Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERACTIONS”

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 505 records · Page 28

Thin film block copolymer self-assembly for nanophotonics

The nanophotonic engineering of light–matter interactions has profoundly changed research behind the design and fabrication of optical materials and devices. Metasurfaces—arrays of subwavelength nanostructures that interact resonantly with electromagnetic radiation—have emerged as an integral nanophotonic platform for a new generation of ultrathin lenses, displays, polarizers and other devices. Their success hinges on advances in lithography and nanofabrication in recent decades. While existing nanolithography techniques are suitable for basic research and prototyping, issues of cost, throughput, scalability, and substrate compatibility may preclude their use for many metasurface applications. Patterning via spontaneous self-assembly of block copolymer thin films offers an enticing alternative for nanophotonic manufacturing that is rapid, inexpensive, and applicable to large areas and diverse substrates. This review discusses the advantages and disadvantages of block copolymer-based nanopatterning and highlights recent progress in their use for broadband antireflection, surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy, and other nanophotonic applications. Here recent advances in diversification of self-assembled block copolymer nanopatterns and improved processes for enhanced scalability of self-assembled nanopatterning using block copolymers are also discussed, with a spotlight on directions for future research that would enable a wider array of nanophotonic applications.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Quantum simulations of hydrodynamics via the Madelung transformation

Developing numerical methods to simulate efficiently nonlinear fluid dynamics on universal quantum computers is a challenging problem. In this paper, a generalization of the Madelung transform is defined to solve quantum relativistic charged fluid equations interacting with external electromagnetic forces via the Dirac equation. The Dirac equation is discretized into discrete-time quantum walks which can be efficiently implemented on universal quantum computers. A variant of this algorithm is proposed to implement simulations using current noisy intermediate scale quantum (NISQ) devices in the case of homogeneous external forces. High resolution (up to N=2 17 grid points) numerical simulations of relativistic and nonrelativistic hydrodynamical shocks on current IBM NISQs are performed with this algorithm. Here, this paper demonstrates that fluid dynamics can be simulated on NISQs, and opens the door to simulating other fluids, including plasmas, with more general quantum walks and quantum automata.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Control Design for Inhomogeneous-Broadening Compensation in Single-Photon Transducers

We report a transducer of single photons between microwave and optical frequencies can be used to realize quantum communication over optical fiber links between distant superconducting quantum computers. A promising scalable approach to constructing such a transducer is to use ensembles of quantum emitters interacting simultaneously with electromagnetic fields at optical and microwave frequencies. However, inhomogeneous broadening in the transition frequencies of the emitters can be detrimental to this collective action. In this paper, we utilize a gradient-based optimization strategy to design the temporal shape of the laser field driving the transduction system to mitigate the effects of inhomogeneous broadening. We study the improvement of transduction efficiencies as a function of inhomogeneous broadening in different single-emitter cooperativity regimes and correlate it with a restoration of super-radiance effects in the emitter ensembles. Furthermore, to assess the optimality of our pulse designs, we provide certifiable bounds on the design problem and compare them to the achieved performance.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

Effective field theory for radiative corrections to charged-current processes. II. Axial-vector coupling

Here we discuss the hadronic structure-dependent radiative corrections to the axial-vector coupling that controls single-nucleon weak charged-current processes—commonly denoted by 𝑔 𝐴 . We match the Standard Model at the GeV scale onto chiral perturbation theory at next-to-leading order in the one-nucleon sector, in the presence of electromagnetic and weak interactions. As a result, we provide a representation for the corrections to 𝑔 𝐴 in terms of infrared finite convolutions of simple kernels with the single-nucleon matrix elements of time-ordered products of two and three quark bilinears (vector, axial-vector, and pseudoscalar). We discuss strategies to determine the required nonperturbative input from data, lattice-QCD (+QED), and possibly hadronic models. This work paves the way for a precise comparison of the values of the ratio 𝑔 𝐴 ⁡/𝑔 𝑉 extracted from experiment and from lattice QCD, which constrain physics beyond the Standard Model.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

MO-E-18C-04: Advanced Computer Simulation and Visualization Tools for Enhanced Understanding of Core Medical Physics Concepts

Purpose: Most medical physics programs emphasize proficiency in routine clinical calculations and QA. The formulaic aspect of these calculations and prescriptive nature of measurement protocols obviate the need to frequently apply basic physical principles, which, therefore, gradually decay away from memory. E.g. few students appreciate the role of electron transport in photon dose, making it difficult to understand key concepts such as dose buildup, electronic disequilibrium effects and Bragg-Gray theory. These conceptual deficiencies manifest when the physicist encounters a new system, requiring knowledge beyond routine activities. Methods: Two interactive computer simulation tools are developed to facilitate deeper learning of physical principles. One is a Monte Carlo code written with a strong educational aspect. The code can “label” regions and interactions to highlight specific aspects of the physics, e.g., certain regions can be designated as “starters” or “crossers,” and any interaction type can be turned on and off. Full 3D tracks with specific portions highlighted further enhance the visualization of radiation transport problems. The second code calculates and displays trajectories of a collection electrons under arbitrary space/time dependent Lorentz force using relativistic kinematics. Results: Using the Monte Carlo code, the student can interactively study photon and electron transport through visualization of dose components, particle tracks, and interaction types. The code can, for instance, be used to study kerma-dose relationship, explore electronic disequilibrium near interfaces, or visualize kernels by using interaction forcing. The electromagnetic simulator enables the student to explore accelerating mechanisms and particle optics in devices such as cyclotrons and linacs. Conclusion: The proposed tools are designed to enhance understanding of abstract concepts by highlighting various aspects of the physics. The simulations serve as virtual experiments that give deeper and long lasting understanding of core principles. The student can then make sound judgements in novel situations encountered beyond routine clinical activities.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

A novel property of gold nanoparticles: Free radical generation under microwave irradiation

Purpose: Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are known to be effective mediators in microwave hyperthermia. Interaction with an electromagnetic field, large surface to volume ratio, and size quantization of nanoparticles (NPs) can lead to increased cell killing beyond pure heating effects. The purpose of this study is to explore the possibility of free radical generation by GNPs in aqueous media when they are exposed to a microwave field. Methods: A number of samples with 500 mM 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO) in 20 ppm GNP colloidal suspensions were scanned with an electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)/electron spin resonance spectrometer to generate and detect free radicals. A fixed (9.68 GHz) frequency microwave from the spectrometer has served for both generation and detection of radicals. EPR spectra obtained as first derivatives of intensity with the spectrometer were double integrated to get the free radical signal intensities. Power dependence of radical intensity was studied by applying various levels of microwave power (12.5, 49.7, and 125 mW) while keeping all other scan parameters the same. Free radical signal intensities from initial and final scans, acquired at the same power levels, were compared. Results: Hydroxyl radical (OH⋅) signal was found to be generated due to the exposure of GNP–DMPO colloidal samples to a microwave field. Intensity of OH⋅ signal thus generated at 12.5 mW microwave power for 2.8 min was close to the intensity of OH⋅ signal obtained from a water–DMPO sample exposed to 1.5 Gy ionizing radiation dose. For repeated scans, higher OH⋅ intensities were observed in the final scan for higher power levels applied between the initial and the final scans. Final intensities were higher also for a shorter time interval between the initial and the final scans. Conclusions: Our results observed for the first time demonstrate that GNPs generate OH⋅ radicals in aqueous media when they are exposed to a microwave field. If OH⋅ radicals can be generated close to deoxyribonucleic acid of cells by proper localization of NPs, NP-aided microwave hyperthermia can yield cell killing via both elevated temperature and free radical generation.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Surface waves on the boundary of a conducting medium and their excitation by a relativistic electron beam

Excitation of surface waves by a relativistic electron beam propagating over a conducting cylindrical medium (metal or highly ionized plasma) is investigated theoretically. Dispersion relations describing the linear interaction of surface electromagnetic waves with a monoenergetic electron beam are derived, and the growth rates and spatial amplification factors of excited waves are determined. Condition for the nonlinear trapping of the beam electrons by a surface wave is used to determine the maximum amplitude of the excited wave and the optimal radiator length. The electric field of a surface wave excited by an electron beam is estimated for a particular case.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Some studies of whistler mode amplification.

Whistler mode transverse electromagnetic plasma wave interaction with monoenergetic gyrating electron beam, noting instabilities and relevance to whistler amplification

Crawford, F. W.↗

Optical mixing in a magnetoactive plasma

Homogeneous plasma electrostatic oscillations excitation by electromagnetic waves nonlinear interaction in magnetic field, deriving expression for density perturbation

Weyl, G.↗

Banded whistlers observed on OGO-4

Inspection of broadband VLF records from OGO-4 shows that some whistlers exhibit a banded structure in which one or more bands of frequencies are missing from the whistler's spectrum. The phenomenon is commonly observed by satellites on midlatitude field lines at all local times and at various longitudes around the world. The dispersion of banded whistlers (BW) is of several tens of sec to the 1/2 power, indicating that they originated in the opposite hemisphere and are propagating downward at the satellite. BW are generally spread in time (tenths of seconds) rather than sharply defined and tend to occur at random. The frequency spacing of the bands may be either uniform or irregular, and may vary radically between successive events. Several possible explanations for BW are considered. In particular, an analysis of the interaction of plane electromagnetic waves traveling in an anisotropic plasma with a field aligned slab of enhanced ionization is presented with promising results.

Paymar, E. M.↗

Approximate analytic solutions for the optical pumping of fluorescent dyes

A general technique for solving a system of rate equations describing the interaction of an electromagnetic field and a molecular system is presented. The method is used to obtain approximate time-dependent solutions for the upper-level population of fluorescent dyes in the presence of a pump field.

Lawandy, N. M.↗

Approximate analytic solutions for the optical pumping of fluorescent dyes

A general technique for solving a system of rate equations describing the interaction of an electromagnetic field and a molecular system is presented. The method is used to obtain approximate time-dependent solutions for the upper-level populations of fluorescent dyes in the presence of a pump field.

Lawandy, N. M.↗

Microwave heating of the lower ionosphere

Changes in the properties of the lower ionosphere due to ohmic heating of the plasma by the solar power satellite (SPS) microwave power beam are considered. The development of a predictive model of the underdense interaction of an electromagnetic beam and the lower ionosphere is described. The extent to which the Platteville and Arecibo experiments simulate SPS conditions is considered.

Meltz, G.↗

Microwave emission and scattering from Earth surface and atmosphere

Nonlinear Electromagnetic (EM) wave interactions with the upper atmosphere were investigated during the period 15 December 1985 to 15 June 1986. Topics discussed include: the simultaneous excitation of ionospheric density irregularities and Earth's magnetic field fluctuations; the electron acceleration by Langmuir wave turbulence; and the occurrence of artificial spread F. The role of thermal effects in generating ionospheric irregularities by Whistler waves, intense Quasi-DC electric fields, atmospheric gravity waves, and electrojets was investigated. A model was developed to explain the discrete spectrum of the resonant ultralow frequency (ULF) waves that are commonly observed in the magnetosphere.

Kong, J. A.↗

Physics through the 1990s: Elementary-particle physics

The volume begins with a non-mathematical discussion of the motivation behind, and basic ideas of, elementary-particle physics theory and experiment. The progress over the past two decades with the quark model and unification of the electromagnetic and weak interactions is reviewed. Existing theoretical problems in the field, such as the origin of mass and the unification of the fundamental forces, are detailed, along with experimental programs to test the new theories. Accelerators, instrumentation, and detectors are described for both current and future facilities. Interactions with other areas of both theoretical and applied physics are presented. The sociology of the field is examined regarding the education of graduate students, the organization necessary in large-scale experiments, and the decision-making process involved in high-cost experiments. Finally, conclusions and recommendations for maintaining US excellence in theory and experiment are given. Appendices list both current and planned accelerators, and present statistical data on the US elementary-particle physics program. A glossary is included.

Source record↗

Horizontal fields generated by return strokes

Horizontal fields generated by return strokes play an important role in the interaction of lightning generated electric fields with power lines. In many of the recent investigations on the interaction of lightning electromagnetic fields with power lines, the horizontal field was calculated by employing the expression for the tilt of the electric field of a plane wave propagating over finitely conducting earth. The method is suitable for calculating horizontal fields generated by return strokes at distances as close as 200m. At these close ranges, the use of the wavetilt expression can cause large errors.

Cooray, Vernon↗

User's manual for three dimensional FDTD version D code for scattering from frequency-dependent dielectric and magnetic materials

The Penn State Finite Difference Time Domain Electromagnetic Scattering Code version D is a 3-D numerical electromagnetic scattering code based upon the finite difference time domain technique (FDTD). The manual provides a description of the code and corresponding results for several scattering problems. The manual is organized into 14 sections: introduction; description of the FDTD method; operation; resource requirements; version D code capabilities; a brief description of the default scattering geometry; a brief description of each subroutine; a description of the include file; a section briefly discussing Radar Cross Section computations; a section discussing some scattering results; a sample problem setup section; a new problem checklist; references and figure titles. The FDTD technique models transient electromagnetic scattering and interactions with objects of arbitrary shape and/or material composition. In the FDTD method, Maxwell's curl equations are discretized in time-space and all derivatives (temporal and spatial) are approximated by central differences.

Beggs, John H.↗

Electromagnetic processes in nucleus-nucleus collisions relating to space radiation research

Most of the papers within this report deal with electromagnetic processes in nucleus-nucleus collisions which are of concern in the space radiation program. In particular, the removal of one and two nucleons via both electromagnetic and strong interaction processes has been extensively investigated. The theory of relativistic Coulomb fission has also been developed. Several papers on quark models also appear. Finally, note that the theoretical methods developed in this work have been directly applied to the task of radiation protection of astronauts. This has been done by parameterizing the theoretical formalism in such a fashion that it can be used in cosmic ray transport codes.

Norbury, John W.↗