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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 343 records · Page 19
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

A nanoscale photonic thermal transistor for sub-second heat flow switching

Abstract Control of heat flow is critical for thermal logic devices and thermal management and has been explored theoretically. However, experimental progress on active control of heat flow has been limited. Here, we describe a nanoscale radiative thermal transistor that comprises of a hot source and a cold drain (both are ~250 nm-thick silicon nitride membranes), which are analogous to the source and drain electrodes of a transistor. The source and drain are in close proximity to a vanadium oxide (VO x )-based planar gate electrode, whose dielectric properties can be adjusted by changing its temperature. We demonstrate that when the gate is located close ( < ~1 µm) to the source-drain device and undergoes a metal-insulator transition, the radiative heat transfer between the source and drain can be changed by a factor of three. More importantly, our nanomembrane-based thermal transistor features fast switching times ( ~ 500 ms as opposed to minutes for past three-terminal thermal transistors) due to its small thermal mass. Our experiments are supported by detailed calculations that highlight the mechanism of thermal modulation. We anticipate that the advances reported here will open new opportunities for designing thermal circuits or thermal logic devices for advanced thermal management.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Lunar soil record of atmosphere loss over eons

The Moon has a tenuous atmosphere produced by space weathering. The short-lived nature of the atoms surrounding the Moon necessitates continuous replenishment from lunar regolith through mechanisms such as micrometeorite impacts, ion sputtering, and photon-stimulated desorption. Despite advances, previous remote sensing and space mission data have not conclusively disentangled the contributions of these processes. Using high-precision potassium (K) and rubidium (Rb) isotopic analyses of lunar soils from the Apollo missions, our study sheds light on the lunar surface-atmosphere evolution over billions of years. The observed correlation between K and Rb isotopic ratios (δ 87 Rb = 0.17 δ 41 K) indicates that, over long timescales, micrometeorite impact vaporization is the primary source of atoms in the lunar atmosphere.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗
DOE OSTI2024

On ultrafast x-ray scattering methods for magnetism

With the introduction of x-ray free electron laser sources around the world, new scientific approaches for visualizing matter at fundamental length and time-scales have become possible. As it relates to magnetism and ‘magnetic-type’ systems, advanced methods are being developed for studying ultrafast magnetic responses on the time-scales at which they occur. We describe three capabilities which have the potential to seed new directions in this area and present original results from each: pump-probe x-ray scattering with low energy excitation, x-ray photon fluctuation spectroscopy, and ultrafast diffuse x-ray scattering. By combining these experimental techniques with advanced modeling together with machine learning, we describe how the combination of these domains allows for a new understanding in the field of magnetism. Finally, we give an outlook for future areas of investigation and the newly developed instruments which will take us there.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2024

Secondary Beams at Jefferson Laboratory

This thesis explores the possibility of producing secondary beams at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (TJNAF). Their possible applications in future experiments are studied using advanced Monte Carlo simulations with state-of-the-art software. In Jefferson Lab’s Hall-A, the interaction of the high-current O(100) µA, medium-energy O(11) GeV electron beam produced by the Continuous Electron Beams Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) with the Beam-Dump (BD) generates a substantial shower of standard model particles. This interaction creates a high-intensity secondary muon and neutrino beam and hypothetical Light Dark Matter (LDM) particles. Additionally, with the proposed Compact Photon Source (CPS), Hall-D could offer the possibility of producing an intense muon beam alongside a photon beam.

Fulci, Antonino↗
NASA NTRS2001

Labview Interface Concepts Used in NASA Scientific Investigations and Virtual Instruments

This article provides an overview of several software control applications developed for NASA using LabVIEW. The applications covered here include (1) an Ultrasonic Measurement System for nondestructive evaluation of advanced structural materials, an Xray Spectral Mapping System for characterizing the quality and uniformity of developing photon detector materials, (2) a Life Testing System for these same materials, (3) and the instrument panel for an aircraft mounted Cloud Absorption Radiometer that measures the light scattered by clouds in multiple spectral bands. Many of the software interface concepts employed are explained. Panel layout and block diagram (code) strategies for each application are described. In particular, some of the more unique features of the applications' interfaces and source code are highlighted. This article assumes that the reader has a beginner-to-intermediate understanding of LabVIEW methods.

Roth, Don J.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Conceptual Spacer Design for the ATR GEN I Target for Pu-238 Production in the Advanced Test Reactor at Idaho National Laboratory

The initial target design used for Pu-238 production at Idaho National Laboratory was designed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory to optimize the production of Pu-238 in the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) and are referred to as HFIR GEN II targets. To take advantage of the Advanced Test Reactor’s (ATR) taller active core region a redesign of the HFIR GEN II targets was needed. It was proposed to stack two HFIR GEN II targets nose to nose about the core center line; however, this resulted in excessive neutron and photon heating in the pellets located in the center. This peak heating was not desirable so three alternative designs were investigated for the ATR GEN I targets. The python-based code, MCNP to ORIGEN2 in Python (MOPY), was used to calculate the heating rates after 40 days of irradiation to capture the effects of each configuration. The purpose of this paper is to document the details of these conceptual design calculations and comparisons for the ATR GEN I targets.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Atmospheric Escape from Magnetized Rocky Exoplanets

Recent Kepler and TESS observations discovered many rocky exoplanets in habitable zones around active main-sequence stars. The upper atmospheres of exoplanets are subject to two important energy sources derived from their host stars. First, the stellar photon flux in the X-ray and XUV bands ionizes and heats the upper atmosphere, driving atmospheric heating, affecting the conductance, and enhancing atmospheric escape. Second, the stellar wind’s interaction with the exoplanet’s intrinsic magnetic field transfers energy to the atmosphere through field aligned currents and Poynting flux. That energy is dissipated in the high latitude cusp and auroral regions through Joule heating which can inflate the atmosphere and also enhance the atmospheric escape rate. This presentation will discuss recent advances in modeling these energy inputs and their consequences for exoplanetary habitability. Also, I will discuss the development of a new model, the (exo) PLANETary Ionosphere-Thermosphere Tool for Research (PLANET-ITTR) and some early results from it.

William Danchi↗
NASA NTRS2019

Design of Optical/IR Blocking Filters for the Lynx X-Ray Microcalorimeter

The Lynx mission concept, under development ahead of the 2020 Astrophysics Decadal Review, includes the Lynx X-ray Microcalorimeter (LXM) as one of its primary instruments. The LXM uses a microcalorimeter array at the focus of a high-throughput soft x-ray telescope to enable high-resolution nondispersive spectroscopy in the soft x-ray waveband (0.2 to 15 keV) with exquisite angular resolution. Similar to other x-ray microcalorimeters, the LXM uses a set of blocking filters mounted within the dewar that pass the photons of interest (x-rays) while attenuating the out-of-band long-wavelength radiation. Such filters have been successfully used on previous orbital and suborbital instruments; however, the Lynx science objectives, which emphasize observations in the soft x-ray band (<1keV), pose more challenging requirements on the set of LXM blocking filters. We present an introduction to the design of the LXM optical/IR blocking filters and discuss recent advances in filter capability targeted at LXM. In addition, we briefly describe the external filters and the modulated x-ray sources to be used for onboard detector calibration.

Eckart, Megan E.↗
NASA NTRS2019

The Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System (ATLAS) for NASA's Ice Cloud and Land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2): Design, Development, and On-Orbit Performance

Conceived in response to the 2007 Earth Science Decadal Survey, ATLAS/ICESat-2 was launched on September 15, 2018 to a polar orbit and has been operating continuously since. The ATLAS instrument is a continuously-operating direct-detection pulsed laser altimeter utilizing a solid-state 532-nm laser source operating at a 10-kHz pulse repetition rate along with a diffractive optic to illuminate six 15-meter spots on the Earth's surface with each laser pulse. An 80-cm receiver telescope fiber-coupled to segmented photomultipliers provides single-photon detection capability. This presentationr will present an overview of the ATLAS instrument design, some challenges encountered during development, and initial results from orbit.

Lidar↗
NASA NTRS2002

XTE J1908+094

Goddard Space Flight Center reports the serendipitous discovery of a new x-ray transient, XTE J1908+094, in RXTE (Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer) PCA (Proportional Counter Array) observations of the soft-gamma-ray repeater SGR 1900+14, triggered following the burst activity on Feb. 17-18 (GCN 1253). These observations failed to detect the 5.2-s SGR pulsations, pointing towards a possible new source as the origin of the high x-ray flux. An RXTE PCA scan of the region around SGR 1900+14 on Feb. 21 was consistent with emission only from known sources (and no new sources). However, the scans required SGR 1900+14 to be 20 times brighter than its quiescent flux level (GCN 1256). A Director's Discretionary Time Chandra observation on Mar. 11 showed that the SGR was quiescent and did not reveal any new source within the Chandra ACIS (Advanced CCD (charge coupled device) Imaging Spectrometer) field-of-view. A subsequent RXTE PCA scan on Mar. 17, taken in combination with the first scan, required that a new source be included in the fit. The best-fit position is R.A. 19h 08m 50s, Decl. = +9 22 deg .5 (equinox J2000.0; estimated 2 deg systematic error radius), or approximately 24 deg away from the SGR source. The source spectrum (2-30 kev) can be best fit with a power-law function including photoelectric absorption (column density N_h = 2.3 x 10(exp 22), photon index = 1.55). Iron line emission is present, but may be due to the Galactic ridge. Between Feb. 19 and Mar. 17, the source flux (2-10 keV) has risen from 26 to 64 mCrab. The power spectrum is flat between 1 mHz and 0.1 Hz, falling approximately as 1/f**0.5 up to 1 Hz. At 1 Hz is seen a broad quasiperiodic oscillation peak and a break to a 1/f**2 power law, which continues to 4 Hz. The fractional rms (root mean square) amplitude from 1 mHz to 4 Hz is 43 percent. No coherent pulsations are seen between 0.001 and 1024 Hz. The authors conclude that XTE J1908+094 is a new blackhole candidate.

Woods, P. M.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

In-Situ XRD/XRF to Support Life Detection on Mars

X-ray diffraction / X-ray fluorescence (XRD/XRF) analysis provides the most comprehensive mineralogical / compositional characterization of rocks and soils of any flight-capable technique. XRD data provide quantitative mineralogy (including abundance of X-ray amorphous materials) and crystal chemistry (structure, elemental composition and valence state), and XRF data provide complimentary major, minor, and some trace element abundances. Both types of data are important in evaluating habitability (environment of formation) and biosignature preservation/degradation (post-depositional diagenetic change). Whether or not a relict biosignature is detected, the mineral assemblage and its geochemistry can be used to determine the habitability of an ancient environment (e.g., salinity, pH, temperature), and to identify potential sources of energy for life (e.g., elements in different redox states). In this respect, a null result (a habitable environment lacking evidence of life) can play an important role in constraining the parameters of the search. Conversely, diagenetic alteration (taphonomic change) resulting from post-depositional variations in temperature, pressure or fluid chemistry can preserve evidence of biogenicity, erase such evidence completely or indeed can provide for post-depositional habitable conditions in the subsurface. XRD / XRF data are critical to these determinations. The CheMin instrument on the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Curiosity rover is the first XRD instrument flown in space. CheMin operates in transmission geometry with a Co X-ray source to minimize fluorescence from iron. Diffracted photons are collected with an energy-sensitive charge-coupled device (CCD). The position of the diffracted photons provides structural information for minerals, whereas the energy of sample-generated X-ray fluorescence photons provides elemental information, though these XRF data are qualitative. Mineralogical data from the CheMin XRD identified the three circumstances above: habitable depositional environments (e.g., Yellowknife Bay), habitable subsurface/diagenetic environments (e.g., throughout the Murray formation), and diagenetic conditions that may destroy evidence of habitability (e.g., oxidative and acidic environments at Vera Rubin ridge). Technological advances in X-ray technology and lessons learned from the operation of CheMin on Mars have resulted in a next-generation XRD/XRF, called CheMinX. Replacement of CheMin’s CCD with an array of hybrid pixel detectors and improvements in focusing optics dramatically decrease analysis time (15 minutes vs. 22 hours for MSL-CheMin) and result in a better angular resolution (0.18 vs. 0.30 °2θ for MSL-CheMin). This increased resolution improves mineral detection, including discrimination between types of pyroxenes, which is not possible with MSL-CheMin data. The hybrid pixel detectors do not require cooling like the MSL-CheMin CCD, therefore reducing the power needed to operate CheMinX. CheMinX has a silicon-drift detector (SDD) to measure fluoresced photons, enabling the quantification of major, minor, and some trace elements via XRF. XRD/XRF data are collected simultaneously in CheMinX, obviating the need for multiple compositional instruments. The CheMinX design also improves upon MSL-CheMin’s sample handling. Instead of sample cells on wheel, which are often not reusable and add complexity in commanding the instrument, CheMinX has single-use cells in a cartridge/dispenser configuration. Because of these improvements, CheMinX is an ideal instrument for Discovery-class life-detection missions, including Mars Life Explorer that was recommended for development in the Planetary Science and Astrobiology Decadal Survey 2023-2032.

E B Rampe↗
NASA NTRS2008

Smaller, Lower-Power Fast-Neutron Scintillation Detectors

Scintillation-based fast-neutron detectors that are smaller and less power-hungry than mainstream scintillation-based fast-neutron detectors are undergoing development. There are numerous applications for such detectors in monitoring fast-neutron fluxes from nuclear reactors, nuclear materials, and natural sources, both on Earth and in outer space. A particularly important terrestrial application for small, low-power, portable fast-neutron detectors lies in the requirement to scan for nuclear materials in cargo and baggage arriving at international transportation facilities. The present development of miniature, low-power scintillation-based fast-neutron detectors exploits recent advances in the fabrication of avalanche photodiodes (APDs). Basically, such a detector includes a plastic scintillator, typically between 300 and 400 m thick with very thin silver mirror coating on all its faces except the one bonded to an APD. All photons generated from scintillation are thus internally reflected and eventually directed to the APD. This design affords not only compactness but also tight optical coupling for utilization of a relatively large proportion of the scintillation light. The combination of this tight coupling and the avalanche-multiplication gain (typically between 750 and 1,000) of the APD is expected to have enough sensitivity to enable monitoring of a fast-neutron flux as small as 1,000 cm(exp -2)s(exp -1). Moreover, pulse-height analysis can be expected to provide information on the kinetic energies of incident neutrons. It has been estimated that a complete, fully developed fast-neutron detector of this type, would be characterized by linear dimensions of the order of 10 cm or less, a mass of no more than about 0.5 kg, and a power demand of no more than a few watts.

Patel, Jagdish↗
NASA NTRS1983

X-rays and Gamma-rays from active galaxies

Photon-photon pair production in active galaxies is considered, and the concept of the annihilation efficiency, the efficiency of the conversion of continuum luminosity of greater than 511 keV into positron annihilation luminosity, is introduced. Equations that give the source's annihilation luminosity and 511-keV flux as a function of its size, continuum luminosity and distance are developed. These are applied to the available X-ray and gamma-ray data on active galaxies in order to make specific predictions. Efficiencies as high as over 6 percent and fluxes up to 0.0008 ph/sq cm s result. While the latter are below present limits, they are within the reach of advanced instruments now in development.

Matteson, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Generation of Antibunched Light by Excited Molecules in a Microcavity Trap

The active microcavity is adopted as an efficient source of non-classical light. By this device, excited by a mode-locked laser at a rate of 100 MHz, single-photons are generated over a single field mode with a nonclassical sub-poissonian distribution. The process of adiabatic recycling within a multi-step Franck-Condon molecular optical-pumping mechanism, characterized in our case by a quantum efficiency very close to one, implies a pump self-regularization process leading to a striking n-squeezing effect. By a replication of the basic single-atom excitation process a beam of quantum photon (Fock states) can be created. The new process represents a significant advance in the modern fields of basic quantum-mechanical investigation, quantum communication and quantum cryptography.

DeMartini, F.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Advances in laser-based bremsstrahlung x-ray sources. II. Laser pulse propagation and guiding in nonuniform plasma media in the presence of self-focusing

An analytic Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin model is presented of Gaussian laser pulse propagation through plasma with a quadratic transverse density profile and an arbitrarily varying, longitudinal density gradient under conditions of nonlinear self-focusing. From these solutions, it is shown that in the absence of nonlinear self-focusing and transverse nonuniformity, for exponential pre-plasma density profiles, the use of a low density coating of the laser target with electron density n0∼11 ncr (e.g., a CH foam of density 35 mg/cm3 for 1-micron laser light) maximizes laser intensity at best focus. Also, under laser and plasma conditions relevant to recent experiments on high-power laser systems, conditions are obtained for a Gaussian laser pulse to propagate stably through the pre-plasma medium. Such conditions would be expected to enhance the production of relativistic electrons from laser-target coupling, providing a possible explanation for the observed increase in MeV photon dose and enabling applications such as laser-based MeV X-ray radiography.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1998

Advanced Water Vapor Lidar Detection System

In the present water vapor lidar system, the detected signal is sent over long cables to a waveform digitizer in a CAMAC crate. This has the disadvantage of transmitting analog signals for a relatively long distance, which is subjected to pickup noise, leading to a decrease in the signal to noise ratio. Generally, errors in the measurement of water vapor with the DIAL method arise from both random and systematic sources. Systematic errors in DIAL measurements are caused by both atmospheric and instrumentation effects. The selection of the on-line alexandrite laser with a narrow linewidth, suitable intensity and high spectral purity, and its operation at the center of the water vapor lines, ensures minimum influence in the DIAL measurement that are caused by the laser spectral distribution and avoid system overloads. Random errors are caused by noise in the detected signal. Variability of the photon statistics in the lidar return signal, noise resulting from detector dark current, and noise in the background signal are the main sources of random error. This type of error can be minimized by maximizing the signal to noise ratio. The increase in the signal to noise ratio can be achieved by several ways. One way is to increase the laser pulse energy, by increasing its amplitude or the pulse repetition rate. Another way, is to use a detector system with higher quantum efficiency and lower noise, on the other hand, the selection of a narrow band optical filter that rejects most of the day background light and retains high optical efficiency is an important issue. Following acquisition of the lidar data, we minimize random errors in the DIAL measurement by averaging the data, but this will result in the reduction of the vertical and horizontal resolutions. Thus, a trade off is necessary to achieve a balance between the spatial resolution and the measurement precision. Therefore, the main goal of this research effort is to increase the signal to noise ratio by a factor of 10 over the current system, using a newly evaluated, very low noise avalanche photo diode detector and constructing a 10 MHz waveform digitizer which will replace the current CAMAC system.

Elsayed-Ali, Hani↗
NASA NTRS2012

Fiber Bragg Grating Sensor System for Monitoring Smart Composite Aerospace Structures

Lightweight, electromagnetic interference (EMI) immune, fiber-optic, sensor- based structural health monitoring (SHM) will play an increasing role in aerospace structures ranging from aircraft wings to jet engine vanes. Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors for SHM include advanced signal processing, system and damage identification, and location and quantification algorithms. Potentially, the solution could be developed into an autonomous onboard system to inspect and perform non-destructive evaluation and SHM. A novel method has been developed to massively multiplex FBG sensors, supported by a parallel processing interrogator, which enables high sampling rates combined with highly distributed sensing (up to 96 sensors per system). The interrogation system comprises several subsystems. A broadband optical source subsystem (BOSS) and routing and interface module (RIM) send light from the interrogation system to a composite embedded FBG sensor matrix, which returns measurand-dependent wavelengths back to the interrogation system for measurement with subpicometer resolution. In particular, the returned wavelengths are channeled by the RIM to a photonic signal processing subsystem based on powerful optical chips, then passed through an optoelectronic interface to an analog post-detection electronics subsystem, digital post-detection electronics subsystem, and finally via a data interface to a computer. A range of composite structures has been fabricated with FBGs embedded. Stress tensile, bending, and dynamic strain tests were performed. The experimental work proved that the FBG sensors have a good level of accuracy in measuring the static response of the tested composite coupons (down to submicrostrain levels), the capability to detect and monitor dynamic loads, and the ability to detect defects in composites by a variety of methods including monitoring the decay time under different dynamic loading conditions. In addition to quasi-static and dynamic load monitoring, the system can capture acoustic emission events that can be a prelude to structural failure, as well as piezoactuator-induced ultrasonic Lamb-waves-based techniques as a basis for damage detection.

Moslehi, Behzad↗
NASA NTRS2006

Novel Concept for LSS Based on Advanced Microalgal Biotechnologies

One of the key issues for successful human space exploration is biomedical life support in hostile space and planetary environments that otherwise cannot sustain life. Bioregenerative life support systems (LSS) are one of the options for atmospheric regeneration. To date, no bioregenerative LSS has shown capability for 100% air regeneration. Nor have these LSS been robust enough to simultaneously provide a regenerable complete food source. In contrast to microalgae, traditional plant approaches, e.g. wheat and lettuce, are lacking essential amino acids, vitamins, and micronutrients. Moreover, the rate of photosynthesis by microalgae significantly exceeds that of high plants. Nevertheless, the employment of microalgae in LSS technology was restricted, until recently, due to high water demands. Also the per person requirement of a 40L volume of microalgae in a photobioreactor, to provide daily O2 production, made an algae-based approach less attractive. By employing a vertically stacked membrane bioreactor, coupled with a solar tracker and photon-delivery system, a lightweight air revitalization system for space based applications, with minimal water requirements, can be developed. Our preliminary estimations suggest that a membrane bioreactor, 8m3 in volume, comprised of 80m2 (twenty 2m x 2m membranes, each spaced 10 cm apart), and a total of 70L of water could produce 2.7 kg of dried microalgal biomass that would supply the energy and essential amino acid requirements, as well as producing sufficient O2 for the daily needs of a 15 member crew. Research on the biochemical content of edible blue-green alga Spirulina (Arthrospira) platensis shows a wide spectrum of stable Spirulina mutants with an enhanced content of amino acids, -carotene, and phycobilliprotein c-phycocyanin. Feeding animals suffering from radiation-induced lesions, c-phycocyanin, extracted from strain 27G, led to a correction in the decrement of dehydrogenase activity and energy-rich phosphate levels, as well as improved antioxidant defense and pyruvate levels, compared to untreated animals. Experimental anemia in rats was corrected by feeding Spirulina platensis strains 198B and 27G, (with an enhanced content of methionine, phycobiliproteins and carotenoids). Spirulina was recently shown by Ananyev et al, 2005, to be an oxygenic organism with the highest level of photosystem II activity (O2 production). We propose therefore to develop a design for membrane-based photoreactors for Lunar and Mars exploration habitat LSS, for the cultivation of genetically modified strains of Spirulina to scrub CO2 and supply astronauts with O2, protein, vitamins, and immunostimulators.

Brown, I.↗