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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 163 records · Page 9

JOVE Program

Coastal reef degradation and widespread bleaching of corals, i.e. loss of pigments and/or symbiotic zooxanthellae, is increasing globally. Remote sensing has great potential for assessing the extent of reef change. However, measuring reef change from remote platforms (boats, aircraft or satellites), requires ground-truth spectral algorithms characteristic of healthy and degraded reef populations. Our laboratory experiments demonstrated, for the first time, that healthy coral colonies emit characteristic fluorescence spectra in response to excitation with short wavelength (blue or ultraviolet) light. Furthermore, following stress, e.g. increased temperature, corals lose symbiotic algae and their health is compromised. We measured changes in coral fluorescence spectra along with pigment loss in response to temperature-induced stress. Following laboratory demonstration, we tested this approach in the field. The NASA P3 aircraft with the airborne oceanographic LIDAR system was used to map transects of coral reef in Hawaii. Ground truth samples of coral; were collected and analyzed for pigment density (pigments/surface area). Fluorescence spectra along transects showed consistent chlorophyll fluorescence peaks at 685 nm from the chlorophyll of the zooxanthellae and peaks between 400 and 570 nm believed to emanate from the coral tissue. Our results suggest that remote sensing of laser-induced fluorescence represents an efficient and effective approach to monitoring the health of coral reefs. Lists of papers, conferences, proposals awarded and a summary of student involvement is included in the appendices.

Hardy, John T.↗

Evolved Late-Type Star FUV Spectra: Mass Loss and Fluorescence

This proposal was for a detailed analysis of the far ultraviolet (FUV) photoionizing radiation that provides crucial input physics for mass loss studies, e.g., observations of the flux below 10448, allow us to constrain the Ca II/Ca III balance and make significant progress beyond previous optical studies on stellar mass loss and circumstellar photochemistry. Our targets selection provided good spectral-type coverage required to help unravel the Ca II/Ca III balance as the mass-loss rates increase by over three orders of magnitude from K5 III to M5 III. We also explored the relationship between the FUV radiation field and other UV diagnostics to allow us to empirically estimate the FUV radiation field for the vast majority of stars which are too faint to be observed with FUSE, and to improve upon their uncertain mass-loss rates.

Harper, Graham M.↗

Visible-Light-Responsive Photocatalysis: Ag-Doped TiO2 Catalyst Development and Reactor Design Testing

In recent years, the alteration of titanium dioxide to become visible-light-responsive (VLR) has been a major focus in the field of photocatalysis. Currently, bare titanium dioxide requires ultraviolet light for activation due to its band gap energy of 3.2 eV. Hg-vapor fluorescent light sources are used in photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) reactors to provide adequate levels of ultraviolet light for catalyst activation; these mercury-containing lamps, however, hinder the use of this PCO technology in a spaceflight environment due to concerns over crew Hg exposure. VLR-TiO2 would allow for use of ambient visible solar radiation or highly efficient visible wavelength LEDs, both of which would make PCO approaches more efficient, flexible, economical, and safe. Over the past three years, Kennedy Space Center has developed a VLR Ag-doped TiO2 catalyst with a band gap of 2.72 eV and promising photocatalytic activity. Catalyst immobilization techniques, including incorporation of the catalyst into a sorbent material, were examined. Extensive modeling of a reactor test bed mimicking air duct work with throughput similar to that seen on the International Space Station was completed to determine optimal reactor design. A bench-scale reactor with the novel catalyst and high-efficiency blue LEDs was challenged with several common volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in ISS cabin air to evaluate the system's ability to perform high-throughput trace contaminant removal. The ultimate goal for this testing was to determine if the unit would be useful in pre-heat exchanger operations to lessen condensed VOCs in recovered water thus lowering the burden of VOC removal for water purification systems.

Photocatalysis↗

Ultraviolet spectroscopic observations of VV Cephei

Observations with the International Ultraviolet Explorer satellite (IUE) of the recent egress of the eclipsing binary VV Cep(M2Iabep + B) are presented. Egress in the ultraviolet lagged behind the visible egress by 2 to 3 months, as a result of higher opacity of the M star atmosphere in the ultraviolet. Shortly after visible egress, the low-dispersion spectrum from 1200-1900 wavelengths was dominated by fluorescent emission lines arising in the atmosphere of the M star and excited by the ultraviolet continuum of the hot companion. High-dispersion spectra show a hot continuum blanketed by absorption lines, some of which weaken or disappear as the egress continues. A year after eclipse, the absorption spectrum is still too complex to permit determination of a spectral type for the hot companion. The Mg II h and k lines both exhibit asymmetric double-peaked emission features indicative of an expanding chromosphere in the M supergiant.

Hagan, W.↗

The High-Excitation Planetary Nebula NCG 246: Optical and Near-Ultraviolet Observations and Two-dimensional Numerical Models

We have imaged the planetary nebula (PN) NGC 246 in the near-ultraviolet wavelengths [Ne v] 342.6 nm, the Bowen fluorescence line of 0 111 at 344.4 nm, and a nearby line-free region centered on 338.6 nm, as well as H(alpha), [O III] 500.7 nm, and [S II] 673.0 and 671.5 nm. Imaging in the 344.4 nm line is necessary to deconvolve contamination of the [Ne v] images by O III 342.9 nm. The emission from the shell and inner parts of the nebula is detected in [Ne v]. The radial profiles of the [Ne v] brightness decrease with radius from the exciting star, indicating that the bulk of the emission from this ion is due to the hard UV stellar radiation field, with a (probably) marginal contribution from collisional ionization in a shock between the PN shell and the interstellar medium (ISM). In contrast, the radial profiles of the emission in H(alpha), [0 III] 500.7 nm, and [S II] are flatter and peak at the location of the shell. The emission of [S II] probably traces the interaction of the PN with the ambient ISM. We also present two-dimensional numerical simulations for this PN-ISM interaction. The simulations consider the stellar motion with respect to the ambient ISM, with a velocity of 85 km/s , and include the time evolution of the wind parameters and UV radiation field from the progenitor star.

Szentgyorgyi, Andrew↗

Detecting Cracks on Inner Surfaces

Microscopic cracks or flaws in surface of a workpiece are often detected with fluorescent dye. Dye is spread over surface to be inspected and then washed off. When piece is viewed under ultraviolet light, a glow is seen from dye trapped in any flaws. Intensity of fluorescence gives a rough indication of depth of defect. Fluorescent inspection procedure is fast, inexpensive and simple to perform.

Sax, A.↗

Fluorescence observations of LDEF exposed materials as an indicator of induced material reactions

Observations and measurements of induced changes in the fluorescent emission of materials exposed to the space environment on the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) have revealed systematic patterns of material-dependent behavior. These results have been supplemented by inspection of similar materials exposed on previous Space Shuttle Missions and in laboratory testing. The space environmental factors affecting the fluorescence of exposed materials have been found to include (but are not necessarily limited to) solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation, atomic oxygen (AO), thermal vacuum exposure, and synergistic combinations of these factors. Observed changes in material fluorescent behavior include stimulation, quenching, and spectral band shifts of emission. For example, the intrinsic yellow fluorescence of zinc oxide pigmented thermal control coatings undergoes quenching as a result of exposure, while coloration is stimulated in the fluorescent emission of several polyurethane coating materials. The changes in fluorescent behavior of these materials are shown to be a revealing indicator of induced material reactions as a result of space environmental exposure.

Linton, Roger C.↗

Far Ultraviolet Emission Cross Sections of Ne II and Ne III Excited by Electron Impact

In the electron-impact-induced fluorescence spectrum on neon in the wavelength range of 120 270 nm at a spectral resolution of 0.43 nm, the strongest lines in the far ultraviolet (FUV) spectrum of neon are assigned to items of the Doublet system of Ne II and the Triplet system of Ne III. FUV spectral data at 300 eV electron impact energy provide absolute emission cross sections of these Ne II and Ne III lines and are compared to previous measurements.

electron impact fluorescence spectrum neon Doublet↗

Spectroscopic investigation of the electronic and excited state properties of para-substituted tetraphenyl porphyrins and their electrochemically generated ions

Porphyrins play pivotal roles in many crucial biological processes including photosynthesis. However, there is still a knowledge gap in understanding electronic and excited state implications associated with functionalization of the porphyrin ring system. These effects can have electrochemical and spectroscopic signatures that reveal the complex nature of these somewhat minor substitutions, beyond simple inductive or electronic effect correlations. To obtain a deeper insight into the influences of porphyrin functionalization, four free-base, meso-substituted porphyrins: tetraphenyl porphyrin (TPP), tetra(4-hydroxyphenyl) porphyrin (THPP), tetra(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (TCPP), and tetra(4-nitrophenyl) porphyrin (TNPP), were synthesized, characterized, and investigated. The influence of various substituents, (-hydroxy,-carboxy, and -nitro) in the para position of the meso-substituted phenyl moieties were evaluated by spectroelectrochemical techniques (absorption and fluorescence), femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry, ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS), and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT). Spectral features were evaluated for the neutral porphyrins and differences observed among the various porphyrins were further explained using rendered frontier molecular orbitals pertaining to the relevant transitions. Electrochemically generated anionic and cationic porphyrin species indicate similar absorbance spectroscopic signatures attributed to a red-shift in the Soret band. Emissive behavior reveals the emergence of one new fluorescence decay pathway for the ionic porphyrin, distinct from the neutral macrocycle. Femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy analysis provided further analysis of the implications on the excited-state as a function of the para substituent of the free-base meso-substituted tetraphenyl porphyrins. Herein, we provide an in-depth and comprehensive analysis of the electronic and excited state effects associated with systematically varying the induced dipole at the methine bridge of the free-base porphyrin macrocycle and the spectroscopic signatures related to the neutral, anionic, and cationic species of these porphyrins.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Fluorescent air leakage detection system for enclosures

Provided is a Fluorescent Air Leakage Detection (FALD) system and method for locating a defect in an enclosure that uses a nontoxic fluorescent solution as a marker. The solution is aerosolized with an atomizing device and guided to defects by a gas pressure modifying device. Defects are visually located by surveying the enclosure with an ultraviolet or visible light source and identifying a location where accumulated solution fluoresces.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Excitation/Detection Strategies for OH Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence Measurements in the Presence of Interfering Fuel Signal and Absorption Effects

Planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) excitation/detection methods have been applied to obtain spatial distributions of the hydroxyl [OH] reacting intermediary and hydrocarbon [HC] primary species in laminar and turbulent combustion reactions. In this report, broadband and narrowband excitation/filtering techniques are explored to identify an optimal experimental configuration yielding significant fluorescent signal with low absorption losses. The combustion environments analyzed include 1) a laminar non-premixed methane/air flame and 2) a turbulent, non-premixed Jet-A/air fueled flame within a lean flame tube combustor. Hydrocarbon-based fuel and OH were excited via the R1 (1), R1(10) and R2(7) transitions of the A(sup 2)Epsilon(+) X(sup 2)pi(1,0) band using a broadband Nd:YAG pumped optical parametric oscillator (OPO) and narrowband Nd:YAG/dye laser with ultraviolet frequency extension (UVX) package. Variables tested for influence on fluorescent signal and absorption characteristics were excitation line, laser energy, exciting linewidth, combustion reactants, and test flow conditions. Results are intended to guide the transition from a dye/UVX laser to an OPO system for performing advanced diagnostics of low-emission combustion concepts.

Heath, Christopher M.↗

Mystery spot in supernova 1987A - Reflection or fluorescence by an interstellar cloud?

This paper explores fluorescence and reflection models of the companion to SN 1987A obseved by speckle interferometry, recalling a 1901 precedent. The apparent small angular size of the companion is a severe constraint. A fluorescence model cannot reach the observed brightness unless the ultraviolet burst from the supernova contained as many as 2 x 10 to the 58th ionizing photons. This is about 25 times stronger than generous current models. Even then, the expected line ratios and widths do not fit the observations. The absence of narrow H-alpha and H-beta lines in the supernova spectrum, the ratio of fluxes of the companion in H-alpha and forbidden N II line filters, the invisibility of the companion at 4861 (H-beta), and its detection at 5330 fail to agree with theory. A dust-reflection model is more promising, and the color can be reddened by the evaporation of small grains, but the model still falls more than about 1 mag short in brightness. Furthermore, a dust reflection should have increased in relative brightness in May-June 1987, rather than disappearing as the mystery spot did. If all the observations are correct, neither model is likely to work.

Felten, James E.↗

The Focal Surface of the JEM-EUSO Telescope

Extreme Universe Space Observatory onboard JEM/EP (JEM-EUSO) is a space mission to study extremely high-energy cosmic rays. The JEM-EUSO instrument is a wide-angle refractive telescope in near-ultraviolet wavelength region to observe time-resolved atmospheric fluorescence images of the extensive air showers from the International Space Station. The focal surface is a spherical curved surface, and its area amounts to about 4.5 square m. The focal surface detector is covered with about 6,000 multi-anode photomultipliers (MAPMTs). The focal surface detector consists of Photo-Detector-Modules, each of which consists of 9 Elementary Cells (ECs). The EC contains 4 units of the MAPMTs. Therefore, about 1,500 ECs or about 160 PDMS are arranged on the whole of the focal surface of JEM- EUSO. The EC is a basic unit of the front-end electronics. The PDM is a, basic unit of the data acquisition system

Kawasaki, Yoshiya↗

Multispectral Scanner for Monitoring Plants

A multispectral scanner has been adapted to capture spectral images of living plants under various types of illumination for purposes of monitoring the health of, or monitoring the transfer of genes into, the plants. In a health-monitoring application, the plants are illuminated with full-spectrum visible and near infrared light and the scanner is used to acquire a reflected-light spectral signature known to be indicative of the health of the plants. In a gene-transfer- monitoring application, the plants are illuminated with blue or ultraviolet light and the scanner is used to capture fluorescence images from a green fluorescent protein (GFP) that is expressed as result of the gene transfer. The choice of wavelength of the illumination and the wavelength of the fluorescence to be monitored depends on the specific GFP.

Gat, Nahum↗

Sensor detects hydrocarbon oil contaminants in fluid lines

Sensor with ultraviolet light monitors and detects hydrocarbon oil contaminants present in fluid lines. The light causes the oil particles to fluoresce. This light emitted by the oil particle is detected by a photocell which is relatively insensitive to ultraviolet radiation.

Roth, B.↗

A flash photolysis-resonance fluorescence study of the formation of O/1D/ in the photolysis of water and the reaction of O/1D/ with H2, Ar, and He

The technique employed in the study utilizes the vacuum ultraviolet flash photolysis of H2O combined with time resolved, simultaneous detection of H and O via resonance fluorescence at 121.6 and 130.2 nm respectively. The measurements were made by means of photon counting and multichannel scaling. The sensitivity of the system for H and O is discussed. Experiments are reported in which signals due to H and O were accumulated from the flash photolysis of a mixture of 0.1 torr H2O and 100 torr Ar. Attention is given to the relative importance of two primary processes in the photolysis of water.

Stief, L. J.↗

H2 emissions from the outer planets

Calculations of the H2 electronic band spectrum produced by fluorescence scattering of solar radiation are presented and compared with observations of the ultraviolet spectrum of Jupiter. The calculations demonstrate that the observed spectra are consistent with the suggestion by Yelle et al. (1987) that the bright H2 day-glow of the outer planets is due predominantly to fluorescence of solar radiation. The calculations also demonstrate that large differences between solar scattered and electron excited spectra are evident at high spectral resolution. This fact may be used to observationally determine the relative importance of the two excitation mechanisms.

Yelle, Roger V.↗

Hyperspectral Fluorescence and Reflectance Imaging Instrument

The system is a single hyperspectral imaging instrument that has the unique capability to acquire both fluorescence and reflectance high-spatial-resolution data that is inherently spatially and spectrally registered. Potential uses of this instrument include plant stress monitoring, counterfeit document detection, biomedical imaging, forensic imaging, and general materials identification. Until now, reflectance and fluorescence spectral imaging have been performed by separate instruments. Neither a reflectance spectral image nor a fluorescence spectral image alone yields as much information about a target surface as does a combination of the two modalities. Before this system was developed, to benefit from this combination, analysts needed to perform time-consuming post-processing efforts to co-register the reflective and fluorescence information. With this instrument, the inherent spatial and spectral registration of the reflectance and fluorescence images minimizes the need for this post-processing step. The main challenge for this technology is to detect the fluorescence signal in the presence of a much stronger reflectance signal. To meet this challenge, the instrument modulates artificial light sources from ultraviolet through the visible to the near-infrared part of the spectrum; in this way, both the reflective and fluorescence signals can be measured through differencing processes to optimize fluorescence and reflectance spectra as needed. The main functional components of the instrument are a hyperspectral imager, an illumination system, and an image-plane scanner. The hyperspectral imager is a one-dimensional (line) imaging spectrometer that includes a spectrally dispersive element and a two-dimensional focal plane detector array. The spectral range of the current imaging spectrometer is between 400 to 1,000 nm, and the wavelength resolution is approximately 3 nm. The illumination system consists of narrowband blue, ultraviolet, and other discrete wavelength light-emitting-diode (LED) sources and white-light LED sources designed to produce consistently spatially stable light. White LEDs provide illumination for the measurement of reflectance spectra, while narrowband blue and UV LEDs are used to excite fluorescence. Each spectral type of LED can be turned on or off depending on the specific remote-sensing process being performed. Uniformity of illumination is achieved by using an array of LEDs and/or an integrating sphere or other diffusing surface. The image plane scanner uses a fore optic with a field of view large enough to provide an entire scan line on the image plane. It builds up a two-dimensional image in pushbroom fashion as the target is scanned across the image plane either by moving the object or moving the fore optic. For fluorescence detection, spectral filtering of a narrowband light illumination source is sometimes necessary to minimize the interference of the source spectrum wings with the fluorescence signal. Spectral filtering is achieved with optical interference filters and absorption glasses. This dual spectral imaging capability will enable the optimization of reflective, fluorescence, and fused datasets as well as a cost-effective design for multispectral imaging solutions. This system has been used in plant stress detection studies and in currency analysis.

Ryan, Robert E.↗