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At least 289 records · Page 16

Regular oscillations and random motion of glass microspheres levitated by a single optical beam in air

We experimentally reporton optical binding of many glass particles in air that levitate in a single optical beam. A diversity of particle sizes and shapes interact at long range in a single Gaussian beam. Our system dynamics span from oscillatory to random and dimensionality ranges from 1 to 3D. In conclusion, the low loss for the center of mass motion of the beads could allow this system to serve as a standard many body testbed, similar to what is done today with atoms, but at the mesoscopic scale.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

SRF Levitation and Trapping of Nanoparticles

A proposal has been conceived to levitate and trap mesoscopic particles using radio frequency (RF) fields in a superconducting RF(SRF) cavity. Exploiting the intrinsic characteristics of an SRF cavity, this proposal aims at overcoming a major limit faced by state-of-the-art laser trapping techniques. The goal of the proposal is to establish a foundation to enable observation of quantum phenomena of an isolated mechanical oscillator interacting with microwave fields. An experiment supported by LDRD funding at JLab has started to address R&D issues relevant to these new research directions using existing SRF facilities at JLab. The success of this experiment would establish its groundbreaking relevance to quantum information science and technology, which may lead to applications in precision force measurement sensors, quantum memories, and alternative quantum computing implementations with promises for superior coherence characteristics and scalability well beyond the start-of-the-art. In this contribution, we will introduce the proposal and basic consideration of the experiment.

Geng, R. L.↗

Critical levitation loci for spheres on cryogenic fluids.

The conditions which allow a fluid to support a sphere having a higher specific gravity than its own are investigated. Three basic parameters which together define the maximum floating conditions are considered, including the Bond number, the wetting angle of the interface, and the ratio of solid-liquid specific gravities. The Bond number represents the ratio of buoyancy to surface tension forces. An analysis of the forces at the sphere-liquid interface is conducted to determine the optimum levitation loci, that is, the conditions permitting flotation of a maximum density sphere. Data for glycerine, carbon tetrachloride, and water spheres floating on a liquid nitrogen surface appear to be in good agreement with the analysis. Data for Teflon spheres on water also appear to be in agreement with the analytical results.

Hendricks, R. C.↗

Levitation heating and melting of tungsten, appendix A

The pertinent factors in levitation heating and melting of tungsten are discussed. The benefits to be derived from conducting purification processes in space environments are analyzed. It was determined that the following advantages would be realized: (1) crucibleless heating and melting, (2) vacuum and/or inert gas purification, and (3) control of grain size through supercooling.

Wouch, G.↗

Sound Waves Levitate Substrates

System recently tested uses acoustic waves to levitate liquid drops, millimeter-sized glass microballoons, and other objects for coating by vapor deposition or capillary attraction. Cylindrical contactless coating/handling facility employs a cylindrical acoustic focusing radiator and a tapered reflector to generate a specially-shaped standing wave pattern. Article to be processed is captured by the acoustic force field under the reflector and moves as reflector is moved to different work stations.

Lee, M. C.↗

Some limitations on processing materials in acoustic levitation devices

The spot heating of samples, suspended in an acoustic field, was investigated to determine if the technique could be used to process materials. A single axis resonance device operating in air at 25 C with an rms pressure maximum of 160 to 170 db was used in the experiments. The heat flow from a hot object suspended in a levitation node is dominated by the effects of the field, with the heat loss approximately 20 times larger than that due to natural convection. The acoustic forces which suspend the body at a node also serve to eject the heated air. The coupling between the locally heated region around the body and the acoustic field results in instabilities in both the pressure wave and force field. The investigations indicated the extreme difficulties in developing a materials processing device based on acoustic/spot heating for use in a terrestrial environment.

Oran, W. A.↗

Gas-Jet Levitation Furnace

Gas jet levitates solid and viscous liquid spheroids at high temperatures in new contactless processing system. System can be used to observe high temperature transformations (for example, crystallization without contact with another solid surface) or in containerless studies to eliminate contamination by crucible.

Ethridge, E. C.↗

The electromagnetic force field, fluid flow field and temperature profiles in levitated metal droplets

A mathematical representation was developed for the electromagnetic force field, the flow field, the temperature field (and for transport controlled kinetics), in a levitation melted metal droplet. The technique of mutual inductances was employed for the calculation of the electromagnetic force field, while the turbulent Navier - Stokes equations and the turbulent convective transport equations were used to represent the fluid flow field, the temperature field and the concentration field. The governing differential equations, written in spherical coordinates, were solved numerically. The computed results were in good agreement with measurements, regarding the lifting force, and the average temperature of the specimen and carburization rates, which were transport controlled.

El-Kaddah, N.↗

[Acoustic Levitation Methods and Apparatus]

Methods are described for acoustically levitating objects within chambers of spherical and cylindrical shape. The wavelengths for chambers of particular dimensions are given, for generating standing wave patterns of any of a variety of modes within the chambers. For a spherical chamber the lowest resonant mode is excited by applying a wavelength of 3.02R, where R is the chamber radius. The two lowest pure radial modes for that chamber, are excited by applying wavelengths of 1.40R and 0.814R. For a cylindrical chamber of radius R, the lowest mode is at a wavelength of 3.41R, and the lowest pure radial modes are at wavelengths of 1.64R and 0.896R.

Barmatz, M. B.↗

Acoustic Levitation With Less Equipment

Certain chamber shapes require fewer than three acoustic drivers. Levitation at center of spherical chamber attained using only one acoustic driver. Exitation of lowest spherical mode produces asymmetric acoustic potential well.

Barmatz, M. B.↗

Phase Modulation Stops Levitated Sample Rotation

Rotation of sample in acoustic levitator prevented by relatively simple phase-modulation scheme. Technique differs from older methods; no feedback control or observation of sample required, nor necessary to carefully tune or detune two oscillators to precise frequency differences from resonance.

Barmatz, M. B.↗

Acoustic-Levitation Chamber

Uncontaminated environments for highly-pure material processing provided within completely sealed levitation chamber that suspends particles by acoustic excitation. Technique ideally suited for material processing in low gravity environment of space.

Barmatz, M. B.↗

Monitoring Acoustically Levitated Samples

Physical behavior of sample acoustically levitated in high-temperature oven optically monitored by new system. Optical system allows visible and infrared monitoring of sample.

Glavich, T. A.↗