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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 289 records · Page 16
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2004

Compact, Passively Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser for the MESSENGER Mission to the Planet Mercury

A compact, passively Q-switched Nd:YAG laser has been developed for the Mercury Laser Altimeter (MLA) instrument which is an instrument on the MESSENGER mission to the planet Mercury. The laser achieves 5.4 percent efficiency with a near diffraction limited beam. It has passed all space flight environmental tests at system, instrument, and satellite integration. The laser design draws on a heritage of previous laser altimetry missions, specifically ISESAT and Mars Global Surveyor; but incorporates thermal management features unique to the requirements of an orbit of the planet Mercury.

Krebs, Danny J.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy for combustion diagnostics

The types of spectroscopic and collisional measurements that are needed to develop laser-induced fluorescence as a diagnostic technique are discussed, with emphasis placed on combustion measurements. The spectroscopic measurements under collision-free conditions include production of radicals, excitation scan studies, lifetime measurements, and fluorescence scans. The collisional studies discussed here are quenching, energy transfer, and polarization phenomena. The results of recent laboratory experiments are presented.

Crosley, D. R.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Development of 2.05 µm Fiber Lasers for CO2 DIAL Lidar Measuring Martian CO2 and Pressure

The Decadal Survey by the National Academy of Sciences in the United States and NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Science Plan both require global CO 2 observations for the Martian atmospheric pressure, dynamics and chemistry. However, there are significant observational gaps in polar regions and during nighttime for global air pressure and CO 2 on Mars. Therefore, recently we proposed a new concept of Martian differential absorption lidar (DIAL) operating in the 2.05 µm CO 2 absorption band for global, including poles, atmospheric CO 2 and pressure observations day and night [1]. Based on the concept, we are awarded to develop 2.05 µm fiber lasers by the NASA Planetary Instrument Concepts for the Advancement of Solar System Observations (PICASSO) Program. The laser is designed to be an all-fiber master oscillator and power amplifier (MOPA) system with laser output of ~3 mJ at a repetition frequency of 2 kHz. The primary master oscillator (PMO) is locked to the center (2.0504280 µm) of the selected CO 2 absorption line. The frequency of a second MO (SMO) is locked to that of PMO. This SMO frequency is adjustable and switched between the online (2.05044156 µm) and offline (2.05050812 µm) wavelengths. The online wavelength is optimally selected so that the CO 2 absorption optical depth (AOD) is ~1.1 at 3 km and the measurement in the low Martian atmosphere has largest signal-to-noise ratio. The online wavelength can also be adjusted to a line slope location where AOD is larger to observe atmospheric pressure at higher altitudes. We will present more detail about this project and instrument development at the conference.

Zhaoyan Liu↗
NASA NTRS2015

The Laser Communications Relay and the Path to the Next Generation Near Earth Relay

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center is currently developing the Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) as a Path to the Next Generation Near Earth Space Communication Network. The current NASA Space Network or Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System is comprised of a constellation of Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS) in geosynchronous orbit and associated ground stations and operation centers. NASA is currently targeting a next generation of relay capability on orbit in the 2025 timeframe.

Laser Communication Relay Demonstration↗
NASA NTRS1993

Laser ranging application to time transfer using geodetic satellite and to other Japanese space programs

Communications Research Laboratory (CRL) has been developing a laser time transfer system using a satellite laser ranging (SLR) system. We propose Japanese geodetic satellite 'AJISAI', launched in 1986 as a target satellite. The surface is covered not only with corner cube reflectors but also with mirrors. The mirrors are originally designed for observation of flushing solar light reflected by the separate mirrors while the satellite is spinning. In the experiment, synchronized laser pulses are transferred via specified mirror from one station to another while the satellite is up on the horizon to both stations. The system is based on the epoch timing ranging system with 40 ps ranging precision, connected together with UTC(CRL). Simulation study indicates that two stations at thousands of km distance from each other can be linked with signal strength of more than 10 photons and the distributed images of laser beam from AJISAI mirrors give many chances for two stations to link each other during a single AJISAI pass. Retro-reflector In Space for Advanced Earth Observation Satellite (ADEOS) and RendDezVous docking mission of Experimental Technology Satellite-7 (ETS-7) are briefly presented.

Kunimori, Hiroo↗
NASA NTRS2002

Technology Development of a Fiber Optic-Coupled Laser Ignition System for Multi-Combustor Rocket Engines

This paper addresses the progress of technology development of a laser ignition system at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). The first two years of the project focus on comprehensive assessments and evaluations of a novel dual-pulse laser concept, flight- qualified laser system, and the technology required to integrate the laser ignition system to a rocket chamber. With collaborations of the Department of Energy/Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and CFD Research Corporation (CFDRC), MSFC has conducted 26 hot fire ignition tests with lab-scale laser systems. These tests demonstrate the concept feasibility of dual-pulse laser ignition to initiate gaseous oxygen (GOX)/liquid kerosene (RP-1) combustion in a rocket chamber. Presently, a fiber optic- coupled miniaturized laser ignition prototype is being implemented at the rocket chamber test rig for future testing. Future work is guided by a technology road map that outlines the work required for maturing a laser ignition system. This road map defines activities for the next six years, with the goal of developing a flight-ready laser ignition system.

Trinh, Huu P.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Excimer laser system for atmospheric remote sensing of ozone

A high-power narrow-linewidth XeCl excimer laser system developed for use by NASA in the remote sensing of atmospheric ozone is described. The laser system is designed for incorporation in a DIAL lidar utilizing stimulated Raman generation for the reference wavelength and sophisticated data averaging techniques. The laser output has a linewidth of 0.002 nm and a beam divergence of 0.15 mrad (FWHM). The laser was operated over a six-hour period with a constant average power of 18 W and a wavelength stable to within + or - 0.0006 nm.

Tan, K. O.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Low SWaP Semiconductor Laser Transmitter Modules For ASCENDS Mission Applications

The National Research Council's (NRC) Decadal Survey (DS) of Earth Science and Applications from Space has identified the Active Sensing of CO2 Emissions over Nights, Days, and Seasons (ASCENDS) as an important atmospheric science mission. NASA Langley Research Center, working with its partners, is developing fiber laser architecture based intensity modulated CW laser absorption spectrometer for measuring XCO2 in the 1571 nm spectral band. In support of this measurement, remote sensing of O2 in the 1260 nm spectral band for surface pressure measurements is also being developed. In this paper, we will present recent progress made in the development of advanced transmitter modules for CO2 and O2 sensing. Advanced DFB seed laser modules incorporating low-noise variable laser bias current supply and low-noise variable temperature control circuit have been developed. The 1571 nm modules operate at >80 mW and could be tuned continuously over the wavelength range of 1569-1574nm at a rate of 2 pm/mV. Fine tuning was demonstrated by adjusting the laser drive at a rate of 0.7 pm/mV. Heterodyne linewidth measurements have been performed showing linewidth ~200 kHz and frequency jitter ~75 MHz. In the case of 1260 nm DFB laser modules, we have shown continuous tuning over a range of 1261.4 - 1262.6 nm by changing chip operating temperature and 1261.0 - 1262.0 nm by changing the laser diode drive level. In addition, we have created a new laser package configuration which has been shown to improve the TEC coefficient of performance by a factor of 5 and improved the overall efficiency of the laser module by a factor of 2.

Prasad, Narasimha S.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Skin-friction measurements by laser interferometry

The measurement of skin friction in rapidly distorted compressible flows is difficult, and very few reliable techniques are available. A recent development, the laser interferometer skin friction (LISF) meter, promises to be useful for this purpose. This technique interferometrically measures the time rate of thinning of an oil film applied to an aerodynamic surface. Under the proper conditions the wall shear stress may thus be found directly, without reference to flow properties. The applicability of the LISF meter to supersonic boundary layers is examined experimentally. Its accuracy and repeatability are assessed, and conditions required for its successful application are considered.

Kim, K.-S.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Development and Characterization of Laser-Induced Incandescence Towards Nanoparticle (Soot) Detection

The production of particulates, notably soot, during combustion has both positive and negative ramifications. Exhaust from diesel engines under load (for example, shifting gears), flickering candle flames and fireplaces all produce soot leaving a flame. From an efficiency standpoint, emission of soot from engines, furnaces or even a simple flickering candle flame represents a loss of useful energy. The emission of soot from diesel engines, furnaces, power generation facilities, incinerators and even simple flames poses a serious environmental problem and health risk. Yet some industries intentionally produce soot as carbon black for use in inks, copier toner, tires and as pigments. Similarly, the presence of soot within flames can act both positively and negatively. Energy transfer from a combustion process is greatly facilitated by the radiative heat transfer from soot yet radiative heat transfer also facilitates the spread of unwanted fires. To understand soot formation and develop control strategies for soot emission/formation, measurements of soot concentration in both practical devices such as engines and controlled laboratory flames are necessary. Laser-induced incandescence (LII) has been developed and characterized to address this need, as described here.

VanderWal, Randy L.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Status on Technology Development of Optic Fiber-Coupled Laser Ignition System for Rocket Engine Applications

To pursue technology developments for future launch vehicles, NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is examining vortex chamber concepts for liquid rocket engine applications. Past studies indicated that the vortex chamber schemes potentially have a number of advantages over conventional chamber methods. Due to the nature of the vortex flow, relatively cooler propellant streams tend to flow along the chamber wall. Hence, the thruster chamber can be operated without the need of any cooling techniques. This vortex flow also creates strong turbulence, which promotes the propellant mixing process. Consequently, the subject chamber concept: not only offer system simplicity, but also enhance the combustion performance. Test results have shown that chamber performance is markedly high even at a low chamber length-to-diameter ratio. This incentive can be translated to a convenience in the thrust chamber packaging.

Trinh, Huu P.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Advanced Opto-Electronics (LIDAR and Microsensor Development)

Our overall intent in this aspect of the project were to establish a collaborative effort between several departments at Montana State University for developing advanced optoelectronic technology for advancing the state-of-the-art in optical remote sensing of the environment. Our particular focus was on development of small systems that can eventually be used in a wide variety of applications that might include ground-, air-, and space deployments, possibly in sensor networks. Specific objectives were to: 1) Build a field-deployable direct-detection lidar system for use in measurements of clouds, aerosols, fish, and vegetation; 2) Develop a breadboard prototype water vapor differential absorption lidar (DIAL) system based on highly stable, tunable diode laser technology developed previously at MSU. We accomplished both primary objectives of this project, in developing a field-deployable direct-detection lidar and a breadboard prototype of a water vapor DIAL system. Paper summarizes each of these accomplishments.

Vanderbilt, Vern C.↗
NASA NTRS1992

A portable lidar using a diode-pumped YAG laser

A Mie lidar system is technically established and is used for monitoring air pollution, stratospheric and boundary layer aerosol distribution, plume dispersion, visibility, and the study of atmospheric structure and cloud physics. However, a lidar system is not widely used because of its cumbersome handling and unwieldy portability. Although the author developed a laser diode lidar system based on RM-CW technique, it has a limit of measurement distance. Here we report the development of an all solid Mie lidar system using a diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser and a Si-APD detector. This was constructed as a prototype of a handy lidar system.

Takeuchi, N.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Investigation of laser dynamics, modulation and control by means of intra-cavity time varying perturbation

Work continued on a number of projects aimed at the generation of tunable visible, infrared, and ultraviolet light; and on the control of this light by means of novel mode-locking and modulation techniques. Progress is summarized for the following projects: (1) the transient modelocking of the Nd:YAG laser and application of short optical pulses; (2) studies of the sodium-xenon excimer laser; (3) development of techniques for vacuum ultraviolet holography; and (4) studies of multiple photon pumped xenon and argon excimer lasers.

Harris, S. E.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Laser Velocimetry In Low-Speed Wind Tunnels

Design and performance of three-dimensional and two-dimensional backscatter laser velocimeter, both used in low-speed wind tunnels, described in report together with historical overview of development of laser velocimetry (LV). Provides measurements of airflow in wind-tunnel tests without perturbing effects of probes and probe-supporting structures. Applicable in such related fields as ventilation engineering and possibly in detection of wing vortexes from large aircraft at airports.

Orloff, Kenneth L.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Hot section laser anemometry

The objectives and problems faced in the development of a laser anemometry system for hot section applications was discussed. The goal was to map the flow profiles through and between the vanes and between the rotating blades of a turbine. A laser anemometer system was developed which measures the Doppler shift directly along the optical axis. Some testing is being conducted in a small bench top combustor facility. The cost involved in this testing was also discussed.

Nieberding, W. C.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Laser Velocimeter For Outdoor Or Wind-Tunnel Measurements

Laser velocimeter developed for remotely controlled operation in large wind tunnel or at outdoor aircraft-testing site. Long-range laser velocimeter has expanded focal range and ability to measure two perpendicular components of velocity simultaneously. Includes electronic subsystems for control and acquisition of data.

Reinath, Michael S.↗