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Results for “Electromagnetic wave theory”

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 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2008

Using the HHT to Search for Gravitational Waves

Gravitational waves are a consequence of Einstein's theory of general relativity applied to the motion of very dense and massive objects such as black holes and neutron stars. Their detection will reveal a wealth of information about these mysterious objects that cannot be obtained with electromagnetic probes. Two projects are underway to attempt the detection of gravitational waves: NASA's Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA), a space based mission being designed to search for waves from supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies, and the NSF's Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO), a ground based facility that is now searching for waves from supernovae. pulsars, and the coalescence of black hole and neutron star systems. Because general relativity is an inherently non-linear theory, many of the predicted source waveforms show strong frequency modulation. In addition, the LIGO and LISA detectors are highly sensitive devices that produce a variety of non-linear transient noise features. Thus the unique capabilities of the HHT. the extraction of intrawave modulation and the characterization of non-linear and non-stationary signals, have a natural application to both signal detection and experimental characterization of the detectors. In this talk I will give an overview of the status of the field. including some of the expected sources of gravitational waves, and I will also describe the LISA and LIGO detectors. Then I will describe some applications of the HHT to waveform detection and detector noise characterization.

Camp, Jordan↗
NASA NTRS1987

Self-modulational formation of pulsar microstructures

A nonlinear plasma theory for self modulation of pulsar radio pulses is discussed. A nonlinear Schroedinger equation is derived for strong electromagnetic waves propagating in an electron positron plasma. The nonlinearities arising from wave intensity induced particle mass variation may excite the modulational instability of circularly and linearly polarized pulsar radiation. The resulting wave envelopes can take the form of periodic wave trains or solitons. These nonlinear stationary waveforms may account for the formation of pulsar microstructures.

Chian, A. C.-L.↗
DOE OSTI2024

First Measurement of Drift-Alfvén Wave Polarization in Magnetically Confined Fusion Plasmas

Polarization of drift-Alfvén waves, defined as the ratio of electrostatic to electromagnetic fluctuations, has remained unmeasurable in fusion plasmas for decades, despite its pivotal role in understanding wave dynamics and their impact on plasmas. We report the first measurements of drift-Alfvén wave polarization in a hot, magnetically-confined plasma. Here, the breakthrough is enabled by a novel methodology developed from gyrokinetic theory, utilizing fluctuations of electron temperature and density. Analysis of data from the DIII-D tokamak reveals that the waves above the geodesic acoustic mode frequency exhibit dominant electromagnetic polarization, whereas lower frequency waves show a mix of electromagnetic and electrostatic polarization, indicating a strong coupling between shear Alfvén waves and drift-acoustic waves.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Second-harmonic generation tensors from high-throughput density-functional perturbation theory

Optical materials play a key role in enabling modern optoelectronic technologies in a wide variety of domains such as the medical or the energy sector. Among them, nonlinear optical crystals are of primary importance to achieve a broader range of electromagnetic waves in the devices. However, numerous and contradicting requirements significantly limit the discovery of new potential candidates, which, in turn, hinders the technological development. In the present work, the static nonlinear susceptibility and dielectric tensor are computed via density-functional perturbation theory for a set of 579 inorganic semiconductors. The computational methodology is discussed and the provided database is described with respect to both its data distribution and its format. Several comparisons with both experimental and ab initio results from literature allow to confirm the reliability of our data. The aim of this work is to provide a relevant dataset to foster the identification of promising nonlinear optical crystals in order to motivate their subsequent experimental investigation.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
NASA NTRS2020

Electromagnetic scattering by discrete random media illuminated by a Gaussian beam I: Derivation of the radiative transfer equation

In this paper we present the vector radiative transfer theory for a discrete random medium illuminated by a Gaussian beam. The analysis is based on a plane wave spectrum representation for a Gaussian beam and uses an approach developed previously for a discrete random medium illuminated by a plane electromagnetic wave. Specifically, we establish an integral representation for the coherent field, define an approximate coherent field that satisfies the differential equation fulfilled by the coherent field corresponding to a plane electromagnetic wave and matches the Gaussian beam at the interface of the particulate medium, and finally, derive the vector radiative transfer equation. For weakly focused Gaussian beams, the resulting equation is the traditional radiative transfer equation

Gaussian beam↗
NASA NTRS1973

Lunar electromagnetic scattering. II - Magnetic fields and transfer functions for parallel propagation

Magnetic field and transfer function amplitudes, resulting from a transverse electromagnetic wave in the interplanetary medium scattering from the moon and its diamagnetic cavity, are presented. Calculations are made using an asymmetric scattering theory for a spherical two-layer model of the lunar electrical conductivity profile and a nonconducting cylindrical model of the downstream lunar plasma void. Both the field and transfer function magnitudes are calculated as functions of position on the surface of the moon for frequencies relevant to the observations of the lunar surface and orbiting magnetometers. The amplitudes of the magnetic field components on the cavity boundary are also computed as functions of frequency and distance downstream from the lunar limb. Comparisons of the results are made with those of (1) spherically symmetric descriptions of lunar electromagnetic scattering, (2) the quasi-static approximation to asymmetric scattering theory, and (3) observations of the scattering phenomenon by lunar surface and orbiting magnetometers.

Schubert, G.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Scattering in liquid haze - Analytic approximations

An analytic formula is derived which describes approximately the scattering of electromagnetic waves in a haze. This formula is compared, and found to agree well, with the exact results from Mie theory that are available in the literature. The formula is used to arrive at a simple, nonredundant, but complete parametrization of the aerosol model.

Kuriyan, J. G.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Extragalactic cosmic rays

A survey of the components of the extragalactic universe is presented. Attention is given to galaxies, quasi-stellar objects, highly evolved or collapsed configurations, faint low mass stars, diffuse matter, the electromagnetic fields, neutrino flux, gravitational waves, and cosmic rays. Radio sources are discussed along with the requirements for an extragalactic theory of cosmic rays.

Burbidge, G. R.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Self-modulational formation of pulsar microstructures

A nonlinear plasma theory for self-modulation of pulsar radio pulses is discussed. A nonlinear Schroedinger equation is derived for strong electromagnetic waves propagating in an electron-positron plasma. The nonlinearities arising from wave-intensity-induced particle-mass variation may excite the modulational instability of circularly and linearly polarized pulsar radiation. The resulting wave envelopes can take the form of periodic wave trains or solitons. These nonlinear stationary waveforms may account for the formation of pulsar microstructures.

Chian, A. C.-L.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Inverse correlations between the ion temperature anisotropy and plasma beta in the Earth's quasi-parallel magnetosheath

Average proton parameters in the magnetosheath downstream from the quasi-perpendicular shock (the quasi-perpendicular magnetosheath) for high solar wind dynamic pressure conditions are observed to vary continuously from high-beta, low-temperature anisotropy to low-beta, high-temperature anisotropy. Observations and theory have shown that this inverse correlation is a direct consequence of pitch angle scattering by electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves, which regulate the anisotropy, restoring the plasma toward marginal stability. ALthough the previously documented spectral characteristics of EMIC waves are not evident downstream of the quasi-parallel bow shock, the inverse anisotropy-beta relation found in the quasi-perpendicular magnetosheath also holds in the quasi-parallel magnetosheath. This indicates that the EMIC instability regulates the ion anisotropy regardless of the shock geometry.

Fuselier, Stephen A.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Ion Acoustic Wave Frequencies and Onset Times During Type 3 Solar Radio Bursts

Conflicting interpretations exist for the low-frequency ion acoustic (S) waves often observed by ISEE 3 in association with intense Langmuir (L) waves in the source regions of type III solar radio bursts near 1 AU. Two indirect lines of observational evidence, as well as plasma theory, suggest they are produced by the electrostatic (ES) decay L yields L(PRIME) + S. However, contrary to theoretical predictions, an existing analysis of the wave frequencies instead favors the electromagnetic (EM) decays L yields T + S, where T denotes an EM wave near the plasma frequency. This conflict is addressed here by comparing the observed wave frequencies and onset times with theoretical predictions for the ES and EM decays, calculated using the time-variable electron beam and magnetic field orientation data, rather than the nominal values used previously. Field orientation effects and beam speed variations are shown analytically to produce factor-of-three effects, greater than the difference in wave frequencies predicted for the ES and EM decays; effects of similar magnitude occur in the events analyzed here. The S-wave signals are extracted by hand from a sawtooth noise background, greatly improving the association between S waves and intense L waves. Very good agreement exists between the time-varying predictions for the ES decay and the frequencies of most (but not all) wave bursts. The waves occur only after the ES decay becomes kinematically allowed, which is consistent with the ES decay proceeding and producing most of the observed signals. Good agreement exists between the EM decay's predictions and a significant fraction of the S-wave observations while the EM decay is kinematically allowed. The wave data are not consistent, however, with the EM decay being the dominant nonlinear process. Often the observed waves are sufficiently broadband to overlap simultaneously the frequency ranges predicted for the ES and EM decays. Coupling the dominance of the ES decay with this frequency overlap provides support for a previous suggestion that fundamental emission occurs when the EM decay is stimulated by the ES decay product waves. The periods in which the ES and EM decays produce observable S waves are consistent with the observed and (independently) predicted times of fundamental and harmonic radio emission. This supports interpretation of fundamental emission as stimulated EM decay and harmonic emission as the coalescence L + L(prime) yields T of beam-generated L waves and L(prime) waves produced by the ES decay, where T denotes an electromagnetic wave at twice the plasma frequency. Analysis of the electron beam data reveals that the time-varying beam speed is consistent with ballistic beam propagation with minimal energy loss, implying that the beam propagates in a state close to time- and volume-averaged marginal stability. This confirms a central tenet of the stochastic growth theory for type III bursts.

Cairns, Iver H.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Leaf-shape effects in electromagnetic wave scattering from vegetation

A vegetation medium is modeled as a half-space of randomly distributed and oriented leaves of arbitrary shape. In accordance with the first-order radiative transfer theory, the backscattering coefficient for such a half-space is expressed in terms of the scattering amplitudes. For disc- or needle-shaped leaves, the generalized Rayleigh-Gans approximation is used to calculate the scattering amplitudes. This approach is valid for leaf dimensions up to the size of the incident wavelength. To examine the leaf-shape effect, elliptic discs are used to model deciduous leaves, and needles are used to model coniferous leaves. The differences between the scattering characteristics of leaves of different shapes are illustrated numerically for various orientations, frequencies, and incidence angles. It is found that the scattering characteristics of elliptic disc-shaped leaves are sensitive to the three angles of orientation and disc ellipticity. In general, both like and cross polarizations may be needed to differentiate the difference in scattering due to the shapes of the leaves.

Karam, Mostafa A.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Strong scintillations during atmospheric occultations Theoretical intensity spectra

Each of the two Voyager spacecraft launched in 1977 has completed a reconnaissance of the Jovian and Saturnian systems. In connection with occultation experiments, strong scintillations were observed. Further theoretical work is required before these scintillations can be interpreted. The present study is, therefore, concerned with the derivation of a theory for strong scattering during atmospheric occultation experiments, taking into account as fundamental quantity of interest the spatial spectrum (or spectral density) of intensity fluctuations. Attention is given to a theory for intensity spectra, and numerical calculations. The new formula derived for Phi-i accounts for strong scattering of electromagnetic waves during atmospheric occultations.

Hinson, D. P.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Electron acceleration by an obliquely propagating electromagnetic wave in the regime of validity of the Fokker-Planck-Kolmogorov approach

The relativistic motion of an ensemble of electrons in an intense monochromatic electromagnetic wave propagating obliquely in a uniform external magnetic field is studied. The problem is formulated from the viewpoint of Hamiltonian theory and the Fokker-Planck-Kolmogorov approach analyzed by Hizanidis (1989), leading to a one-dimensional diffusive acceleration along paths of constant zeroth-order generalized Hamiltonian. For values of the wave amplitude and the propagating angle inside the analytically predicted stochastic region, the numerical results suggest that the diffusion probes proceeds in stages. In the first stage, the electrons are accelerated to relatively high energies by sampling the first few overlapping resonances one by one. During that stage, the ensemble-average square deviation of the variable involved scales quadratically with time. During the second stage, they scale linearly with time. For much longer times, deviation from linear scaling slowly sets in.

Hizanidis, Kyriakos↗
NASA NTRS1989

Ultra-sensitive inertial sensors via neutral-atom interferometry

Upon looking at the various colossal interferometers, etc., discussed at this conference to test gravitational theory, one cannot avoid feeling that easier approaches exist. The use of low velocity, neutral atom matter waves in place of electromagnetic waves in sensitive inertial interferometer configurations is proposed. For applications, spacecraft experiments to sense a drag-free condition, to measure the Lense-Thirring precession, to measure the gravitomagnetic effect and/or the earth's geopotential (depending on altitude), and to detect long period gravitational waves are considered. Also, a terrestrial precision test of the equivalence principle on spin polarized atoms, capable of detecting effects of the 5th force is considered. While the ideas described herein are preliminary, the orders of magnitude are sufficiently tantalizing to warrant further study. Although existing proposed designs may be adequate for some of these experiments, the use of matter-wave interferometry offers reduced complexity and cost, and an absence of cryogenics.

Clauser, John F.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Effect of wave localization on plasma instabilities

The Anderson model of wave localization in random media is involved to study the effect of solar wind density turbulence on plasma processes associated with the solar type III radio burst. ISEE-3 satellite data indicate that a possible model for the type III process is the parametric decay of Langmuir waves excited by solar flare electron streams into daughter electromagnetic and ion acoustic waves. The threshold for this instability, however, is much higher than observed Langmuir wave levels because of rapid wave convection of the transverse electromagnetic daughter wave in the case where the solar wind is assumed homogeneous. Langmuir and transverse waves near critical density satisfy the Ioffe-Reigel criteria for wave localization in the solar wind with observed density fluctuations -1 percent. Numerical simulations of wave propagation in random media confirm the localization length predictions of Escande and Souillard for stationary density fluctations. For mobile density fluctuations localized wave packets spread at the propagation velocity of the density fluctuations rather than the group velocity of the waves. Computer simulations using a linearized hybrid code show that an electron beam will excite localized Langmuir waves in a plasma with density turbulence. An action principle approach is used to develop a theory of non-linear wave processes when waves are localized. A theory of resonant particles diffusion by localized waves is developed to explain the saturation of the beam-plasma instability. It is argued that localization of electromagnetic waves will allow the instability threshold to be exceeded for the parametric decay discussed above.

Levedahl, William Kirk↗
NASA NTRS1974

Electromagnetic processes in the atmosphere of pulsars

The work consists of two parts. The first deals with the fine structure of radio pulses. Based on kinetic theory, processes occurring in the plasma shell of a pulsar when external electromagnetic radiation is present are investigated. It is shown that electromagnetic waves cause electrons to drift relative to ions, and initiate longitudinal oscillations. A dispersion equation describing the longitudinal oscillations in magnetized plasma is derived. Conditions for excitation of oscillations are found. Correlation functions of electron density are calculated, along with the coefficients of electromagnetic wave scattering. It is shown that variations in the amplitude of pulsar pulses are associated with scintillations caused by fluctuations in the plasma electron density. The second part of the study presents a mechanism for the radio emission of pulsars. The model of a rotating and a pulsating star, a neutron star with dipolar or more complex magnetic field, is examined.

Yukhimuk, A. K.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Theory of electromagnetic transmission structures. I - Relativistic foundation and network formalisms

A new theorem on a class of four-dimensional skew-symmetric tensors is demonstrated. Coupled with the relativistic covariant form of Maxwell's equations, this theorem consolidates the classifications of guided waves by combining the three types - TE, TM, TEM - under a uniform condition applied to the generating four-potential which is Lorentz invariant. Each type corresponds to a potential of which a pair of the four components vanishes in a particular frame. Through appropriate normalization conditions, the resulting time-domain equations for the field amplitudes are readily reduced to modified telegraphist equations, which in turn lead to distributed network representations for each of the three types. The ambiguity of distributed network formalisms in general is elucidated and the concept of network parameter densities such as traditionally employed in TEM transmission line theory is questioned.

Gabriel, G. J.↗