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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 109 records · Page 6
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1990

Injection efficiency of bound modes

Previous work on efficiency of light injection into the core of a fiber from a thin film and a bulk distribution of sources in the cladding have used the fields of a weakly guiding fiber. This approximation simplifies the analysis of the power efficiency by introducing universal values for the eigenvalues of different fibers with the same V-number, but cannot predict accurately the behavior of the injected light into a fiber with arbitrary differences in indices of refraction. The exact field solution was used in the expressions of the power efficiency, p sub eff, and its behavior as a function of the fiber parameter was analyzed. Weakly guiding results obtained previously are confirmed. However, P sub eff does not always increase with the V-number but with the difference in the indices of refraction, eta sub core-eta sub clad. For the bulk distribution it was found that P sub eff increases with the wavelength, lambda, and decreases with the fiber core radius, a, i.e., it decreases with the V-number. However, for the thin film, the P sub eff remains almost constant with lambda and the fiber core radius.

Egalon, Claudio Oliveira↗
NASA NTRS2001

The HP 85192B EEFet3 GaAs FET Nonlinear Model Used in the High Efficiency Microwave Power Amplifier (HEMPA)

Most nonlinear circuit analysis programs that exist today were designed primarily for transient analysis. By incorporating more accurate models in simulation programs, accurate predictions of GaAs field effect transistors (FET) behavior can be accomplished. However, should the designer need to simulate GaAs FETs that operate at high DC-to-RF conversion efficiencies, a more sophisticated model is needed. A relevant and appropriate method is called harmonic-balance, as described by Quere et al.

Sims, William Herbert, III↗
NASA NTRS1982

Optical communications research to demonstrate 2.5 bits/detected photon

The transmission of information by optical signals over a space channel with a power efficiency of 2.5 bits/detected photon markedly increases the amount of information that can be transmitted to satellites. An account is given of the research program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory that is attempting to demonstrate that optical signals can be used to transmit information over a space channel with this power efficiency. It is noted, however, that the ability to attain 2.5 bits/detected photon (or higher) depends heavily on the validity of the mathematical models used in the performance analysis. Therefore, verification of the channel dark current noise models is a crucial first step. Another prerequisite is a high-brightness, single-spatial mode laser emitter. It is believed that single spatial model devices with power outputs of about 1W can be achieved by coherently combining a number of GaAs lasers in what effectively amounts to a phased array.

Lesh, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Model of a thin film optical fiber fluorosensor

The efficiency of core-light injection from sources in the cladding of an optical fiber is modeled analytically by means of the exact field solution of a step-profile fiber. The analysis is based on the techniques by Marcuse (1988) in which the sources are treated as infinitesimal electric currents with random phase and orientation that excite radiation fields and bound modes. Expressions are developed based on an infinite cladding approximation which yield the power efficiency for a fiber coated with fluorescent sources in the core/cladding interface. Marcuse's results are confirmed for the case of a weakly guiding cylindrical fiber with fluorescent sources uniformly distributed in the cladding, and the power efficiency is shown to be practically constant for variable wavelengths and core radii. The most efficient fibers have the thin film located at the core/cladding boundary, and fibers with larger differences in the indices of refraction are shown to be the most efficient.

Egalon, Claudio O.↗
NASA NTRS2017

Miniature Optical Communications Transceiver (MOCT)

This project will advance the technology readiness of the Miniature Optical Communications Transceiver (MOCT) from TRL 3 to TRL 4. MOCT consists of a novel software-defined pulse modulator (SDPM),integrated laser system, and avalanche photodetection system, and is designed for optical communications between small spacecraft, including CubeSats, using a pulse position modulation (PPM) scheme. PPM encodes data in the timing of optical pulses with respect to a set of timing windows known as slots. The MOCT design focuses on power-efficiency making it particularly interesting for small satellites. We have demonstrated in the laboratory that this technology can generate shorter than 1 nanosecond-wide 1550 nanometer (nm) optical pulses with better than 50 picosecond (ps) timing accuracy. The timing resolution of this system is roughly a factor of four better than previously flown systems, meaning that it can transmit more bits of data with each optical pulse. Because this technology can both generate and time stamp the arrival of short optical pulses with 50 ps precision, it simultaneously provides power efficient communications and relative ranging between small spacecraft at the centimeter (cm) level.

Small Spacecraft↗
NASA NTRS1973

Experimental investigation of a 2.5 centimeter diameter Kaufman microthruster

A 2.5-centimeter-diameter Kaufman electron bombardment microthruster was fabricated and tested. The microthruster design was based on the 15-centimeter-diameter SERT 2 and 5-centimeter-diameter Lewis experimental thruster designs. The microthruster with a two-grid system, operating at a net accelerating potential of 600 volts and an accelerator potential of 500 volts, produced a calculated 445 micronewton thrust when it was run with a 9-milliampere beam current. A glass grid was initially used in testing. Later a two-grid system was successfully incorporated. Both the propellant utilization efficiency and the total power efficiency were lower than for large-size advanced thrusters, as expected; but they were sufficiently high that 2.5-centimeter thrusters show promise for future space applications. Total power of the microthruster with an assumed 7-watt hollow-cathode neutralizer was less than 30 watts at a thrust level of 445 micronewton (100 Nu LBf). The hollow cathode was operated at zero tip heater power for power requirement tests.

Cohen, A. J.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Improved Regenerative Sorbent-Compressor Refrigerator

Conceptual regenerative sorbent-compressor refrigerator attains regeneration efficiency and, therefore, overall power efficiency and performance greater than conventional refrigerators. Includes two fluid loops. In one, CH2FCF3 (R134a) ciculates by physical adsorption and desorption in four activated-charcoal sorption compressors. In other, liquid or gas coolant circulated by pump. Wave of regenerative heating and cooling propagates cyclically like peristatic wave among sorption compressors and associated heat exchangers. Powered by electricity, oil, gas, solar heat, or waste heat. Used as air conditioners, refrigerators, and heat pumps in industrial, home, and automotive applications.

Jones, Jack A.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Ku-band high efficiency GaAs MMIC power amplifiers

The development of Ku-band high efficiency GaAs MMIC power amplifiers is examined. Three amplifier modules operating over the 13 to 15 GHz frequency range are to be developed. The first MMIC is a 1 W variable power amplifier (VPA) with 35 percent efficiency. On-chip digital gain control is to be provided. The second MMIC is a medium power amplifier (MPA) with an output power goal of 1 W and 40 percent power-added efficiency. The third MMIC is a high power amplifier (HPA) with 4 W output power goal and 40 percent power-added efficiency. An output power of 0.36 W/mm with 49 percent efficiency was obtained on an ion implanted single gate MESFET at 15 GHz. On a dual gate MESFET, an output power of 0.42 W/mm with 27 percent efficiency was obtained. A mask set was designed that includes single stage, two stage, and three stage single gate amplifiers. A single stage 600 micron amplifier produced 0.4 W/mm output power with 40 percent efficiency at 14 GHz. A four stage dual gate amplifier generated 500 mW of output power with 20 dB gain at 17 GHz. A four-bit digital-to-analog converter was designed and fabricated which has an output swing of -3 V to +/- 1 V.

Tserng, H. Q.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Studies of discharge mechanisms in high pressure gases-applications to high efficiency high power lasers

By measuring the absorption and emission cantinua of various states in the cesium/xenon molecule, the collisional rates critical in populating the alkali/rare gas excimer levels have been estimated. Cs atomic states that are weakly optically connected to ground have been shown to form excimer levels that are attractive as potential dissociation lasers. In particular, the (Cs/7 2S/Xe) excited molecule appears promising as a source of high energy laser radiation due to its large dissociation energy, stimulated emission cross section, and small population inversion densities. Monitoring of the optically pumped Cs2 molecular absorption profile in the presence of xenon shows a drastic change with increasing xenon pressure for the Cs2C band. Dominant absorption at large xenon densities is centered around approximately 6380 A as opposed to 6300 A for lower perturber pressure.

Cherrington, B. E.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Studies of basic mechanisms occurring in high pressure gases: Applications to high efficiency high power lasers

The atomic fluorine laser was investigated. In the hollow cathode, lasing on Fluorine transitions in the doublet system lasted for up to 80 microns with no signs of self-termination. The excitation process of the laser appears to depend heavily upon the fluorine donor utilized. For instance, a single step process is involved when NF3 is used whereas a two step process is evident for SF6. The details are discussed.

Crane, J. K., III↗
NASA NTRS1981

Overview study of Space Power Technologies for the advanced energetics program

Space power technologies are reviewed to determine the state-of-the-art and to identify advanced or novel concepts which promise large increases in performance. The potential for incresed performance is judged relative to benchmarks based on technologies which have been flight tested. Space power technology concepts selected for their potentially high performance are prioritized in a list of R & D topical recommendations for the NASA program on Advanced Energetics. The technology categories studied are solar collection, nuclear power sources, energy conversion, energy storage, power transmission, and power processing. The emphasis is on electric power generation in space for satellite on board electric power, for electric propulsion, or for beamed power to spacecraft. Generic mission categories such as low Earth orbit missions and geosynchronous orbit missions are used to distinguish general requirements placed on the performance of power conversion technology. Each space power technology is judged on its own merits without reference to specific missions or power systems. Recommendations include 31 space power concepts which span the entire collection of technology categories studied and represent the critical technologies needed for higher power, lighter weight, more efficient power conversion in space.

Taussig, R.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Hybrid Laser Would Combine Power With Efficiency

Efficient laser system constructed by using two semiconductor lasers to pump neodymium yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) device. Hybrid concept allows digital transmission at data rates of several megabits per second with reasonably sized optical aperture of 20 cm. Beams from two GaAs lasers efficiently coupled for pumping Nd:YAG crystal. Combination of lasers exploits best features of each.

Sipes, Donald L., Jr↗
NASA NTRS1989

The power and efficiency of advanced software and parallel processing

Real-time simulation of flexible and articulating systems is difficult because of the computational burden of the time varying calculations. The mobile servicing system of the NASA Space Station Freedom will handle heavy payloads by local arm manipulations and by translating along the spline of the Station, it is crucial to have real-time simulation available. To enable such a simulation to be of high fidelity and to be able to be hosted on a modest computer, special care must be made in formulating the structural dynamics. Frontal solution algorithms save considerable time in performing these calculations. In addition, it is necessary to take advantage of parallel processing be compatible to take full advantage of both. An approach is offered which will result in high fidelity, real-time simulation for flexible, articulating systems such as the space Station remote servicing system.

Singh, Ramen P.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Use of microgravity to improve the efficiency and power output of Nd-doped laser glasses

The objectives of this research are to: (1) obtain further evidence and understand the science for the reported improvement in chemical homogeneity in glasses prepared in microgravity; and (2) study the feasibility of improving the optical and fluorescence properties, particularly, the limit for Nd(+3) concentration quenching and threshold energy for laser action for laser glasses prepared in microgravity. Attention was directed to ground based investigation whose primary purpose was to determine the suitability and conditions for processing these laser glasses in space. This report describes that the scientific and technical information required for planning flight experiments for these glasses have been obtained, and the preparation for handling and analyzing post flight samples have also been taken. Instruments required for measuring the fluorescence properties of interest have been constructed. The optical and fluorescence properties for the glasses have been measured and made available for comparative property analysis.

Ray, Chandra S.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Concept and implementation of the Globalstar mobile satellite system

Globalstar is a satellite-based mobile communications system which provides quality wireless communications (voice and/or data) anywhere in the world except the polar regions. The Globalstar system concept is based upon technological advancements in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology and in cellular telephone technology, including the commercial application of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technologies. The Globalstar system uses elements of CDMA and Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), combined with satellite Multiple Beam Antenna (MBA) technology and advanced variable-rate vocoder technology to arrive at one of the most efficient modulation and multiple access systems ever proposed for a satellite communications system. The technology used in Globalstar includes the following techniques in obtaining high spectral efficiency and affordable cost per channel: (1) CDMA modulation with efficient power control; (2) high efficiency vocoder with voice activity factor; (3) spot beam antenna for increased gain and frequency reuse; (4) weighted satellite antenna gain for broad geographic coverage; (5) multisatellite user links (diversity) to enhance communications reliability; and (6) soft hand-off between beams and satellites. Initial launch is scheduled in 1997 and the system is scheduled to be operational in 1998. The Globalstar system utilizes frequencies in L-, S- and C-bands which have the potential to offer worldwide availability with authorization by the appropriate regulatory agencies.

Schindall, Joel↗