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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2001

Multi-Sensor Characterization of the Boreal Forest: Initial Findings

Results are presented in an initial apriori knowledge approach toward using complementary multi-sensor multi-temporal imagery in characterizing vegetated landscapes over a site in the Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study (BOREAS). Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) and Airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (AIRSAR) data were segmented using multiple endmember spectral mixture analysis and binary decision tree approaches. Individual date/sensor land cover maps had overall accuracies between 55.0% - 69.8%. The best eight land cover layers from all dates and sensors correctly characterized 79.3% of the cover types. An overlay approach was used to create a final land cover map. An overall accuracy of 71.3% was achieved in this multi-sensor approach, a 1.5% improvement over our most accurate single scene technique, but 8% less than the original input. Black spruce was evaluated to be particularly undermapped in the final map possibly because it was also contained within jack pine and muskeg land coverages.

Reith, Ernest↗
NASA NTRS2011

Computer Generated Hologram System for Wavefront Measurement System Calibration

Computer Generated Holograms (CGHs) have been used for some time to calibrate interferometers that require nulling optics. A typical scenario is the testing of aspheric surfaces with an interferometer placed near the paraxial center of curvature. Existing CGH technology suffers from a reduced capacity to calibrate middle and high spatial frequencies. The root cause of this shortcoming is as follows: the CGH is not placed at an image conjugate of the asphere due to limitations imposed by the geometry of the test and the allowable size of the CGH. This innovation provides a calibration system where the imaging properties in calibration can be made comparable to the test configuration. Thus, if the test is designed to have good imaging properties, then middle and high spatial frequency errors in the test system can be well calibrated. The improved imaging properties are provided by a rudimentary auxiliary optic as part of the calibration system. The auxiliary optic is simple to characterize and align to the CGH. Use of the auxiliary optic also reduces the size of the CGH required for calibration and the density of the lines required for the CGH. The resulting CGH is less expensive than the existing technology and has reduced write error and alignment error sensitivities. This CGH system is suitable for any kind of calibration using an interferometer when high spatial resolution is required. It is especially well suited for tests that include segmented optical components or large apertures.

Olczak, Gene↗
NASA NTRS2010

Visible Nulling Coronagraphy Testbed Development for Exoplanet Detection

Three of the recently completed NASA Astrophysics Strategic Mission Concept (ASMC) studies addressed the feasibility of using a Visible Nulling Coronagraph (VNC) as the prime instrument for exoplanet science. The VNC approach is one of the few approaches that works with filled, segmented and sparse or diluted aperture telescope systems and thus spans the space of potential ASMC exoplanet missions. NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has a well-established effort to develop VNC technologies and has developed an incremental sequence of VNC testbeds to advance the this approach and the technologies associated with it. Herein we report on the continued development of the vacuum Visible Nulling Coronagraph testbed (VNT). The VNT is an ultra-stable vibration isolated testbed that operates under high bandwidth closed-loop control within a vacuum chamber. It will be used to achieve an incremental sequence of three visible light nulling milestones of sequentially higher contrasts of 10(exp 8) , 10(exp 9) and 10(exp 10) at an inner working angle of 2*lambda/D and ultimately culminate in spectrally broadband (>20%) high contrast imaging. Each of the milestones, one per year, is traceable to one or more of the ASMC studies. The VNT uses a modified Mach-Zehnder nulling interferometer, modified with a modified "W" configuration to accommodate a hex-packed MEMS based deformable mirror, a coherent fiber bundle and achromatic phase shifters. Discussed will be the optical configuration laboratory results, critical technologies and the null sensing and control approach.

Lyon, Richard G.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Smooth Pursuit of a Partially Occluded Object

There has long been qualitative evidence that humans can pursue an object defined only by the motion of its parts. We explored this quantitatively using an occluded diamond stimulus. Four subjects (one naive) tracked a line-figure diamond moving along an elliptical path (0.9 Hz) either clockwise (CW) or counterclockwise (CCW) behind either an X-shaped aperture (CROSS) or two vertical rectangular apertures (BARS), which obscured the corners. Although the stimulus consisted of only four line segments (108 cd/square m) moving within a visible aperture (0.2 cd/square m) behind a foreground (38 cd/square m), it is largely perceived as a coherently moving diamond. The inter-saccadic portions of eye-position traces were fit with sinusoids. All subjects tracked object motion with considerable temporal accuracy. The mean phase lag was 5 deg/6 deg (CROSS/BARS) and the mean relative phase between the horizontal and vertical components was +95 deg/+92 deg (CW) and -85 deg/-75 deg (CCW), which is close to perfect. Furthermore, a chi-square analysis showed that 56% of BARS trials were consistent with tracking the correct elliptical shape (p is less than 0.05), although segment motion was purely vertical. These data disprove the main tenet of most models of pursuit: that it is a system that seeks to minimize retinal image motion through negative feedback. Rather, the main drive must be a visual signal which has already integrated spatiotemporal retinal information into an object-motion signal.

Stone, L. S.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Advanced UVOIR Mirror Technology Development for Very Large Space Telescopes

Objective of this work is to define and initiate a long-term program to mature six inter-linked critical technologies for future UVOIR space telescope mirrors to TRL6 by 2018 so that a viable flight mission can be proposed to the 2020 Decadal Review. (1) Large-Aperture, Low Areal Density, High Stiffness Mirrors: 4 to 8 m monolithic & 8 to 16 m segmented primary mirrors require larger, thicker, stiffer substrates. (2) Support System:Large-aperture mirrors require large support systems to ensure that they survive launch and deploy on orbit in a stress-free and undistorted shape. (3) Mid/High Spatial Frequency Figure Error:A very smooth mirror is critical for producing a high-quality point spread function (PSF) for high-contrast imaging. (4) Segment Edges:Edges impact PSF for high-contrast imaging applications, contributes to stray light noise, and affects the total collecting aperture. (5) Segment-to-Segment Gap Phasing:Segment phasing is critical for producing a high-quality temporally stable PSF. (6) Integrated Model Validation:On-orbit performance is determined by mechanical and thermal stability. Future systems require validated performance models. We are pursuing multiple design paths give the science community the option to enable either a future monolithic or segmented space telescope.

Stahl, H. Philip↗
NASA NTRS1987

Performance characteristics of phased array and thinned aperture optical telescopes

While phased telescope arrays for general-purpose broadband imaging applications suffer severe sensitivity losses and field-of-view limitations, thinned-aperture telescopes consisting of a dilute, segmented primary mirror with a common secondary mirror are viable second-generation space telescope configurational possibilities yielding resolution and sensitivity an order of magnitude greater than those of the Hubble Space Telescope. Attention is given to thinned-aperture optical systems' image quality characterization problems; the 'practical resolution limit' image quality criterion proposed is defined as the reciprocal of the spatial frequency within which no zeros occur in the modulation transfer function.

Harvey, James E.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Unsupervised segmentation of polarimetric SAR data using the covariance matrix

An unsupervised selection of polarimetric features useful for the segmentation and analysis of polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data is presented. The technique is based on multidimensional clustering of the parameters composing the polarimetric covariance matrix of the data. Clustering is performed on the logarithm of these quantities. Once the polarimetric cluster centers have been determined, segmentation of the polarimetric data into regions is performed using a maximum likelihood polarimetric classifier. Segmentation maps are further improved using a Markov random field to describe the statistics of the regions and computing the maximum of the product of the local conditional densities. Examples with real polarimetric SAR imagery are given to illustrate the potential of this method.

Rignot, Eric↗
NASA NTRS2012

Magnetic Interface for Segmented Mirror Assembly

Newly developed magnetic devices are used to create an interface between adjacent mirror segments so that once assembled, aligned, and phased, the multiple segments will behave functionally equivalent to a monolithic aperture mirror. One embodiment might be a kinematic interface that is reversible so that any number of segments can be pre-assembled, aligned, and phased to facilitate fabrication operations, and then disassembled and reassembled, aligned, and phased in space for operation. The interface mechanism has sufficient stiffness, force, and stability to maintain phasing. The key to producing an interface is the correlated magnetic surface. While conventional magnets are only constrained in one direction -- the direction defined by their point of contact (they are in contact and cannot get any closer) -- correlated magnets can be designed to have constraints in multiple degrees of freedom. Additionally, correlated magnetic surfaces can be designed to have a limited range of action.

Stahl, H.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Wind-tunnel study of an observatory dome with a circular aperture

Results are presented from wind tunnel tests of the novel, 'fixed shutter' observatory dome concept, which is intended to minimize wind shake effects. In order to enclose larger telescopic apertures, this design allows an upper spherical segment to rotate under a shell of slightly larger diameter which is fixed to a lower rotatable segment. A side-by-side wind tunnel test comparison of this and a conventional dome shows that the mean and fluctuating velocity through the aperture and in the center of the new dome are lower than those of conventional domes, thereby lowering the likelihood of flow-induced telescope vibration.

Zilliac, Gregory G.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Segmentation Of Multifrequency, Multilook SAR Data

Segmentation of multifrequency, multilook synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) image intensity data into regions, within each of which backscattering characteristics of target scene considered homogeneous, enhanced by use of two statistical models. One represents statistics of multifrequency, multilook speckled intensities of SAR picture elements; other represents statistics of labels applied to regions into which picture elements grouped. Each region represents different type of terrain, terrain cover, or other surface; e.g., forest, agricultural land, sea ice, or water. Segmentation of image into regions of neighboring picture elements accomplished by method similar to that described in "Algorithms For Segmentation Of Complex-Amplitude SAR Data" (NPO-18524).

Rignot, Eric J.↗
NASA NTRS1980

A very large space telescope for optical/UV astronomy

A concept is presented for a Ritchey-Chretien optical-UV telescope to be deployed in orbit using a preassembled segmented primary mirror of 8 meter aperture, carried into orbit inside the modified interstage of the Space Shuttle External Tank. Shuttle revisits allow major assembly tasks to proceed such as the installation of the light shield, fine alignment of the system and attachment of scientific instrument modules to the instrument adapter. Prime technology requirements for the VLST are assessed in this paper.

Nein, M. E.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Vacuum Nuller Testbed (VNT) Performance, Characterization and Null Control: Progress Report

Herein we report on the development. sensing and control and our first results with the Vacuum Nuller Testbed to realize a Visible Nulling Coronagraph (VNC) for exoplanet coronagraphy. The VNC is one of the few approaches that works with filled. segmented and sparse or diluted-aperture telescope systems. It thus spans a range of potential future NASA telescopes and could be Hown as a separate instrument on such a future mission. NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has a well-established effort to develop VNC technologies. and has developed an incremental sequence of VNC testbeds to advance this approach and the enabling technologies associated with it. We discuss the continued development of the vacuum Visible Nulling Coronagraph testbed (VNT). Tbe VNT is an ultra-stable vibration isolated testbed that operates under closed-loop control within a vacuum chamber. It will be used to achieve an incremental sequence of three visible-light nulling milestones with sequentially higher contrasts of 10(sup 8), 10(sup 9) and ideally 10(sup 10) at an inner working angle of 2*lambda/D. The VNT is based on a modified Mach-Zehnder nulling interferometer, with a "W" configuration to accommodate a hex-packed MEMS based deformable mirror, a coherent fiber bundle and achromatic phase shifters. We discuss the initial laboratory results, the optical configuration, critical technologies and the null sensing and control approach.

Lyon, Richard G.↗
NASA NTRS2012

High Contrast Vacuum Nuller Testbed (VNT) Contrast, Performance and Null Control

Herein we report on our contrast assessment and the development, sensing and control of the Vacuum Nuller Testbed to realize a Visible Nulling Coronagraphy (VNC) for exoplanet detection and characterization. Tbe VNC is one of the few approaches that works with filled, segmented and sparse or diluted-aperture telescope systems. It thus spans a range of potential future NASA telescopes and could be flown as a separate instrument on such a future mission. NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center has an established effort to develop VNC technologies, and an incremental sequence of testbeds to advance this approach and its critical technologies. We discuss the development of the vacuum Visible Nulling Coronagraph testbed (VNT). The VNT is an ultra-stable vibration isolated testbed that operates under closed-loop control within a vacuum chamber. It will be used to achieve an incremental sequence of three visible-light nulling milestones with sequentially higher contrasts of 10(exp 8), 10(exp 9) and ideally 10(exp 10) at an inner working angle of 2*lambda/D. The VNT is based on a modified Mach-Zehnder nulling interferometer, with a "W" configuration to accommodate a hex-packed MEMS based deformable mirror, a coherent fiber bundle and achromatic phase shifters. We discuss the laboratory results, optical configuration, critical technologies and the null sensing and control approach.

Lyon, Richard G.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Status of the Visible Nulling Coronagraph Technology Demonstration Program

We report on the development, sensing and control of the Vacuum Nuller Testbed to realize a Visible Nulling Coronagraphy (VNC) for exoplanet detection and characterization. The VNC is one of the few approaches that works with filled, segmented and sparse or diluted-aperture telescope systems. It thus spans a range of potential future NASA telescopes and could be flown as a separate instrument on such a future mission. NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center has an established effort to develop VNC technologies, and an incremental sequence of testbeds to advance this approach and its critical technologies. We will highlight results demonstrating the achievement of our TDEM contrast milestones, and highlight the performance of our wavefront sensing and control concept.

Clampin, M.↗
NASA NTRS2012

High Contrast Vacuum Nuller Testbed (VNT) Contrast, Performance and Null Control

Herein we report on our Visible Nulling Coronagraph high-contrast result of 109 contrast averaged over a focal planeregion extending from 14 D with the Vacuum Nuller Testbed (VNT) in a vibration isolated vacuum chamber. TheVNC is a hybrid interferometriccoronagraphic approach for exoplanet science. It operates with high Lyot stopefficiency for filled, segmented and sparse or diluted-aperture telescopes, thereby spanning the range of potential futureNASA flight telescopes. NASAGoddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has a well-established effort to develop the VNCand its technologies, and has developed an incremental sequence of VNC testbeds to advance this approach and itsenabling technologies. These testbeds have enabled advancement of high-contrast, visible light, nulling interferometry tounprecedented levels. The VNC is based on a modified Mach-Zehnder nulling interferometer, with a W configurationto accommodate a hex-packed MEMS based deformable mirror, a coherent fiber bundle and achromatic phase shifters.We give an overview of the VNT and discuss the high-contrast laboratory results, the optical configuration, criticaltechnologies and null sensing and control.

visible nulling coronagraph↗
NASA NTRS2019

Optical Design of the Origins Space Telescope

This paper discusses the optical design of the Origins Space Telescope. Origins is one of four large missions under study in preparation for the 2020 Decadal Survey in Astronomy and Astrophysics. Sensitive to the mid- and far-infrared spectrum (between 2.8 and 588 μm), Origins sets out to answer a number of important scientific questions by addressing NASA’s three key science goals in astrophysics. The Origins telescope has a 5.9 m diameter primary mirror and operates at f/14. The large on-axis primary consists of 18 ‘keystone’ segments of two different prescriptions arranged in two annuli (six inner and twelve outer segments) that together form a circular aperture in the goal of achieving a symmetric point spread function. To accommodate the 46 x 15 arcminute full field of view of the telescope at the design wavelength of λ = 30 μm, a three-mirror anastigmat configuration is used. The design is diffraction-limited across its instruments’ fields of view. A brief discussion of each of the three baselined instruments within the Instrument Accommodation Module (IAM) is presented: 1) Origins Survey Spectrometer (OSS), 2) Mid-infrared Spectrometer, Camera (MISC) transit spectrometer channel, and 3) Far-Infrared Polarimeter/Imager (FIP). In addition, the up scope options for the observatory are laid out as well including a fourth instrument: the Heterodyne Receiver for Origins (HERO).

Corsetti, James A.↗
NASA NTRS2019

Optical Design of the Origins Space Telescope

This paper discusses the optical design of the Origins Space Telescope. Origins is one of four large missions under study in preparation for the 2020 Decadal Survey in Astronomy and Astrophysics. Sensitive to the mid- and far-infrared spectrum (between 2.8 and 588 μm), Origins sets out to answer a number of important scientific questions by addressing NASA’s three key science goals in astrophysics. The Origins telescope has a 5.9 m diameter primary mirror and operates at f/14. The large on-axis primary consists of 18 ‘keystone’ segments of two different prescriptions arranged in two annuli (six inner and twelve outer segments) that together form a circular aperture in the goal of achieving a symmetric point spread function. To accommodate the 46 x 15 arcminute full field of view of the telescope at the design wavelength of λ = 30 μm, a three-mirror anastigmat configuration is used. The design is diffraction-limited across its instruments’ fields of view. A brief discussion of each of the three baselined instruments within the Instrument Accommodation Module (IAM) is presented: 1) Origins Survey Spectrometer (OSS), 2) Mid-infrared Spectrometer, Camera (MISC) transit spectrometer channel, and 3) Far-Infrared Polarimeter/Imager (FIP). In addition, the upscope options for the observatory are laid out as well including a fourth instrument: the Heterodyne Receiver for Origins (HERO).

James A Corsetti↗
NASA NTRS2013

Advanced UVOIR Mirror Technology Development (AMTD) for Very Large Space Telescopes

ASTRO2010 Decadal Survey stated that an advanced large-aperture ultraviolet, optical, near-infrared (UVOIR) telescope is required to enable the next generation of compelling astrophysics and exoplanet science; and, that present technology is not mature enough to affordably build and launch any potential UVOIR mission concept. AMTD is the start of a multiyear effort to develop, demonstrate and mature critical technologies to TRL-6 by 2018 so that a viable flight mission can be proposed to the 2020 Decadal Review. AMTD builds on the state of art (SOA) defined by over 30 years of monolithic & segmented ground & space-telescope mirror technology to mature six key technologies: (1) Large-Aperture, Low Areal Density, High Stiffness Mirror Substrates: Both (4 to 8 m) monolithic and (8 to 16 m) segmented primary mirrors require larger, thicker, and stiffer substrates. (2) Support System: Large-aperture mirrors require large support systems to ensure that they survive launch and deploy on orbit in a stress-free and undistorted shape. (3) Mid/High Spatial Frequency Figure Error: Very smooth mirror is critical for producing high-quality point spread function (PSF) for high contrast imaging. (4) Segment Edges: The quality of segment edges impacts PSF for high-contrast imaging applications, contributes to stray light noise, and affects total collecting aperture. (5) Segment to Segment Gap Phasing: Segment phasing is critical for producing high-quality temporally-stable PSF. (6) Integrated Model Validation: On-orbit performance is driven by mechanical & thermal stability. Compliance cannot be 100% tested, but relies on modeling. AMTD is pursuing multiple design paths to provide the science community with options to enable either large aperture monolithic or segmented mirrors with clear engineering metrics traceable to science requirements.

Postman, Marc↗