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Liang, R.

Publications and source records attributed to Liang, R..

12 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1996

Optimum combining of residual carrier array signals in correlated noises

An array feed combining system for the recovery of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) loss due to antenna reflector deformation has been implemented and is currently being evaluated on the Jet Propulsion Laboratory 34-m DSS-13 antenna. The current signal-combining system operates under the assumption that the white Gaussian noise processes in the received signals from different array elements are mutually uncorrelated. However, experimental data at DSS 13 indicate that these noise processes are indeed mutually correlated. The objective of this work is to develop a signal-combining system optimized to account for the mutual correlations between these noise processes. The set of optimum combining weight coefficients that maximizes the combined signal SNR in the correlated noises environment is determined. These optimum weights depend on unknown signal and noise covariance parameters. A maximum-likelihood approach is developed to estimate these unknown parameters to obtain estimates of the optimum weight coefficients based on residual carrier signal samples. The actual combined signal SNR using the estimated weight coefficients is derived and shown to converge to the maximum achievable SNR as the number of signal samples increases. These results are also verified by simulation. A numerical example shows a significant improvement in SNR performance can be obtained, especially when the amount of correlation increases.

Liang, R.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Optimum Combining of Residual Carrier Array Signals in Correlated Noises

An array feed combining system for the recovery of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) loss due to antenna reflector deformation has been implemented and is currently being evaluated on the Jet Propulsion Laboratory 34-m DSS-13 antenna. The current signal-combining system operates under the assumption that the white Gaussian noise processes in the received signals from different array elements are mutually uncorrelated. However, experimental data at DSS 13 indicate that these noise processes are indeed mutually correlated. The objective of this work is to develop a signal-combining system optimized to account for the mutual correlations between these noise processes. The set of optimum combining weight coefficients that maximizes the combined signal SNR in the correlated noises environment is determined. These optimum weights depend on unknown signal and noise covariance parameters. A maximum-likelihood approach is developed to estimate these unknown parameters to obtain estimates of the optimum weight coefficients based on residual carrier signal samples. The actual combined signal SNR using the estimated weight coefficients is derived and shown to converge to the maximum achievable SNR as the number of signal samples increases. These results are also verified by simulation. A numerical example shows a significant improvement in SNR performance can be obtained, especially when the amount of correlation increases.

Tan, H. H.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Flat-plate solar array project. Volume 7: Module encapsulation

The objective of the Encapsulation Task was to develop, demonstrate, and qualify photovoltaic (PV) module encapsulation systems that would provide 20 year (later decreased to 30 year) life expectancies in terrestrial environments, and which would be compatible with the cost and performance goals of the Flat-Plate Solar Array (FSA) Project. The scope of the Encapsulation Task included the identification, development, and evaluation of material systems and configurations required to support and protect the optically and electrically active solar cell circuit components in the PV module operating environment. Encapsulation material technologies summarized include the development of low cost ultraviolet protection techniques, stable low cost pottants, soiling resistant coatings, electrical isolation criteria, processes for optimum interface bonding, and analytical and experimental tools for evaluating the long term durability and structural adequacy of encapsulated modules. Field testing, accelerated stress testing, and design studies have demonstrated that encapsulation materials, processes, and configurations are available that meet the FSA cost and performance goals.

Cuddihy, E.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Pulse radiolysis of epoxy-based matrix materials

Electron beam pulse radiolysis (600 KeV, 3 nsec) experiments have been carried out on epoxy-based matrix materials. Time and wavelength resolved emission and transient absorption techniques as well as ESR studies have been utilized to identify and monitor short lived reactive intermediates resulting from energetic electron impact. An energy deactivation model based on the results of this work has been developed. Recombination of primary charged species is found to be fast, resulting in the formation of longer lived excited electronic states and radicals which control the subsequent energy deactivation.

Coulter, D. R.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Pulsed radiolysis of model aromatic polymers and epoxy based matrix materials

Models of primary processes leading to deactivation of energy deposited by a pulse of high energy electrons were derived for epoxy matrix materials and polyl-vinyl naphthalene. The basic conclusion is that recombination of initially formed charged states is complete within 1 nanosecond, and subsequent degradation chemistry is controlled by the reactivity of these excited states. Excited states in both systems form complexes with ground state molecules. These excimers or exciplexes have their characteristics emissive and absorptive properties and may decay to form separated pairs of ground state molecules, cross over to the triplet manifold or emit fluorescence. ESR studies and chemical analyses subsequent to pulse radiolysis were performed in order to estimate bond cleavage probabilities and net reaction rates. The energy deactivation models which were proposed to interpret these data have led to the development of radiation stabilization criteria for these systems.

Gupta, A.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Development of a weatherable acrylic elastomer for solar cell encapsulation

Poly-n-butylacrylate (PnBA) will be discussed as a potential candidate to be used in solar cell encapsulation. A new process has been developed in which PnBA can be readily cross-linked from a solvent-free syrup by a thermal process to give a highly flexible transparent film which does not creep significantly at temperature of up to 90 C. This process can be automated without the use of high cost capital equipment. Photodegradation of PnBA has also been modeled as a function of wavelengths and intensities. Its photostability will be discussed.

Liang, R.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Research on radiation induced laser plasmas

The development of high power nuclear pumped lasers is discussed. The excitation mechanism of continuous wave (CW) HeNe nuclear pumped lasers is studied and a CO2 nuclear pumped laser is used to demonstrate the CW output in the order of watts. The assumption that high power densities are only achievable by volume fission fragment sources is used to identify laser gases which are compatible with UF6 by excited states lifetime measurements. The examination of Xe2, XeF, and KrF under nuclear irradiation to determine if they are good candidates for nuclear-pumped lasers is described.

Schneider, R. T.↗