Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Double Layer”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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

At least 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1980

A fluid description of plasma double-layers

The space-charge double layer forming between two plasmas with different densities and thermal energies is described. The double layer is analyzed using fluid theory. The case of cold particles is treated. Thermal effects for the reflected particles and for the transmitted particles are considered. Emphasis is placed on finding a relationship between the magnitude of the potential step and the parameters characterizing the adjoining plasmas. Qualitative statements are made about the length of the double layer, and a characteristic length useful as a quantitative measure is defined and discussed.

Levine, J. S.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations of laser-driven multiradiation sources based on double-layer targets

Double-layer targets (DLTs), made of a low-density foam on top of a solid substrate, can efficiently convert the energy of a high-intensity laser to provide sources of photons and protons. We investigate a 30-fs pulse with a peak intensity of I ~ 8.7×10 20 W/cm 2 and a peak power of ~120 TW interacting with a DLT using three-dimensional (3D) particle-in-cell simulations. We focus on providing quantitative results in full 3D geometry on the foam thickness dependence; on the competition between two photon-generating processes in DLTs, i.e., nonlinear inverse Compton scattering (NICS) and bremsstrahlung (BS); and on the acceleration of protons via enhanced target-normal sheath acceleration. Here, we discuss conversion efficiency, average energy, and angular distributions of such multiradiation sources. We find that NICS can prevail over BS if the DLT's substrate is thin enough (~µ⁢m) and that the optimal foam thickness that maximizes the conversion efficiency in NICS and BS photons and the proton cutoff energy, among those considered, is the same (15µ⁢m). These results show that DLTs constitute an excellent tool for developing relatively compact and optimized laser-driven multicomponent radiation sources.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS2011

Low temperature double-layer capacitors

Double-layer capacitors capable of operating at extremely low temperatures (e.g., as low as -75.degree. C.) are disclosed. Electrolyte solutions combining a base solvent (e.g., acetonitrile) and a cosolvent are employed to lower the melting point of the base electrolyte. Example cosolvents include methyl formate, ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, propionitrile, butyronitrile, and 1,3-dioxolane. An optimized concentration (e.g., 0.10 M to 0.75 M) of salt, such as tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate, is dissolved into the electrolyte solution. In some cases (e.g., 1,3-dioxolane cosolvent) additives, such as 2% by volume triethylamine, may be included in the solvent mixture to prevent polymerization of the solution. Conventional device form factors and structural elements (e.g., porous carbon electrodes and a polyethylene separator) may be employed.

Brandon, Erik J.↗
NASA NTRS1992

The effect of a magnetic field gradient on anode double layers

In experiments on anode (ionization) double layers in nonuniform magnetic fields it has been noted that the magnetic field gradient seems to stabilize the double layer position. This effect is further investigated in a Q machine in which the magnetic field geometry could be varied. It is found that the position of the double layers, along the axis of the device, could be controlled by changing the magnetic geometry. This effect is accounted for in a physical model which takes into account the effect of ion reflection by the magnetic mirror force in the region of magnetic field nonuniformity. This model is also able to account for variation of the double layer position when the neutral gas pressure is varied.

Song, B.↗
NASA NTRS1992

On the stability of strong double layers

For a strong, stationary double layer to be maintained, the electron flux Phi(e) and the ion flux Phi(i) must satisfy the Langmuir condition Phi(e)/Phi(i) = sq rt m(i)/m(e). However, this condition alone does not determine whether or not the double layer will remain in stable equilibrium at a given position. A new stability condition is obtained, and the results of several laboratory double layer experiments are examined using this condition.

Song, Bin↗
NASA NTRS1988

Three step double layers in the laboratory

A new class of stationary double layer structure, with three or more distinct steps, is demonstrated in the laboratory. A large monotonic potential increase results from a series of smaller double layers. In many respects, these double layer structures resemble those inferred from satellite measurements of auroral double layers. This new class of double layer appears to depend on turbulence for its existence and to be a hybrid structure, intermediate between anomalous resistivity and BGK double layers.

Bailey, Andrew, III↗
NASA NTRS1987

Formation mechanisms of laboratory double layers

The evolution processes of double layers were studied in a series of laboratory experiments. It was found that the existence of virtual cathode-type potential wells at the electron injection boundary was the dominant triggering mechanism. The rapid growth of the potential wells led to collisionless ion trapping and the establishment of the necessary trapped ion population. For double layers with small potential drops, collisionless ion trapping actually induced ion-ion streaming instabilities and the formation of ion phase-space vortices. In this regime, the system often exhibited relaxation-type oscillations which correspond to the disruption and the recovery of the double layers.

Chan, Chung↗
NASA NTRS1979

A fluid description of plasma double-layers

The space-charge double-layer that forms between two plasmas with different densities and thermal energies was investigated using three progressively realistic models which are treated by fluid theory, and take into account four species of particles: electrons and ions reflected by the double-layer, and electrons and ions transmitted through it. The two plasmas are assumed to be cold, and the self-consistent potential, electric field and space-charge distributions within the double-layer are determined. The effects of thermal velocities are taken into account for the reflected particles, and the modifications to the cold plasma solutions are established. Further modifications due to thermal velocities of the transmitted particles are examined. The applicability of a one dimensional fluid description, rather than plasma kinetic theory, is discussed. Theoretical predictions are compared with double layer potentials and lengths deduced from laboratory and space plasma experiments.

Levine, J. S.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Double layers above the aurora

Two different kinds of double layers were found in association with auroral precipitation. One of these is the so-called electrostatic shock, which is oriented at an oblique angle to the magnetic field in such a way that the perpendicular electric field is much larger than the parallel electric field. This type of double layer is often found at the edges of regions of upflowing ion beams and the direction of the electric fields in the shock points toward the ion beam. The potential drop through the shock can be several kV and is comparable to the total potential needed to produce auroral acceleration. Instabilities associated with the shock may generate obliquely propagating Alfven waves, which may accelerate electrons to produce flickering auroras. The flickering aurora provides evidence that the electrostatic shock may have large temporal fluctuations. The other kind of double layer is the small-amplitude double layer found in regions of upward flowing in beams, often in association with electrostatic ion cyclotron waves. The parallel and perpendicular electric fields in these structures are comparable in magnitude. The associated potentials are a few eV. Since many such double layers are found in regions of upward flowing ion beams, the combined potential drop through a set of these double layers can be substantial.

Temerin, M.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Theoretical phase diagram of two-component composite fermions in double-layer graphene

Theory predicts that double layer systems realize “two-component composite fermions,” which are formed when electrons capture both intra- and inter-layer vortices, to produce a wide variety of new strongly correlated liquid and crystal states as a function of the layer separation. Recent experiments in double layer graphene have revealed a large number of layer-correlated fractional quantum Hall states in the lowest Landau level, many of which have not been studied quantitatively in previous theoretical works. We consider the competition between various liquid and crystal states at several of these filling factors (specifically, the states at total filling factors ν = 3/7, 4/9, 6/11, 4/7, 3/5, 2/3, and 4/5) to determine the theoretical phase diagram as a function of the layer separation. We compare our results with experiments and identify various observed states. In particular, we show that at small layer separations the states at total fillings ν = 3/7 and ν = 3/5 are partially pseudospin polarized, where pseudospin refers to the layer index. For certain fractions, such as ν = 3/7, interlayer correlations are predicted to survive to surprisingly large interlayer separations.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
NASA NTRS1986

Double layers and circuits in astrophysics

As the rate of energy release in a double layer with voltage delta V is P approx I delta V, a double layer must be treated as a part of a circuit which delivers the current I. As neither double layer nor circuit can be derived from magnetofluid models of a plasma, such models are useless for treating energy transfer by means of double layers. They must be replaced by particle models and circuit theory. A simple circuit is suggested which is applied to the energizing of auroral particles, to solar flares, and to intergalactic double radio sources. Application to the heliospheric current systems leads to the prediction of two double layers on the Sun's axis which may give radiations detectable from Earth. Double layers in space should be classified as a new type of celestial object (one example is the double radio sources). It is tentatively suggested in X-ray and Gamma-ray bursts may be due to exploding double layers (although annihilation is an alternative energy source). A study of how a number of the most used textbooks in astrophysics treat important concepts like double layers, critical velocity, pinch effects and circuits is made.

Alfven, Hannes↗
NASA NTRS1982

Dynamical features of moving double layers

Numerical simulations of the dynamics of double layers that form in response to an applied potential drop across a plasma are carried out for plasmas of lengths much greater than previously considered. The evolution of finite-size plasmas of lengths 100, 200 and 400 Debye lengths at the low-potential end of the simulation region was followed by the solution of the Vlasov and Poisson equations. Results show that the double layer moves towards the high-potential side of the layer, at a speed directly dependent on the length of the plasma. The moving double layer is accompanied by a moving density front which is similar to an ion acoustic shock created by the expansion of a high-density plasma into a low-density plasma, as well as plasma heating and evacuation, electron and ion current interruptions and recovery. Double layer formation, motion, and accompanying phenomena are found to repeat periodically. Results are in good agreement with laboratory experiments, and may be used to explain certain phenomena observed in auroral plasmas.

Singh, N.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Some dynamical properties of very strong double layers in a triple plasma device

Dynamical properties of very strong double layers seen in a differentially pumped triple plasma device are reported. These double layers are V-shaped. The following findings are discussed: (1) Disruptions in the double layer potential and in the plasma current occur when an inductance is placed in series with the bias supply between the sources in the external circuit. These disruptions, which can be highly periodic, are the result of a negative resistance region. (2) When reactances in the circuit are minimized, the double layer exhibits a jitter motion in position approximately equal to the double layer thickness. (3) When the bias between the sources is rapidly turned on, the initial phase in the double layer formation is the occurrence of a constant electric field for the first few microseconds. First the apparatus used in all of the work is discussed and then each of the three phenomena are considered.

Carpenter, T.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Anode-type double layers in a nonuniform magnetic field

The properties of strong, magnetized, three-dimensional double layers are studied. The double layers are produced by drawing a discharge to a large anode plate located in the diverging magnetic field region of a cylindrical argon discharge. If the anode voltage is sufficiently high, the electrons that are accelerated through the anode sheath may become sufficiently energetic to ionize the background neutral gas and transform the anode sheath into a strong double layer. The resulting conical-shaped structures, which extend outward from the plate, have parallel, oblique, and perpendicular electric field components with respect to the magnetic field. The axial extent of these structures depends on the plate bias voltage, neutral gas pressure, and the magnetic field. At neutral gas pressures of a few millitorr, the double-layer structures are visually apparent because of the enhanced light emission from neutrals excited by the energetic electrons. Color photographs of some of these structures are shown. The scaling of the width of these double layers with electric field components perpendicular to B is also investigated.

Cartier, Steven L.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Acoustic double layers in multispecies plasma

The formation of acoustic double layers in the presence of two ion species is examined via a particle simulation in a 1D bounded system. The effect of having two ion components, an H(+) and an O(+) beam, on double-layer evolution from ion acoustic turbulence driven by an electron drift relative to the H(+) beam of about 0.5 u sub e, where u sub e is the electron thermal speed, is examined. It is found that acoustic double layers form in either ion species on a time scale of about 100 omega sub ps exp -1, where omega sub ps is the ion plasma frequency for species 's' and s = H or O, and for drifts relative to the electrons lower than that required for double layer formation in simulations of single ion component plasma.

Gray, Perry C.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Tunable Growth of Layered Double Hydroxide Nanosheets through Hydrothermal Conversion of Atomic Layer Deposition Seed Layers

To enable the design and manufacturing of hierarchical nanomaterial architectures, there is a need for synthesis and processing methods that can enable tunable geometric control at the nanoscale while maintaining conformality on complex 3-D templates. Here, in this study, we explore the programmable control of vertically oriented Zn-Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanosheet arrays using atomic layer deposition (ALD) to deposit a seed layer of Al 2 O 3 , which is subsequently consumed and converted into the LDH phase under hydrothermal growth conditions. We demonstrate tunable control over the spacing and length of the nanosheets by varying the thickness of the initial ALD seed layer with subnanometer precision. This can be viewed as a nanoscale titration reaction, where Al acts as the limiting reagent during the hydrothermal synthesis of the nanosheets. Elemental mapping demonstrates the dynamic evolution of the resulting morphology, which is driven by surface diffusion and nucleation processes. The conformal nature of ALD allows for hierarchical growth of nanosheets on the surface of a variety of nonplanar substrate geometries, including microposts, paper fibers, and porous ceramic supports. This illustrates the power of ALD to enable bottom-up growth of 3-D nanoarchitectures with tunable geometries by controlling nucleation and growth in subsequent solution reactions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1987

A laboratory investigation of potential double layers

In a triple plasma device, the injection of electron current from the source chamber to the target chamber causes the formation of a potential double layer. At a low current density, the space charge of the injected current produces a virtual cathode-type potential double layer. This double layer is stable, and various wave instabilities are observed to associate with this double layer. As the current density is increased, the double layer becomes unstable, and a moving double layer results. As the current density is increased further, the enhanced ionization causes the neutralization of the space charge of the electron beam, and the beam plasma discharge is ignited.

Leung, Philip↗
NASA NTRS1987

A laboratory investigation of potential double layers

In a triple plasma device, the injection of electron current from the source chamber to the target chamber causes the formation of a potential double layer. At a low current density, the space charge of the injected current produces a virtual cathode-type potential double layer. This double layer is stable and various wave instabilities are observed to associate with this double layer. As the current density is increased, the double layer becomes unstable and a moving double layer results. As the current density is increased further, the enhanced ionization causes the neutralization of the space charge of the electron beam and the 'beam plasma discharge' is ignited.

Leung, Philip↗