatory that is currently being studied for the 2020 Decadal Survey by the Large UV-Optical Infrared (LUVOIR) surveyor Science and Technology Definition Team. We present here the technology prioritization for the 2016 technology cycle and define the required technology capabilities and current state-of-the-art performance. Current, planned, and recommended technology development efforts are also reported.

large aperture↗

DOE OSTI2015

OPTICAL–INFRARED PROPERTIES OF FAINT 1.3 mm SOURCES DETECTED WITH ALMA

We report optical-infrared (IR) properties of faint 1.3 mm sources (S{sub 1.3mm} = 0.2–1.0 mJy) detected with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in the Subaru/XMM-Newton Deep Survey field. We searched for optical/IR counterparts of eight ALMA-detected sources (≥4.0σ, the sum of the probability of spurious source contamination is ∼1) in a K-band source catalog. Four ALMA sources have K-band counterpart candidates within a 0.″4 radius. Comparison between ALMA-detected and undetected K-band sources in the same observing fields shows that ALMA-detected sources tend to be brighter, more massive, and more actively forming stars. While many of the ALMA-identified submillimeter-bright galaxies (SMGs) in previous studies lie above the sequence of star-forming galaxies in the stellar mass–star formation rate plane, our ALMA sources are located in the sequence, suggesting that the ALMA-detected faint sources are more like “normal” star-forming galaxies rather than “classical” SMGs. We found a region where multiple ALMA sources and K-band sources reside in a narrow photometric redshift range (z ∼ 1.3–1.6) within a radius of 5″ (42 kpc if we assume z = 1.45). This is possibly a pre-merging system and we may be witnessing the early phase of formation of a massive elliptical galaxy.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

NASA NTRS2016

End-to-End Assessment of a Large Aperture Segmented Ultraviolet Optical Infrared (UVOIR) Telescope Architecture

Key challenges of a future large aperture, segmented Ultraviolet Optical Infrared (UVOIR) Telescope capable of performing a spectroscopic survey of hundreds of Exoplanets will be sufficient stability to achieve 10^-10 contrast measurements and sufficient throughput and sensitivity for high yield Exo-Earth spectroscopic detection. Our team has collectively assessed an optimized end to end architecture including a high throughput coronagraph capable of working with a segmented telescope, a cost-effective and heritage based stable segmented telescope, a control architecture that minimizes the amount of new technologies, and an Exo-Earth yield assessment to evaluate potential performance. These efforts are combined through integrated modeling, coronagraph evaluations, and Exo-Earth yield calculations to assess the potential performance of the selected architecture. In addition, we discusses the scalability of this architecture to larger apertures and the technological tall poles to enabling it.

Feinberg, Lee↗

NASA NTRS2016

End-to-End Assessment of a Large Aperture Segmented Ultraviolet Optical Infrared (UVOIR) Telescope Architecture

Feinberg, Lee↗

DOE OSTI2024

Near-Infrared Optical Gain of Colloidal Quantum Wells via Intraband Transitions

Tunable, unipolar, near-infrared intraband optical gain is demonstrated in semiconductor colloidal quantum wells, expanding the form and optical range for potential infrared applications. Atomically flat colloidal quantum wells of cadmium selenide display photoinduced absorption features in the near-infrared assigned to intraband (alternatively intersubband) transitions from the first to second electron subbands of the quantum wells. Under ultraviolet optical excitation, these same transitions from the first to second electron subbands are shown to exhibit stimulated emission, resulting in optical gain covering the near-infrared spectral region. The modal gain, bandwidth, and lifetime of this intraband gain are manipulated by using excitation energy, fluence, temperature, and surface chemistry. Unlike previous demonstrations of intraband optical gain in epitaxial quantum wells (e.g., quantum cascade lasers), the colloidal quantum wells are undoped. As a result, nearly thresholdless gain is in principle possible and limited in practice by the measurement of small optical losses of the samples in the near-infrared. Furthermore, the observations may be understood as a modified "quantum fountain" employing the valence band, a strategy that may be applied to many other materials.

Optical gain↗

DOE OSTI2016

Correlating optical infrared and electronic properties of low tellurium doped GaSb bulk crystals

Control over the Te doping concentration is especially challenging in the mass-production of optically transparent, high-resistivity Te-doped GaSb crystals. Driven by the necessity to perform fast, robust, and non-destructive quality control of the Te doping homogeneity of the optically transparent large-diameter GaSb wafers, we correlated electronic and optical infrared properties of Te-doped GaSb crystals. The study was based on the experimental Hall and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) data collected from over 50 samples of the low-doped n-type material (carrier concentration of 6 × 10{sup 16} cm{sup −3} to 7 × 10{sup 17} cm{sup −3}) and the Te-doped p-type GaSb (4.6 × 10{sup 15} cm{sup −3} to 1 × 10{sup 16} cm{sup −3}). For the n-type GaSb, the analysis of the FTIR data was performed using free carrier absorption model, while for the p-type material, the absorption was modeled using inter-valence band absorption mechanism. Using the correlation between the Hall and the IR data, FTIR maps across the wafers allow a fast and reliable way to estimate carrier concentration profile within the wafer.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

NASA NTRS1976

Optical, infrared and radio studies of compact H II regions. I - The complex in S 106

The paper reports on combined optical, infrared, and radio observations of the compact complex S 106. The source could be resolved into ten components, three of which are compact components of size approximately 0.2 pc and were detected at 12.6 microns and 2.7 GHz. Two of the components are point-like sources detected at 8000 A. One of the components detected at 8000 A is spatially coincident with a strong 3.5 micron source and is suggested as a possible exciting star for the complex.

Pipher, J. L.↗

DOE OSTI2015

Generation of radially polarized high energy mid-infrared optical vortex by use of a passive axially symmetric ZnSe waveplate

We demonstrated the generation of the intense radially polarized mid-infrared optical vortex at a wavelength of 10.6 μm by use of a passive axially symmetric zinc selenide (ZnSe) waveplate with high energy pulse throughput. The phase of the radially polarized optical vortex with the degree of polarization of 0.95 was spirally distributed in regard to the angle. The converted laser beam energy of about 2.6 mJ per pulse was obtained at the input pulse energy of 4.9 mJ, corresponding to the energy conversion efficiency of 56%.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗