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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

Ionizable-Substance Detector

Device that includes all conventional components of fuel cell and electrolyzer continuously monitors concentration of ionizable substance in stream of fluid without significantly disrupting flow or chemical composition. Among substances monitored are hydrogen, sodium, fluorine, chlorine, oxygen, and bromine. Useful in early detection of fluctuations, malfunctions, or hazards. Particularly useful for detecting hydrogen in stream of water in closed system containing oxygen, wherein concentration of hydrogen must not exceed given maximum, lest hydrogen react explosively with oxygen. Also used to monitor exhaust stream to comply with environmental-protection requirements.

Mcelroy, William↗

Oxygen Isotopic Signature of 4.4-3.9 Ga Zircons as a Monitor of Differentiation Processes on the Moon

We report oxygen isotopic compositions for 14 zircon grains from a sample of sawdust from lunar breccia 14321. The zircons range in age from approx.4.4 to 3.9 Ga and in U and Th content from a few to several hundred ppm. As such these grains represent a range of possible source rocks, from granophyric to mafic composition, and cover the total age range of the major initial lunar bombardment. Nevertheless, results show that the oxygen isotopic compositions of the zircons fall within a narrow range of (delta18)O of about 1 per mil and have (delta18)O values indistinguishable from those observed for terrestrial mid-ocean ridge basalts confirming the coincidence of lunar and Earth oxygen isotopic compositions. In the (delta17)O vs. (delta18)O, coordinates data form a tight group with a limited trend on the terrestrial fractionation line. The zircon oxygen isotopes show minimal evidence of the extreme and variable mineral differentiation and element fractionation that have contributed to the formation of their parent rocks.

Nemchin, A. A.↗

Real-Time Elemental and Isotopic Measurements of Molten Salt Systems through Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Molten salt reactors are an emerging advanced nuclear reactor concept in which the fuel is dissolved into the working fluid in the form of a high-temperature molten salt. The complex, mobile, and corrosive nature of this fluid presents a fundamental challenge for analytical measurements. Tracking species throughout the reactor is important for ensuring proper operation. This article presents laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) used to monitor the elemental composition of a molten salt and corresponding hydrogen isotopic shifts in real-time. A NaNO 3 –KNO 3 eutectic salt was saturated with protium and deuterium gases, then the effluent aerosol stream formed using an argon sparging vessel was monitored with LIBS. This modular LIBS system permitted several spectrometers to be used simultaneously to capture high-resolution isotopic shifts and provide broadband elemental coverage. Further, the results exhibit how LIBS can be used to understand salt–gas chemical and physical interactions such as diffusion. Furthermore, LIBS’ broad elemental coverage can provide greater insight into the chemical reactions within the salt vessel such as the formation of water vapor by monitoring hydrogen and oxygen signatures simultaneously. Ultimately, this study demonstrates the analytical possibilities of LIBS for real-time monitoring of isotopes and elemental composition in molten salt systems.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Photoinduced patterning of oxygen vacancies to promote the ferroelectric phase of Hf 0.5 Zr 0.5 O 2

Photoinduced reductions in the oxygen vacancy concentration were leveraged to increase the ferroelectric phase fraction of Hf 0.5 Zr 0.5 O 2 thinfilms. Modest ( ~ 2 — 77 pJ=cm 2 ) laser doses of visible light (488 nm, 2.54 eV) spatially patterned the concentration of oxygen vacancies as monitored by photoluminescence imaging. Local, tip-based, near-field, nanoFTIR measurements showed that the photoinduced oxygen vacancy concentration reduction promoted formation of the ferroelectric phase (space group Pca2 1 ), resulting in an increase in the piezoelectric response measured by piezoresponse force microscopy. Photoinduced vacancy tailoring provides, therefore, a spatially prescriptive, postsynthesis, and low-entry method to modify phase in HfO 2 -based materials.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Real-Time Identification of Oxygen Vacancy Centers in LiNbO 3 and SrTiO 3 during Irradiation with High Energy Particles

Oxygen vacancies are known to play a central role in the optoelectronic properties of oxide perovskites. A detailed description of the exact mechanisms by which oxygen vacancies govern such properties, however, is still quite incomplete. The unambiguous identification of oxygen vacancies has been a subject of intense discussion. Interest in oxygen vacancies is not purely academic. Precise control of oxygen vacancies has potential technological benefits in optoelectronic devices. In this review paper, we focus our attention on the generation of oxygen vacancies by irradiation with high energy particles. Irradiation constitutes an efficient and reliable strategy to introduce, monitor, and characterize oxygen vacancies. Unfortunately, this technique has been underexploited despite its demonstrated advantages. This review revisits the main experimental results that have been obtained for oxygen vacancy centers (a) under high energy electron irradiation (100 keV–1 MeV) in LiNbO 3 , and (b) during irradiation with high-energy heavy (1–20 MeV) ions in SrTiO 3 . In both cases, the experiments have used real-time and in situ optical detection. Moreover, the present paper discusses the obtained results in relation to present knowledge from both the experimental and theoretical perspectives. Our view is that a consistent picture is now emerging on the structure and relevant optical features (absorption and emission spectra) of these centers. One key aspect of the topic pertains to the generation of self-trapped electrons as small polarons by irradiation of the crystal lattice and their stabilization by oxygen vacancies. What has been learned by observing the interplay between polarons and vacancies has inspired new models for color centers in dielectric crystals, models which represent an advancement from the early models of color centers in alkali halides and simple oxides. The topic discussed in this review is particularly useful to better understand the complex effects of different types of radiation on the defect structure of those materials, therefore providing relevant clues for nuclear engineering applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Energetic atomic and ionic oxygen textured optical surfaces for blood glucose monitoring

Disclosed is a method and the resulting product thereof comprising a solid light-conducting fiber with a point of attachment and having a textured surface site consisting a textured distal end prepared by being placed in a vacuum and then subjected to directed hyperthermal beams comprising oxygen ions or atoms. The textured distal end comprises cones or pillars that are spaced upon from each other by less than 1 micron and are extremely suitable to prevent cellular components of blood from entering the valleys between the cones or pillars so as to effectively separate the cellular components in the blood from interfering with optical sensing of the glucose concentration for diabetic patients.

Banks, Bruce A.↗

Energetic Atomic and Ionic Oxygen Textured Optical Surfaces for Blood Glucose Monitoring

Disclosed is a method and the resulting product thereof comprising a solid light-conducting fiber with a point of attachment and having a textured surface site consisting of a textured distal end prepared by being placed in a vacuum and then subjected to directed hyperthermal beams comprising oxygen ions or atoms. The textured distal end comprises cones or pillars that are spaced upon from each other by less than 1 micron and are extremely suitable to prevent cellular components of blood from entering the valleys between the cones or pillars so as to effectively separate the cellular components in the blood from interfering with optical sensing of the glucose concentration for diabetic patients.

Banks, Bruce A.↗

Compact Analyzer/Controller For Oxygen-Enrichment System

System controls hypersonic air-breathing engine tests. Compact analyzer/controller developed, built, and tested in small-scale wind tunnel prototype of the 8' HTT (High-Temperature Tunnel). Monitors level of oxygen and controls addition of liquid oxygen to enrich atmosphere for combustion. Ensures meaningful ground tests of hypersonic engines in range of speeds from mach 4 to mach 7.

Puster, Richard L.↗

Physiological response of rats to delivery of helium and xenon: implications for hyperpolarized noble gas imaging

The physiological effects of various hyperpolarized helium and xenon MRI-compatible breathing protocols were investigated in 17 Sprague-Dawley rats, by continuous monitoring of blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, EKG, temperature and endotracheal pressure. The protocols included alternating breaths of pure noble gas and oxygen, continuous breaths of pure noble gas, breath-holds of pure noble gas for varying durations, and helium breath-holds preceded by two helium rinses. Alternate-breath protocols up to 128 breaths caused a decrease in oxygen saturation level of less than 5% for either helium or xenon, whereas 16 continuous-breaths caused a 31.5% +/- 2.3% decrease in oxygen saturation for helium and a 30.7% +/- 1. 3% decrease for xenon. Breath-hold protocols up to 25 s did not cause the oxygen saturation to fall below 90% for either of the noble gases. Oxygen saturation values below 90% are considered pathological. At 30 s of breath-hold, the blood oxygen saturation dropped precipitously to 82% +/- 0.6% for helium, and to 76.5% +/- 7. 4% for xenon. Breath-holds longer than 10 s preceded by pre-rinses caused oxygen saturation to drop below 90%. These findings demonstrate the need for standardized noble gas inhalation procedures that have been carefully tested, and for continuous physiological monitoring to ensure the safety of the subject. We find short breath-hold and alternate-breath protocols to be safe procedures for use in hyperpolarized noble gas MRI experiments. Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

NASA Discipline Life Sciences Technologies↗

Ellipsometric analysis of materials degradation in space

The fundamentals of variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry (VASE) are reviewed, and its usefulness in studying the effect of atomic oxygen on space coatings such as indium tin oxide (ITO), silicon dioxide, and aluminum oxide is discussed. Monolayer sensitive and nondestructive VASE is found to be an effective technique for monitoring the atomic oxygen diffusion through the aluminum oxide and silicon dioxide protective overcoatings on space reflectors. Ashing of ITO/silicon samples had the net effect of annealing the film inside the plasma. The annealing effect was supported both by structural changes as verified by X-ray diffraction measurements and by increased absorbance in the spectral range below 3 eV as measured by VASE.

Woollam, John A.↗

Liquid-Oxygen Expert System

Complicated system monitored for equipment failures. Report summarizes structure, capabilities, and development history of Liquid-Oxygen Expert System (LES). Designed to detect immediately signs of trouble among measurements fed into current Launch Processing System (LPS). LES contains three elements: knowledge base, constraint mechanism, and diagnoser. Output of LES in form of written reports.

Jamieson, John R., Jr.↗

Contamination Observed on the Passive Optical Sample Assembly (POSA)-1 Experiment

The Passive Optical Sample Assembly-1 (POSA-1), part of the Mir Environmental Effects Payload (MEEP), was designed to study the combined effects of contamination, atomic oxygen, ultraviolet radiation, vacuum, thermal cycling, and other constituents of the space environment on spacecraft materials. The MEEP program is a Phase 1 International Space Station Risk Mitigation Experiment. The payload was attached by EVA to the exterior of the Mir docking module during the Space Shuttle mission STS-76. It was removed during STS-86 after exposure to the Mir environment for 18 months. POSA-1 consists of nearly 400 samples of thermal control paints, chemical conversion coatings, mirrors, optics, and other candidate materials for International Space Station Alpha (ISSA). POSA-1 also flew state-of-the-art materials, such as electrically conductive thermal control coatings developed under contract by IITRI and AZ Technology, and passive instruments for monitoring the atomic oxygen and ultraviolet radiation dose to the experiment. Contamination was detected on the POSA-1 experiment. On the side facing space (-Z(sub B) direction using the Mir coordinate system), visible contamination was observed. The contamination was uniform as would occur from a slow photodeposition process. A very definite film was deposited on the optical samples. The deposition appears to have directionality with definite shadowing effects. On the side facing the main Mr core (+ZB direction using the Mir coordinate system), no visible contamination was noted. Pre- and post-flight characterization of candidate spacecraft materials is discussed, particularly the effect of contamination on total hemispherical spectral reflectance (250 - 2500 nm), infrared emittance, the bi-directional reflectance distribution function (BRDF), and vacuum ultraviolet spectral reflectance. Extensive photography under normal and black light was performed. Results of electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) and Fourier Transform Infrared Analysis (FTIR) on selected samples are also discussed.

Zwiener, James M.↗

Fiber-Optic Based Compact Gas Leak Detection System

A propellant leak detection system based on Raman scattering principles is introduced. The proposed system is flexible and versatile as the result of the use of optical fibers. It is shown that multiple species can be monitored simultaneously. In this paper oxygen, nitrogen, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen are detected and monitored. The current detection sensitivity for both hydrogen and carbon monoxide is 1% partial pressure at ambient conditions. The sensitivity for oxygen and nitrogen is 0.5% partial pressure. The response time to changes in species concentration is three minutes. This system can be used to monitor multiple species at several locations.

deGroot, Wim A.↗

Radiometer system to map the cosmic background radiation

A 33-GHz airborne radiometer system has been developed to map large angular scale variations in the temperature of the 3 K cosmic background radiation. A ferrite circulator switches a room-temperature mixer between two antennas pointing 60 deg apart in the sky. In 40 min of observing, the radiometer can measure the anisotropy of the microwave background with an accuracy of plus or minus 1 mK rms, or about 1 part in 3000 of 3 K. The apparatus is flown in a U-2 jet to 20 km altitude where 33-GHz thermal microwave emission from the atmosphere is at a low level. A second radiometer, tuned to 54 GHz near oxygen emission lines, monitors spurious signals from residual atmospheric radiation. The antennas, which have an extremely low side-lobe response of less than -65 dB past 60 deg, reject anisotropic radiation from the earth's surface. Periodic interchange of the antenna positions and reversal of the aircraft's flight direction cancel equipment-based imbalances. The system has been operated successfully in U-2 aircraft flown from NASA-Ames at Moffett Field, Calif.

Gorenstein, M. V.↗

Electron-impact of the OI 1641.3 A line emission

The cross section for the dissociative excitation of the forbidden OI(2p41D-3s3S, 1641.3 A) transition by electron impact on O2 is measured. At 100 eV, a cross section value of 1.22 x 10 to the -23/sq cm + 2 - 35 percent is found. This result is consistent with recent estimates of this branching ratio from theoretical calculations and aeronomical observations and supports the suggestion by Meier et al. (1985) that observation of the OI 1641.3 A line would be useful for remote monitoring of atomic oxygen in the upper atmosphere.

Erdman, P. W.↗

NIRS in Space?

Proponents of near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) have been exceptionally successful in applying NIRS techniques to many instances of organic material analyses. While this research and development began in the 1950s, in recent years, stimulation of advancements in instrumentation is allowing NIRS to begin to find its way into the food processing systems, into food quality and safety, textiles and much more. And, imaging high spectral resolution spectrometers are now being evaluated for the rapid scanning of foodstuffs, such as the inspection of whole chicken carcasses for fecal contamination. The imaging methods are also finding their way into medical applications, such as the non-intrusive monitoring of blood oxygenation in newborns. Can these scientific insights also be taken into space and successfully used to measure the Earth's condition? Is there an analog between the organic analyses in the laboratory and clinical settings and the study of Earth's living biosphere? How are the methods comparable and how do they differ?

Peterson, David L.↗

NASA Tech Briefs, April 2005

Gas-Tolerant Device Senses Electrical Conductivity of Liquid Nanoactuators Based on Electrostatic Forces on Dielectrics Replaceable Microfluidic Cartridges for a PCR Biosensor CdZnTe Image Detectors for Hard-X-Ray Telescopes High-Aperture-Efficiency Horn Antenna Full-Circle Resolver-to-Linear-Analog Converter Continuous, Full-Circle Arctangent Circuit Advanced Three-Dimensional Display System Automatic Focus Adjustment of a Microscope Topics covered include: FastScript3D - A Companion to Java 3D; Generating Mosaics of Astronomical Images; Simulating Descent and Landing of a Spacecraft; Simulating Vibrations in a Complex Loaded Structure; Rover Sequencing and Visualization Program; Software Template for Instruction in Mathematics; Support for User Interfaces for Distributed Systems; Nanostructured MnO2-Based Cathodes for Li-Ion/Polymer Cells; Multi-Layer Laminated Thin Films for Inflatable Structures; Two-Step Laser Ranging for Precise Tracking of a Spacecraft; Growing Aligned Carbon Nanotubes for Interconnections in ICs; Multilayer Composite Pressure Vessels; Texturing Blood-Glucose-Monitoring Optics Using Oxygen Beams; Fault-Tolerant Heat Exchanger; Atomic Clock Based on Opto-Electronic Oscillator; Microfocus/Polycapillary-Optic Crystallographic X-Ray Sys; Depth-Penetrating Luminescence Thermography of Thermal- Barrier Coatings; One-Dimensional Photonic Crystal Superprisms; Measuring Low-Order Aberrations in a Segmented Telescope; Mapping From an Instrumented Glove to a Robot Hand; Application of the Hilbert-Huang Transform to Financial Data; Optimizing Parameters for Deep-Space Optical Communication; and Low-Shear Microencapsulation and Electrostatic Coating.

Source record↗

Planetary Lake Lander - A Robotic Sentinel to Monitor a Remote Lake

The Planetary Lake Lander Project is studying the impact of rapid deglaciation at a high altitude alpine lake in the Andes, where disrupted environmental, physical, chemical, and biological cycles result in newly emerging natural patterns. The solar powered Lake Lander robot is designed to monitor the lake system and characterize both baseline characteristics and impacts of disturbance events such as storms and landslides. Lake Lander must use an onboard adaptive science-on-the-fly approach to return relevant data about these events to mission control without exceeding limited energy and bandwidth resources. Lake Lander carries weather sensors, cameras and a sonde that is winched up and down the water column to monitor temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity and other water quality parameters. Data from Lake Lander is returned via satellite and distributed to an international team of scientists via web-based ground data systems. Here, we describe the Lake Lander Project scientific goals, hardware design, ground data systems, and preliminary data from 2011. The adaptive science-on-the-fly system will be described in future papers.

Pedersen, Liam↗