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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

Co diffusion and growth of buried single-crystal CoSi2 in Si(111) by endotaxy

At a growth temperature of 800 C, Co deposited on a Si capping layer exhibits oriented growth on buried CoSi2 grains on Si(111), a process referred to as endotaxy. This occurs preferentially to surface nucleation of CoSi2, provided the thickness of the Si cap is less than a critical value of about 100 nm for deposition rates of 0.003-0.01 nm/s. The steady-state process is modeled using known values of the Co diffusion coefficient and solid solubility in Si, allowing some conclusions to be drawn regarding parameters relevant to CoSi2 epitaxy. Using this technique, single-crystal continuous layers of CoSi2 can be formed under a high-quality Si capping layer.

Fathauer, R. W.↗

Wavelength Control in Buried Heterostructure and Ridge Waveguide Lasers

High density wavelength division multiplexed (HD-WDM) systems place stringent requirements on the absolute wavelength and wavelength spacing of the elements in Distributed Feedback (DFB) laser arrays. An analysis of the fabrication tolerances for ridge waveguide and buried heterostructure DFB lasers is performed, showing the fabrication-induced wavelength variations present in these types of devices.

HD-WDM DFB distributed feedback laser arrays optic↗

GPR Imaging for Deeply Buried Objects: A Comparative Study Based on FDTD Models and Field Experiments

Conventional use of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is hampered by variations in background environmental conditions, such as water content in soil, resulting in poor repeatability of results over long periods of time when the radar pulse characteristics are kept the same. Target objects types might include voids, tunnels, unexploded ordinance, etc. The long-term objective of this work is to develop methods that would extend the use of GPR under various environmental and soil conditions provided an optimal set of radar parameters (such as frequency, bandwidth, and sensor configuration) are adaptively employed based on the ground conditions. Towards that objective, developing Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) GPR models, verified by experimental results, would allow us to develop analytical and experimental techniques to control radar parameters to obtain consistent GPR images with changing ground conditions. Reported here is an attempt at developing 20 and 3D FDTD models of buried targets verified by two different radar systems capable of operating over different soil conditions. Experimental radar data employed were from a custom designed high-frequency (200 MHz) multi-static sensor platform capable of producing 3-D images, and longer wavelength (25 MHz) COTS radar (Pulse EKKO 100) capable of producing 2-D images. Our results indicate different types of radar can produce consistent images.

Tilley, roger↗

Analytic Theory of Titans Schumann Resonance: Constraints on Ionospheric Conductivity and Buried Water Ocean

This study presents an approximate model for the atypical Schumann resonance in Titan's atmosphere that accounts for the observations of electromagnetic waves and the measurements of atmospheric conductivity performed with the Huygens Atmospheric Structure and Permittivity, Wave and Altimetry (HASI-PWA) instrumentation during the descent of the Huygens Probe through Titan's atmosphere in January 2005. After many years of thorough analyses of the collected data, several arguments enable us to claim that the Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) wave observed at around 36 Hz displays all the characteristics of the second harmonic of a Schumann resonance. On Earth, this phenomenon is well known to be triggered by lightning activity. Given the lack of evidence of any thunderstorm activity on Titan, we proposed in early works a model based on an alternative powering mechanism involving the electric current sheets induced in Titan's ionosphere by the Saturn's magnetospheric plasma flow. The present study is a further step in improving the initial model and corroborating our preliminary assessments. We first develop an analytic theory of the guided modes that appear to be the most suitable for sustaining Schumann resonances in Titan's atmosphere. We then introduce the characteristics of the Huygens electric field measurements in the equations, in order to constrain the physical parameters of the resonating cavity. The latter is assumed to be made of different structures distributed between an upper boundary, presumably made of a succession of thin ionized layers of stratospheric aerosols spread up to 150 km and a lower quasi-perfect conductive surface hidden beneath the non-conductive ground. The inner reflecting boundary is proposed to be a buried water-ammonia ocean lying at a likely depth of 55-80 km below a dielectric icy crust. Such estimate is found to comply with models suggesting that the internal heat could be transferred upwards by thermal conduction of the crust, while convective processes cannot be ruled out.

TITAN↗

A New Compton-Thick AGN in Our Cosmic Backyard: Unveiling the Buried Nucleus in NGC 1448 with NuSTAR

NGC 1448 is one of the nearest luminous galaxies [L(sub 8) - 1000 micrometers is greater than 10(exp. 9) Solar Luminosity] to ours (z = 0.00390), and yet the active galactic nucleus (AGN) it hosts was only recently discovered, in 2009. In this paper, we present an analysis of the nuclear source across three wavebands: mid-infrared (MIR) continuum, optical, and X-rays. We observed the source with the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR), and combined these data with archival Chandra data to perform broadband X-ray spectral fitting ( approx. equals 0.5 - 40 keV) of the AGN for the first time. Our X-ray spectral analysis reveals that the AGN is buried under a Compton-thick (CT) column of obscuring gas along our line of sight, with a column density of N(sub H)(los) approx. greater than 2.5 x 10(exp. 24) cm(exp. -2). The best-fitting torus models measured an intrinsic 2-10 keV luminosity of L(sub 2)-10,int = (3.5 - 7.6) x 10(exp. 40) erg s(exp. -1), making NGC 1448 one of the lowest luminosity CTAGNs known. In addition to the NuSTAR observation, we also performed optical spectroscopy for the nucleus in this edge-on galaxy using the European Southern Observatory New Technology Telescope. We reclassify the optical nuclear spectrum as a Seyfert on the basis of the Baldwin- Philips-Terlevich diagnostic diagrams, thus identifying the AGN at optical wavelengths for the first time. We also present high spatial resolution MIR observations of NGC 1448 with Gemini/T-ReCS, in which a compact nucleus is clearly detected. The absorption-corrected 2-10 keV luminosity measured from our X-ray spectral analysis agrees with that predicted from the optical [O III] Lamda 5007 A emission line and the MIR 12 micrometer continuum, further supporting the CT nature ofthe AGN.

galaxies: active – galaxies: nuclei – techniqu↗

Integration of Multilevel Superconducting Buried Wiring Layers with Transition-Edge Sensor Detectors for Large Scale Arrays

Lynx, one of the four mission concepts under consideration for the next Astrophysics DecadalReview, will include a microcalorimeter array consisting of more than 100,000 pixels in a compact arrangement with absorber pitch as small as 25 microns. In order to realize the desired array scale, fine-pitch multi-level superconducting wiring with high yield, compatible with rapid expansion of our hydra absorber designs, is essential. We have demonstrated a method of integrating transition edge sensor (TES) microcalorimeters with suitable multilevel buried wiring, fabricated at MIT Lincoln Laboratory using advanced tools dedicated to superconducting circuit fabrication. The TES Mo/Au bilayer is deposited on a high-quality oxide surface created by chemical-mechanical polishing, allowing tight specifications on the TES superconducting transition and link conductivity to be achieved even though the process order has been inverted. The TESs contact the top-level niobium wiring through vias etched through silicon dioxide down to the topmost wiring layer. The article discusses the overall fabrication process, as wellas the behavior of sensors with different via designs, proximity structures, and lateral sizes. An initial iteration of the integrated fabrication process indicates that microcalorimeters fabricated in this way should meet mission specifications using a Mo/Au bilayer with a reasonable critical temperature below 100 mK.

Detector↗

Quantitation of buried contamination by use of solvents

Solubilization studies were carried out on various cured silicone resins. A solvent spectrum was prepared. It was found that complete dissolution of cured silicone resins could be achieved without extensive physical degradation of samples. Based on the solubilization results, amine solvents were selected for spore viability studies.

Pappas, S. P.↗

Effects of buried obstacles on penetration resistance in cohesionless soils

Recent experiments concerning penetration of cohesionless soils in special molds that include solid obstacles embedded within the soil matrix are reported. The relative effects of these obstacles with respect to the soil properties of relative density, texture, and gradation are also discussed. Because lunar soil is fairly cohesionless, special attention was given to the Apollo lunar simulant, AP-12.

Deluca, E. W.↗

Quantitation of buried contamination by use of solvents

An investigation was made to determine (1) sporicidal properties of amine solvents that solubilize silicon resins, (2) recovery properties of a silicon potting compound (RTV 41) used in spacecraft, and (3) viability of spores during chemical curing of the potting compound. Results show that: (1) spores do remain viable during RTV 41 silicon potting chemical curing, and (2) spore recovery from cured silicon potting compound RTV 41 is very high when silicon rubber is dissolved in butylamine and series dilution with benzene prior to plate curing.

Pappas, S. P.↗

Quantitation of buried contamination by use of solvents

Spore recovery form cured silicone potting compounds using amine solvents to degrade the cured polymers was investigated. A complete list of solvents and a description of the effect of each on two different silicone polymers is provided.

Pappas, S. P.↗

An analysis of fracture trace patterns in areas of flat-lying sedimentary rocks for the detection of buried geologic structure

Two study areas in a cratonic platform underlain by flat-lying sedimentary rocks were analyzed to determine if a quantitative relationship exists between fracture trace patterns and their frequency distributions and subsurface structural closures which might contain petroleum. Fracture trace lengths and frequency (number of fracture traces per unit area) were analyzed by trend surface analysis and length frequency distributions also were compared to a standard Gaussian distribution. Composite rose diagrams of fracture traces were analyzed using a multivariate analysis method which grouped or clustered the rose diagrams and their respective areas on the basis of the behavior of the rays of the rose diagram. Analysis indicates that the lengths of fracture traces are log-normally distributed according to the mapping technique used. Fracture trace frequency appeared higher on the flanks of active structures and lower around passive reef structures. Fracture trace log-mean lengths were shorter over several types of structures, perhaps due to increased fracturing and subsequent erosion. Analysis of rose diagrams using a multivariate technique indicated lithology as the primary control for the lower grouping levels. Groupings at higher levels indicated that areas overlying active structures may be isolated from their neighbors by this technique while passive structures showed no differences which could be isolated.

Podwysocki, M. H.↗

Delineation of the boundaries of a buried pre-glacial valley with LANDSAT-1 data

The continuity of a narrow meandering strip of Udoll (prairie) soils running east and west for approximately 40 miles across north central Indiana in an area predominantly of Udalfs (timber soils) was detected from LANDSAT-1 data taken on June 9, 1973. This data was processed through a clustering procedure and classified with resulting increased definition of the boundaries among soils grouped according to nine categories and vegetation to two categories of reflectance. This dark stretch of prairie soil is believed to have formed in the heavy textured, poorly drained glacial debris which filled a major pre-glacial tributary of the Teays River System. Ready identification and location of the valley has significance to soil survey and land classification people as a guide to soil classification and land use and to geologists as a guide to location of a potentially economically significant aquifer.

Peterson, J. B.↗