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NASA NTRS1987

High energy efficient solid state laser sources

Investigations continue of diode-laser-pumped solid-state laser oscillators and nonlinear processes using them as sources. Diode laser array pumped Nd:YAG and Nd:glass lasers have been demonstrated. Theoretical studies of non-planar oscillators have been advanced, producing new designs which should be more resistant to feedback and offer better frequency stability. A monolithic, singly resonant Optical Parametric Oscillator in MgO:LiNbO3 has been operated.

Byer, Robert L.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Design of an MSAT-X mobile transceiver and related base and gateway stations

This paper summarizes the results of a design study of the mobile transceiver, base station, and gateway station for NASA's proposed Mobile Satellite Experiment (MSAT-X). Major ground segment system design issues such as frequency stability control, modulation method, linear predictive coding vocoder algorithm, and error control technique are addressed. The modular and flexible transceiver design is described in detail, including the core, RF/IF, modem, vocoder, forward error correction codec, amplitude-companded single sideband, and input/output modules, as well as the flexible interface. Designs for a three-carrier base station and a 10-carrier gateway station are also discussed, including the interface with the controllers and with the public-switched telephone networks at the gateway station. Functional specifications are given for the transceiver, the base station, and the gateway station.

Fang, Russell J. F.↗

NASA NTRS1988

DSN 70-meter antenna X-band gain, phase, and pointing performance, with particular application for Voyager 2 Neptune encounter

The gain, phase, and pointing performance of the Deep Space Network (DSN) 70 m antennas are investigated using theoretical antenna analysis computer programs that consider the gravity induced deformation of the antenna surface and quadripod structure. The microwave effects are calculated for normal subreflector focusing motion and for special fixed-subreflector conditions that may be used during the Voyager 2 Neptune encounter. The frequency stability effects of stepwise lateral and axial subreflector motions are also described. Comparisons with recently measured antenna efficiency and subreflector motion tests are presented. A modification to the existing 70 m antenna pointing squint correction constant is proposed.

Slobin, S. D.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Operating and environmental characteristics of Sigma Tau hydrogen masers used in the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA)

Presented here are the results obtained from performance evaluation of a pair of Sigma Tau Standards Corporation Model VLBA-112 active hydrogen maser frequency standards. These masers were manufactured for the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) for use on the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) project and were furnished to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for the purpose of these tests. Tests on the two masers were performed in the JPL Frequency Standards Laboratory (FSL) and included the characterization of output frequency stability versus environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, magnetic field, and barometric pressure. The performance tests also included the determination of phase noise and Allan variance using both FSL and Sigma Tau masers as references. All tests were conducted under controlled laboratory conditions, with only the desired environmental and operational parameters varied to determine sensitivity to external environment.

Tucker, T. K.↗

NASA NTRS1989

DSN radio science system design and testing for Voyager-Neptune encounter

The Deep Space Network (DSN) Radio Science System presently implemented within the Deep Space Network was designed to meet stringent requirements imposed by the demands of the Voyager-Neptune encounter and future missions. One of the initial parameters related to frequency stability is discussed. The requirement, specification, design, and methodology for measuring this parameter are described. A description of special instrumentation that was developed for the test measurements and initial test data resulting from the system tests performed at Canberra, Australia and Usuda, Japan are given.

Ham, N. C.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Fast frequency tuning and phase locking of diode-pumped Nd:YAG ring lasers

A diode-pumped single-mode monolithic Nd:YAG ring-laser oscillator has been built which can be tuned piezoelectrically over several tens of MHz in a few microsecs. Frequency stability over 1 msec is better than 500 Hz. Two lasers have been electronically phase locked for periods of minutes with a phase noise of 29 mrad rms.

Kane, Thomas J.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Surface acoustic-wave piezoelectric crystal aerosol mass microbalance

The development of a particulate mass-sensing instrument based on a quartz-crystal microbalance and enhanced with the new surface acoustic-wave (SAW) technology is reported. Mass sensitivity comparisons of a 158-MHz SAW piezoelectric microbalance and a conventional 10-MHz quartz-crystal microbalance show that the SAW crystal is 266 times more sensitive, in good agreement with the theoretical value of 250. The frequency stability of a single SAW resonator is 6 parts in 10 to the 8th over 1 min. The response to temperature changes is found to be very linear over the range +30 to -30 C. A strong response to 15 ppm SO2 has been demonstrated on a chemically coated SAW crystal.

Bowers, W. D.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Frequency fluctuations of a diode-pumped Nd:YAG ring laser

The spectral density of the frequency fluctuations of a diode-pumped single-mode monolithic Nd:YAG ring laser was measured by locking a Fabry-Perot resonator to the laser frequency. The fluctuations approach the limit due to spontaneous emission (the Schawlow-Townes limit) at frequencies above 80 kHz. The inherent frequency stability of these lasers makes them attractive as a potential light source for gravitational-wave interferometers.

Fritschel, Peter↗

NASA NTRS1991

Trapped-Mercury-Ion Frequency Standard

Report describes principle of operation, design, and results of initial measurements on trapped-mercury-ion frequency-standard apparatus at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. New frequency standard being developed. Based on linear ion trap described in (NPO-17758). Expected to show much better short-term frequency stability because of increased ion-storage capacity.

Prestage, John D.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Computer modeling of pulsed CO2 lasers for lidar applications

The experimental results will enable a comparison of the numerical code output with experimental data. This will ensure verification of the validity of the code. The measurements were made on a modified commercial CO2 laser. Results are listed as following. (1) The pulse shape and energy dependence on gas pressure were measured. (2) The intrapulse frequency chirp due to plasma and laser induced medium perturbation effects were determined. A simple numerical model showed quantitative agreement with these measurements. The pulse to pulse frequency stability was also determined. (3) The dependence was measured of the laser transverse mode stability on cavity length. A simple analysis of this dependence in terms of changes to the equivalent fresnel number and the cavity magnification was performed. (4) An analysis was made of the discharge pulse shape which enabled the low efficiency of the laser to be explained in terms of poor coupling of the electrical energy into the vibrational levels. And (5) the existing laser resonator code was changed to allow it to run on the Cray XMP under the new operating system.

Spiers, Gary D.↗

NASA NTRS1990

A 200 MHz surface acoustic wave mass microbalance

The principle of operation of the surface acoustic wave (SAW) piezoelectric crystals used as microgravimetric sensors in mass microbalances is discussed. Special attention is given to a SAW 200-MHz crystal developed for measuring molecular deposition on spacecrafts, whose operating frequency does not depend on the thickness of the crystal. The frequency stability of the 200 MHz SAW device is better than 5 x 10 exp -9, which corresponds to a lower limit-of-detection of 3 x 10 exp -12 g for a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. A block diagram of the 200 MHz SAW mass microbalance and a schematic diagram of SAW resonator are presented together with performance data of this device.

Bowers, William D.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Cosmic background explorer (COBE) navigation with TDRSS one-way return-link Doppler in the post-helium-venting phase

A navigation experiment was performed which establishes Ultra-Stable Oscillator (USO) frequency stabilized one way return link Doppler TDRSS tracking data as a feasible option for mission orbit determination support at the Goddard Space Center Flight Dynamics Facility. The study was conducted using both one way and two way Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) tracking measurements for the Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) spacecraft. Tracking data for a 4 week period immediately follow the depletion of the helium supply was used. The study showed that, for both definitive orbit solution and short term orbit prediction (up to 4 weeks), orbit determination results based on one way return link Doppler tracking measurements are comparable to orbit determination results based on two way range and two way Doppler tracking measurements.

Nemesure, M.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Tropospheric and stratospheric wind profiling with a direct detection Doppler lidar

The Space Physics Research Laboratory at the University of Michigan has been operating a direct detection, high resolution Doppler Lidar (HRDL) to measure winds in the boundary layer, free troposphere and lower stratosphere. A direct detection Doppler lidar measures the Doppler shift of the aerosol or Rayleigh backscattered signal, from which the wind velocity vector can be retrieved (Benedetti-Michelangeli et al, 1972, 1974; Chanin et al., 1989; Abreu et al., 1992). The system components are shown. The transmitting system is a Continuum NY-60 Nd:YAG laser frequency doubled to a wavelength of 532 nm. The laser is injection seeded for single line mode operation yielding a linewidth of 0.0045 cm(exp -1) (135 MHz) with excellent shot-to-shot frequency stability. The laser produces 60 mJ pulses and operates at a 50 Hz repetition rate for an effective output power of 3.0 W. A description of the University of Michigan's Doppler lidar is given with examples of wind profiles for the boundary layer, free troposphere, and for the lower stratosphere. The system provides a reliable method of remotely measuring the wind. The wind error is smallest in regions of high aerosols. The system also produces aerosol extinction profiles versus altitude which can be determined by the shape of the spectra. The system has been installed in a trailor so that measurements can be made for field campaigns. Winds and aerosol data are available immediately at the site for use in forecasting.

Abreu, Vincent J.↗

NASA NTRS1992

A geodetic laser radar rangefinder with 10(exp -7) resolution

A novel geodetic laser radar rangefinder (GLRR) unit utilizing a pair of synchronized 10-psec streak camera systems was developed for displacement measurements of the earth's plates. In order to achieve minimum computing error and assure extremely high spatial resolution, an optical pulse registration clock was developed and used to register a fiducial mark on the time scale of the system. Conventional optical rangefinders have been limited to a relative resolution of 10(exp -6) even for short distances. The system to be reported on today has the capability of measuring a 50km range with an accuracy of 4mm corresponding to a relative resolution of 10(exp -7). With a gain of greater than 3 x 10(exp 3), the system has the capability of detecting extremely weak signals on the order of photon counting. This combined with temporal gating makes daytime measurements comparable in signal-to-noise ratio to nighttime viewing. This is useful for measuring faint signals returning over a range of several tens of kilometers. The present ranging system was designed to observe the mutual displacement of geodetic plates and was employed to measure the boundary between the Philippine and Asian geodetic plates that pass beneath the Suruga Bay near Hamamatsu City, Japan. The system has been in operation for over 3 years. In addition, the system has the ability of producing and detecting optical ranging pulses of several wavelengths simultaneously, making this a complete multicolor system. The basic GLRR system consists of a frequency stabilizing crystal, optical clock, YAG laser, KDP doubling crystal, DK*P tripling crystal, two matched streak cameras (A and B), a control computer, and an output/input periscope system.

Mizushima, Y.↗

NASA NTRS1991

A hydrogen maser with cavity auto-tuner for timekeeping

A hydrogen maser frequency standard for timekeeping was worked on at the Shanghai Observatory. The maser employs a fast cavity auto-tuner, which can detect and compensate the frequency drift of the high-Q resonant cavity with a short time constant by means of a signal injection method, so that the long term frequency stability of the maser standard is greatly improved. The cavity auto-tuning system and some maser data obtained from the atomic time comparison.

C. F. Lin↗

NASA NTRS1992

Far-infrared self-broadening in methylcyanide - Absorber-perturber resonance

Using tunable far-infrared spectrometers with high-frequency stability and accuracy, the self-pressure broadening and shift of CH3CN are measured. Evidence of absorber-perturber resonance effects on the collisional line shape are obtained. This tests the theoretical model and its possible improvements and also allows predictions of broadening and shift for a large class of molecules. Moreover, the resonance effect produces a theoretical temperature dependence of self-broadening that is different from what is commonly assumed.

Buffa, G.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Analysis Of Noise In Optical Phase-Locked Loop

Report presents theoretical and experimental analysis of noise in coherent optical phase-locked loop. Optical phase-locked loop being considered for use in heterodyne reception of binary pulse-position modulation at data rate of 100 Kb/s in optical communication system in which transmitter also includes frequency-stabilized laser.

Win, Moe Z.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Coherent Doppler lidar for automated space vehicle, rendezvous, station-keeping and capture

Recent advances in eye-safe, short wavelength solid-state lasers offer real potential for the development of compact, reliable, light-weight, efficient coherent lidar. Laser diode pumping of these devices has been demonstrated, thereby eliminating the need for flash lamp pumping, which has been a major drawback to the use of these lasers in space based applications. Also these lasers now have the frequency stability required to make them useful in coherent lidar, which offers all of the advantages of non-coherent lidar, but with the additional advantage that direct determination of target velocity is possible by measurement of the Doppler shift. By combining the Doppler velocity measurement capability with the inherent high angular resolution and range accuracy of lidar it is possible to construct Doppler images of targets for target motion assessment. A coherent lidar based on a Tm,Ho:YAG 2-micrometer wavelength laser was constructed and successfully field tested on atmospheric targets in 1990. This lidar incorporated an all solid state (laser diode pumped) master oscillator, in conjunction with a flash lamp pumped slave oscillator. Solid-state laser technology is rapidly advancing, and with the advent of high efficiency, high power, semiconductor laser diodes as pump sources, all-solid-state, coherent lidars are a real possibility in the near future. MSFC currently has a feasibility demonstration effort under way which will involve component testing, and preliminary design of an all-solid-state, coherent lidar for automatic rendezvous, and capture. This two year effort, funded by the Director's Discretionary Fund is due for completion in 1992.

Dunkin, James A.↗