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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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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Observable measurement-induced transitions

One of the main postulates of quantum mechanics is that measurements destroy quantum coherence (wave function collapse). Recently it was discovered that in a many-body system dilute local measurements still preserve some coherence across the entire system. As the measurement density is increased, a phase transition occurs that is characterized by the disentanglement of different parts of the system. Unfortunately, this transition is impossible to observe experimentally for macroscopic systems because it requires an exponentially costly full tomography of the many-body wave function or a comparison with the simulation on an oracle classical computer. In this work we report the discovery of another measurement-induced phase transition that can be observed experimentally if quantum dynamics can be reversed. On one side of this phase transition the quantum information encoded in some part of the Hilbert space is fully recovered after the time inversion. On the other side, all quantum information is corrupted. This transition also manifests itself as the change in the behavior of the probability to observe the same measurement outcome in the process that consists of identical blocks repeated many times. In each block the unitary evolution is followed by the measurement. On one side of the transition the probability decreases exponentially with the number of repetitions, on the other it tends to a constant as the number of repetitions is increased. We confirm the existence of the proposed phase transition through numerical simulations of realistic quantum circuits and analytical calculations using an effective random-matrix theory model.

Measurement-induced phase transitions↗
DOE OSTI2025

Electroplated Polymer‐Modified Carbon Fiber for Performance‐Enhancing Composite Interfaces

Carbon fiber composite performance relies on the fiber-matrix interface for effective load transfer. To enhance interfacial properties between the fiber and matrix, often carbon fiber surfaces are oxidatively and covalently modified to incorporate chemical functional groups. By contrast, here, noncovalent electrodeposition of functional polyelectrolyte is applied onto conducting carbon fibers from aqueous solutions. A natural polymer, chitosan (CS), is electro-deposited onto the fiber surface, which undergoes multi-scale physical interactions. The bound CS layer with abundant amine functionalities reacts with epoxy moieties within the matrix to improve the interfacial properties. The scalable and energy-efficient electrodeposition eliminates traditional functionalization and sizing requirements of carbon fiber while delivering significantly higher mechanical performance with enhanced consistency. For continuous fiber reinforced composites, compared to conventional fibers, apparent interlaminar shear strength increases by 27%, reaching ≈86 MPa. The short fiber composites with only 2–11 wt.% fibers exhibit ≈20% increase in tensile strength with a peak performance of 120 MPa. Unlike traditionally treated and sized carbon fiber, this approach delivers coated fibers with long shelf-life and allows recovery of both CS in electrolyte form and carbon fiber by continuous electrochemical processing of the modified fibers with inverse polarity; thus, it promotes overall fiber recyclability.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Significance of the structural configuration of B2 disorder in Co and Ti based Heusler alloys

We investigate here structural (at local and global levels) and transport properties for 𝑋 2 ⁢MnAl (𝑋= Co and Ti). Additionally, the magnetic properties were also studied for Ti 2 ⁢MnAl. Our x-ray diffraction results show that both the compounds stabilize in B2 disordered phase with cubic structure of 𝑃⁢𝑚⁢$\overline{3}$⁢𝑚 space group. Further, the structural configuration of the above disordered phase for both the compounds was identified using combined studies of x-ray absorption spectroscopy and multiple scattering calculations at the transition metal 𝐾 edges. Upon such identification, in the case of Co 2 ⁢Mn 1−𝑦⁢ Cr 𝑦 ⁢Al (𝑦= 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2) with change in 𝑦, we are able to establish a better connection quantitatively between the inverse of Mn-Co bonds and peak in the temperature-dependent resistivity. This highlights the crucial importance of a detailed understanding of the nature of B2 disorder. In the case of 𝑦=0, in the temperature range of study, the resistivity is driven by the functional form associated with (a) three-dimensional enhanced electron-electron Coulomb interaction scattering mechanism and (b) an unconventional one-magnon process. For Ti 2 ⁢MnAl, the transport shows metallic glasslike behavior at high temperature, while at low temperature it follows both the Cote-Meisel's model and quantum correction model. In this compound, the magnetic studies suggest the formation of superparamagnetic clusters in the paramagnetic matrix at low temperatures. Our density functional theory results are in line with the transport and magnetic properties. In literature, the spin polarization percentage (𝑃) for 𝑋= Co in B2 disordered phase is 76%. However, the present results emphasize the fact that in B2 disordered phase, the value of 𝑃 can range from 90% to 71% depending on the structural configuration introduced by swapping of the atomic positions of Mn and Al. For the compound under study, the value of percentage spin polarization obtained ranges between 82% to 85%. In addition, we also identify the origin of the difference in the shape of the Mn 3⁢𝑑 density of states for both the alloys. In conclusion, our results for 𝑋= Co alloy highlights the importance of identifying the specific structural configuration associated with a particular disorder category especially in the estimation of 𝑇 𝑐 and 𝑃 and for 𝑋= Ti, the physical properties can be tuned by varying the position of 𝐸 𝐹 and thereby its utilization in device applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1992

Numerical analysis of right-half plane zeros for a single-link manipulator

The purpose of this research is to further develop an understanding of how nonminimum phase zero location is affected by structural link design. As the demand for light-weight robots that can operate in a large workspace increases, the structural flexibility of the links become more of an issue in controls problems. When the objective is to accurately position the tip while the robot is actuated at the base, the system is nonminimum phase. One important characteristic of nonminimum phase systems is system zeros in the right half of the Laplace plane. The ability to pick the location of these nonminimum phase zeros would give the designer a new freedom similar to pole placement. The research targets a single-link manipulator operating in the horizontal plane and modeled as a Euler-Bernoulli beam with pinned-free end conditions. Using transfer matrix theory, one can consider link designs that have variable cross-sections along the length of the beam. A FORTRAN program was developed to determine the location of poles and zeros given the system model. The program was used to confirm previous research on nonminimum phase systems, and develop a relationship for designing linearly tapered links. The method allows the designer to choose the location of the first pole and zero and then defines the appropriate taper to match the desired locations. With the pole and zero location fixes, the designer can independently change the link's moment of inertia about its axis of rotation by adjusting the height of the beam. These results can be applied to inverse dynamic algorithms currently under development at Georgia Tech.

Girvin, Douglas Lynn↗
NASA NTRS1991

Numerical analysis of nonminimum phase zero for nonuniform link design

As the demand for light-weight robots that can operate in a large workspace increases, the structural flexibility of the links becomes more of an issue in control. When the objective is to accurately position the tip while the robot is actuated at the base, the system is nonminimum phase. One important characteristic of nonminimum phase systems is system zeros in the right half of the Laplace plane. The ability to pick the location of these nonminimum phase zeros would give the designer a new freedom similar to pole placement. This research targets a single-link manipulator operating in the horizontal plane and modeled as a Euler-Bernoulli beam with pinned-free end conditions. Using transfer matrix theory, one can consider link designs that have variable cross-sections along the length of the beam. A FORTRAN program was developed to determine the location of poles and zeros given the system model. The program was used to confirm previous research on nonminimum phase systems, and develop a relationship for designing linearly tapered links. The method allows the designer to choose the location of the first pole and zero and then defines the appropriate taper to match the desired locations. With the pole and zero location fixed, the designer can independently change the link's moment of inertia about its axis of rotation by adjusting the height of the beam. These results can be applied to the inverse dynamic algorithms that are currently under development.

Girvin, Douglas L.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Resummation for lattice QCD calculation of generalized parton distributions at nonzero skewness

Large-momentum effective theory (LaMET) provides an approach to directly calculate the x-dependence of generalized parton distributions (GPDs) on a Euclidean lattice through power expansion and a perturbative matching. When a parton’s momentum becomes soft, the corresponding logarithms in the matching kernel become non-negligible at higher orders of perturbation theory, which requires a resummation. But the resummation for the off-forward matrix elements at nonzero skewness ξ is difficult due to their multi-scale nature. In this work, we demonstrate that these logarithms are important only in the threshold limit, and derive the threshold factorization formula for the quasi-GPDs in LaMET. We then propose an approach to resum all the large logarithms based on the threshold factorization, which is implemented on a GPD model. We demonstrate that the LaMET prediction is reliable for [−1 + x 0 , −ξ − x 0 ] ∪ [−ξ + x 0 , ξ − x 0 ] ∪ [ξ + x 0 , 1 − x 0 ], where x 0 is a cutoff depending on hard parton momenta. Through our numerical tests with the GPD model, we demonstrate that our method is self-consistent and that the inverse matching does not spread the nonperturbative effects or power corrections to the perturbatively calculable regions.

hadronic spectroscopy↗
NASA NTRS1994

Method development for compensating temperature effects in pressure sensitive paint measurements

Pressure sensitive luminescent paints (PSP) have recently emerged as a viable technique for aerodynamic pressure measurements. The technique uses a surface coating which contains probe molecules that luminesce when excited by light of an appropriate wavelength. The photoluminescence of these materials is known to be quenched by the presence of molecular oxygen. Since oxygen is a fixed mole fraction of the air, the coating's luminescence intensity varies inversely with air pressure. Digital imaging of the luminescence varying across a coated surface produces a pressure distribution map over that surface. One difficulty encountered with this technique is the temperature effect on the luminescence intensity. Present PSP formulations have significant sensitivity to temperature. At the moment, the most practical way of correcting for temperature effects is to calibrate the paint in place at the operating temperatures by using a few well-placed pressure taps. This study is looking at development of temperature indicating coatings that can be applied and measured concurrently with PSP, and use the temperature measurement to compute the correct pressure. Two methods for this dual paint formulation are proposed. One method will use a coating that consists of temperature sensitive phosphors in a polymer matrix. This is similar in construction to PSP, except that the probe molecules used are selected primarily for their temperature sensitivity. Both organic phosphors (e.g., europium thenoyltrifluoroacetonate, bioprobes) and inorganic phosphors (e.g., Mg4(F)GeO6:Mn, La2O2S:Eu, Radelin Type phosphors, Sylvania Type phosphors) will be evaluated for their temperature sensing potential. The next method will involve a novel coating composing of five membered heterocyclic conducting polymers which are known to show temperature dependent luminescence (e.g., poly(3-alkylthiopene), poly(3-alkylselenophene), poly(3-alkylfuran)). Both methods will involve applying a bottom layer of temperature sensitive coating followed by a top coating of PSP. An oxygen-impermeable polymer can be used as the temperature sensitive coating matrix, or it can be layered in between the coatings to prevent oxygen quenching of the bottom coating's luminescence. The probe molecules of the coatings will be excited by a broad band of light, with the different emissions detected and measured at their distinct wavelengths. Developmental research of these coatings is still in progress; however, preliminary results look very promising.

Demandante, Carlo Greg N.↗
NASA NTRS1960

A Study of Some Factors Affecting Rolling-Contact Fatigue Life

A series of investigations using the fatigue spin rig to study the effect of several factors contributing to rolling contact fatigue life is summarized. Ball specimens of 1/2 and 9/16 inch diameter were tested at maximum theoretical Hertz compressive stresses in the range of 600,000 to 750,000 psi. Life was found to vary inversely with the tenth power of stress. In forging fiber studies, a greater concentration of failures and poorer life were observed where the greatest angle of intersection between the fiber flow lines and the surface occurred. This effect was independent of alloy composition. Higher lubricant viscosity was found to increase fatigue life, Lubricants having the same viscosity but of different base stock produced wide differences in life that correlated with the pressure viscosity coefficient of the lubricant. Higher temperature produced lower fatigue life. Dry powder lubricants produced poor fatigue life at 450 F; failure appearance indicated that the lubricant particles probably acted as minute stress raisers. In metallographic studies, nonmetallic inclusions were found to have a deleterious effect on fatigue life the inclusion size, location, composition, and condition of the matrix being contributing factors; failures were by shear cracking in the subsurface zone of maximum shear stress and eventual propagation into a shallow surface spall. Vacuum melting improved fatigue life, although a general correlation between cleanliness and fatigue life was not found. Life results for ten different bearing materials are presented.

Carter, Thomas L.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Seismic Study of the Solar Interior: Inferences from SOI/MDI Observations During Solar Activity

We have continued in collaboration with Dr. Eff-Darwich (University of La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain) the study of the structure, asphericity and dynamics of the solar interior from p-mode frequencies and frequency splittings. In March 2001, Dr. Eff-Darwich came for 3 weeks visit to CfA. During this visit we completed our work on the inversion of the internal solar rotation rate, and submitted a paper describing this work to the Astrophysical Journal. This paper has been recently revised in response to the referee comments and I expect that it will be accepted for publication very soon. We also have analyzed helioseismic data looking for temporal variations of the solar stratification near the base of the convection zone. We have expanded on the initial work that was presented at the SOHO-10/GONG-2000 meeting (October 2000, Tenerife), and are in the process of writing this up. Substantial progress towards the characterization of high-degree p-modes has been achieved. Indeed, in collaboration Dr. Rabello-Soares (Stanford University), we have gained a clear conceptual understanding of the various elements that affect the leakage matrix of the SOI/MDI instrument. This was presented in an invited talk at the SOHO-10/GONG-2000 meeting (October 2000, Tenerife). Once we will have successfully migrated from a qualitative to a quantitative assessment of these effects, we should be able to generate high-degree p-modes frequencies so crucial in the diagnostic of the layers just below solar surface.

Korzennik, Sylvain G.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Automated Grouping of Opportunity Rover Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer Compositional Data

The Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) conducts high-precision in situ measurements of rocks and soils on both active NASA Mars rovers. Since 2004 the rover Opportunity has acquired around 440 unique APXS measurements, including a wide variety of compositions, during its 42+ kilometers traverse across several geological formations. Here we discuss an analytical comparison algorithm providing a means to cluster samples due to compositional similarity and the resulting automated classification scheme. Due to the inherent variance of elements in the APXS data set, each element has an associated weight that is inversely proportional to the variance. Thus, the more consistent the abundance of an element in the data set, the more it contributes to the classification. All 16 elements standard to the APXS data set are considered. Careful attention is also given to the errors associated with the composition measured by the APXS - larger uncertainties reduce the weighting of the element accordingly. The comparison of two targets, i and j, generates a similarity score, S(sub ij). This score is immediately comparable to an average ratio across all elements if one assumes standard weighted uncertainty. The algorithm facilitates the classification of APXS targets by chemistry alone - independent of target appearance and geological context which can be added later as a consistency check. For the N targets considered, a N by N hollow matrix, S, is generated where S = S(sup T). The average relation score, S(sub av), for target N(sub i) is simply the average of column i of S. A large S(sub av) is indicative of a unique sample. In such an instance any targets with a low comparison score can be classified alike. The threshold between classes requires careful consideration. Applying the algorithm to recent Marathon Valley targets indicates similarities with Burns formation and average-Mars-like rocks encountered earlier at Endeavour Crater as well as a new class of felsic rocks.

VanBommel, S. J.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Influence of sizing concentration on strength, stiffness, and porosity in textile grade carbon fiber (TCF)-Epoxy composites: Revealing inverse trends

The effect of fiber sizing (i.e., surface treatment) concentration (0 %, 1.36 %, 1.52 %, 1.94 %, and 2.13 %) on the mechanical properties (tensile, flexural, interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), and low velocity impact) of textile grade carbon fiber (TCF)-epoxy composite is examined. An inverse relationship between the strength and stiffness of the composite is observed with increased sizing concentration. The root mean square (RMS) roughness of the fiber surface increased from 17.8 nm (unsized) to 22.7 nm with 2.13 % sizing concentration. It was found that the tensile strength increased by 131 % from 221.4 ± 18.5 MPa (unsized) to 510.8 ± 28.05 MPa (for 1.36 % sizing) and further by 155 %–563.7 ± 14.95 MPa at 2.13 % sizing. On the contrary, the stiffness is initially increased by 126 % from 33.52 ± 7.80 GPa (unsized) to 75.9 ± 3.21 GPa (for 1.36 % sizing) but reduced with further increase in the sizing concentration. A single fiber pull-out test is simulated using the finite element method to validate the reverse trend in strength and stiffness. The varying sizing concentration is simulated by introducing an interface of varying thickness between fibers and matrix. Simulation results confirm that a thicker interface, corresponding to a higher sizing concentration, decreases interfacial shear stress, enhancing material strength while decreasing stiffness. The reverse trend in strength and stiffness with the sizing concentration aligns with experimental observations. In conclusion, the present study emphasizes the importance of sizing concentration for mechanical properties and provide a design criterion for customized high-strength and high-stiffness applications.

Porosity↗
DOE OSTI2025

Structure and Sulfur: Tuning the Viscoelastic and Surface Properties of Natural Keratin Fibers

Natural keratin fibers, such as wool, possess a complex hierarchical structure that governs their mechanical properties and surface energy. However, the extent to which these characteristics are influenced by combined contributions of structural variations (e.g., fiber diameter, intermediate filament (IF) packing) and chemical composition (e.g., disulfide bond density) remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigate wool fibers from five sheep breeds (Merino, Polwarth, Cheviot, Eider, and Devon) to elucidate how these factors influence viscoelasticity and surface interactions. Using a multimodal approach integrating interfacial and bulk characterization methods, including inverse gas chromatography (IGC), atomic force microscopy-infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), uniaxial tensile testing, and synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), we show that the nanometer-thick 18-methyleicosanoic acid (18-MEA) layer is consistently present across all wool types and plays a key role in governing hydrophobicity and surface heterogeneity. A controlled isothermal treatment at 200 °C, designed to cleave disulfide bonds, results in a nearly 40% reduction in specific surface area across all fiber types, accompanied by a significant decrease in tensile strength and 80% reduction in elongation at break for Merino and Devon wool, but limited influence on the mechanical properties of Eider fibers. Furthermore, rate-dependent tensile testing within the elastic regime reveals distinct viscoelastic responses among the fiber types, suggesting that the sulfur-rich protein matrix surrounding IFs and its structure contribute actively to stress partitioning. Altogether, when combined with conclusions from SAXS measurements of IF spacing, our work offers compelling insights into the role of the keratin-associated protein (KAP) matrix in shaping wool fiber mechanics. Differences in mechanical behavior among wool types, despite similar IF spacing or sulfur content, highlight the importance of matrix composition and cross-linking density, suggesting that the molecular architecture of the KAP network may be a dominant factor in determining fiber performance.

X-ray scattering↗
NASA NTRS2010

Extinction-to-Backscatter Ratios of Saharan Dust Layers Derived from In-Situ Measurements and CALIPSO Overflights During NAMMA

We determine the extinction-to-backscatter (Sa) ratios of dust using (1) airborne in-situ measurements of microphysical properties, (2) modeling studies, and (3) the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) observations recorded during the NASA African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analyses (NAMMA) field experiment conducted from Sal, Cape Verde during Aug-Sept 2006. Using CALIPSO measurements of the attenuated backscatter of lofted Saharan dust layers, we apply the transmittance technique to estimate dust Sa ratios at 532 nm and a 2-color method to determine the corresponding 1064 nm Sa. This method yielded dust Sa ratios of 39.8 plus or minus 1.4 sr and 51.8 plus or minus 3.6 sr at 532 nm and 1064 nm, respectively. Secondly, Sa at both wavelengths is independently calculated using size distributions measured aboard the NASA DC-8 and estimates of Saharan dust complex refractive indices applied in a T-Matrix scheme. We found Sa ratios of 39.1 plus or minus 3.5 sr and 50.0 plus or minus 4 sr at 532 nm and 1064 nm, respectively, using the T-Matrix calculations applied to measured size spectra. Finally, in situ measurements of the total scattering (550 nm) and absorption coefficients (532 nm) are used to generate an extinction profile that is used to constrain the CALIPSO 532 nm extinction profile and thus generate a stratified 532 nm Sa. This method yielded an Sa ratio at 532 nm of 35.7 sr in the dust layer and 25 sr in the marine boundary layer consistent with a predominantly seasalt aerosol near the ocean surface. Combinatorial simulations using noisy size spectra and refractive indices were used to estimate the mean and uncertainty (one standard deviation) of these Sa ratios. These simulations produced a mean (plus or minus uncertainty) of 39.4 (plus or minus 5.9) sr and 56.5 (plus or minus 16.5) sr at 532 nm and 1064 nm, respectively, corresponding to percent uncertainties of 15% and 29%. These results will provide a measurements-based estimate of the dust Sa for use in backscatter lidar inversion algorithms such as CALIOP.

Omar, Ali H.↗
NASA NTRS1996

DCTune Perceptual Optimization of Compressed Dental X-Rays

In current dental practice, x-rays of completed dental work are often sent to the insurer for verification. It is faster and cheaper to transmit instead digital scans of the x-rays. Further economies result if the images are sent in compressed form. DCTune is a technology for optimizing DCT (digital communication technology) quantization matrices to yield maximum perceptual quality for a given bit-rate, or minimum bit-rate for a given perceptual quality. Perceptual optimization of DCT color quantization matrices. In addition, the technology provides a means of setting the perceptual quality of compressed imagery in a systematic way. The purpose of this research was, with respect to dental x-rays, 1) to verify the advantage of DCTune over standard JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), 2) to verify the quality control feature of DCTune, and 3) to discover regularities in the optimized matrices of a set of images. We optimized matrices for a total of 20 images at two resolutions (150 and 300 dpi) and four bit-rates (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0 bits/pixel), and examined structural regularities in the resulting matrices. We also conducted psychophysical studies (1) to discover the DCTune quality level at which the images became 'visually lossless,' and (2) to rate the relative quality of DCTune and standard JPEG images at various bitrates. Results include: (1) At both resolutions, DCTune quality is a linear function of bit-rate. (2) DCTune quantization matrices for all images at all bitrates and resolutions are modeled well by an inverse Gaussian, with parameters of amplitude and width. (3) As bit-rate is varied, optimal values of both amplitude and width covary in an approximately linear fashion. (4) Both amplitude and width vary in systematic and orderly fashion with either bit-rate or DCTune quality; simple mathematical functions serve to describe these relationships. (5) In going from 150 to 300 dpi, amplitude parameters are substantially lower and widths larger at corresponding bit-rates or qualities. (6) Visually lossless compression occurs at a DCTune quality value of about 1. (7) At 0.25 bits/pixel, comparative ratings give DCTune a substantial advantage over standard JPEG. As visually lossless bit-rates are approached, this advantage of necessity diminishes. We have concluded that DCTune optimized quantization matrices provide better visual quality than standard JPEG. Meaningful quality levels may be specified by means of the DCTune metric. Optimized matrices are very similar across the class of dental x-rays, suggesting the possibility of a 'class-optimal' matrix. DCTune technology appears to provide some value in the context of compressed dental x-rays.

Watson, Andrew B.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Two transitions in complex eigenvalue statistics: Hermiticity and integrability breaking

Open quantum systems have complex energy eigenvalues which are expected to follow non-Hermitian random matrix statistics, when chaotic, or two-dimensional (2d) Poisson statistics, when integrable. We investigate the spectral properties of a many-body quantum spin chain, i.e., the Hermitian Heisenberg model with imaginary disorder. Its rich complex eigenvalue statistics is found to separately break both Hermiticity and integrability at different scales of the disorder strength. With no disorder, the system is integrable and Hermitian, with spectral statistics corresponding to the 1d Poisson point process. At very small disorder, we find a transition from 1d Poisson statistics to an effective D -dimensional Poisson point process, showing Hermiticity breaking. At intermediate disorder, we find integrability breaking, as inferred from the statistics matching that of non-Hermitian complex symmetric random matrices in class AI † . For large disorder, as the spins align, we recover the expected integrability (now in the non-Hermitian setup), indicated by 2d Poisson statistics. These conclusions are based on fitting the spin-chain data of numerically generated nearest- and next-to-nearest-neighbor spacing distributions to an effective 2d Coulomb gas description at inverse temperature β . We confirm that such an effective description of random matrices also applies in classes AI † and AII † up to next-to-nearest-neighbor spacings. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

Akemann, Gernot (ORCID:0000000217104258)↗
NASA NTRS2008

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↗
DOE OSTI2025

Analog Systems for Edge Optimization

Over the past decade, analog computing has the subject of substantial research interest providing a path toward improved computational efficiency in the post-Dennard era. Analog matrix vector multiplication (MVM) accelerators provide a popular approach given the ubiquity of MVM operations in numerous applications. However, historically analog computing systems can struggle with applications requiring high precision due to the inherent susceptibility of these systems to analog non-idealities. Therefore, prior work on analog systems has focused either on applications known to be tolerant of limited precision (e.g., neural network inference), or using expensive techniques to emulate high-precision using many analog MVM operations. In this work, we propose an alternative approach. Motivated by recent advances in inexact nonlinear solvers and optimizers, we explore the potential of co-designing optimization algorithms which can take full advantage of the fundamentally inexact analog MVM operations. To enable these co-designed algorithms we also develop a general mathematical theory of the precision and energy efficiency of analog operations, and a new system architecture for tightly-coupled analog and digital computation. Finally, we examine the applicability of analog computing to a wider class of symmetric positive definite systems and find potential in using analog operations as a sparse approximate inverse preconditioner. With these core innovations, this project provides a path toward effectively implementing optimization algorithms on power-constrained autonomous and semi-autonomous systems.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
NASA NTRS1996

Guidance of Nonlinear Nonminimum-Phase Dynamic Systems

The research work has advanced the inversion-based guidance theory for: systems with non-hyperbolic internal dynamics; systems with parameter jumps; and systems where a redesign of the output trajectory is desired. A technique to achieve output tracking for nonminimum phase linear systems with non-hyperbolic and near non-hyperbolic internal dynamics was developed. This approach integrated stable inversion techniques, that achieve exact-tracking, with approximation techniques, that modify the internal dynamics to achieve desirable performance. Such modification of the internal dynamics was used (a) to remove non-hyperbolicity which is an obstruction to applying stable inversion techniques and (b) to reduce large preactuation times needed to apply stable inversion for near non-hyperbolic cases. The method was applied to an example helicopter hover control problem with near non-hyperbolic internal dynamics for illustrating the trade-off between exact tracking and reduction of preactuation time. Future work will extend these results to guidance of nonlinear non-hyperbolic systems. The exact output tracking problem for systems with parameter jumps was considered. Necessary and sufficient conditions were derived for the elimination of switching-introduced output transient. While previous works had studied this problem by developing a regulator that maintains exact tracking through parameter jumps (switches), such techniques are, however, only applicable to minimum-phase systems. In contrast, our approach is also applicable to nonminimum-phase systems and leads to bounded but possibly non-causal solutions. In addition, for the case when the reference trajectories are generated by an exosystem, we developed an exact-tracking controller which could be written in a feedback form. As in standard regulator theory, we also obtained a linear map from the states of the exosystem to the desired system state, which was defined via a matrix differential equation.

Devasia, Santosh↗