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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 NTRSDate not supplied

200 Gbps TBIRD CubeSat Downlink: Pre-Flight Test Results

The Terabyte Infrared Delivery (TBIRD) program will establish an optical communication link from a 6Unanosatellite in low-Earth orbit to a ground station at burst rates up to 200 Gbps. The system is capable of reliable data delivery from a 2 TB storage buffer on the payload to a ground terminal in the presence of atmospheric fading. An overview of the communication architecture for TBIRD is provided as well as results from communications performance testing of the 3U lasercom payload prior to spacecraft integration. Launch is scheduled for mid-year 2022.

space communications↗
DOE OSTI2022

Evaluation of a novel mid-infrared pyrometer for dynamic material experiments

Dynamic experiments create high-pressure shock waves on the microsecond time scale (or smaller), compressing materials to high pressures and temperatures and enabling the study of material properties at these conditions. Other dynamic studies use quasi-isentropic compression to produce similar high pressures at much lower temperatures. High pressure experiments performed on dynamic platforms such as gas-guns, laser, and pinch machines generate up to several hundred GPa in the sample pressure conditions12. Related static studies include diamond anvil cells, which obtain high pressures and have extremely high precision, but are most often conducted at room temperature or modest temperature increases (often <2000K). By combining these methods, material properties across a wide range of thermodynamic conditions can be probed, and a high quality equation of state (EOS) constructed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Two-color-driven enhanced high-order harmonic generation in solids

We theoretically investigate the emission of high-harmonic (HH) radiation in model crystals by bichromatic few-cycle driving pulses that are composed as the phase-coherent superposition of a mid-infrared fundamental pulse and its second harmonic. Adjusting the model-crystal parameters to reproduce the lowest band gap of MgO, we examine the extent to which distinct domains of the HH spectrum can be controlled and enhanced by tuning the temporal profile of the bichromatic driving laser electric field. We change the driving-pulse shape by varying its fundamental-versus-second-harmonic pulse amplitude ratio and delay, while keeping the energy of the driving laser pulse fixed. For suitable amplitude ratios and delays, we find an up to fivefold enhancement of the spectral HH yield and significant shifts of the HH cutoff frequency.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1991

Corona-producing cirrus cloud properties derived from polarization lidar and photographic analyses

Polarization lidar data are used to demonstrate that clouds composed of hexagonal ice crystals can generate multiple-ringed colored coronas. Although relatively uncommon in the mid-latitude cirrus sample, the coronas are associated with unusual cloud conditions that appear to be effective in generating the displays. Invariably, the cirrus cloud tops are located at or slightly above elevated tropopauses at temperatures between -60 and -70 C. The cloud top region also generates relatively strong laser backscattering and unusually high 0.5-0.7 linear depolarization ratios. Color photograph analysis of corona ring angles indicates crystals with mean diameters of from 12 to 30 microns. The cirrus cloud types were mainly subvisual to thin cirrostratus, but also included fibrous cirrus. Estimated cloud optical thicknesses at the 0.694-micron laser wavelength ranged from about 0.001 to 0.2, where the upper limit reflects the effects of multiple scattering and/or unfavorable changes in particle characteristics in deep cirrus clouds.

Sassen, Kenneth↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Lunar Laser Ranging in the Artemis Era

The retroreflector arrays placed on the lunar surface by the Apollo astronauts and the Soviet Luna missions continue to contribute to our understanding of gravitational physics, Earth and Moon geophysics, geodesy, and dynamics. The key science questions addressed by Lunar Laser Ranging remain very relevant today: What is the interior structure of the Moon? Is the Equivalence Principle exact? Does the strength of gravity vary with space and time? What is the nature of spacetime? Do extra dimensions or other new physics alter the inverse square law of gravity? The lunar retroreflectors are also an essential component of the realizations of the lunar reference frames. The half-century old lunar retroreflectors continue to provide excellent ranging targets but are showing signs of degradation and the measurement error associated with their physical size and varying tilt is becoming a limitation in the quest for more precise range measurements. In addition, the clustering of the arrays in the mid-latitudes of the Moon limits their geometrical strength and coverage. The south polar region planned for Artemis presents an ideal opportunity for improving the geometric distribution. Retroreflectors utilizing a large optical cross-section single cube corner do not have tilt error associated with the existing arrays making them good options for lunar deployment. Several new retroreflectors of this type are being prepared for upcoming Commercial Lunar Payload Services missions as well as Artemis. This presentation will discuss NASA’s plans for expanding the lunar laser ranging capabilities with a focus on the Artemis Lunar Laser Retroreflector.

Stephen Merkowitz↗
DOE OSTI2020

Single-Cell Metabolic Profiling: Metabolite Formulas from Isotopic Fine Structures in Heterogeneous Plant Cell Populations

Characterization of the metabolic heterogeneity in cell populations requires the analysis of single cells. Most current methods in single-cell analysis rely on cell manipulation, potentially altering the abundance of metabolites in individual cells. Small sample volume and the chemical diversity of metabolites are additional challenges in single-cell metabolomics. Here, we describe the combination of fiber-based laser ablation electrospray ionization (f-LAESI) with 21 tesla Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (21TFTICR-MS) for in situ single-cell metabolic profiling in plant tissue. Single plant cells infected by bacteria were selected and sampled directly from the tissue without cell manipulation through mid-infrared ablation with a fine optical fiber tip for ionization by f-LAESI. Finally, ultrahigh performance 21T-FTICR-MS enabled the simultaneous capture of isotopic fine structures (IFSs) for 47 known and 11 unknown compounds, thus elucidating their elemental compositions from single cells, and providing information on metabolic heterogeneity in the cell population.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2020

High-power few-cycle Cr:ZnSe mid-infrared source for attosecond soft x-ray physics

The development of mid-infrared, high-energy pulses of extremely short pulse duration is of great importance to the strong-field physics community, as it enables extension of the high-harmonic cutoff towards the keV range of photon energies. Here we demonstrate a C r 2 + : Z n S e laser amplifier delivering 7 mJ, 100 fs pulses at 1 kHz repetition rate and 2.4 µm central wavelength with excellent energy stability and beam quality. These pulses are post-compressed to 39 fs, 6.2 mJ, and 115 GW peak power in a novel nonlinear compression scheme. The laser system was used to generate coherent soft x-ray radiation up to 0.6 keV covering the entire water window, which is of high importance for bio-relevant applications. The obtained results open a wide range of applications in nonlinear optics, attosecond and strong-field physics, and remote sensing.

Leshchenko, Vyacheslav E. (ORCID:0000000199708559)↗
NASA NTRS2001

Polar Cirrus Cloud Properties Through Long-Term Lidar and Radiometer Observations

In comparison to mid latitude cloud cover, knowledge of polar cirrus and other cloud cover is limited. The interpretations of satellite-based cloud imaging and retrievals in polar regions have major problems due to factors such as darkness and extreme low temperatures. Beginning in 2002 a NASA orbiting lidar instrument, GLAS, (Geoscience Laser Altimeter System) will unambiguously define cloud type and fraction with good coverage of polar regions. Active laser sensing gives the spatial and temporal distribution of clouds and diamond dust. In preparation for, and supplementing the GLAS measurements are ground based MP (micro pulse) lidar experiments providing continuous profiling. MP lidar installations have been operating at the South Pole since December 1999 and at the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) program arctic site since 1996. Both at the ARM Barrow, Alaska site and at the South Pole station, Fourier-transform interferometers also observe clouds in the wavelength intervals between approximately 5 and 18 microns. Spectral instruments can yield cloud microphysical properties with additional information from lidar about the vertical extent of clouds being modeled. We examine the simultaneous lidar and spectral data from both Barrow and South Pole, to obtain cloud properties (optical depth, particle size) by the use of both instruments. The results have applications to interpretation of current satellite data, and GLAS measurements when available.

Spinhirne, James↗
NASA NTRS1997

Development of a Photon Counting System for Differential Lidar Signal Detection

Photon counting has been chosen as a means to extend the detection range of current airborne DIAL ozone measurements. Lidar backscattered return signals from the on and off-line lasers experience a significant exponential decay. To extract further data from the decaying ozone return signals, photon counting will be used to measure the low light levels, thus extending the detection range. In this application, photon counting will extend signal measurement where the analog return signal is too weak. The current analog measurement range is limited to approximately 25 kilometers from an aircraft flying at 12 kilometers. Photon counting will be able to exceed the current measurement range so as to follow the mid-latitude model of ozone density as a function of height. This report describes the development of a photon counting system. The initial development phase begins with detailed evaluation of individual photomultiplier tubes. The PMT qualities investigated are noise count rates, single electron response peaks, voltage versus gain values, saturation effects, and output signal linearity. These evaluations are followed by analysis of two distinctive tube base gating schemes. The next phase is to construct and operate a photon counting system in a laboratory environment. The laboratory counting simulations are used to determine optimum discriminator setpoints and to continue further evaluations of PMT properties. The final step in the photon counting system evaluation process is the compiling of photon counting measurements on the existing ozone DIAL laser system.

Elsayed-Ali, Hani↗
DOE OSTI2021

Cross-beam energy transfer saturation by ion trapping-induced detuning

The performance of direct-drive inertial confinement fusion implosions relies critically on the coupling of laser energy to the target plasma. Cross beam energy transfer (CBET), the resonant exchange of energy between intersecting laser beams mediated by ponderomotively driven ion-acoustic waves (IAW), inhibits this coupling by scattering light into unwanted directions. Furthermore, the variety of beam intersection angles and varying plasma conditions in an implosion results in IAWs with a range of phase velocities. Here we show that CBET saturates through a resonance detuning that depends on the IAW phase velocity and that results from trapping-induced modifications to the ion distribution functions. For smaller phase velocities, the modifications to the distribution functions can rapidly thermalize in the presence of mid-Z ions, leading to a blueshift in the resonant frequency. For larger phase velocities, the modifications can persist, leading to a redshift in the resonant frequency. Ultimately, these results may reveal pathways towards CBET mitigation and inform reduced models for radiation hydrodynamics codes to improve their predictive capability.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1984

Preliminary design of two Space Shuttle fluid physics experiments

The mid-deck lockers of the STS and the requirements for operating an experiment in this region are described. The design of the surface tension induced convection and the free surface phenomenon experiments use a two locker volume with an experiment unique structure as a housing. A manual mode is developed for the Surface Tension Induced Convection experiment. The fluid is maintained in an accumulator pre-flight. To begin the experiment, a pressurized gas drives the fluid into the experiment container. The fluid is an inert silicone oil and the container material is selected to be comparable. A wound wire heater, located axisymmetrically above the fluid can deliver three wattages to a spot on the fluid surface. These wattages vary from 1-15 watts. Fluid flow is observed through the motion of particles in the fluid. A 5 mw He/Ne laser illuminates the container. Scattered light is recorded by a 35mm camera. The free surface phenomena experiment consists of a trapezoidal cell which is filled from the bottom. The fluid is photographed at high speed using a 35mm camera which incorporated the entire cell length in the field of view. The assembly can incorporate four cells in one flight. For each experiment, an electronics block diagram is provided. A control panel concept is given for the surface induced convection. Both experiments are within the mid-deck locker weight and c-g limits.

Gat, N.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Gold L-shell emission spectroscopy as a temperature diagnostic in laser-driven experiments

Measurements of plasma conditions within gold hohlraums are challenging but provide important information about hohlraum energy transport. To date, there are no reliable passive diagnostic approaches that produce information about the hohlraum plasma conditions. Gold L-shell emission spectroscopy is a promising method to measure the electron temperature in multi-keV gold hohlraum plasmas. In this study, we compare time-resolved measurements of gold L-shell spectra against a more conventional electron temperature-sensitive diagnostic, K-shell emission from zinc, a mid-Z dopant. The Au L-shell and Zn K-shell spectra are taken simultaneously. The analysis of both sets of data exhibits good agreement with a singular rad-hydro model, suggesting a similar evolution in the mean electron temperature of the hohlraum plasma. These findings support the use of L-shell spectroscopy of gold as a method to study gold plasma conditions.

Emission spectroscopy↗
NASA NTRS2022

Simulated Lunar Surface Hydration Measurements using Multispectral Lidar at 3 µm

Accurately measuring the variability of spectroscopic signatures of hydration (H2O + OH) on the illuminated lunar surface at 3 µm as a function of latitude, lunar time of day, and composition is crucial to determining the generation and destruction mechanisms of OH species and understanding the global water cycle. A prime complication in analysis of the spectroscopic feature is the accurate removal of thermal emission, which can modify or even eliminate the hydration feature depending on the data processing methods used and assumptions made. An orbital multispectral lidar, with laser illumination at key diagnostic wavelengths, would provide uniform, zero-phase geometry, complete latitude and time of day coverage from a circular polar orbit, and is agnostic to the thermal state of the surface. We have performed measurement simulations of a four-wavelength multispectral lidar using spectral mixtures of hydrated mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB) glasses and lunar regolith endmembers to assess the lidar performance in measuring hydration signatures on the lunar surface. Our results show a feasible system with wavelengths at 1.5 µm, 2.65 µm, 2.8 µm, and 3.1 µm can measure lunar hydration with a precision of 52 ppm (1σ) or better. These results, combined with the uniform measurement capabilities of multispectral lidar make it a valuable spectroscopic technique for elucidating mechanisms of OH/H2O generation, migration, and destruction.

D. R. Cremons↗
DOE OSTI2026

Plasma screening in mid-charged ions observed by K-shell line emission

Dense plasma environment affects the electronic structure of ions via variations of the microscopic electrical fields, also known as plasma screening. This effect can be either estimated by simplified analytical models, or by computationally expensive and to date unverified numerical calculations. We have experimentally quantified plasma screening from the energy shifts of the bound-bound transitions in matter driven by the x-ray free electron laser (XFEL). This was enabled by identification of detailed electronic configurations of the observed Kα, Kβ and Kγ lines. This work paves the way for improving plasma screening models including connected effects like ionization potential depression and continuum lowering, which will advance the understanding of atomic physics in the Warm Dense Matter regime.

Physics - Plasma physics↗
NASA NTRS1994

Intrusions into the lower stratospheric Arctic vortex during the winter of 1991-1992

Investigations of the kinematics of the lower stratospheric Arctic vortex during the winter of 1991-1992 using the contour advection with surgery technique reveal three distinct events in which there was substantial intrusion of midlatitude air into the vortex, in apparent contradiction of the view that the polar vortex constitutes an isolated air mass. Two of these events, in late January and mid-February, were well documented. They were predicted in high-resolution forecasts by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, most clearly in experimental forecasts with reduced diffusion. Direct confirmation of the presence of the intrusions and of their calculated locations was provided by aerosol observations from the airborne differential absorption laser lidar aboard the NASA DC-8, taken as part of the second Airborne Arctic Stratospheric Expedition campaign; aerosol-rich air of midlatitude origin was seen in the expected position of the intrusions. The reality of the February event was also confirmed by in situ measurements from the NASA ER-2. Such events may be significant for the chemical processes taking place within the winter vortex. The intrusions were evidently related to the meteorology of the northern stratosphere during this winter and in particular to persistent tropospheric blocking over the northeastern Atlantic Ocean and western Europe and concomitant ridging into the lower stratospheric vortex in this region. Nevertheless, preliminary investigations have indicated that such events are not uncommon in other northern hemisphere winters, although no such events were found in the southern hemisphere during the Antarctic winter of 1987.

Plumb, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS2020

Excess Heat Capacity in Mo/Au Transition Edge Sensor Bolometric Detectors

Excessheat capacity in a bolometric detector has the consequence of increasing or leading to multiple device time con-stants.The Mo/Au bilayer transition edge sensor (TES) bolo-metric detectors intended for the high resolution mid-infrared spectrometer (HIRMES) have two response time, one of which is a few times longer than that estimated from materials used in the design. The relative contribution of this settling time to the overall time response of the detectors is roughly proportional with the pixel area, which ranges between ~0.3 and 2.6 mm2.Use of laser ablation to remove sections of the silicon membranes comprising the pixels results in a detector response with a smaller contribution from the secondary time constant.Additional information about the nature of this excess heat capacity is gleaned from glancing in-cidence x-ray diffraction, which reveals the presence of molyb-denum silicides near the silicon surface from the bi-layer deposi-tion.Quantitative analysis of the concentration of excess molyb-denum, estimated with secondary ion mass spectroscopy, is com-mensurate to the additional heat capacity needed to explain the anomalous time response of the detectors.

HIRMES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Thermal Equations of State of Magnesite: Implication for the Complex Mid‐Lower Mantle Seismic Scatterers

Abstract Magnesite (MgCO 3 ) entering the lower mantle together with the subducted oceanic crust is an important carbon carrier. The reaction between magnesite and mantle minerals has been documented, but its influence on the density and velocity profiles of lower mantle remains unexplored. To decipher the deep carbon transportation and its associated effect, here we determined the thermal equations of state of magnesite up to 120 GPa and 2600 K using X‐ray diffraction in laser‐heated diamond anvil cells. The obtained thermal elastic parameters of magnesite facilitated a comprehensive understanding on the influence of magnesite‐SiO 2 reaction, variation of carbon and SiO 2 content, and temperature on the origin of lower‐mantle scatterers at 1,000–1,800 km depth. Our modeling revealed that the depth of the lower‐mantleV S scatterers is mainly controlled by the Al 2 O 3 content in SiO 2 , while its magnitude depends on the SiO 2 content. Along normal geotherm, the magnesite‐SiO 2 reaction would occur before the post‐stishovite transition, consuming substantial SiO 2 in the subducted oceanic crust. Depending on the amount of residual SiO 2 , the post‐stishovite transition can produce a 2.5–5.2 (2)%V S reduction, compatible with the observed seismic scatterers in Izu‐Bonin and Mariana subduction zones. Along slab geotherm, this reaction occurs after the post‐stishovite transition, generating a greaterV S reduction of 4.4–6.4 (4)%. We thus propose that the reaction between sinking MgCO 3 and SiO 2 in the slab is one of the potential factors influencing the magnitude of the lower‐Vs scatterers at 1,000–1,900 km depth. Our results provide new insights into the deep‐mantle carbonate transportation influencing regional geophysics.

Geochemistry & Geophysics↗
DOE OSTI2026

Redefining precision interferometry and spectroscopy with high-performance optical interference coatings

High-performance optical interference coatings have transformed precision interferometry and spectroscopy by enabling unparalleled control over light–matter interactions. This review explores recent innovations in ion-beam sputtered amorphous dielectric, as well as substrate-transferred crystalline coatings, and their impact on systems at the forefront of precision metrology. These state-of-the-art coating techniques generate multilayers with ultralow optical losses, yielding mirrors with exceptional reflectivity. Refinements in their noise performance push the ultimate limits of sensitivity, resolution, and stability in demanding laser-based metrology applications. These technologies underpin the most advanced timekeeping and spatial measurement tools, enabling high-finesse reference cavities for the world’s most precise optical atomic clocks and low-noise reflective test masses for km-baseline gravitational-wave detectors. Emerging hybrid designs combining these techniques expand access to the mid-infrared spectral region, enabling the first ultralow-optical-loss coatings in the 3000–5000 nm wavelength range for enhanced spectroscopy and trace-gas detection. We highlight how these technologies redefine coating performance metrics and set new benchmarks in quantum science, fundamental physics, and precision optical sensing.

Cole, Garrett D. [University of Arizona, Tucson, A↗