Realization of Poincare-group generators on a light cone.
Explicit construction of Poincare group generators of proper inhomogeneous Lorentz group for spin-zero and spin-1/2 particles on light cone
Peres, A.↗
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Design of Si micro-cone light concentrators for heterogeneous integration with MWIR FPAs
Using 3-D finite difference time domain (FDTD) modeling, it is shown that micro-cone arrays obtained by anisotropic wet etching of Si have high potential for concentrating light on compact photodetector mesas of mid-wave infrared (MWIR) focal plane arrays (FPAs). The proposed structures can be heterogeneously integrated with FPAs possessing high quantum efficiency. They can be used to reduce the thermal noise and, potentially, increase the operating temperature of FPAs while maintaining high sensitivity of the photodetectors.
Astratov, Vasily N.↗
Adapter Helps To Aline Plasma Torch
Simple adapter allows plasma welding torch alined accurately on weld seam. Adapter fits over nozzle of torch. Light from pilot arc inside torch passes through central orifice in cone. Light emerges from cone as beam that creates spot of light at point where torch impinges on workpiece. When torch is alined with work, adapter is removed, plasma arc struck, and welding proceeds.
Brosemer, C. A.↗
Solar flare effects on the zodiacal light
Results are reported for an observational and theoretical study of possible solar-flare effects on the zodiacal light. A seven-year search for flare-induced brightness variations in the light is described which discovered no significant changes in either the level of brightness from night to night or the shape of the main zodiacal-light cone at elongations greater than 25 deg from the sun. Several possible dynamical effects of solar flares on the zodiacal dust cloud are investigated theoretically, including increased ion drag from a passing shock wave, possible rotational bursting of dust particles as a result of ion impacts, and fluorescence of the dust particles. It is found that the kinetic energy carried by shock-front ions is not sufficient to cause the dust to fluoresce, that increased ion drag may be significant only at heliocentric distances less than 0.1 AU, and that particles larger than 10 microns cannot attain bursting speeds at the appropriate distances. The question is considered of whether changes in the brightness of the polarized component as a result of variations in electron number density can be observed from earth or the Helios solar probe.
Misconi, N. Y.↗
Pure field theories and MACSYMA algorithms
A pure field theory attempts to describe physical phenomena through singularity-free solutions of field equations resulting from an action principle. The physics goes into forming the action principle and interpreting specific results. Algorithms for the intervening mathematical steps are sketched. Vacuum general relativity is a pure field theory, serving as model and providing checks for generalizations. The fields of general relativity are the 10 components of a symmetric Riemannian metric tensor; those of the Einstein-Straus generalization are the 16 components of a nonsymmetric. Algebraic properties are exploited in top level MACSYMA commands toward performing some of the algorithms of that generalization. The light cone for the theory as left by Einstein and Straus is found and simplifications of that theory are discussed.
Ament, W. S.↗
Gravitational radiation quadrupole formula is valid for gravitationally interacting systems
An argument is presented for the validity of the quadrupole formula for gravitational radiation energy loss in the far field of nearly Newtonian (e.g., binary stellar) systems. This argument differs from earlier ones in that it determines beforehand the formal accuracy of approximation required to describe gravitationally self-interacting systems, uses the corresponding approximate equation of motion explicitly, and evaluates the appropriate asymptotic quantities by matching along the correct space-time light cones.
Walker, M.↗
Second quantization in bit-string physics
Using a new fundamental theory based on bit-strings, a finite and discrete version of the solutions of the free one particle Dirac equation as segmented trajectories with steps of length h/mc along the forward and backward light cones executed at velocity +/- c are derived. Interpreting the statistical fluctuations which cause the bends in these segmented trajectories as emission and absorption of radiation, these solutions are analogous to a fermion propagator in a second quantized theory. This allows us to interpret the mass parameter in the step length as the physical mass of the free particle. The radiation in interaction with it has the usual harmonic oscillator structure of a second quantized theory. How these free particle masses can be generated gravitationally using the combinatorial hierarchy sequence (3,10,137,2(sup 127) + 136), and some of the predictive consequences are sketched.
Noyes, H. Pierre↗
Excising das All: Evolving Maxwell waves beyond Scri
We study the numerical propagation of waves through future null infinity in a conformally compactified spacetime. We introduce an artificial cosmological constant, which allows us some control over the causal structure near null infinity. We exploit this freedom to ensure that all light cones are tilted outward in a region near null infinity, which allows us to impose excision-style boundary conditions in our finite difference code. In this preliminary study we consider electromagnetic waves propagating in a static, conformally compactified spacetime.
vanMeter, James R.↗
Large Telescope Segmented Primary Mirror Alignment
A document discusses a broadband (white light) point source, located at the telescope Cassegrain focus, which generates a cone of light limited by the hole in the secondary mirror (SM). It propagates to the aspheric null-mirror, which is optimized to make all the reflected rays to be normal to the primary mirror (PM) upon reflection. PM retro-reflects the rays back through the system for wavefront analysis. The point source and the wavefront analysis subsystems are all located behind the PM. The PM phasing is absolute (white light) and does not involve the SM. A relatively small, aspheric null-mirror located near the PM center of curvature has been designed to deliver the high level of optical wavefront correction. The phasing of the segments is absolute due to the use of a broadband source. The segmented PM is optically aligned independently and separately from the SM alignment. The separation of the PM segments alignment from the PM to the SM, and other telescope optics alignments, may be a significant advantage, eliminating the errors coupling. The point source of this concept is fully cooperative, unlike a star or laser-generated guide-star, providing the necessary brightness for the optimal S/N ratio, the spectral content, and the stable on-axis position. This concept can be implemented in the lab for the PM initial alignment, or made to be a permanent feature of the space-based or groundbased telescope.
Rud, Mayer↗
Performance of multimirror quartzline lamps in a high-pressure, underwater environment
Multimirror Quartzline Lamps are extremely versatile and effective for nonconventional imaging requirements such as high-speed photo and video instrumentation and high-magnification imaging. The lamps' versatility though, is not limited to conventional environments. Many research experiments and projects require a high pressure environment. Continuous photographic data acquisition in a high-pressure vessel requires wall penetrations and creates design problems as well as potential failure sites. Underwater photography adds the extra consideration of a liquid. This report expands upon the basic research presented in, Performance of Multimirror Quartzline Lamps in High-Pressure Environments, (NASA-TM-83793, Ernie Walker and Howard Slater, 1984). The report provides information to professional industrial, scientific, and technical photographers as well as research personnel on the survivability of lighting a multimirror quartzline lamp in a nonconventional high-pressure underwater environment. Test results of lighted ELH 300 W multimirror quartzline lamps under high-pressure conditions are documented and general information on the lamps' intensity (footcandle output), cone of light coverage, approximate color temperature is provided. Continuous lighting considerations in liquids are also discussed.
Slater, Howard A.↗
Light funnel concentrator panel for solar power
The solar concentrator design concept provides a theoretical concentration efficiency of 96 percent with power-to-weight ratios as high as 50 W/kg. Further, it eliminates the need for fragile reflective coatings and is very tolerant to pointing inaccuracies. The concept differs from conventional reflective mirrors and lens design in that is uses the principle of total internal reflection in order to funnel incident sunlight into a concentrator photovoltaic cell. The feasibility of the light funnel concentrator concept was determined through a balanced approach of analysis, development, and fabrication of prototypes, and testing of components. A three-dimensional optical model of the light funnel concentrator and photovoltaic cell was developed in order to assess the ultimate performance of such systems. In addition, a thermal and structural analysis of a typical unit was made. Techniques of fabricating the light funnel cones, optically coupling them to GaAs concentrator cells, bonding the funnels to GaAs cells, making electrical interconnects, and bonding substrates was explored and a prototype light funnel concentrator unit was fabricated and tested. Testing of the system included measurements of optical concentrating efficiency, optical concentrator to cell coupling efficiency, and electrical efficiency.
Source record↗
Frequency-scanning particle size spectrometer
A particle size spectrometer having a fixed field of view within the forward light scattering cone at an angle theta sub s between approximately 100 and 200 minutes of arc (preferably at 150 minutes), a spectral range extending approximately from 0.2 to 4.0 inverse micrometers, and a spectral resolution between about 0.1 and 0.2 inverse micrometers (preferably toward the lower end of this range of spectral resolution), is employed to determine the distribution of particle sizes, independently of the chemical composition of the particles, from measurements of incident light, at each frequency, sigma (=1/lambda), and scattered light, I(sigma).
Fymat, A. L.↗
Frequency-scanning particle size spectrometer
A particle size spectrometer having a fixed field of view within the forward light scattering cone at an angle .theta..sub.s between approximately 100 and 200 minutes of arc (preferably at 150 minutes), a spectral range extending approximately from 0.2 to 4.0 inverse micrometers (.mu.m.sup.-1), and a spectral resolution between about 0.1 and 0.2 .mu.m.sup.-1 (preferably toward the lower end of this range of spectral resolution), is employed to determine the distribution of particle sizes, independently of the chemical composition of the particles, from measurements of incident light, I.sub.o, at each frequency, .sigma. (=1/.lambda.), and scattered light, I(.sigma.), according to the equation: ##EQU1## where l=2.pi.sin.theta., .theta. being the fixed viewing angle .theta..sub.s at which scattered light is measured, r is particle size, .sigma. is the reciprocal of wavelength, J.sub.1 is a Bessel function of first kind and order unity, Y.sub.1 is a Bessel function of second kind and order unity. The quantity, I.sub..sigma., is the ratio of scattered light to incident light at each frequency interval. The apparatus is a passive remote sensor that can be used in laboratories, field stations, flying aircrafts and airships, and on board an orbiting satellite.
Fymat, Alain L.↗
Rapid Process to Generate Beam Envelopes for Optical System Analysis
The task of evaluating obstructions in the optical throughput of an optical system requires the use of two disciplines, and hence, two models: optical models for the details of optical propagation, and mechanical models for determining the actual structure that exists in the optical system. Previous analysis methods for creating beam envelopes (or cones of light) for use in this obstruction analysis were found to be cumbersome to calculate and take significant time and resources to complete. A new process was developed that takes less time to complete beam envelope analysis, is more accurate and less dependent upon manual node tracking to create the beam envelopes, and eases the burden on the mechanical CAD (computer-aided design) designers to form the beam solids. This algorithm allows rapid generation of beam envelopes for optical system obstruction analysis. Ray trace information is taken from optical design software and used to generate CAD objects that represent the boundary of the beam envelopes for detailed analysis in mechanical CAD software. Matlab is used to call ray trace data from the optical model for all fields and entrance pupil points of interest. These are chosen to be the edge of each space, so that these rays produce the bounding volume for the beam. The x and y global coordinate data is collected on the surface planes of interest, typically an image of the field and entrance pupil internal of the optical system. This x and y coordinate data is then evaluated using a convex hull algorithm, which removes any internal points, which are unnecessary to produce the bounding volume of interest. At this point, tolerances can be applied to expand the size of either the field or aperture, depending on the allocations. Once this minimum set of coordinates on the pupil and field is obtained, a new set of rays is generated between the field plane and aperture plane (or vice-versa). These rays are then evaluated at planes between the aperture and field, at a desired number of steps perceived necessary to build up the bounding volume or cone shape. At each plane, the ray coordinates are again evaluated using the convex hull algorithm to reduce the data to a minimal set. When all of the coordinates of interest are obtained for every plane of the propagation, the data is formatted into an xyz file suitable for FRED optical analysis software to import and create a STEP file of the data. This results in a spiral-like structure that is easily imported by mechanical CAD users who can then use an automated algorithm to wrap a skin around it and create a solid that represents the beam.
Howard, Joseph↗
Electrodynamic actuators for rocket engine valves
Actuators, employed in acoustic loudspeakers, operate liquid rocket engine valves by replacing light paper cones with flexible metal diaphragms. Comparative analysis indicates better response time than solenoid actuators, and improved service life and reliability.
Fiet, O.↗
Study of multi-kilowatt solar arrays for Earth orbit applications
A miniaturized Cassegrainian concentrator (MCC) solar array concept is being developed with the objective of significantly reducing the recurring cost of multikilowatt solar arrays. The desired cost reduction is obtained as a result of using very small high efficiency solar cells in conjuction with low cost optics. The MCC single element concept incident slar radiation is reflected rom a primary parabolic reflector to a secondary hyperbolic reflector and finally to a 4 millimeter diameter solar cell. A light catcher cone is used to improve off axis performance. The solar cell is mounted to a heat fin. An element is approximately 13 millimeters thick which permits efficient launch stowage of the concentrator system panels without complex optical component deployments or retractions. The MCC elements are packed in bays within graphite epoxy frames and are electrically connected into appropriate series-parallel circuits. A MCC sngle element with a 21 sq cm entrance aperture and a 20 efficient, 0.25 sq cm gallium arsenide solar cell has the same power output as 30 sq cm of 11-percent efficiency (at 68 C) silicon solar cells.
Patterson, R. E.↗
Design, performance investigation and delivery of a miniaturized Cassegrainian concentrator solar array
A miniaturized Cassegrainian concentrator (MCC) solar array concept is being developed with the objective of significantly reducing the recurring cost of multikilowatt solar arrays. The desired cost reduction is obtained as a result of using very small high efficiency solar cells in conjunction with low-cost optics. In the MCC single element concept and panel concept, incident solar radiation is reflected from a primary parabolic reflector to a secondary hyperbolic reflector and finally to a 4-millimetr diameter solar cell. A light catcher cone is used to improve off-axis performance. An element is approximately 13-millimeters thick which permits efficient launch stowage of the concentrator system panels without complex optical component deployments or retractions. The MCC elements are packed in bays within graphite epoxy frames and are electrically connected into appropriate series-parallel circuits. A MCC single element with a 21 sq cm entrance aperture and a 20 percent efficient, 0.25 sq cm gallium arsenide solar cell has the same power output as 30-sq cm of 11-percent efficiency (at 68 C) silicon solar cells. The MCC concept provides the potential for a significant reduction in array cost due to a 99 percent reduction in required cell area and a 30 percent reduction in array area relative to planar array of equivalent power.
Patterson, R. E.↗
Hollow-Core Fiber Lamp
Hollow-core capillary discharge lamps on the millimeter or sub-millimeter scale are provided. The hollow-core capillary discharge lamps achieve an increased light intensity ratio between 194 millimeters (useful) and 254 millimeters (useless) light than conventional lamps. The capillary discharge lamps may include a cone to increase light output. Hollow-core photonic crystal fiber (HCPCF) may also be used.
Yi, Lin↗