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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
NASA NTRS2008

Effect of Surface Traffic Count on Taxi Time at Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport

As the amount of air traffic increases over the years, most airports simply do not have the means of expanding to handle the intensified traffic on the surface that will ensue. Precise surveillance equipment and automation concepts, as well as advanced surface traffic algorithms are being developed to improve airport efficiency. These surface algorithms require inputs unique to each airport to ensure maximum efficiency, and minimal taxi delay. This study analyzes surface traffic at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to determine the effect of the number of aircraft on the surface and the amount of stop and go situations they experience to the amount of additional taxi time encountered. If the surface capacity of an airport is known, minimal delay can be accomplished by limiting the number of taxiing aircraft to that capacity. This concept is related to highways, where traffic flow drastically decreases as more cars occupy the road. An attempt to minimize this effect on highways is seen with the use of metering lights at freeway on-ramps. Since the surface traffic at airports is highly regulated, and aircraft are less mobile on the ground, limiting the surface count to a certain number can greatly reduce the amount of additional taxi time encountered, as well as reduce hazardous emissions. This study will also find the regions of an airport that encounter the most additional taxi time when the number of aircraft in that area is increased. This could help surface traffic algorithms avoid congesting that area, or re-route aircraft to different runways when that area reaches its capacity. The relationship between the amount of stop and go situations an aircraft encounters and their effect on the taxi time of that aircraft will also be investigated. This will help to determine the effect of holding an aircraft on the taxiway as opposed to re-routing it. The lesser of the two should be used when developing surface traffic algorithms to further minimize the delay encountered. The fields investigated in this study include taxi time, the number of aircraft on the surface, the number of stop and go situations, and the time stopped for each aircraft. Taxi time is defined as spot to runway for departures, and runway to spot for arrivals. It does not include ramp area taxi time because the ramp area is controlled differently, and surface traffic schedulers do not currently incorporate them. Taxi time is found by finding the difference between take-off time (OFF) and spot crossing time for departures, and spot crossing time and landing time (ON) for arrivals. All surface data was either found directly using the Surface Operations Data Analysis and Adaptation (SODAA), a tool to analyze the Surface Management System (SMS) generated log files, or indirectly from SODAA using Matlab to derive values from SODAA data. The number of aircraft on the surface is found by looping through the ON times, OFF times, and spot times for each aircraft during a particular day. For each departure aircraft, surface counts are taken at its spot crossing and OFF time. The average of these two is used as the surface count for that aircraft. For arrivals, surface counts are taken at its ON time and its spot crossing time. The average of these two is used.

Kistler, Matthew Stephen↗
NASA NTRS2010

Deep Galex Observations of the Coma Cluster: Source Catalog and Galaxy Counts

We present a source catalog from deep 26 ks GALEX observations of the Coma cluster in the far-UV (FUV; 1530 Angstroms) and near-UV (NUV; 2310 Angstroms) wavebands. The observed field is centered 0.9 deg. (1.6 Mpc) south-west of the Coma core, and has full optical photometric coverage by SDSS and spectroscopic coverage to r-21. The catalog consists of 9700 galaxies with GALEX and SDSS photometry, including 242 spectroscopically-confirmed Coma member galaxies that range from giant spirals and elliptical galaxies to dwarf irregular and early-type galaxies. The full multi-wavelength catalog (cluster plus background galaxies) is 80% complete to NUV=23 and FUV=23.5, and has a limiting depth at NUV=24.5 and FUV=25.0 which corresponds to a star formation rate of 10(exp -3) solar mass yr(sup -1) at the distance of Coma. The GALEX images presented here are very deep and include detections of many resolved cluster members superposed on a dense field of unresolved background galaxies. This required a two-fold approach to generating a source catalog: we used a Bayesian deblending algorithm to measure faint and compact sources (using SDSS coordinates as a position prior), and used the GALEX pipeline catalog for bright and/or extended objects. We performed simulations to assess the importance of systematic effects (e.g. object blends, source confusion, Eddington Bias) that influence source detection and photometry when using both methods. The Bayesian deblending method roughly doubles the number of source detections and provides reliable photometry to a few magnitudes deeper than the GALEX pipeline catalog. This method is also free from source confusion over the UV magnitude range studied here: conversely, we estimate that the GALEX pipeline catalogs are confusion limited at NUV approximately 23 and FUV approximately 24. We have measured the total UV galaxy counts using our catalog and report a 50% excess of counts across FUV=22-23.5 and NUV=21.5-23 relative to previous GALEX measurements, which is not attributed to cluster member galaxies. Our galaxy counts are a better match to deeper UV counts measured with HST.

Hammer, D.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Novel Photon-Counting Detectors for Free-Space Communication

We present performance data for novel photon-counting detectors for free space optical communication. NASA GSFC is testing the performance of two types of novel photon-counting detectors 1) a 2x8 mercury cadmium telluride (HgCdTe) avalanche array made by DRS Inc., and a 2) a commercial 2880-element silicon avalanche photodiode (APD) array. We present and compare dark count, photon-detection efficiency, wavelength response and communication performance data for these detectors. We successfully measured real-time communication performance using both the 2 detected-photon threshold and AND-gate coincidence methods. Use of these methods allows mitigation of dark count, after-pulsing and background noise effects. The HgCdTe APD array routinely demonstrated photon detection efficiencies of greater than 50% across 5 arrays, with one array reaching a maximum PDE of 70%. We performed high-resolution pixel-surface spot scans and measured the junction diameters of its diodes. We found that decreasing the junction diameter from 31 micrometers to 25 micrometers doubled the e- APD gain from 470 for an array produced in the year 2010 to a gain of 1100 on an array delivered to NASA GSFC recently. The mean single-photon SNR was over 12 and the excess noise factors measurements were 1.2-1.3. The commercial silicon APD array exhibited a fast output with rise times of 300 ps and pulse widths of 600 ps. On-chip individually filtered signals from the entire array were multiplexed onto a single fast output.

Photons↗
NASA NTRS1993

A direct viable count method for the enumeration of attached bacteria and assessment of biofilm disinfection

This report describes the adaptation of an in situ direct viable count (in situ DVC) method in biofilm disinfection studies. The results obtained with this technique were compared to two other enumeration methods, the plate count (PC) and conventional direct viable count (c-DVC). An environmental isolate (Klebsiella pneumoniae Kp1) was used to form biofilms on stainless steel coupons in a stirred batch reactor. The in situ DVC method was applied to directly assess the viability of bacteria in biofilms without disturbing the integrity of the interfacial community. As additional advantages, the results were observed after 4 h instead of the 24 h incubation time required for colony formation and total cell numbers that remained on the substratum were enumerated. Chlorine and monochloramine were used to determine the susceptibilities of attached and planktonic bacteria to disinfection treatment using this novel analytical approach. The planktonic cells in the reactor showed no significant change in susceptibility to disinfectants during the period of biofilm formation. In addition, the attached cells did not reveal any more resistance to disinfection than planktonic cells. The disinfection studies of young biofilms indicated that 0.25 mg/l free chlorine (at pH 7.2) and 1 mg/l monochloramine (at pH 9.0) have comparable disinfection efficiencies at 25 degrees C. Although being a weaker disinfectant, monochloramine was more effective in removing attached bacteria from the substratum than free chlorine. The in situ DVC method always showed at least one log higher viable cell densities than the PC method, suggesting that the in situ DVC method is more efficient in the enumeration of biofilm bacteria. The results also indicated that the in situ DVC method can provide more accurate information regarding the cell numbers and viability of bacteria within biofilms following disinfection.

NASA Discipline Number 04-10↗
NASA NTRS2014

Update on Linear Mode Photon Counting with the HgCdTe Linear Mode Avalanche Photodiode

The behavior of the gain-voltage characteristic of the mid-wavelength infrared cutoff HgCdTe linear mode avalanche photodiode (e-APD) is discussed both experimentally and theoretically as a function of the width of the multiplication region. Data are shown that demonstrate a strong dependence of the gain at a given bias voltage on the width of the n− gain region. Geometrical and fundamental theoretical models are examined to explain this behavior. The geometrical model takes into account the gain-dependent optical fill factor of the cylindrical APD. The theoretical model is based on the ballistic ionization model being developed for the HgCdTe APD. It is concluded that the fundamental theoretical explanation is the dominant effect. A model is developed that combines both the geometrical and fundamental effects. The model also takes into account the effect of the varying multiplication width in the low bias region of the gain-voltage curve. It is concluded that the lower than expected gain seen in the first 2 × 8 HgCdTe linear mode photon counting APD arrays, and higher excess noise factor, was very likely due to the larger than typical multiplication region length in the photon counting APD pixel design. The implications of these effects on device photon counting performance are discussed.

HgCdTe↗
NASA NTRS2018

Performance Analysis of Airborne Photon-Counting Lidar Data in Preparation for the ICESat-2 Mission

Two airborne photon-counting laser altimeters have been deployed in direct support of National Aeronautics and Space Adminsitration (NASA's) upcoming Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2) mission. Multiple Altimeter Beam Experimental Lidar (MABEL) was developed specifically for ICESat-2 testing and development. MABEL data are used to simulate key aspects of the ICESat-2 measurement strategy and are critical to the development of the algorithms for geophysical data-product generation. Slope Imaging Multipolarization Photon-counting Lidar (SIMPL) is a NASA Goddard Space Flight Center instrument that has also been deployed in support of ICESat-2 performance discovery. Both instruments are photon-counting, small footprint laser altimeters that sample in both the 532- and 1064-nm wavelengths. And both instruments serve as a proxy for ICESat-2 operational performance and error assessment and a basis for the development of potential validation strategies. This paper provides an overview of how data from MABEL and SIMPL overflights have specifically provided the foundation for understanding the quality of ICESat-2 data and how we can plan to evaluate ICESat-2 products through comparison with other modalities of lidar data and/or groundtruth locations using ground fiducials.

MABEL↗
NASA NTRS2016

Photon Counting Detector Array Algorithms for Deep Space Optical Communications

For deep-space optical communications systems utilizing an uplink optical beacon, a single-photon-counting detector array on the flight terminal can be used to simultaneously perform uplink tracking and communications as well as accurate downlink pointing at photon-starved (pW/sq. m) power levels. In this paper, we discuss concepts and algorithms for uplink signal acquisition, tracking, and parameter estimation using a photon-counting camera. Statistical models of detector output data and signal processing algorithms are presented, incorporating realistic effects such as Earth background and detector/readout blocking. Analysis and simulation results are validated against measured laboratory data using state-of-the-art commercial photon-counting detector arrays, demonstrating sub-microradian tracking errors under channel conditions representative of deep space optical links.

beacon tracking↗
NASA NTRS2021

A Critical Look at Coulomb Counting Approach for State of Charge Estimation in Batteries

In this paper, we consider the problem of state-of-charge estimation for rechargeable batteries. Coulomb counting is a well-known method for estimating the state of charge, and it is regarded as accurate as long as the battery capacity and the beginning state of charge are known. The Coulomb counting approach, on the other hand, is prone to inaccuracies from a variety of sources, and the magnitude of these errors has not been explored in the literature. We formally construct and quantify the state-of-charge estimate error during Coulomb counting due to four types of error sources: (1) current measurement error; (2) current integration approximation error; (3) battery capacity uncertainty; and (4) timing oscillator error/drift. It is demonstrated that the state-of-charge error produced can be either time-cumulative or state-of-charge-proportional. Time-cumulative errors accumulate over time and have the potential to render the state-of-charge estimation utterly invalid in the long term. The proportional errors of the state of charge rise with the accumulated state of charge and reach their worst value within one charge/discharge cycle. The study presents methods for reducing time-cumulative and state-of-charge-proportional mistakes through simulation analysis.

Battery management system↗
NASA NTRS1972

Evaluation and optimization of the advanced signal counting techniques on weldments

The signal counting technique with the Delta ultrasonic method is evaluated and optimized for flaw detection in aluminum welds. A comparison is made between the counting and conventional amplitude-gate methods to detect flaws. No conclusion is drawn on the sensitivity of these two methods to detect flaws when the mismatch at the welds is small (25 mils or less). When the mismatch is 25 mils or more, the signal counting method is more sensitive. Of the 24 welded specimens, 50 flaws were found by X-ray inspection and 59 by the Delta method. On 1/4-inch thick welds, X-ray is equal to or slightly more sensitive than Delta method, but on the 1/2-inch thick welds Delta ultrasonic appears more sensitive in flaw detection.

Yee, B. G. W.↗
NASA NTRS1972

White blood cell counting system

The design, fabrication, and tests of a prototype white blood cell counting system for use in the Skylab IMSS are presented. The counting system consists of a sample collection subsystem, sample dilution and fluid containment subsystem, and a cell counter. Preliminary test results show the sample collection and the dilution subsystems are functional and fulfill design goals. Results for the fluid containment subsystem show the handling bags cause counting errors due to: (1) adsorption of cells to the walls of the container, and (2) inadequate cleaning of the plastic bag material before fabrication. It was recommended that another bag material be selected.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1972

Photon counting and Laguerre detection.

In this correspondence maximum-likelihood binary detection theory is applied to an incoherent optical system model employing photodetectors governed by Laguerre counting statistics. It is shown that a maximum-likelihood Laguerre detector corresponds to a count comparison over each signaling interval. Laguerre error probabilities are presented and compared with those for Poisson counting.

Gagliardi, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Architecture and data processing alternatives for the TSE computer. Volume 3: Execution of a parallel counting algorithm using array logic (Tse) devices

A parallel algorithm for counting the number of logic-l elements in a binary array or image developed during preliminary investigation of the Tse concept is described. The counting algorithm is implemented using a basic combinational structure. Modifications which improve the efficiency of the basic structure are also presented. A programmable Tse computer structure is proposed, along with a hardware control unit, Tse instruction set, and software program for execution of the counting algorithm. Finally, a comparison is made between the different structures in terms of their more important characteristics.

Metcalfe, A. G.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Photon-counting detector arrays based on microchannel array plates

The recent development of the channel electron multiplier (CEM) and its miniaturization into the microchannel array plate (MCP) offers the possibility of fully combining the advantages of the photographic and photoelectric detection systems. The MCP has an image-intensifying capability and the potential of being developed to yield signal outputs superior to those of conventional photomultipliers. In particular, the MCP has a photon-counting capability with a negligible dark-count rate. Furthermore, the MCP can operate stably and efficiently at extreme-ultraviolet and soft X-ray wavelengths in a windowless configuration or can be integrated with a photo-cathode in a sealed tube for use at ultraviolet and visible wavelengths. The operation of one- and two-dimensional photon-counting detector arrays based on the MCP at extreme-ultraviolet wavelengths is described, and the design of sealed arrays for use at ultraviolet and visible wavelengths is briefly discussed.

Timothy, J. G.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Effect of counting and tracking on verbal and production methods of time estimation

The effects of time estimation technique and task condition on the production and verbal estimation of time intervals ranging from 5 to 14 sec were investigated. The duration of time intervals during each task condition pretracking, tracking (subject performed a one-axis tracking), and posttracking was estimated by the subjects. The ratio of the subject's time estimate to actual interval length was computed for each trial. Productions were typically longer than verbal estimates of the same duration and produced durations were typically too long whereas verbal estimates were too short relative to the correct duration. A significant interaction was found between counting technique and tracking condition for both estimation methods. A significant effect could be attributed to the addition of a tracking task: produced durations increased in length, whereas verbal estimates decreased in length. The durations produced without counting were significantly less accurate and consistent with the addition of a tracking task. Verbal estimation mean accuracy, but not consistency, was adversely affected by the addition of a tracking task when the subjects were instructed not to count.

Bird, K. L.↗
NASA NTRS1985

A preliminary look at astrometric accuracy as a function of photon counts

The importance of photon counts as a factor in the accuracy of astrometric positions is illustrated by a preliminary look at data collected with the Allegheny Observatory's photon-counting detector, the Multichannel Astrometric Photometer. Twenty estimates are plotted of the standard errors, per hour, of astrometric positions obtained with the photometer and the blue-light lens of the observatory's 30-inch refractor. The agreement between the estimated standard errors in the X and Y coordinates supports the conclusion that, as predicted by Drake, the accuracy is dependent upon the count rate.

Gatewood, G.↗
NASA NTRS1986

The Shane-Wirtanen counts - Observer and time-dependent effects

In a recent paper, de Lapparent, Kurtz, and Geller (1986) announce the discovery of possible observer and time-dependent effects in the counts of galaxies in the Lick catalog and suggest that these effects may have distorted the galaxy correlation function calculated by Groth and Peebles (1986) from the Lick counts. In particular, they suggest that these effects may have introduced a break where none exists or may have diluted a break stronger than that seen by Groth and Peebles. The Lick counts have been reexamined and it is found that the observer and time-dependent effects are marginal and that they can have had only a negligible effect on the estimates of the correlation functions. Correlation functions have been calculated for each observer and time period separately and it is found that they all depart from the small-angle power law at about the expected scale. Further, the average of these correlation functions agrees extremely well with the average correlation function published by Groth and Peebles.

Groth, Edward J.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Development of response models for the Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE) sensors. Part 4: Preliminary nonscanner models and count conversion algorithms

Two count conversion algorithms and the associated dynamic sensor model for the M/WFOV nonscanner radiometers are defined. The sensor model provides and updates the constants necessary for the conversion algorithms, though the frequency with which these updates were needed was uncertain. This analysis therefore develops mathematical models for the conversion of irradiance at the sensor field of view (FOV) limiter into data counts, derives from this model two algorithms for the conversion of data counts to irradiance at the sensor FOV aperture and develops measurement models which account for a specific target source together with a sensor. The resulting algorithms are of the gain/offset and Kalman filter types. The gain/offset algorithm was chosen since it provided sufficient accuracy using simpler computations.

Halyo, Nesim↗