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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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NASA NTRS2014

Integrated Science Investigation of the Sun (ISIS): Design of the Energetic Particle Investigation

The Integrated Science Investigation of the Sun (ISIS) is a complete science investigation on the Solar Probe Plus (SPP) mission, which flies to within nine solar radii of the Sun's surface. ISIS comprises a two-instrument suite to measure energetic particles over a very broad energy range, as well as coordinated management, science operations, data processing, and scientific analysis. Together, ISIS observations allow us to explore the mechanisms of energetic particles dynamics, including their: (1) Origins-defining the seed populations and physical conditions necessary for energetic particle acceleration; (2) Acceleration-determining the roles of shocks, reconnection, waves, and turbulence in accelerating energetic particles; and (3) Transport-revealing how energetic particles propagate from the corona out into the heliosphere. The two ISIS Energetic Particle Instruments measure lower (EPI-Lo) and higher (EPI-Hi) energy particles. EPI-Lo measures ions and ion composition from approx. 20 keV/nucleon-15 MeV total energy and electrons from approx.25-1000 keV. EPI-Hi measures ions from approx. 1-200 MeV/nucleon and electrons from approx. 0.5-6 MeV. EPI-Lo comprises 80 tiny apertures with fields-of-view (FOVs) that sample over nearly a complete hemisphere, while EPI-Hi combines three telescopes that together provide five large-FOV apertures. ISIS observes continuously inside of 0.25 AU with a high data collection rate and burst data (EPI-Lo) coordinated with the rest of the SPP payload; outside of 0.25 AU, ISIS runs in low-rate science mode whenever feasible to capture as complete a record as possible of the solar energetic particle environment and provide calibration and continuity for measurements closer in to the Sun. The ISIS Science Operations Center plans and executes commanding, receives and analyzes all ISIS data, and coordinates science observations and analyses with the rest of the SPP science investigations. Together, ISIS' unique observations on SPP will enable the discovery, untangling, and understanding of the important physical processes that govern energetic particles in the innermost regions of our heliosphere, for the first time. This paper summarizes the ISIS investigation at the time of the SPP mission Preliminary Design Review in January 2014.

Coronal Mass Ejections↗
DOE OSTI2022

Atomic-Scale Surface Studies of Bulk Metallic Glasses. Final Report

Bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) are of both scientific and technological interest because the absence of periodic atomic arrangements provides them with unique physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. Their high strength, superior elasticity, and an ability to be easily formed into virtually unlimited shapes with feature sizes from centimeters to Angstroms by blow molding and thermoplastic forming makes them an attractive choice for more and more practical applications and products. Due to their complex internal structure, however, experiments that yield insight into their exact atomic arrangements have been scarce. As a result, glass physics is one of the last remaining unexplored fields of materials science despite the scientific and technological importance of glasses in our daily lives, and the question how to characterize and control matter away from equilibrium, as glasses are, was listed as one of five Grand Challenges in a recent DoE report. The main reason for the slow progress in glass physics is the lack of experimental tools that enable access to atomic-scale structural and behavioral information for disordered materials. Such atomic-scale knowledge is mandatory to establish structure-property relationships that ultimately could allow to custom-design alloys featuring specific desired characteristics. With no such relationships available, theory development in glass remains basic and the few that exist are often untested. The aim of this research was to enable progress in our understanding of BMGs by developing a new approach that will allow a meaningful application of local surface science methods to specially prepared BMG samples to obtain a wealth of quantitative information on their atomic arrangements. Key was the availability of specially prepared samples whose surfaces feature large atomically flat terraces despite being entirely amorphous, which we have produced from a Pt 57.5 Cu 14.7 Ni 5.3 P 22.5 alloy (‘Pt-BMG’) both under ambient conditions as well as in ultrahigh vacuum using a unique setup that has been specially developed within this grant. Our approach starts with the in-situ preparation of oxide crystals that are terminated by large terraces, from which exact mirror images out of BMG will be produced using thermoplastic forming (TPF); for the research within this grant, we have successfully used (001)-oriented SrTiO 3 single crystal surfaces as well as (100)-, (110)-, and (111)-oriented single crystals made from LaAlO 3 . Since the resulting BMG replicas display all features of the original crystal with sub-Angstrom fidelity, thereby mimicking the original crystal’s termination by atomically flat terraces without being crystalline themselves, they are ideally suited for further investigation. The following atomic-scale local studies were then carried within this proposal: (i) high-resolution surface imaging and local spectroscopy using scanning probe microscopy, which showed disordered atom-like features and revealed changes in the gradient of the local surface potential on a 1-2 nm length scale; (ii) characterization of atomic-scale plastic flow with affected volumes as low as 1000 atoms, which showed local hardness near or above the theoretically predicted maximum and, once plastic deformation was initiated, homogeneous flow of the atoms involved; (iii) characterization of surface relaxation processes and the onset of crystallization induced by annealing, which showed that upon heating over the material’s glass transition temperature, the surface rearranges and relaxes towards a more stable, denser packed glass, which increases on-terrace surface roughness, while surface tension smoothens step edges; and (iv) studies that investigate the dependence of the material’s mechanical properties and structure on processing parameters, revealing that relaxed glasses get denser, harder, and more elastic. In combination, this information allows to combine structural models with mechanical properties and preparation history, thereby facilitating the development of preparation-structure-property relationships for metallic glasses. With the availability of such information, bulk metallic glasses can be further optimized to be used in more and more applications in industry.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1988

Design of the unmanned Multiple Exploratory Probe System (MEPS) for Mars observations

The unmanned Multiple Exploratory Probe System (MEPS) is designed for Mars observations in preparation for manned missions to the planet early in the 21st century. MEPS will test vehicle systems, provide important data about the Martian surface and atmosphere, and assist the planning of manned missions. This mission will be a precursor to the manned missions. MEPS will consist of six primary systems. A Command Information Center (CIC) will be employed as an onboard mission control, communications link, and observation post. The Space Transportation Main Engine (STME) will be used to provide the thrust for Earth-Mars transit following vehicle construction near the Space Station. A polar lander/Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV) will be deployed during transit to achieve a polar orbit about Mars. A secondary propulsion will be used to place MEPS into orbit about Mars; this system and the aerobrake will circularize the orbit. Following orbit circulation, a satellite will be deployed to observe the Martian surface and atmosphere and to study the space environment. Polar and equatorial lander systems will land on Mars with rovers to collect surface and atmospheric samples while on-board laboratories will provide initial sample study. Two solid rocket booster/payload vehicles will launch samples into a low Mars orbit. The OTV will rendezvous with each payload capsule and then transfer the samples to Earth for hands-on observation.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2007

Probing the Depths of Space Weathering: A Cross-sectional View of Lunar Rock 76015

The term "space weathering" refers to the cumulative effects of several processes operating at the surface of any solar system body not protected by a thick atmosphere. These processes include cosmic and solar ray irradiation, solar wind implantation and sputtering, as well as melting and vaporization due to micrometeorite bombardment. Space weathering discussions have generally centered around soils but exposed rocks will also incur the effects of weathering. Rocks have much longer surface lifetimes than an individual soil grain and thus record a longer history of exposure. By studying the weathering products which have built up on a rock surface, we can gain a deeper perspective on the weathering process and better assess the relative importance of various weathering components. The weathered coating, or patina, of the lunar rock 76015 has been previously studied using SEM and TEM. It is a noritic breccia with both "glazed" (smooth glassy) and "classic" (microcratered and pancake-bearing) patina coatings. Previous TEM work on 76015 relied on ultramicrotomy to prepare cross sections of the patina coating, but these sections were limited by the "chatter" and loss of material in these brittle samples. Here we have used a focused ion beam (FIB) instrument to prepare cross sections in which the delicate stratigraphy of the patina coating is beautifully preserved.

Noble, Sarah K.↗
NASA NTRS2015

Core Analysis Combining MT (TIPPER) and Dielectric Sensors (Sans EC) in Earth and Space

On terrestrial planets and moons of our solar system cores reveal details about a geological structure's formation, content, and history. The strategy for the search for life is focused first on finding water which serves as a universal solvent, and identifying the rocks which such solvent act upon to release the constituent salts, minerals, ferrites, and organic compounds and chemicals necessary for life. Dielectric spectroscopy measures the dielectric properties of a medium as a function of frequency. Reflection measurements in the frequency range from 300 kHz to 300 MHz were carried out using RF and microwave network analyzers interrogating SansEC Sensors placed on clean geological core samples. These were conducted to prove the concept feasibility of a new geology instrument useful in the field and laboratory. The results show that unique complex frequency spectra can be acquired for a variety of rock core samples. Using a combination of dielectric spectroscopy and computer simulation techniques the magnitude and phase information of the frequency spectra can be converted to dielectric spectra. These low-frequency dielectric properties of natural rock are unique, easily determined, and useful in characterizing geology. TIPPER is an Electro-Magnetic Passive-Source Geophysical Method for Detecting and Mapping Geothermal Reservoirs and Mineral Resources. This geophysical method uses distant lightning and solar wind activity as its energy source. The most interesting deflections are caused by the funneling of electrons into more electrically conductive areas like mineralized faults, water or geothermal reservoirs. We propose TIPPER to be used with SansEC for determining terrain/ocean chemistry, ocean depth, geomorphology of fracture structures, and other subsurface topography characteristics below the ice crust of Jovian moons. NASA envisions lander concepts for exploration of these extraterrestrial icy surfaces and the oceans beneath. One such concept would use a nuclear powered heated tip for melting through the ice sheath of Europa and inserting a down hole SansEC with TIPPER interface. NASA's Juno space probe already on the way to Jupiter as part of the Exploration New Frontiers Program and the planned Europa mission will conduct detailed reconnaissance of Jupiter's moon Europa and investigate whether the icy moon could harbor conditions suitable for life. It has already been observed that Jovian moons have auroras that may serve as naturally occurring active energy sources for a TIPPER instrument.

Mound, Michael C.↗
DOE OSTI2012

Effect of oxygen on the stability of Ag islands on Si(111)-7 × 7

We have used scanning tunneling microscopy to probe the effect of oxygen exposure on an ensemble of Ag islands separated by a Ag wetting layer on Si(111)-7 × 7. Starting from a distribution dominated by islands that are 1 layer high (measured with respect to the wetting layer), coarsening in ultrahigh vacuum at room temperature leads to growth of 2-layer islands at the expense of 1-layer islands, which is expected. If the sample is exposed to oxygen, 3-layer islands are favored, which is unexpected. There is no evidence for oxygen adsorption on top of Ag islands, but there is clear evidence for adsorption in the wetting layer. Several possible explanations are considered.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Use of Au@Void@TiO 2 yolk-shell nanostructures to probe the influence of oxide crystallinity on catalytic activity for low-temperature oxidations

A series of Au@Void@TiO 2 yolk-shell structures were synthesized and characterized, and their catalytic activity was tested for the oxidation of carbon monoxide. The target of this study was to evaluate the effects of (1) the crystallinity of the TiO 2 shell and (2) the presence of titanate phases. Transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction data show that increasing calcination temperatures, from 850 to 1250 K, leads to the formation of larger titania crystallites. These crystallites are typically in the form of anatase, but some rutile is also made at high temperatures. The general yolk-shell nanostructures retain their basic characteristics upon calcination and upon treatment with HCl (used to remove the titanate phases), but a few structural and chemical changes do take place: (1) the void-space diameter is reduced by approximately 10% when going from T Calc = 850 K to T Calc = 1250 K, a change that is accompanied by a decrease in the surface area (estimated from N 2 adsorption-desorption isotherms); (2) the shell thickness remains unaffected by either calcination or HCl treatment; (3) the pore volume also remains approximately constant with increasing calcination temperature in the catalysts free of titanates but diminishes significantly in the samples with titanate phases; (4) the mesoporosity is minimal in all yolk-shell nanostructures but more noticeable with the pure TiO 2 shells; (5) the titanates have high Na content (measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy), but that Na is fully removed upon treatment with HCl; (6) no Ti 3+ was detectable in any of the samples, but silica, together with C and (minor amounts of) N, was present in all; (7) all Au is in metallic form; (8) two temperature regimes were observed for the catalytic oxidation of CO, as reported for other similar samples in the past, an Arrhenius regime around or above room temperature, and a cryogenic range going to temperatures as low as 120 K; (9) the latter regime is only seen with the samples containing titanate phases; (10) the titanates seem to also aid in the oxidation at higher temperatures; and (11) in general, increasing titania crystallinity leads to a decrease the catalytic activity.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2017

Electromagnetic enhanced ignition

Here, we investigate how EM radiation affects the thermal decomposition pathway in HMX. The experiment used an external heat source (CO 2 laser) to rapidly heat the surface of HMX and observe the response upon application of EM energy that, on its own, is not enough power to induce heating or ignition. We hypothesize that charged intermediate decomposition species and free radicals in the gas phase interact strongly with EM energy, leading to plasma formation. These gas phase species form as a result of HMX sublimation and decomposition, and will act as “virtual antennas” and strongly couple to EM energy. The rapid absorption of EM energy during this coupling event is observed in the measured reflected power data. Ignition and plasma formation were monitored using both visible and IR photodiode probes, as well as imaged using a high-speed video camera. These observations support the hypothesis that the presence of an EM field will perturb the thermal decomposition pathway of HMX, and cause ignition to occur at a lower temperature than what is predicted under typical thermal conditions. This intense interaction results in electrically excited molecules that propagate the energy and surpass the activation barrier for ignition before the predicted ignition temperature of the bulk sample has been reached. In conclusion, understanding the decomposition of energetic materials under the influence of EM energy is important to understand and predict material response under a variety of environmental conditions.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2012

PROPERTIES OF BULGELESS DISK GALAXIES. II. STAR FORMATION AS A FUNCTION OF CIRCULAR VELOCITY

We study the relation between the surface density of gas and star formation rate in 20 moderately inclined, bulgeless disk galaxies (Sd-Sdm Hubble types) using CO(1-0) data from the IRAM 30 m telescope, H I emission line data from the VLA/EVLA, H{alpha} data from the MDM Observatory, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon emission data derived from Spitzer IRAC observations. We specifically investigate the efficiency of star formation as a function of circular velocity (v{sub circ}). Previous work found that the vertical dust structure and disk stability of edge-on, bulgeless disk galaxies transition from diffuse dust lanes with large scale heights and gravitationally stable disks at v{sub circ} < 120 km s{sup -1} (M{sub *} {approx}< 10{sup 10} M{sub Sun }) to narrow dust lanes with small scale heights and gravitationally unstable disks at v{sub circ} > 120 km s{sup -1}. We find no transition in star formation efficiency ({Sigma}{sub SFR}/{Sigma}{sub Hi+H{sub 2}}) at v{sub circ} = 120 km s{sup -1} or at any other circular velocity probed by our sample (v{sub circ} = 46-190 km s{sup -1}). Contrary to previous work, we find no transition in disk stability at any circular velocity in our sample. Assuming our sample has the same dust structure transition as the edge-on sample, our results demonstrate that scale height differences in the cold interstellar medium of bulgeless disk galaxies do not significantly affect the molecular fraction or star formation efficiency. This may indicate that star formation is primarily affected by physical processes that act on smaller scales than the dust scale height, which lends support to local star formation models.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS2001

Beagle 2: The Next Exobiology Mission to Mars

Beagle 2 is a 60 kg probe (with a 30 kg lander) developed in the United Kingdom for inclusion on the European Space Agency's 2003 Mars Express. Beagle 2 will deliver to the Martian surface a payload which consists of a high percentage of science instruments to landed spacecraft mass. Beagle 2 will be launched in June, 2003 with Mars Express on a Soyuz-Fregat rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Beagle 2 will land on Mars on December 26, 2003 in the Isidis Planitia basin (approximately 10 degrees N and 275 degrees W), a large sedimentary basin that overlies the boundary between ancient highlands and northern plains. Isidis Planitia, the third largest basin on Mars, which is possibly filled with sediment deposited at the bottom of long-standing lakes or seas, offers an ideal environment for preserving traces of life. Beagle 2 was developed to search for organic material and other volatiles on and below the surface of Mars in addition to the study of the inorganic chemistry and mineralogy. Beagle 2 will utilize a mechanical mole and grinder to obtain samples from below the surface, under rocks and inside rocks. A pair of stereo cameras will image the landing site along with a microscope for examination of surface and rock samples. Analyses will include both rock and soil samples at various wavelengths, X-ray spectrometer and Mossbauer spectrometer as well as a search for organics and other light element species (e.g. carbonates and water) and measurement of their isotopic compositions. Beagle 2 has as its focus the goal of establishing whether evidence for life existed in the past on Mars at the Isidis Planitia site or at least establishing if the conditions were ever suitable. Carbonates and organic components were first recognized as existing on Mars when they were found in the Martian meteorite Nakhla. Romanek et al showed the carbonates in ALH84001 were formed at low temperatures. McKay et al noted possible evidence of early life on Mars within the ALH84001 meteorite. Thomas-Keprta et al showed the magnetite biomarkers in ALH84001's carbonates are indistinguishable from those formed by magnetotactic bacteria found on Earth. Gibson et al showed there was significant evidence for liquid water and biogenic products present on Mars across a 3.9 billion year period. A mechanical arm (PAW) operates from the lander and is used for science operations along with sample acquisition. Instruments attached to the PAW include: stereo cameras, Mossbauer instrument, X-ray fluorescence instrument, microscope, environmental sensors, rock corer/grinder, a spoon, mirror, brushes, a mole attachment for acquisition of subsurface to depths of 1 to 2 meters and an illumination device. Each camera has 14 filters which have been optimized for mineralogy composition, dust and water vapor detection. The microscope's camera is designed for viewing the size and shape of dust particles, rock surfaces, microfossils, and characteristics of the samples prior to introduction into the gas analysis package (GAP). The camera has a resolution of 4 microns/pixel, features four color capability (red, green, blue and UV (ultraviolet) fluoresence), a depth of focus of 40 micrometers and translation stage of +3 millimeters. The heart of the Beagle 2's life detection package is the gas analysis package (GAP), which consists of a mass spectrometer with collectors at fixed masses for precise isotopic ratio measurements and voltage scanning for spectral analysis. Primary aim of the GAP is to search for the presence of bulk constituents, individual species, and isotopic fractionations for both extinct and extent life along with studying the low-temperature geochemistry of the hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen and oxygen components on Mars from both the surface and atmosphere. GAP is a magnetic sector mass spectrometer with the range of 1 to 140 amu which can be operated in both the static and dynamic modes. A triple Faraday collector array will be used for C, N and O ratios along with a double Faraday array for H/D. Pulse counting electron multiplier will be utilized for noble gases and selected organics. Anticipated detection limits are at the picomole level for operation in the static mode of operation and high precision isotopic measurements will be made in the dynamic mode. Sample processing and preparation system consists of reaction vessels along with references. Sample ovens capable of being heated are attached to the manifold for sample combustion. Surface, subsurface materials and interior rock specimens will be combusted in pure oxygen gas at various temperature intervals to release organic matter and volatiles. Combustion process will permit detection of all forms and all atoms of carbon present in the samples. A chemical processing system is capable of a variety of conversion reactions. Gases are manipulated either by cryogenic or chemical reactions and passed through the gas handling portion of the vacuum system. There are two modes of operation: quantitative analysis and precise isotopic measurements. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Gibson, Everett K., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS2019

Bumper: A Tool for Analyzing Spacecraft Micrometeoroid and Orbital Debris Risk

“Bumper” is NASA’s computer program for analyzing spacecraft micrometeoroid and orbital debris (MMOD) risk. Bumper was developed in the late-1980s and has been continuously used and maintained since. The user base has grown from a few government entities to now include numerous commercial entities as well. The NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) Hypervelocity Impact Technology (HVIT) Team is responsible for all aspects of the Bumper software. Bumper has been used to characterize MMOD risk on hundreds of spacecraft. All of the International Space Station (ISS) modules, visiting vehicles and numerous external components and systems have been analyzed. Bumper was used to analyze each of the Space Shuttle missions since STS-50. The Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) MMOD shielding is being developed using Bumper as well. Bumper has also been used on numerous telescopes (Hubble, James Webb, and Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescopes), scientific probes (Stardust, New Horizons, Parker Solar Probe), and Earth observation satellites (Landsat, Joint Polar Satellite System). Bumper is also being used to analyze the micrometeoroid risk and support design of the Deep Space Gateway (DSG) and Mars Sample Return (MSR) missions. The HVIT Bumper Configuration Control Board (CCB) ensures that all changes to the code are approved, reviewed, and documented. Most of the changes are made to add new MMOD damage “ballistic limit equations” (BLEs). BLEs are typically added in response to completion of a hypervelocity impact (HVI) test series and development of an associated BLE. Other less frequent changes include updates of the debris or meteoroid environment models, feature enhancements, and feature retirement. Some BLEs are commercially sensitive and/or proprietary, so the CCB also manages code user-version control and software distribution. The current version – “Bumper 3” – is a FORTRAN executable that utilizes a 64-bit architecture. Bumper 3 has numerous features that make it a powerful tool for analyzing spacecraft MMOD risk. Bumper uses the latest orbital debris and micrometeoroid environment models. Bumper also easily processes large spacecraft geometry models, recognizes hidden surfaces, permits BLE assignment by name or number, and conducts quality checks of the spacecraft geometry model. Bumper 3 can also be used to estimate the effects of particle penetration through thin, high-standoff distance hardware components such as solar arrays and radiators. This is done using a special HVIT-developed technique know as the “3-Part Analysis.” The paper introduces the Bumper 3 MMOD risk analysis code and provides an example MMOD risk assessment showing Bumper’s role in the overall MMOD protection design process.

Lear, Dana M.↗
DOE OSTI2019

Sub-20 nm Core–Shell–Shell Nanoparticles for Bright Upconversion and Enhanced Förster Resonant Energy Transfer

Upconverting nanoparticles provide valuable benefits as optical probes for bioimaging and Förster resonant energy transfer (FRET) due to their high signal-to-noise ratio, photostability, and biocompatibility; yet, making nanoparticles small yields a significant decay in brightness due to increased surface quenching. Approaches to improve the brightness of UCNPs exist but often require increased nanoparticle size. Here we present a unique core-shell-shell nanoparticle architecture for small (sub-20 nm), bright upconversion with several key features: (1) maximal sensitizer concentration in the core for high near-infrared absorption, (2) efficient energy transfer between core and interior shell for strong emission, and (3) emitter localization near the nanoparticle surface for efficient FRET. This architecture consists of β-NaYbF 4 (core) @NaY 0.8-x Er x Gd 0.2 F 4 (interior shell) @NaY 0.8 Gd 0.2 F 4 (exterior shell), where sensitizer and emitter ions are partitioned into core and interior shell, respectively. Emitter concentration is varied (x = 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 80%) to investigate influence on single particle brightness, upconversion quantum yield, decay lifetimes, and FRET coupling. We compare these seven samples with the field-standard core-shell architecture of β-NaY 0.58 Gd 0.2 Yb 0.2 Er 0.02 F 4 (core) @NaY 0.8 Gd 0.2 F 4 (shell), with sensitizer and emitter ions codoped in the core. At a single particle level, the core-shell-shell design was up to 2-fold brighter than the standard core-shell design. Further, by coupling a fluorescent dye to the surface of the two different architectures, we demonstrated up to 8-fold improved emission enhancement with the core-shell-shell compared to the core-shell design. Finally, we show how, given proper consideration for emitter concentration, we can design a unique nanoparticle architecture to yield comparable or improved brightness and FRET coupling within a small volume.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

Principles and biophysical applications of single particle super-localization and rotational tracking

While conventional Single Particle Tracking (SPT) techniques acquire 2D or 3D trajectories of particle probes, we have developed Single Particle Orientation and Rotational Tracking (SPORT) techniques to extract orientation and rotational information. Combined with DIC microscopy, the SPORT technique has been applied in biophysical studies, including membrane diffusion and intracellular transport. The rotational dynamics of nanoparticle vectors on live cell membranes was recorded and its influence on the fate of these nanoparticle vectors was elucidated. The rotational motions of gold nanorods with various surface modifiers were tracked continuously at a temporal resolution of 5 ms under a DIC microscope. We found that the rotational behaviors of gold nanorod vectors are strongly related to their surface charge, specific surface functional groups, and the availability of receptors on cell membranes. The study of rotational Brownian motion of nanoparticles on cell membranes will lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms of drug delivery and provide guidance in designing surface modification strategies for drug delivery vectors under various circumstances. To characterize the rotation mode of surface functionalized gold nanorods on cell membranes, the SPORT technique is combined with the correlation analysis of the bright and dark DIC intensities. The unique capabilities of visualizing and understanding rotational motions of functionalized nanoparticles on live cell membranes allow us to correlate rotational and translational dynamics in unprecedented detail and provide new insights for complex membrane processes, including electrostatic interactions, ligand-receptor binding, and lateral (confined and hopping) diffusion of membrane receptors. Surface-functionalized nanoparticles interact with the membrane in fundamentally different ways and exhibit distinct rotational modes. The early events of particle-membrane approach and attachment are directly visualized for the first time. The rotational dynamics of cargos in both active directional transport and pausing stages of axonal transport was also visualized using high-speed SPORT with a temporal resolution of 2 ms. Both long and short pauses are imaged, and the correlations between the pause duration, the rotational behaviour of the cargo at the pause, and the moving direction after the pause are established. Furthermore, the rotational dynamics leading to switching tracks are visualized in detail. These first-time observations of cargo's rotational dynamics provide new insights on how kinesin and dynein motors take the cargo through the alternating stages of active directional transport and pause. To improve the localization precision of the SPT technique with DIC microscopy, a precise three-dimensional (3D) localization method of spherical gold nanoparticle probes using model-based correlation coefficient mapping was introduced. To accomplish this, a stack of sample images at different z-positions are acquired, and a 3D intensity profile of the probe serving as the model is used to map out the positions of nanoparticles in the sample. By using this model-based correlation imaging method, precise localization can be achieved in imaging techniques with complicated point spread functions (PSF) such as differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy. The 3D superlocalization method was applied to tracking gold nanospheres during live endocytosis events. Finally, a novel dual-modality imaging technique has been developed to super-localize a single gold nanorod while providing its orientation and rotational information. The super-localization of the gold nanorod can be accomplished by curve fitting the modified bright-field images generated by one of the two beams laterally shifted by the first Nomarski prism in a DIC microscope. The orientation and rotational information is derived from the DIC images of gold nanorods. The new imaging setup has been applied to study the steric hindrance induced by relatively large cargos in the microtubule gliding assay and to track nanocargos in the crowded cellular environment.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS2003

Solar Array in Simulated LEO Plasma Environment

Six different types of solar arrays have been tested in large vacuum chambers. The low earth orbit plasma environment was simulated in plasma vacuum chambers, where the parameters could be controlled precisely. Diagnostic equipment included spherical Langmuir probes, mass spectrometer, low-noise CCD camera with optical spectrometer, video camera, very sensitive current probe to measure arc current, and a voltage probe to register variations in a conductor potential. All data (except video) were obtained in digital form that allowed us to study the correlation between external parameters (plasma density, additional capacitance, bias voltage, etc) and arc characteristics (arc rate, arc current pulse width and amplitude, gas species partial pressures, and intensities of spectral lines). Arc inception voltages, arc rates, and current selections are measured for samples with different coverglass materials and thickness, interconnect designs, and cell sizes. It is shown that the array with wrapthrough interconnects have the highest arc threshold and the lowest current collection. Coverglass design with overhang results in decrease of current collection and increase of arc threshold. Doubling coverglass thickness cases the increase in arc inception voltage. Both arc inception voltage and current collection increase significantly with increasing a sample temperature to 80 C. Sustained discharges are initiated between adjacent cells with potential differences of 40 V for the sample with 300 micron coverglass thickness and 60 V for the sample with 150 micron coverglass thickness. Installation of cryogenic pump in large vacuum chamber provided the possibility of considerable outgassing of array surfaces which resulted in significant decrease of arc rate. Arc sites were determined by employing a video-camera, and it is shown that the most probable sites for arc inception are triple-junctions, even though some arcs were initiated in gaps between cells. It is also shown that the arc rate increases with increasing of ion collection current. The analysis of optical spectra (240-800 nm) reveals intensive narrow atomic lines (Ag, H) and wide molecular bands (OH, CH, SiH, SiN) that confirms a complicated mechanism of arc plasma generation. The results obtained seem to be important for the understanding of the arc inception mechanism, which is absolutely essential for progress toward the design of high-voltage solar array for space application.

Vayner, Boris↗
NASA NTRS1991

Method for determining stable isotope ratios of dissolved organic carbon in interstitial and other natural marine waters

A procedure is described for the analysis of the stable carbon isotopic composition of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in natural waters from marine and higher-salinity environments. Rapid (less than 5 min) and complete oxidation of DOC is achieved using a modification of previous photochemical oxidation techniques. The CO2 evolved from DOC oxidation can be collected in less than 10 min for isotopic analysis. The procedure is at present suitable for oxidation and collection of 1-5 micromoles of carbon and has an associated blank of 0.1-0.2 micromole of carbon. Complete photochemical oxidation of DOC standards was demonstrated by quantitative recovery of CO2 as measured manometrically. Isotopic analyses of standards by photochemical and high-temperature sealed-tube combustion methods agreed to within 0.3%. Photochemical oxidation of DOC in a representative sediment pore-water sample was also quantitative, as shown by the excellent agreement between the photochemical and sealed-tube methods. The delta 13C values obtained for pore-water DOC using the two methods of oxidation were identical, suggesting that the modified photochemical method is adequate for the isotopically non-fractionated oxidation of pore-water DOC. The procedure was evaluated through an analysis of DOC in pond and pore waters from a hypersaline microbial mat environment. Concentrations of DOC in the water column over the mat displayed a diel pattern, but the isotopic composition of this DOC remained relatively constant (average delta 13C = -12.4%). Pore-water DOC exhibited a distinct concentration maximum in the mat surface layer, and delta 13C of pore-water DOC was nearly 8% lighter at 1.5-2.0-cm depth than in the mat surface layer (0-0.5-cm depth). These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the method in elucidating differences in DOC concentration and delta 13C over biogeochemically relevant spatial and temporal scales. Carbon isotopic analysis of DOC in natural waters, especially pore waters, should be a useful probe of biogeochemical processes in recent environments.

NASA Discipline Exobiology↗
NASA NTRS2004

Solar Array in Simulated LEO Plasma Environment

Six different types of solar arrays have been tested in large vacuum chambers. The low Earth orbit plasma environment was simulated in plasma vacuum chambers, where the parameters could be controlled precisely. Diagnostic equipment included spherical Langmuir probes, mass spectrometer, low-noise CCD camera with optical spectrometer, video camera, very sensitive current probe to measure arc current, and a voltage probe to register variations in a conductor potential. All data (except video) were obtained in digital form that allowed us to study the correlation between external parameters (plasma density, additional capacitance, bias voltage, etc) and arc characteristics (arc rate, arc current pulse width and amplitude, gas species partial pressures, and intensities of spectral lines). Arc inception voltages, arc rates, and current collections are measured for samples with different coverglass materials and thickness, interconnect designs, and cell sizes. It is shown that the array with wrapthrough interconnects have the highest arc threshold and the lowest current collection. Coverglass design with overhang results in decrease of current collection and increase of arc threshold. Doubling coverglass thickness causes the increase in arc inception voltage. Both arc inception voltage and current collection increase significantly with increasing a sample temperature to 80 C. Sustained discharges are initiated between adjacent cells with potential differences of 40 V for the sample with 300 m coverglass thickness and 60 V for the sample with 150 m coverglass thickness. Installation of cryogenic pump in large vacuum chamber provided the possibility of considerable outgassing of array surfaces which resulted in significant decrease of arc rate. Arc sites were determined by employing a video-camera, and it is shown that the most probable sites for arc inception are triple-junctions, even though some arcs were initiated in gaps between cells. It is also shown that the arc rate increases with increasing of ion collection current. The analysis of optical spectra (240-800 nm) reveals intensive narrow atomic lines (Ag, H) and wide molecular bands (OH, CH, SiH, SiN) that confirms a complicated mechanism of arc plasma generation. The results obtained seem to be important for the understanding of the arc inception mechanism, which is absolutely essential for progress toward the design of high-voltage solar array for space application.

Vayner, Boris↗
DOE OSTI2014

NanoSIMS Imaging Alternation Layers of a Leached SON68 Glass Via A FIB-made Wedged Crater

Currently, nuclear wastes are commonly immobilized into glasses because of their long-term durability. Exposure to water for long periods of time, however, will eventually corrode the waste form and is the leading potential avenue for radionuclide release into the environment. Because such slow processes cannot be experimentally tested, the prediction of release requires a thorough understanding the mechanisms governing glass corrosion. In addition, due to the exceptional durability of glass, much of the testing must be performed on high-surface-area powders. A technique that can provide accurate compositional profiles with very precise depth resolution for non-flat samples would be a major benefit to the field. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) depth profiling is an excellent tool that has long been used to examine corrosion layers of glass. The roughness of the buried corrosion layers, however, causes the corresponding SIMS depth profiles to exhibit erroneously wide interfaces. In this study, NanoSIMS was used to image the cross-section of the corrosion layers of a leached SON68 glass sample. A wedged crater was prepared by a focused ion beam (FIB) instrument to obtain a 5× improvement in depth resolution for NanoSIMS measurements. This increase in resolution allowed us to confirm that the breakdown of the silica glass network is further from the pristine glass than a second dissolution front for boron, another glass former. The existence of these two distinct interfaces, separated by only ~20 nm distance in depth, was not apparent by traditional ToF-SIMS depth profiling but has been confirmed also by atom probe tomography. This novel sample geometry will be a major benefit to efficient NanoSIMS sampling of irregular interfaces at the nanometer scale that would otherwise be obscured within ToF-SIMS depth profiles.

Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory↗
DOE OSTI2011

PROBING VERY BRIGHT END OF GALAXY LUMINOSITY FUNCTION AT z {approx}> 7 USING HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE PURE PARALLEL OBSERVATIONS

We report the first results from the Hubble Infrared Pure Parallel Imaging Extragalactic Survey, which utilizes the pure parallel orbits of the Hubble Space Telescope to do deep imaging along a large number of random sightlines. To date, our analysis includes 26 widely separated fields observed by the Wide Field Camera 3, which amounts to 122.8 arcmin{sup 2} in total area. We have found three bright Y{sub 098}-dropouts, which are candidate galaxies at z {approx}> 7.4. One of these objects shows an indication of peculiar variability and its nature is uncertain. The other two objects are among the brightest candidate galaxies at these redshifts known to date (L>2L*). Such very luminous objects could be the progenitors of the high-mass Lyman break galaxies observed at lower redshifts (up to z {approx} 5). While our sample is still limited in size, it is much less subject to the uncertainty caused by 'cosmic variance' than other samples because it is derived using fields along many random sightlines. We find that the existence of the brightest candidate at z {approx} 7.4 is not well explained by the current luminosity function (LF) estimates at z {approx} 8. However, its inferred surface density could be explained by the prediction from the LFs at z {approx} 7 if it belongs to the high-redshift tail of the galaxy population at z {approx} 7.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗