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All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

DOE OSTI2025

Reliable Determination of Pulses and Pulse-Shape Instability in Ultrashort Laser Pulse Trains Using Polarization-Gating and Transient-Grating Frequency-Resolved Optical Gating Using the RANA Approach

Devices that measure the presence of instability in the pulse shapes in trains of ultrashort laser pulses do not exist, so this task necessarily falls to pulse-measurement devices, like Frequency-Resolved Optical Gating (FROG) and its variations, which have proven to be a highly reliable class of techniques for measuring stable trains of ultrashort laser pulses. Fortunately, multi-shot versions of FROG have also been shown to sensitively distinguish trains of stable from those of unstable pulse shapes by displaying readily visible systematic discrepancies between the measured and retrieved traces in the presence of unstable pulse trains. However, the effects of pulse-shape instability and algorithm stagnation can be indistinguishable, so a never-stagnating algorithm—even when instability is present—is required and is generally important. In previous work, we demonstrated that our recently introduced Retrieved-Amplitude N-grid Algorithmic (RANA) approach produces highly reliable (100%) pulse-retrieval in the second-harmonic-generation (SHG) version of FROG for thousands of sample trains of pulses with stable pulse shapes. Further, it does so even for trains of unstable pulse shapes and thus both reliably distinguishes between the two cases and provides a rough measure of the degree of instability as well as a reasonable estimate of most typical pulse parameters. Here, we perform the analogous study for the polarization-gating (PG) and transient-grating (TG) versions of FROG, which are often used for higher-energy pulse trains. We conclude that PG and TG FROG, coupled with the RANA approach, also provide reliable indicators of pulse-shape instability. In addition, for PG and TG FROG, the RANA approach provides an even better estimate of a typical pulse in an unstable pulse train than SHG FROG does, even in cases of significant pulse-shape instability.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

DOE OSTI2025

Evaluating pulse-shaping capabilities of next-generation pulsed power architectures

This project evaluated the pulse shaping capabilities of next-generation pulsed power (NGPP) architectures. NGPP architectures share several common attributes including multiple independent pulse-generation lines, a radial water-insulated impedance transformer, and a central vacuum insulated load region. A multi-module circuit model was developed, incorporating independent pulse-generation lines and a 2-D transmission line mesh of the radial impedance transformer to assess the effects of azimuthal asymmetry in pulse-shaped experiments. Circuit model simulations demonstrated that NGPP architectures are able to produce the the desired current pulse shapes for exemplar NGPP experiments. Additionally, the project explored automated methods for experiment design, including derivative -ree optimization and machine learning. Pulse-shaped experiments require designers to determine machine parameters that reliably produce the desired current pulse at the load, a process that typically relies on expert knowledge and iterative adjustments using the Z circuit model. Given the increased complexity of NGPP systems, this manual approach may be impractical. While the evaluated methods do not eliminate the need for manual iteration, they can reduce the time required for experiment design. Derivative-free optimization automates much of the trial-and-error process, providing a close starting point for manual adjustments or making small modifications to near-final designs. Meanwhile, deep neural network methods can generate a good qualitative match to the desired current pulse in under one second without requiring circuit model simulations.

42 ENGINEERING↗

NASA NTRS1998

Pulse Shaped 8-PSK Bandwidth Efficiency and Spectral Spike Elimination

The most bandwidth-efficient communication methods are imperative to cope with the congested frequency bands. Pulse shaping methods have excellent effects on narrowing bandwidth and increasing band utilization. The position of the baseband filters for the pulse shaping is crucial. Post-modulation pulse shaping (a low pass filter is located after the modulator) can change signals from constant envelope to non-constant envelope, and non-constant envelope signals through non-linear device (a SSPA or TWT) can further spread the power spectra. Pre-modulation pulse shaping (a filter is located before the modulator) will have constant envelope. These two pulse shaping methods have different effects on narrowing the bandwidth and producing bit errors. This report studied the effect of various pre-modulation pulse shaping filters with respect to bandwidth, spectral spikes and bit error rate. A pre-modulation pulse shaped 8-ary Phase Shift Keying (8PSK) modulation was used throughout the simulations. In addition to traditional pulse shaping filters, such as Bessel, Butterworth and Square Root Raised Cosine (SRRC), other kinds of filters or pulse waveforms were also studied in the pre-modulation pulse shaping method. Simulations were conducted by using the Signal Processing Worksystem (SPW) software package on HP workstations which simulated the power spectral density of pulse shaped 8-PSK signals, end to end system performance and bit error rates (BERS) as a function of Eb/No using pulse shaping in an AWGN channel. These results are compared with the post-modulation pulse shaped 8-PSK results. The simulations indicate traditional pulse shaping filters used in pre-modulation pulse shaping may produce narrower bandwidth, but with worse BER than those in post-modulation pulse shaping. Theory and simulations show pre- modulation pulse shaping could also produce discrete line power spectra (spikes) at regular frequency intervals. These spikes may cause interference with adjacent channel and reduce power efficiency. Some particular pulses (filters), such as trapezoid and pulses with different transits (such as weighted raised cosine transit) were found to reduce bandwidth and not generate spectral spikes. Although a solid state power amplifier (SSPA) was simulated in the non-linear (saturation) region, output power spectra did not spread due to the constant envelope 8-PSK signals.

Tao, Jian-Ping↗

DOE OSTI2026

Picosecond measurements of plastic scintillator pulse shapes from gamma-ray interactions

An understanding of the pulse shape of organic scintillators can provide insight into scintillation mechanisms and inform the selection of the optimal detector material for a given application. Although the timing properties of organic scintillators have been extensively studied, significant discrepancies persist in reported rise and decay times. New plastic scintillating media have also been developed in recent years for which no literature data exist. The goal of this work is to provide high-precision measurements of the pulse shape of a suite of fast plastic organic scintillators from Eljen Technology—EJ-200, EJ-204, EJ-208, EJ-230, EJ-232, and EJ-232Q (with 0.5% benzophenone)—under excitation from $γ$-ray sources. The contributors to the system temporal resolution were quantified, and the dominant source of uncertainty was identified as the determination of the start time of a scintillation event. A pulse shape model was applied to the reconstructed temporal distributions, and rise and decay times were extracted and compared with manufacturer specifications. This work outlines a measurement approach to obtain the pulse shape of organic scintillators in response to $γ$-rays with temporal resolution on the order of tens of picoseconds, yielding data required for modeling plastic scintillator based detection systems for a range of applications.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

NASA NTRS1997

Pulse Shaped Constant Envelope 8-PSK Modulation Study

This report provides simulation results for constant envelope pulse shaped 8 Level Phase Shift Keying (8 PSK) modulation for end to end system performance. In order to increase bandwidth utilization, pulse shaping is applied to signals before they are modulated. This report provides simulation results of power spectra and measurement of bit errors produced by pulse shaping in a non-linear channel with Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN). The pulse shaping filters can placed before (Type B) or after (Type A) signals are modulated. Three kinds of baseband filters, 5th order Butterworth, 3rd order Bessel and Square-Root Raised Cosine with different BTs or roll off factors, are utilized in the simulations. The simulations were performed on a Signal Processing Worksystem (SPW).

Tao, Jianping↗

DOE OSTI2024

All-fiber, discrete arbitrary picket-pulse shaping

Here, a novel all-fiber, hybrid pulse-shaping system based on the temporal stacking of discrete optical picket pulses combined with continuously shaped optical pulses provides 100-ps resolution with the high dynamic range and flexibility required for laser fusion.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

NASA NTRS2012

Root Raised Cosine (RRC) Filters and Pulse Shaping in Communication Systems

This presentation briefly discusses application of the Root Raised Cosine (RRC) pulse shaping in the space telecommunication. Use of the RRC filtering (i.e., pulse shaping) is adopted in commercial communications, such as cellular technology, and used extensively. However, its use in space communication is still relatively new. This will possibly change as the crowding of the frequency spectrum used in the space communication becomes a problem. The two conflicting requirements in telecommunication are the demand for high data rates per channel (or user) and need for more channels, i.e., more users. Theoretically as the channel bandwidth is increased to provide higher data rates the number of channels allocated in a fixed spectrum must be reduced. Tackling these two conflicting requirements at the same time led to the development of the RRC filters. More channels with wider bandwidth might be tightly packed in the frequency spectrum achieving the desired goals. A link model with the RRC filters has been developed and simulated. Using 90% power Bandwidth (BW) measurement definition showed that the RRC filtering might improve spectrum efficiency by more than 75%. Furthermore using the matching RRC filters both in the transmitter and receiver provides the improved Bit Error Rate (BER) performance. In this presentation the theory of three related concepts, namely pulse shaping, Inter Symbol Interference (ISI), and Bandwidth (BW) will be touched upon. Additionally the concept of the RRC filtering and some facts about the RRC filters will be presented

Cubukcu, Erkin↗

NASA NTRS2003

Modular, Parallel Pulse-Shaping Filter Architectures

Novel architectures based on parallel subconvolution frequency-domain filtering methods have been developed for modular processing rate reduction of discrete-time pulse-shaping filters. Such pulse-shaping is desirable and often necessary to obtain bandwidth efficiency in very-high-rate wireless communications systems. In principle, this processing could be implemented in very-large-scale integrated (VLSI) circuits. Whereas other approaches to digital pulse-shaping are based primarily on time-domain processing concepts, the theory and design rules of the architectures presented here are founded on frequency-domain processing that has advantages in certain systems.

Gray, Andrew A.↗

NASA NTRS1997

Pulse Shape and Spectral Variablity of OAO 1657-415

Inspection of pulse shapes obtained by the Burst and Transient Source Experiment (BATSE) Pulsar Monitor for the high mass X-ray binary pulsar OAO 1657-415 shows that significant variations have occurred. For example, power in the second harmonic of the pulse increased by 50 percent during TJD 10358 - 10374, at the beginning of a slow transition from spinup to spindown.This source is shown to exhibit alternating intervals of spinup and spindown of similar magnitudes. A study will be presented of pulse shape, intensity and spectral variability of the source, with a search for any correlation with spin behavior.

Wilson, Robert B.↗

NASA NTRS1998

Pulse Shape Evolution, HER X-1

This study focuses on the pulse shape evolution and spectral properties of the X-ray binary Her X-1 with regard to the well known 35-day cycle of Her X-1. A follow-up set of RXTE observations has been conducted in RXTE AO-2 phase and the two observation sets are being analyzed together. We presented results of early analysis of pulse shape evolution in "Proceedings of the Fourth Compton Symposium." More advanced analysis was presented at the HEAD meeting in November, 1997 in Estes Park, Colorado. A related study of the 35-day cycle using RXTE/ASM data, which laid out the overall picture within which the more detailed PCA observations could be placed has also been conducted. The results of this study have been published in The Astrophysical Journal, vol. 510, 974. A pair of papers on the detailed pulse evolution and the spectral/color evolution are currently being prepared for publication. Some of the significant results of this study have been a confirmation of the detailed pulse profile changes at the end of the Main High state in Her X-1 first observed by GINGA, observations of the pulse evolution in several Short High states which agree with the pulse evolution pattern predicted using a disk occultation model in the PhD Thesis of Scott 1993, observation of a systematic lengthening of the eclipse egress during the Main High state of the 35-day phase and observation of a new type of extended eclipse ingress during which pulsations cease to observed during the Short High state.

VanParadijs, Johannes A.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Effect of crash pulse shape on seat stroke requirements for limiting loads on occupants of aircraft

An analytical study was made to provide comparative information on various crash pulse shapes that potentially could be used to test seats under conditions included in Federal Regulations Part 23 Paragraph 23.562(b)(1) for dynamic testing of general aviation seats, show the effects that crash pulse shape can have on the seat stroke requirements necessary to maintain a specified limit loading on the seat/occupant during crash pulse loadings, compare results from certain analytical model pulses with approximations of actual crash pulses, and compare analytical seat results with experimental airplace crash data. Structural and seat/occupant displacement equations in terms of the maximum deceleration, velocity change, limit seat pan load, and pulse time for five potentially useful pulse shapes were derived; from these, analytical seat stroke data were obtained for conditions as specified in Federal Regulations Part 23 Paragraph 23.562(b)(1) for dynamic testing of general aviation seats.

Carden, Huey D.↗

NASA NTRS1997

The Effect of Pulse Shaping QPSK on Bandwidth Efficiency

This research investigates the effect of pulse shaping QPSK on bandwidth efficiency over a non-linear channel. This investigation will include software simulations and the hardware implementation. Three kinds of filters: the 5th order Butterworth filter, the 3rd order Bessel filter and the Square Root Raised Cosine filter with a roll off factor (alpha) of 0.25,0.5 and 1, have been investigated as pulse shaping filters. Two different high power amplifiers, one a Traveling Wave Tube Amplifier (TWTA) and the other a Solid State Power Amplifier (SSPA) have been investigated in the hardware implementation. A significant improvement in the bandwidth utilization (rho) for the filtered data compared to unfiltered data through the non-linear channel is shown in the results. This method promises strong performance gains in a bandlimited channel when compared to unfiltered systems. This work was conducted at NMSU in the Center for Space Telemetering, and Telecommunications Systems in the Klipsch School of Electrical and Computer Engineering Department and is supported by a grant from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) NAG5-1491.

Purba, Josua Bisuk Mubyarto↗

NASA NTRS1997

Simulation results of Pulse Shape Discrimination (PSD) for background reduction in INTEGRAL Spectrometer (SPI) germanium detectors

Pulse Shape Discrimination (PSD) for background reduction will be used in the INTErnational Gamma Ray Astrophysics Laboratory (INTEGRAL) imaging spectrometer (SPI) to improve the sensitivity from 200 keV to 2 MeV. The observation of significant astrophysical gamma ray lines in this energy range is expected, where the dominant component of the background is the beta(sup -) decay in the Ge detectors due to the activation of Ge nuclei by cosmic rays. The sensitivity of the SPI will be improved by rejecting beta(sup -) decay events while retaining photon events. The PSD technique will distinguish between single and multiple site events. Simulation results of PSD for INTEGRAL-type Ge detectors using a numerical model for pulse shape generation are presented. The model was shown to agree with the experimental results for a narrow inner bore closed end cylindrical detector. Using PSD, a sensitivity improvement factor of the order of 2.4 at 0.8 MeV is expected.

Slassi-Sennou, S. A.↗

DOE OSTI2024

Low Energy Neutron-induced Charged-particle (Z) (LENZ) instrument development with a focus on pulse shape discrimination for low-energy charged particles

To study neutron-induced charged-particle reactions with high precision, the Low Energy Neutron-induced Charged-particle (Z) instrument (LENZ) was developed at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center. For the interest of measuring (n,p) and (n, α) reactions simultaneously, Pulse Shape Discrimination methods were investigated to identify different charged particles in the energy range of 3 - 20 MeV and improve signal-to-background ratios using Double-sided Silicon Strip Detectors and waveform digitizers. The risetime and pulse shape properties of detected charged particles were characterized for various silicon detector’s thickness with different orientations. During the post-processing of waveforms, we implemented different digital filters for effective particle identifications and improved energy- and timing- resolutions. We validated the optimized digital filters and pulse shape analyses, via measurements with 228 Th and 229 Th calibration sources, proton-induced reactions on a 7 LiF target, and neutron-induced reactions on CH 2 , Ta 2 O 5 , 58 Ni, and 6 LiF/ 59 Ni targets at the time-of-flight facility, LANSCE. In conclusion, the summary of effective thresholds and Figure of Merits on separating different charged particles is reported.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

NASA NTRS1989

Pulse shape discrimination for background rejection in germanium gamma-ray detectors

A pulse-shape discrimination (PSD) technique is developed to reject the beta-decay background resulting from activation of Ge gamma-ray detectors by cosmic-ray secondaries. These beta decays are a major source of background at 0.2-2 MeV energies in well shielded Ge detector systems. The technique exploits the difference between the detected current pulse shapes of single- and multiple-site energy depositions within the detector: beta decays are primarily single-site events, while photons at these energies typically Compton scatter before being photoelectrically absorbed to produce multiple-site events. Depending upon the amount of background due to sources other than beta decay, PSD can more than double the detector sensitivity.

Feffer, P. T.↗

NASA NTRS1998

A Study of Pulse Shape Evolution and X-Ray Reprocessing in Her X-1

This study focused on the pulse shape evolution and spectral properties of the X-ray binary Her X-1 with regard to the well known 35-day cycle of Her X-1. A follow-up set of RXTE observations has been conducted in RXTE AO-2 phase and the two observation sets are being analyzed together. We presented results of early analysis of pulse shape evolution in "Proceedings of the Fourth Compton Symposium". More advanced analysis was presented at the HEAD meeting in November, 1997 in Estes Park, Colorado. A related study of the 35-day cycle using RXTE/ASM data, which laid out the overall picture within which the more detailed PCA observations could be placed has also been conducted. The results of this study have been published. A pair of papers on the detailed pulse evolution and the spectral/color evolution are currently being prepared for publication. Some of the significant results of this study have been a confirmation of the detailed pulse profile changes at the end of the Main High state in HerX-1 first observed by GINGA, observations of the pulse evolution in several Short High states which agree with the pulse evolution pattern predicted using a disk occultation model, observation of a systematic lengthening of the eclipse egress during the Main High state of the 35-day phase and observation of a new type of extended eclipse ingress during which pulsations cease to observed during the Short High state.

Cushman, Paula P.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Pulse-shaping circuit for laser excitation

Narrower, impedence-matched pulses initiate stabler electric discharges for gas lasers. Discharges are more efficient, more compact, capable of high repetition rate, and less expensive than conventional electron-beam apparatus, but gas tends to break down and form localized arcs. Pulse-shaping circuit compresses width of high-voltage pulses from relatively-slow rise-time voltage generator and gradually grades circuit impedance from inherent high impedance of generator to low impedence of gas.

Laudenslager, J. B.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Design of FIR digital filters for pulse shaping and channel equalization using time-domain optimization

Three algorithms are developed for designing finite impulse response digital filters to be used for pulse shaping and channel equalization. The first is the Minimax algorithm which uses linear programming to design a frequency-sampling filter with a pulse shape that approximates the specification in a minimax sense. Design examples are included which accurately approximate a specified impulse response with a maximum error of 0.03 using only six resonators. The second algorithm is an extension of the Minimax algorithm to design preset equalizers for channels with known impulse responses. Both transversal and frequency-sampling equalizer structures are designed to produce a minimax approximation of a specified channel output waveform. Examples of these designs are compared as to the accuracy of the approximation, the resultant intersymbol interference (ISI), and the required transmitted energy. While the transversal designs are slightly more accurate, the frequency-sampling designs using six resonators have smaller ISI and energy values.

Houts, R. C.↗