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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 397 records · Page 22

NASA Tech Briefs, March 2003

Topics covered include: Tool for Bending a Metal Tube Precisely in a Confined Space; Multiple-Use Mechanisms for Attachment to Seat Tracks; Force-Measuring Clamps; Cellular Pressure-Actuated Joint; Block QCA Fault-Tolerant Logic Gates; Hybrid VLSI/QCA Architecture for Computing FFTs; Arrays of Carbon Nanotubes as RF Filters in Waveguides; Carbon Nanotubes as Resonators for RF Spectrum Analyzers; Software for Viewing Landsat Mosaic Images; Updated Integrated Mission Program; Software for Sharing and Management of Information; Update on Integrated Optical Design Analyzer; Optical-Quality Thin Polymer Membranes; Rollable Thin Shell Composite-Material Paraboloidal Mirrors; Folded Resonant Horns for Power Ultrasonic Applications; Touchdown Ball-Bearing System for Magnetic Bearings; Flux-Based Deadbeat Control of Induction-Motor Torque; Block Copolymers as Templates for Arrays of Carbon Nanotubes; Throttling Cryogen Boiloff To Control Cryostat Temperature; Collaborative Software Development Approach Used to Deliver the New Shuttle Telemetry Ground Station; Turbulence in Supercritical O2/H2 and C7H16/N2 Mixing Layers; and Time-Resolved Measurements in Optoelectronic Microbioanal.

Source record↗

Overview of recent progress in 3D field physics in KSTAR

Various 3D field physics challenges of magnetically confined plasmas arise when the driving source comes from either externally applied non-axisymmetric 3D magnetic perturbations or plasma instabilities inside the plasma. Recently, several key outstanding topics of 3D field physics have been extensively studied in the Korean Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR), such as edge-localized-mode (ELM) control by resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP), error field (EF) control, 3D field effects on rotation and transport, and RMP-induced alteration of divertor heat flux and detachment. KSTAR has a few physically unique features (i.e., high rotation and long-pulse plasmas with a low intrinsic EF) and machine/diagnostic capabilities (i.e., 3-row in-vessel control coil and state-of-the-art 2D/3D imaging diagnostics), which have been taken advantage of until now to address critical 3D field physics issues relevant to ITER and K-DEMO. Among many remarkable achievements are the robust access to and control of n = 1 RMP ELM suppression, along with a development of its physics basis tools, parameter expansion, optimization, and long-pulse control techniques. Nonetheless, a series of unresolved 3D physics themes, as well as limited coverage of 3D field operating regimes, have also been identified as future works for the 3D field research in KSTAR. In this paper, we provide an overview about the recent progress of KSTAR 3D field physics and present future plans of KSTAR 3D research toward a future fusion reactor.

3D field physics↗

The pulsating magnetosphere and flux transfer events

The possible sources of magnetic field variations in the magnetosphere, the precipitation of energetic particles, and auroral emissions are investigated using magnetic field observations from the GOES 5, GOES 6, AMPTE/CCE, and Viking satellites and a ground station. An analysis of the observations supports the view that the magnetosphere often varies in a periodic way because of its own resonant processes and processes driven by the solar wind. UV images from Viking are used to examine the patterns of precipitating particles in the lower ionosphere.

Potemra, T. A.↗

A semi-automatic method for left ventricle volume estimate: an in vivo validation study

This study aims to the validation of the left ventricular (LV) volume estimates obtained by processing volumetric data utilizing a segmentation model based on level set technique. The validation has been performed by comparing real-time volumetric echo data (RT3DE) and magnetic resonance (MRI) data. A validation protocol has been defined. The validation protocol was applied to twenty-four estimates (range 61-467 ml) obtained from normal and pathologic subjects, which underwent both RT3DE and MRI. A statistical analysis was performed on each estimate and on clinical parameters as stroke volume (SV) and ejection fraction (EF). Assuming MRI estimates (x) as a reference, an excellent correlation was found with volume measured by utilizing the segmentation procedure (y) (y=0.89x + 13.78, r=0.98). The mean error on SV was 8 ml and the mean error on EF was 2%. This study demonstrated that the segmentation technique is reliably applicable on human hearts in clinical practice.

NASA Discipline Cardiopulmonary↗

Root exudates induced coupled carbon and phosphorus cycling in a soil with low phosphorus availability

The amount and type of root exudates can influence P availability in the rhizosphere directly by desorption or dissolution of soil minerals, or indirectly by decomposition of soil organic matter (SOM). Here this study aimed to determine the mechanisms by which specific root exudates influence the distribution and availability of P in soils with low P availability. Water, glucose, alanine, and oxalate were delivered through a simulated root into soils for 15 days. Zymography and planar optodes were used to image potential phosphatase activity, and O2 and pH distribution, respectively. Soils were analyzed for resin extractable inorganic P (Pi), dissolved organic C (DOC), water soluble Fe, and Al, and microbial community structure. Characterization of SOM and P were conducted using ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry and 31P solution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), respectively. The addition of oxalate resulted in the greatest resin extractable Pi, DOC, and water-soluble Fe, and Al compared to the other exudates suggesting destabilization of mineral associated organic matter (MAOM) and release of organic P (Po). Both 31P solution NMR and ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry analysis provided evidence of mineralization of Po released from the destabilization of MAOM. The study demonstrates the important role microbial and plant-derived metal chelating ligands play in destabilizing MAOM, releasing SOM and importantly Po, that when mineralized may contribute to increasing Pi availability in soils with low P availability.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Advances in coherent coupling between magnons and acoustic phonons

The interaction between magnetic and acoustic excitations have recently inspired many interdisciplinary studies ranging from fundamental physics to circuit implementation. Specifically, the exploration of their coherent interconversion enabled via the magnetoelastic coupling opens a new playground combining straintronics and spintronics, and provides a unique platform for building up on-chip coherent information processing networks with miniaturized magnonic and acoustic devices. In this Perspective, we will focus on the recent progress of magnon-phonon coupled dynamic systems, including materials, circuits, imaging and new physics. In particular, we highlight the unique features such as nonreciprocal acoustic wave propagation and strong coupling between magnons and phonons in magnetic thin-film systems, which provides a unique platform for their coherent manipulation and transduction. We will also review the frontier of surface acoustic wave resonators in coherent quantum transduction and discuss how the novel acoustic circuit design can be applied in microwave spintronics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NASA Tech Briefs, September 2007

Topics covered include; Rapid Fabrication of Carbide Matrix/Carbon Fiber Composites; Coating Thermoelectric Devices To Suppress Sublimation; Ultrahigh-Temperature Ceramics; Improved C/SiC Ceramic Composites Made Using PIP; Coating Carbon Fibers With Platinum; Two-Band, Low-Loss Microwave Window; MCM Polarimetric Radiometers for Planar Arrays; Aperture-Coupled Thin-Membrane L-Band Antenna; WGM-Based Photonic Local Oscillators and Modulators; Focal-Plane Arrays of Quantum-Dot Infrared Photodetectors; Laser Range and Bearing Finder With No Moving Parts; Microrectenna: A Terahertz Antenna and Rectifier on a Chip; Miniature L-Band Radar Transceiver; Robotic Vision-Based Localization in an Urban Environment; Programs for Testing an SSME-Monitoring System; Cathodoluminescent Source of Intense White Light; Displaying and Analyzing Antenna Radiation Patterns; Payload Operations Support Team Tools; Space-Shuttle Emulator Software; Soft Real-Time PID Control on a VME Computer; Analyzing Radio-Frequency Coverage for the ISS; Nanorod-Based Fast-Response Pressure-Sensitive Paints; Capacitors Would Help Protect Against Hypervelocity Impacts; Diaphragm Pump With Resonant Piezoelectric Drive; Improved Quick-Release Pin Mechanism; Designing Rolling-Element Bearings; Reverse-Tangent Injection in a Centrifugal Compressor; Inertial Measurements for Aero-assisted Navigation (IMAN); Analysis of Complex Valve and Feed Systems; Improved Path Planning Onboard the Mars Exploration Rovers; Robust, Flexible Motion Control for the Mars Explorer Rovers; Solar Sail Spaceflight Simulation; Fluorine-Based DRIE of Fused Silica; Mechanical Alloying for Making Thermoelectric Compounds; Process for High-Rate Fabrication of Alumina Nanotemplates; Electroform/Plasma-Spray Laminates for X-Ray Optics; An Automated Flying-Insect Detection System; Calligraphic Poling of Ferroelectric Material; Blackbody Cavity for Calibrations at 200 to 273 K; KML Super Overlay to WMS Translator; High-Performance Tiled WMS and KML Web Server; Modeling of Radiative Transfer in Protostellar Disks; Composite Pulse Tube; Photometric Calibration of Consumer Video Cameras; Criterion for Identifying Vortices in High- Pressure Flows; Amplified Thermionic Cooling Using Arrays of Nanowires; Delamination-Indicating Thermal Barrier Coatings; Preventing Raman Lasing in High-Q WGM Resonators; Procedures for Tuning a Multiresonator Photonic Filter; Robust Mapping of Incoherent Fiber-Optic Bundles; Extended-Range Ultrarefractive 1D Photonic Crystal Prisms; Rapid Analysis of Mass Distribution of Radiation Shielding; Modeling Magnetic Properties in EZTB; Deep Space Network Antenna Logic Controller; Modeling Carbon and Hydrocarbon Molecular Structures in EZTB; BigView Image Viewing on Tiled Displays; and Imaging Sensor Flight and Test Equipment Software.

Source record↗

Hydrothermal synthesis of chiral carbon dots

Abstract Nanocolloids that are cumulatively referred to as nanocarbons, attracted significant attention during the last decade because of facile synthesis methods, water solubility, tunable photoluminescence, easy surface modification, and high biocompatibility. Among the latest development in this reserach area are chiral nanocarbons exemplified by chiral carbon dots (CDots). They are expected to have applications in sensing, catalysis, imaging, and nanomedicine. However, the current methods of CDots synthesis show often contradictory chemical/optical properties and structural information that required a systematic study with careful structural evaluation. Here, we investigate and optimize chiroptical activity and photoluminescence of L‐ and D‐ CDots obtained by hydrothermal carbonization of L‐ and D‐ cysteine, respectively. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy demonstrates that they are formed via gradual dehydrogenation and condensation reactions of the starting amino acid leading to particles with a wide spectrum of functional groups including aromatic cycles. We found that the chiroptical activity of CDots has an inverse correlation with the synthesis duration and temperature, whereas the photoluminescence intensity has a direct one, which is associated with degree of carbonization. Also, our studies show that the hydrothermal synthesis of cysteine in the presence of boric acid leads to the formation of CDots rather than boron nitride nanoparticles as was previously proposed in several reports. These results can be used to design chiral carbon‐based nanoparticles with optimal chemical, chiroptical, and photoluminescent properties.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Rapid Changes in Mercury's Sodium Exosphere

Sodium in the atmosphere of Mercury can be detected by sunlight scattered in the D1 and D2 resonance lines. Images of the sodium emission show that the sodium density changes from day to day and is often concentrated in regions at high or mid latitudes. Drew Potter (NASA/JSC) and Tom Morgan (SWRI) suggested that sputtering by magnetospheric particles was the origin of the sodium. A problem with this is that the magnetic field of Mercury is strong enough that it is believed to shield the surface from solar particles much of the time, although particle precipitation at the magnetospheric cusps could deposit particles to the surface at high latitudes. Ann Sprague (UA/LPL) noted that the "spots" of sodium emission tended to coincide with major geologic features, such as the Caloris Basin. She proposed that the sodium is released from sodiumrich surface rocks that are associated with these features; however, some spots have appeared where there are no obvious geologic features. Some of the difficulty in ascribing a source for the sodium arises from the effect of terrestrial atmospheric blurring of the image. It is hard to tell exactly where the sodium emission originates after the atmosphere has blurred the image. Potter, Killen (SWRI), and Morgan recently developed a technique for correcting sodium images for atmospheric blurring, using images made with a large-area image slicer. They applied this technique to a series of Mercury sodium observations made in November, 1997 at the McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope. Their technique for producing images from the spectroscopic data provides images of both the sodium emission and of the sunlight reflected from the surface.

Potter, Drew↗

Evaluation of carrier agents for hyperpolarized xenon MRI

Several biocompatible carrier agents, in which xenon is highly soluble and has a long T(1), were tested, and injected in living rats. These included saline, Intralipid suspension, perfluorocarbon emulsion and (129)Xe gas-filled liposomes. The T(1) of (129)Xe in these compounds ranged from 47 to 116 s. Vascular injection of these carrier agents was tolerated well, encouraging their use for further experiments in live animals. In vivo spectra, obtained from gas-filled liposomes and perfluorocarbon solutions, suggest that these carrier agents have potential for use in angiography and perfusion imaging. Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Non-NASA Center↗

A planar defect spin sensor in a two-dimensional material susceptible to strain and electric fields

Abstract The boron-vacancy spin defect ( $${\,{{\mbox{V}}}}_{{{\mbox{B}}}\,}^{-}$$ V B − ) in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) has a great potential as a quantum sensor in a two-dimensional material that can directly probe various external perturbations in atomic-scale proximity to the quantum sensing layer. Here, we apply first-principles calculations to determine the coupling of the $${\,{{\mbox{V}}}}_{{{\mbox{B}}}\,}^{-}$$ V B − electronic spin to strain and electric fields. Our work unravels the interplay between local piezoelectric and elastic effects contributing to the final response to the electric fields. The theoretical predictions are then used to analyse optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) spectra recorded on hBN crystals containing different densities of $${\,{{\mbox{V}}}}_{{{\mbox{B}}}\,}^{-}$$ V B − centres. We prove that the orthorhombic zero-field splitting parameter results from local electric fields produced by surrounding charge defects. This work paves the way towards applications of $${\,{{\mbox{V}}}}_{{{\mbox{B}}}\,}^{-}$$ V B − centres for quantitative electric field imaging and quantum sensing under pressure.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Active and tunable nanophotonic metamaterials

Abstract Metamaterials enable subwavelength tailoring of light–matter interactions, driving fundamental discoveries which fuel novel applications in areas ranging from compressed sensing to quantum engineering. Importantly, the metallic and dielectric resonators from which static metamaterials are comprised present an open architecture amenable to materials integration. Thus, incorporating responsive materials such as semiconductors, liquid crystals, phase-change materials, or quantum materials (e.g., superconductors, 2D materials, etc.) imbue metamaterials with dynamic properties, facilitating the development of active and tunable devices harboring enhanced or even entirely novel electromagnetic functionality. Ultimately, active control derives from the ability to craft the local electromagnetic fields; accomplished using a host of external stimuli to modify the electronic or optical properties of the responsive materials embedded into the active regions of the subwavelength resonators. We provide a broad overview of this frontier area of metamaterials research, introducing fundamental concepts and presenting control strategies that include electronic, optical, mechanical, thermal, and magnetic stimuli. The examples presented range from microwave to visible wavelengths, utilizing a wide range of materials to realize spatial light modulators, effective nonlinear media, on-demand optics, and polarimetric imaging as but a few examples. Often, active and tunable nanophotonic metamaterials yield an emergent electromagnetic response that is more than the sum of the parts, providing reconfigurable or real-time control of the amplitude, phase, wavevector, polarization, and frequency of light. The examples to date are impressive, setting the stage for future advances that are likely to impact holography, beyond 5G communications, imaging, and quantum sensing and transduction.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Nanoparticle Tracking to Probe Transport in Porous Media

From the granular and fractured subsurface environment to highly engineered polymer membranes used in pharmaceutical purification, porous materials are ubiquitous in nature and industrial applications. In particular, porous media are used extensively in processes including water treatment, pharmaceutical sterilization, food/beverage processing and heterogeneous catalysis, where hindered mass transport is either essential to the process or a necessary, but undesirable limitation. Unfortunately, there are currently no universal models capable of predicting mass transport based on a description of the porous material because real porous materials are complex, and because many coupled dynamic mechanisms (e.g. adsorption, steric effects, hydrodynamic effects, electrostatic interactions, etc.) give rise to the observed macroscopic transport phenomena. While classical techniques, like nuclear magnetic resonance and dynamic light scattering, provide useful information about mass transport in porous media at the ensemble level, they provide limited insight into the microscopic mechanisms that give rise to complex phenomena such as anomalous diffusion, hindered pore-space accessibility, and unexpected retention under flow, among many others. To address this issue, we have developed refractive index matching imaging systems, combined with single-particle tracking methods, allowing the direct visualization of single particle motion within a variety of porous materials. Here, we summarize our recent efforts to advance the understanding of nanoparticle transport in porous media using single-particle tracking methods in both fundamental and applied scenarios. First, we describe the basic principles for two-dimensional and three-dimensional single-particle tracking in porous materials. Then, we describe concrete examples of nanoparticle transport in porous materials from two perspectives: (1) understanding fundamental elementary particle transport processes in porous media, including pore accessibility and cavity escape, which limit transport in porous media; (2) facilitating applications in industrial processes, e.g. by understanding the mechanisms of particle fouling and remobilization in filtration membranes. Finally, we provide an outlook of opportunities associated with investigating other types of mass transport in confined environments using single-particle tracking methods, including electrophoretic and self-propelled motion.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

A Possible Cyclotron Line Signature from Quiescent Gamma-Ray Burst Counterparts

If gamma-ray bursts are associated with isolated, magnetized neutron stars in the Galaxy, they may be accreting directly from the interstellar medium after the burst event. In addition to a soft thermal component (T(sub e) approx. 100 eV), we predict that the faint quiescent emission spectra from these sources will possess a unique nonthermal signature: for magnetic field strengths B approx. equal to(0.7-7) x 10(exp 12) G, approx. 0.5-5% of the total luminosity could be emitted in a narrow (E/Delta E approx. 2-4) cyclotron emission line which peaks between approx. 5-20 keV below the cyclotron resonance energy (E(sub B) = 11.6(B/10(exp 12) G) keV). Unlike the soft thermal emission, this hard cyclotron component will not be strongly absorbed by the intervening H I gas. For stars with B approx. 10(exp 12) G, this nonthermal feature should be detectable by the instruments onboard ASCA and on the next generation of X-ray satellites (e.g., ASTRO-E). We therefore propose that deep X-ray images be taken on gamma-ray burst sources with excellent positions (error boxes less than or approx. equal to l') such as is being planned for GRB920501 to look for this feature. A positive detection would strongly suggest that at least some of the gamma-ray bursters are associated with isolated, magnetized neutron stars in the Galaxy.

Wang, John C. L.↗

A compact Dopplergraph/magnetograph suitable for space-based measurements of solar oscillations and magnetic fields

A compact Dopplergraph/magnetograph placed in a continuous solar-viewing orbit will allow us to make major advancements in our understanding of solar internal structure and dynamics. An international program is currently being conducted at JPL and Mt. Wilson to develop such an instrument. By combining a unique magneto-optical resonance filter with CID and CCD cameras we have been able to obtain full- and partial-disk Dopplergrams and magnetograms. Time series of the velocity images are converted into k-omega power spectra which show clear- the solar nonradial p-mode oscilations. Magnetograms suitable for studying the long-term evolution of solar active regions have also been obtained with this instrument. A flight instrument based on this concept is being studied for possible inclusion in the SOHO mission.

Rhodes, E. J., Jr.↗

Direct Imaging of Resonant Phonon-Magnon Coupling

Detection of phonons is critical for research on the interconversion between resonantly coupled magnons and phonons. Here we report the direct visualization of the resonant coupling of magnons and phonons by microfocused Brillouin light scattering on the Ni/Li Nb O 3 hybrid heterostructure. The static patterns of surface acoustic wave phonons, originating from the interference between the incident wave ψ 0 (A 0 , k, φ 0 ) and reflected wave ψ 1 (A 1 , - k, φ 1 ), can be modulated by magnetic field due to the magnon-phonon coupling. By analyzing the information of phonons obtained from Brillouin spectroscopy, the properties of the magnon system (Ni film), e.g., ferromagnetic resonance field and resonance linewidth, can be determined. The results provide spatially resolved information about phonon manipulation and detection in a coupled magnon-phonon system.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Non-standing spin-waves in confined micrometer-sized ferromagnetic structures under uniform excitation

A non-standing characteristic of directly imaged spin-waves in confined micrometer-sized ultrathin Permalloy (Ni 80 Fe 20 ) structures is reported along with evidence of the possibility to alter the observed state by modifications to the sample geometry. Using micromagnetic simulations, the presence of the spin-wave modes excited in the Permalloy stripes along with the quasi-uniform modes was observed. The predicted spin-waves were imaged in direct space using time resolved scanning transmission x-ray microscopy, combined with a ferromagnetic resonance excitation scheme (STXM-FMR). STXM-FMR measurements revealed a non-standing characteristic of the spin-waves. Also, it was shown by micromagnetic simulations and confirmed using STXM-FMR results that the observed characteristic of the spin-waves can be influenced by the local magnetic fields in different sample geometries.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗