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At least 253 records · Page 14

Barrier film constructions and methods of making same

A barrier film including a substrate; a base polymer layer adjacent to the substrate; an oxide layer adjacent to the base polymer layer; a adhesion-modifying layer adjacent to the oxide layer; and a top coat polymer layer adjacent to the adhesion-modifying layer. An optional inorganic layer can be applied over the top coat polymer layer. The inclusion of a adhesion-modifying layer provides for enhanced resistance to moisture and improved peel strength adhesion of the top coat polymer layer to the underlying barrier stack layers.

Spagnola, Joseph C.↗

Dielectric function of InGaAs in the visible

Measurements are reported of the dielectric function of thermodynamically stable In(x)Ga(1-x)As in the composition range 0.3 equal to or less than X = to or less than 0.7. The optically thick samples of InGaAs were made by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) in the range 0.4 = to or less than X = to or less than 0.7 and by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) for X = 0.3. The MBE made samples, usually 1 micron thick, were grown on semi-insulating InP and included a strain release structure. The MOCVD sample was grown on GaAs and was 2 microns thick. The dielectric functions were measured by variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry in the range 1.55 to 4.4 eV. The data was analyzed assuming an optically thick InGaAs material with an oxide layer on top. The thickness of this layer was estimated by comparing the results for the InP lattice matched material, i.e., X = 0.53, with results published in the literature. The top oxide layer mathematically for X = 0.3 and X = 0.53 was removed to get the dielectric function of the bare InGaAs. In addition, the dielectric function of GaAs in vacuum, after a protective arsenic layer was removed. The dielectric functions for X = 0, 0.3, and 0.53 together with the X = 1 result from the literature to evaluate an algorithm for calculating the dielectric function of InGaAs for an arbitrary value of X(0 = to or less than X = to or less than 1) were used. Results of the dielectric function calculated using the algorithm were compared with experimental data.

Alterovitz, S. A.↗

Dielectric function of InGaAs in the visible

Measurements are reported of the dielectric function of thermodynamically stable In(x)Ga(1-x)As in the composition range 0.3 equal to or less than X = to or less than 0.7. The optically thick samples of InGaAs were made by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) in the range 0.4 = to or less than X = to or less than 0.7 and by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) for X = 0.3. The MBE made samples, usually 1 micron thick, were grown on semi-insulating InP and included a strain release structure. The MOCVD sample was grown on GaAs and was 2 microns thick. The dielectric functions were measured by variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry in the range 1.55 to 4.4 eV. The data was analyzed assuming an optically thick InGaAs material with an oxide layer on top. The thickness of this layer was estimated by comparing the results for the InP lattice matched material, i.e., X = 0.53, with results published in the literature. The top oxide layer mathematically for X = 0.3 and X = 0.53 was removed to get the dielectric function of the bare InGaAs. In addition, the dielectric function of GaAs in vacuum, after a protective arsenic layer was removed. The dielectric functions for X = 0, 0.3, and 0.53 together with the X = 1 result from the literature to evaluate an algorithm for calculating the dielectric function of InGaAs for an arbitrary value of X (0 = to or less than X = to or less than 1) were used. Results of the dielectric function calculated using the algorithm were compared with experimental data.

Alterovitz, S. A.↗

Problems with the process partitioning theory of stratocumulus entrainment

Three different approaches to partitioning were proposed. Ball (1960), Lilly (1968), and Deardorff et al. (1969, 1974) considered the sign of the net buoyancy flux at each level. If the net flux is positive, it is counted as TKE producing; otherwise, it is counted as TKE consuming. This approach can be called Eulerian partitioning. The second approach can be called process partitioning. It is assumed that the various processes acting in concert each produce and consume the same energy as if they acted independently (Manins and Turner, 1978). The total rates of TKE production and consumption are obtained by summing the effects of all the forcing processes. The third approach is Lagrangian partitioning. Each air parcel is considered as either producing or consuming TKE, according to the sign of the product of its density and vertical velocity anomalies. Stage and Businger (1981a,b) have applied process partitioning to the cloud topped mixed layer. One of the most important processes influencing entrainment into such a layer is cloud top radiative cooling. The production and consumption due to entrainment and radiative cooling are thus closely related. Model results are sensitive to the choice of formulation.

Randall, D. A.↗

NWP Impact of Cloud Top and Boundary Layer Winds from a Satellite Borne Lidar: an Observing System Simulation Experiment

Observing systems simulation experiments (OSSE's) provide a powerful tool to assess the impact of proposed satellite borne observing systems on meteorological applications models. We describe the results of an OSSE conducted to assess the impact of data from a low power lidar wind sensor on the forecast accuracy of a global spectral numerical weather prediction (NWP) model, the Air Force Geophysics Laboratory Global Data Assimilation System. The instrument would be operating at near-infrared wavelengths thereby increasing the backscatter signal relative to comparable infrared lidar.

Isaacs, R. G.↗

Design, Fabrication and Performance of Open Source Generation I and II Compliant Hydrodynamic Gas Foil Bearings

Foil gas bearings are self-acting hydrodynamic bearings made from sheet metal foils comprised of at least two layers. The innermost top foil layer traps a gas pressure film that supports a load while a layer or layers underneath provide an elastic foundation. Foil bearings are used in many lightly loaded, high-speed turbo-machines such as compressors used for aircraft pressurization, and small micro-turbines. Foil gas bearings provide a means to eliminate the oil system leading to reduced weight and enhanced temperature capability. The general lack of familiarity of the foil bearing design and manufacturing process has hindered their widespread dissemination. This paper reviews the publicly available literature to demonstrate the design, fabrication and performance testing of both first and second generation bump style foil bearings. It is anticipated that this paper may serve as an effective starting point for new development activities employing foil bearing technology.

DellaCorte, Christopher↗

Silicon micromachined broad band light source

A micro electromechanical system (MEMS) broad band incandescent light source includes three layers: a top transmission window layer; a middle filament mount layer; and a bottom reflector layer. A tungsten filament with a spiral geometry is positioned over a hole in the middle layer. A portion of the broad band light from the heated filament is reflective off the bottom layer. Light from the filament and the reflected light of the filament are transmitted through the transmission window. The light source may operate at temperatures of 2500 K or above. The light source may be incorporated into an on board calibrator (OBC) for a spectrometer.

George, Thomas↗

Heterogeneous integration of an electro-optical platform

A hybrid photonic integrated circuit and a method of its manufacture are provided. A SiP functional layer is fabricated on an SOI wafer. A lithium niobate thin film is bonded to the SiP functional layer. The silicon handle layer is removed from the SOI wafer to expose buried oxide, and at least one III-V die is bonded to the exposed buried oxide. In embodiments, at least one waveguiding component is fabricated in the SiP functional layer. In embodiments, the SiP functional layer comprises a top waveguiding layer.

Kodigala, Ashok↗

Modeling the smoky troposphere of the southeast Atlantic: a comparison to ORACLES airborne observations from September of 2016

The southeast Atlantic is home to well-defined smoke outflow from Africa coinciding vertically with extensive marine boundary-layer cloud decks, both reaching their climatological maxima in spatial extent around September. A framework is put forth for evaluating the performance of a range of global and regional aerosol models against observations made during the NASA ORACLES (ObseRvations of Aerosols above CLouds and their intEractionS) airborne mission in September 2016. The sparse airborne observations are first aggregated into 2o grid boxes and into three vertical layers: the cloud-topped marine boundary layer (MBL), the layer from cloud top to 3 km, and the 3-6 km layer. Aerosol extensive properties simulated for the entire study region for all September suggest that the 2016 ORACLES observations are reasonably representative of the regional monthly average, with systematic deviations of 30% or less. All six models typically place the bottom of the smoke layer at lower altitudes than do the airborne lidar observations by 300-1400 m, whereas model aerosol top heights are within 0-500 m of the observations. All but one of the models that report carbonaceous aerosol masses underestimate the ratio of particulate extinction to the masses, a proxy for mass extinction efficiency, in 3-6 km. Notable findings on individual models include that WRF-CAM5 predicts the mass of black carbon and organic aerosols with minor (~10% or less) biases. GEOS-5 overestimates the carbonaceous particle masses in the MBL by a factor of 3-6. Extinction coefficients in the free troposphere (FT) and above-cloud aerosol optical depth (ACAOD) are 10-30% lower in WRF-CAM5, 30-50% lower in GEOS-5, 10-40% higher in GEOS-Chem, 10-20% higher in EAM-E3SM except for the practically unbiased 3-6 km extinction, and 20-70% lower in the Unified Model, than the airborne in situ, lidar and sunphotometer measurements. ALADIN-Climate also underestimates the ACAOD, by 30%. GEOS-5 and GEOS-Chem predict carbon monoxide in the MBL with small (10% or less) negative biases, despite their overestimates of carbonaceous aerosol masses. Overall, this study highlights a new approach to utilizing airborne aerosol measurements for model diagnosis.

Shinozuka, Yohei↗

Surface disordering of Pb(110)

A molecular dynamics simulation of Pb(110), using embedded atom method energy functional and two-body potential derived for the purpose, shows that near 400 K the three surface layers begin to disorder well before the bulk (interior) layers. Transfer of atoms from the first subsurface layer to the surface layer occurs. Disordering propagates beyond the top three layers above 550 K, accompanied by formation of an adlayer and vacancies in the top three layers. Behavior of the two-dimensional layer structure factors indicates that disordering is anisotropic. Simulation results are consistent with experimental observations of surface roughening near 400 K and more extensive surface ordering above 525 K. Results are consistent with simulations for Ni and Al.

Tibbits, P.↗

Transparent Conductive Ink for Additive Manufacturing

NASA analyzes, tests, packages, and fabricates electrical, electronic, and electromechanical (EEE) parts. Nanotechnology is listed in NASA's Technology Roadmap as a key area to invest for further development.1 This research project focused on using nanotechnology to improve electroluminescent lighting in terms of additive manufacturing and to increase energy efficiency. Specifically, this project's goal was to produce a conductive but transparent printable ink that can be sprayed on any surface for use as one of the electrodes in electroluminescent device design. This innovative work is known as thick film dielectric electroluminescent (TDEL) technology. TDEL devices are used for "backlighting, illumination, and identification due to their tunable color output, scalability, and efficiency" (I.K. Small, T.D. Rolin, and A.D. Shields, "3D Printed Electroluminescent Light Panels," NASA Fiscal Year 2017 Center Innovation Fund Proposal, unpublished data, 2017). These devices use a 'front-to-back' printing method, where the substrate is the transparent layer, and the dielectric and phosphor are layered on top. This project is a first step in the process of creating a 3D printable 'back-to-front' electroluminescent device. Back-to-front 3D-printed devices are beneficial because they can be printed onto different substrates and embedded in different surfaces, and the substrate is not required to be transparent, all because the light is emitted from the top surface through the transparent conductor. Advances in this area will help further development of printing TDEL devices on an array of different surfaces. Figure 1 demonstrates the layering of the two electrodes that are aligned in a parallel plate capacitor structure (I.K. Small, T.D. Rolin, and A.D. Shields, "3D Printed Electroluminescent Light Panels," NASA Fiscal Year 2017 Center Innovation Fund Proposal, unpublished data, 2017). Voltage is applied across the device, and the subsequent electron excitation results in light emission at the top layer.

Patlan, X. J.↗

Rare-earth doped thermal barrier coating bond coat for thermally grown oxide luminescence sensing

A thermal barrier coated component, such as a turbine blade formed from a superalloy substrate, includes a thermal barrier coating applied onto the substrate. A metallic bond coat layer is on the substrate and includes rare-earth luminescent dopants. A ceramic top coat layer is on the bond coat layer. A temperature sensing thermally grown oxide (TGO) layer is formed at the interface of the bond coat layer and ceramic top coat layer. The temperature sensing TGO layer includes grown rare-earth luminescent ions migrated from the metallic bond coat layer in an amount sufficient to enable luminescence sensing of the TGO layer for real-time phosphor thermometry temperature measurements at the TGO layer.

Fouliard, Quentin↗

Method for forming a temperature sensing layer within a thermal barrier coating

A thermal barrier coated component, such as a turbine blade formed from a superalloy substrate, includes a thermal barrier coating applied onto the substrate. A metallic bond coat layer is on the substrate and includes rare-earth luminescent dopants. A ceramic top coat layer is on the bond coat layer. A temperature sensing thermally grown oxide (TGO) layer is formed at the interface of the bond coat layer and ceramic top coat layer. The temperature sensing TGO layer includes grown rare-earth luminescent ions migrated from the metallic bond coat layer in an amount sufficient to enable luminescence sensing of the TGO layer for real-time phosphor thermometry temperature measurements at the TGO layer.

Fouliard, Quentin↗

Two-layer cathode architecture for high-energy density and high-power density solid state batteries

Solid state batteries with high-energy density and high-power density require the development of thick and energy dense cathodes. Structured cathode electrodes with a double-layer configuration were enabled using a freeze tape casting technique. A bottom dense layer was utilized to enhance the energy density whereas a top porous layer with vertically aligned walls was utilized to enhance the power density. The porous structure of the power layer was achieved by ice templating this layer on top of the densified energy layer of the cathode. This configuration was found to better utilize the active material of the cathodes and was optimized using numerical simulation and computer modeling. Cells with Li metal anode and LiNi 0.6 Mn 0.2 Co 0.2 O 2 (NMC622) at approximately 5 and 20 mg/cm 2 were cycled at 70 °C at different C-rates. Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) with lithium bis-trifluoromethanesulfonimide (LiTFSI) was used for the catholyte and the solid-state electrolyte. The structured cathodes exhibited more than double capacity values as well as better Coulombic efficiency compared to non-structured (single-layer) thick cathodes. In conclusion, synchrotron X-ray tomography and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the microstructure of the cathodes.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

A model for the estimation of the surface fluxes of momentum, heat and moisture of the cloud topped marine atmospheric boundary layer from satellite measurable parameters

A model is developed for the estimation of the surface fluxes of momentum, heat, and moisture of the cloud topped marine atmospheric boundary layer by use of satellite remotely sensed parameters. The parameters chosen for the problem are the integrated liquid water content, q sub li, the integrated water vapor content, q sub vi, the cloud top temperature, and either a measure of the 10 meter neutral wind speed or the friction velocity at the surface. Under the assumption of a horizontally homogeneous, well-mixed boundary layer, the model calculates the equivalent potential temperature and total water profiles of the boundary layer along with the boundary layer height from inputs of q sub li, q sub vi, and cloud top temperature. These values, along with the 10m neutral wind speed or friction velocity and the sea surface temperature are then used to estimate the surface fluxes. The development of a scheme to parameterize the integrated water vapor outside of the boundary layer for the cases of cold air outbreak and California coastal stratus is presented.

Allison, D. E.↗

Stress Calculations on Diamond Surfaces

Calculations were carried out to evaluate stresses for atoms located in the top several layers of (100)-(1x1), (100)-(2x1) and (111)-(1x1) surfaces of diamond. Only equilibrated surfaces were taken into consideration in this investigation. Stress values in the direction perpendicular to the exposed surface vanish. In lateral directions, however, stresses have non-vanishing values, in general. For the (100) surfaces calculated stress values are anisotropic. While the (2 x 1) reconstructed surface is under compression in both directions, calculations for the unreconstructed (1 x 1) plane, produced a compressive stress in one direction and a slight tension in the other. On the (111) surface, isotropic and relatively low compressive stress values were found. Present calculations indicate that atoms located only in a few top layers have lateral excess stresses which vanish very quickly for the atoms of interior layers as departing from the exposed surface.

Halicioglu, Timur↗

Thermal Stability of the Dot-in-Well Gain Medium for Photonic Crystal Surface Emitting Lasers

Self-assembled quantum dots (QDs) embedded in InGaAs quantum wells (QWs) are used as active regions for photonic-crystal surface-emitting lasers (PCSELs). An epitaxial regrowth method is developed to fabricate the dot-in-well (DWELL) PCSELs. Here, the epitaxial regrowth starts with the growth of a partial laser structure containing bottom cladding, waveguide, active region, and the photonic crystal (PC) layer. The PC layer is patterned to realize the cavity. Subsequently a top cladding layer is regrown to complete the laser structure. During the regrowth of the top cladding layer, the partial laser structure is subjected to high growth temperatures in excess of 600 °C resulting in an unintentional annealing of the active region. This annealing of the active region can alter the QDs by changing their size resulting in a blue shift in photoluminescence (PL) and narrowing PL emission. This effect results in the misaligning of the gain peak and the cavity resonance, resulting in sub-optimal lasing performance. DWELL active regions are known to have better thermal stability compared to both QDs and QWs and could be an ideal candidate for regrown PCSELs. We successfully demonstrate an optically-pumped epitaxially-regrown DWELL PCSEL with an emission wavelength of 1230 nm operating at room temperature. Furthermore, the DWELL active region shows excellent emission wavelength stability and intensity despite the high temperature regrowth process.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗