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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 NTRS1994

Numerical aperture limits on efficient ball lens coupling of laser diodes to single-mode fibers with defocus to balance spherical aberration

The potential capabilities and limitations of single ball lenses for coupling laser diode radiation to single-mode optical fibers have been analyzed; parameters important to optical communications were specifically considered. These parameters included coupling efficiency, effective numerical apertures, lens radius, lens refractive index, wavelength, magnification in imaging the laser diode on the fiber, and defocus to counterbalance spherical aberration of the lens. Limiting numerical apertures in object and image space were determined under the constraint that the lens perform to the Rayleigh criterion of 0.25-wavelength (Strehl ratio = 0.80). The spherical aberration-defocus balance to provide an optical path difference of 0.25 wavelength units was shown to define a constant coupling efficiency (i.e., 0.56). The relative numerical aperture capabilities of the ball lens were determined for a set of wavelengths and associated fiber-core diameters of particular interest for single-mode fiber-optic communication. The results support general continuing efforts in the optical fiber communications industry to improve coupling links within such systems with emphasis on manufacturing simplicity, system packaging flexibility, relaxation of assembly alignment tolerances, cost reduction of opto-electronic components and long term reliability and stability.

Wilson, R. Gale↗
NASA NTRS2000

Far Ultraviolet Imaging from the Image Spacecraft: Wideband FUV Imaging - 2

The Far Ultraviolet Wideband Imaging Camera (WIC) complements the magnetospheric images taken by the IMAGE satellite instruments with simultaneous global maps of the terrestrial aurora. Thus, a primary requirement of WIC is to image the total intensity of the aurora in wavelength regions most representative of the aurora] source and least contaminated by dayglow, have sufficient field of view to cover the entire polar region from spacecraft apogee and have resolution that is Sufficient to resolve auroras on a scale of 1 to 2 latitude degrees, The instrument is sensitive in the spectral region from 140- 190 nm. The WIC is mounted on the rotating, IMAGE spacecraft viewing radially outward and has a field of view of 17 deg in the direction parallel to the spacecraft spin axis. Its field of view is 30 deg in the direction perpendicular to the spin axis, although only a 17 deg x 17 deg image of the Earth is recorded. The optics was an all-reflective, inverted Cassegrain Burch camera using concentric optics with a small convex primary and a large concave secondary mirror. The mirrors were coated by a special multi-layer coating, which has low reflectivity in the visible and near UV region, The detector consists of a MCP-Intensified CCD. The MCP is curved to accommodate the focal surface of the concentric optics. Tile phosphor of the image intensifier is deposited on a concave fiberoptic window, which is then Coupled to the CCD with a fiberoptic taper. The camera head operates in a fast frame transfer mode with the CCD being read approximately 30 full frames (512 by 256 pixel) per second with an exposure time of 0.033 s. The image motion (file to the satellite spin is minimal during such a short exposure. Each image is electronically distortion corrected using the look up table scheme. An offset is added to each memory address that is proportional to the image shift due to satellite rotation, and the charge signal is digitally summed in memory. On orbit, approximately 300 frames will be added to produce one WIC image in memory. The advantage of the electronic motion compensation and distortion correction is that it is extremely flexible, permitting several kinds of corrections including motions parallel and perpendicular to the predicted axis of rotation. File instrument was calibrated by applying ultraviolet light through a vacuum monochromator and measuring the absolute responsivity of the instrument. To obtain the data for the distortion look up table the camera was turned through various angles and the input angles corresponding to a pixel matrix were recorded. It was found that the spectral response peaked at 150 nm and fell off in either direction. The equivalent aperture of the camera, including mirror reflectivities and effective photocathode quantum efficiency, is about 0.04 sq cm. Thus, a 100 Rayleigh LBH aurora is expected to produce 23 equivalent counts per pixel per 10 s exposure at the peak of instrument response.

Mende, S. B.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Frameshifting Stimulatory Sequence Induces Large Structural Change of Ribosomal Proteins When Bound to E. coli Ribosomes

Biological macromolecular machines occupy a continuum of structural conformations to perform cellular tasks. Mapping this conformational space provides an insight into its functionality. While the cryo-electron microscopy resolution revolution has expanded our ability to characterize the conformational continuums, there are obstacles in structurally characterizing regions of high flexibility. These technical barriers have impeded characterization of flexible ribosomal proteins when the ribosome is interacting with mRNA stem-loop structures such as a frameshifting stimulatory sequence (FSS). Small-angle neutron/X-ray scattering and electron microscopy were used to study ribosomal samples and compared structural differences between a ribosome that is bound to an FSS stem-loop compared to a ribosome bound to linear mRNA. This comparison shows that a large protein stalk elongates by 22% when the 70S interacts with an mRNA stem-loop. Finally, our results suggest that ribosomal proteins have extensive flexibility and may influence important ribosomal mechanisms, such as those that involve FSS.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS2006

Universal Controller for Spacecraft Mechanisms

An electronic control unit has been fabricated and tested that can be replicated as a universal interface between the electronic infrastructure of a spacecraft and a brushless-motor (or other electromechanical actuator) driven mechanism that performs a specific mechanical function within the overall spacecraft system. The unit includes interfaces to a variety of spacecraft sensors, power outputs, and has selectable actuator control parameters making the assembly a mechanism controller. Several control topologies are selectable and reconfigurable at any time. This allows the same actuator to perform different functions during the mission life of the spacecraft. The unit includes complementary metal oxide/semiconductor electronic components on a circuit board of a type called rigid flex (signifying flexible printed wiring along with a rigid substrate). The rigid flex board is folded to make the unit fit into a housing on the back of a motor. The assembly has redundant critical interfaces, allowing the controller to perform time-critical operations when no human interface with the hardware is possible. The controller is designed to function over a wide temperature range without the need for thermal control, including withstanding significant thermal cycling, making it usable in nearly all environments that spacecraft or landers will endure. A prototype has withstood 1,500 thermal cycles between 120 and +85 C without significant deterioration of its packaging or electronic function. Because there is no need for thermal control and the unit is addressed through a serial bus interface, the cabling and other system hardware are substantially reduced in quantity and complexity, with corresponding reductions in overall spacecraft mass and cost.

Levanas, Greg↗
NASA NTRS1991

Integrated automation for manufacturing of electronic assemblies

Since 1985, the Naval Ocean Systems Center has been identifying and developing needed technology for flexible manufacturing of hybrid microelectronic assemblies. Specific projects have been accomplished through contracts with manufacturing companies, equipment suppliers, and joint efforts with other government agencies. The resulting technology has been shared through semi-annual meetings with government, industry, and academic representatives who form an ad hoc advisory panel. More than 70 major technical capabilities have been identified for which new development is needed. Several of these developments have been completed and are being shared with industry.

Sampite, T. Joseph↗
NASA NTRS1993

Flexible Weighting-And-Matching Scheme For Incomplete Data

Method for partial matching of data makes conventional electronic memory addressable via its contents. When implemented by suitable algorithm, method enables computer system containing memory to search memory for datum making exact or best approximate match to datum in query. Advantages are: requires neither long "learning" time nor "retraining" when additional data stored and attaches to each datum relative importance that can change with time without decreasing speed of retrieval. Responses include exact or approximate recollection, indications of ambiguity, avoidance, and even forgetfulness.

Wang, Lui↗
DOE OSTI2025

The Effect of Core-Hole Shape on Attosecond Valence Electron Dynamics

Rapid X-ray ionization of a core electron is known to induce the attosecond motion of valence electrons; however, the effect of core-hole shape on the triggered dynamics remains relatively unknown. In this work, the sub-four fs response of prototypical functionalized/heterocyclic/polycyclic molecules was simulated using real-time time-dependent density functional theory (RT-TDDFT), a sudden approximation core-hole, and phenomenologically Auger–Meitner (AM) decay. These molecules included fluorobenzene, chlorobenzene, bromobenzene, phenol, thiophenol, pyridine, phosphorus, and azulene. It is observed that the valence electron dynamics are essentially independent of the core-hole created, provided that it is ionized from an inner-shell orbital and not an inner-valence orbital. This has broad implications for free-electron laser studies of X-ray pumped attosecond processes since the flexibility in edge allows for a wide range of experimental modalities, core-holes with longer AM lifetimes, and molecular targets.

aromatic compounds↗
NASA NTRS1995

Low volume packaging for a microinstrumentation system

A folding, multi-platform assembly has been developed for the packaging of a multi-chip microinstrumentation system. The assembly includes three solid platforms connected by flexible micromachined ribbon cables and it can be populated by sensors and electronics from a variety of technologies including surface mount and integrated circuit (IC) processes. The entire structure is fabricated from a four-inch silicon wafer using a simple four mask process and a post-process EDP etch. The micromachined ribbon cables allow the platform assembly to be folded into a three level structure with control electronics on the bottom level, microsensors and interface electronics on the second level, and sensors that need environmental access on the top level. Using the silicon multi-platform assembly, a prototype microinstrumentation system has been developed that includes a microcontroller unit and sensors for measuring temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, altitude, and acceleration as well as a telemetry device for wireless communication. When folded in the three level structure, this microsystem occupies only 5 cc and can be placed in an outer case the size of a wristwatch.

Mason, A.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Recent Progress in Extreme Environment Durable SiC JFET-R Integrated Circuit Technology

This work updates recent progress made by NASA Glenn Research Center on further advancement of its uniquely durable silicon carbide junction field effect transistor and resistor (SiC JFET-R) integrated circuit (IC) technology since HiTEC 2021. Key fabrication process improvements compared to earlier NASA Glenn IC prototype runs have been ascertained via extensive “back end of line” (BEOL) processing experiments conducted on practice wafers over the past two years. The resulting changes to the BEOL process flow employed in the fabrication of “Generation 12” SiC JFET-R wafers are described. The NASA Glenn SiC JFET-R IC prototype “Generation 12” chipset design realizes significantly higher complexity digital and analog integrated ICs aimed at flexibly implementing a broad variety of mission-enabling extreme-environment electronics demonstrations. SPICE simulations have verified circuit designs ranging from simple amplification of analog sensor signals up through long-duration Venus lander operations and microprocessor-based of electric motor drive.

Silicon Carbide↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Recent Progress in Extreme Environment Durable SiC JFET-R Integrated Circuit Technology

This work updates recent progress made by NASA Glenn Research Center on further advancement of its uniquely durable silicon carbide junction field effect transistor and resistor (SiC JFET-R) integrated circuit (IC) technology since HiTEC 2021. Key fabrication process improvements compared to earlier NASA Glenn IC prototype runs have been ascertained via extensive “back end of line” (BEOL) processing experiments conducted on practice wafers over the past two years. The resulting changes to the BEOL process flow employed in the fabrication of “Generation 12” SiC JFET-R wafers are described. The NASA Glenn SiC JFET-R IC prototype “Generation 12” chipset design realizes significantly higher complexity digital and analog integrated ICs aimed at flexibly implementing a broad variety of mission-enabling extreme-environment electronics demonstrations. SPICE simulations have verified circuit designs ranging from simple amplification of analog sensor signals up through long-duration Venus lander operations and microprocessor-based of electric motor drive.

Silicon Carbide↗
NASA NTRS2023

Recent Progress in Extreme Environment Durable SiC JFET-R Integrated Circuit Technology

This work updates recent progress made by NASA Glenn Research Center on further advancement of its uniquely durable silicon carbide junction field effect transistor and resistor (SiC JFET-R) integrated circuit (IC) technology since HiTEC 2021. Key fabrication process improvements compared to earlier NASA Glenn IC prototype runs have been ascertained via extensive “back end of line” (BEOL) processing experiments conducted on practice wafers over the past two years. The resulting changes to the BEOL process flow employed in the fabrication of “Generation 12” SiC JFET-R wafers are described. The NASA Glenn SiC JFET-R IC prototype “Generation 12” chipset design realizes significantly higher complexity digital and analog integrated ICs aimed at flexibly implementing a broad variety of mission-enabling extreme-environment electronics demonstrations. SPICE simulations have verified circuit designs ranging from simple amplification of analog sensor signals up through long-duration Venus lander operations and microprocessor-based of electric motor drive.

Silicon Carbide↗
NASA NTRS2004

Nano-casted Metal Oxide Aerogels as Dual Purpose Structural Components for Space Exploration

NASA missions and space exploration rely on strong, ultra lightweight materials. Such materials are needed for building up past and present space vehicles such as the Sojourner Rover (1997) or the two MERs (2003), but also for a number of components and/or systems including thermal insulators, Solar Sails, Rigid Aeroshells, and Ballutes. The purpose of my internship here at Glenn Research Center is to make dual purpose materials; materials that in addition to being lightweight have electronic, photophysical and magnetic properties and, therefore, act as electronic components and sensors as well as structural components. One type of ultra lightweight material of great interest is aerogels, which have densities ranging from 0.003 g/cc to 0.8 g/cc . However, aerogels are extremely fragile and, as a result, have limited practical applications. Recently, Glenn Research Center has developed a process of nano-casting polymers onto the inorganic network of silica-based aerogels increasing the strength 300 fold while only increasing the density 3 fold. By combining the process of nano-casting polymers with inorganic oxide networks other than silica, we are actively pursuing lightweight dual purpose materials. To date, thirty different inorganic oxide aerogels have been prepared using either standard sol-gel chemistry or a non-alkoxide method involving metal chloride precursors and an epoxide; epichlorohydrin, propylene oxide or trimethylene oxide, as proton scavengers. More importantly, preliminary investigations show that the residual surface hydroxyl groups on each of these inorganic oxide aerogels can be successfully crosslinked with urethane. In addition to characterizing physical and mechanical properties such as density, strength and flexibility, each of these metal oxide aerogels are being characterized for thermal and electronic conductivity and magnetic and optical properties.

Vassilaras, Plousia E.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Command Generation and Control of Momentum Exchange Electrodynamic Reboost Tethered Satellite

The research completed for this NASA Graduate Student Research Program Fellowship sought to enhance the current state-of-the-art dynamic models and control laws for Momentum Exchange Electrodynamic Reboost satellite systems by utilizing command generation, specifically Input Shaping. The precise control of tethered spacecraft with flexible appendages is extremely difficult. The complexity is magnified many times when the satellite must interact with other satellites as in a momentum exchange via a tether. The Momentum Exchange Electronic Reboost Tether (MXER) concept encapsulates all of these challenging tasks [l]. Input Shaping is a command generation technique that allows flexible spacecraft to move without inducing residual vibration [2], limit transient deflection [3] and utilize fuel-efficient actuation [4]. Input shaping is implemented by convolving a sequence of impulses, known as the input shaper, with a desired system command to produce a shaped input that is then used to drive the system. This process is demonstrated in Figure 1. The shaped command is then use to drive the system without residual vibration while meeting many other performance specifications. The completed work developed tether control algorithms for retrieval. A simple model of the tether response has been developed and command shaping was implemented to minimize unwanted dynamics. A model of a flexible electrodynamic tether has been developed to investigate the tether s response during reboost. Command shaping techniques have been developed to eliminate the tether oscillations and reduce the tether s deflection to pre-specified levels during reboost. Additionally, a model for the spin-up of a tethered system was developed. This model was used in determining the parameters for optimization the resulting angular velocity.

Robertson, Michael J.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Large Area Transfer of Bismuth‐Based Layered Oxide Thin Films Using a Flexible Polymer Transfer Method

Magnetic and ferroelectric oxide thin films have long been studied for their applications in electronics, optics, and sensors. The properties of these oxide thin films are highly dependent on the film growth quality and conditions. To maximize the film quality, epitaxial oxide thin films are frequently grown on single-crystal oxide substrates such as strontium titanate (SrTiO 3 ) and lanthanum aluminate (LaAlO 3 ) to satisfy lattice matching and minimize defect formation. However, these single-crystal oxide substrates cannot readily be used in practical applications due to their high cost, limited availability, and small wafer sizes. One leading solution to this challenge is film transfer. In this demonstration, a material from a new class of multiferroic oxides is selected, namely bismuth-based layered oxides, for the transfer. A water-soluble sacrificial layer of Sr 3 Al 2 O 6 is inserted between the oxide substrate and the film, enabling the release of the film from the original substrate onto a polymer support layer. The films are transferred onto new substrates of silicon and lithium niobate (LiNbO 3 ) and the polymer layer is removed. These substrates allow for the future design of electronic and optical devices as well as sensors using this new group of multiferroic layered oxide films.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS2010

Advanced Avionics and Processor Systems for a Flexible Space Exploration Architecture

The Advanced Avionics and Processor Systems (AAPS) project, formerly known as the Radiation Hardened Electronics for Space Environments (RHESE) project, endeavors to develop advanced avionic and processor technologies anticipated to be used by NASA s currently evolving space exploration architectures. The AAPS project is a part of the Exploration Technology Development Program, which funds an entire suite of technologies that are aimed at enabling NASA s ability to explore beyond low earth orbit. NASA s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) manages the AAPS project. AAPS uses a broad-scoped approach to developing avionic and processor systems. Investment areas include advanced electronic designs and technologies capable of providing environmental hardness, reconfigurable computing techniques, software tools for radiation effects assessment, and radiation environment modeling tools. Near-term emphasis within the multiple AAPS tasks focuses on developing prototype components using semiconductor processes and materials (such as Silicon-Germanium (SiGe)) to enhance a device s tolerance to radiation events and low temperature environments. As the SiGe technology will culminate in a delivered prototype this fiscal year, the project emphasis shifts its focus to developing low-power, high efficiency total processor hardening techniques. In addition to processor development, the project endeavors to demonstrate techniques applicable to reconfigurable computing and partially reconfigurable Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). This capability enables avionic architectures the ability to develop FPGA-based, radiation tolerant processor boards that can serve in multiple physical locations throughout the spacecraft and perform multiple functions during the course of the mission. The individual tasks that comprise AAPS are diverse, yet united in the common endeavor to develop electronics capable of operating within the harsh environment of space. Specifically, the AAPS tasks for the Federal fiscal year of 2010 are: Silicon-Germanium (SiGe) Integrated Electronics for Extreme Environments, Modeling of Radiation Effects on Electronics, Radiation Hardened High Performance Processors (HPP), and and Reconfigurable Computing.

Keys, Andrew S.↗
NASA NTRS1996

The search for materials to mitigate spacecraft charging

As spacecraft orbit the earth, they encounter a variety of particles and radiation. Charged particles are common enough that a spacecraft can collect substantial charges on its surfaces. If these charges are not bled off, they can accumulate until electrostatic discharges occur between a charged surface and some lower-potential location on the craft. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is the suspected culprit in a number of spacecraft failures. Silverized Teflon film has become the standard heat-reflecting outer layer of spacecraft because of its flexibility, chemical inertness, and low volatiles content. However, as spacecraft are designed to operate in orbits with greater probability of accumulating enough ions and electrons to create ESD, the Teflon-based thermal control blankets are becoming a liability. Unless stringent (and sometimes burdensome) shielding measures are taken, ESD can upset delicate electronic systems by upsetting or destroying components, interfering with radio signals, garbling internal instructions, and so on. As orbits become higher and more eccentric, as electronics become more sensitive, and as fault-free operation becomes more crucial, it is becoming necessary to find a replacement for silver/Teflon that has comparable strength, flexibility and chemical inertness, as well as a much lower potential for ESD. This is a report of the steps taken toward the goal of selecting a replacement for silver/Teflon during the Summer of 1995. It is a condensation of a much larger report available on request from the author. Three tasks were undertaken. Task 1 was to specify desirable properties for thermal control blankets. The second task was to collect data on materials properties from the literature and organize into a format useful for identifying candidate materials. The third task was to identify candidate materials and begin testing.

Losure, Nancy S.↗
DOE OSTI2025

WizEM

The software provides a flexible pipeline for artificial intelligence (AI) assisted analysis of data collected from an electron microscope. This tool distinctly provides near real-time image quantification results during data collection, incorporating feedback from a user to tune performance.

Akers, Sarah [Pacific Northwest National Laborator↗