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Results for “VIOLET LIGHT”

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

Strong carrier localization and diminished quantum-confined Stark effect in ultra-thin high-indium-content InGaN quantum wells with violet light emission

Here, we report on the optical and structural characteristics of violet-light-emitting, ultra-thin, high-Indium-content (UTHI) InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells (MQWs), and of conventional low-In-content MQWs, which both emit at similar emission energies though having different well thicknesses and In compositions. The spatial inhomogeneity of In content, and the potential fluctuation in high-efficiency UTHI MQWs were compared to those in the conventional low-In-content MQWs. We conclude that the UTHI InGaN MQWs are a promising structure for achieving better quantum efficiency in the visible and near-ultraviolet spectral range, owing to their strong carrier localization and reduced quantum-confined Stark effect.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Defect-engineered GaN:Mg nanowire arrays for overall water splitting under violet light

We report that by engineering the intra-gap defect related energy states in GaN nanowire arrays using Mg dopants, efficient and stable overall neutral water splitting can be achieved under violet light. Overall neutral water splitting on Rh/Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3} co-catalyst decorated Mg doped GaN nanowires is demonstrated with intra-gap excitation up to 450 nm. Through optimized Mg doping, the absorbed photon conversion efficiency of GaN nanowires reaches ∼43% at 375–450 nm, providing a viable approach to extend the solar absorption of oxide and non-oxide photocatalysts.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Plasmas generated by ultra-violet light rather than electron impact

We analyze, in both plane and cylindrical geometries, a collisionless plasma consisting of an inner region where generation occurs by UV illumination, and an un-illuminated outer region with no generation. Ions generated in the inner region flow outwards through the outer region and into a wall. We solve for this system's steady state, first in the quasi-neutral regime (where the Debye length λ{sub D} vanishes and analytic solutions exist) and then in the general case, which we solve numerically. In the general case, a double layer forms where the illuminated and un-illuminated regions meet, and an approximately quasi-neutral plasma connects the double layer to the wall sheath; in plane geometry, the ions coast through the quasi-neutral section at slightly more than the Bohm speed c{sub s}. The system, although simple, therefore has two novel features: a double layer that does not require counter-streaming ions and electrons, and a quasi-neutral plasma where ions travel in straight lines with at least the Bohm speed. We close with a précis of our asymptotic solutions of this system, and suggest how our theoretical conclusions might be extended and tested in the laboratory.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Double layers and other phenomena in low-pressure plasma columns generated by ultra-violet light

Low-pressure steady-state plasmas are analysed by means of a two-fluid model in both plane and cylindrical geometries. The charged particles are generated by UV illumination. Both a Gaussian and a one-step profile of the ionization are taken into account. Numerical results reveal various types of solutions depending on the ionization profile and the collisionality. The first state arises if the ionization spreads from the centre over a great part of the plasma. It has an almost quasineutral plasma core and a positively charged boundary sheath. The curvature of the number density of the charge particles is negative, except the boundary sheath. The second state occurs if the ionization is mainly localized in the vicinity of the centre and the collisionality is below a threshold. A slightly positive plasma core is surrounded by a double layer there where the ionization falls off steeply. Between the double layer and the boundary sheath a broad zone can exist where the plasma is nearly quasi-neutral and the electric field is small. Within the double layer the ion drift speed attains the Bohm velocity in collisionless plasmas, it is smaller in collisional cases. In a broad domain, the curvature of the number density of the charged particles can be positive. This is a feature of the so-called contracted columns. The transition between both the states occurs abruptly under collisonless conditions and becomes smooth as the collisionality increases. The minimum of the space charge density can become positive in this case. Several layers are possible, as well. Using the Gaussian profile analytical criteria can be given for a few of the mentioned phenomena. Probably, ionization profiles prescribed by photons allow to understand the origin of the contracted column more completely than up to now.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

High light extraction efficiency in bulk-GaN based volumetric violet light-emitting diodes

We report on the light extraction efficiency of III-Nitride violet light-emitting diodes with a volumetric flip-chip architecture. We introduce an accurate optical model to account for light extraction. We fabricate a series of devices with varying optical configurations and fit their measured performance with our model. We show the importance of second-order optical effects like photon recycling and residual surface roughness to account for data. We conclude that our devices reach an extraction efficiency of 89%.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Spacecraft Lighting to Mitigate Microbial Growth

In this innovation project, we investigated the usage of narrow band violet light (408 nm) to attenuate the growth of bacteria typically found on ISS. Violet light is less hazardous than UV light and it can transmit through plastics, such as clear acrylics, making it possible to incorporate into large surface lamps and acrylic or polycarbonate based optical light guides. This study built a custom LED surface panel that was edge lit by an array of 408 nm violet LEDS. The optical light guide technology used in the lamp and the 408 nm violet LEDs are available on the market from multiple vendors. The application of the concept of using violet light driven LED panels and optical light guides is to integrate the paneling into spacecraft architectural surfaces for the automation of a light based microbial countermeasure that could enhance current cleaning methods used in areas on spacecraft prone to microbial growth.

Clark, Toni A.↗

Complete Inactivation of Blood Borne Pathogen Trypanosoma cruzi in Stored Human Platelet Concentrates and Plasma Treated With 405 nm Violet-Blue Light

The introduction of pathogen reduction technologies (PRTs) to inactivate bacteria, viruses and parasites in donated blood components stored for transfusion adds to the existing arsenal toward reducing the risk of transfusion-transmitted infectious diseases (TTIDs). We have previously demonstrated that 405 nm violet-blue light effectively reduces blood-borne bacteria in stored human plasma and platelet concentrates. In this report, we investigated the microbicidal effect of 405 nm light on one important bloodborne parasite Trypanosoma cruzi that causes Chagas disease in humans. Our results demonstrated that a light irradiance at 15 mWcm -2 for 5 h, equivalent to 270 Jcm -2 , effectively inactivated T. cruzi by over 9.0 Log 10 , in plasma and platelets that were evaluated by a MK2 cell infectivity assay. Giemsa stained T. cruzi infected MK2 cells showed that the light-treated parasites in plasma and platelets were deficient in infecting MK2 cells and did not differentiate further into intracellular amastigotes unlike the untreated parasites. The light-treated and untreated parasite samples were then evaluated for any residual infectivity by injecting the treated parasites into Swiss Webster mice, which did not develop infection even after the animals were immunosuppressed, further demonstrating that the light treatment was completely effective for inactivation of the parasite; the light-treated platelets had similar in vitro metabolic and biochemical indices to that of untreated platelets. Overall, these results provide a proof of concept toward developing 405 nm light treatment as a pathogen reduction technology (PRT) to enhance the safety of stored human plasma and platelet concentrates from bloodborne T. cruzi, which causes Chagas disease.

405 nm light↗

405 nm violet-blue light inactivates hepatitis C cell culture virus (HCVcc) in ex vivo human platelet concentrates and plasma

Abstract Added safety measures coupled with the development and use of pathogen reduction technologies (PRT) significantly reduces the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) from blood products. Current approved PRTs utilize chemical and/or UV-light based inactivation methods. While the effectiveness of these PRTs in reducing pathogens are well documented, these can cause tolerable yet unintended consequences on the quality and efficacy of the transfusion products. As an alternative to UV-based approaches, we have previously demonstrated that 405 nm violet-blue light exposure successfully inactivates a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, parasites, and viruses, in both platelet concentrates (PCs) and plasma. Herein, we show that 405 nm light treatment effectively inactivates hepatitis C cell culture virus (HCVcc) by up to ~ 3.8 log10 in small volumes of a variety of matrices, such as cell culture media, PBS, plasma, and PCs with 27 J/cm 2 of light exposure, and total inactivation of HCVcc after 162 J/cm 2 light exposure. Furthermore, we demonstrate that carry-over of media supplemented with fetal bovine serum enhances the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), providing mechanistic insights to 405 nm light-mediated viral inactivation. Overall, 405 nm light successfully inactivates HCVcc, further strengthening this method as a novel PRT for platelets and plasma.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗

Particle and chemical control using tunnel flow

An apparatus for contaminant control, having: a first optical assembly including: a first light homogenizer tunnel with: a first end connected to an extreme ultra-violet light source, a second end in communication with a destination chamber, a first enclosed space, and, a first gas input arranged to introduce a first gas such that the first gas flows in a first direction toward the first end and in a second direction toward the second end. The apparatus alternately having: a second optical assembly including: a second light homogenizer tunnel with: a third end connected to an extreme ultra-violet light source, a fourth end in communication with a destination chamber, a second enclosed space, a diffusion barrier tube including: a fifth end facing the fourth end and a sixth end in communication with a destination chamber, and a second gas input between the second light homogenizer tunnel and the diffusion tube.

42 ENGINEERING↗

How does Cerenkov radiation work?

The behavior of matter can constantly amaze people, especially when extreme conditions are involved. In this video, Fermilab’s Dr. Don Lincoln describes what happens when a charged particle travels through a transparent material faster than light travels through that same material. When that happens, blue and violet light is emitted. This light is called Cerenkov light. This video tells you everything you need to know.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Understanding spectral dependance of laser-induced damage precursors in dielectric materials (Abbreviated report_23-ERD-006)

High peak and average power laser systems are typically limited by the handling fluence of the optical components. In particular, the multilayer dielectric coatings are known to be much lower operational fluence than the more ideal bulk materials. In this project we proposed and succeeded in probing different established classes of damage prone precursors at different wavelengths to understand their fundamental laser damage response as a function of wavelength. This study helped to shed light on the fundamental physics of the non-linear precursors that govern laser damage phenomena for ns-regime pulsed laser damage. In this study, we utilized the onsite coating capabilities (VPL, IBS coating lab) to purposefully generate laser damage-prone precursors in hafnia-based coatings (both single and multi-layer coatings). Specifically, we engineered coatings with craze lines initiated by nodules, generated coatings with our xenon-based coating process to suppress nanobubble formation and generated hafnia coatings under controlled oxygen flow conditions to study hafnia sub-oxides and oxygen flow dependance. In these studies we found that craze lines are rife with precursors that are sensitive to ultra-violet light but not to infrared light; we found that the removal of nanobubbles helps with all wavelengths tested, but is most impactful for ultra-violet light; we also found that ultra-violet laser damage performance of hafnia is closely matched to oxygen flow rate, while the infrared performance may be slightly better at lower flow rates. During this LDRD we also successfully stood up a new laser damage testing capability, namely a wavelength agile damage test station to study the spectral response of known laser-induced damage precursors. This is a unique and important capability for Lawrence Livermore National Lab, allowing us to understand the spectral response of materials under high intensity irradiation and damage. This is a vital tool to understand non-linear optical response at wavelengths that we have previously been unable to test at.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Bamboo-like 3C-SiC nanowires with periodical fluctuating diameter: Homogeneous synthesis, synergistic growth mechanism, and their luminescence properties

Herein, bamboo-like 3C-SiC nanowires have been successfully fabricated on homogeneous 6H-SiC substrate by a simple chemical vapor reaction (CVR) approach. The obtained 3C-SiC nanostructure with periodical fluctuating diameter, is composed of two alternating structure units, the typical normal-sized stem segment with perfect crystallinity and obvious projecting nodes segment having high-density stacking faults. The formation of the interesting morphology is significantly subjected to the peculiar growth condition provided by the homogeneous substrate as well as the varying growth elastic energy. Furthermore, the photoluminescence (PL) performance measured on the bamboo-like SiC nanowire shows an intensive emission peaks centered at 451 nm and 467 nm, which has been expected to make a positive progress toward the optical application of the SiC-based one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures, such as light emission diode (LED). - Graphical abstract: Based on the synergistic growth mechanism from homogeneous substrate and elastic energy, bamboo-like 3C-SiC nanowires with periodically fluctuating diameter have been synthesized on 6H-SiC. The blue-violet light emission properties of the bamboo-like nanowires have also been investigated for exploring their peculiar optical application. - Highlights: • Bamboo-like 3C-SiC nanowires with periodically fluctuating diameter have been synthesized on 6H-SiC. • A synergistic growth mechanism from homogeneous substrate and elastic energy has been proposed firstly. • The blue-violet light emission properties of the products displayed peculiar optical application.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Brief history of the Martian 'violet haze' problem.

A brief but thorough survey of the literature on the Martian 'violet haze' problem is presented. It is evident that both the normal lack of contrast of the surface features in violet light and their occasional appearance are phenomena intrinsic to Mars. Models involving simple uniform layers of scattering or absorbing materials are inadequate to account for the observations. We suggest that the role of haze has historically been misinterpreted. The blank disk of Mars in violet light occurs when the atmosphere is relatively free of haze. The formation of optically thin white hazes over the bright areas increases the contrast and produces 'blue clearing.'

Thompson, D. T.↗

NASA Ames UV-LED Poster Overview

UV-LED is a small satellite technology demonstration payload being flown on the Saudisat-4 spacecraft that is demonstrating non-contacting charge control of an isolated or floating mass using new solid-state ultra-violet light emitting diodes (UV-LEDs). Integrated to the rest of the spacecraft and launched on a Dnepr in June 19, 2014, the project is a collaboration between the NASA Ames Research Center (ARC), Stanford University, and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST). Beginning with its commissioning in December, 2015, the data collected by UV-LED have validated a novel method of charge control that will improve the performance of drag-free spacecraft allowing for concurrent science collection during charge management operations as well as reduce the mass, power and volume required while increasing lifetime and reliability of a charge management subsystem. UV-LED continues to operate, exploring new concepts in non-contacting charge control and collecting data crucial to understanding the lifetime of ultra-violet light emitting diodes in space. These improvements are crucial to the success of ground breaking missions such as LISA and BBO, and demonstrates the ability of low cost small satellite missions to provide technological advances that far exceed mission costs.

KACST↗

Luminescent properties of Eu{sup 2+}-doped BaGdF{sub 5} glass ceramics a potential blue phosphor for ultra-violet light-emitting diode

Eu{sup 2+} doped transparent oxyfluoride glass ceramics containing BaGdF{sub 5} nanocrystals were successfully fabricated by melt-quenching technique under a reductive atmosphere. The structure of the glass and glass ceramics were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The luminescent properties were investigated by transmission, excitation, and emission spectra. The decay time of the Gd{sup 3+} ions at 312 nm excited with 275 nm were also investigated. The results of XRD and TEM indicated the existence of BaGdF5 nanocrystals in the transparent glass ceramics. The excitation spectra of Eu{sup 2+} doped glass ceramics showed an excellent overlap with the main emission region of an ultraviolet light-emitting diode (UV-LED). Compared with the as-made glass, the emission of glass ceramics is much stronger by a factor of increasing energy transfer efficiency from Gd{sup 3+} to Eu{sup 2+} ions, the energy transfer efficiency from Gd{sup 3+} to Eu{sup 2+} ions was discussed. In addition, the chromaticity coordinates of glass and glass ceramics specimens were also discussed, which indicated that the Eu{sup 2+} doped BaGdF{sub 5} glass ceramics may be used as a potential blue-emitting phosphor for UV-LED.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Identification, definition and mapping of terrestrial ecosystems in interior Alaska

The author has identified the following significant results. A reconstituted, simulated color-infrared print, enlarged to a scale of 1:250,000, was used to make a vegetation map of a 3,110 sq km area just west of Fairbanks, Alaska. Information was traced from the print which comprised the southeastern part of ERTS-1 scene 1033-21011. A 1:1,000,000 scale color-infrared transparency of this scene, obtained from NASA, was used along side the print as an aid in recognizing colors, color intensities and blends, and mosaics of different colors. Color units on the transparency and print were identified according to vegetation types using NASA air photos, U.S. Forest Service air photos, and experience of the investigator. Five more or less pure colors were identified and associated with vegetation types. These colors were designated according to their appearances on the print: (1) orange for forest vegetation dominated by broad-leaved trees: (2) gray for forest vegetation dominated by needle-leaved trees; (3) violet for scrub vegetation; (4) light violet denoting herbaceous tundra vegetation; and (5) dull violet for muskeg vegetation. This study has shown, through close examinations of the NASA transparency, that much more detailed vegetation landscape, or ecosystem maps could be produced, if only spectral signatures could be consistently and reliably recognized and transferred to a map of suitable scale.

Anderson, J. H.↗