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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 199 records · Page 11
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1994

Flexible Solar Cells

Solar cell "modules" are plastic strips coated with thin films of photovoltaic silicon that collect solar energy for instant conversion into electricity. Lasers divide the thin film coating into smaller cells to build up voltage. Developed by Iowa Thin Film Technologies under NASA and DOE grants, the modules are used as electrical supply for advertising displays, battery rechargers for recreational vehicles, and to power model airplanes. The company is planning other applications both in consumer goods and as a power source in underdeveloped countries.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2013

NASA Tech Briefs, September 2013

Topics include: ISS Ammonia Leak Detection Through X-Ray Fluorescence; A System for Measuring the Sway of the Vehicle Assembly Building; Fast, High-Precision Readout Circuit for Detector Arrays; Victim Simulator for Victim Detection Radar; Hydrometeor Size Distribution Measurements by Imaging the Attenuation of a Laser Spot; Quasi-Linear Circuit; High-Speed, High-Resolution Time-to-Digital Conversion; Li-Ion Battery and Supercapacitor Hybrid Design for Long Extravehicular Activities; Ultrasonic Low-Friction Containment Plate for Thermal and Ultrasonic Stir Weld Processes; High-Powered, Ultrasonically Assisted Thermal Stir Welding; Next-Generation MKIII Lightweight HUT/Hatch Assembly; Centrifugal Sieve for Gravity-Level-Independent Size; Segregation of Granular Materials; Ion Exchange Technology Development in Support of the Urine Processor Assembly; Nickel-Graphite Composite Compliant Interface and/or Hot Shoe Material; UltraSail CubeSat Solar Sail Flight Experiment; Mechanism for Deploying a Long, Thin-Film Antenna From a Rover; Counterflow Regolith Heat Exchanger; Acquisition and Retaining Granular Samples via a Rotating Coring Bit; Very-Low-Cost, Rugged Vacuum System; Medicine Delivery Device With Integrated Sterilization and Detection; FRET-Aptamer Assays for Bone Marker Assessment, C-Telopeptide, Creatinine, and Vitamin D; Multimode Directional Coupler for Utilization of Harmonic Frequencies from TWTAs; Dual-Polarization, Multi-Frequency Antenna Array for use with Hurricane Imaging Radiometer; Complementary Barrier Infrared Detector (CBIRD) Contact Methods; Autonomous Control of Space Nuclear Reactors; High-Power, High-Speed Electro-Optic Pockels Cell Modulator; Covariance Analysis Tool (G-CAT) for Computing Ascent, Descent, and Landing Errors; Enigma Version 12; Micrometeoroid and Orbital Debris (MMOD) Shield Ballistic Limit Analysis Program; Spitzer Telemetry Processing System; Planetary Protection Bioburden Analysis Program; Wing Leading Edge RCC Rapid Response Damage Prediction Tool (IMPACT2); ISSM: Ice Sheet System Model; Automated Loads Analysis System (ATLAS); Integrated Main Propulsion System Performance Reconstruction Process/Models. Phoenix Telemetry Processor; Contact Graph Routing Enhancements Developed in ION for DTN; GFEChutes Lo-Fi; Advanced Strategic and Tactical Relay Request Management for the Mars Relay Operations Service; Software for Generating Troposphere Corrections for InSAR Using GPS and Weather Model Data; Ionospheric Specifications for SAR Interferometry (ISSI); Implementation of a Wavefront-Sensing Algorithm; Sally Ride EarthKAM - Automated Image Geo-Referencing Using Google Earth Web Plug-In; Trade Space Specification Tool (TSST) for Rapid Mission Architecture (Version 1.2); Acoustic Emission Analysis Applet (AEAA) Software; Memory-Efficient Onboard Rock Segmentation; Advanced Multimission Operations System (ATMO); Robot Sequencing and Visualization Program (RSVP); Automating Hyperspectral Data for Rapid Response in Volcanic Emergencies; Raster-Based Approach to Solar Pressure Modeling; Space Images for NASA JPL Android Version; Kinect Engineering with Learning (KEWL); Spacecraft 3D Augmented Reality Mobile App; MPST Software: grl_pef_check; Real-Time Multimission Event Notification System for Mars Relay; SIM_EXPLORE: Software for Directed Exploration of Complex Systems; Mobile Timekeeping Application Built on Reverse-Engineered JPL Infrastructure; Advanced Query and Data Mining Capabilities for MaROS; Jettison Engineering Trajectory Tool; MPST Software: grl_suppdoc; PredGuid+A: Orion Entry Guidance Modified for Aerocapture; Planning Coverage Campaigns for Mission Design and Analysis: CLASP for DESDynl; and Space Place Prime.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2007

2.5 MHz Line-Width High-energy, 2 Micrometer Coherent Wind Lidar Transmitter

2 micron solid-state lasers are the primary choice for coherent Doppler wind detection. As wind lidars, they are used for wake vortex and clear air turbulence detection providing air transport safety. In addition, 2 micron lasers are one of the candidates for CO2 detection lidars. The rich CO2 absorption line around 2 micron, combined with the long upper state life of time, has made Ho based 2 micron lasers a viable candidate for CO2 sensing DIAL instrument. The design and fabrication of a compact coherent laser radar transmitter for Troposphere wind sensing is under way. This system is hardened for ground as well as airborne applications. As a transmitter for a coherent wind lidar, this laser has stringent spectral line width and beam quality requirements. Although the absolute wavelength does not have to be fixed for wind detection, to maximize return signal, the output wavelength should avoid atmospheric CO2 and H2O absorption lines. The base line laser material is Ho:Tm:LuLF which is an isomorph of Ho:Tm:YLF. LuLF produces 20% more output power than Ho:Tm:YLF. In these materials the Tm absorption cross-section, the Ho emission cross-section, the Tm to Ho energy transfer parameters and the Ho (sup 5) I (sub 7) radiative life time are all identical. However, the improved performance of the LuLF is attributed to the lower thermal population in the (sup 5) I (sub 8) manifold. It also provides higher normal mode to Q-switch conversion than YLF at high pump energy indicating a lower up-conversion. The laser architecture is composed of a seed laser, a ring oscillator, and a double pass amplifier. The seed laser is a single longitudinal mode with a line width of 13 KHz. The 100mJ class oscillator is stretched to 3 meters to accommodate the line-width requirement without compromising the range resolution of the instrument. The amplifier is double passed to produce greater than 300mJ energy.

Petros, Mulugeta↗
NASA NTRS1980

Analysis of mode-locked and intracavity frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser

The paper presents analytical and computer studies of the CW mode-locked and intracavity frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser which provide new insight into the operation, including the detuning behavior, of this type of laser. Computer solutions show that the steady-state pulse shape for this laser is much closer to a truncated cosine than to a Gaussian; there is little spectral broadening for on-resonance operation; and the chirp is negligible. This leads to a simplified analytical model carried out entirely in the time domain, with atomic linewidth effects ignored. Simple analytical results for on-resonance pulse shape, pulse width, signal intensity, and harmonic conversion efficiency in terms of basic laser parameters are derived from this model. A simplified physical description of the detuning behavior is also developed. Agreement is found with experimental studies showing that the pulsewidth decreases as the modulation frequency is detuned off resonance; the harmonic power output initially increases and then decreases; and the pulse shape develops a sharp-edged asymmetry of opposite sense for opposite signs of detuning.

Siegman, A. E.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Microstructure Optimization and Novel Processing Development of ODS Steels for Fusion Environments (Final ARPA-E Report)

This project aimed to develop scalable, cost-effective fabrication of high-performance, oxide- dispersion-strengthened (ODS) steel using advanced manufacturing methods (AMMs) for fusion blanket-breeding applications. Gas atomization reaction synthesis (GARS) enables the synthesis of precursor ODS steel powders without prolonged mechanical alloying. This process creates a chromium (Cr)-enriched surface oxide with yttrium/titanium (Y/Ti)-enriched intermetallics in powder interiors. GARS powders were consolidated to >99% of the theoretical density using a first-of-a-kind shear assisted processing and extrusion (ShAPE) and laser-based powder bed fusion (L-PBF) AM processes. These processes led to ODS steels containing a high-density of nano-oxide dispersoids that enhance high-temperature mechanical properties. Such scalable, cost-effective fabrication of ODS steels can enable efficient power conversion cycles (=40%) at operating temperatures beyond 900 K in future fusion power plants.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1994

High power diode laser Master Oscillator-Power Amplifier (MOPA)

High power multiple quantum well AlGaAs diode laser master oscillator - power amplifier (MOPA) systems were examined both experimentally and theoretically. For two pass operation, it was found that powers in excess of 0.3 W per 100 micrometers of facet length were achievable while maintaining diffraction-limited beam quality. Internal electrical-to-optical conversion efficiencies as high as 25 percent were observed at an internal amplifier gain of 9 dB. Theoretical modeling of multiple quantum well amplifiers was done using appropriate rate equations and a heuristic model of the carrier density dependent gain. The model gave a qualitative agreement with the experimental results. In addition, the model allowed exploration of a wider design space for the amplifiers. The model predicted that internal electrical-to-optical conversion efficiencies in excess of 50 percent should be achievable with careful system design. The model predicted that no global optimum design exists, but gain, efficiency, and optical confinement (coupling efficiency) can be mutually adjusted to meet a specific system requirement. A three quantum well, low optical confinement amplifier was fabricated using molecular beam epitaxial growth. Coherent beam combining of two high power amplifiers injected from a common master oscillator was also examined. Coherent beam combining with an efficiency of 93 percent resulted in a single beam having diffraction-limited characteristics. This beam combining efficiency is a world record result for such a system. Interferometric observations of the output of the amplifier indicated that spatial mode matching was a significant factor in the less than perfect beam combining. Finally, the system issues of arrays of amplifiers in a coherent beam combining system were investigated. Based upon experimentally observed parameters coherent beam combining could result in a megawatt-scale coherent beam with a 10 percent electrical-to-optical conversion efficiency.

Andrews, John R.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Internal CW parametric upconversion

A demonstration of CW parametric upconversion of 3.39-micron IR radiation inside a He-Ne laser's optical cavity is reported. The upconversion was achieved with the aid of a 5145-A argon laser pump and a lithium niobate crystal; the circulating power available inside the pump laser's cavity was used to maximize the efficiency of the upconversion process. Losses associated with the pump blocking filters and with the lithium niobate crystal are discussed. It is concluded that despite the high losses (approximately 12%) associated with the lithium niobate, the highest measured power conversion efficiency of 0.0038 compares favorably with the best CW external conversion efficiency reported to date.

Falk, J.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Self-Leveling Inks for Printing Ultra-uniform Perovskite Solar Modules by Flexography

The report describes the development of scalable manufacturing methods for high-performance, stable perovskite solar modules using flexographic printing. The project developed self-leveling perovskite inks that exploit Marangoni flows to reduce coating defects and improve large-area film uniformity. Bayesian optimization was integrated with high-throughput photoluminescence mapping and photovoltaic measurements to efficiently optimize ink formulations and printing conditions. The resulting printed perovskite solar cells achieved champion power conversion efficiencies above 21.6%, with median efficiencies exceeding 20% across large device batches. At the module scale, printed devices achieved active-area efficiencies up to approximately 17.3% on 25 cm² substrates. The project also demonstrated improved performance and stability using additively patterned interconnections compared with laser-scribed controls. Overall, the work establishes a data-driven, roll-compatible pathway toward high-throughput, low-capital-cost manufacturing of uniform and stable perovskite photovoltaics.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1993

A direct current rectification scheme for microwave space power conversion using traveling wave electron acceleration

The formation of the Vision-21 conference held three years ago allowed the present author to reflect and speculate on the problem of converting electromagnetic energy to a direct current by essentially reversing the process used in traveling wave tubes that converts energy in the form of a direct current to electromagnetic energy. The idea was to use the electric field of the electromagnetic wave to produce electrons through the field emission process and accelerate these electrons by the same field to produce an electric current across a large potential difference. The acceleration process was that of cyclotron auto-resonance. Since that time, this rather speculative ideas has been developed into a method that shows great promise and for which a patent is pending and a prototype design will be demonstrated in a potential laser power beaming application. From the point of view of the author, a forum such as Vision-21 is becoming an essential component in the rather conservative climate in which our initiatives for space exploration are presently formed. Exchanges such as Vision-21 not only allows us to deviate from the 'by-the-book' approach and rediscover the ability and power in imagination, but provides for the discussion of ideas hitherto considered 'crazy' so that they may be given the change to transcend from the level of eccentricity to applicability.

Manning, Robert M.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Satellite Power System (SPS) concept definition study (Exhibit D). Volume 2: Systems/subsystems analyses

Modifications to the reference concept were studied and the best approaches defined. The impact of the high efficiency multibandgap solar array on the reference concept design is considered. System trade studies for several solid state concepts, including the sandwich concept and a separate antenna/solar concept, are described. Two solid state concepts were selected and a design definition is presented for each. Magnetrons as an alternative to the reference klystrons for dc/RF conversion are evaluated. System definitions are presented for the preferred klystron and solid state concepts. Supporting systems are analyzed, with major analysis in the microwave, structures, and power distribution areas. Results of studies for thermal control, attitude control, stationkeeping, and details of a multibandgap solar cell study are included. Advanced laser concepts and the meteorological effects of a laser beam power transmission concept are considered.

Hanley, G. M.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Two Wavelength Ti:sapphire Laser for Ozone DIAL Measurements from Aircraft

Laser remote sensing of ozone from aircraft has proven to be a valuable technique for understanding the distribution and dynamics of ozone in the atmosphere. Presently the differential absorption lidar (DIAL) technique, using dual ND:YAG lasers that are doubled to pump dye lasers which in turn are doubled into the UV for the "on" and "off' line lasers, is used on either the NASA DC-8 or P-3 aircraft. Typically, the laser output for each line is 40-mJ and this is split into two beams, one looking up and the other downward, each beam having about 20-mJ. The residual ND:YAG (1.06 micron) and dye laser energies are also transmitted to obtain information on the atmospheric aerosols. While this system has operated well, there are several system characteristics that make the system less than ideal for aircraft operations. The system, which uses separate "on" and "off" line lasers, is quite large and massive requiring valuable aircraft volume and weight. The dye slowly degrades with time requiring replacement. The laser complexity requires a number of technical people to maintain the system performance. There is also the future interest in deploying an ozone DIAL system in an Unpiloted Atmospheric Vehicle (UAV) which would require a total payload mass of less than 150 kg and power requirement of less than 1500 W. A laser technology has emerged that could potentially provide significant enhancements over the present ozone DIAL system. The flashlamp pumped Ti:sapphire laser system is an emerging technology that could reduce the mass and volume over the present system and also provide a system with fewer conversion steps, reducing system complexity. This paper will discuss preliminary results from a flashlamp-pumped Ti:sapphire laser constructed as a radiation source for a UV DIAL system to measure ozone.

Situ, Wen↗
NASA NTRS1993

Generation of 369.4 nm Radiation by Efficient Doubling of a Diode Laser

The trapped ytterbium ion frequency standard under development at JPL is designed to supply ultra-stable reference signals to be used in spacecraft tests of general relativity and other science experiments. Only diode lasers meet the requirements of low power comsumption and small size for use aboard spacecraft, but diode lasers are not currently available at 369.4 nm wavelength. It is therefore necessary to employ frequency doubling methods to reach this frequency with diode lasers. Here we present the characteristics of the resonant cavity doubling system we have designed and preliminary UV conversion results.

ultra-stable↗
NASA NTRS1992

Observation of enhanced thermal lensing due to near-Gaussian pump energy deposition in a laser-diode side-pumped Nd:YAG laser

The authors report operation of a laser-diode side-pumped Nd:YAG laser with a novel pumping geometry that ensures efficient conversion of pump energy into the TEM00 mode. Significant enhancement of thermally induced lensing due to the near-Gaussian energy deposition profile of the pump radiation was observed. An induced lens of approximately 3.2-m focal length was measured at average incident pump powers of only 3.2 W (corresponding to a 0.6 W heat load).

Welford, David↗
NASA NTRS1976

Thermo electronic laser energy conversion

The thermo electronic laser energy converter (TELEC) is described and compared to the Waymouth converter and the conventional thermionic converter. The electrical output characteristics and efficiency of TELEC operation are calculated for a variety of design variables. Calculations and results are briefly outlined. It is shown that the TELEC concept can potentially convert 25 to 50 percent of incident laser radiation into electric power at high power densities and high waste heat rejection temperatures.

Hansen, L. K.↗
NASA NTRS1983

A tunable dual frequency dye laser - dual frequency oscillator design

The pulsed dye laser offers a tunable oscillator, followed by three amplifiers. It is pumped by a dual frequency Nd:YAG laser. Tuning and spectral width are controlled by a holographic network connected to a high power telescope. The modified two wavelength dye laser allows for absorption lidar techniques for remote sensing of the atmosphere. Line switching is achieved by electrooptical commutation. A feasibility experiment was performed with the original oscillator. A model was then built, and tested with different dyes. After a few modifications were made to improve the conversion efficiency, this oscillator was inserted in the laser to check whether the amplifier stages were correctly adjusted.

Abury, Y.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Electrical power systems for Mars

Electrical power system options for Mars Manned Modules and Mars Surface Bases were evaluated for both near-term and advanced performance potential. The power system options investigated for the Mission Modules include photovoltaics, solar thermal, nuclear reactor, and isotope power systems. Options discussed for Mars Bases include the above options with the addition of a brief discussion of open loop energy conversion of Mars resources, including utilization of wind, subsurface thermal gradients, and super oxides. Electrical power requirements for Mission Modules were estimated for three basic approaches: as a function of crew size; as a function of electric propulsion; and as a function of transmission of power from an orbiter to the surface of Mars via laser or radio frequency. Mars Base power requirements were assumed to be determined by production facilities that make resources available for follow-on missions leading to the establishment of a permanently manned Base. Requirements include the production of buffer gas and propellant production plants.

Giudici, Robert J.↗
NASA NTRS1999

High-power continuous-wave mid-infrared radiation generated by difference frequency mixing of diode-laser-seeded fiber amplifiers and its application to dual-beam spectroscopy

We report the generation of up to 0.7 mW of narrow-linewidth (<60-MHz) radiation at 3.3 micrometers by difference frequency mixing of a Nd:YAG-seeded 1.6-W Yb fiber amplifier and a 1.5-micrometers diode-laser-seeded 0.6-W Er/Yb fiber amplifier in periodically poled LiNbO3. A conversion efficiency of 0.09%/W (0.47 mWW-2 cm-1) was achieved. A room-air CH4 spectrum acquired with a compact 80-m multipass cell and a dual-beam spectroscopic configuration indicates an absorption sensitivity of +/-2.8 x 10(-5) (+/-1 sigma), corresponding to a sub-parts-in-10(9) (ppb) CH4 sensitivity (0.8 ppb).

Non-NASA Center↗
DOE OSTI2020

Amorphous Ag 2-x Cu x S quantum dots: “all-in-one” theranostic nanomedicines for near-infrared fluorescence/photoacoustics dual-modal-imaging-guided photothermal therapy

Integrating dual-modal imaging and photothermal effect within a single nanosystem is an enormous challenge for current nanomedicine application. In this study, non-toxic amorphous Ag 2-x Cu x S quantum dots (QDs) possessing near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF), enhanced photothermal and photoacoustic (PA) performance, as “one-in-all” nanomedicines, are designed and obtained. Cu doping in amorphous Ag 2 S QDs causes red-shift of NIRF to the lowest tissue absorption wavelength in so called “first biowindow” (~820 nm) and improves photothermal conversion efficiency to 44.0% simultaneously. Density functional theory simulation results suggest the fluorescence red-shift and enhanced photothermal/photoacoustics properties can be attributed to the generation of intragap states introduced by Cu doping. The amorphous Ag 2-x Cu x S QDs exhibit high long-term biocompatibility. Under a single laser irradiation with relatively low power density, an effective tumor ablation induced by high photothermal effect of amorphous Ag 2-x Cu x S QDs is achieved in vivo. Simultaneously, the PTT process can be guided by high quality NIRF/PA dual-modal-imaging.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗