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At least 631 records · Page 35

End-loaded crossed-slot radiating elements

Three cavity-backed crossed-slot antenna configurations are described that offer simple design, easy frequency tuning, light weight, low loss, and low cost. These antennas are designed for mobile satellite (MSAT) vehicle phased-array applications. The slots in these antennas are end-loaded. The end loading makes the slots effectively longer, and hence reduces their resonant frequency. Therefore, relatively small radiating elements can be achieved for large-angle-scanning phased-array antennas. These antennas have good RF characteristics and provide a relatively wide bandwidth without needing external tuning circuits for impedance matching. Measurements for the return loss and the far-field pattern of these antennas are presented.

Manshadi, F.↗

Investigation of Scanning Droplet Cell Technology for Electrochemical Deposition of Custom Three-Dimensional Alloys

The goal of this project was to assess the feasibility of a new method of electroplating, which we have termed “electroprinting”, for fabricating millimeter to centimeter metal parts with full density, and eventually, with bespoke 3D internal density patterns. Alloys, gradients and varying density is beyond the scope of this work, and efforts were focused on developing the technology to be capable of printing solid parts, beyond the lines and columns previously reported in the literature. Enabling this technology would expand the design space possible for the WPD program, allowing for smooth and complex density gradients in parts rather than discrete density steps between multilayers. We successfully designed and built an electroprinting apparatus, capable of printing copper in customizable 1-D patterns, which can be printed in stacked layers to form 3D parts. We successfully characterized the flat printed patterns, however, have encountered difficulty in characterizing multilayer prints. We have partially addressed the feasibility question, by developing the method for electroprinting 3D parts, however, some questions about the internal porosity and density of these parts still remain.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Imaging collective behavior in an rf-SQUID metamaterial tuned by DC and RF magnetic fields

In this study, we examine the collective behavior of two-dimensional nonlinear superconducting metamaterials using a non-contact spatially resolved imaging technique. The metamaterial is made up of sub-wavelength nonlinear oscillators in a strongly coupled 27x27 planar array of radio-frequency Superconducting QUantum Interference Devices (rf SQUIDs). By using low-temperature laser scanning microscopy we image microwave currents in the driven SQUIDs while in non-radiating dark modes and identify the clustering and uniformity of like-oscillating meta-atoms. We follow the rearrangement of coherent patterns due to meta-atom resonant frequency tuning as a function of external dc and rf magnetic flux bias. We find that the rf current distribution across the SQUID array at zero dc flux and small rf flux reveals a low degree of coherence. By contrast, the spatial coherence improves dramatically upon increasing of rf flux amplitude, in agreement with simulation.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Structure of V-defects in long wavelength GaN-based light emitting diodes

The V-defect is a naturally occurring inverted hexagonal pyramid structure that has been studied in GaN and InGaN growth since the 1990s. Strategic use of V-defects in pre-quantum well superlattices or equivalent preparation layers has enabled record breaking efficiencies for green, yellow, and red InGaN light emitting diodes (LEDs) utilizing lateral injection of holes through the semi-polar sidewalls of the V-defects. In this article, we use advanced characterization techniques such as scattering contrast transmission electron microscopy, high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy, x-ray fluorescence maps, and atom probe tomography to study the active region compositions, V-defect formation, and V-defect structure in green and red LEDs grown on (0001) patterned sapphire and (111) Si substrates. We identify two distinct types of V-defects. The “large” V-defects are those that form in the pre-well superlattice and promote hole injection, usually nucleating on mixed (Burgers vector b = ±a±c⁠) character threading dislocations. In addition, “small” V-defects often form in the multi-quantum well region and are believed to be deleterious to high-efficiency LEDs by providing non-radiative pathways. The small V-defects are often associated with basal plane stacking faults or stacking fault boxes. Furthermore, we show through scattering contrast transmission electron microscopy that during V-defect filling, the threading dislocation, which runs up the center of the V-defect, will “bend” onto one of the six {10$\overline{1}$1} semi-polar planes. In conclusion, this result is essential to understanding non-radiative recombination in V-defect engineered LEDs.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Photoluminescence Spectroscopy to Determine Residual Stresses in Glass-to-Metal Seals

In components with two materials, such as glass-to-metal (GtM) seals, residual stress can reduce long-term reliability. Therefore, it is important to be able to accurately measure residual stress within these components. The residual stress can be from a large strain due to the mismatch of thermo-physical response of the two materials or a small strain due to stress and/or structural relaxation. Both modeling and experimental measurements were conducted on multiple GtM seals constructed with CGI 930 glass with purposely added alumina particles. The alumina particles have an established Cr fluorescence pattern and the shift in position of these peaks can accurately measure the strain of the alumina crystals. Photoluminescence spectroscopy (PLS) technique was utilized due to its non-destructive nature and high spatial resolution. PLS scans of these components were analyzed and compared to the models developed previously.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Optical computing.

Applications of the optical computer include an approach for increasing the sharpness of images obtained from the most powerful electron microscopes and fingerprint/credit card identification. The information-handling capability of the various optical computing processes is very great. Modern synthetic-aperture radars scan upward of 100,000 resolvable elements per second. Fields which have assumed major importance on the basis of optical computing principles are optical image deblurring, coherent side-looking synthetic-aperture radar, and correlative pattern recognition. Some examples of the most dramatic image deblurring results are shown.

Stroke, G. W.↗

Reconnaissance of marine resources

A test area along the NW Coast of Africa was used during the Skylab mission to study the distribution of temperature and plankton. The S190B Earth Terrain Camera with a spectral film response of 0.4-0.7 micrometers allowed qualitative estimates of the distribution patterns of suspended material. Differentiation between inorganic particles and phytoplankton could be made by comparing the green band and the red band of the S190A Camera System. The pictorial display of data obtained from the S191 scanning radiometer in the 10-11 micrometer atmospheric window allowed a detailed interpretation of the temperature distribution in the area where cold upwelled water reaches the euphotic zone. The comparison between infrared data and the imageries taken simultaneously indicated the origin of the cold water as well as the pathway within the Canary current. A fish survey carried out almost simultaneously in the area, by echosounding, showed high correlation between the position of good fishing grounds and the distribution of plankton as detected by remote sensing detectors on Skylab.

Szekielda, K.-H.↗

Sequentially evaporated thin Y-Ba-Co-O superconducting films on microwave substrates

The development of high T sub c superconducting thin films on various microwave substrates is of major interest in space electronic systems. Thin films of YBa2Cu3O(7-Delta) were formed on SrTiO3, MgO, ZrO2 coated Al2O3, and LaAlO3 substrates by multi-layer sequential evaporation and subsequent annealing in oxygen. The technique allows controlled deposition of Cu, BaF2 and Y layers, as well as the ZrO buffer layers, to achieve reproducibility for microwave circuit fabrication. The three layer structure of Cu/BaF2/Y is repeated a minimum of four times. The films were annealed in an ambient of oxygen bubbled through water at temperatures between 850 C and 900 C followed by slow cooling (-2 C/minute) to 450 C, a low temperature anneal, and slow cooling to room temperature. Annealing times ranged from 15 minutes to 5 hrs. at high temperature and 0 to 6 hr. at 450 C. Silver contacts for four probe electrical measurements were formed by evaporation followed with an anneal at 500 C. The films were characterized by resistance-temperature measurements, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. Critical transition temperatures ranged from 30 K to 87 K as a function of the substrate, composition of the film, thicknesses of the layers, and annealing conditions. Microwave ring resonator circuits were also patterned on these MgO and LaAlO3 substrates.

Valco, G. J.↗

Lost in space: Onboard star identification using CCD star tracker data without an a priori attitude

There are many algorithms in use today which determine spacecraft attitude by identifying stars in the field of view of a star tracker. Some methods, which date from the early 1960's, compare the angular separation between observed stars with a small catalog. In the last 10 years, several methods have been developed which speed up the process and reduce the amount of memory needed, a key element to onboard attitude determination. However, each of these methods require some a priori knowledge of the spacecraft attitude. Although the Sun and magnetic field generally provide the necessary coarse attitude information, there are occasions when a spacecraft could get lost when it is not prudent to wait for sunlight. Also, the possibility of efficient attitude determination using only the highly accurate CCD star tracker could lead to fully autonomous spacecraft attitude determination. The need for redundant coarse sensors could thus be eliminated at substantial cost reduction. Some groups have extended their algorithms to implement a computation intense full sky scan. Some require large data bases. Both storage and speed are concerns for autonomous onboard systems. Neural network technology is even being explored by some as a possible solution, but because of the limited number of patterns that can be stored and large overhead, nothing concrete has resulted from these efforts. This paper presents an algorithm which, by descretizing the sky and filtering by visual magnitude of the brightness observed star, speeds up the lost in space star identification process while reducing the amount of necessary onboard computer storage compared to existing techniques.

Ketchum, Eleanor A.↗

Study of Material Densification of In718 in the Higher Throughput Parameter Regime

Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is a powder bed fusion additive manufacturing process used increasingly in the aerospace industry to reduce the cost, weight, and fabrication time for complex propulsion components. Previous optimization studies for SLM using the Concept Laser M1 and M2 machines at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center have centered on machine default parameters. The objective of this project is to characterize how heat treatment affects density and porosity from a microscopic point of view. This is performs using higher throughput parameters (a previously unexplored region of the manufacturing operating envelope for this application) on material consolidation. Density blocks were analyzed to explore the relationship between build parameters (laser power, scan speed, and hatch spacing) and material consolidation (assessed in terms of density and porosity). The study also considers the impact of post-processing, specifically hot isostatic pressing and heat treatment, as well as deposition pattern on material consolidation in the higher energy parameter regime. Metallurgical evaluation of specimens will also be presented. This work will contribute to creating a knowledge base (understanding material behavior in all ranges of the AM equipment operating envelope) that is critical to transitioning AM from the custom low rate production sphere it currently occupies to the world of mass high rate production, where parts are fabricated at a rapid rate with confidence that they will meet or exceed all stringent functional requirements for spaceflight hardware. These studies will also provide important data on the sensitivity of material consolidation to process parameters that will inform the design and development of future flight articles using SLM.

Cordner, Samuel↗

Coordinated Microstructural and Isotopic Characterization of Diamond Inclusions within the Kenna Ureilite

Introduction: The origin of diamonds in ureilitic meteorites, a major family of ultramafic achondrites, has long been debated, with various formation mechanisms inferred, including: 1) shock conversion of preexisting graphite due to a hypervelocity impact on the ureilite parent body [e.g., 1]; 2) vapor deposition during condensation of the solar nebula [e.g., 2]; or 3) static transformation in the mantle of a large planetesimal (>1000 km in diameter) [e.g., 3]. The Kenna ureilite is a 10.9 kg stone that was found in Kansas in 1972 and is dominantly composed of olivine and pigeonite (68% and 22% modal abundance, respectively), together with minor metal and carbon-rich regions. Within the carbon-rich domains researchers have identified microdiamonds up to ~10 µm in size [4]. Methods: Due to the proximity of the extremely hard microdiamonds with soft graphite and moderately hard silicates, achieving an appropriately flat surface for electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis has proven challenging. We have, therefore, employed a Hitachi ArBlade 5000 broad beam Ar ion milling system to prepare a sample with an adequately uniform surface flatness across the various minerals. The ion milling dramatically im-proved indexing of the EBSD patterns and facilitated high-resolution microstructural analysis of the carbon-rich domains. After microstructural EBSD analyses using an Oxford Symmetry detector we collected coordinated hy-perspectral cathodoluminescence (CL) analyses using a Gatan Monarc system mounted on a JEOL 7900F field emission (FE) scanning electron microscope at NASA Johnson Space Center. A focused ion beam (FIB) foil was extracted from a region of interest and analyzed using a JEOL 2500 FE scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). In situ carbon and nitrogen isotopic analyses were collected from diamond-bearing domains using a Cameca NanoSIMS 50L at NASA JSC. Results: The carbon rich regions occur as tabular domains between polygonal olivine and pigeonite, and are composed of aggregates of micrometer-scale diamond with intermediate graphite, oxides and metal grains. Within the microdiamonds, {111} twins are abundant, many of which form ragged lamellae consistent with mechanical twinning. The microdiamond assemblages appear to pseudomorph tabular graphite habits, which together with the abundant deformation twins, support a shock transformation mechanism for microdiamond formation within the Kenna meteorite. Further supporting this observation, the diamond laths show close alignment of <111> and <110> between domains, consistent with a solid-state transformation from graphite along <0001> and <1-210>, respec-tively [5]. A FIB foil was extracted from a region with mechanical twins, and high resolution STEM analyses reveal cross-cutting veins of graphite and oriented kamacite crystals together with additional sets of {111} nano-twins formed in at least three orientations. Isotopic analyses of C and N reveal sector zoning patterns [cf. 3] that are unre-lated to the diamond substructure identified by EBSD yet consistent with hyperspectral CL images. Conclusions: These data provide new constraints on microdiamond formation within ureilites. The microdia-monds exhibit orientation variants defined by aligned <111> and <110> axes consistent with inherited crystallo-graphic orientations from transformation of a single hexagonal graphite parent crystal [5]. Crosscutting the micro-diamonds are veins of graphite and kamacite, together with additional {111} nanotwins. Taken together these data suggest that microdiamonds from ureilites formed from a solid state, diffusionless transformation from graphite, likely associated with a major shock event, which was subject to subsequent reversion either during decompression or a later deformation event. The N and C isotopic sector zoning is unrelated to diamond microstructures and likely reflects inheritance from the parent graphite crystal.

Ureilite↗

Pattern recognition of native plant communities: Manitou Colorado test site

Optimum channel selection among 12 channels of multispectral scanner imagery identified six as providing the best information about 11 vegetation classes and two nonvegetation classes at the Manitou Experimental Forest. Intensive preprocessing of the scanner signals was required to eliminate a serious scan angle effect. Final processing of the normalized data provided acceptable recognition results of generalized plant community types. Serious errors occurred with attempts to classify specific community types within upland grassland areas. The consideration of the convex mixtures concept (effects of amounts of live plant cover, exposed soil, and plant litter cover on apparent scene radiances) significantly improved the classification of some of the grassland classes.

Driscoll, R. S.↗

Multi-Channel Correlator Array-Fed Microwave Radiometer

New antenna feed technology is needed for microwave radiometers as aperture sizes continue to increase. Capability for contiguous coverage and spatial Nyquist sampling can be achieved using a multi-beam array-fed reflector architecture adapted from radio astronomy. In this ACT (Advanced Component Technology), a wideband feed array for use in a multi-channel (X-W bands) scanning microwave radiometer is in development. The team, including array provider Nuvotronics Inc., is also developing a laboratory instrument to demonstrate the performance of the array-fed architecture at 36.5 gigahertz using an 80-centimeter projected aperture. The feed array is an 11-element line array based on a microfabricated 8-40 gigahertz feed. Multiple beams are generated by exciting overlapping groups of elements with each group shifted by one element spacing within the array. The modeled antenna patterns reveal six beams with 0.8-degree beamwidth and 0.3-degree spacing. This configuration is also a 1:26 electromagnetic scale model of a 1.41 gigahertz radiometer with a 21-meter aperture. The array-fed architecture for microwave radiometers has the potential to solve the developing need for high-spatial resolution, large aperture instruments. The objective relevancy scenario is a 6-meter aperture X-W band scanning radiometer purposed for high-resolution all-weather imaging of Earth's atmosphere and land, ice and ocean surfaces.

Microwave Radiometer↗

Effect of Ca and Sm Combined Addition on the Microstructure and Elevated-Temperature Mechanical Properties of Mg-6Al Alloys

In the present study, the microstructure and elevated-temperature mechanical properties of Mg-6Al, Mg-6Al-4Ca, Mg-6Al-4Sm and Mg-6Al-2Ca-2Sm alloys were investigated. The experimental results showed that the microstructure and elevated-temperature mechanical property of Mg-6Al alloy changed obviously with the different elements addition. By analyzing the results of optical microscope, x-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscope, it could be determined that there was only Mg{sub 17}Al{sub 12} phase in Mg-6Al alloy, there were Al{sub 2}Ca and (Mg, Al){sub 2}Ca phases in Mg-6Al-4Ca alloy, there were Al{sub 2}Sm and Mg{sub 17}Al{sub 12} phases in Mg-6Al-4Sm alloy, and there were (Mg, Al){sub 2}Ca, Al{sub 2}Ca and Al{sub 2}Sm phases in Mg-6Al-2Ca-2Sm alloy. In addition, the addition of alloying elements including Ca and Sm, especially the composite addition, could significantly improve the tensile properties of Mg-6Al alloy. Compared to Mg-6Al alloy, the tensile strengths of Mg-6Al-2Ca-2Sm alloy at 448, 473 and 498 K were enhanced by 50.32, 87.92, and 94.99%, respectively. Furthermore, when the stretching temperatures were 448 and 473 K, the fracture pattern of Mg-6Al-2Ca-2Sm alloy was the mixture of intergranular fracture and trans-crystalline fracture. However, when the stretching temperature was 498 K, the fracture pattern of Mg-6Al-2Ca-2Sm alloy was the intergranular fracture.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Direct Visualization of Current-Stimulated Oxygen Migration in YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7–δ Thin Films

The past years have witnessed major advancements in all-electrical doping control on cuprates. In the vast majority of cases, the tuning of charge carrier density has been achieved via electric field effect by means of either a ferroelectric polarization or using a dielectric or electrolyte gating. Unfortunately, these approaches are constrained to rather thin superconducting layers and require large electric fields in order to ensure sizable carrier modulations. In this work, we focus on the investigation of oxygen doping in an extended region through current-stimulated oxygen migration in YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7–δ superconducting bridges. The underlying methodology is rather simple and avoids sophisticated nanofabrication process steps and complex electronics. Here, a patterned multiterminal transport bridge configuration allows us to electrically assess the directional counterflow of oxygen atoms and vacancies. Importantly, the emerging propagating front of current-dependent doping δ is probed in situ by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The resulting imaging techniques, together with photoinduced conductivity and Raman scattering investigations, reveal an inhomogeneous oxygen vacancy distribution with a controllable propagation speed permitting us to estimate the oxygen diffusivity. These findings provide direct evidence that the microscopic mechanism at play in electrical doping of cuprates involves diffusion of oxygen atoms with the applied current. The resulting fine control of the oxygen content would permit a systematic study of complex phase diagrams and the design of electrically addressable devices.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Antigenic Protein In Microgravity-Grown Human Mixed Mullerian Tumor (LN1) Cells Preserved In RNA Stabilizing Agent

Cells treated with RNAlater(TradeMark) have previously been shown to contain antigenic proteins that can be visualized using Western blot analysis. These proteins seem to be stable for several months when stored in RNA stabilizer at 4 C. Antigenic protein can be recovered from cells that have been processed using an Ambion RNAqueous(Registered TradeMark) kit to remove RNA. In this set of experiments, human mixed Mullerian tumor (LNI) cells grown on the International Space Station during Expedition 3 were examined for antigenic stability after removal of RNA. The cells were stored for three months in RNAlater(TradeMark) and RNA was extracted. The RNA filtrate containing the protein was precipitated, washed, and suspended in buffer containing sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Samples containing equal concentrations of protein were loaded onto SDS-polyacrylamide gels. Proteins were separated by electrophoresis and transferred by Western blot to polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane. The Western blots were stained with an enhanced chemiluminescent ECL(Registered Trademark) Plus detection kit (Amersham) and scanned using a Storm 840 gel image analyzer (Amersham, Molecular Dynamics). ImageQuant(Registered TradeMark) software was used to quantify the densities of the protein bands. The ground control and flight LN1 cell samples showed a similar staining pattern over time with antibodies to vimentin, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and epithelial membrane antigens.

Hammond, Dianne K.↗

Ionic Liquid-Mediated Scanning Probe Electro-Oxidative Lithography as a Novel Tool for Engineering Functional Oxide Micro- and Nano-Architectures

Functional oxides have extensively been investigated as a promising class of materials in a broad range of innovative applications. Harnessing the novel properties of functional oxides in micro- to nano-scale applications hinges on establishing advanced fabrication and manufacturing techniques able to synthesize these materials in an accurate and reliable manner. Oxidative scanning probe lithography (o-SPL), an atomic force microscopy (AFM) technique based on anodic oxidation at the water meniscus formed at the tip/substrate contact, not only combines the advantages of both “top-down” and “bottom-up” fabrication approaches, but also offers the possibility of fabricating oxide nanomaterials with high patterning accuracy. While the use of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) broadened the application of o-SPL, significant challenges have emerged owing to the relatively limited number of SAM/solid surface combinations that can be employed for o-SPL, which constrains the ability to control the chemistry and structure of oxides formed by o-SPL. Here, in this work, a new o-SPL technique that utilizes room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) as the functionalizing material to mediate the electrochemistry at AFM tip/substrate contacts is reported. The results show that the new IL-mediated o-SPL (IL-o-SPL) approach allows sub-100 nm oxide features to be patterned on a model solid surface, namely steel, with an initiation voltage as low as -2 V. Moreover, this approach enables high tunability of both the chemical state and morphology of the patterned iron oxide structures. Owing to the high chemical compatibility of ILs, which derives from the possibility of synthesizing ILs able to adsorb on a wide variety of solid surfaces, IL-o-SPL can be extended to other material surfaces and provide the opportunity to accurately tailor the chemistry, morphology, and electronic properties within nanoscale domains, thus opening new pathways to the development of novel micro- and nano-architectures for advanced integrated devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effects on Glass Forming Ability, Microstructure, Crystallization Behaviors, and Magnetic Properties of Si Substituting for P in Fe-Rich Fe{sub 86}B{sub 13−x}Si{sub x}P{sub 1}Cu{sub 0.6}Hf{sub 0.4} Alloys

In the paper, we have studied the effects on glass forming ability (GFA), microstructure, crystallization behaviors, and saturation magnetization (M{sub s}) of Si substitution for P in Fe-rich Fe{sub 86}B{sub 12}Si{sub x}P{sub 1−x}Cu{sub 0.4}Hf{sub 0.6} alloys. The amorphous structure is identified by X-ray diffraction first, and the patterns with Si addition less than x = 0.75 only show one halo scattering peak at 2θ = 45°; further, the ribbons with entirely amorphous structure have been fabricated successfully and the alloys have a good GFA. Then, by differential scanning calorimetry testing, the curves show two separated exothermic peaks and the ribbons will go through a two-step crystallization before reaching stable state; further, the first peak is ensured by the crystallization of a-Fe phase while the second peak is ensured by the precipitation of FeB or Fe(BP) compounds. As Si was added, the apparent activation energy of the first crystallization (E{sub a1}) and the second crystallization (E{sub a2}) shows an increased tendency first and then decreases slightly. By comparison, as x = 0, x = 0.25, and x = 0.5, the ribbons easily form Hf{sub 3}P{sub 2} compounds during the first crystallization process simultaneously, where the ribbons of x = 0.75 and x = 1.0 are easier to finish the first crystallization for forming the uniform a-Fe phase entirely. By vibrating sample magnetometer testing, with the addition of Si, M{sub s} value shows an increased trend and reaches to the maximum about 177.5 emu/g (x = 1.0), and which shows an increased trend in the subsequent annealing process and reaches to the maximum 206.3 emu/g (x = 0), 212.3 emu/g (x = 0.25), 214.2 emu/g (x = 0.5), 214.9 emu/g (x = 0.75), and 208.3 emu/g (x = 1.0) as the annealing temperature higher than T{sub p1} but less than T{sub x2}.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗