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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 253 records · Page 14

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NASA NTRS1971

Ion sources for electric propulsion

Ion systems, which accelerate ions of Cs, Hg, or colloid particles by electrostatic fields, are furthest advanced and ready for application. Four kinds of ion sources have been developed: The contact ionization source for Cs as propellants, the electron bombardment source for Cs or Hg, the RF ionization source for Hg, and the hollow needle spray nozzle for colloidal glycerol particles. In each case, the ion beam must be neutralized by injection of electrons shortly behind the exit orifice to avoid adverse space charge effects.

Stuhlinger, E.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Numerical method and FORTRAN program for the solution of an axisymmetric electrostatic collector design problem

The numerical calculation is described of the steady-state flow of electrons in an axisymmetric, spherical, electrostatic collector for a range of boundary conditions. The trajectory equations of motion are solved alternately with Poisson's equation for the potential field until convergence is achieved. A direct (noniterative) numerical technique is used to obtain the solution to Poisson's equation. Space charge effects are included for initial current densities as large as 100 A/sq cm. Ways of dealing successfully with the difficulties associated with these high densities are discussed. A description of the mathematical model, a discussion of numerical techniques, results from two typical runs, and the FORTRAN computer program are included.

Reese, O. W.↗

NASA NTRS1971

Electron dynamics and energy conversion in O-type linear-beam devices.

A general nonlinear interaction theory is used to investigate the effects of transverse fields (i.e., radial circuit fields and radial space-charge fields) in traveling-wave amplifiers for a variety of beam-focusing conditions. Magnetic focusing fields which are periodic or tapered (increased) with distance along the device are considered in addition to uniform magnetic fields. Results are presented for Brillouin flow and near-Brillouin flow, and the minimum magnetic field strength required to effectively constrain the electron beam is determined as a function of the operating parameters for the various focusing systems. Confined flow is also examined for the uniform-field case in order to have a basis of comparison from which the effects of radial motion of the beam electrons can be determined. The results indicate the importance of transverse effects and further yield information on the stability of strongly modulated cylindrical electron beams.-

Detweiler, H. K.↗

NASA NTRS1972

An impedance analysis of double-stream interaction in semiconductors

The electromagnetic waves propagating through a drifting semiconductor plasma are studied from a macroscopic point of view in terms of double-stream interaction. The possible existing waves (helicon waves, longitudinal waves, ordinary waves, and pseudolongitudinal waves) which depend upon the orientation of the dc external magnetic field are derived. A powerful impedance concept is introduced to investigate the wave behavior of longitudinal (space charge) waves or pseudolongitudinal waves in a semiconductor plasma. The impedances due to one- and two-carrier stream interactions were calculated theoretically.

Chen, P. W.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Development of gallium arsenide solar cells

The potential of ion implantation as a means to the development of high efficiency gallium arsenide solar cells is investigated. Summaries are included of the results of computer calculations of GaAs cell characteristics, based on a model which includes the effects of surface recombination, junction space-charge region recombination, and built-in fields produced by nonuniform doping in the region; of the fabrication technology developed under the program; and of the results of electrical and optical measurements on the samples produced during the program. It was determined that measured AMO efficiencies were more than a factor of two lower than the calculated values.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1973

Development of gallium arsenide solar cells

The potential of ion implantation as a means of developing gallium arsenide solar cells with high efficiency performance was investigated. Computer calculations on gallium arsenide cell characteristics are presented to show the effects of surface recombination, junction space-charge recombination, and built-in fields produced by nonuniform doping of the surface region. The fabrication technology is summarized. Electrical and optical measurements on samples of solar cells are included.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1973

The light-sensitive MNOS memory transistor.

The behavior theory of the light-sensitive MNOS memory transistor is developed and supported by presented experimental evidence. It is shown that the nitride, oxide, and silicon space-charge current-field relationships necessary for comparison of theory and experiment can be obtained from steady-state current-voltage measurements on the MNOS device.

Sewell, F. A., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1973

An example of anticorrelation of auroral particles and electric fields.

The question of whether correlation or anticorrelation should occur is complex and depends on many factors, e.g., the internal impedance of the source; the Pedersen conductivity, which in turn is dependent on the incident energy of the precipitated particles; whether space charge can build up; and the magnitude of the incoming flux. Data are presented from a case in which an anticorrelation between auroral particles and electric fields is especially striking. The data were obtained from a Nike Tomahawk launched from the Norwegian rocket range at Andoya. The experiments carried are described briefly. The data support the anticorrelation model as one mechanism that can affect the electric field strength in auroral regions.

Maynard, N. C.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Evaluation of magnetic refocusing in linear-beam microwave tubes

Magnetic field configurations in which the axial component of the field decays linearly to a constant plateau field are evaluated for use in refocusing the output beam of linear beam microwave tubes. The slope of the decay and the value of the plateau field are parameters in this study. A uniform beam with a space charge force only in the radial direction is assumed, and the electron trajectories are computed for various classes. For a given magnetic configuration (slope and plateau value) the plateau length is calculated for a specified class and the rms deviation of the output angles for all classes is computed at the end of this plateau length. A minimum condition for a refocused beam is defined to be one in which the rms value of the output angles is less than the rms input. Many of the configurations satisfied this criteria and successfully reduced the rms value by half.

Stankiewicz, N.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Electron collection theory for a D-region subsonic blunt electrostatic probe

Blunt probe theory for subsonic flow in a weakly ionized and collisional gas is reviewed, and an electron collection theory for the relatively unexplored case, Deybye length approximately 1, which occurs in the lower ionosphere (D-region), is developed. It is found that the dimensionless Debye length is no longer an electric field screening parameter, and the space charge field effect can be negelected. For ion collection, Hoult-Sonin theory is recognized as a correct description of the thin, ion density-perturbed layer adjacent the blunt probe surface. The large volume with electron density perturbed by a positively biased probe renders the usual thin boundary layer analysis inapplicable. Theories relating free stream conditions to the electron collection rate for both stationary and moving blunt probes are obtained. A model based on experimental nonlinear electron drift velocity data is proposed. For a subsonically moving probe, it is found that the perturbed region can be divided into four regions with distinct collection mechanisms.

Wai-Kwong Lai, T.↗

NASA NTRS1970

A possible solution to Sommerfeld's riddle

An application of standard electromagnetic theory to noninertial systems leads to fundamental problems that culminate in a riddle concerning space charges that cannot possibly exist. A solution is proposed by adapting the constitutive relations so that they become also applicable to noninertial frames. The adaption has been constructed to be consistent with a number of classical experiments and with more recent ring laser experiments. New experimentation is proposed that can further substantiate or refute the proposed adaptation.

Post, E. J.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Solar modulation of atmospheric electrification through variation of the conductivity over thunderstorms

Variations of the current in the global atmospheric electrical circuit can be produced through regulation of the resistance between the tops of thunderclouds and the ionosphere. Long-and short-term changes in the conductivity of this region occur due to changes in the ionization rate resulting from solar activity. Previous suggestions that the phenomena might be due to conductivity variations in the fair weather part of the world or an influx of space charge to the upper atmosphere are considered unlikely. It might be possible to test the proposed mechanism by measuring the temporal variation of the ionospheric potential during disturbed solar periods. Another approach would be to measure simultaneously the variation in ionization rate and electric current over thunder-storms. Several ways in which changes in atmospheric electrification might influence other meteorological phenomena are mentioned.

Markson, R.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Design, construction and evaluation of a 12.2 GHz, 4.0 kW-CW high efficiency klystron amplifier

An analytical and experimental program is described, for studying design techniques for optimizing the conversion efficiency of klystron amplifiers, and to utilize these techniques in the development and fabrication of an X-band 4 kW cw klystron, for use in satellite-borne television broadcast transmitters. The design is based on a technique for increasing the RF beam current by using the second harmonic space charge forces in the bunched beam. Experimental analysis was also made of a method to enhance circuit efficiency in the klystron cavities. The design incorporates a collector which is demountable from the tube to facilitate multistage depressed collector experiments employing an axisymmetric, electrostatic collector for linear beam microwave tubes.

Vishida, J. M.↗

NASA NTRS1974

A model of the effect of the satellite photosheath on a double floating probe system

Description of a model developed to predict the interactions between multiple electrostatic probes separated by distances that are shorter than or comparable to the characteristic plasma shielding length. The computation involves crude approximations accounting for space charge effects, currents due to the emission and exchange of photoelectrons, and currents from the ambient plasma. Floating potentials are calculated by requiring current balance for each probe and solving by iterating the resulting coupled nonlinear equations. Although only qualitative accuracy is claimed, predictions using the model are found to be in good agreement with observations from the Explorer 45 satellite. The Explorer 45 satellite measures the potential difference between a pair of symmetrical spherical floating probes. The Explorer 45 data show that with increasing altitude, first, the sunward sphere will typically assume a more negative potential than the antisunward sphere; second, the polarities of the probes in the region L = 2 to 4 may switch, sometimes several times; and, finally, near the plasmapause the detector output may saturate, the sunward sphere being more negative.

Cauffman, D. P.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Experimental Investigation of Electron Cloud Containment in a Nonuniform Magnetic Field

Dense clouds of electrons were generated and studied in an axisymmetric, nonuniform magnetic field created by a short solenoid. The operation of the experiment was similar to that of a low-pressure (approximately 0.000001 Torr) magnetron discharge. Discharge current characteristics are presented as a function of pressure, magnetic field strength, voltage, and cathode end-plate location. The rotation of the electron cloud is determined from the frequency of diocotron waves. In the space charge saturated regime of operation, the cloud is found to rotate as a solid body with frequency close to V sub a/phi sub a where V sub a is the anode voltage and phi suba is the total magnetic flux. This result indicates that, in regions where electrons are present, the magnetic field lines are electrostatic equipotentials (E bar, B bar = 0). Equilibrium electron density distributions suggested by this conditions are integrated with respect to total ionizing power and are found consistent with measured discharge currents.

Eninger, J. E.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Ion-implanted epitaxially grown ZnSe

The use of ZnSe to obtain efficient, short wavelength injection luminescence was investigated. It was proposed that shorter wavelength emission and higher efficiency be achieved by employing a p-i-n diode structure rather than the normal p-n diode structure. The intervening i layer minimizes concentration quenching effects and the donor-acceptor pair states leading to long wavelength emission. The surface p layer was formed by ion implantation; implantation of the i layer rather than the n substrate permits higher, uncompensated p-type doping. An ion implanted p-n junction in ZnSe is efficiency-limited by high electron injection terminating in nonradiative recombination at the front surface, and by low hole injection resulting from the inability to obtain high conductivity p-type surface layers. While the injection ratio in p-n junctions was determined by the radio of majority carrier concentrations, the injection ratio in p-i-n structures was determined by the mobility ratios and/or space charge neutrality requirements in the i layer.

Chernow, F.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Properties of the wake of small Langmuir probes on sounding rockets

Split Langmuir probes have been used to study the near wake of small Langmuir probes on sounding rockets. Experiments have been performed on two rocket flights using planar disk and cylindrical geometries, and the results are presented. Significant wake perturbations in plasma density and temperature were found due to the probe body itself, even though the probes were of the order of or smaller than the Debye length. The largest effects of the wake are seen in the electron collection characteristics of the probe. The wake of small probes show apparent magnetic field aligned structure, even though the probes were much smaller than the ion gyroradius. On one flight, a space charge potential large enough to substantially alter photoemission, -3.5 volts, was observed.

Bering, E. A.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Solar modulation of atmospheric electrification through variation of the conductivity over thunderstorms

It is suggested that variations of the current in the global atmospheric electrical circuit can be produced through regulation of the resistance between the tops of thunderclouds and the ionosphere. Long- and short-term changes in the conductivity of this region occur due to changes in the ionization rate resulting from solar activity. Previous suggestions that the phenomena might be due to conductivity variations in the fair weather part of the world or an influx of space charge to the upper atmosphere are discussed and considered unlikely. It might be possible to test the proposed mechanism by measuring the temporal variation of the ionospheric potential during distributed solar periods. Another approach would be to measure simultaneously the variation in ionization rate and electric current over thunderstorms. Several ways in which changes in atmospheric electrification might influence other meteorological phenomena are mentioned.

Markson, R.↗