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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 NTRS1984

Evaluation of a flow direction probe and a pitot-static probe on the F-14 airplane at high angles of attack and sideslip

The measurement performance of a hemispherical flow-angularity probe and a fuselage-mounted pitot-static probe was evaluated at high flow angles as part of a test program on an F-14 airplane. These evaluations were performed using a calibrated pitot-static noseboom equipped with vanes for reference flow direction measurements, and another probe incorporating vanes but mounted on a pod under the fuselage nose. Data are presented for angles of attack up to 63, angles of sideslip from -22 deg to 22 deg, and for Mach numbers from approximately 0.3 to 1.3. During maneuvering flight, the hemispherical flow-angularity probe exhibited flow angle errors that exceeded 2 deg. Pressure measurements with the pitot-static probe resulted in very inaccurate data above a Mach number of 0.87 and exhibited large sensitivities with flow angle.

Larson, T. J.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Carbon Nanotube Tip Probes: Stability and Lateral Resolution in Scanning Probe Microscopy and Application to Surface Science to Semiconductors

In this paper we present results on the stability and lateral resolution capability of carbon nanotube (CNT) scanning probes as applied to atomic force microscopy (AFM). Surface topography images of ultra-thin films (2-5 nm thickness) obtained with AFM are used to illustrate the lateral resolution capability of single-walled carbon nanotube probes. Images of metal films prepared by ion beam sputtering exhibit grain sizes ranging from greater than 10 nm to as small as approximately 2 nm for gold and iridium respectively. In addition, imaging stability and lifetime of multi-walled carbon nanotube scanning probes are studied on a relatively hard surface of silicon nitride (Si3N4). AFM images Of Si3N4 surface collected after more than 15 hrs of continuous scanning show no detectable degradation in lateral resolution. These results indicate the general feasibility of CNT tips and scanning probe microscopy for examining nanometer-scale surface features of deposited metals as well as non-conductive thin films. AFM coupled with CNT tips offers a simple and nondestructive technique for probing a variety of surfaces, and has immense potential as a surface characterization tool in integrated circuit manufacturing.

Nguyen, Cattien V.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Langmuir Probe Distortions and Probe Compensation in an Inductively Coupled Plasma

In many RF discharges, Langmuir probe measurements are usually made against a background of sinusoidal (and not so sinusoidal) fluctuations in the plasma parameters such as the plasma potential (Vp), the electron number density (ne), and the electron temperature (Te). The compensation of sinusoidal fluctuations in Vp has been extensively studied and is relatively well understood. Less attention has been paid to the possible distortions introduced by small fluctuations in plasma density and/or plasma temperature, which may arise in the sheath and pre-sheath regions of RF discharges. Here, we present the results of a model simulation of probe characteristics subject to fluctuations in both Vp and ne. The modeling of probe distortion due to possible fluctuations in Te is less straightforward. A comparison is presented of calculations with experimental measurements using a compensated and uncompensated Langmuir probe in an inductively coupled GEC reference cell plasma, operating on Ar and Ar/CF4 mixtures. The plasma parameters determined from the compensated probe characteristics are compared to previous measurements of others made in similar discharges, and to our own measurements of the average electron density derived from electrical impedance measurements.

Ji, J. S.↗
DOE OSTI2024

MISIP: a data standard for the reuse and reproducibility of any stable isotope probing-derived nucleic acid sequence and experiment

DNA/RNA-stable isotope probing (SIP) is a powerful tool to link in situ microbial activity to sequencing data. Every SIP dataset captures distinct information about microbial community metabolism, process rates, and population dynamics, offering valuable insights for a wide range of research questions. Data reuse maximizes the information derived from the labor and resource-intensive SIP approaches. Yet, a review of publicly available SIP sequencing metadata showed that critical information necessary for reproducibility and reuse was often missing. Here, we outline the Minimum Information for any Stable Isotope Probing Sequence (MISIP) according to the Minimum Information for any (x) Sequence (MIxS) framework and include examples of MISIP reporting for common SIP experiments. Our objectives are to expand the capacity of MIxS to accommodate SIP-specific metadata and guide SIP users in metadata collection when planning and reporting an experiment. The MISIP standard requires 5 metadata fields—isotope, isotopolog, isotopolog label, labeling approach, and gradient position—and recommends several fields that represent best practices in acquiring and reporting SIP sequencing data (e.g., gradient density and nucleic acid amount). The standard is intended to be used in concert with other MIxS checklists to comprehensively describe the origin of sequence data, such as for marker genes (MISIP-MIMARKS) or metagenomes (MISIP-MIMS), in combination with metadata required by an environmental extension (e.g., soil). The adoption of the proposed data standard will improve the reuse of any sequence derived from a SIP experiment and, by extension, deepen understanding of in situ biogeochemical processes and microbial ecology.

Simpson, Abigayle↗
DOE OSTI2019

Ultrafast probes at the interfaces of solar energy conversion materials

Ultrafast carrier dynamics at interfaces plays a major role in governing solar energy conversion efficiency in solar conversion systems, especially in solar cells and photoelectrochemical devices. Here, we discuss recent advances in ultrafast spectroscopic probes to understand the dynamics at such interfaces. Transient reflectance (TR) enables monitoring of the surface carriers that are within ~10 nm of the surface or interface of interest. Crucial parameters such as surface recombination velocity and carrier diffusion can be determined. When a strong surface or interfacial field is present the reflectance spectrum will exhibit Franz–Kelydesh oscillations. Monitoring the transient formation or decay of such oscillations informs about the interfacial field and is referred to as transient photoreflectance (TPR). Such fields are helpful in designing systems in order to move carriers away from surfaces where photocorrosion can occur and towards catalytic surfaces. Finally, we discuss transient infrared attenuated total reflection (TATR) to probe the ultrafast reaction intermediates in a photo-driven chemical reaction.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2019

The digital mirror Langmuir probe: Field programmable gate array implementation of real-time Langmuir probe biasing

High bandwidth, high spatial resolution measurements of electron temperature, density, and plasma potential are valuable for resolving turbulence in the boundary plasma of tokamaks. While conventional Langmuir probes can provide such measurements, either their temporal or spatial resolution is limited: the former by the sweep rate necessary for obtaining I-V characteristics and the latter by the need to use multiple electrodes, as is the case in triple and double probe configurations. The Mirror Langmuir Probe (MLP) bias technique overcomes these limitations by rapidly switching the voltage on a single electrode cycling between three bias states, each dynamically optimized for the local plasma conditions. The MLP system on Alcator C-Mod used analog circuitry to perform this function, measuring Te, VF, and Isat at 1.1 MSPS. Recently, a new prototype digital MLP controller has been implemented on a Red Pitaya Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) board which reproduces the functionality of the original controller and performs all data acquisition. There is also the potential to provide the plasma parameters externally for use with feedback control systems. The use of FPGA technology means the system is readily customizable at a fraction of the development time and implementation cost. A second Red Pitaya was used to test the MLP by simulating the current response of a physical probe using C-Mod experimental measurements. This project is available as a git repository to facilitate extensibility (e.g., real-time control outputs and more voltage states) and scalability through collaboration.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2023

Grain Boundary Plane Measurement Using Transmission Electron Microscopy Automated Crystallographic Orientation Mapping for Atom Probe Tomography Specimens

Abstract Grain boundaries are critical in determining the properties of materials, including mechanical stability, conductivity, and corrosion resistance. The specific properties of materials depend not only on the misorientation of the crystals, the three most commonly characterized parameters, but also on the angle of the grain boundary plane between the two crystals, the final two parameters in the five-parameter macroscopic description of the grain boundary. The method presented here allows for the direct measurement of all five parameters of the grain boundary in a transmission electron microscopy specimen of various morphologies. This is especially applicable to atom probe specimens, where only a single-tilt axis is generally available, allowing the crystallographic description to be matched to the detailed chemical data available in the atom probe tomography. This method provides a platform for efficient grain boundary analysis in unique samples, saving operator time and allowing for ease of acquisition and interpretation in comparison with traditional electron diffraction methods.

Materials Science↗
DOE OSTI2021

The Digital Mirror Langmuir Probe: Field Programmable Gate Array Implementation of Real-Time Langmuir Probe Biasing

High bandwidth, high spatial resolution measurements of electron temperature, density and plasma potential are valuable for resolving turbulence in the boundary plasma of tokamaks. While conventional Langmuir probes can provide such measurements either their temporal or spatial resolution is limited: the former by the sweep rate necessary for obtaining I-V characteristics and the latter by the need to use multiple electrodes, as is the case in triple and double probe configurations. The Mirror Langmuir Probe (MLP) bias technique overcomes these limitations by rapidly switching the voltage on a single electrode cycling between three bias states, each dynamically optimised for the local plasma conditions. The MLP system on Alcator C-Mod used analog circuitry to perform this function, measuring Te, VF, and Isat at 1.1 MSPS. Recently, a new prototype digital MLP controller has been implemented on a Red Pitaya Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) board which reproduces the functionality of the original controller and performs all data acquisition. There is also the potential to provide the plasma parameters externally for use with feedback control systems. The use of FPGA technology means the system is readily customisable at a fraction of the development time and implementation cost. A second Red Pitaya was used to test the MLP by simulating the current response of a physical probe using C-Mod experimental measurements. This project is available as a git repository to facilitate extensibility (e.g. real-time control outputs, more voltage states) and scalability through collaboration.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1972

Flight calibration of compensated and uncompensated pitot-static airspeed probes and application of the probes to supersonic cruise vehicles

Static pressure position error calibrations for a compensated and an uncompensated XB-70 nose boom pitot static probe were obtained in flight. The methods (Pacer, acceleration-deceleration, and total temperature) used to obtain the position errors over a Mach number range from 0.5 to 3.0 and an altitude range from 25,000 feet to 70,000 feet are discussed. The error calibrations are compared with the position error determined from wind tunnel tests, theoretical analysis, and a standard NACA pitot static probe. Factors which influence position errors, such as angle of attack, Reynolds number, probe tip geometry, static orifice location, and probe shape, are discussed. Also included are examples showing how the uncertainties caused by position errors can affect the inlet controls and vertical altitude separation of a supersonic transport.

Webb, L. D.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Thermal design and development of a planetary probe - Pioneer Venus large probe

The thermal control system developed for the Large Atmospheric Probe of the Pioneer Venus Multiprobe Mission is described. The scope of the thermal control task requires maintaining the probe internal equipment shelf temperatures within a nonoperating range of -40 to 122 F and an operating range of -4 to 122 F during three different mission phases: (1) preseparation, the transit phase of the mission when the probe is attached to the Multiprobe Spacecraft Bus, (2) postseparation, the free-flight cruise phase of the mission following release from the Bus, and (3) descent, the phase of the mission from preentry equipment turn-on to impact on the Venus surface. Thermal control for these phases is achieved by a combination of passive thermal finishes on the probe exterior surfaces and heaters mounted on the equipment shelves. Verification of the adequacy of the total thermal design to meet all mission requirements has been completed.

Hennis, L. A.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Outer Planets/Solar Probe Project: Solar Probe

Solar Probe, the first mission to the Sun and the third of three missions in NASA's Outer Solar System/Solar Probe Program, is a voyage of exploration, discovery, and comprehension. This near-Sun flyby will provide in situ measurements in the solar corona and high-resolution pictures and magnetograms of the photosphere and polar atmosphere. These measurements are also needed as "ground truth" for interpreting the many measurements of the Sun and solar activity that have been made from a distance of 1 AU. Solar Probe is scheduled for launch in February 2007. It will arrive at the Sun along a polar trajectory perpendicular to the Sun-Earth line with a perihelion of 4 solar radii (R(sub s)) from the Sun's center. Two perihelion passages will occur, the first in 2010 (near solar sunspot maximum) and the second in 2015 (near solar minimum) ensuring measurement of both coronal hole and streamer-related solar wind properties. To reach the Sun, probe must first fly to Jupiter and use a gravity assist to lose its angular momentum about the Sun. The imaging and in situ miniaturized instruments will provide the first 3-dimensional view of the corona, high spatial- and temporal-resolutions of the magnetic fields, and helioseismic measurements of the polar regions, as well as sporadic high-spatial-resolution local sampling of plasmas and fields at all latitudes.

Tsurutani, B. T.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Multiple Deep Jovian Atmospheric Entry Probes: Building on the Galileo Probe

Following on the very successful Galileo Entry Probe mission, studies underway at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) address the feasibility and cost of the Jupiter Deep Multi-probes (JDMP) mission to deliver and support multiple deep (100 bar level or deeper) atmospheric entry probes to Jupiter.

JPL Galileo Entry Probe Mission Jupiter Deep Multi↗
DOE OSTI2018

A method for site-specific and cryogenic specimen fabrication of liquid/solid interfaces for atom probe tomography

A site-specific, cryogenic, focused ion beam (FIB) method is presented for the preparation of atom probe tomography (APT) specimens from a frozen liquid/solid interface. As a practical example, the interface between water and a corroded boroaluminosilicate glass has been characterized by APT for the first time. The water/glass interface is preserved throughout specimen preparation by plunge freezing the corroding glass particles with the corrosion solution into slush nitrogen. Site-specific specimen preparation is enabled through a new approach to extract and mount a small volume of material using a cryogenically cooled FIB stage and micromanipulator. The prepared APT specimens are subsequently transferred from the FIB to APT under cryogenic and high-vacuum conditions using a novel FIB/APT transfer shuttle and home-built environmental transfer hub attached to the APT system. Particular focus is given to the technical methods for specimen fabrication under cryogenic conditions. Persistent challenges are discussed in addition to future opportunities for this new specimen preparation method.

cryogenic FIB, atom probe tomography (APT), corros↗
DOE OSTI2019

Quaternary Ammonium Salt Based NIR‐II Probes for In Vivo Imaging

Abstract Traditional luminescent materials including fluorescent probes suffer from notorious aggregation‐caused quenching in aqueous solutions. Although several approaches such as the aggregation‐induced emission effect have been developed, it remains a significant challenge to identify an effective and efficient strategy to resolve this issue. Herein, quaternary ammonium salts Q8PBn and Q8PNap as a novel class of bright near infrared window II (NIR‐II, 1000–1700 nm) probes are designed and synthesized, and the twisted intramolecular charge transfer formation at the excited state can be effectively suppressed for the newly designed probes. Furthermore, Q8PNap complexation with fetal bovine serum ( Q8PNap /FBS) significantly increases the quantum yield by ≈32‐fold compared with PEGylated tertiary amine Q8P , and Q8PNap /FBS is successfully used to achieve high spatial and temporal resolution imaging of hind limb vasculature, lymphatic system, and small tumor metastasis, as well as precise NIR‐II imaging‐guided tumor and lymph node surgery in small animal models for the first time.

Qu, Chunrong↗
DOE OSTI2018

Germanium Sulfide Nano-Optics Probed by STEM-Cathodoluminescence Spectroscopy

Nano-optical studies of confined modes in planar waveguides have attracted significant interest as a means to probe exciton-polaritons and other hybrid light-matter quasiparticles in layered semiconductors, such as transition metal dichalcogenides or boron nitride. There is a need to broaden such studies to other materials and to identify alternatives to scanning near-field optical microscopy for exciting and measuring confined waveguide modes. Here, we establish an approach for probing the dispersion of traveling waveguide modes by cathodoluminescence spectroscopy excited by the focused electron beam in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM-CL) and apply it to solid-state resonators consisting of mesoscale monocrystalline prisms and plates composed of GeS, an anisotropic layered semiconductor with direct bandgap in the near-infrared spectral range. Structure, crystallography, and chemical composition of the mesostructures are analyzed by analytical electron microscopy. STEM-CL maps and spectra show pronounced interference effects and sharp emission peaks at photon energies below the fundamental bandgap of GeS. Our analysis demonstrates that locally excited light emission in STEM-CL launches in-plane waveguide modes in the mesoscale GeS structures, which are internally reflected by highly specular GeS edges to cause interference of the waveguide modes. Reabsorption and secondary luminescence give rise to the intensity modulations detected in the far field. In conclusion, our results highlight avenues for probing light-matter interactions below the diffraction limit in a wide range of quantum materials and open up the possibility of tuning light emission geometrically using interference rather than by the conventional bandgap engineering.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1974

Pioneer Jupiter orbiter probe mission 1980, probe description

The adaptation of the Saturn-Uranus Atmospheric Entry Probe (SUAEP) to a Jupiter entry probe is summarized. This report is extracted from a comprehensive study of Jovian missions, atmospheric model definitions and probe subsystem alternatives.

Defrees, R. E.↗