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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 NTRS1983

EHF low-noise FET receiver

Extremely high frequency (EHF) receivers for military and NASA programs must be small, lightweight, and highly reliable. In connection with recent advances in the development of mm-wave FET devices and circuits, a basis has been obtained for the eventual replacement of diode mixer front-ends by FET preamplifiers in receivers up to 94 GHz. By placing a low noise amplifier in front of the mixer it is possible to achieve a lower system noise figure than that found in conventional mm-wave receivers. A broader bandwidth can also be provided. Attention is given to the receiver configuration, a low noise FET amplifier, an image rejection filter, a dual-gate FET mixer, a FET local oscillator, and a FET receiver.

Schellenberg, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS2007

Prospects for Nonlinear Laser Diagnostics in the Jet Noise Laboratory

Two experiments were conducted to test whether optical methods, which rely on laser beam coherence, would be viable for off-body flow measurement in high-density, compressible-flow wind tunnels. These tests measured the effects of large, unsteady density gradients on laser diagnostics like laser-induced thermal acoustics (LITA). The first test was performed in the Low Speed Aeroacoustics Wind Tunnel (LSAWT) of NASA Langley Research Center's Jet Noise Laboratory (JNL). This flow facility consists of a dual-stream jet engine simulator (with electric heat and propane burners) exhausting into a simulated flight stream, reaching Mach numbers up to 0.32. A laser beam transited the LSAWT flow field and was imaged with a high-speed gated camera to measure beam steering and transverse mode distortion. A second, independent test was performed on a smaller laboratory jet (Mach number < 1.2 and mass flow rate < 0.1 kg/sec). In this test, time-averaged LITA velocimetry and thermometry were performed at the jet exit plane, where the effect of unsteady density gradients is observed on the LITA signal. Both experiments show that LITA (and other diagnostics relying on beam overlap or coherence) faces significant hurdles in the high-density, compressible, and turbulent flow environments similar to those of the JNL.

Herring, Gregory C.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Progress in Laser Based Carbon Nanotube Production and In-Situ Diagnostics at NASA/JSC

This paper focuses on the improvement of carbon nanotube production with the upgraded laser system operating at 60 Hz. The yield has increased by about five times with the new system, while the quality of the single wall nanotube (SWNT) is unchanged. Recent diagnostic data of spatial and temporal evolution of C2 in the laser ablation plume are obtained by imaging the plume area on a gated change coupled device. A three-laser setup is used to monitor nickel atoms in different parts of the plume by laser induced fluorescence (LIF). Measurements are made at different times after the ablating lasers. These results, along with the previous measurements of emission and LIF of C2 will be discussed. Our ultimate goal is to use these measurements to model the nanotube growth mechanism.

Arepalli, Sivaram↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Intracranial Effects of Artificial Gravity: A 3T MRI Study

INTRODUCTION Spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) is characterized by the development of optic disc edema, posterior globe flattening, choroidal/retinal folds and hyperopic refractive errors1. SANS is hypothesized to be a result of headward fluid shifts that invariably occurs in the microgravity environment. As a countermeasure, artificial gravity (AG) through centrifugation has been proposed to reduce this headward fluid shift, however there is no current proof of benefit. The goal of this study was to determine if the application of AG can prevent or reduce known changes in brain volumetry, internal carotid artery (ICA) stroke volume and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) flow velocity that occurs during simulated chronic headward fluid shift using head down tilt bed rest (HDTBR) methodology2 as an indicator of countermeasure efficacy. METHODS Healthy volunteers were recruited for an IRB approved HDTBR study performed at the German Aerospace Center in Cologne, Germany. Strict six-degree HDTBR was used as a spaceflight analog to induce a continuous headward fluid shift. HDTBR was carried out for 60 days for all subjects. Short-arm centrifugation was utilized to generate AG equating to ~0.3g of acceleration at the level of the eye. The subjects were divided equally into three groups: NoAG (control; n=8), daily intermittent AG (6 x 5 min iAG; n=8), and daily continuous 30 min (cAG; n=8). All studies were performed on a single dedicated 3T MRI Scanner. Pulse-gated MRI phase-contrast flow imaging was used to quantify ICA stroke volume and peak-to-peak CSF flow velocity in the mid cerebral aqueduct. 3D-SPGR was acquired for volumetric segmentation of the brain and CSF spaces. MRI acquisitions were obtained at baseline (BDC), 14 days into HDTBR (HDTBR14), 52 days into HDTBR (HDTBR52) and 3-5 days after HDTBR (recovery, R+3/5).The data were analyzed by the mixed model, which included intervention and time (BDC, HDTBR 14, HDTBR 52, R+3/5) as the fixed effects and included subject as the random effect.RESULTS24 healthy subject volunteers (16 men, 8 women, mean age = 33 years ± 9 [standard deviation] and mean BMI = 24.3 kg/m2 ± 2.0) successfully completed all phases of the study. Strict six-degree HDTBR was characterized by progressive and statistically significant (p<.01) increases in mean combined brain and CSF volumes and mean aqueductal CSF peak-to-peak flow velocity, as well as statistically significant (p<.01) progressive decrease in mean ICA stroke volume from baseline to 52 days post intervention (Figs. 1-3). Compared to baseline, only combined brain and CSF volumes did not return to baseline values in the recovery period (p=NS). Neither iAG nor cAG exerted any significant effects on the measured MRI brain parameters as compared to HDTBR alone (p=NS). CONCLUSION Our results indicate that HDTBR at 6-degrees was effective in producing alterations in ICA stroke volume, aqueductal CSF flow velocity, and combined brain and CSF volumetric change that is associated with chronic headward fluid shift. Short duration, 30-min daily exposure to either iAG or cAG appears to be insufficient in preventing or reducing the effects of chronic HDTBR and thus may not be a suitable countermeasure as currently deployed. AG protocol modifications, including increased duration and magnitude of exposure, should be considered for future research.

L A Kramer↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Intracranial Effects of Intermittent Lower Body Negative Pressure with Head Down Tilt Bed Rest: Comparison to Upright Posture

INTRODUCTION Spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) affects a majority of astronauts during long-duration spaceflight. SANS is hypothesized to result from an unrelenting headward fluid shift that occurs in the microgravity environment. Altered intracranial structure and physiology documented in spaceflight and head-down tilt (HDT) experiments(1, 2) are also theorized to be related to chronic headward fluid shift and thereby can provide an independent quantitative assessment related to this mechanism. As a potential countermeasure, lower body negative pressure (LBNP) applied in the supine posture has shown efficacy in reducing headward fluid shift(3). However, it remains unknown if intermittent LBNP simulating daily upright posture fluid redistribution can mitigate SANS and intracranial changes associated with long-duration spaceflight. The goal of this study was to quantify the effects of daily application of LBNP or daily exposure to the upright posture on intracranial structure and physiology during long-term HDT in order to evaluate the potential efficacy of LBNP as a countermeasure to SANS. METHODS 22 healthy volunteers (11 men; 11 women; mean age = 35 years (SD=9.2)(age range = 24 to 52 years); mean BMI = 24.0 kg/m2 (SD=2.8)) completed an MRI study performed at the German Aerospace Facility in Cologne, Germany. Strict six-degree head-down tilt (HDT) bedrest was used as a spaceflight analog to induce a continuous headward fluid shift for 30 days. The subjects were divided equally into two groups of interventions: 1) LBNP for 3-hour sessions twice daily and 2) seated position for 3-hour sessions twice daily. Interventions were divided into morning and afternoon sessions for both groups. The LBNP intervention was maintained at 25 mmHg  2 mmHg. Pulse-gated MRI phase-contrast flow imaging was used to quantify cerebral artery stroke volume (CASV) and peak-to-peak cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) velocity (CSFVp-p) within the cerebral aqueduct. A 3D T1-MPRAGE sequence was used to quantify volumetric changes of the brain and intracranial CSF spaces using MRI Cloud software. MRI acquisitions were obtained at baseline (BDC, supine posture), 15 days into HDT (HDT15), 29 days into HDT (HDT29), and 12 days after recovery (R12, supine posture). The data were analyzed by a mixed model, which included intervention, time (four nominal levels BDC, HDT15, HDT29, R12), and intervention-time interaction as the fixed effects and included subject as a random effect. RESULTS Compared to BDC there was no statistically significant difference in CASV and CSFVp-p during HDT except for CASV at HDT29 (seated group) where there was a 1.7 mL (12%) decrease (P<0.01). Compared to BDC there was a statistically significant increase in intracranial volume (ICV; ICV = white matter + gray matter + CSF) for both interventions at HDT15 (Δ13 mL, 0.9 % (LBNP group); Δ15 mL, 1.0%, (seated group)) and HDT29 (Δ19 mL, 1.2%, (LBNP group); Δ23 mL, 1.5%) (seated group)) (All Ps<.001). Compared to baseline, lateral ventricular volume increased at HDT15 (Δ0.9 mL, 5.5%) and HDT29 (Δ1.8 mL, 10%)) for LBNP only (P=.001 for each). During HDT, white matter volume remained stable compared to baseline for both interventions. There were no significant intervention effects in the overall response to HDT (All Ps >.2). CONCLUSION LBNP had a similar response to the seated posture during 29 days of HDT. Although there was an increase in ICV and lateral ventricular volume with HDT there was no change in intracranial physiological parameters with LBNP suggesting an overall diminished response to the long-term effects of HDT. The lack of any significant increase in white matter volume during HDT with LBNP suggests maintenance of cerebral interstitial fluid transport. Final conclusions are pending the data collection for the control group (no intervention) which will be completed in 2023.

Larry A Kramer↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Particulate Emission and Optical Measurements in n-Heptane Low-Swirl Non-Premixed Flames at Elevated Pressures

A series of ground combustion tests conducted at elevated pressures demonstrates in-chamber optical measurements of soot emissions, combined with conventional gaseous and particle emissions sampling techniques. Utilizing a micro-radial-entry counter-swirl (MRX) burner, we successfully stabilized an n-heptane low-swirl, non-premixed spray flame across a wide range of equivalence ratios at pressures reaching 250 psia. Our optical diagnostics feature a temporally gated diffused-backlight illumination extinction imaging (DBI-EI) system, equipped with a 470-nm strobe high-intensity LED array as the illumination source, along with a line-of-sight telecentric camera. By accessing the flame tube, the pulsed DBI-EI provides illuminating optical extinction images, enabling experimental estimation of soot volume fractions within the reaction zone. This imaging technique will allow for real-time observation of soot formation dynamics occurring above the air-blast fuel injector. To further enhance our analysis, we employed simultaneous gaseous and particulate extractive diagnostics, interpreting in-flame particulate information through CO2 sampling, exhaust particle sizing, and particle counting. The processed dataset reveals a promising application of DBI-EI for propulsion emission analysis in high-pressure environments, where optical beam-steering effects can significantly impact results. This report is essential to bridging the divide between in-flame optical diagnostics and exhaust extractive measurements. By achieving an understanding of non-premixed combustion emission characteristics, we attempt to provide invaluable data for computer code validation, advancing the field of combustion research and supporting the development of cleaner, more efficient engines.

high-pressure flame↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Particulate Emission and Optical Measurements in n-Heptane Low-Swirl Non-Premixed Flames at Elevated Pressures

A series of ground combustion tests conducted at elevated pressures demonstrates in-chamber optical measurements of soot emissions, combined with conventional gaseous and particle emissions sampling techniques. Utilizing a micro-radial-entry counter-swirl (MRX) burner, we successfully stabilized an n-heptane low-swirl, non-premixed spray flame across a wide range of equivalence ratios at pressures reaching 250 psia. Our optical diagnostics feature a temporally gated diffused-backlight illumination extinction imaging (DBI-EI) system, equipped with a 470-nm strobe high-intensity LED array as the illumination source, along with a line-of-sight telecentric camera. By accessing the flame tube, the pulsed DBI-EI provides illuminating optical extinction images, enabling experimental estimation of soot volume fractions within the reaction zone. This imaging technique will allow for real-time observation of soot formation dynamics occurring above the air-blast fuel injector. To further enhance our analysis, we employed simultaneous gaseous and particulate extractive diagnostics, interpreting in-flame particulate information through CO2 sampling, exhaust particle sizing, and particle counting. The processed dataset reveals a promising application of DBI-EI for propulsion emission analysis in high-pressure environments, where optical beam-steering effects can significantly impact results. This report is essential to bridging the divide between in-flame optical diagnostics and exhaust extractive measurements. By achieving an understanding of non-premixed combustion emission characteristics, we attempt to provide invaluable data for computer code validation, advancing the field of combustion research and supporting the development of cleaner, more efficient engines.

high-pressure flame↗
DOE OSTI2021

Timing characterization of fast hCMOS sensors

We describe a method of analyzing gate profile data for ultrafast x-ray imagers that allows pixel-by-pixel determination of temporal sensitivity in the presence of substantial background oscillations. With this method, systematic timing errors in gate width and gate arrival time of up to 1 ns (in a 2 ns wide gate) can be removed. In-sensor variations in gate arrival and gate width are observed, with variations in each up to 0.5 ns. This method can be used to estimate the coarse timing of the sensor, even if errors up to several ns are present.

Benedetti, L. R. (ORCID:0000000160502983)↗
NASA NTRS2004

Event-Driven Random-Access-Windowing CCD Imaging System

A charge-coupled-device (CCD) based high-speed imaging system, called a realtime, event-driven (RARE) camera, is undergoing development. This camera is capable of readout from multiple subwindows [also known as regions of interest (ROIs)] within the CCD field of view. Both the sizes and the locations of the ROIs can be controlled in real time and can be changed at the camera frame rate. The predecessor of this camera was described in High-Frame-Rate CCD Camera Having Subwindow Capability (NPO- 30564) NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 26, No. 12 (December 2002), page 26. The architecture of the prior camera requires tight coupling between camera control logic and an external host computer that provides commands for camera operation and processes pixels from the camera. This tight coupling limits the attainable frame rate and functionality of the camera. The design of the present camera loosens this coupling to increase the achievable frame rate and functionality. From a host computer perspective, the readout operation in the prior camera was defined on a per-line basis; in this camera, it is defined on a per-ROI basis. In addition, the camera includes internal timing circuitry. This combination of features enables real-time, event-driven operation for adaptive control of the camera. Hence, this camera is well suited for applications requiring autonomous control of multiple ROIs to track multiple targets moving throughout the CCD field of view. Additionally, by eliminating the need for control intervention by the host computer during the pixel readout, the present design reduces ROI-readout times to attain higher frame rates. This camera (see figure) includes an imager card consisting of a commercial CCD imager and two signal-processor chips. The imager card converts transistor/ transistor-logic (TTL)-level signals from a field programmable gate array (FPGA) controller card. These signals are transmitted to the imager card via a low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) cable assembly. The FPGA controller card is connected to the host computer via a standard peripheral component interface (PCI).

Monacos, Steve↗
DOE OSTI2023

Gated truncated readout system

A gated truncated readout system for position sensitive or imaging detectors that improves resolution over traditional readout systems. The readout system includes two or more amplifiers that receive a multichannel output analog data from the detector. Analog gates control circuitry, included in the readout circuit, receives the signals from the amplifiers, determines a fractional value of the sum-integral of the signals, and enables analog gates operation around an area of interest, disabling all other channels where noise dominates the signal value and thereby improving interpolation accuracy of the signals centroid position and the detector resolution. Filtered signals are transmitted to a centroid interpolation signal processing device for computation of the centroid position. As a result disabling all channels where noise dominates the signal value, the gated truncated readout system provides better accuracy improved detector resolution.

Popov, Vladimir↗
NASA NTRS1987

Flash technology for charge-coupled-device imaging in the ultraviolet

The introduction of the flash gate has made possible the fabrication of backside-illuminated CCDs with high sensitivity and stability throughout a wide range of ultraviolet and visible wavelengths (100 to 5000 A). It had been determined previously that the characteristics of the oxide layer beneath the gate are critical to the ultimate achievable CCD performance. However, by creating an improved oxide layer in conjunction with the flash gate, it is now possible to consistently produce CCDs with near-ideal UV performance. In this paper recent results and related background theory that optimize the flash gate specifically for application in the UV are presented.

Janesick, James R.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Design and Characterization of a Burst Mode 20 Mfps Low Noise CMOS Image Sensor

This paper presents a novel ultra-high speed, high conversion-gain, low noise CMOS image sensor (CIS) based on charge-sweep transfer gates implemented in a standard 180 nm CIS process. Through the optimization of the photodiode geometry and the utilization of charge-sweep transfer gates, the proposed pixels achieve a charge transfer time of less than 10 ns without requiring any process modifications. Moreover, the gate structure significantly reduces the floating diffusion capacitance, resulting in an increased conversion gain of 183 µV/e−. This advancement enables the image sensor to achieve the lowest reported noise of 5.1 e− rms. To demonstrate the effectiveness of both optimizations, a proof-of-concept CMOS image sensor is designed, taped-out and characterized.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2023

Post-Shot Report for OMEGA Double Cylinders (CylDRT 22B)

The direct-drive double cylinder experimental platform is a high-energy-density (HED) science platform designed to image an imploding cylindrical target. The target consists of a directly-driven outer cylinder and a shock-and-collision driven inner cylinder. The purpose of this platform is to study hydrodynamic instability growth on the inner cylinder, the outer surface of which is classically Rayleigh-Taylor unstable during the acceleration phase. We present results from recent experiments at the OMEGA laser facility. These experiments were designed as a proof-of-principle for the platform, using the same cylinder exterior dimensions and direct-drive beam configuration as previous single cylinder experiments. In these experiments, three sets of targets were fielded: no machined perturbations (smooth), a sinusoidal mode-10 perturbation on the outer surface of the inner cylinder, and a mode-20 perturbation on the outer surface of the inner cylinder. The primary diagnostic was a gated x-ray framing camera which imaged the backlit inner cylinder on-axis for sixteen frames over a time window of 1 ns for each shot. A second side-lit radiograph captured one image per shot, diagnosing axial uniformity. In this report we include an overview of the results from both the backlighter and the sidelighter diagnostics. We discuss at length the experimental analysis process. Finally, we present the results of the smooth target implosion trajectory and compare them to post-shot simulations. We see favorable agreement between simulation and experiment.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Optical-Gating of Spin-based Quantum States (Final Report)

This project developed a generalizable strategy for optical control of spin-based quantum states through the Photoisomerization-Induced Spin–Charge Excited State (PISCES) process, in which a photochromic spirooxazine ligand bound to an electronically bistable metal complex enables reversible, room-temperature optical switching of spin states in both dilute matrices and the solid state. A multidisciplinary team integrated synthesis, spectroscopy, theory, and surface science to establish design principles for opto-spintronic quantum materials. Systematic structure–property studies across four spirooxazine series revealed that donor–π–acceptor interactions govern thermal isomerization, which proceeds via a rotational pathway. Pulsed EPR measurements demonstrated millisecond-scale coherence times in cobalt-dioxolene-spirooxazine complexes, establishing their promise as optically addressable molecular qubits; the approach was extended to Cu(II), Ni(II), and lanthanide complexes, including optical modulation of zero-field splittings and clock transitions. Two-dimensional IR spectroscopy resolved picosecond ground-state population exchange dynamics, while ab initio calculations elucidated photoisomerization mechanisms and parametrized Hamiltonians for spin relaxation and decoherence. Toward device integration, the team fabricated 2D polymer scaffolds for covalent qubit organization, developed tip-enhanced Raman imaging of molecular monolayers, and demonstrated optical gating of gate voltage in spirooxazine-graphene field-effect transistors. The project produced numerous publications, dissertations, and presentations, and trained over 30 researchers.

2D polymers↗
DOE OSTI2024

Nuclear imaging to diagnose and correct target-driver registration at high-repetition-rate for improved reactor efficiency

Inertial Confinement Fusion produces energy from a burning plasma lasting a fraction of a nanosecond. Power plant designs based on Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) will need to ignite targets 1-10 times a second, fired as projectiles into a chamber and delivering the driver to the target location. Driver asymmetry is known to impact ICF experiments at gain near unity and remains a candidate for primary yield degradation, and therefore fusion power plant energy output, for high-gain target designs. For a Fusion Power Plant (FPP), continuous and real-time monitoring of target performance provides an opportunity to stabilize or correct the target-driver registration. This requires x-ray and neutron imaging with a large field-of-view, sufficiently high resolution, fast analysis and to subtend a minimal solid angle. We introduce design criteria for such an imaging system that uses a coded aperture and time-gated, lens-coupled scintillators as a viable solution and outline the research steps required to field such a system. Integrating the imaging system into an IFE power plant as part of an active feedback loop could increase average power output by reducing the failure rate due to mis-aligned drivers with respect to the target.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
NASA NTRS1976

Development of InSb charge-coupled infrared imaging devices: Linear imager

The following results were accomplished in the development of charge coupled infrared imaging devices: (1) a four-phase overlapping gate with 9 transfers (2-bits) and 1.0-mil gate lengths was successfully operated, (2) the measured transfer efficiency of 0.975 for this device is in excellent agreement with predictions for the reduced gate length device, (3) mask revisions of the channel stop metal on the 8582 mask have been carried out with the result being a large increase in the dc yield of the tested devices, (4) partial optical sensitivity to chopped blackbody radiation was observed for an 8582 9-bit imager, (5) analytical consideration of the modulation transfer function degradation caused by transfer inefficiency in the CCD registers was presented, and (6) for larger array lengths or for the insertion of isolated bits between sensors, improvements in InSb fabrication technology with corresponding decrease in the interface state density are required.

Phillips, J. D.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Auto and hetero-associative memory using a 2-D optical logic gate

An optical system for auto-associative and hetero-associative recall utilizing Hamming distance as the similarity measure between a binary input image vector V(sup k) and a binary image vector V(sup m) in a first memory array using an optical Exclusive-OR gate for multiplication of each of a plurality of different binary image vectors in memory by the input image vector. After integrating the light of each product V(sup k) x V(sup m), a shortest Hamming distance detection electronics module determines which product has the lowest light intensity and emits a signal that activates a light emitting diode to illuminate a corresponding image vector in a second memory array for display. That corresponding image vector is identical to the memory image vector V(sup m) in the first memory array for auto-associative recall or related to it, such as by name, for hetero-associative recall.

Chao, Tien-Hsin↗
DOE OSTI2022

Quantum pixel representations and compression for N-dimensional images

Abstract We introduce a novel and uniform framework for quantum pixel representations that overarches many of the most popular representations proposed in the recent literature, such as (I)FRQI, (I)NEQR, MCRQI, and (I)NCQI. The proposed QPIXL framework results in more efficient circuit implementations and significantly reduces the gate complexity for all considered quantum pixel representations. Our method scales linearly in the number of pixels and does not use ancilla qubits. Furthermore, the circuits only consist of $$R_y$$ R y gates and $$\text {CNOT}$$ CNOT gates making them practical in the NISQ era. Additionally, we propose a circuit and image compression algorithm that is shown to be highly effective, being able to reduce the necessary gates to prepare an FRQI state for example scientific images by up to 90% without sacrificing image quality. Our algorithms are made publicly available as part of , a Quantum Image Pixel Library.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗