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At least 523 records · Page 29

A Flexible Parameterization for Shortwave and Longwave Optical Properties of Ice Crystals and Derived Bulk Optical Properties for Climate Models

We provide a parameterization of the extinction efficiency, single scattering albedo and asymmetry parameter of single ice crystals with any combination of particle volume, projected area, component aspect ratio and crystal distortion at any wavelength between 0.2 and 100 mm. The paramerization is an extension of the one previously published by van Diedenhoven et al. (2014, https://doi.org/10.1175/JAS-D-13-0205.1). In addition, the parameterized optical properties are integrated over size distributions yielding bulk extinction efficiencies, single scattering albedos and asymmetry parameters for large ranges of effective radii, particle component aspect ratios and crystal distortion values. The parameterization of single particle optical properties is evaluated with a reference database. The bulk optical properties are evaluated against the ice model selected for the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Collection 6 products, for which accurate optical properties are available. Mean absolute errors in parameterized extinction efficiency, asymmetry parameter and single scattering albedo are shown to be 0.0272, 0.00890 and 0.00468, respectively for shortwave wavelengths, while they are 0.0641, 0.0368 and 0.0200 in the longwave. Shortwave and longwave asymmetry parameter and single scattering albedos are shown to vary strongly with particle component aspect ratio and distortion, resulting in substantial variation in shortwave fluxes, but relatively small variations in longwave cloud emissivity. The parameterization and bulk optical properties are made publicly available.

Bastiaan Van Diedenhoven↗

A Fast Vector Radiative Transfer Model for the Atmosphere-Ocean Coupled System

To infer atmospheric and oceanic constituent properties from polarimetric observations, an efficient and accurate retrieval algorithm is desirable. In-line radiative transfer calculations are indispensable if a large state vector, including both atmospheric profiles and surface properties, is used to improve retrieval accuracy. However, in-line radiative transfer calculations are usually not computationally efficient for remote sensing applications. Therefore, there is a pressing need to develop an accurate and fast vector radiative transfer model (RTM) to fully utilize satellite polarimetric observations. This paper reports on a fast vector RTM, referred to as TAMU-VRTM, in support of polarimetric remote sensing, which is capable of simulating the Stokes vector values observed at the top of the atmosphere and at the surface by fully considering absorption, scattering, and emission in the atmosphere and ocean. Gaseous absorption is parameterized with respect to gas concentration, temperature, and pressure, by using a regression method applicable to an inhomogeneous atmospheric path. An efficient two-component approach combining the small angle approximation and the adding-doubling method is utilized to solve the vector radiative transfer equation (RTE). The thermal emission component of the RTE solution is obtained by an efficient doubling process. The air-sea interface is treated as a wind-ruffled rough surface in the model to mimic a realistic ocean surface. Several oceanic optical property models are introduced to model ocean inherent optical properties. To demonstrate the applicability of the TAMUVRTM, simulations are compared with satellite observations, and results from other vector radiative transfer methods including benchmarks.

radiative transfer in coupled atmosphere-ocean sys↗

Modelling of a space-based Ronchi ruling experiment for high-precision astrometry

An end-to-end modelling program for an astrometric telescope employing a Ronchi ruling has been developed. The program models the aberrated images formed anywhere in the field-of-view. It then determines apparent centroids by simulating the motion of a Ronchi ruling across the field. Photo-electron statistics are included. A 6-term plate-constant model is used to determine the apparent motion of a target star within a reference frame as the object is re-observed through both ideal and perturbed optics. The modelling code is accurate at the submicroarcsecond level. optics. The modelling code is accurate at the submicroarcsecond level.

Shaklan, S.↗

Comparative determinant quantum Monte Carlo study of the acoustic and optical variants of the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model

We compare the acoustic Su–Schrieffer–Heeger (SSH) model with two of its optical variants where the phonons are defined on either on the sites or bonds of the system. First, we discuss how to make fair comparisons between these models in any dimension by ensuring their dimensionless coupling λ and relevant phonon energies are the same. We then use determinant quantum Monte Carlo to perform nonperturbative and sign-problem-free simulations of all three models on one-dimensional chains at and away from half-filling. By comparing the results obtained from each model, we demonstrate that the optical and acoustic models produce near identical results within error bars for suitably chosen phonon energies and λ at half-filling. In contrast, the bond model has quantitatively different behavior due to its coupling to the q = 0 phonon mode. These differences also manifest in the total length of the chain, which shrinks for the bond model but not for the acoustic and optical models when λ ≠ 0. Furthermore, our results have important implications for quantum Monte Carlo modeling of SSH-like interactions, where these models are sometimes regarded as being interchangeable.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

On-Orbit Measurements of Solar Exclusion Angle for Modular Agile Scalable Optical Terminal (MAScOT) on the ILLUMA-T Mission

The Integrated LCRD Low-Earth Orbit User Modem and Amplifier Terminal (ILLUMA-T) optical communications payload operated on the International Space Station (ISS) for 8 months, concluding in June 2024. ILLUMA-T made the ISS the first space-based user to communicate with NASA’s Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD). ILLUMA-T was also the first flight demonstration of the Modular, Agile, Scalable Optical Terminal (MAScOT) which will also be used in the Orion Artemis II Optical Communications (O2O) program, where it will provide an optical communications link for the crew aboard the Artemis II mission. Often optical and radio frequency communications systems have outages when they are pointing close to the Sun, where unwanted incident and scattered solar energy significantly reduces or prohibits operations. The MAScOT was designed to reduce the impact of any solar scatter through optical design, material choices, surface treatments and high cleanliness levels. Based on optical scattering models, a solar exclusion angle of 10 degrees was established for ILLUMA-T. This paper presents optical scattering modeling predictions, pre-launch laboratory testing results, and on-orbit measurements of solar scatter at angles ranging from 3 to 25 degrees.

optical communications↗

Predictive Thermal Control (PTC) Technology to Enable Thermally Stable Telescopes

The Predictive Thermal Control (PTC) technology development project is a multiyear effort initiated in Fiscal Year (FY) 2017, to mature the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of critical technologies required to enable ultra-thermally-stable telescopes for exoplanet science. During 2017/18 PTC has successfully progressed its three defined objectives: 1. Validate thermal optical performance models. 2. Derive thermal system stability specifications. 3. Demonstrate Predictive Thermal Control. by accomplishing or advancing three of its five quantifiable milestones: Milestone #1 (Complete): Created a high-fidelity STOP (Structural-Thermal-Optical-Performance) model of the1.5 meter ULE® AMTD (Advanced Mirror Technology Development)-2 mirror, including 3D CTE (Coefficient of Thermal Expansion) distribution and reflective coating, that predicts its optical performance response to steady-state and dynamic thermal gradients. Structural model was created using 3D X-Ray Computed Tomography; Milestone #2 (Complete): Derived specifications for thermal control system as a function of wavefront stability for a Vector Vortex Coronagraph; Milestone #3 (In-Process): Designed and started fabricating a predictive Thermal Control System for the AMTD-2 1.5 meter ULE® mirror that senses temperature changes and actively controls the mirror's thermal environment; Milestone #4 (In-Process): Performed preliminary STOP model validation tests of the 1.5-m ULE® mirror in a relevant thermal vacuum environment at the MSFC X-ray and Cryogenic Facility (XRCF) test facility; Milestone #5: Use validated model to perform trade studies to determine how thermo-optical performance can be optimized as a function of mirror design, material selection, mass, etc.

Stahl, H. Philip↗

Retrievals of Aerosol Microphysics from Simulations of Spaceborne Multiwavelength Lidar Measurements

In support of the Aerosol, Clouds, Ecosystems mission, simulations of a spaceborne multiwavelength lidar are performed based on global model simulations of the atmosphere along a satellite orbit track. The yield for aerosol microphysical inversions is quantified and comparisons are made between the aerosol microphysics inherent in the global model and those inverted from both the model's optical data and the simulated three backscatter and two extinction lidar measurements, which are based on the model's optical data. We find that yield can be significantly increased if inversions based on a reduced optical dataset of three backscatter and one extinction are acceptable. In general, retrieval performance is better for cases where the aerosol fine mode dominates although a lack of sensitivity to particles with sizes less than 0.1 microns is found. Lack of sensitivity to coarse mode cases is also found, in agreement with earlier studies. Surface area is generally the most robustly retrieved quantity. The work here points toward the need for ancillary data to aid in the constraints of the lidar inversions and also for joint inversions involving lidar and polarimeter measurements.

aerosols↗

Considering nonlocality in the optical potentials within eikonal models

Background: For its simplicity, the eikonal method is the tool of choice to analyze nuclear reactions at high energies (E > 100 MeV/nucleon), including knockout reactions. However, so far, the effective interactions used in this method are assumed to be fully local. Purpose: Given the recent studies on nonlocal optical potentials, in this work we assess whether nonlocality in the optical potentials is expected to impact reactions at high energies and then explore different avenues for extending the eikonal method to include nonlocal interactions. Method: We compare angular distributions obtained for nonlocal interactions (using the exact R-matrix approach for elastic scattering and the adiabatic distorted wave approximation for transfer) with those obtained using their local-equivalent interactions. Results: Our results show that transfer observables are significantly impacted by nonlocality in the high-energy regime. Because knockout reactions are dominated by stripping (transfer to inelastic channels), nonlocality is expected to have a large effect on knockout observables too. Three approaches are explored for extending the eikonal method to nonlocal interactions, including an iterative method and a perturbation theory. Conclusions: None of the derived extensions of the eikonal model provide a good description of elastic scattering. Here, this paper suggests that nonlocality removes the formal simplicity associated with the eikonal model.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Glass sample characterization

The development of in-house integrated optical performance modelling capability at MSFC is described. This performance model will take into account the effects of structural and thermal distortions, as well as metrology errors in optical surfaces to predict the performance of large an complex optical systems, such as Advanced X-Ray Astrophysics Facility. The necessary hardware and software were identified to implement an integrated optical performance model. A number of design, development, and testing tasks were supported to identify the debonded mirror pad, and rebuilding of the Technology Mirror Assembly. Over 300 samples of Zerodur were prepared in different sizes and shapes for acid etching, coating, and polishing experiments to characterize the subsurface damage and stresses produced by the grinding and polishing operations.

Ahmad, Anees↗

Learnings from the Marcellus Shale Energy and Environmental Lab (MSEEL) Using Fiber Optic Tools and Geomechanical Modeling

The study focuses on the MIP and Boggess pads of the MSEEL (Marcellus Shale Energy and Environmental Laboratory), a public-private partnership with a mandate to publicly release data for scientists and engineers to engage with. Multiple diagnostic tools are used to characterize the formation and monitor fracture treatment and propagation. Geomechanical modeling is used to understand the insitu stresses, microseismic to describe half-lengths and heights, and fiber optics to characterize offset well. Fracture Driven Interactions (FDI’s) and interstage communication. Recent publications covering the MSEEL MIP-3H and MIP-5H wells are reviewed and discussed. A preview of the findings from the Boggess pad (first production in November 2019) is also shared here

03 NATURAL GAS↗

Optical Communication Link Atmospheric Attenuation Model

The Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Center for Networking, Integration, and Communications (SCENIC) user interface, which provides web accessible space mission simulation and communication system analysis capabilities using verified and validated analysis algorithms, can execute analyses including, but not limited to, line-of-sight, orbit propagation, and dynamic link budget calculations between sets of missions and/or assets. SCENIC's purpose is to provide NASA civil servants and contractors a user-friendly tool, integrated with model data, that can simulate and analyze a range of space mission architectures without the need for repeated and redundant modeling. Given the abundance and further future development of free space optical (FSO) communication channels within modern space infrastructure, the availability of a reliable optical link analysis capability is crucial for SCENIC users. The efforts outlined in this paper aim to provide a model for atmospheric attenuation of FSO communication links, both due to absorption/scattering and turbulence, to increase the accuracy of SCENIC's optical link assessment capabilities. A previous model existed for optical absorption/scattering within the SCaN Link Budget Tool, but it was not location specific for the Earth ground-based nodes, nor was the model optimized for run-time. The new model utilizes years of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) visibility data from ground station locations around the world. Visibility, along with the wavelength of the optical signal, are input parameters to calculate the optical specific attenuation, which is a parameter in the calculation of the slant-path attenuation. A final FSO atmospheric attenuation value is comprised of the absorption/scattering attenuation and the turbulence attenuation. A run-time efficient algorithm for the model was then developed and programmed in MATLAB ® . Due to the simple model and vectorization possible in MATLAB, the algorithm has an average run-time of less than one fourth of the run-time of the previous implementation.

Jack L Green↗

Fast Steering Mirror Disturbance Effects on Overall System Optical Performance for the Large Ultraviolet/optical/infrared Surveyor (LUVOIR) Concept Using a Non-Contact Vibration Isolation and Precision Pointing System

As the optical performance requirements of space telescopes get more stringent, the need to analyze all possible error sources early in the mission design becomes critical. One large telescope with tight performance requirements is the Large Ultraviolet / Optical / Infrared Surveyor (LUVOIR) concept. The LUVOIR concept includes a 15-meter-diameter segmented-aperture telescope with a suite of serviceable instruments operating over a range of wavelengths between 100nm to 2.5um. Using an isolation architecture that involves no mechanical contact between the telescope and the host spacecraft structure allows for tighter performance metrics than current space-based telescopes being flown. Because of this separation, the spacecraft disturbances can be greatly reduced and disturbances on the telescope payload contribute more to the optical performance error. A portion of the optical performance error comes from the disturbances generated from the motion of the Fast Steering Mirror (FSM) on the payload. Characterizing the effects of this disturbance gives insight into the specifications on the FSM needed to achieve the tight optical performance requirements of the overall system. Through analysis of the LUVOIR finite element model and linear optical model given a range of input disturbances at the FSM, the optical performance of the telescope and recommendations for FSM specifications can be determined. The LUVOIR observatory control strategy consists of a multi-loop control architecture including the spacecraft Attitude Control System (ACS), Vibration Isolation and Precision Pointing System (VIPPS), and FSM. This paper focuses on the control loop containing the FSM disturbances and their effects on the telescope optical performance.

Sacks, Lia W.↗

Models of Saturn's rings which satisfy the optical observations

A theoretical model of Saturn's rings is investigated which includes the shadowing effect and realistic anisotropic phase functions for the ring particles. The effects of multiple scattering and the finite size of the sun, including the penumbra, are rigorously included. The permissible range of the relevant parameters, including optical thickness, single scattering albedo, volume density, and phase function are investigated by comparing the theoretical results to observations of the ring brightness vs phase angle, wavelength, and elevation of the sun and earth. Anisotropic scattering by the ring particles is necessary in order to match the observations. The color dependence of the opposition effect is interpreted in terms of the albedo spectrum of the ring particles.

Kawata, Y.↗

Computational models of direct and indirect X‐ray breast imaging detectors for in silico trials

Abstract Background To facilitate in silico studies that investigate digital mammography (DM) and breast tomosynthesis (DBT), models replicating the variety in imaging performance of the DM and DBT systems, observed across manufacturers are needed. Purpose The main purpose of this work is to develop generic physics models for direct and indirect detector technology used in commercially available systems, with the goal of making them available open source to manufacturers to further tweak and develop the exact in silico replicas of their systems. Methods We recently reported on an in silico version of the SIEMENS Mammomat Inspiration DM/DBT system using an open‐source GPU‐accelerated Monte Carlo x‐ray imaging simulation code (MC‐GPU). We build on the previous version of the MC‐GPU codes to mimic the imaging performances of two other Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved DM/DBT systems, such as Hologic Selenia Dimensions (HSD) and the General Electric Senographe Pristina (GSP) systems. In this work, we developed a hybrid technique to model the optical spread and signal crosstalk observed in the GSP and HSD systems. MC simulations are used to track each x‐ray photon till its first interaction within the x‐ray detector. On the other hand, the signal spread in the x‐ray detectors is modeled using previously developed analytical equations. This approach allows us to preserve the modeling accuracy offered by MC methods in the patient body, while speeding up secondary carrier transport (either electron–hole pairs or optical photons) using analytical equations in the detector. The analytical optical spread model for the indirect detector includes the depth‐dependent spread and collection of optical photons and relies on a pre‐computed set of point response functions that describe the optical spread as a function of depth. To understand the capabilities of the computational x‐ray detector models, we compared image quality metrics like modulation transfer function (MTF), normalized noise power spectrum (NNPS), and detective quantum efficiency (DQE), simulated with our models against measured data. Please note that the purpose of these comparisons with measured data would be to gauge if the model developed as part of this work could replicate commercially used direct and indirect technology in general and not to achieve perfect fits with measured data. Results We found that the simulated image quality metrics such as MTF, NNPS, and DQE were in reasonable agreement with experimental data. To demonstrate the imaging performance of the three DM/DBT systems, we integrated the detector models with the VICTRE pipeline and simulated DM images of a fatty breast model containing a spiculated mass and a calcium oxalate cluster. In general, we found that the images generated using the indirect model appeared more blurred with a different noise texture and contrast as compared to the systems with direct detectors. Conclusions We have presented computational models of three commercially available FDA‐approved DM/DBT systems, which implement both direct and indirect detector technology. The updated versions of the MC‐GPU codes that can be used to replicate three systems are available in open source format through GitHub.

Sengupta, Aunnasha↗

MODELING AND METHOD FOR OPTICAL PERFORMANCE OF A RECEIVER COATING AND ITS DEGRADATION DUE TO OPERATION

The optical properties of the coating used on a concentrated solar power (CSP)’s receiver directly impact the performance of the power plant. Receiver coatings are designed to absorb as much heat as possible and transfer it to the circulating fluid. Over time, the absorptivity of the receiver coating degrades due to environmental and operational conditions. This project aims to (1) create a test apparatus that allows coatings to undergo accelerated lifetime testing under conditions that mimic what the coating will experience on-tower; and (2) develop a mathematical model that based on the test data predicts absorptivity over time. To create the mathematical model, samples of BrightSource Energy’s Gen1 and Gen2 coatings were tested first looking at individual failure modes (such as high temperature cycling) and then for combined failure modes in the newly developed apparatus. In addition to taking optical measurements, the samples were destroyed to allow for metalogical evaluation to understand what was happening on a microscopic level. Pre-existing models from the literature that describe accelerated testing as well as individual phenomena observed in the coating were then combined to create the model. Additionally, the Gen2 and Gen3 coatings are being testing at the Plataforma Solar de Almería (PSA) facility in Almeria, Spain to confirm that the apparatus test results are similar to those received on-sun. (PSA’s facility closely mimics on-tower conditions). The goal is to enable industry players to test coatings using the new apparatus, gather absorptivity measurements (without needing to destroy samples), and input the information into the model to determine how the coating will perform over time, thus allowing the optical performance of coatings to be compared even before they are used on-tower. The model will be publicly available by the end of the project (currently projected as December 2024).

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Analysis of helium-rich subdwarf O stars. 1: NLTE models, methods, and fits for 21 Palomar Green survey sdOs

Atmospheric parameters for 21 helium-rich hot subdwarf O stars from the Palomar Green survey are found from fits of non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) models to optical spectra. About 250 new NLTE models in the parameter range T(sub eff) from 35,000 to 65,000 K, log (g) from 4.0 to 6.5, and epsilon(He) from 50% He to 99% He have been calculated. A fit for each object is presented. Estimated distances and luminosities are calculated, assuming a mass of 0.5 solar masses. Large distances above the Galactic plane are found, and this implies that the majority of the sdO stars belong to a different stellar population than the sdB, planetary nebulae and white dwarf stars. Possibilities may include the halo and a 'thick disk.' Kinematical data from the literature are also discussed in view of the found distances. Five of the stars have been observed, modeled, and analyzed by Dreizler et al., and significant differences exist between their results and ours for these stars. The reason for these differences is not yet known, but the problem does not alter the conclusions about population membership that we present.

Thejll, P.↗

MOEMS Modeling Using the Geometrical Matrix Toolbox

New technologies such as MicroOptoElectro-Mechanical Systems (MOEMS) require new modeling tools. These tools must simultaneously model the optical, electrical, and mechanical domains and the interactions between these domains. To facilitate rapid prototyping of these new technologies an optical toolbox has been developed for modeling MOEMS devices. The toolbox models are constructed using MATLAB's dynamical simulator, Simulink. Modeling toolboxes will allow users to focus their efforts on system design and analysis as opposed to developing component models. This toolbox was developed to facilitate rapid modeling and design of a MOEMS based laser ultrasonic receiver system.

Wilson, William C.↗