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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
DOE OSTI2025

Directed self-assembly of chiral liquid crystals into biomimetic bouligand structures in thin film

The Bouligand structure, renowned for its helicoidal arrangement and enhanced mechanical properties, has attracted significant research interest for its ability to impart enhanced strength to intrinsically soft materials. Biomimetic approaches have centered on fibrous structures in bulk materials, but translating this architecture into thin-film regime for miniaturized-wearable devices with programmable functions remains challenging. Here, we direct the self-assembly of cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCs) into hierarchical helical structures using chemically patterned surfaces. Alternating surface anchoring regions align uniform lying-down helices at the nanoscale, guiding a secondary microscale helical structure exhibiting both left- and right-handed twists. This mimetic Bouligand structure in CLCs enables optical modulation under applied field and strain with enhanced mechanical response. Simulations reveal the structural evolution from initial Bouligand configuration in LC layers to alternating twist helices. This research provides a basis for designing and manufacturing miniaturized or wearable devices with nanometer-scale precision in regulating electro-optical and mechanical properties. Bouligand structures, which offer strength in natural materials, are of interest but difficult to obtain. Here, the authors report the development of such structures by directed self-assembly of cholesteric single crystals into hierarchical helical structures, with the secondary structure having right and left-handed twists.

Bouligand structure↗
NASA NTRS1991

Fiber optic controls for aircraft engines - Issues and implications

Some of the issues involved with the application of fiber-optic controls for aircraft engines in the harsh operating environment are addressed, with emphasis on fiber-optic temperature, pressure, position, and speed sensors. Criteria are established to evaluate the optical modulation technique, the sensor/control unit interconnection, and the electrooptic architecture. Single mode and polarization dependent sensor types, sensors which depend on the reflection and/or transmission of light through the engine environment, and intensity-based analog sensors are eliminated as a possible candidate for engine implementation. Fiber-optic harnesses tested for their optical integrity, temperature stability, and mechanical strength, exhibit a capacity to meet mechanical strength requirements and still gain a significant reduction in cable weight.

Dasgupta, Samhita↗
NASA NTRS2004

Precision X-ray Timing of RX J0806.3+1527 with CHANDRA: Evidence for Gravitational Radiation from an Ultracompact Binary

RX J0806.3+1527 is a candidate double degenerate binary with possibly the shortest known orbital period. The source shows an approximately equal to 100% X-ray intensity modulation at the putative orbital frequency of 3.11 mHz (321.5 s). If the system is a detached, ultracompact binary gravitational radiation should drive spin-up with a magnitude of nu(sup dot) approximately 10(exp -16) Hz per second. Efforts to constrain the X-ray frequency evolution to date have met with mixed success, principally due to the sparseness of earlier observations. Here we describe the results of the first phase coherent X-ray monitoring campaign on RX J0806.3+1527 with Chandra. We obtained a total of 70 ksec of exposure in 6 epochs logarithmically spaced over 320 days. With these data we conclusively show that the X-ray frequency is increasing at a rate of 3.77 plus or minus 0.8 x 10(exp -16) Hz per second. Using the ephemeris derived from the new data we are able to phase up all the earlier Chandra and ROSAT data and show they are consistent with a constant nu(sup dot) = 3.63 plus or minus 0.06 x 10(exp -16) Hz per second over the past decade. This value appears consistent with that recently derived by Israel et al. largely from monitoring of the optical modulation, and is in rough agreement with the solutions reported initially by Hakala et al., based on ground-based optical observations. The large and stable nu(sup dot) over a decade is consistent with gravitational radiation losses driving the evolution. An intermediate polar (IP) scenario where the observed X-ray period is the spin period of an accreting white dwarf appears less tenable because the observed nu(sup dot) requires an m(sup dot) approximately equal to 4 x 10 (exp -8) solar mass yr(sup -l), that is much larger than that inferred from the observed X-ray luminosity (although this depends on the uncertain distance and bolometric corrections), and it is difficult to drive such a high m(sup dot) in a binary system with parameters consistent with all the multiwavelength data. If the ultracompact scenario is correct, then the X-ray flux cannot be powered by stable accretion which would drive the components apart, suggesting a new type of energy source (perhaps electromagnetic) may power the X-ray flux.

Strohymayer, Tod E.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Precision X-ray Timing of RX J0806.3+1527 with CHANDRA: Evidence for Gravitational Radiation from an Ultracompact Binary

RX J0806.3+1527 is a candidate double degenerate binary with possibly the shortest known orbital period. The source shows an $\approx 100 \%$ X-ray intensity modulation at the putative orbital frequency of 3.11 mHz (321.5 s). If the system is a detached, ultracompact binary gravitational radiation should drive spin-up with a magnitude of $\dot\nu \sim 10(exp -16)$ Hi s$(exp -l}$. Efforts to constrain the X-ray frequency evolution to date have met with mixed success, principally due to the sparseness of earlier observations. Here we describe the results of the first phase coherent X-ray monitoring campaign on RX J0806.3+1527 with {\it Chandra) . We obtained a total of 70 ksec of exposure in 6 epochs logarithmically spaced over 320 days. With these data we conclusively show that the X-ray frequency is increasing at a rate of $3.77 \pm\ 0.8 \times l0(exp -16)$ Hz s$(exp -l)$. Using the ephemeris derived from the new data we are able to phase up all the earlier {\it Chandra) and ROSAT data and show they are consistent with a constant $\dot\nu = 3.63 \pm 0.06 \times 10(exp -16)$ Hz s$(exp -1)s over the past decade. This value appears consistent with that recently derived by Israel et al. largely from monitoring of the optical modulation, and is in rough agreement with the solutions reported initially by Hakala et al., based on ground-based optical observations. The large and stable $\dot\nu$ over a decade is consistent with gravitational radiation losses driving the evolution. An intermediate polar (IP) scenario where the observed X-ray period is the spin period of an accreting white dwarf appears less tenable because the observed $\dot\nu$ requires an $\dot m \approx 2 \times 10(exp -8)$ $M-{\odot)$ yr$(exp -l)$, that is much larger than that inferred from the observed X-ray luminosity (although this depends on the uncertain distance and bolometric corrections), and it is difficult to drive such a high $\dot m$ in a binary system with parameters consistent with all the multiwavelength data. If the ultracompact scenario is

Strohmayer, Tod↗
DOE OSTI2026

Optical-Gating of Spin-based Quantum States (Final Report)

This project developed a generalizable strategy for optical control of spin-based quantum states through the Photoisomerization-Induced Spin–Charge Excited State (PISCES) process, in which a photochromic spirooxazine ligand bound to an electronically bistable metal complex enables reversible, room-temperature optical switching of spin states in both dilute matrices and the solid state. A multidisciplinary team integrated synthesis, spectroscopy, theory, and surface science to establish design principles for opto-spintronic quantum materials. Systematic structure–property studies across four spirooxazine series revealed that donor–π–acceptor interactions govern thermal isomerization, which proceeds via a rotational pathway. Pulsed EPR measurements demonstrated millisecond-scale coherence times in cobalt-dioxolene-spirooxazine complexes, establishing their promise as optically addressable molecular qubits; the approach was extended to Cu(II), Ni(II), and lanthanide complexes, including optical modulation of zero-field splittings and clock transitions. Two-dimensional IR spectroscopy resolved picosecond ground-state population exchange dynamics, while ab initio calculations elucidated photoisomerization mechanisms and parametrized Hamiltonians for spin relaxation and decoherence. Toward device integration, the team fabricated 2D polymer scaffolds for covalent qubit organization, developed tip-enhanced Raman imaging of molecular monolayers, and demonstrated optical gating of gate voltage in spirooxazine-graphene field-effect transistors. The project produced numerous publications, dissertations, and presentations, and trained over 30 researchers.

2D polymers↗
NASA NTRS2023

In-Flight Validation of the Metis Visible-Light Polarimeter Coronagraph on Board Solar Orbiter

Context. The Metis coronagraph is one of the remote sensing instruments of the ESA-NASA Solar Orbiter mission. The goal for the instrument is to enable the study of the solar atmosphere and solar wind by simultaneously acquiring images of the solar corona at two different wavelengths: visible light (VL), within a band ranging from 580 nm to 640 nm, and ultraviolet light, in the HI Lyα 121.6 ± 10 nm. The visible-light channel of the coronagraph includes a polarimeter with electro-optically modulating liquid crystal variable retarders to measure the linearly polarized brightness of the K-corona and derive the electron density. Aims. In this paper, we present the first in-flight validation results of the Metis polarimetric channel together with a comparison to the on-ground calibrations. This paper seeks to validate the first use of an electro-optical device, the liquid crystal-based polarimeter, in deep space and within a hard radiation environment. Methods. We used the orientation of the K-corona’s linear polarization vector during the roll maneuvers of the Space Orbiter spacecraft for the in-flight calibration. Results. The Metis coronagraph on board the Solar Orbiter shows good agreement with the on-ground measurements. The in-flight validation confirms the expected performance of the visible-light channel polarimeter. Furthermore, a comparison between the first polarized brightness value obtained by Metis and the polarized brightness values obtained by the space-based coronagraph LASCO and the ground-based coronagraph K-Cor shows the consistency of the Metis calibrated results.

Sun: corona↗
NASA NTRS2001

First Experimental Demonstration of Full-Duplex Optical Communication on a Single Beam

The satellite industry is driven by the need to reduce costs. One way they have sought to do this is by reducing the size and weight of the satellite because of the extremely high cost per kilogram incurred launching a payload into orbit. The main difficulty in this approach is the lack of power capacity in a small satellite. One of the largest loads on a satellite's power system is the communications system. This has driven the need for a low-power communications system. This document examines a novel method of communicating optically with a low-Earth-orbit satellite from the ground without the need for a laser on the payload. The goal is to show the feasibility of such a system as a solution to the small satellite low-powered communication problem. Specially, that the system described herein: is capable of ground to low-Earth-orbit communications, has very little space-borne mass, and draws little power from the satellite. First, the system (hereafter referred to as LOWCAL "Lightweight Optical Wavelength Communication without A Laser in space") will be explained with details of the formats used and the link budgets. Discussions will be presented on the development of some of the system hardware (the laser diode driver, liquid crystal driver, and decision electronics for both the up and down links.) Finally, experimental test results of the entire system operating in a laboratory environment are presented and compared to theory. The results of the laboratory experiment support the original thesis: retro-modulated optical communications can meet the needs of the small satellite community. The system is capable of 10-kbps communication, has low space-borne mass, and draws little power from the satellite (less than 100-mW measured for the laboratory experiment, less than 1.5-W calculated for the Shuttle experiment).

Garrett, Christopher David↗
DOE OSTI2025

Coherent phonon flatband generated in GaAs/AlAs superlattices via layer-selective optical pumping

Flatbands, characterized by their dispersionless energy levels in electronic, magnetic, and phononic systems, hold substantial potential for advancements in electronics and quantum information processing. Most flatbands exist in thermal equilibrium and cannot be easily created or annihilated externally, limiting their flexibility as switchable knobs for use in microelectronics and quantum applications. In our work, we demonstrate the generation of a coherent phonon flatband in a GaAs/AlAs superlattice using 800 nm femtosecond laser pulses. This coherent phonon flatband does not correspond to a phonon eigenmode at equilibrium and exhibits strong coupling with two branches of coherently excited longitudinal phonon modes. With molecular dynamics simulations, we show more generally that the coherent phonon flatband can be induced by coherently and spatially modulated optical excitations of superlattice structures. Our results highlight a pathway for coherent phonon flatband creation in the time domain that can be generalized to various superlattice systems, potentially inspiring the realization of coherent flatband generation of other quasiparticles.

Condensed-matter physics↗
NASA NTRS1972

MIT's role in project Apollo. Volume 2: Optical, radar, and candidate subsystems

The development of optical, radar, and candidate subsystems for Project Apollo is discussed. The design and development of the optical subsystems for both the Apollo command and lunar spacecraft are described. Design approaches, problems, and solutions are presented. The evolution of radar interfaces with the GN&C system is discussed; these interfaces involved both hardware and software in a relatively complex interrelationship. The design and development of three candidate subsystems are also described. The systems were considered for use in Apollo, but were not incorporated into the final GN&C system. The three subsystems discussed are the star tracker-horizon photometer, the map and data viewer and the lunar module optical rendezvous system.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1997

ASCA Observations of the Barnard 209 Dark Cloud and an Intense X-Ray Flare on V773 Tauri

ASCA (Advanced Satellite for Cosmology and Astrophysics) detected an intense X-ray flare on the weak-lined T Tauri star V773 Tau (=HD 283447) during a 30 ks observation of the Barnard 209 dark cloud in 1995 September. This star is a spectroscopic binary and shows signs of strong magnetic surface activity including a spot-modulated optical light curve. The flare was seen only during its decay phase but is still one of the strongest ever recorded from a T Tauri star with a peak luminosity L(sub x) = 10(exp 32.4) ergs/s (0.5-10 keV), a maximum temperature of at least 42 million K, and energy release of greater than 10(exp 37) ergs. A shorter ASCA observation taken five months later showed V773 Tau in a quiescent state (L(sub x)= 10(exp 31.0) ergs/s) and detected variable emission from the infrared binary IRAS 04113+2758. The differential emission measure (DEM) distribution during the V773 Tau flare shows a bimodal temperature structure that is almost totally dominated by hot plasma at an average temperature of approx. 37 million K. Using information from time-resolved spectra, we examine the flare decay in terms of solar flare models (cooling loops and two-ribbon flares) and also consider possible nonsolar behavior (interbinary flares, star-disk flares, and rotational X-ray modulation). Solar models are unable to reproduce the unusual convex-shaped X-ray light curve, which decays slowly over a timespan of at least 1 day. However, the light curve decay is accurately modeled as a sinusoid with an inferred X-ray period of 2.97 days, which is nearly identical to the optical rotation period(s) of the two K-type components. This provides tantalizing evidence that the flaring region was undergoing rotational occultation, but periodic X-ray variability is not yet proven since our ASCA observation spans only one-third of a rotation cycle.

Skinner, Stephen L.↗
NASA NTRS2016

MOPITT Mechanisms 16 Years In-Orbit Operation on TERRA

The 16th anniversary of the launch of NASA's Terra Spacecraft was marked on December 18, 2015, with the Measurements of Pollution in the Troposphere (MOPITT) instrument being a successful contributor to the NASA EOS flagship. MOPITT has been enabled by a large suite of mechanisms, allowing the instrument to perform long-duration monitoring of atmospheric carbon monoxide, providing global measurements of this important greenhouse gas for 16 years. Mechanisms have been successfully employed for scanning, cooling of detectors, and to optically modulate the gas path length within the instrument by means of pressure and gas cell length variation. The instrument utilizes these devices to perform correlation spectroscopy, enabling measurements with vertical resolution from the nadir view, and has thereby furthered understanding of source and global transport effects of carbon monoxide. Given the design requirement for a 5.25-year lifetime, the stability and performance of the majority of mechanisms have far surpassed design goals. With 16 continuously operating mechanisms in service on MOPITT, including 12 rotating mechanisms and 4 with linear drive elements, the instrument was an ambitious undertaking. The long life requirements combined with demands for cleanliness and optical stability made for difficult design choices including that of the selection of new lubrication processes. Observations and lessons learned with regards to many aspects of the mechanisms and associated monitoring devices are discussed here. Mechanism behaviors are described, including anomalies, long-term drive current/power, fill pressure, vibration and cold-tip temperature trends. The effectiveness of particular lubrication formulations and the screening method implemented is discussed in relation to continuous rotating mechanisms and stepper motors, which have exceeded 15 billon rotations and 2.5 billion steps respectively. Aspects of gas cell hermeticity, optical cleanliness, heater problems and SEU effects on accelerometers are also discussed.

Gibson, Andrew S.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Scientific Verification of Faraday Rotation Modulators: Detection of Diffuse Polarized Galactic Emission

The design and performance of a wide bandwidth linear polarization-modulator based on the Faraday effect is described. Faraday Rotation Modulators (FRMs) are solid-state polarization switches that are capable of modulation up to approx 10 kHz. Six FRMs were utilized during the 2006 observing season in the Background Imaging of Cosmic Extragalactic Polarization (BICEP) experiment; three FRMs were used at each of BICEP fs 100 and 150 GHz frequency bands. The technology was verified through high signal-to-noise detection of Galactic polarization using two of the six FRMs during four observing runs in 2006. The features exhibit strong agreement with BICEP fs measurements of the Galaxy using non-FRM pixels and with the Galactic polarization models. This marks the first detection of high signal-to-noise mm-wave celestial polarization using fast, active optical modulation. The performance of the FRMs during periods when they were not modulated was also analyzed and compared to results from BICEP fs 43 pixels without FRMs.

Moyerman, S.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Microwave tunable laser source: A stable, precision tunable heterodyne local oscillator

The development and capabilities of a tunable laser source utilizing a wideband electro-optic modulator and a CO2 laser are described. The precision tunability and high stability of the device are demonstrated with examples of laboratory spectroscopy. Heterodyne measurements are also presented to demonstrate the performance of the laser source as a heterodyne local oscillator. With the use of five CO2 isotope lasers and the 8 to 18 GHz sideband offset tunability of the modulator, calculations indicate that 50 percent spectral coverage in the 9 to 12 micron region is achievable. The wavelength accuracy and stability of this laser source is limited by the CO2 laser and is more than adequate for the measurement of narrow Doppler-broadened line profiles. The room-temperature operating capability and the programmability of the microwave tunable laser source are attractive features for its in-the-field implementation. Although heterodyne measurements indicated some S/N degradation when using the device as a local oscillator, there does not appear to be any fundamental limitation to the heterodyne efficiency of this laser source. Through the use of a lower noise-figure traveling wave tube amplifier and optical matching of the output beam with the photomixer, a substantial increase in the heterodyne S/N is expected.

Sachse, G. W.↗
NASA NTRS2007

NASA Tech Briefs, July 2007

Topics covered include: Miniature Intelligent Sensor Module; "Smart" Sensor Module; Portable Apparatus for Electrochemical Sensing of Ethylene; Increasing Linear Dynamic Range of a CMOS Image Sensor; Flight Qualified Micro Sun Sensor; Norbornene-Based Polymer Electrolytes for Lithium Cells; Making Single-Source Precursors of Ternary Semiconductors; Water-Free Proton-Conducting Membranes for Fuel Cells; Mo/Ti Diffusion Bonding for Making Thermoelectric Devices; Photodetectors on Coronagraph Mask for Pointing Control; High-Energy-Density, Low-Temperature Li/CFx Primary Cells; G4-FETs as Universal and Programmable Logic Gates; Fabrication of Buried Nanochannels From Nanowire Patterns; Diamond Smoothing Tools; Infrared Imaging System for Studying Brain Function; Rarefying Spectra of Whispering-Gallery-Mode Resonators; Large-Area Permanent-Magnet ECR Plasma Source; Slot-Antenna/Permanent-Magnet Device for Generating Plasma; Fiber-Optic Strain Gauge With High Resolution And Update Rate; Broadband Achromatic Telecentric Lens; Temperature-Corrected Model of Turbulence in Hot Jet Flows; Enhanced Elliptic Grid Generation; Automated Knowledge Discovery From Simulators; Electro-Optical Modulator Bias Control Using Bipolar Pulses; Generative Representations for Automated Design of Robots; Mars-Approach Navigation Using In Situ Orbiters; Efficient Optimization of Low-Thrust Spacecraft Trajectories; Cylindrical Asymmetrical Capacitors for Use in Outer Space; Protecting Against Faults in JPL Spacecraft; Algorithm Optimally Allocates Actuation of a Spacecraft; and Radar Interferometer for Topographic Mapping of Glaciers and Ice Sheets.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1998

Thermal Control using Electrochromism

The applicability of a charge balanced electrochromic device to modulate the frequencies in the thermal infrared region is examined in this study. The device consisted of a transparent conductor, WO3 anode, PMMA/LiClO4 electrolyte, V2O5 cathode and transparent conductor. The supporting structure in the device is SnO2 coated glass and the edges are sealed with epoxy to reduce moisture absorption. The performance evaluation comprised of cyclic voltammetric measurements and determination of transmittance at various wavelengths. The device was subjected to anodic and cathodic polarization by sweeping the potential at a rate of 10 mV/sec from -0.8V to 1.8V. The current versus voltage profile indicated no reaction between -0.5 and +0.5 V. The device is colored green at 1.8V with a transmittance of 5% at a wavelength, lambda=900 nm and colorless at -0.8V with a transmittance of 74% at lambda=500 nm. The optical modulation is limited to 400-1500 nm and there is no activity in the thermal infrared. The switching time is 75 seconds for transmittance to decrease from 74% to 50%. The device yielded reproducible values for transmittance when cycled between colored and bleached states by application of 1.8V and -0.8V, respectively.

Vaidyanathan, Hari↗
NASA NTRS1999

Thermal Control Using Electrochromism

The applicability of a charge balanced electrochromic device to modulate the frequencies in the thermal infrared region is examined in this study. The device consisted of a transparent conductor, WO3, anode, PMMA/LiClO4 electrolyte, V2O5 cathode and transparent conductor. The supporting structure in the device is SnO2 coated glass and the edges are sealed with epoxy to reduce moisture absorption. The performance evaluation comprised of cyclic voltammetric measurements and determination of transmittance at various wavelengths. The device was subjected to anodic and cathodic polarization by sweeping the potential at a rate of 10 mV/sec from -0.8V to 1.8V. The current versus voltage profile indicated no reaction between -0.5 and +0.5 V. The device is colored green at 1.8 V with a transmittance of 5% at a wavelength, lambda = 900 nm and colorless at -0.8 V with a transmittance of 74% at lambda = 500 nm. The optical modulation is limited to 400-1500 nm and there is no activity in the thermal infrared. The switching time is a function of temperature and time for coloring reaction was slower than the bleaching reaction. The device yielded reproducible values for transmittance when cycled between colored and bleached states by application of 1.8V and -0.8V, respectively.

Vaidyanathan, Hari↗
NASA NTRS1998

Thermal Control Using Electrochromism

The applicability of a charge balanced electrochromic device to modulate the frequencies in the thermal infra red region is examined in this study. The device consisted of a transparent conductor, WO3 anode, PMMA/LiClO4, electrolyte, V2O5, cathode and transparent conductor. The supporting structure in the device is SnO2 coated glass and the edges are sealed with epoxy to reduce moisture absorption. The performance evaluation comprised of cyclic voltammetric measurements and determination of transmittance at various wavelengths. The device was subjected to anodic and cathodic polarization by sweeping the potential at a rate of 10 mV/sec from -0.8 V to 1.8 V. The current versus voltage profile indicated no reaction between -0.5 and +0.5 V. The device is colored green at 1.8 V with a transmittance of 5% at a wavelength, lambda = 900 nm and colorless at -0.8 V with a transmittance of 74% at X = 500 nm. The optical modulation is limited to 400-1500 nm and there is no activity in the thermal infrared. The switching time is 75 seconds for transmittance to decrease from 74% to 50%. The device yielded reproducible values for transmittance when cycled between colored and bleached states by application of 1.8 V and -0.8 V, respectively.

Vaidyanathan, Hari↗
NASA NTRS1993

Tetravalent chromium (Cr(4+)) as laser-active ion for tunable solid-state lasers

Major accomplishments under NASA grant NAG-1-1346 are summarized. (1) numerical modeling of the four mirror astigmatically compensated, Z-fold cavity was performed and several design parameters to be used for the construction of a femtosecond forsterite laser were revealed by simulation. (2) femtosecond pulses from a continuous wave mode-locked chromium doped forsterite laser were generated. The forsterite laser was actively mode-locked using an acousto-optic modulator operating at 78 MHz with two Brewster high dispersion glass prisms for intra-cavity chirp compensation. Transform-limited sub-100-fs pulses were routinely generated in the TEM(sub 00) mode with 85 mW of continuous power tunable over 1230-1280 nm. The shortest pulses of 60-fs pulsewidth were measured. (3) Self-mode-locked operation of the Cr:forsterite laser was achieved. Synchronous pumping was used to mode lock the forsterite laser resulting in picosecond pulses, which in turn provided the starting mechanism for self-mode-locking. The pulses generated had an FWHM of 105 fs and were tunable between 1230-1270 nm. (4) Numerical calculations indicated that the pair of SF 14 prisms used in the cavity compensated for quadratic phase but introduced a large cubic phase term. Further calculations of other optical glasses indicated that a pair of SFN 64 prisms can introduce the same amount of quadratic phase as SF 14 prisms but introduce a smaller cubic phase. When the SF 14 prisms were replaced by SFN 64 prisms the pulsewidth was reduced to 50 fs. Great improvement was observed in the stability of the self mode-locked forsterite laser and in the ease of achieving mode locking. Using the same experimental arrangement and a new forsterite crystal with improved FOM the pulse width was reduced to 36 fs.

Seas, A.↗