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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 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2004

Laser Ablation of Materials for Propulsion of Spacecraft

A report describes experiments performed as part of a continuing investigation of the feasibility of laser ablation of materials as a means of propulsion for small spacecraft. In each experiment, a specimen of ablative material was mounted on a torsion pendulum and irradiated with a laser pulse having an energy of 5 J. The amplitude of the resulting rotation of the torsion pendulum was taken to be an indication of the momentum transferred from the laser beam. Of the ablative materials tested, aluminum foils yielded the smallest rotation amplitudes of the order of 10 degrees. Black coating materials yielded rotation amplitudes of the order of 90 degrees. Samples of silver coated with a fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) copolymer yielded the largest rotation amplitudes 6 to 8 full revolutions. The report presents a theory involving heating of a confined plasma followed by escape of the plasma to explain the superior momentum transfer performance of the FEP specimens. It briefly discusses some concepts for optimizing designs of spacecraft engines to maximize the thrust obtainable by exploiting the physical mechanisms of the theory. Also discussed is the use of laser-ablation engines with other types of spacecraft engines.

Edwards, David L.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Simulation of Laser Cooling and Trapping in Engineering Applications

An advanced computer code is undergoing development for numerically simulating laser cooling and trapping of large numbers of atoms. The code is expected to be useful in practical engineering applications and to contribute to understanding of the roles that light, atomic collisions, background pressure, and numbers of particles play in experiments using laser-cooled and -trapped atoms. The code is based on semiclassical theories of the forces exerted on atoms by magnetic and optical fields. Whereas computer codes developed previously for the same purpose account for only a few physical mechanisms, this code incorporates many more physical mechanisms (including atomic collisions, sub-Doppler cooling mechanisms, Stark and Zeeman energy shifts, gravitation, and evanescent-wave phenomena) that affect laser-matter interactions and the cooling of atoms to submillikelvin temperatures. Moreover, whereas the prior codes can simulate the interactions of at most a few atoms with a resonant light field, the number of atoms that can be included in a simulation by the present code is limited only by computer memory. Hence, the present code represents more nearly completely the complex physics involved when using laser-cooled and -trapped atoms in engineering applications. Another advantage that the code incorporates is the possibility to analyze the interaction between cold atoms of different atomic number. Some properties that cold atoms of different atomic species have, like cross sections and the particular excited states they can occupy when interacting with each other and light fields, play important roles not yet completely understood in the new experiments that are under way in laboratories worldwide to form ultracold molecules. Other research efforts use cold atoms as holders of quantum information, and more recent developments in cavity quantum electrodynamics also use ultracold atoms to explore and expand new information-technology ideas. These experiments give a hint on the wide range of applications and technology developments that can be tackled using cold atoms and light fields. From more precise atomic clocks and gravity sensors to the development of quantum computers, there will be a need to completely understand the whole ensemble of physical mechanisms that play a role in the development of such technologies. The code also permits the study of the dynamic and steady-state operations of technologies that use cold atoms. The physical characteristics of lasers and fields can be time-controlled to give a realistic simulation of the processes involved such that the design process can determine the best control features to use. It is expected that with the features incorporated into the code it will become a tool for the useful application of ultracold atoms in engineering applications. Currently, the software is being used for the analysis and understanding of simple experiments using cold atoms, and for the design of a modular compact source of cold atoms to be used in future research and development projects. The results so far indicate that the code is a useful design instrument that shows good agreement with experimental measurements (see figure), and a Windows-based user-friendly interface is also under development.

Ramirez-Serrano, Jaime↗
DOE OSTI2025

Sample glue layer investigation and mitigation for laser induced prompt impulse experiments

Understanding longer timescale material reactions under dynamic stress loading is critical for applications in materials engineering, shock physics, and planetary science. Prompt impulse experiments generate lower pressures since the ablator—the material first removed by the laser—is thicker and farther from the diagnostic plane, capturing aggregate material responses from the initial shock wave, rarefaction waves, and later time effects. This complexity demands thorough material characterization and simulation support. Since traditional sample construction is specific to supported shock experiments, designing prompt impulse experiments requires reconsideration around target design and sample engineering. Here, we present sample preparation techniques, experimental investigations, and theoretical simulations to investigate glue layer impacts, aiming to standardize samples for consistent data at lower laser fluences. We find that glue layers <30 μm have a minimal impact on peak velocity and pulse shape. The peak velocity scales linearly with glue layer thickness until a glue layer of 75 μm. For glue layers >75 μm, the peak velocity no longer scales with thickness; however, the pulse shape continues to degrade as described by simulations.

Lasers↗
NASA NTRS1989

Development of fiber-based laser anemometer for SSME application

A recent study by Rocketdyne for NASA identified laser anemometry, using a compact optical head, as a feasible diagnostic instrument for the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) Model Verification experiments. Physical Research, Inc. (PRI) is presently under contract from NASA Lewis to develop and deliver such a laser anemometer system. For this application, it is desired to place the laser at a remote distance from the engine, and use single mode polarization preserving fiber optics for the transmission of the laser light to and from the measurement head. Other requirements are given. Analytical and experimental tools are being used to develop the technologies required for the laser anemometer. These include finite element analysis of the optical head and vibration tests for various optical and mechanical components. Design of the optical head and the fiber optic connectors are driven by the temperature and vibration requirements for the measurement environment. Results of the finite element analysis and the vibration tests of the components are included. Conceptual design of the fiber optic launcher and the optical probe has also been complete. Detailed design of the probe as well as the fabrication and assembly of the components is in progress.

Modarress, Dariush↗
DOE OSTI2026

Ultrafast population and structural dynamics of a Ni-bipyridine photoredox catalyst reveal a significant deactivation pathway

The ultrafast excited state pathways and dynamics of NiII-bipyridine complexes influence the yield of photochemical processes involved in their catalytic cross-coupling reactions. Here we present ultrafast Ni K x-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) and x-ray solution scattering (XSS) of a NiII-bipyridine aryl halide complex, [Ni(t-Bubpy)(o-tol)Br], to quantify the excited state population dynamics and structural changes of the pre-catalyst. Due to the local spin-sensitivity of XES, the population dynamics of metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) and metal-centered (MC) excited states is established. A rapid ground state recovery pathway is newly identified, representing a significant deactivation pathway during photocatalysis. Furthermore, the pseudotetrahedral structure of the long-lived MC excited state is unambiguously identified and refined by XSS. The results advance our understanding of the ultrafast relaxation mechanisms that impact the photocatalytic mechanism and yield for NiII-bipyridine aryl halide cross-coupling catalysts.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

High-Density Implosions on OMEGA and the National Ignition Facility (NIF) (Final FY23 report for the subcontract B656484 (formerly B640112))

This final FY23 report for the subcontract B656484 (formerly B640112) “High-Density Implosions on Omega and the National Ignition Facility (NIF)” summarizes MIT’s support of LLNL experiments at OMEGA and the NIF with nuclear diagnostics, platforms and analysis, and of training PhD students. Overall, the tasks identified as Statement-Of-Work (SOW) items for FY23 were accomplished.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2026

LDRD FY25 Program Overview

As Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s (LLNL’s) Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) program enters its fifth decade of leading-edge research and development, its impact and importance have never been stronger. The program continues to advance strategic investments in pioneering science, technology, and engineering, ensuring LLNL will be ready to deliver on our mission as it evolves over the coming decades. Investing in LDRD research, and the people who perform this critical work, gives LLNL the ability to sustain our role as a leader in the Department of Energy and National Nuclear Security Administration enterprise. The LDRD program enables high-risk, high-payoff research that anticipates emerging threats and future mission needs. By nurturing the ingenuity of the Lab’s greatest asset, its people, LDRD funding advances not only our research but also grows and nurtures our workforce: engaging future innovators with student mentoring, challenging postdoctoral researchers to apply their skills to support national security, and strengthening the leadership skills of early career staff. This annual report documents how LDRD investments advance LLNL’s science, technology, and engineering across our mission space. To assess LDRD’s impact we track both short and long-term metrics such as peer-reviewed publications, number of students, or professional fellows. In addition to reviewing these metrics, I encourage you to delve deeper into the breadth of science and technology that illustrate the strategic value of this research portfolio. For instance, a recent exploratory research project used advanced manufacturing to construct miniaturized three-dimensional ion traps for a quantum computer with reduced quantum error rates to enable applications that address national security missions and support basic science. Another project has delved into studying detonation by examining deflagration to enhance the safety and security of the nuclear weapons stockpile. LDRD researchers are also deploying AI agents on two of the world’s most powerful supercomputers to automate and accelerate inertial confinement fusion experiments. Other teams are delivering more accurate optical constants to enable improved validation for aluminum to advance atomic and molecular physics models. LDRD-driven discoveries of how metals deform under extreme conditions strengthen our ability to model and design materials for demanding national security environments. National security challenges are increasingly complex and continuously evolving. LDRD focuses our most innovative science and technology on these challenges, ensuring the Laboratory is developing creative, forward-leaning solutions for our nation and the world. The following pages feature highlights of published scientific advances, patents, and honors that stem from LDRD investments. As you read this report, I hope you will understand how these investments position the Laboratory, and our partners, to meet the demands of the decades ahead.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

High-Speed Visualization of Spray Breakup and Velocity Estimation in a Rotating Detonation Combustor Using Laser Induced Fluorescence

The underlying physical processes that liquid fuel sprays undergo in rotating detonation engines, particularly breakup and combustion, are not well understood nor are the coupling effects between the detonation and the spray. In this work, a single liquid jet of liquid fuel is inserted into a hydrogen-air RDC in order to study repetitive-one way coupled detonation interactions. High speed laser induced fluorescence of Jet-A at 300 kHz is used to visualize the dynamic processes inside the RDC for up to 10 ms per test. The employed imaging schemes allowed for unique insight into the spreading of liquid fuel in the azimuthal-axial directions via volumetric laser illumination. The Jet-A velocity field was estimated using OpenOpticalFlow and the impulse events observed colloquially agree with prior work on this test platform.

Instrumentation↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

High-Speed Visualization of Spray Breakup and Velocity Estimation in a Rotating Detonation Combustor Using Laser Induced Fluorescence

The underlying physical processes that liquid fuel sprays undergo in rotating detonation engines, particularly breakup and combustion, are not well understood nor are the coupling effects between the detonation and the spray. In this work, a single liquid jet of liquid fuel is inserted into a hydrogen-air RDC in order to study repetitive-one way coupled detonation interactions. High speed laser induced fluorescence of Jet-A at 300 kHz is used to visualize the dynamic processes inside the RDC for up to 10 ms per test. The employed imaging schemes allowed for unique insight into the spreading of liquid fuel in the azimuthal-axial directions via volumetric laser illumination. The Jet-A velocity field was estimated using OpenOpticalFlow and the impulse events observed colloquially agree with prior work on this test platform.

Instrumentation↗
DOE OSTI2025

S&TR July-August: Beyond Ignition

On December 5, 2022, Lawrence Livermore’s National Ignition Facility achieved the first-ever successful positive-gain ignition shot. This scientific advance, heralded worldwide, required a multidecadal effort to synthesize physics theory, laser technologies, computation and diagnostic capabilities, as well as engineering, materials development, and other inputs. The question, “Can ignition be achieved?” had been answered. Since then, the Laboratory has answered the question, “Can we do it again?” with additional ignition shots at increasing yield. Now Lawrence Livermore researchers ask, “Can we improve ignition outcomes?” for the benefit of the Stockpile Stewardship Program. Interrelated articles presenting the Laboratory’s ignition science, the role of supercomputing in achieving ignition, the evolution of diagnostic instruments to measure ignition data, and the ambitious steps required to realize a fusion energy future lead to one answer: “Yes, we can.”

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1980

Laser propulsion - 1980

An overview of the current government sponsored work in laser propulsion is presented and the NASA program is discussed. Attention is given to the overall NASA plan in laser propulsion and the laser rocket engine technology program. Some results of an analytical effort at Physical Sciences Inc. are presented, as well as results of the NASA/Army Missile Command experimental effort. Finally, future plans are briefly summarized.

Jones, L. W.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Investigation of compression of indirect-drive targets under conditions of the NIF facility using one-dimensional modelling

The indirect compression dynamics of targets containing capsules with ablators of a plastic, high-density carbon and beryllium is simulated in the framework of a one-dimensional model based on the 1D RADIAN code. Experiments with such targets are performed on the NIF facility in the Livermore Laboratory (USA) in 2014 – 2018. The 1D simulation data are consistent with the results of experiments and calculations made at this Laboratory. The effect of the hard part of hohlraum radiation on capsule compression parameters is confirmed. We demonstrate the feasibility of eliminating this influence not only by selecting the hohlraum material but also by introducing admixtures into the capsule that absorb this radiation. It is shown how varying the amount of admixture in the capsule ablator varies the spectrum of the radiation that heats the DT fuel. (interaction of laser radiation with matter. laser plasma)

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

The Path to Enlightenment: Progress and Opportunities in High Efficiency Halide Perovskite Light-Emitting Devices

Besides the flourishment in photovoltaics, halide perovskites hold great promise to compete with leading contenders among solution-processed emitters, such as organics and semiconductor colloidal nanocrystals, in the field of light emission. Halide perovskites exhibit outstanding optoelectronic properties, including high photoluminescence quantum yields, facile bandgap tunability, narrow emission line widths, and respectable carrier mobilities, promoting them to thrive in versatile light-emitting applications such as light-emitting diodes, lasers, X-ray scintillators, and circularly polarized light sources. Herein, we discuss the underlying physics of light emission in state-of-the-art perovskite light-emitting devices and focus on promising strategies for further improvement of device performance.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2021

High-performance photonic transformers for DC voltage conversion

Abstract Direct current (DC) converters play an essential role in electronic circuits. Conventional high-efficiency DC voltage converters, especially step-up type, rely on switching operation, where energy is periodically stored within and released from inductors and/or capacitors connected in a variety of circuit topologies. Since these energy storage components, especially inductors, are fundamentally difficult to scale down, miniaturization of switching converters proves challenging. Furthermore, the resulting switching currents produce significant electromagnetic noise. To overcome the limitations of switching converters, photonic transformers, where voltage conversion is achieved through light emission and detection processes, have been demonstrated. However, the demonstrated efficiency is significantly below that of the switching converter. Here we perform a detailed balance analysis and show that with a monolithically integrated design that enables efficient photon transport, the photonic transformer can operate with a near-unity conversion efficiency and high voltage conversion ratio. We validate the theory with a transformer constructed with off-the-shelf discrete components. Our experiment showcases near noiseless operation and a voltage conversion ratio that is significantly higher than obtained in previous photonic transformers. Our findings point to the possibility of a high-performance optical solution to miniaturizing DC power converters and improving the electromagnetic compatibility and quality of electrical power.

42 ENGINEERING↗