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At least 307 records · Page 17

Atmospheric pressure flow reactor: Gas phase chemical kinetics under tropospheric conditions without wall effects

A flow reactor for simulating the interaction in the troposphere is set forth. A first reactant mixed with a carrier gas is delivered from a pump and flows through a duct having louvers therein. The louvers straighten out the flow, reduce turbulence and provide laminar flow discharge from the duct. A second reactant delivered from a source through a pump is input into the flowing stream, the second reactant being diffused through a plurality of small diffusion tubes to avoid disturbing the laminar flow. The commingled first and second reactants in the carrier gas are then directed along an elongated duct where the walls are spaced away from the flow of reactants to avoid wall interference, disturbance or turbulence arising from the walls. A probe connected with a measuring device can be inserted through various sampling ports in the second duct to complete measurements of the first and second reactants and the product of their reaction at selected XYZ locations relative to the flowing system.

Koontz, Steven L.

The EMSS catalog of X-ray-selected clusters of galaxies. 1: An atlas of CCD images of 41 distant clusters

An atlas of deep, wide-field R-band charge coupled device (CCD) images of a complete sample of distant, X-ray-selected clusters of galaxies is presented. These clusters are the 41 most distant (z is greater than or equal to 0.15) and most X-ray-luminous (L(sub x) is greater than or equal to 2 x 10(exp 44) ergs/s) clusters in the Einstein Observatory Extended Medium Sensitivity Survey (EMSS) catalog that are observable from Mauna Kea (delta is greater than -40 deg). The sample spans a redshift range of 0.15 is less than or equal to z is less than or equal to 0.81 and includes at least two and possibly as many as six rich clusters with z is greater than 0.5. For the most part, the data are of superior quality, with a median seeing of 0.8 sec full width half-maximum (FWHM) and coverage of at least 1 Mpc x 1 Mpc in the cluster frame (H(sub 0) = 50; q(sub 0) = 1/2). In addition, we update the available optical, X-ray, and radio data on the entire EMSS sample of 104 clusters. We outline the cluster selection criteria in detail and emphasize that X-ray-selected cluster samples may prove to be more useful for cosmological studies than optically selected samples. The EMSS cluster sample in particular can be exploited for diverse cosmological investigations, as demonstrated by the detection of evolution in the X-ray luminosity function previously reported, and more recently by the discovery of a large number of gravitationally lensed images in these clusters.

Gioia, I. M.

Hierarchical Statistical 3D ' Atomistic' Simulation of Decanano MOSFETs: Drift-Diffusion, Hydrodynamic and Quantum Mechanical Approaches

When MOSFETs are scaled to deep submicron dimensions the discreteness and randomness of the dopant charges in the channel region introduces significant fluctuations in the device characteristics. This effect, predicted 20 year ago, has been confirmed experimentally and in simulation studies. The impact of the fluctuations on the functionality, yield, and reliability of the corresponding systems shifts the paradigm of the numerical device simulation. It becomes insufficient to simulate only one device representing one macroscopical design in a continuous charge approximation. An ensemble of macroscopically identical but microscopically different devices has to be characterized by simulation of statistically significant samples. The aims of the numerical simulations shift from predicting the characteristics of a single device with continuous doping towards estimating the mean values and the standard deviations of basic design parameters such as threshold voltage, subthreshold slope, transconductance, drive current, etc. for the whole ensemble of 'atomistically' different devices in the system. It has to be pointed out that even the mean values obtained from 'atomistic' simulations are not identical to the values obtained from continuous doping simulations. In this paper we present a hierarchical approach to the 'atomistic' simulation of aggressively scaled decanano MOSFETs. A full scale 3D drift-diffusion'atomostic' simulation approach is first described and used for verification of the more economical, but also more restricted, options. To reduce the processor time and memory requirements at high drain voltage we have developed a self-consistent option based on a thin slab solution of the current continuity equation only in the channel region. This is coupled to the Poisson's equation solution in the whole simulation domain in the Gummel iteration cycles. The accuracy of this approach is investigated in comparison with the full self-consistent solution. At low drain voltage only single solution of the nonlinear Poisson equation is sufficient to extract the current with satisfactory accuracy. A pilot version of a hydrodynamic 'atomistic' simulator has been developed in order to study the effect of the nonequilibrium, non local transport in decanano MOSFETs on the random dopant induced current fluctuations. For the first time we have also applied the density gradient approach in 3D to investigate the effect of the quantum confinement on the threshold voltage fluctuations. The developed 'atomistic' simulation techniques have been applied to study various fluctuation resistant MOSFET architectures including epitaxial and delta doped devices.

Asenov, Asen

Microorganisms in the Stratosphere (MIST): In-flight Sterilization with UVC Leds

The stratosphere (10 km to 50 km above sea level) is a unique place on Earth for astrobiological studies of microbes in extreme environments due to the combination of harsh conditions (high ultraviolet radiation, low pressure, desiccation, and low temperatures). Microorganisms in the Stratosphere (MIST) will attempt to characterize the diversity of microbes at these altitudes using a balloon collection device on a meteorological weather balloon. A major challenge of such an aerobiology study is the potential for ground contamination that makes it difficult to distinguish between collected microbes and contaminants. One solution is to use germicidal ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UV LEDs) to sterilize the collection strip. To use this solution, an optimal spatial arrangement of the lights had to be determined to ensure the greatest chance of complete sterilization within the 30 to 60 minute time of balloon ascent. A novel, 3D-printed test stand was developed to experimentally determine viable Bacillus pumilus SAFR-032 spore reduction after exposure to ultraviolet radiation at various times, angles, and distances. Taken together, the experimental simulations suggested that the UV LEDs on the MIST flight hardware should be active for at least 15 minutes and mounted within 4 cm of the illuminated surface at any angle to achieve optimal sterilization. These findings will aid in the production of the balloon collection device to ensure pristine stratospheric microbial samples are collected. Flight hardware capable of in-flight self-sterilization will enable future life detection missions to minimize both forward contamination and false positives.

Exobiology

Passive, Collapsible Contingency Urinal for Human Space Flight

Fluid transport systems for spacecraft face acute challenges because of the persistently unfamiliar and unforgiving low-gravity environment. IRPI, LLC, has developed a contingency wastewater collection and processing device that provides passive liquid collation, containment, bubble separation, and droplet coalescence functions. The lightweight, low-volume, low-cost, and potentially disposable device may be used for subsequent sampling, metering, storage, disposal, and/or reuse. The approach includes a fractal wetting design that incorporates smart capillary fluidics. This work could have a broad impact on capillary-based fluid management on spacecraft and on Earth.

Jenson, Ryan

Towards a Qualification Data Set: Expanded SEE Data on the P2020 Processor

Earlier P2020 SEE data are compared and expanded to a recent die revision, significantly increasing samples tested by protons by five devices, and by heavy ions by five devices. Earlier tested SEE types are found to be fairly similar in register, L1 cache, L2 cache, and CPU crashes. New test methods give SEE performance for the flash memory controller, watchdog circuit, and a built-in Ethernet port on the P2020 processor. Results from heavy ion and proton tests are presented, with data separated over a large number of specific error types and test programs.

Vartanian, Sargeh

Genesis Ultrapure Water Megasonic Wafer Spin Cleaner

A device removes, with high precision, the majority of surface particle contamination greater than 1-micron-diameter in size from ultrapure semiconductor wafer materials containing implanted solar wind samples returned by NASA's Genesis mission. This cleaning device uses a 1.5-liter/minute flowing stream of heated ultrapure water (UPW) with 1- MHz oscillating megasonic pulse energy focused at 3 to 5 mm away from the wafer surface spinning at 1,000 to 10,000 RPM, depending on sample size. The surface particle contamination is removed by three processes: flowing UPW, megasonic cavitations, and centripetal force from the spinning wafer. The device can also dry the wafer fragment after UPW/megasonic cleaning by continuing to spin the wafer in the cleaning chamber, which is purged with flowing ultrapure nitrogen gas at 65 psi (.448 kPa). The cleaner also uses three types of vacuum chucks that can accommodate all Genesis-flown array fragments in any dimensional shape between 3 and 100 mm in diameter. A sample vacuum chuck, and the manufactured UPW/megasonic nozzle holder, replace the human deficiencies by maintaining a consistent distance between the nozzle and wafer surface as well as allowing for longer cleaning time. The 3- to 5-mm critical distance is important for the ability to remove particles by megasonic cavitations. The increased UPW sonication time and exposure to heated UPW improve the removal of 1- to 5-micron-sized particles.

Allton, Judith H.

Measurement of sputtered efflux from 5-, 8-, and 30-cm diameter mercury ion thrusters

A technique has been developed which uses spectral transmittance of samples exposed to thruster efflux to determine and characterize the effect of the efflux on spacecraft surfaces and optical devices. An investigation of facility backsputter revealed that efflux samples must be protected (e.g., by small shield boxes) from materials from tank walls and targets. The composition of the sputter efflux deposited on the samples was mostly molybdenum with trace amounts of tantalum, iron and/or mercury. The efflux from a 5-cm diameter thruster was deposited on samples located in the plane of the accelerator grid; the 8-cm diameter thruster efflux results showed that the location of ion beam sputtering and efflux deposition equilibrium occurred at 57 deg with respect to the thruster axis; and the 30-cm diameter thruster had an ion beam erosion-efflux deposition equilibrium at 45 deg.

Weigand, A. J.

Particle emission from artificial cometary materials

During KOSI (comet simulation) experiments, mineral-ice mixtures are observed in simulated space conditions. Emission of ice-/dust particles from the sample surface is observed by means of different devices. The particle trajectories are recorded with a video system. In the following analysis we extracted the parameters: particle count rate, spatial distribution of starting points on the sample surface, and elevation angle and particle velocity at distances up to 5 cm from the sample surface. Different kinds of detectors are mounted on a frame in front of the sample to register the emitted particles and to collect their dust residues. By means of these instruments the particle count rates, the particle sizes and the composition of the particles can be correlated. The results are related to the gas flux density and the temperature on the sample surface during the insolation period. The particle emission is interpreted in terms of phenomena on the sample surface, e.g., formation of a dust mantle.

Koelzer, Gabriele

Theoferometer for High Accuracy Optical Alignment and Metrology

The accurate measurement of the orientation of optical parts and systems is a pressing problem for upcoming space missions, such as stellar interferometers, requiring the knowledge and maintenance of positions to the sub-arcsecond level. Theodolites, the devices commonly used to make these measurements, cannot provide the needed level of accuracy. This paper describes the design, construction, and testing of an interferometer system to fill the widening gap between future requirements and current capabilities. A Twyman-Green interferometer mounted on a 2 degree of freedom rotation stage is able to obtain sub-arcsecond, gravity-referenced tilt measurements of a sample alignment cube. Dubbed a 'theoferometer,' this device offers greater ease-of-use, accuracy, and repeatability than conventional methods, making it a suitable 21st-century replacement for the theodolite.

Toland, Ronald

Temperature coefficients and radiation induced DLTS spectra of MOCVD grown n(+)p InP solar cells

The effects of temperature and radiation on n(+)p InP solar cells and mesa diodes grown by metallorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) were studied. It was shown that MOCVD is capable of consistently producing good quality InP solar cells with Eff greater than 19 percent which display excellent radiation resistance due to minority carrier injection and thermal annealing. It was also shown that universal predictions of InP device performance based on measurements of a small group of test samples can be expected to be quite accurate, and that the degradation of an InP device due to any incident particle spectrum should be predictable from a measurement following a single low energy proton irradiation.

Walters, Robert J.

NASA Tech Briefs, June 2009

Topics covered include: Device for Measuring Low Flow Speed in a Duct, Measuring Thermal Conductivity of a Small Insulation Sample, Alignment Jig for the Precise Measurement of THz Radiation, Autoignition Chamber for Remote Testing of Pyrotechnic Devices, Microwave Power Combiners for Signals of Arbitrary Amplitude, Synthetic Foveal Imaging Technology, Airborne Antenna System for Minimum-Cycle-Slip GPS Reception, Improved Starting Materials for Back-Illuminated Imagers, Multi-Modulator for Bandwidth-Efficient Communication, Some Improvements in Utilization of Flash Memory Devices, GPS/MEMS IMU/Microprocessor Board for Navigation, T/R Multi-Chip MMIC Modules for 150 GHz, Pneumatic Haptic Interfaces, Device Acquires and Retains Rock or Ice Samples, Cryogenic Feedthrough Test Rig, Improved Assembly for Gas Shielding During Welding or Brazing, Two-Step Plasma Process for Cleaning Indium Bonding Bumps, Tool for Crimping Flexible Circuit Leads, Yb14MnSb11 as a High-Efficiency Thermoelectric Material, Polyimide-Foam/Aerogel Composites for Thermal Insulation, Converting CSV Files to RKSML Files, Service Management Database for DSN Equipment, Chemochromic Hydrogen Leak Detectors, Compatibility of Segments of Thermoelectric Generators, Complementary Barrier Infrared Detector, JPL Greenland Moulin Exploration Probe, Ultra-Lightweight Self-Deployable Nanocomposite Structure for Habitat Applications, and Room-Temperature Ionic Liquids for Electrochemical Capacitors.

Source record

Design and Modelling of a Microfluidic Electro-Lysis Device with Controlling Plates

Many Lab-on-Chip applications require sample pre-treatment systems. Using electric fields to perform cell-lysis in bio-MEMS systems has provided a powerful tool which can be integrated into Lab-on-a-Chip platforms. The major design considerations for electro-lysis devices include optimal geometry and placement of micro-electrodes, cell concentration, flow rates, optimal electric field (e.g. pulsed DC vs. AC), etc. To avoid electrolysis of the flowing solution at the exposed electrode surfaces, magnitudes and the applied voltages and duration of the DC pulse, or the AC frequency of the AC, have to be optimized for a given configuration. Using simulation tools for calculation of electric fields has proved very useful, for exploring alternative configurations and operating conditions for achieving electro cell-lysis. To alleviate the problem associated with low electric fields within the microfluidics channel and the high voltage demand on the contact electrode strips, two "control plates" are added to the microfluidics configuration. The principle of placing the two controlling plate-electrodes is based on the electric fields generated by a combined insulator/dielectric (gladwater) media. Surface charges are established at the insulator/dielectric interface. This paper discusses the effects of this interface charge on the modification of the electric field of the flowing liquid/cell solution.

Jenkins, A.

Estimation of proportions of objects and determination of training sample-size in a remote sensing application

A multichannel scanning device may fail to observe objects because of obstructions blocking the view, or different categories of objects may make up a resolution element giving rise to a single observation. Ground truth will be required on any such categories of objects in order to estimate their expected proportions associated with various classes represented in the remote sensing data. Considering the classes to be distributed as multivariate normal with different mean vectors and common covariance, maximum likelihood estimates are given for the expected proportions of objects associated with different classes, using the Bayes procedure for classification of individuals obtained from these classes. An approximate solution for simultaneous confidence intervals on these proportions is given, and thereby a sample-size needed to achieve a desired amount of accuracy for the estimates is determined.

Chhikara, R. S.

An investigation of the SNS Josephson junction as a three-terminal device

A particular phenomenon of the SNS Josephson junction was investigated; i.e., control by a current entering the normal region and leaving through one of the superconducting regions. The effect of the control current on the junction was found to be dependent upon the ration of the resistances of the two halves of the N layer. A low frequency, lumped, nonlinear model was proposed to describe the electrical characteristics of the device, and a method was developed to plot the dynamic junction resistance as a function of junction current. The effective thermal noise temperature of the sample was determined. Small signal linearized analysis of the device suggests its use as an impedance transformer, although geometric limitations must be overcome. Linear approximation indicates that it is reciprocal and no power gain is possible. It is felt that, with suitable metallurgical and geometrical improvements, the device has promise to become a superconducting transistor.

Meissner, H.

Portable, wind sensitive, directional air sampler

Air Scout unit has preset timer that controls length of time filter slides are in sampling position. At end of sampling period, fresh slide is automatically moved into position, and exposed filter is displaced into storage compartment. Device may be set up, loaded, programmed, and left to acquire samples automatically.

Deyo, J. N.