Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “ultraviolet fluorescence”

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 55 records · Page 3

Investigating the 3.3 micron infrared fluorescence from naphthalene following ultraviolet excitation

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) type molecules are proposed as the carriers of the unidentified infrared (UIR) bands. Detailed studies of the 3.3 micrometer infrared emission features from naphthalene, the simplest PAH, following ultraviolet laser excitation are used in the interpretation of the 3.29 micrometer (3040 cm(sup -1)) UIR band. A time-resolved Fourier transform spectrometer is used to record the infrared emission spectrum of gas-phase naphthalene subsequent to ultraviolet excitation facilitated by an excimer laser operated at either 193 nm or 248 nm. The emission spectra differ significantly from the absorption spectrum in the same spectral region. Following 193 nm excitation the maximum in the emission profile is red-shifted 45 cm(sup -1) relative to the absorption maximum; a 25 cm(sup -1) red-shift is observed after 248 nm excitation. The red-shifting of the emission spectrum is reduced as collisional and radiative relaxation removes energy from the highly vibrationally excited molecules. Coupling between the various vibrational modes is thought to account for the differences between absorption and emission spectra. Strong visible emission is also observed following ultraviolet excitation. Visible emission may play an important role in the rate of radiative relaxation, which according to the interstellar PAH hypothesis occurs only by the slow emission of infrared photons. Studying the visible emission properties of PAH type molecules may be useful in the interpretation of the DIB's observed in absorption.

Williams, Richard M.↗

Dispersed fluorescence observations of the CO/A 1Pi to X 1Sigma+/ transitions from photodissociation of CO2

The spectra of vacuum ultraviolet (vuv) fluorescence resulting from the excitation of CO2 by photons from an intense line emission source at 15 wavelengths in the range 449-955 A were obtained. The vibrational population distributions for the v = 0, 1, and 2 levels of the CO(A 1Pi) fragments were obtained at several incident photon wavelengths from 700 to 923 A. At incident photon wavelengths of 901 and 923, the relative intensities of the CO(A to X) bands were determined, permitting examination of the variation of the electronic transition moment with the r centroid.

Phillips, E.↗

Fluorescence yields from photodissociative excitation of chloromethanes by vacuum ultraviolet radiation

The photoabsorption and fluorescence cross sections of chloromethanes were measured in the 105-220 nm region using synchrotron radiation as a light source. The fluorescence threshold for CCl4 is at 152 nm with a maximum yield of 3 percent at 113 nm. The fluorescence results from the CCl2(A-X) system. For CHCl3, the fluorescence threshold is at 155 nm with a maximum yield of 0.6 percent at 110 nm. For CH2Cl2, the threshold is at 137 nm with a maximum yield of 0.35 percent at 107 nm. The fluorescence yield of CH3Cl is very small with an upper limit of 0.02 percent. The photodissociation processes are discussed in accord with the fluorescence data observed. Vibrational structures in CHCl3 and CH3Cl2 are observed and classified into progressions.

Lee, L. C.↗

Black Hole X Ray Nova Outburst with XTE and HST

We obtained multiwavelength coverage of the soft X-ray transient. GRO J1655-40 during its 1996 outburst, using HST (Hubble Space Telescope), RXTE (Rossi X Ray Timing Explorer), CGRO (Compton Gamma Ray Observatory), and ground-based facilities. This outburst was qualitatively different from other SXT (Soft X Ray Telescope) outbursts and from previous outbursts of this source. The onset of hard X-ray activity occurred very slowly, over several months, and was delayed relative to the soft X-ray rise. During this period, the optical fluxes declined steadily. This apparent anticorrelation is not consistent with with the standard disk instability model of SXT outbursts, nor is it expected if the optical output is dominated by reprocessed X-rays, as in persistent low-mass X-ray binaries. Based on the strength of the 2175-A interstellar absorption feature, we constrain the reddening to be E(B - V) = 1.2 plus or minus 0.1, a result which is consistent with the known properties of the source and with the strength of other interstellar absorption lines. After this dereddening we find that the spectra are dominated by a component peaking in the optical, with the expected v (sup l/3) disk spectrum seen only in the ultraviolet. Bowen fluorescence lines of NIII and OIII are also seen, as well as possible P Cyg profiles in the ultraviolet resonance lines. These features suggest an accretion-disk wind. The X-ray spectra broadly resemble the high/soft state commonly seen in black hole candidates, but evolve through two substates.

Patterson, Joseph↗

Satellite ultraviolet measurements of nitric oxide fluorescence with a diffusive transport model.

Twilight measurements of fluorescence in the (1, 0) gamma band of nitric oxide were made from June 1967 to January 1969 by an ultraviolet scanning spectrometer on board the polar orbiting satellite Ogo 4. Nitric oxide vertical column emission rates were measured between solar zenith angles of 93 and 98 deg. Seasonal and latitudinal variations were found to be less than a factor of 1.3, the scatter and uncertainty in the data prohibiting more precise determinations from being made. Time independent chemical diffusion models for the vertical distribution of nitric oxide agree well with profiles measured from sounding rockets. The column emission rates calculated from the theoretical models are larger than the satellite measurements by a factor of 3.

Rusch, D. W.↗

The Apollo 17 Ultraviolet Spectrometer - Lunar atmosphere measurements revisited

Ultraviolet resonance fluorescence of solar radiation provides the most sensitive means of detecting the expected major constituents of the tenuous daytime lunar atmosphere. Such an experiment was carried out with the Apollo 17 Ultraviolet Spectrometer in December 1972 and produced only upper limits to the number density of H, H2, O, C, N, CO, and two noble gases near the surface of the moon. The complete data set of 47 terminator crossing observations, which were not utilized in the earlier analysis, has been reexamined, and more stringent upper limits to the column emission rates for several species have been derived. These results, together with most recent values for the atomic and molecular fluorescence efficiencies, lead to more definitive limits on the content of the lunar atmosphere. The revised upper limit on atomic oxygen density allows for the possibility of comparable O/Na ratios in the atmosphere of both the moon and Mercury.

Feldman, Paul D.↗

Assessment of Vegetation Stress Using Reflectance or Fluorescence Measurements

Current methods for large-scale vegetation monitoring rely on multispectral remote sensing, which has serious limitation for the detection of vegetation stress. To contribute to the establishment of a generalized spectral approach for vegetation stress detection, this study compares the ability of high-spectral resolution reflectance (R) and fluorescence (F) foliar measurements to detect vegetation changes associated with common environmental factors affecting plant growth and productivity. To obtain a spectral dataset from a broad range of species and stress conditions, plant material from three experiments was examined, including (i) corn, nitrogen (N) deficiency/excess; (ii) soybean, elevated carbon dioxide, and ozone levels; and (iii) red maple, augmented ultraviolet irradiation. Fluorescence and R spectra (400-800 nm) were measured on the same foliar samples in conjunction with photosynthetic pigments, carbon, and N content For separation of a wide range of treatment levels, hyperspectral (5-10 nm) R indices were superior compared with F or broadband R indices, with the derivative parameters optimal results. For the detection of changes in vegetation physiology, hyperspectral indices can provide a significant improvement over broadband indices. The relationship of treatment levels to R was linear, whereas that to F was curvilinear. Using reflectance measurements, it was not possible to identify the unstressed vegetation condition, which was accomplished in all three experiments using F indices. Large-scale monitoring of vegetation condition and the detection of vegetation stress could be improved by using hyperspectral R and F information, a possible strategy for future remote sensing missions.

Campbell, P. K. E.↗

Fluorescence from excitation of CH4, CH3OH and CH3SH by extreme vacuum ultraviolet radiation

The photoabsorption and fluorescence cross sections of CH4, CH3OH, and CH3SH were measured in the wavelength regions of 52-106, 48-106, and 48-106 nm, respectively. The fluorescence spectra were dispersed to identify the emitting species. Emissions from the excited species of H(asterisk) and CH(asterisk) are commonly observed for all three molecules. Emission from the excited CH2(asterisk) is observed from CH4, OH(asterisk) from CH3OH and CS(asterisk) from CH3SH. The photoexcitation processes that may produce the observed emission bands are discussed.

Ma, Guang↗

Infrared Photon Pair-Production in Ligand-Sensitized Lanthanide Nanocrystals

This report details spectroscopic characterizations of rare-earth, core-shell nanoparticles decorated with the f -element chelator 3,4,3-LI(1,2-HOPO). Evidence of photon downconversion is corroborated through detailed power dependence measurements, which suggest two-photon decay paths are active in these materials, albeit only representing a minority contribution of the sum luminescence, with emission being dominated by normal, Stokes' shifted fluorescence. Specifically, ultraviolet ligand photosensitization of Nd 3+ ions in a NaGdF 4 host shell results in energy transfer to a Nd 3+ /Yb 3+ -doped NaGdF 4 nanoparticle core. The population and subsequent decay of core, Yb 3+ 2 F 5/2 states result in a spectral shift of 620 nm, manifested in a NIR emission displaying luminescence profiles diagnostic of Yb 3+ and Nd 3+ excited state decays. Emphasis is placed on the generality of this material architecture for realizing ligand-pumped, multi-photon downconversion, with the Nd 3+ /Yb 3+ system presented here functioning as a working prototype for a design principle that may be readily extended to other lanthanide pairs.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Oil-smeared models aid wind tunnel measurements

For visualizing flow characteristics in wind tunnel tests, model surfaces are smeared with any common petroleum-base oils. These fluoresce under ultraviolet light and the flow patterns are readily visualized.

Katzoff, S.↗

Research Investigation on Dense Scintillation Glass for Use in Total Absorption Nuclear Cascade Detectors

Three approaches to the development of a high density scintillation glass were investigated: They include the increase of density of glass systems containing cerium - the only systems which were known to show scintillation, the testing of a novel silicate glass system containing significant concentrations of silver produced by ion exchange and never tested previously, and the hot pressing of a diphasic compact of low density scintillation glass with high density passive glass. In first two cases, while ultraviolet excited fluorescence was maintained in the glasses showing high density, scintillation response to high energy particles was not retained in the case of the cerium containing glasses or developed in the case of the silver containing glasses. In the case of the compacts, the extremely long path length caused by the multiple internal reflections which occur in such a body resulted in attenuation even with glasses of high specific transmission. It is not clear why the scintillation efficiency is not maintained in the higher density cerium containing glasses.

Hensler, J. R.↗

CO fluorescence in the extreme-ultraviolet solar spectrum

Emission lines in the fourth positive system of CO have been identified in the extreme-ultraviolet solar spectrum 1540-1660 A. These lines are excited by the C IV transition-zone lines at 1548 and 1551 A. They are strong in the spectrum of a sunspot and in parts of the adjacent active region. Some of them appear as weak, broad emission features in the quiet sun.

Bartoe, J.-D. F.↗

Noncontaminating Borescope Viewing Fixture

All-stainless-steel viewing fixture for borescope used without fear of breakage or contaminating internal cavities of equipment. Fixture fits over conventional viewing head on borescope. Used for internal inspections by visible illumination or visible fluorescence from ultraviolet illumination.

Molina, Orlando G.↗

Surface contamination analysis technology team overview

A team was established which consisted of representatives from NASA (Marshall Space Flight Center and Langley Research Center), Thiokol Corporation, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, AC Engineering, SAIC, Martin Marietta, and Aerojet. The team's purpose was to bring together the appropriate personnel to determine what surface inspection techniques were applicable to multiprogram bonding surface cleanliness inspection. In order to identify appropriate techniques and their sensitivity to various contaminant families, calibration standards were developed. Producing standards included development of consistent low level contamination application techniques. Oxidation was also considered for effect on inspection equipment response. Ellipsometry was used for oxidation characterization. Verification testing was then accomplished to show that selected inspection techniques could detect subject contaminants at levels found to be detrimental to critical bond systems of interest. Once feasibility of identified techniques was shown, selected techniques and instrumentation could then be incorporated into a multipurpose inspection head and integrated with a robot for critical surface inspection. Inspection techniques currently being evaluated include optically stimulated electron emission (OSEE); near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy utilizing fiber optics; Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy; and ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence. Current plans are to demonstrate an integrated system in MSFC's Productivity Enhancement Complex within five years from initiation of this effort in 1992 assuming appropriate funding levels are maintained. This paper gives an overview of work accomplished by the team and future plans.

Burns, H. Dewitt↗

Collisional Removal of OH (X (sup 2)Pi, nu=7) by O2, N2, CO2, and N2O

Collisional removal rate constants for the OH (X 2PI, nu = 7) radical are measured for the colliders O2, CO2, and N2O, and an upper limit is established for N2. OH(nu = 4) molecules, generated in a microwave discharge flow cell by the reaction of hydrogen atoms with ozone, are excited to v = 7 by the output of a pulsed infrared laser via direct vibrational overtone excitation. The temporal evolution of the P = 7 population is probed as a function of the collider gas partial pressure by a time-delayed pulsed ultraviolet laser. Fluorescence from the B 21 + state is detected in the visible spectral region.

Knutsen, Karen↗

A Butterfly in the Making: Revealing the Near-Infrared Structure of Hubble 12

We present deep narrowband near-IR images and moderate resolution spectra of the young planetary nebula Hubble 12. These data are the first to show clearly the complex structure for this important planetary nebula. Images were obtained at lambda = 2.12, 2.16, and 2.26 micron. The lambda = 2.12 Am image reveals the bipolar nature of the nebula, as well as complex structure near the central star in the equatorial region. The images show an elliptical region of emission, which may indicate a ring or a cylindrical source structure. This structure is possibly related to the mechanism that is producing the bipolar flow. The spectra show the nature of several distinct components. The central object is dominated by recombination lines of H I and He I. The core is not a significant source of molecular hydrogen emission. The east position in the equatorial region is rich in lines of ultraviolet-excited fluorescent H2. A spectrum of part of the central region shows strong [Fe II] emission, which might indicate the presence of shocks.

Hora, Joseph L.↗

Capabilities of the Materials Contamination Team at Marshall Space Flight Center

The Materials Contamination Team at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has been recognized for its contributions supporting the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) spacecraft development programs. These programs include the Reusable Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM), Chandra X-Ray Observatory, and the International Space Station (ISS). The Environmental Effects Group, with the Materials Contamination Team and the Space Environmental Effects Team has been an integral part of NASA's success by the testing, evaluation, and qualification of materials, hardware, and processes. This paper focuses on the capabilities of the Materials Contamination Team. The Materials Contamination Team's realm of responsibility includes establishing contamination control during all phases of hardware development, including design, manufacturing, assembly, test, transportation, launch site processing, on-orbit exposure, return, and refurbishment. The team continues its mission of reducing the risk of equipment failure due to molecular or particulate contamination. Contamination is a concern in the Space Shuttle with sensitive bond-lines and reactive fluid (liquid oxygen) compatibility as well as for spacecraft with sensitive optics, such as Hubble Space Telescope and Chandra X-ray Observatory. The Materials Contamination Team has a variety of facilities and instrumentation capable of contaminant detection, identification, and monitoring. The team addresses material applications dealing with environments, including production facilities, clean rooms, and on-orbit exposure. The optically stimulated electron emission (OSEE) system, the Ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence (UVF) surface contamination detection, and the Surface Optics Corporation 400 (SOC 400) portable hand-held Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer are state-of-the-art tools for in-process molecular contamination detection. The team of engineers and technicians also develop contamination calibration standards and evaluate new surface cleanliness inspection technologies. The team utilizes facilities for on-orbit simulation testing of materials for outgassing and molecular film deposition characteristics in the presence of space environmental effects, such as Atomic Oxygen (AO) and UV radiation exposure. The Materials Contamination Team maintains databases for process materials as well as outgassing and optical compatibility test results for specific environments.

Burns, Howard↗

Optical Detection of Organic Chemical Biosignatures at Hydrothermal Vents

We have developed a non-contact, optical life detection instrument that can detect organic chemical biosignatures in a number of different environments, including dry land, shallow aqueous, deep marine or in ice. Hence, the instrument is appropriate as a biosignature survey tool both for Mars exploration or in situ experiments in an ice-covered ocean such as one might wish to explore on Europa. Here, we report the results we obtained on an expedition aboard the Russian oceanographic vessel Akademik Mstislav Keldysh to hydrothermal vent sites in the Pacific Ocean using our life detection instrument MCDUVE, a multichannel, deep ultraviolet excitation fluorescence detector. MCDUVE detected organic material distribution on rocks near the vent, as well as direct detection of organisms, both microbial and microscopic. We also were able to detect organic material issuing directly from vent chimneys, measure the organic signature of the water column as we ascended, and passively observe the emission of light directly from some vents.

Conrad, P. G.↗