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DOE OSTI2025

Laser system design and critical technologies for the NSF OPAL project

The three-year NSF OPAL project is completing the preliminary design of a 2 x 25-PW all-optical parametric chirped-pulse amplification (OPCPA) system capable of delivering 500-J, 20-fs pulses. The design includes two Alpha beamlines that can be co-timed and pointed into two experimental areas for high-intensity research in several configurations. Additionally, a more flexible 2-PW Beta beam can be used in place of one Alpha beam to allow a wider range of focusing geometries and synchronized electron-beam generation for diverse experimental applications. Here, building on the development of the mid-scale MTW-OPAL prototype system, the NSF OPAL project also focuses on advancing essential technologies, such as large-grating fabrication techniques and actively-cooled disk amplifiers.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2024

Controlling the orbital Hall effect in gapped bilayer graphene in the terahertz regime

We study the orbital Hall effect (OHE) in the AC regime using bilayer graphene (BLG) as a prototypical material platform. While the unbiased BLG has gapless electronic spectra, applying a perpendicular electric field creates an energy band gap that can be continuously tuned from zero to high values. By exploiting this flexibility, we demonstrate the ability to control the behavior of AC orbital Hall conductivity. Particularly, we demonstrate that the orbital Hall conductivity at the neutrality point changes its signal at a critical frequency, the value of which is proportional to the perpendicular electric field. For BLG with narrow band gaps, the active frequency region for the AC OHE may extend to a few terahertz, which is experimentally accessible with current technologies. We also consider the introduction of a perpendicular magnetic field in the weak-coupling regime using first-order perturbation theory to illustrate how the breaking of time-reversal symmetry enables the emergence of the AC charge Hall effect in the charge-doped situation and modifies the AC orbital Hall conductivity. Our calculations suggest that BLG with narrow band gaps is a practical candidate for investigating time-dependent orbital angular momentum transport.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2025

Compression Response of Silicone-Based Composites with Integrated Multifunctional Fillers

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is known for its exceptional mechanical properties, chemical stability, and flexibility. Recent advancements have focused on developing functional PDMS composites by integrating various functional fillers, including polymers, ceramics, and metals, for advanced applications such as electronics, medical devices, and aerospace. Consequently, there is a growing need to investigate PDMS composites to achieve higher filler loadings offering enhanced mechanical performance. This study addresses this need by utilizing the high molecular weight (MW) PDMS resin we have developed, offering its high elongation capacity of up to >6500%. We incorporated boron (B), hollow glass microballoons (HGMs), and tungsten-coated hollow glass microballoons (WHGMs) into the developed high MW PDMS. The resulting composites demonstrated excellent elastic properties and significant compression resilience (35–80%) and elastic modulus (1.28–10.15 MPa) at high filler loadings (~60 vol.%). Specifically, B/PDMS composites achieved up to 67.6 vol.% of B, HGM/PDMS composites held up to 68.6 vol.% of HGM, and WHGM/PDMS composites incorporated up to 54.0 vol.% of WHGM. These findings highlight the potential of high MW PDMS for developing high-performance PDMS composites suitable for advanced applications such as aerospace, automotive, and medical devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NASA NTRS1986

Theoretical Study of the Transverse Dielectric Constant of Superlattices and Their Alloys

The optical properties of III to V binary and ternary compounds and GaAs-Al(x)Ga(1-x)As superlattices are determined by calculating the real and imaginary parts of the transverse dielectric constant. Emphasis is given to determining the influence of different material and superlattice parameters on the values of the index of refraction and absorption coefficient. In order to calculate the optical properties of a material, it is necessary to compute its electronic band structure. This was accomplished by introducing a partition band structure approach based on a combination of the vector k x vector p and nonlocal pseudopotential techniques. The advantages of this approach are that it is accurate, computationally fast, analytical, and flexible. These last two properties enable incorporation of additional effects into the model, such as disorder scattering, which occurs for alloy materials and excitons. Furthermore, the model is easily extended to more complex structures, for example multiple quantum wells and superlattices. The results for the transverse dielectric constant and absorption coefficient of bulk III to V compounds compare well with other one-electron band structure models and the calculations show that for small frequencies, the index of refraction is determined mainly by the contibution of the outer regions of the Brillouin zone.

Kahen, K. B.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Understanding and Tuning the Electronic Properties of Prussian Blue Analogues

Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) have attracted increasing interest owing to their potential applications in various fields such as energy storage and conversion, neuromorphic computing, and magnetic switching. With a general formula of A x M N [M C (CN) 6 ], they feature an open framework that provides abundant channels for diffusion of alkali metal ions A and allows flexible compositional control of transition metal ions M N and M C . The oxidation states of transition metal ions can be tuned by adjusting the amount (x) of alkali ions A. Here, we carried out density functional theory calculations combined with experimental measurements to investigate the effects of transition metal ions, alkali ions, and oxidation states on the electronic properties of PBAs. Our calculations found that the band gaps of PBAs can be tuned from close to 0 eV to more than 4 eV. Experimentally, we introduced the synthesis/characterization of five previously unreported PBAs (M N = Ru, Os; M C = Fe, Ru, and Os) to complete the nine stable M N :M C transition metal combinations in group VIII of the periodic table. The optically measured intervalence charge transfer excitation energies of group VIII PBAs are consistent with calculated band gaps. They demonstrate wide band gap tunability by adjusting transition metals and oxidation states, enabling semiconductor-to-metal transitions for memristor applications and enhancing electronic conductivity for battery applications. In conclusion, this work provides a computational/experimental database of electronic properties versus structural compositions for PBAs.

Electrical conductivity↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

MUSTANG: A Workhorse for NASA Spaceflight Avionics

The Modular Unified Space Technology Avionics for Next Generation (MUSTANG) is a small integrated Avionics system including Command and Data Handling (C&DH), Power System Electronics (PSE), Attitude Control System Interfaces (ACS), and Propulsion Electronics. The MUSTANG Avionics Architecture is built upon many years of knowledge capture and lessons learned at the Goddard Space Flight Center. With a motivation towards modularity and keeping board redesign costs to a minimum, MUSTANG offers flexibility in features with a backplane-less design and allows the user to choose the options (cards) needed for their system. It incorporates a distributed power system that provides secondary power to all its subcomponents reducing the number of primary services needed for an Avionics. MUSTANG can be integrated into one system or divided into several smaller components. MUSTANG supports redundancy and cross-strap ability for a more robust and reliable Avionics system. A variation of MUSTANG exists for Instrument Electronics called iMUSTANG and allows the user to select functionality applicable to the instrument electronics. MUSTANG is not meant to replace Avionics for all spacecraft. There are limitations due to its relatively compact size, but the MUSTANG design has proven broadly applicable on many spacecraft and instrument bus avionics architectures.

MUSTANG↗

NASA NTRS1999

Manipulating Liquids With Acoustic Radiation Pressure Phased Arrays

High-intensity ultrasound waves can produce the effects of "Acoustic Radiation Pressure" (ARP) and "acoustic streaming." These effects can be used to propel liquid flows and to apply forces that can be used to move or manipulate floating objects or liquid surfaces. NASA's interest in ARP includes the remote-control agitation of liquids and the manipulation of bubbles and drops in liquid experiments and propellant systems. A high level of flexibility is attained by using a high-power acoustic phased array to generate, steer, and focus a beam of acoustic waves. This is called an Acoustic Radiation Pressure Phased Array, or ARPPA. In this approach, many acoustic transducer elements emit wavelets that converge into a single beam of sound waves. Electronically coordinating the timing, or "phase shift," of the acoustic waves makes it possible to form a beam with a predefined direction and focus. Therefore, a user can direct the ARP force at almost any desired point within a liquid volume. ARPPA lets experimenters manipulate objects anywhere in a test volume. This flexibility allow it to be used for multiple purposes, such as to agitate liquids, deploy and manipulate drops or bubbles, and even suppress sloshing in spacecraft propellant tanks.

Oeftering, Richard C.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Resonant Tender X-ray Scattering for Disclosing the Backbone Conformation of Conjugated Polymers

The backbone conformation of conjugated polymers (CPs) is essential to their performance in electronic applications. Contrast-variation small-angle neutron scattering (CV-SANS) techniques were used to assess the CP’s backbone conformation, which relies on synthesis of deuterated polymers. Such a technique has been proven mature and effective. One drawback is that deuteration labeling might subtly alter polymer’s physical properties due to structural modifications. To address these challenges, we introduce a novel approach utilizing tender Xray scattering near the sulfur K-edge to distinctly evaluate the backbone versus whole chain conformation for a low-bandgap donor−acceptor CP, poly[(5,6-difluoro- 2,1,3-benzothiadiazol-4,7-diyl)-alt-(3,3‴-dialkyl-2,2′;5′,2″;5″,2‴-quaterthiophen-5,5‴- diyl)] (PffBT4T). For PffBT4T dissolved in trimethylbenzene (TMB), the sulfur K-edge is identified at approximately 2477 eV using near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (NEXAFS). Tender X-ray scattering conducted at presulfur K-edge and on-sulfur K-edge at elevated temperatures facilitated the distinction between the backbone and whole chain conformations. The results demonstrate that for highly flexible polymer, the backbone’s persistence length could be lower than that of the whole chains, suggesting a more flexible backbone. This rapid, label-free method enhances our ability to characterize CP’s backbone conformation efficiently, offering significant implications for the design and optimization of CPs for advanced electronics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2024

Vacancy Mediated Electrooxidation of 5‐Hydroxymethyl Furfuryl Using Defect Engineered Layered Double Hydroxide Electrocatalysts

Abstract Electrochemical biomass oxidation coupled with hydrogen evolution offers a promising route to generate value‐added chemicals and clean energy. The complex adsorption behavior of 5‐hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) and hydroxyl ions (OH − ) on the electrocatalyst surface during HMF electrooxidation reaction (HMFOR) necessitates an in‐depth understanding of active sites available for adsorption. Herein, oxygen vacancy (V O ) defects are introduced in NiFe layered double hydroxide (LDH) using Ce dopants to manipulate electronic structure. Synchrotron‐based HE‐XRD and XAS indicate negligible V O in La‐doped NiFe while Ce doping leads to V O defects due to flexible Ce redox (Ce 3+ ↔ Ce 4+ ). The V O ‐rich Ce‐NiFe exhibits higher Faradic efficiency of ≈90% to produce 2,5‐furan dicarboxylic acid (FDCA), far greater than ≈60% for NiFe V O in Ce‐NiFe act as alternative active sites for OH − adsorption, hence reducing adsorption competition for the same metal sites. DFT calculation results corroborate experimental findings by showcasing that the presence of V O in Ce‐NiFe manipulates the adsorption energies and facilitates the chemical adsorption OH − in V O to improve HMFOR. In situ HE‐XRD derived pair distribution function coupled to RMC simulations confirm OH − trapping in V O and HMF adsorption on metal centers as evident by interlayer distance evolution. Taken together, this work showcases routes for dual‐site electrocatalyst design for improved biomass electrooxidation.

Chemistry↗

NASA NTRS1990

Adaptive-Control Experiments On A Large Flexible Structure

Antennalike flexible structure built for research in advanced technology including suppression of vibrations and control of initial deflections. Structure instrumented with sensors and actuators connected to digital electronic control system, programmed with control algorithms to be tested. Particular attention in this research focused on direct model-reference adaptive-control algorithm based on command generator tracker theory. Built to exhibit multiple vibrational modes, low modal frequencies, and low structural damping. Made three-dimensional so complicated interactions among components of structure and control system investigated.

Ih, Che-Hang C.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Description of the PMAD DC test bed architecture and integration sequence

NASA-Lewis is responsible for the development, fabrication, and assembly of the electric power system (EPS) for the Space Station Freedom (SSF). The SSF power system is radically different from previous spacecraft power systems in both the size and complexity of the system. Unlike past spacecraft power system the SSF EPS will grow and be maintained on orbit and must be flexible to meet changing user power needs. The SSF power system is also unique in comparison with terrestrial power systems because it is dominated by power electronic converters which regulate and control the power. Although spacecraft historically have used power converters for regulation they typically involved only a single series regulating element. The SSF EPS involves multiple regulating elements, two or more in series, prior to the load. These unique system features required the construction of a testbed which would allow the development of spacecraft power system technology. A description is provided of the Power Management and Distribution (PMAD) DC Testbed which was assembled to support the design and early evaluation of the SSF EPS. A description of the integration process used in the assembly sequence is also given along with a description of the support facility.

Beach, R. F.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Description of the PMAD DC test bed architecture and integration sequence

NASA-LEWIS is responsible for the development, fabrication, and assembly of the electric power system (EPS) for the Space Station Freedom (SSF). The SSF power system is radically different from previous spacecraft power systems in both the size and complexity of the system. Unlike past spacecraft power systems, the SSF EPS will grow and be maintained on orbit and must be flexible to meet challenging user power needs. The SSF power system is also unique in comparison with terrestrial power systems because it is dominated by power electronic converters which regulate and control the power. A description is provided of the Power Management and Distribution DC Testbed which was assembled to support the design and early evaluation of the SSF EPS. A description of the integration process used in the assembly sequence is also given along with a description of the support facility.

Beach, R. F.↗

NASA NTRS2000

Contaminated Solar Array Handrail Samples Retrieved From Mir Analyzed

In January 1998 during the shuttle STS 89 mission, an eight-section Russian solar array panel was retrieved after more than 10 years of exposure to the orbital space environment on Mir. The array was deployed June 16, 1987, and removed on November 3, 1997. It had been actively used as a source of electrical power for 8 years. This operational array had been located on the Mir core module, located directly above the Kvant-2 module. Its retrieval provided a unique opportunity to study the effects of the low-Earth-orbit environment on a functional solar array. The intact solar array underwent scientific inspections and preliminary tests by a joint team of U.S. and Russian investigators to evaluate the effects of long-term space exposure. Upon initial examination, significant contamination was observed over most components of the array. One panel, panel 8, was provided to the U.S. scientists for further evaluation. As part of the U.S. investigations, two solar array handrail samples from panel 8 were evaluated for contamination at the NASA Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field. One is a section of a rigid handrail, and the other is a section of woven fabric tape that was overwrapped around a flexible handhold. Both the flexible handhold woven fabric and the rigid handrail were significantly darkened after 10 years of space exposure. They were evaluated with optical microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Solar absorptance and room-temperature emittance values also were obtained. The returned contaminated solar array segment is very similar in design to the solar arrays being supplied by the Russians for the International Space Station. Therefore, it was desirable to determine what the contaminants on various surfaces are and what the sources of the contamination were.

deGroh, Kim K.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Membrane Switches Check Seal Pressure

Array of flexible membrane switches used to indicate closure of seal. Switch membrane responds to pressure exerted by rigid surface on compliant sealing medium and provides switch contacts monitored electronically. Membrane switches connected in series and placed under seal. When all switches are closed lamp or LED lights up, indicating requisite seal pressure has been realized at all switch positions. Principle used to ensure integrity of seals on refrigerator and oven doors, weatherstripping, hatches, spacecraft, airplanes, and submarines.

Hodgetts, P. J.↗

NASA NTRS1996

Micromachined Ion Accelerators

Proposed ion accelerators made by micromachining techniques. Advantages include small size and weight, modularity, and compatibility with integrated circuits. Used as sources of ion beams for industrial processes. Ion accelerator of this type combined with integrated electronic control and power circuitry, plus similarly miniaturized valves and other mechanisms for regulating flow of gas used to generate ions - all micromachined on single chip. Provides flexibility for tailoring characteristics of ion sources for specific applications; for example, construct array of many such devices to obtain large ion source or position multiple devices to obtain desired ion-beam pattern in processing chamber.

Brophy, John↗

NASA NTRS2000

System Concepts for the Advanced Post-TRMM Rainfall Profiling Radars

Global rainfall is the primary distributor of latent heat through atmospheric circulation. The recently launched Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission satellite is dedicated to advance our understanding of tropical precipitation patterns and their implications on global climate and its change. The Precipitation Radar (PR) aboard the satellite is the first radar ever flown in space and has provided. exciting, new data on the 3-D rain structures for a variety of scientific uses. However, due to the limited mission lifetime and the dynamical nature of precipitation, the TRMM PR data acquired cannot address all the issues associated with precipitation, its related processes, and the long-term climate variability. In fact, a number of new post-TRMM mission concepts have emerged in response to the recent NASA's request for new ideas on Earth science missions at the post 2002 era. This paper will discuss the system concepts for two advanced, spaceborne rainfall profiling radars. In the first portion of this paper, we will present a system concept for a second-generation spaceborne precipitation radar for operations at the Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The key PR-2 electronics system will possess the following capabilities: (1) A 13.6/35 GHz dual frequency radar electronics that has Doppler and dual-polarization capabilities. (2) A large but light weight, dual-frequency, wide-swath scanning, deployable antenna. (3) Digital chirp generation and the corresponding on-board pulse compression scheme. This will allow a significant improvement on rain signal detection without using the traditional, high-peak-power transmitters and without sacrificing the range resolution. (4) Radar electronics and algorithm to adaptively scan the antenna so that more time can be spent to observe rain rather than clear air. and (5) Built-in flexibility on the radar parameters and timing control such that the same radar can be used by different future rain missions. This will help to reduce the overall instrument development costs. In the second portion of this paper, we will present a system concept for a geostationary rainfall monitoring radar for operations at the geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO). In particular, the science requirements, the observational strategy, the instrument design, and the required technologies will be discussed.

Im, Eastwood↗

NASA NTRS2007

Reconfigurable Computing Concepts for Space Missions: Universal Modular Spares

Computing hardware for control, data collection, and other purposes will prove many times over crucial resources in NASA's upcoming space missions. Ability to provide these resources within mission payload requirements, with the hardiness to operate for extended periods under potentially harsh conditions in off-World environments, is daunting enough without considering the possibility of doing so with conventional electronics. This paper examines some ideas and options, and proposes some initial approaches, for logical design of reconfigurable computing resources offering true modularity, universal compatibility, and unprecedented flexibility to service all forms and needs of mission infrastructure.

Patrick, M. Clinton↗

NASA NTRS2006

NASA Tech Briefs, May 2006

T-Shaped Emitter Metal Structures for HBTs Rigorous Estimation of SNR of a PSK Communication Link Advanced Ka-Band Transceiver With Monopulse Tracking EMI Filters for Low-Temperature Applications Lightweight Electronic Camera for Research on Clouds Pilot Weather Advisor System Waveguide Power-Amplifier Module for 80 to 150 GHz Better Back Contacts for Solar Cells on Flexible Substrates Topics covered include:Tunable, Highly Stable Lasers for Coherent Lidar; Improved Photon-Emission-Microscope System; Program Synthesizes UML Sequence Diagrams; Aspect-Oriented Subprogram Synthesizes UML Sequence Diagrams; Updated Computational Model of Cosmic Rays Near Earth; Software for Alignment of Segments of a Telescope Mirror; Simulation of Dropping of Cargo With Parachutes; DAVE-ML Utility Program; Robust Control for the Mercury Laser Altimeter; Thermally Stable Piezoelectric and Pyroelectric Polymers; Combustion Synthesis of Ca3(PO4)2 Net-Shape Surgical Implants; Stochastic Representation of Chaos Using Terminal Attractors; Two High-Temperature Foil Journal Bearings; Using Plates To Represent Fillets in Finite-Element Modeling; Repairing Chipped Silicide Coatings on Refractory Metal Substrates; Simplified Fabrication of Helical Copper Antennas; Graded-Index "Whispering-Gallery" Optical Microresonators; Optical Profilometers Using Adaptive Signal Processing; Manufacture of Sparse-Spectrum Optical Microresonators; Exact Tuning of High-Q Optical Microresonators by Use of UV; Automation for "Direct-to" Clearances in Air-Traffic Control; Improved Traps for Removing Gases From Coolant Liquids; and Lunar Constellation of Frozen Elliptical Inclined Orbits.

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