Radiometric Autonomous Navigation Fused with Optical for Deep Space Exploration
UNKNOWN
Bashkaran, Shyam↗
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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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Radiometric autonomous navigation fused with optical for deep space exploration
UNKNOWN
Bhaskaran, Shyam↗
EXPLORING INTERFEROMETRY DIAGNOSTICS FOR OPTICAL STOCHASTIC COOLING AT FAST/IOTA
Optical Stochastic Cooling (OSC) is an advanced beam-cooling technique that will advance the traditional stochastic cooling. This method leverages optical radiation and high-precision feedback to cool the particles more efficiently than traditional stochastic methods by more than three orders of magnitude. As such, it is an enabler for the development of next generation discovery science machines at the frontiers of energy and intensity. This paper focuses on the development of the second phase of OSC and improving extreme beam cooling techniques in accelerators. The goal was to build and characterize a Mach-Zehnder Interferometer (MZI) in the FAST laser lab using known glass plates thickness which will allow future measurements of unknown phase change due to nonlinear amplification processes.
Teriba, Folashade↗
Achieving Large-Scale, High-Resolution, Full Shell Replicated X-Ray Optics: Budgeting for Sources of Spatial Resolution Errors
Technology for a large-area, high-angular resolution mirror module for a future Great Observatory x-ray mission is progressing along different paths. To date, none of these are fully developed. Work at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) seeks to leverage the benefits of full shell optics while exploring the limits of using shell replication technology for optics production. Here, we provide an updated accounting of spatial-resolution-constraining error terms to give context to recent improvements in MSFC replicated optics, as well as guidance and justification for current and future directions of research. Content includes strawman error allocations for an optical system that is parametrically Lynx-like, where the replicated-optics technology stands relative to these allocations, and methodology for mapping development plans to efficiently identify the limiting factors and approaches to overcoming these.
error budget↗
A Study of an Optical Lunar Surface Communications Network with High Bandwidth Direct to Earth Link
Analyzed optical DTE (direct to earth) and lunar relay satellite link analyses, greater than 200 Mbps downlink to 1‐m Earth receiver and greater than 1 Mbps uplink achieved with mobile 5‐cm lunar transceiver, greater than 1Gbps downlink and greater than 10 Mpbs uplink achieved with 10‐cm stationary lunar transceiver, MITLL (MIT Lincoln Laboratory) 2013 LLCD (Lunar Laser Communications Demonstration) plans to demonstrate 622 Mbps downlink with 20 Mbps uplink between lunar orbiter and ground station; Identified top five technology challenges to deploying lunar optical network, Performed preliminary experiments on two of challenges: (i) lunar dust removal and (ii)DTN over optical carrier, Exploring opportunities to evaluate DTN (delay-tolerant networking) over optical link in a multi‐node network e.g. Desert RATS.
lunar surface system↗
A Unified Model for GRB Prompt Emission from Optical to Gamma-Rays; Exploring GRBs as Standard Candles
The origin of prompt emission from gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) remains to be an open question. Correlated prompt optical and gamma-ray emission observed in a handful of GRBs strongly suggests a common emission region, but failure to adequately fit the broadband GRB spectrum prompted the hypothesis of different emission mechanisms for the low- and high-energy radiations. We demonstrate that our multi-component model for GRB -ray prompt emission provides an excellent fit to GRB 110205A from optical to gamma-ray energies. Our results show that the optical and highest gamma-ray emissions have the same spatial and spectral origin, which is different from the bulk of the X- and softest gamma-ray radiation. Finally, our accurate redshift estimate for GRB 110205A demonstrates promise for using GRBs as cosmological standard candles.
acceleration of particles – black hole physics â↗
Review of concepts and investigations for the use of optical rotation as a means of detecting extraterrestrial life.
Optical activity in UV region of spectrum developed, using optical rotation to detect extraterrestrial life
SPACE EXPLORATION↗
Atomic-scale imaging of frequency-dependent phonon anisotropy
Directly visualizing vibrational anisotropy in individual phonon modes is essential for understanding a wide range of intriguing optical, thermal and elastic phenomena in materials. Although conventional optical and diffraction techniques have been used to estimate vibrational anisotropies, they fall short in achieving the spatial and energy resolution necessary to provide detailed information. Here, we introduce a new form of momentum-selective electron energy-loss spectroscopy, which enables the element-resolved imaging of frequency- and symmetry-dependent vibrational anisotropies with atomic resolution. Vibrational anisotropies manifest in different norms of orthogonal atomic displacements, known as thermal ellipsoids. Using the centrosymmetric strontium titanate as a model system, we observed two distinct types of oxygen vibrations with contrasting anisotropies: oblate thermal ellipsoids below 60 meV and prolate ones above 60 meV. In non-centrosymmetric barium titanate, our approach can detect subtle distortions of the oxygen octahedra by observing the unexpected modulation of q-selective signals between apical and equatorial oxygen sites near 55 meV, which originates from reduced crystal symmetry and may also be linked to ferroelectric polarization. These observations are quantitatively supported by theoretical modelling, which demonstrates the reliability of our approach. The measured frequency-dependent vibrational anisotropies shed new light on the dielectric and thermal behaviours governed by acoustic and optical phonons. Furthermore, the ability to visualize phonon eigenvectors at specific crystallographic sites with unprecedented spatial and energy resolution opens new avenues for exploring dielectric, optical, thermal and superconducting properties.
Ferroelectrics and multiferroics↗
Petahertz electronics
Petahertz, or lightwave, electronics uses tailored optical waveforms to control charge carriers in an electronic circuit at petahertz frequencies. This may enable faster processing than conventional pulsed electronics, which cannot be scaled beyond gigahertz frequencies. In recent years, petahertz-scale currents driven by optical fields have been measured in solid-state systems and nanoscale structures, with several proof-of-principle demonstrations of sub-optical-cycle current generation and optical-field-resolved waveform detection at the sub-femtosecond to few-femtosecond scale. Recent work has taken the first steps towards digital and quantum operation by exploring optical-field-driven logic and memory functionality. Here, in this Review, we discuss the progress towards sub-cycle field-driven current injection, highlighting key theoretical concepts, experimental milestones, and questions remaining as we push towards realizing petahertz electronics for ultrafast optical waveform analysis, digital logic, communications, and quantum computation.
Heide, Christian↗
Astrophysical Observations with the HEROES Balloon-borne Payload
The High Energy Replicated Optics to Explore the Sun (HEROES) payload flew on a balloon from Ft. Sumner, NM, September 21-22, 2013. HEROES is sensitive from about 20-75 keV and comprises 8 optics modules, each consisting of 13-14 nickel replicated optics shells and 8 Xenon-filled positionsensitive proportional counter detectors. HEROES is unique in that it is the first hard X-ray telescope that will observe the Sun and astrophysical targets in the same balloon flight. Our astrophysics targets include the Crab nebula and pulsar and the black hole binary GRS 1915+105. In this presentation, I will describe the HEROES mission, the data analysis pipeline and calibrations, and preliminary astrophysics results.
Wilson, C.↗
The HEROES Balloon-Borne Hard X-Ray Telescope
The High Energy Replicated Optics to Explore the Sun (HEROES) payload flew on a balloon from Ft. Sumner, NM, September 21-22, 2013. HEROES is sensitive from about 20-75 keV and comprises 8 optics modules (HPD approximately 33" as flown), each consisting of 13-14 nickel replicated optics shells and 8 matching Xenon-filled position-sensitive proportional counter detectors (dE/E=0.05 @ 60 keV). Our targets included the Sun, the Crab Nebula and pulsar and the black hole binary GRS 1915+105. HEROES was pointed using a day/night star camera system for astrophysical observations and a newly developed Solar Aspect System for solar observations (with a shutter protecting the star camera.) We have successfully detected the Crab Nebula. Analyses for GRS 1915+105 and the Sun are ongoing. In this presentation, I will describe the HEROES mission, the data analysis pipeline and calibrations, preliminary results, and plans for follow-on missions.
Wilson-Hodge, C.↗
Optically Addressing Circularly Polarized Vibrations in Molecules
Circularly polarized (CP) vibrations are the nuclear-motion analog of CP light, emerging in molecules with non-Abelian point-group symmetry that support orthogonal and degenerate vibrational normal modes. Here, in this work, we theoretically explore the optical addressability of CP vibrations, motivated by their potential as nanoscale angular momentum states suitable for information storage and manipulation. We investigate how symmetry-breaking chemical modifications affect a molecule’s capacity to support CP vibrations. Notably, we find cases where modes retain their orthogonality and degeneracy in spite of such modifications, broadening the opportunities afforded by CP vibrations beyond non-Abelian point-group molecules. Prospects for experimental implementations using CP pump–probe techniques are briefly discussed.
group theory↗
Optical Communication for Human Space Exploration--Status of Space Terminal Development for the Artemis II Crewed Mission to the Moon
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
space communications↗
NASA Tech Briefs, May 2012
Topics covered include: An "Inefficient Fin" Non-Dimensional Parameter to Measure Gas Temperatures Efficiently; On-Wafer Measurement of a Multi-Stage MMIC Amplifier with 10 dB of Gain at 475 GHz; Software to Control and Monitor Gas Streams; Miniaturized Laser Heterodyne Radiometer (LHR) for Measurements of Greenhouse Gases in the Atmospheric Column; Anomaly Detection in Test Equipment via Sliding Mode Observers; Absolute Position of Targets Measured Through a Chamber Window Using Lidar Metrology Systems; Goldstone Solar System Radar Waveform Generator; Fast and Adaptive Lossless Onboard Hyperspectral Data Compression System; Iridium Interfacial Stack - IrIS; Downsampling Photodetector Array with Windowing; Optical Phase Recovery and Locking in a PPM Laser Communication Link; High-Speed Edge-Detecting Line Scan Smart Camera; Optical Communications Channel Combiner; Development of Thermal Infrared Sensor to Supplement Operational Land Imager; Amplitude-Stabilized Oscillator for a Capacitance-Probe Electrometer; Automated Performance Characterization of DSN System Frequency Stability Using Spacecraft Tracking Data; Histogrammatic Method for Determining Relative Abundance of Input Gas Pulse; Predictive Sea State Estimation for Automated Ride Control and Handling - PSSEARCH; LEGION: Lightweight Expandable Group of Independently Operating Nodes; Real-Time Projection to Verify Plan Success During Execution; Automated Performance Characterization of DSN System Frequency Stability Using Spacecraft Tracking Data; Web-Based Customizable Viewer for Mars Network Overflight Opportunities; Fabrication of a Cryogenic Terahertz Emitter for Bolometer Focal Plane Calibrations; Fabrication of an Absorber-Coupled MKID Detector; Graphene Transparent Conductive Electrodes for Next- Generation Microshutter Arrays; Method of Bonding Optical Elements with Near-Zero Displacement; Free-Mass and Interface Configurations of Hammering Mechanisms; Wavefront Compensation Segmented Mirror Sensing and Control; Long-Life, Lightweight, Multi-Roller Traction Drives for Planetary Vehicle Surface Exploration; Reliable Optical Pump Architecture for Highly Coherent Lasers Used in Space Metrology Applications; Electrochemical Ultracapacitors Using Graphitic Nanostacks; Improved Whole-Blood-Staining Device; Monitoring Location and Angular Orientation of a Pill; Molecular Technique to Reduce PCR Bias for Deeper Understanding of Microbial Diversity; Laser Ablation Electrodynamic Ion Funnel for In Situ Mass Spectrometry on Mars; High-Altitude MMIC Sounding Radiometer for the Global Hawk Unmanned Aerial Vehicle; PRTs and Their Bonding for Long-Duration, Extreme-Temperature Environments; Mid- and Long-IR Broadband Quantum Well Photodetector; 3D Display Using Conjugated Multiband Bandpass Filters; Real-Time, Non-Intrusive Detection of Liquid Nitrogen in Liquid Oxygen at High Pressure and High Flow; Method to Enhance the Operation of an Optical Inspection Instrument Using Spatial Light Modulators; Dual-Compartment Inflatable Suitlock; Large-Strain Transparent Magnetoactive Polymer Nanocomposites; Thermodynamic Vent System for an On-Orbit Cryogenic Reaction Control Engine; Time Distribution Using SpaceWire in the SCaN Testbed on ISS; and Techniques for Solution- Assisted Optical Contacting.
Source record↗
SuperHERO: The Next Generation Hard X-ray HEROES Telescope
SuperHERO is a new high-sensitivity Long Duration Balloon (LDB)-capable, hard-x-ray (20-75 keV) telescope for making novel astrophysics and heliophysics observations. The proposed SuperHERO payload will be developed jointly by the Astrophysics Office at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, the Solar Physics Laboratory and Wallops Flight Facility at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. SuperHERO is a follow-on payload to the High Energy Replicated Optics to Explore the Sun (HEROES) balloon-borne telescope that recently launched from Fort Sumner, NM in September of 2013. The HEROES core instrument is a hard x-ray telescope consisting of x-ray 109 optics configured into 8 modules. Each module is aligned to a matching gas-filled detector at a focal length of 6 m. SuperHERO will make significant improvements to the HEROES payload, including: new solid-state multi-pixel CdTe detectors, additional optics, the Wallops Arc-Second Pointer, alignment monitoring systems and lighter gondola.
Gaskin, Jessica A.↗
SuperHERO: The Next Generation Hard X-Ray HEROES Telescope
SuperHERO is a new high-sensitivity Long Duration Balloon (LDB)-capable, hard-x-ray (20-75 keV) telescope for making novel astrophysics and heliophysics observations. The proposed SuperHERO payload will be developed jointly by the Astrophysics Office at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, the Solar Physics Laboratory and Wallops Flight Facility at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. SuperHERO is a follow-on payload to the High Energy Replicated Optics to Explore the Sun (HEROES) balloon-borne telescope that recently launched from Fort Sumner, NM in September of 2013. The HEROES core instrument is a hard x-ray telescope consisting of x-ray 109 optics configured into 8 modules. Each module is aligned to a matching gas-filled detector at a focal length of 6 m. SuperHERO will make significant improvements to the HEROES payload, including: new solid-state multi-pixel CdTe detectors, additional optics, the Wallops Arc-Second Pointer, alignment monitoring systems and lighter gondola.
Wilson-Hodge, Colleen A.↗
Schlieren optics for leak detection
The purpose of this research was to develop an optical method of leak detection. Various modifications of schlieren optics were explored with initial emphasis on leak detection of the plumbing within the orbital maneuvering system of the space shuttle (OMS pod). The schlieren scheme envisioned for OMS pod leak detection was that of a high contrast pattern on flexible reflecting material imaged onto a negative of the same pattern. We find that the OMS pod geometry constrains the characteristic length scale of the pattern to the order of 0.001 inch. Our experiments suggest that optical modulation transfer efficiency will be very low for such patterns, which will limit the sensitivity of the technique. Optical elements which allow a negative of the scene to be reversibly recorded using light from the scene itself were explored for their potential in adaptive single-ended schlieren systems. Elements studied include photochromic glass, bacteriorhodopsin, and a transmissive liquid crystal display. The dynamics of writing and reading patterns were studied using intensity profiles from recorded images. Schlieren detection of index gradients in air was demonstrated.
Peale, Robert E.↗
Optical design of the Diffuse Infrared Background Experiment for NASA's Cosmic Background Explorer
The conceptual design for a ten-band absolute filter photometer (the Diffuse Infrared Background Experiment) to operate at 2 K and measure galactic and extragalactic infrared radiation in the 1 to 300-micron range and polarization in the 1 to 3.5-micron range is presented, as part of the NASA Cosmic Background Explorer. The telescope optical design, a Gregorian design incorporating bafffles and shades to provide high stray-light rejection, is described. Pupil nonuniformity in the detector-assembly optical design has been limited. It is determined that detector sensitiity requirements can be met, and that the problem of radiation-induced responsivity variations can be solved by minimizing detector-assembly size, providing for in situ thermal annealing, and allowing for frequent detector calibration. Limitations on mirror performance are to be met by fabricating mirrors and structure from the same aluminum 6061 ingot.
Miller, M. S.↗