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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
NASA NTRS1982

Plasma characteristics of the Io torus

Simultaneous, low spectral resolution measurements of the following Jovian plasma torus forbidden emission lines show the occurrence of significant changes in characteristics on a time scale of days: S II 4069, 4076 A; S II 6716, 6731 A; S III 3722 A; and O II 3726, 3729 A. The O II emission is more extensive in magnetic latitude than the S II emission, which is the expected result of the mass difference between the ions if they have a common temperature. The S II and O II lines yield independent and consistent values for the average electron density, and variations about this average are larger than the measurement uncertainties. Unusual spectra in which the blue, but not the red S II forbidden lines are present indicate transient conditions of high plasma density and low electron temperature.

Morgan, J. S.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Light ion mass spectrometer for space-plasma investigations

Direct satellite measurements and ground-based techniques have given a comprehensive view of the density distribution of the cold plasma population in the earth's magnetosphere. There were, however, no direct measurements of the low-energy plasma mass composition, temperature, density, pitch-angle distribution, or plasma flow velocity. A description is presented of the evolution and development of an instrument, the Light Ion Mass Spectrometer (LIMS), designed to make these low-energy plasma measurements. The instrument was developed for flight on the spacecraft SCA-THA, a satellite to study satellite charging at high altitudes. This satellite, whose primary mission was to study spacecraft-plasma interactions and electrostatic charging, was launched into a near-geosynchronous orbit. The design requirements regarding the instrument are discussed, and attention is given to the calibration procedures, the flight configuration, and some examples of flight data.

Reasoner, D. L.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Generalized impurity pinch in partially magnetized multi-ion plasma

In a two-ion-species plasma with disparate ion masses, heavy ions tend to concentrate in the low-temperature region of collisionally magnetized plasma and in the high-temperature region of collisionally unmagnetized plasma, respectively. Moreover, collisional magnetization can be determined as the ratio of the light ion gyrofrequency to the collision frequency of light and heavy ion species, and the behavior of this effect in the intermediate regime of partially magnetized plasma is predominantly dependent on this Hall parameter. Multi-ion cross-field transport has been described before in the collisionally magnetized plasma regime, and generalized pinch relations, which describe densities of ion species in equilibrium in that plasma, are found in the literature. Here, the role of collisional magnetization and Larmor magnetization in multi-ion collisional transport is clarified, and generalized pinch relations are extended to the partially magnetized regime in which the ion Hall parameter may be small, as long as electrons remain collisionally magnetized. Equilibrium ion density profiles have the same dependence on external forces and on each other regardless of collisional magnetization of ions. The expansion of the range of validity of multi-ion collisional transport models makes them applicable to a wider range of laboratory plasma conditions. In particular, ion density profiles evolve sufficiently fast for radial impurity transport to be observable around stagnation on MagLIF, leading to expulsion of heavy ion impurities from the hotspot as long as plasma becomes sufficiently collisionally magnetized during the implosion.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1993

Mass spectrometric studies of SiO2 deposition in an indirect plasma enhanced LPCVD system

Reaction pathways for the low temperature deposition of SiO2 from silane and indirect plasma-excited oxygen-nitrogen mixtures are proposed based on experimental evidence gained from mass spectrometry in an indirect plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition chamber. It was observed that about 80-85 percent of the silane was oxidized to byproduct hydrogen and only about 15-20 percent to water. Such conversion levels have led us to interpret that silanol (SiH3OH) could be the precursor for SiO2 film deposition, rather than siloxane /(SiH3)2O/ which has generally been cited in the literature. From mass spectrometry, we have also shown the effects of the plasma, and of mixing small amounts of N2 with the oxygen flow, in increasing the deposition rate of SiO2. Free radical reaction of nitric oxide, synthesized from the reaction of oxygen and nitrogen in the plasma chamber, and an *ncrease in atomic oxygen concentration, are believed to be the reasons for these SiO2 deposition rate increases. Through mass spectrometry we have, in addition, been able to identify products, presumably originating from terminating reactions, among a sequence of chemical reactions proposed for the deposition of SiO2.

Iyer, R.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Plasma-Assisted Catalytic Conversion of CO 2 and Propane to Propylene and CO

Ethylene and propylene are critical pillars of the petrochemical and plastics industry. The current industrial route for producing these olefins, which is via steam cracking process, is extremely endothermic and highly CO 2 -intensive. In this work, Susteon, in partnership with the North Carolina State University (NCSU), New Castle University (NU), and SoCalGas, has investigate catalytic materials and process designs to produce propylene from propane by utilizing CO 2 as a soft oxidant in the presence of low temperature dielectric barrier discharge plasma. This route integrates the effect of catalysis and the presence of a plasma environment to intensify the production of the important three carbon olefin from propane at a lower temperature and near atmospheric pressure. This CO 2 oxidative dehydrogenation (CO 2 -ODH) process coproduces CO, which is a valuable by-product, critical for the petrochemical sector. Through this work, Susteon and the team have made significant progress in developing catalysts and gaining insights on the plasma-assisted CO 2 -ODH process.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗
DOE OSTI2020

Nanoparticle-Enhanced Plasma Discharge Using Nanosecond High-Voltage Pulses

By discharging nanosecond high-voltage (5 kV) pulses across an insulating substrate containing Au, Pt, or Cu nanoparticles, a 3 order of magnitude (1000×) enhancement in the generation of plasma can be achieved through local field enhancement on the surface of the nanoparticles. The low-temperature nature of this transient plasma is crucial to maintaining the structural integrity of these delicate nanoparticles. These nanoparticles provide up to a 1000-fold enhancement in the generation of the plasma, which is localized to the surface of the nanoparticles where it is potentially useful (e.g., for catalysis). Additionally, we performed both time-domain and frequency-domain calculations of the electromagnetic response of the nanoparticles based on high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) images, which show local field enhancement of the nanosecond high-voltage pulse on the order of 3×. Since the plasma initiation depends exponentially on the peak electric field strength, this 3-fold increase in the local electric field can result in a several orders of magnitude increases in the generation of plasma at a given applied external field strength. In order to rule out plasmon-resonance enhancement, which is often associated with small metal nanoparticles, we performed finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations in the optical frequency domain, which show that the effect of plasmon resonance is negligible for Pt nanoparticles. We therefore attribute the nanoparticle-based enhancement to the generation of plasma (an electrostatic effect) rather than enhanced coupling of light from the near field to the far field via the plasmon resonance phenomenon (an optical effect).

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1991

Selective and low temperature synthesis of polycrystalline diamond

Polycrystalline diamond thin films have been deposited on single-crystal silicon substrates at low temperatures (not above 600 C) using a mixture of hydrogen and methane gases by high-pressure microwave plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition. Low-temperature deposition has been achieved by cooling the substrate holder with nitrogen gas. For deposition at reduced substrate temperature, it has been found that nucleation of diamond will not occur unless the methane/hydrogen ratio is increased significantly from its value at higher substrate temperature. Selective deposition of polycrystalline diamond thin films has been achieved at 600 C. Decrease in the diamond particle size and growth rate and an increase in surface smoothness have been observed with decreasing substrate temperature during the growth of thin films. As-deposited films are identified by Raman spectroscopy, and the morphology is analyzed by scanning electron microscopy.

Ramesham, R.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Nature of Fluctuations on Directional Discontinuities Inside a Solar Ejection: Wind and IMP 8 Observations

A solar ejection passed the Wind spacecraft between December 23 and 26, 1996. On closer examination, we find a sequence of ejecta material, as identified by abnormally low proton temperatures, separated by plasmas with typical solar wind temperatures at 1 AU. Large and abrupt changes in field and plasma properties occurred near the separation boundaries of these regions. At the one boundary we examine here, a series of directional discontinuities was observed. We argue that Alfvenic fluctuations in the immediate vicinity of these discontinuities distort minimum variance normals, introducing uncertainty into the identification of the discontinuities as either rotational or tangential. Carrying out a series of tests on plasma and field data including minimum variance, velocity and magnetic field correlations, and jump conditions, we conclude that the discontinuities are tangential. Furthermore, we find waves superposed on these tangential discontinuities (TDs). The presence of discontinuities allows the existence of both surface waves and ducted body waves. Both probably form in the solar atmosphere where many transverse nonuniformities exist and where theoretically they have been expected. We add to prior speculation that waves on discontinuities may in fact be a common occurrence. In the solar wind, these waves can attain large amplitudes and low frequencies. We argue that such waves can generate dynamical changes at TDs through advection or forced reconnection. The dynamics might so extensively alter the internal structure that the discontinuity would no longer be identified as tangential. Such processes could help explain why the occurrence frequency of TDs observed throughout the solar wind falls off with increasing heliocentric distance. The presence of waves may also alter the nature of the interactions of TDs with the Earth's bow shock in so-called hot flow anomalies.

Vasquez, Bernard J.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Application of machine learning for the estimation of electron energy distribution from optical emission spectra

Abstract This paper discusses the use of probabilistic deep neural networks for the prediction of the electron energy probability function in low-temperature non-thermal plasmas. The neural networks are trained using optical emission spectroscopy and Langmuir probe measurements, with the goal of providing a reliable estimate of the electron energy probability function solely from optical emission data. The performance of both non-Bayesian and Bayesian networks is evaluated. It is found that Bayesian models are preferable as they assign a higher level of uncertainty to their prediction especially when the dataset used to train them is small. This work describes one of the many potential applications of machine learning in plasma science and technology.

Physics↗
NASA NTRS1979

The stability of solar coronal loops

The stability of the 'quasi-static' models of coronal loops was examined. It was found that all models in which the heat flux at the base of the loop is assumed to vanish are unstable to the growth of thermal perturbations. The growth rates and the profiles of the unstable modes indicate that the instability involves primarily the low-temperature, transition-region plasma. The models can be made stable only by assuming that the heat flux at the base of the loop is large, of the order of 13% of the maximum flux in the loop. The results imply that the transition region must be intrinsically dynamic.

Antiochos, S. K.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Charging control techniques

Transparent conductive thin films of indium oxide and indium-tin oxide were evaluated for their properties to control charge buildup on satellite materials. Both oxide coatings were evaluated for their uniformity, stability, reproducibility and characteristics on various substrate materials such as FEP Teflon, Kapton, and glass. The process development toward optimization and characterization of these thin semiconductor oxide coatings and the evaluation on large sizes performed for qualification for use on thermal control satellite materials is described. The materials have been characterized in multiple energy electron plasma environment and at low temperatures. All radiation measurements of the coatings under simulated substorm conditions have exhibited the characteristics of stable charge control. Measurement of surface potential during and after irradiation by electrons up to 30 KeV and ionizing gamma radiation show an effective stable grounding surface.

Schmidt, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Amorphous Insulator Films With Controllable Properties

In experiments described in report, amorphous hydrogenated carbon films grown at room temperature by low-frequency plasma deposition, using methane or butane gas. Films have unique array of useful properties; (a) adhere to wide variety of materials; (b) contain only carbon and hydrogen; (c) smooth and free of pinholes; (d) resistant to attack by moisture and chemicals; and (e) have high electric-breakdown strength and electrical resistivity. Two of optical properties and hardness of this film controlled by deposition conditions. Amorphous a-C:H and BN films used for hermetic sealing and protection of optical, electronic, magnetic, or delicate mechanical systems, and for semiconductor field dielectrics.

Alterovitz, Samuel A.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Low altitude signature of the plasma sheet boundary layer: Observations and model

Low-altitude spacecraft on magnetotail field lines often detect a distinctive signature in the precipitating ion flux. A velocity-dispersed ion structure is often observed near the poleward boundary of the auroral oval. At the low-latitude edge of this structure an absence of precipitating ions is seen, previously referred to as 'the gap,' separating the velocity -- dispersed ions at the higher latitudes from the more diffuse, plasma sheet-like ions at lower latitudes. We present a model of low-altitude particle precipitation that reproduces these observed features in the ion spectra and provides a quantitative estimate of the downtail plasma sheet properties. The model calculations are compared with observations from the Akebono spacecraft. In this model, the dispersed ion velocity signature maps to a region in the distant plasma sheet where the plasma has a field-aligned bulk flow. The gap maps to a region in the distant magnetotail where the ion fluxes are below the detection threshold of the instrument, due to the low plasma sheet density and temperature in that region.

Onsager, T. G.↗
NASA NTRS1998

A Normal Incidence X-ray Telescope (NIXT) Sounding Rocket Payload

The solar corona, and the coronae of solar-type stars, consist of a low-density magnetized plasma at temperatures exceeding 10(exp 6) K. The primary coronal emission is therefore in the UV and soft X-ray range. The observed close connection between solar magnetic fields and the physical parameters of the corona implies a fundamental role for the magnetic field in coronal structuring and dynamics. Variability of the corona occurs on all temporal and spatial scales - at one extreme, as the result of plasma instabilities, and at the other extreme driven by the global magnetic flux emergence patterns of the solar cycle.

Golub, Leon↗
NASA NTRS2023

First Optical Constants of Laboratory-Generated Organic Refractory Materials (Tholins) Produced in the NASA Ames COSmIC Facility from the Visible to the Near Infrared (0.4–1.6 μm): Application to Titan’s Aerosols

We have measured the complex refractive indices, from 0.4 to 1.6μm, of five laboratory-generated organic refractory materials (tholins) produced at low temperature(150 K)using plasma chemistry in the stream of a supersonic expansion in NASA Ames’ COsmic SImulation Chamber(COSmIC)facility. Three samples were produced from N2:CH4gas precursors(with different voltages inducing different degrees of ionization in the plasma), one sample was produced from N2:CH4:C2H2, and one sample was produced from Ar:CH4in order to produce a purely carbonaceous sample. The optical constants, n and k, of the samples were determined using spectral reflectance measurements. We observe that both n and k appear to be correlated with the nitrogen content in the solid sample, with samples containing more nitrogen having higher n and k. Comparisons to previous laboratory studies and Titan aerosol optical constants derived from observations show that the COSmIC tholins with a higher nitrogen content (higher n and k)are closer analogs of Titan aerosols. We also present a new analysis of Cassini Visible Infrared Mapping Spectrometer observations of Titan’s atmosphere in the visible to near infrared using the COSmIC tholin optical constants in a radiative transfer model. The COSmIC tholin sample produced from N2:CH4with the lowest energy level has a spectral behavior that appears well suited to reproduce the observed Titan aerosol properties. This study has therefore demonstrated that this COSmIC tholin sample has valuable and promising optical properties for the analysis of Cassini’s Titan atmospheric observations.

Optical Constants↗
DOE OSTI2022

Implementation of a portable diagnostic system for Thomson scattering measurements on an electrothermal arc source

To fulfill the increasing needs of diagnostic support for researchers in plasma technology, a portable diagnostic package (PDP) equipped for both laser Thomson scattering (TS) and optical emission spectroscopy has been designed and constructed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), aiming to measure the temperature and number density of electrons and temperatures of ions in plasma devices. The PDP has been initially implemented on a high density and low temperature electrothermal arc source (ET-arc) at ORNL to test its TS capability. TS from the plasmas in the ET-arc has been obtained using the PDP. The electron temperature and number density were determined from TS spectra. These results were then compared to measurements from previous studies on the ET-arc. The TS diagnostic measured 0.8 ± 0.1, 1.3 ± 0.2, and 0.7 ± 0.1 eV and (4.4 ± 0.5) × 1021, (5.9 ± 0.7) × 1021, and (4.3 ± 0.5) x 1021 m-3, respectively, from three lines of sight that transect the plasma column.

He, Z. (ORCID:0000000183159882)↗