Engineering topics

Heinbockel, John H.

Publications and source records attributed to Heinbockel, John H..

28 records · Page 2

NASA NTRS1989

Comparison of laser models

Progress on the comparison of laser models is reported. Equations for an oscillatory model and a nonoscillatory model for the simulation of iodine laser operation are solved. Reaction rate coefficients used in both models are listed. Currently there are four models for the simulation of iodine laser operation are solved. Reaction rate coefficients used in both models are listed. Currently there are four models for the simulation of an iodine laser. They are: (1) a time dependent model; (2) a quasi-steady state model; (3) a noncompressible model; and (4) a compressible flow laser model. Current research is being directed toward: (1) parameter studies using the compressible flow laser model; (2) development of a two-pass amplifier model; and (3) solving a system of equations describing operation of the high powered iodine MOPA (master oscillator power amplifier).

Heinbockel, John H.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Mathematical optimization of photovoltaic converters for diode lasers

The mathematical optimization of vertical-junction photovoltaic converters for use with diode laser arrays supplying powers up to 1 MW is discussed. Photovoltaic parameters were optimized using a mathematical model. The optimized converters have 500 single junctions connected in series. The efficiency varies from 41 percent for a 0.73-micron diode laser to 46 percent for a 0.83-micron diode laser. The optimum width of the single-junction converter is small, 3.0 microns, in order for the p-n junction to be within a diffusion length of the light-generated carriers. Another critical parameter is the series resistance; the optimum value of 0.001 ohms should be achievable. Another critical parameter is the donor carrier concentration, for which an optimum value of 5 x 10 to the 15th carriers/cu cm has been chosen.

Walker, Gilbert H.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Theoretical studies of solar lasers and converters

A second computer program was developed for the simulation of an n - C3F7I iodine laser. The computer program is given in Appendix A and a typical output from the computer program is illustrated in Appendix B.

Heinbockel, John H.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Three-dimensional models of conventional and vertical junction laser-photovoltaic energy converters

Three-dimensional models of both conventional planar junction and vertical junction photovoltaic energy converters have been constructed. The models are a set of linear partial differential equations and take into account many photoconverter design parameters. The model is applied to Si photoconverters; however, the model may be used with other semiconductors. When used with a Nd laser, the conversion efficiency of the Si vertical junction photoconverter is 47 percent, whereas the efficiency for the conventional planar Si photoconverter is only 17 percent. A parametric study of the Si vertical junction photoconverter is then done in order to describe the optimum converter for use with the 1.06-micron Nd laser. The efficiency of this optimized vertical junction converter is 44 percent at 1 kW/sq cm.

Heinbockel, John H.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Theoretical studies of solar lasers and converters

The previously constructed one dimensional model for the simulated operation of an iodine laser assumed that the perfluoroalkyl iodide gas n-C3F7I was incompressible. The present study removes this simplifying assumption and considers n-C3F7I as a compressible fluid.

Heinbockel, John H.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Photovoltaic converters for solar-pumped lasers

The authors describe a mathematical parametric study of converters used to convert laser radiation to electricity for space-based laser power systems. Two different lasers, the 1.06-micron Nd laser and the 1.315-micron iodine laser, are used in the vertical junction converter. The calculated efficiency is 50 percent for a 100-junction Si photovoltaic converter when used with a Nd laser. The calculated efficiency for a 1000-junction Ga(0.53)In(0.47)As photovoltaic converter is 43 percent when used with an iodine laser.

Walker, Gilbert H.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Mathematical modeling of a photovoltaic-laser energy converter for iodine laser radiation

Space-based laser power systems will require converters to change laser radiation into electricity. Vertical junction photovoltaic converters are promising devices for this use. A promising laser for the laser power station is the t-C4F9I laser which emits radiation at a wavelength of 1.315 microns. This paper describes the results of mathematical modeling of a photovoltaic-laser energy converter for use with this laser. The material for this photovoltaic converter is Ga(53)In(47)As which has a bandgap energy of 0.94 eV, slightly below the energy of the laser photons (0.943 eV). Results of a study optimizing the converter parameters are presented. Calculated efficiency for a 1000 vertical junction converter is 42.5 percent at a power density of 1 x 10 to the 3d power w/sq cm.

Walker, Gilbert H.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Photovoltaic conversion of laser power to electrical power

Photovoltaic laser to electric converters are attractive for use with a space-based laser power station. The results of modeling studies for a silicon vertical junction converter used with a Nd laser are given. A computer code was developed for the model and this code was used to conduct a parametric study for a Si vertical junction converter consisting of one p-n junction irradiated with a Nd laser. These calculations predict an efficiency over 50 percent for an optimized converter.

Walker, Gilbert H.↗

NASA NTRS1987

A theoretical study of photovoltaic converters

The final phase of research was performed in the model simulation for the solar simulator pumped atomic iodine laser. The geometry for the steady state laser operation with axial lasant flow is illustrated. The chemical kinetics for this laser are described.

Heinbockel, John H.↗

NASA NTRS1987

A theoretical study of photovoltaic converters

Mathematical models for the photovoltaic conversion of laser power were developed. These models simulate the operation of planar and vertical junction photovoltaic converters and are described in detail.

Heinbockel, John H.↗