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At least 109 records · Page 6

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NASA NTRS1985

Experimental performance of a microwave cavity plasma disk ion source

The detailed description and performance characteristics of a microwave ion source are presented. This ion source utilizes an internally tuned, single-mode (or selective multimode) cylindrical cavity applicator to focus and match microwave energy into a disk-shaped discharge zone. The combination of mode focus control and variable, internal cavity matching allows the efficient operation and beam extraction over a wide range of pressures, powers and gaseous inputs. Experimental measurements of ion beam current versus accelerating voltage and input microwave power in xenon and oxygen gas are presented. Ion source specific energy and mass utilization versus experimental variables are also determined. The experimental performance demonstrates the ability of this ion source to extract an ion beam with a well matched, stable, and continuous operation over a wide range of input gases, low pressures, and over input gas flow rates in excess of 100 to a few sccm. Double Langmuir probe measurements in xenon gas indicate high degrees of ionization, and electron and ion concentrations in excess of 100 critical densities in the microwave discharge zone. This ion source has many potential uses such as spacecraft electric propulsion, material ion beam processing, and neutral beam ion sources.

Root, J.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Simultaneous measurements of velocity and pressure fields in subsonic and supersonic flows through image-intensified detection of laser-induced fluorescence

An optical technique is presented for combined, spatially resolved measurements of two-dimensional velocity and pressure fields in compressible flows. The single-mode frequency of an argon laser is fixed in the wing of an absorption line of iodine molecules, seeded in an underexpanded round jet of nitrogen gas. The emitted fluorescence, being proportional to the amount of absorbed radiation and hence the absorption line-shape function, is detected with an intensified 100 x 100 photodiode array camera. A single-microchannel-plate image intensifier is fiber-optically coupled to the array in order to improve time resolution and SNR. Three components of the velocity vector in a cross-sectional plane are sequentially probed with four laser sheets from three different directions. By shifting the laser frequency in one of the sheets with a piezo-tuned intra-cavity etalon, the slope of the absorption line can be measured in situ in order to provide the required scaling factor for the velocity measurement. With its short measurement times of less than 250 ms, this method is well suited for blow-down wind tunnel experiments.

Hiller, B.↗

NASA NTRS1985

High-power diode lasers for optical communications applications

High-power, single-mode, double-heterojunction AlGaAs diode lasers are being developed to meet source requirements for both fiber optic local area network and free space communications systems. An individual device, based on the channeled-substrate-planar (CSP) structure, has yielded single spatial and longitudinal mode outputs of up to 90 mW CW, and has maintained a single spatial mode to 150 mW CW. Phase-locked arrays of closely spaced index-guided lasers have been designed and fabricated with the aim of multiplying the outputs of the individual devices to even higher power levels in a stable, single-lobe, anastigmatic beam. The optical modes of the lasers in such arrays can couple together in such a way that they appear to be emanating from a single source, and can therefore be efficiently coupled into optical communications systems. This paper will review the state of high-power laser technology and discuss the communication system implications of these devices.

Carlin, D. B.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Effects of nonlinear damping on random response of beams to acoustic loading

Effects of both nonlinear damping and large-deflection are included in the theoretical analysis in an attempt to explain the experimental phenomena of aircraft panels excited at high sound pressure levels; that is the broadening of the strain response peak and the increase of the modal frequency. Two nonlinear damping models are considered in the analysis using a single-mode approach. Mean square maximum deflection, mean square maximum strain, and spectral density function of maximum strain for simply supported and clamped beams are obtained. It is demonstrated that nonlinear damping contributes significantly to the broadening of the response peak and to the mean square maximum deflection and strain.

Mei, C.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Response of symmetric rectangular composite laminates with nonlinear damping subjected to acoustic loading

Effects of both nonlinear damping and large-deflection are included in the analysis in an attempt to explain the experimental phenomena of aircraft panels excited at high sound pressure levels; that is the broadening and flattening out of the strain response peaks and the increasing of the response frequency. A nonlinear damping model is considered in the analysis using a single-mode approach. Root-mean-square (RMS) maximum deflection, RMS strains, spectral density functions of strain, and equivalent linear frequency are obtained for clamped and simply supported rectangular symmetric laminated composite plates. It is demonstrated that nonlinear damping is the one which causes the broadening of the response peaks, and it has great influence on RMS panel deflection, RMS strains, and frequency.

Mei, C.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Reference frequency transmission over optical fiber

A 100-MHz reference frequency from a hydrogen maser frequency standard has been transmitted via optical fiber over a 14-km distance with a measured stability of 1.5 X 10 to the-15 power for 1000 seconds averaging time. This capability was demonstrated in a frequency distribution experiment performed in April, 1986. The reference frequency was transmitted over a single-mode fiber-optic link from Deep Space Station (DSS) 13 to DSS 12 and back. The background leading up to the experiment and the significance of stable reference frequency distribution in the Deep Space Network (DSN) is discussed. Also described are the experiment, including the fiber-optic link, the measurement method and equipment, and finally the results of the experiment.

Lutes, G.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Optical communication with semiconductor laser diodes

A 25 megabit/sec direct detection optical communication system that used Q=4 PPM signalling was constructed and its performance measured under laboratory conditions. The system used a single-mode AlGaAs laser diode transmitter and low noise silicon avalanche photodiode (APD) photodetector. Comparison of measured performance with the theoretical revealed that modeling the APD output as a Gaussian process under conditions of negligible background radiation and low (less than 10 to the -12 power A) APD bulk leakage currents leads to substantial underestimates of optimal APD gain to use and overestimates of system bit error probability. A procedure is given to numerically compute system performance which uses the more accurate Webb's Approximation of the exact Conradi distribution for the APD ouput signal that does not require excessive amounts of computer time (a few minutes of VAX 8600 CPU time per system operating point). Examples are given which illustrate the breakdown of the Gaussian approximation in assessing system performance. This system achieved a bit error probability of 10 to the -6 power at a received signal energy corresponding to an average of 60 absorbed photons/bit and optimal APD gain of 700.

Davidson, F.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Influence of large deflection and transverse shear on random response of rectangular symmetric composite laminates to acoustic loads

Nonlinear equations of motion of symmetrically laminated anisotropic plates are derived accounting for von Karman strains. The effect of transverse shear is included in the formulation and the rotatory inertia effect is ignored. Using a single-mode Galerkin procedure the nonlinear modal equation is obtained. Direct equivalent linearization is employed. The response of acoustic excitation on moderately thick composite panels is studied. Further, the effects of transverse shear on large deflection vibration of laminates under random excitation are studied. Mean-square deflection and mean-square inplane stresses are obtained for some symmetric graphite-epoxy laminates. Using equilibrium equations and the continuity requirements, the mean-square transverse shear stresses are calculated. The results obtained will be useful in the sonic fatigue design of composite aircraft panels. The analysis is presented in detail for simply supported plate. The analogous equations for a clamped case are given in the appendix.

Mei, Chuh↗

NASA NTRS1987

Microwave electrothermal thruster performance in helium gas

The microwave electrothermal thruster presented uses an internally tuned, single-mode cylindrical cavity applicator to focus and match microwave energy into an electrodeless, high pressure flowing gas discharge that is located within a quartz discharge chamber. Experimental measurements of microwave coupling efficiency, thruster energy efficiency, and specific impulse, are obtained for N and He discharges; the efficiency of microwave energy transfer to the discharge is found to be of the order of 95 percent. Higher temperature nozzle materials and more efficient discharge chambers will further enhance performance.

Whitehair, S.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Effects of large deflection and transverse shear on response of rectangular symmetric composite laminates subjected to acoustic excitation

Nonlinear equations of motion of symmetrically laminated anisotropic plates are derived accounting for von Karman strains. The effect of transverse shear is included in the formulation. Using a single-mode Galerkin procedure, the nonlinear modal equation is obtained. The direct equivalent linearization method is employed for solution of this equation. The response to acoustic excitation of moderately thick composite panels is studied. Further, the effects of transverse shear on large deflection vibration of laminates under random excitation are studied. Mean-square deflections and mean-square inplane stresses are obtained for symmetric graphite-epoxy laminates. Using equilibrium equations and the continuity requirements, the mean-square transverse shear stresses are calculated. The results obtained will be useful in the sonic fatigue design of composite aircraft panels. The analysis is presented in detail for simply supported plates. The analogous equations for a clamped case are also obtained.

Mei, Chuh↗

NASA NTRS1987

Coherent laser radar at 1.06 micron using Nd:YAG lasers

A coherent laser radar system operating at the 1.06 micron Nd:YAG laser wavelength has been built and operated. A laser-diode-pumped monolithic ring laser served as the master oscillator. A single flash-lamp-pumped zigzag slab amplified the oscillator output to a power of 2.3 kW. Single-mode optical fiber was used to collect and mix the return signal with the local-oscillator output. Signals from clouds at a range of 2.7 km and from atmospheric aerosols at a range of 600 m were detected.

Kane, Thomas J.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Single longitudinal mode operation of semiconductor laser arrays with etalon feedback

The multiple longitudinal mode output of high-power diode-laser arrays is converted into single mode with 97 percent efficiency by optical feedback from a thin (less than 200-micron thick) etalon external to the laser. The coupled cavities formed by addition of the etalon favor a single longitudinal mode. Single-mode operation is retained at 0.1 MHz pulsed rates. Both the near-field and the far-field patterns of the laser array remain nearly unchanged while the array operates in a single longitudinal mode.

Hemmati, H.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Fiber-linked telescope arrays on the ground and in space

The use of single-mode optical fibers in telescope arrays, first proposed for a set of free-flying spacecraft, is developed and applied to more modest, shorter range projects. The basic advantage remains a considerable simplification in the control system; the main limitation is spectral range. Two proposals are described: a ground-based array of small optical telescopes supported on a radio dish, and a similar space array. The control system is almost the same in both cases, hence the ground-based array can be considered a test-bench for the space device.

Connes, P.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Overview of advanced components for fiber optic systems

The basic operating principles and potential performance of several state-of-the-art fiber-optic devices are illustrated with diagrams and briefly characterized. Technologies examined include high-birefringence polarization-maintaining fibers and directional couplers, single-mode fiber polarizers and cut-off polarizers, optical-fiber modulators with radially poled piezoactive polymer (PVF2) jackets, and piezoelectric-squeezer polarization modulators. The need for improved manufacturing techniques to make such fiber-optic devices cost-competitive with their thin-film integrated-optics analogs is indicated.

Depaula, Ramon P.↗

NASA NTRS1986

1.3-micron all-fiber passive optical rotation sensor

An all-fiber, 1.3-micron passive optical rotation sensor utilizing 4.2 km of single-mode fiber and synchronous detection has been constructed and tested in the laboratory. rms noise-equivalent rotation rates of 0.005 deg/hr have been measured. Drift and scale-factor variations resulted in a change in the indicated rotation rate of 0.4 deg/hr over a 1-hr time period.

Youmans, Bruce R.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Optical bistability in self-pumped phase-conjugate ring resonators

Bistable oscillations have been observed in BaTiO3 pumped by a single-mode 30-mW (488-nm) argon-ion laser, which is used simultaneously as a ring passive phase conjugator (RPPC) and as a unidirectional ring resonator (UDRR). Strong oscillations in the UDRR increase the threshold coupling strength required for oscillation in the RPPC. The oscillations in the RPPC reduce the fanning in the crystal necessary for the startup of oscillation in the UDRR. Auxiliary resonators pumped by the RPPC are also bistable with the UDRR. Similar bistable oscillations have been observed when the crystal is used simultaneously as a RPPC and as a linear passive phase conjugator.

Jagannath, H.↗

NASA NTRS1985

The effects of wavelength on coherent Doppler lidar performance

Hitherto, long-range wind-sensing coherent (heterodyne) lidars have utilized CO2 lasers (operating at a 10-micrometer wavelength) since these were the only high-power single-mode (spatial and axial) pulsed sources available. This property ensures temporal coherence over the required spatial resolution, e.g., the pulse length. Recent developments in Nd:YAG lasers makes possible the consideration of a 1.06-micrometer source (Kane et al., 1984). The relative merit of operation at various wavelengths is a function of system parameter, backscattering cross section, signal processing, beam propagation, and practical and eye safety considerations. These factors are discussed in the context of a global wind-sensing coherent lidar.

Lawrence, T. R.↗

DOE OSTI2026

Embedding Fiber Optic Sensors in Stainless Steel using Spark Plasma Sintering for Structural Health Monitoring in Harsh Environments

Embedded fiber optic sensors such as fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) offer a unique route for distributed real-time in-situ imaging of various engineering parameters for numerous purposes. This study advanced the current sensor embedding approaches by exploring a spark plasma sintering (SPS)-assisted technology to embed FBGs in high-temperature structural materials and demonstrated the capability of temperature measurement. In this approach, single-mode FBGs were integrated into stainless steel (SS) 316L components using SPS, followed by the evaluation of the bonding quality between the FBGs and matrix, the optical attenuation of the fibers induced by embedding, and the sensing characters of the FBGs under temperature stimuli. The results demonstrated that superior bonding was achieved between the FBGs and highly-densified SS316L. Examination of the behavior of Bragg gratings validated signal fidelity after embedding. Real-time thermal imaging under temperature cycling using the FBGs demonstrated the effectiveness of the technique for smart materials manufacturing.

36 - MATERIALS SCIENCE↗