Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Electromagnetic optics”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 325 records · Page 18

Nonclassical light from finite-range interactions in a two-dimensional quantum mirror

Excitons in a semiconductor monolayer form a collective resonance that can reflect resonant light with extraordinarily high efficiency. We investigate the nonlinear optical properties of such atomistically thin mirrors and show that finite-range interactions between excitons can lead to the generation of highly nonclassical light. We describe two scenarios, in which optical nonlinearities arise either from direct photon coupling to excitons in excited Rydberg states or from resonant two-photon excitation of Rydberg excitons with finite-range interactions. The latter case yields conditions of electromagnetically induced transparency and thereby provides an efficient mechanism for single-photon switching between high transmission and reflectance of the monolayer, with a tunable dynamical timescale of the emerging photon-photon interactions. Remarkably, it turns out that the resulting high degree of photon correlations remains virtually unaffected by Rydberg-state decoherence, in excess of nonradiative decoherence observed for ground-state excitons in two-dimensional semiconductors. This robustness to imperfections suggests a promising approach to quantum photonics at the level of individual photons.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Microwave characteristics of the ocean surface in the 1-10 GHz band

The microwave characteristics of calm, rough, and foam-covered ocean surfaces were studied, and a technique was developed for deriving thermodynamic ocean surface temperatures from brightness temperatures measured by an earth-orbiting radiometer. This investigation encompassed frequencies in the range 1 to 10 GHz (wavelength range of 30 to 3 cm) and was based on the use of a one-dimensional geometrical optics roughness model, including shadowing and multiple scattering of radiant electromagnetic energy. Provision is made in the model for characterizing surface roughness through the rms slope versus wind velocity relations previously established. Suitable foam and atmospheric models were superimposed on the roughness model.

Strong, A. E.↗

Laser system to detonate explosive devices

Detonating system is not affected by electromagnetic interference. System includes laser source, Q-switch, and optical fiber connected to explosive device. Fiber can be branched out and connected to several devices for simultaneous detonation.

Menichelli, V. J.↗

Multi-wavelength intra-peak phase separations in pulsed emissions from the Crab and the Vela pulsars

The Crab and the Vela pulsars were observed to emit pulsed radiation in the radio, optical, X-ray and gamma ray windows of the electromagnetic spectrum. In all cases the emission appears in two peaks, except in the case of radio emission from the Vela pulsar which is single peaked. With accurate peak position determinations made possible by recent observations, it is interesting to see if the intra-peak separations at various wavelengths across the electromagnetic spectrum bear any relation to each other. We report here an emerging trend of a monotonic decrease of the intra-peak separation with energy. The rate of decrease is faster in the case of the Vela pulsar than in that of the Crab pulsar. Even the case of single peaked radio emission by the Vela pulsar can be viewed as being consistent with this trend. These trends provide both an opportunity and a challenge to realistic modelings of pulsed emissions by these objects.

Ramanamurthy, P. V.↗

New observational facts about particle acceleration and transport during solar flares

Extensive hard X-ray (HXR)/gamma-ray (GR) observations of solar flares, performed during solar cycles 21 and 22 have led to important new discoveries. These data, combined with observations obtained in other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum (soft X-ray, Hard X-ray, optical, and radio) largley contributed to get a better understanding and to develop new ideas on particle acceleration and transport during solar flares. This review presents new observational facts relevant to hard X-ray/gamma-ray producing flares. Among these are the frequent presence of sub-second time structure in the hard X-ray emission, the variability in hard X-ray and radio spatial distributions during a flare and from flare to flare, the evidence for strong gamma-ray line emission from the Corona and the existence of extended phases of the gamma-ray emission lasting for several hours after the flare onset. This ensemble of observations indicates that particle acceleration takes place at different sites in a complex and dynamic magnetic field environment.

Trottel, G.↗

Molecularly Oriented Polymeric Thin Films for Space Applications

The increased commitment from NASA and private industry to the exploration of outer space and the use of orbital instrumentation to monitor the earth has focused attention on organic polymeric materials for a variety of applications in space. Some polymeric materials have exhibited short-term (3-5 yr) space environmental durability; however, future spacecraft are being designed with lifetimes projected to be 10-30 years. This gives rise to concern that material property change brought about during operation may result in unpredicted spacecraft performance. Because of their inherent toughness and flexibility, low density, thermal stability, radiation resistance and mechanical strength, aromatic polyimides have excellent potential use as advanced materials on large space structures. Also, there exists a need for high temperature (200-300 C) stable, flexible polymeric films that have high optical transparency in the 300-600nm range of the electromagnetic spectrum. Polymers suitable for these space applications were fabricated and characterized. Additionally, these polymers were molecularly oriented to further enhance their dimensional stability, stiffness, elongation and strength. Both unoriented and oriented polymeric thin films were also cryogenically treated to temperatures below -184 C to show their stability in cold environments and determine any changes in material properties.

Fay, Catharine C.↗

Accuracy Assessments of Cloud Droplet Size Retrievals from Polarized Reflectance Measurements by the Research Scanning Polarimeter

We present an algorithm for the retrieval of cloud droplet size distribution parameters (effective radius and variance) from the Research Scanning Polarimeter (RSP) measurements. The RSP is an airborne prototype for the Aerosol Polarimetery Sensor (APS), which was on-board of the NASA Glory satellite. This instrument measures both polarized and total reflectance in 9 spectral channels with central wavelengths ranging from 410 to 2260 nm. The cloud droplet size retrievals use the polarized reflectance in the scattering angle range between 135deg and 165deg, where they exhibit the sharply defined structure known as the rain- or cloud-bow. The shape of the rainbow is determined mainly by the single scattering properties of cloud particles. This significantly simplifies both forward modeling and inversions, while also substantially reducing uncertainties caused by the aerosol loading and possible presence of undetected clouds nearby. In this study we present the accuracy evaluation of our algorithm based on the results of sensitivity tests performed using realistic simulated cloud radiation fields.

Rainbow↗

Detecting rare earth elements via optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) and spin-relaxometry using nitrogen vacancy centers in nanodiamonds

Nanodiamonds embedded with nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers are emerging as powerful tools in quantum sensing due to their remarkable sensitivity to local variations in electromagnetic fields, temperature, and pressure. These point defects in the diamond lattice can be probed using optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) and spin relaxometry techniques, allowing for the detection and characterization of magnetic nanoparticles and ions. The sensing mechanism relies on laser-induced excitation of the NV center's non-degenerate triplet ground state, which promotes electrons to an excited state. Subsequent photoluminescence (PL) emission, which is spin-state dependent, is then measured. These spin states are highly responsive to magnetic perturbations in the surrounding environment. By analyzing changes in the ODMR spectra and spin relaxation times, we can effectively monitor how magnetic species influence the NV center's spin dynamics, thus enabling sensitive and selective characterization of nanoscale magnetic materials. These techniques have been applied for the characterization of transition metals and rare earth elements which shows natural ferromagnetic properties.

magnetic nanopartgicles and ions↗

Magneto-opto-phononic inverse Faraday effect

Nonlinear frequency conversion processes, such as optical rectification, difference-frequency generation, and sum-frequency generation, are fundamental for producing electromagnetic radiation at diverse frequencies. In this work, we demonstrate that coherently excited infrared-active phonons can act as transducers for generating nonlinear magnetizations through phonon-magnon interactions, analogous to nonlinear optical frequency conversion. We derive analytical solutions for the time-dependent magnetizations arising from the second-order response to the electric field component of an ultrashort laser pulse. These solutions enable us to define second-order nonlinear magneto-electric susceptibilities, which describe rectification, impulsive excitation, and sum-frequency excitation of coherent magnons. Our theoretical framework naturally incorporates the conventional magneto-optic and phonon inverse Faraday effects and predicts a hybrid magneto-opto-phononic inverse Faraday effect involving photon-phonon-magnon scattering. This work highlights nonlinear phononics as a pathway for controlling magnetization in solids.

Landau-Lifschitz-Gilbert equation↗

Numerical Simulations of Self-Focused Pulses Using the Nonlinear Maxwell Equations

This paper will present results in computational nonlinear optics. An algorithm will be described that solves the full vector nonlinear Maxwell's equations exactly without the approximations that are currently made. Present methods solve a reduced scalar wave equation, namely the nonlinear Schrodinger equation, and neglect the optical carrier. Also, results will be shown of calculations of 2-D electromagnetic nonlinear waves computed by directly integrating in time the nonlinear vector Maxwell's equations. The results will include simulations of 'light bullet' like pulses. Here diffraction and dispersion will be counteracted by nonlinear effects. The time integration efficiently implements linear and nonlinear convolutions for the electric polarization, and can take into account such quantum effects as Kerr and Raman interactions. The present approach is robust and should permit modeling 2-D and 3-D optical soliton propagation, scattering, and switching directly from the full-vector Maxwell's equations. Abstract of a proposed paper for presentation at the meeting NONLINEAR OPTICS: Materials, Fundamentals, and Applications, Hyatt Regency Waikaloa, Waikaloa, Hawaii, July 24-29, 1994, Cosponsored by IEEE/Lasers and Electro-Optics Society and Optical Society of America

Goorjian, Peter M.↗

Numerical Simulations of Light Bullets, Using the Full Vector, Time Dependent, Nonlinear Maxwell Equations

This paper will present results in computational nonlinear optics. An algorithm will be described that solves the full vector nonlinear Maxwell's equations exactly without the approximations that are currently made. Present methods solve a reduced scalar wave equation, namely the nonlinear Schrodinger equation, and neglect the optical carrier. Also, results will be shown of calculations of 2-D electromagnetic nonlinear waves computed by directly integrating in time the nonlinear vector Maxwell's equations. The results will include simulations of 'light bullet' like pulses. Here diffraction and dispersion will be counteracted by nonlinear effects. The time integration efficiently implements linear and nonlinear convolutions for the electric polarization, and can take into account such quantum effects as Kerr and Raman interactions. The present approach is robust and should permit modeling 2-D and 3-D optical soliton propagation, scattering, and switching directly from the full-vector Maxwell's equations.

Goorjian, Peter M.↗

Numerical Simulations of Light Bullets, Using The Full Vector, Time Dependent, Nonlinear Maxwell Equations

This paper will present results in computational nonlinear optics. An algorithm will be described that solves the full vector nonlinear Maxwell's equations exactly without the approximations that we currently made. Present methods solve a reduced scalar wave equation, namely the nonlinear Schrodinger equation, and neglect the optical carrier. Also, results will be shown of calculations of 2-D electromagnetic nonlinear waves computed by directly integrating in time the nonlinear vector Maxwell's equations. The results will include simulations of 'light bullet' like pulses. Here diffraction and dispersion will be counteracted by nonlinear effects. The time integration efficiently implements linear and nonlinear convolutions for the electric polarization, and can take into account such quantum effects as Karr and Raman interactions. The present approach is robust and should permit modeling 2-D and 3-D optical soliton propagation, scattering, and switching directly from the full-vector Maxwell's equations.

Goorjian, Peter M.↗

Numerical Simulations of Light Bullets, Using The Full Vector, Time Dependent, Nonlinear Maxwell Equations

This paper will present results in computational nonlinear optics. An algorithm will be described that solves the full vector nonlinear Maxwell's equations exactly without the approximations that are currently made. Present methods solve a reduced scalar wave equation, namely the nonlinear Schrodinger equation, and neglect the optical carrier. Also, results will be shown of calculations of 2-D electromagnetic nonlinear waves computed by directly integrating in time the nonlinear vector Maxwell's equations. The results will include simulations of 'light bullet' like pulses. Here diffraction and dispersion will be counteracted by nonlinear effects. The time integration efficiently implements linear and nonlinear convolutions for the electric polarization, and can take into account such quantum effects as Kerr and Raman interactions. The present approach is robust and should permit modeling 2-D and 3-D optical soliton propagation, scattering, and switching directly from the full-vector Maxwell's equations.

Goorjian, Peter M.↗

Challenges with Electrical, Electronics, and Electromechanical Parts for James Webb Space Telescope

James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is the space-based observatory that will extend the knowledge gained by the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). Hubble focuses on optical and ultraviolet wavelengths while JWST focuses on the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, to see the earliest stars and galaxies that formed in the Universe and to look deep into nearby dust clouds to study the formation of stars and planets. JWST, which commenced creation in 1996, is scheduled to launch in 2018. It includes a suite of four instruments, the spacecraft bus, optical telescope element, Integrated Science Instrument Module (ISIM, the platform to hold the instruments), and a sunshield. The mass of JWST is approximately 6200 kg, including observatory, on-orbit consumables and launch vehicle adaptor. Many challenges were overcome while providing the electrical and electronic components for the Goddard Space Flight Center hardware builds. Other difficulties encountered included developing components to work at cryogenic temperatures, failures of electronic components during development and flight builds, Integration and Test electronic parts problems, and managing technical issues with international partners. This paper will present the context of JWST from a EEE (electrical, electronic, and electromechanical) perspective with examples of challenges and lessons learned throughout the design, development, and fabrication of JWST in cooperation with our associated partners including the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), the European Space Agency (ESA), Lockheed Martin and their respective associated partners. Technical challenges and lessons learned will be discussed.

EEE Parts↗

Simulating the Excited-State Dynamics of Polaritons with Ab Initio Multiple Spawning

Over the past decade, there has been a growth of interest in polaritonic chemistry, where the formation of hybrid light–matter states (polaritons) can alter the course of photochemical reactions. These hybrid states are created by strong coupling between molecules and photons in resonant optical cavities and can even occur in the absence of light when the molecule is strongly coupled with the electromagnetic fluctuations of the vacuum field. Here, we present a first-principles model to simulate nonadiabatic dynamics of such polaritonic states inside optical cavities by leveraging graphical processing units (GPUs). Our first implementation of this model is specialized for a single molecule coupled to a single-photon mode confined inside the optical cavity but with any number of excited states computed using complete active space configuration interaction (CASCI) and a Jaynes–Cummings-type Hamiltonian. Using this model, we have simulated the excited-state dynamics of a single salicylideneaniline (SA) molecule strongly coupled to a cavity photon with the ab initio multiple spawning (AIMS) method. We demonstrate how the branching ratios of the photodeactivation pathways for this molecule can be manipulated by coupling to the cavity. We also show how one can stop the photoreaction from happening inside of an optical cavity. Finally, we also investigate cavity-based control of the ordering of two excited states (one optically bright and the other optically dark) inside a cavity for a set of molecules, where the dark and bright states are close in energy.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Lithium niobate photonics: Unlocking the electromagnetic spectrum

Lithium niobate (LN), first synthesized 70 years ago, has been widely used in diverse applications ranging from communications to quantum optics. These high-volume commercial applications have provided the economic means to establish a mature manufacturing and processing industry for high-quality LN crystals and wafers. Breakthrough science demonstrations to commercial products have been achieved owing to the ability of LN to generate and manipulate electromagnetic waves across a broad spectrum, from microwave to ultraviolet frequencies. Here, we provide a high-level Review of the history of LN as an optical material, its different photonic platforms, engineering concepts, spectral coverage, and essential applications before providing an outlook for the future of LN.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Magneto-optical measurement of magnetic field and electrical current on a short pulse high energy pulsed power accelerator

We describe a direct magneto-optical approach to measuring the magnetic field driven by a narrow pulse width (<10 ns), 20 kA electrical current flow in the transmission line of a high energy pulsed power accelerator. The magnetic field and electrical current are among the most important operating parameters in a pulsed power accelerator and are critical to understanding the properties of the radiation output. However, accurately measuring these fields and electrical currents using conventional pulsed power diagnostics is difficult due to the strength of ionizing radiation and electromagnetic interference. Our approach uses a fiber coupled laser beam with a rare earth element sensing crystal sensor that is highly resistant to electromagnetic interference and does not require external calibration. Here, we focus on device theory, operating parameters, results from an experiment on a high energy pulsed power accelerator, and comparison to a conventional electrical current shunt sensor.

42 ENGINEERING↗