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At least 73 records · Page 4

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NASA NTRS1990

Characterization of hydrogen interactions with the surface of alpha-2 titanium aluminide alloys

The interaction of hydrogen at the surface of alpha-2 titanium aluminide alloys with Nb additions has been investigated with Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and reflected electron energy loss (REELS) spectroscopy. The hydrogen was either adsorbed onto the alloy surface from the gas phase or it was pre-charged into the alloy forming an alpha-2 hydride. No effect of either adsorbed or absorbed hydrogen was observed in the Auger spectra. A shift in the bulk plasmon loss energy (observed with REELS) was measured for both conditions. The potential significance of these results in relation to hydrogen interactions in this alloy is discussed.

Shanabarger, Mickey R.↗

DOE OSTI2024

Systems and methods for resolving a number of incident RF-range photons

A photon-number-resolving detector comprises a detection element, an ohmmeter, and a hardware logic component. The detection element can be formed from a Weyl or Dirac semimetal. Electrons of the detection element are characterized by a surface state that exhibits a Dirac cone and a bulk superconducting state that exhibits a bandgap. When photons having energies less than the bandgap of the bulk superconducting state impinges on the detection element, the photons can be absorbed by electrons of the detection element that are characterized by the surface state. The ohmmeter outputs resistance data indicative of an electrical resistance of the detection element while the photons impinge on the detection element. The hardware logic component can determine, based upon the resistance data, a number of the photons that are absorbed by the surface state electrons of the detection element.

Soh, Daniel Beom Soo↗

NASA NTRS2000

Gas storage using fullerene based adsorbents

This invention is directed to the synthesis of high bulk density high gas absorption capacity adsorbents for gas storage applications. Specifically, this invention is concerned with novel gas absorbents with high gravimetric and volumetric gas adsorption capacities which are made from fullerene-based materials. By pressing fullerene powder into pellet form using a conventional press, then polymerizing it by subjecting the fullerene to high temperature and high inert gas pressure, the resulting fullerene-based materials have high bulk densities and high gas adsorption capacities. By pre-chemical modification or post-polymerization activation processes, the gas adsorption capacities of the fullerene-based adsorbents can be further enhanced. These materials are suitable for low pressure gas storage applications, such as oxygen storage for home oxygen therapy uses or on-board vehicle natural gas storage. They are also suitable for storing gases and vapors such as hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor.

Loutfy, Raouf O.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Photothermal degradation of ethylene/vinylacetate copolymer

Photothermal degradation studies were conducted on a 'stabilized' formulation of ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) in the temperature range 25-105 C under three different oxygen environments (in open air, with limited access to O2, and in a dark closed stagnant oven). These studies were performed in order to evaluate the utility of EVA as an encapsulation material for photovoltaic modules. Results showed that at low temperature (25 C), slow photooxidation of the polymer occurred via electronic energy transfer involving the UV absorber incorporated in the polymer. However, no changes in the physical properties of the bulk polymer were detected up to 1500 hours of irradiation. At elevated temperatures, leaching and evaporation of the additives occurred, which ultimately resulted in the chemical crosslinking of the copolymer and the formation of volatile photoproducts such as acetic acid.

Liang, R. H.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Temperature Structures and Infrared-Derived Properties of the Atmosphere of Uranus and Neptune

Temperature structures of Uranus and Neptune are currently derivable from a combination of stellar occultation and thermal radiance observations. The globally averaged temperatures of Uranus and Neptune appear quite similar in their convective regions, reaching temperatures near 75 K at 1 bar and 150 K near 10 bar. Temperature minima near 200 mbar are also similar, near 53 to 55 K. The temperature in the stratosphere of Neptune rises much more steeply with altitude than for Uranus in the range of 0.1 to 100 mbar. Above this level, near 1 ubar, both atmospheres reach temperatures of 120 to 160 K. The bolometric radiant energy output is equivalent to the output of a blackbody at 58.3 + or - 2.0 K for Uranus and 60.3 + or - 2.0 for Neptune. These values imply approximate equilibrium with absorbed sunlight for Uranus but an internal energy source 1.9 to 2.6 times the absorbed sunlight for Neptune. The implication of the thermal spectra is that while the bulk composition may be consistent with a solar mixture of H2 and He, the mixing ratio of CH4 is probably about 2% in the deep atmospheres of both planets.

Glenn S Orton↗

NASA NTRS2002

Broad-Band Continuum and Line Emission of the gamma-Ray Blazar PKS 0537-441

PKS 0537-441, a bright gamma ray emitting blazar was observed at radio, optical, UV and X-ray frequencies during various EGRET paintings, often quasi-simultaneously. In 1995 the object was found in an intense emission state at all wavelengths. BeppoSAX observations made in 1998, non-simultaneously with exposures at other frequencies, allow us to characterize precisely the spectral shape of the high energy blazer component, which we attribute to inverse Compton scatter in The optical-to-gamma-ray spectral energy distributions at the different epochs show that the gamma-ray luminosity dominates the barometric output. This, together with the presence of optical and UV line emission, suggests that, besides the synchrotron self-Compton mechanism, the Compton upscattering of photons external to the jet (e.g., in the broad line region) may have a significant role for high energy radiation. The multiwavelength variability can be reproduced by changes of the plasma bulk Lorentz factor. The spectrum secured by ICE in 1995 appears to be partially absorbed shortward of approximately 1700 Angstroms. However, this signature is not detected in the HST spectrum taker during a lower state of the source. The presence of intervening absorbers is not supported by optical imaging and spectroscopy of the field.

Pian, E.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Structure and functions of water-membrane interfaces and their role in proto-biological evolution

Among the most important developments in proto-biological evolution was the emergence of membrane-like structures. These are formed by spontaneous association of relatively simple amphiphilic molecules that would have been readily available in the primordial environment. The resulting interfacial regions between water and nonpolar interior of the membrane have several properties which made them uniquely suitable for promoting subsequent evolution. They can (1) selectively attract organic material and mediate its transport, (2) serve as simple catalysts for chemical reactions, and (3) promote the formation of trans-membrane electrical and chemical gradients which could provide energy sources for proto-cells. Understanding the structure of interfaces, their interactions with organic molecules and molecular mechanisms of their functions is an essential step to understanding proto-biological evolution. In our computer simulation studies, we showed that the structure of water at interfaces with nonpolar media is significantly different from that in the bulk. In particular, the average surface dipole density points from the vapor to the liquid. As a result, negative ions can approach the interface more easily than positive ions. Amphiphilic molecules composed of hydrocarbon conjugated rings and polar substituents (e.g., phenol) assume at the interface rigid orientations in which polar groups are buried in water while hydrocarbon parts are located in the nonpolar environment. These orientational differences are of special interest in connection with the ability of some of these molecules to efficiently absorb photons. Flexible molecules with polar substituents often adopt at interfaces conformations different from those in the bulk aquaeous solution and in the gas phase. As a result, in many instances both specificity and kinetics of chemical reactions in which these molecules can participate is modified by the presence of surfaces. Of special interest is the mechanism by which polar molecules are transferred across interface between water and a nonpolar medium. Our recent study showed that simple ionophores bind ions by the same mechanisms as ion channels and carriers from modern cells.

Pohorille, A.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Development of ~25% Efficient Double Side Screen Printed Poly-Si/SiO x Passivated Contact Solar Cells

This program aims to overcome these challenges and develop high-efficiency (24-25%) double-side (DS) TOPCon solar cells by maximizing passivation on both sides while mitigating light absorption losses. To achieve this, the program will implement either thin (≤ 20 nm) homogeneous n-TOPCon on the entire front surface or selective area thick (≥ 100 nm) n-TOPCon only underneath the front metal contact with ~90% field region composed of dielectric passivated textured n-Si in between the poly-Si/metal grid. The rear side will feature ~250 nm-thick full-area planar p-TOPCon, which functions as the rear junction. Recombination and parasitic absorption losses in the front and rear TOPCon layers will be minimized by tailoring their doping profiles and thickness. Additionally, the device performance will be further enhanced through the optimization of bulk parameters, including the carrier lifetime, resistivity, and thickness of the n-type Si absorber. Finally, advanced metallization techniques, such as fine-line printing, and floating busbar or busbar-less designs, will be employed to reduce recombination, resistive, and optical losses. The program started with the development of a technology roadmap for DS-TOPCon cells to achieve target efficiency.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

NASA NTRS1986

The Jovian aurora: Electron or ion precipitation

High signal-to-noise spectra of the Jovian aurora at UV wavelengths obtained using the International Ultraviolet Explorer Observatory (including the brightest Jovian aurora observed to date) set strigent upper limits for sulfur and oxygen emissions, which would be associated with the precipitation of energetic heavy ions in the upper Jovian atmosphere if they were solely responsible for Jovian auroral processes. Model calculations of heavy ion precipitation and corresponding estimates of the associated sulfur and oxygen UV emissions previously carried out suggest emission values for 1304 A OI emission that are at least 30 times larger than the upper limit values set by the IUE observations reported. On the other hand the observed (feature of SII at 1256 A of 2 kR) is quite comparable to the theoretically predicted emission intensity. Taken together these observations and calculations suggest that electron as well as ion precipitation play a role in Jovian auroral processes. In light of earlier X-ray observations and in-situ plasma observations that suggest energetic heavy ion precipitation in the Jovian auroral zone, a scenario is suggested where heavy ion auroral energy deposition is concentrated at altitudes below the homopause. Electrons with energies of 10 to 30 keV are responsible for the bulk of the observable UV and EUV emissions since they deposit their energy above the methane absorbing layer defined by the homopause.

Waite, J. H., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Solid Carbonyl Sulphide (OCS) in W33A

We present ground-based observations of the 2041/cm (4.9 micrometer) absorption feature toward the deeply embedded protostar W33A. We attribute this interstellar feature to solid carbonyl sulphide (OCS) embedded in icy grain mantles along the line of sight. We have made an extensive laboratory study of the infrared characteristics of OCS in various ice mixtures. Studies of the 2041/cm band of solid OCS and solid mixtures containing OCS show that its shape and peak position are sensitive to the molecular environment of the OCS molecule. Mie scattering calculations show that the peak position and profile of the OCS band depend on the shape and size of the absorbing grain when the OCS concentration is larger than 0.05. For lower OCS concentrations, laboratory-measured bulk spectra agree very well with the absorption spectra of small grains. We have compared the observed feature with laboratory and theoretical spectra of astrophysically relevant mixtures. The best agreement is obtained for mixtures with traces of OCS in a methanol-rich matrix. This would suggest the presence of independent grain components and in particular of a minor fraction of methanol-rich icy grain mantles in which OCS is embedded. From the strength of the absorption feature we deduce a OCS/H 20 ratio, along the line of sight, of 4 x 10(exp -4).

Palumbo, M. E.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Solid Carbonyl Sulphide (OCS) in W33A

We present ground-based observations of the 2041 cm(exp -1) (4.9 mm) absorption feature toward the deeply embedded protostar W33A. We attribute this interstellar feature to solid carbonyl sulphide (OCS) embedded in icy grain mantles along the line of sight. We have made an extensive laboratory study of the infrared characteristics of OCS in various ice mixtures. Studies of the 2041 cm(exp -1) band of solid OCS and solid mixtures containing OCS show that its shape and peak position are sensitive to the molecular environment of the OCS molecule. Mie scattering calculations show that the peak position and profile of the OCS band depend on the shape and size of the absorbing grain when the OCS concentration is larger than 0.05. For lower OCS concentrations, laboratory-measured bulk spectra agree very well with the absorption spectra of small grains. We have compared the observed feature with laboratory and theoretical spectra of astrophysically relevant mixtures. The best agreement is obtained for mixtures with traces of OCS in a methanol-rich matrix. This would suggest the presence of independent grain components and in particular of a minor fraction of methanol-rich icy grain mantles in which OCS is embedded. From the strength of the absorption feature we deduce a OCS/H2O ratio, along the line of sight, of 4 x 10(exp -4).

Palumbo, M. E.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Robust measurement of microbial reduction of graphene oxide nanoparticles using image analysis

ABSTRACT Shewanella oneidensis ( S. oneidensis ) has the capacity to reduce electron acceptors within a medium and is thus used frequently in microbial fuel generation, pollutant breakdown, and nanoparticle fabrication. Microbial fuel setups, however, often require costly or labor-intensive components, thus making optimization of their performance onerous. For rapid optimization of setup conditions, a model reduction assay can be employed to allow simultaneous, large-scale experiments at lower cost and effort. Since S. oneidensis uses different extracellular electron transfer pathways depending on the electron acceptor, it is essential to use a reduction assay that mirrors the pathways employed in the microbial fuel system. For microbial fuel setups that use nanoparticles to stimulate electron transfer, reduction of graphene oxide provides a more accurate model than other commonly used assays as it is a bulk material that forms flocculates in solutions with a large ionic component. However, graphene oxide flocculates can interfere with traditional absorbance-based measurement techniques. This study introduces a novel image analysis method for quantifying graphene oxide reduction, showing improved performance and statistical accuracy over traditional methods. A comparative analysis shows that the image analysis method produces smaller errors between replicates and reveals more statistically significant differences between samples than traditional plate reader measurements under conditions causing graphene oxide flocculation. Image analysis can also detect reduction activity at earlier time points due to its use of larger solution volumes, enhancing color detection. These improvements in accuracy make image analysis a promising method for optimizing microbial fuel cells that use nanoparticles or bulk substrates. IMPORTANCE Shewanella oneidensis ( S. oneidensis ) is widely used in reduction processes such as microbial fuel generation due to its capacity to reduce electron acceptors. Often, these setups are labor-intensive to operate and require days to produce results, so use of a model assay would reduce the time and expenses needed for optimization. Our research developed a novel digital analysis method for analysis of graphene oxide flocculates that may be utilized as a model assay for reduction platforms featuring nanoparticles. Use of this model reduction assay will enable rapid optimization and drive improvements in the microbial fuel generation sector.

Bennett, Danielle T. (ORCID:0009000188748827)↗

NASA NTRS1991

Transport of photons produced by lightning in clouds

The optical effects of the light produced by lightning are of interest to atmospheric scientists for a number of reasons. Two techniques are mentioned which are used to explain the nature of these effects: Monte Carlo simulation; and an equivalent medium approach. In the Monte Carlo approach, paths of individual photons are simulated; a photon is said to be scattered if it escapes the cloud, otherwise it is absorbed. In the equivalent medium approach, the cloud is replaced by a single obstacle whose properties are specified by bulk parameters obtained by methods due to Twersky. Herein, Boltzmann transport theory is used to obtain photon intensities. The photons are treated like a Lorentz gas. Only elastic scattering is considered and gravitational effects are neglected. Water droplets comprising a cuboidal cloud are assumed to be spherical and homogeneous. Furthermore, it is assumed that the distribution of droplets in the cloud is uniform and that scattering by air molecules is neglible. The time dependence and five dimensional nature of this problem make it particularly difficult; neither analytic nor numerical solutions are known.

Solakiewicz, Richard↗

NASA NTRS1997

Lightweight Ceramics for Aeroacoustic Applications

The use of a HTP (High Temperature Performance) ceramic foam for aeroacoustic applications is investigated. HTP ceramic foam is a composition of silica and alumina fibers developed by LMMS. This foam is a lightweight high-temperature fibrous bulk material with small pore size, ultra high porosity, and good strength. It can be used as a broadband noise absorber at both room and high temperature (up to 1800 F). The investigation included an acoustic assessment as well as material development, and environmental and structural evaluations. The results show that the HTP ceramic foam provides good broadband noise absorbing capability and adequate strength when incorporating the HTP ceramic foam system into a honeycomb sandwich structure. On the other hand, the material is sensitive to Skydrol and requires further improvements. Good progress has been made in the impedance model development. A relationship between HTP foam density, flow resistance, and tortuosity will be established in the near future. Additional effort is needed to investigate the coupling effects between face sheet and HTP foam material.

Kwan, H. W.↗

NASA NTRS2004

Mars Express MARSIS Radar: A Prediction of the Effect of Overlying Ice on Detecting Polar Basal Lakes and Inter-Glacial Aquifers

The penetration of the MARSIS radar signal into the polar ice mass is modeled to determine the capability of the instrument to locate sub-glacial aquifers. As a ground penetrating radar, the orbiting MARSIS transmits a signal greater than 1 W between 1-5 MHz. In this work we will investigate the effect of ice conductive losses on the radar-detection of subsurface aquifers. Based on wave propagation analysis, it is found that for a bulk ice conductivity below 10-5 S/m, conductive losses in the medium are not significant. However, if the bulk ice conductivity is relatively large (greater than 10-5 S/m), the reflected signal from any deep aquifer will be absorbed as it propagates in the lossy ice medium limiting the probing depth.

Farrell, W. M.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Producing gallium arsenide crystals in space

The production of high quality crystals in space is a promising near-term application of microgravity processing. Gallium arsenide is the selected material for initial commercial production because of its inherent superior electronic properties, wide range of market applications, and broad base of on-going device development effort. Plausible product prices can absorb the high cost of space transportation for the initial flights provided by the Space Transportation System. The next step for bulk crystal growth, beyond the STS, is planned to come later with the use of free flyers or a space station, where real benefits are foreseen. The use of these vehicles, together with refinement and increasing automation of space-based crystal growth factories, will bring down costs and will support growing demands for high quality GaAs and other specialty electronic and electro-optical crystals grown in space.

Randolph, R. L.↗

NASA NTRS1976

A study of efficiency in low resistivity silicon solar cells

A general device-analysis program has been utilized to study the efficiency of silicon solar cells. The analysis is applied to specific geometries of both n(+)-p and n(+)-p-p(+) solar cells, and involves a numerical solution of the basic transport and continuity equations. This approach allows solutions that are free of typical limiting assumptions involved in solving the device equations as well as solutions relating to lifetime, mobility variations, and diffused-region profiles. The analysis includes available empirical information on diffusion length, mobility, and lifetime as a function of doping, as well as a Gaussian profile for the diffused region. Results are presented which illustrate the limitations of efficiency as a function of doping. It is found that the maximum efficiencies for both types of cell converge at lower resistivities to around 16% with air-mass-zero radiation and a single-layer absorbing-SiO antireflecting film. It is also found that the minority-carrier lifetime, both in the n(+) surface and p-type bulk regions, presents serious limitations to conversion efficiency, particularly in the low-resistivity cells.

Dunbar, P. M.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Canopy reflectance, photosynthesis, and transpiration. II - The role of biophysics in the linearity of their interdependence

The ability of satellite sensor systems to estimate area-averaged canopy photosynthetic and transpirative properties is evaluated. The near linear relationship between the simple ratio (SR) and normalized difference (ND) and the surface biophysical properties of canopy photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) absorption, photosynthesis, and bulk stomatal resistance is studied. The models utilized to illustrate the processes of canopy reflectance, photosynthesis, and resistance are described. The dependence of SR, the absorbed fraction of PAR, and canopy photosynthesis and resistance on total leaf area index is analyzed. It is noted that the SR and ND vegetation indices and vegetation-dependent qualities are near-linearly related due to the proportion of leaf scattering coefficient in visible and near IR wavelength regions. The data reveal that satellite sensor systems are useful for the estimation of photosynthesis and transpirative properties.

Sellers, P. J.↗