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At least 109 records · Page 6

Bidirectional Classical Stochastic Processes with Measurements and Feedback

A measurement on a quantum system is said to cause the "collapse" of the quantum state vector or density matrix. An analogous collapse occurs with measurements on a classical stochastic process. This paper addresses the question of describing the response of a classical stochastic process when there is feedback from the output of a measurement to the input, and is intended to give a model for quantum-mechanical processes that occur along a space-like reaction coordinate. The classical system can be thought of in physical terms as two counterflowing probability streams, which stochastically exchange probability currents in a way that the net probability current, and hence the overall probability, suitably interpreted, is conserved. The proposed formalism extends the . mathematics of those stochastic processes describable with linear, single-step, unidirectional transition probabilities, known as Markov chains and stochastic matrices. It is shown that a certain rearrangement and combination of the input and output of two stochastic matrices of the same order yields another matrix of the same type. Each measurement causes the partial collapse of the probability current distribution in the midst of such a process, giving rise to calculable, but non-Markov, values for the ensuing modification of the system's output probability distribution. The paper concludes with an analysis of a classical probabilistic version of the so-called grandfather paradox.

Hahne, G. E.↗

Photodissociation quantum yields of CO2 between 1200 and 1500 A

Measurements of the photodissociation quantum yields of CO2 have been carried out using various atomic line sources between 1200 and 1500 A. The production of CO was monitored by resonance fluorescence, and the results indicate that where the CO2 absorption spectrum is continuous, the CO quantum yield is high, but where there is structure, the yield is low.

Slanger, T. G.↗

A near-optimum receiver structure for the detection of M-ary optical PPM signals

A class of receivers called conditionally nulling receivers is defined for quantum noise limited optical communications. These receivers have the ability to decide at each moment in time whether or not to coherently combine a predetermined local oscillator field with the received optical field, prior to performing an energy measurement (photodetection) on the combined field. Conditionally nulling receivers are applicable to pulse position modulation and related modulation schemes, which have the property that, at each moment in time, the transmitted signal is in one of only two states, on or off. The local oscillator field which may or may not be added by the receiver is an exact replica of the negative of the received on field; hence, the receiver can exactly null the on signal if the on signal is present and the receiver chooses to use the local field. An ideal conditionally nulling receiver achieves very nearly the same error probability (within a multiplicative factor varying froom 1 to 2.15) as the optimum quantum measurement for quantum noise limited detection of M-ary PPM signals. In contrast, other known receiving methods, such as direct, heterodyne, and homodyne detection, are exponentially suboptimum.

Dolinar, S. J., Jr.↗

NASA and External Quantum Sensing Capability Assessment for NASA Space-Based Science Measurements

The Subject Matter Experts in the Sensors & Instrumentation Quantum Sensing Community of Practice (CoP) requested an independent technical assessment of the agency's capabilities in QS to understand NASA's internal needs and competencies related to QS and compare agency capabilities with those available externally including industry, academia, and other government agencies. The outcomes of the assessment will help the agency in establishing appropriate strategies and investments to develop and maintain the state-of-the-art sensing competence and capabilities required to meet the agency’s future needs. NASA Engineering and Safety Center Review Board approved the assessment request and assigned NASA Technical Fellow to lead and conduct the assessment by engaging NASA Centers, NASA HQ and an independent, non-commercial, and highly credible Quantum Sensing Experts from Academia, Department of Defense, other Government Agencies. The assessment started in October 2021 and final report was completed in October 2023.

External Quantum Sensing↗

Comparative performance of HgCdTe photodiodes for heterodyne application

Photodiodes used as photomixers in heterodyne applications display quantum efficiencies that are lower than the dc quantum efficiency of the device. Measurement techniques used to obtain dc quantum efficiencies, midband heterodyne quantum efficiencies, and frequency roll off characteristics are described. Measurement results for two HgCdTe photodiodes are given and discussed. It is recommended that photodiodes used in heterodyne applications be tested for heterodyne quantum efficiency over the frequency band of interest for the particular application.

Kowitz, H. R.↗

Workshop on Squeezed States and Uncertainty Relations

The proceedings from the workshop are presented, and the focus was on the application of squeezed states. There are many who say that the potential for industrial applications is enormous, as the history of the conventional laser suggests. All those who worked so hard to produce squeezed states of light are continuing their efforts to construct more efficient squeezed-state lasers. Quite naturally, they are looking for new experiments using these lasers. The physical basis of squeezed states is the uncertainty relation in Fock space, which is also the basis for the creation and annihilation of particles in quantum field theory. Indeed, squeezed states provide a unique opportunity for field theoreticians to develop a measurement theory for quantum field theory.

Han, Daesoo↗

Characterization and Absolute QE Measurements of Delta-Doped N-Channel and P-Channel CCDs

In this paper we present the methodology for making absolute quantum efficiency (QE) measurements from the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) through the near infrared (NIR) on delta-doped silicon CCDs. Delta-doped detectors provide an excellent platform to validate measurements through the VUV due to their enhanced UV response. The requirements for measuring QE through the VUV are more strenuous than measurements in the near UV and necessitate, among other things, the use of a vacuum monochromator, and good camera vacuum to prevent chip condensation, and more stringent handling requirements. The system used for these measurements was originally designed for deep UV characterization of CCDs for the WF/PC instrument on Hubble and later for Cassini CCDs.

Jacquot, Blake C.↗

High density Schottky barrier IRCCD sensors for SWIR applications at intermediate temperature

Monolithic 32 x 64 and 64 x 1:128 palladium silicide (Pd2Si) interline transfer infrared charge coupled devices (IRCCDs) sensitive in the 1 to 3.5 micron spectral band were developed. This silicon imager exhibits a low response nonuniformity of typically 0.2 to 1.6% rms, and was operated in the temperature range between 40 to 140 K. Spectral response measurements of test Pd2Si p-type Si devices yield quantum efficiencies of 7.9% at 1.25 microns, 5.6% at 1.65 microns 2.2% at 2.22 microns. Improvement in quantum efficiency is expected by optimizing the different structural parameters of the Pd2Si detectors. The spectral response of the Pd2Si detectors fit a modified Fowler emission model. The measured photo-electric barrier height for the Pd2Si detectors is 0.34 eV and the measured quantum efficiency coefficient, C1, is 19%/eV. The dark current level of Pd2Si Schottky barrier focal plane arrays (FPAs) is sufficiently low to enable operation at intermediate temperatures at TV frame rates. Typical dark current level measured at 120 K on the FPA is 2 nA/sq cm. The operating temperature of the Pd2Si FPA is compatible with passive cooler performance. In addition, high density Pd2Si Schottky barrier FPAs are manufactured with high yield and therefore represent an economical approach to short wavelength IR imaging. A Pd2Si Schottky barrier image sensor for push-broom multispectral imaging in the 1.25, 1.65, and 2.22 micron bands is being studied. The sensor will have two line arrays (dual band capability) of 512 detectors each, with 30 micron center-to-center detector spacing. The device will be suitable for chip-to-chip abutment, thus providing the capability to produce large, multiple chip focal planes with contiguous, in-line sensors.

Elabd, H.↗

Extreme ultraviolet quantum detection efficiency of rubidium bromide opaque photocathodes

Measurements are presented of the quantum detection efficiency (QDE) of three samples of RbBr photocathode layers over the 44-150-A wavelength range. The QDE of RbBr-coated microchannel plate (MCP) was measured using a back-to-back Z-stack MCP configuration in a detector with a wedge and strip position-sensitive anode, of the type described by Siegmund et al. (1984). To assess the stability of RbBr layer, the RbBr photocathode was exposed to air at about 30 percent humidity for 20 hr. It was found that the QDE values for the aged cathode were within the QDE measurement errors of the original values. A simple QDE model was developed, and it was found that its predictions are in accord with the QDE measurements.

Siegmund, Oswald H. W.↗

Methane concentration and isotopic composition measurements with a mid-infrared quantum-cascade laser

A quantum-cascade laser operating at a wavelength of 8.1 micrometers was used for high-sensitivity absorption spectroscopy of methane (CH4). The laser frequency was continuously scanned with current over more than 3 cm-1, and absorption spectra of the CH4 nu 4 P branch were recorded. The measured laser linewidth was 50 MHz. A CH4 concentration of 15.6 parts in 10(6) ( ppm) in 50 Torr of air was measured in a 43-cm path length with +/- 0.5-ppm accuracy when the signal was averaged over 400 scans. The minimum detectable absorption in such direct absorption measurements is estimated to be 1.1 x 10(-4). The content of 13CH4 and CH3D species in a CH4 sample was determined.

Non-NASA Center↗

Effect of low-energy hydrogen ion implantation on dendritic web silicon solar cells

The effect of a low-energy (0.4 keV), short-time (2-min), heavy-dose (10 to the 18th/sq cm) hydrogen ion implant on dendritic web silicon solar cells and material was investigated. Such an implant was observed to improve the cell open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current appreciably for a number of cells. In spite of the low implant energy, measurements of internal quantum efficiency indicate that it is the base of the cell, rather than the emitter, which benefits from the hydrogen implant. This is supported by the observation that the measured minority-carrier diffusion length in the base did not change when the emitter was removed. In some cases, a threefold increase of the base diffusion length was observed after implantation. The effects of the hydrogen implantation were not changed by a thermal stress test at 250 C for 111 h in nitrogen. It is speculated that hydrogen enters the bulk by traveling along dislocations, as proposed recently for edge-defined film-fed growth silicon ribbon.

Rohatgi, A.↗

Direct solar-pumped iodine laser amplifier

In order to evaluate the feasibility of the solar pumped dye laser, the parametric study of a dye laser amplifier pumped by a solar simulator and flashlamp was carried out, and the amplifier gains were measured at various pump beam irradiances on the dye cell. Rhodamine 6G was considered as a candidate for the solar pumped laser because of its good utilization of the solar spectrum and high quantum efficiency. The measurement shows that a solar concentration of 20,000 is required to reach the threshold of the dye. The work to construct a kinetic model algorithm which predicts the output parameter of laser was progressed. The kinetic model was improved such that there is good agreement between the theoretical model and experimental data for the systems defined previously as flashlamp pumped laser oscillator, and the long path length solar pumped laser.

Han, Kwang S.↗

Absolute 1* quantum yields for the ICN A state by diode laser gain versus absorption spectroscopy

Absolute I* quantum yields were measured as a function of wavelength for room temperature photodissociation of the ICN A state continuum. The temperature yields are obtained by the technique of time-resolved diode laser gain-versus-absorption spectroscopy. Quantum yields are evaluated at seven wavelengths from 248 to 284 nm. The yield at 266 nm is 66.0 +/- 2% and it falls off to 53.4 +/- 2% and 44.0 +/- 4% at 284 and 248 respectively. The latter values are significantly higher than those obtained by previous workers using infrared fluorescence. Estimates of I* quantum yields obtained from analysis of CN photofragment rotational distributions, as discussed by other workers, are in good agreement with the I* yields. The results are considered in conjunction with recent theoretical and experimental work on the CN rotational distributions and with previous I* yield results.

Hess, Wayne P.↗

Quantitative photoabsorption and fluorescence spectroscopy of H2S and D2S at 49-240 nm

Photoabsorption and fluorescence cross sections of H2S and D2S were measured in the 49-240 nm region using synchrotron radiation as a light source. Fluorescence from photoexcitation of H2S appears at 49-97 nm, but not in the long wavelength region. Fluorescence spectra were dispersed, and used to identify the emitters to be H2S(+) (A), SH(+)(A), and H(n greater than 2). The fluorescence quantum yield is about 6 percent. Photoexcitation of D2S at 49-96 nm produces fluorescence with a quantum yield of about 5 percent. The emitters are identified from the fluorescence spectra to be D2S(+)(A), SD(+)(A), and D(n greater than 2). The Franck-Condon factors for the SH(+) and SD(+) (A-X) transitions were determined. The SD(A-X) fluorescence was observed from photoexcitation of D2S at 100-151 nm, for which the fluorescence cross section and quantum yield were measured.

Lee, L. C.↗

Multi-Angle Imager for Aerosols (MAIA) spectral and radiometric calibration

The Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) was launched as part of NASA’s Terra satellite suite of instruments. Still operational, it makes use of observations from multiple view angles to retrieve aerosol abundance and particle properties. The Multi-Angle Imager for Aerosols (MAIA) instrument improves on this heritage by incorporating polarimetry and an expanded spectral range. Combining these data with surface measurements, the relationship between pollution and human health will be explored. MAIA has just completed camera testing, building on the experience from MISR. Spectral calibration now makes use of a double subtractive monochromator, built with the intent to allow the exit slit output to be uniform in spectral content. For radiometric testing, hardware upgrades have included adding UV lamps to the 1.65 cm (65") integrating sphere, use of a NIST-traceable sphere to establish absolute radiances, and the addition of a UV transfer spectrometer to support characterization of the sphere output from 300 to 2500 nm. During camera build, Newton’s rings were observed in the detector Quantum Efficiency (QE) measurements. This is due to etaloning within the detector itself. Etaloning was also evident in the spectral and radiometric characterizations performed on the completed camera. Spectral metrics, including center wavelength and width, are presented here using a moment’s analysis. This better represents the band properties, particularly in bands where fringing is observed, as compared to a full-width at half-maximum determination. It is believed that the MAIA camera has been carefully characterized, and meet its spectral and radiometric requirements.

Harten, Gerard Van↗

The Preflight Photometric Calibration of the Extreme-Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope EIT

This paper presents the preflight photometric calibration of the Extreme-ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (EIT) aboard the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO). The EIT consists of a Ritchey-Chretien telescope with multilayer coatings applied to four quadrants of the primary and secondary mirrors, several filters and a backside-thinned CCD detector. The quadrants of the EIT optics were used to observe the Sun in 4 wavelength bands that peak near 171, 195, 284, and 304 . Before the launch of SOHO, the EIT mirror reflectivities, the filter transmissivities and the CCD quantum efficiency were measured and these values are described here. The instrumental throughput in terms of an effective area is presented for each of the various mirror quadrant and filter wheel combinations. The response to a coronal plasma as a function of temperature is also determined and the expected count rates are compared to the count rates observed in a coronal hole, the quiet Sun and an active region.

EIT (EXTREME-ULTRAVIOLET IMAGING TELESCOPE)↗