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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 181 records · Page 10
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NASA NTRS2000

GRB970228: A Supernova Gamma-Ray Burst

We present B-, V-, R(sub c)-, I(sub c)-, J-, H-, and K-band observations of the optical transient (OT) associated with GRB970228 based on a reevaluation of published data. and present yet unpublished data. In order to minimize small calibration differences we collected and analyzed most of the photometry and determined the magnitude of the OT relative to a set of secondary field stars. We confirm that the early decay of the light curves (before March 6. 1997) was faster than that at later times (between March 6 and April 7. 1997). The early-time observations of GRB 970228 are consistent with relativistic blast wave models but the late-time observations are hard to understand in this framework. The observations are well explained by an initial power law decay with alpha = -1.46 +/- 0.33 modified at later times by a type-I(sub c) supernova light curve. together with the evidence for GRB980326 and GRB 980425 this is further evidence that at least some GRBs are associated with an unusual class of core-collapse supernovae.

Galama, T. J.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Microelectromechanical Switches for Phased Array Antennas

Preliminary results are presented on the fabrication and testing of a MicroElectro-Mechanical (MEM) microstrip series switch. This switch is being developed for use in a K-band phased array antenna that NASA will use for communication links in its Earth orbiting satellites. Preliminary insertion loss and isolation measurements are presented.

Ponchak, George E.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Suspended Patch Antenna Array With Electromagnetically Coupled Inverted Microstrip Feed

The paper demonstrates a four-element suspended patch antenna array, with a parasitic patch layer and an electromagnetically coupled inverted microstrip feed, for linear polarization at K-Band frequencies. This antenna has the following advantages over conventional microstrip antennas: First, the inverted microstrip has lower attenuation than conventional microstrip; hence, conductor loss associated with the antenna corporate feed is lower resulting in higher gain and efficiency. Second, conventional proximity coupled patch antennas require a substrate for the feed and a superstrate for the patch. However, the inverted microstrip fed patch antenna makes use of a single substrate, and hence, is lightweight and low cost. Third, electromagnetic coupling results in wider bandwidth. Details regarding the design and fabrication will be presented as well as measured results including return loss, radiation patterns and cross-polarization levels.

Simons, Rainee N.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Tunable Dielectric Materials and Devices for Broadband Wireless Communications

Wireless and satellite communications are a rapidly growing industries which are slated for explosive growth into emerging countries as well as countries with advanced economies. The dominant trend in wireless communication systems is towards broadband applications such as multimedia file transfer, video transmission and Internet access. These applications require much higher data transmission rates than those currently used for voice transmission applications. To achieve these higher data rates, substantially larger bandwidths and higher carrier frequencies are required. A key roadblock to implementing these systems at K-band (18-26.5 GHz) and Ka-band (26.5-40 GHz) is the need to develop hardware which meets the requirements for high data rate transmission in a cost effective manner. In this chapter, we report on the status of tunable dielectric thin films for devices, such as resonators, filters, phased array antennas, and tunable oscillators, which utilize nonlinear tuning in the control elements. Paraelectric materials such as Barium Strontium Titanate ((Ba, Sr)TiO3) have dielectric constants which can be tuned by varying the magnitude of the electric field across the material. Therefore, these materials can be used to control the frequency and/or phase response of various devices such as electronically steerable phased array antennas, oscillators, and filters. Currently, tunable dielectric devices are being developed for applications which require high tunability, low loss, and good RF power-handling capabilities at microwave and millimeter-wave frequencies. These properties are strongly impacted by film microstructure and device design, and considerable developmental work is still required. However, in the last several years enormous progress has occurred in this field, validating the potential of tunable dielectric technology for broadband wireless communication applications. In this chapter we summarize how film processing techniques, microwave test configurations, and prototype devices have combined to drive the field to its current stage of development.

Mueller, Carl H.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Isolated Hot Stars in Galactic Center Vicinity

Using near-infrared imaging and spectroscopy, we discuss the discovery of six emission-line sources within approx. 20 pc of Sgr A West but outside of the central parsec. The objects are coincident with stars seen in. the J, H, and K' images; all have Br(gamma) (2.166 microns) in emission, several also have He I (2.058 and 2.112/3 micrometers), and some have He II (2.189 micrometers) emission lines. Comparison of the H- and K-band spectra of the newly discovered stars with recently published infrared spectral atlases of optically classified stars suggests that most of these stars are similar to massive stars in transition (e.g., Ofpe/WN9, B[e], and LBV), although one is definitely a WN6 star. Two of the potential stars are associated with the radio emission regions A-D near Sgr A East, three are near or within the radio emission regions Hl-H8, the last is near GO.10+0.02 and is likely to be associated with the GO.12+0.02 (Arches) cluster of stars, discussed in a previous paper. The stars are shown to be significant sources of ionization for their associated radio emission regions, with several capable of completely ionizing the regions. These results provide additional support for the idea that these thermal radio regions, and similar such regions in the Galactic center, are indeed photoionized by hot young stars.

Cotera, Angela S.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Life Cycle Testing of Ba(x)Sr(1-x)TiO3 Ferroelectric Thin Films in a Tunable Microwave Device

Thin film ferroelectrics are being studied as candidates for novel tunable microwave components such as tunable filters, tunable oscillators, and phase shifters for applications in phased array antennas. Much work has been done optimizing the ferroelectric material and in producing proof-of-concepts of these components. However, little attention has been given to their reliability. In this study we present our results on the reliability of high quality K-band phase shifters made of Ba(sub x)Sr(sub 1-x)TiO3 (BSTO) ferroelectric thin films (0.5 to 0.75 micrometers thick) on MgO and LAO. The phase shift and insertion loss were measured at 300 K over 104 operation cycles within a 0 to 400 V dc bias range (0 to 40 V/micrometer) at 15, 18, and 22 GHz. Results for these phase shifters indicate that in general there were no appreciable changes in phase shift after 4x10(exp 4) cycles, suggesting that these phase shifters are robust enough to sustain optimal performance under the operating mode typical of fast tracking phased arrays.

Miranda, Felix A.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Correlation of Electric Field and Critical Design Parameters for Ferroelectric Tunable Microwave Filters

The correlation of electric field and critical design parameters such as the insertion loss, frequency ability return loss, and bandwidth of conductor/ferroelectric/dielectric microstrip tunable K-band microwave filters is discussed in this work. This work is based primarily on barium strontium titanate (BSTO) ferroelectric thin film based tunable microstrip filters for room temperature applications. Two new parameters which we believe will simplify the evaluation of ferroelectric thin films for tunable microwave filters, are defined. The first of these, called the sensitivity parameter, is defined as the incremental change in center frequency with incremental change in maximum applied electric field (EPEAK) in the filter. The other, the loss parameter, is defined as the incremental or decremental change in insertion loss of the filter with incremental change in maximum applied electric field. At room temperature, the Au/BSTO/LAO microstrip filters exhibited a sensitivity parameter value between 15 and 5 MHz/cm/kV. The loss parameter varied for different bias configurations used for electrically tuning the filter. The loss parameter varied from 0.05 to 0.01 dB/cm/kV at room temperature.

Subramanyam, Guru↗
NASA NTRS2001

Reconfigurable Array Antenna Using Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) Actuators

The paper demonstrates a patch antenna integrated with a novel microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) actuator for reconfiguring the operating frequency. Experimental results demonstrate that the center frequency can be reconfigured by as much as 1.6 percent of the nominal operating frequency at K-Band In addition, a novel on-wafer antenna pattern measurement technique is demonstrated.

Simons, Rainee N.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Thin-Film Ferroelectric Tunable Microwave Devices Being Developed

Electronically tunable microwave components have become the subject of intense research efforts in recent years. Many new communications systems would greatly benefit from these components. For example, planned low Earth orbiting satellite networks have a need for electronically scanned antennas. Thin ferroelectric films are one of the major technologies competing to fill these applications. When a direct-current (dc) voltage is applied to ferroelectric film, the dielectric constant of the film can be decreased by nearly an order of magnitude, changing the high-frequency wavelength in the microwave device. Recent advances in film growth have demonstrated high-quality ferroelectric thin films. This technology may allow microwave devices that have very low power and are compact, lightweight, simple, robust, planar, voltage tunable, and affordable. The NASA Lewis Research Center has been designing, fabricating, and testing proof-of-concept tunable microwave devices. This work, which is being done in-house with funding from the Lewis Director's Discretionary Fund, is focusing on introducing better microwave designs to utilize these materials. We have demonstrated Ku- and K-band phase shifters, tunable local oscillators, tunable filters, and tunable diplexers. Many of our devices employ SrTiO3 as the ferroelectric. Although it is one of the more tunable and easily grown ferroelectrics, SrTiO3 must be used at cryogenic temperatures, usually below 100 K. At these temperatures, we frequently use high-temperature superconducting thin films of YBa2Cu3O7-8 to carry the microwave signals. However, much of our recent work has concentrated on inserting room-temperature ferroelectric thin films, such as BaxSr1- xTiO3 into these devices. The BaxSr1-xTiO3 films are used in conjuction with normal metal conductors, such as gold.

VanKeuls, Frederick W.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Feasibility Activities Completed for the Direct Data Distribution (D(sup )3) Experiment

The Direct Data Distribution (D(sup 3)) project being designed at the NASA Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field will demonstrate a high-performance communications system that transmits information at up to 1.2 gigabits per second (Gbps) from an advanced technology payload carried by the space shuttles in low Earth orbit to small (0.9-m) autonomously tracking terminals on the Earth. The flight communications package features a solid-state, phased-array antenna operating in the commercial K-band frequency that electronically steers two independently controlled downlink beams toward low-cost tracking ground terminals. The array enables agile, vibration-free beam steering at reduced size and weight with increased reliability over traditional mechanically steered reflectors. The flight experiment will also demonstrate efficient digital modulation technology that allows transmission of substantially increased amounts of latency-tolerant data (up to 72 Gb of data per minute of contact time) with very high quality (10(exp -11) bit error rate). D(sup 3) enables transmission from low-Earth-orbit science spacecraft, the shuttles, or the International Space Station directly to NASA field centers and principle investigator sites, or directly into the commercial terrestrial telecommunications network for remote distribution and archive. The ground terminal features a cryocooled receiver for ultralow noise and a reduced antenna aperture as well as open-loop tracking for unattended operations. The D(sup 3) technology validation and service demonstration will help to facilitate NASA's transition from using Government-owned communications assets to using commercially provided services.

Wald, Lawrence W.↗
NASA NTRS2001

High-Efficiency Wide-Band Suspended Patch Antenna Array Demonstrated

A four-element, suspended patch antenna array that has a parasitic patch layer on top and is electromagnetically coupled to an inverted microstrip feed for linear polarization was demonstrated at K-band frequencies. The layout of the array is shown in the following figure. The antenna has the following advantages over conventional microstrip antennas: 1. The inverted microstrip has lower losses, which result in higher gain and efficiency. 2. The inverted microstrip is easier to fabricate, because the strip width is wider for a given characteristic impedance. 3. A conventional proximity-coupled patch antenna requires a substrate for the feed and a superstrate for the patch. However, the inverted microstrip-fed patch antenna makes use of a single substrate and, hence, is lightweight and inexpensive. 4. Electromagnetic coupling results in a wider bandwidth.

Simons, Rainee N.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) Actuator for Reconfigurable Patch Antenna Demonstrated

A microstrip patch antenna with two contact actuators along the radiating edges for frequency reconfiguration was demonstrated at K-band frequencies. The layout of the antenna is shown in the following figure. This antenna has the following advantages over conventional semiconductor varactor-diode-tuned patch antennas: 1. By eliminating the semiconductor diode and its nonlinear I-V characteristics, the antenna minimizes intermodulation signal distortion. This is particularly important in digital wireless systems, which are sensitive to intersymbol interference caused by intermodulation products. 2. Because the MEMS actuator is an electrostatic device, it does not draw any current during operation and, hence, requires a negligible amount of power for actuation. This is an important advantage for hand-held, battery-operated, portable wireless systems since the battery does not need to be charged frequently. 3. The MEMS actuator does not require any special epitaxial layers as in the case of diodes and, hence, is cost effective.

Simons, Rainee N.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Status of the Direct Data Distribution (D(exp 3)) Experiment

NASA Glenn Research Center's Direct Data Distribution (D3) project will demonstrate an advanced, high-performance communications system that transmits information from an advanced technology payload carried by a NASA spacecraft in low Earth orbit (LEO) to a small receiving terminal on Earth. The space-based communications package will utilize a solid-state, K-band phased-array antenna that electronically steers the radiated energy beam toward a low-cost, tracking ground terminal, thereby providing agile, vibration-free, electronic steering at reduced size and weight with increased reliability. The array-based link will also demonstrate new digital processing technology that will allow the transmission of substantially increased amounts of latency-tolerant data collected from the LEO spacecraft directly to NASA field centers, principal investigators, or into the commercial terrestrial communications network. The technologies demonstrated by D3 will facilitate NASA's transition from using Government-owned communication assets to using commercial communication services. The hardware for D3 will incorporate advanced technology components developed under the High Rate Data Delivery (HRDD) Thrust Area of NASA's Office of Aerospace Technology Space Base Program at Glenn's Communications Technology Division. The flight segment components will include the electrically steerable phased-array antenna, which is being built by the Raytheon System Corporation and utilizes monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) technology operating at 19.05 GHz; and the digital encoder/modulator chipset, which uses four-channel orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). The encoder/modulator will use a chipset developed by SICOM, Inc., which is both bandwidth and power efficient. The ground segment components will include a low-cost, open-loop tracking ground terminal incorporating a cryoreceiver to minimize terminal size without compromising receiver capability. The project is planning to hold a critical design review in the second quarter of fiscal year 2002.

Wald, Lawrence↗
NASA NTRS1996

Space VLBI Co-Observing Developments in the DSN

The JPL/NASA Deep Space Network (DSN) plans to participate in the upcoming Space VLBI missions by using its 70m antenna time to co-observe with space-based radio telescopes. To enhance this support, the DSN is upgrading its radio astronomy equipment at L- and K-band, its VLBI recorders, and its computers and software for co-observing operations.

telescopes radio astronomy Jet Propulsion Laborato↗
NASA NTRS1994

AAT Observations of Shoemaker Levy-9 Collisions with Jupiter

We will use the Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (IRIS) on the 3.9m Anglo-Australian Telescope (AAT)to observe the collisions of the fragmented comet Shoemaker Levy-9 (SL9) with Jupiter on July 16-22.

IRIS K-band image fragments Jovian magnetosphere K↗