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At least 109 records · Page 6

Electrostatic Design and Characterization of a 200 keV Photogun and Wien Spin Rotator

High-energy nuclear physics experiments at the Jefferson Lab Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) require high spin-polarization electron beams produced from strained super-lattice GaAs photocathodes activated to negative electron affinity in a high voltage photogun operating at 130 kV dc. A pair of Wien filter spin rotators in the injector provides precise control of the electron beam polarization at the end station target. An upgrade of the CEBAF injector to better support the upcoming Moller experiment requires increasing the electron beam energy to 200 keV, resulting in better transmission through injector apertures and improved photocathode lifetime. In addition, the energy increase is expected to reduce unwanted helicity correlated intensity and position systematics. These requirements led to the design of a shielding electrode described in this work, which minimizes the electric field at the triple-point junction and linearizes the potential along the insulator, thus reducing the risk of field emission induced insulator arcing. The Wien spin rotator design was modified for increasing the electric field from 1.6 to 2.7 MV/m and the magnetic field from 9.1 to 13 mT. The upgrades required detailed modeling in Solidworks, electrostatic simulations using CST, beam dynamics using GPT, device implementation, and in situ high voltage characterization of the world?s first 200 keV polarized photoelectron gun and compatible Wien filter spin rotator.

Palacios-Serrano, Gabriel↗

Observational Evidence Against Mountain-Wave Generation of Ice Nuclei as a Prerequisite for the Formation of Three Solid Nitric Acid Polar Stratospheric Clouds Observed in the Arctic in Early December 1999

A number of recently published papers suggest that mountain-wave activity in the stratosphere, producing ice particles when temperatures drop below the ice frost point, may be the primary source of large NAT particles. In this paper we use measurements from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) instruments on board the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) polar-orbiting satellites to map out regions of ice clouds produced by stratospheric mountain-wave activity inside the Arctic vortex. Lidar observations from three DC-8 flights in early December 1999 show the presence of solid nitric acid (Type Ia or NAT) polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs). By using back trajectories and superimposing the position maps on the AVHRR cloud imagery products, we show that these observed NAT clouds could not have originated at locations of high-amplitude mountain-wave activity. We also show that mountain-wave PSC climatology data and Mountain Wave Forecast Model 2.0 (MWFM-2) raw hemispheric ray and grid box averaged hemispheric wave temperature amplitude hindcast data from the same time period are in agreement with the AVHRR data. Our results show that ice cloud formation in mountain waves cannot explain how at least three large scale NAT clouds were formed in the stratosphere in early December 1999.

MOUNTAIN WAVES↗

Lidar measurements of polar stratospheric clouds during the 1989 airborne Arctic stratospheric expedition

The Airborne Arctic Stratospheric Expedition (AASE) was conducted during January to February 1989 from the Sola Air Station, Norway. As part of this expedition, the NASA Langley Research Center's multiwavelength airborne lidar system was flown on the NASA Ames Research Center's DC-8 aircraft to measure ozone (O3) and aerosol profiles in the region of the polar vortex. The lidar system simultaneously transmitted laser beams at 1064, 603, 311, and 301.5 nm to measure atmospheric scattering, polarization and O3 profiles. Long range flights were made between Stavanger, Norway, and the North Pole, and between 40 deg W and 20 deg E meridians. Eleven flights were made, each flight lasting an average of 10 hours covering about 8000 km. Atmospheric scattering ratios, aerosol polarizations, and aerosol scattering ratio wavelength dependences were derived from the lidar measurements to altitudes above 27 km. The details of the aerosol scattering properties of lidar observations in the IR, VIS, and UV regions are presented along with correlations with the national meteorological Center's temperature profiles.

Ismail, Syed↗

Electron density measurements during the NLC-91 campaign

A Super Arcas rocket, MISTI B, containing DC and RF probes, was launched as a part of the PMSE (Polar Mesosphere Summer Echoes) Salvo during the NLC-91 (Noctilucent Cloud) campaign to measure electron density irregularities with high spatial resolution. Measurements of large and small scale structures in the electron density were made on rocket ascent and descent at the altitudes of 86.5 and 88.5 +/- 0.5 km corresponding to the two altitudes of strongest backscatter recorded by the nearby CUPRI (Cornell University Portable Radar Interferometer) radar. Power spectra of the fluctuations shows two different structuring and scattering mechanisms exist at altitudes only 1 km apart. Since the rocket apogee was 89 km, the rocket was in the height range 88.5 +/- 0.5 km for 30 seconds giving an unusual measurement of horizontal structure over a distance of 5.5 km. Using the simultaneous DC and RF probe measurements of electron depletions and sharp gradient in the lower layer, the role of aerosols in creating these depletions and gradients is speculated upon.

Ulwick, J. C.↗

Relaxor ferroelectric polymer exhibits ultrahigh electromechanical coupling at low electric field

Electromechanical (EM) coupling—the conversion of energy between electric and mechanical forms—in ferroelectrics has been used for a broad range of applications. Ferroelectric polymers have weak EM coupling that severely limits their usefulness for applications. Here, we introduced a small amount of fluorinated alkyne (FA) monomers (<2 mol %) in relaxor ferroelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-chlorofluoroethylene) (PVDF-TrFE-CFE) terpolymer that markedly enhances the polarization change with strong EM coupling while suppressing other polarization changes that do not contribute to it. Under a low–dc bias field of 40 megavolts per meter, the relaxor tetrapolymer has an EM coupling factor (k 33 ) of 88% and a piezoelectric coefficient (d 33 ) >1000 picometers per volt. These values make this solution-processed polymer competitive with ceramic oxide piezoelectrics, with the potential for use in distinct applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

ION PRODUCTION AND MITIGATION IN DC HIGH-VOLTAGE PHOTO-GUNS

One of the biggest obstacles to operating a GaAs polarized electron source with a long charge lifetime is the mitigation of ion back-bombardment. Several techniques exist to either clear ions from the accelerator or to mitigate ion damage of the photocathode. Predicting the effectiveness of these techniques requires sophisticated simulation models of electron impact ionization within the photo-gun. In this work, the effectiveness of applying a positive anode bias voltage to mitigate ion damage and increase the charge lifetime of the GaAs photocath?ode was studied over three run periods at the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) at Jefferson Lab (JLab). The charge lifetime with the biased anode configuration was 1.80±0.51 times longer than the lifetime of the usual grounded anode configuration. Sim?ulations of ionization within the CEBAF photo-gun and adjacent beamline were made using General Particle Tracer (GPT) and a new C++ custom element to predict and explain the substantial improvement in charge lifetime. The experimental results and the development of the ionization custom element, with its use in simulations of ion back-bombardment with the biased anode, are described in detail.

Yoskowitz, Joshua↗

Spin polarization engineering in 𝑑-wave altermagnets

Altermagnets host unconventional spin-polarized bands despite zero net magnetization, but controlling their spin structure remains challenging. Here, we theoretically propose a multifield approach to engineer spin polarization in 𝑑-wave altermagnets using gating, optical driving, and in-plane electric fields, which enable tunable and switchable polarizations along multiple directions. Optical driving induces out-of-plane (𝑧) polarization, while gating and in-plane fields generate 𝑥 and 𝑦 polarizations via the Edelstein effect, all of which are experimentally detectable. We further find that spin- and band-selective doping induces chiral optical activity, a feature unique to altermagnets. Our approach offers a versatile means to control the direction of spin polarization in altermagnets.

Floquet systems↗

Predicting the Rate of Degradation Related to Oxygen Electrode Delamination in Solid Oxide-Ion Electrolyzers

One of the leading causes for the performance degradation in H 2 -producing solid oxide electrolytic cells (SOECs) is the gradual delamination of oxygen electrode (OE) from the electrolyte under a strong anodic polarization. Identification of the key factor that controls the rate of OE delamination is of paramount importance to achieve long-term stable operation of SOECs. Here we show from thousands of hours of testing data that the exchange current density (i°) of OE can be leveraged as a predictor for the rate of delamination. To obtain i°, we apply DC-biased electrochemical impedance spectroscopy on a three-electrode symmetrical cell to measure polarization resistance (R p ) of OE as a function of current density (i) and time (t). The collected R p -i-t raw data are then converted to overpotential ( η )-i-t, from which i° is extracted from the “low-field” approximation. An analytical relationship between i° and time-to-delamination (TTD) is further established from the established i°-i-t relationship. We show that under a constant anodic polarization current density i, the greater the ratio i/i°, the faster the delamination. Therefore, we conclude that the exchange current density of an OE, i°, can be used to predict the rate of OE degradation in solid oxide-ion electrolyzers.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

The DC-8 Submillimeter-Wave Cloud Ice Radiometer

An airborne radiometer is being developed to demonstrate the capability of radiometry at submillimeter-wavelengths to characterize cirrus clouds. At these wavelengths, cirrus clouds scatter upwelling radiation from water vapor in the lower troposphere. Radiometric measurements made at multiple widely spaced frequencies permit flux variations caused by changes in scattering due to crystal size to be distinguished from changes in cloud ice content. Measurements at dual polarizations can also be used to constrain the mean crystal shape. An airborne radiometer measuring the upwelling submillimeter-wave flux should then able to retrieve both bulk and microphysical cloud properties. The radiometer is being designed to make measurements at four frequencies (183 GHz, 325 GHz, 448 GHz, and 643 GHz) with dual-polarization capability at 643 GHz. The instrument is being developed for flight on NASA's DC-8 and will scan cross-track through an aircraft window. Measurements with this radiometer in combination with independent ground-based and airborne measurements will validate the submillimeter-wave radiometer retrieval techniques. The goal of this effort is to develop a technique to enable spaceborne characterization of cirrus, which will meet a key climate measurement need. The development of an airborne radiometer to validate cirrus retrieval techniques is a critical step toward development of spaced-based radiometers to investigate and monitor cirrus on a global scale. The radiometer development is a cooperative effort of the University of Colorado, Colorado State University, Swales Aerospace, and Jet Propulsion Laboratory and is funded by the NASA Instrument Incubator Program.

Walter, Steven J.↗

Passive measurement and interpretation of polarized microwave brightness temperatures

The goal of this project is to develop satellite-based observational techniques for measuring both oceanic and atmospheric variables using passive polarimetric radiometry. Polarimetric radiometry offers a potential alternative to radar scatterometry in observing global ocean surface wind direction from satellites. Polarimetric radiometry might also provide a means of detecting cell-top ice in convective storms by virtue of the polarizing properties of oriented ice particles, and thus facilitate estimation of the phase of the storm. The project focuses on the development of polarimetric microwave radiometers using digital cross-correlators for obtaining precise measurements of all four Stokes' parameters. As part of the project a unique four-band polarimetric imaging radiometer, the Polar Scanning Radiometer (PSR), is being designed for use on the NASA DC-8 aircraft. In addition to providing an aircraft-based demonstration of digital correlation technology the PSR will significantly enhance the microwave imaging capability of the existing suite of DC-8 instruments. During the first grant year excellent progress has been made in the following areas: (1) demonstrating digital correlation radiometry, (2) fabricating aircraft-qualified correlators for use in the PSR, and (3) modeling observed SSM/I brightness signatures of ocean wind direction.

Gasiewski, A. J.↗

Measuring Radiation Patterns of Reconfigurable Patch Antennas on Wafers

An apparatus and technique have been devised for measuring the radiation pattern of a microwave patch antenna that is one of a number of identical units that have been fabricated in a planar array on a high-resistivity silicon wafer. The apparatus and technique are intended, more specifically, for application to such an antenna that includes a DC-controlled microelectromechanical system (MEMS) actuator for switching the antenna between two polarization states or between two resonance frequencies. Prior to the development of the present apparatus and technique, patch antennas on wafers were tested by techniques and equipment that are more suited to testing of conventional printed-circuit antennas. The techniques included sawing of the wafers to isolate individual antennas for testing. The equipment included custom-built test fixtures that included special signal launchers and transmission-line transitions. The present apparatus and technique eliminate the need for sawing wafers and for custom-built test fixtures, thereby making it possible to test antennas in less time and at less cost. Moreover, in a production setting, elimination of the premature sawing of wafers for testing reduces loss from breakage, thereby enhancing yield.

Simons, Rainee N.↗

A Composite View of Ozone Evolution in the 1995-1996 Northern Winter Polar Vortex Developed from Airborne Lidar and Satellite Observations

The processes which contribute to the ozone evolution in the high latitude northern lower stratosphere are evaluated using a three dimensional model simulation and ozone observations. The model uses winds and temperatures from the Goddard Earth Observing System Data Assimilation System. The simulation results are compared with ozone observations from three platforms: the differential absorption lidar (DIAL) which was flown on the NASA DC-8 as part of the Vortex Ozone Transport Experiment; the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS); the Polar Ozone and Aerosol Measurement (POAM II) solar occultation instrument. Time series for the different data sets are consistent with each other, and diverge from model time series during December and January. The model ozone in December and January is shown to be much less sensitive to the model photochemistry than to the model vertical transport, which depends on the model vertical motion as well as the model vertical gradient. We evaluate the dependence of model ozone evolution on the model ozone gradient by comparing simulations with different initial conditions for ozone. The modeled ozone throughout December and January most closely resembles observed ozone when the vertical profiles between 12 and 20 km within the polar vortex closely match December DIAL observations. We make a quantitative estimate of the uncertainty in the vertical advection using diabatic trajectory calculations. The net transport uncertainty is significant, and should be accounted for when comparing observations with model ozone. The observed and modeled ozone time series during December and January are consistent when these transport uncertainties are taken into account.

Douglass, A. R.↗

DC-8 mission planning

A number of tasks needed to be performed to operate the DC-8 aircraft in the Arctic Ozone Expedition during 1989. These included development of improved navigational computer programs and performing advanced planning for flight tracks. The missions required further work in the field to plan flight tracks and to establish a data archive. The DC-8 aircraft was operated during the deployment phase of the Arctic Ozone Expedition. Data were collected revealing the presence of extensive systems of polar stratospheric clouds. The data also showed the evolution of the chlorine and nitrogen chemistry within the Arctic vortex. A navigational computer code was improved so that the DC-8 navigators could perform their function more efficiently.

Toon, Owen B.↗

Ferroelectric Al1 − xBxN–GaN heterostructures

This report demonstrates Al0.93B0.7N thin films grown epitaxially on n-type GaN (0002)/c-plane sapphire substrates by reactive magnetron sputtering at 300 °C. At 200 nm film thickness, the Al0.93B0.07N layers exhibit partially relaxed substrate-induced epitaxial strain, a 0.16° wide (0002) rocking curve, in-plane crystallographic registry, and sub-nanometer surface roughness. Electrically, the stack shows robust hysteresis over three frequency decades, a remanent polarization of ∼125 μC/cm2, a strongly frequency dependent coercive field, highly uniform dc leakage currents, and endurance >106 field cycles. This report validates possibilities for ferroelectric nitride integration into conventional III-nitride heterostructures with high crystalline fidelity, high electrical resistivity, and persistent hysteresis. Such materials are synthesizable at thermal budgets and temperatures compatible with back-end-of-the-line boundary conditions.

Physics↗

Solid state circuit controls direction, speed, and braking of dc motor

Full-wave bridge rectifier circuit controls the direction, speed, and braking of a dc motor. Gating in the circuit of Silicon Controlled Rectifiers /SCRS/ controls output polarity and braking is provided by an SCR that is gated to short circuit the reverse voltage generated by reversal of motor rotation.

Hanna, M. F.↗

Effect of polarity of electric current on friction behavior of two gallium-lubricated tantalum slipring assemblies

Computer-processed data from low-speed (10 rpm) slipring experiments with two similar (but of opposite polarity) gallium-lubricated tantalum slipring assemblies (hemisphere against disk) carrying 50 amperes dc in vacuum (10 to the minus 9th power torr) showed that the slipring assembly with the anodic hemisphere had significantly lower peak-to-peak values and standard deviations of coefficient-of-friction samples (a measure of smoothness of operation) than the slipring assembly with the cathodic hemisphere. Similar data from an experiment with the same slipring assemblies running currentless showed more random differences in the frictional behavior between the two assemblies.

Przybyszewski, J.↗