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NASA NTRS2015

Measuring Skew in Average Surface Roughness as a Function of Surface Preparation

Characterizing surface roughness is important for predicting optical performance. Better measurement of surface roughness reduces grinding saving both time and money and allows the science requirements to be better defined. In this study various materials are polished from a fine grind to a fine polish. Each sample's RMS surface roughness is measured at 81 locations in a 9x9 square grid using a Zygo white light interferometer at regular intervals during the polishing process. Each data set is fit with various standard distributions and tested for goodness of fit. We show that the skew in the RMS data changes as a function of polishing time.

Stahl, Mark T.↗

NASA NTRS2015

Measuring Skew in Average Surface Roughness as a Function of Surface Preparation

Characterizing surface roughness is important for predicting optical performance. Better measurement of surface roughness reduces polishing time, saves money and allows the science requirements to be better defined. This study characterized statistics of average surface roughness as a function of polishing time. Average surface roughness was measured at 81 locations using a Zygo white light interferometer at regular intervals during the polishing process. Each data set was fit to a normal and Largest Extreme Value (LEV) distribution; then tested for goodness of fit. We show that the skew in the average data changes as a function of polishing time.

Stahl, Mark↗

NASA NTRS2018

On the Development of the Marshall Grazing Incidence X-ray Spectrograph (MaGIXS) Mirrors

The Marshall Grazing Incidence X-ray Spectrograph (MaGIXS) is a sounding rocket experiment that will obtain spatially resolved soft X-ray spectra of the solar corona from 0.5 - 2 keV. The optical system comprises a Wolter-I telescope mirror, a slit spectrograph, and a CCD camera. The spectrograph has a finite conjugate paraboloid pair, which re-images the slit, and a varied line-space planar reflection grating. Both the Wolter-I mirror and paraboloid pair are being fabricated at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), using nickel replication. The MaGIXS mirror mandrels have been diamond turned, polished, and have yielded a set of engineering mirrors. Unlike other grazing incidence instruments, such as FOXSI, ART-XC, and IXPE, the MaGIXS prescriptions have large departure from a cone. This property exacerbates challenges with conventional lap polishing techniques and interferometric metrology. Here we discuss the progression of the optical surfaces of the mandrels through lap polishing, X-ray data from the replicated shells obtained in the MSFC Stray Light Facility (SLF), and our transition to using the ZEEKO computer numerical controlled (CNC) polisher for figure correction.

Champey, Patrick↗

NASA NTRS2019

X-ray Evaluation of the Marshall Grazing Incidence X-Ray Spectrometer (MaGIXS) Nickel-Replicated Mirrors

X-ray observations of astronomical objects provides diagnostics not available in any other wavelength regime, however the capability of making these observation at a high spatial resolution has proven challenging. Recently, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has made good progress in employing computer numerical control (CNC) polishing techniques on electroless nickel mandrels as part of our replicated grazing incidence optics program. CNC polishing has afforded the ability to deterministically refine mandrel figure, thereby improving mirror performance. The Marshall Grazing Incidence X-ray Spectrometer (MaGIXS) is a MSFC-led sounding rocket instrument that is designed to make the first ever soft x-ray spectral observations of the Sun spatially resolved along a narrow slit. MaGIXS incorporates some of the first mirrors produced at MSFC using this polishing technique. Here we present the predicted mirror performance obtained from metrology, after completion of CNC polishing, as well as the results of X-ray tests performed on the MaGIXS telescope mirror before and after mounting.

MaGIXS X-ray Tests↗

NASA NTRS1974

Hydrogen transport in alpha titanium

Permeation experiments after nitriding the inlet surface of a hollow cylindrical membrane were conducted. Permeation data on two additional specimens given pre-oxidation or pre-nitriding treatments at both inlet and outlet surfaces are presented in terms of Arrhenius plots. Additionally, an analysis of geometry dependence on permeation rate was made for several specimens including the ones mentioned above. For simplicity in this report, the term as-polished is used to refer to a specimen which is either as-polished or is as-polished, pre-oxidized and annealed.

Johnson, D. L.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Preparation of ultra small samples for optical and microprobe analysis

This paper describes a simple but satisfactory new method for the preparation of tiny, varied and specialized specimens for electron or ion-microprobe analysis developed over the past five years. Microtektites, individual chondrules, single grains, blebs from lunar samples and meteoritic minerals have been prepared by this technique. A description of the preparation of these usually difficult samples from the initial mounting through the various polishing steps to their final polish is presented in detail. The procedures used to prevent any contamination of these specimens by the polishing agents and to prevent cross contamination to the other samples used for geochronology studies are presented.

Inman, C. S.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Ion beam texturing of heat transfer surfaces

Nucleate boiling heat transfer is examined as a means of energy conservation. Nucleate boiling curves were obtained for ion beam textured copper surfaces, untreated cooper surfaces, copper surfaces which had been polished and surfaces which had been coated with a plasma deposited polymer. Results show that texturing aids heat transfer while polishing has the opposite effect. The polymer coatings did not change nucleate boiling behavior. Aging effects were observed for untreated and for polished surfaces, while no such effects were noticed for textured surfaces. These data suggest that aging may be dependent on surface microgeometry, which is important in nucleate boiling heat transfer.

Agarwal, P. K.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Fabrication of X-ray telescopes for sounding rocket flights

Two X-ray telescopes and two detector systems were fabricated, and one of the telescopes (15 in. diameter, Wolter type I telescope) was flown on two sounding rocket flights. The telescopes were fabricated using the diamond point technique which provided the accurate figure of the mirrors to about a focal plane blur of 0.5 arc minutes. The 15 in. telescope mirrors were polished using standard polishing techniques to remove tooling marks from the diamond turning, then chemically polished to bring the X-ray reflectivity up to nearly the theoretical values. The optical image formed by the 15 in. telescope was found to produce a blur of about 40 arc seconds for a parallel beam of incoming laser light. The first flight of the telescope produced an X-ray image of Capella which indicated that the X-ray image was blurred to the extent of about 2 arc minutes. This additional image degradation was due to a slight error in focusing the X-ray image onto the detector.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1984

The AXAF technology program: The optical flats tests

The results of a technology program aimed at determining the limits of surface polishing for reflecting X-ray telescopes is presented. This program is part of the major task of developing the Advanced X-ray Astrophysical Facility (AXAF). By studying the optical properties of state-of-the-art polished flat surfaces, conclusions were drawn as to the potential capability of AXAF. Surface microtopography of the flats as well as their figure are studied by X-ray, visual, and mechanical techniques. These techniques and their results are described. The employed polishing techniques are more than adequate for the specifications of the AXAF mirrors.

Williams, A. C.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Formation of planar n(+) pockets in GaAs for mixer diode fabrication

A novel technique has been developed to produce n(+) 'pockets' in semiinsulating GaAs bulk material. This technique has produced thick pockets of highly conducting epitaxial material on the substrate surface. The pockets were formed by the growth of a liquid-phase epitaxial (LPE) layer into holes which had been etched into the substrate. Surface uniformity was obtained by chemo-mechanically polishing the substrate surface under tightly controlled conditions. Polishing rates as low as 0.2 micron/min have been obtained. Photographs taken of the pocket cross-sectional area have revealed that growth occurred throughout the entire pocket region. Growth was even found to have occurred along the irregularly shape walls of the packets. The continuous growth throughout the pockets coupled with the subsequent polishing of the substrate have produced exceptionally smooth and planar surfaces. Thicknesses as great as 10 microns have been obtained for the n(+) pockets using this technique. Mixer diodes have been fabricated onto these layers and tested. Preliminary dc measurements taken on these devices have yielded a zero-biased cutoff frequency (Fco) of 800 GHz with a series resistance (Rs) of 6 omega and a zero-biased capacitance (Co) of 30 fF.

Griffin, J. A.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Analysis of particulates of comet nucleus samples: Possible use of olivine as indicator phase

The electron microprobe is a proven instrument for particulate analysis and modifications are possible for in situ analysis of particulates in ice at temperatures near that of liquid nitrogen. Present sample requirements allow for polished samples with 0.25 x 0.25 dimensions to be maintained in the sample chamber of a modern electron probe (CAMECA SX-50) at a temperature of -150 C; larger samples are possible but at higher temperatures as determined by thermal conductivity. The major problem is transport and insertion of samples into the instrument through vacuum interlocks. The manufacturer of the above microprobe has designed an exchange mechanism to allow storage and transport of samples previously prepared for their sample holder which attaches to their instrument allowing extraction and insertion of samples while maintaining -150 C temperature. An important test will be the capability of preparing polished surfaces of an ice-particulate sample without loss of particles and at low temperatures. While thin sections of water ice are routine, these are not examined for particulate material and are prepared at temperatures easily obtained in room-size volumes. Anticipated problems include rounding of small grains in the relatively soft ice matrix and the technical problem of dry polishing.

Steele, I. M.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Revealing the microstructure of materials

The objectives are to demonstrate how the microstructure of materials may be revealed by abrasive polishing and chemical etching, and to illustrate how microstructural information is used to monitor manufacturing processes, provide in-depth inspection, and perform failure analysis. Microstructural analysis is the procedure used to reveal the internal microstructural details of a material or part by sectioning and polishing the cut surface so that it may be examined under a suitable microscope. A printed wiring board was selected as the test material because it contains both metals and nonmetals that have distinctive microstructures, and because this technique is used throughout the electronic industry as a key quality control tool. The three principle component materials in printed circuit boards are glass/epoxy laminates faced with copper foil; copper, deposited by both electroless and electrolytic plating; and tin/lead solder. Sample preparation, mounting, grinding, polishing, and examination and analysis are discussed.

Nelson, James A.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Masks For Deposition Of Aspherical Optical Surfaces

Masks of improved design developed for use in fabrication of aspherical, rotationally symmetrical surfaces of mirrors, lenses, and lens molds by evaporative deposition onto rotating substrates. In deposition chamber, source and mask aligned with axis of rotation of substrate. Mask shadows source of rotating substrate. Azimuthal opening (as function of radius) in mask proportional to desired thickness (as function of radius) to which material deposited on substrate. Combination of improved masks and modern coating chambers provides optical surfaces comparable or superior to those produced by conventional polishing, computer-controlled polishing, replication from polished molds, and diamond turning, at less cost in material, labor, and capital expense.

Rogers, John R.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Plasma etching a ceramic composite

Plasma etching is found to be a superior metallographic technique for evaluating the microstructure of a ceramic matrix composite. The ceramic composite studied is composed of silicon carbide whiskers (SiC(sub W)) in a matrix of silicon nitride (Si3N4), glass, and pores. All four constituents are important in evaluating the microstructure of the composite. Conventionally prepared samples, both as-polished or polished and etched with molten salt, do not allow all four constituents to be observed in one specimen. As-polished specimens allow examination of the glass phase and porosity, while molten salt etching reveals the Si3N4 grain size by removing the glass phase. However, the latter obscures the porosity. Neither technique allows the SiC(sub W) to be distinguished from the Si3N4. Plasma etching with CF4 + 4 percent O2 selectively attacks the Si3N4 grains, leaving SiC(sub W) and glass in relief, while not disturbing the pores. An artifact of the plasma etching reaction is the deposition of a thin layer of carbon on Si3N4, allowing Si3N4 grains to be distinguished from SiC(sub W) by back scattered electron imaging.

Hull, David R.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Mach 5 electroformed nickel nozzle refurbishment FNAS investigation of ultra-smooth surfaces

This task is in support of the Quiet Hypersonic Wind Tunnel effort currently in effect at NASA Langley Research Center, VA. A laminar flow wind tunnel nozzle has been previously fabricated by electroforming pure nickel over a machined and polished two piece stainless steel mandrel. The mandrel was removed leaving the replicate nozzle surface. The nozzle was then pressed into a heavy stainless steel jacket for mounting features and rigidity. The original nickel surface was a replication of the polished mandrel but had degraded due to oxidation. The inside surface requirements are very stringent in order to achieve laminar or quiet flow at the desired pressure and temperature for the specific design of Mach 5. The throat area of the axisymmetric device must have a surface finish with no defects greater than 16 microinches. This requires an rms average background of about four microinches or better for inspection purposes. A coating of nickel-phosphorous alloy was applied by catalytic deposition and then the inside of the nozzle was polished retaining dimensional and surface finish tolerances as specified per drawings supplied. Since the unit is not an optical component, conventional optical inspection methods for surface finish and figure are not readily achieved. Measurements were made using surface profilometry.

Rood, Robert↗

NASA NTRS1993

Effect of micron-sized roughness on transition in swept-wing flows

Boundary-layer transition-to-turbulence studies are conducted in the Arizona State University Unsteady Wind Tunnel on a 45-degree swept airfoil. The pressure gradient is designed so that the initial stability characteristics are purely crossflow-dominated. Flow visualization and hot-wire measurements show that the development of the crossflow vortices is influenced by roughness near the attachment-line. Comparisons of transition location are made between a painted surface, a machine-polished surface, and a hand-polished surface. Then, isolated 6 micron roughness elements are placed near the attachment line on the airfoil surface under conditions of the final polish (0.25 micron rms). These elements amplify a centered stationary crossflow vortex and its neighbors, resulting in localized early transition. The diameter, height, and location of these roughness elements are varied in a systematic manner. Spanwise hot-wire measurements are taken behind the roughness element to document the enhanced vortices. These scans are made at several different chord locations to examine vortex growth.

Radeztsky, Ronald H., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1997

Lubrication by Diamond and Diamondlike Carbon Coatings

Regardless of environment (ultrahigh vacuum, humid air, dry nitrogen, or water), ion-beam-deposited diamondlike carbon (DLC) and nitrogen-ion-implanted, chemical-vapor-deposited (CVD) diamond films had low steady-state coefficients of friction (less than 0.1) and low wear rates (less than or equal to 10(exp -6)cu mm/N(dot)m). These films can be used as effective wear-resistant, self-lubricating coatings regardless of environment. On the other hand, as-deposited, fine-grain CVD diamond films; polished, coarse-grain CVD diamond films; and polished and then fluorinated, coarse-grain CVD diamond films can be used as effective wear-resistant, self-lubricating coatings in humid air, in dry nitrogen, and in water, but they had a high coefficient of friction and a high wear rate in ultrahigh vacuum. The polished, coarse-grain CVD diamond film revealed an extremely low wear rate, far less than 10(exp 10) cu mm/N(dot)m, in water.

Miyoshi, Kazuhisa↗

NASA NTRS1961

Effect of Surface Preparation and Gas Flow on Nitrogen Atom Surface Recombination

The effects of surface preparation and gas flow on the recombination of nitrogen atoms at copper and platinum surfaces were determined. Atoms were generated by an electrodeless 2450-megacycle-per-second discharge, and their concentration was measured by gas-phase titration with nitric oxide. Test surfaces were either vacuum-evaporated films or spheres machined from bulk metal and cemented around small glass-bead thermistors. Heat released by recombination was measured as the difference in electrical energy required to maintain a given thermistor temperature with and without a catalytic surface exposed. Recombination coefficients measured at flow velocities of 1120, 1790, 2250, and 3460 centimeters per second and at pressures of 0.42 and 0.59 millimeter of mercury showed that flow conditions had no effect. The results were also independent of atom concentration. A rough indication of the temperature dependence was obtained; it was greater for copper than for platinum. Platinum films deposited on platinum or on glass had the same activity - about 3 percent of the atoms impinging recombined. With copper, however, the glass substrate greatly reduced the percent of atoms recombining over that of a bulk copper substrate where 4 percent of the impinging atoms recombined. This effect could be overcome by depositing a second film on top of the first. Bulk metal samples were subjected to various surface treatments including polishing, degreasing with a chlorinated hydrocarbon, washing with nitric acid, and rinsing with water. Polished, degreased platinum had low activity compared to an evaporated film, but nitric acid treatment made it equivalent. Polished, degreased copper was only slightly less active than a copper film; nitric acid etching decreased the activity still further, probably by preferentially exposing facets of low catalytic efficiency.

Prok, George M.↗