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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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At least 73 records · Page 4
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2018

Characterizations of a KHz Pulsed Laser Detection System

A KHz Pulsed Laser Detection System was developed employing the concept of charge integration with an electrometer, in the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Code 618 Calibration Lab for the purpose of using the pulsed lasers for radiometric calibration. Comparing with traditional trans-impedance (current-voltage conversion) detection systems, the prototype of this system consists of a UV-Enhanced Si detector head, a computer controlled shutter system and a synchronized electrometer. The preliminary characterization work employs light sources running in either CW or pulsed mode. We believe this system is able to overcome the saturation issue when a traditional trans-impedance detection system is used with the pulsed laser light source, especially with high peak-power pulsed lasers operating at kilohertz repetition rates (e.g. Ekspla laser or KHz OPO). The charge integration mechanism is also expected to improve the stability of measurements for a pulsed laser light source overcoming the issue of peak-to-peak stability. We will present the system characterizations including signal-to-noise ratio and uncertainty analysis and compare results against traditional trans-impedance detection systems.

Ding, Leibo↗
NASA NTRS2018

Characterizations of a KHz Pulsed Laser Detection System

A KHz Pulsed Laser Detection System was developed employing the concept of charge integration with an electrometer, in the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Code 618 Calibration Lab for the purpose of using the pulsed lasers for radiometric calibration. Comparing with traditional trans-impedance (current-voltage conversion) detection systems, the prototype of this system consists of a UV-Enhanced Si detector head, a computer controlled shutter system and a synchronized electrometer. The preliminary characterization work employs light sources running in either CW or pulsed mode. We believe this system is able to overcome the saturation issue when a traditional trans-impedance detection system is used with the pulsed laser light source, especially with high peak-power pulsed lasers operating at kilohertz repetition rates (e.g. Ekspla laser or KHz OPO). The charge integration mechanism is also expected to improve the stability of measurements for a pulsed laser light source overcoming the issue of peak-to-peak stability. We will present the system characterizations including signal-to-noise ratio and uncertainty analysis and compare results against traditional trans-impedance detection systems.

Ding, Leibo↗
NASA NTRS2022

High-Vacuum Triboelectric Charging of Space Materials

In the high-vacuum environment of space and the surface of the moon, static electricity on surfaces lacks the atmospheric dissipation mechanisms found on earth. As a result, the ubiquitous triboelectric charging mechanism can lead to high levels of charge on surfaces. This static charge can result in damage to sensitive devices, interfere with communications, and electrostatic levitation of lunar dust. At the NASA Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory (ESPL), we use different apparatuses and techniques to tribo-charge materials in high-vacuum (10-5 torr), including a tribo-robot and a triboelectric regolith-material stage (TRMS). The tribo-robot is used to rub two materials together, and fieldmeters and electrometers can be used to determine how much charge is on the materials. The TRMS is used to drag different materials onto a bed of lunar simulant. This system is used to characterize how materials may interact with lunar dust using fieldmeters, electrometers, and laser scattering. Using these methods, we are building a database of how different space materials charge when contacting each other at high-vacuum, and how materials triboelectrically interact with the lunar surface.

Joseph Toth↗
DOE OSTI2025

Decoupling electrode kinetics to elucidate reaction mechanisms in alkaline water electrolysis

Alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) presents key advantages, including reduced material costs, enhanced operational stability, and compatibility with non-precious metal catalysts, positioning it as a scalable route for hydrogen production. In this study, we introduce a minimally invasive single-cell configuration incorporating a reference electrode via diaphragm extension to form an internal ion channel. This setup, combined with an interfaced potentiostat and auxiliary electrometer, enables real-time, independent monitoring of anode and cathode behavior, offering high-resolution electrochemical diagnostics. While it is well established that the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) exhibits sluggish kinetics in alkaline media, our study reveals that this limitation persists even in practical AWE systems where nickel-based substrates are used as electrodes. This observation is supported by both experimental data and voltage breakdown modeling. Arrhenius-type analysis reveals that localized electric fields induced by catalysts shift the reaction kinetics from classical Butler–Volmer behavior toward a Marcus-like regime, where interfacial molecular dynamics and bimolecular charge transfer dominate. We propose a semi-empirical model and a surficial reaction mechanism to describe these dynamics. This work underscores the critical need for cathode innovation and provides a rational framework for designing advanced catalysts and electrode architectures to optimize AWE performance.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2025

Towards a quantum realization of the ampere using single-electron resolution Skipper-CCDs

This paper presents a proof-of-concept demonstration of the Skipper-charge coupled device (CCD), a sensor with single-electron counting capability, as a promising technology for implementing an electron-pump-based current source. Relying on its single-electron resolution and built-in charge sensing, it allows self-calibration of the charge packets. This article presents an initial discussion of the uncertainty in the charge measurement and achievable currents levels with this technology. Here, we report experimental results that illustrate the key functionalities in manipulating both small and large electron charge packets, including a comparison of the charge generated, self-measured, and drained by the sensor against measurements from an electrometer. These results were obtained using a standard sensor and readout electronics without specific optimizations for this application. The objective is to explore the potential of Skipper-CCD for realizing an electron-based current source.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2026

Development of electron source feedback for enhanced X-ray beam stability at NSLS-II

Future synchrotron light sources are being designed to deliver significantly higher brightness and coherence, enabling faster scanning and more advanced imaging techniques. However, realizing these capabilities requires improved X-ray beam stability, as vibrations directly limit measurement accuracy and image quality. At the NSLS-II Hard X-ray Nanoprobe (HXN), a local mechanical feedback system mitigates low-frequency motion but provides only limited suppression of dominant vibrations at 27 Hz and 120 Hz. To address this limitation, this work explores the use of the electron beam itself as the actuator for feedback by integrating X-ray beam position monitor signals into the fast orbit feedback system through a dedicated electrometer. Experimental results show that this approach effectively suppresses the dominant vibration peaks and enhances stability at the focusing point. Benchmark ptychography measurements further confirm that electron-beam-based feedback reduces background fluctuations and mitigates vibration-induced artifacts under fast-scanning conditions. These results establish the feasibility of using the electron beam as a feedback actuator for next-generation synchrotron applications and provide an experimental assessment of its potential and limitations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1970

Apparatus for simultaneous ion counting and current recording in mass spectrometry

Ion counting system is coupled to the last dynode of an Allen-type electron multiplier on the mass analyzer of a double focusing mass spectrometer. This leaves the anode available for an electrometer, making possible simultaneous measurements. Coupling is achieved by a ferrite core transformer and associated circuitry.

Kohl, F. J.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Experiment D010: Ion sensing attitude control

The feasibility of an attitude control system that uses environmental positive ions and an electrostatic detection system to measure spacecraft pitch and yaw is studied. The secondary objective was to measure the spatial and temporal variations of ambient positively charged particles along the orbital path of the Gemini 10 and 12 spacecrafts. The results proved that the use of a horizon detector in conjunction with pitch and yaw sensors would facilitate complete description of the spacecraft position and attitude. Furthermore, with the addition of a servosystem, the unit could be used as a complete automatic attitude-control system that would be applicable from the lowest satellite altitudes up to at least 10 earth radii. Also, results established that the charge density along the trajectory of the satellite could be determined by transmission of output voltages from the individual electrometers.

Sagalyn, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Experimental determination of cosmic ray charged particle intensity profiles in the atmosphere

Absolute cosmic-ray free air ionization and charged particle fluxes and dose rates throughout the atmosphere were measured on a series of balloon flights that commenced in 1968. Argon-filled ionization chambers equipped with solid-state electrometers, with different gas pressures and steel wall thicknesses, and a pair of aluminum-wall Gm counters have provided the basic data. These data are supplemented by measurements with air-filled and tissue equivalent ionization chambers and a scintillation spectrometer. Laboratory experiments together with analyses of the theoretical aspects of the detector responses to cosmic radiation indicate that these profiles can be determined to an overall accuracy of + or - 5 percent.

Lowder, W. M.↗
NASA NTRS1972

An investigation of geometry and noise corrections to San Marco-C neutral atmospheric composition experiment data

The problem of the calculation of ambient densities from San Marco-C neutral atmospheric composition experiment data is considered. A brief description is given of the data measurement method, followed by a description of both the theoretical and experimental data curves. Geometry, electrometer distortions, and noise effects are then studied in terms of their effects on the ideal data form. From these considerations two data reduction methods are evolved. The first is an iterative integration technique that exploits the symmetry of the experimental data about the minimum angle of attack. For the analysis of geometry effects, a second method using interval averaging was developed and studied.

Curtis, S. A.↗