Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “counting”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 109 records · Page 6
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2016

Photon Counting Detector Array Algorithms for Deep Space Optical Communications

For deep-space optical communications systems utilizing an uplink optical beacon, a single-photon-counting detector array on the flight terminal can be used to simultaneously perform uplink tracking and communications as well as accurate downlink pointing at photon-starved (pW/sq. m) power levels. In this paper, we discuss concepts and algorithms for uplink signal acquisition, tracking, and parameter estimation using a photon-counting camera. Statistical models of detector output data and signal processing algorithms are presented, incorporating realistic effects such as Earth background and detector/readout blocking. Analysis and simulation results are validated against measured laboratory data using state-of-the-art commercial photon-counting detector arrays, demonstrating sub-microradian tracking errors under channel conditions representative of deep space optical links.

beacon tracking↗
NASA NTRS2021

A Critical Look at Coulomb Counting Approach for State of Charge Estimation in Batteries

In this paper, we consider the problem of state-of-charge estimation for rechargeable batteries. Coulomb counting is a well-known method for estimating the state of charge, and it is regarded as accurate as long as the battery capacity and the beginning state of charge are known. The Coulomb counting approach, on the other hand, is prone to inaccuracies from a variety of sources, and the magnitude of these errors has not been explored in the literature. We formally construct and quantify the state-of-charge estimate error during Coulomb counting due to four types of error sources: (1) current measurement error; (2) current integration approximation error; (3) battery capacity uncertainty; and (4) timing oscillator error/drift. It is demonstrated that the state-of-charge error produced can be either time-cumulative or state-of-charge-proportional. Time-cumulative errors accumulate over time and have the potential to render the state-of-charge estimation utterly invalid in the long term. The proportional errors of the state of charge rise with the accumulated state of charge and reach their worst value within one charge/discharge cycle. The study presents methods for reducing time-cumulative and state-of-charge-proportional mistakes through simulation analysis.

Battery management system↗
DOE OSTI2024

Effect of laminae count and manufacturing methods on mechanical properties of thin‐ply woven composites

Abstract Thin‐ply woven composites exhibit exceptional mechanical performance by delaying the onset of damage, making them suitable for high‐performance structural applications. This study outlines the impact of manufacturing techniques (vacuum bagging and hot pressing), ply count, and fiber waviness on the mechanical properties of aromatic thermosetting copolyester/carbon‐fiber (ATSP/CF) composites. The analysis encompasses several different ply counts, evaluating their effects on the in‐plane elastic modulus (0°–90°) and tensile strength. Results demonstrate that reducing the waviness (or crimp) ratio significantly enhances the in‐plane elastic modulus, with improvements up to 188%, highlighting the importance of fiber alignment. Vacuum bagging produced ply thicknesses from 128 to 58 μm for 1–36 plies, with in‐plane elastic moduli from 30.3 to 87.2 GPa, and 4‐ and 8‐ply samples showed approximately 40% higher stiffness than those made by hot pressing. ATSP resin with high thermal stability (up to 400°C) and recyclability was used. Furthermore, this study highlights the microstructural enhancements achieved through vacuum bagging, as revealed by scanning electron and optical microscopy, and micro‐computed tomography imaging. This paper provides insights into damage mitigation and achieving enhanced mechanical properties by controlling fiber waviness using vacuum bagging and higher ply count in thin‐ply ATSP/CF composites. Highlights Crimp ratio reduction enhances elastic in‐plane elastic modulus up to 188%. Vacuum bagging increases modulus over the hot pressing manufacturing method by 40%. Lowering thickness‐per‐ply increases failure strain from 0.8% to 1.2%. Explored the performance of a novel ATSP matrix with high recyclability and thermal stability.

Kushwaha, Shashank [The Grainger College of Engine↗
DOE OSTI2021

Toward the Minimal Floating Operation Count Cholesky Decomposition of Electron Repulsion Integrals

As quantum chemistry calculations deal with molecular systems of increasing size, the memory requirement to store electron-repulsion integrals (ERIs) greatly outpaces the physical memory available in computing hardware. Here, the Cholesky decomposition of ERIs provides a convenient yet accurate technique to reduce the storage requirement of integrals. Recent developments of a two-step algorithm have drastically reduced the memory operation (MOP) count, leaving the floating operation (FLOP) count as the last frontier of cost reduction in the Cholesky ERI algorithm. In this report, we introduce a dynamic integral tracking, reusing, and compression/elimination protocol embedded in the two-step Cholesky ERI method. Benchmark studies suggest that this technique becomes particularly advantageous when the basis set consists of many computationally expensive high-angular-momentum basis functions. With this dynamic ERI improvement, the Cholesky ERI approach proves to be a highly efficient algorithm with minimal FLOP and MOP count.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2025

Calibration of a broadband x-ray crystal spectrometer using a continuum x-ray source and photon-counting detectors

We report measurements of sensitivity of a broadband (≃20–30 keV) x-ray crystal spectrometer using a bremsstrahlung continuum x-ray source and several detectors, including an energy-discriminating photon-counting point detector (Si drift diode, Amptek Inc.), imaging hybrid photon-counting detectors (Eiger2-Si and Eiger2-CdTe, DECTRIS Ltd.), and image plates (SR type). Sensitivity is defined as a ratio of the crystal-reflected energy-position-dispersed spectrum measured by a given detector to the incident non-dispersed spectrum measured using the energy-discriminating point detector. The sensitivity derived from data measured exclusively by the point detector is considered detector-independent and serves as a reference. The sensitivities derived from data collected with the hybrid photon-counting detectors were matched to the reference using a scale factor of 1.05. The image plate-derived sensitivities required a scale factor of 1.16 to match the reference. Furthermore, the resulting mismatch in the shapes of all measured scaled sensitivities in the range of the spectrometer was ≲±10%, while the mismatch between the shapes of the sensitivities corresponding to the Si-based detectors was ≲±2.5%.

Crystal optics↗
DOE OSTI2026

Constrained variational optimization of counting-time allocation in sequential scattering measurements: Application to Bonse–Hart USANS

Sequential scattering measurements are often performed under a fixed experimental-time budget, even though the expected count rate varies strongly across the measured coordinate. When the dwell time at each measurement position can be controlled independently, this variation creates a general resource-allocation problem: how should the available time be distributed to minimize the uncertainty of the reconstructed profile? We formulate this problem as a constrained variational optimization for measurements governed by Poisson counting statistics. When each measurement is treated independently, minimizing the averaged squared relative uncertainty yields an inverse-square-root intensity allocation. The formulation is then generalized to include correlations between neighboring measurements and an instrumental resolution operator, leading to an allocation criterion that equalizes the marginal reduction in posterior uncertainty per unit measurement time. Bonse–Hart ultra-small-angle neutron scattering (USANS), in which reciprocal space is sampled sequentially through analyzer-angle stepping, provides an experimentally grounded application. Computational benchmarking shows that the optimized allocation outperforms uniform-time and constant-relative-error strategies, while application to an experimentally measured graphite USANS profile from the Spallation Neutron Source, using Poisson resampling under alternative schedules, demonstrates how counting time should be redistributed toward weak-intensity regions under an identical total duration. The resulting framework applies to sequential scattering and related scanning measurements whenever local dwell times are adjustable and directly determine the measurement uncertainties, and when the relevant correlation and instrumental-response models are available.

Tung, Chi-Huan [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000221972074)↗
DOE OSTI2021

Edge counts for the auxiliary pair graph within the graphical unitary group approach

Closed-form expressions are presented for the numbers of edges in the auxiliary pair graphs (APGs) associated with non spin-orbit and spin-orbit Shavitt graphs for full configuration interaction expansions. A Shavitt graph is a visual representation of a configuration state function expansion space constructed via the graphical unitary group approach (GUGA). An APG is an organisational aid and a programmatic tool generated from a Shavitt graph. The number of edges in an APG determines bounds on the computational scaling as a function of the total numbers of electrons, orbitals, and spin multiplicities. The edge counts extend a suite of Shavitt graph statistics based on these functional parameters. The derivation and the presentation of the formulas for the edge counts has been assisted by the bra-ket interchange symmetry and the particle-hole interchange symmetry in the GUGA formalism. Furthermore, these symmetry operators produce one-to-one correspondences between various sets of edges, and this yields identities among some edge count formulas. There are 208 possible edge types. Of these, some do not contribute to two-electron operators, some are related by bra-ket interchange symmetry, and some are related by particle-hole interchange symmetry. For the remaining unique edge types, explicit expressions are derived for the numbers of edges.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Characterization of a SiPM-based monolithic neutron scatter camera using dark counts

The Single Volume Scatter Camera (SVSC) Collaboration aims to develop portable neutron imaging systems for a variety of applications in nuclear non-proliferation. Conventional double-scatter neutron imagers are composed of several separate detector volumes organized in at least two planes. A neutron must scatter in two of these detector volumes for its initial trajectory to be reconstructed. As such, these systems typically have a large footprint and poor geometric efficiency. We report on the design and characterization of a prototype monolithic neutron scatter camera that is intended to significantly improve upon the geometrical shortcomings of conventional neutron cameras. The detector consists of a 50 mm×56 mm× 60 mm monolithic block of EJ-204 plastic scintillator instrumented on two faces with arrays of 64 Hamamatsu S13360-6075PE silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs). The electronic crosstalk is limited to < 5% between adjacent channels and < 0.1% between all other channel pairs. SiPMs introduce a significantly elevated dark count rate over PMTs, as well as correlated noise from after-pulsing and optical crosstalk. In this article, we characterize the dark count rate and optical crosstalk and present a modified event reconstruction likelihood function that accounts for them. We find that the average dark count rate per SiPM is 4.3 MHz with a standard deviation of 1.5 MHz among devices. The analysis method we employ to measure internal optical crosstalk also naturally yields the mean and width of the single-electron pulse height. Here, we calculate separate contributions to the width of the single-electron pulse-height from electronic noise and avalanche fluctuations. We demonstrate a timing resolution for a single-photon pulse to be (128 ± 4) ps. Finally, coincidence analysis is employed to measure external (pixel-to-pixel) optical crosstalk. We present a map of the average external crosstalk probability between 2×4 groups of SiPMs, as well as the in-situ timing characteristics extracted from the coincidence analysis. Further work is needed to characterize the performance of the camera at reconstructing single- and double-site interactions, as well as image reconstruction.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2025

Radon emanation rate measurements using liquid scintillation counting

This article describes a radon emanation measurement technique using liquid scintillator counting. A model for radon loading and transport is described, along with its calibration. Detector background and blank have been studied and quantified. The Minimal detectable activity has been determined for the counting setup using a toy Monte Carlo simulation. Here, the measurement technique is validated using a butyl rubber sample previously used for cross-calibration between different radon counting facilities.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2021

Extracting the Galactic Center excess’ source-count distribution with neural nets

The two leading hypotheses for the Galactic Center excess (GCE) in the Fermi data are an unresolved population of faint millisecond pulsars (MSPs) and dark-matter (DM) annihilation. The dichotomy between these explanations is typically reflected by modeling them as two separate emission components. However, point sources (PSs) such as MSPs become statistically degenerate with smooth Poisson emission in the ultrafaint limit (formally where each source is expected to contribute much less than one photon on average), leading to an ambiguity that can render questions such as whether the emission is PS-like or Poissonian in nature ill defined. We present a conceptually new approach that describes the PS and Poisson emission in a unified manner and only afterwards derives constraints on the Poissonian component from the so obtained results. For the implementation of this approach, we leverage deep learning techniques, centered around a neural network-based method for histogram regression that expresses uncertainties in terms of quantiles. We demonstrate that our method is robust against a number of systematics that have plagued previous approaches, in particular DM/PS misattribution. In the Fermi data, we find a faint GCE described by a median source-count distribution (SCD) peaked at a flux of ~ 4 x 10 -11 counts cm -2 s -1 (corresponding to ~ 3-4 expected counts per PS), which would require N ~ $\mathscr{O}$(10 4 ) sources to explain the entire excess (median value N = 29,300 across the sky). Although faint, this SCD allows us to derive the constraint η ρ ≤ 66% for the Poissonian fraction of the GCE flux η ρ at 95% confidence, suggesting that a substantial amount of the GCE flux is due to PSs.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2022

Reduced Dynamics of Full Counting Statistics

We present a theory of modified reduced dynamics in the presence of counting fields. Reduced dynamics techniques are useful for describing open quantum systems at long emergent timescales when the memory timescales are short. However, they can be difficult to formulate for observables spanning the system and its environment, such as those characterizing transport properties. A large variety of mixed system--environment observables, as well as their statistical properties, can be evaluated by considering counting fields. Given a numerical method able to simulate the field-modified dynamics over the memory timescale, we show that the long-lived full counting statistics can be efficiently obtained from the reduced dynamics. We demonstrate the utility of the technique by computing the long-time current in the nonequilibrium Anderson impurity model from short-time Monte Carlo simulations.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2021

Radiation Transport Simulation of the Sulfur Counting System in the Radiation Metrology Laboratory (RML)

At the request of staff members from the Radiation Metrology Laboratory (RML), a series of Monte Carlo radiation transport calculations were performed using two different models of the detector geometry of the RMLs sulfur counting system. The fraction of electrons from each β-decay of 32 P in the sulfur pellet that enter the window of the sulfur counting system was calculated with both MCNP and ITS. In addition, the differential energy distributions of the electrons entering the counting system window were computed. There was significant agreement between the integral and differential quantities calculated by the two transport codes. Summary tables are for the integral efficiency values are found in the body of the report.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1972

Evaluation and optimization of the advanced signal counting techniques on weldments

The signal counting technique with the Delta ultrasonic method is evaluated and optimized for flaw detection in aluminum welds. A comparison is made between the counting and conventional amplitude-gate methods to detect flaws. No conclusion is drawn on the sensitivity of these two methods to detect flaws when the mismatch at the welds is small (25 mils or less). When the mismatch is 25 mils or more, the signal counting method is more sensitive. Of the 24 welded specimens, 50 flaws were found by X-ray inspection and 59 by the Delta method. On 1/4-inch thick welds, X-ray is equal to or slightly more sensitive than Delta method, but on the 1/2-inch thick welds Delta ultrasonic appears more sensitive in flaw detection.

Yee, B. G. W.↗
NASA NTRS1972

White blood cell counting system

The design, fabrication, and tests of a prototype white blood cell counting system for use in the Skylab IMSS are presented. The counting system consists of a sample collection subsystem, sample dilution and fluid containment subsystem, and a cell counter. Preliminary test results show the sample collection and the dilution subsystems are functional and fulfill design goals. Results for the fluid containment subsystem show the handling bags cause counting errors due to: (1) adsorption of cells to the walls of the container, and (2) inadequate cleaning of the plastic bag material before fabrication. It was recommended that another bag material be selected.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1972

Photon counting and Laguerre detection.

In this correspondence maximum-likelihood binary detection theory is applied to an incoherent optical system model employing photodetectors governed by Laguerre counting statistics. It is shown that a maximum-likelihood Laguerre detector corresponds to a count comparison over each signaling interval. Laguerre error probabilities are presented and compared with those for Poisson counting.

Gagliardi, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Architecture and data processing alternatives for the TSE computer. Volume 3: Execution of a parallel counting algorithm using array logic (Tse) devices

A parallel algorithm for counting the number of logic-l elements in a binary array or image developed during preliminary investigation of the Tse concept is described. The counting algorithm is implemented using a basic combinational structure. Modifications which improve the efficiency of the basic structure are also presented. A programmable Tse computer structure is proposed, along with a hardware control unit, Tse instruction set, and software program for execution of the counting algorithm. Finally, a comparison is made between the different structures in terms of their more important characteristics.

Metcalfe, A. G.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Photon-counting detector arrays based on microchannel array plates

The recent development of the channel electron multiplier (CEM) and its miniaturization into the microchannel array plate (MCP) offers the possibility of fully combining the advantages of the photographic and photoelectric detection systems. The MCP has an image-intensifying capability and the potential of being developed to yield signal outputs superior to those of conventional photomultipliers. In particular, the MCP has a photon-counting capability with a negligible dark-count rate. Furthermore, the MCP can operate stably and efficiently at extreme-ultraviolet and soft X-ray wavelengths in a windowless configuration or can be integrated with a photo-cathode in a sealed tube for use at ultraviolet and visible wavelengths. The operation of one- and two-dimensional photon-counting detector arrays based on the MCP at extreme-ultraviolet wavelengths is described, and the design of sealed arrays for use at ultraviolet and visible wavelengths is briefly discussed.

Timothy, J. G.↗