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At least 199 records · Page 11

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NASA NTRS1992

Application of theoretical models to active and passive remote sensing of saline ice

The random medium model is used to interpret the polarimetric active and passive measurements of saline ice. The ice layer is described as a host ice medium embedded with randomly distributed inhomogeneities, and the underlying sea water is considered as a homogeneous half-space. The scatterers in the ice layer are modeled with an ellipsoidal correlation function. The orientation of the scatterers is vertically aligned and azimuthally random. The strong permittivity fluctuation theory is used to calculate the effective permittivity and the distorted Born approximation is used to obtain the polarimetric scattering coefficients. Thermal emissions based on the reciprocity and energy conservation principles are calculated. The effects of the random roughness at the air-ice, and ice-water interfaces are explained by adding the surface scattering to the volume scattering return incoherently. The theoretical model, which has been successfully applied to analyze the radar backscatter data of first-year sea ice, is used to interpret the measurements performed in the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory's CRRELEX program.

Han, H. C.↗

DOE OSTI2024

Modeling Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering of Au-Pyrazine and Au-Pyrazine-Au Nanorod Dimer Systems with the TD-DFTB Method

This study investigates Raman scattering from a pyrazine molecule adsorbed on gold nanorod surfaces using the time-dependent density functional tight-binding (TD-DFTB) method. We analyze surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of the molecule for two configurations: one where the molecule is adsorbed on a single gold nanorod forming Au-pyrazine complex, and another where it forms a nano-junction Au-pyrazine-Au dimer system. These two configurations offer distinct chemical environments for the molecule and different local field enhancements, with the dimer systems generating enhanced hotspot regions at the junctions. We present results for nanojunction, Au-pyrazine-Au dimer structures, for variable nanogap sizes that lead to shift in the plasmon energy. The study identifies contributions to the SERS enhancements from chemical, electromagnetic, and resonance charge transfer mechanisms. Our results show that the chemical mechanism provides enhancement factors in the range of 10 2 –10 3 , while the electromagnetic enhancements are on the order of 10 3 –10 5 for monomer systems and 10 6 –10 8 for dimer structures. We present results for a nanorod with a length of 5.3 nm and a width of 0.52 nm, consisting of 121 gold atoms.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

NASA NTRS1984

Remote sensing of rice fields and sea pollution by SIR-B

Sensor calibration, rice fields, and sea pollution are to be investigated with respect to shuttle imaging radar-B (SIR-B). It is planned that the resolution characteristics of the SIR-B be evaluated, the sidelobe characteristics of the SIR-B be investigated, and the relationship between backscatter cross section and image intensity be established. The microwave-scattering characteristics of rice fields are to be studied using SIR-B data. The possibility of classifying crops from SIR-B data is to be explored. The characteristics of the radar image of oil-like surface films under several sea surface conditions are to be determined. The absolute measurement capability of the sea surface scattering cross section is to be estimated using the SIR.

Fugono, N.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Application of theoretical models to active and passive remote sensing of saline ice

The random medium model is used to interpret the polarimetric active and passive measurements of saline ice. The ice layer is described as a host ice medium embedded with randomly distributed inhomogeneities, and the underlying sea water is considered as a homogeneous half-space. The scatterers in the ice layer are modeled with an ellipsoidal correlation function. The orientation of the scatterers is vertically aligned and azimuthally random. The strong permittivity fluctuation theory is employed to calculate the effective permittivity and the distorted Born approximation is used to obtain the polarimetric scattering coefficients. We also calculate the thermal emissions based on the reciprocity and energy conservation principles. The effects of the random roughness at the air-ice, and ice-water interfaces are accounted for by adding the surface scattering to the volume scattering return incoherently. The above theoretical model, which has been successfully applied to analyze the radar backscatter data of the first-year sea ice near Point Barrow, AK, is used to interpret the measurements performed in the CRRELEX program.

Han, H. C.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Extending the capillary wave model to include the effect of bending rigidity: X-ray reflectivity and diffuse scattering

The surface roughness of a thin film at a liquid interface exhibits contributions of thermally excited fluctuations. This thermal roughness depends on temperature (𝑇), surface tension (𝛾), and elastic material properties, specifically the bending modulus (𝜅) of the film. A nonzero 𝜅 suppresses the thermal roughness at small length scales compared to an interface with zero 𝜅, as expressed by the power spectral density of the thermal roughness. The description of the x-ray scattering of the standard capillary wave model (CWM), which is valid for zero 𝜅, is extended to include the effect of 𝜅. The extended CWM (eCWM) provides a single analytical form for both the specular x-ray reflectivity (XRR) and the diffuse scattering around the specular reflection, and recovers the expression of the CWM at its zero 𝜅 limit. This theoretical approach enables the use of single-shot grazing incidence x-ray off-specular scattering (GIXOS) measurements for characterizing the structure of thin films on a liquid surface. The eCWM analysis approach decouples the thermal roughness factor from the surface scattering signal, providing direct access to the intrinsic surface-normal structure of the film and its bending modulus. Moreover, the eCWM facilitates the calculation of reflectivity at any desired resolution (pseudo-XRR approach). The transformation into pseudo-XRR provides the benefit of using widely available XRR software to perform GIXOS analysis. The extended range of the vertical scattering vector (𝑄 𝑧 ) available with the GIXOS pseudo-XRR approach allows for a higher spatial resolution than with conventional XRR. Experimental results are presented for various lipid systems, showing strong agreement between conventional specular XRR and pseudo-XRR methods. This agreement validates the proposed approach and highlights its utility for analyzing soft, thin films.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NASA NTRS1974

The S-193 radar altimeter experiment

The Skylab S-193 altimeter experiment utilizes a 10- and 100-ns pulse length, 13.9-GHz earth-pointed radar system to obtain earth-surface backscatter measurements from the Skylab spacecraft. Objectives of the experiment are to obtain precision measurements of surface profile for uses in geodesy, oceanography, and earth physics, and to measure radar-signal characteristics from an earth-orbit geometry to provide design information for future radar remote-sensors. The technical approach is that of measuring the power impulse response of the scattering surface. The hardware is designed to operate in five modes: waveform or impulse-response measurement and altitude determination; radar cross-section experiment; signal correlation experiment; 10-nsec pulse-compression evaluation; and nadir-seeker experiment.

Mcgoogan, J. T.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Surface properties and effective resolution from ground-based observations of Mercury

A detailed study to evaluate ground-based photographs of Mercury has been carried out. Models of the surface scattering properties have been assumed and smeared with a Gaussian function for direct comparison with center-to-limb scans along Mercury's intensity equator. Data from a range of phase angles from 31 to 92 deg have been compared with smeared models assuming a Lambert surface, a surface which obeys the Lommel-Seeliger law and one which is Minnaertian, having a variable coefficient. Within the limits of the observations a lunar Minnaert surface yields the most consistent interpretation. An objective evaluation of the resolution of the photographs is obtained in terms of Gaussian half-widths.

Beebe, R. F.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Scattering by Venus' surface

During 1992, Magellan altimetry echoes were processed to yield scattering functions sigma(sub o)(phi) over near-nadir angles phi less than or equal to 10 deg from some 2000 Venus orbits. SAR image strips acquired simultaneously at oblique angles were also reduced to give scattering functions but over a few deg of incidence angle in the range 15 less than or equal to phi less than or equal to 45 deg. By sorting, the altimetry and SAR results can be combined to give composite scattering functions for much of Venus' surface. The data in hand should allow definition of such composite functions for 70-80 percent of Venus at resolutions of 20 km--approximately one million separate functions.

Simpson, R. A.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Remote sensing of Earth terrain

Research findings are summarized for projects dealing with the following: application of theoretical models to active and passive remote sensing of saline ice; radiative transfer theory for polarimetric remote sensing of pine forest; scattering of electromagnetic waves from a dense medium consisting of correlated Mie scatterers with size distribution and applications to dry snow; variance of phase fluctuations of waves propagating through a random medium; theoretical modeling for passive microwave remote sensing of earth terrain; polarimetric signatures of a canopy of dielectric cylinders based on first and second order vector radiative transfer theory; branching model for vegetation; polarimetric passive remote sensing of periodic surfaces; composite volume and surface scattering model; and radar image classification.

Kong, J. A.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Magnetic Compton-induced pair cascade model for gamma-ray pulsars

Electrons accelerated to relativistic energies in pulsar magnetospheres will Compton scatter surface thermal emission and nonthermal optical, UV, and soft X-ray emission to gamma-ray energies, thereby initiating a pair cascade through synchrotron radiation and magnetic pair production. This process is proposed as the origin of the high-energy radiation that has been detected from six isolated pulsars. We construct an analytic model of magnetic Compton scattering near the polar cap of isolated pulsar magnetospheres and present approximate analytic derivations for scattered spectra, electron energy-loss rates, and photon luminosities. A Monte Carlo simulation is used to model the pair cascade induced by relativistic electrons scattering photons through the cyclotron resonance. For simplicity, the primary electrons are assumed to be monoenergetic and the nonresonant emission is omitted. Assuming that the angle phi(sub B) between the magnetic and spin axes is approximately equal to the polar-cap angle theta(sub pc), this model can produce both double-peaked and broad single-peaked pulse profiles and account for the trend of harder gamma-ray spectra observed from older pulsars.

Sturner, Steven J.↗

DOE OSTI2024

Absorption and scattering limits of silicon nitride integrated photonics in the visible spectrum

Visible-light photonic integrated circuits (PICs) promise scalability for technologies such as quantum information, biosensing, and scanning displays, yet extending large-scale silicon photonics to shorter wavelengths has been challenging due to the higher losses. Silicon nitride (SiN) has stood out as the leading platform for visible photonics, but the propagation losses strongly depend on the film’s deposition and fabrication processes. Current loss measurement techniques cannot accurately distinguish between absorption and surface scattering, making it difficult to identify the dominant loss source and reach the platform’s fundamental limit. Here we demonstrate an ultra-low loss, high-confinement SiN platform that approaches the limits of absorption and scattering across the visible spectrum. Leveraging the sensitivity of microresonators to loss, we probe and discriminate each loss contribution with unparalleled sensitivity, and derive their fundamental limits and scaling laws as a function of wavelength, film properties and waveguide parameters. Through the design of the waveguide cross-section, we show how to approach the absorption limit of the platform, and demonstrate the lowest propagation losses in high-confinement SiN to date across the visible spectrum. We envision that our techniques for loss characterization and minimization will contribute to the development of large-scale, dense PICs that redefine the loss limits of integrated platforms across the electromagnetic spectrum.

Corato-Zanarella, Mateus (ORCID:0000000327318046)↗

NASA NTRS2003

Properties of the Hermean Regolith: New Optical Reflectance Spectra, Comparison with Lunar Anorthosites and Mineralogical Modelling - 5

We present new optical (0.4-0.65 micron) spectra of Mercury and lunar pure anorthosite locations, obtained quasi-simultaneously with the Nordic Optical Telescope (NOT) in 2002. A comparative study is performed with the model of Lucey et al. between iron-poor, mature, pure anorthosite (less than 90% plagioclase feldspar) Clementine spectra from the lunar farside and a combined 0.4-1.0 micron mercurian spectrum, obtained with the NOT, calculated for standard photometric geometry. Mercury is located at more extreme locations in the Lucey ratio-reflectance diagrams than any known lunar soil, specifically with respect to the extremely iron-poor mature anorthosites. Though quantitative prediction of FeO and TiO2 abundances cannot be made without a more generally applicable model, we find qualitatively that the abundances of both these oxides must be near zero for Mercury. We utilize the theory of Hapke, with realistic photometric parameters, to model laboratory spectra of matured mineral powders and lunar soils, and remotely sensed spectra of lunar anorthosites and Mercury. An important difference between fabricated and natural powders is the high value for the internal scattering parameter necessary to interpret the spectra for the former, and the requirement of rough and non-isotropically scattering surfaces in the modelling of the latter. The mature lunar anorthosite spectra were well modelled with binary mixtures of calcic feldspars and olivines, grain sizes of 25-30 micron and a concentration of submicroscopic metallic iron (SMFe) of 0.12-0.15% in grain coatings. The mercurian spectrum is not possible to interpret from terrestrial mineral powder spectra without introducing an average particle scattering function for the bulk soil that increases in backscattering efficiency with wavelength. The observed spectrum is somewhat better predicted with binary mixture models of feldspars and pyroxenes, that single-component regoliths consisting of either albite or diopside. Correct spectral reflectance values were predicted with a concentration of 0.1 wt% SMFe in coatings of 15-30 micron sized grains. Since reasonable cosmogonical formation scenarios for Mercury, or meteoritic infall, predict iron concentrations at least this high, we draw the conclusion that the average grain size of Mercury is about a factor of two smaller than for average returned lunar soil samples. The 0.6-2.5 micron spectrum of McCord and Clark is used to further limit the possible range of mineralogical composition of Mercury. It is found that an intimately mixed and matured 3 : 1 labradorite-to-enstatite regolith composition best matches both the optical and near-infrared spectra, yielding an abundance of approx. 1.2 wt% FeO and -approx. 0 wt% TiO2.

Warell, J.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Reionization and its imprint of the cosmic microwave background

Early reionization changes the pattern of anisotropies expected in the cosmic microwave backgrond. To explore these changes, we derive from first principles the equations governing anisotropies, focusing on the interactions of photons with electrons. Vishniac (1987) claimed that second-order terms can be large in a reionized universe, so we derive equations correct to second order in the perturbations. There are many more second-order terms than were considered by Vishniac. To understand the basic physics involved, we present a simple analytic approximation to the first-order equation. Then, turning to the second order equation, we show that the Vishniac term is indeed the only important one. We also present numerical results for a variety of ionization histories (in a standard cold dark matter universe) and show quantitatively how the signal in several experiments depends on the ionization history. The most pronounced indication of a reionized universe would be seen in very small scale experiments; the expected signal in the Owens Valley experiment is smaller by a factor of order 10 if the last scattering surface is at a redshift z approximately = 100 as it would be if the universe were reionized very early. On slightly larger scales, the expected signal in a reionized universe is smaller than it would be with standard recombination, but only a factor of 2 or so. The signal is even smaller in these experiments in the intermediate case where some photons last scattered at the standard recombination epoch.

Dodelson, Scott↗

DOE OSTI2022

Spatiotemporal evolution of melt ponds on Arctic sea ice

Melt ponds on sea ice play an important role in the Arctic climate system. Their presence alters the partitioning of solar radiation: decreasing reflection, increasing absorption and transmission to the ice and ocean, and enhancing melt. The spatiotemporal properties of melt ponds thus modify ice albedo feedbacks and the mass balance of Arctic sea ice. The Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate (MOSAiC) expedition presented a valuable opportunity to investigate the seasonal evolution of melt ponds through a rich array of atmosphere-ice-ocean measurements across spatial and temporal scales. In this study, we characterize the seasonal behavior and variability in the snow, surface scattering layer, and melt ponds from spring melt to autumn freeze-up using in situ surveys and auxiliary observations. We compare the results to satellite retrievals and output from two models: the Community Earth System Model (CESM2) and the Marginal Ice Zone Modeling and Assimilation System (MIZMAS). During the melt season, the maximum pond coverage and depth were 21% and 22 ± 13 cm, respectively, with distribution and depth corresponding to surface roughness and ice thickness. Compared to observations, both models overestimate melt pond coverage in summer, with maximum values of approximately 41% (MIZMAS) and 51% (CESM2). This overestimation has important implications for accurately simulating albedo feedbacks. During the observed freeze-up, weather events, including rain on snow, caused high-frequency variability in snow depth, while pond coverage and depth remained relatively constant until continuous freezing ensued. Both models accurately simulate the abrupt cessation of melt ponds during freeze-up, but the dates of freeze-up differ. MIZMAS accurately simulates the observed date of freeze-up, while CESM2 simulates freeze-up one-to-two weeks earlier. This work demonstrates areas that warrant future observation-model synthesis for improving the representation of sea-ice processes and properties, which can aid accurate simulations of albedo feedbacks in a warming climate.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

NASA NTRS1991

Development of a Rayleigh scattering system for temperature measurements in combustor flows

A dual line laser induced Rayleigh scattering system has been developed to be used in high temperature gas flows such as in combustors, and preliminary tests have been performed in a hot air jet. The qualification measurements included the collection and analysis of Rayleigh signal for time-resolved gas temperature over the two lines of a copper-vapor laser. The dual line signal collection technique is a feature to be used in detecting and discriminating the surface scattered laser light in the Rayleigh signal. Optical fibers are used to transmit the laser beam to the optical probe bench and to carry the collected signal from the bench to the housing of the signal sensors. Incident laser intensity at the probe volume is measured for both lines at each pulse of the laser. This information is used to normalize the signal. Good agreement has been obtained between the two line Rayleigh scattering and thermocouple results in the particle free co-flowing air jet.

Otugen, M. V.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Gas temperature measurements using the dual-line detection Rayleigh scattering technique

A new laser-induced Rayleigh scattering method is presented for the improved temperature diagnostics of gas flows. In the present technique, the two lines of a copper vapor laser are used to obtain the time and space resolved temperature. A single set of optics is used to form the optical probe and to collect the signal simultaneously from both the 510 nm and the 578 nm lines. The dual-line detection allows for the determination and removal of surface-scattered laser light from a Rayleigh signal thereby improving the applicability of Rayleigh scattering to near wall flows with a high degree of glare. An optical system using the dual-line detection technique is built, calibrated and tested in a hot air jet under various levels of background contamination. The results indicate that highly accurate temperature measurements are possible even when the laser-line background intensity, captured by the collecting optics, is five times that of the Rayleigh signal.

Otugen, M. Volkan↗

NASA NTRS1993

Gas temperature measurements using the dual-line detection Rayleigh scattering technique

Otugen, M. V.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Sinusoidal reaction formulation for radiation and scattering from conducting surfaces

A piecewise-sinusoidal reaction technique is proposed for the study of scattering and radiation from perfectly conducting bodies of arbitrary shape. The reaction technique described is a moment method based on the integral equation of an electric field. A theory of sinusoidal reaction formulation for radiation and scattering problems is outlined, in which the scattered field is obtained by integrating the surface currents. Numerical results are presented for the scattering patterns of rectangular plates and corner reflectors and the radiation patterns of corner-reflector antennas.

Wang, N. N.↗