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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 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Beam Synchronous for the Rest of Us!

Fermilab’s Tevatron Clock (TCLK) infrastructure has been an integral part of the accelerator control network since the 1980’s. This 10MHz Manchester encoded protocol has enabled flexible, real-time event distribution for thousands of devices connected to the timing network with a high degree of reliability. Forthcoming upgrades to the Fermilab complex (PIP-II, LBNF, ACORN) necessitate higher levels of precision to maintain inter-bunch timing for Instrumentation and Control purposes. This presents as an opportunity to refine the event distribution protocol for tighter synchronization between machines, experiments, and eventually far-site operations. This paper outlines a method by which beam-synchronous events may be distributed through asynchronous serial protocols via integration with local LLRF and global PPS reference signals. This method is ideal for synchrotron machines with aggressive frequency sweeps (such as Fermilab's 38~53MHz Booster) and allows for precision timing to be maintained across machines without specialized hardware.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
NASA NTRS1983

A molecular beam/quadrupole mass spectrometer system with synchronized beam modulation and digital waveform analysis

A performance evaluation is conducted for a molecular beam/mass spectrometer (MB/MS) system, as applied to a 1-30 torr microwave-discharge flow reactor (MWFR) used in the formation of the methylperoxy radical and a study of its subsequent destruction in the presence or absence of NO(x). The modulated MB/MS system is four-staged and differentially pumped. The results obtained by the MWFR study is illustrative of overall system performance, including digital waveform analysis; significant improvements over previous designs are noted in attainable S/N ratio, detection limit, and accuracy.

Pellett, G. L.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Dynamics and control of orbiting grid and the synchronously deployable beam

The dynamic analysis of a grid structure hung from the ceiling by two steel wires is described. The method of approach uses the discrete mass model system. The concept of the bifilar pendulum is used in writing the equation of motion. Assumptions are made with regard to the bar stiffnesses in the vertical and horizontal planes. The discrete mases are assumed to be connected by inextensible massless strings that do not provide any torsion or bending. The modal frequencies obtained by this method are compared with those obtained from the finite element model.

Abu-Saba, E. G.↗
DOE OSTI2021

PIP-II 800 MeV Proton Linac Beam Pattern Generator

The PIP2 IT Beam Pattern Generator is the system that synchronizes beam injection and the RF systems between the PIP2 LINAC to the Booster. The RF frequencies of these two accelerator systems are not harmonically related. Synchronization is accomplished by controlling two MEBT Beam Choppers, which select 162.5MHz beam bunches from the LEBT and RFQ to produce an appropriate reduced beam bunch pattern that enables bucket-to-bucket transfer to the Booster RF at 46.46MHz (84th harmonic). This chopping pattern also reduces the beam current to an average of 2mA over the Booster injection, matching the Linac nominal beam current. The BPG also generates the RF frequency/phase reference which the Booster will phase lock to during injection. The BPG is fully programmable, allowing for arbitrary beam patterns with adjustable timing parameters, having a fine adjustment resolution of 38ps. The latter is accomplished using digital signal processing techniques. This paper discusses the design of the BPG, its construction, test results, and operational experience after being integrated into the PIP2 IT test accelerator and concludes with a discussion of the system’s performance and future plans.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Multipulse Optical-Rectification-Based THz Source for Accelerator Applications

THz sources offer the potential for higher frequencies and higher breakdown thresholds in accelerating structures in comparison with conventional RF sources. They also benefit from larger field strengths, field gradients, better beam synchronization and compactness. In this work, we first present the development of a 49μJ single-cycle THz source centered at 0.6 THz that provides fields over 30 MV/m. With further modifications, multicycle pulses were produced, narrowing the bandwidth of the source and potentially easing the coupling of THz radiation to relativistic electron beams and increasing the usability in other areas of research.

Lenz, Maximilian (ORCID:0009000579693042)↗
NASA NTRS1992

Electron spectroscopy analysis

The Surface Science Laboratories at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) are equipped with x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS or ESCA) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) facilities. These techniques provide information from the uppermost atomic layers of a sample, and are thus truly surface sensitive. XPS provides both elemental and chemical state information without restriction on the type of material that can be analyzed. The sample is placed into an ultra high vacuum (UHV) chamber and irradiated with x-rays which cause the ejection of photoelectrons from the sample surface. Since x-rays do not normally cause charging problems or beam damage, XPS is applicable to a wide range of samples including metals, polymers, catalysts, and fibers. AES uses a beam of high energy electrons as a surface probe. Following electronic rearrangements within excited atoms by this probe, Auger electrons characteristic of each element present are emitted from the sample. The main advantage of electron induced AES is that the electron beam can be focused down to a small diameter and localized analysis can be carried out. On the rastering of this beam synchronously with a video display using established scanning electron microscopy techniques, physical images and chemical distribution maps of the surface can be produced. Thus very small features, such as electronic circuit elements or corrosion pits in metals, can be investigated. Facilities are available on both XPS and AES instruments for depth-profiling of materials, using a beam of argon ions to sputter away consecutive layers of material to reveal sub-surface (and even semi-bulk) analyses.

Gregory, John C.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Proton Improvement Plan II (PIP-II) Clock and Timing

The PIP-II timing system is planned to be a two-part system consisting of a global timing system (referred to as ACLK) that provides high level, event-based timing for the whole Fermilab accelerator complex while the second part is a RF synchronized clock system unique to the PIP-II Linac itself (referred to as LCLK). The ACLK System will make use of an external 10 MHz GPS based signal source as a reference for its 650 MHz phase lock as it is the reference frequency for the TCLK output of the system (needed to support legacy hardware around complex). The LCLK System will use a PIP-II Linac RF reference (162.5 MHz) from the Linac LLRF system to allow beam synchronized event placement. Both the ACLK and LCLK systems will have a clock output with a data frame of 16 event bits + 32 data bits with frames broadcast at 650 MHz, phase locked to the 10MHz reference in the case of ACLK and the PIP-II LLRF sourced 162.5 MHz reference in the case of LCLK.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
NASA NTRS1980

Specific SPS construction studies: Construction tasks, construction base

A concept for building the 5000 MW reference solar power satellite in Earth orbit is discussed. The system uses silicon solar cells. The GEO base has contiguous facilities for concurrent assembly and subsequent mating of the satellite energy conversion system and its power transmission antenna. The end builder construction system uses 10 synchronized beam machines to automatically fabricate continuous longitudinal beams for the energy conversion system.

Mccaffrey, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Power transmission by laser beam from lunar-synchronous satellite

The possibility of beaming power from synchronous lunar orbits (the L1 and L2 Lagrange points) to a manned long-range lunar rover is addressed. The rover and two versions of a satellite system (one powered by a nuclear reactor, the other by photovoltaics) are described in terms of their masses, geometries, power needs, missions, and technological capabilities. Laser beam power is generated by a laser diode array in the satellite and converted to 30 kW of electrical power at the rover. Present technological capabilities, with some extrapolation to near future capabilities, are used in the descriptions. The advantages of the two satellite/rover systems over other such systems and over rovers with onboard power are discussed along with the possibility of enabling other missions.

Williams, M. D.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Power transmission by laser beam from lunar-synchronous satellites to a lunar rover

This study addresses the possibility of beaming laser power from synchronous lunar orbits (L1 and L2 LaGrange points) to a manned long-range lunar rover. The rover and two versions of a satellite system (one powered by a nuclear reactor; the other by photovoltaics) are described in terms of their masses, geometry, power needs, mission and technological capabilities. Laser beam power is generated by a laser diode array in the satellite and converted to 30 kW of electrical power at the rover. Present technological capabilities, with some extrapolation to near future capabilities, are used in the descriptions. The advantages of the two satellite/rover systems over other such systems and over rovers with on-board power are discussed along with the possibility of enabling other missions.

Williams, M. D.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Synchronously deployable double fold beam and planar truss structure

A deployable structure that synchronously deploys in both length and width is disclosed which is suitable for use as a structural component for orbiting space stations or large satellites. The structure is designed with maximum packing efficiency so that large structures may be collapsed and transported in the cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. The synchronous deployment feature allows the structure to be easily deployed in space by two astronauts, without a complex deployment mechanism. The structure is made up of interconnected structural units, each generally in the shape of a parallelepiped. The structural units are constructed of structural members connected with hinged and fixed connections at connection nodes in each corner of the parallelepiped. Diagonal members along each face of the parallelepiped provide structural rigidity and are equipped with mid-length, self-locking hinges to allow the structure to collapse. The structure is designed so that all hinged connections may be made with simple clevis-type hinges requiring only a single degree of freedom, and each hinge pin is located along the centerline of its structural member for increased strength and stiffness.

Rhodes, Marvin D.↗
NASA NTRS2017

NISAR L-SAR Digital Electronics Subsystem - A Multichannel Distributed Processing System with Synchronous Timing Control for Digital Beam Forming and Multiple Echo Tracking

The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) L-band SAR instrument employs multiple digital channels to optimize resolution while keeping a large swath on a single pass. High-speed digitization with fine synchronization and digital beam forming are necessary in order to facilitate this new technique called SweepSAR. An architecture employing multiple FPGA based digital signal processors has been conceived to facilitate digital calibration on an individual channel basis as well as digital signal processing to optimize the receive signal. On-board processing and data compression has been implemented to reduce the volume of data in order to satisfy the operational requirements of near global coverage for the desired science targets. A novel command and timing architecture was developed to manage this complex system while providing detailed control of individual channel receive window timing required for digital beam forming. The NISAR L-band Digital Electronics Subsystem is the combination of the hardware, firmware and software components architected and implemented to operate this radar and return the desired quantity and quality of data for the science community.

Chuang, Chung-Lun↗
NASA NTRS1972

Computer programs for plotting spot-beam coverages from an earth synchronous satellite and earth-station antenna elevation angle contours

A description and listings of computer programs for plotting geographical and political features of the world or a specified portion of it, for plotting spot-beam coverages from an earth-synchronous satellite over the computer generated mass, and for plotting polar perspective views of the earth and earth-station antenna elevation contours for a given satellite location are presented. The programs have been prepared in connection with a project on Application of Communication Satellites to Educational Development.

Stagl, T. W.↗
DOE OSTI2022

First direct observations of gear-changing in a collider

In this work we perform the first demonstration of gear-changing in a real world collider. Gear-changing refers to a collision scheme where each ring of a collider stores a different harmonic number of bunches. These bunches are kept synchronized using different velocities. Such a system has been theorized, but has now been demonstrated using the Double ElectroStatic Ion Ring ExpEriment (DESIREE) in Stockholm Sweden. The experiment was able to demonstrate a gear-changing system, with both four on three bunches and five on four bunches. We determined a measurable parameter that shows a gear-changing system out to $37500$ turns of the slow beam (1 second). We were also able to detect a measurable longitudinal beam-beam interaction. We developed insights into how to control this type of system, opening up new possibilities, and showing that DESIREE can be used for gear-changing research.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Dynamic beam shaping—Improving laser materials processing via feature synchronous energy coupling

Today, tailored laser beams are rarely used and thus an opportunity to optimize existing or introduce new processes is missed. New methods of dynamic beam shaping have the potential to change that in future. This keynote paper deals with methods allowing a transient energy input into the workpiece at such time scales that the underlying interaction processes are guided towards the desired result. It shows principles, categorizes necessary system technology, and gives application examples to familiarize the reader with the topic. It postulates that time-scale-dependent coupling between transient energy input and addressed process features is key for achieving the optimum.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1988

Motion synchronization of a mechanism to deploy and restow a truss beam

The functions of the Control of Flexible Structures I (COFS I) deployer and retractor assembly (DRA) are primarily to deploy and retract the Mast I beam, and secondarily to latch, unlatch, and restow the DRA mechanism. The problems associated with the diagonal folding mechanism that retracts the beam is presented, the synchronization requirements critical to the process of restowing the beam is discussed, and a proposed solution to the problem of synchronization between the mechanical systems is presented. In addition, a detailed description is presented of the design and functioning of the DRA.

Lucy, M.↗