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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 235 records · Page 13
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1995

B-ISBN Onboard Processing Fast Packet Switch Developed

Future satellite communications applications will require a packet-switched onboard satellite processing system to route packets at very high speeds from uplink beams to different downlink beams. The rapid emergence of point-to-multipoint services, and the important role of satellites in a national and global information infrastructure, makes the multicast function essential to a fast packet switch (FPS). NASA Lewis Research Center's Digital System Technology Branch has been studying possible architectures for high-speed onboard-processing satellite systems. As part of this research, COMSAT Laboratories developed a broadband integrated services digital network (B-ISDN) fast packet switch for Lewis that was delivered on December 1994. The fast packet switch consists of eight inputs and eight outputs that can receive and transmit data, respectively, at a rate of 155 Mbps. The switch features multiple priorities (three) and multiple-size (three) satellite virtual cells that are similar to ATM cells in length (52 bytes). In addition, the fast packet switch features a congestion-control algorithm that allows users to set different thresholds for individual destination ports, thus throttling back the traffic from the transmitting port.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1993

Technical support for digital systems technology development. Task order 1: ISP contention analysis and control

Alternatives for realizing a packet-based network switch for use on a frequency division multiple access/time division multiplexed (FDMA/TDM) geostationary communication satellite were investigated. Each of the eight downlink beams supports eight directed dwells. The design needed to accommodate multicast packets with very low probability of loss due to contention. Three switch architectures were designed and analyzed. An output-queued, shared bus system yielded a functionally simple system, utilizing a first-in, first-out (FIFO) memory per downlink dwell, but at the expense of a large total memory requirement. A shared memory architecture offered the most efficiency in memory requirements, requiring about half the memory of the shared bus design. The processing requirement for the shared-memory system adds system complexity that may offset the benefits of the smaller memory. An alternative design using a shared memory buffer per downlink beam decreases circuit complexity through a distributed design, and requires at most 1000 packets of memory more than the completely shared memory design. Modifications to the basic packet switch designs were proposed to accommodate circuit-switched traffic, which must be served on a periodic basis with minimal delay. Methods for dynamically controlling the downlink dwell lengths were developed and analyzed. These methods adapt quickly to changing traffic demands, and do not add significant complexity or cost to the satellite and ground station designs. Methods for reducing the memory requirement by not requiring the satellite to store full packets were also proposed and analyzed. In addition, optimal packet and dwell lengths were computed as functions of memory size for the three switch architectures.

Stehle, Roy H.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Charge-exchange losses of beam ions in MAST Upgrade: experiments and modelling

Dedicated experiments were performed on MAST Upgrade to study beam-ion losses caused by charge exchange (CX) with edge neutrals. The fuelling was switched from the high-field side to the low-field side mid-discharge. Direct measurements suggest a strong increase in the neutral density around the plasma and a decrease in the beam-ion density, which is qualitatively explained by CX losses. Measurements by a resistive bolometer have suggested particle bombardment during neutral beam injection, providing a unique opportunity to separate CX from other loss mechanisms. To verify and quantify CX losses, the orbit-following code ASCOT, which accounts both for CX neutralization and reionization, was used to simulate beam-particle power loads on the bolometer. Simulations reproduce measured bolometer power loads during high-field-side fuelling, verifying CX losses of approximately 10% of the off-axis beam power. Toroidally symmetric simulations overestimate power loads on the bolometer during low-field-side fuelling, which is explained by toroidal asymmetry in the neutral density distribution, as is demonstrated by toroidally asymmetric simulations. Results suggest significantly higher CX losses during low-field-side fuelling, up to about 50% of off-axis beam power.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1990

Data distribution satellite system architecture concept

This paper describes a future communications satellite system architecture concept called the Data Distribution Satellite (DDS). The DDS is envisioned as a new system to be used as an adjunct to TDRS/TDAS for distributing new NASA science data throughout the U.S. as well as internationally. The DDS would also provide networking capability for interchange of science database files among science users and NASA archive depositories. Experimenters would be able to access and control their experimental packages remotely, relieving astronaut workload. This paper gives a conceptual system design based on year 1995 technology. Features of the design include use of Ku and Ka-bands, use of fixed spot beams, 2 Gb/s throughput, and on-board demodulation and switching. The satellite dry mass is 1,300 kg and end-of-life power is 4 kW.

Price, Kent M.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Interplanetary Microlaser Transponders

The feasibility of an asynchronous (i.e. independently firing) interplanetary laser transponder, capable of ranging between Earth and Mars and using the automated SLR2000 Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) system as an Earth base station, has been suggested. Since that time, we have received a small amount of discretionary funding to further explore the transponder concept and to develop and test an engineering breadboard. Candidate operational scenarios for acquiring and tracking the opposite laser terminal over interplanetary distances have been developed, and breadboard engineering parameters were chosen to reflect the requirements of an Earth-Mars link Laboratory tests have been devised to simulate the Earth- Mars link between two independent SLR2000 transceivers and to demonstrate the transfer of range and time in single photon mode. The present paper reviews the concept of the asynchronous microlaser transponder, the transponder breadboard design, an operational scenario recently developed for an asteroid rendezvous, and the laboratory test setup. The optical head of the transponder breadboard fits within a cylinder roughly 15 cm in diameter and 32 cm in length and is mounted in a commercial two axis gimbal driven by two computer-controlled stepper motors which allows the receiver optical axis to be centered on a simulated Earth image. The optical head is built around a small optical bench which supports a 14.7 cm diameter refractive telescope, a prototype 2 kHz SLR2000 microlaser transmitter, a quadrant microchannel plate photomultiplier (MCP/PMT), a CCD array camera, spatial and spectral filters, assorted lenses and mirrors, and protective covers and sun shields. The microlaser is end-pumped by a fiber-coupled diode laser array. An annular mirror is employed as a passive transmit/receive (T/R) switch in an aperture-sharing arrangement wherein the transmitted beam passes through the central hole and illuminates only the central 2.5 cm of the common telescope (adequate to achieve a 10 arcsecond full laser beam divergence) while the receiver uses the remainder of the 14.7 cm aperture. Additional electronic instrumentation includes the diode pump array and associated heat sink and current drivers, rubidium frequency standard, timing distribution module, range gate generator, a recently developed all-digital correlation range receiver, and system computer. Acquisition of the opposite transponder terminal requires a search within a three-dimensional volume determined by the initial pointing uncertainty and a maximum 500 microsecond uncertainty in the laser time of fire at the opposite terminal for totally uncorrelated Earth and spacecraft clocks. The angular search is aided by a sensitive CCD array capable of imaging the Earth, Moon, and surrounding stars within the nominal + 0.5 degree cone of uncertainty associated with the initial pointing of a spacecraft body or microwave communications dish.

Degnan, John J.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Mitigation of Beam Losses in LANSCE Linear Accelerator

Suppression of beam losses is essential for successful operation of high-intensity accelerator facility. The LANSCE accelerator started routine operation in 1972 as a 0.8 MW average proton beam power facility for meson physics research, and delivered highpower beam for a quarter century. The accelerator currently delivers 100 MeV proton beam to Isotope Production Facility (IPF) and 800 MeV H- beams to various experimental areas. The accelerator is equipped with two independent injectors for H + and H - beams, merging at the entrance of a 201.25 MHz Drift Tube Linac (DTL). The DTL performs acceleration up to the energy of 100 MeV. After the DTL, the Transition Region beamline directs a 100 MeV proton beam to the Isotope Production Facility, while the H - beam is accelerated up to the final energy of 800 MeV in an 805- MHz Coupled Cavity Linac. The H - beams, created with different time structure by a lowenergy chopper, are distributed in the Switch Yard (SY) to four experimental areas: the Lujan Neutron Scattering Center equipped with a Proton Storage Ring (PSR), the Weapons Neutron Research facility (WNR), the Proton Radiography facility (pRad), and the Ultra-Cold Neutron facility (UCN). Multi-beam operation requires careful control of accelerator tune to minimize beam losses. In this paper we review main effects affecting beam losses in LANSCE linear accelerator and discuss methods to reduce them.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Plasma Emission, Wave Speeds, and Temperatures of Laser-Supported Plasmas in Air

A study of the generation and subsequent expansion of plasmas using a single beam (532 nm) from the second harmonic generator of a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is described. The plasmas in air are studied using an intensified charge-coupled device camera over periods of 1000 ns following the laser pulses. The plasma experimental results are interpreted in terms of wave speeds and plasma temperatures. Energy balance equations are considered to estimate the plasma temperatures and the laser-supported radiation (LSR) and the laser-supported detonation (LSD) wave speeds. Within 1000 ns observation time, the circular spectral images turn elliptical because of plasma expansion toward the laser beam. The plasma expansion increases with increasing laser irradiance. A laser irradiance range of [Formula: see text] yields LSR wave speeds between 45 and 170 km/s and LSD wave speeds of 90–130 km/s. The measured wave speeds are compared with the LSR and the LSR wave speed models. The plasma temperatures are between 90,000 and 120,000 K at 15 ns after the laser pulse based on measured emission spectra and are between 640,000 and 760,000 K at 3 ns based on the LSR model.

Engineering↗
NASA NTRS1984

Ultranarrow linewidth, magnetically switched, long pulse, xenon chloride laser

A spectral linewidth of less than 70 fm and diffraction-limited beam divergence have been obtained from a long-pulse, electric-discharge xenon chloride laser with intracavity Fabry-Perot etalons. A gain duration of 100 ns provided for multipass operation of the etalons, significantly improving both contrast and finesse. The electrical-discharge circuit required to produce this long gain duration was comprised of a pulse-forming network, a saturable-inductor magnetic switch, and a tapered constant-impedance interface transmission line.

Pacala, T. J.↗
DOE OSTI2024

What next: Further implosion space exploration on the path to NIF extended yield capability

We present quantitative motivations and assessments of various proposed and ongoing directions to further improving yields and target gain of igniting indirect-drive implosions at the National Ignition Facility (NIF). These include increasing compression and confinement time, improving hohlraum and ablator efficiency, and further increasing peak power and laser energy. 1D hydroscaled simulations, augmented by analytic 1D theory, have been used to project yield improvements for each of these implosion optimization tracks, normalized to the best current performing 4 MJ shot. At current NIF capabilities of 2.2 MJ, 450 TW, we project several paths could reach 15 MJ yield levels. We also expect several key implosion physics questions will be addressed in attempting to reach this yield level. These include demonstrating to what extent lower adiabat designs leading to higher compression will increase gain and efficiency, and whether we can reduce residual kinetic energy and ablator-fuel mix that is probably limiting the current burn-up fraction. For an envisaged NIF upgrade to EL = 3 MJ at fixed 450 TW peak power, scaling capsule size and fuel thicknesses faster than pure hydroscaling should allow for yields that could reach up to 60–80 MJ, depending on the efficiency gains realized in increasing deuterium-tritium fuel thickness, reducing hohlraum losses, and switching to lower Z ablators. The laser-plasma instability and beam transmission scaling in these larger hohlraums is shown to be favorable if the spot size is increased with hohlraum scale.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1974

Laser-actuated mechanical device

Actuator is portable and can be used in high-temperature (over 500 C) environments by incorporating tungsten metal film and quartz window. Actuator can be triggered when it is not directly in laser beam path by utilizing fiber optics. It is advantageous for remotely switching ultra-high voltage systems.

Murphy, A. J.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Nanoscale imaging of He-ion irradiation effects on amorphous TaO x toward electroforming-free neuromorphic functions

Resistive switching in thin films has been widely studied in a broad range of materials. Yet, the mechanisms behind electroresistive switching have been persistently difficult to decipher and control, in part due to their non-equilibrium nature. Here, we demonstrate new experimental approaches that can probe resistive switching phenomena, utilizing amorphous TaO x as a model material system. Specifically, we applied scanning microwave impedance microscopy and cathodoluminescence (CL) microscopy as direct probes of conductance and electronic structure, respectively. These methods provide direct evidence of the electronic state of TaO x despite its amorphous nature. For example, CL identifies characteristic impurity levels in TaO x , in agreement with first principles calculations. We applied these methods to investigate He-ion-beam irradiation as a path to activate conductivity of materials and enable electroforming-free control over resistive switching. However, we find that even though He-ions begin to modify the nature of bonds even at the lowest doses, the films' conductive properties exhibit remarkable stability with large displacement damage and they are driven to metallic states only at the limit of structural decomposition. Finally, we show that electroforming in a nanoscale junction can be carried out with a dissipated power of <20 nW, a much smaller value compared to earlier studies and one that minimizes irreversible structural modifications of the films. Importantly, the multimodal approach described here provides a new framework toward the theory/experiment guided design and optimization of electroresistive materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Manipulating ferroelectric behaviors via electron-beam induced crystalline defects

Ferroelectric nanoplates are attractive for applications in nanoelectronic devices. Defect engineering has been an effective way to control and manipulate ferroelectric properties in nanoscale devices. Defects can act as pinning centers for ferroelectric domain wall motion, altering the switching properties and domain dynamics of ferroelectrics. However, there is a lack of detailed investigation on the interactions between defects and domain walls in ferroelectric nanoplates due to the limitation of previous characterization techniques, which impedes the development of defect engineering in ferroelectric nanodevices. In this study, we applied in situ biasing transmission electron microscopy to explore how dislocation loops, which were judiciously introduced into barium titanate nanoplates via electron beam irradiation, affect the motion of ferroelectric domain walls. The results show that the motion was dramatically suppressed by these localized defects, because of the local strain fields induced by the defects. Additionally, the pinning effect can be further enhanced by multiple domain walls embedded with defect arrays. These results indicate the possibility of manipulating domain switching in ferroelectric nanoplates via the electron beam.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Design and Performance of the Solid-State Laser Trigger System for HERMES III

The HERMES III accelerator is an 18-20 MeV linear induction accelerator constructed at Sandia National Laboratories in the late 1980s and which continues operation to this day. As part of recent modernization efforts, the laser triggering system on the accelerator has been replaced with a newly designed solid-state system. This system consists of ten Nd:YAG lasers, each having a nominal output energy of 40-45 mJ at a wavelength of 266 nm. The beam from each laser is split such that it triggers two of the Rimfire gas switches on the accelerator. Compared to the previous laser triggering system, this arrangement makes it possible to more readily tailor the final output pulse shape, and overall reliability for the accelerator's operation with these new lasers has increased. The design of this new laser triggering system is presented in this paper, along with details pertaining to the energy budgeting, optical beam paths, and electrical triggering of the lasers. Initial operational data from the HERMES III accelerator using this new triggering system is also presented.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Effects of X-Rays, Electron Beam, and Gamma Irradiation on Chemical and Physical Properties of EVA Multilayer Films

Gamma-ray irradiation, using the cobalt-60 isotope, is the most common radiation modality used for medical device and biopharmaceutical products sterilization. Although X-ray and electron-beam (e-beam) sterilization technologies are mature and have been in use for decades, impediments remain to switching to these sterilization modalities because of lack of data on the resulting radiation effects for the associated polymers, as well as a lack of education for manufacturers and regulators on the viability of these sterilization alternatives. For this study, the compatibility of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) multilayer films with different ionizing radiation sterilization (X-ray, e-beam, and gamma irradiation) is determined by measuring chemical and physical film properties using high performance liquid chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier-Transform InfraRed spectroscopy (FTIR), surface energy measurement, and electron spin resonance techniques. The results indicate that the three irradiation modalities induce no differences in thermal properties in the investigated dose range. Gamma and X-Ray irradiations generate the same level of reactive species in the EVA multilayer film, whereas e-beam generates a reduced quantity of reactive species.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1990

A generalized transmultiplexer and its application to mobile satellite communications

A generalization of digital transmultiplexer technology is presented. The proposed method can realize transmultiplexer (TMUX) and transdemultiplexer (TDUX) filter banks whose element filters have bandwidths greater than the channel spacing frequency. This feature is useful in many communications applications. As an example, a satellite switched (SS) Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) system is proposed for spot beam satellite communications, particularly for mobile satellite communications.

Ichiyoshi, Osamu↗
NASA NTRS1994

Fault tolerance in space-based digital signal processing and switching systems: Protecting up-link processing resources, demultiplexer, demodulator, and decoder

Fault tolerance features in the first three major subsystems appearing in the next generation of communications satellites are described. These satellites will contain extensive but efficient high-speed processing and switching capabilities to support the low signal strengths associated with very small aperture terminals. The terminals' numerous data channels are combined through frequency division multiplexing (FDM) on the up-links and are protected individually by forward error-correcting (FEC) binary convolutional codes. The front-end processing resources, demultiplexer, demodulators, and FEC decoders extract all data channels which are then switched individually, multiplexed, and remodulated before retransmission to earth terminals through narrow beam spot antennas. Algorithm based fault tolerance (ABFT) techniques, which relate real number parity values with data flows and operations, are used to protect the data processing operations. The additional checking features utilize resources that can be substituted for normal processing elements when resource reconfiguration is required to replace a failed unit.

Redinbo, Robert↗