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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 OSTI2026

Slow-Light Mid-IR Silicon Photonic Chips for NO 2 and CH 4 Gas Detection

A compact, chip-scale mid-infrared gas sensor is demonstrated, leveraging a two-dimensional photonic crystal waveguide (PCW) fabricated on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform. The PCW comprises a hexagonal lattice with lattice constant a = 860 nm and hole radius r = 0.22a, incorporating a central line defect of reduced-radius holes (r s = 0.7r) to induce slow-light propagation near the photonic band edge with a group index of approximately 73, thereby enhancing light-matter interaction. The sensor operates at fundamental absorption wavelengths of 3.42 μm for nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) and 3.40 μm for methane (CH 4 ), utilizing the strongest molecular vibrational transitions for maximum sensitivity. Experimental validation was conducted using dynamically diluted gas mixtures generated by mass flow controllers, with signal acquisition performed by a liquid nitrogen-cooled InSb detector. For NO 2 , the sensor exhibited excellent linear response over 5–25 ppm (part per million) with coefficient of determination R 2 = 0.9934, achieving a detection limit of 210 ppb (part per billion)─representing the first reported silicon photonic-based NO 2 detection. For CH 4 , exposure to 25 ppm resulted in a 6.4% decrease in transmitted intensity, demonstrating multigas sensing capability. The CMOS-compatible fabrication process and compact 3 mm device footprint establish this SOI-PCW platform as a scalable, low-power solution for integrated mid-infrared gas sensing, with significant potential for environmental monitoring and industrial safety applications.

Crystals↗
NASA NTRS1983

Identification of forbidden transitions in the nu-4 band of (N-14)H3 by intracavity laser-Stark spectroscopy

These transitions are forbidden in the sense that they follow the selection rule delta K = + or - 2, which violates the usual rule that delta K = + or - 1 for a perpendicular band of a symmetric top, where K is the projection of the total angular momentum onto the molecular symmetry axis. The assignments are based for the most part on laser-Stark measurements made with a CO laser and an intracavity Stark cell. The procedure followed in making the assignments is described. Attention is called to the significance of these new lines in the analysis of the nu-4 vibrational state and in an improved determination of the ground-state rotational and centrifugal distortion constants.

Weber, W. H.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Development of a Novel Electrical Characterization Technique for Measuring Hidden Joint Contacts in Weapons Cavities (LDRD Final Report 218470)

This report summarizes research performed in the context of a REHEDS LDRD project that explores methods for measuring electrical properties of vessel joints. These properties, which include contact points and associated contact resistance, are “hidden” in the sense that they are not apparent from a computer-assisted design (CAD) description or visual inspection. As is demonstrated herein, the impact of this project is the development of electromagnetic near-field scanning capabilities that allow weapon cavity joints to be characterized with high spatial and/or temporal resolution. Such scans provide insight on the hidden electrical properties of the joint, allowing more detailed and accurate models of joints to be developed, and ultimately providing higher fidelity shielding effectiveness (SE) predictions. The capability to perform high-resolution temporal scanning of joints under vibration is also explored, using a multitone probing concept, allowing time-varying properties of joints to be characterized and the associated modulation to SE to be quantified.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2020

SuperCam Calibration Targets: Design and Development

Abstract SuperCam is a highly integrated remote-sensing instrumental suite for NASA’s Mars 2020 mission. It consists of a co-aligned combination of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), Time-Resolved Raman and Luminescence (TRR/L), Visible and Infrared Spectroscopy (VISIR), together with sound recording (MIC) and high-magnification imaging techniques (RMI). They provide information on the mineralogy, geochemistry and mineral context around the Perseverance Rover. The calibration of this complex suite is a major challenge. Not only does each technique require its own standards or references, their combination also introduces new requirements to obtain optimal scientific output. Elemental composition, molecular vibrational features, fluorescence, morphology and texture provide a full picture of the sample with spectral information that needs to be co-aligned, correlated, and individually calibrated. The resulting hardware includes different kinds of targets, each one covering different needs of the instrument. Standards for imaging calibration, geological samples for mineral identification and chemometric calculations or spectral references to calibrate and evaluate the health of the instrument, are all included in the SuperCam Calibration Target (SCCT). The system also includes a specifically designed assembly in which the samples are mounted. This hardware allows the targets to survive the harsh environmental conditions of the launch, cruise, landing and operation on Mars during the whole mission. Here we summarize the design, development, integration, verification and functional testing of the SCCT. This work includes some key results obtained to verify the scientific outcome of the SuperCam system.

Manrique, J. A. (ORCID:0000000220532819)↗
NASA NTRS1998

High-Temperature Magnetic Bearings Being Developed for Gas Turbine Engines

Magnetic bearings are the subject of a new NASA Lewis Research Center and U.S. Army thrust with significant industry participation, and cooperation with other Government agencies. The NASA/Army emphasis is on high-temperature applications for future gas turbine engines. Magnetic bearings could increase the reliability and reduce the weight of these engines by eliminating the lubrication system. They could also increase the DN (diameter of bearing times the rpm) limit on engine speed and allow active vibration cancellation systems to be used, resulting in a more efficient, "more electric" engine. Finally, the Integrated High Performance Turbine Engine Technology (IHPTET) program, a joint Department of Defense/industry program, identified a need for a high-temperature (1200 F) magnetic bearing that could be demonstrated in their Phase III engine. This magnetic bearing is similar to an electric motor. It has a laminated rotor and stator made of cobalt steel. Wound around the stator's circumference are a series of electrical wire coils which form a series of electric magnets that exert a force on the rotor. A probe senses the position of the rotor, and a feedback controller keeps it centered in the cavity. The engine rotor, bearings, and casing form a flexible structure with many modes. The bearing feedback controller, which could cause some of these modes to become unstable, could be adapted to varying flight conditions to minimize seal clearances and monitor the health of the system.

Kascak, Albert F.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Control of a small working robot on a large flexible manipulator for suppressing vibrations: Development of a robust control law for flexible robot and it's stability analysis

Researchers developed a robust control law for slow motions for the accurate trajectory control of a flexible robot. The control law does not need larger velocity gains than position gains, which some researchers need to ensure the stability of a rigid robot. Initial experimentation for the Small Articulated Manipulator (SAM) shows that control laws that use smaller velocity gains are more robust to signal noise than the control laws that use larger velocity gains. Researchers analyzed the stability of the composite control law, the robust control for the slow motion, and the strain rate feedback for the fast control. The stability analysis was done by using a quadratic Liapunov function. Researchers found that the flexible motion of links could be controlled by relating the input force to the flexible signals which are sensed at the near tip of each link. The signals are contaminated by the time delayed input force. However, the effect of the time delayed input force can be reduced by giving a certain configuration to the SAM.

Soo, Han Lee↗
NASA NTRS1996

High-Temperature Magnetic Bearings for Gas Turbine Engines

Magnetic bearings are the subject of a new NASA Lewis Research Center and U.S. Army thrust with significant industry participation, and coordination with other Government agencies. The NASA/Army emphasis is on high-temperature applications for future gas turbine engines. Magnetic bearings could increase the reliability and reduce the weight of these engines by eliminating the lubrication system. They could also increase the DN (diameter of the bearing times rpm) limit on engine speed and allow active vibration cancellation systems to be used--resulting in a more efficient, "more electric" engine. Finally, the Integrated High-Performance Turbine Engine Technology (IHPTET) Program, a joint Department of Defense/industry program, identified a need for a hightemperature (as high as 1200 F) magnetic bearing that could be demonstrated in a phase III engine. This magnetic bearing is similar to an electric motor. It has a laminated rotor and stator made of cobalt steel. Wound around the stator are a series of electrical wire coils that form a series of electric magnets around the circumference. The magnets exert a force on the rotor. A probe senses the position of the rotor, and a feedback controller keeps it in the center of the cavity. The engine rotor, bearings, and case form a flexible structure that contains a large number of modes. The bearing feedback controller, which could cause some of these modes to become unstable, could be adapted to varying flight conditions to minimize seal clearances and monitor the health of the system. Cobalt steel has a curie point greater than 1700 F, and copper wire has a melting point beyond that. Therefore, practical limitations associated with the maximum magnetic field strength in the cobalt steel and the stress in the rotating components limit the temperature to about 1200 F. The objective of this effort is to determine the limits in temperature and speed of a magnetic bearing operating in an engine. Our approach is to use our in-house experience in magnets, mechanical components, high-temperature materials, and surface lubrication to build and test a magnetic bearing in both a rig and an engine. Testing will be done at Lewis or through cooperative programs in industrial facilities.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2005

Autobalancing and FDIR for a space-based centrifuge prototype

This report summarizes centrifuge-related work performed at the Smart Systems Research Laboratory at NASA Ames Research Center's Computational Sciences Division from 1995 through 2003. The goal is to develop an automated system that will sense an imbalance (both static and dynamic3) in a centrifuge and issue control commands to drive counterweights to eliminate the effects of the imbalance. This autobalancing development began when the ISS centrifuge design was not yet finalized, and was designed to work with the SSRL Centrifuge laboratory prototype, constructed in 1993-1995. Significant differences between that prototype and the current International Space Station (ISS) Centrifuge design are that: the spin axis for the SSRL Centrifuge prototype can translate freely in x and y, but not wobble, whereas the ISS centrifuge spin axis has 3 translational and two rotational degrees of freedom, supported by a vibration 34. The imbalance sensors are strained gauges both in the rotor and the stator, measuring the imbalance forces, whereas the ISS centrifuge uses eddy current displacement sensors to measure the displacements resulting from imbalance. High fidelity autobalancing and FDIR systems (for both counterweights and strain gauges) are developed and tested in MATLAB simulation, for the SSRL Centrifuge configuration. Hardware implementation of the autobalancing technology was begun in 1996, but was terminated due to lack of funding. The project lay dormant until 2001-2002 when the FDIR capability was added.

Wilson, Edward↗
DOE OSTI2020

Accelerometer Drift Study

Accelerometers are energy transducers that convert mechanical energy into an electrical signal. That electrical signal is proportional to the amount of mechanical stress the accelerometer was subjected to. Knowing this proportionality allows the electrical signal to be interpreted as an acceleration. There are three types of sensing technologies utilized in capacitors: piezoelectric, piezoresistive and capacitive. In this study, all of the accelerometers utilized are of the piezoelectric type and purchased from one particular vendor, MEGGITT. The piezoelectric effect is the phenomena by which a material generates an electrical charge when subjected to a mechanical stress. A piezoelectric accelerometer will not generate an electrical charge when placed in a static acceleration field because no stress will be placed on the piezoelectric element. However if the acceleration field is dynamic, the piezoelectric element will generate an electrical charge. So the types of accelerations these accelerometers are measuring are dynamic in nature, such as vibrations. Knowledge of dynamic acceleration is useful in characterizing the structural response of some object. The sensitivity of an accelerometer is the ratio of its electrical output to mechanical input. The more sensitive an accelerometer is, the greater the value of the electrical output to a given mechanical input. An accelerometer’s sensitivity is known to drift over time. The objective of this study is to quantify this drift. Questions to answer are: Does the accelerometer become more or less sensitive over time and by how much. This is important to understand because this will establish a time frame of when readings from the accelerometer can be utilized. The larger this time frame is the better because that would preclude the need to purchase accelerometers frequently, which saves on costs. This would further bolster the relationship between MEGGITT and LANL if it is found that MEGGITT produces accelerometers that can be used for a relatively long period of time. This would create less uncertainty in picking a vendor for accelerometers.

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRS1991

Determination of absolute strengths of N2 quadrupole lines from high-resolution ground-based IR solar observations

The strength of S-branch lines of the N2 (1-0) electric quadrupole vibration-rotation band are determined by an analysis of solar absorption spectra. The solar data were recorded with a Fourier transform spectrometer and are characterized by high resolution, and a high signal-to-noise ratio. By extrapolating equivalent width measurements of the lines from varying air masses to zero air mass, the line strengths are found for the transitions from S7 to S10. The results presented do not include half widths and are found to be accurate to within 5 percent, and following a redetermination the N2 transitions are accurate to within 0.0002/cm. Line-of-sight atmospheric air masses associated with remotely sensed IR spectroscopic observations can be determined directly by utilizing the highly accurate data.

Demoulin, P.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Detection and Association of Operational Events using DAS and Seismometers (FY 2025 Mid-Year Report)

This mid-year report summarizes ongoing work to identify anomalous vibration signals indicative of potential containment breaches. This work includes compiling continuous seismic datasets and testing and refining underground detection and geolocation techniques. In the first two quarters of FY25, we have completed two project work plan tasks: (1) creating a database of continuous waveforms and ground truth event data from multiple modalities and (2) refining and implementing a detection and association algorithm to create a catalog of anomalous underground activities. This report contains a summary of the seismic database including the continuous seismic data collected by a dense array of surface seismic stations above Pleasant Gap Mine, and continuous seismic data collected using subsurface distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) in the subsurface at Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) and the ground truth information gathered from both sites. This report also includes results from refining and applying a dynamic power spectral density detector to both continuous seismic datasets. Finally, the report provides an initial catalog of subsurface operational events from both sensing modalities.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1980

Coal thickness guage using RRAS techniques, parts 2 and 3

Electron magnetic resonance was investigated as a sensing technique for use in measuring the thickness of the layer of coal overlying the rock substrate. The goal is development of a thickness gauge which will be usable for control of mining machinery to maintain the coal thickness within selected bounds. A sensor must be noncontracting, have a measurement range of 6 inches or more, and an accuracy of 1/2 inch or better. The sensor should be insensitive to variations in spacing between the sensor and the surface, the response speed should be adequate to permit use on continuous mining equipment, and the device should be rugged and otherwise suited for operation under conditions of high vibration, moisture, and dust. Finally, the sensor measurement must not be adversely affected by the natural effects occurring in coal such as impurities, voids, cracks, layering, high moisture level, and other conditions that are likely to be encountered.

King, J. D.↗
NASA NTRS2008

The New LOTIS Test Facility

The Large Optical Test and Integration Site (LOTIS) at the Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company in Sunnyvale, CA is designed for the verification and testing of optical systems. The facility consists of an 88 foot temperature stabilized vacuum chamber that also functions as a class 10k vertical flow cleanroom. Many problems were encountered in the design and construction phases. The industry capability to build large chambers is very weak. Through many delays and extra engineering efforts, the final product is very good. With 11 Thermal Conditioning Units and precision RTD s, temperature is uniform and stable within 1oF, providing an ideal environment for precision optical testing. Within this chamber and atop an advanced micro-g vibration-isolation bench is the 6.5 meter diameter LOTIS Collimator and Scene Generator, LOTIS alignment and support equipment. The optical payloads are also placed on the vibration bench in the chamber for testing. This optical system is designed to operate in both air and vacuum, providing test imagery in an adaptable suite of visible/near infrared (VNIR) and midwave infrared (MWIR) point sources, and combined bandwidth visible-through-MWIR point sources, for testing of large aperture optical payloads. The heart of the system is the LOTIS Collimator, a 6.5m f/15 telescope, which projects scenes with wavefront errors <85 nm rms out to a 0.75 mrad field of view (FOV). Using field lenses, performance can be extended to a maximum field of view of 3.2 mrad. The LOTIS Collimator incorporates an extensive integrated wavefront sensing and control system to verify the performance of the system.

Bell, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS2020

Comprehensive Radiation Testing of Uncooled, Free Space Coupled, InGaAs Quad Photoreceivers

We have comprehensively tested uncooled, free space coupled, InGaAs Quad Photoreceivers having 0.5mm, 1mm, and 2mm diameter integrated with a low noise transimpedance amplifier (TIA)using 30MeV Protons, 100MeV Protons, 662keV Gamma Rays, 1GeV/n Helium, and 1GeV/n Iron at room temperature of ~20°C.These devices find multiple applications in space for differential wave front sensing as part of a Gravitational Wave Observatory, as well as instrumentation and control for next generation space telescopes. The bandwidth of all receivers was 20MHz which was TIA limited. All 0.5mm and 1mm devices were found to be fully functional at normal operating conditions and at room temperature for Protons, Gamma Rays, 1GeV/n Helium, and 1GeV/n Iron. Only one quadrant of a 2mm In GaAs Quad had hard failure due to 1GeV/n Helium Ions; otherwise it too survived all other radiation tests. Detailed test results follow in the manuscript including recommendations for future space flights. These radiation test results, combined with the earlier successful mechanical shock and vibration testing mean these devices have passed preliminary testing for space qualification.

Abhay M Joshi↗
DOE OSTI2021

Predictive Data Analytics Framework Using Advanced Test Reactor Acoustic Data

Although a nuclear reactor is a hostile environment for sensing and electrical communications, the reactor core is amenable to acoustic communication. An acoustic measurement infrastructure (AMI) has been installed at the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) nozzle trench area to record acoustic signals that has the ability to capture different operating regime of the reactor. This AMI includes ATR in-pile structural components, coolant, acoustic receivers, primary coolant pumps (PCP) as signal sources, a data acquisition system, and signal-processing algorithms, enabling real-time. This report will discusses development of recursive Fast Fourier Transform approach to process in real-time acoustic signals, application of short time Fast Fourier Transform to the ATR brush data to understand the vibration level and to develop spectrograms for different primary coolant pump combinations. The combination of primary coolant pumps for normal and power axial locator mechanism of ATR are different and generates different signatures. These acoustic signatures were used to develop machine learning approaches to automatically classify different operating regimes. This lay the foundation for predictive analytic framework that can be leverage by ATR to optimize their operation and maintenance. The path forward involves continued engagement with ATR and expanded implementation of AMI and predictive framework at ATR and other facilities within INL and at other experimental reactors.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2025

Above the Energy Gap Law: Heavy Chalcogenide Substitution in NIR II-Emissive Diradicaloid Qubits

Near-infrared (NIR, 700–1700 nm)- and telecom (∼1260–1625 nm)-emissive molecules are good candidates for biological imaging and quantum sensing applications, respectively; however, bright low energy emission is rare due to exponentially increasing nonradiative decay rates in these regions, a phenomenon known as the energy gap law. Recent literature has emphasized the importance of minimizing skeletal modes to prevent increased nonradiative decay rates, but most organic lumiphores in these regions utilize large, conjugated scaffolds containing many C═C modes. Here we report a compact, telecom-emissive scaffold, tetrathiafulvalene-2,3,6,7-tetraselenate, or TTFts, that displays remarkable air, water, and acid stability, exhibits record quantum yields and brightness values, and retains quantum coherence under ambient conditions. These properties are enabled through methodical selenium substitution, which bathochromically shifts emission while shifting skeletal vibrations to lower energies. This new scaffold validates heavy heteroatom substitution strategies and establishes a new class of bright telecom emitters and robust qubits.

biological imaging↗
NASA NTRS1995

Mid-infrared transmission spectra of crystalline and nanophase iron oxides/oxyhydroxides and implications for remote sensing of Mars

Ferric-iron-bearing materials play an important role in the interpretation of visible to near-IR Mars spectra, and they may play a similarly important role in the analysis of new mid-IR spacecraft spectral observations to be obtained over the next decade. We review exisiting data on mid-IR transmission spectra of ferric oxides/oxyhydroxides and present new transmission spectra for ferric-bearing materials spanning a wide range of mineralogy and crystallinity. These materials include 11 samples of well-crystallized ferric oxides (hematite, maghemite, and magnetite) and ferric oxyhydroxides (goethite, lepidocrocite). We also report the first transmission spectra for purely nanophase ferric oxide samples that have been shown to exhibit spectral similarities to Mars in the visible to near-IR and we compare these data to previous and new transmission spectra of terrestial palagonites. Most of these samples show numerous, diagnostic absorption features in the mid-IR due to Fe(3+) - 0(2-) vibrational transitions, structural and/or bound OH, and/or silicates. These data indicate that high spatial resolution, moderate spectral resolution mid-IR ground-based and spacecraft observations of Mars may be able to detect and uniquely discriminate among different ferric-iron-bearing phases on the Martian surface or in the airborne dust.

Bell, James F., III↗
NASA NTRS1995

Mid-infrared transmission spectra of crystalline and nanophase iron oxides/oxyhydroxides and implications for remote sensing of Mars

Ferric-iron-bearing materials play an important role in the interpretation of visible to near-IR Mars spectra, and they may play a similarly important role in the analysis of new mid-IR spacecraft spectral observations to be obtained over the next decade. We review existing data on mid-IR transmission spectra of ferric oxides/oxyhydroxides and present new transmission spectra for ferric-bearing materials spanning a wide range of mineralogy and crystallinity. These materials include 11 samples of well-crystallized ferric oxides (hematite, maghemite, and magnetite) and ferric oxyhydroxides (goethite, lepidocrocite). We also report the first transmission spectra for purely nanophase ferric oxide samples that have been shown to exhibit spectral similarities to Mars in the visible to near-IR and we compare these data to previous and new transmission spectra of terrestrial palagonites. Most of these samples show numerous, diagnostic absorption features in the mid-IR due to Fe(3+)-O(2-) vibrational transitions, structural and/or bound OH, and/or silicates. These data indicate that high spatial resolution, moderate spectral resolution mid-IR ground-based and spacecraft observations of Mars may be able to detect and uniquely discriminate among different ferric-iron-bearing phases on the Martian surface or in the airborne dust.

Bell, James F., III↗