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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 307 records · Page 17

Design and Performance of an InAs Quantum Dot Scintillator with Integrated Photodetector

A new scintillation material composed of InAs quantum dots (QDs) hosted within a GaAs matrix was developed, and its performance with different types of radiation is evaluated. A methodology for designing an integrated photodetector (PD) with a low defect density and that is optically matched to the QD’s emission spectrum is introduced, utilizing an engineered epitaxial InAlGaAs metamorphic buffer layer. The photoluminescence (PL) collection efficiency of the integrated PD is examined using two-dimensional scanning laser excitation. The detector response to 5.5 MeV α-particles and 122 keV photons is presented. Yields of 13 electrons/keV for α-particles and 30–60 electrons/keV for photons were observed. The energy resolution of 12% observed with α-particles was mainly limited by noise- and geometry-related optical losses. The radiation hardness of an InAs QDs hosted within GaAs and a wider band gap AlGaAs ternary alloy was studied under a 1 MeV proton implantation up to a 10 14 cm –2 dose. The integrated PL responses were compared to evaluate PL quenching due to non-radiative defects. The QDs embedded in the AlGaAs demonstrated improved radiation hardness compared to QDs in the GaAs matrix and in the InGaAs quantum wells.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Modeling the small-scale deposition of snow onto structured Arctic sea ice during a MOSAiC storm using snowBedFoam 1.0.

The remoteness and extreme conditions of the Arctic make it a very difficult environment to investigate. In these polar regions covered by sea ice, the wind is relatively strong due to the absence of obstructions and redistributes a large part of the deposited snow mass, which complicates estimates for precipitation hardly distinguishable from blowing or drifting snow. Moreover, the snow mass balance in the sea ice system is still poorly understood, notably due to the complex structure of its surface. Quantitatively assessing the snow distribution on sea ice and its connection to the sea ice surface features is an important step to remove the snow mass balance uncertainties (i.e., snow transport contribution) in the Arctic environment. In this work we introduce snowBedFoam 1.0., a physics-based snow transport model implemented in the open-source fluid dynamics software OpenFOAM. We combine the numerical simulations with terrestrial laser scan observations of surface dynamics to simulate snow deposition in a MOSAiC (Multidisciplinary Drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate) sea ice domain with a complicated structure typical for pressure ridges. The results demonstrate that a large fraction of snow accumulates in their vicinity, which compares favorably against scanner measurements. However, the approximations imposed by the numerical framework, together with potential measurement errors (precipitation), give rise to quantitative inaccuracies, which should be addressed in future work. The modeling of snow distribution on sea ice should help to better constrain precipitation estimates and more generally assess and predict snow and ice dynamics in the Arctic.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Airfoil wake vortex characteristics in the far field

Tangential and axial velocity profiles were measured in the far field wake vortices of several different airfoils. The results are summarized and discussed. A scanning laser velocimeter was used to obtain data up to 1000 chord lengths behind airfoils with rectangular, diamond-shaped, and swept wing planforms at several different angles of attack. The results show general agreement with wind tunnel measurements made in the near field. The results identify two separate flow regions for the dependence of vortex maximum tangential velocity on downstream distance; an inviscid region where the velocity remains constant after rollup to downstream distances of 200 chord lengths, and then a decay or viscous region that persisted to the limit of the test distance. The decay rates appear to be sensitive to both angle of attack and span loading. The maximum tangential velocity for downstream distances to 40 span lengths was reduced by a factor of 2 by changing from an elliptic (swept wing) or rectangular span loading to a triangular-like span loading (diamond-shaped planform wing). Measured axial velocity defects are shown to agree with those predicted by laminar theory.

Orloff, K. L.↗

Analysis and design of a capsule landing system and surface vehicle control system for Mars exploration

The following tasks related to the design, construction, and evaluation of a mobile planetary vehicle for unmanned exploration of Mars are discussed: (1) design and construction of a 0.5 scale dynamic vehicle; (2) mathematical modeling of vehicle dynamics; (3) experimental 0.4 scale vehicle dynamics measurements and interpretation; (4) vehicle electro-mechanical control systems; (5) remote control systems; (6) collapsibility and deployment concepts and hardware; (7) design, construction and evaluation of a wheel with increased lateral stiffness, (8) system design optimization; (9) design of an on-board computer; (10) design and construction of a laser range finder; (11) measurement of reflectivity of terrain surfaces; (12) obstacle perception by edge detection; (13) terrain modeling based on gradients; (14) laser scan systems; (15) path selection system simulation and evaluation; (16) gas chromatograph system concepts; (17) experimental chromatograph separation measurements and chromatograph model improvement and evaluation.

Frederick, D. K.↗

Recognition of three dimensional obstacles by an edge detection scheme

The need for an obstacle detection system on the Mars roving vehicle was assumed, and a practical scheme was investigated and simulated. The principal sensing device on this vehicle was taken to be a laser range finder. Both existing and original algorithms, ending with thresholding operations, were used to obtain the outlines of obstacles from the raw data of this laser scan. A theoretical analysis was carried out to show how proper value of threshold may be chosen. Computer simulations considered various mid-range boulders, for which the scheme was quite successful. The extension to other types of obstacles, such as craters, was considered. The special problems of bottom edge detection and scanning procedure are discussed.

Reed, M. A.↗

Far-field wake-vortex characteristics of wings

Velocity measurements have been made in the wake of wings that were being towed underwater. As the wake aged, measurements of the tangential and axial velocity profiles were made with a two-dimensional scanning laser velocimeter at downstream distances of 5 to 200 span lengths behind wings with different span loadings. The results identify two characteristic flow regions for the dependence of vortex maximum tangential velocity on downstream distance. The first, a region with little, if any, change in maximum tangential velocity, extends from wake rollup to downstream distances as great as 100 span lengths, depending on span loading and angle of attack. This is followed by a decay region in which the maximum tangential velocity decreases with downstream distance at rates nominally proportional to the inverse one-half power.

Ciffone, D. L.↗

A practical obstacle detection system for the Mars Rover

Discussion of an obstacle detection system which uses a laser range finder as the principal sensing device. The laser scans the scene ahead and stores the range data for the terrain in a matrix form. This matrix can be thought of as a 'range image'. This range varies from point to point, but sharp changes are caused by the presence of obstacles. Some existing algorithms and one developed by the authors were used to obtain the outlines of obstacles from the 'range image'. All these algorithms end with a thresholding operation. A theoretical analysis shows how a proper value of the threshold may be chosen, given the type of irregularity of the terrain to be detected. The analysis also shows how large the statistics of measurement noise can be allowed without leading to false alarms.

Reed, M.↗

Axial flow measurements in trailing vortices

A scanning laser Doppler velocimeter was used to measure the axial velocity defect in the cores of trailing vortices behind a lifting airfoil of rectangular planform. Data were obtained at several different angles of attack and downstream distances ranging from 30 to 1000 chord lengths. The test was designed to obtain continuous data from the near field into the far field while removing uncertainties associated with the interpretation of data obtained by the hydrogen bubble technique. The measured velocities of V sub x/U sub infinity are compared with those predicted. The agreement is remarkably good over the entire range of downstream distances, which supports the credibility of calculating axial velocities using the results of Moore and Saffman (1973).

Ciffone, D. L.↗

Conduct overall test operations and evaluate two Doppler systems to detect, track and measure velocities in aircraft wake vortices

A program plan for system evaluation of the two-dimensional Scanning Laser Doppler System (SLDS) is presented. In order to meet system evaluation and optimization objectives the following tests were conducted: (1) noise tests; (2) wind tests; (3) blower flowfield tests; (4) single unit (1-D) flyby tests; and (5) dual unit (2-D) flyby tests. Test results are reported. The final phase of the program included logistics preparation, equipment interface checkouts, and data processing. It is concluded that the SLDS is capable of accurately tracking aircraft wake vortices from small or large aircraft, and in any type of weather.

Wilson, D. J.↗

Effects of spoilers and gear on B-747 wake vortex velocities

Vortex velocities were measured in the wakes of four configurations of a 0.61-m span model of a B-747 aircraft. The wakes were generated by towing the model underwater in a ship model basin. Tangential and axial velocity profiles were obtained with a scanning laser velocimeter as the wakes aged to 35 span lengths behind the model. A 45 deg deflection of two outboard flight spoilers with the model in the landing configuration resulted in a 36 percent reduction in wake maximum tangential velocity, altered velocity profiles, and erratic vortex trajectories. Deployment of the landing gear with the inboard flaps in the landing position and outboard flaps retracted had little effect on the flap vortices to 35 spans, but caused the wing tip vortices to have: (1) more diffuse velocity profiles; (2) a 27 percent reduction in maximum tangential velocity; and (3) a more rapid merger with the flap vortices.

Luebs, A. B.↗

Aviation safety research and transportation/hazard avoidance and elimination

Data collected by the Scanning Laser Doppler Velocimeter System (SLDVS) was analyzed to determine the feasibility of the SLDVS for monitoring aircraft wake vortices in an airport environment. Data were collected on atmospheric vortices and analyzed. Over 1600 landings were monitored at Kennedy International Airport and by the end of the test period 95 percent of the runs with large aircraft were producing usable results in real time. The transport was determined in real time and post analysis using algorithms which performed centroids on the highest amplitude in the thresholded spectrum. Making use of other parameters of the spectrum, vortex flow fields were studied along with the time histories of peak velocities and amplitudes. The post analysis of the data was accomplished with a CDC-6700 computer using several programs developed for LDV data analysis.

Sonnenschein, C. M.↗

The Chesapeake Bay: A challenge to the remote sensing community

The use of remote sensing in studying, monitoring, and understanding the Chesapeake Bay was examined. References to multispectral scanning, laser techniques, infrared microwave, and radar were made. These aspects were then analyzed with multidimensional models, digital analysis, and holographic projections.

James, C. E.↗

A laser scanner for 35mm film

The design, construction, and testing of a laser scanning system is described. The scanner was designed to deliver a scanned beam over a 2.54 cm by 2.54 cm or a 5.08 cm by 5.08 cm format. In order to achieve a scan resolution and rate comparable to that of standard television, an acousto-optic deflector was used for one axis of the scan, and a light deflecting galvanometer for deflection along the other axis. The acoustic optic deflector has the capability of random access scan controlled by a digital computer.

Callen, W. R.↗

Solar-cell defect analyzer

Laser-Scanning System pinpoints imperfections in solar cells. Entire solar panels containing large numbers of cells can be scanned. Although technique is similar to use of scanning electron microscope (SEM) to locate microscopic imperfections, it differs in that large areas may be examined, including entire solar panels, and it is not necessary to remove cover glass or encapsulants.

Gauthier, M. K.↗

Array automated assembly task, phase 2. Low cost silicon solar array project

Several modifications instituted in the wafer surface preparation process served to significantly reduce the process cost to 1.55 cents per peak watt in 1975 cents. Performance verification tests of a laser scanning system showed a limited capability to detect hidden cracks or defects, but with potential equipment modifications this cost effective system could be rendered suitable for applications. Installation of electroless nickel plating system was completed along with an optimization of the wafer plating process. The solder coating and flux removal process verification test was completed. An optimum temperature range of 500-550 C was found to produce uniform solder coating with the restriction that a modified dipping procedure is utilized. Finally, the construction of the spray-on dopant equipment was completed.

Rhee, S. S.↗

Some failure modes and analysis techniques for terrestrial solar cell modules

Analysis data are presented on failed/defective silicon solar cell modules of various types and produced by different manufacturers. The failure mode (e.g., internal short and open circuits, output power degradation, isolation resistance degradation, etc.) are discussed in detail and in many cases related to the type of technology used in the manufacture of the modules; wherever applicable, appropriate corrective actions are recommended. Consideration is also given to some failure analysis techniques that are applicable to such modules, including X-ray radiography, capacitance measurement, cell shunt resistance measurement by the shadowing technique, steady-state illumination test station for module performance illumination, laser scanning techniques, and the SEM.

Shumka, A.↗

Effect of impurities and processing on silicon solar cells. Volume 1: Characterization methods for impurities in silicon and impurity effects data base

Two major topics are treated: methods to measure and evaluate impurity effects in silicon and comprehensive tabulations of data derived during the study. Discussions of deep level spectroscopy, detailed dark I-V measurements, recombination lifetime determination, scanned laser photo-response, conventional solar cell I-V techniques, and descriptions of silicon chemical analysis are presented and discussed. The tabulated data include lists of impurity segregation coefficients, ingot impurity analyses and estimated concentrations, typical deep level impurity spectra, photoconductive and open circuit decay lifetimes for individual metal-doped ingots, and a complete tabulation of the cell I-V characteristics of nearly 200 ingots.

Hopkins, R. H.↗

The properties of polycrystalline silicon solar cells with controlled titanium additions

By coupling the results of electrical measurements, such as spectral response, lighted and dark I-V determinations, and deep-level-transient spectroscopy with optical and laser scan photomicroscopy, the effects of grain boundaries and impurities on silicon solar cells were evaluated. Titanium, which produces two deep levels in silicon, degrades cell performance by reducing bulk lifetime and thus cell short-circuit current. Electrically active grain boundaries induce carrier recombination in the bulk and depletion regions of the solar cell. Experimental data imply a small but measurable segregation of titanium into some grain boundaries of the polycrystalline silicon containing high Ti concentration. However, for the titanium-contaminated polycrystalline material used in this study, solar cell performance is dominated by the electrically active titanium concentration in the grains. Microstructural impacts on the devices are of secondary importance

Rohatgi, A.↗