Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “charge yield”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 415 records · Page 23

Initial comparison of SSPM ground test results and flight data to NASCAP simulations

The satellite surface potential monitor (SSPM) has been developed for the P78-2 SCATHA (Spacecraft Charging At The High Altitudes) satellite to determine the response of selected spacecraft materials to charged-particle environmental fluxes. Since the monitor infers total surface voltages from a single point on the interior side of insulators, a ground simulation program was undertaken to develop analytical techniques to model the monitors and to obtain an experimental calibration of the relationship between the flight measurement techniques and actual measurements. The experimental testing was conducted using monoenergetic electron beams irradiating samples in the dark. An analytical computer model was developed in the NASCAP (NASA Charging Analyzer Program) code. The analytical model material properties for Kapton that controlled backscatter and secondary yield were adjusted to obtain a single set of values that produced reasonable fits for both voltages and currents. The analytical techniques developed in the ground technology investigation have been applied to space flight conditions. Predictions were compared with limited flight data. The agreement is very good indicating that the technique, and NASCAP, can be used to predict spacecraft material charging behavior. Details of the testing, the analytical modelling technique and flight data comparisons are presented.

Stevens, N. J.↗

Noise as a tool for evaluating the activation of cathodes

Measurements, at low frequencies, of the shot noise current from space charge limited cathodes always produced results substantially in excess of theoretical predictions. Measuring the ratio (I sub eq)/S yielded a relation (I sub eq)/S = 1.288 V sub k = 1.288 k(T sub k)/e, independent of the operating point of the diode (triode) as long as all parts of the cathode had a full space charge controlled emission. This method was so sensitive as to permit detection of cathode temperature changes by 1 K, thus it allowed a powerful screening method between well and poorly activated cathodes, superior to dip tests and other current-voltage methods.

Kosmahl, H.↗

Evidence for an odd-parity nematic phase above the charge-density-wave transition in a kagome metal

The search for quantum states arising from the interplay between correlation, frustration and topology is a central topic for condensed-matter physics. Recently discovered non-magnetic kagome metals AV 3 Sb 5 (A = K, Cs or Rb) with charge-density-wave and superconducting instabilities may host such exotic states. Here we report evidence that an odd-parity electronic nematic state emerges at a higher temperature than the charge density wave in CsV 3 Sb 5 . Our torque measurements reveal a two-fold in-plane magnetic anisotropy that breaks the crystal rotational symmetry. Moreover, in the temperature range between the formation of the charge density wave and a nematic state, rotating an external magnetic field in a conical fashion yields a distinct first-order phase transition, indicating time-reversal symmetry breaking. These results provide thermodynamic evidence for the emergence of an odd-parity nematic order. In addition, elastoresistance shows no discernible anomalies near the onset of nematicity, consistent with the odd-parity order. In conclusion, these findings suggest that an exotic loop current state precedes the charge-density-wave transition in CsV 3 Sb 5 .

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A case study of high-temperature polyetherimide film capacitor fabrication

Capacitors, as the basic building block of power electronics and electrical systems, are the major constraint of the increasingly integrated power systems that require new capable polymer dielectric films operating at higher temperatures >125 °C. Despite tremendous research efforts on the lab scale, there remains a considerable barrier and knowledge basis for converting polymeric films to functioning capacitors desired in actual applications. Here, the authors tackled the polyetherimide (PEI) film scale up issues and developed various engineering processes for film de-wrinkling, optimal metallization, static elimination, and capacitor fabrication improvement. The authors discovered various fabrication challenges such as the electrostatic charge, metallization scheme, winding tension, and end electrode disconnects. To fabricate a high yield of PEI capacitor bobbins, it is necessary to utilize static eliminators (radioactive ionizers), moderately thick aluminum metallization (15–30 Ω/sq), and winding tension (60–100 g). It is also effective to evaluate capacitance, dielectric loss, equivalent series resistance, and thermal cycling stability of capacitors. This work sheds some light on converting PEI films and other polymeric films to capacitors on a scale up fabrication effort. The practical learning from film handling to capacitor fabrication in this work provided the necessary knowledge for manufacturing high-temperature polar film capacitors.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Layout and performance of HPK prototype LGAD sensors for the High-Granularity Timing Detector

The High-Granularity Timing Detector is a detector proposed for the ATLAS Phase II upgrade. The detector, based on the Low-Gain Avalanche Detector (LGAD) technology, will cover the pseudo-rapidity region of 2.4 < |n| < 4.0 with two end caps on each side and a total area of 6.4 m 2 . The timing performance can be improved by implanting an internal gain layer that can produce signals with a fast rising edge. It significantly improves the signal-to-noise ratio. The required average timing resolution per track for a minimum ionizing particle is 30 ps at the start and 50 ps at the end of the HL-LHC operation. This is achieved with several layers of LGAD. The innermost region of the detector would accumulate a 1MeV neutron-equivalent fluence up to 2.5 10 15 n eq /cm 2 including a safety factor of 1.5 before being replaced during the scheduled shutdowns. The addition of this new detector is expected to play an important role in the mitigation of high pile-ups at the HL-LHC. The layout and performance of the various versions of LGAD prototypes produced by Hamamatsu (HPK) have been studied by the ATLAS Collaboration. The breakdown voltages, depletion voltages, inter-pad gaps, collected charge as well as the time resolution have been measured and the production yield of large size sensors has been evaluated.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Mapping the influence of ligand electronics on the spectroscopic and 1 O 2 sensitization characteristics of Pd( ii ) biladiene complexes bearing phenyl–alkynyl groups at the 2- and 18-positions

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising treatment for certain cancers that proceeds via sensitization of ground state 3 O 2 to generate reactive 1 O 2 . Classic macrocyclic tetrapyrrole ligand scaffolds, such as porphyrins and phthalocyanines, have been studied in detail for their 1 O 2 photosensitization capabilities. Despite their compelling photophysics, these systems have been limited in PDT applications because of adverse biological side effects. Conversely, the development of non-traditional oligotetrapyrrole ligands metalated with palladium (Pd[DMBil1]) have established new candidates for PDT that display excellent biocompatibility. Herein, the synthesis, electrochemical, and photophysical characterization of a new family of 2,18-bis(phenylalkynyl)-substituted Pd II 10,10-dimethyl-5,15-bis(pentafluorophenyl)-biladiene (Pd[DMBil2-R]) complexes is presented. These second generation biladienes feature extended conjugation relative to previously characterized Pd II biladiene scaffolds (Pd[DMBil1]). We show that these new derivatives can be prepared in good yield and, that the electronic nature of the phenylalkynyl appendages dramatically influence the Pd II biladiene photophysics. Extending the conjugation of the Pd[DMBil1] core through installation of phenylacetylene resulted in a ~75 nm red-shift of the biladiene absorption spectrum into the phototherapeutic window (600–900 nm), while maintaining the Pd II biladiene's steady-state spectroscopic 1 O 2 sensitization characteristics. Varying the electronics of the phenylalkyne groups via installation of electron donating or withdrawing groups dramatically influences the steady-state spectroscopic and photophysical properties of the resulting Pd[DMBil2-R] family of complexes. The most electron rich variants (Pd[DMBil2-N(CH3)2]) can absorb light as far red as ~700 nm but suffer from significantly reduced ability to sensitize formation of 1 O 2 . By contrast, Pd[DMBil2-R] derivatives bearing electron withdrawing functionalities (Pd[DMBil2-CN] and Pd[DMBil2-CF3]) display 1 O 2 quantum yields above 90%. The collection of results we report suggest that excited state charge transfer from more electron-rich phenyl-alkyne appendages to the electron deficient biladiene core circumvents triplet sensitization. The spectral and redox properties, as well as the triplet sensitization efficiency of each Pd[DMBil2-R] derivative is considered in relation to the Hammett value (σp) for each biladiene's R-group. More broadly, the results reported in this study clearly demonstrate that biladiene redox properties, spectral properties, and photophysics can be perturbed greatly by relatively minor alterations to biladiene structure.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

An automated fast neutron computed tomography instrument with on-line focusing for non-destructive evaluation

A fast neutron tomography imaging instrument has been designed, built, and tested at The Ohio State University 500 kW Research Reactor on a fast neutron beamline with a peak neutron flux ≈5.4 × 107 n·cm−2·s−1 at 1.6 MeV median neutron energy. The instrument and beamline are also configurable for thermal neutron imaging. The imaging apparatus is composed of a lens coupled, water-cooled Electron Multiplying Charge Coupled Device camera, a front-surface mirror, and a high light yield plastic Polyvinyl toluene scintillator. The instrument sits on a mobile cart. A total of 5 motion-control stages are built into the system for XYZ and rotational degrees of freedom for sample positioning; the fifth stage fine tunes the focal distance between the camera and the scintillator to achieve on-line focusing. A Python code with a user-friendly graphical user interface controls the fully automated image acquisition, not requiring user interaction, yet facilitating tracking of the image acquisition. A complete fast neutron computed tomography dataset with 360 projections requires less than 3 h, with 30 s per projection. On-line focusing is accomplished with a commercial, off-the-shelf, dielectrically actuated liquid lens. Finally, tomographic reconstructions are visualized using the Livermore Tomography Tools software package. The effective pixel size (width and height) is ≈0.1058 mm, yielding a minimum voxel size of 0.1058 × 0.1058 × 0.1058 mm3, and produces a spatial resolution of 231 μm when calculated from knife-edge measurements.

Bisbee, M. G. (ORCID:0000000313466697)↗

First observation of antiproton annihilation at rest on argon in the LArIAT experiment

We report the first observation and measurement of antiproton annihilation at rest on argon track and shower multiplicities and particle identification conducted with the LArIAT experiment. Stopping antiprotons from the Fermilab Test Beam Facility’s charged particle test beam are identified using beamline instrumentation and LArIAT’s liquid argon time projection chamber (LArTPC). The charged particle multiplicity from the annihilation vertex is manually evaluated via hand scanning, yielding a mean of 3.2 ± 0.4 tracks and a standard deviation of 1.3 tracks, consistent with a semiautomated reconstruction resulting in 2.8 ± 0.4 tracks and a standard deviation of 1.2 tracks. Both methods are consistent with Monte Carlo simulations within statistical uncertainty. The shower multiplicities and particle identification for outgoing tracks are also consistent with eant4 model predictions. These results, obtained from a low-statistics sample, provide a foundation for higher-statistics studies in larger LArTPCs, which could refine modeling of intranuclear annihilation on argon and inform scenarios such as neutron-antineutron oscillations. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Divergence of the total cross section for three body rearrangement collisions with coulomb interactions

Three charged particles 1, 2, 3 collide according to the reaction 1+(2+3) yields (1+3)+2, where (2+3) and (1+3) are hydrogenlike bound states. It is shown when (1+3) is in a highly excited state n, due to the repulsive potential, the cross section in the first Born approximation behaves as 1/n which makes the total cross section to diverge like ln n. The total cross sections in the higher orders of the Born approximation are similarly divergent logarithmically.

Omidvar, K.↗

Differential scattering cross sections for collisions of 0.5-, 1.5-, and 5.0-keV helium atoms with He, H2, N2, and O2

This paper reports the first results of an experimental program established to provide cross section data for use in modeling various atmospheric processes. Absolute cross sections, differential in the scattering angle, have been measured for collisions of 0.5-, 1.5-, and 5.0-keV helium atoms with He, H2, N2, and O2 at laboratory scattering angles between 0.1 deg and 5 deg. The results are the sums of cross sections for elastic and inelastic scattering of helium atoms; charged collision products are not detected. Integration of the differential cross section data yields integral cross sections consistent with measurements by other workers. The apparatus employs a position-sensitive detector for both primary and scattered particles and uses a short target cell with a large exit aperture to ensure a simple and well-defined apparatus geometry.

Newman, J. H.↗

High-Energy Space Propulsion Based on Magnetized Target Fusion

A conceptual study is made to explore the feasibility of applying magnetized target fusion (MTF) to space propulsion for omniplanetary travel. Plasma-jet driven MTF not only is highly amenable to space propulsion, but also has a number of very attractive features for this application: 1) The pulsed fusion scheme provides in situ a very dense hydrogenous liner capable of moderating the neutrons, converting more than 97% of the neutron energy into charged particle energy of the fusion plasma available for propulsion. 2) The fusion yield per pulse can be maintained at an attractively low level (< 1 GJ) despite a respectable gain in excess of 70. A compact, low-weight engine is the result. An engine with a jet power of 25 GW, a thrust of 66 kN, and a specific impulse of 77,000 s, can be achieved with an overall engine mass of about 41 metric tons, with a specific power density of 605 kW/kg, and a specific thrust density of 1.6 N/kg. The engine is rep-rated at 40 Hz to provide this power and thrust level. At a practical rep-rate limit of 200 Hz, the engine can deliver 128 GW jet power and 340 kN of thrust, at specific power and thrust density of 1,141 kW/kg and 3 N/kg respectively. 3) It is possible to operate the magnetic nozzle as a magnetic flux compression generator in this scheme, while attaining a high nozzle efficiency of 80% in converting the spherically radial momentum of the fusion plasma to an axial impulse. 4) A small fraction of the electrical energy generated from the flux compression is used directly to recharge the capacitor bank and other energy storage equipment, without the use of a highvoltage DC power supply. A separate electrical generator is not necessary. 5) Due to the simplicity of the electrical circuit and the components, involving mainly inductors, capacitors, and plasma guns, which are connected directly to each other without any intermediate equipment, a high rep-rate (with a maximum of 200 Hz) appears practicable. 6) All fusion related components are within the current state of the art for pulsed power technology. Experimental facilities with the required pulsed power capabilities already exist. 7) The scheme does not require prefabricated fuel target and liner hardware in any esoteric form or state. All necessary fuel and liner material are introduced into the engine in the form of ordinary matter in gaseous state at room temperature, greatly simplifying their handling on board. They are delivered into the fusion reaction chamber in a completely standoff manner.

Thio, Y. C. F.↗

Laboratory Studies of the Optical Properties and Condensation Processes of Cosmic Dust Particles

A laboratory facility for levitating single isolated dust particles in an electrodynamics balance has been developing at NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center for conducting a variety of experimental, of astrophysical interest. The objective of this research is to employ this innovative experimental technique for studies of the physical and optical properties of the analogs of cosmic grains of 0.2-10 micron size in a chamber with controlled pressure/temperatures simulating astrophysical environments. In particular, we will carry out three classes of experiments to investigate the microphysics of the analogs of interstellar and interplanetary dust grains. (1) Charge characteristics of micron size single dust grains to determine the photoelectric efficiencies, yields, and equilibrium potentials when exposed to UV radiation. These measurements will provide the much-needed photoelectric emission data relating to individual particles as opposed to that for the bulk materials available so far. (2) Infrared optical properties of dust particles obtained by irradiating the particles with radiation from tunable infrared diode lasers and measuring the scattered radiation. Specifically, the complex refractive indices, the extinction coefficients, the scattering phase functions, and the polarization properties of single dust grains of interest in interstellar environments, in the 1-25 micron spectral region will be determined. (3) Condensation experiments to investigate the deposition of volatile gases on colder nucleated particles in dense interstellar clouds and lower planetary atmospheres. The increase in the mass or m/q ratio due to condensation on the particle will be monitored as a function of the dust particle temperature and the partial pressure of the injected volatile gas. The measured data wild permit determination of the sticking efficiencies of volatile gases of astrophysical interest. Preliminary results based on photoelectric emission experiments on 0.2-6.6 micron size silica particles exposed to UV radiation in the 120-200 nm spectral region will be presented.

Abbas, Mian M.↗

Laboratory Studies of the Optical Properties and Condensation Processes of Cosmic Dust Grains

A laboratory facility for conducting a variety of experiments on single isolated dust particles of astrophysical interest levitated in an electrodynamics balance has been developed at NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center. The objective of the research is to employ this experimental technique for studies of the physical and optical properties of individual cosmic dust grains of 0.1-100 micron size in controlled pressure/temperatures environments simulating astrophysical conditions. The physical and optical properties of the analogs of interstellar and interplanetary dust grains of known composition and size distribution will be investigated by this facility. In particular, we will carry out three classes of experiments to study the micro-physics of cosmic dust grains. (1) Charge characteristics of micron size single dust grains to determine the photoelectric efficiencies, yields, and equilibrium potentials when exposed to UV radiation. (2) Infrared optical properties of dust particles (extinction coefficients and scattering phase functions) in the 1-30 micron region using infrared diode lasers and measuring the scattered radiation. (3) Condensation experiments to investigate the condensation of volatile gases on colder nucleated particles in dense interstellar clouds and lower planetary atmospheres. The condensation experiments will involve levitated nucleus dust grains of known composition and initial mass (or m/q ratio), cooled to a temperature and pressure (or scaled pressure) simulating the astrophysical conditions, and injection of a volatile gas at a higher temperature from a controlled port. The increase in the mass due to condensation on the particle will be monitored as a function of the dust particle temperature and the partial pressure of the injected volatile gas. The measured data will permit determination of the sticking coefficients of volatile gases and growth rates of dust particles of astrophysical interest. Some preliminary results based on measurements of photoelectric emission and radiation pressure on single isolated 0.2 to 6.6 micron size silica particles exposed to UV radiation at 120-200 nm and green laser light at 532 nm are presented.

Abbas, M. M.↗

Multiplicity-dependent jet modification from di-hadron correlations in pp collisions at $ \sqrt{s} $ = 13 TeV

Short-range correlations between charged particles are studied via two-particle angular correlations in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV. The correlation functions are measured as a function of the relative azimuthal angle ∆φ and the pseudorapidity separation ∆η for pairs of primary charged particles within the pseudorapidity interval |η| < 0.9 and the transverse-momentum range 1 < p T < 8 GeV/c. Near-side (|∆φ| < 1.3) peak widths are extracted from a generalised Gaussian fitted over the correlations in full pseudorapidity separation (|∆η| < 1.8), while the per-trigger associated near-side yields are extracted for the short-range correlations (|∆η| < 1.3). Both are evaluated as a function of charged-particle multiplicity obtained by two different event activity estimators. The width of the near-side peak decreases with increasing multiplicity, and this trend is reproduced qualitatively by the Monte Carlo event generators PYTHIA 8, AMPT, and EPOS. However, the models overestimate the width in the low transverse-momentum region (p T < 3 GeV/c). The per-trigger associated near-side yield increases with increasing multiplicity. Although this trend is also captured qualitatively by the considered event generators, the yield is mostly overestimated by the models in the considered kinematic range. The measurement of the shape and yield of the short-range correlation peak can help us understand the interplay between jet fragmentation and event activity, quantify the narrowing trend of the near-side peak as a function of transverse momentum and multiplicity selections in pp collisions, and search for final-state jet modification in small collision systems.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Neutral Atom Imaging of the Solar Wind-Magnetosphere-Exosphere Interaction Near the Subsolar Magnetopause

Energetic neutral atoms (ENAs) created by charge-exchange of ions with the Earth's hydrogen exosphere near the subsolar magnetopause yield information on the distribution of plasma in the outer magnetosphere and magnetosheath. ENA observations from the Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) are used to image magnetosheath plasma and, for the first time, low-energy magnetospheric plasma near the magnetopause. These images show that magnetosheath plasma is distributed fairly evenly near the subsolar magnetopause; however, low-energy magnetospheric plasma is not distributed evenly in the outer magnetosphere. Simultaneous images and in situ observations from the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) spacecraft from November 2015 (during the solar cycle declining phase) are used to derive the exospheric density. The ~11–17 cm –3 density at 10 R E is similar to that obtained previously for solar minimum. Thus, these combined results indicate that the exospheric density 10 R E from the Earth may have a weak dependence on solar cycle.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Direct Evidence of Charge Transfer upon Anion Intercalation in Graphite Cathodes through New Electronic States: An Experimental and Theoretical Study of Hexafluorophosphate

Graphite intercalation compounds continue to be central to technologies for electrochemical energy storage from anodes in established Li-ion batteries to cathodes in beyond Li-ion concepts paired with multivalent anodes. When used as a cathode, graphite intercalates a variety of anions with PF 6 - being among the most common. Paired with Li intercalation at the anode, the corresponding dual carbon battery yields high energy and power densities. Given the available choice of anions as intercalants, it is important to elucidate how the graphite structure accommodates them in order to tailor the molecular species to maximize charge and reversibility. However, the changes in electronic structure of the host graphite lattice upon anion intercalation are poorly understood compared to cations, which represent a fundamentally different reaction. Herein, PF 6 -intercalated graphite has been studied using techniques sensitive to electronic structure, namely, X-ray Raman spectroscopy (XRS), X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES), and X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES). Complementary full-potential, all-electron density functional theory calculations yielded excellent agreement with the spectra, thus providing insight into charge compensation in the graphite lattice. In particular, a pre-$π^*$ feature emerged in XRS/XANES, which is direct evidence of the removal of charge from the host lattice to compensate the intercalated anions, leading to an overall lowering of the Fermi energy level. This is expected to be characteristic of many intercalants in anion-intercalated graphite. The unambiguous identification of the origin of the pre-$π^*$ spectral feature, which is frequently seen in graphitic systems, is of broad interest to the spectroscopy of graphitic systems beyond the practical implications of anion-induced changes in the electronic properties for real devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Using baryonic charge balance functions to resolve questions about the baryo-chemistry of the quark gluon plasma

Baryon annihilations during the hadronic stage of heavy-ion collisions affects final-state baryon and antibaryon yields and final-state correlations of baryons and antibaryons. Understanding annihilation is important for addressing questions about the chemistry at the beginning of the hadronic stage and for interpreting charge-balance correlations involving baryons. Here, charge balance functions, using protons and antiprotons binned by relative momentum, rapidity, and azimuthal angle are shown to clarify the amount of annihilation in the hadronic stage. This enables a more accurate extraction of the baryo-chemistry at the beginning of the hadronic stage. Understanding annihilation is also crucial if charge balance correlations are to be used to infer the chemistry of the earliest stages of a heavy-ion collision. Furthermore, calculations are presented based on microscopic simulations of the hadronic stage coupled to a hydrodynamic description of the earlier stage, along with a detailed modeling of correlations of protons and antiprotons, known as charge-balance functions.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Mixed halide bulk perovskite triplet sensitizers: Interplay between band alignment, mid-gap traps, and phonons

Photon upconversion, particularly via triplet-triplet annihilation (TTA), could prove beneficial in expanding the efficiencies and overall impacts of optoelectronic devices across a multitude of technologies. The recent development of bulk metal halide perovskites as triplet sensitizers is one potential step toward the industrialization of upconversion-enabled devices. In this work, we investigate the impact of varying additions of bromide into a lead iodide perovskite thin film on the TTA upconversion process in the annihilator molecule rubrene. We find an interplay between the bromide content and the overall device efficiency. In particular, a higher bromide content results in higher internal upconversion efficiencies, enabled by more efficient charge extraction at the interface, likely due to a more favorable band alignment. However, the external upconversion efficiency decreases, as the absorption cross section in the near infrared is reduced. The highest upconversion performance is found in our study for a bromide content of 5%. This result can be traced back to a high absorption cross section in the near infrared and higher photoluminescence quantum yield in comparison to the iodide-only perovskite, as well as an increased driving force for charge transfer.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗