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The described device can be used to measure the output of any dc powered RF source. No dummy load is required for the measurements. The device is, therefore, called the 'no-load calorimeter' (NLC). The NLC measures the power actually fed to the antenna or another useful load. It is believed that the NLC can compete successfully with directional coupler type systems in measuring the output of high-power RF sources.
An experimental investigation was conducted using 80 kW and 1.2 MW RF induction heater facilities to aid in developing the technology necessary for designing a self-critical fissioning uranium plasma core reactor. Pure uranium hexafluoride (UF6) was injected into argon-confined, steady-state, RF-heated plasmas in different uranium plasma confinement tests to investigate the characteristics of plamas core nuclear reactors. The objectives were: (1) to confine as high a density of uranium vapor as possible within the plasma while simultaneously minimizing the uranium compound wall deposition; (2) to develop and test materials and handling techniques suitable for use with high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous UF6; and (3) to develop complementary diagnostic instrumentation and measurement techniques to characterize the uranium plasma and residue deposited on the test chamber components. In all tests, the plasma was a fluid-mechanically-confined vortex-type contained within a fused-silica cylindrical test chamber. The test chamber peripheral wall was 5.7 cm ID by 10 cm long.
RF-sputtered coatings of CrB2, MoSi2, Mo2C, TiC, and MoS2 were examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Data on stoichiometry, impurity content, and chemical bonding were obtained. The influences of sputtering target history, deposition time, RF power level, and substrate bias were studied. Significant deviations from stoichiometry and high oxide levels were related to target outgassing. The effect of substrate bias depended on the particular coating material studied.
Low cost miniature DPDT "half-size-crystal-can" relay serves as RF transfer switch for 1.0-W S-band signals. Switch can be used in miniature communication equipment operations at vhf-to-microwave frequencies. Device presents principal gains over conventional RF switches on space saving, and weight and cost reduction.
A brief overview of the radio-frequency sensors which were applied to the detection, isolation, and/or identification of the transient electromagnetic energy (sferics) radiated from one or more lightning discharges in the atmosphere is presented. Radio frequency (RF) characteristics of lightning discharges, general RF sensor (antenna) characteristics, sensors and systems previously used for sferic detection, electromagnetic pulse sensors are discussed. References containing extensive bibliographies concerning lightning are presented.
The Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) is a major NASA observatory to be launched in late 1979. SMM will be supported by NASA's existing Ground Spaceflight Tracking and Data Network (GSTDN) and the planned Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS). Design of a GSTDN/TDRSS compatible RF system for SMM poses multiple problems related to the complex nature of the observatory command, telemetry, and tracking support requirements and the fundamental differences in signal design, antenna characteristics, data rates, and link performance criteria for GSTDN vs. TDRSS support. The RF system described in this paper achieves full compatibility with a minimum of hardware complexity by use of an integrated antenna system, the NASA standard S-Band transponder, and utilization of both the single access and multiple access support capabilities of the TDRSS to handle both real time data and tape recorder dumps.
The Shuttle Orbiter communications equipment includes phase modulation (PM) and frequency modulation (FM) channels. The PM section has the capability of routing high levels of energy (175 W) from any one of four transmitters to any one of four antennas, mutually exclusive. The FM channel uses a maximum of 15-W power routed from either of two transmitters to one of two antennas, mutually exclusive. The paper describes the design and the theory of a logic-controlled RF switch matrix devised for the purposes cited. Both PM and FM channels are computer-controlled with manual overrides. The logic interface is realized with CMOS logic for low power consumption and high noise immunity. The interior of the switch matrix is maintained at a pressure of 15 psi (90% nitrogen, 10% helium) by an electron beam-welded encapsulation. The computational results confirm the viability of the RF switch matrix concept.
An analysis of the system performance of the digital phase locked loops (DPLL) and RF front end that are implemented in the MINI-L4 Loran receiver is presented. Three of the four experiments deal with the performance of the digital phase locked loops. The other experiment deals with the RF front end and DPLL system error which arise in the front end due to poor signal to noise ratios. The ability of the DPLLs to track the offsets is studied.
A coaxial switch capable of operating in a vacuum with high RF power in the 1.2 GHz range without multipactor breakdown, and without relying on pressurization with an inert gas is described. The RF carrying conductors of the switch are surrounded with a high grade solid dielectric, thus eliminating any gaps in which electrons can accelerate.
A method and apparatus are disclosed for distributing a stable reference frequency from a hydrogen maser frequency standard, or similar RF source, to remote stations over great distances with very good phase stability, and with constant amplitude, at each distribution point using a light beam carrier. A technique for providing automatic gain control at an optical receiver with phase stability in the RF reference is provided.
Propagation phenomena affect the design of radio frequency (RF) transmission systems. Propagation phenomena limit the suitability of portions of the frequency band for some applications, limit the reliability of RF transmission systems, and provide a means of coupling unwanted signals from one system to another with the potential of producing interference. The possibility of interference is the fundamental limitation to the unrestricted use of the frequency band. Phenomena affecting suitability, reliability, and the potential for interference are considered for frequencies in the 1- to 300-GHz range.
An experimental study concerning disk shaped plasma structures was performed. Such disk-shaped structures can be obtained using an rf discharge in hydrogen. The applied frequency was 1-2 Mhz. In case of operation in deuterium it was found that the discharge emits neutrons and X-rays, although the applied voltage is only 2 kV. This phenomenon was explained by assuming formation of plasma cavitons which are surrounded by high electric fields. The condition for formation of these cavitons is that the applied rf frequency is equal to the plasma frequency. The ions trapped in these resonance structures acquire sufficient energy that they can undergo fusion reactions with the ions in the surrounding gas.
During Storm Hazards - 82, simultaneous measurements were made of radar echoes, fast and slow field changes and RF radiation from lightning near the Wallops Flight Facility. RF radiation and radar echoes were also obtained during periods when the NASA F106 research aircraft was struck by lightning. These data are presently being used to better understand the electrical processes which occur during strikes to the aircraft. Preliminary conclusions based on data obtained in 1982 verify that the events recorded aboard the aircraft occurred during lightning but also indicate that they occur with surprising frequency very early in the flash.
Ferroelectric thin films of BaTiO3 have been successfully deposited on n-type silicon substrates at temperatures above 500 C by RF sputtering in an O2/Ar atmosphere. Analysis by X-ray diffraction patterns show that films deposited at room temperature are amorphous. At temperatures above 500 C, crystalline BaTiO3 films with a tetragonal structure are obtained. The polarization-electric field (P-E) hysteresis loops and a broad peak in the dielectric constant versus temperature curve at Curie point indicate that the RF sputtered BaTiO3 films are ferroelectric. An anomalous photovoltaic effect is observed in these thin films which is related to the remanent polarization of the material. The results on open-circuit and short-circuit measurements provide an important basis for a better understanding of the role of photovoltaic field, photovoltaic current, and the pyroelectric properties in photoferroelectric domain switching.
Radio frequency emissions in the S-band and VHF range from lightning discharges are recorded by a facility developed at MSFC as part of a feasibility study of a satellite-based lightning mapping system. The recording facility receives RF emissions in both vertical and horizontal polarization and stores the data on magnetic tape. Output from any one antenna may also be selected for high speed digitization and disk storage. Improvement in both hardware and software have enhanced significantly the accuracy of data characterization and the speed of data collection. Emission records at VHF have higher signal strength than the S-band as expected. The records of cloud-to-ground discharges obtained so far give a 7-33 V/M peak equivalent signal strength (1 KHz at 10 kilometer) in the S-band range. The CG discharge structure is recognizable in most of the data collected. Considerable RF activity is present throughout the VHF records. The S-band data shows signals associated with limited portions of discharge history. The records obtained are from lightning activities within a 10 mile range.
The dissociation of chlorosilanes to silicon and its deposition on a solid substrate in a RF plasma of mixtures of argon and hydrogen were investigated as a function of the macrovariables of the plasma. The dissociation mechanism of chlorosilanes and HCl as well as the formation of Si in the plasma state were studied by sampling the plasma with a quadrupole mass spectrometer. Macrovariables such as pressure, net RF power input and locations in the plasma reactor strongly influence the kinetics of dissociation. The deposition process of microcrystalline silicon films and its chlorine contamination were correlated to the dissociation mechanism of chlorosilanes and HCl.
Results of analysis and design conducted as part of multiyear Microwave Landing System (MLS) study are reported. Design of airborne radio frequency RF MLS components was performed. MLS omnidirectional antennas are developed using microstrip technology. A remote, low-noise, radio frequency (RF) preamplifier is designed for airborne MLS installations.
As part of the Large Space System Technology Program, the theoretical and experimental results of the RF characteristic of a hoop/column, quad aperture antenna using an RF verification model are presented. To satisfy the primary purposes of the model, experimental pattern data is provided for the quad aperture configuration at different reflector edge illumination levels, from which the geometry and edge effects can be assessed, and experimental data which can be compared with calculations using various theoretical reflector scattering formulae are provided. It also experimentally determines the effects upon secondary patterns of scale model quartz cables, as used in the hoop/column design, upon secondary patterns in order to assess the importance of developing a scattering theory to predict such effects. In addition, a comprehensive theoretical study and the experimental pattern results of quad aperture antenna feeds, a discussion of the fundamental affect of parasitic side lobes, their amplitude, and location in space.