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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 361 records · Page 20

Physics-constrained superresolution diffusion for six-dimensional phase space diagnostics

Adaptive physics-constrained superresolution diffusion is developed for noninvasive virtual diagnostics of the six-dimensional (6D) phase space density of charged particle beams. An adaptive variational autoencoder embeds initial beam condition images and scalar measurements to a low-dimensional latent space from which a 32 6 pixel 6D tensor representation of the beam's 6D phase space density is generated. Projecting from a 6D tensor generates physically consistent two-dimensional projections. Physics-guided superresolution diffusion transforms low-resolution images of the 6D density to high resolution 256 × 256 pixel images. Unsupervised adaptive latent space tuning enables tracking of time-varying beams without knowledge of time-varying initial conditions. The method is demonstrated with experimental data and multiparticle simulations at the HiRES UED. The general approach is applicable to a wide range of complex dynamic systems evolving in high-dimensional phase space. The method is shown to be robust to distribution shift without retraining. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Automatic Calibration of an Airborne Imaging System to an Inertial Navigation Unit

This software automatically calibrates a camera or an imaging array to an inertial navigation system (INS) that is rigidly mounted to the array or imager. In effect, it recovers the coordinate frame transformation between the reference frame of the imager and the reference frame of the INS. This innovation can automatically derive the camera-to-INS alignment using image data only. The assumption is that the camera fixates on an area while the aircraft flies on orbit. The system then, fully automatically, solves for the camera orientation in the INS frame. No manual intervention or ground tie point data is required.

Ansar, Adnan I.↗

Filling in the retinal image

The optics of the eye form an image on a surface at the back of the eyeball called the retina. The retina contains the photoreceptors that sample the image and convert it into a neural signal. The spacing of the photoreceptors in the retina is not uniform and varies with retinal locus. The central retinal field, called the macula, is densely packed with photoreceptors. The packing density falls off rapidly as a function of retinal eccentricity with respect to the macular region and there are regions in which there are no photoreceptors at all. The retinal regions without photoreceptors are called blind spots or scotomas. The neural transformations which convert retinal image signals into percepts fills in the gaps and regularizes the inhomogeneities of the retinal photoreceptor sampling mosaic. The filling-in mechamism plays an important role in understanding visual performance. The filling-in mechanism is not well understood. A systematic collaborative research program at the Ames Research Center and SRI in Menlo Park, California, was designed to explore this mechanism. It was shown that the perceived fields which are in fact different from the image on the retina due to filling-in, control some aspects of performance and not others. Researchers have linked these mechanisms to putative mechanisms of color coding and color constancy.

Larimer, James↗

Digital overlay of cartographic information on Landsat MSS data for soil surveys

Cartographic soils data were digitized, spatially registered, and merged with processed Landsat image data. The Landsat Multispectral Scanner Subsystem (MSS) image data were used to generate a thematic map representing different soil surface characteristics and an enhanced image. The thematic map was generated using supervised and unsupervised classification procedures. The enhanced image was generated by performing a linear contrast stretch on data altered by a principal components transformation. Although both procedures yielded images useful for soil unit delineation, image enhancement was determined to be more suitable because it was more expedient and inexpensive. Enhanced images cost $0.06 per hectare, spectral classifications cost $0.08 per hectare. The overlay of cartographic data on Landsat data facilitates comparisons between the various processing methods used for soil unit boundary determination, delineation, and verification. This technique also provides for accurate and expedient spatial referencing for field observations and cartographic correlation.

Imhoff, M. L.↗

Review of image processing fundamentals

Image processing through convolution, transform coding, spatial frequency alterations, sampling, and interpolation are considered. It is postulated that convolution in one domain (real or frequency) is equivalent to multiplication in the other (frequency or real), and that the relative amplitudes of the Fourier components must be retained to reproduce any waveshape. It is suggested that all digital systems may be considered equivalent, with a frequency content approximately at the Nyquist limit, and with a Gaussian frequency response. An optimized cubic version of the interpolation continuum image is derived as a set of cubic spines. Pixel replication has been employed to enlarge the visable area of digital samples, however, suitable elimination of the extraneous high frequencies involved in the visable edges, by defocusing, is necessary to allow the underlying object represented by the data values to be seen.

Billingsley, F. C.↗

Wavelet compression techniques for hyperspectral data

Hyperspectral sensors are electro-optic sensors which typically operate in visible and near infrared bands. Their characteristic property is the ability to resolve a relatively large number (i.e., tens to hundreds) of contiguous spectral bands to produce a detailed profile of the electromagnetic spectrum. In contrast, multispectral sensors measure relatively few non-contiguous spectral bands. Like multispectral sensors, hyperspectral sensors are often also imaging sensors, measuring spectra over an array of spatial resolution cells. The data produced may thus be viewed as a three dimensional array of samples in which two dimensions correspond to spatial position and the third to wavelength. Because they multiply the already large storage/transmission bandwidth requirements of conventional digital images, hyperspectral sensors generate formidable torrents of data. Their fine spectral resolution typically results in high redundancy in the spectral dimension, so that hyperspectral data sets are excellent candidates for compression. Although there have been a number of studies of compression algorithms for multispectral data, we are not aware of any published results for hyperspectral data. Three algorithms for hyperspectral data compression are compared. They were selected as representatives of three major approaches for extending conventional lossy image compression techniques to hyperspectral data. The simplest approach treats the data as an ensemble of images and compresses each image independently, ignoring the correlation between spectral bands. The second approach transforms the data to decorrelate the spectral bands, and then compresses the transformed data as a set of independent images. The third approach directly generalizes two-dimensional transform coding by applying a three-dimensional transform as part of the usual transform-quantize-entropy code procedure. The algorithms studied all use the discrete wavelet transform. In the first two cases, a wavelet transform coder was used for the two-dimensional compression. The third case used a three dimensional extension of this same algorithm.

Evans, Bruce↗

Beamline Electrostatic Levitator (BESL) for in-situ High Energy K-Ray Diffraction Studies of Levitated Solids and Liquids at High Temperature

Determinations of the phase formation sequence, the crystal structures and the thermodynamic properties of materials at high temperatures are difficult because of contamination from the sample container and environment. Containerless processing techniques, such as electrostatic (ESL), electromagnetic (EML), aerodynamic, and acoustic levitation, are most suitable these studies. An adaptation of ESL for in-situ structural studies of a wide range of materials, including metals, semiconductors, insulators using high energy (125 keV) synchrotron x-rays is described here. This beamline ESL (BESL) allows the in-situ determination of the atomic structures of equilibrium solid and liquid phases, including undercooled liquids, as well as real-time studies of solid-solid and liquid-solid phase transformations. The use of image plate (MAR345) or GE-Angio detectors enables fast (30 ms - 1s) acquisition of complete diffraction patterns over a wide q-range (4 - 140/mm). The wide temperature range (300 - 2500 K), containerless processing under high vacuum (10(exp -7) - 10(exp -8) torr), and fast data acquisition, make BESL particularly suitable for phase diagram studies of high temperature materials. An additional, critically important, feature of BESL is the ability to also make simultaneous measurement of a host of thermo-physical properties, including the specific heat, enthalpy of transformation, solidus and liquidus temperatures, density, viscosity, and surface tension; all on the same sample and simultaneous with the structural measurements.

Gangopadhyay, A. K.↗

Recovery of reflectance from imaging spectrometer measured radiance using a radiative transfer code

Radiance data were acquired over part of the Clark Mountain Range, California in 1990 by the Airborne Visible Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS). From these calibrated radiance data, the lateral distribution of water vapor in precipitable mm was recovered through analysis of the 940 nm water absorption. Surface pressure height was calculated from the 760 nm oxygen absorption band in the AVIRIS data. Surface slopes are estimated from relative elevations derived from the equivalent water vapor elevation for a standard atmosphere. Atmospheric optical depths measured at the Mountain Pass site in these data are extended to the entire region and varied based on the calculated surface pressure elevation. These parameters, derived from every AVIRIS spatial element, are used to constrain the LOWTRAN 7 radiative transfer code for the recovery of surface reflectance. Once transformed to reflectance, the imaging spectrometer data may be analyzed quantitatively for determination of surface composition, and compared with reflectance measurements acquired from different locations, times, and instruments.

Green, Robert O.↗

Color enhancement of highly correlated images. I - Decorrelation and HSI contrast stretches

Conventional enhancements for the color display of multispectral images are based on independent contrast modifications or 'stretches' of three input images. This approach is not effective if the image channels are highly correlated or if the image histograms are strongly bimodal or more complex. Any of several procedures that tend to 'stretch' color saturation while leaving hue unchanged may better utilize the full range of colors for the display of image information. Two conceptually different enhancements are discussed: the 'decorrelation stretch', based on principal-component (PC) analysis, and the 'stretch' of 'hue' - 'saturation' - intensity (HSI) transformed data. The PC transformation in scene-dependent, but the HSI transformation is invariant. Examples of images enhanced by conventional linear stretches, decorrelation stretch, and by stretches of HSI transformed data are compared. Schematic variation diagrams or two- and three-dimensional histograms are used to illustrate the 'decorrelation stretch' method and the effect of the different enhancements.

Gillespie, Alan R.↗

VLSI architectures for geometrical mapping problems in high-definition image processing

This paper explores a VLSI architecture for geometrical mapping address computation. The geometric transformation is discussed in the context of plane projective geometry, which invokes a set of basic transformations to be implemented for the general image processing. The homogeneous and 2-dimensional cartesian coordinates are employed to represent the transformations, each of which is implemented via an augmented CORDIC as a processing element. A specific scheme for a processor, which utilizes full-pipelining at the macro-level and parallel constant-factor-redundant arithmetic and full-pipelining at the micro-level, is assessed to produce a single VLSI chip for HDTV applications using state-of-art MOS technology.

Kim, K.↗

Development of Collaborative Research Initiatives to Advance the Aerospace Sciences-via the Communications, Electronics, Information Systems Focus Group

The primary goal of the Adaptive Vision Laboratory Research project was to develop advanced computer vision systems for automatic target recognition. The approach used in this effort combined several machine learning paradigms including evolutionary learning algorithms, neural networks, and adaptive clustering techniques to develop the E-MOR.PH system. This system is capable of generating pattern recognition systems to solve a wide variety of complex recognition tasks. A series of simulation experiments were conducted using E-MORPH to solve problems in OCR, military target recognition, industrial inspection, and medical image analysis. The bulk of the funds provided through this grant were used to purchase computer hardware and software to support these computationally intensive simulations. The payoff from this effort is the reduced need for human involvement in the design and implementation of recognition systems. We have shown that the techniques used in E-MORPH are generic and readily transition to other problem domains. Specifically, E-MORPH is multi-phase evolutionary leaming system that evolves cooperative sets of features detectors and combines their response using an adaptive classifier to form a complete pattern recognition system. The system can operate on binary or grayscale images. In our most recent experiments, we used multi-resolution images that are formed by applying a Gabor wavelet transform to a set of grayscale input images. To begin the leaming process, candidate chips are extracted from the multi-resolution images to form a training set and a test set. A population of detector sets is randomly initialized to start the evolutionary process. Using a combination of evolutionary programming and genetic algorithms, the feature detectors are enhanced to solve a recognition problem. The design of E-MORPH and recognition results for a complex problem in medical image analysis are described at the end of this report. The specific task involves the identification of vertebrae in x-ray images of human spinal columns. This problem is extremely challenging because the individual vertebra exhibit variation in shape, scale, orientation, and contrast. E-MORPH generated several accurate recognition systems to solve this task. This dual use of this ATR technology clearly demonstrates the flexibility and power of our approach.

Knasel, T. Michael↗

Algorithm for Wavefront Sensing Using an Extended Scene

A recently conceived algorithm for processing image data acquired by a Shack-Hartmann (SH) wavefront sensor is not subject to the restriction, previously applicable in SH wavefront sensing, that the image be formed from a distant star or other equivalent of a point light source. That is to say, the image could be of an extended scene. (One still has the option of using a point source.) The algorithm can be implemented in commercially available software on ordinary computers. The steps of the algorithm are the following: 1. Suppose that the image comprises M sub-images. Determine the x,y Cartesian coordinates of the centers of these sub-images and store them in a 2xM matrix. 2. Within each sub-image, choose an NxN-pixel cell centered at the coordinates determined in step 1. For the ith sub-image, let this cell be denoted as si(x,y). Let the cell of another subimage (preferably near the center of the whole extended-scene image) be designated a reference cell, denoted r(x,y). 3. Calculate the fast Fourier transforms of the sub-sub-images in the central NxN portions (where N < N and both are preferably powers of 2) of r(x,y) and si(x,y). 4. Multiply the two transforms to obtain a cross-correlation function Ci(u,v), in the Fourier domain. Then let the phase of Ci(u, v) constitute a phase function, phi(u,v). 5. Fit u and v slopes to phi (u,v) over a small u,v subdomain. 6. Compute the fast Fourier transform, Si(u,v) of the full NxN cell si(x,y). Multiply this transform by the u and phase slopes obtained in step 4. Then compute the inverse fast Fourier transform of the product. 7. Repeat steps 4 through 6 in an iteration loop, cumulating the u and slopes, until a maximum iteration number is reached or the change in image shift becomes smaller than a predetermined tolerance. 8. Repeat steps 4 through 7 for the cells of all other sub-images.

Sidick, Erkin↗

In-Situ Atomic-Scale Revelation of Amorphous Metallic Iron Formation during Hydrogen-Driven Reduction of Iron Oxides

The transition to hydrogen as a green reductant in metal production is critical for decarbonizing the metallurgical industry, yet atomic-scale mechanisms governing reduction pathways and phase evolution remain unresolved. Using in-situ environmental transmission electron microscopy, we identify a hidden pathway that reveals dynamic formation of amorphous metallic iron (Fe) during the hydrogen-driven reduction of ferrous oxides of Fe 3 O 4 and FeO. Real-time imaging uncovers three coexisting transformation routes: (i) Fe 3 O 4 → FeO, (ii) Fe 3 O 4 → amorphous Fe, and (iii) FeO → amorphous Fe. The resulting amorphous Fe exhibits fluid-like mobility, enabling its rapid aggregation and crystallization into core-shell nanostructures, with a crystalline core enveloped by an amorphous shell. Complementary ab initio molecular dynamics simulations trace the amorphous Fe formation to interfacial strain at the metal/oxide interfaces, where large lattice mismatches destabilize the metal lattice during initial metallization. This interplay between thermodynamics and kinetics governs phase evolution: thermodynamics favors a self-limiting amorphous Fe overlayer, while rapid oxide reduction kinetics drives amorphous overgrowth. Our findings demonstrate that amorphous intermediates bypass rate-limiting crystalline steps, providing mechanistic insights to optimize H 2 -based processes for sustainable steelmaking. In conclusion, these insights bridge the gap between macroscopic process engineering and atomic-scale dynamics, with broader implications for catalysis and nanostructured material synthesis, where oxide reduction pathways critically shape functional phases and microstructures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Size and Structural Control of Mechanoluminescent ZnS:Mn 2+ Nanocrystals for Optogenetic Neuromodulation

Mechanoluminescent materials hold immense potential for various transformative applications, from medical imaging and diagnostics to health monitoring and wearable displays. Conventionally produced as bulk powders or microparticles, they face significant size limitations for advanced applications, particularly in biological systems and microscale devices. Here, this work presents an approach to ZnS:Mn 2+ nanocrystal synthesis that involves self-assembly and subsequent calcination. In addition to effective size control within the nanoscale, this approach promotes the formation of abundant stacking faults, significantly enhancing piezoelectric and mechanoluminescent properties by increasing trap density and reducing trap depth. Unlike mechanoluminescent materials produced using conventional methods, these nanocrystals demonstrate strong mechanoluminescence without requiring UV pre-excitation, and the light emission persists even after mechanical stress is removed. These advantageous properties make them promising candidates for optogenetic neuromodulation, as they can effectively trigger electrical signals in neurons upon ultrasound stimulation both with and without UV pre-excitation. The persistent mechanoluminescence prolongs the duration of neuronal electrical activity, providing an extended temporal window for neuromodulation compared to conventional mechanoluminescent materials. This study provides a scalable method for producing efficient mechanoluminescent nanoparticles and reveals the crucial role of particle size and defect structures in determining their mechanoluminescent behavior.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Stellar spectrum classifier

Stellar classification is accomplished by correlating holograms of classified spectra with the Fourier transform of the spectral images to be classified.

Reid, J. H.↗

Exploration of Mars by Mariner 9 - Television sensors and image processing.

Two cameras equipped with selenium sulfur slow scan vidicons were used in the orbital reconnaissance of Mars by the U.S. Spacecraft Mariner 9 and the performance characteristics of these devices are presented. Digital image processing techniques have been widely applied in the analysis of images of Mars and its satellites. Photometric and geometric distortion corrections, image detail enhancement and transformation to standard map projection have been routinely employed. More specializing applications included picture differencing, limb profiling, solar lighting corrections, noise removal, line plots and computer mosaics. Information on enhancements as well as important picture geometric information was stored in a master library. Display of the library data in graphic or numerical form was accomplished by a data management computer program.

Cutts, J. A.↗

Laser Doppler velocimeter system simulation for sensing aircraft wake vortices

A hydrodynamic model of aircraft vortex wakes in an irregular wind shear field near the ground is developed and used as a basis for modeling the characteristics of a laser Doppler detection and vortex location system. The trailing vortex sheet and the wind shear are represented by discrete free vortices distributed over a two-dimensional grid. The time dependent hydrodynamic equations are solved by direct numerical integration in the Boussinesq approximation. The ground boundary is simulated by images, and fast Fourier Transform techniques are used to evaluate the vorticity stream function. The atmospheric turbulence was simulated by constructing specific realizations at time equal to zero, assuming that Kolmogoroff's law applies, and that the dissipation rate is constant throughout the flow field. The response of a simulated laser Doppler velocimeter is analyzed by simulating the signal return from the flow field as sensed by a simulation of the optical/electronic system.

Thomson, J. A. L.↗