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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

Execution time support for scientific programs on distributed memory machines

Optimizations are considered that are required for efficient execution of code segments that consists of loops over distributed data structures. The PARTI (Parallel Automated Runtime Toolkit at ICASE) execution time primitives are designed to carry out these optimizations and can be used to implement a wide range of scientific algorithms on distributed memory machines. These primitives allow the user to control array mappings in a way that gives an appearance of shared memory. Computations can be based on a global index set. Primitives are used to carry out gather and scatter operations on distributed arrays. Communications patterns are derived at runtime, and the appropriate send and receive messages are automatically generated.

Berryman, Harry↗

Micromachined Millimeter- and Submillimeter-wave SIS Heterodyne Receivers for Remote Sensing

This is a progress report for the second year of a NASA-sponsored project. The report discusses the design and fabrication of micromachined Superconductor Insulator Superconductor (SIS) heterodyne receivers with integrated tuning elements. These receivers tune out the functional capacitance at desired frequencies, resulting in less noise, lower temperatures and broader bandwidths. The report also discusses the design and fabrication of the first monolithic 3x3 focal-plane arrays for a frequency range of 170-210 GHz. Also addressed is the construction of a 9-channel bias and read-out system, as well as the redesign of the IF connections to reduce cross talk between SIS junctions, which become significant a frequency of 1.5 GHz IF. Uniformity of the junction arrays were measured and antenna beam patterns of several array elements under operating conditions also were measured. Finally, video and heterodyne responses of our focal-plane arrays were measured as well. Attached is a paper on: 'Development of a 170-210 GHz 3x3 micromachined SIS imaging array'.

Hu, Qing↗

High-Resolution Gamma-Ray Imaging Measurements Using Externally Segmented Germanium Detectors

Fully two-dimensional gamma-ray imaging with simultaneous high-resolution spectroscopy has been demonstrated using an externally segmented germanium sensor. The system employs a single high-purity coaxial detector with its outer electrode segmented into 5 distinct charge collection regions and a lead coded aperture with a uniformly redundant array (URA) pattern. A series of one-dimensional responses was collected around 511 keV while the system was rotated in steps through 180 degrees. A non-negative, linear least-squares algorithm was then employed to reconstruct a 2-dimensional image. Corrections for multiple scattering in the detector, and the finite distance of source and detector are made in the reconstruction process.

spectroscopy gamma ray germanium sensor nucleosynt↗

Metallic Nanowire Interconnections for Integrated Circuit Fabrication

A method for fabricating an electrical interconnect between two or more electrical components. A conductive layer is provided on a substarte and a thin, patterned catalyst array is deposited on an exposed surface of the conductive layer. A gas or vapor of a metallic precursor of a metal nanowire (MeNW) is provided around the catalyst array, and MeNWs grow between the conductive layer and the catalyst array. The catalyst array and a portion of each of the MeNWs are removed to provide exposed ends of the MeNWs.

Ng, Hou Tee↗

Electrohydrodynamically patterned colloidal crystals

A method for assembling patterned crystalline arrays of colloidal particles using ultraviolet illumination of an optically-sensitive semiconducting anode while using the anode to apply an electronic field to the colloidal particles. The ultraviolet illumination increases current density, and consequently, the flow of the colloidal particles. As a result, colloidal particles can be caused to migrate from non-illuminated areas of the anode to illuminated areas of the anode. Selective illumination of the anode can also be used to permanently affix colloidal crystals to illuminated areas of the anode while not affixing them to non-illuminated areas of the anode.

Hayward, Ryan C.↗

A Portable Electronic Nose For Hydrazine and Monomethyl Hydrazine Detection

The Space Program and military use large quantities Hydrazine (Hz) and monomethyl hydrazine (MMI-I) as rocket propellant. These substances are very toxic and are suspected human carcinogens. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist set the threshold limit value to be 10 parts per billion (ppb). Current off-the-shelf portable instruments require 10 to 20 minutes of exposure to detect 10 ppb concentration. This shortcofriing is not acceptable for many operations. A new prototype instrument using a gas sensor array and pattern recognition software technology (i.e., an electronic nose) has demonstrated the ability to identify either Hz or MM}{ and quantify their concentrations at 10 parts per billion in 90 seconds. This paper describes the design of the portable electronic nose (e-nose) instrument, test equipment setup, test protocol, pattern recognition algorithm, concentration estimation method, and laboratory test results.

Young, Rebecca C.↗

Optoelectronic Control Of Phased-Array Antenna

Radiation patterns switched within microseconds. According to concept, digital beam-steering information destined for number of phased antenna elements transmitted in serial multiplex along optical fiber to optoelectronic integrated circuit (OEIC), demultiplexing information into parallel electronic channels to phase shifters associated with various elements. Because of small distances between elements of such arrays, compactness of optical fibers makes them attractive for distribution of beam-steering (phase-shifting) control signals. Also offers advantages of light weight, low attenuation, mechanical flexibility, large bandwidth, and immunity to both crosstalk and electromagnetic interference.

Bhasin, K. B.↗

Most desirable terrain, e.g., flat vs valley location, part 5.1B

Ground reflections which are similar for all (Yagi) elements of a phased array and change the radiation pattern of the single elements are discussed. This consequently yields a change of the radiation pattern of the entire array. It is assumed that the radiation pattern of a Yagi antenna can be treated in a good approximation for the present purpose, similar to the pattern of a single dipole, if one confines to radiation angles which are roughly perpendicular to the main beam of the Yagi antenna.

Rottger, J.↗

Test Pattern for IC's

Random-fault densities measured in array of standard structures. Test pattern is array of standard circuit elements built into circuit chip along with, or in lieu of, integrated circuit objective process. Measurements on ray made and interpreted so fabrication process can be corrected as necessary.

Griswold, T. W.↗

Far-field distributions of semiconductor phase-locked arrays with multiple contacts

Experimental results on far-field patterns of semiconductor laser arrays with multiple contacts are reported. It is found that, by tailoring the distribution of the currents through the array elements, narrow single-lobe patterns, which are more useful in most applications, can be obtained from arrays that usually operate in a double-lobe mode. A diffraction-limited 1.8 deg-wide far field pattern was obtained from a three-element array.

Katz, J.↗

Method of constructing dished ion thruster grids to provide hole array spacing compensation

The center-to-center spacings of a photoresist pattern for an array of holes applied to a thin metal sheet are increased by uniformly stretching the thin metal sheet in all directions along the plane of the sheet. The uniform stretching is provided by securely clamping the periphery of the sheet and applying an annular force against the face of the sheet, within the periphery of the sheet and around the photoresist pattern. The technique is used in the construction of ion thruster grid units where the outer or downstream grid is subjected to uniform stretching prior to convex molding. The technique provides alignment of the holes of grid pairs so as to direct the ion beamlets in a direction parallel to the axis of the grid unit and thereby provide optimization of the available thrust.

Banks, B. A.↗

Scattering Effects of Solar Panels on Space Station Antenna Performance

Characterizing the scattering properties of the solar array panels is important in predicting Space Station antenna performance. A series of far-field, near-field, and radar cross section (RCS) scattering measurements were performed at S-Band and Ku-Band microwave frequencies on Space Station solar array panels. Based on investigation of the measured scattering patterns, the solar array panels exhibit similar scattering properties to that of the same size aluminum or copper panel mockup. As a first order approximation, and for worse case interference simulation, the solar array panels may be modeled using perfect reflecting plates. Numerical results obtained using the Geometrical Theory of Diffraction (GTD) modeling technique are presented for Space Station antenna pattern degradation due to solar panel interference. The computational and experimental techniques presented in this paper are applicable for antennas mounted on other platforms such as ship, aircraft, satellite, and space or land vehicle.

Panneton, Robert J.↗

Wideband array antenna system

Distortion of radiation pattern of 96-element phased array with matching dielectric sheet at each face of phase shifter matrix

RADIATION DISTRIBUTION↗

Far field beam pattern of one MW combined beam of laser diode array amplifiers for space power transmission

The far-field beam pattern and the power-collection efficiency are calculated for a multistage laser-diode-array amplifier consisting of about 200,000 5-W laser diode arrays with random distributions of phase and orientation errors and random diode failures. From the numerical calculation it is found that the far-field beam pattern is little affected by random failures of up to 20 percent of the laser diodes with reference of 80 percent receiving efficiency in the center spot. The random differences in phases among laser diodes due to probable manufacturing errors is allowed to about 0.2 times the wavelength. The maximum allowable orientation error is about 20 percent of the diffraction angle of a single laser diode aperture (about 1 cm). The preliminary results indicate that the amplifier could be used for space beam-power transmission with an efficiency of about 80 percent for a moderate-size (3-m-diameter) receiver placed at a distance of less than 50,000 km.

Kwon, Jin H.↗

Patterning Techniques for Magnesium Diboride Films for Superconducting Transition Edge Sensor Bolometer Arrays

We present a comparison of several patterning techniques for magnesium diboride films with the goal of making membrane-supported superconducting transition edge sensor bolometer arrays suited for far infrared exploration of outer planets and icy moons. We compare etch properties such as etch rate, selectivity to resist, and edge roughness for wet etching, reactive ion etching, and ion-milling processes.

Travers, D. E.↗

Cyrano "Nose" The Smell of Success

Cyrano Sciences, Inc. has commercialized a simple, accurate, non- invasive tool that enables "machines to smell". The Cyranose 320 is used for quality control purposes in the food and chemical industries. Using a sensor array and onboard pattern recognition algorithms, the lightweight, portable device works by exposing an array of polymer composite sensors to the chemical components in a vapor. When the sensors come in contact with the vapor, the polymer expands like a sponge, changing the resistance of the composites. The change in resistance is measured, and from that measurement, the presence of a pre-trained substance is determined with a quick and accurate diagnosis. This real-time, portable device enables food companies to spot test raw materials for batch-to-batch consistency, spoilage, or contamination. The Cyranose 320 is also used by chemical and petrochemical companies for quick assessment of the chemical status associated with various industrial processes. Profiling a chemical environment in a hazardous materials situation allows emergency crews to accurately select fire retardants, containment strategies, and protective gear. Future applications for the Cyranose 320 are fast growing and other uses of this technology are on the horizon.

Source record↗

Flagging and Correction of Pattern Noise in the Kepler Focal Plane Array

In order for Kepler to achieve its required less than 20 PPM photometric precision for magnitude 12 and brighter stars, instrument-induced variations in the CCD readout bias pattern (our "2D black image"), which are either fixed or slowly varying in time, must be identified and the corresponding pixels either corrected or removed from further data processing. The two principle sources of these readout bias variations are crosstalk between the 84 science CCDs and the 4 fine guidance sensor (FGS) CCDs and a high frequency amplifier oscillation on less than 40% of the CCD readout channels. The crosstalk produces a synchronous pattern in the 2D black image with time-variation observed in less than 10% of individual pixel bias histories. We will describe a method of removing the crosstalk signal using continuously-collected data from masked and over-clocked image regions (our "collateral data"), and occasionally-collected full-frame images and reverse-clocked readout signals. We use this same set to detect regions affected by the oscillating amplifiers. The oscillations manifest as time-varying moir pattern and rolling bands in the affected channels. Because this effect reduces the performance in only a small fraction of the array at any given time, we have developed an approach for flagging suspect data. The flags will provide the necessary means to resolve any potential ambiguity between instrument-induced variations and real photometric variations in a target time series. We will also evaluate the effectiveness of these techniques using flight data from background and selected target pixels.

Kolodziejczak, Jeffery J.↗

Wireless Fluid Level Measuring System

A level-sensing probe positioned in a tank is divided into sections with each section including (i) a fluid-level capacitive sensor disposed along the length thereof, (ii) an inductor electrically coupled to the capacitive sensor, (iii) a sensor antenna positioned for inductive coupling to the inductor, and (iv) an electrical conductor coupled to the sensor antenna. An electrically non-conductive housing accessible from a position outside of the tank houses antennas arrayed in a pattern. Each antenna is electrically coupled to the electrical conductor from a corresponding one of the sections. A magnetic field response recorder has a measurement head with transceiving antennas arrayed therein to correspond to the pattern of the housing's antennas. When a measurement is to be taken, the measurement head is mechanically coupled to the housing so that each housing antenna is substantially aligned with a specific one of the transceiving antennas.

Taylor, Bryant D.↗