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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
DOE OSTI2020

Measurements of a quantum bulk acoustic resonator using a superconducting qubit

Phonon modes at microwave frequencies can be cooled to their quantum ground state using conventional cryogenic refrigeration, providing a convenient way to study and manipulate quantum states at the single phonon level. Phonons are of particular interest because mechanical deformations can mediate interactions with a wide range of different quantum systems, including solid-state defects, superconducting qubits, and optical photons when using optomechanically active constructs. Phonons, thus, hold promise for quantum-focused applications as diverse as sensing, information processing, and communication. Here, we describe a piezoelectric quantum bulk acoustic resonator (QBAR) with a 4.88 GHz resonant frequency, which, at cryogenic temperatures, displays large electromechanical coupling strength combined with a high intrinsic mechanical quality factor, Q i ≈ 4.3 × 10 4 . Using a recently developed flip-chip technique, we couple this QBAR resonator to a superconducting qubit on a separate die and demonstrate the quantum control of the mechanics in the coupled system. Furthermore, this approach promises a facile and flexible experimental approach to quantum acoustics and hybrid quantum systems.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
NASA NTRS2008

Controller for Driving a Piezoelectric Actuator at Resonance

A digital control system based partly on an extremum-seeking control algorithm tracks the changing resonance frequency of a piezoelectric actuator or an electrically similar electromechanical device that is driven by a sinusoidal excitation signal and is required to be maintained at or near resonance in the presence of uncertain, changing external loads and disturbances. Somewhat more specifically, on the basis of measurements of the performance of the actuator, this system repeatedly estimates the resonance frequency and alters the excitation frequency as needed to keep it at or near the resonance frequency. In the original application for which this controller was developed, the piezoelectric actuator is part of an ultrasonic/sonic drill/corer. Going beyond this application, the underlying principles of design and operation are generally applicable to tracking changing resonance frequencies of heavily perturbed harmonic oscillators. Resonance-frequency-tracking analog electronic circuits are commercially available, but are not adequate for the present purpose for several reasons: The input/output characteristics of analog circuits tend to drift, often necessitating recalibration, especially whenever the same controller is used in driving a different resonator. In the case of an actuator in a system that has multiple modes characterized by different resonance frequencies, an analog controller can tune erroneously to one of the higher-frequency modes. The lack of programmability of analog controllers is problematic when faults occur, and is especially problematic for preventing tuning to a higher-frequency mode. In contrast, a digital controller can be programmed to restrict itself to a specified frequency range and to maintain stability even when the affected resonator is driven at high power and subjected to uncertain disturbances and variable loads. The present digital control system (see figure) is implemented by means of an algorithm that comprises three main subalgorithms: a hill-climbing control algorithm, an estimation-based extremum-seeking control (ESC) algorithm, and a supervisory algorithm. The hill-climbing algorithm is useful for coarse tracking to find and remain within the vicinity of the resonance. The ESC algorithm is not capable of coarse resonance tracking, but is capable of fine resonance tracking once the estimates of parameters generated by the hill-climbing algorithm have converged sufficiently. On the basis of the parameter-estimation errors, the supervisory algorithm switches operation to whichever of the other two algorithms performs best at a given time.

Aldrich, Jack↗
DOE OSTI2024

Edge treatment for spurious mode suppression in thin-film lithium niobate resonators

Abstract Thin-film lithium niobate is an attractive material for RF acoustic devices because of its high electromechanical coupling. However, due to the large coupling and the high anisotropy, thin-film lithium niobate resonators are prone to accidental resonances called spurious modes. These modes compromise the frequency response of the resonators, limiting their use in filter and oscillator applications. In this work, we present a novel method of spurious mode suppression through a special edge treatment etch process. Two thin-film lithium niobate resonators were fabricated, one with smooth sidewalls and one with the edge treatment. It was found that the edge-treated resonators show a weaker spurious mode response. This is potentially a new way to mitigate spurious resonances, a major issue in lithium niobate Lamb wave devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Coupling of electroelastic dynamics and direct contact ultrasonic drying formulation for annular piezoelectric bimorph transducers

A newly developed technique for drying clothes without thermal energy has been developed through the utilization of ultrasonic vibrations from piezoelectric transducers. The novel technique incorporates the actuation of a thin stainless steel disk in contact with wet fabric via annular piezoelectric rings, where water in the liquid form is atomized, transported through microchannels in the disk, and ejected as a mist. In such a system, resonance matching between the actuation portion of the transducer and the portion contacting fabric must be realized, with theoretical results from the developed electromechanical model showing a reduction in energy consumption by 50% when resonance matching is achieved. The electrically coupled distributed parameter model for an annular bimorph piezoelectric transducer is developed for optimization of ultrasonic drying technology. The thickness mode vibrations are shown to dominate the behavior of the system, where the analytically developed model can be optimized to increase the output acceleration of the transducer, thus increasing drying performance. Here, the electromechanical equation developed will be connected to the drying rates of fabrics in contact with said vibrations, where the novelty of the coupled equations and its description of the physics of ultrasonic drying will be discussed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Nanoscale Polarization-Dependent Young’s Modulus of Ferroelectric BaTiO 3 Single Crystals

Flexoelectric fields produced by strong strain gradients at the nanoscale couple to ferroelectric polarization, promoting changes in the mechanical properties of ferroelectric materials as a function of the direction of the ferroelectric polarization. In this work, we calculate the asymmetry in the Young’s modulus found in oppositely polarized out-of-plane domains of BaTiO 3 single crystals by means of contact resonance AFM, and we evaluate its impact on the electromechanical response as measured by piezoresponse force microscopy, both using band excitation modes. Furthermore, we analyze the electromechanical response of the different BaTiO 3 domains using k-means to build up their mean elastic and electromechanical features and quantify the flexoelectrically induced modulation of the Young’s modulus. Finally, we discuss the use of contact Kelvin probe force microscope measurements to decouple electrostatic artifacts from purely piezoelectric ones when flexoelectric coupling appears.

BaTiO 3 single crystals↗
DOE OSTI2023

Simultaneous Brillouin and piezoelectric coupling to a high-frequency bulk acoustic resonator

Bulk acoustic resonators support robust, long-lived mechanical modes, capable of coupling to various quantum systems. In separate works, such devices have achieved strong coupling to both superconducting qubits, via piezoelectricity, and optical cavities, via Brillouin interactions. In this work, we present a hybrid microwave–optical platform capable of coupling to bulk acoustic waves through cavity-enhanced piezoelectric and photoelastic interactions. The modular, tunable system achieves fully resonant and well-mode-matched interactions among a 3D microwave cavity, a high-frequency bulk acoustic resonator, and a Fabry–Perot cavity. We realize this piezo–Brillouin interaction in x-cut quartz, demonstrating the potential for strong optomechanical interactions and high cooperativity using optical cavity enhancement. We further show how this device functions as a bidirectional electro–opto–mechanical transducer, with transduction efficiency exceeding 10 − <#comment/> 8 , and a feasible path towards unity conversion efficiency. The high optical sensitivity and ability to apply a large resonant microwave field in this system also offers a tool for probing anomalous electromechanical couplings, which we demonstrate by investigating (nominally centrosymmetric) C a F 2 and revealing a parasitic piezoelectricity of 83 am/V. Such studies are an important topic for emerging quantum technologies, and highlight the versatility of this hybrid platform.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
NASA NTRS1989

Experimental investigation into passive damping enhancement for space structures

This work presents experiments which were conducted to verify kinetic and strain energy damping enhancement schemes for large/precision space structures. Two types of damping mechanisms were applied to a 5 meter long, 10 bay aluminum box truss with a quasi free-free three-dimensional suspension. Tuneable proof mass dampers (PMDs) were implemented with space realizable linear electromechanical drivers. Tuneable piezoelectric truss members were designed and constructed for the demonstration of resonant shunted piezoelectric damping concepts. The truss damping was measured and compared to analytical predictions obtained from a frequency domain system modeling technique. The proof mass damper implementation was found to increase first mode damping from 0.6 percent of critical to 6.4 percent of critical with a system mass increase of 2.7 percent. The resonant shunted piezoelectrics increased first mode damping to 6.0 percent with a similar mass penalty.

Hagood, Nesbitt W.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Acoustic Radiation From a Superconducting Qubit: From Spontaneous Emission to Rabi Oscillations

Hybrid quantum systems that utilize controllable coupling between phonons and superconducting qubits could pave the way for a new generation of compact quantum memories and sensor technologies. However, the same electromechanical interaction mechanisms that enable coherent qubit-phonon coupling can also lead to decoherence due to the spontaneous phonon emission. In this paper we study the dynamics of a qubit coupled to an acoustic resonator by a piezoelectric film. By varying the surface topography of the resonator from rough to flat to shaped, we explore the crossover from fast decay of an excited qubit to quantum-coherent coupling between the qubit and an isolated phonon mode. The developed theoretical model allows us to establish and check quantitative links between the results obtained for the rough and shaped topographies. Discrepancy between the theory and the data for the flat resonator points to the imperfections of the studied device. Our experimental approach may be used for precision measurements of crystalline vibrations, the design of quantum memories, and the study of electromechanical contributions to dielectric loss.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2022

Plasma-Assisted Epitaxy of Piezoelectric Sc x Al 1-x N Films on Sapphire for Use in Harsh-Environment Microwave Acoustic Sensors

The Sc x Al 1-x N wurtzite structure has been shown theoretically and experimentally to exhibit significantly higher piezoelectric coupling compared to pure AlN. In this work, a plasma-assisted epitaxial growth method has been used to synthesize epitaxial (0002) Sc x Al 1-x N films on c-sapphire substrates from x = 0.07 to 0.30 by co-evaporating high-purity Sc and Al sources in the presence of a nitrogen plasma generated by an RF plasma source. Epitaxial Sc x Al 1-x N films with highly oriented (0002) grains and in-plane registry were produced on c-sapphire substrates that were pre-exposed to the nitrogen plasma to form an oxynitride seed layer. Growth of Sc x Al 1-x N films was carried out at 930°C under both metal-rich and N-rich conditions using precisely controlled Sc, Al, and N-plasma fluxes. Metal-rich depositions yielded non-(0002)-oriented Sc x Al 1-x N grains and intermetallic ScAl grains. Nitrogen-rich growth with a Sc/Al flux ratio of 1/3 produced the best (0002) epitaxy as determined by x-ray diffraction analysis. Surface acoustic wave resonator (SAWR) devices were fabricated from 500-nm-thick Sc x Al 1-x N and AlN films to extract their electromechanical coupling coefficients, k 2 . As the Sc concentration in the films increases, the degree of (0002) epitaxy is reduced, yet the value of k 2 increases becasue there is more Sc in the wurzite lattice despite the decreased level of (0002) grain alignment. As a result, the use of a 10-nm-thick Si x N y capping layer on top of the Sc x Al 1-x N films aids in preventing etching during SAWR device photolithography and also helps hinder film oxidation up to 800°C.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Silicon-Lattice-Matched Boron-Doped Gallium Phosphide: A Scalable Acousto-Optic Platform

The compact size, scalability, and strongly confined fields in integrated photonic devices enable new functionalities in photonic networking and information processing, both classical and quantum. Gallium phosphide (GaP) is a promising material for active integrated photonics due to its high refractive index, wide bandgap, strong nonlinear properties, and large acousto-optic figure of merit. Here, this study demonstrates that silicon-lattice-matched boron-doped GaP (BGaP), grown at the 12-inch wafer scale, provides similar functionalities as GaP. BGaP optical resonators exhibit intrinsic quality factors exceeding 25,000 and 200,000 at visible and telecom wavelengths, respectively. It further demonstrates the electromechanical generation of low-loss acoustic waves and an integrated acousto-optic (AO) modulator. High-resolution spatial and compositional mapping, combined with ab initio calculations, indicate two candidates for the excess optical loss in the visible band: the silicon-GaP interface and boron dimers. These results demonstrate the promise of the BGaP material platform for the development of scalable AO technologies at telecom and provide potential pathways toward higher performance at shorter wavelengths.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1990

Electromechanical actuation for thrust vector control applications

The advanced launch system (ALS), is a launch vehicle that is designed to be cost-effective, highly reliable, and operationally efficient with a goal of reducing the cost per pound to orbit. An electromechanical actuation (EMA) system is being developed as an attractive alternative to the hydraulic systems. The controller will integrate 20 kHz resonant link power management and distribution (PMAD) technology and pulse population modulation (PPM) techniques to implement field-oriented vector control (FOVC) of a new advanced induction motor. The driver and the FOVC will be microprocessor controlled. For increased system reliability, a built-in test (BITE) capability will be included. This involves introducing testability into the design of a system such that testing is calibrated and exercised during the design, manufacturing, maintenance, and prelaunch activities. An actuator will be integrated with the motor controller for performance testing of the EMA thrust vector control (TVC) system. The EMA system and work proposed for the future are discussed.

Roth, Mary Ellen↗
NASA NTRS1999

Hybrid Active-Passive Systems for Control of Aircraft Interior Noise

Previous work has demonstrated the large potential for hybrid active-passive systems for attenuating interior noise in aircraft fuselages. The main advantage of an active-passive system is, by utilizing the natural dynamics of the actuator system, the control actuator power and weight is markedly reduced and stability/robustness is enhanced. Three different active-passive approaches were studied in the past year. The first technique utilizes multiple tunable vibration absorbers (ATVA) for reducing narrow band sound radiated from panels and transmitted through fuselage structures. The focus is on reducing interior noise due to propeller or turbo fan harmonic excitation. Two types of tunable vibration absorbers were investigated; a solid state system based upon a piezoelectric mechanical exciter and an electromechanical system based upon a Motran shaker. Both of these systems utilize a mass-spring dynamic effect to maximize tile output force near resonance of the shaker system and so can also be used as vibration absorbers. The dynamic properties of the absorbers (i.e. resonance frequency) were modified using a feedback signal from an accelerometer mounted on the active mass, passed through a compensator and fed into the drive component of the shaker system (piezoelectric element or voice coil respectively). The feedback loop consisted of a two coefficient FIR filter, implemented on a DSP, where the input is acceleration of tile ATVA mass and the output is a force acting in parallel with the stiffness of the absorber. By separating the feedback signal into real and imaginary components, the effective natural frequency and damping of the ATVA can be altered independently. This approach gave control of the resonance frequencies while also allowing the simultaneous removal of damping from the ATVA, thus increasing the ease of controllability and effectiveness. In order to obtain a "tuned" vibration absorber the chosen resonant frequency was set to the excitation frequency. In order to minimize sound radiation a gradient descent algorithm was developed which globally adapted the resonance frequencies of multiple ATVA's while minimizing a cost based upon the radiated sound power or sound energy obtained from an array of microphones.

Fuller, Chris R.↗
NASA NTRS1987

On the glitches in the force transmitted by an electrodynamic exciter to a structure

Around resonance, the force transmitted by an exciter into a structure will be smaller or greater than a reference force generated by its coils due to electromechanical interaction. A simple analysis is presented which reveals how this phenomenon of force drop-off is controlled by three factors. The first factor, called Armature Mass Factor, describes a purely mechanical interaction between the structure and the exciter. The electromechanical energy conversion and its interaction with the structure yields two additional factors, called Electrical Resistance and Electrical Inductance Factors. They describe the effects of coil resistance, inductance and magnetic field strength relative to structural damping and stiffness. Present analysis indicates that, under proper circumstances, more than 90 percent of the force drop-off can be eliminated if armature-to-structure mass ratio is smaller or equal to half of modal loss factor.

Rao, Dantam K.↗
NASA NTRS2003

The computation of the k factor for lossy materials around resonance

An important property of a piezoelectric material for practical applications is its ability to generate and to detect stress waves, i.e. to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy and vice versa. As it is well known, the electromechanical coupling factor k fully characterize this energy conversion under static conditions. In this work we show that the definition of kw as ratio of energies can also be extended to lossy materials (kw); the losses are accounted by considering comlex quantities for the elastic, dielectric and piezoelectric material constants.

coupling coefficients↗
NASA NTRS2015

2D Electrostatic Actuation of Microshutter Arrays

An electrostatically actuated microshutter array consisting of rotational microshutters (shutters that rotate about a torsion bar) were designed and fabricated through the use of models and experiments. Design iterations focused on minimizing the torsional stiffness of the microshutters, while maintaining their structural integrity. Mechanical and electromechanical test systems were constructed to measure the static and dynamic behavior of the microshutters. The torsional stiffness was reduced by a factor of four over initial designs without sacrificing durability. Analysis of the resonant behavior of the microshutter arrays demonstrates that the first resonant mode is a torsional mode occurring around 3000 Hz. At low vacuum pressures, this resonant mode can be used to significantly reduce the drive voltage necessary for actuation requiring as little as 25V. 2D electrostatic latching and addressing was demonstrated using both a resonant and pulsed addressing scheme.

Multiobject Imaging↗
NASA NTRS2015

2D Electrostatic Actuation of Microshutter Arrays

Electrostatically actuated microshutter arrays consisting of rotational microshutters (shutters that rotate about a torsion bar) were designed and fabricated through the use of models and experiments. Design iterations focused on minimizing the torsional stiffness of the microshutters, while maintaining their structural integrity. Mechanical and electromechanical test systems were constructed to measure the static and dynamic behavior of the microshutters. The torsional stiffness was reduced by a factor of four over initial designs without sacrificing durability. Analysis of the resonant behavior of the microshutters demonstrates that the first resonant mode is a torsional mode occurring around 3000 Hz. At low vacuum pressures, this resonant mode can be used to significantly reduce the drive voltage necessary for actuation requiring as little as 25V. 2D electrostatic latching and addressing was demonstrated using both a resonant and pulsed addressing scheme.

Multiobject Imaging↗
NASA NTRS1991

A synchronous chopper mechanism for use at cryogenic temperature

A mechanically resonant synchronous chopper mechanism is described for use at cryogenic temperatures. The mechanism is a critical optical component of the Diffuse Infrared Background Experiment (DIRBE) and has been operating on orbit without incident since Nov. 1989. The requirements, electromechanical design, and testing of the mechanism are described. A description of the problems encountered and solutions implemented during the development of the mechanism is provided. Finally, a modified chopper design, which incorporated lessons learned and that has several advantages over the flight chopper design, is offered.

Hakun, Claef↗
NASA NTRS2010

Temperature-Dependent Electrical and Micromechanical Properties of Lanthanum Titanate with Additions of Yttria

Temperature-dependent elastic properties were determined by establishing continuous flexural vibrations in the material at its lowest resonance frequency of 31tHz. The imaginary part of the complex impedance plotted as a function of frequency and temperature reveals a thermally activated peak, which decreases in magnitude as the temperature increases. Additions of yttria do not degrade the electromechanical in particularly the elastic and anelastic properties of lanthanum titanate. Y2O3/La2Ti2O7 exhibits extremely low internal friction and hence may be more mechanical fatigue-resistant at low strains.

Goldsby, Jon C.↗