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Results for “polarization of light”

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 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1993

Intensity and polarization of light scattered by size distributions of randomly oriented nonspherical particles

Calculations of light scattering by small particles are important in many diverse fields of science and engineering. In many cases of practical interest, scattering particles are nonspherical and are distributed over sizes and orientations. However, accurate light scattering computations for ensembles of nonspherical particles are difficult and time-consuming, and the literature in which such calculations are reported is rather scarce. In this paper, the T-matrix approach, as extended recently to randomly oriented particles, is used to calculate rigorously light scattering by size distributions of randomly oriented axially symmetric particles. To model the variation of particle sizes in real ensembles, we use a power law distribution typical of some terrestrial aerosols. Contour plots of intensity and degree of linear polarization for polydisperse prolate and oblate spheroids of different aspect ratios and effective equivalent-sphere size parameters from 0 to 10 are calculated and compared with calculations for equivalent spheres. The angular scattering behavior of nonspherical polydispersions is found to be greatly different from that of spheres, while the scattering properties of oblate and prolate spheroids of the same aspect ratio are similar. With increasing particle size, both intensity and polarization become more shape-dependent. In general, nonspherical particles are stronger side scatterers and weaker backscatterers than equivalent spheres. With increasing aspect ratio of nonspherical particles polarization tends to be predominantly positive. Possible effects of particle nonsphericity on optical remote sensing of atmospheric aerosols are discussed.

Mishchenko, M. I.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Enhanced Raman Microprobe Imaging of Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes

We explore Raman microprobe capabilities to visualize single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). Although this technique is limited to a micron scale, we demonstrate that images of individual SWCNTs, bundles or their agglomerates can be generated by mapping Raman active elementary excitations. We measured the Raman response from carbon vibrations in SWCNTs excited by confocal scanning of a focused laser beam. Carbon vibrations reveal key characteristics of SWCNTs as nanotube diameter distribution (radial breathing modes, RBM, 100-300 cm(exp -1)), presence of defects and functional groups (D-mode, 1300-1350 cm(exp -1)), strain and oxidation states of SWCNTs, as well as metallic or semiconducting character of the tubes encoded in the lineshape of the G-modes at 1520-1600 cm(exp - 1). In addition, SWCNTs are highly anisotropic scatterers. The Raman response from a SWCNT is maximal for incident light polarization parallel to the tube axis and vanishing for perpendicular directions. We show that the SWCNT bundle shape or direction can be determined, with some limitations, from a set of Raman images taken at two orthogonal directions of the incident light polarization.

Hadjiev, V. G.↗
DOE OSTI2024

A contactless in situ EFISH method for measuring electrostatic potential profile of semiconductor/electrolyte junctions

In photoelectrochemical cells, promising devices for directly converting solar energy into storable chemical fuels, the spatial variation of the electrostatic potential across the semiconductor–electrolyte junction is the key parameter that determines the cell performance. In principle, electric field induced second harmonic generation (EFISH) provides a contactless in situ spectroscopic tool to measure the spatial variation of electrostatic potential. However, the total second harmonic generation (SHG) signal contains the contributions of the EFISH signals of semiconductor space charge layer and the electric double layer, in addition to the SHG signal of the electrode surface. The interference of these complex quantities hinders their analysis. In this work, to understand and deconvolute their contributions to the total SHG signals, bias-dependent SHG measurements are performed on the rutile TiO2(100)–electrolyte junction as a function of light polarization and crystal azimuthal angle (angle of the incident plane relative to the crystal [001] axis). A quadratic response between SHG intensity and the applied potential is observed in both the accumulation and depletion regions of TiO2. The relative phase difference and amplitude ratio are extracted at selected azimuthal angles and light polarizations. At 0° azimuthal angle and s-in–p-out polarization, the SHG intensity minimum has the best match with the TiO2 flatband potential due to the orthogonal relative phase difference between bias-dependent and bias-independent SHG terms. We further measure the pH-dependent flatband potential and probe the photovoltage under open circuit conditions using the EFISH technique, demonstrating the capability of this contactless method for measuring electrostatic potential at semiconductor–electrolyte junctions.

Chemistry↗
NASA NTRS2004

Magnetic Symbology Reader

A magnetic symbology reader has a housing containing a polarized light source which directs light though a magneto-optic sensor onto a reflector which reflects light least one analyzer and into at least one camera. A view finder allows the user to monitor the image on the sensor as seen by a viewfinder camera while a processor is coupled to possibly a second camera so that when an image is detected, the image from the camera may be processed by the processor to output information associated with the symbol to an external source. The analyzer and polarized light source provide contrast in the images detected by the sensor. A bias/erase coil located about the magneto-optic sensor can enhance or erase images on the sensor.

Harry F Schramm↗
DOE OSTI2020

Tunable Layer Circular Photogalvanic Effect in Twisted Bilayers

In this work, we develop a general theory of the layer circular photogalvanic effect (LCPGE) in quasi-two-dimensional chiral bilayers, which refers to the appearance of a polarization-dependent, out-of-plane static dipole moment induced by circularly polarized light. We elucidate the geometric origin of the LCPGE as two types of interlayer coordinate shift weighted by the quantum metric tensor and the Berry curvature, respectively. As a concrete example, we calculate the LCPGE in twisted bilayer graphene, and find that it exhibits a resonance peak whose frequency can be tuned from visible to infrared as the twisting angle varies. The LCPGE thus provides a promising route toward frequency-sensitive, circularly polarized light detection, particularly in the infrared range.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2020

Tunable valleytronics with symmetry-retaining high polarization degree in SnS x Se 1–x model system

SnS has recently been shown to possess unique valleytronic capability with a large polarization degree, where non-degenerate valleys can be accessed using linearly polarized light, bestowed upon by the unique anisotropy and wavefunction symmetry. It is thus of utmost importance to demonstrate the extension of such effects for the IV–VI system in general, thereby elucidating the generality and tunability of such valleytronics. In this study, we show the highly tunable valleytronics via gradual compositional control of the tin(II) sulfo-selenide (SnS x Se 1–x ) alloy system with excellent retainment of symmetry-determined selection rules. We show the presence of both ΓY and ΓX valleys in all alloy compositions via selectivity in absorption and emission of linearly polarized light by optical reflection (R)/transmission (T) and photoluminescence measurements and tuned the bandgaps of the valleys within a range of 1.28 eV–1.05 eV and 1.48 eV–1.24 eV, respectively. This simultaneous tuning of non-degenerate valleys agrees well with theoretical calculations. We then fitted the bandgap values in compositional space, obtaining bowing parameters as a useful database. We further demonstrated the feasibility of using IV–VI valleytronics systems in general by elucidating the retainment of strong polarization degrees of as high as 91% across all compositions. The generalization of such purely symmetry-dependent valleytronics also opens up opportunities for the discovery of more multi-functional materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1985

Wind dynamic range video camera

A television camera apparatus is disclosed in which bright objects are attenuated to fit within the dynamic range of the system, while dim objects are not. The apparatus receives linearly polarized light from an object scene, the light being passed by a beam splitter and focused on the output plane of a liquid crystal light valve. The light valve is oriented such that, with no excitation from the cathode ray tube, all light is rotated 90 deg and focused on the input plane of the video sensor. The light is then converted to an electrical signal, which is amplified and used to excite the CRT. The resulting image is collected and focused by a lens onto the light valve which rotates the polarization vector of the light to an extent proportional to the light intensity from the CRT. The overall effect is to selectively attenuate the image pattern focused on the sensor.

Craig, G. D.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Large inverse Faraday effect for Rydberg states of free atoms and isolated donors in semiconductors

We report on the induction of magnetization in Rydberg systems by means of the inverse Faraday effect and propose the appearance of the effect in two such systems: Rydberg atoms proper and shallow dopants in semiconductors. Rydberg atoms are characterized by a large orbital radius. This large radius gives such excited states a large angular moment, which when driven with circularly polarized light translates to a large effective magnetic field $\mathscr{B}$ eff . We calculate this effect to generate effective magnetic fields of O⁡(1⁢ µ⁢T)×($\frac{ω}{1THz}$) -1 ⁢ ($\frac{\mathscr{I}}{10Wcm^{-2}}$)⁢n 4 in the Rydberg states of atoms such as Rb and Cs for off-resonant photon beams with frequency ω and intensity $\mathscr{I}$ expressed in units of the denominators and n the principal quantum number. Additionally, terahertz spectroscopy of phosphorus-doped silicon reveals a large cross section for excitation of shallow dopants to Rydberg-like states, which even for small n have the potential to be driven similarly with circularly polarized light to produce an even larger magnetization. Our theoretical calculations estimate $\mathscr{B}$ eff as O⁡(10 2 T) for Si:P with a beam intensity of 10 8 Wcm -2 .

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Structural and Electronic Effect Driven Distortions in Visible Light Absorbing Polar Materials A Ta 2 V 2 O 11 ( A = Sr, Pb)

Complex vanadates of tantalum(V), such as ATa 2 V 2 O 11 (A = Sr, Pb), are rare and underrated materials, which have potential application domains that could be substantially expanded, mitigating the existing controversy on their atomic and electronic organization. Herein, we present a thorough structural examination combining synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction-aided distortion mode analysis with computational methods to study hettotypes of SrTa 2 V 2 O 11 (STVO) and PbTa 2 V 2 O 11 (PTVO). Being distinct from the perovskite family due to the presence of [VO 4 ] groups, both compounds are polar dielectric materials with certain similarities to SBT and PBT Aurivillius phases. Applying the model of anions of metallic matrices to the analysis of electron localization functions calculated on top of as-established equilibrium structures helps retrace the effects in the Sr and Pb surroundings on the respective crystal packings of STVO and PTVO.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1985

Evidence for ion heat flux in the light ion polar wind

Cold flowing hydrogen and helium ions have been observed using the retarding ion mass spectrometer on board the Dynamics Explorer 1 spacecraft in the dayside magnetosphere at subauroral latitudes. The ions show a marked flux asymmetry with respect to the relative wind direction. The observed data are fitted by a model of drifting Maxwellian distributions perturbed by a first order-Spritzer-Haerm heat flux distribution function. It is shown that both ion species are supersonic just equatorward of the auroral zone at L = 14, and the shape of asymmetry and direction of the asymmetry are consistent with the presence of an upward heat flux. At L = 6, both species evolve smoothly into warmer subsonic upward flows with downward heat fluxes. In the case of subsonic flows the downward heat flux implies a significant heat source at higher altitudes. Spin curves of the spectrometer count rate versus the spin phase angle are provided.

Biddle, A. P.↗
NASA NTRS2010

Detecting strain in birefringent materials using spectral polarimetry

A method, computer program product and system for analyzing multispectral images from a plurality of regions of birefringent material, such as a polymer film, using polarized light and a corresponding polar analyzer to identify differential strain in the birefringent material. For example, the birefringement material may be low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride, polyester, nylon, or cellophane film. Optionally, the method includes generating a real-time quantitative strain map.

Ragucci, Anthony J.↗
NASA NTRS2017

Assessment of Terra MODIS On-Orbit Polarization Sensitivity Using Pseudoinvariant Desert Sites

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) is currently flying on NASA's Earth Observing System Terra and Aqua satellites, launched in 1999 and 2002, respectively. MODIS reflective solar bands in the visible wavelength range are known to be sensitive to polarized light based on prelaunch polarization sensitivity tests. After about five years of on-orbit operations, it was discovered that the polarization sensitivity at short wavelengths had shown a noticeable increase. In this paper, we examine the impact of polarization on measured top-of-atmosphere (TOA) reflectance based on MODIS Collection-6 L1B over pseudo invariant desert sites. The standard polarization correction equation is used in combination with simulated at-sensor radiances using the second simulation of a satellite signal in the Solar Spectrum, Vector Radiative Transfer Code (6SV). We ignore the polarization contribution from the surface and a ratio approach is used for both 6SV-derived in put parameters and observed TOA reflectance. Results indicate that significant gain corrections up to 25% are required near the end of scan for the 412 and 443 nm bands. The polarization correction reduces the seasonal fluctuations in reflectance trends and mirror side ratios from 30% and 12% to 10% and 5%, respectively, for the two bands. Comparison of the effectiveness of the polarization correction with the results from the NASA Ocean Biology Processing Group shows a good agreement in the corrected reflectance trending results and their seasonal fluctuations.

Wu, Aisheng↗
NASA NTRS2015

A42A-04: Determination of Cloud Thermodynamic Phase with Ground Based, Polarimetrically Sensitive, Passive Sky Radiometers

When observed from the ground, optically thick clouds minimally polarize light, while the linear polarization direction (angle) of optically thin clouds contains information about thermodynamic phase. For instruments such at the Cimel radiometers that comprise the AErosol RObotic NEtwork (AERONET), these properties can also be exploited to aid cloud optical property retrievals. Using vector radiative transfer simulations, we explore the conditions most favorable to cloud thermodynamic phase determination, then test with actual AERONET data. Results indicate that this technique may be appropriate for some, but not all, conditions, and motivate a deeper investigation about the polarization direction measurement capability of Cimel instruments, which to date have been primarily used to determine degree of polarization. Recent work explores these measurement issues using a newly installed instrument at the NASA Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, California.

Knobelspiesse, Kirk↗
DOE OSTI2024

Direct Observation of Circularly Polarized Nonlinear Optical Activities in Chiral Hybrid Lead Halides

Circularly polarized light emission is a crucial application in imaging, sensing, and photonics. However, utilizing low-energy photons to excite materials, as opposed to high-energy light excitation, can facilitate deep-tissue imaging and sensing applications. The challenge lies in finding materials capable of directly generating circularly polarized nonlinear optical effects. In this study, we introduce a chiral hybrid lead halide (CHLH) material system, R/S-DPEDPb 3 Br 8 ·H 2 O (DPED = 1,2-diphenylethylenediammonium), which can directly produce circularly polarized second harmonic generation (CP-SHG) through linearly polarized infrared light excitation, exhibiting a polarization efficiency as high as 37% at room temperature. To understand the spin relaxation mechanisms behind the high polarization efficiency, we utilized two models, so-called D’yakonov–Perel’ (DP) and Bir–Aronov–Pikus (BAP) mechanisms. The unique zigzag inorganic frameworks within the hybrid structure are believed to reduce the dielectric confinement and exciton binding energy, thus enhancing spin polarization, especially in regions with a high excitation pump fluence based on the DP mechanism. In the case of low excitation pump fluence, the BAP mechanism dominates, as evidenced by the observed decrease in the polarization ratio from CP-SHG measurement. Using density functional theory analysis, we elucidate how the distinctive 8-coordination environment of lead bromide building blocks effectively suppresses spin–orbit coupling at the conduction band minimum. This suppression significantly diminishes spin-splitting, thereby slowing the spin relaxation rate.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗