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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 217 records · Page 12
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2023

Development of a Photoacoustic Formaldehyde Monitor

Key indoor air quality pollutant formaldehyde (H2CO) is tracked on International Space Station (ISS) using passive badges returned to the ground periodically for analysis. The process is time-consuming both in preparation and for analysis upon return 6-12 months later. Badges also require precious crew time for deploy, retrieval and stow. As NASA’s focus in space exploration shifts to the Moon and Mars, archival sample return becomes increasingly impractical, so the aim of this project is to develop a highly reliable real-time analyzer for H2CO at low concentrations with data downlinked. Potential sources of H2CO include materials off gassing, use of formalin as a tissue fixative in biological payloads and overheating of acetal polymers. The Spacecraft Maximum Allowable Concentration (SMAC) for H2CO is 100 ppb for exposures of 7 days or longer. ISS concentrations recently run only 10 - 30 ppb but have spiked as high as 60 ppb in the past. Gateway real time monitoring requirements call for a range of 8 - 140 ppb. For this project, a concentration range of 5 - 500 ppb H2CO is targeted. The core tunable diode laser spectroscopy (TDLS) technology was developed by Vista Photonics through the NASA and US Navy Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) programs. Monitors based on this technology have been demonstrated on ISS, trialed on a nuclear submarine and are in production as Anomaly Gas Analyzers for both ISS and Orion. Initially, direct absorption TDLS was used exclusively in these monitors, however, the H2CO target concentration is much lower, and a longer wavelength required, so a photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) technique was adapted, where the laser excitation is detected by a sensitive microphone vs. a conventional photodetector. This paper will discuss the results of NASA-JSC laboratory testing of a prototype PAS based formaldehyde monitor and explore potential adaptations for Gateway missions and beyond.

Paul D Mudgett↗
DOE OSTI2024

Mid-infrared trace detection with parts-per-quadrillion quantitation accuracy: Expanding frontiers of radiocarbon sensing

Detection sensitivity is a critical characteristic to consider during selection of spectroscopic techniques. However, high sensitivity alone is insufficient for spectroscopic measurements in spectrally congested regions. Two-color cavity ringdown spectroscopy (2C-CRDS), based on intra-cavity pump–probe detection, simultaneously achieves high detection sensitivity and selectivity. This combination enables mid-infrared detection of radiocarbon dioxide ( 14 CO 2 ) molecules in room-temperature CO 2 samples, with 1.4 parts-per-quadrillion (ppq, 10 − 15 ) sensitivity (average measurement precision) and 4.6-ppq quantitation accuracy (average calibrated measurement error for 21 samples from four separate trials) demonstrated on samples with 14 C/C up to ∼ 1.5 × natural abundance ( ∼ 1,800 ppq). These highly reproducible measurements, which are the most sensitive and quantitatively accurate in the mid-infrared, are accomplished despite the presence of orders-of-magnitude stronger, one-photon signals from other CO 2 isotopologues. This is a major achievement in laser spectroscopy. A room-temperature-operated, compact, and low-cost 2C-CRDS sensor for 14 CO 2 benefits a wide range of scientific fields that utilize 14 C for dating and isotope tracing, most notably atmospheric 14 CO 2 monitoring to track CO 2 emissions from fossil fuels. The 2C-CRDS technique significantly enhances the general utility of high-resolution mid-infrared detection for analytical measurements and fundamental chemical dynamics studies.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2026

Resonance Ionization Spectroscopy Experiment at Facility for Rare Isotope Beams

This manuscript reports on the commissioning of the Resonance Ionization Spectroscopy Experiment (RISE) at the BEam COoler and LAser spectroscopy (BECOLA) facility at Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB). The instrument implements the collinear resonance ionization spectroscopy technique for sensitive measurements of isotope shifts and hyperfine structure of short-lived isotopes produced at FRIB. The existing BECOLA beamline was extended to integrate an electrostatic ion-beam bender and an ion detector at ultrahigh vacuum. An injection-seeded titanium-sapphire laser and a multiharmonic pulsed neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser were installed to perform resonant excitation and selective ionization. Commissioning tests were performed to demonstrate the capabilities of the instrument by measuring the hyperfine structure of stable 27 Al produced in an offline ion source. The RISE instrument is ready and operational for future studies of short-lived isotopes at FRIB.

Atomic spectra↗
DOE OSTI2024

Electromagnetic properties of indium isotopes illuminate the doubly magic character of 100 Sn

Understanding the nuclear properties in the vicinity of 100 Sn, which has been suggested to be the heaviest doubly magic nucleus with proton number Z equal to neutron number N, has been a long-standing challenge for experimental and theoretical nuclear physics. In particular, contradictory experimental evidence exists regarding the role of nuclear collectivity in this region of the nuclear chart. Here, we provide further evidence for the doubly magic character of 100 Sn by measuring the ground-state electromagnetic moments and nuclear charge radii of indium (Z = 49) isotopes as N approaches 50 from above using precision laser spectroscopy. Our results span almost the complete range between the two major closed neutron shells at N = 50 and N = 82 and reveal parabolic trends as a function of the neutron number, with a clear reduction towards these two closed neutron shells. Furthermore, a detailed comparison between our experimental results and numerical results from two complementary nuclear many-body frameworks (density functional theory and ab initio methods) exposes deficiencies in nuclear models and establishes a benchmark for future theoretical developments.

100Sn↗
DOE OSTI2024

Nuclear charge radii of germanium isotopes around N = 40

Collinear laser spectroscopy measurements were performed on 68−74 Ge isotopes (Z=32) at ISOLDE-CERN, by probing the 4s 2 4p 2 3 P 1 → 4s 2 4p5s 3 P$^{o}_{1}$ atomic transition (269~nm) of germanium. Nuclear charge radii are determined via the measured isotope shifts, revealing a larger local variation than the neighboring isotopic chains. Nuclear density functional theory with the Fayans functionals Fy(Δr,HFB) and Fy(IVP), and the SV-min Skyrme describes the experimental data for the differential charge radii δ⟨r 2 ⟩ and charge radii R c within the theoretical uncertainties. The observed large variation in the charge radii of germanium isotopes is better accounted for by theoretical models incorporating ground state quadrupole correlations. This suggests that the polarization effects due to pairing and deformation contribute to the observed large odd-even staggering in the charge radii of the Ge isotopic chain.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Geochemistry of Mars with Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS): ChemCam, SuperCam, and MarSCoDe

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has been used to explore the chemistry of three regions of Mars on respective missions by NASA and CNSA, with CNES contributions. All three LIBS instruments use ~100 mm diameter telescopes projecting pulsed infrared laser beams of 10–14 mJ to enable LIBS at 2–10 m distances, eliminating the need to position the rover and instrument directly onto targets. Over 1.3 million LIBS spectra have been used to provide routine compositions for eight major elements and several minor and trace elements on >3000 targets on Mars. Onboard calibration targets common to all three instruments allow careful intercomparison of results. Operating over thirteen years, ChemCam on Curiosity has explored lacustrine sediments and diagenetic features in Gale crater, which was a long-lasting (>1 My) lake during Mars’ Hesperian period. SuperCam on Perseverance is exploring the ultramafic igneous floor, fluvial–deltaic features, and the rim of Jezero crater. MarSCoDe on the Zhurong rover investigated for one year the local blocks, soils, and transverse aeolian ridges of Utopia Planitia. The pioneering work of these three stand-off LIBS instruments paves the way for future space exploration with LIBS, where advantages of light-element (H, C, N, O) quantification can be used on icy regions.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2020

Savannah River Site H-Canyon Advancing Technologies for Remote Inspections - 20345

In 2017, the DOE Environmental Management Office of Technology Development (DOE-EM TD) sponsored the H-Canyon Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD) to demonstrate to DOE facilities the value of using new commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) and near-ready technologies to solve difficult problems and enhance worker safety. The DOE Savannah River Site (SRS) H-Canyon Air Exhaust Tunnel (HCAEX) inspection task was identified as representative of the hazardous, human denied environments which could benefit from advanced technologies. The HCAEX underground concrete tunnel is visually inspected biannually using a camera mounted on a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) designed and built by SRNL. While tunnel images have provided valuable visual information, it is desirable to have a higher order of understanding of the environment to support a more thorough structural integrity (SI) analysis and for long term planning purposes. As part of the ATD, the Concrete Integrated Product Team (CIPT) was formed to identify and evaluate available sensors and methods mature enough to remotely obtain tunnel concrete characterization data of high value and with a high probability of success. The team included SMEs and H-Canyon stakeholders in the field of concrete, nondestructive examination (NDE), structural integrity, sensors and remote systems from SRNL, SRNS, LANL, DOE-SR and the Army Corps of Engineering. The CIPT completed an in-depth identification of customer concrete inspection needs and potential technology solutions. Sensors and methods were evaluated on performance, data usefulness, cost and the feasibility of a successful deployment given the unique tunnel access challenges and environment. Two technologies were identified as promising by the CIPT for near term demonstration and evaluation: Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) 3-dimensional (3D) mapping and remote robotic deployment of NDE instrumentation. Laser spectroscopy to characterize tunnel surface chemical changes was also of interest, but presently cost prohibitive. This paper will include a discussion of the two efforts underway to evaluate and implement the CIPT recommendations. First, the status of the November 2019 deployment of Lidar at a single location into the tunnel is presented. This initial deployment provided the team a learning curve and lessons learned on the challenges of tunnel deployment to include remote operation and data collection, stabilization of the sensor in high air flow (∼30 mph), ability to achieve a tolerance accuracy of 0.25-inches, and the probability to identify change in tunnel dimensions over time. Secondly, a discussion on the development of the Robotic Arm Concrete Inspection Test Bed capable of deploying NDE instruments to examine custom concrete forms will be presented. Concrete forms simulating the rough concrete surfaces, strength, composition and potential structural defects that can be found at our DOE EM facilities have been designed and built for the test bed. Two state-of-the art concrete NDE instruments have been identified as having potential to work on rough concrete walls, they are being tested and characterized as to their ability to provide desired structural integrity data to include wall thickness and defect identification on the developed test beams. Lastly, lessons learned, and the path forward will be presented. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2025

Observation of the distribution of nuclear magnetization in a molecule

Precise experimental control and interrogation of molecules and calculations of their structure are enriching the investigation of nuclear and particle physics phenomena. Molecules containing heavy, octupole-deformed nuclei, such as radium, are of particular interest. Here, we report precision laser spectroscopy measurements and theoretical calculations of the structure of the radioactive radium monofluoride molecule 225 Ra 19 F. Our results reveal fine details of the short-range electron-nucleus interaction, indicating the high sensitivity of this molecule to the distribution of magnetization, within the radium nucleus. Here, these results provide a stringent test of the description of the electronic wave function inside the nuclear volume, highlighting the suitability of these molecules for investigating subatomic phenomena.

Nuclear structure↗
DOE OSTI2025

Binding energies, charge radii, spins, and moments: Odd-odd Ag isotopes and discovery of a new isomer

We report on the masses and hyperfine structure of ground and isomeric states in 114,116,118,120 Ag isotopes, measured with the phase-imaging ion-cyclotron-resonance technique (PI-ICR) with the JYFLTRAP mass spectrometer and the collinear laser spectroscopy beamline at the Ion Guide Isotope Separator On-Line facility, Jyväskylä, Finland. We measured the masses and excitation energies, electromagnetic moments, and charge radii, and firmly established the nuclear spins of the long-lived states. A new isomer was discovered in 118 Ag and the half-lives of 118 Ag long-lived states were reevaluated. We unambiguously pinned down the level ordering of all long-lived states, placing the inversion of the 𝐼 = 0 − and 𝐼 = 4 + states at 𝐴 = 118 (𝑁 = 71). As a result, we compared the electromagnetic moments of each state to empirical single-particle moments to identify the dominant configuration where possible.

90 ≤ A ≤ 149↗
DOE OSTI2025

Charge Radii Measurements of Exotic Tin Isotopes in the Proximity of 𝑁 =50 and 𝑁 =82

We report nuclear charge radii for the isotopes 104–134 Sn , measured using two different collinear laser spectroscopy techniques at ISOLDE-CERN. These measurements clarify the archlike trend in charge radii along the isotopic chain and reveal an odd-even staggering that is more pronounced near the 𝑁 =50 and 𝑁 =82 shell closures. The observed local trends are well described by both nuclear density functional theory and valence space in-medium similarity renormalization group calculations. Both theories predict appreciable contributions from beyond-mean-field correlations to the charge radii of the neutron-deficient tin isotopes. The models, however, fall short of reproducing the magnitude of the known 𝐵⁡(𝐸⁢2) transition probabilities, highlighting the remaining challenges in achieving a unified description of both ground-state properties and collective phenomena.

laser spectroscopy↗
DOE OSTI2020

Photophysics of graphene quantum dot assemblies with axially coordinated cobaloxime catalysts

We report a study of chromophore-catalyst assemblies composed of light harvesting hexabenzocoronene (HBC) chromophores axially coordinated to two cobaloxime complexes. The chromophore-catalyst assemblies were prepared using bottom-up synthetic methodology and characterized using solid-state NMR, IR, and x-ray absorption spectroscopy. Detailed steady-state and time-resolved laser spectroscopy was utilized to identify the photophysical properties of the assemblies, coupled with time-dependent DFT calculations to characterize the relevant excited states. The HBC chromophores tend to assemble into aggregates that exhibit high exciton diffusion length (D = 18.5 molecule 2 /ps), indicating that over 50 chromophores can be sampled within their excited state lifetime. We find that the axial coordination of cobaloximes leads to a significant reduction in the excited state lifetime of the HBC moiety, and this finding was discussed in terms of possible electron and energy transfer pathways. By comparing the experimental quenching rate constant (1.0 × 10 9 s -1 ) with the rate constant estimates for Marcus electron transfer (5.7 × 10 8 s -1 ) and Förster/Dexter energy transfers (8.1 × 10 6 s -1 and 1.0 × 10 10 s -1 ), we conclude that both Dexter energy and Marcus electron transfer process are possible deactivation pathways in CoQD-A. No charge transfer or energy transfer intermediate was detected in transient absorption spectroscopy, indicating fast, subpicosecond return to the ground state. Finally, these results provide important insights into the factors that control the photophysical properties of photocatalytic chromophore-catalyst assemblies.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS2008

Laser Infrared Desorption Spectroscopy to Detect Complex Organic Molecules on Icy Planetary Surfaces

Laser Desorption-Infrared Spectroscopy (LD-IR) uses an IR laser pulse to desorb surface materials while a spectrometer measures the emission spectrum of the desorbed materials (Figure 1). In this example, laser desorption operates by having the incident laser energy absorbed by near surface material (~10 microns in depth). This desorption produces a plume that exists in an excited state at elevated temperatures. A natural analog for this phenomenon can be observed when comets approach the sun and become active and individual molecular emission spectra can be observed in the IR [1,2,3,4,5]. When this occurs in comets, the same species that initially emit radiation down to the ground state are free to absorb it, reducing the amount of detectable emission features. The nature of our technique results in absorption not occurring, because the laser pulse could easily be moved away form the initial desorption plume, and still have better spatial resolution then reflectance spectroscopy. In reflectance spectroscopy, trace components have a relatively weak signal when compared to the entire active nature of the surface. With LDIR, the emission spectrum is used to identify and analyze surface materials.

Laser Desorption-Infrared Spectroscopy↗
DOE OSTI2020

Evaluation of analytical performance of double pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for the detection of rare earth elements

Double pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (DP-LIBS) in collinear configuration was demonstrated to enhance the signal intensity of three rare earth elements (REEs), Eu, Gd, Pr, and Y (Yttrium is included because of its similar chemical properties and occurrence in similar deposits as REE). Significant enhancement in spectral signals of all elements was observed with an aid of second laser. Two laser pulses of 1064 nm wavelength were employed in collinear geometry on the Pr 2 O 3 , Eu 2 O 3 , Gd 2 O 3 , and Y 2 O 3 pellets to obtain emission spectra. For selected strong emission lines of Eu and Gd signal enhancement was found to be 3 to 7-fold and that for Y and Pr lines was observed to be 3 to 13-fold compared to single-pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (SP-LIBS). Role of inter-pulse delay between two pulses in DP-LIBS was found to be very crucial. Furthermore, while comparing selected ionic and neutral lines, ionic lines were found to have larger signal enhancement in DP-LIBS at the experimental conditions used in this study.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
NASA NTRS1992

Optical remote measurement of toxic gases

Enactment of the Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) of 1990 has resulted in increased ambient air monitoring needs for industry, some of which may be met efficiently using open-path optical remote sensing techniques. These techniques include Fourier transform spectroscopy, differential optical absorption spectroscopy, laser long-path absorption, differential absorption lidar, and gas cell correlation spectroscopy. With this regulatory impetus, it is an opportune time to consider applying these technologies to the remote and/or path-averaged measurement and monitoring of toxic gases covered by the CAAA. This article reviews the optical remote sensing technology and literature for that application.

Review↗
DOE OSTI2021

Uranium corrosion characterization by handheld laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

In this study, a commercial-off-the-shelf handheld laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy system was modified, calibrated and tested for discrimination between uranium oxide and uranium hydride when assessing uranium corrosion products. Operating parameters, system modifications, and onboard data analysis were developed to accomplish the analytical task. This work represents the first laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy analysis of bulk uranium hydride, a pyrophoric material, within an inert glovebox. Finally, the work shown here illustrates a rapid identification technique for uranium corrosion types from pure UO 2 or U 3 O 8 to pure UH 3 .

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗