Photoionization of N 2X ¹Σ g⁺, v"=0 and 1 near threshold. Preionization of the Worley–Jenkins Rydberg series.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dehmer, Patricia M.; Miller, P. J.; Chupka, W. A.

The high resolution relative photoionization cross section for N 2 is reported in the wavelength region from the ionization threshold to 650 Â, with particular attention given to the region between the N₂⁺ X ²Σ g⁺, v'=0 and 1 ionization limits. Cross sections from both the X ¹Σ g⁺, v''=0 and 1 vibrational levels were determined in this region, and preionized members of the n ρπ u ¹Π u Worley–Jenkins Rydberg series converging to N₂⁺ X ²Σ g⁺, v' = 1 are observed in both spectra. In the spectrum excited from v'' = 1, the Worley–Jenkins series appears prominently asmore » a result of good Franck–Condon overlap between the N₂⁺ X ¹Σ g, v"=1 and the N₂⁺ X ²Σ g⁺, v'=1 levels; the intensities of the series members decrease approximately as 1/n³, in accord with simple theoretical predictions. However, in the spectrum excited from v''=0, the Worley–Jenkins series converging to N₂⁺ X ²Σ g⁺, v'=1 is weak as a result of a poor Franck–Condon overlap with the ground vibrational level; the intensities of the series members show large deviations from the simple theory as a result of channel interactions with Rydberg states converging to N₂ ⁺A ²Π u. These perturbing Rydberg states have low photoabsorptionoscillator strengths for excitation from v"=1 (in contrast to excitation from v"=0) and hence have only a small effect on the cross section from the excited vibrational level. Just as in the case of photoionization of H₂, the results demonstrate that channel interaction can redistribute the oscillator strength of a perturbing Rydberg state of low principal quantum number over a number of members of an interacting Rydberg series and that the spectral range affected by the perturber can be much greater than the width of the perturbing level.« less

Experimental investigation on large-area dielectric barrier discharge in atmospheric nitrogen and air assisted by the ultraviolet lamp.

PubMed

Zhang, Yan; Gu, Biao; Wang, Wenchun; Wang, Dezhen; Peng, Xuwen

2009-04-01

In this paper, ultraviolet radiation produced by the ultraviolet lamp is employed to supply pre-ionization for the dielectric barrier discharge in N(2) or air at atmospheric pressure. The effect of the ultraviolet pre-ionization on improving the uniformity of the dielectric barrier discharge is investigated experimentally. The atmospheric pressure glow discharge of the large area (270 mm x 120 mm) is obtained successfully via the ultraviolet pre-ionization in atmospheric DBD in N(2) when the gas gap decrease to 3mm. Based on the emission spectra, the mechanism which ultraviolet pre-ionization improves the uniformity of the dielectric barrier discharge is discussed.

Damping of acoustic waves in a 1 kHz repetition rate XeCl laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sentis, M. L.; Canarelli, P.; Delaporte, Ph.; Forestier, B. M.; Fontaine, B. L.

To increase the pulse repetition frequency, the average power, and the beam quality of excimer laser systems, the problem of damping of the strong acoustic waves induced by the active medium excitation must be solved. In order to achieve this goal, different electrodes and acoustic damping configuration have been studied. Excitation of the active medium at high repetition rate (up to 1000 Hz) in a subsonic loop was achieved by means of a classical discharge, through transfer capacitors. The discharge is preionized by X-rays generated by a wire ion plasma gun. The effects of different kinds of electrodes (solid, screen, nickel felt) and transversal acoustic dampers on the stability of the discharge and on the pulse to pulse output energy are discussed.

An Experimental Study of Continuous Plasma Flows Driven by a Confined Arc in a Transverse Magnetic Field

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barger, R. L.; Brooks, J. D.; Beasley, W. D.

1961-01-01

A crossed-field, continuous-flow plasma accelerator has been built and operated. The highest measured velocity of the flow, which was driven by the interaction of the electric and magnetic fields, was about 500 meters per second. Some of the problems discussed are ion slip, stability and uniformity of the discharge, effect of the magnetic field on electron emission, use of preionization, and electrode contamination.

Current Sheet Formation in a Conical Theta Pinch Faraday Accelerator with Radio-frequency Assisted Discharge

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polzin, Kurt A.; Hallock, Ashley K.; Choueiri, Edgar Y.

2008-01-01

Data from an inductive conical theta pinch accelerator are presented to gain insight into the process of inductive current sheet formation in the presence of a preionized background gas produced by a steady-state RF-discharge. The presence of a preionized plasma has been previously shown to allow for current sheet formation at lower discharge voltages and energies than those found in other pulsed inductive accelerator concepts, leading to greater accelerator efficiencies at lower power levels. Time-resolved magnetic probe measurements are obtained for different background pressures and pulse energies to characterize the effects of these parameters on current sheet formation. Indices are defined that describe time-resolved current sheet characteristics, such as the total current owing in the current sheet, the time-integrated total current ('strength'), and current sheet velocity. It is found that for a given electric field strength, maximums in total current, strength, and velocity occur for one particular background pressure. At other pressures, these current sheet indices are considerably smaller. The trends observed in these indices are explained in terms of the principles behind Townsend breakdown that lead to a dependence on the ratio of the electric field to the background pressure. Time-integrated photographic data are also obtained at the same experimental conditions, and qualitatively they compare quite favorably with the time-resolved magnetic field data.

A 490 W transversely excited atmospheric CO2 spark gap laser with added H2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zand, M.; Koushki, A. M.; Neshati, R.; Kia, B.; Khorasani, K.

2018-02-01

In this paper we present a new design for a high pulse repetition rate transversely excited atmospheric CO2 laser with ultraviolet pre-ionization. A new method of fast thyristor capacitor charging and discharging by a spark gap is used. The effect of H2 gas addition on the output and stability of a transversely excited atmospheric laser operating with a basic mixture of CO2, N2 and He is investigated. The output power was increased by adding H2 to the gas mixture ratio of CO2:N2:He:H2  =  1:1:8:0.5 at total pressure of 850 mbar. An average power of 490 W at 110 Hz with 4.5 J per pulse was obtained. The laser efficiency was 11.2% and oxygen gas was used in the spark gap for electron capture to reduce the recovery time and increase the repetition rate.

Design of a Microwave Assisted Discharge Inductive Plasma Accelerator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hallock, Ashley K.; Polzin, Kurt A.

2010-01-01

A new plasma accelerator concept that employs electrodeless plasma preionization and pulsed inductive acceleration is presented. Preionization is achieved through an electron cyclotron resonance discharge that produces a weakly-ionized plasma at the face of a conical theta pinch-shaped inductive coil. The presence of the preionized plasma allows for current sheet formation at lower discharge voltages than those found in other pulsed inductive accelerators. The location of an electron cyclotron resonance discharge can be controlled through the design of the applied magnetic field in the thruster. A finite-element model of the magnetic field was used as a design tool, allowing for the implementation of an arrangement of permanent magnets that yields a small volume of preionized propellant at the coil face. This allows for current sheet formation at the face of the inductive coil, minimizing the initial inductance of the pulse circuit and maximizing the potential efficiency of the new accelerator.

Increasing ion and fusion yield in a dense plasma focus by combination of pre-ionization and heavy ion gas admixture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farmanfarmaei, B.; Yousefi, H. R.; Salem, M. K.; Sari, A. H.

2018-04-01

The results of an experimental study of pre-ionization and heavy gas introduced into driven gas in a plasma focus device are reported. To achieve this purpose, we made use of two methods: first, the pre-ionization method by applying the shunt resistor and second, the admixture of heavy ions. We applied the different shunt resistors and found the optimum amount to be 200 MΩ at an optimum pressure of 0.5 Torr. Ion yield that was measured by array of Faraday cups and the energy of fast ions that was calculated by using the time-of-flight method were raised up to 22% and 45%, and the impurity caused by anode's erosion was reduced approximately by 67% in comparison to when there was no pre-ionization. Also, we have used the admixture of 5% argon ions with nitrogen (working gas) to improve the ion yield up to 45% in comparison with pure nitrogen. Finally, for the first time, we have utilized the combination of these methods together and have, consequently, reached the maximum ion yield and fusion yield. With this new method, ion yield raised up to 70% greater than that of the previous condition, i.e., without pre-ionization and heavy ion admixture.

Optical Diagnostics of Multi-Gap Gas Switches for Linear Transformer Drivers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheng, Liang; Li, Yang; Sun, Tieping; Cong, Peitian; Zhang, Mei; Peng, Bodong; Zhao, Jizhen; Yue, Zhiqin; Wei, Fuli; Yuan, Yuan

2014-07-01

The trigger characteristics of a multi-gap gas switch with double insulating layers, a square-groove electrode supporter and a UV pre-ionizing structure are investigated aided by a high sensitivity fiber-bundle array detector, a UV fiber detector, and a framing camera, in addition to standard electrical diagnostics. The fiber-bundle-array detector is used to track the turn-on sequence of each electrode gap at a timing precision of 0.6 ns. Each fiber bundle, including five fibers with different azimuth angles, aims at the whole emitting area of each electrode gap and is fed to a photomultiplier tube. The UV fiber detector with a spectrum response of 260-320 nm, including a fused-quartz fiber of 200 μm in diameter and a solar-blinded photomultiplier tube, is adopted to study the effect of UV pre-ionizing on trigger characteristics. The framing camera, with a capacity of 4 frames per shot and an exposure time of 5 ns, is employed to capture the evolution of channel arcs. Based on the turn-on light signal of each electrode gap, the breakdown delay is divided into statistical delay and formative delay. A decrease in both of them, a smaller switch jitter and more channel arcs are observed with lower gas pressure. An increase in trigger voltage can reduce the statistical delay and its jitter, while higher trigger voltage has a relatively small influence on the formative delay and the number of channel arcs. With the UV pre-ionizing structure at 0.24 MPa gas pressure and 60 kV trigger voltage, the statistical delay and its jitter can be reduced by 1.8 ns and 0.67 ns, while the formative delay and its jitter can only be reduced by 0.5 ns and 0.25 ns.

Performance characteristics of an excimer laser (XeCl) with single-stage magnetic pulse compression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varshnay, N. K.; Singh, A.; Benerji, N. S.

2017-02-01

Performance characteristics of an excimer laser (XeCl) with single-stage magnetic pulse compression suitable for material processing applications are presented here. The laser incorporates in-built compact gas circulation and gas cooling to ensure fresh gas mixture between the electrodes for repetitive operation. A magnetically coupled tangential blower is used for gas circulation inside the laser chamber for repetitive operation. The exciter consists of C-C energy transfer circuit and thyratron is used as a high-voltage main switch with single-stage magnetic pulse compression (MPC) between thyratron and the laser electrodes. Low inductance of the laser head and uniform and intense pre-ionization are the main features of the electric circuit used in the laser. A 250 ns rise time voltage pulse was compressed to 100 ns duration with a single-stage magnetic pulse compressor using Ni-Zn ferrite cores. The laser can generate about 150 mJ at ˜100 Hz rep-rate reliably from a discharge volume of 100 cm 3. 2D spatial laser beam profile generated is presented here. The profile shows that the laser beam is completely filled with flat-top which is suitable for material processing applications. The SEM image of the microhole generated on copper target is presented here.

The effects of pre-ionization on the impurity and x-ray level in a dense plasma focus device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piriaei, D.; Yousefi, H. R.; Mahabadi, T. D.; Salar Elahi, A.; Ghoranneviss, M.

2017-02-01

In this study, the effects of pre-ionization on the reduction of the impurities and non-uniformities, the increased stability of the pinch plasma, the enhancement of the total hard x-ray yield, the plasmoid x-ray yield, and the current sheath dynamics of the argon gas at different pressures in a Mather type plasma focus device were investigated. For this purpose, different shunt resistors together with two x-ray detectors were used, and the data gathered from the x-ray signals showed that the optimum shunt resistor could cause the maximum total hard and plasmoid hard x-ray emissions. Moreover, in order to calculate the average speed of the current sheath, two axial magnetic probes were used. It was revealed that the pre-ionization could increase the whole range of the emitted x-rays and produce a more uniform current sheath layer, which moved faster, and this technique could lead to the reduction of the impurities, creating a more stabilized pinched plasma, which was capable of emitting more x-rays than the usual case without using pre-ionization.

Gas-filled capillaries for plasma-based accelerators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Filippi, F.; Anania, M. P.; Brentegani, E.; Biagioni, A.; Cianchi, A.; Chiadroni, E.; Ferrario, M.; Pompili, R.; Romeo, S.; Zigler, A.

2017-07-01

Plasma Wakefield Accelerators are based on the excitation of large amplitude plasma waves excited by either a laser or a particle driver beam. The amplitude of the waves, as well as their spatial dimensions and the consequent accelerating gradient depend strongly on the background electron density along the path of the accelerated particles. The process needs stable and reliable plasma sources, whose density profile must be controlled and properly engineered to ensure the appropriate accelerating mechanism. Plasma confinement inside gas filled capillaries have been studied in the past since this technique allows to control the evolution of the plasma, ensuring a stable and repeatable plasma density distribution during the interaction with the drivers. Moreover, in a gas filled capillary plasma can be pre-ionized by a current discharge to avoid ionization losses. Different capillary geometries have been studied to allow the proper temporal and spatial evolution of the plasma along the acceleration length. Results of this analysis obtained by varying the length and the number of gas inlets will be presented.

Molecular hydrogen and excitation in the HH 1-2 system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noriega-Crespo, A.; Garnavich, P. M.

1994-01-01

We present a series of molecular hydrogen images of the Herbig-Haro 1-2 system in the 1-0 S(1) transition at 2.121 microns, with a spatial resolution of approximately 2 sec. The distribution of H2 is then compared with that of the excitation, given by the (S II) 6717+6731 to H-alpha line ratio. We find that most optical condensations in the HH 1-2 system, including the VLA 1 jet, have H2 counterparts. H2 emission is detected in most low excitation knots, as expected for low velocity shocks (50 km/s less than), but also in high excitation regions, like in HH 1F and HH 2A min. For these latter objects, the H2 emission could be due to the interaction of the preionizing flux, produced by 150-200 km/s shocks, with the surrounding interstellar matter, i.e., fluorescence. The lack fluorescent lines in the ultraviolet (UV), however, suggest a different mechanism. H2 is detected at the tip of the VLA 1 jet, where the knot morphology suggests the presence of a second bow shock. H2 is detected also SE of HH 2E and SW of HH 1F, in regions with known NH3 emission.

Multi-MW Closed Cycle MHD Nuclear Space Power Via Nonequilibrium He/Xe Working Plasma

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Litchford, Ron J.; Harada, Nobuhiro

2011-01-01

Prospects for a low specific mass multi-megawatt nuclear space power plant were examined assuming closed cycle coupling of a high-temperature fission reactor with magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) energy conversion and utilization of a nonequilibrium helium/xenon frozen inert plasma (FIP). Critical evaluation of performance attributes and specific mass characteristics was based on a comprehensive systems analysis assuming a reactor operating temperature of 1800 K for a range of subsystem mass properties. Total plant efficiency was expected to be 55.2% including plasma pre-ionization power, and the effects of compressor stage number, regenerator efficiency and radiation cooler temperature on plant efficiency were assessed. Optimal specific mass characteristics were found to be dependent on overall power plant scale with 3 kg/kWe being potentially achievable at a net electrical power output of 1-MWe. This figure drops to less than 2 kg/kWe when power output exceeds 3 MWe. Key technical issues include identification of effective methods for non-equilibrium pre-ionization and achievement of frozen inert plasma conditions within the MHD generator channel. A three-phase research and development strategy is proposed encompassing Phase-I Proof of Principle Experiments, a Phase-II Subscale Power Generation Experiment, and a Phase-III Closed-Loop Prototypical Laboratory Demonstration Test.

Ionization processes in combined high-voltage nanosecond - laser discharges in inert gas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Starikovskiy, Andrey; Shneider, Mikhail; PU Team

2016-09-01

Remote control of plasmas induced by laser radiation in the atmosphere is one of the challenging issues of free space communication, long-distance energy transmission, remote sensing of the atmosphere, and standoff detection of trace gases and bio-threat species. Sequences of laser pulses, as demonstrated by an extensive earlier work, offer an advantageous tool providing access to the control of air-plasma dynamics and optical interactions. The avalanche ionization induced in a pre-ionized region by infrared laser pulses where investigated. Pre-ionization was created by an ionization wave, initiated by high-voltage nanosecond pulse. Then, behind the front of ionization wave extra avalanche ionization was initiated by the focused infrared laser pulse. The experiment was carried out in argon. It is shown that the gas pre-ionization inhibits the laser spark generation under low pressure conditions.

Pre-Ionization Controlled Laser Plasma Formation for Ignition Applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shneider, Mikhail

The presented research explored new physics and ignition schemes based on laser induced plasmas that are fundamentally distinct from past laser ignition research focused on single laser pulses. Specifically, we consider the use of multiple laser pulses where the first pulse provides pre-ionization allowing controlled absorption of the second pulse. In this way, we can form tailored laser plasmas in terms of their ionization fraction, gas temperature (e.g. to achieve elevated temperature of ~2000 K ideally suited for an ignition source), reduced energy loss to shock waves and radiation, and large kernel size (e.g. length ~1-10 cm). The proposed researchmore » included both experimental and modeling efforts, at Colorado State University, Princeton University and University of Tennessee, towards the basic science of the new laser plasma approach with emphasis on tailoring the plasmas to practical propulsion systems. Experimental results (CSU) show that the UV beam produces a pre-ionized volume which assists in breakdown of the NIR beam, leading to reduction in NIR breakdown threshold by factor of >2. Numerical modeling is performed to examine the ionization and breakdown of both beams. The main theoretical and computational parts of the work were done at Princeton University. The modeled breakdown threshold of the NIR, including assist by pre-ionization, is in reasonable agreement with the experimental results.« less

The Laser Atmospheric Wind Sounder (LAWS) Phase 2 Preliminary Laser Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lawrence, T. Rhidian; Pindroh, Albert L.; Bowers, Mark S.; Dehart, Terence E.; Mcdonald, Kenneth F.; Cousins, Ananda; Moody, Stephen E.

1992-01-01

The requirements for the Laser Atmospheric Wind Sounder (LAWS) were determined from system considerations and are summarized in tabular form. The laser subsystem provides for the generation and frequency control of two beams, the transmit high power and local oscillator beams, which are delivered to the optical and receiver subsystems, respectively. In our baseline approach, the excitation of the gain section is achieved by a self-sustaining uv-(corona) preionized discharge. Gas is recirculated within the laser loop using a transverse flow fan. An intra-flow-loop heat exchanger, catalyst monolith, and acoustic attenuators condition the gas to ensure uniform energy output and high beam quality during high pulse repetition rate operation. The baseline LAWS laser pulse temporal profile as calculated by in-house laser codes is given in graphical form.

ECH-assisted startup at KSTAR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bae, Y. S.; Jeong, J. H.; Park, S. I.; Cho, M. H.; Namkung, W.; Jackson, G. L.; Joung, M.; Yoon, S. W.; Kim, J. H.; Hahn, S. H.; Kim, W. C.; Yang, H. L.; Oh, Y. K.; Humphreys, D.; Walker, M. L.; Gorelov, Y.; Leuer, J. A.; Hyatt, A. W.; Eidietis, N. W.; Mueller, D.; Bak, J. S.; Kwon, M.

2009-11-01

The electron cyclotron heating (ECH)-assisted startup was successful in the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) first plasma campaign completed in June, 2008. It was observed that the second harmonic EC wave of 0.35 MW was sufficient to achieve breakdown in the ECH pre-ionization phase, to allow burn through, and to sustain the plasma during the current ramp with a low loop voltage of 2.0 V. This corresponds to a toroidal electric field of 0.24 Vm-1 at the innermost vacuum vessel wall (R = 1.3 m). Since there is no feedback control of the plasma radial position in the initial phase of the KSTAR first plasma campaign, wall contact caused the plasma current fall to zero soon after the ECH beam was turned off. Extending pulse duration of the ECH power to 190 ms allowed the plasma current to rise up to more than 100 kA with a ramp-up rate of 0.8 MA/s and the pulse duration of 210 ms. Later in the first plasma campaign, the plasma was sustained up to 865 ms with the help of additional heating of 350-ms long ECH beam and with the help of the plasma radial position feedback control. The plasma current in the pre-ionization phase was observed and it is considered to be pressure-driven Pfirsch-Schlüter current.

Rail-type gas switch with preionization by an additional corona discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belozerov, O. S.; Krastelev, E. G.

2017-05-01

Results of an experimental research of a rail-type gas switch with preionization by an additional negative corona discharge are presented. The most of measurements were performed for an air insulated two-electrode switch assembled of cylindrical electrodes of 22 mm diameter and 100 mm length, arranged parallel to each other, with a spark gap between them varying from 6 to 15 mm. A set of 1 to 5 needles connected to a negative cylindrical electrode and located aside of them were used for corona discharges. The needle positions, allowing an effecient stabilization of the pulsed breakdown voltage and preventing the a transition of the corona discharge in a spark form, were found. It was shown that the gas preionization by the UV-radiation of the parallel corona discharge provides a stable operation of the switch with low variations of the pulsed breakdown voltage, not exceeding 1% for a given voltage rise-time tested within the range from 40 ns to 5 µs.

The effects of pre-ionization using a shunt resistor on reproducibility of the x-ray emission in a dense plasma focus device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piriaei, D.; Yousefi, H. R.; Mahabadi, T. D.; SalarElahi, A.; Ghoranneviss, M.

2017-08-01

In this research, the effects of pre-ionization using a shunt resistor on reproducibility of x-ray emission in a Mather type plasma focus device have been studied. This technique increased the intensities of the emitted x-rays from argon as the filling gas of the device and made the x-ray yields with similar intensities reproducible. A Mirnov coil was also used to record the variations of the plasma's magnetic field, and the wavelet spectrums of these recorded signals showed the reduced instabilities due to the application of the pre-ionization technique. Moreover, it was demonstrated that this technique was capable of reducing the number of initial runaway electrons that could increase the impurities and instabilities inside the plasma. In addition to the above-mentioned features, this technique could improve the uniform formation of the current sheath during the breakdown phase that might later lead to a high quality pinch and high intensity emitted x-rays.

Experimental study of the formation of field-reversed configurations employing high-order multipole fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Slough, J. T.; Hoffman, A. L.

1990-04-01

A high-order multipole ``barrier'' field was applied at the vacuum tube wall in the TRX experiment [Phys. Fluids B 1, 840 (1989)] during both the preionization and field reversal phases of field-reversed configuration (FRC) formation. Use of this field during field reversal resulted in a significant reduction of impurities as well as increased flux trapping. With a large enough Bθ at the wall, sheath detachment from the wall became apparent, and flux loss through the sheath became negligible (<10%). At larger wall Bθ (>1.5 kG), destructive rotational spin-up occurred, driven by Hall current forces. When the multipole barrier field was also applied during either axial discharge or ringing theta current preionization, a very symmetric and uniform breakdown of the fill gas was achieved. In particular, using ringing theta preionization, complete ionization of the fill gas was accomplished with purely inductive fields of remarkably low magnitude, where Ez≤3 V/cm, and Eθ≤20 V/cm. Due to the improved ionization symmetry, about 65% to 75% of the lift-off flux (flux remaining after field reversal) could be retained through the remaining formation processes into an equilibrium FRC. Using the multipole field during both preionization and formation, it was possible to form FRC's with good confinement with greater than 3 mWb of trapped flux at 15 mTorr D2 or H2 in a 10 cm radius device. Values of s in excess of 4 could be achieved in this manner.

Plasma instability in fast spherical discharge induced by a preionization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antsiferov, P. S.; Dorokhin, L. A.

2015-04-01

As it was shown earlier, fast discharge (dI/dt ˜ 1012 A/s and Imax ≈ 40 kA) in a spherical cavity (Al2O3, inner diameter 11 mm, 4 mm apertures for the current supply) filled with working gas (Ar and Xe, pressure 80 Pa), results in the formation of a plasma with the form close to spherical. The physical mechanism can be the cumulation of a convergent shock wave, which was originated near the inner surface of the discharge cavity. It was also shown for the cylindrical fast discharge that the preionization influences the dynamics of the cylindrical convergent shock wave, its evolutions becomes faster. The present work is devoted to the study of the influence of the preionization on the plasma formation in the fast discharge with spherical geometry (Ar, 80 Pa). The inductive storage with plasma erosion opening switch was used as a current driver. The spatial structure of the discharge plasma was studied by means of a pin-hole camera with the microchannel plate (MCP) detector with time gate of 5 ns. The extreme ultra violet spectra were studied by means of the grazing incidence spectrometer with the same MCP detector with time gate of 20 ns. Beside the expected effects (reduction of the spherical plasma formation time and some increase of the electron temperature), the preionization of the discharge by the current 500 A results also in the development of the plasma instabilities and destruction of the compact plasma ball in several tens of nanoseconds. Possible mechanism of the instability is discussed.

Operational Characteristics of a Low-Energy FARAD Thruster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polzin, Kurt A.; Rose, M. Frank; Miller, Robert

2008-01-01

Data from a 100 J per pulse electrodeless accelerator employing pulsed RF-preionization are presented to gain insight into the accelerator's operating characteristics. The data suggest that the propellant distribution is highly unoptimized, with most of the gas inaccessible to the discharge and the remainder mostly concentrated at the inner radius of the coil. The pulsed RF-preionization discharge produces a visible plasma, but like the gas distribution it mostly appears concentrated at the inner radius of the thruster. Magnetic field probes in the discharge point to a current sheet that is not magnetically impermeable. These data also exhibit signs of nonrepeatability, and time-integrated discharge photography shows signs of spatial nonuniformity in both the radial and azimuthal directions. Terminal voltage measurements on the two capacitor banks of the thruster do not exhibit the asymmetric nature (in time) typically associated with an efficient pulsed plasma accelerator. Based on the experimental evidence, the poor performance of the thruster is thought to be due to insufficient preionization, which at these low discharge energy levels severely limits the ability of the main current pulse to couple with and effectively accelerate the propellant.

A Pre-ionization System to Limit Neutral Gas in a Compact Toroid Injector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allfrey, Ian; Roche, Thomas; Matsumoto, Tadafumi; Garate, Eusebio; Gota, Hiroshi; Asai, Tomohiko; the TAE Team

2016-10-01

Fusion plasmas require long lifetimes and high temperatures, both of which are limited by particle loss, among other factors. Therefore, refueling a long-lived advanced beam-driven field-reversed configuration (FRC) plasma in C-2U is necessary, and injecting a supersonic compact toroid (CT) is an effective means of introducing particles into the FRC core. However, neutral gas that trails the CT into the target chamber cools the FRC. Pre-ionization (PI) system assists the break down between electrodes of the CT injector (CTI), so the amount of introduced gas can be lowered by up to a factor of two, effectively increasing the ionization fraction; thus, reducing the amount of neutral gas in the system. Additionally, the PI decreases the delay in CTI breakdown so a highly reproducible operation is achievable. The PI system consists of a fast, high voltage, pulse discharge circuit coupled to a Teflon insulated semi-rigid coaxial cable inserted into the CTI. System details and experimental data will be presented, in addition to issues such as the introduction of impurities and pre-ionizer lifetime.

2d axisymmetric "beam-bulk" modelling of the generation of runaway electrons by streamers.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chanrion, Olivier; Bonaventura, Zdenek; Bourdon, Anne; Neubert, Torsten

2017-04-01

We present results from a 2d axisymmetric numerical model of streamers based on a "beam-bulk" approach which describes cold electrons with a fluid model and high energy electrons with a particle model. The interest is motivated by the generation of runaway electrons by streamers which may participate in the recently observed TGFs and which challenge the modelling. Runaway electrons are known to be generated from streamers when the electric field in its negative tip is of sufficient magnitude. After overtaking the streamer tip, runaways can affect the streamer propagation ahead and may produce high energy photons through the bremsstrahlung process. In conventional model of streamers, the evolution of the streamer discharge is mostly governed by cold electrons. By including runaway electrons, we model their production, their impact on the discharge propagation and can address their role in TGFs. Results of streamer propagation in leader electric field show that the runaway electrons accelerate the streamers, reduce the electric field in its tip and enlarge its radius by pre-ionizing the gas ahead. We observed that if we increase the electric field, the discharge is getting more diffuse, with a pattern driven by the increase in runaway induced ionisation.

CO2-Tea pulse clipping using pulsed high voltage preionization for high spatial resolution I.R. Lidar systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gasmi, Taieb

2018-04-01

An extra-cavity CO2-TEA laser pulse clipper for high spatial resolution atmospheric monitoring is presented. The clipper uses pulsed high voltageto facilitate the breakdown of the gas within the clipper cell. Complete extinction of the nitrogen tail, that degrades the range resolution of LIDARS, is obtained at pressures from 375 up to 1500 Torr for nitrogen and argon gases whereas an attenuation coefficient of almost 102 is achieved for helium. Excellent energy stability and pulse width repeatability were achieved using high voltage pre-ionized gas technique.

A compact plasma pre-ionized TEA-CO2 laser pulse clipper for material processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gasmi, Taieb

2017-08-01

An extra-laser cavity CO2-TEA laser pulse clipper using gas breakdown techniques for high spatial resolution material processing and shallow material engraving and drilling processes is presented. Complete extinction of the nitrogen tail, that extends the pulse width, is obtained at pressures from 375 up to 1500 torr for nitrogen and argon gases. Excellent energy stability and pulse repeatability were further enhanced using high voltage assisted preionized plasma gas technique. Experimental data illustrates the direct correlation between laser pulse width and depth of engraving in aluminum and alumina materials.

Pulsed Gas Lasers Pumped by a Runaway Electron Initiated Discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panchenko, A. N.; Tarasenko, V. F.; Panchenko, N. A.

2017-12-01

The generation parameters are investigated in a runaway electron preionized diffuse discharge (REP DD). Laser generation is produced in different spectral bands from the IR to VUV range. New modes of the nitrogen laser operation are obtained. Ultimate efficiencies of N2- and nonchain HF(DF)-lasers are achieved. A possibility of increasing the pulse durations of XeF-, KrF-, ArF- and VUV F2- lasers (157 nm) in an oscillating REP DD is shown. The efficiencies of VUV- and UV-generation comparable with that of a laser pumped by a self-sustained volume discharge with preionization are gained.

Laboratory-Model Integrated-System FARAD Thruster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polzin, K.A.; Best, S.; Miller, R.; Rose, M.F.; Owens, T.

2008-01-01

Pulsed inductive plasma accelerators are spacecraft propulsion devices in which energy is stored in a capacitor and then discharged through an inductive coil. The device is electrodeless, inducing a plasma current sheet in propellant located near the face of the coil. The propellant is accelerated and expelled at a high exhaust velocity (order of 10 km/s) through the interaction of the plasma current with an induced magnetic field. The Faraday Accelerator with RF-Assisted Discharge (FARAD) thruster [1,2] is a type of pulsed inductive plasma accelerator in which the plasma is preionized by a mechanism separate from that used to form the current sheet and accelerate the gas. Employing a separate preionization mechanism in this manner allows for the formation of an inductive current sheet at much lower discharge energies and voltages than those found in previous pulsed inductive accelerators like the Pulsed Inductive Thruster (PIT). In a previous paper [3], the authors presented a basic design for a 100 J/pulse FARAD laboratory-version thruster. The design was based upon guidelines and performance scaling parameters presented in Refs. [4, 5]. In this paper, we expand upon the design presented in Ref. [3] by presenting a fully-assembled and operational FARAD laboratory-model thruster and addressing system and subsystem-integration issues (concerning mass injection, preionization, and acceleration) that arose during assembly. Experimental data quantifying the operation of this thruster, including detailed internal plasma measurements, are presented by the authors in a companion paper [6]. The thruster operates by first injecting neutral gas over the face of a flat, inductive acceleration coil and at some later time preionizing the gas. Once the gas is preionized current is passed through the acceleration coil, inducing a plasma current sheet in the propellant that is accelerated away from the coil through electromagnetic interaction with the time-varying magnetic field. Neutral gas is injected over the face of the acceleration coil through a fast-acting valve that feeds a central distribution manifold. The thruster is designed to preionize the gas using an RF-frequency ringing signal produced by a discharging Vector Inversion Generator (VIG). The acceleration stage consists of a multiple-turn, multiple-strand spiral induction coil (see Fig. 1, left panel) and is designed for operation at discharge energies on the order of 100 J/pulse. Several different pulsed power train modules can be used to drive current through the acceleration coil. One such power train is based upon the Bernardes and Merryman circuit topology, which restricts voltage reversal on the capacitor banks and can be clamped to eliminate current reversal in the coil. A second option is a pulse-compression-ring power train (see Fig. 1, right panel), which takesa temporally broad, low current pulse and transforms it into a short, high current pulse.

Reaction Current Phenomenon in Bifunctional Catalytic Metal-Semiconductor Nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hashemian, Mohammad Amin

Energy transfer processes accompany every elementary step of catalytic chemical processes on material surface including molecular adsorption and dissociation on atoms, interactions between intermediates, and desorption of reaction products from the catalyst surface. Therefore, detailed understanding of these processes on the molecular level is of great fundamental and practical interest in energy-related applications of nanomaterials. Two main mechanisms of energy transfer from adsorbed particles to a surface are known: (i) adiabatic via excitation of quantized lattice vibrations (phonons) and (ii) non-adiabatic via electronic excitations (electron/hole pairs). Electronic excitations play a key role in nanocatalysis, and it was recently shown that they can be efficiently detected and studied using Schottky-type catalytic nanostructures in the form of measureable electrical currents (chemicurrents) in an external electrical circuit. These nanostructures typically contain an electrically continuous nanocathode layers made of a catalytic metal deposited on a semiconductor substrate. The goal of this research is to study the direct observations of hot electron currents (chemicurrents) in catalytic Schottky structures, using a continuous mesh-like Pt nanofilm grown onto a mesoporous TiO2 substrate. Such devices showed qualitatively different and more diverse signal properties, compared to the earlier devices using smooth substrates, which could only be explained on the basis of bifunctionality. In particular, it was necessary to suggest that different stages of the reaction are occurring on both phases of the catalytic structure. Analysis of the signal behavior also led to discovery of a formerly unknown (very slow) mode of the oxyhydrogen reaction on the Pt/TiO2(por) system occurring at room temperature. This slow mode was producing surprisingly large stationary chemicurrents in the range 10--50 microA/cm2. Results of the chemicurrent measurements for the bifunctional Pt/TiO2(por) transducers were unusual in many regards. Addition of various H2 amounts to the initial 160 Torr O2 atmosphere over the sample led to well repeatable chemicurrents of both transient and steady-state characters, depending on a specific H2 addition procedure. It is suggested that adsorption of hydrogen on Pt/TiO2 structures leads to dissociation of hydrogen molecules on Pt surface followed by "spillover" of hydrogen atoms from Pt toward TiO2 support. In contrast to oxygen, hydrogen manifests donor properties by giving electrons to the TiO2 conductance band and adsorbing as H+ ions. This effect is well illustrated with the I-V curves, showing highly conductive Ohmic characteristics of the samples in H2 atmosphere. Two versions of the spillover process leading eventually to H+ ion adsorption on TiO2 will be considered: H-atom and proton (pre-ionized H-atom) spillover. This research work is a pioneering effort to challenge the direct utility of the non-adiabatic electronic processes in catalytic nanomaterial systems, paving the road toward novel energy conversion devices, solid-state chemical sensors and signal transducers.

Impact of volume and surface processes on the pre-ionization of dielectric barrier discharges: advanced diagnostics and fluid modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nemschokmichal, Sebastian; Tschiersch, Robert; Höft, Hans; Wild, Robert; Bogaczyk, Marc; Becker, Markus M.; Loffhagen, Detlef; Stollenwerk, Lars; Kettlitz, Manfred; Brandenburg, Ronny; Meichsner, Jürgen

2018-05-01

The phenomenology and breakdown mechanism of dielectric barrier discharges are strongly determined by volume and surface memory effects. In particular, the pre-ionization provided by residual species in the volume or surface charges on the dielectrics influences the breakdown behavior of filamentary and diffuse discharges. This was investigated by advanced diagnostics such as streak camera imaging, laser photodetachment of negative ions and laser photodesorption of electrons from dielectric surfaces in correlation with 1D fluid modeling. The streak camera images show that an increasing number of residual charges in the volume changes the microdischarge breakdown in air-like gas mixtures from a cathode-directed streamer to a simultaneous propagation of cathode- and anode-directed streamers. In contrast, seed electrons are important for the pre-ionization if the density of residual charges in the volume is low. One source of seed electrons are negative ions, whose density exceeds the electron density during the pre-phase of diffuse helium-oxygen barrier discharges as indicated by the laser photodetachment experiments. Electrons desorbed from the cathodic dielectric have an even larger influence. They induce a transition from the glow-like to the Townsend-like discharge mode in nominally pure helium. Apart from analyzing the importance of the pre-ionization for the breakdown mechanism, the opportunities for manipulating the lateral structure and discharge modes are discussed. For this purpose, the intensity and diameter of a diffuse discharge in helium are controlled by an illuminated semiconducting barrier. Contribution to the Topical Issue "Fundamentals of Complex Plasmas", edited by Jürgen Meichsner, Michael Bonitz, Holger Fehske, Alexander Piel.

Plasma Measurements in an Integrated-System FARAD Thruster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polzin, K. A.; Rose, M. F.; Miller, R.; Best, S.

2007-01-01

Pulsed inductive plasma accelerators are spacecraft propulsion devices in which energy is stored in a capacitor and then discharged through an inductive coil. The device is electrodeless, inducing a current sheet in a plasma located near the face of the coil. The propellant is accelerated and expelled at a high exhaust velocity (order of 10 km/s) through the interaction of the plasma current and the induced magnetic field. The Faraday Accelerator with RF-Assisted Discharge (FARAD) thruster[1,2] is a type of pulsed inductive plasma accelerator in which the plasma is preionized by a mechanism separate from that used to form the current sheet and accelerate the gas. Employing a separate preionization mechanism allows for the formation of an inductive current sheet at much lower discharge energies and voltages than those used in previous pulsed inductive accelerators like the Pulsed Inductive Thruster (PIT). A benchtop FARAD thruster was designed following guidelines and similarity performance parameters presented in Refs. [3,4]. This design is described in detail in Ref. [5]. In this paper, we present the temporally and spatially resolved measurements of the preionized plasma and inductively-accelerated current sheet in the FARAD thruster operating with a Vector Inversion Generator (VIG) to preionize the gas and a Bernardes and Merryman circuit topology to provide inductive acceleration. The acceleration stage operates on the order of 100 J/pulse. Fast-framing photography will be used to produce a time-resolved, global view of the evolving current sheet. Local diagnostics used include a fast ionization gauge capable of mapping the gas distribution prior to plasma initiation; direct measurement of the induced magnetic field using B-dot probes, induced azimuthal current measurement using a mini-Rogowski coil, and direct probing of the number density and electron temperature using triple probes.

Electron kinetic effects in atmosphere breakdown by an intense electromagnetic pulse.

PubMed

Solovyev, A A; Terekhin, V A; Tikhonchuk, V T; Altgilbers, L L

1999-12-01

A physical model is proposed for description of electron kinetics driven by a powerful electromagnetic pulse in the Earth's atmosphere. The model is based on a numerical solution to the Boltzmann kinetic equation for two groups of electrons. Slow electrons (with energies below a few keV) are described in a two-term approximation assuming a weak anisotropy of the electron distribution function. Fast electrons (with energies above a few keV) are described by a modified macroparticle method, taking into account the electron acceleration in the electric field, energy losses in the continuous deceleration approximation, and the multiple pitch angle scattering. The model is applied to a problem of the electric discharge in a nitrogen, which is preionized by an external gamma-ray source. It is shown that the runaway electrons have an important effect on the energy distribution of free electrons, and on the avalanche ionization rate. This mechanism might explain the observation of multiple lightning discharges observed in the Ivy-Mike thermonuclear test in the early 1950's.

Confined ion energy >200 keV and increased fusion yield in a DPF with monolithic tungsten electrodes and pre-ionization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lerner, Eric J.; Hassan, Syed M.; Karamitsos, Ivana; Von Roessel, Fred

2017-10-01

To reduce impurities in the dense plasma focus FF-1 device, we used monolithic tungsten electrodes with pre-ionization. With this new set-up, we demonstrated a three-fold reduction of impurities by mass and a ten-fold reduction by ion number. FF-1 produced a 50% increase in fusion yield over our previous copper electrodes, both for a single shot and for a mean of ten consecutive shots with the same conditions. These results represent a doubling of fusion yield as compared with any other plasma focus device with the same 60 kJ energy input. In addition, FF-1 produced a new single-shot record of 240 ± 20 keV for mean ion energy, a record for any confined fusion plasma, using any device, and a 50% improvement in ten-shot mean ion energy. With a deuterium-nitrogen mix and corona-discharge pre-ionization, we were also able to reduce the standard deviation in the fusion yield to about 15%, a four-fold reduction over the copper-electrode results. We intend to further reduce impurities with new experiments using microwave treatment of tungsten electrodes, followed by the use of beryllium electrodes.

Battery-Powered RF Pre-Ionization System for the Caltech Magnetohydrodynamically-Driven Jet Experiment: RF Discharge Properties and MHD-Driven Jet Dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chaplin, Vernon H.

This thesis describes investigations of two classes of laboratory plasmas with rather different properties: partially ionized low pressure radiofrequency (RF) discharges, and fully ionized high density magnetohydrodynamically (MHD)-driven jets. An RF pre-ionization system was developed to enable neutral gas breakdown at lower pressures and create hotter, faster jets in the Caltech MHD-Driven Jet Experiment. The RF plasma source used a custom pulsed 3 kW 13.56 MHz RF power amplifier that was powered by AA batteries, allowing it to safely float at 4-6 kV with the cathode of the jet experiment. The argon RF discharge equilibrium and transport properties were analyzed, and novel jet dynamics were observed. Although the RF plasma source was conceived as a wave-heated helicon source, scaling measurements and numerical modeling showed that inductive coupling was the dominant energy input mechanism. A one-dimensional time-dependent fluid model was developed to quantitatively explain the expansion of the pre-ionized plasma into the jet experiment chamber. The plasma transitioned from an ionizing phase with depressed neutral emission to a recombining phase with enhanced emission during the course of the experiment, causing fast camera images to be a poor indicator of the density distribution. Under certain conditions, the total visible and infrared brightness and the downstream ion density both increased after the RF power was turned off. The time-dependent emission patterns were used for an indirect measurement of the neutral gas pressure. The low-mass jets formed with the aid of the pre-ionization system were extremely narrow and collimated near the electrodes, with peak density exceeding that of jets created without pre-ionization. The initial neutral gas distribution prior to plasma breakdown was found to be critical in determining the ultimate jet structure. The visible radius of the dense central jet column was several times narrower than the axial current channel radius, suggesting that the outer portion of the jet must have been force free, with the current parallel to the magnetic field. The studies of non-equilibrium flows and plasma self-organization being carried out at Caltech are relevant to astrophysical jets and fusion energy research.

Three-electrode low pressure discharge apparatus and method for uniform ionization of gaseous media

DOEpatents

McLellan, Edward J.

1983-01-01

Uniform, transverse electrical discharges are produced in gaseous media without the necessity of switching the main discharge voltage with an external device which carries the entire discharge current. A three-electrode low pressure discharge tube is charged across its anode (1) and cathode (2) to below breakdown voltage using a dc voltage source (3). An array of resistors (4) or capacitors can be made to discharge to the wire screen anode by means of a low energy high voltage pulse circuit (5) producing sufficient preionization in the region between the anode and cathode to initiate and control the main discharge. The invention has been demonstrated to be useful as a CO.sub.2 laser oscillator and pulse-smoother. It can be reliably operated in the sealed-off mode.

Effects of Preionization in Radiative Shocks. II. Application to the Herbig–Haro Objects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dopita, Michael A.; Sutherland, Ralph S.

2017-04-01

In an earlier paper we treated the preionization problem in shocks over the velocity range 20 km s‑1 < {v}{{s}}< 1000 km s‑1 in a fully self-consistent manner. Here we investigate in detail the effect of the upstream UV photon field generated in the radiative zone of shocks in the range in which hydrogen is only partly ionized 20 km s‑1 (< {v}{{s}}< 150 km s‑1). We show that, as a result of superheating in the nonequilibrium preshock plasma, both the magnetic parameter and the Mach number of the shock are strongly affected by the preionization state of the gas, which controls to a large extent the radiative spectrum of the shock. We use these models to provide specific line diagnostics for Herbig–Haro objects, which allow us to solve for both the preshock density and shock velocity, and we present detailed models of the HH 34 jet, which allows us to derive the shock conditions, mass-loss rate, momentum flux, and chemical abundances in the jet. We show that the refractory elements Mg, Ca, Fe, and Ni are enhanced by 0.22 dex over the solar values, which provides interesting clues about the jet-launching mechanism in pre-main-sequence evolution.

Design of an Integrated-System FARAD Thruster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polzin, K.A.; Rose, R.F.; Miller, R.; Owens, T.

2007-01-01

Pulsed inductive plasma accelerators are spacecraft propulsion devices in which energy is stored in a capacitor and then discharged through an inductive coil. The device is electrodeless, inducing a current s heet in a plasma located near the face of the coil. The propellant is accelerated and expelled at a high exhaust velocity (order of 10 km/s) through the interaction of the plasma current and the induced magne tic field, The Faraday Accelerator with RF-Assisted Discharge (FARAD) thruster is a type of pulsed inductive plasma accelerator in which t he plasma is preionized by a mechanism separate from that used to for m the current sheet and accelerate the gas. Employing a separate preionization mechanism allows for the formation of an inductive current s heet at much lower discharge energies and voltages than those used in previous pulsed inductive accelerators like the Pulsed Inductive Thr uster (PIT). In this paper, we present the design of a benchtop FARAD thruster with all the subsystems (mass injection, preionization, and acceleration) integrated into a single unit. Design of the thruster follows the guidelines and similarity performance parameters presented elsewhere. The system is designed to use the ringing, RF-frequency s ignal produced by a discharging Vector Inversion Generator (VIG) to p reionize the gas. The acceleration stage operates on the order of 100 J/pulse and can be driven by several different pulsed powertrains. These include a simple capacitor coupled to the system, a Bernardes and Merryman configuration, and a pulsecompression circuit that takes a temporally broad, low current pulse and transforms it into a short, h igh current pulse. A set of applied magnetic field coils are integrated into the system to guide the preionized propellant as it spreads ov er the face of the inductive acceleration coil. The coils are operate d in a pulsed mode, and the thruster can be operated without using the coils to determine if there is a performance improvement gain realiz ed when an applied field is present.

Plasma-gun-assisted field-reversed configuration formation in a conical θ-pinch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weber, T. E.; Intrator, T. P.; Smith, R. J.

2015-04-01

Injection of plasma via an annular array of coaxial plasma guns during the pre-ionization phase of field-reversed configuration (FRC) formation is shown to catalyze the bulk ionization of a neutral gas prefill in the presence of a strong axial magnetic field and change the character of outward flux flow during field-reversal from a convective process to a much slower resistive diffusion process. This approach has been found to significantly improve FRC formation in a conical θ-pinch, resulting in a ˜350% increase in trapped flux at typical operating conditions, an expansion of accessible formation parameter space to lower densities and higher temperatures, and a reduction or elimination of several deleterious effects associated with the pre-ionization phase.

Reduction of plasma density in the Helicity Injected Torus with Steady Inductance experiment by using a helicon pre-ionization source.

PubMed

Hossack, Aaron C; Firman, Taylor; Jarboe, Thomas R; Prager, James R; Victor, Brian S; Wrobel, Jonathan S; Ziemba, Timothy

2013-10-01

A helicon based pre-ionization source has been developed and installed on the Helicity Injected Torus with Steady Inductance (HIT-SI) spheromak. The source initiates plasma breakdown by injecting impurity-free, unmagnetized plasma into the HIT-SI confinement volume. Typical helium spheromaks have electron density reduced from (2-3) × 10(19) m(-3) to 1 × 10(19) m(-3). Deuterium spheromak formation is possible with density as low as 2 × 10(18) m(-3). The source also enables HIT-SI to be operated with only one helicity injector at injector frequencies above 14.5 kHz. A theory explaining the physical mechanism driving the reduction of breakdown density is presented.

Simple Model of Macroscopic Instability in XeCl Discharge Pumped Lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmed, Belasri; Zoheir, Harrache

2003-10-01

The aim of this work is to study the development of the macroscopic non uniformity of the electron density of high pressure discharge for excimer lasers and eventually its propagation because of the medium kinetics phenomena. This study is executed using a transverse mono-dimensional model, in which the plasma is represented by a set of resistance's in parallel. This model was employed using a numerical code including three strongly coupled parts: electric circuit equations, electron Boltzmann equation, and kinetics equations (chemical kinetics model). The time variations of the electron density in each plasma element are obtained by solving a set of ordinary differential equations describing the plasma kinetics and external circuit. The use of the present model allows a good comprehension of the halogen depletion phenomena, which is the principal cause of laser ending and allows a simple study of a large-scale non uniformity in preionization density and its effects on electrical and chemical plasma properties. The obtained results indicate clearly that about 50consumed at the end of the pulse. KEY WORDS Excimer laser, XeCl, Modeling, Cold plasma, Kinetic, Halogen depletion, Macroscopic instability.

Three-electrode low pressure discharge apparatus and method for uniform ionization of gaseous media. [CO/sub 2/ laser oscillator and pulse smoother

DOEpatents

McLellan, E.J.

1980-10-17

Uniform, transverse electrical discharges are produced in gaseous media without the necessity of switching the main discharge voltage with an external device which carries the entire discharge current. A three-electrode low pressure discharge tube is charged across its anode and cathode to below breakdown voltage using a dc voltage source. An array of resistors or capacitors can be made to discharge to the wire screen anode by means of a low energy high voltage pulse circuit producing sufficient preionization in the region between the anode and cathode to initiate and control the main discharge. The invention has been demonstrated to be useful as a CO/sub 2/ laser oscillator and pulse-smoother. It can be reliably operated in the sealed-off mode.

Closed Cycle Magnetohydrodynamic Nuclear Space Power Generation Using Helium/Xenon Working Plasma

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Litchford, R. J.; Harada, N.

2005-01-01

A multimegawatt-class nuclear fission powered closed cycle magnetohydrodynamic space power plant using a helium/xenon working gas has been studied, to include a comprehensive system analysis. Total plant efficiency was expected to be 55.2 percent including pre-ionization power. The effects of compressor stage number, regenerator efficiency, and radiation cooler temperature on plant efficiency were investigated. The specific mass of the power generation plant was also examined. System specific mass was estimated to be 3 kg/kWe for a net electrical output power of 1 MWe, 2-3 kg/kWe at 2 MWe, and approx.2 kg/KWe at >3 MWe. Three phases of research and development plan were proposed: (1) Phase I-proof of principle, (2) Phase II-demonstration of power generation, and (3) Phase III-prototypical closed loop test.

Efficient ECH-assisted plasma start-up using trapped particle configuration in the versatile experiment spherical torus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

An, YoungHwa; Lee, Jeongwon; Jo, JongGab; Jung, Bong-Ki; Lee, HyunYeong; Chung, Kyoung-Jae; Na, Yong-Su; Hahm, T. S.; Hwang, Y. S.

2017-01-01

An efficient and robust ECH (electron cyclotron heating)-assisted plasma start-up scheme with a low loop voltage and low volt-second consumption utilizing the trapped particle configuration (TPC) has been developed in the versatile experiment spherical torus (VEST). The TPC is a mirror-like magnetic field configuration providing a vertical magnetic field in the same direction as the equilibrium field. It significantly enhances ECH pre-ionization with enhanced particle confinement due to its mirror effect, and intrinsically provides an equilibrium field with a stable decay index enabling prompt plasma current initiation. Consequently, the formation of TPC before the onset of the loop voltage allows the plasma to start up with a lower loop voltage and lower volt-second consumption as well as a wider operation range in terms of ECH pre-ionization power and H2 filling pressure. The TPC can improve the widely-used field null configuration significantly for more efficient start-up when ECH pre-ionization is used. This can then be utilized in superconducting tokamaks requiring a low loop voltage start-up, such as ITER, or in spherical tori with limited volt-seconds. The TPC can be particularly useful in superconducting tokamaks with a limited current slew-rate of superconducting PF coils, as it can save volt-second consumption before plasma current initiation by providing prompt initiation with an intrinsic stable equilibrium field.

16. EXCITERS, AND SYNCHROSCOPE GAUGE ON WALL. ACTIVE ELECTRIC EXCITER ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

16. EXCITERS, AND SYNCHROSCOPE GAUGE ON WALL. ACTIVE ELECTRIC EXCITER AT REAR; UNUSED WATER-DRIVEN EXCITER IN FOREGROUND. VIEW TO SOUTH-SOUTHWEST. - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, SAR-2 Powerhouse, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

Plasma-gun-assisted field-reversed configuration formation in a conical θ-pinch

DOE PAGES

Weber, T. E.; Intrator, T. P.; Smith, R. J.

2015-04-29

We show through injection of plasma via an annular array of coaxial plasma guns, during the pre-ionization phase of field-reversed configuration (FRC) formation how to catalyze the bulk ionization of a neutral gas prefill in the presence of a strong axial magnetic field and change the character of outward flux flow during field-reversal from a convective process to a much slower resistive diffusion process. Our approach has been found to significantly improve FRC formation in a conical θ-pinch, resulting in a ~350% increase in trapped flux at typical operating conditions, an expansion of accessible formation parameter space to lower densitiesmore » and higher temperatures, and a reduction or elimination of several deleterious effects associated with the pre-ionization phase.« less

Plasma-gun-assisted field-reversed configuration formation in a conical θ-pinch

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Weber, T. E., E-mail: tweber@lanl.gov; Intrator, T. P.; Smith, R. J.

2015-04-15

Injection of plasma via an annular array of coaxial plasma guns during the pre-ionization phase of field-reversed configuration (FRC) formation is shown to catalyze the bulk ionization of a neutral gas prefill in the presence of a strong axial magnetic field and change the character of outward flux flow during field-reversal from a convective process to a much slower resistive diffusion process. This approach has been found to significantly improve FRC formation in a conical θ-pinch, resulting in a ∼350% increase in trapped flux at typical operating conditions, an expansion of accessible formation parameter space to lower densities and highermore » temperatures, and a reduction or elimination of several deleterious effects associated with the pre-ionization phase.« less

14. POWERHOUSE INTERIOR, EXCITER No. 2 SHOWING GENERAL ELECTRIC INDUCTION ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

14. POWERHOUSE INTERIOR, EXCITER No. 2 SHOWING GENERAL ELECTRIC INDUCTION MOTOR IN SERIES BETWEEN PELTON-DOBLE IMPULSE WHEEL AND GENERAL ELECTRIC GENERATOR. VIEW TO EAST. - Rush Creek Hydroelectric System, Powerhouse Exciters, Rush Creek, June Lake, Mono County, CA

Reduction of plasma density in the Helicity Injected Torus with Steady Inductance experiment by using a helicon pre-ionization source

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hossack, Aaron C.; Jarboe, Thomas R.; Victor, Brian S.

2013-10-15

A helicon based pre-ionization source has been developed and installed on the Helicity Injected Torus with Steady Inductance (HIT-SI) spheromak. The source initiates plasma breakdown by injecting impurity-free, unmagnetized plasma into the HIT-SI confinement volume. Typical helium spheromaks have electron density reduced from (2–3) × 10{sup 19} m{sup −3} to 1 × 10{sup 19} m{sup −3}. Deuterium spheromak formation is possible with density as low as 2 × 10{sup 18} m{sup −3}. The source also enables HIT-SI to be operated with only one helicity injector at injector frequencies above 14.5 kHz. A theory explaining the physical mechanism driving the reductionmore » of breakdown density is presented.« less

Test stand for gas-discharge chamber of TEA CO2 lasers with pulse-periodical energy supply

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shorin, Vladimyr P.; Bystrov, N. D.; Zhuravlyov, O. A.; Nekrasov, V. V.

1997-05-01

Test stand for function optimization (incomposition of gas- dynamic circuit (GDC) of operating characteristics of full- size discharge chamber of flowing TEA carbon-dioxide lasers (power up to 100 kW) was created in Samara State Aerospace University (former Kuibyshev Aviation Institute). Test stand includes an inside-type GDC, low inductive generators of voltage pulses of preionization and main discharges, two-flow rate system of gas supply and noise immunity diagnostic system. Module construction of units of GDC, power supplies of preionization and main discharges allows to change configuration of stand's systems for providing given properties of gas flow and its energy supply. This test stand can also be used in servicing of laser system. The diagnostic system of this stand allows us to analyze energy properties of discharge by means of oscillographic measurements of voltage and current with following processing of discharges' volt- ampere characteristics by means of a computer; rate of non- stationary gas-dynamic disturbances in discharge gap of discharge chamber was measured by means of pulse holographic system (UlG-1M) with data processing of schliren- and interferogram (density fluctuation sensitivity approximately 10-2) and sensor measurement system of gas-dynamic shock and acoustics process with resonance frequency exceeding 100 kHz. Research results of process of plasma plate wave and channel structures interaction with mediums, including actuation non-stationary gas-dynamic flows, cavitation erosion of preionization electrodes' dielectric substructure, ancillary heating of channels by main volumetric discharge are presented as well.

Analyses of electron runaway in front of the negative streamer channel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Babich, L. P.; Bochkov, E. I.; Kutsyk, I. M.; Neubert, T.; Chanrion, O.

2017-08-01

X-ray and γ-ray emissions, observed in correlation with negative leaders of lightning and long sparks of high-voltage laboratory experiments, are conventionally connected with the bremsstrahlung of high-energy runaway electrons (REs). Here we extend a focusing mechanism, analyzed in our previous paper, which allows the electric field to reach magnitudes, required for a generation of significant RE fluxes and associated bremsstrahlung, when the ionization wave propagates in a narrow, ionized channel created by a previous streamer. Under such conditions we compute the production rate of REs per unit streamer length as a function of the streamer velocity and predict that, once a streamer is formed with the electric field capable of producing REs ahead of the streamer front, the ionization induced by the REs is capable of creating an ionized channel that allows for self-sustained propagation of the RE-emitting ionization wave independent of the initial electron concentration. Thus, the streamer coronas of the leaders are probable sources of REs producing the observed high-energy radiation. To prove these predictions, new simulations are planned, which would show explicitly that the preionization in front of the channel via REs will lead to the ionization wave propagation self-consistent with RE generation.

46 CFR 111.12-3 - Excitation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Excitation. 111.12-3 Section 111.12-3 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING ELECTRIC SYSTEMS-GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Generator Construction and Circuits § 111.12-3 Excitation. In general, excitation must meet...

46 CFR 111.12-3 - Excitation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Excitation. 111.12-3 Section 111.12-3 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING ELECTRIC SYSTEMS-GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Generator Construction and Circuits § 111.12-3 Excitation. In general, excitation must meet...

46 CFR 111.12-3 - Excitation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Excitation. 111.12-3 Section 111.12-3 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING ELECTRIC SYSTEMS-GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Generator Construction and Circuits § 111.12-3 Excitation. In general, excitation must meet...

46 CFR 111.12-3 - Excitation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Excitation. 111.12-3 Section 111.12-3 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING ELECTRIC SYSTEMS-GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Generator Construction and Circuits § 111.12-3 Excitation. In general, excitation must meet...

13. POWERHOUSE INTERIOR, DETAIL OF EXCITER No. 2 GENERAL ELECTRIC ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

13. POWERHOUSE INTERIOR, DETAIL OF EXCITER No. 2 GENERAL ELECTRIC INDUCTION MOTOR NAMEPLATE. VIEW TO EAST. - Rush Creek Hydroelectric System, Powerhouse Exciters, Rush Creek, June Lake, Mono County, CA

Research on battery-operated electric road vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Varpetian, V. S.

1977-01-01

Mathematical analysis of battery-operated electric vehicles is presented. Attention is focused on assessing the influence of the battery on the mechanical and dynamical characteristics of dc electric motors with series and parallel excitation, as well as on evaluating the influence of the excitation mode and speed control system on the performance of the battery. The superiority of series excitation over parallel excitation with respect to vehicle performance is demonstrated. It is also shown that pulsed control of the electric motor, as compared to potentiometric control, provides a more effective use of the battery and decreases the cost of recharging.

A small size 1-3 atm pulsed CO2 laser with series-connected spark gaps ultraviolet preionization.

PubMed

Silakhori, K; Jelvani, S; Ghanavati, F; Sajad, B; Talebi, M; Sadr, M R

2014-01-01

A small size pulsed CO2 laser with rounded edge flat profiled electrodes and variable gas pressure in 1-3 atm range has been constructed and characterized. The perionization system consists of a pair of 16 series-connected spark gaps located along either side of the main electrodes by which, the number of required preionization capacitors is reduced to 4. Sharpening of the main discharge has been performed using a 300 pF peaking capacitor. A maximum energy of 160 mJ/pulse was obtained for CO2:N2:He≡1:1:8 gas mixture and 33 kV discharge voltage. By increasing the laser gas pressure in 1-3 atm range, the duration of spike and tail parts of the laser pulses have been reduced from 110 ns and 4 μs to 37 ns and 1 μs, respectively.

Pulsed ion beam source

DOEpatents

Greenly, John B.

1997-01-01

An improved pulsed ion beam source having a new biasing circuit for the fast magnetic field. This circuit provides for an initial negative bias for the field created by the fast coils in the ion beam source which pre-ionize the gas in the source, ionize the gas and deliver the gas to the proper position in the accelerating gap between the anode and cathode assemblies in the ion beam source. The initial negative bias improves the interaction between the location of the nulls in the composite magnetic field in the ion beam source and the position of the gas for pre-ionization and ionization into the plasma as well as final positioning of the plasma in the accelerating gap. Improvements to the construction of the flux excluders in the anode assembly are also accomplished by fabricating them as layered structures with a high melting point, low conductivity material on the outsides with a high conductivity material in the center.

Triggering Excimer Lasers by Photoionization from Corona Discharges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiong, Zhongmin; Duffey, Thomas; Brown, Daniel; Kushner, Mark

2009-10-01

High repetition rate ArF (192 nm) excimer lasers are used for photolithography sources in microelectronics fabrication. In highly attaching gas mixtures, preionization is critical to obtaining stable, reproducible glow discharges. Photoionization from a separate corona discharge is one technique for preionization which triggers the subsequent electron avalanche between the main electrodes. Photoionization triggering of an ArF excimer laser sustained in multi-atmosphere Ne/Ar/F2/Xe gas mixtures has been investigated using a 2-dimensional plasma hydrodynamics model including radiation transport. Continuity equations for charged and neutral species, and Poisson's equation are solved coincident with the electron temperature with transport coefficients obtained from solutions of Boltzmann's equation. Photoionizing radiation is produced by a surface discharge which propagates along a corona-bar located adjacent to the discharge electrodes. The consequences of pulse power waveform, corona bar location, capacitance and gas mixture on uniformity, symmetry and gain of the avalanche discharge will be discussed.

Adaptive Back Sheet Material for Acoustic Liner Applications-ARMD Seedling Fund Phase I Final Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gerhold, Carl H.; Jones, Michael G.; Farrar, Dawnielle

2014-01-01

A recently developed piezo-electric composite film is evaluated for its usefulness in application in acoustic liners. Researchers at the NASA Langley Research Center Liner Technology Facility developed experiments to measure the electrical response of the material to acoustic excitation and the vibrational response of the material to electrical excitation. The robustness of the piezo-electric film was also assessed. The material's electrical response to acoustic excitation is found to be comparable to a commercial microphone in the range of frequencies from 500 to 3000 Hz. However, the vibrational response to electrical excitation in the frequency range of interest is an order of magnitude less than may be necessary for application to acoustic liners. Nevertheless, experimental results indicate that the potential exists for the material to produce a measurable change in the impedance spectrum of a liner. Work continues to improve the authority of the piezo-electric film.

Determining the ion temperature and energy distribution in a lithium-plasma interaction test stand with a retarding field energy analyzer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Christenson, M.; Stemmley, S.; Jung, S.; Mettler, J.; Sang, X.; Martin, D.; Kalathiparambil, K.; Ruzic, D. N.

2017-08-01

The ThermoElectric-driven Liquid-metal plasma-facing Structures (TELS) experiment at the University of Illinois is a gas-puff driven, theta-pinch plasma source that is used as a test stand for off-normal plasma events incident on materials in the edge and divertor regions of a tokamak. The ion temperatures and resulting energy distributions are crucial for understanding how well a TELS pulse can simulate an extreme event in a larger, magnetic confinement device. A retarding field energy analyzer (RFEA) has been constructed for use with such a transient plasma due to its inexpensive and robust nature. The innovation surrounding the use of a control analyzer in conjunction with an actively sampling analyzer is presented and the conditions of RFEA operation are discussed, with results presented demonstrating successful performance under extreme conditions. Such extreme conditions are defined by heat fluxes on the order of 0.8 GW m-2 and on time scales of nearly 200 μs. Measurements from the RFEA indicate two primary features for a typical TELS discharge, following closely with the pre-ionizing coaxial gun discharge characteristics. For the case using the pre-ionization pulse (PiP) and the theta pinch, the measured ion signal showed an ion temperature of 23.3 ± 6.6 eV for the first peak and 17.6 ± 1.9 eV for the second peak. For the case using only the PiP, the measured signal showed an ion temperature of 7.9 ± 1.1 eV for the first peak and 6.6 ± 0.8 eV for the second peak. These differences illustrate the effectiveness of the theta pinch for imparting energy on the ions. This information also highlights the importance of TELS as being one of the few linear pulsed plasma sources whereby moderately energetic ions will strike targets without the need for sample biasing.

Determining the ion temperature and energy distribution in a lithium-plasma interaction test stand with a retarding field energy analyzer.

PubMed

Christenson, M; Stemmley, S; Jung, S; Mettler, J; Sang, X; Martin, D; Kalathiparambil, K; Ruzic, D N

2017-08-01

The ThermoElectric-driven Liquid-metal plasma-facing Structures (TELS) experiment at the University of Illinois is a gas-puff driven, theta-pinch plasma source that is used as a test stand for off-normal plasma events incident on materials in the edge and divertor regions of a tokamak. The ion temperatures and resulting energy distributions are crucial for understanding how well a TELS pulse can simulate an extreme event in a larger, magnetic confinement device. A retarding field energy analyzer (RFEA) has been constructed for use with such a transient plasma due to its inexpensive and robust nature. The innovation surrounding the use of a control analyzer in conjunction with an actively sampling analyzer is presented and the conditions of RFEA operation are discussed, with results presented demonstrating successful performance under extreme conditions. Such extreme conditions are defined by heat fluxes on the order of 0.8 GW m -2 and on time scales of nearly 200 μs. Measurements from the RFEA indicate two primary features for a typical TELS discharge, following closely with the pre-ionizing coaxial gun discharge characteristics. For the case using the pre-ionization pulse (PiP) and the theta pinch, the measured ion signal showed an ion temperature of 23.3 ± 6.6 eV for the first peak and 17.6 ± 1.9 eV for the second peak. For the case using only the PiP, the measured signal showed an ion temperature of 7.9 ± 1.1 eV for the first peak and 6.6 ± 0.8 eV for the second peak. These differences illustrate the effectiveness of the theta pinch for imparting energy on the ions. This information also highlights the importance of TELS as being one of the few linear pulsed plasma sources whereby moderately energetic ions will strike targets without the need for sample biasing.

Cryogenic exciter

DOEpatents

Bray, James William [Niskayuna, NY; Garces, Luis Jose [Niskayuna, NY

2012-03-13

The disclosed technology is a cryogenic static exciter. The cryogenic static exciter is connected to a synchronous electric machine that has a field winding. The synchronous electric machine is cooled via a refrigerator or cryogen like liquid nitrogen. The static exciter is in communication with the field winding and is operating at ambient temperature. The static exciter receives cooling from a refrigerator or cryogen source, which may also service the synchronous machine, to selected areas of the static exciter and the cooling selectively reduces the operating temperature of the selected areas of the static exciter.

A numerical study on piezoelectric energy harvesting by combining transverse galloping and parametric instability phenomena

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Franzini, Guilherme Rosa; Santos, Rebeca Caramêz Saraiva; Pesce, Celso Pupo

2017-12-01

This paper aims to numerically investigate the effects of parametric instability on piezoelectric energy harvesting from the transverse galloping of a square prism. A two degrees-of-freedom reduced-order model for this problem is proposed and numerically integrated. A usual quasi-steady galloping model is applied, where the transverse force coefficient is adopted as a cubic polynomial function with respect to the angle of attack. Time-histories of nondimensional prism displacement, electric voltage and power dissipated at both the dashpot and the electrical resistance are obtained as functions of the reduced velocity. Both, oscillation amplitude and electric voltage, increased with the reduced velocity for all parametric excitation conditions tested. For low values of reduced velocity, 2:1 parametric excitation enhances the electric voltage. On the other hand, for higher reduced velocities, a 1:1 parametric excitation (i.e., the same as the natural frequency) enhances both oscillation amplitude and electric voltage. It has been also found that, depending on the parametric excitation frequency, the harvested electrical power can be amplified in 70% when compared to the case under no parametric excitation.

Temperature Effects of Electric Field on the First Excited State of Strong Coupling Polaron in a CsI Quantum Pseudodot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Yong; Ding, Zhao-Hua; Xiao, Jing-Lin

2017-03-01

Employing variational method of Pekar type (VMPT), this paper investigates the first-excited state energy (FESE), excitation energy and transition frequency of the strongly-coupled polaron in the CsI quantum pseudodot (QPD) with electric field. The temperature effects on the strong-coupling polaron in electric field are calculated by using the quantum statistical theory (QST). The results from the present investigation show that the FESE, excitation energy and transition frequency increase (decrease) firstly and then at lower (higher) temperature regions. They are decreasing functions of the electric field strength. Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No. 11464033

PI3K Phosphorylation Is Linked to Improved Electrical Excitability in an In Vitro Engineered Heart Tissue Disease Model System.

PubMed

Kana, Kujaany; Song, Hannah; Laschinger, Carol; Zandstra, Peter W; Radisic, Milica

2015-09-01

Myocardial infarction, a prevalent cardiovascular disease, is associated with cardiomyocyte cell death, and eventually heart failure. Cardiac tissue engineering has provided hopes for alternative treatment options, and high-fidelity tissue models for drug discovery. The signal transduction mechanisms relayed in response to mechanoelectrical (physical) stimulation or biochemical stimulation (hormones, cytokines, or drugs) in engineered heart tissues (EHTs) are poorly understood. In this study, an EHT model was used to elucidate the signaling mechanisms involved when insulin was applied in the presence of electrical stimulation, a stimulus that mimics functional heart tissue environment in vitro. EHTs were insulin treated, electrically stimulated, or applied in combination (insulin and electrical stimulation). Electrical excitability parameters (excitation threshold and maximum capture rate) were measured. Protein kinase B (AKT) and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) phosphorylation revealed that insulin and electrical stimulation relayed electrical excitability through two separate signaling cascades, while there was a negative crosstalk between sustained activation of AKT and PI3K.

A cardiac electrical activity model based on a cellular automata system in comparison with neural network model.

PubMed

Khan, Muhammad Sadiq Ali; Yousuf, Sidrah

2016-03-01

Cardiac Electrical Activity is commonly distributed into three dimensions of Cardiac Tissue (Myocardium) and evolves with duration of time. The indicator of heart diseases can occur randomly at any time of a day. Heart rate, conduction and each electrical activity during cardiac cycle should be monitor non-invasively for the assessment of "Action Potential" (regular) and "Arrhythmia" (irregular) rhythms. Many heart diseases can easily be examined through Automata model like Cellular Automata concepts. This paper deals with the different states of cardiac rhythms using cellular automata with the comparison of neural network also provides fast and highly effective stimulation for the contraction of cardiac muscles on the Atria in the result of genesis of electrical spark or wave. The specific formulated model named as "States of automaton Proposed Model for CEA (Cardiac Electrical Activity)" by using Cellular Automata Methodology is commonly shows the three states of cardiac tissues conduction phenomena (i) Resting (Relax and Excitable state), (ii) ARP (Excited but Absolutely refractory Phase i.e. Excited but not able to excite neighboring cells) (iii) RRP (Excited but Relatively Refractory Phase i.e. Excited and able to excite neighboring cells). The result indicates most efficient modeling with few burden of computation and it is Action Potential during the pumping of blood in cardiac cycle.

Preionization Techniques in a kJ-Scale Dense Plasma Focus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Povilus, Alexander; Shaw, Brian; Chapman, Steve; Podpaly, Yuri; Cooper, Christopher; Falabella, Steve; Prasad, Rahul; Schmidt, Andrea

2016-10-01

A dense plasma focus (DPF) is a type of z-pinch device that uses a high current, coaxial plasma gun with an implosion phase to generate dense plasmas. These devices can accelerate a beam of ions to MeV-scale energies through strong electric fields generated by instabilities during the implosion of the plasma sheath. The formation of these instabilities, however, relies strongly on the history of the plasma sheath in the device, including the evolution of the gas breakdown in the device. In an effort to reduce variability in the performance of the device, we attempt to control the initial gas breakdown in the device by seeding the system with free charges before the main power pulse arrives. We report on the effectiveness of two techniques developed for a kJ-scale DPF at LLNL, a miniature primer spark gap and pulsed, 255nm LED illumination. Prepared by LLNL under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Operational Characteristics and Plasma Measurements in a Low-Energy FARAD Thruster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polzin, K. A.; Best, S.; Rose, M. F.; Miller, R.; Owens, T.

2008-01-01

Pulsed inductive plasma accelerators are spacecraft propulsion devices in which energy is stored in a capacitor and then discharged through an inductive coil. The device is electrodeless, inducing a plasma current sheet in propellant located near the face of the coil. The propellant is accelerated and expelled at a high exhaust velocity (order of 10 km/s) through the interaction of the plasma current with an induced magnetic field. The Faraday Accelerator with RF-Assisted Discharge (FARAD) thruster is a type of pulsed inductive plasma accelerator in which the plasma is preionized by a mechanism separate from that used to form the current sheet and accelerate the gas. Employing a separate preionization mechanism in this manner allows for the formation of an inductive current sheet at much lower discharge energies and voltages than those found in previous pulsed inductive accelerators like the Pulsed Inductive Thruster (PIT). In this paper, we present measurements aimed at quantifying the thruster's overall operational characteristics and providing additional insight into the nature of operation. Measurements of the terminal current and voltage characteristics during the pulse help quantify the output of the pulsed power train driving the acceleration coil. A fast ionization gauge is used to measure the evolution of the neutral gas distribution in the accelerator prior to a pulse. The preionization process is diagnosed by monitoring light emission from the gas using a photodiode, and a time-resolved global view of the evolving, accelerating current sheet is obtained using a fast-framing camera. Local plasma and field measurements are obtained using an array of intrusive probes. The local induced magnetic field and azimuthal current density are measured using B-dot probes and mini-Rogowski coils, respectively. Direct probing of the number density and electron temperature is performed using a triple probe.

On optimization of energy harvesting from base-excited vibration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tai, Wei-Che; Zuo, Lei

2017-12-01

This paper re-examines and clarifies the long-believed optimization conditions of electromagnetic and piezoelectric energy harvesting from base-excited vibration. In terms of electromagnetic energy harvesting, it is typically believed that the maximum power is achieved when the excitation frequency and electrical damping equal the natural frequency and mechanical damping of the mechanical system respectively. We will show that this optimization condition is only valid when the acceleration amplitude of base excitation is constant and an approximation for small mechanical damping when the excitation displacement amplitude is constant. To this end, a two-variable optimization analysis, involving the normalized excitation frequency and electrical damping ratio, is performed to derive the exact optimization condition of each case. When the excitation displacement amplitude is constant, we analytically show that, in contrast to the long-believed optimization condition, the optimal excitation frequency and electrical damping are always larger than the natural frequency and mechanical damping ratio respectively. In particular, when the mechanical damping ratio exceeds a critical value, the optimization condition is no longer valid. Instead, the average power generally increases as the excitation frequency and electrical damping ratio increase. Furthermore, the optimization analysis is extended to consider parasitic electrical losses, which also shows different results when compared with existing literature. When the excitation acceleration amplitude is constant, on the other hand, the exact optimization condition is identical to the long-believed one. In terms of piezoelectric energy harvesting, it is commonly believed that the optimal power efficiency is achieved when the excitation and the short or open circuit frequency of the harvester are equal. Via a similar two-variable optimization analysis, we analytically show that the optimal excitation frequency depends on the mechanical damping ratio and does not equal the short or open circuit frequency. Finally, the optimal excitation frequencies and resistive loads are derived in closed-form.

Kinetic Simulations of Dense Plasma Focus Breakdown

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmidt, A.; Higginson, D. P.; Jiang, S.; Link, A.; Povilus, A.; Sears, J.; Bennett, N.; Rose, D. V.; Welch, D. R.

2015-11-01

A dense plasma focus (DPF) device is a type of plasma gun that drives current through a set of coaxial electrodes to assemble gas inside the device and then implode that gas on axis to form a Z-pinch. This implosion drives hydrodynamic and kinetic instabilities that generate strong electric fields, which produces a short intense pulse of x-rays, high-energy (>100 keV) electrons and ions, and (in deuterium gas) neutrons. A strong factor in pinch performance is the initial breakdown and ionization of the gas along the insulator surface separating the two electrodes. The smoothness and isotropy of this ionized sheath are imprinted on the current sheath that travels along the electrodes, thus making it an important portion of the DPF to both understand and optimize. Here we use kinetic simulations in the Particle-in-cell code LSP to model the breakdown. Simulations are initiated with neutral gas and the breakdown modeled self-consistently as driven by a charged capacitor system. We also investigate novel geometries for the insulator and electrodes to attempt to control the electric field profile. The initial ionization fraction of gas is explored computationally to gauge possible advantages of pre-ionization which could be created experimentally via lasers or a glow-discharge. Prepared by LLNL under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Pulsed ion beam source

DOEpatents

Greenly, J.B.

1997-08-12

An improved pulsed ion beam source is disclosed having a new biasing circuit for the fast magnetic field. This circuit provides for an initial negative bias for the field created by the fast coils in the ion beam source which pre-ionize the gas in the source, ionize the gas and deliver the gas to the proper position in the accelerating gap between the anode and cathode assemblies in the ion beam source. The initial negative bias improves the interaction between the location of the nulls in the composite magnetic field in the ion beam source and the position of the gas for pre-ionization and ionization into the plasma as well as final positioning of the plasma in the accelerating gap. Improvements to the construction of the flux excluders in the anode assembly are also accomplished by fabricating them as layered structures with a high melting point, low conductivity material on the outsides with a high conductivity material in the center. 12 figs.

Design of a Low-Energy FARAD Thruster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polzin, K. A.; Rose, M. F.; Miller, R.; Best, S.; Owens, T.; Dankanich, J.

2007-01-01

The design of an electrodeless thruster that relies on a pulsed, rf-assisted discharge and electromagnetic acceleration using an inductive coil is presented. The thruster design is optimized using known performance,scaling parameters, and experimentally-determined design rules, with design targets for discharge energy, plasma exhaust velocity; and thrust efficiency of 100 J/pulse, 25 km/s, and 50%, respectively. Propellant is injected using a high-speed gas valve and preionized by a pulsed-RF signal supplied by a vector inversion generator, allowing for current sheet formation at lower discharge voltages and energies relative to pulsed inductive accelerators that do not employ preionization. The acceleration coil is designed to possess an inductance of at least 700 nH while the target stray (non-coil) inductance in the circuit is 70 nH. A Bernardes and Merryman pulsed power train or a pulse compression power train provide current to the acceleration coil and solid-state components are used to switch both powertrains.

Scaling and Systems Considerations in Pulsed Inductive Thrusters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polzin, Kurt A.

2007-01-01

Performance scaling in pulsed inductive thrusters is discussed in the context of previous experimental studies and modeling results. Two processes, propellant ionization and acceleration, are interconnected where overall thruster performance and operation are concerned, but they are separated here to gain physical insight into each process and arrive at quantitative criteria that should be met to address or mitigate inherent inductive thruster difficulties. The effects of preionization in lowering the discharge energy requirements relative to a case where no preionization is employed, and in influencing the location of the initial current sheet, are described. The relevant performance scaling parameters for the acceleration stage are reviewed, emphasizing their physical importance and the numerical values required for efficient acceleration. The scaling parameters are then related to the design of the pulsed power train providing current to the acceleration stage. The impact of various choices in pulsed power train and circuit topology selection are reviewed, paying special attention to how these choices mitigate or exacerbate switching, lifetime, and power consumption issues.

A photosynthetic-plasmonic-voltaic cell: Excitation of photosynthetic bacteria and current collection through a plasmonic substrate

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Samsonoff, Nathan; Ooms, Matthew D.; Sinton, David

2014-01-27

Excitation of photosynthetic biofilms using surface-confined evanescent light fields enables energy dense photobioreactors, while electrode-adhered biofilms can provide electricity directly. Here, we demonstrate concurrent light delivery and electron transport through a plasmonically excited metal film. Biofilms of cyanobacterium Synechococcus bacillaris on 50-nm gold films are excited via the Kretschmann configuration at λ = 670 nm. Cells show light/dark response to plasmonic excitation and grow denser biofilms, closer to the electrode surface, as compared to the direct irradiated case. Directly irradiated biofilms produced average electrical powers of 5.7 μW/m{sup 2} and plasmonically excited biofilms produced average electrical powers of 5.8 μW/m{sup 2}, with individual biofilmsmore » producing as much as 12 μW/m{sup 2}.« less

Excitement and synchronization of small-world neuronal networks with short-term synaptic plasticity.

PubMed

Han, Fang; Wiercigroch, Marian; Fang, Jian-An; Wang, Zhijie

2011-10-01

Excitement and synchronization of electrically and chemically coupled Newman-Watts (NW) small-world neuronal networks with a short-term synaptic plasticity described by a modified Oja learning rule are investigated. For each type of neuronal network, the variation properties of synaptic weights are examined first. Then the effects of the learning rate, the coupling strength and the shortcut-adding probability on excitement and synchronization of the neuronal network are studied. It is shown that the synaptic learning suppresses the over-excitement, helps synchronization for the electrically coupled network but impairs synchronization for the chemically coupled one. Both the introduction of shortcuts and the increase of the coupling strength improve synchronization and they are helpful in increasing the excitement for the chemically coupled network, but have little effect on the excitement of the electrically coupled one.

Electromagnetic resonance in the asymmetric terahertz metamaterials with triangle microstructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xing, Yuanyuan; Zhang, Xiaoyu; Zhang, Qiang; Gu, Yanping; Qian, Yunan; Lin, Xingyue; Tang, Yunhai; Cheng, Xinli; Qin, Changfa; Shen, Jiaoyan; Zang, Taocheng; Ma, Chunlan

2018-05-01

We investigate terahertz transmission properties and electromagnetic resonance modes in the asymmetric triangle structures with the change of asymmetric distance and the direction of electric field. When the THz electric field is perpendicular to the split gap of triangle, the electric field can better excite the THz absorption in the triangle structures. Importantly, electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) characteristics are observed in the triangle structures due to the destructive interference of the different excited modes. The distributions of electric field and surface current density simulated by finite difference time domain indicate that the bright mode is excited by the side of triangle structures and dark mode is excited by the gap-side of triangle. The present study is helpful to understand the electromagnetic resonance in the asymmetric triangular metamaterials.

Advanced Radiation Theory Support Annual Report 2004

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-04-29

100 0 100 2W 30 Time (ns) Fig. 3. Timing reference for hologram analyzed here (-70 ns) relative to Plasma Return Flashcard current waveform and...experiments. sufficient preionization was provided by UV radiation from the If photoionization and ionization process associated with the flashcard , in at

Development of compact excimer lasers for remote sensing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Laudenslager, J. B.; Mcdermid, I. S.; Pacala, T. J.

1983-01-01

The capabilities of excimer lasers for remote sensing applications are illustrated in a discussion of the development of a compact tunable XeCl excimer laser for the detection of atmospheric OH radicals. Following a brief review of the operating principles and advantages of excimer lasers, measurements of the wavelength dependence of the net small signal gain coefficient of a discharge excited XeCl laser are presented which demonstrate the overlap of several absorption lines of the A-X(0,0) transition of OH near 308 nm with the wavelengths of the XeCl laser. A range of continuous narrow bandwidth tunability of from 307.6 to 308.4 nm with only a 30 percent variation in output is reported for an XeCl laser used as a double-pass amplifier for a frequency-doubled dye laser, and measurements demonstrating the detection of laser-induced fluorescence from OH in a methane-oxygen flame are also noted. The design of an oscillator-amplifier excimer system comprising a corona-preionized, transverse-discharge oscillator and amplifier is then presented. Output energies of 12-15 mJ have been achieved in the regions where injection locking was established, with energies of 8-10 mJ elsewhere.

Decreased electrical excitability of peripheral nerves in demyelinating polyneuropathies.

PubMed Central

Meulstee, J; Darbas, A; van Doorn, P A; van Briemen, L; van der Meché, F G

1997-01-01

Not recognising the presence of decreased excitability may give rise to a seemingly low compound muscle action potential, which may lead erroneously to the conclusion of conduction block. To quantify decreased electrical excitability, stimulation-response curves and the current needed to achieve 90% of the maximal compound muscle action potential amplitude, i90, were obtained in 17 healthy controls, eight patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome, 14 with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, and 10 with hereditary motor sensory neuropathy type I. Decreased electrical excitability was found in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and hereditary motor sensory neuropathy type I, by contrast with patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome. Recognising decreased excitability prevents the false assertion of conduction block and has electrodiagnostic importance for the differential diagnosis of demyelinating polyneuropathies. PMID:9120460

Laser spectroscopy of the 5P3/2 → 6Pj (j = 1/2 and 3/2) electric dipole forbidden transitions in atomic rubidium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ponciano-Ojeda, F.; Hernández-Gómez, S.; Mojica-Casique, C.; Hoyos, L. M.; Flores-Mijangos, J.; Ramírez-Martínez, F.; Sahagún, D.; Jáuregui, R.; Jiménez-Mier, J.

2018-04-01

Doppler-free optical double-resonance spectroscopy is used to study the 5S1/2 → 5P3/2 → 6Pj (j = 3/2,1/2) excitation sequence in room-temperature rubidium atoms. This involves a 5S1/2 → 5P3/2 electric dipole preparation step followed by the 5P3/2 → 6Pj electric quadrupole excitation. The electric dipole forbidden transitions occur at 911.0 nm (j = 3/2) and 917.5 nm (j = 1/2). Production of atoms in the 6Pj states is detected by observing their direct decay to the ground state through emission of blue photons (λ ≈ 420 nm). A detailed experimental and theoretical study of the dependence on the relative linear polarizations of excitation beams is made. It is shown that specific electric quadrupole selection rules over magnetic quantum numbers are directly related to the relative orientation of the linear polarization of the excitation beams.

Transverse-type laser assembly using induced electrical discharge excitation and method

DOEpatents

Ault, Earl R.

1994-01-01

A transverse-type laser assembly is disclosed herein. This assembly defines a laser cavity containing a vapor or gaseous substance which lases when subjected to specific electrical discharge excitation between a pair of spaced-apart electrodes located within the cavity in order to produce a source of light. An arrangement located entirely outside the laser cavity is provided for inducing a voltage across the electrodes within the cavity sufficient to provide the necessary electrical discharge excitation to cause a vapor substance between the electrodes to lase.

Transverse-type laser assembly using induced electrical discharge excitation and method

DOEpatents

Ault, E.R.

1994-04-19

A transverse-type laser assembly is disclosed herein. This assembly defines a laser cavity containing a vapor or gaseous substance which lases when subjected to specific electrical discharge excitation between a pair of spaced-apart electrodes located within the cavity in order to produce a source of light. An arrangement located entirely outside the laser cavity is provided for inducing a voltage across the electrodes within the cavity sufficient to provide the necessary electrical discharge excitation to cause a vapor substance between the electrodes to lase. 3 figures.

Electromagnon excitation in the field-induced nonlinear ferrimagnetic phase of Ba 2Mg 2Fe 12O 22 studied by polarized inelastic neutron and terahertz time-domain optical spectroscopy

DOE PAGES

Nakajima, Taro; Takahashi, Youtarou; Kibayashi, Shunsuke; ...

2016-01-19

We have studied magnetic excitations in a field-induced noncollinear commensurate ferrimagnetic phase of Ba 2Mg 2Fe 12O 22 by means of polarized inelastic neutron scattering (PINS) and terahertz (THz) time-domain optical spectroscopy under magnetic field. A previous THz spectroscopy study reported that the field-induced phase exhibits electric-dipole-active excitations with energies of around 5 meV [Kida et al., Phys. Rev. B 83, 064422 (2011)]. In the present PINS measurements, we observed inelastic scattering signals around 5 meV at the zone center in the spin-flip channel. This directly shows that the electric-dipole-active excitations are indeed of magnetic origin, that is, electromagnons. Inmore » addition, the present THz spectroscopy confirms that the excitations have oscillating electric polarization parallel to the c axis. In terms of the spin-current model (Katsura-Nagaosa-Balatsky model), the noncollinear magnetic order in the field-induced phase can induce static electric polarization perpendicular to the c axis, but not dynamic electric polarization along the c axis. Furthermore, we suggest that the electromagnon excitations can be explained by applying the magnetostriction model to the out-of-phase oscillations of the magnetic moments, which is deduced from the present experimental results.« less

Performance Improvement of a Magnetized Coaxial Plasma Gun by adopting Iron-core Bias Coil and New Pre-Ionization System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Edo, Takahiro; Asai, T.; Tanaka, F.; Yamada, S.; Hosozawa, A.; Gota, H.; Roche, T.; Allfrey, I.; Matsumoto, T.

2017-10-01

A magnetized coaxial plasma gun (MCPG) is a device used to generate a compact toroid (CT), which has a spheromak-like configuration. A typical MCPG consists of a set of axisymmetric cylindrical electrodes, bias coil, and gas-puff valves. In order to expand the CT operating range, the distributions of the bias magnetic field and neutral gas have been investigated. We have developed a new means of generating stuffing flux. By inserting an iron core into the bias coil, the magnetic field increases dramatically; even a small current of a few Amps produces a sufficient bias field. According to a simulation result, it was also suggested that the radial distribution of the bias field is easily controlled. The ejected CT and the target FRC are cooled by excess neutral gas that typical MCPGs require to initiate a breakdown; therefore, we have adopted a miniature gun as a new pre-ionization (PI) system. By introducing this PI system, the breakdown occurs at lower neutral gas density so that the amount of excess neutral gas can be reduced.

Simulation of Ionization Effects for High-Density Positron Drivers in future Plasma Wakefield Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dimitrov, D. A.; Bruhwiler, D. L.; Busby, R.; Cary, J. R.; Esarey, E.; Leemans, W.

2003-10-01

Recent particle-in-cell simulations have shown [1] that the self-fields of an electron beam driver in a plasma wakefield accelerator can tunnel ionize neutral Li, leading to plasma wake dynamics differing significantly from that of a preionized plasma. It has also been shown, for the case of a preionized plasma, that the plasma wake of a positron driver differs strongly [2] from that of an electron driver. We will present particle- in-cell simulations, using the OOPIC [3] code, showing the effects of tunneling ionization on the plasma wake generated by high-density electron and positron drivers. The results will be compared to previous work on electron drivers with tunneling ionization and positron drivers without ionization. Parameters relevant to the E-164 and E-164x experiments at SLAC will be considered. [1] D.L. Bruhwiler et al., Phys. Plasmas 10 (2003), p. 2022. [2] S. Lee et al., Phys. Rev. E 64, 045501(R) (2001). [3] D.L. Bruhwiler et al., Phys. Rev. ST-AB 4, 101302 (2001).

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Effects of preionization in radiative shocks (Sutherland+, 2017)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sutherland, R. S.; Dopita, M. A.

2017-06-01

In this paper we treat the preionization problem in shocks over the velocity range 10

A high-current rail-type gas switch with preionization by an additional corona discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antipov, E. I.; Belozerov, O. S.; Krastelev, E. G.

2016-12-01

The characteristics of a high-current rail-type gas switch with preionization of the gas (air) in a spark gap by an additional corona discharge are investigated. The experiments were performed in a voltage range of 10-45 kV using a two-electrode switch consisting of two cylindrical electrodes with a diameter of 22 mm and a length of 100 mm and a set of laterally located corona-discharge needles. The requirements for the position and size of the needles are defined for which a corona discharge is ignited before a breakdown of the main gap and does not change to a sparking form, and the entire length of the rail electrodes is efficiently used. The fulfillment of these requirements ensures stable operation of the switch with a small variation of the pulse breakdown voltage, which is not more than 1% for a fixed voltage-pulse rise time in the range from 150 ns to 3.5 μs. A short delay time of the switch breakdown makes it possible to control the two-electrode switch by an overvoltage pulse of nanosecond duration.

Energy deposition into heavy gas plasma via pulsed inductive theta-pinch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pahl, Ryan Alan

The objective of this research is to study the formation processes of a pulsed inductive plasma using heavy gases, specifically the coupling of stored capacitive energy into plasma via formation in a theta pinch coil. To aid in this research, the Missouri Plasmoid Experiment Mk. I (and later Mk. II) was created. In the first paper, the construction of differential magnetic field probes are discussed. The effects of calibration setup on B-dot probes is studied using a Helmholtz coil driven by a vector network analyzer and a pulsed-power system. Calibration in a pulsed-power environment yielded calibration factors at least 9.7% less than the vector network analyzer. In the second paper, energy deposition into various gases using a pulsed inductive test article is investigated. Experimental data are combined with a series RLC model to quantify the energy loss associated with plasma formation in Argon, Hydrogen, and Xenon at pressures from 10-100 mTorr. Plasma resistance is found to vary from 25.8-51.6 mΩ and plasma inductance varies from 41.3--47.0 nH. The greatest amount of initial capacitively stored energy that could be transferred to the plasma was 6.4 J (8.1%) of the initial 79.2 +/- 0.1 J. In the third paper, the effects of a DC preionization source on plasma formation energy is studied. The preionization source radial location is found to have negligible impact on plasma formation repeatability while voltage is found to be critical at low pressures. Without preionization, plasma formation was not possible. At 20 mTorr, 0.20 W of power was sufficient to stabilize plasma formation about the first zero-crossing of the discharge current. Increasing power to 1.49 W increased inductively coupled energy by 39%. At 200 mTorr, 4.3 mW was sufficient to produce repeatable plasma properties.

Electrical stimulation of the midbrain excites the auditory cortex asymmetrically.

PubMed

Quass, Gunnar Lennart; Kurt, Simone; Hildebrandt, Jannis; Kral, Andrej

2018-05-17

Auditory midbrain implant users cannot achieve open speech perception and have limited frequency resolution. It remains unclear whether the spread of excitation contributes to this issue and how much it can be compensated by current-focusing, which is an effective approach in cochlear implants. The present study examined the spread of excitation in the cortex elicited by electric midbrain stimulation. We further tested whether current-focusing via bipolar and tripolar stimulation is effective with electric midbrain stimulation and whether these modes hold any advantage over monopolar stimulation also in conditions when the stimulation electrodes are in direct contact with the target tissue. Using penetrating multielectrode arrays, we recorded cortical population responses to single pulse electric midbrain stimulation in 10 ketamine/xylazine anesthetized mice. We compared monopolar, bipolar, and tripolar stimulation configurations with regard to the spread of excitation and the characteristic frequency difference between the stimulation/recording electrodes. The cortical responses were distributed asymmetrically around the characteristic frequency of the stimulated midbrain region with a strong activation in regions tuned up to one octave higher. We found no significant differences between monopolar, bipolar, and tripolar stimulation in threshold, evoked firing rate, or dynamic range. The cortical responses to electric midbrain stimulation are biased towards higher tonotopic frequencies. Current-focusing is not effective in direct contact electrical stimulation. Electrode maps should account for the asymmetrical spread of excitation when fitting auditory midbrain implants by shifting the frequency-bands downward and stimulating as dorsally as possible. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Use of a magnetic force exciter to vibrate a piezocomposite generating element in a small-scale windmill

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Truyen Luong, Hung; Goo, Nam Seo

2012-02-01

A piezocomposite generating element (PCGE) can be used to convert ambient vibrations into electrical energy that can be stored and used to power other devices. This paper introduces a design of a magnetic force exciter for a small-scale windmill that vibrates a PCGE to convert wind energy into electrical energy. A small-scale windmill was designed to be sensitive to low-speed wind in urban regions for the purpose of collecting wind energy. The magnetic force exciter consists of exciting magnets attached to the device’s input rotor and a secondary magnet fixed at the tip of the PCGE. The PCGE is fixed to a clamp that can be adjusted to slide on the windmill’s frame in order to change the gap between exciting and secondary magnets. Under an applied wind force, the input rotor rotates to create a magnetic force interaction that excites the PCGE. The deformation of the PCGE enables it to generate electric power. Experiments were performed with different numbers of exciting magnets and different gaps between the exciting and secondary magnets to determine the optimal configuration for generating the peak voltage and harvesting the maximum wind energy for the same range of wind speeds. In a battery-charging test, the charging time for a 40 mA h battery was approximately 3 h for natural wind in an urban region. The experimental results show that the prototype can harvest energy in urban regions with low wind speeds and convert the wasted wind energy into electricity for city use.

Torque shudder protection device and method

DOEpatents

King, Robert D.; De Doncker, Rik W. A. A.; Szczesny, Paul M.

1997-01-01

A torque shudder protection device for an induction machine includes a flux command generator for supplying a steady state flux command and a torque shudder detector for supplying a status including a negative status to indicate a lack of torque shudder and a positive status to indicate a presence of torque shudder. A flux adapter uses the steady state flux command and the status to supply a present flux command identical to the steady state flux command for a negative status and different from the steady state flux command for a positive status. A limiter can receive the present flux command, prevent the present flux command from exceeding a predetermined maximum flux command magnitude, and supply the present flux command to a field oriented controller. After determining a critical electrical excitation frequency at which a torque shudder occurs for the induction machine, a flux adjuster can monitor the electrical excitation frequency of the induction machine and adjust a flux command to prevent the monitored electrical excitation frequency from reaching the critical electrical excitation frequency.

Torque shudder protection device and method

DOEpatents

King, R.D.; Doncker, R.W.A.A. De.; Szczesny, P.M.

1997-03-11

A torque shudder protection device for an induction machine includes a flux command generator for supplying a steady state flux command and a torque shudder detector for supplying a status including a negative status to indicate a lack of torque shudder and a positive status to indicate a presence of torque shudder. A flux adapter uses the steady state flux command and the status to supply a present flux command identical to the steady state flux command for a negative status and different from the steady state flux command for a positive status. A limiter can receive the present flux command, prevent the present flux command from exceeding a predetermined maximum flux command magnitude, and supply the present flux command to a field oriented controller. After determining a critical electrical excitation frequency at which a torque shudder occurs for the induction machine, a flux adjuster can monitor the electrical excitation frequency of the induction machine and adjust a flux command to prevent the monitored electrical excitation frequency from reaching the critical electrical excitation frequency. 5 figs.

A four kHz repetition rate compact TEA CO2 laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Yijun; Tan, Rongqing

2013-09-01

A compact transversely excited atmospheric (TEA) CO2 laser with high repetition-rate was reported. The size of the laser is 380 mm×300 mm×200 mm, and the discharge volume is 12×103 mm3. The laser cavity has a length of 320mm and consists of a totally reflective concave mirror with a radius of curvature of 4 m (Cu metal substrate coated with Au) and a partially reflecting mirror. The ultraviolet preionization makes the discharge even and stable，the output energy can be as high as 28 mJ under the circumstance of free oscillation, and the width of the light pulse is 60ns．To acquire the high wind velocity, a turbocharger is used in the system of the fast-gas flow cycle. When the wind speed is 100m/s, the repetition rate of the transversely excited atmospheric CO2 laser is up to 2 kHz. On this basis, a dual modular structure with two sets of the gas discharge unit is adopted to obtain a higher pulse repetition frequency output. The dual discharge unit composed two sets of electrodes and two sets of turbo fan. Alternate trigger technology is used to make the two sets of discharge module work in turn with repetition frequency of 2 kHz, the discharge interval of two sets of the gas discharge unit can be adjusted continuously from 20 microseconds to 250 microseconds. Under the conditions of maintaining the other parameters constant, the repetition frequency of the laser pulse is up to 4 kHz. The total size of laser with dual modular structure is 380mm×520mm×200mm, and the discharge volume is 24×103 mm3 with the cavity length of 520mm.

Capacitively coupled hydrogen plasmas sustained by tailored voltage waveforms: excitation dynamics and ion flux asymmetry

DOE PAGES

Bruneau, B.; Diomede, P.; Economou, D. J.; ...

2016-06-08

Parallel plate capacitively coupled plasmas in hydrogen at relatively high pressure (~1 Torr) are excited with tailored voltage waveforms containing up to five frequencies. Predictions of a hybrid model combining a particle-in-cell simulation with Monte Carlo collisions and a fluid model are compared to phase resolved optical emission spectroscopy measurements, yielding information on the dynamics of the excitation rate in these discharges. When the discharge is excited with amplitude asymmetric waveforms, the discharge becomes electrically asymmetric, with different ion energies at each of the two electrodes. Unexpectedly, large differences in themore » $$\\text{H}_{2}^{+}$$ fluxes to each of the two electrodes are caused by the different $$\\text{H}_{3}^{+}$$ energies. When the discharge is excited with slope asymmetric waveforms, only weak electrical asymmetry of the discharge is observed. In this case, electron power absorption due to fast sheath expansion at one electrode is balanced by electron power absorption at the opposite electrode due to a strong electric field reversal.« less

Modelling Feedback Excitation, Pacemaker Properties and Sensory Switching of Electrically Coupled Brainstem Neurons Controlling Rhythmic Activity

PubMed Central

Hull, Michael J.; Soffe, Stephen R.; Willshaw, David J.; Roberts, Alan

2016-01-01

What cellular and network properties allow reliable neuronal rhythm generation or firing that can be started and stopped by brief synaptic inputs? We investigate rhythmic activity in an electrically-coupled population of brainstem neurons driving swimming locomotion in young frog tadpoles, and how activity is switched on and off by brief sensory stimulation. We build a computational model of 30 electrically-coupled conditional pacemaker neurons on one side of the tadpole hindbrain and spinal cord. Based on experimental estimates for neuron properties, population sizes, synapse strengths and connections, we show that: long-lasting, mutual, glutamatergic excitation between the neurons allows the network to sustain rhythmic pacemaker firing at swimming frequencies following brief synaptic excitation; activity persists but rhythm breaks down without electrical coupling; NMDA voltage-dependency doubles the range of synaptic feedback strengths generating sustained rhythm. The network can be switched on and off at short latency by brief synaptic excitation and inhibition. We demonstrate that a population of generic Hodgkin-Huxley type neurons coupled by glutamatergic excitatory feedback can generate sustained asynchronous firing switched on and off synaptically. We conclude that networks of neurons with NMDAR mediated feedback excitation can generate self-sustained activity following brief synaptic excitation. The frequency of activity is limited by the kinetics of the neuron membrane channels and can be stopped by brief inhibitory input. Network activity can be rhythmic at lower frequencies if the neurons are electrically coupled. Our key finding is that excitatory synaptic feedback within a population of neurons can produce switchable, stable, sustained firing without synaptic inhibition. PMID:26824331

Excited-state dynamics of acetylene excited to individual rotational level of the V04K01 subband

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makarov, Vladimir I.; Kochubei, Sergei A.; Khmelinskii, Igor V.

2006-01-01

Dynamics of the IR emission induced by excitation of the acetylene molecule using the (32Ka0,1,2,ÃAu1←41la1,X˜Σg+1) transition was investigated. The observed IR emission was assigned to transitions between the ground-state vibrational levels. Acetylene fluorescence quenching induced by external electric and magnetic fields acting upon the system prepared using the (34Ka1,ÃAu1←00la0,X˜Σg+1) excitation was also studied. External electric field creates an additional radiationless pathway to the ground-state levels, coupling levels of the ÃAu1 excited state to the quasiresonant levels of the X˜Σg+1 ground state. The level density of the ground state in the vicinity of the excited state is very high, thus the electric-field-induced transition is irreversible, with the rate constant described by the Fermi rule. Magnetic field alters the decay profile without changing the fluorescence quantum yield in collisionless conditions. IR emission from the CCH transient was detected, and was also affected by the external electric and magnetic fields. Acetylene predissociation was demonstrated to proceed by the direct S1→S0 mechanism. The results were explained using the previously developed theoretical approach, yielding values of the relevant model parameters.

Influence of excitability on unpinning and termination of spiral waves.

PubMed

Luengviriya, Jiraporn; Sutthiopad, Malee; Phantu, Metinee; Porjai, Porramain; Kanchanawarin, Jarin; Müller, Stefan C; Luengviriya, Chaiya

2014-11-01

Application of electrical forcing to release pinned spiral waves from unexcitable obstacles and to terminate the rotation of free spiral waves at the boundary of excitable media has been investigated in thin layers of the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction, prepared with different initial concentrations of H_{2}SO_{4}. Increasing [H_{2}SO_{4}] raises the excitability of the reaction and reduces the core diameter of free spiral waves as well as the wave period. An electric current with density stronger than a critical value Junpin causes a pinned spiral wave to drift away from the obstacle. For a given obstacle size, Junpin increases with [H_{2}SO_{4}]. Under an applied electrical current, the rotation center of a free spiral wave drifts along a straight path to the boundary. When the current density is stronger than a critical value Jterm, the spiral tip is forced to hit the boundary, where the spiral wave is terminated. Similar to Junpin for releasing a pinned spiral wave, Jterm also increases with [H_{2}SO_{4}]. These experimental findings were confirmed by numerical simulations using the Oregonator model, in which the excitability was adjusted via the ratio of the excitation rate to the recovery rate of the BZ reaction. Therefore, our investigation shows that decreasing the excitability can facilitate elimination of spiral waves by electrical forcing, either in the presence of obstacles or not.

Investigation of ionized metal flux in enhanced high power impulse magnetron sputtering discharges

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stranak, Vitezslav, E-mail: stranak@prf.jcu.cz; Hubicka, Zdenek; Cada, Martin

2014-04-21

The metal ionized flux fraction and production of double charged metal ions Me{sup 2+} of different materials (Al, Cu, Fe, Ti) by High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering (HiPIMS) operated with and without a pre-ionization assistance is compared in the paper. The Electron Cyclotron Wave Resonance (ECWR) discharge was employed as the pre-ionization agent providing a seed of charge in the idle time of HiPIMS pulses. A modified grid-free biased quartz crystal microbalance was used to estimate the metal ionized flux fraction ξ. The energy-resolved mass spectrometry served as a complementary method to distinguish particular ion contributions to the total ionizedmore » flux onto the substrate. The ratio between densities of doubly Me{sup 2+} and singly Me{sup +} charged metal ions was determined. It is shown that ECWR assistance enhances Me{sup 2+} production with respect of absorbed rf-power. The ECWR discharge also increases the metal ionized flux fraction of about 30% especially in the region of lower pressures. Further, the suppression of the gas rarefaction effect due to enhanced secondary electron emission of Me{sup 2+} was observed.« less

Study on the characteristics of a two gap capillary discharge

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Huang, D.; Yang, L. J., E-mail: yanglj@mail.xjtu.edu.cn; Huo, P.

2015-02-15

The paper presents a new two-gap capillary (TGC) discharge structure. The prominent innovation is the introduction of the middle electrode, which divides the capillary into the trigger gap and the main gap. The discharge circuit of the TGC comprises the trigger circuit and the main circuit. The two circuits are used for the pre-ionization of the trigger gap and providing energy of 450 J for the main gap arc discharging, respectively. When the discharge initiates, the trigger gap is pre-ionized under high voltage pulse produced by trigger circuit, and meanwhile, the weakly ionized plasma is generated. The main circuit then maintainsmore » the expansion of the plasma, which is called soft capillary discharge. Afterwards, the main gap is shorted and discharges under a relatively low voltage. With the optimization of the circuit parameter, both the energy deposition ratio in main gap and the degree of plasma ionization are enhanced. The efficiency of the energy deposition is almost twice higher compared with that of the conventional capillary structure. The life performance test indicates that the erosion of the middle electrode and the trigger gap carbonization are the key factors that limit the life performance of the TGC.« less

A high-current rail-type gas switch with preionization by an additional corona discharge

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Antipov, E. I.; Belozerov, O. S.; Krastelev, E. G., E-mail: ekrastelev@yandex.ru

The characteristics of a high-current rail-type gas switch with preionization of the gas (air) in a spark gap by an additional corona discharge are investigated. The experiments were performed in a voltage range of 10–45 kV using a two-electrode switch consisting of two cylindrical electrodes with a diameter of 22 mm and a length of 100 mm and a set of laterally located corona-discharge needles. The requirements for the position and size of the needles are defined for which a corona discharge is ignited before a breakdown of the main gap and does not change to a sparking form, andmore » the entire length of the rail electrodes is efficiently used. The fulfillment of these requirements ensures stable operation of the switch with a small variation of the pulse breakdown voltage, which is not more than 1% for a fixed voltage-pulse rise time in the range from 150 ns to 3.5 μs. A short delay time of the switch breakdown makes it possible to control the two-electrode switch by an overvoltage pulse of nanosecond duration.« less

CO2 laser preionisation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spiers, Gary D.

1991-01-01

The final report for work done during the reporting period of January 25, 1990 to January 24, 1991 is presented. A literature survey was conducted to identify the required parameters for effective preionization in TEA CO2 lasers and the methods and techniques for characterizing preionizers are reviewed. A numerical model of the LP-140 cavity was used to determine the cause of the transverse mode stability improvement obtained when the cavity was lengthened. The measurement of the voltage and current discharge pulses on the LP-140 were obtained and their subsequent analysis resulted in an explanation for the low efficiency of the laser. An assortment of items relating to the development of high-voltage power supplies is also provided. A program for analyzing the frequency chirp data files obtained with the HP time and frequency analyzer is included. A program to calculate the theoretical LIMP chirp is also included and a comparison between experiment and theory is made. A program for calculating the CO2 linewidth and its dependence on gas composition and pressure is presented. The program also calculates the number of axial modes under the FWHM of the line for a given resonator length. A graphical plot of the results is plotted.

A new type of localized fast moving electronic excitations in molecular chains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korshunova, A. N.; Lakhno, V. D.

2014-06-01

It is shown that in a Holstein molecular chain placed in a strong longitudinal electric field some new types of excitations can arise. These excitations can transfer a charge over large distance (more than 1000 nucleotide pairs) along the chain retaining approximately their shapes. Excitations are formed only when a strong electric field either exists or quickly arises under especially preassigned conditions. These excitations transfer a charge even in the case when Holstein polarons are practically immobile. The results obtained are applied to synthetic homogeneous PolyG/PolyC DNA duplexes. They can also be provide the basis for explanation of famous H.W. Fink and C. Schönenberger experiment on long-range charge transfer in DNA.

Endoplasmic Reticulum-Plasma Membrane Contacts Regulate Cellular Excitability.

PubMed

Dickson, Eamonn J

2017-01-01

Cells that have intrinsic electrical excitability utilize changes in membrane potential to communicate with neighboring cells and initiate cellular cascades. Excitable cells like neurons and myocytes have evolved highly specialized subcellular architectures to translate these electrical signals into cellular events. One such structural specialization is sarco-/endoplasmic reticulum-plasma membrane contact sites. These membrane contact sites are positioned by specific membrane-membrane tethering proteins and contain an ever-expanding list of additional proteins that organize information transfer across the junctional space (~ 15-25 nm distance) to shape membrane identity and control cellular excitability. In this chapter we discuss how contacts between the sarco-/endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane are essential for regulated excitation-contraction coupling in striated muscle and control of lipid-dependent ion channels.

69. Credit TCL. Housing of Pelton exciter impulse wheel and ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

69. Credit TCL. Housing of Pelton exciter impulse wheel and attached General Electric 60 kW exciter generator. - Battle Creek Hydroelectric System, Battle Creek & Tributaries, Red Bluff, Tehama County, CA

Start-up and control method and apparatus for resonant free piston Stirling engine

DOEpatents

Walsh, Michael M.

1984-01-01

A resonant free-piston Stirling engine having a new and improved start-up and control method and system. A displacer linear electrodynamic machine is provided having an armature secured to and movable with the displacer and having a stator supported by the Stirling engine housing in juxtaposition to the armature. A control excitation circuit is provided for electrically exciting the displacer linear electrodynamic machine with electrical excitation signals having substantially the same frequency as the desired frequency of operation of the Stirling engine. The excitation control circuit is designed so that it selectively and controllably causes the displacer electrodynamic machine to function either as a generator load to extract power from the displacer or the control circuit selectively can be operated to cause the displacer electrodynamic machine to operate as an electric drive motor to apply additional input power to the displacer in addition to the thermodynamic power feedback to the displacer whereby the displacer linear electrodynamic machine also is used in the electric drive motor mode as a means for initially starting the resonant free-piston Stirling engine.

Effect of the architecture of the left ventricle on the speed of the excitation wave in muscle fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nezlobinsky, T. V.; Pravdin, S. F.; Katsnelson, L. B.; Solovyova, O. E.

2016-07-01

It is known that preferential paths for the propagation of an electrical excitation wave in the human ventricular myocardium are associated with muscle fibers in tissue. The speed of the excitation wave along a fiber is several times higher than that across the direction of the fiber. To estimate the effect of the architecture and anisotropy of the myocardium of the left ventricle on the process of its electrical activation, we have studied the relation between the speed of the electrical excitation wave in a one-dimensional isolated myocardial fiber consisting of sequentially coupled cardiomyocytes and in an identical fiber located in the wall of a threedimensional anatomical model of the left ventricle. It has been shown that the speed of a wavefront along the fiber in the three-dimensional myocardial tissue is much higher than that in the one-dimensional fiber. The acceleration of the signal is due to the rotation of directions of fibers in the wall and to the position of the excitation wavefront with respect to the direction of this fiber. The observed phenomenon is caused by the approach of the excitable tissue with rotational anisotropy in its properties to a pseudoisotropic tissue.

Effects of electrical stimulation of the hunger center in the lateral hypothalamus and food reinforcement on impulse activity of the stomach in rabbits under conditions of hunger and satiation.

PubMed

Zenina, O Yu; Kromin, A A

2012-10-01

Stimulation of the lateral hypothalamus in preliminary fed animals in the presence of the food is associated with successful food-procuring behavior, accompanied by regular generation of high-amplitude slow electrical waves by muscles of the lesser curvature, body, and antrum of the stomach, which was reflected in the structure of temporal organization of slow electrical activity in the form of unimodal distribution of slow wave periods typical of satiation state. Despite increased level of food motivation caused by stimulation of the lateral hypothalamus, the additional food intake completely abolished the inhibitory effects of hunger motivation excitement on slow electrical muscle activity in the lesser curvature, body, and antrum of the stomach of satiated rabbits. Changes in slow electrical activity of the stomach muscles in rabbits deprived of food over 24 h and offered food and associated food-procuring behavior during electrical stimulation of the lateral hypothalamus have a two-phase pattern. Despite food intake during phase I of electrical stimulation, the downstream inhibitory effect of hunger motivation excitement on myogenic pacemaker of the lesser curvature of stomach abolishes the stimulating effect of food reinforcement on slow electrical muscle activity in the lesser curvature, body, and antrum of the stomach. During phase II of electrical stimulation, the food reinforcement decreases inhibitory effect of hunger motivation excitement on myogenic pacemaker of the lesser curvature that paces maximal rhythm of slow electrical waves for muscles activity in the lesser curvature, body, and antrum of the stomach, which is reflected by unimodal distribution of slow electrical wave periods. Our results indicated that the structure of temporal organization of slow electrical activity of the stomach muscles reflects convergent interactions of food motivation and reinforcement excitations on the dorsal vagal complex neurons in medulla oblongata.

Sound-by-sound thalamic stimulation modulates midbrain auditory excitability and relative binaural sensitivity in frogs

PubMed Central

Ponnath, Abhilash; Farris, Hamilton E.

2014-01-01

Descending circuitry can modulate auditory processing, biasing sensitivity to particular stimulus parameters and locations. Using awake in vivo single unit recordings, this study tested whether electrical stimulation of the thalamus modulates auditory excitability and relative binaural sensitivity in neurons of the amphibian midbrain. In addition, by using electrical stimuli that were either longer than the acoustic stimuli (i.e., seconds) or presented on a sound-by-sound basis (ms), experiments addressed whether the form of modulation depended on the temporal structure of the electrical stimulus. Following long duration electrical stimulation (3–10 s of 20 Hz square pulses), excitability (spikes/acoustic stimulus) to free-field noise stimuli decreased by 32%, but returned over 600 s. In contrast, sound-by-sound electrical stimulation using a single 2 ms duration electrical pulse 25 ms before each noise stimulus caused faster and varied forms of modulation: modulation lasted <2 s and, in different cells, excitability either decreased, increased or shifted in latency. Within cells, the modulatory effect of sound-by-sound electrical stimulation varied between different acoustic stimuli, including for different male calls, suggesting modulation is specific to certain stimulus attributes. For binaural units, modulation depended on the ear of input, as sound-by-sound electrical stimulation preceding dichotic acoustic stimulation caused asymmetric modulatory effects: sensitivity shifted for sounds at only one ear, or by different relative amounts for both ears. This caused a change in the relative difference in binaural sensitivity. Thus, sound-by-sound electrical stimulation revealed fast and ear-specific (i.e., lateralized) auditory modulation that is potentially suited to shifts in auditory attention during sound segregation in the auditory scene. PMID:25120437

Sound-by-sound thalamic stimulation modulates midbrain auditory excitability and relative binaural sensitivity in frogs.

PubMed

Ponnath, Abhilash; Farris, Hamilton E

2014-01-01

Descending circuitry can modulate auditory processing, biasing sensitivity to particular stimulus parameters and locations. Using awake in vivo single unit recordings, this study tested whether electrical stimulation of the thalamus modulates auditory excitability and relative binaural sensitivity in neurons of the amphibian midbrain. In addition, by using electrical stimuli that were either longer than the acoustic stimuli (i.e., seconds) or presented on a sound-by-sound basis (ms), experiments addressed whether the form of modulation depended on the temporal structure of the electrical stimulus. Following long duration electrical stimulation (3-10 s of 20 Hz square pulses), excitability (spikes/acoustic stimulus) to free-field noise stimuli decreased by 32%, but returned over 600 s. In contrast, sound-by-sound electrical stimulation using a single 2 ms duration electrical pulse 25 ms before each noise stimulus caused faster and varied forms of modulation: modulation lasted <2 s and, in different cells, excitability either decreased, increased or shifted in latency. Within cells, the modulatory effect of sound-by-sound electrical stimulation varied between different acoustic stimuli, including for different male calls, suggesting modulation is specific to certain stimulus attributes. For binaural units, modulation depended on the ear of input, as sound-by-sound electrical stimulation preceding dichotic acoustic stimulation caused asymmetric modulatory effects: sensitivity shifted for sounds at only one ear, or by different relative amounts for both ears. This caused a change in the relative difference in binaural sensitivity. Thus, sound-by-sound electrical stimulation revealed fast and ear-specific (i.e., lateralized) auditory modulation that is potentially suited to shifts in auditory attention during sound segregation in the auditory scene.

Comparison between electric dipole and magnetic loop antennas for emitting whistler modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stenzel, R.; Urrutia, J. M.

2016-12-01

In a large uniform and unbounded laboratory plasma low frequency whistler modes are excited from an electric dipole and a magnetic loop. The excited waves are measured with a magnetic probe which resolves the three field components in 3D space and time. This yields the group velocity and energy density, from which one obtains the emitted power. The same rf generator is used for both antennas and the radiated power is measured under identical plasma conditions. The magnetic loop radiates 8000 times more power than the electric dipole. The reason is that the loop antenna carries a large conduction current while the electric dipole current is a much smaller displacement current through the sheath. The current, hence magnetic field excites whistlers, not the dipole electric field. Incidentally, a dipole antenna does not launch plane waves but m = 1 helicon modes. The findings suggest that active wave injections into the magnetosphere should be done with magnetic antennas. Two parallel dipoles connected at the free end could serve as an elongated loop.

Design of a magnetic force exciter for a small-scale windmill using a piezo-composite generating element

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luong, Hung Truyen; Goo, Nam Seo

2011-03-01

We introduce a design for a magnetic force exciter that applies vibration to a piezo-composite generating element (PCGE) for a small-scale windmill to convert wind energy into electrical energy. The windmill can be used to harvest wind energy in urban regions. The magnetic force exciter consists of exciting magnets attached to the device's input rotor, and a secondary magnet that is fixed at the tip of the PCGE. Under an applied wind force, the input rotor rotates to create a magnetic force interaction to excite the PCGE. Deformation of the PCGE enables it to generate the electric power. Experiments were performed to test power generation and battery charging capabilities. In a battery charging test, the charging time for a 40 mAh battery is approximately 1.5 hours for a wind speed of 2.5 m/s. Our experimental results show that the prototype can harvest energy in urban areas with low wind speeds, and convert the wasted wind energy into electricity for city use.

Formation of a strong electric field resulting in the excitation of microplasma discharges at the edge of a dielectric film on a metal in a plasma flow

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ivanov, V. A., E-mail: ivanov@fpl.gpi.ru; Sakharov, A. S.; Konyzhev, M. E.

2016-06-15

Results are presented from experimental and analytical studies of the processes resulting in the excitation of microplasma discharges (MPDs) on a metal surface partially covered with a thin dielectric film under the action of an external plasma flow in vacuum. It is shown experimentally that MPDs are excited at the interface between the open metal surface and the region covered by the dielectric film. The probability of MPD excitation is investigated as a function of the thickness of the dielectric film deposited on the metal. It is found that, for a film thickness of 1 μm, the probability of MPDmore » excitation is close to unity. As the film thickness decreases below ~10 nm or increases above ~10 μm, the probability of MPD excitation is reduced by more than two orders of magnitude. A two-dimensional kinetic numerical code is developed that allows one to model the processes of Debye sheath formation and generation of a strong electric field near the edge of a finite-thickness dielectric film on a metal surface in a plasma flow for different configurations of the film edge. It is shown that the maximum value of the tangential component of the electric field is reached at the film edge and amounts to E{sub max} ≈ |φ{sub 0}|/2d (where φ{sub 0} < 0 is the electric potential applied to the metal and d is the film thickness), which for typical conditions of experiments on the excitation of MPDs on metal surfaces (φ{sub 0} ≈–400 V, d ≈ 1 μm) yields E{sub max} ≈ 2 MV/cm. The results of kinetic simulations confirm the qualitative idea about the mechanism of the formation of a strong electric field resulting in the excitation of MPDs at the edge of a dielectric film on a metal surface in a plasma flow and agree with experimental data.« less

Control of wave propagation in a biological excitable medium by an external electric field.

PubMed

Sebestikova, Lenka; Slamova, Elena; Sevcikova, Hana

2005-03-01

We present an experimental evidence of effects of external electric fields (EFs) on the velocity of pulse waves propagating in a biological excitable medium. The excitable medium used is formed by a layer of starving cells of Dictyostelium discoideum through which the waves of increased concentration of cAMP propagate by reaction-diffusion mechanism. External dc EFs of low intensities (up to 5 V/cm) are shown to speed up the propagation of cAMP waves towards the positive electrode and slow it down towards the negative electrode. Electric fields were also found to support an emergence of new centers, emitting cAMP waves, in front of cAMP waves propagating towards the negative electrode.

Direct observation of spin-quadrupolar excitations in Sr2CoGe2O7 by high-field electron spin resonance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akaki, Mitsuru; Yoshizawa, Daichi; Okutani, Akira; Kida, Takanori; Romhányi, Judit; Penc, Karlo; Hagiwara, Masayuki

2017-12-01

Exotic spin-multipolar ordering in spin transition metal insulators has so far eluded unambiguous experimental observation. A less studied, but perhaps more feasible fingerprint of multipole character emerges in the excitation spectrum in the form of quadrupolar transitions. Such multipolar excitations are desirable as they can be manipulated with the use of light or electric field and can be captured by means of conventional experimental techniques. Here we study single crystals of multiferroic Sr2CoGe2O7 and observe a two-magnon spin excitation appearing above the saturation magnetic field in electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra. Our analysis of the selection rules reveals that this spin excitation mode does not couple to the magnetic component of the light, but it is excited by the electric field only, in full agreement with the theoretical calculations. Due to the nearly isotropic nature of Sr2CoGe2O7 , we identify this excitation as a purely spin-quadrupolar two-magnon mode.

Study of np{sup 2}P{sub 1/2,3/2} Rydberg series of AlI by the method of laser stepwise excitation and ionization by electric field

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kasimov, A.K.; Tursunov, A.T.; Tukhlibaev, O.

Frequencies of the 4s{sup 2}S{sub 1/2}-np{sup 2}P{sub 1/2, 3/2} transitions are measured and the energies of high-lying P states, as well as the ionization energy of aluminum atoms, are determined by the method of two-step laser excitation and ionization of excited atoms of AlI by an electric field. 4 refs., 3 figs., 1 tab.

Excitability and optical pulse generation in semiconductor lasers driven by resonant tunneling diode photo-detectors.

PubMed

Romeira, Bruno; Javaloyes, Julien; Ironside, Charles N; Figueiredo, José M L; Balle, Salvador; Piro, Oreste

2013-09-09

We demonstrate, experimentally and theoretically, excitable nanosecond optical pulses in optoelectronic integrated circuits operating at telecommunication wavelengths (1550 nm) comprising a nanoscale double barrier quantum well resonant tunneling diode (RTD) photo-detector driving a laser diode (LD). When perturbed either electrically or optically by an input signal above a certain threshold, the optoelectronic circuit generates short electrical and optical excitable pulses mimicking the spiking behavior of biological neurons. Interestingly, the asymmetric nonlinear characteristic of the RTD-LD allows for two different regimes where one obtain either single pulses or a burst of multiple pulses. The high-speed excitable response capabilities are promising for neurally inspired information applications in photonics.

Corticospinal excitability is dependent on the parameters of peripheral electric stimulation: a preliminary study.

PubMed

Chipchase, Lucy S; Schabrun, Siobhan M; Hodges, Paul W

2011-09-01

To evaluate the effect of 6 electric stimulation paradigms on corticospinal excitability. Using a same subject pre-post test design, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was used to measure the responsiveness of corticomotor pathway to biceps and triceps brachii muscles before and after 30 minutes of electric stimulation over the biceps brachii. Six different electric stimulation paradigms were applied in random order, at least 3 days apart. Motor control research laboratory. Healthy subjects (N=10; 5 women, 5 men; mean age ± SD, 26 ± 3.6y). Six different electric stimulation paradigms with varied stimulus amplitude, frequency, and ramp settings. Amplitudes of TMS-induced motor evoked potentials at biceps and triceps brachii normalized to maximal M-wave amplitudes. Electric stimulation delivered at stimulus amplitude sufficient to evoke a sensory response at both 10 Hz and 100 Hz, and stimulus amplitude to create a noxious response at 10 Hz decreased corticomotor responsiveness (all P<0.01). Stimulation sufficient to induce a motor contraction (30 Hz) applied in a ramped pattern to mimic a voluntary activation increased corticomotor responsiveness (P=0.002), whereas constant low- and high-intensity motor stimulation at 10 Hz did not. Corticomotor excitability changes were similar for both the stimulated muscle and its antagonist. Stimulus amplitude (intensity) and the nature (muscle flicker vs contraction) of motor stimulation have a significant impact on changes in corticospinal excitability induced by electric stimulation. Here, we demonstrate that peripheral electric stimulation at stimulus amplitude to create a sensory response reduces corticomotor responsiveness. Conversely, stimulus amplitude to create a motor response increases corticomotor responsiveness, but only the parameters that create a motor response that mimics a voluntary muscle contraction. Copyright © 2011 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Simultaneous and Continuous Excitation Method for High-Speed Electrical Impedance Tomography with Reduced Transients and Noise Sensitivity

PubMed Central

Mylvaganam, Saba

2018-01-01

This paper presents a concept for soft field tomographic scan of all the projections of electromagnetic waves emanating from an array of electrodes. Instead of the sequential excitation of all pairs of electrodes in the list of all projections, the new method present here consists of a single and continuous excitation. This excitation signal is the linear combination of the excitation signals in the projection set at different AC frequencies. The response to a given projection is discriminated by selecting the corresponding AC frequency component in the signal spectra of the digitally demodulated signals. The main advantage of this method is the suppression of transients after each projection, which is particularly problematic in electrical impedance tomography due to contact impedance phenomena and skin effect. The second benefit over the sequential scan method is the increased number of samples for each measurement for reduced noise sensitivity with digital demodulation. The third benefit is the increased temporal resolution in high-speed applications. The main drawback is the increased number of signal sources required (one per electrode). This paper focuses on electrical impedance tomography, based on earlier work by the authors. An experimental proof-of-concept using a simple 4-electrodes electrical impedance tomographic system is presented using simulations and laboratory data. The method presented here may be extended to other modalities (ultrasonic, microwave, optical, etc.). PMID:29597327

A novel energy transfer inducing strong enhancement of electric dipole transition in Na3Mo12PO40:xEu3+ phosphors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Long, Jinqiao; Wang, Tianman; Luo, Zhirong; Gao, Yong; Song, Baoling; Liang, Jing; Liao, Sen; Huang, Yingheng; Zhang, Huaxin

2017-08-01

A series of Na3Mo12PO40:xEu3+ phosphors have been successfully synthesized by a solid-state method, and characterized by powder x-ray diffraction (PXRD). The PXRD results confirm that the samples have crystal phases of Na3Mo12PO40. For PL spectra of Na3Mo12PO40:2.0Eu3+ excited by 394 and 465 nm, R (R is the peak area ratio of 5D0  →  7F2 to 5D0  →  7F1) is only 1.46 with an excitation of 394 nm, but increases to 3.03 with an excitation of 465 nm. Furthermore, a new enhancement of electric dipole transition is observed. Emission spectrum (PL) intensity at 617 nm excited by 465 nm is 1.95 times as high as the excitation spectrum (PLE) intensity at 465 nm. Thus, cooperative energy transfers from the magnetic dipole (MD) Eu3+ center to the electric dipole (ED) Eu3+ center when excited by 465 nm is demonstrated for the new fluorescent behavior.

Changes of Excitability in M1 Induced by Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Differ Between Presence and Absence of Voluntary Drive

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sugawara, Kenichi; Tanabe, Shigeo; Higashi, Toshio; Tsurumi, Takamasa; Kasai, Tatsuya

2011-01-01

The aim of this study is to investigate excitability changes in the human motor cortex induced by variable therapeutic electrical stimulations (TESs) with or without voluntary drive. We recorded motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) from extensor and flexor carpi radialis (FCR) muscles at rest and during FCR muscle contraction after the application of…

Optimization of an electrokinetic mixer for microfluidic applications.

PubMed

Bockelmann, Hendryk; Heuveline, Vincent; Barz, Dominik P J

2012-06-01

This work is concerned with the investigation of the concentration fields in an electrokinetic micromixer and its optimization in order to achieve high mixing rates. The mixing concept is based on the combination of an alternating electrical excitation applied to a pressure-driven base flow in a meandering microchannel geometry. The electrical excitation induces a secondary electrokinetic velocity component, which results in a complex flow field within the meander bends. A mathematical model describing the physicochemical phenomena present within the micromixer is implemented in an in-house finite-element-method code. We first perform simulations comparable to experiments concerned with the investigation of the flow field in the bends. The comparison of the complex flow topology found in simulation and experiment reveals excellent agreement. Hence, the validated model and numerical schemes are employed for a numerical optimization of the micromixer performance. In detail, we optimize the secondary electrokinetic flow by finding the best electrical excitation parameters, i.e., frequency and amplitude, for a given waveform. Two optimized electrical excitations featuring a discrete and a continuous waveform are discussed with respect to characteristic time scales of our mixing problem. The results demonstrate that the micromixer is able to achieve high mixing degrees very rapidly.

Optimization of an electrokinetic mixer for microfluidic applications

PubMed Central

Bockelmann, Hendryk; Heuveline, Vincent; Barz, Dominik P. J.

2012-01-01

This work is concerned with the investigation of the concentration fields in an electrokinetic micromixer and its optimization in order to achieve high mixing rates. The mixing concept is based on the combination of an alternating electrical excitation applied to a pressure-driven base flow in a meandering microchannel geometry. The electrical excitation induces a secondary electrokinetic velocity component, which results in a complex flow field within the meander bends. A mathematical model describing the physicochemical phenomena present within the micromixer is implemented in an in-house finite-element-method code. We first perform simulations comparable to experiments concerned with the investigation of the flow field in the bends. The comparison of the complex flow topology found in simulation and experiment reveals excellent agreement. Hence, the validated model and numerical schemes are employed for a numerical optimization of the micromixer performance. In detail, we optimize the secondary electrokinetic flow by finding the best electrical excitation parameters, i.e., frequency and amplitude, for a given waveform. Two optimized electrical excitations featuring a discrete and a continuous waveform are discussed with respect to characteristic time scales of our mixing problem. The results demonstrate that the micromixer is able to achieve high mixing degrees very rapidly. PMID:22712034

The mechanism of high-T(sub c) superconductivity due to bound hole mediators: Relationship to ferroelectricity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vezzoli, G. C.; Stanley, William

1990-01-01

The mediation by bound holes creating Cooper pairing in high T(sub c) superconductors has its origin in charge transfer excitations on the multivalence cation (virtual excitions) and in bound excitions or polarizations associated with the oxygen 2p electrons. These phenomena are produced and/or enhanced by a high internal electric field which is itself created by virtue of the unique crystal structures and polyhedral building blocks of high T(sub c) materials. The polarizations which can create oxygen holes (in addition to excitions) may be due to simply the internal electric field or to polaronic and electron-deficient bond behavior. This gives rise to two energy-dependent oxygen bands near the Fermi level. The magnitude and direction of the internal electric fields were calculated for Y1Ba2Cu3O(7-delta) (1-2-3) and show strong z-direction fields at the Cu(2), O2, and O3 sites and an even stronger -z direction field at the O4 site. The field calculations also show why electrical conductivity in the 1-2-3 material is essentially in the base plane of the CuO5 pyramid (the CuO2 plane).

Frequency dependence of excitation-contraction of multicellular smooth muscle preparations: the relevance to bipolar electrosurgery.

PubMed

Vladimirova, Irina A; Lankin, Yuri N; Philyppov, Igor B; Sushiy, Lyudmyla F; Shuba, Yaroslav M

2014-01-01

Bipolar electrosurgical tissue welding uses forceps-like electrodes for grasping the tissues and delivering high-frequency electric current (HFEC) to produce local heat, desiccation, and protein denaturation, resulting in the fusion of the contacting tissues. Although in this technique no electric current is flowing through the whole body to cause electric injury, depending on the frequency of applied energy, it may produce local excitation of intramural nerves, which can propagate beyond the surgical site potentially causing harmful effects. The effects of varying frequency of HFEC on tissue excitability in bipolar electrosurgical modality were studied in vitro using electric field stimulation (EFS) method on multicellular smooth muscle strips of rat vas deferens. Contractile response to 5-s-long sine wave EFS train was taken as the measure of excitation of intramural nerves. EFS-induced contraction consisted of phasic and tonic components. The amplitude of both components decreased with increasing frequency, with tonic component disappearing at about 10 kHz and phasic component at about 50 kHz. Because components of EFS-induced contraction depend on different neurotransmitters, this indicates that various neurotransmitter systems are characterized by distinct frequency dependence, but above 50 kHz they all become inactivated. Bipolar electrosurgical sealing of porcine gut showed no difference in the structure of seal area at HFEC of 67 and 533 kHz. EFS frequency of 50 kHz represents the upper limit for excitation. HFEC above 50 kHz is safe to use for bipolar electrosurgical tissue welding without concerns of excitation propagating beyond the surgical site. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Engineering of Machine tool’s High-precision electric drives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khayatov, E. S.; Korzhavin, M. E.; Naumovich, N. I.

2018-03-01

In the article it is shown that in mechanisms with numerical program control, high quality of processes can be achieved only in systems that provide adjustment of the working element’s position with high accuracy, and this requires an expansion of the regulation range by the torque. In particular, the use of synchronous reactive machines with independent excitation control makes it possible to substantially increase the moment overload in the sequential excitation circuit. Using mathematical and physical modeling methods, it is shown that in the electric drive with a synchronous reactive machine with independent excitation in a circuit with sequential excitation, it is possible to significantly expand the range of regulation by the torque and this is achieved by the effect of sequential excitation, which makes it possible to compensate for the transverse reaction of the armature.

Tribo-electric charging of dielectric solids of identical composition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Angus, John C.; Greber, Isaac

2018-05-01

Despite its long history and importance in many areas of science and technology, there is no agreement on the mechanisms responsible for tribo-electric charging, including especially the tribo-charging of chemically identical dielectric solids. Modeling of the excitation, diffusional transport, and de-excitation of electrons from hot spots shows that a difference in local surface roughness of otherwise identical solid dielectric objects leads to different transient excited electron concentrations during tribo-processes. The model predicts that excited electron concentrations are lower and concentration gradients higher in solids with rougher rather than smoother surfaces. Consequently, during contact, the flux of charge carriers (electrons or holes) from hot spots will be greater into the rougher solid than into the smoother solid. These predictions are in agreement with current and historical observations of tribo-electric charge transfer between solids of the same composition. This effect can take place in parallel with other processes and may also play a role in the charging of solids of different composition.

Method and apparatus for the guided ablative therapy of fast ventricular arrhythmia

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cohen, Richard J. (Inventor); Barley, Maya (Inventor)

2010-01-01

Method and apparatus for guiding ablative therapy of abnormal biological electrical excitation. The excitation from the previous excitatory wave is significant at the beginning of the next excitation. In particular, it is designed for treatment of fast cardiac arrhythmias. Electrical signals are acquired from recording electrodes, and an inverse dipole method is used to identify the site of origin of an arrhythmia. The location of the tip of an ablation catheter is similarly localized from signals acquired from the recording electrodes while electrical pacing energy is delivered to the tip of the catheter close to or in contact with the cardiac tissue. The catheter tip is then guided to the site of origin of the arrhythmia, and ablative radio frequency energy is delivered to its tip to ablate the site.

Robustness of free and pinned spiral waves against breakup by electrical forcing in excitable chemical media.

PubMed

Phantu, Metinee; Sutthiopad, Malee; Luengviriya, Jiraporn; Müller, Stefan C; Luengviriya, Chaiya

2017-04-01

We present an investigation on the breakup of free and pinned spiral waves under an applied electrical current in the Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction. Spiral fronts propagating towards the negative electrode are decelerated. A breakup of the spiral waves occurs when some segments of the fronts are stopped by a sufficiently strong electrical current. In the absence of obstacles (i.e., free spiral waves), the critical value of the electrical current for the wave breakup increases with the excitability of the medium. For spiral waves pinned to circular obstacles, the critical electrical current increases with the obstacle diameter. Analysis of spiral dynamics shows that the enhancement of the robustness against the breakup of both free and pinned spiral waves is originated by the increment of wave speed when either the excitability is strengthened or the obstacle size is enlarged. The experimental findings are reproduced by numerical simulations using the Oregonator model. In addition, the simulations reveal that the robustness against the forced breakup increases with the activator level in both cases of free and pinned spiral waves.

Effects of uniform extracellular DC electric fields on excitability in rat hippocampal slices in vitro.

PubMed

Bikson, Marom; Inoue, Masashi; Akiyama, Hiroki; Deans, Jackie K; Fox, John E; Miyakawa, Hiroyoshi; Jefferys, John G R

2004-05-15

The effects of uniform steady state (DC) extracellular electric fields on neuronal excitability were characterized in rat hippocampal slices using field, intracellular and voltage-sensitive dye recordings. Small electric fields (1 s) changes in neuronal excitability. Electric fields perpendicular to the apical-dendritic axis did not induce somatic polarization, but did modulate orthodromic responses, indicating an effect on afferents. These results demonstrate that DC fields can modulate neuronal excitability in a time-dependent manner, with no clear threshold, as a result of interactions between neuronal compartments, the non-linear properties of the cell membrane, and effects on afferents.

Electromagnetic Flow Meter Having a Driver Circuit Including a Current Transducer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patel, Sandeep K. (Inventor); Karon, David M. (Inventor); Cushing, Vincent (Inventor)

2014-01-01

An electromagnetic flow meter (EMFM) accurately measures both the complete flow rate and the dynamically fluctuating flow rate of a fluid by applying a unipolar DC voltage to excitation coils for a predetermined period of time, measuring the electric potential at a pair of electrodes, determining a complete flow rate and independently measuring the dynamic flow rate during the "on" cycle of the DC excitation, and correcting the measurements for errors resulting from galvanic drift and other effects on the electric potential. The EMFM can also correct for effects from the excitation circuit induced during operation of the EMFM.

The relationship between anatomically correct electric and magnetic field dosimetry and publishe delectric and magnetic field exposure limits.

PubMed

Kavet, Robert; Dovan, Thanh; Reilly, J Patrick

2012-12-01

Electric and magnetic field exposure limits published by International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers are aimed at protection against adverse electrostimulation, which may occur by direct coupling to excitable tissue and, in the case of electric fields, through indirect means associated with surface charge effects (e.g. hair vibration, skin sensations), spark discharge and contact current. For direct coupling, the basic restriction (BR) specifies the not-to-be-exceeded induced electric field. The key results of anatomically based electric and magnetic field dosimetry studies and the relevant characteristics of excitable tissue were first identified. This permitted us to assess the electric and magnetic field exposure levels that induce dose in tissue equal to the basic restrictions, and the relationships of those exposure levels to the limits now in effect. We identify scenarios in which direct coupling of electric fields to peripheral nerve could be a determining factor for electric field limits.

Electromagnetic toroidal excitations in matter and free space.

PubMed

Papasimakis, N; Fedotov, V A; Savinov, V; Raybould, T A; Zheludev, N I

2016-03-01

The toroidal dipole is a localized electromagnetic excitation, distinct from the magnetic and electric dipoles. While the electric dipole can be understood as a pair of opposite charges and the magnetic dipole as a current loop, the toroidal dipole corresponds to currents flowing on the surface of a torus. Toroidal dipoles provide physically significant contributions to the basic characteristics of matter including absorption, dispersion and optical activity. Toroidal excitations also exist in free space as spatially and temporally localized electromagnetic pulses propagating at the speed of light and interacting with matter. We review recent experimental observations of resonant toroidal dipole excitations in metamaterials and the discovery of anapoles, non-radiating charge-current configurations involving toroidal dipoles. While certain fundamental and practical aspects of toroidal electrodynamics remain open for the moment, we envision that exploitation of toroidal excitations can have important implications for the fields of photonics, sensing, energy and information.

Analytical and experimental comparisons of electromechanical vibration response of a piezoelectric bimorph beam for power harvesting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lumentut, M. F.; Howard, I. M.

2013-03-01

Power harvesters that extract energy from vibrating systems via piezoelectric transduction show strong potential for powering smart wireless sensor devices in applications of health condition monitoring of rotating machinery and structures. This paper presents an analytical method for modelling an electromechanical piezoelectric bimorph beam with tip mass under two input base transverse and longitudinal excitations. The Euler-Bernoulli beam equations were used to model the piezoelectric bimorph beam. The polarity-electric field of the piezoelectric element is excited by the strain field caused by base input excitation, resulting in electrical charge. The governing electromechanical dynamic equations were derived analytically using the weak form of the Hamiltonian principle to obtain the constitutive equations. Three constitutive electromechanical dynamic equations based on independent coefficients of virtual displacement vectors were formulated and then further modelled using the normalised Ritz eigenfunction series. The electromechanical formulations include both the series and parallel connections of the piezoelectric bimorph. The multi-mode frequency response functions (FRFs) under varying electrical load resistance were formulated using Laplace transformation for the multi-input mechanical vibrations to provide the multi-output dynamic displacement, velocity, voltage, current and power. The experimental and theoretical validations reduced for the single mode system were shown to provide reasonable predictions. The model results from polar base excitation for off-axis input motions were validated with experimental results showing the change to the electrical power frequency response amplitude as a function of excitation angle, with relevance for practical implementation.

Vertical electric field induced suppression of fine structure splitting of excited state excitons in a single GaAs/AlGaAs island quantum dots

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ghali, Mohsen; Laboratory of Nanophotonics, Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Kafrelsheikh University, 33516 Kafrelsheikh; Ohno, Yuzo

2015-09-21

We report experimentally on fine structure splitting (FSS) of various excitonic transitions in single GaAs island quantum dots, formed by a monolayer thickness fluctuation in the narrow GaAs/AlGaAs quantum well, and embedded in an n-i-Schottky diode device. By applying a forward vertical electric field (F) between the top metallic contact and the sample substrate, we observed an in-plane polarization rotation of both the ground and the excited state excitons with increasing the electric field. The polarization rotations were accompanied with a strong decrease in the FSS of the ground as well as the excited state excitons with the field, untilmore » the FSS vanished as F approached 30 kV/cm.« less

Method and apparatus for guiding ablative therapy of abnormal biological electrical excitation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Armoundas, Antonis A. (Inventor); Feldman, Andrew B. (Inventor); Sherman, Derin A. (Inventor); Cohen, Richard J. (Inventor)

2001-01-01

This invention involves method and apparatus for guiding ablative therapy of abnormal biological electrical excitation. In particular, it is designed for treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. In the method of this invention electrical signals are acquired from passive electrodes, and an inverse dipole method is used to identify the site of origin of an arrhytmia. The location of the tip of the ablation catheter is similarly localized from signals acquired from the passive electrodes while electrical energy is delivered to the tip of the catheter. The catheter tip is then guided to the site of origin of the arrhythmia, and ablative radio frequency energy is delivered to its tip to ablate the site.

Crystalline Electric Field Level Scheme of the Non-Centrosymmetric CePtSi3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ueta, Daichi; Kobuke, Tomohiro; Yoshida, Masahiro; Yoshizawa, Hideki; Ikeda, Yoichi; Itoh, Shinichi; Yokoo, Tetsuya

2018-05-01

The crystalline electric field (CEF) excitations in CePtSi3 with the non-centrosymmetric structure were investigated by inelastic neutron scattering (INS) experiment. CEF excitations were observed at 5.3 and 17.5 meV. We discuss the CEF parameters and wave function of CePtSi3 by comparing those of other CeTX3(T: transition metal, X: Si, Ge) systems.

Interaction of Low Frequency External Electric Fields and Pancreatic β-Cell: A Mathematical Modeling Approach to Identify the Influence of Excitation Parameters.

PubMed

Farashi, Sajjad; Sasanpour, Pezhman; Rafii-Tabar, Hashem

2018-05-24

Purpose-Although the effect of electromagnetic fields on biological systems has attracted attraction in recent years, there has not been any conclusive result concerning the effects of interaction and the underlying mechanisms involved. Besides the complexity of biological systems, the parameters of the applied electromagnetic field have not been estimated in most of the experiments. Material and Method-In this study, we have used computational approach in order to find the excitation parameters of an external electric field which produces sensible effects in the function of insulin secretory machinery, whose failure triggers the diabetes disease. A mathematical model of the human β-cell has been used and the effects of external electric fields with different amplitudes, frequencies and wave shapes have been studied. Results-The results from our simulations show that the external electric field can influence the membrane electrical activity and perhaps the insulin secretion when its amplitude exceeds a threshold value. Furthermore, our simulations reveal that different waveforms have distinct effects on the β-cell membrane electrical activity and the characteristic features of the excitation like frequency would change the interaction mechanism. Conclusion-The results could help the researchers to investigate the possible role of the environmental electromagnetic fields on the promotion of diabetes disease.

Removal of pinned scroll waves in cardiac tissues by electric fields in a generic model of three-dimensional excitable media.

PubMed

Pan, De-Bei; Gao, Xiang; Feng, Xia; Pan, Jun-Ting; Zhang, Hong

2016-02-24

Spirals or scroll waves pinned to heterogeneities in cardiac tissues may cause lethal arrhythmias. To unpin these life-threatening spiral waves, methods of wave emission from heterogeneities (WEH) induced by low-voltage pulsed DC electric fields (PDCEFs) and circularly polarized electric fields (CPEFs) have been used in two-dimensional (2D) cardiac tissues. Nevertheless, the unpinning of scroll waves in three-dimensional (3D) cardiac systems is much more difficult than that of spiral waves in 2D cardiac systems, and there are few reports on the removal of pinned scroll waves in 3D cardiac tissues by electric fields. In this article, we investigate in detail the removal of pinned scroll waves in a generic model of 3D excitable media using PDCEF, AC electric field (ACEF) and CPEF, respectively. We find that spherical waves can be induced from the heterogeneities by these electric fields in initially quiescent excitable media. However, only CPEF can induce spherical waves with frequencies higher than that of the pinned scroll wave. Such higher-frequency spherical waves induced by CPEF can be used to drive the pinned scroll wave out of the cardiac systems. We hope this remarkable ability of CPEF can provide a better alternative to terminate arrhythmias caused by pinned scroll waves.

Energy-optimal electrical excitation of nerve fibers.

PubMed

Jezernik, Saso; Morari, Manfred

2005-04-01

We derive, based on an analytical nerve membrane model and optimal control theory of dynamical systems, an energy-optimal stimulation current waveform for electrical excitation of nerve fibers. Optimal stimulation waveforms for nonleaky and leaky membranes are calculated. The case with a leaky membrane is a realistic case. Finally, we compare the waveforms and energies necessary for excitation of a leaky membrane in the case where the stimulation waveform is a square-wave current pulse, and in the case of energy-optimal stimulation. The optimal stimulation waveform is an exponentially rising waveform and necessitates considerably less energy to excite the nerve than a square-wave pulse (especially true for larger pulse durations). The described theoretical results can lead to drastically increased battery lifetime and/or decreased energy transmission requirements for implanted biomedical systems.

Design study and performance analysis of 12S-14P field excitation flux switching motor for hybrid electric vehicle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Husin, Zhafir Aizat; Sulaiman, Erwan; Khan, Faisal; Mazlan, Mohamed Mubin Aizat; Othman, Syed Muhammad Naufal Syed

2015-05-01

This paper presents a new structure of 12slot-14pole field excitation flux switching motor (FEFSM) as an alternative candidate of non-Permanent Magnet (PM) machine for HEV drives. Design study, performance analysis and optimization of field excitation flux switching machine with non-rare-earth magnet for hybrid electric vehicle drive applications is done. The stator of projected machine consists of iron core made of electromagnetic steels, armature coils and field excitation coils as the only field mmf source. The rotor is consisted of only stack of iron and hence, it is reliable and appropriate for high speed operation. The design target is a machine with the maximum torque, power and power density, more than 210Nm, 123kW and 3.5kW/kg, respectively, which competes with interior permanent magnet synchronous machine used in existing hybrid electric vehicle. Some design feasibility studies on FEFSM based on 2D-FEA and deterministic optimization method will be applied to design the proposed machine.

High-Energy Emissions Induced by Air Density Fluctuations of Discharges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Köhn, C.; Chanrion, O.; Neubert, T.

2018-05-01

Bursts of X-rays and γ-rays are observed from lightning and laboratory sparks. They are bremsstrahlung from energetic electrons interacting with neutral air molecules, but it is still unclear how the electrons achieve the required energies. It has been proposed that the enhanced electric field of streamers, found in the corona of leader tips, may account for the acceleration; however, their efficiency is questioned because of the relatively low production rate found in simulations. Here we emphasize that streamers usually are simulated with the assumption of homogeneous gas, which may not be the case on the small temporal and spatial scales of discharges. Since the streamer properties strongly depend on the reduced electric field E/n, where n is the neutral number density, fluctuations may potentially have a significant effect. To explore what might be expected if the assumption of homogeneity is relaxed, we conducted simple numerical experiments based on simulations of streamers in a neutral gas with a radial gradient in the neutral density, assumed to be created, for instance, by a previous spark. We also studied the effects of background electron density from previous discharges. We find that X-radiation and γ-radiation are enhanced when the on-axis air density is reduced by more than ˜25%. Pre-ionization tends to reduce the streamer field and thereby the production rate of high-energy electrons; however, the reduction is modest. The simulations suggest that fluctuations in the neutral densities, on the temporal and spacial scales of streamers, may be important for electron acceleration and bremsstrahlung radiation.

Modifying Surface Energy of Graphene via Plasma-Based Chemical Functionalization to Tune Thermal and Electrical Transport at Metal Interfaces.

PubMed

Foley, Brian M; Hernández, Sandra C; Duda, John C; Robinson, Jeremy T; Walton, Scott G; Hopkins, Patrick E

2015-08-12

The high mobility exhibited by both supported and suspended graphene, as well as its large in-plane thermal conductivity, has generated much excitement across a variety of applications. As exciting as these properties are, one of the principal issues inhibiting the development of graphene technologies pertains to difficulties in engineering high-quality metal contacts on graphene. As device dimensions decrease, the thermal and electrical resistance at the metal/graphene interface plays a dominant role in degrading overall performance. Here we demonstrate the use of a low energy, electron-beam plasma to functionalize graphene with oxygen, fluorine, and nitrogen groups, as a method to tune the thermal and electrical transport properties across gold-single layer graphene (Au/SLG) interfaces. We find that while oxygen and nitrogen groups improve the thermal boundary conductance (hK) at the interface, their presence impairs electrical transport leading to increased contact resistance (ρC). Conversely, functionalization with fluorine has no impact on hK, yet ρC decreases with increasing coverage densities. These findings indicate exciting possibilities using plasma-based chemical functionalization to tailor the thermal and electrical transport properties of metal/2D material contacts.

Experimental Identification of Electric Field Excitation Mechanisms in a Structural Transition of Tokamak Plasmas

PubMed Central

Kobayashi, T.; Itoh, K.; Ido, T.; Kamiya, K.; Itoh, S.-I.; Miura, Y.; Nagashima, Y.; Fujisawa, A.; Inagaki, S.; Ida, K.; Hoshino, K.

2016-01-01

Self-regulation between structure and turbulence, which is a fundamental process in the complex system, has been widely regarded as one of the central issues in modern physics. A typical example of that in magnetically confined plasmas is the Low confinement mode to High confinement mode (L-H) transition, which is intensely studied for more than thirty years since it provides a confinement improvement necessary for the realization of the fusion reactor. An essential issue in the L-H transition physics is the mechanism of the abrupt “radial” electric field generation in toroidal plasmas. To date, several models for the L-H transition have been proposed but the systematic experimental validation is still challenging. Here we report the systematic and quantitative model validations of the radial electric field excitation mechanism for the first time, using a data set of the turbulence and the radial electric field having a high spatiotemporal resolution. Examining time derivative of Poisson’s equation, the sum of the loss-cone loss current and the neoclassical bulk viscosity current is found to behave as the experimentally observed radial current that excites the radial electric field within a few factors of magnitude. PMID:27489128

Neuronal excitability level transition induced by electrical stimulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Florence, G.; Kurths, J.; Machado, B. S.; Fonoff, E. T.; Cerdeira, H. A.; Teixeira, M. J.; Sameshima, K.

2014-12-01

In experimental studies, electrical stimulation (ES) has been applied to induce neuronal activity or to disrupt pathological patterns. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms of these activity pattern transitions are not clear. To study these phenomena, we simulated a model of the hippocampal region CA1. The computational simulations using different amplitude levels and duration of ES revealed three states of neuronal excitability: burst-firing mode, depolarization block and spreading depression wave. We used the bifurcation theory to analyse the interference of ES in the cellular excitability and the neuronal dynamics. Understanding this process would help to improve the ES techniques to control some neurological disorders.

Neuron matters: electric activation of neuronal tissue is dependent on the interaction between the neuron and the electric field.

PubMed

Ye, Hui; Steiger, Amanda

2015-08-12

In laboratory research and clinical practice, externally-applied electric fields have been widely used to control neuronal activity. It is generally accepted that neuronal excitability is controlled by electric current that depolarizes or hyperpolarizes the excitable cell membrane. What determines the amount of polarization? Research on the mechanisms of electric stimulation focus on the optimal control of the field properties (frequency, amplitude, and direction of the electric currents) to improve stimulation outcomes. Emerging evidence from modeling and experimental studies support the existence of interactions between the targeted neurons and the externally-applied electric fields. With cell-field interaction, we suggest a two-way process. When a neuron is positioned inside an electric field, the electric field will induce a change in the resting membrane potential by superimposing an electrically-induced transmembrane potential (ITP). At the same time, the electric field can be perturbed and re-distributed by the cell. This cell-field interaction may play a significant role in the overall effects of stimulation. The redistributed field can cause secondary effects to neighboring cells by altering their geometrical pattern and amount of membrane polarization. Neurons excited by the externally-applied electric field can also affect neighboring cells by ephaptic interaction. Both aspects of the cell-field interaction depend on the biophysical properties of the neuronal tissue, including geometric (i.e., size, shape, orientation to the field) and electric (i.e., conductivity and dielectricity) attributes of the cells. The biophysical basis of the cell-field interaction can be explained by the electromagnetism theory. Further experimental and simulation studies on electric stimulation of neuronal tissue should consider the prospect of a cell-field interaction, and a better understanding of tissue inhomogeneity and anisotropy is needed to fully appreciate the neural basis of cell-field interaction as well as the biological effects of electric stimulation.

Magnetic structures and excitations in a multiferroic Y-type hexaferrite BaSrCo 2 Fe 11 AlO 22

DOE PAGES

Nakajima, Taro; Tokunaga, Yusuke; Matsuda, Masaaki; ...

2016-11-30

Here, we have investigated magnetic orders and excitations in a Y-type hexaferrite BaSrCo 2Fe 11AlO 22 (BSCoFAO), which was reported to exhibit spin-driven ferroelectricity at room temperature. By means of magnetization, electric polarization, and neutron-diffraction measurements using single-crystal samples, we establish a H-T magnetic phase diagram for magnetic field perpendicular to the c axis (H ⟂c). This system exhibits an alternating longitudinal conical (ALC) magnetic structure in the ground state, and it turns into a non-co-planar commensurate magnetic order with spin-driven ferroelectricity under H ⟂c. The field-induced ferroelectric phase remains as a metastable state after removing magnetic field below 250more » K. This metastability is the key to understanding of magnetic field reversal of the spin-driven electric polarization in this system. Inelastic polarized neutron-scattering measurements in the ALC phase reveal a magnetic excitation at around 7.5 meV, which is attributed to spin components oscillating in a plane perpendicular to the cone axis. This phasonlike excitation is expected to be an electric-field active magnon, i.e., electromagnon excitation, in terms of the magnetostriction mechanism.« less

Magnetic structures and excitations in a multiferroic Y-type hexaferrite BaSrCo2Fe11AlO22

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakajima, Taro; Tokunaga, Yusuke; Matsuda, Masaaki; Dissanayake, Sachith; Fernandez-Baca, Jaime; Kakurai, Kazuhisa; Taguchi, Yasujiro; Tokura, Yoshinori; Arima, Taka-hisa

2016-11-01

We have investigated magnetic orders and excitations in a Y-type hexaferrite BaSrCo2Fe11AlO22 (BSCoFAO), which was reported to exhibit spin-driven ferroelectricity at room temperature [S. Hirose, K. Haruki, A. Ando, and T. Kimura, Appl. Phys. Lett. 104, 022907 (2014), 10.1063/1.4862432]. By means of magnetization, electric polarization, and neutron-diffraction measurements using single-crystal samples, we establish a H -T magnetic phase diagram for magnetic field perpendicular to the c axis (H⊥c). This system exhibits an alternating longitudinal conical (ALC) magnetic structure in the ground state, and it turns into a non-co-planar commensurate magnetic order with spin-driven ferroelectricity under H⊥c. The field-induced ferroelectric phase remains as a metastable state after removing magnetic field below ˜250 K. This metastability is the key to understanding of magnetic field reversal of the spin-driven electric polarization in this system. Inelastic polarized neutron-scattering measurements in the ALC phase reveal a magnetic excitation at around 7.5 meV, which is attributed to spin components oscillating in a plane perpendicular to the cone axis. This phasonlike excitation is expected to be an electric-field active magnon, i.e., electromagnon excitation, in terms of the magnetostriction mechanism.

Linear excitation and detection in Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grosshans, Peter B.; Chen, Ruidan; Limbach, Patrick A.; Marshall, Alan G.

1994-11-01

We present the first Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) ion trap designed to produce both a linear spatial variation of the excitation electric potential field and a linear response of the detection circuit to the motion of the confined ions. With this trap, the magnitude of the detected signal at a given ion cyclotron frequency varies linearly with both the number of ions of given mass-to-charge ratio and also with the magnitude-mode excitation signal at the ion cyclotron orbital frequency; the proportionality constant is mass independent. Interestingly, this linearization may be achieved with any ion trap geometry. The excitation/detection design consists of an array of capacitively coupled electrodes which provide a voltage-divider network that produces a nearly spatially homogeneous excitation electric field throughout the linearized trap; resistive coupling to the electrodes isolates the a.c. excitation (or detection) circuit from the d.c. (trapping) potential. The design is based on analytical expressions for the potential associated with each electrode, from which we are able to compute the deviation from linearity for a trap with a finite number of elements. Based on direct experimental comparisons to an unmodified cubic trap, the linearized trap demonstrates the following performance advantages at the cost of some additional mechanical complexity: (a) signal response linearly proportional to excitation electric field amplitude; (b) vastly reduced axial excitation/ejection for significantly improved ion relative abundance accuracy; (c) elimination of harmonics and sidebands of the fundamental frequencies of ion motion. As a result, FT-ICR mass spectra are now more reproducible. Moreover, the linearized trap should facilitate the characterization of other fundamental aspects of ion behavior in an ICR ion trap, e.g. effects of space charge, non-quadrupolar electrostatic trapping field, etc. Furthermore, this novel design should improve significantly the precision of ion relative abundance and mass accuracy measurements, while removing spectral artifacts of the detection process. We discuss future modifications that linearize the spatial variation of the electrostatic trapping electric field as well, thereby completing the linearization of the entire FT-ICR mass spectrometric techniques. Suggested FT-ICR mass spectrometric applications for the linearized trap are discussed.

Equivalent circuit and characteristic simulation of a brushless electrically excited synchronous wind power generator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Hao; Zhang, Fengge; Guan, Tao; Yu, Siyang

2017-09-01

A brushless electrically excited synchronous generator (BEESG) with a hybrid rotor is a novel electrically excited synchronous generator. The BEESG proposed in this paper is composed of a conventional stator with two different sets of windings with different pole numbers, and a hybrid rotor with powerful coupling capacity. The pole number of the rotor is different from those of the stator windings. Thus, an analysis method different from that applied to conventional generators should be applied to the BEESG. In view of this problem, the equivalent circuit and electromagnetic torque expression of the BEESG are derived on the basis of electromagnetic relation of the proposed generator. The generator is simulated and tested experimentally using the established equivalent circuit model. The experimental and simulation data are then analyzed and compared. Results show the validity of the equivalent circuit model.

Comparison of electric dipole and magnetic loop antennas for exciting whistler modes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stenzel, R. L.; Urrutia, J. M.

2016-08-15

The excitation of low frequency whistler modes from different antennas has been investigated experimentally in a large laboratory plasma. One antenna consists of a linear electric dipole oriented across the uniform ambient magnetic field B{sub 0}. The other antenna is an elongated loop with dipole moment parallel to B{sub 0}. Both antennas are driven by the same rf generator which produces a rf burst well below the electron cyclotron frequency. The antenna currents as well as the wave magnetic fields from each antenna are measured. Both the antenna currents and the wave fields of the loop antenna exceed that ofmore » the electric dipole by two orders of magnitude. The conclusion is that loop antennas are far superior to dipole antennas for exciting large amplitude whistler modes, a result important for active wave experiments in space plasmas.« less

Self-potential response to periodic pumping test: a numerical study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konosavsky, Pavel; Maineult, Alexis; Narbut, Mikhail; Titov, Konstantin

2017-09-01

We numerically model self-potential responses associated with periodic pumping test experiments by sequential calculation of the hydraulic response and the coupled electrical potential. We assume the pumping test experiments with a fully saturated confined aquifer. Application of different excitation functions leads to quasi-linear trends in electrical records whose direction and intensity depend on the form of the excitation function. The hydraulic response is phase shifted compared to the excitation function; the phase shift increases quasi-linearly with the distance from the pumping well. For the electrical signals, we investigated separately the cases of conducting and insulating casings of the pumping well. For the conducting casing the electrical signals are larger in magnitude than that for the insulating casing; they reproduce the drawdown signals in the pumping well at any distance from the well and exhibit any phase shift with the increased distance. For the insulating casing, the electrical signals are phase shifted and their shape depends on the distance from the pumping well. Three characteristic regimes were found for the phase shift, φ, with the increased distance and for various hydraulic diffusivity values. At small distances φ increases quasi-linearly; at intermediate distances φ attends the value of π/2 and stay about this value (for relatively small diffusivity values); and at large distances φ attends the value of π and, stay about this value at larger distances. This behaviour of the electrical signals can be explained by two electrical sources of reverse polarity. They are (i) linear, time independent, and located at the pumping interval of the well; and (ii) volumetric, time dependent, with maximum value located in the aquifer at the distance corresponding to maximum variation of the hydraulic head magnitude with time. We also model the variation of the amplitude and phase of the hydraulic and electrical signals with increased excitation function period, and we show the characteristic periods corresponding to transition of the periodic pumping test regime to the classical pumping test regime, when the excitation function is considered as the step-function. This transition depends on the distance from the pumping well and the hydraulic diffusivity value of aquifer. Finally, with this modelling of saturated flow we reproduced in sufficient details the field data previously obtained by Maineult et al.

Nerve Impulses in Plants

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blatt, F. J.

1974-01-01

Summarizes research done on the resting and action potential of nerve impulses, electrical excitation of nerve cells, electrical properties of Nitella, and temperature effects on action potential. (GS)

Electric currents induced by twisted light in Quantum Rings.

PubMed

Quinteiro, G F; Berakdar, J

2009-10-26

We theoretically investigate the generation of electric currents in quantum rings resulting from the optical excitation with twisted light. Our model describes the kinetics of electrons in a two-band model of a semiconductor-based mesoscopic quantum ring coupled to light having orbital angular momentum (twisted light). We find the analytical solution, which exhibits a "circular" photon-drag effect and an induced magnetization, suggesting that this system is the circular analog of that of a bulk semiconductor excited by plane waves. For realistic values of the electric field and material parameters, the computed electric current can be as large as microA; from an applied perspective, this opens new possibilities to the optical control of the magnetization in semiconductors.

The effect of cardiac electric anisotropy on epicardial potential fields during ventricular repolarization.

PubMed

Spaggiari, S; Baruffi, S; Macchi, E; Traversa, M; Arisi, G; Taccardi, B

1986-11-01

We tried to establish whether some of the manifestations of electrical anisotropy previously observed on the canine ventricular epicardium during the spread of excitation were also present during repolarization, with the appropriate polarity. To this end we determined the potential distribution on the ventricular surface of exposed dog hearts during ventricular excitation and repolarization. The ventricles were paced by means of epicardial or intramural electrodes. During the early stages of ventricular excitation following epicardial pacing we observed typical, previously described potential patterns, with negative, elliptical equipotential lines surrounding the pacing site, and two maxima aligned along the direction of subepicardial fibers. Intramural pacing gave rise to similar patterns. The axis joining the maxima, however, was oriented along the direction of intramural fibers. The repolarization potential pattern relating to epicardial excitation exhibited some features similar to those observed during the spread of excitation, namely the presence of families of elliptical equipotential lines around the pacing site, with pairs of potential extrema along the major or minor axes of the ellipses or both. The location of the extrema and the distribution of the epicardial potential gradients during repolarization suggested the presence of anisotropic current generators mainly oriented along the direction of deep myocardial fibers, with some contribution from more superficial sources which were oriented along the direction of subepicardial fibers. Deep stimulation elicited more complicated epicardial patterns whose interpretation is still obscure. We conclude that the electrical anisotropy of the heart affects the distribution of repolarization potentials and probably the strength of electrical generators during ventricular repolarization.

Angular distribution and polarization of atomic radiative emission in electric and magnetic fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jacobs, V. L.; Filuk, A. B.

1999-09-01

A density-matrix approach has been developed for the angular distribution and polarization of radiative emission during single-photon atomic transitions for a general set of steady-state excitation processes in an arbitrary arrangement of static (or quasistatic) electric and magnetic fields. Particular attention has been directed at spectroscopic observations in the intense fields of the high-power ion diodes on the Particle Beam Fusion Accelerator II (PBFA II) and SABRE devices at Sandia National Laboratories and at magnetic-field measurements in tokamak plasmas. The field-dependent atomic eigenstates are represented as expansions in a complete basis set of field-free bound and continuum eigenstates. Particular emphasis has been given to directed-electron collisional excitations, which may be produced by an anisotropic incident-electron velocity distribution. We have allowed for the possibility of the coherent excitation of the nearly degenerate field-dependent atomic substates, which can give rise to a complex spectral pattern of overlapping Stark-Zeeman components. Coherent excitations may be produced by a beam of electrons that are spin-polarized at an angle with respect to the propagation direction or by nonparallel electric and magnetic fields. Our main result is a general expression for the matrix elements of the photon-polarization density operator representing the total intensity, angular distribution, and polarization of the atomic radiative emission. For the observation of radiative emission in the direction of the magnetic field, the detection of linearly polarized emission, in addition to the usual circularly polarized radiation, can reveal the presence of a perpendicular electric field or a coherent excitation mechanism.

Angular distribution and polarization of atomic radiative emission in electric and magnetic fields

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jacobs, V.L.; Filuk, A.B.

A density-matrix approach has been developed for the angular distribution and polarization of radiative emission during single-photon atomic transitions for a general set of steady-state excitation processes in an arbitrary arrangement of static (or quasistatic) electric and magnetic fields. Particular attention has been directed at spectroscopic observations in the intense fields of the high-power ion diodes on the Particle Beam Fusion Accelerator II (PBFA II) and SABRE devices at Sandia National Laboratories and at magnetic-field measurements in tokamak plasmas. The field-dependent atomic eigenstates are represented as expansions in a complete basis set of field-free bound and continuum eigenstates. Particular emphasismore » has been given to directed-electron collisional excitations, which may be produced by an anisotropic incident-electron velocity distribution. We have allowed for the possibility of the coherent excitation of the nearly degenerate field-dependent atomic substates, which can give rise to a complex spectral pattern of overlapping Stark-Zeeman components. Coherent excitations may be produced by a beam of electrons that are spin-polarized at an angle with respect to the propagation direction or by nonparallel electric and magnetic fields. Our main result is a general expression for the matrix elements of the photon-polarization density operator representing the total intensity, angular distribution, and polarization of the atomic radiative emission. For the observation of radiative emission in the direction of the magnetic field, the detection of linearly polarized emission, in addition to the usual circularly polarized radiation, can reveal the presence of a perpendicular electric field or a coherent excitation mechanism.« less

What Gets a Cell Excited? Kinky Curves

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kay, Alan R.

2014-01-01

Hodgkin and Huxley's (5) revealing the origins of cellular excitability is one of the great triumphs of physiology. In an extraordinarily deft series of papers, they were able to measure the essential electrical characteristics of neurons and synthesize them into a quantitative model that accounts for the excitability of neurons and other…

Group-Velocity-Controlled and Gate-Tunable Directional Excitation of Polaritons in Graphene-Boron Nitride Heterostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Yuyu; Lin, Xiao; Low, Tony; Zhang, Baile; Chen, Hongsheng

2018-05-01

A fundamental building block in nano-photonics is the ability to directionally excite highly squeezed optical mode dynamically, particularly with an electrical bias. Such capabilities would enable the active manipulation of light propagation for information processing and transfer. However, when the optical source is built-in, it remains challenging to steer the excitation directionality in a flexible way. Here, we reveal a novel mechanism for tunable directional excitation of highly squeezed polaritons in graphene-hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) heterostructures. The effect relies on controlling the sign of the group velocity of the coupled plasmon-phonon polaritons, which can be flipped by simply tuning the chemical potential of graphene (through electrostatic gating) in the heterostructures. Graphene-hBN heterostructure thus present a promising platform toward nano-photonic circuits and nano-devices with electrically reconfigurable functionalities.

Utilization of rotor kinetic energy storage for hybrid vehicles

DOEpatents

Hsu, John S [Oak Ridge, TN

2011-05-03

A power system for a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine, the power system comprises an electric machine (12) further comprising a first excitation source (47), a permanent magnet rotor (28) and a magnetic coupling rotor (26) spaced from the permanent magnet rotor and at least one second excitation source (43), the magnetic coupling rotor (26) also including a flywheel having an inertial mass to store kinetic energy during an initial acceleration to an operating speed; and wherein the first excitation source is electrically connected to the second excitation source for power cycling such that the flywheel rotor (26) exerts torque on the permanent magnet rotor (28) to assist braking and acceleration of the permanent magnet rotor (28) and consequently, the vehicle. An axial gap machine and a radial gap machine are disclosed and methods of the invention are also disclosed.

Pulsed excitation system to measure the resonant frequency of magnetoelastic biosensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Hong; Chai, Yating; Horikawa, Shin; Wikle, Howard C.; Chin, Bryan A.

2014-05-01

An electrical circuit was designed and tested to measure the resonant frequency of micron-scale magnetoelastic (ME) biosensors using a pulsed wave excitation technique. In this circuit, a square pulse current is applied to an excitation coil to excite the vibration of ME biosensors and a pick-up coil is used to sense the ME biosensor's mechanical vibration and convert it to an electrical output signal. The output signal is filtered and amplified by a custom designed circuit to allow the measurement of the resonant frequency of the ME biosensor from which the detection of specific pathogens can be made. As a proof-in-concept experiment, JRB7 phage-coated ME biosensors were used to detect different concentrations of Bacillus anthracis Sterne strain spores. A statistically significant difference was observed for concentrations of 5 × 102 spore/ml and above.

Phase-resolved two-dimensional terahertz spectroscopy - a probe of highly nonlinear light-matter interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elsaesser, Thomas

Terahertz (THz) spectroscopy gives insight into low-frequency excitations and charge dynamics in condensed matter. So far, most experiments in a frequency range from 0.5 to 30 THz have focused on the linear THz response to determine linear absorption and disperion spectra, and/or electric conductivities. The generation of ultrashort THz transients with peak electric fields up to megavolts/cm has allowed for addressing nonlinear light-matter interactions and inducing excitations far from equilibrium. The novel method of two-dimensional THz (2D-THz) spectroscopy allows for mapping ultrafast dynamics and couplings of elementary excitations up to arbitrary nonlinear order in the electric field, both under resonant and nonresonant excitation conditions. In particular, different contributions to the overall nonlinear response are separated by dissecting it as a function of excitation and detection frequencies and for different waiting times after excitation. This talk gives an introduction in 2D-THz spectroscopy, including its recent extension to 3-pulse sequences and interaction schemes. To illustrate the potential of the method, recent results on two-phonon coherences and high-order interband excitations in the semiconductor InSb will be presented. Nonlinear THz excitation of two-phonon coherences exploits a resonance enhancement by the large electronic interband dipole of InSb and is, thus, far more efficient than linear excitation via resonant two-phonon absorption. As a second application, the nonlinear softmode response in a crystal consisting of aspirin molecules will be discussed. At moderate THz driving fields, the pronounced correlation of rotational modes of CH3 groups with collective oscillations of π-electrons drives the system into the regime of nonperturbative light-matter interaction. Nonlinear absorption around 1.1 THz leads to a blue-shifted coherent emission at 1.5 THz, revealing a dynamic breakup of the strong electron-phonon correlations.

Evaluation of excitation strategy with multi-plane electrical capacitance tomography sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mao, Mingxu; Ye, Jiamin; Wang, Haigang; Zhang, Jiaolong; Yang, Wuqiang

2016-11-01

Electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) is an imaging technique for measuring the permittivity change of materials. Using a multi-plane ECT sensor, three-dimensional (3D) distribution of permittivity may be represented. In this paper, three excitation strategies, including single-electrode excitation, dual-electrode excitation in the same plane, and dual-electrode excitation in different planes are investigated by numerical simulation and experiment for two three-plane ECT sensors with 12 electrodes in total. In one sensor, the electrodes on the middle plane are in line with the others. In the other sensor, they are rotated 45° with reference to the other two planes. A linear back projection algorithm is used to reconstruct the images and a correlation coefficient is used to evaluate the image quality. The capacitance data and sensitivity distribution with each measurement strategy and sensor model are analyzed. Based on simulation and experimental results using noise-free and noisy capacitance data, the performance of the three strategies is evaluated.

Defects formation and spiral waves in a network of neurons in presence of electromagnetic induction.

PubMed

Rostami, Zahra; Jafari, Sajad

2018-04-01

Complex anatomical and physiological structure of an excitable tissue (e.g., cardiac tissue) in the body can represent different electrical activities through normal or abnormal behavior. Abnormalities of the excitable tissue coming from different biological reasons can lead to formation of some defects. Such defects can cause some successive waves that may end up to some additional reorganizing beating behaviors like spiral waves or target waves. In this study, formation of defects and the resulting emitted waves in an excitable tissue are investigated. We have considered a square array network of neurons with nearest-neighbor connections to describe the excitable tissue. Fundamentally, electrophysiological properties of ion currents in the body are responsible for exhibition of electrical spatiotemporal patterns. More precisely, fluctuation of accumulated ions inside and outside of cell causes variable electrical and magnetic field. Considering undeniable mutual effects of electrical field and magnetic field, we have proposed the new Hindmarsh-Rose (HR) neuronal model for the local dynamics of each individual neuron in the network. In this new neuronal model, the influence of magnetic flow on membrane potential is defined. This improved model holds more bifurcation parameters. Moreover, the dynamical behavior of the tissue is investigated in different states of quiescent, spiking, bursting and even chaotic state. The resulting spatiotemporal patterns are represented and the time series of some sampled neurons are displayed, as well.

Energetic ion, atom, and molecule reactions and excitation in low-current H2 discharges: H(alpha) Doppler profiles.

PubMed

Petrović, Z Lj; Phelps, A V

2009-12-01

Absolute spectral emissivities for Doppler broadened H(alpha) profiles are measured and compared with predictions of energetic hydrogen ion, atom, and molecule behavior in low-current electrical discharges in H2 at very high electric field E to gas density N ratios E/N and low values of Nd , where d is the parallel-plate electrode separation. These observations reflect the energy and angular distributions for the excited atoms and quantitatively test features of multiple-scattering kinetic models in weakly ionized hydrogen in the presence of an electric field that are not tested by the spatial distributions of H(alpha) emission. Absolute spectral intensities agree well with predictions. Asymmetries in Doppler profiles observed parallel to the electric field at 4

Removal of pinned scroll waves in cardiac tissues by electric fields in a generic model of three-dimensional excitable media

PubMed Central

Pan, De-Bei; Gao, Xiang; Feng, Xia; Pan, Jun-Ting; Zhang, Hong

2016-01-01

Spirals or scroll waves pinned to heterogeneities in cardiac tissues may cause lethal arrhythmias. To unpin these life-threatening spiral waves, methods of wave emission from heterogeneities (WEH) induced by low-voltage pulsed DC electric fields (PDCEFs) and circularly polarized electric fields (CPEFs) have been used in two-dimensional (2D) cardiac tissues. Nevertheless, the unpinning of scroll waves in three-dimensional (3D) cardiac systems is much more difficult than that of spiral waves in 2D cardiac systems, and there are few reports on the removal of pinned scroll waves in 3D cardiac tissues by electric fields. In this article, we investigate in detail the removal of pinned scroll waves in a generic model of 3D excitable media using PDCEF, AC electric field (ACEF) and CPEF, respectively. We find that spherical waves can be induced from the heterogeneities by these electric fields in initially quiescent excitable media. However, only CPEF can induce spherical waves with frequencies higher than that of the pinned scroll wave. Such higher-frequency spherical waves induced by CPEF can be used to drive the pinned scroll wave out of the cardiac systems. We hope this remarkable ability of CPEF can provide a better alternative to terminate arrhythmias caused by pinned scroll waves. PMID:26905367

Interaction of excitable waves emitted from two defects by pulsed electric fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Jiang-Xing; Zhang, Han; Qiao, Li-Yan; Liang, Hong; Sun, Wei-Gang

2018-01-01

In response to a pulsed electric field, spatial distributed heterogeneities in excitable media can serve as nucleation sites for the generation of intramural electrical waves, a phenomenon called as ;wave emission from heterogeneities; (WEH effect). Heterogeneities in cardiac tissue strongly influence each other in the WEH effect. We study the WEH effect in a medium possessing two defects. The role of two defects and their interaction by pulsed DC electric fields (DEF) and rotating electric fields (REF) are investigated. The direction of the applied electric field plays a major role not only in the minimum electrical field necessary to originate wave propagation, but also in the degree of influences of nearby defects. The distance between two defects, i.e. the density of defects, also play an important role in the WEH effect. Generally, the REF is better than the DEF when pulsed electric fields are applied. These results may contribute to the improved application of WEH, especially in older patients with fibrosis and scarring, which are accompanied by a higher incidence of conductivity discontinuities.

Excitation of Standing Waves by an Electric Toothbrush

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cros, Ana; Ferrer-Roca, Chantal

2006-01-01

There are a number of ways of exciting standing waves in ropes and springs using non-commercial vibrators such as loudspeakers, jigsaws, motors, or a simple tuning fork, including the rhythmical shaking of a handheld Slinky. We have come up with a very simple and cheap way of exciting stationary waves in a string, which anyone, particularly…

9. INTERIOR OF KERN RIVER No. 1 POWERHOUSE BUILDING SHOWING ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

9. INTERIOR OF KERN RIVER No. 1 POWERHOUSE BUILDING SHOWING EXCITER No 2. Ca. 1930 GENERAL ELECTRIC ALTERNATING CURRENT MOTOR REPLACEMENT FOR ALLIS-CHALMERS IMPULSE WHEEL IS VISIBLE ON RIGHT ALONG WITH COUPLING TO EXCITER SHAFT. VIEW TO NORTHWEST. - Kern County No. 1 Hydroelectric System, Powerhouse Exciters, Kern River Canyon, Bakersfield, Kern County, CA

Fractional diffusion models of cardiac electrical propagation: role of structural heterogeneity in dispersion of repolarization

PubMed Central

Bueno-Orovio, Alfonso; Kay, David; Grau, Vicente; Rodriguez, Blanca; Burrage, Kevin

2014-01-01

Impulse propagation in biological tissues is known to be modulated by structural heterogeneity. In cardiac muscle, improved understanding on how this heterogeneity influences electrical spread is key to advancing our interpretation of dispersion of repolarization. We propose fractional diffusion models as a novel mathematical description of structurally heterogeneous excitable media, as a means of representing the modulation of the total electric field by the secondary electrical sources associated with tissue inhomogeneities. Our results, analysed against in vivo human recordings and experimental data of different animal species, indicate that structural heterogeneity underlies relevant characteristics of cardiac electrical propagation at tissue level. These include conduction effects on action potential (AP) morphology, the shortening of AP duration along the activation pathway and the progressive modulation by premature beats of spatial patterns of dispersion of repolarization. The proposed approach may also have important implications in other research fields involving excitable complex media. PMID:24920109

High frequency vibration characteristics of electric wheel system under in-wheel motor torque ripple

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mao, Yu; Zuo, Shuguang; Wu, Xudong; Duan, Xianglei

2017-07-01

With the introduction of in-wheel motor, the electric wheel system encounters new vibration problems brought by motor torque ripple excitation. In order to analyze new vibration characteristics of electric wheel system, torque ripple of in-wheel motor based on motor module and vector control system is primarily analyzed, and frequency/order features of the torque ripple are discussed. Then quarter vehicle-electric wheel system (QV-EWS) dynamics model based on the rigid ring tire assumption is established and the main parameters of the model are identified according to tire free modal test. Modal characteristics of the model are further analyzed. The analysis indicates that torque excitation of in-wheel motor is prone to arouse horizontal vibration, in which in-phase rotational, anti-phase rotational and horizontal translational modes of electric wheel system mainly participate. Based on the model, vibration responses of the QV-EWS under torque ripple are simulated. The results show that unlike vertical low frequency (lower than 20 Hz) vibration excited by road roughness, broadband torque ripple will arouse horizontal high frequency (50-100 Hz) vibration of electric wheel system due to participation of the three aforementioned modes. To verify the theoretical analysis, the bench experiment of electric wheel system is conducted and vibration responses are acquired. The experiment demonstrates the high frequency vibration phenomenon of electric wheel system and the measured order features as well as main resonant frequencies agree with simulation results. Through theoretical modeling, analysis and experiments this paper reveals and explains the high frequency vibration characteristics of electric wheel system, providing references for the dynamic analysis, optimal design of QV-EWS.

Preterm labor--modeling the uterine electrical activity from cellular level to surface recording.

PubMed

Rihana, S; Marque, C

2008-01-01

Uterine electrical activity is correlated to the appearance of uterine contractions. forceful contractions appear at the end of term. Therefore, understanding the genesis and the propagation of uterine electrical activity may provide an efficient tool to diagnose preterm labor. Moreover, the control of uterine excitability seems to have important consequences in the control of preterm labor. Modeling the electrical activity in uterine tissue is thus an important step in understanding physiological uterine contractile mechanisms and to permit uterine EMG simulation. Our model presented in this paper, incorporates ion channel models at the cell level, the reaction diffusion equations at the tissue level and the spatiotemporal integration at the uterine EMG reconstructed level. This model validates some key physiological observation hypotheses concerning uterine excitability and propagation.

Fibroblast proliferation alters cardiac excitation conduction and contraction: a computational study.

PubMed

Zhan, He-qing; Xia, Ling; Shou, Guo-fa; Zang, Yun-liang; Liu, Feng; Crozier, Stuart

2014-03-01

In this study, the effects of cardiac fibroblast proliferation on cardiac electric excitation conduction and mechanical contraction were investigated using a proposed integrated myocardial-fibroblastic electromechanical model. At the cellular level, models of the human ventricular myocyte and fibroblast were modified to incorporate a model of cardiac mechanical contraction and cooperativity mechanisms. Cellular electromechanical coupling was realized with a calcium buffer. At the tissue level, electrical excitation conduction was coupled to an elastic mechanics model in which the finite difference method (FDM) was used to solve electrical excitation equations, and the finite element method (FEM) was used to solve mechanics equations. The electromechanical properties of the proposed integrated model were investigated in one or two dimensions under normal and ischemic pathological conditions. Fibroblast proliferation slowed wave propagation, induced a conduction block, decreased strains in the fibroblast proliferous tissue, and increased dispersions in depolarization, repolarization, and action potential duration (APD). It also distorted the wave-front, leading to the initiation and maintenance of re-entry, and resulted in a sustained contraction in the proliferous areas. This study demonstrated the important role that fibroblast proliferation plays in modulating cardiac electromechanical behaviour and which should be considered in planning future heart-modeling studies.

Fibroblast proliferation alters cardiac excitation conduction and contraction: a computational study*

PubMed Central

Zhan, He-qing; Xia, Ling; Shou, Guo-fa; Zang, Yun-liang; Liu, Feng; Crozier, Stuart

2014-01-01

In this study, the effects of cardiac fibroblast proliferation on cardiac electric excitation conduction and mechanical contraction were investigated using a proposed integrated myocardial-fibroblastic electromechanical model. At the cellular level, models of the human ventricular myocyte and fibroblast were modified to incorporate a model of cardiac mechanical contraction and cooperativity mechanisms. Cellular electromechanical coupling was realized with a calcium buffer. At the tissue level, electrical excitation conduction was coupled to an elastic mechanics model in which the finite difference method (FDM) was used to solve electrical excitation equations, and the finite element method (FEM) was used to solve mechanics equations. The electromechanical properties of the proposed integrated model were investigated in one or two dimensions under normal and ischemic pathological conditions. Fibroblast proliferation slowed wave propagation, induced a conduction block, decreased strains in the fibroblast proliferous tissue, and increased dispersions in depolarization, repolarization, and action potential duration (APD). It also distorted the wave-front, leading to the initiation and maintenance of re-entry, and resulted in a sustained contraction in the proliferous areas. This study demonstrated the important role that fibroblast proliferation plays in modulating cardiac electromechanical behaviour and which should be considered in planning future heart-modeling studies. PMID:24599687

Nonequilibrium excitations and transport of Dirac electrons in electric-field-driven graphene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jiajun; Han, Jong E.

2018-05-01

We investigate nonequilibrium excitations and charge transport in charge-neutral graphene driven with dc electric field by using the nonequilibrium Green's-function technique. Due to the vanishing Fermi surface, electrons are subject to nontrivial nonequilibrium excitations such as highly anisotropic momentum distribution of electron-hole pairs, an analog of the Schwinger effect. We show that the electron-hole excitations, initiated by the Landau-Zener tunneling with a superlinear I V relation I ∝E3 /2 , reaches a steady state dominated by the dissipation due to optical phonons, resulting in a marginally sublinear I V with I ∝E , in agreement with recent experiments. The linear I V starts to show the sign of current saturation as the graphene is doped away from the Dirac point, and recovers the semiclassical relation for the saturated velocity. We give a detailed discussion on the nonequilibrium charge creation and the relation between the electron-phonon scattering rate and the electric field in the steady-state limit. We explain how the apparent Ohmic I V is recovered near the Dirac point. We propose a mechanism where the peculiar nonequilibrium electron-hole creation can be utilized in a infrared device.

Effect of Intense Optical Excitation on Internal Electric Field Evolution in CdTe Gamma-Ray Detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suzuki, K.; Ichinohe, Y.; Seto, S.

2018-03-01

The time-of-flight (TOF) transient currents in radiation detectors made of CdTe and Cd0.9Zn0.1Te (CZT) have been measured at several optical excitation intensities to investigate the effect of drifting carriers on the internal field. Both detectors show so-called space-charge-perturbed (SCP) current under intense optical excitation. A Monte Carlo (MC) simulation combined with an iterative solution of Poisson's equation is used to reproduce the observed currents under several bias voltages and excitation intensities. The SCP theory describes well the transient current in the CZT detector, whereas injection of holes from the anode and a corresponding reduction of the electron lifetime are further required to describe that in the CdTe detector. We visualize the temporal changes in the charge distribution and internal electric field profiles of both detectors.

Controlling the dynamics of quantum mechanical systems sustaining dipole-forbidden transitions via optical nanoantennas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Filter, Robert; Mühlig, Stefan; Eichelkraut, Toni; Rockstuhl, Carsten; Lederer, Falk

2012-07-01

We suggest to excite dipole-forbidden transitions in quantum mechanical systems by using appropriately designed optical nanoantennas. The antennas are tailored such that their near field contains sufficiently strong contributions of higher-order multipole moments. The strengths of these moments exceed their free-space analogs by several orders of magnitude. The impact of such excitation enhancement is exemplarily investigated by studying the dynamics of a three-level system. It decays upon excitation by an electric quadrupole transition via two electric dipole transitions. Since one dipole transition is assumed to be radiative, the enhancement of this emission serves as a figure of merit. Such self-consistent treatment of excitation, emission, and internal dynamics as developed in this contribution is the key to predict any observable quantity. The suggested scheme may represent a blueprint for future experiments and will find many obvious spectroscopic and sensing applications.

Engineering biosynthetic excitable tissues from unexcitable cells for electrophysiological and cell therapy studies.

PubMed

Kirkton, Robert D; Bursac, Nenad

2011-01-01

Patch-clamp recordings in single-cell expression systems have been traditionally used to study the function of ion channels. However, this experimental setting does not enable assessment of tissue-level function such as action potential (AP) conduction. Here we introduce a biosynthetic system that permits studies of both channel activity in single cells and electrical conduction in multicellular networks. We convert unexcitable somatic cells into an autonomous source of electrically excitable and conducting cells by stably expressing only three membrane channels. The specific roles that these expressed channels have on AP shape and conduction are revealed by different pharmacological and pacing protocols. Furthermore, we demonstrate that biosynthetic excitable cells and tissues can repair large conduction defects within primary 2- and 3-dimensional cardiac cell cultures. This approach enables novel studies of ion channel function in a reproducible tissue-level setting and may stimulate the development of new cell-based therapies for excitable tissue repair.

Magnetic properties of Fe-Si steel depending on compressive and tensile stresses under sinusoidal and distorted excitations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Permiakov, V.; Pulnikov, A.; Dupré, L.; De Wulf, M.; Melkebeek, J.

2003-05-01

In this article, the magnetic properties of nonoriented electrical steel under sinusoidal and distorted excitations are investigated for the whole range of unidirectional mechanical stresses. The distorted flux obtained from the tooth tip of 3 kW induction machine at no-load test was put into the measurement system. The total losses increase for compressive stress both under sinusoidal and distorted excitations. For tensile elastic stresses, the total losses first decrease and then increase in a very similar way for both excitations. In contrast, the difference between total losses under sinusoidal and distorted magnetic fluxes becomes smaller with increase of the plastic strain. This work is a serious step toward complete characterization of the magnetic properties of electrical steel in the teeth area of induction machines. A deeper insight of that problem can improve the design of induction machines and other electromagnetic devices.

Precision increase in electric drive speed loop of robotic complexes and process lines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tulegenov, E.; Imanova, A. A.; Platonov, V. V.

2018-05-01

The article presents the principles of synthesis of control structures for highprecision electric drives of robotic complexes and manipulators. It has been theoretically shown and experimentally confirmed that improved characteristics of speed maintenance in the zone of significant overloads are achieved in systems of series excitation. They are achieved due to the redistribution of control signals both in the zone of setting the armature current and in the excitation currents. At the same time, the characteristic of the electromagnetic torque becomes linear because the demagnetizing effect of the armature response is compensated by the setting of the excitation current. It is recommended in those cases when it is necessary to extend the range of speed control with a significant reduction in load to apply structures with two-zone speed control. The regulation of the weakening of the excitation flow is more convenient as a function of the voltage in the armature windings.

Spiral ganglion cell site of excitation I: comparison of scala tympani and intrameatal electrode responses.

PubMed

Cartee, Lianne A; Miller, Charles A; van den Honert, Chris

2006-05-01

To determine the site of excitation on the spiral ganglion cell in response to electrical stimulation similar to that from a cochlear implant, single-fiber responses to electrical stimuli delivered by an electrode positioned in the scala tympani were compared to responses from stimuli delivered by an electrode placed in the internal auditory meatus. The response to intrameatal stimulation provided a control set of data with a known excitation site, the central axon of the spiral ganglion cell. For both intrameatal and scala tympani stimuli, the responses to single-pulse, summation, and refractory stimulus protocols were recorded. The data demonstrated that summation pulses, as opposed to single pulses, are likely to give the most insightful measures for determination of the site of excitation. Single-fiber summation data for both scala tympani and intrameatally stimulated fibers were analyzed with a clustering algorithm. Combining cluster analysis and additional numerical modeling data, it was hypothesized that the scala tympani responses corresponded to central excitation, peripheral excitation adjacent to the cell body, and peripheral excitation at a site distant from the cell body. Fibers stimulated by an intrameatal electrode demonstrated the greatest range of jitter measurements indicating that greater fiber independence may be achieved with intrameatal stimulation.

Reinjection laser oscillator and method

DOEpatents

McLellan, Edward J.

1984-01-01

A uv preionized CO.sub.2 oscillator with integral four-pass amplifier capable of providing 1 to 5 GW laser pulses with pulse widths from 0.1 to 0.5 ns full width at half-maximum (FWHM) is described. The apparatus is operated at any pressure from 1 atm to 10 atm without the necessity of complex high voltage electronics. The reinjection technique employed gives rise to a compact, efficient system that is particularly immune to alignment instabilities with a minimal amount of hardware and complexity.

Application of Gas Lasers to Studies of Fundamental Molecular and Atomic Processes.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-05-12

agreement with the lower for pulse compression . curves of fig. 2a. Eqs two in-phase 2 nsec input pulses .4 of equal area (not shown), the output pulse is...and He, and an Manuscript received December 13, 1974. This work was supported by the Office of Naval Research and the Air Force Cambridge Research...application. Taylor ct al. Preionization is initiated by uv generated from dis- first tried hopcalite in a cw laser but unsuccessfully, charging -150 mJ

Study of the Synchronous Operation of an Annular Field Reversed Configuration Plasma Device

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-05-05

of pulsed diagnostics were developed to explore the operational characteristics of a 40 -cm outer diameter annular theta pinch and its pre-ionization...Optimized pre-ionization conditions, neutral gas densities, and plasma transition energies were determined for the 40 cm annulus in both argon and xenon...MSNW 100 25 10 10 150 Formation 1985 HBQM U Wash 300 22 5 5 30 Formation 1986 TRX-2 STI 100 24 13 10 100 Confinement 1987 CSS U Wash 100 45 3 40 60

Contrast Enhancement of the LOASIS CPA Laser and Effects on Electron Beam Performance of LWFA

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Toth, Csaba; Gonsalves, Anthony J.; Panasenko, Dmitriy

2009-01-22

A nonlinear optical pulse cleaning technique based on cross-polarized wave (XPW) generation filtering [1] has been implemented to improve laser pulse contrast, and consequently to control pre-ionization in laser-plasma accelerator experiments. Three orders of magnitude improvement in pre-pulse contrast has been achieved, resulting in 4-fold increase in electron charge and improved stability of both the electron beam energy and THz radiation generated as a secondary process in the gas-jet-based LWFA experiments.

Remote Sensing of Turbine Engine Gases.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-09-30

Institute by lasers operating in the infrared compared to the visible and of Technology. Lexington, M A 0217 3. UV region. 00l8.9197/81/0900-1917S00.75 0...mini-TEA lasers used in both single- and dual- laser consists of a UV -preionized discharge between Rogowski laser DIAL systems, and a study has been...described previously [10]. The discharge is thyratron system. This research has led to a better understanding of triggered and may operate at a pulse

Proceedings of the International Conference on Lasers 󈨝 (12th), Held in New Orleans, Louisiana on December 3-8, 1989.

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-01-01

schedule soon, while in the percutaneous one auto-fluorescence spectroscopy could be the closest technique to be effectively included in the angioplasty...experiments Dashed line: Amplifier mode experiments ( scheduled ) Fig. 3 Schematic of laser, pulsed power, and X-ray preionizer 3. Pulsed Power 4. X-Ray...of KrF Amplifier * scheduled ** estimated value 120 CONDENSED PHASE RARE GAS HALIDE EXCIPLEX LASERS V. Ara Apkarian Professor of Chemistry Department

Analytical transition-matrix treatment of electric multipole polarizabilities of hydrogen-like atoms

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kharchenko, V.F., E-mail: vkharchenko@bitp.kiev.ua

2015-04-15

The direct transition-matrix approach to the description of the electric polarization of the quantum bound system of particles is used to determine the electric multipole polarizabilities of the hydrogen-like atoms. It is shown that in the case of the bound system formed by the Coulomb interaction the corresponding inhomogeneous integral equation determining an off-shell scattering function, which consistently describes virtual multiple scattering, can be solved exactly analytically for all electric multipole polarizabilities. Our method allows to reproduce the known Dalgarno–Lewis formula for electric multipole polarizabilities of the hydrogen atom in the ground state and can also be applied to determinemore » the polarizability of the atom in excited bound states. - Highlights: • A new description for electric polarization of hydrogen-like atoms. • Expression for multipole polarizabilities in terms of off-shell scattering functions. • Derivation of integral equation determining the off-shell scattering function. • Rigorous analytic solving the integral equations both for ground and excited states. • Study of contributions of virtual multiple scattering to electric polarizabilities.« less

Modernization of the Control Systems of High-Frequency, Brush-Free, and Collector Exciters of Turbogenerators

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Popov, E. N., E-mail: enpo@ruselmash.ru; Komkov, A. L.; Ivanov, S. L.

Methods of modernizing the regulation systems of electric machinery exciters with high-frequency, brush-free, and collector exciters by means of microprocessor technology are examined. The main problems of modernization are to increase the response speed of a system and to use a system stabilizer to increase the stability of the power system.

Influence of the photon orbital angular momentum on electric dipole transitions: negative experimental evidence.

PubMed

Giammanco, F; Perona, A; Marsili, P; Conti, F; Fidecaro, F; Gozzini, S; Lucchesini, A

2017-01-15

We describe an experiment of atomic spectroscopy devoted to ascertaining whether the orbital angular momentum (OAM) of photons has the same property of interacting with atoms or molecules as occurs for the spin angular momentum (SAM). In our experiment, rubidium vapors are excited by means of laser radiation with different combinations of OAM and SAM, particularly selected to inhibit or enhance the fluorescence according to the selection rules for the electric dipole transitions between the fundamental state and the first excited doublet. Our results clearly show that an electric-dipole-type transition is insensitive to the OAM value, and provide an original validation of a problem long debated in theoretical works.

Real-time method and apparatus for measuring the temperature of a fluorescing phosphor

DOEpatents

Britton, Jr., Charles L.; Beshears, David L.; Simpson, Marc L.; Cates, Michael R.; Allison, Steve W.

1999-01-01

A method for determining the temperature of a fluorescing phosphor is provided, together with an apparatus for performing the method. The apparatus includes a photodetector for detecting light emitted by a phosphor irradiated with an excitation pulse and for converting the detected light into an electrical signal. The apparatus further includes a differentiator for differentiating the electrical signal and a zero-crossing discrimination circuit that outputs a pulse signal having a pulse width corresponding to the time period between the start of the excitation pulse and the time when the differentiated electrical signal reaches zero. The width of the output pulse signal is proportional to the decay-time constant of the phosphor.

Excitation Method of Linear-Motor-Type Rail Brake without Using Power Sources by Dynamic Braking with Zero Electrical Output

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sakamoto, Yasuaki; Kashiwagi, Takayuki; Hasegawa, Hitoshi; Sasakawa, Takashi; Fujii, Nobuo

The eddy current rail brake is a type of braking system used in railway vehicles. Because of problems such as rail heating and problems associated with ensuring that power is supplied when the feeder malfunctions, this braking system has not been used for practical applications in Japan. Therefore, we proposed the use of linear induction motor (LIM) technology in eddy current rail brake systems. The LIM rail brake driven by dynamic braking can reduce rail heating and generate the energy required for self-excitation. In this paper, we present an excitation system and control method for the LIM rail brake driven by “dynamic braking with zero electrical output”. The proposed system is based on the concept that the LIM rail brake can be energized without using excitation power sources such as a feeder circuit and that high reliability can be realized by providing an independent excitation system. We have studied this system and conducted verification tests using a prototype LIM rail brake on a roller rig. The results show that the system performance is adequate for commercializing the proposed system, in which the LIM rail brake is driven without using any excitation power source.

Electric oxygen-iodine laser discharge scaling and laser performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Woodard, Brian S.

In 2004, a research partnership between the University of Illinois and CU Aerospace demonstrated the first electric discharge pumped oxygen-iodine laser referred to as ElectricOIL. This exciting improvement over the standard oxygen-iodine laser utilizes a gas discharge to produce the necessary electronically-excited molecular oxygen, O2(a 1Delta), that serves as the energy reservoir in the laser system. Pumped by a near-resonant energy transfer, the atomic iodine lases on the I(2P1/2) → I(2P3/2) transition at 1315 nm. Molecular oxygen diluted with helium and a small fraction of nitric oxide flows through a radiofrequency discharge where O2(a 1Delta) and many other excited species are created. Careful investigations to understand the benefits and problems associated with these other states in the laser system allowed this team to succeed where other research groups had failed, and after the initial demonstration, the ElectricOIL research focus shifted to increasing the efficiencies along with the output laser energy. Among other factors, the laser power scales with the flow rate of oxygen in the desired excited state. Therefore, high yields of O2(a 1Delta) are desired along with high input oxygen flow rates. In the early ElectricOIL experiments, the pressure in the discharge was approximately 10 Torr, but increased flow rates forced the pressure to between 50 and 60 Torr requiring a number of new discharge designs in order to produce similar yields of O2(a1Delta) efficiently. Experiments were conducted with only the electric discharge portion of the laser system using emission diagnostics to study the effects of changing the discharge geometry, flow residence time, and diluent. The power carried by O2(a 1Delta) is the maximum power that could be extracted from the laser, and the results from these studies showed approximately 2500 W stored in the O2(a1Delta) state. Transferring this energy into the atomic iodine has been another challenge in ElectricOIL as experiments have shown that the iodine is pumped into the excited state slower than is predicted by the known kinetics, resulting in reduced output power. An elementary model is presented that may partially explain this problem. Larger laser resonator volumes are employed to improve power extraction by providing more flow time for iodine pumping. The results presented in this work in conjunction with the efforts of others led to ElectricOIL scaling from 200 mW in the initial demonstration to nearly 500 W.

Targeting the Cerebellum by Noninvasive Neurostimulation: a Review.

PubMed

van Dun, Kim; Bodranghien, Florian; Manto, Mario; Mariën, Peter

2017-06-01

Transcranial magnetic and electric stimulation of the brain are novel and highly promising techniques currently employed in both research and clinical practice. Improving or rehabilitating brain functions by modulating excitability with these noninvasive tools is an exciting new area in neuroscience. Since the cerebellum is closely connected with the cerebral regions subserving motor, associative, and affective functions, the cerebello-thalamo-cortical pathways are an interesting target for these new techniques. Targeting the cerebellum represents a novel way to modulate the excitability of remote cortical regions and their functions. This review brings together the studies that have applied cerebellar stimulation, magnetic and electric, and presents an overview of the current knowledge and unsolved issues. Some recommendations for future research are implemented as well.

Ultra-broadband near-field antenna for terahertz plasmonic applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Polischuk, O. V., E-mail: polischuk.sfire@mail.ru; Popov, V. V., E-mail: popov-slava@yahoo.co.uk; Knap, W.

A new type of ultra-broadband near-field antenna for terahertz frequencies is proposed. This antenna is a short-period planar metal array. It is theoretically shown that irradiation of the short-period array antenna by a plane homogeneous terahertz waves excite a highly inhomogeneous near electric field near the metal array. In this case, the amplitude of the excited inhomogeneous near electric field is almost independent of frequency in the entire terahertz frequency range. The excitation of plasma oscillations in a two-dimensional electron system using the antenna under study is numerically simulated in the resonant and non-resonant plasmonic response modes. This type ofmore » antenna can be used for developing ultra-broadband plasmonic detectors of terahertz radiation.« less

Universal Majorana thermoelectric noise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smirnov, Sergey

2018-04-01

Thermoelectric phenomena resulting from an interplay between particle flows induced by electric fields and temperature inhomogeneities are extremely insightful as a tool providing substantial knowledge about the microscopic structure of a given system. By tuning, e.g., parameters of a nanoscopic system coupled via tunneling mechanisms to two contacts, one may achieve various situations where the electric current induced by an external bias voltage competes with the electric current excited by the temperature difference of the two contacts. Even more exciting physics emerges when the system's electronic degrees freedom split to form Majorana fermions which make the thermoelectric dynamics universal. Here, we propose revealing these unique universal signatures of Majorana fermions in strongly nonequilibrium quantum dots via noise of the thermoelectric transport beyond linear response. It is demonstrated that whereas mean thermoelectric quantities are only universal at large-bias voltages, the noise of the electric current excited by an external bias voltage and the temperature difference of the contacts is universal at any bias voltage. We provide truly universal, i.e., independent of the system's parameters, thermoelectric ratios between nonlinear response coefficients of the noise and mean current at large-bias voltages where experiments may easily be performed to uniquely detect these truly universal Majorana thermoelectric signatures.

Nonreciprocity of electrically excited thermal spin signals in CoFeAl-Cu-Py lateral spin valves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Shaojie; Cui, Xiaomin; Nomura, Tatsuya; Min, Tai; Kimura, Takashi

2017-03-01

Electrical and thermal spin currents excited by an electric current have been systematically investigated in lateral spin valves consisting of CoFeAl and Ni80Fe20 (Py) wires bridged by a Cu strip. In the electrical spin signal, the reciprocity between the current and voltage probes was clearly confirmed. However, a significant nonreciprocity was observed in the thermal spin signal. This provides clear evidence that a large spin-dependent Seebeck coefficient is more important than the spin polarization for efficient thermal spin injection and detection. We demonstrate that the spin-dependent Seebeck coefficient can be simply evaluated from the thermal spin signals for two configurations. Our experimental description paves a way for evaluating a small spin-dependent Seebeck coefficient for conventional ferromagnets without using complicated parameters.

Minimal models of electric potential oscillations in non-excitable membranes.

PubMed

Perdomo, Guillermo; Hernández, Julio A

2010-01-01

Sustained oscillations in the membrane potential have been observed in a variety of cellular and subcellular systems, including several types of non-excitable cells and mitochondria. For the plasma membrane, these electrical oscillations have frequently been related to oscillations in intracellular calcium. For the inner mitochondrial membrane, in several cases the electrical oscillations have been attributed to modifications in calcium dynamics. As an alternative, some authors have suggested that the sustained oscillations in the mitochondrial membrane potential induced by some metabolic intermediates depends on the direct effect of internal protons on proton conductance. Most theoretical models developed to interpret oscillations in the membrane potential integrate several transport and biochemical processes. Here we evaluate whether three simple dynamic models may constitute plausible representations of electric oscillations in non-excitable membranes. The basic mechanism considered in the derivation of the models is based upon evidence obtained by Hattori et al. for mitochondria and assumes that an ionic species (i.e., the proton) is transported via passive and active transport systems between an external and an internal compartment and that the ion affects the kinetic properties of transport by feedback regulation. The membrane potential is incorporated via its effects on kinetic properties. The dynamic properties of two of the models enable us to conclude that they may represent alternatives enabling description of the generation of electrical oscillations in membranes that depend on the transport of a single ionic species.

Advanced Space-Based Detectors

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-07-17

to surface-plasmon- polariton interactions on nanopatterned metal surfaces. A plasmon is the quasiparticle resulting from the quantization of plasma...excited by an optical field, a polariton is the result. Polaritons are quasiparticles resulting from a strong coupling of EM waves with an electric...dipole-carrying excitation. Thus, a polariton is the result of the mixing of a photon with an excitation of a material. Phonon- polaritons result from

Scattering and Imaging of Nonlinearly Loaded Antenna Structures in Half-Space and Complex-Room Environments

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-01

ABSTRACT The electromagnetic scattering responses of nonlinearly loaded antenna structures excited by single- tone or multi- tone incident fields are...3  Fig. 2 Monostatic scattered electric field strength for center array element: a) Single- tone excitation at 300 MHz...three diode-loaded targets and b) Two- tone excitation at 300 MHz and 305 MHz; two varactor-loaded targets

Competition between second harmonic generation and two-photon-induced luminescence in single, double and multiple ZnO nanorods.

PubMed

Dai, Jun; Zeng, Jian-Hua; Lan, Sheng; Wan, Xia; Tie, Shao-Long

2013-04-22

The nonlinear optical properties of single, double and multiple ZnO nanorods (NRs) were investigated by using a focused femtosecond (fs) laser beam. The excitation wavelength of the fs laser was intentionally chosen to be 754 nm at which the energy of two photons is slightly larger than that of the exciton ground state but smaller than the bandgap energy of ZnO. Second harmonic generation (SHG) or/and two-photon-induced luminescence (TPL) were observed and their dependences on excitation density were examined. For single ZnO NRs, only SHG was observed even at the highest excitation density we used in the experiments. The situation was changed when the joint point of two ZnO NRs perpendicular to each other was excited. In this case, TPL could be detected at low excitation densities and it increased rapidly with increasing excitation density. At the highest excitation density of ~15 MW/cm(2), the intensity of the TPL became comparable to that of the SHG. For an ensemble of ZnO NRs packed closely, a rapid increase of TPL with a slope of more than 7.0 and a gradual saturation of SHG with a slope of ~0.34 were found at high excitation densities. Consequently, the nonlinear response spectrum was eventually dominated by the TPL at high excitation densities and the SHG appeared to be very weak. We interpret this phenomenon by considering both the difference in electric field distribution and the effect of heat accumulation. It is suggested that the electric field enhancement in double and multiple NRs plays a crucial role in determining the nonlinear response of the NRs. In addition, the reduction in the bandgap energy induced by the heat accumulation effect also leads to the significant change in nonlinear response. This explanation is supported by the calculation of the electric field distribution using the discrete dipole approximation method and the simulation of temperature rise in different ZnO NRs based on the finite element method.

Using Microelectrode Arrays for Neurotoxicity Screening

EPA Science Inventory

Chemicals can disrupt nervous system electrical activity, rapidly causing toxicity prior to, or in the absence of, biochemical or morphological changes. However, high-throughput, functional approaches to detect chemical induced changes in electrical excitability are lacking. Micr...

Piezoelectric particle accelerator

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kemp, Mark A.; Jongewaard, Erik N.; Haase, Andrew A.

2017-08-29

A particle accelerator is provided that includes a piezoelectric accelerator element, where the piezoelectric accelerator element includes a hollow cylindrical shape, and an input transducer, where the input transducer is disposed to provide an input signal to the piezoelectric accelerator element, where the input signal induces a mechanical excitation of the piezoelectric accelerator element, where the mechanical excitation is capable of generating a piezoelectric electric field proximal to an axis of the cylindrical shape, where the piezoelectric accelerator is configured to accelerate a charged particle longitudinally along the axis of the cylindrical shape according to the piezoelectric electric field.

SAR Reduction in 7T C-Spine Imaging Using a “Dark Modes” Transmit Array Strategy

PubMed Central

Eryaman, Yigitcan; Guerin, Bastien; Keil, Boris; Mareyam, Azma; Herraiz, Joaquin L.; Kosior, Robert K.; Martin, Adrian; Torrado-Carvajal, Angel; Malpica, Norberto; Hernandez-Tamames, Juan A.; Schiavi, Emanuele; Adalsteinsson, Elfar; Wald, Lawrence L.

2016-01-01

Purpose Local specific absorption rate (SAR) limits many applications of parallel transmit (pTx) in ultra high-field imaging. In this Note, we introduce the use of an array element, which is intentionally inefficient at generating spin excitation (a “dark mode”) to attempt a partial cancellation of the electric field from those elements that do generate excitation. We show that adding dipole elements oriented orthogonal to their conventional orientation to a linear array of conventional loop elements can lower the local SAR hotspot in a C-spine array at 7 T. Methods We model electromagnetic fields in a head/torso model to calculate SAR and excitation B1+ patterns generated by conventional loop arrays and loop arrays with added electric dipole elements. We utilize the dark modes that are generated by the intentional and inefficient orientation of dipole elements in order to reduce peak 10g local SAR while maintaining excitation fidelity. Results For B1+ shimming in the spine, the addition of dipole elements did not significantly alter the B1+ spatial pattern but reduced local SAR by 36%. Conclusion The dipole elements provide a sufficiently complimentary B1+ and electric field pattern to the loop array that can be exploited by the radiofrequency shimming algorithm to reduce local SAR. PMID:24753012

OSIRIS Modeling of High Energy Electron Transport in Warm Dense Matter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

May, J.; Yabuuchi, T.; McGuffey, C.; Wei, Ms; Beg, F.; Mori, Wb

2016-10-01

In experiments on the Omega EP laser, a high intensity laser beam (eA /me c > 1) is focused onto a gold foil, generating relativistic electrons. Behind the Au foil is a layer of plastic foam through which the electrons are allowed to transport, and on the far side of the CH from the gold is a copper foil; electron fluence is measured by recording the k- α from that foil. The foam layer is either pre-ionized via a shock launched from an ablator irradiated earlier with a beam perpendicular to the high intensity beam; or the foam is in the solid state when the high intensity beam is switched on. In the latter case the foam - which has an initial density of 200mg /cm3 - heats to a temperature of 40eV and rarifies to a density of 30mg /cm3 . Results show an order of magnitude decrease in k- α when the CH layer is pre-ionized compared to cold CH. OSIRIS simulations indicate that the primary explanation for the difference in transport seen in the experiment is the partial resistive collimation of the beam in the higher density material, caused by collisional resistivity. The effect seems to be mostly caused by the higher density itself, with temperature having minimal effect. The authors acknowledge the support of the Department of Energy under contract DE-NA 0001833 and the National Science Foundation under contract ACI 1339893.

Electrical response of liquid crystal cells doped with multi-walled carbon nanotubes.

PubMed

García-García, Amanda; Vergaz, Ricardo; Algorri, José Francisco; Quintana, Xabier; Otón, José Manuel

2015-01-01

The inclusion of nanoparticles modifies a number of fundamental properties of many materials. Doping of nanoparticles in self-organized materials such as liquid crystals may be of interest for the reciprocal interaction between the matrix and the nanoparticles. Elongated nanoparticles and nanotubes can be aligned and reoriented by the liquid crystal, inducing noticeable changes in their optical and electrical properties. In this work, cells of liquid crystal doped with high aspect ratio multi-walled carbon nanotubes have been prepared, and their characteristic impedance has been studied at different frequencies and excitation voltages. The results demonstrate alterations in the anisotropic conductivity of the samples with the applied electric field, which can be followed by monitoring the impedance evolution with the excitation voltage. Results are consistent with a possible electric contact between the coated substrates of the LC cell caused by the reorientation of the nanotubes. The reversibility of the doped system upon removal of the electric field is quite low.

Real-time method and apparatus for measuring the decay-time constant of a fluorescing phosphor

DOEpatents

Britton, Jr., Charles L.; Beshears, David L.; Simpson, Marc L.; Cates, Michael R.; Allison, Steve W.

1999-01-01

A method for determining the decay-time constant of a fluorescing phosphor is provided, together with an apparatus for performing the method. The apparatus includes a photodetector for detecting light emitted by a phosphor irradiated with an excitation pulse and for converting the detected light into an electrical signal. The apparatus further includes a differentiator for differentiating the electrical signal and a zero-crossing discrimination circuit that outputs a pulse signal having a pulse width corresponding to the time period between the start of the excitation pulse and the time when the differentiated electrical signal reaches zero. The width of the output pulse signal is proportional to the decay-time constant of the phosphor.

All electrical propagating spin wave spectroscopy with broadband wavevector capability

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ciubotaru, F., E-mail: Florin.Ciubotaru@imec.be; KU Leuven, Departement Electrotechniek; Devolder, T.

2016-07-04

We developed an all electrical experiment to perform the broadband phase-resolved spectroscopy of propagating spin waves in micrometer sized thin magnetic stripes. The magnetostatic surface spin waves are excited and detected by scaled down to 125 nm wide inductive antennas, which award ultra broadband wavevector capability. The wavevector selection can be done by applying an excitation frequency above the ferromagnetic resonance. Wavevector demultiplexing is done at the spin wave detector thanks to the rotation of the spin wave phase upon propagation. A simple model accounts for the main features of the apparatus transfer functions. Our approach opens an avenue for themore » all electrical study of wavevector-dependent spin wave properties including dispersion spectra or non-reciprocal propagation.« less

MOM3D method of moments code theory manual

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shaeffer, John F.

1992-01-01

MOM3D is a FORTRAN algorithm that solves Maxwell's equations as expressed via the electric field integral equation for the electromagnetic response of open or closed three dimensional surfaces modeled with triangle patches. Two joined triangles (couples) form the vector current unknowns for the surface. Boundary conditions are for perfectly conducting or resistive surfaces. The impedance matrix represents the fundamental electromagnetic interaction of the body with itself. A variety of electromagnetic analysis options are possible once the impedance matrix is computed including backscatter radar cross section (RCS), bistatic RCS, antenna pattern prediction for user specified body voltage excitation ports, RCS image projection showing RCS scattering center locations, surface currents excited on the body as induced by specified plane wave excitation, and near field computation for the electric field on or near the body.

Ferroelastic domain switching dynamics under electrical and mechanical excitations.

PubMed

Gao, Peng; Britson, Jason; Nelson, Christopher T; Jokisaari, Jacob R; Duan, Chen; Trassin, Morgan; Baek, Seung-Hyub; Guo, Hua; Li, Linze; Wang, Yiran; Chu, Ying-Hao; Minor, Andrew M; Eom, Chang-Beom; Ramesh, Ramamoorthy; Chen, Long-Qing; Pan, Xiaoqing

2014-05-02

In thin film ferroelectric devices, switching of ferroelastic domains can significantly enhance electromechanical response. Previous studies have shown disagreement regarding the mobility or immobility of ferroelastic domain walls, indicating that switching behaviour strongly depends on specific microstructures in ferroelectric systems. Here we study the switching dynamics of individual ferroelastic domains in thin Pb(Zr0.2,Ti0.8)O3 films under electrical and mechanical excitations by using in situ transmission electron microscopy and phase-field modelling. We find that ferroelastic domains can be effectively and permanently stabilized by dislocations at the substrate interface while similar domains at free surfaces without pinning dislocations can be removed by either electric or stress fields. For both electrical and mechanical switching, ferroelastic switching is found to occur most readily at the highly active needle points in ferroelastic domains. Our results provide new insights into the understanding of polarization switching dynamics as well as the engineering of ferroelectric devices.

Ferroelastic domain switching dynamics under electrical and mechanical excitations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Peng; Britson, Jason; Nelson, Christopher T.; Jokisaari, Jacob R.; Duan, Chen; Trassin, Morgan; Baek, Seung-Hyub; Guo, Hua; Li, Linze; Wang, Yiran; Chu, Ying-Hao; Minor, Andrew M.; Eom, Chang-Beom; Ramesh, Ramamoorthy; Chen, Long-Qing; Pan, Xiaoqing

2014-05-01

In thin film ferroelectric devices, switching of ferroelastic domains can significantly enhance electromechanical response. Previous studies have shown disagreement regarding the mobility or immobility of ferroelastic domain walls, indicating that switching behaviour strongly depends on specific microstructures in ferroelectric systems. Here we study the switching dynamics of individual ferroelastic domains in thin Pb(Zr0.2,Ti0.8)O3 films under electrical and mechanical excitations by using in situ transmission electron microscopy and phase-field modelling. We find that ferroelastic domains can be effectively and permanently stabilized by dislocations at the substrate interface while similar domains at free surfaces without pinning dislocations can be removed by either electric or stress fields. For both electrical and mechanical switching, ferroelastic switching is found to occur most readily at the highly active needle points in ferroelastic domains. Our results provide new insights into the understanding of polarization switching dynamics as well as the engineering of ferroelectric devices.

Regulation of persistent sodium currents by glycogen synthase kinase 3 encodes daily rhythms of neuronal excitability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paul, Jodi R.; Dewoskin, Daniel; McMeekin, Laura J.; Cowell, Rita M.; Forger, Daniel B.; Gamble, Karen L.

2016-11-01

How neurons encode intracellular biochemical signalling cascades into electrical signals is not fully understood. Neurons in the central circadian clock in mammals provide a model system to investigate electrical encoding of biochemical timing signals. Here, using experimental and modelling approaches, we show how the activation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) contributes to neuronal excitability through regulation of the persistent sodium current (INaP). INaP exhibits a day/night difference in peak magnitude and is regulated by GSK3. Using mathematical modelling, we predict and confirm that GSK3 activation of INaP affects the action potential afterhyperpolarization, which increases the spontaneous firing rate without affecting the resting membrane potential. Together, these results demonstrate a crucial link between the molecular circadian clock and electrical activity, providing examples of kinase regulation of electrical activity and the propagation of intracellular signals in neuronal networks.

The effect of electrical stimulation on corticospinal excitability is dependent on application duration: a same subject pre-post test design.

PubMed

Andrews, Rebecca K; Schabrun, Siobhan M; Ridding, Michael C; Galea, Mary P; Hodges, Paul W; Chipchase, Lucinda S

2013-06-10

In humans, corticospinal excitability is known to increase following motor electrical stimulation (ES) designed to mimic a voluntary contraction. However, whether the effect is equivalent with different application durations and whether similar effects are apparent for short and long applications is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the duration of peripheral motor ES influenced its effect on corticospinal excitability. The excitability of the corticomotor pathway to abductor pollicis brevis (APB) was measured in fourteen health subjects using transcranial magnetic stimulation before, immediately after and 10 minutes after three different durations (20-, 40-, 60-min) of motor ES (30Hz, ramped). This intervention was designed to mimic a voluntary contraction in APB. To control for effects of motor ES on the peripheral elements (muscle fibre, membrane, neuromuscular junction), maximum compound muscle actions potentials (M-waves) were also recorded at each time point. Results were analysed using a repeated measures analysis of variance. Peripheral excitability was reduced following all three motor ES interventions. Conversely, corticospinal excitability was increased immediately following 20- and 40-min applications of motor ES and this increase was maintained at least 20-min following the intervention. A 60-min application of motor ES did not alter corticospinal excitability. A 20-min application of motor ES that is designed to mimic voluntary muscle contraction is as effective as that applied for 40-min when the aim of the intervention is to increase corticospinal excitability. Longer motor ES durations of 60-min do not influence corticospinal excitability, possibly as a result of homeostatic plasticity mechanisms.

A theoretical investigation on the parametric instability excited by X-mode polarized electromagnetic wave at Tromsø

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiang; Cannon, Patrick; Zhou, Chen; Honary, Farideh; Ni, Binbin; Zhao, Zhengyu

2016-04-01

Recent ionospheric modification experiments performed at Tromsø, Norway, have indicated that X-mode pump wave is capable of stimulating high-frequency enhanced plasma lines, which manifests the excitation of parametric instability. This paper investigates theoretically how the observation can be explained by the excitation of parametric instability driven by X-mode pump wave. The threshold of the parametric instability has been calculated for several recent experimental observations at Tromsø, illustrating that our derived equations for the excitation of parametric instability for X-mode heating can explain the experimental observations. According to our theoretical calculation, a minimum fraction of pump wave electric field needs to be directed along the geomagnetic field direction in order for the parametric instability threshold to be met. A full-wave finite difference time domain simulation has been performed to demonstrate that a small parallel component of pump wave electric field can be achieved during X-mode heating in the presence of inhomogeneous plasma.

Engineering biosynthetic excitable tissues from unexcitable cells for electrophysiological and cell therapy studies

PubMed Central

Kirkton, Robert D.; Bursac, Nenad

2012-01-01

Patch-clamp recordings in single-cell expression systems have been traditionally used to study the function of ion channels. However, this experimental setting does not enable assessment of tissue-level function such as action potential (AP) conduction. Here we introduce a biosynthetic system that permits studies of both channel activity in single cells and electrical conduction in multicellular networks. We convert unexcitable somatic cells into an autonomous source of electrically excitable and conducting cells by stably expressing only three membrane channels. The specific roles that these expressed channels have on AP shape and conduction are revealed by different pharmacological and pacing protocols. Furthermore, we demonstrate that biosynthetic excitable cells and tissues can repair large conduction defects within primary 2- and 3-dimensional cardiac cell cultures. This approach enables novel studies of ion channel function in a reproducible tissue-level setting and may stimulate the development of new cell-based therapies for excitable tissue repair. PMID:21556054

A current-excited triple-time-voltage oversampling method for bio-impedance model for cost-efficient circuit system.

PubMed

Yan Hong; Yong Wang; Wang Ling Goh; Yuan Gao; Lei Yao

2015-08-01

This paper presents a mathematic method and a cost-efficient circuit to measure the value of each component of the bio-impedance model at electrode-electrolyte interface. The proposed current excited triple-time-voltage oversampling (TTVO) method deduces the component values by solving triple simultaneous electric equation (TSEE) at different time nodes during a current excitation, which are the voltage functions of time. The proposed triple simultaneous electric equations (TSEEs) allows random selections of the time nodes, hence numerous solutions can be obtained during a single current excitation. Following that, the oversampling approach is engaged by averaging all solutions of multiple TSEEs acquired after a single current excitation, which increases the practical measurement accuracy through the improvement of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In addition, a print circuit board (PCB) that consists a switched current exciter and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is designed for signal acquisition. This presents a great cost reduction when compared against other instrument-based measurement data reported [1]. Through testing, the measured values of this work is proven to be in superb agreements on the true component values of the electrode-electrolyte interface model. This work is most suited and also useful for biological and biomedical applications, to perform tasks such as stimulations, recordings, impedance characterizations, etc.

Microwave-optical two-photon excitation of Rydberg states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tate, D. A.; Gallagher, T. F.

2018-03-01

We report efficient microwave-optical two photon excitation of Rb Rydberg atoms in a magneto-optical trap. This approach allows the excitation of normally inaccessible states and provides a path toward excitation of high-angular-momentum states. The efficiency stems from the elimination of the Doppler width, the use of a narrow-band pulsed laser, and the enormous electric-dipole matrix element connecting the intermediate and final states of the transition. The excitation is efficient in spite of the low optical and microwave powers, of order 1 kW and 1 mW, respectively. This is an application of the large dipole coupling strengths between Rydberg states to achieve two-photon excitation of Rydberg atoms.

Electrotonic coupling of excitable and nonexcitable cells in the heart revealed by optogenetics

PubMed Central

Quinn, T. Alexander; Camelliti, Patrizia; Rog-Zielinska, Eva A.; Siedlecka, Urszula; Poggioli, Tommaso; O'Toole, Eileen T.; Knöpfel, Thomas; Kohl, Peter

2016-01-01

Electrophysiological studies of excitable organs usually focus on action potential (AP)-generating cells, whereas nonexcitable cells are generally considered as barriers to electrical conduction. Whether nonexcitable cells may modulate excitable cell function or even contribute to AP conduction via direct electrotonic coupling to AP-generating cells is unresolved in the heart: such coupling is present in vitro, but conclusive evidence in situ is lacking. We used genetically encoded voltage-sensitive fluorescent protein 2.3 (VSFP2.3) to monitor transmembrane potential in either myocytes or nonmyocytes of murine hearts. We confirm that VSFP2.3 allows measurement of cell type-specific electrical activity. We show that VSFP2.3, expressed solely in nonmyocytes, can report cardiomyocyte AP-like signals at the border of healed cryoinjuries. Using EM-based tomographic reconstruction, we further discovered tunneling nanotube connections between myocytes and nonmyocytes in cardiac scar border tissue. Our results provide direct electrophysiological evidence of heterocellular electrotonic coupling in native myocardium and identify tunneling nanotubes as a possible substrate for electrical cell coupling that may be in addition to previously discovered connexins at sites of myocyte–nonmyocyte contact in the heart. These findings call for reevaluation of cardiac nonmyocyte roles in electrical connectivity of the heterocellular heart. PMID:27930302

A general electromagnetic excitation model for electrical machines considering the magnetic saturation and rub impact

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Xueping; Han, Qinkai; Chu, Fulei

2018-03-01

The electromagnetic vibration of electrical machines with an eccentric rotor has been extensively investigated. However, magnetic saturation was often neglected. Moreover, the rub impact between the rotor and stator is inevitable when the amplitude of the rotor vibration exceeds the air-gap. This paper aims to propose a general electromagnetic excitation model for electrical machines. First, a general model which takes the magnetic saturation and rub impact into consideration is proposed and validated by the finite element method and reference. The dynamic equations of a Jeffcott rotor system with electromagnetic excitation and mass imbalance are presented. Then, the effects of pole-pair number and rubbing parameters on vibration amplitude are studied and approaches restraining the amplitude are put forward. Finally, the influences of mass eccentricity, resultant magnetomotive force (MMF), stiffness coefficient, damping coefficient, contact stiffness and friction coefficient on the stability of the rotor system are investigated through the Floquet theory, respectively. The amplitude jumping phenomenon is observed in a synchronous generator for different pole-pair numbers. The changes of design parameters can alter the stability states of the rotor system and the range of parameter values forms the zone of stability, which lays helpful suggestions for the design and application of the electrical machines.

Cholinergic modulation of activation sequence in the atrial myocardium of non-mammalian vertebrates.

PubMed

Abramochkin, Denis V; Kuzmin, Vladislav S; Sukhova, Galina S; Rosenshtraukh, Leonid V

2010-02-01

Cholinergic changes of electric activity were studied in isolated atrium preparations from fishes (cod and carp), amphibians (frog) and reptilians (lizard) using the microelectrode technique and high-resolution optical mapping. Perfusion of isolated atrium with acetylcholine (10(-6)-5.10(-5) M) caused gradual suppression of action potential generation and, eventually, completely blocked the excitation in a part of the preparation. Other regions of atrium, situated close to the sinoatrial and atrioventricular junctions, remained excitable. Such cholinergic suppression of electric activity was observed in the atrial myocardium of frog and in both fish species, but not in reptilians. Ba(2+) (10(-4) M), which blocks the acetylcholine-dependent potassium current (I(KACh)), prevented cholinergic reduction of action potential amplitude. In several preparations of frog atrium, cholinergic suppression of excitation coincided with episodes of atrial fibrillation. We conclude that the phenomenon of cholinergic suppression of electric activity is typical for atria of fishes and amphibians. It is likely to be caused by I(KACh) activation and may be important for initiation of atrial arrhythmias. 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Planar Diamond-Based Multiarrays to Monitor Neurotransmitter Release and Action Potential Firing: New Perspectives in Cellular Neuroscience.

PubMed

Carabelli, Valentina; Marcantoni, Andrea; Picollo, Federico; Battiato, Alfio; Bernardi, Ettore; Pasquarelli, Alberto; Olivero, Paolo; Carbone, Emilio

2017-02-15

High biocompatibility, outstanding electrochemical responsiveness, inertness, and transparency make diamond-based multiarrays (DBMs) first-rate biosensors for in vitro detection of electrochemical and electrical signals from excitable cells together, with potential for in vivo applications as neural interfaces and prostheses. Here, we will review the electrochemical and physical properties of various DBMs and how these devices have been employed for recording released neurotransmitter molecules and all-or-none action potentials from living cells. Specifically, we will overview how DBMs can resolve localized exocytotic events from subcellular compartments using high-density microelectrode arrays (MEAs), or monitoring oxidizable neurotransmitter release from populations of cells in culture and tissue slices using low-density MEAs. Interfacing DBMs with excitable cells is currently leading to the promising opportunity of recording electrical signals as well as creating neuronal interfaces through the same device. Given the recent increasingly growing development of newly available DBMs of various geometries to monitor electrical activity and neurotransmitter release in a variety of excitable and neuronal tissues, the discussion will be limited to planar DBMs.

Effect of gas properties on the dynamics of the electrical slope asymmetry effect in capacitive plasmas: comparison of Ar, H 2 and CF 4

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bruneau, Bastien; Lafleur, T.; Gans, T.

2015-12-01

Tailored voltage excitation waveforms provide an efficient control of the ion energy (through the electrical asymmetry effect) in capacitive plasmas by varying the 'amplitude' asymmetry of the waveform. In this work, the effect of a 'slope' asymmetry of the waveform is investigated by using sawtooth-like waveforms, through which the sheath dynamic can be manipulated. A remarkably different discharge dynamic is found for Ar, H 2, and CF 4 gases, which is explained by the different dominant electron heating mechanisms and plasma chemistries. In comparison to Argon we find that the electrical asymmetry can even be reversed by using an electronegativemore » gas such as CF 4. Phase resolved optical emission spectroscopy measurements, probing the spatiotemporal distribution of the excitation rate show excellent agreement with the results of particle-in-cell simulations, confirming the high degree of correlation between the excitation rates with the dominant heating mechanisms in the various gases. It is shown that, depending on the gas used, sawtooth-like voltage waveforms may cause a strong asymmetry.« less

Negative differential photoconductance in gold nanoparticle arrays in the Coulomb blockade regime.

PubMed

Mangold, Markus A; Calame, Michel; Mayor, Marcel; Holleitner, Alexander W

2012-05-22

We investigate the photoconductance of gold nanoparticle arrays in the Coulomb blockade regime. Two-dimensional, hexagonal crystals of nanoparticles are produced by self-assembly. The nanoparticles are weakly coupled to their neighbors by a tunneling conductance. At low temperatures, the single electron charging energy of the nanoparticles dominates the conductance properties of the array. The Coulomb blockade of the nanoparticles can be lifted by optical excitation with a laser beam. The optical excitation leads to a localized heating of the arrays, which in turn gives rise to a local change in conductance and a redistribution of the overall electrical potential in the arrays. We introduce a dual-beam optical excitation technique to probe the distribution of the electrical potential in the nanoparticle array. A negative differential photoconductance is the direct consequence of the redistribution of the electrical potential upon lifting of the Coulomb blockade. On the basis of our model, we calculate the optically induced current from the dark current-voltage characteristics of the nanoparticle array. The calculations closely reproduce the experimental observations.

Tentative anatomy of ZnS-type electroluminescence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bringuier, E.

1994-05-01

The paper reviews the electrical and optical mechanisms at work in sulfide-based thin-film electroluminescence display devices within the framework of general semiconductor physics. The electrical problem is twofold: (i) charge carriers are sourced at high electric field in a nominally insulating material, the carrier density increasing by almost eight orders of magnitude; (ii) the carriers are transported at high field, with an average energy largely exceeding the thermal one. (i) Carrier sourcing is best understood from direct-current-driven ZnS films, and is ascribed to partly filled deep donors transferring electrons to the conduction band by Fowler-Nordheim tunneling. The deep donors also act as carrier sinkers, and evidence for space charge is afforded by small-signal impedance analysis disclosing a markedly inductive behavior. The conduction picture obtained from dc-driven films is then used to clarify the operation of alternating-current electroluminescence structures where the sulfide is sandwiched between two blocking oxide layers. The electrostatics of the ac structure is investigated in detail including space charge and field nonuniformity, and external observables are related to internal quantities. The simple model of interfacial carrier sourcing and sinking is examined. (ii) High-field electronic transport is controlled by the electron-phonon interaction, and the modeling resorts to numerical simulations or the lucky-drift concept. At low electron energies the interaction with phonons is predominantly polar, while at optical energies it proceeds via deformation potential scattering. In spite of the uncertainties in transport models in that range, it is likely that ˜50% of the electrons overtake 2 eV at the usual operating fields in ZnS. Light emission is associated with impurity luminescence centers embedded in the sulfide host. They are excited while current is flowing, and the ensuing relaxation is partly radiative. We describe the two ways in which an impurity may be excited electrically, namely, impact excitation (internal promotion of the center to a state of higher energy) or impact ionization (with an electron released to the host conduction band). The actual excitation mechanism depends on the position of the impurity excited level relative to the host energy bands. A calculation of the excitation yield (number of excited centers per transferred electron) is detailed in the case of impact excitation. Lastly, a phenomenological description of the various relaxation channels is given in terms of formal kinetics, and the relative importance of radiative relaxation is assessed by means of the deexcitation yield (fraction of centers decaying radiatively), which is defined in the case of the impulse response.

Photo-thermal quartz tuning fork excitation for dynamic mode atomic force microscope

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bontempi, Alexia; Teyssieux, Damien; Thiery, Laurent

2014-10-13

A photo-thermal excitation of a Quartz Tuning Fork (QTF) for topographic studies is introduced. The non-invasive photo-thermal excitation presents practical advantages compared to QTF mechanical and electrical excitations, including the absence of the anti-resonance and its associated phase rotation. Comparison between our theoretical model and experiments validate that the optical transduction mechanism is a photo-thermal rather than photo-thermoacoustic phenomenon. Topographic maps in the context of near-field microscopy distance control have been achieved to demonstrate the performance of the system.

Control of base-excited dynamical systems through piezoelectric energy harvesting absorber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdelmoula, H.; Dai, H. L.; Abdelkefi, A.; Wang, L.

2017-09-01

The spring-mass absorber usually offers a good control to dynamical systems under direct base excitations for a specific value of the excitation frequency. As the vibrational energy of a primary dynamical system is transferred to the absorber, it gets dissipated. In this study, this energy is no longer dissipated but converted to available electrical power by designing efficient energy harvesters. A novel design of a piezoelectric beam installed inside an elastically-mounted dynamical system undergoing base excitations is considered. A design is carried out in order to determine the properties and dimensions of the energy harvester with the constraint of simultaneously decreasing the oscillating amplitudes of the primary dynamical system and increasing the harvested power of the energy harvesting absorber. An analytical model for the coupled system is constructed using Euler-Lagrange principle and Galerkin discretization. Different strategies for controlling the primary structure displacement and enhancing the harvested power as functions of the electrical load resistance and thickness of the beam substrate are performed. The linear polynomial approximation of the system’s key parameters as a function of the beam’s substrate thickness is first carried out. Then, the gradient method is applied to determine the adequate values of the electrical load resistance and thickness of the substrate under the constraints of minimizing the amplitudes of the primary structure or maximizing the levels of the harvested power. After that, an iterative strategy is considered in order to simultaneously minimize the amplitudes of the primary structure and maximize the levels of the harvested power as functions of the thickness of the substrate and electrical load resistance. In addition to harmonic excitations, the coupled system subjected to a white noise is explored. Through this analysis, the load resistance and thickness of the substrate of the piezoelectric energy harvester are determined. It is shown that, in addition to efficiently control the oscillating amplitudes of the primary structure, broadband resonance regions can take place and hence high levels of the harvested power are obtained.

Evolution of ion emission yield of alloys with the nature of the solute. 2: Interpretation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blaise, G.; Slodzian, G.

1977-01-01

Solid solutions of transition elements in copper, nickel, cobalt, iron, and aluminum matrices were analyzed by observing secondary ion emissions under bombardment with 6.2-keV argon ions. Enchancement of the production of solute-element ions was observed. An ion emission model is proposed according to which the ion yield is governed by the probability of an atom leaving the metal in a preionized state. The energy distribution of the valence electrons of the solute atoms is the bases of the probability calculation.

Widely tunable gas laser for remote sensing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rothe, D. E.

1988-01-01

An advanced, highly efficient and reliable Rare-Gas Halide laser was developed. It employs the following: (1) novel prepulse techniques and impedance matching for efficient energy transfer; (2) magnetic switches for high reliability; (3) x-ray preionization for discharge uniformity and beam quality; and (4) an integrated gas flow loop for compactness. When operated as a XeCl laser, the unit produces 2 J per pulse with good beam uniformity. Optical pulse duration is 100 ns. Pulse repetition rate was tested up to 25 Hz. Efficiency is 3 percent.

Numerical simulation of the coaxial magneto-plasma accelerator and non-axisymmetric radio frequency discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuzenov, V. V.; Ryzhkov, S. V.; Frolko, P. A.

2017-05-01

The paper presents the results of mathematical modeling of physical processes in electronic devices such as helicon discharge and coaxial pulsed plasma thruster. A mathematical model of coaxial magneto-plasma accelerator (with a preionization helicon discharge), which allows estimating the transformation of one form of energy to another, as well as to evaluate the level of the contribution of different types of energy, the increase in mass of the accelerated plasmoid in the process of changing the speed. Main plasma parameters with experimental data were compared.

High-repetition-rate short-pulse gas discharge.

PubMed

Tulip, J; Seguin, H; Mace, P N

1979-09-01

A high-average-power short-pulse gas discharge is described. This consists of a volume-preionized transverse discharge of the type used in gas lasers driven by a Blumlein energy storage circuit. The Blumlein circuit is fabricated from coaxial cable, is pulse-charged from a high-repetition-rate Marx-bank generator, and is switched by a high-repetition-rate segmented rail gap. The operation of this discharge under conditions typical of rare-gas halide lasers is described. A maximum of 900 pps was obtained, giving a power flow into the discharge of 30 kW.

A novel torsional exciter for modal vibration testing of large rotating machinery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sihler, Christof

2006-10-01

A novel exciter for applying a dynamic torsional force to a rotating structure is presented in this paper. It has been developed at IPP in order to perform vibration tests with shaft assemblies of large flywheel generators (synchronous machines). The electromagnetic exciter (shaker) needs no fixture to the rotating shaft because the torque is applied by means of the stator winding of an electrical machine. Therefore, the exciter can most easily be applied in cases where a three-phase electrical machine (a motor or generator) is part of the shaft assembly. The oscillating power for the shaker is generated in a separate current-controlled DC circuit with an inductor acting as a buffer storage of magnetic energy. An AC component with adjustable frequency is superimposed on the inductor current in order to generate pulsating torques acting on the rotating shaft with the desired waveform and frequency. Since this torsional exciter does not require an external power source, can easily be installed (without contact to the rotating structure) and provides dynamic torsional forces which are sufficient for multi-megawatt applications, it is best suited for on-site tests of large rotating machinery.

Fusion basis for lattice gauge theory and loop quantum gravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delcamp, Clement; Dittrich, Bianca; Riello, Aldo

2017-02-01

We introduce a new basis for the gauge-invariant Hilbert space of lattice gauge theory and loop quantum gravity in (2 + 1) dimensions, the fusion basis. In doing so, we shift the focus from the original lattice (or spin-network) structure directly to that of the magnetic (curvature) and electric (torsion) excitations themselves. These excitations are classified by the irreducible representations of the Drinfel'd double of the gauge group, and can be readily "fused" together by studying the tensor product of such representations. We will also describe in detail the ribbon operators that create and measure these excitations and make the quasi-local structure of the observable algebra explicit. Since the fusion basis allows for both magnetic and electric excitations from the onset, it turns out to be a precious tool for studying the large scale structure and coarse-graining flow of lattice gauge theories and loop quantum gravity. This is in neat contrast with the widely used spin-network basis, in which it is much more complicated to account for electric excitations, i.e. for Gauß constraint violations, emerging at larger scales. Moreover, since the fusion basis comes equipped with a hierarchical structure, it readily provides the language to design states with sophisticated multi-scale structures. Another way to employ this hierarchical structure is to encode a notion of subsystems for lattice gauge theories and (2 + 1) gravity coupled to point particles. In a follow-up work, we have exploited this notion to provide a new definition of entanglement entropy for these theories.

Compilation of giant electric dipole resonances built on excited states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schiller, A.; Thoennessen, M.

2007-07-01

Giant Electric Dipole Resonance (GDR) parameters for γ decay to excited states with finite spin and temperature are compiled. Over 100 original works have been reviewed and from some 70 of them, about 350 sets of hot GDR parameters for different isotopes, excitation energies, and spin regions have been extracted. All parameter sets have been brought onto a common footing by calculating the equivalent Lorentzian parameters. The current compilation is complementary to an earlier compilation by Samuel S. Dietrich and Barry L. Berman (At. Data Nucl. Data Tables 38 (1988) 199-338) on ground-state photo-neutron and photo-absorption cross sections and their Lorentzian parameters. A comparison of the two may help shed light on the evolution of GDR parameters with temperature and spin. The present compilation is current as of July 2006.

Induced Eddy Currents in Simple Conductive Geometries: Mathematical Formalism Describes the Excitation of Electrical Eddy Currents in a Time-Varying Magnetic Field

DOE PAGES

Nagel, James R.

2017-12-22

In this paper, a complete mathematical formalism is introduced to describe the excitation of electrical eddy currents due to a time-varying magnetic field. The process works by applying a quasistatic approximation to Ampere's law and then segregating the magnetic field into impressed and induced terms. The result is a nonhomogeneous vector Helmholtz equation that can be analytically solved for many practical geometries. Four demonstration cases are then solved under a constant excitation field over all space—an infinite slab in one dimension, a longitudinal cylinder in two dimensions, a transverse cylinder in two dimensions, and a sphere in three dimensions. Numericalmore » simulations are also performed in parallel with analytic computations, all of which verify the accuracy of the derived expressions.« less

Surface Plasmon-Mediated Nanoscale Localization of Laser-Driven sub-Terahertz Spin Dynamics in Magnetic Dielectrics.

PubMed

Chekhov, Alexander L; Stognij, Alexander I; Satoh, Takuya; Murzina, Tatiana V; Razdolski, Ilya; Stupakiewicz, Andrzej

2018-05-09

We report spatial localization of the effective magnetic field generated via the inverse Faraday effect employing surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) at Au/garnet interface. Analyzing both numerically and analytically the electric field of the SPPs at this interface, we corroborate our study with a proof-of-concept experiment showing efficient SPP-driven excitation of coherent spin precession with 0.41 THz frequency. We argue that the subdiffractional confinement of the SPP electric field enables strong spatial localization of the SPP-mediated excitation of spin dynamics. We demonstrate two orders of magnitude enhancement of the excitation efficiency at the surface plasmon resonance within a 100 nm layer of a dielectric garnet. Our findings broaden the horizons of ultrafast spin-plasmonics and open pathways toward nonthermal opto-magnetic recording on the nanoscale.

Hydroelectric System Response to Part Load Vortex Rope Excitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alligné, S.; Nicolet, C.; Bégum, A.; Landry, C.; Gomes, J.; Avellan, F.

2016-11-01

The prediction of pressure and output power fluctuations amplitudes on Francis turbine prototype is a challenge for hydro-equipment industry since it is subjected to guarantees to ensure smooth and reliable operation of the hydro units. The European FP7 research project Hyperbole aims to setup a methodology to transpose the pressure fluctuations induced by the cavitation vortex rope on the reduced scale model to the prototype generating units. A Francis turbine unit of 444MW with a specific speed value of v = 0.29, is considered as case study. A SIMSEN model of the power station including electrical system, controllers, rotating train and hydraulic system with transposed draft tube excitation sources is setup. Based on this model, a frequency analysis of the hydroelectric system is performed to analyse potential interactions between hydraulic excitation sources and electrical components.

Induced Eddy Currents in Simple Conductive Geometries: Mathematical Formalism Describes the Excitation of Electrical Eddy Currents in a Time-Varying Magnetic Field

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nagel, James R.

In this paper, a complete mathematical formalism is introduced to describe the excitation of electrical eddy currents due to a time-varying magnetic field. The process works by applying a quasistatic approximation to Ampere's law and then segregating the magnetic field into impressed and induced terms. The result is a nonhomogeneous vector Helmholtz equation that can be analytically solved for many practical geometries. Four demonstration cases are then solved under a constant excitation field over all space—an infinite slab in one dimension, a longitudinal cylinder in two dimensions, a transverse cylinder in two dimensions, and a sphere in three dimensions. Numericalmore » simulations are also performed in parallel with analytic computations, all of which verify the accuracy of the derived expressions.« less

Multiplex electric discharge gas laser system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Laudenslager, James B. (Inventor); Pacala, Thomas J. (Inventor)

1987-01-01

A multiple pulse electric discharge gas laser system is described in which a plurality of pulsed electric discharge gas lasers are supported in a common housing. Each laser is supplied with excitation pulses from a separate power supply. A controller, which may be a microprocessor, is connected to each power supply for controlling the application of excitation pulses to each laser so that the lasers can be fired simultaneously or in any desired sequence. The output light beams from the individual lasers may be combined or utilized independently, depending on the desired application. The individual lasers may include multiple pairs of discharge electrodes with a separate power supply connected across each electrode pair so that multiple light output beams can be generated from a single laser tube and combined or utilized separately.

View of Childs Powerhouse electrical panel and operator station. In ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

View of Childs Powerhouse electrical panel and operator station. In forground generator #2 and its exciter are visible. Looking north - Childs-Irving Hydroelectric Project, Childs System, Childs Powerhouse, Forest Service Road 708/502, Camp Verde, Yavapai County, AZ

Software for Teaching Physiology and Biophysics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weiss, Thomas F.; And Others

1992-01-01

Describes a software library developed to teach biophysics and physiology undergraduates that includes software on (1) the Hodgkin-Huxley model for excitation of action potentials in electrically excitable cells; (2) a random-walk model of diffusion; (3) single voltage-gated ion channels; (4) steady-state chemically mediated transport; and (5)…

Stark effect on an excited hydrogen atom

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Barratt, C.

1983-07-01

The method of degenerate perturbation theory is used to study the dipolar nature of an excited hydrogen atom in an external electric field. The dependence of the atoms perturbed energy levels on the principal and magnetic quantum numbers, n and m, is investigated, along with the perturbed wave functions.

Controlling successive ionic layer absorption and reaction cycles to optimize silver nanoparticle-induced localized surface plasmon resonance effects on the paper strip

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Jae-Chul; Kim, Wansun; Park, Hun-Kuk; Choi, Samjin

2017-03-01

This study investigates why a silver nanoparticle (SNP)-induced surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) paper chip fabricated at low successive ionic layer absorption and reaction (SILAR) cycles leads to a high SERS enhancement factor (7 × 108) with an inferior nanostructure and without generating a hot spot effect. The multi-layered structure of SNPs on cellulose fibers, verified by magnified scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and analyzed by a computational simulation method, was hypothesized as the reason. The pattern of simulated local electric field distribution with respect to the number of SILAR cycles showed good agreement with the experimental Raman intensity, regardless of the wavelength of the excitation laser sources. The simulated enhancement factor at the 785-nm excitation laser source (2.8 × 109) was 2.5 times greater than the experimental enhancement factor (1.1 × 109). A 532-nm excitation laser source exhibited the highest maximum local electric field intensity (1.9 × 1011), particularly at the interparticle gap called a hot spot. The short wavelength led to a strong electric field intensity caused by strong electromagnetic coupling arising from the SNP-induced local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effects through high excitation energy. These findings suggest that our paper-based SILAR-fabricated SNP-induced LSPR model is valid for understanding SNP-induced LSPR effects.

Interaction between pancreatic β cell and electromagnetic fields: A systematic study toward finding the natural frequency spectrum of β cell system.

PubMed

Farashi, Sajjad

2017-01-01

Interaction between biological systems and environmental electric or magnetic fields has gained attention during the past few decades. Although there are a lot of studies that have been conducted for investigating such interaction, the reported results are considerably inconsistent. Besides the complexity of biological systems, the important reason for such inconsistent results may arise due to different excitation protocols that have been applied in different experiments. In order to investigate carefully the way that external electric or magnetic fields interact with a biological system, the parameters of excitation, such as intensity or frequency, should be selected purposefully due to the influence of these parameters on the system response. In this study, pancreatic β cell, the main player of blood glucose regulating system, is considered and the study is focused on finding the natural frequency spectrum of the system using modeling approach. Natural frequencies of a system are important characteristics of the system when external excitation is applied. The result of this study can help researchers to select proper frequency parameter for electrical excitation of β cell system. The results show that there are two distinct frequency ranges for natural frequency of β cell system, which consist of extremely low (or near zero) and 100-750 kHz frequency ranges. There are experimental works on β cell exposure to electromagnetic fields that support such finding.

Baseline tests of the EVA contractor electric passenger vehicle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bozek, J. M.; Tryon, H. B.; Slavick, R. J.

1977-01-01

The EVA Contactor four door sedan, an electric passenger vehicle, was tested to characterize the state-of-the-art of electric vehicles. It is a four passenger sedan that was converted to an electric vehicle. It is powered by 16 series connected 6 volt electric vehicle batteries through a four step contactor controller actuated by a foot accelerator pedal. The controller changes the voltage applied to the separately excited DC motor. The braking system is a vacuum assisted hydraulic braking system. Regenerative braking was also provided.

Solvent effects in time-dependent self-consistent field methods. II. Variational formulations and analytical gradients

DOE PAGES

Bjorgaard, J. A.; Velizhanin, K. A.; Tretiak, S.

2015-08-06

This study describes variational energy expressions and analytical excited state energy gradients for time-dependent self-consistent field methods with polarizable solvent effects. Linear response, vertical excitation, and state-specific solventmodels are examined. Enforcing a variational ground stateenergy expression in the state-specific model is found to reduce it to the vertical excitation model. Variational excited state energy expressions are then provided for the linear response and vertical excitation models and analytical gradients are formulated. Using semiempiricalmodel chemistry, the variational expressions are verified by numerical and analytical differentiation with respect to a static external electric field. Lastly, analytical gradients are further tested by performingmore » microcanonical excited state molecular dynamics with p-nitroaniline.« less

Collision of two action potentials in a single excitable cell.

PubMed

Fillafer, Christian; Paeger, Anne; Schneider, Matthias F

2017-12-01

It is a common incident in nature, that two waves or pulses run into each other head-on. The outcome of such an event is of special interest, because it allows conclusions about the underlying physical nature of the pulses. The present experimental study dealt with the head-on meeting of two action potentials (AP) in a single excitable plant cell (Chara braunii internode). The membrane potential was monitored with multiple sensors along a single excitable cell. In control experiments, an AP was excited electrically at either end of the cell cylinder. Subsequently, stimuli were applied simultaneously at both ends of the cell in order to generate two APs that met each other head-on. When two action potentials propagated into each other, the pulses did not penetrate but annihilated (N=26 experiments in n=10 cells). APs in excitable plant cells did not penetrate upon meeting head-on. In the classical electrical model, this behavior is specifically attributed to relaxation of ion channel proteins. From an acoustic point of view, annihilation can be viewed as a result of nonlinear material properties (e.g. a phase change). The present results suggest that APs in excitable animal and plant cells belong to a similar class of nonlinear phenomena. Intriguingly, other excitation waves in biology (intracellular waves, cortical spreading depression, etc.) also annihilate upon collision and are thus expected to follow the same underlying principles as the observed action potentials. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characterization of the High-Speed-Stage Bearing Skidding of Wind Turbine Gearboxes Induced by Dynamic Electricity Grid Events

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Helsen, Jan; Guillaume, Patrick; Guo, Yi

Bearing behavior is an important factor for wind turbine drivetrain reliability. Extreme loads and dynamic excitations pose challenges to the bearing design and therefore its performance. Excessive skidding of the bearing rollers should be avoided because it can cause scuffing failures. Excitations coming from wind and the electricity grid can subject the drivetrain to fluctuating torque and nontorque loads. Wind-induced excitations have been investigated predominantly in literature. However, modern wind turbines are subjected more and more to grid-induced loads because of stricter electricity grid regulations. For example, during fault-ride-through events, turbines are required to stay connected for a longer periodmore » of time during the grid failure. This work investigates the influence of electrically induced excitations on the skidding behaviour of the tapered roller bearings on the high-speed stage of a wind turbine gearbox. This skidding behaviour during dynamic events is described as a potential bearing failure initiator by many researchers; however, only limited full-scale dynamic testing is documented. Therefore, a dedicated gridloss-type event is defined in the paper and conducted in a dynamometer test on a full-scale wind turbine nacelle. During the event, a complete electricity grid failure is simulated while the turbine is at rated speed and predefined torque levels. Particular focus is on the characterization of the high-speed shaft tapered roller bearing slip behavior. Strain-gauge bridges in grooves along the circumference of the outer ring are used to characterize the bearing load zone in detail. It is shown that during the torque reversals of the transient event, roller slip can be induced. This indicates the potential of the applied load case to go beyond the preload of the tapered roller bearing. Furthermore, the relation between the applied torque and skidding level is studied.« less

Characterization of the High-Speed-Stage Bearing Skidding of Wind Turbine Gearboxes Induced by Dynamic Electricity Grid Events: Preprint

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Helsen, Jan; Guillaume, Patrick; Guo, Yi

Bearing behavior is an important factor for wind turbine drivetrain reliability. Extreme loads and dynamic excitations pose challenges to the bearing design and therefore its performance. Excessive skidding of the bearing rollers should be avoided because it can cause scuffing failures. Excitations coming from wind and the electricity grid can subject the drivetrain to fluctuating torque and nontorque loads. Wind-induced excitations have been investigated predominantly in literature. However, modern wind turbines are subjected more and more to grid-induced loads because of stricter electricity grid regulations. For example, during fault-ride-through events, turbines are required to stay connected for a longer periodmore » of time during the grid failure. This work investigates the influence of electrically induced excitations on the skidding behaviour of the tapered roller bearings on the high-speed stage of a wind turbine gearbox. This skidding behaviour during dynamic events is described as a potential bearing failure initiator by many researchers; however, only limited full-scale dynamic testing is documented. Therefore, a dedicated gridloss-type event is defined in the paper and conducted in a dynamometer test on a full-scale wind turbine nacelle. During the event, a complete electricity grid failure is simulated while the turbine is at rated speed and predefined torque levels. Particular focus is on the characterization of the high-speed shaft tapered roller bearing slip behavior. Strain-gauge bridges in grooves along the circumference of the outer ring are used to characterize the bearing load zone in detail. It is shown that during the torque reversals of the transient event, roller slip can be induced. This indicates the potential of the applied load case to go beyond the preload of the tapered roller bearing. Furthermore, the relation between the applied torque and skidding level is studied.« less

VizieR Online Data Catalog: H2, D2, and HD c3Πu;

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, X.; Shemansky, D. E.; Yoshii, J.; Liu, M. J.; Johnson, P. V.; Malone, C. P.; Khakoo, M. A.

2017-11-01

The c3{Pi}u state of the hydrogen molecule has the triplet-state excitation cross-section, and plays an important role in the heating of the upper thermospheres of outer planets by electron excitation. Precise energies of the H2, D2, and HD c3{Pi}u-(v,N) levels are calculated from highly accurate ab initio potential energy curves that include relativistic, radiative, and empirical non-adiabatic corrections. The emission yields are determined from predissociation rates and refined radiative transition probabilities. The excitation function and excitation cross-section of the c3{Pi}u state are extracted from previous theoretical calculations and experimental measurements. The emission cross-section is determined from the calculated emission yield and the extracted excitation cross-section. The kinetic energy (Ek) distributions of H atoms produced via the predissociation of the c3{Pi}u state, the c3{Pi}u--b3{Sigma}u+ dissociative emission by the magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole, and the c3{Pi}u-a3{Sigma}g+-b3{Sigma}u+ cascade dissociative emission by the electric dipole are obtained. The predissociation of the c3{Pi}u+ and c3{Pi}u- states both produce H(1s) atoms with an average Ek of ~4.1eV/atom, while the c3{Pi}u--b3{Sigma}u+ dissociative emissions by the magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole give an average Ek of ~1.0 and ~0.8eV/atom, respectively. The c3{Pi}u-a3{Sigma}g+-b3{Sigma}u+ cascade and dissociative emission gives an average Ek of ~1.3 eV/atom. On average, each H2 excited to the c3{Pi}u state in an H2-dominated atmosphere deposits ~7.1eV into the atmosphere while each H2 directly excited to the a3{Sigma}g+ and d3{Pi}u states contribute ~2.3 and ~3.3eV, respectively, to the atmosphere. The spectral distribution of the calculated continuum emission arising from the X1{Sigma}g+-c3{Pi}u excitation is significantly different from that of direct a3{Sigma}g+ or d3{Pi}u excitations. (5 data files).

Electric Drive Study

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-03-01

compound promises to reduce weight of future permanent magnet motors by 20 to 30 percent; a similar reduction is expected in size (approximately 20...drive systems. The AC permanent magnet (brushless DC motor) is rapidly evolving and will replace most electrically excited machines. Permanent magnet motors using

Electron electric dipole moment and hyperfine interaction constants for ThO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fleig, Timo; Nayak, Malaya K.

2014-06-01

A recently implemented relativistic four-component configuration interaction approach to study P- and T-odd interaction constants in atoms and molecules is employed to determine the electron electric dipole moment effective electric field in the Ω=1 first excited state of the ThO molecule. We obtain a value of Eeff=75.2GV/cm with an estimated error bar of 3% and 10% smaller than a previously reported result (Skripnikov et al., 2013). Using the same wavefunction model we obtain an excitation energy of TvΩ=1=5410 (cm), in accord with the experimental value within 2%. In addition, we report the implementation of the magnetic hyperfine interaction constant A|| as an expectation value, resulting in A||=-1339 (MHz) for the Ω=1 state in ThO. The smaller effective electric field increases the previously determined upper bound (Baron et al., 2014) on the electron electric dipole moment to |de|<9.7×10-29e cm and thus mildly mitigates constraints to possible extensions of the Standard Model of particle physics.

Understanding the Electrical Behavior of the Action Potential in Terms of Elementary Electrical Sources

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rodriguez-Falces, Javier

2015-01-01

A concept of major importance in human electrophysiology studies is the process by which activation of an excitable cell results in a rapid rise and fall of the electrical membrane potential, the so-called action potential. Hodgkin and Huxley proposed a model to explain the ionic mechanisms underlying the formation of action potentials. However,…

Mode jumping of split-ring resonator metamaterials controlled by high-permittivity BST and incident electric fields

PubMed Central

Fu, Xiaojian; Zeng, Xinxi; Cui, Tie Jun; Lan, Chuwen; Guo, Yunsheng; Zhang, Hao Chi; Zhang, Qian

2016-01-01

We investigate the resonant modes of split-ring resonator (SRR) metamaterials that contain high-permittivity BST block numerically and experimentally. We observe interesting mode-jumping phenomena from the BST-included SRR absorber structure as the excitation wave is incident perpendicularly to the SRR plane. Specifically, when the electric field is parallel to the SRR gap, the BST block in the gap will induce a mode jumping from the LC resonance to plasmonic resonance (horizontal electric-dipole mode), because the displacement current excited by the Mie resonance in the dielectric block acts as a current channel in the gap. When the electric field is perpendicular to the gap side, the plasmonic resonance mode (vertical electric-dipole mode) in SRR changes to two joint modes contributed simultaneously by the back layer, SRR and BST block, as a result of connected back layer and SRR layer by the displacement current in the BST dielectric block. Based on the mode jumping effect as well as temperature and electric-field dependent dielectric constant, the BST-included SRR metamaterials may have great potentials for the applications in electromagnetic switches and widely tunable metamaterial devices. PMID:27502844

Modeling and Simulation of Plasma-Assisted Ignition and Combustion

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-10-01

local plasma chemistry effects over heat transport in achieving “volumetric” ignition using pulse nanosecond discharges. •detailed parametric studies...electrical breakdown • cathode sheath formation • electron impact dynamics PLASMA DISCHARGE DYNAMICS Plasma Chemistry Ionization, Excitation...quenching of excited species nonequilibrium plasma chemistry low temperature radical chemistry high temperature combustion chemistry School of

46 CFR 111.30-29 - Emergency switchboards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING ELECTRIC SYSTEMS... regulator unit acting on the exciter field, each emergency switchboard must have: (1) A generator field rheostat; (2) A double pole field switch; (3) Discharge clips; and (4) A discharge resistor. (g) Each...

46 CFR 111.30-29 - Emergency switchboards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING ELECTRIC SYSTEMS... regulator unit acting on the exciter field, each emergency switchboard must have: (1) A generator field rheostat; (2) A double pole field switch; (3) Discharge clips; and (4) A discharge resistor. (g) Each...

High-Strength Undiffused Brushless (HSUB) Machine

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hsu, John S; Tolbert, Leon M; Lee, Seong T

2007-01-01

This paper introduces a new high-strength undiffused brushless machine that transfers the stationary excitation magnetomotive force to the rotor without any brushes. For a conventional permanent magnet (PM) machine, the air gap flux density cannot be enhanced effectively but can be weakened. In the new machine, both the stationary excitation coil and the PM in the rotor produce an enhanced air gap flux. The PM in the rotor prevents magnetic flux diffusion between the poles and guides the reluctance flux path. The pole flux density in the air gap can be much higher than what the PM alone can produce.more » A high-strength machine is thus obtained. The air gap flux density can be weakened through the stationary excitation winding. This type of machine is particularly suitable for electric and hybrid-electric vehicle applications. Patents of this new technology are either granted or pending.« less

High-Strength Undiffused Brushless (HSUB) Machine

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hsu, John S; Lee, Seong T; Tolbert, Leon M

2008-01-01

This paper introduces a new high-strength undiffused brushless machine that transfers the stationary excitation magnetomotive force to the rotor without any brushes. For a conventional permanent magnet (PM) machine, the air-gap flux density cannot be enhanced effectively but can be weakened. In the new machine, both the stationary excitation coil and the PM in the rotor produce an enhanced air-gap flux. The PM in the rotor prevents magnetic-flux diffusion between the poles and guides the reluctance flux path. The pole flux density in the air gap can be much higher than what the PM alone can produce. A high-strength machinemore » is thus obtained. The air-gap flux density can be weakened through the stationary excitation winding. This type of machine is particularly suitable for electric and hybrid-electric vehicle applications. Patents of this new technology are either granted or pending.« less

Collective excitations in Weyl semimetals in the hydrodynamic regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sukhachov, P. O.; Gorbar, E. V.; Shovkovy, I. A.; Miransky, V. A.

2018-07-01

The spectrum of collective excitations in Weyl materials is studied by using consistent hydrodynamics. The corresponding framework includes the vortical and chiral anomaly effects, as well as the dependence on the separations between the Weyl nodes in energy b 0 and momentum . The latter are introduced via the Chern–Simons contributions to the electric current and charge densities in Maxwell’s equations. It is found that, even in the absence of a background magnetic field, certain collective excitations (e.g. the helicon-like modes and the anomalous Hall waves) are strongly affected by the chiral shift . In a background magnetic field, the existence of the distinctive longitudinal and transverse anomalous Hall waves with a linear dispersion relation is predicted. They originate from the oscillations of the electric charge density and electromagnetic fields, in which different components of the fields are connected via the anomalous Hall effect in Weyl semimetals.

On the glitches in the force transmitted by an electrodynamic exciter to a structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rao, Dantam K.

1987-01-01

Around resonance, the force transmitted by an exciter into a structure will be smaller or greater than a reference force generated by its coils due to electromechanical interaction. A simple analysis is presented which reveals how this phenomenon of force drop-off is controlled by three factors. The first factor, called Armature Mass Factor, describes a purely mechanical interaction between the structure and the exciter. The electromechanical energy conversion and its interaction with the structure yields two additional factors, called Electrical Resistance and Electrical Inductance Factors. They describe the effects of coil resistance, inductance and magnetic field strength relative to structural damping and stiffness. Present analysis indicates that, under proper circumstances, more than 90 percent of the force drop-off can be eliminated if armature-to-structure mass ratio is smaller or equal to half of modal loss factor.

Evaluation of Motor Neuron Excitability by CMAP Scanning with Electric Modulated Current

PubMed Central

Araújo, Tiago; Candeias, Rui; Nunes, Neuza; Gamboa, Hugo

2015-01-01

Introduction. Compound Muscle Action Potential (CMAP) scan is a noninvasive promissory technique for neurodegenerative pathologies diagnosis. In this work new CMAP scan protocols were implemented to study the influence of electrical pulse waveform on peripheral nerve excitability. Methods. A total of 13 healthy subjects were tested. Stimulation was performed with an increasing intensities range from 4 to 30 mA. The procedure was repeated 4 times per subject, using a different single pulse stimulation waveform: monophasic square and triangular and quadratic and biphasic square. Results. Different waveforms elicit different intensity-response amplitude curves. The square pulse needs less current to generate the same response amplitude regarding the other waves and this effect is gradually decreasing for the triangular, quadratic, and biphasic pulse, respectively. Conclusion. The stimulation waveform has a direct influence on the stimulus-response slope and consequently on the motoneurons excitability. This can be a new prognostic parameter for neurodegenerative disorders. PMID:26413499

Nanopore formation in neuroblastoma cells following ultrashort electric pulse exposure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roth, Caleb C.; Payne, Jason A.; Wilmink, Gerald J.; Ibey, Bennett L.

2011-03-01

Ultrashort or nanosecond electrical pulses (USEP) cause repairable damage to the plasma membranes of cells through formation of nanopores. These nanopores are able to pass small ions such as sodium, calcium, and potassium, but remain impermeable to larger molecules like trypan blue and propidium iodide. What remains uncertain is whether generation of nanopores by ultrashort electrical pulses can inhibit action potentials in excitable cells. In this paper, we explored the sensitivity of excitable cells to USEP using Calcium Green AM 1 ester fluorescence to measure calcium uptake indicative of nanopore formation in the plasma membrane. We determined the threshold for nanopore formation in neuroblastoma cells for three pulse parameters (amplitude, pulse width, and pulse number). Measurement of such thresholds will guide future studies to determine if USEP can inhibit action potentials without causing irreversible membrane damage.

{{\\rm{H}}}_{2}\\,X{}^{1}{{\\rm{\\Sigma }}}_{g}^{+}-c{}^{3}{{\\rm{\\Pi }}}_{u} Excitation by Electron Impact: Energies, Spectra, Emission Yields, Cross-sections, and H(1s) Kinetic Energy Distributions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xianming; Shemansky, Donald E.; Yoshii, Jean; Liu, Melinda J.; Johnson, Paul V.; Malone, Charles P.; Khakoo, Murtadha A.

2017-10-01

The c{}3{{{\\Pi }}}u state of the hydrogen molecule has the second largest triplet-state excitation cross-section, and plays an important role in the heating of the upper thermospheres of outer planets by electron excitation. Precise energies of the H2, D2, and HD c{}3{{{\\Pi }}}u-(v,N) levels are calculated from highly accurate ab initio potential energy curves that include relativistic, radiative, and empirical non-adiabatic corrections. The emission yields are determined from predissociation rates and refined radiative transition probabilities. The excitation function and excitation cross-section of the c{}3{{{\\Pi }}}u state are extracted from previous theoretical calculations and experimental measurements. The emission cross-section is determined from the calculated emission yield and the extracted excitation cross-section. The kinetic energy (E k ) distributions of H atoms produced via the predissociation of the c{}3{{{\\Pi }}}u state, the c{}3{{{\\Pi }}}u- - b{}3{{{Σ }}}u+ dissociative emission by the magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole, and the c{}3{{{\\Pi }}}u - a{}3{{{Σ }}}g+ - b{}3{{{Σ }}}u+ cascade dissociative emission by the electric dipole are obtained. The predissociation of the c{}3{{{\\Pi }}}u+ and c{}3{{{\\Pi }}}u- states both produce H(1s) atoms with an average E k of ˜4.1 eV/atom, while the c{}3{{{\\Pi }}}u- - b{}3{{{Σ }}}u+ dissociative emissions by the magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole give an average E k of ˜1.0 and ˜0.8 eV/atom, respectively. The c{}3{{{\\Pi }}}u - a{}3{{{Σ }}}g+ - b{}3{{{Σ }}}u+ cascade and dissociative emission gives an average E k of ˜1.3 eV/atom. On average, each H2 excited to the c{}3{{{\\Pi }}}u state in an H2-dominated atmosphere deposits ˜7.1 eV into the atmosphere while each H2 directly excited to the a{}3{{{Σ }}}g+ and d{}3{{{\\Pi }}}u states contribute ˜2.3 and ˜3.3 eV, respectively, to the atmosphere. The spectral distribution of the calculated continuum emission arising from the X{}1{{{Σ }}}g+ - c{}3{{{\\Pi }}}u excitation is significantly different from that of direct a{}3{{{Σ }}}g+ or d{}3{{{\\Pi }}}u excitations.

Metal vapor laser including hot electrodes and integral wick

DOEpatents

Ault, Earl R.; Alger, Terry W.

1995-01-01

A metal vapor laser, specifically one utilizing copper vapor, is disclosed herein. This laser utilizes a plasma tube assembly including a thermally insulated plasma tube containing a specific metal, e.g., copper, and a buffer gas therein. The laser also utilizes means including hot electrodes located at opposite ends of the plasma tube for electrically exciting the metal vapor and heating its interior to a sufficiently high temperature to cause the metal contained therein to vaporize and for subjecting the vapor to an electrical discharge excitation in order to lase. The laser also utilizes external wicking arrangements, that is, wicking arrangements located outside the plasma tube.

Magnetic loss and B(H) behaviour of non-oriented electrical sheets under a trapezoidal exciting field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kedous-Lebouc, A.; Errard, S.; Cornut, B.; Brissonneau, P.

1994-05-01

The excess loss and hysteresis response of electrical steel are measured and discussed in the case of trapezoidal field excitation similar to the current provided by a current commutation supply of a self-synchronous rotating machine. Three industrial non-oriented SiFe samples of different magnetic grades and thicknesses are tested using an automatic Epstein frame equipment. The losses and the unusual observed B( H) loops are analysed in terms of the rate of change of the field, the diffusion of the induction inside the sheet and by the calculation of the theoretical hysteresis cycles due to the eddy currents.

Metal vapor laser including hot electrodes and integral wick

DOEpatents

Ault, E.R.; Alger, T.W.

1995-03-07

A metal vapor laser, specifically one utilizing copper vapor, is disclosed herein. This laser utilizes a plasma tube assembly including a thermally insulated plasma tube containing a specific metal, e.g., copper, and a buffer gas therein. The laser also utilizes means including hot electrodes located at opposite ends of the plasma tube for electrically exciting the metal vapor and heating its interior to a sufficiently high temperature to cause the metal contained therein to vaporize and for subjecting the vapor to an electrical discharge excitation in order to lase. The laser also utilizes external wicking arrangements, that is, wicking arrangements located outside the plasma tube. 5 figs.

Toward energy harvesting using active materials and conversion improvement by nonlinear processing.

PubMed

Guyomar, Daniel; Badel, Adrien; Lefeuvre, Elie; Richard, Claude

2005-04-01

This paper presents a new technique of electrical energy generation using mechanically excited piezoelectric materials and a nonlinear process. This technique, called synchronized switch harvesting (SSH), is derived from the synchronized switch damping (SSD), which is a nonlinear technique previously developed to address the problem of vibration damping on mechanical structures. This technique results in a significant increase of the electromechanical conversion capability of piezoelectric materials. Comparatively with standard technique, the electrical harvested power may be increased above 900%. The performance of the nonlinear processing is demonstrated on structures excited at their resonance frequency as well as out of resonance.

Polarization, excited states, trans-cis properties and anisotropy of thermal and electrical conductivity of the 4-(phenyldiazenyl)aniline in PVA matrix

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shahab, Siyamak; Filippovich, Liudmila; Sheikhi, Masoome; Kumar, Rakesh; Dikusar, Evgenij; Yahyaei, Hooriye; Muravsky, Alexander

2017-08-01

In the present work, Polarization, Excited States, Trans-Cis (E → Z) Isomerization Properties and Anisotropy of Thermal and Electrical Conductivity of the 4-(phenyldiazenyl)aniline in the presence of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix were studied. DFT, UV/Vis, IR-Spectroscopies and Indicator Method were used for Determination of Thermal Conductivity of polymer films. The absorption spectra of the 4-(phenyldiazenyl)aniline in dimethylformamide (DMF) solvent and in aqueous medium were calculated. The nature of absorption peaks of the 4-(phenyldiazenyl)aniline in the UV/Vis spectral regions were interpreted. The solvent effect on the absorption spectrum of the 4-(phenyldiazenyl)aniline has established. The molecular HOMO-LUMO, excitation energies and oscillator strengths for E and Z isomers of the 4-(phenyldiazenyl)aniline have also been calculated and presented. Optical Properties of the PVA-films containing 4-(phenyldiazenyl)aniline have been also investigated. Polarizing Efficiency (PE) of obtained PVA-film is 98-99% at Stretching Degree (Rs) 3.5. Anisotropy of thermal and electrical conductivity of PVA-films containing E and Z isomers of the 4-(phenyldiazenyl)aniline was also measured and discussed.

Frequency-dependent local field factors in dielectric liquids by a polarizable force field and molecular dynamics simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davari, Nazanin; Haghdani, Shokouh; Åstrand, Per-Olof

2015-12-01

A force field model for calculating local field factors, i.e. the linear response of the local electric field for example at a nucleus in a molecule with respect to an applied electric field, is discussed. It is based on a combined charge-transfer and point-dipole interaction model for the polarizability, and thereby it includes two physically distinct terms for describing electronic polarization: changes in atomic charges arising from transfer of charge between the atoms and atomic induced dipole moments. A time dependence is included both for the atomic charges and the atomic dipole moments and if they are assumed to oscillate with the same frequency as the applied electric field, a model for frequency-dependent properties are obtained. Furthermore, if a life-time of excited states are included, a model for the complex frequency-dependent polariability is obtained including also information about excited states and the absorption spectrum. We thus present a model for the frequency-dependent local field factors through the first molecular excitation energy. It is combined with molecular dynamics simulations of liquids where a large set of configurations are sampled and for which local field factors are calculated. We are normally not interested in the average of the local field factor but rather in configurations where it is as high as possible. In electrical insulation, we would like to avoid high local field factors to reduce the risk for electrical breakdown, whereas for example in surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, high local field factors are desired to give dramatically increased intensities.

Intracellular Physiology of the Rat Suprachiasmatic Nucleus: Electrical Properties, Neurotransmission, and Effects of Neuromodulators.

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-08-24

Rat Suprachiasmatic Nucleus: Electrical Properties, Neurotransmission, and Effects of Neuromodulators 12. PERSONAL AUTHOR(S) F. Edward Dudek 13a...intrinsic electrical properties, synaptic and non-synaptic transmission, and neuromodulation . We have studied the role of excitatory and inhibitory amino... Neuromodulation : Smithson. K.G.. MacVicar. B.A. and Hatton. G.I. (1983) The Biochemical Control of Neuronal Excitability. Oxford Polyethylene glycol

Magneto-acoustic imaging by continuous-wave excitation.

PubMed

Shunqi, Zhang; Zhou, Xiaoqing; Tao, Yin; Zhipeng, Liu

2017-04-01

The electrical characteristics of tissue yield valuable information for early diagnosis of pathological changes. Magneto-acoustic imaging is a functional approach for imaging of electrical conductivity. This study proposes a continuous-wave magneto-acoustic imaging method. A kHz-range continuous signal with an amplitude range of several volts is used to excite the magneto-acoustic signal and improve the signal-to-noise ratio. The magneto-acoustic signal amplitude and phase are measured to locate the acoustic source via lock-in technology. An optimisation algorithm incorporating nonlinear equations is used to reconstruct the magneto-acoustic source distribution based on the measured amplitude and phase at various frequencies. Validation simulations and experiments were performed in pork samples. The experimental and simulation results agreed well. While the excitation current was reduced to 10 mA, the acoustic signal magnitude increased up to 10 -7  Pa. Experimental reconstruction of the pork tissue showed that the image resolution reached mm levels when the excitation signal was in the kHz range. The signal-to-noise ratio of the detected magneto-acoustic signal was improved by more than 25 dB at 5 kHz when compared to classical 1 MHz pulse excitation. The results reported here will aid further research into magneto-acoustic generation mechanisms and internal tissue conductivity imaging.

Nonmonotonic radial distribution of excited atoms in a positive column of pulsed direct currect discharges in helium

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Barnat, E. V.; Kolobov, V. I.

2013-01-21

Nonmonotonic radial distributions of excited helium atoms have been experimentally observed in a positive column of pulsed helium discharges using planar laser induced fluorescence. Computational analysis of the discharge dynamics with a fluid plasma model confirms the experimental observations over a range of pressures and currents. The observed effect is attributed to the peculiarities of electron population-depopulation of the excited states during the 'dynamic discharge' conditions with strong modulations of the electric field maintaining the plasma.

Dipole and spin-dipole strength distributions in ^{124,126,128,130} Te isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cakmak, Necla; Cakmak, Sadiye; Selam, Cevad; Unlu, Serdar

2018-02-01

We try to present the structure of 1- excitations in open-shell ^{124,126,128,130} Te isotopes. Electric dipole states are investigated within a translational and Galilean invariant model. Also, a theoretical description of charge-conserving spin-dipole {1}- excitations is presented for the same isotopes. The energy spectra for both kinds of excitations are analysed in detail. Furthermore, a comparison of the calculated cross-sections and energies with the available experimental data is given.

46 CFR 111.30-25 - Alternating-current ship's service switchboards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

...-25 Section 111.30-25 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING ELECTRIC SYSTEMS-GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Switchboards § 111.30-25 Alternating-current ship's service... regulator unit acting on the exciter field, each switchboard must have: (1) A generator field rheostat; (2...

46 CFR 111.30-25 - Alternating-current ship's service switchboards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

...-25 Section 111.30-25 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING ELECTRIC SYSTEMS-GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Switchboards § 111.30-25 Alternating-current ship's service... regulator unit acting on the exciter field, each switchboard must have: (1) A generator field rheostat; (2...

Charge transport in organic multi-layer devices under electric and optical fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, June Hyoung

2007-12-01

Charge transport in small organic molecules and conjugated conducting polymers under electric or optical fields is studied by using field effect transistors and photo-voltaic cells with multiple thin layers. With these devices, current under electric field, photo-current under optical field, and luminescence of optical materials are measured to characterize organic and polymeric materials. For electric transport studies, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) doped by polystyrenesulfonic acid is used, which is conductive with conductivity of approximately 25 S/cm. Despite their high conductance, field effect transistors based on the films are successfully built and characterized by monitoring modulations of drain current by gate voltage and IV characteristic curves. Due to very thin insulating layers of poly(vinylphenol), the transistors are relative fast under small gate voltage variation although heavy ions are involved in charge transport. In IV characteristic curves, saturation effects can be observed. Analysis using conventional field effect transistor model indicates high mobility of charge carriers, 10 cm2/V·sec, which is not consistent with the mobility of the conducting polymer. It is proposed that the effect of a small density of ions injected via polymer dielectric upon application of gate voltage and the ion compensation of key hopping sites accounts for the operation of the field effect transistors. For the studies of transport under optical field, photovoltaic cells with 3 different dendrons, which are efficient to harvest photo-excited electrons, are used. These dendrons consist of two electron-donors (tetraphenylporphyrin) and one electron-accepter (naphthalenediimide). Steady-state fluorescence measurements show that inter-molecular interaction is dominant in solid dendron film, although intra-molecular interaction is still present. Intra-molecular interaction is suggested by different fluorescence lifetimes between solutions of donor and dendrons. This intra-molecular interaction has two processes, transport via pi-stackings and transport via linking functional groups in the dendrons. IV characteristic spectra of the photovoltaic cells suggest that the transport route of photo-excited charges depends on wavelength of incident light on the cells. For excitation by the Soret band and the lowest Q band, a photo-excited electron can transport directly to a neighbor dendron. For excitation by high-energy Q bands, a photo-excited electron transports via the electron-accepters.

Pro-arrhythmogenic effects of atrial fibrillation-induced electrical remodelling: insights from the three-dimensional virtual human atria

PubMed Central

Colman, Michael A; Aslanidi, Oleg V; Kharche, Sanjay; Boyett, Mark R; Garratt, Clifford; Hancox, Jules C; Zhang, Henggui

2013-01-01

Chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with structural and electrical remodelling in the atria, which are associated with a high recurrence of AF. Through biophysically detailed computer modelling, this study investigated mechanisms by which AF-induced electrical remodelling promotes and perpetuates AF. A family of Courtemanche–Ramirez–Nattel variant models of human atrial cell action potentials (APs), taking into account of intrinsic atrial electrophysiological properties, was modified to incorporate various experimental data sets on AF-induced changes of major ionic channel currents (ICaL, IKur, Ito, IK1, IKs, INaCa) and on intracellular Ca2+ handling. The single cell models for control and AF-remodelled conditions were incorporated into multicellular three-dimensional (3D) atrial tissue models. Effects of the AF-induced electrical remodelling were quantified as the changes of AP profile, AP duration (APD) and its dispersion across the atria, and the vulnerability of atrial tissue to the initiation of re-entry. The dynamic behaviour of re-entrant excitation waves in the 3D models was characterised. In our simulations, AF-induced electrical remodelling abbreviated atrial APD non-uniformly across the atria; this resulted in relatively short APDs co-existing with marked regional differences in the APD at junctions of the crista terminalis/pectinate muscle, pulmonary veins/left atrium. As a result, the measured tissue vulnerability to re-entry initiation at these tissue junctions was increased. The AF-induced electrical remodelling also stabilized and accelerated re-entrant excitation waves, leading to rapid and sustained re-entry. Under the AF-remodelled condition, re-entrant scroll waves in the 3D model degenerated into persistent and erratic wavelets, leading to fibrillation. In conclusion, realistic 3D atrial tissue models indicate that AF-induced electrical remodelling produces regionally heterogeneous and shortened APD; these respectively facilitate initiation and maintenance of re-entrant excitation waves. PMID:23732649

Pro-arrhythmogenic effects of atrial fibrillation-induced electrical remodelling: insights from the three-dimensional virtual human atria.

PubMed

Colman, Michael A; Aslanidi, Oleg V; Kharche, Sanjay; Boyett, Mark R; Garratt, Clifford; Hancox, Jules C; Zhang, Henggui

2013-09-01

Chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with structural and electrical remodelling in the atria, which are associated with a high recurrence of AF. Through biophysically detailed computer modelling, this study investigated mechanisms by which AF-induced electrical remodelling promotes and perpetuates AF. A family of Courtemanche-Ramirez-Nattel variant models of human atrial cell action potentials (APs), taking into account of intrinsic atrial electrophysiological properties, was modified to incorporate various experimental data sets on AF-induced changes of major ionic channel currents (ICaL, IKur, Ito, IK1, IKs, INaCa) and on intracellular Ca(2+) handling. The single cell models for control and AF-remodelled conditions were incorporated into multicellular three-dimensional (3D) atrial tissue models. Effects of the AF-induced electrical remodelling were quantified as the changes of AP profile, AP duration (APD) and its dispersion across the atria, and the vulnerability of atrial tissue to the initiation of re-entry. The dynamic behaviour of re-entrant excitation waves in the 3D models was characterised. In our simulations, AF-induced electrical remodelling abbreviated atrial APD non-uniformly across the atria; this resulted in relatively short APDs co-existing with marked regional differences in the APD at junctions of the crista terminalis/pectinate muscle, pulmonary veins/left atrium. As a result, the measured tissue vulnerability to re-entry initiation at these tissue junctions was increased. The AF-induced electrical remodelling also stabilized and accelerated re-entrant excitation waves, leading to rapid and sustained re-entry. Under the AF-remodelled condition, re-entrant scroll waves in the 3D model degenerated into persistent and erratic wavelets, leading to fibrillation. In conclusion, realistic 3D atrial tissue models indicate that AF-induced electrical remodelling produces regionally heterogeneous and shortened APD; these respectively facilitate initiation and maintenance of re-entrant excitation waves.

Theoretical design of twelve-band infrared metamaterial perfect absorber by combining the dipole, quadrupole, and octopole plasmon resonance modes of four different ring-strip resonators.

PubMed

Zhao, Lei; Liu, Han; He, Zhihong; Dong, Shikui

2018-05-14

Multiband metamaterial perfect absorbers (MPAs) have promising applications in many fields like microbolometers, infrared detection, biosensing, and thermal emitters. In general, the single resonator can only excite a fundamental mode and achieve single absorption band. The multiband MPA can be achieved by combining several different sized resonators together. However, it's still challenging to design the MPA with absorption bands of more than four and average absorptivity of more than 90% due to the interaction between differently sized resonators. In this paper, three absorption bands are successfully achieved with average absorptivity up to 98.5% only utilizing single one our designed ring-strip resonator, which can simultaneously excite a fundamental electric dipole mode, a higher-order electric quadrupole mode, and a higher-order electric octopole mode. As the biosensor, the sensing performance of the higher-order modes is higher than the fundamental modes. Then we try to increase the absorption bands by combining different sized ring-strip resonators together and make the average absorptivity above 90% by optimizing the geometry parameters. A six-band MPA is achieved by combining two different sized ring-strip resonators with average absorptivity up to 98.8%, which can excite two dipole modes, two quadrupole modes, and two octopole modes. A twelve-band MPA is achieved by combining four different sized ring-strip resonators with average absorptivity up to 93.7%, which can excite four dipole modes, four quadrupole modes, and four octopole modes.

Observation of the 5 p3 /2→6 p3 /2 electric-dipole-forbidden transition in atomic rubidium using optical-optical double-resonance spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ponciano-Ojeda, F.; Hernández-Gómez, S.; López-Hernández, O.; Mojica-Casique, C.; Colín-Rodríguez, R.; Ramírez-Martínez, F.; Flores-Mijangos, J.; Sahagún, D.; Jáuregui, R.; Jiménez-Mier, J.

2015-10-01

Direct evidence of excitation of the 5 p3 /2→6 p3 /2 electric-dipole-forbidden transition in atomic rubidium is presented. The experiments were performed in a room-temperature rubidium cell with continuous-wave external cavity diode lasers. Optical-optical double-resonance spectroscopy with counterpropagating beams allows the detection of the nondipole transition free of Doppler broadening. The 5 p3 /2 state is prepared by excitation with a laser locked to the maximum F cyclic transition of the D2 line, and the forbidden transition is produced by excitation with a 911 nm laser. Production of the forbidden transition is monitored by detection of the 420 nm fluorescence that results from decay of the 6 p3 /2 state. Spectra with three narrow lines (≈13 MHz FWHM) with the characteristic F -1 , F , and F +1 splitting of the 6 p3 /2 hyperfine structure in both rubidium isotopes were obtained. The results are in very good agreement with a direct calculation that takes into account the 5 s →5 p3 /2 preparation dynamics, the 5 p3 /2→6 p3 /2 nondipole excitation geometry, and the 6 p3 /2→5 s1 /2 decay. The comparison also shows that the electric-dipole-forbidden transition is a very sensitive probe of the preparation dynamics.

Pairing Voluntary Movement and Muscle-Located Electrical Stimulation Increases Cortical Excitability

PubMed Central

Jochumsen, Mads; Niazi, Imran K.; Signal, Nada; Nedergaard, Rasmus W.; Holt, Kelly; Haavik, Heidi; Taylor, Denise

2016-01-01

Learning new motor skills has been correlated with increased cortical excitability. In this study, different location of electrical stimulation (ES), nerve, or muscle, was paired with voluntary movement to investigate if ES paired with voluntary movement (a) would increase the excitability of cortical projections to tibialis anterior and (b) if stimulation location mattered. Cortical excitability changes were quantified using motor evoked potentials (MEPs) elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) at varying intensities during four conditions. Twelve healthy subjects performed 50 dorsiflexions at the ankle during nerve or muscle ES at motor threshold (MTh). ES alone was delivered 50 times and the movement was performed 50 times. A significant increase in the excitability from pre- to post-intervention (P = 0.0061) and pre- to 30 min post-intervention (P = 0.017) measurements was observed when voluntary movement was paired with muscle ES located at tibialis anterior. An increase of 50 ± 57 and 28 ± 54% in the maximum MEPs was obtained for voluntary movement paired with muscle-located and nerve-located ES, respectively. The maximum MEPs for voluntary movement alone and muscle-located ES alone were −5 ± 28 and 2 ± 42%, respectively. Pairing voluntary movement with muscle-located ES increases excitability of corticospinal projections of tibialis anterior in healthy participants. This finding suggests that active participation during muscle-located ES protocols increases cortical excitability to a greater extent than stimulation alone. The next stage of this research is to investigate the effect in people with stroke. The results may have implications for motor recovery in patients with motor impairments following neurological injury. PMID:27733823

Excitons at the center of the Brillouin zone in CuB{sub 2}O{sub 4} magnetoelectric

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Menshenin, V. V., E-mail: menshenin@imp.uran.ru

2017-02-15

The possibility of exciton excitation in CuB{sub 2}O{sub 4} magnetoelectric at point Γ(0, 0, 0) of the Brillouin zone has been analyzed using group theory. All possible orientations of the electric and magnetic fields that permit the excitation of these excitons have been determined.

Long life electrodes for large-area x-ray generators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rothe, Dietmar E. (Inventor)

1991-01-01

This invention is directed to rugged, reliable, and long-life electrodes for use in large-area, high-current-density electron gun and x-ray generators which are employed as contamination-free preionizers for high-energy pulsed gas lasers. The electron source at the cathode is a corona plasma formed at the interface between a conductor, or semiconductor, and a high-permittivity dielectric. Detailed descriptions are provided of a reliable cold plasma cathode, as well as an efficient liquid-cooled electron beam target (anode) and x-ray generator which concentrates the x-ray flux in the direction of an x-ray window.

High-order harmonic generation in a capillary discharge

DOEpatents

Rocca, Jorge J.; Kapteyn, Henry C.; Mumane, Margaret M.; Gaudiosi, David; Grisham, Michael E.; Popmintchev, Tenio V.; Reagan, Brendan A.

2010-06-01

A pre-ionized medium created by a capillary discharge results in more efficient use of laser energy in high-order harmonic generation (HHG) from ions. It extends the cutoff photon energy, and reduces the distortion of the laser pulse as it propagates down the waveguide. The observed enhancements result from a combination of reduced ionization energy loss and reduced ionization-induced defocusing of the driving laser as well as waveguiding of the driving laser pulse. The discharge plasma also provides a means to spectrally tune the harmonics by tailoring the initial level of ionization of the medium.

Electron-cyclotron resonance preionization and heating in the Proto-cleo torsatron

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Goes, L.C.S.

1986-01-01

ECR-breakdown and heating in a bifurcated torsatron topology are investigated with extraordinary mode injection from the high-field side (7.2 GHz/2 KW/10 ms). The breakdown characteristics are explained by stochastic heating enhanced by helical ripple effects. In the quasi-stationary regime (0.01 n/sub cr/ < n < 0.6 n/sub cr/), two-dimensional plasma profiles indicated heating inhomogeneities associated with RF power absorption near the UHR layer. The production of a suprathermal electron population, at the outer plasma edge, was indicated by nonthermal microwave emission and target SXR emission.

Heating and current drive on NSTX

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, J. R.; Batchelor, D.; Carter, M.; Hosea, J.; Ignat, D.; LeBlanc, B.; Majeski, R.; Ono, M.; Phillips, C. K.; Rogers, J. H.; Schilling, G.

1997-04-01

Low aspect ratio tokamaks pose interesting new challenges for heating and current drive. The NSTX (National Spherical Tokamak Experiment) device to be built at Princeton is a low aspect ratio toroidal device that has the achievement of high toroidal beta (˜45%) and non-inductive operation as two of its main research goals. To achieve these goals significant auxiliary heating and current drive systems are required. Present plans include ECH (Electron cyclotron heating) for pre-ionization and start-up assist, HHFW (high harmonic fast wave) for heating and current drive and eventually NBI (neutral beam injection) for heating, current drive and plasma rotation.

Scaling of X-Ray Preionized Mercury Bromide Lasers

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-11-01

H £* [ft T3 (0 0) H Q) W (d U w w S Ü 1° in W...CM I |M (U ■ H I fa 2-11 Table 2-4 Comparison of HgBr Discharge Lasers Laboratory NOSC MSNW Type Ionization Source Length/Energy...o o CN m in CN co r- o o o, i- H CN CO ^ ^ h > t^ +-^ e <-J W ^ in o E-i dP U <: D •—" « EH d< W .J H X 53 O P u W > O D W > H

Measurement of the E1/E3 phase in 226Ra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amzal, N.; Butler, P. A.; Hawcroft, D.; Hammond, N. J.; Herzberg, R.-D.; Jones, G. D.; Scholey, C.; Stezowski, O.; Czosnyka, T.; Iwanicki, J.; Napiorkowski, P. J.; Julin, R.; Mach, H.; Cerderka¨Ll, J.; Fraile, L. M.; Fynbo, H. O. U.; Isolde Collaboration

2004-04-01

We report experimental attempts to determine the sign of the electric dipole moment (relative to the electric octupole moment) in the octupole deformed nucleus 226Ra. Sensitivity to this quantity is observed in the measured yields of γ-ray transitions following very low energy Coulomb excitation.

A review of optical pacing with infrared light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ford, S. M.; Watanabe, M.; Jenkins, M. W.

2018-02-01

Optical pacing (OP) uses pulsed infrared light to initiate heartbeats in electrically excitable cardiac tissues without employing exogenous agents. OP is an alternative approach to electrical pacing that may overcome some its disadvantages for some applications. In this review, we discuss the initial demonstrations, mechanisms, safety, advantages and applications of OP.

Hall devices improve electric motor efficiency

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haeussermann, W.

1979-01-01

Efficiency of electric motors and generators is reduced by radial magnetic forces created by symmetric fields within device. Forces are sensed and counteracted by Hall devices on excitation or control windings. Hall generators directly measure and provide compensating control of anu asymmetry, eliminating additional measurements needed for calibration feedback control loop.

Alexander von Humboldt and the concept of animal electricity.

PubMed

Kettenmann, H

1997-06-01

More than two hundred years ago, Alexander von Humboldt helped to establish Galvani's view that muscle and nerve tissue are electrically excitable. His 1797 publication was a landmark for establishing the concept of animal electricity. Almost half a century later, von Humboldt became the mentor of the young du Bois-Reymond. With the help of von Humboldt's promotion, du Bois-Reymond demonstrated convincingly that animal tissue has the intrinsic capacity to generate electrical activity, and thus laid the ground for modern electrophysiology.

Creating Rydberg electron wave packets using terahertz pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bromage, Jake

1999-10-01

In this thesis I present experiments in which we excited classical-limit states of an atom using terahertz pulses. In a classical-limit state, an atom's outer electron is confined to a wave packet that orbits the core along a classical trajectory. Researchers have excited states with classical traits, but wave packets localized in all three dimensions have proved elusive. Theoretical studies have shown such states can be created using terahertz pulses. Using these techniques, we created a linear-orbit wave packet (LOWP), that is three-dimensionally localized and orbits along a line on one side of the atom's core. Terahertz pulses are sub-picosecond bursts of far- infrared radiation. Unlike ultrashort optical pulses, the electric field of terahertz pulses barely completes a single cycle. Our simulations of the atom-pulse interaction show that this electric field profile is critical in determining the quality of the wave packet. To characterize our terahertz pulses, we invented dithered-edge sampling which time- resolves the electric field using a photoconductive receiver and a triggered attenuator. We also studied how pulses are distorted after propagating through metallic structures, and used our findings to design our atomic experiments. We excited wave packets in atomic sodium using a two-step process. First, we used tunable, nanosecond dye lasers to excite an extreme Stark state. Next, we used a terahertz pump pulse to coherently redistribute population among extreme Stark states in neighboring manifolds. Interference between the final states produces a localized, dynamic LOWP. To analyze the LOWP, we ionized it with a stronger terahertz probe pulse, varying the pump-probe delay to map out its motion. We observed two strong LOWP signatures. Changing the static electric field produced small changes (2%) in the orbital period that agreed with our theoretical predictions. Secondly, because the LOWP scatters off the core, the pump-probe signal depended on the direction of the kick the LOWP received from the robe pulse. These observations, combined with our detailed simulations that used sodium parameters and the actual shape of the terahertz pulse, lead us to conclude that we excited a LOWP.

Nonlinear analysis for dual-frequency concurrent energy harvesting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Zhimiao; Lei, Hong; Tan, Ting; Sun, Weipeng; Huang, Wenhu

2018-05-01

The dual-frequency responses of the hybrid energy harvester undergoing the base excitation and galloping were analyzed numerically. In this work, an approximate dual-frequency analytical method is proposed for the nonlinear analysis of such a system. To obtain the approximate analytical solutions of the full coupled distributed-parameter model, the forcing interactions is first neglected. Then, the electromechanical decoupled governing equation is developed using the equivalent structure method. The hybrid mechanical response is finally separated to be the self-excited and forced responses for deriving the analytical solutions, which are confirmed by the numerical simulations of the full coupled model. The forced response has great impacts on the self-excited response. The boundary of Hopf bifurcation is analytically determined by the onset wind speed to galloping, which is linearly increased by the electrical damping. Quenching phenomenon appears when the increasing base excitation suppresses the galloping. The theoretical quenching boundary depends on the forced mode velocity. The quenching region increases with the base acceleration and electrical damping, but decreases with the wind speed. Superior to the base-excitation-alone case, the existence of the aerodynamic force protects the hybrid energy harvester at resonance from damages caused by the excessive large displacement. From the view of the harvested power, the hybrid system surpasses the base-excitation-alone system or the galloping-alone system. This study advances our knowledge on intrinsic nonlinear dynamics of the dual-frequency energy harvesting system by taking advantage of the analytical solutions.

Magnetic dipole strength in 128Xe and 134Xe in the spin-flip resonance region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Massarczyk, R.; Rusev, G.; Schwengner, R.; Dönau, F.; Bhatia, C.; Gooden, M. Â. E.; Kelley, J. Â. H.; Tonchev, A. Â. P.; Tornow, W.

2014-11-01

The magnetic dipole strength in the energy region of the spin-flip resonance is investigated in 128Xe and 134Xe using quasimonoenergetic and linearly polarized γ -ray beams at the High-Intensity γ -Ray Source facility in Durham, North Carolina, USA. Absorption cross sections were deduced for the magnetic and electric and dipole strength distributions separately for various intervals of excitation energy, including the strength of states in the unresolved quasicontinuum. The magnetic dipole strength distributions show structures resembling a resonance in the spin-flip region around an excitation energy of 8 MeV. The electric dipole strength distributions obtained from the present experiments are in agreement with the ones deduced from an earlier experiment using broad-band bremsstrahlung instead of a quasimonoenergetic beam. The experimental magnetic and electric dipole strength distributions are compared with phenomenological approximations and with predictions of a quasiparticle random phase approximation in a deformed basis.

Non-equilibrium behaviour in coacervate-based protocells under electric-field-induced excitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, Yudan; Niu, Lin; Zhu, Xiaocui; Zhao, Meiping; Zhang, Zexin; Mann, Stephen; Liang, Dehai

2016-02-01

Although numerous strategies are now available to generate rudimentary forms of synthetic cell-like entities, minimal progress has been made in the sustained excitation of artificial protocells under non-equilibrium conditions. Here we demonstrate that the electric field energization of coacervate microdroplets comprising polylysine and short single strands of DNA generates membrane-free protocells with complex, dynamical behaviours. By confining the droplets within a microfluidic channel and applying a range of electric field strengths, we produce protocells that exhibit repetitive cycles of vacuolarization, dynamical fluctuations in size and shape, chaotic growth and fusion, spontaneous ejection and sequestration of matter, directional capture of solute molecules, and pulsed enhancement of enzyme cascade reactions. Our results highlight new opportunities for the study of non-equilibrium phenomena in synthetic protocells, provide a strategy for inducing complex behaviour in electrostatically assembled soft matter microsystems and illustrate how dynamical properties can be activated and sustained in microcompartmentalized media.

At the Atrioventricular Crossroads: Dual Pathway Electrophysiology in the Atrioventricular Node and its Underlying Heterogeneities

PubMed Central

George, Sharon A; Faye, N Rokhaya; Murillo-Berlioz, Alejandro; Lee, K Benjamin; Trachiotis, Gregory D; Efimov, Igor R

2017-01-01

The atrioventricular node (AVN) is a complex structure that performs a variety of functions in the heart. The AVN is primarily an electrical gatekeeper between the atria and ventricles and introduces a delay between atrial and ventricular excitation, allowing for efficient ventricular filling. The AVN is composed of several compartments that safely transmit electrical excitation from the atria to the ventricles via the fast or slow pathways. There are many electrophysiological differences between these pathways, including conduction time and electrical refractoriness, that increase the predisposition of the atrioventricular junction to arrhythmias such as atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia. These varied electrophysiological characteristics of the fast and slow pathways stem from their unique structural and molecular composition (tissue and cellular geometry, ion channels and gap junctions). This review summarises the structural and molecular heterogeneities of the human AVN and how they result in electrophysiological variations and arrhythmias. PMID:29326832

Non-equilibrium behaviour in coacervate-based protocells under electric-field-induced excitation

PubMed Central

Yin, Yudan; Niu, Lin; Zhu, Xiaocui; Zhao, Meiping; Zhang, Zexin; Mann, Stephen; Liang, Dehai

2016-01-01

Although numerous strategies are now available to generate rudimentary forms of synthetic cell-like entities, minimal progress has been made in the sustained excitation of artificial protocells under non-equilibrium conditions. Here we demonstrate that the electric field energization of coacervate microdroplets comprising polylysine and short single strands of DNA generates membrane-free protocells with complex, dynamical behaviours. By confining the droplets within a microfluidic channel and applying a range of electric field strengths, we produce protocells that exhibit repetitive cycles of vacuolarization, dynamical fluctuations in size and shape, chaotic growth and fusion, spontaneous ejection and sequestration of matter, directional capture of solute molecules, and pulsed enhancement of enzyme cascade reactions. Our results highlight new opportunities for the study of non-equilibrium phenomena in synthetic protocells, provide a strategy for inducing complex behaviour in electrostatically assembled soft matter microsystems and illustrate how dynamical properties can be activated and sustained in microcompartmentalized media. PMID:26876162

Manipulating Traveling Brain Waves with Electric Fields: From Theory to Experiment.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gluckman, Bruce J.

2004-03-01

Activity waves in disinhibited neocortical slices have been used as a biological model for epileptic seizure propagation [1]. Such waves have been mathematically modeled with integro-differential equations [2] representing non-local reaction diffusion dynamics of an excitable medium with an excitability threshold. Stability and propagation speed of traveling pulse solutions depend strongly on the threshold in the following manner: propagation speed should decrease with increased threshold over a finite range, beyond which the waves become unstable. Because populations of neurons can be polarized with an applied electric field that effectively shifts their threshold for action potential initiation [3], we predicted, and have experimentally verified, that electric fields could be used globally or locally to speed up, slow down and even block wave propagation. [1] Telfeian and Conners, Epilepsia, 40, 1499-1506, 1999. [2] Pinto and Ermentrout, SIAM J. App. Math, 62, 206-225, 2001. [3] Gluckman, et. al. J Neurophysiol. 76, 4202-5, 1996.

Raise and collapse of pseudo Landau levels in graphene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castro, Eduardo V.; Cazalilla, Miguel A.; Vozmediano, María A. H.

2017-12-01

Lattice deformations couple to the low-energy electronic excitations of graphene as vector fields similar to the electromagnetic potential. The observation of strain-induced pseudo Landau levels with scanning tunnel microscopy experiments has been one of the most exciting events in the history of graphene. Nevertheless, the experimental observation presents some ambiguities. Similar strain patterns show different images that are sometimes difficult to interpret. In this Rapid Communication, we show that, for some strain configurations, the deformation potential acts as a parallel electric field able to destabilize the Landau level structure via a mechanism identical to that occurring for real electromagnetic fields. This effect also alters the estimations of the value of the pseudomagnetic field, which can be significantly bigger. The mechanism applies equally if the electric field has an external origin, which opens the door to an electric control of giant pseudomagnetic fields in graphene.

Experimental Demonstration of a Multiphysics Cloak: Manipulating Heat Flux and Electric Current Simultaneously

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Yungui; Liu, Yichao; Raza, Muhammad; Wang, Yudong; He, Sailing

2014-11-01

Invisible cloaks have been widely explored in many different physical systems but usually for a single phenomenon for one device. In this Letter we make an experimental attempt to show a multidisciplinary framework that has the capability to simultaneously respond to two different physical excitations according to predetermined scenarios. As a proof of concept, we implement an electric-thermal bifunctional device that can guide both electric current and heat flux "across" a strong `scatterer' (air cavity) and restore their original diffusion directions as if nothing exists along the paths, thus rendering dual cloaking effects for objects placed inside the cavity. This bifunctional cloaking performance is also numerically verified for a line-source nonuniform excitation. Our results and the fabrication technique presented here will help broaden the current research scope for multiple disciplines and may pave a way to manipulate multiple flows and create new functional devices, e.g., for on-chip applications.

Optical emission from a small scale model electric arc furnace in 250-600 nm region.

PubMed

Mäkinen, A; Niskanen, J; Tikkala, H; Aksela, H

2013-04-01

Optical emission spectroscopy has been for long proposed for monitoring and studying industrial steel making processes. Whereas the radiative decay of thermal excitations is always taking place in high temperatures needed in steel production, one of the most promising environment for such studies are electric arc furnaces, creating plasma in excited electronic states that relax with intense characteristic emission in the optical regime. Unfortunately, large industrial scale electric arc furnaces also present a challenging environment for optical emission studies and application of the method is not straightforward. To study the usability of optical emission spectroscopy in real electric arc furnaces, we have developed a laboratory scale DC electric arc furnace presented in this paper. With the setup, optical emission spectra of Fe, Cr, Cr2O3, Ni, SiO2, Al2O3, CaO, and MgO were recorded in the wavelength range 250-600 nm and the results were analyzed with the help of reference data. The work demonstrates that using characteristic optical emission, obtaining in situ chemical information from oscillating plasma of electric arc furnaces is indeed possible. In spite of complications, the method could possibly be applied to industrial scale steel making process in order to improve its efficiency.

Low-energy Control of Electrical Turbulence in the Heart

PubMed Central

Luther, Stefan; Fenton, Flavio H.; Kornreich, Bruce G.; Squires, Amgad; Bittihn, Philip; Hornung, Daniel; Zabel, Markus; Flanders, James; Gladuli, Andrea; Campoy, Luis; Cherry, Elizabeth M.; Luther, Gisa; Hasenfuss, Gerd; Krinsky, Valentin I.; Pumir, Alain; Gilmour, Robert F.; Bodenschatz, Eberhard

2011-01-01

Controlling the complex spatio-temporal dynamics underlying life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias such as fibrillation is extremely difficult due to the nonlinear interaction of excitation waves within a heterogeneous anatomical substrate1–4. Lacking a better strategy, strong, globally resetting electrical shocks remain the only reliable treatment for cardiac fibrillation5–7. Here, we establish the relation between the response of the tissue to an electric field and the spatial distribution of heterogeneities of the scale-free coronary vascular structure. We show that in response to a pulsed electric field E, these heterogeneities serve as nucleation sites for the generation of intramural electrical waves with a source density ρ(E), and a characteristic time τ for tissue depolarization that obeys a power law τ∝Eα. These intramural wave sources permit targeting of electrical turbulence near the cores of the vortices of electrical activity that drive complex fibrillatory dynamics. We show in vitro that simultaneous and direct access to multiple vortex cores results in rapid synchronization of cardiac tissue and therefore efficient termination of fibrillation. Using this novel control strategy, we demonstrate, for the first time, low-energy termination of fibrillation in vivo. Our results give new insights into the mechanisms and dynamics underlying the control of spatio-temporal chaos in heterogeneous excitable media and at the same time provide new research perspectives towards alternative, life-saving low-energy defibrillation techniques. PMID:21753855

Infrasonic acoustic waves generated by fast air heating in sprite cores

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Silva, Caitano L.; Pasko, Victor P.

2014-03-01

Acceleration, expansion, and branching of sprite streamers can lead to concentration of high electrical currents in regions of space, that are observed in the form of bright sprite cores. Driven by this electrical current, a series of chemical processes take place in the sprite plasma. Excitation, followed by quenching of excited electronic states leads to energy transfer from charged to neutral species. The consequence is heating and expansion of air leading to emission of infrasonic acoustic waves. Results indicate that ≳0.01 Pa pressure perturbations on the ground, observed in association with sprites, can only be produced by exceptionally strong currents in sprite cores, exceeding 2 kA.

Inelastic light scattering from plasmons tunneling between Wannier-Stark states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fluegel, B.; Pfeiffer, L. N.; West, K.; Mascarenhas, A.

2018-06-01

Using inelastic light scattering, we measure the zone-center electronic excitation modes in a set of multiple quantum wells. The width of the wavefunction barriers was chosen such that it prevents significant coupling of the electron ground states between wells yet is transparent to electron tunneling under an electric field. Under these conditions, we find charge-density-like and spin-density-like plasmons whose energies do not correspond to the excitations calculated for either a single well or a set of Coulomb-coupled wells. The observed energies are proportional to the electric field strength and the lower energy modes agree with predictions for plasmons tunneling between the Wannier-Stark ladder states.

Improving uniformity of atmospheric-pressure dielectric barrier discharges using dual frequency excitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Y.; Peeters, F. J. J.; Starostin, S. A.; van de Sanden, M. C. M.; de Vries, H. W.

2018-01-01

This letter reports a novel approach to improve the uniformity of atmospheric-pressure dielectric barrier discharges using a dual-frequency excitation consisting of a low frequency (LF) at 200 kHz and a radio frequency (RF) at 13.56 MHz. It is shown that due to the periodic oscillation of the RF electric field, the electron acceleration and thus the gas ionization is temporally modulated, i.e. enhanced and suppressed during each RF cycle. As a result, the discharge development is slowed down with a lower amplitude and a longer duration of the LF discharge current. Hence, the RF electric field facilitates improved stability and uniformity simultaneously allowing a higher input power.

Electron beam switched discharge for rapidly pulsed lasers

DOEpatents

Pleasance, Lyn D.; Murray, John R.; Goldhar, Julius; Bradley, Laird P.

1981-01-01

Method and apparatus for electrical excitation of a laser gas by application of a pulsed voltage across the gas, followed by passage of a pulsed, high energy electron beam through the gas to initiate a discharge suitable for laser excitation. This method improves upon current power conditioning techniques and is especially useful for driving rare gas halide lasers at high repetition rates.

Electric-field-induced plasmon in AA-stacked bilayer graphene

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chuang, Y.C., E-mail: yingchih.chuang@gmail.com; Wu, J.Y., E-mail: yarst5@gmail.com; Lin, M.F., E-mail: mflin@mail.ncku.edu.tw

2013-12-15

The collective excitations in AA-stacked bilayer graphene for a perpendicular electric field are investigated analytically within the tight-binding model and the random-phase approximation. Such a field destroys the uniform probability distribution of the four sublattices. This drives a symmetry breaking between the intralayer and interlayer polarization intensities from the intrapair band excitations. A field-induced acoustic plasmon thus emerges in addition to the strongly field-tunable intrinsic acoustic and optical plasmons. At long wavelengths, the three modes show different dispersions and field dependence. The definite physical mechanism of the electrically inducible and tunable mode can be expected to also be present inmore » other AA-stacked few-layer graphenes. -- Highlights: •The analytical derivations are performed by the tight-binding model. •An electric field drives the non-uniformity of the charge distribution. •A symmetry breaking between the intralayer and interlayer polarizations is illustrated. •An extra plasmon emerges besides two intrinsic modes in AA-stacked bilayer graphene. •The mechanism of a field-induced mode is present in AA-stacked few-layer graphenes.« less

Noise-sustained synchronization between electrically coupled FitzHugh-Nagumo networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cascallares, Guadalupe; Sánchez, Alejandro D.; dell'Erba, Matías G.; Izús, Gonzalo G.

2015-09-01

We investigate the capability of electrical synapses to transmit the noise-sustained network activity from one network to another. The particular setup we consider is two identical rings with excitable FitzHugh-Nagumo cell dynamics and nearest-neighbor antiphase intra-ring coupling, electrically coupled between corresponding nodes. The whole system is submitted to independent local additive Gaussian white noises with common intensity η, but only one ring is externally forced by a global adiabatic subthreshold harmonic signal. We then seek conditions for a particular noise level to promote synchronized stable firing patterns. By running numerical integrations with increasing η, we observe the excitation activity to become spatiotemporally self-organized, until η is so strong that spoils sync between networks for a given value of the electric coupling strength. By means of a four-cell model and calculating the stationary probability distribution, we obtain a (signal-dependent) non-equilibrium potential landscape which explains qualitatively the observed regimes, and whose barrier heights give a good estimate of the optimal noise intensity for the sync between networks.

Effect of Initial Conditions on Gas-Puff Z-Pinch Dynamics.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peterson, Gus Gordon

This dissertation concerns the effects initial conditions have on the dynamics of an imploded, annular gas-puff z-pinch. The influence of axial magnetic fields, nozzle size and composition, different gases, pre-ionization, and electrode design on pinch quality and x-ray yield is investigated. The experiment uses a 5-kJ capacitor bank to deliver 0.35 MA to the pinch load in 1.4 mu rm s. This research establishes parameters important to increasing the x-ray yield of dense z-pinches. The initial stage of the implosion is diagnosed with a framing camera that photographs visible light emitted from z-pinch gas breakdown. Data from subsequent stages of the pinch is recorded with a B-dot probe, filtered x-ray diodes, an x-ray filtered pinhole camera, and a nitrogen laser interferometer. Applied axial magnetic fields of ~100 gauss increase average x-ray yield by more than 20%. A substantial increase of K-shell x -ray yield of more than 200% was obtained by increasing the energy delivered to the plasma by enlarging the nozzle diameter from 4 to 5 cm. The use of a Teflon outer-mantle for the nozzle resulted in less uniform gas breakdown as compared to graphite and copper outer-mantles, but x-ray yield and final state uniformity were not reduced. Lower Z gases showed poorer breakdown uniformity. Pre-ionization improved the uniformity of helium and neon breakdown but did not appear to affect subsequent dynamics. X-ray yield was significantly higher using a knife-edge annular anode, as opposed to a flat stainless steel honeycomb anode. Annular anodes with diameters more than a few millimeters different than the nozzle diameter produced low quality pinches with substantially lower x-ray yield.

Overview of KSTAR initial operation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwon, M.; Oh, Y. K.; Yang, H. L.; Na, H. K.; Kim, Y. S.; Kwak, J. G.; Kim, W. C.; Kim, J. Y.; Ahn, J. W.; Bae, Y. S.; Baek, S. H.; Bak, J. G.; Bang, E. N.; Chang, C. S.; Chang, D. H.; Chavdarovski, I.; Chen, Z. Y.; Cho, K. W.; Cho, M. H.; Choe, W.; Choi, J. H.; Chu, Y.; Chung, K. S.; Diamond, P.; Do, H. J.; Eidietis, N.; England, A. C.; Grisham, L.; Hahm, T. S.; Hahn, S. H.; Han, W. S.; Hatae, T.; Hillis, D.; Hong, J. S.; Hong, S. H.; Hong, S. R.; Humphrey, D.; Hwang, Y. S.; Hyatt, A.; In, Y. K.; Jackson, G. L.; Jang, Y. B.; Jeon, Y. M.; Jeong, J. I.; Jeong, N. Y.; Jeong, S. H.; Jhang, H. G.; Jin, J. K.; Joung, M.; Ju, J.; Kawahata, K.; Kim, C. H.; Kim, D. H.; Kim, Hee-Su; Kim, H. S.; Kim, H. K.; Kim, H. T.; Kim, J. H.; Kim, J. C.; Kim, Jong-Su; Kim, Jung-Su; Kim, Kyung-Min; Kim, K. M.; Kim, K. P.; Kim, M. K.; Kim, S. H.; Kim, S. S.; Kim, S. T.; Kim, S. W.; Kim, Y. J.; Kim, Y. K.; Kim, Y. O.; Ko, W. H.; Kogi, Y.; Kong, J. D.; Kubo, S.; Kumazawa, R.; Kwak, S. W.; Kwon, J. M.; Kwon, O. J.; LeConte, M.; Lee, D. G.; Lee, D. K.; Lee, D. R.; Lee, D. S.; Lee, H. J.; Lee, J. H.; Lee, K. D.; Lee, K. S.; Lee, S. G.; Lee, S. H.; Lee, S. I.; Lee, S. M.; Lee, T. G.; Lee, W. C.; Lee, W. L.; Leur, J.; Lim, D. S.; Lohr, J.; Mase, A.; Mueller, D.; Moon, K. M.; Mutoh, T.; Na, Y. S.; Nagayama, Y.; Nam, Y. U.; Namkung, W.; Oh, B. H.; Oh, S. G.; Oh, S. T.; Park, B. H.; Park, D. S.; Park, H.; Park, H. T.; Park, J. K.; Park, J. S.; Park, K. R.; Park, M. K.; Park, S. H.; Park, S. I.; Park, Y. M.; Park, Y. S.; Patterson, B.; Sabbagh, S.; Saito, K.; Sajjad, S.; Sakamoto, K.; Seo, D. C.; Seo, S. H.; Seol, J. C.; Shi, Y.; Song, N. H.; Sun, H. J.; Terzolo, L.; Walker, M.; Wang, S. J.; Watanabe, K.; Welander, A. S.; Woo, H. J.; Woo, I. S.; Yagi, M.; Yaowei, Y.; Yonekawa, Y.; Yoo, K. I.; Yoo, J. W.; Yoon, G. S.; Yoon, S. W.; KSTAR Team

2011-09-01

Since the successful first plasma generation in the middle of 2008, three experimental campaigns were successfully made for the KSTAR device, accompanied with a necessary upgrade in the power supply, heating, wall-conditioning and diagnostic systems. KSTAR was operated with the toroidal magnetic field up to 3.6 T and the circular and shaped plasmas with current up to 700 kA and pulse length of 7 s, have been achieved with limited capacity of PF magnet power supplies. The mission of the KSTAR experimental program is to achieve steady-state operations with high performance plasmas relevant to ITER and future reactors. The first phase (2008-2012) of operation of KSTAR is dedicated to the development of operational capabilities for a super-conducting device with relatively short pulse. Development of start-up scenario for a super-conducting tokamak and the understanding of magnetic field errors on start-up are one of the important issues to be resolved. Some specific operation techniques for a super-conducting device are also developed and tested. The second harmonic pre-ionization with 84 and 110 GHz gyrotrons is an example. Various parameters have been scanned to optimize the pre-ionization. Another example is the ICRF wall conditioning (ICWC), which was routinely applied during the shot to shot interval. The plasma operation window has been extended in terms of plasma beta and stability boundary. The achievement of high confinement mode was made in the last campaign with the first neutral beam injector and good wall conditioning. Plasma control has been applied in shape and position control and now a preliminary kinetic control scheme is being applied including plasma current and density. Advanced control schemes will be developed and tested in future operations including active profiles, heating and current drives and control coil-driven magnetic perturbation.

Giant Electric Field Enhancement in Split Ring Resonators Featuring Nanometer-Sized Gaps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bagiante, S.; Enderli, F.; Fabiańska, J.; Sigg, H.; Feurer, T.

2015-01-01

Today's pulsed THz sources enable us to excite, probe, and coherently control the vibrational or rotational dynamics of organic and inorganic materials on ultrafast time scales. Driven by standard laser sources THz electric field strengths of up to several MVm-1 have been reported and in order to reach even higher electric field strengths the use of dedicated electric field enhancement structures has been proposed. Here, we demonstrate resonant electric field enhancement structures, which concentrate the incident electric field in sub-diffraction size volumes and show an electric field enhancement as high as ~14,000 at 50 GHz. These values have been confirmed through a combination of near-field imaging experiments and electromagnetic simulations.

The generalized Hill model: A kinematic approach towards active muscle contraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Göktepe, Serdar; Menzel, Andreas; Kuhl, Ellen

2014-12-01

Excitation-contraction coupling is the physiological process of converting an electrical stimulus into a mechanical response. In muscle, the electrical stimulus is an action potential and the mechanical response is active contraction. The classical Hill model characterizes muscle contraction though one contractile element, activated by electrical excitation, and two non-linear springs, one in series and one in parallel. This rheology translates into an additive decomposition of the total stress into a passive and an active part. Here we supplement this additive decomposition of the stress by a multiplicative decomposition of the deformation gradient into a passive and an active part. We generalize the one-dimensional Hill model to the three-dimensional setting and constitutively define the passive stress as a function of the total deformation gradient and the active stress as a function of both the total deformation gradient and its active part. We show that this novel approach combines the features of both the classical stress-based Hill model and the recent active-strain models. While the notion of active stress is rather phenomenological in nature, active strain is micro-structurally motivated, physically measurable, and straightforward to calibrate. We demonstrate that our model is capable of simulating excitation-contraction coupling in cardiac muscle with its characteristic features of wall thickening, apical lift, and ventricular torsion.

Spatial Analysis of Slowly Oscillating Electric Activity in the Gut of Mice Using Low Impedance Arrayed Microelectrodes

PubMed Central

Taniguchi, Mizuki; Kajioka, Shunichi; Shozib, Habibul B.; Sawamura, Kenta; Nakayama, Shinsuke

2013-01-01

Smooth and elaborate gut motility is based on cellular cooperation, including smooth muscle, enteric neurons and special interstitial cells acting as pacemaker cells. Therefore, spatial characterization of electric activity in tissues containing these electric excitable cells is required for a precise understanding of gut motility. Furthermore, tools to evaluate spatial electric activity in a small area would be useful for the investigation of model animals. We thus employed a microelectrode array (MEA) system to simultaneously measure a set of 8×8 field potentials in a square area of ∼1 mm2. The size of each recording electrode was 50×50 µm2, however the surface area was increased by fixing platinum black particles. The impedance of microelectrode was sufficiently low to apply a high-pass filter of 0.1 Hz. Mapping of spectral power, and auto-correlation and cross-correlation parameters characterized the spatial properties of spontaneous electric activity in the ileum of wild-type (WT) and W/Wv mice, the latter serving as a model of impaired network of pacemaking interstitial cells. Namely, electric activities measured varied in both size and cooperativity in W/Wv mice, despite the small area. In the ileum of WT mice, procedures suppressing the excitability of smooth muscle and neurons altered the propagation of spontaneous electric activity, but had little change in the period of oscillations. In conclusion, MEA with low impedance electrodes enables to measure slowly oscillating electric activity, and is useful to evaluate both histological and functional changes in the spatio-temporal property of gut electric activity. PMID:24124480

Photon energy upconversion through thermal radiation with the power efficiency reaching 16%.

PubMed

Wang, Junxin; Ming, Tian; Jin, Zhao; Wang, Jianfang; Sun, Ling-Dong; Yan, Chun-Hua

2014-11-28

The efficiency of many solar energy conversion technologies is limited by their poor response to low-energy solar photons. One way for overcoming this limitation is to develop materials and methods that can efficiently convert low-energy photons into high-energy ones. Here we show that thermal radiation is an attractive route for photon energy upconversion, with efficiencies higher than those of state-of-the-art energy transfer upconversion under continuous wave laser excitation. A maximal power upconversion efficiency of 16% is achieved on Yb(3+)-doped ZrO2. By examining various oxide samples doped with lanthanide or transition metal ions, we draw guidelines that materials with high melting points, low thermal conductivities and strong absorption to infrared light deliver high upconversion efficiencies. The feasibility of our upconversion approach is further demonstrated under concentrated sunlight excitation and continuous wave 976-nm laser excitation, where the upconverted white light is absorbed by Si solar cells to generate electricity and drive optical and electrical devices.

Crystal electric field excitations in the quasicrystal approximant TbCd 6 studied by inelastic neutron scattering

DOE PAGES

Das, Pinaki; Lory, P. -F.; Flint, R.; ...

2017-02-07

Here, we have performed inelastic neutron scattering measurements on powder samples of the quasicrystal approximant, TbCd 6, grown using isotopically enriched 112Cd. Both quasielastic scattering and distinct inelastic excitations were observed below 3 meV. The intensity of the quasielastic scattering measured in the paramag- netic phase diverges as T N ~ 22 K is approached from above. The inelastic excitations, and their evolution with temperature, are well characterized by the leading term, Bmore » $$0\\atop{2}$$O$$0\\atop{2}$$, of the crystalline electric field (CEF) level scheme for local pentagonal symmetry for the rare-earth ions [1] indicating that the Tb moment is directed primarily along the unique local pseudo-five-fold axis of the Tsai-type clusters. We also find good agreement between the inverse susceptibility determined from magnetization measurements using a magnetically diluted Tb 0.05Y 0.95Cd 6 sample and that calculated using the CEF level scheme determined from the neutron measurements.« less

Crystal electric field excitations in the quasicrystal approximant TbCd6 studied by inelastic neutron scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Pinaki; Lory, P.-F.; Flint, R.; Kong, T.; Hiroto, T.; Bud'ko, S. L.; Canfield, P. C.; de Boissieu, M.; Kreyssig, A.; Goldman, A. I.

2017-02-01

We have performed inelastic neutron scattering measurements on powder samples of the quasicrystal approximant, TbCd6, grown using isotopically enriched 112Cd. Both quasielastic scattering and distinct inelastic excitations were observed below 3 meV. The intensity of the quasielastic scattering measured in the paramagnetic phase diverges as TN˜22 K is approached from above. The inelastic excitations, and their evolution with temperature, are well characterized by the leading term, B20O20 , of the crystal electric field (CEF) level scheme for local pentagonal symmetry for the rare-earth ions [S. Jazbec et al., Phys. Rev. B 93, 054208 (2016), 10.1103/PhysRevB.93.054208] indicating that the Tb moment is directed primarily along the unique local pseudofivefold axis of the Tsai-type clusters. We also find good agreement between the inverse susceptibility determined from magnetization measurements using a magnetically diluted Tb0.05Y0.95Cd6 sample and that calculated using the CEF level scheme determined from the neutron measurements.

Defects formation and wave emitting from defects in excitable media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Jun; Xu, Ying; Tang, Jun; Wang, Chunni

2016-05-01

Abnormal electrical activities in neuronal system could be associated with some neuronal diseases. Indeed, external forcing can cause breakdown even collapse in nervous system under appropriate condition. The excitable media sometimes could be described by neuronal network with different topologies. The collective behaviors of neurons can show complex spatiotemporal dynamical properties and spatial distribution for electrical activities due to self-organization even from the regulating from central nervous system. Defects in the nervous system can emit continuous waves or pulses, and pacemaker-like source is generated to perturb the normal signal propagation in nervous system. How these defects are developed? In this paper, a network of neurons is designed in two-dimensional square array with nearest-neighbor connection type; the formation mechanism of defects is investigated by detecting the wave propagation induced by external forcing. It is found that defects could be induced under external periodical forcing under the boundary, and then the wave emitted from the defects can keep balance with the waves excited from external forcing.

Receiving sensitivity and transmitting voltage response of a fluid loaded spherical piezoelectric transducer with an elastic coating.

PubMed

George, Jineesh; Ebenezer, D D; Bhattacharyya, S K

2010-10-01

A method is presented to determine the response of a spherical acoustic transducer that consists of a fluid-filled piezoelectric sphere with an elastic coating embedded in infinite fluid to electrical and plane-wave acoustic excitations. The exact spherically symmetric, linear, differential, governing equations are used for the interior and exterior fluids, and elastic and piezoelectric materials. Under acoustic excitation and open circuit boundary condition, the equation governing the piezoelectric sphere is homogeneous and the solution is expressed in terms of Bessel functions. Under electrical excitation, the equation governing the piezoelectric sphere is inhomogeneous and the complementary solution is expressed in terms of Bessel functions and the particular integral is expressed in terms of a power series. Numerical results are presented to illustrate the effect of dimensions of the piezoelectric sphere, fluid loading, elastic coating and internal material losses on the open-circuit receiving sensitivity and transmitting voltage response of the transducer.

Two-color ionization injection using a plasma beatwave accelerator

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schroeder, C. B.; Benedetti, C.; Esarey, E.

Two-color laser ionization injection is a method to generate ultra-low emittance (sub-100 nm transverse normalized emittance) beams in a laser-driven plasma accelerator. A plasma beatwave accelerator is proposed to drive the plasma wave for ionization injection, where the beating of the lasers effectively produces a train of long-wavelength pulses. The plasma beatwave accelerator excites a large amplitude plasma wave with low peak laser electric fields, leaving atomically-bound electrons with low ionization potential. A short-wavelength, low-amplitude ionization injection laser pulse (with a small ponderomotive force and large peak electric field) is used to ionize the remaining bound electrons at a wakemore » phase suitable for trapping, generating an ultra-low emittance electron beam that is accelerated in the plasma wave. Using a plasma beatwave accelerator for wakefield excitation, compared to short-pulse wakefield excitation, allows for a lower amplitude injection laser pulse and, hence, a lower emittance beam may be generated.« less

Plasmonic excitation-assisted optical and electric enhancement in ultra-thin solar cells: the influence of nano-strip cross section

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sabaeian, Mohammad, E-mail: sabaiean@scu.ac.ir; Heydari, Mehdi; Ajamgard, Narges

The effects of Ag nano-strips with triangle, rectangular and trapezoid cross sections on the optical absorption, generation rate, and short-circuit current density of ultra-thin solar cells were investigated. By putting the nano-strips as a grating structure on the top of the solar cells, the waveguide, surface plasmon polariton (SPP), and localized surface plasmon (LSP) modes, which are excited with the assistance of nano-strips, were evaluated in TE and TM polarizations. The results show, firstly, the TM modes are more influential than TE modes in optical and electrical properties enhancement of solar cell, because of plasmonic excitations in TM mode. Secondly,more » the trapezoid nano-strips reveal noticeable impact on the optical absorption, generation rate, and short-circuit current density enhancement than triangle and rectangular ones. In particular, the absorption of long wavelengths which is a challenge in ultra-thin solar cells is significantly improved by using Ag trapezoid nano-strips.« less

Two-color ionization injection using a plasma beatwave accelerator

DOE PAGES

Schroeder, C. B.; Benedetti, C.; Esarey, E.; ...

2018-01-10

Two-color laser ionization injection is a method to generate ultra-low emittance (sub-100 nm transverse normalized emittance) beams in a laser-driven plasma accelerator. A plasma beatwave accelerator is proposed to drive the plasma wave for ionization injection, where the beating of the lasers effectively produces a train of long-wavelength pulses. The plasma beatwave accelerator excites a large amplitude plasma wave with low peak laser electric fields, leaving atomically-bound electrons with low ionization potential. A short-wavelength, low-amplitude ionization injection laser pulse (with a small ponderomotive force and large peak electric field) is used to ionize the remaining bound electrons at a wakemore » phase suitable for trapping, generating an ultra-low emittance electron beam that is accelerated in the plasma wave. Using a plasma beatwave accelerator for wakefield excitation, compared to short-pulse wakefield excitation, allows for a lower amplitude injection laser pulse and, hence, a lower emittance beam may be generated.« less

Non-Equilibrium Plasma MHD Electrical Power Generation at Tokyo Tech

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murakami, T.; Okuno, Y.; Yamasaki, H.

2008-02-01

This paper reviews the recent activities on radio-frequency (rf) electromagnetic-field-assisted magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) power generation experiments at the Tokyo Institute of Technology. An inductively coupled rf field (13.56 MHz) is continuously supplied to the disk-shaped Hall-type MHD generator. The first part of this paper describes a method of obtaining increased power output from a pure Argon plasma MHD power generator by incorporating an rf power source to preionize and heat the plasma. The rf heating enhances ionization of the Argon and raises the temperature of the free electron population above the nominally low 4500 K temperatures obtained without rf heating. This in turn enhances the plasma conductivity making MHD power generation feasible. We demonstrate an enhanced power output when rf heating is on approximately 5 times larger than the input power of the rf generator. The second part of this paper is a demonstration of a physical phenomenon of the rf-stabilization of the ionization instability, that had been conjectured for some time, but had not been seen experimentally. The rf heating suppresses the ionization instability in the plasma behavior and homogenizes the nonuniformity of the plasma structures. The power-generating performance is significantly improved with the aid of the rf power under wide seeding conditions. The increment of the enthalpy extraction ratio of around 2% is significantly greater than the fraction of the net rf power, that is, 0.16%, to the thermal input.

Overview on NASA's Advanced Electric Propulsion Concepts Activities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frisbee, Robert H.

1999-01-01

Advanced electric propulsion research activities are currently underway that seek to addresses feasibility issues of a wide range of advanced concepts, and may result in the development of technologies that will enable exciting new missions within our solar system and beyond. Each research activity is described in terms of the present focus and potential future applications. Topics include micro-electric thrusters, electrodynamic tethers, high power plasma thrusters and related applications in materials processing, variable specific impulse plasma thrusters, pulsed inductive thrusters, computational techniques for thruster modeling, and advanced electric propulsion missions and systems studies.

New mechanism of spiral wave initiation in a reaction-diffusion-mechanics system.

PubMed

Weise, Louis D; Panfilov, Alexander V

2011-01-01

Spiral wave initiation in the heart muscle is a mechanism for the onset of dangerous cardiac arrhythmias. A standard protocol for spiral wave initiation is the application of a stimulus in the refractory tail of a propagating excitation wave, a region that we call the "classical vulnerable zone." Previous studies of vulnerability to spiral wave initiation did not take the influence of deformation into account, which has been shown to have a substantial effect on the excitation process of cardiomyocytes via the mechano-electrical feedback phenomenon. In this work we study the effect of deformation on the vulnerability of excitable media in a discrete reaction-diffusion-mechanics (dRDM) model. The dRDM model combines FitzHugh-Nagumo type equations for cardiac excitation with a discrete mechanical description of a finite-elastic isotropic material (Seth material) to model cardiac excitation-contraction coupling and stretch activated depolarizing current. We show that deformation alters the "classical," and forms a new vulnerable zone at longer coupling intervals. This mechanically caused vulnerable zone results in a new mechanism of spiral wave initiation, where unidirectional conduction block and rotation directions of the consequently initiated spiral waves are opposite compared to the mechanism of spiral wave initiation due to the "classical vulnerable zone." We show that this new mechanism of spiral wave initiation can naturally occur in situations that involve wave fronts with curvature, and discuss its relation to supernormal excitability of cardiac tissue. The concept of mechanically induced vulnerability may lead to a better understanding about the onset of dangerous heart arrhythmias via mechano-electrical feedback.

Electron beam-switched discharge for rapidly pulsed lasers

DOEpatents

Pleasance, L.D.; Murray, J.R.; Goldhar, J.; Bradley, L.P.

1979-12-11

A method and apparatus are designed for electrical excitation of a laser gas by application of a pulsed voltage across the gas, followed by passage of a pulsed, high energy electron beam through the gas to initiate a discharge suitable for laser excitation. This method improves upon current power conditioning techniques and is especially useful for driving rare gas halide lasers at high repetition rates.

Generating Excitement: Build Your Own Generator to Study the Transfer of Energy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fletcher, Kurt; Rommel-Esham, Katie; Farthing, Dori; Sheldon, Amy

2011-01-01

The transfer of energy from one form to another can be difficult to understand. The electrical energy that turns on a lamp may come from the burning of coal, water falling at a hydroelectric plant, nuclear reactions, or gusts of wind caused by the uneven heating of the Earth. The authors have developed and tested an exciting hands-on activity to…

Effects of patterned peripheral nerve stimulation on soleus spinal motor neuron excitability

PubMed Central

Dileone, Michele; Campolo, Michela; Carrasco-Lopez, Carmen; Moitinho-Ferreira, Fabricia; Gallego-Izquierdo, Tomas; Siebner, Hartwig R.; Valls-Solé, Josep; Aguilar, Juan

2018-01-01

Spinal plasticity is thought to contribute to sensorimotor recovery of limb function in several neurological disorders and can be experimentally induced in animals and humans using different stimulation protocols. In healthy individuals, electrical continuous Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) of the median nerve has been shown to change spinal motoneuron excitability in the cervical spinal cord as indexed by a change in mean H-reflex amplitude in the flexor carpi radialis muscle. It is unknown whether continuous TBS of a peripheral nerve can also shift motoneuron excitability in the lower limb. In 26 healthy subjects, we examined the effects of electrical TBS given to the tibial nerve in the popliteal fossa on the excitability of lumbar spinal motoneurons as measured by H-reflex amplitude of the soleus muscle evoked by tibial nerve stimulation. Continuous TBS was given at 110% of H-reflex threshold intensity and compared to non-patterned regular electrical stimulation at 15 Hz. To disclose any pain-induced effects, we also tested the effects of TBS at individual sensory threshold. Moreover, in a subgroup of subjects we evaluated paired-pulse inhibition of H-reflex. Continuous TBS at 110% of H-reflex threshold intensity induced a short-term reduction of H-reflex amplitude. The other stimulation conditions produced no after effects. Paired-pulse H-reflex inhibition was not modulated by continuous TBS or non-patterned repetitive stimulation at 15 Hz. An effect of pain on the results obtained was discarded, since non-patterned 15 Hz stimulation at 110% HT led to pain scores similar to those induced by EcTBS at 110% HT, but was not able to induce any modulation of the H reflex amplitude. Together, the results provide first time evidence that peripheral continuous TBS induces a short-lasting change in the excitability of spinal motoneurons in lower limb circuitries. Future studies need to investigate how the TBS protocol can be optimized to produce a larger and longer effect on spinal cord physiology and whether this might be a useful intervention in patients with excessive excitability of the spinal motorneurons. PMID:29451889

Control of plasma process by use of harmonic frequency components of voltage and current

DOEpatents

Miller, Paul A.; Kamon, Mattan

1994-01-01

The present invention provides for a technique for taking advantage of the intrinsic electrical non-linearity of processing plasmas to add additional control variables that affect process performance. The technique provides for the adjustment of the electrical coupling circuitry, as well as the electrical excitation level, in response to measurements of the reactor voltage and current and to use that capability to modify the plasma characteristics to obtain the desired performance.

Modeling the response of small myelinated axons in a compound nerve to kilohertz frequency signals.

PubMed

Pelot, N A; Behrend, C E; Grill, W M

2017-08-01

There is growing interest in electrical neuromodulation of peripheral nerves, particularly autonomic nerves, to treat various diseases. Electrical signals in the kilohertz frequency (KHF) range can produce different responses, including conduction block. For example, EnteroMedics' vBloc ® therapy for obesity delivers 5 kHz stimulation to block the abdominal vagus nerves, but the mechanisms of action are unclear. We developed a two-part computational model, coupling a 3D finite element model of a cuff electrode around the human abdominal vagus nerve with biophysically-realistic electrical circuit equivalent (cable) model axons (1, 2, and 5.7 µm in diameter). We developed an automated algorithm to classify conduction responses as subthreshold (transmission), KHF-evoked activity (excitation), or block. We quantified neural responses across kilohertz frequencies (5-20 kHz), amplitudes (1-8 mA), and electrode designs. We found heterogeneous conduction responses across the modeled nerve trunk, both for a given parameter set and across parameter sets, although most suprathreshold responses were excitation, rather than block. The firing patterns were irregular near transmission and block boundaries, but otherwise regular, and mean firing rates varied with electrode-fibre distance. Further, we identified excitation responses at amplitudes above block threshold, termed 're-excitation', arising from action potentials initiated at virtual cathodes. Excitation and block thresholds decreased with smaller electrode-fibre distances, larger fibre diameters, and lower kilohertz frequencies. A point source model predicted a larger fraction of blocked fibres and greater change of threshold with distance as compared to the realistic cuff and nerve model. Our findings of widespread asynchronous KHF-evoked activity suggest that conduction block in the abdominal vagus nerves is unlikely with current clinical parameters. Our results indicate that compound neural or downstream muscle force recordings may be unreliable as quantitative measures of neural activity for in vivo studies or as biomarkers in closed-loop clinical devices.

An analysis of the relationships between subthreshold electrical properties and excitability in skeletal muscle

PubMed Central

L.-H. Huang, Christopher; Fraser, James A.

2011-01-01

Skeletal muscle activation requires action potential (AP) initiation followed by its sarcolemmal propagation and tubular excitation to trigger Ca2+ release and contraction. Recent studies demonstrate that ion channels underlying the resting membrane conductance (GM) of fast-twitch mammalian muscle fibers are highly regulated during muscle activity. Thus, onset of activity reduces GM, whereas prolonged activity can markedly elevate GM. Although these observations implicate GM regulation in control of muscle excitability, classical theoretical studies in un-myelinated axons predict little influence of GM on membrane excitability. However, surface membrane morphologies differ markedly between un-myelinated axons and muscle fibers, predominantly because of the tubular (t)-system of muscle fibers. This study develops a linear circuit model of mammalian muscle fiber and uses this to assess the role of subthreshold electrical properties, including GM changes during muscle activity, for AP initiation, AP propagation, and t-system excitation. Experimental observations of frequency-dependent length constant and membrane-phase properties in fast-twitch rat fibers could only be replicated by models that included t-system luminal resistances. Having quantified these resistances, the resulting models showed enhanced conduction velocity of passive current flow also implicating elevated AP propagation velocity. Furthermore, the resistances filter passive currents such that higher frequency current components would determine sarcolemma AP conduction velocity, whereas lower frequency components excite t-system APs. Because GM modulation affects only the low-frequency membrane impedance, the GM changes in active muscle would predominantly affect neuromuscular transmission and low-frequency t-system excitation while exerting little influence on the high-frequency process of sarcolemmal AP propagation. This physiological role of GM regulation was increased by high Cl− permeability, as in muscle endplate regions, and by increased extracellular [K+], as observed in working muscle. Thus, reduced GM at the onset of exercise would enhance t-system excitation and neuromuscular transmission, whereas elevated GM after sustained activity would inhibit these processes and thereby accentuate muscle fatigue. PMID:21670208

The Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) Electrode Size and Current Intensity on Motor Cortical Excitability: Evidence From Single and Repeated Sessions.

PubMed

Ho, Kerrie-Anne; Taylor, Janet L; Chew, Taariq; Gálvez, Verònica; Alonzo, Angelo; Bai, Siwei; Dokos, Socrates; Loo, Colleen K

2016-01-01

Current density is considered an important factor in determining the outcomes of tDCS, and is determined by the current intensity and electrode size. Previous studies examining the effect of these parameters on motor cortical excitability with small sample sizes reported mixed results. This study examined the effect of current intensity (1 mA, 2 mA) and electrode size (16 cm(2), 35 cm(2)) on motor cortical excitability over single and repeated tDCS sessions. Data from seven studies in 89 healthy participants were pooled for analysis. Single-session data were analyzed using mixed effects models and repeated-session data were analyzed using mixed design analyses of variance. Computational modeling was used to examine the electric field generated. The magnitude of increases in excitability after anodal tDCS was modest. For single-session tDCS, the 35 cm(2) electrodes produced greater increases in cortical excitability compared to the 16 cm(2) electrodes. There were no differences in the magnitude of cortical excitation produced by 1 mA and 2 mA tDCS. The repeated-sessions data also showed that there were greater increases in excitability with the 35 cm(2) electrodes. Further, repeated sessions of tDCS with the 35 cm(2) electrodes resulted in a cumulative increase in cortical excitability. Computational modeling predicted higher electric field at the motor hotspot for the 35 cm(2) electrodes. 2 mA tDCS does not necessarily produce larger effects than 1 mA tDCS in healthy participants. Careful consideration should be given to the exact positioning, size and orientation of tDCS electrodes relative to cortical regions. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Sub-5-ps optical pulse generation from a 1.55-µm distributed-feedback laser diode with nanosecond electric pulse excitation and spectral filtering.

PubMed

Chen, Shaoqiang; Sato, Aya; Ito, Takashi; Yoshita, Masahiro; Akiyama, Hidefumi; Yokoyama, Hiroyuki

2012-10-22

This paper reports generation of sub-5-ps Fourier-transform limited optical pulses from a 1.55-µm gain-switched single-mode distributed-feedback laser diode via nanosecond electric excitation and a simple spectral-filtering technique. Typical damped oscillations of the whole lasing spectrum were observed in the time-resolved waveform. Through a spectral-filtering technique, the initial relaxation oscillation pulse and the following components in the output pulse can be well separated, and the initial short pulse can be selectively extracted by filtering out the short-wavelength components in the spectrum. Short pulses generated by this simple method are expected to have wide potential applications comparable to mode-locking lasers.

126. View in Generator Room of exciter unit no. 1; ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

126. View in Generator Room of exciter unit no. 1; looking northwest. This unit includes a Pelton wheel manufactured by Allis Chalmers, no. 261, type C-1, Breaking Horse Power 600, head 370 feet, and 360 rpm; a General Electric DC generator, no. 1357609, type MPC 8, 340-350 form LD, 1360 amp, 350 rpm, 250 volts (no load), 250 volts (full load); and a General Electric induction motor, no. 4228863, type KT-4424, 20-500-360 form A, 60 cycles, 45 amp, 6,600 volts, 500 horsepower, continuous 50-degree centigrade rise, 350 rpm with full-load. Photo by Jet Lowe, HAER, 1989. - Puget Sound Power & Light Company, White River Hydroelectric Project, 600 North River Avenue, Dieringer, Pierce County, WA

Effects of Mn Substitution on the Thermoelectric Properties and Thermal Excitations of the Electron-doped Perovskite Sr1-xLaxTiO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okuda, Tetsuji; Hata, Hiroto; Eto, Takahiro; Sobaru, Shogo; Oda, Ryosuke; Kaji, Hiroki; Nishina, Kousuke; Kuwahara, Hideki; Nakamura, Mitsutaka; Kajimoto, Ryoichi

2016-09-01

We studied how Mn substitution affects the thermoelectric properties and thermal excitations of the electron-doped perovskite Sr1-xLaxTiO3 by measuring its electrical and thermal transport properties, magnetization, specific heat, and inelastic neutron scattering. Slight Mn substitution with the lattice defects enhanced the Seebeck coefficient, perhaps because of coupling between itinerant electrons and localized spins or between itinerant electrons and local lattice distortion around Mn3+ ions, while it enhanced anharmonic lattice vibrations, which effectively suppressed thermal conductivity in a state of high electrical conductivity. Consequently, slight Mn substitution increased the dimensionless thermoelectric figure of merit for Sr1-xLaxTiO3 near room temperature.

An SCR inverter for electric vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Latos, T.; Bosack, D.; Ehrlich, R.; Jahns, T.; Mezera, J.; Thimmesch, D.

1980-01-01

An inverter for an electric vehicle propulsion application has been designed and constructed to excite a polyphase induction motor from a fixed propulsion battery source. The inverter, rated at 35kW peak power, is fully regenerative and permits vehicle operation in both the forward and reverse directions. Thyristors are employed as the power switching devices arranged in a dc bus commutated topology. This paper describes the major role the controller plays in generating the motor excitation voltage and frequency to deliver performance similar to dc systems. Motoring efficiency test data for the controller are presented. It is concluded that an SCR inverter in conjunction with an ac induction motor is a viable alternative to present dc vehicle propulsion systems on the basis of performance and size criteria.

Optical birefringence imaging of x-ray excited lithium tantalate

DOE PAGES

Durbin, S. M.; Landcastle, A.; DiChiara, A.; ...

2017-08-04

X-ray absorption in lithium tantalate induces large, long-lived (~10 -5 s) optical birefringence, visualized via scanning optical polarimetry, likely arising from electrooptic coupling to x-ray induced electric fields. Similar birefringence measured from glass, sapphire, and quartz was two orders of magnitude weaker. This suggests that x-ray excited charges preferentially create ordered, aligned dipoles within the noncentrosymmetric unit cell of ferroelectric LiTaO 3, enhancing the electric field compared to more isotropic charge distributions in the other materials. In conclusion, time-resolved measurements show a prompt response on a picosecond time scale, which along with the long decay time suggest novel approaches tomore » optical detection of x-rays using ferroelectric materials.« less

Silicon drift detector based X-ray spectroscopy diagnostic system for the study of non-thermal electrons at Aditya tokamak.

PubMed

Purohit, S; Joisa, Y S; Raval, J V; Ghosh, J; Tanna, R; Shukla, B K; Bhatt, S B

2014-11-01

Silicon drift detector based X-ray spectrometer diagnostic was developed to study the non-thermal electron for Aditya tokamak plasma. The diagnostic was mounted on a radial mid plane port at the Aditya. The objective of diagnostic includes the estimation of the non-thermal electron temperature for the ohmically heated plasma. Bi-Maxwellian plasma model was adopted for the temperature estimation. Along with that the study of high Z impurity line radiation from the ECR pre-ionization experiments was also aimed. The performance and first experimental results from the new X-ray spectrometer system are presented.

Efficient forced vibration reanalysis method for rotating electric machines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saito, Akira; Suzuki, Hiromitsu; Kuroishi, Masakatsu; Nakai, Hideo

2015-01-01

Rotating electric machines are subject to forced vibration by magnetic force excitation with wide-band frequency spectrum that are dependent on the operating conditions. Therefore, when designing the electric machines, it is inevitable to compute the vibration response of the machines at various operating conditions efficiently and accurately. This paper presents an efficient frequency-domain vibration analysis method for the electric machines. The method enables the efficient re-analysis of the vibration response of electric machines at various operating conditions without the necessity to re-compute the harmonic response by finite element analyses. Theoretical background of the proposed method is provided, which is based on the modal reduction of the magnetic force excitation by a set of amplitude-modulated standing-waves. The method is applied to the forced response vibration of the interior permanent magnet motor at a fixed operating condition. The results computed by the proposed method agree very well with those computed by the conventional harmonic response analysis by the FEA. The proposed method is then applied to the spin-up test condition to demonstrate its applicability to various operating conditions. It is observed that the proposed method can successfully be applied to the spin-up test conditions, and the measured dominant frequency peaks in the frequency response can be well captured by the proposed approach.

Dissociative excitation of vacuum ultraviolet emission features by electron impact on molecular gases. 3: CO2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mumma, M. J.; Borst, W. L.; Zipf, E. C.

1972-01-01

Vacuum ultraviolet multiplets of C I, C II, and O I were produced by electron impact of CO2. Absolute emission cross sections for these multiplets were measured from threshold to 350 eV. The electrostatically focussed electron gun used in this series of experiments is described in detail. The atomic multiplets which were produced by dissociative excitation of CO2 and the cross sections at 100 eV are given. The dependence of the excitation functions on electron energy shows that these multiplets are produced by electric-dipole-allowed transitions in CO2.

Unavoidable trapped mode in the interaction region of colliding beams

DOE PAGES

Novokhatski, Alexander; Sullivan, Michael; Belli, Eleonora; ...

2017-11-22

Here, we discuss the nature of the electromagnetic fields excited by the beams in the beam pipe of an interaction region. In trying to find an optimum geometry for this region with a minimum of electromagnetic wave excitation, we have discovered one mode, which remains even in a very smooth geometry. This mode has a longitudinal electrical component and can be easily excited by the beam. By analyzing the structure of this mode we have found a way to absorb this mode. The work was done in connection with a proposal for a future electron-positron collider.

Development of 70 MW class superconducting generator with quick-response excitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miyaike, Kiyoshi; Kitajima, Toshio; Ito, Tetsuo

2002-03-01

The development of a superconducting generator had been carried out for 12 years under the first stage of a Super GM project. The 70 MW class model machine with quick response excitation was manufactured and evaluated in the project. This type of superconducting generator improves power system stability against rapid load fluctuations at the power system faults. This model machine achieved all development targets including high stability during rapid excitation control. It was also connected to the actual 77 kV electrical power grid as a synchronous condenser and proved advantages and high-operation reliability of the superconducting generator.

Spectroscopic and electric properties of the LiCs molecule: a coupled cluster study including higher excitations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sørensen, L. K.; Fleig, T.; Olsen, J.

2009-08-01

Aimed at obtaining complete and highly accurate potential energy surfaces for molecules containing heavy elements, we present a new general-order coupled cluster method which can be applied in the framework of the spin-free Dirac formalism. As an initial application we present a systematic study of electron correlation and relativistic effects on the spectroscopic and electric properties of the LiCs molecule in its electronic ground state. In particular, we closely investigate the importance of excitations higher than coupled cluster doubles, spin-free and spin-dependent relativistic effects and the correlation of outer-core electrons on the equilibrium bond length, the harmonic vibrational frequency, the dissociation energy, the dipole moment and the static electric dipole polarizability. We demonstrate that our new implementation allows for highly accurate calculations not only in the bonding region but also along the complete potential curve. The quality of our results is demonstrated by a vibrational analysis where an almost complete set of vibrational levels has been calculated accurately.

Multiple spike initiation zones in a neuron implicated in learning in the leech: a computational model.

PubMed

Crisp, Kevin M

2009-03-01

Sensitization of the defensive shortening reflex in the leech has been linked to a segmentally repeated tri-synaptic positive feedback loop. Serotonin from the R-cell enhances S-cell excitability, S-cell impulses cross an electrical synapse into the C-interneuron, and the C-interneuron excites the R-cell via a glutamatergic synapse. The C-interneuron has two unusual characteristics. First, impulses take longer to propagate from the S soma to the C soma than in the reverse direction. Second, impulses recorded from the electrically unexcitable C soma vary in amplitude when extracellular divalent cation concentrations are elevated, with smaller impulses failing to induce synaptic potentials in the R-cell. A compartmental, computational model was developed to test the sufficiency of multiple, independent spike initiation zones in the C-interneuron to explain these observations. The model displays asymmetric delays in impulse propagation across the S-C electrical synapse and graded impulse amplitudes in the C-interneuron in simulated high divalent cation concentrations.

All-Optical Electrophysiology for Disease Modeling and Pharmacological Characterization of Neurons.

PubMed

Werley, Christopher A; Brookings, Ted; Upadhyay, Hansini; Williams, Luis A; McManus, Owen B; Dempsey, Graham T

2017-09-11

A key challenge for establishing a phenotypic screen for neuronal excitability is measurement of membrane potential changes with high throughput and accuracy. Most approaches for probing excitability rely on low-throughput, invasive methods or lack cell-specific information. These limitations stimulated the development of novel strategies for characterizing the electrical properties of cultured neurons. Among these was the development of optogenetic technologies (Optopatch) that allow for stimulation and recording of membrane voltage signals from cultured neurons with single-cell sensitivity and millisecond temporal resolution. Neuronal activity is elicited using blue light activation of the channelrhodopsin variant 'CheRiff'. Action potentials and synaptic signals are measured with 'QuasAr', a rapid and sensitive voltage-indicating protein with near-infrared fluorescence that scales proportionately with transmembrane potential. This integrated technology of optical stimulation and recording of electrical signals enables investigation of neuronal electrical function with unprecedented scale and precision. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Enhancing the power conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells via molecular plasmon-like excitations.

PubMed

Li, Jian-Hao; Gryn'ova, Ganna; Prlj, Antonio; Corminboeuf, Clémence

2017-02-21

We introduce a tactic for employing molecular plasmon-like excitations to enhance solar-to-electric power conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells. We offer general design principles of dimeric dyes, in which a strong plasmonic interaction between two π-conjugated moieties is promoted. The π-stacked conformations of these dimeric dyes result in a desirable broadened absorption and a longer absorption onset wavelength.

26. Generator Voltage Regulator Cabinet Exterior for Unit 1, view ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

26. Generator Voltage Regulator Cabinet Exterior for Unit 1, view to the northwest. The exciter supplies the DC current to the generator rotor to create electricity. Each of the four original units has an exciter identical to this one, and all are scheduled for replacement. - Washington Water Power Clark Fork River Noxon Rapids Hydroelectric Development, Powerhouse, South bank of Clark Fork River at Noxon Rapids, Noxon, Sanders County, MT

Quadrature transmit coil for breast imaging at 7 tesla using forced current excitation for improved homogeneity.

PubMed

McDougall, Mary Preston; Cheshkov, Sergey; Rispoli, Joseph; Malloy, Craig; Dimitrov, Ivan; Wright, Steven M

2014-11-01

To demonstrate the use of forced current excitation (FCE) to create homogeneous excitation of the breast at 7 tesla, insensitive to the effects of asymmetries in the electrical environment. FCE was implemented on two breast coils: one for quadrature (1) H imaging and one for proton-decoupled (13) C spectroscopy. Both were a Helmholtz-saddle combination, with the saddle tuned to 298 MHz for imaging and 75 MHz for spectroscopy. Bench measurements were acquired to demonstrate the ability to force equal currents on elements in the presence of asymmetric loading to improve homogeneity. Modeling and temperature measurements were conducted per safety protocol. B1 mapping, imaging, and proton-decoupled (13) C spectroscopy were demonstrated in vivo. Using FCE to ensure balanced currents on elements enabled straightforward tuning and maintaining of isolation between quadrature elements of the coil. Modeling and bench measurements confirmed homogeneity of the field, which resulted in images with excellent fat suppression and in broadband proton-decoupled carbon-13 spectra. FCE is a straightforward approach to ensure equal currents on multiple coil elements and a homogeneous excitation field, insensitive to the effects of asymmetries in the electrical environment. This enabled effective breast imaging and proton-decoupled carbon-13 spectroscopy at 7T. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) stimulation of jet breakup

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crowley, J. M.

1982-01-01

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) excitation of liquid jets offers an alternative to piezoelectric excitation without the complex frequency response caused by piezoelectric and mechanical resonances. In an EHD exciter, an electrode near the nozzle applies an alternating Coulomb force to the jet surface, generating a disturbance which grows until a drop breaks off downstream. This interaction is modelled quite well by a linear, long wave model of the jet together with a cylindrical electric field. The breakup length, measured on a 33 micrometer jet, agrees quite well with that predicted by the theory, and increases with the square of the applied voltage, as expected. In addition, the frequency response is very smooth, with pronounced nulls occurring only at frequencies related to the time which the jet spends inside the exciter.

Design comparison of single phase outer and inner-rotor hybrid excitation flux switching motor for hybrid electric vehicles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mazlan, Mohamed Mubin Aizat; Sulaiman, Erwan; Husin, Zhafir Aizat; Othman, Syed Muhammad Naufal Syed; Khan, Faisal

2015-05-01

In hybrid excitation machines (HEMs), there are two main flux sources which are permanent magnet (PM) and field excitation coil (FEC). These HEMs have better features when compared with the interior permanent magnet synchronous machines (IPMSM) used in conventional hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). Since all flux sources including PM, FEC and armature coils are located on the stator core, the rotor becomes a single piece structure similar with switch reluctance machine (SRM). The combined flux generated by PM and FEC established more excitation fluxes that are required to produce much higher torque of the motor. In addition, variable DC FEC can control the flux capabilities of the motor, thus the machine can be applied for high-speed motor drive system. In this paper, the comparisons of single-phase 8S-4P outer and inner rotor hybrid excitation flux switching machine (HEFSM) are presented. Initially, design procedures of the HEFSM including parts drawing, materials and conditions setting, and properties setting are explained. Flux comparisons analysis is performed to investigate the flux capabilities at various current densities. Then the flux linkages of PM with DC FEC of various DC FEC current densities are examined. Finally torque performances are analyzed at various armature and FEC current densities for both designs. As a result, the outer-rotor HEFSM has higher flux linkage of PM with DC FEC and higher average torque of approximately 10% when compared with inner-rotor HEFSM.

Absolute measurements of the triplet-triplet annihilation rate and the charge-carrier recombination layer thickness in working polymer light-emitting diodes based on polyspirobifluorene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rothe, C.; Al Attar, H. A.; Monkman, A. P.

2005-10-01

The triplet exciton densities in electroluminescent devices prepared from two polyspirobifluorene derivatives have been investigated by means of time-resolved transient triplet absorption as a function of optical and electrical excitation power at 20 K. Because of the low mobility of the triplet excitons at this temperature, the triplet generation profile within the active polymer layer is preserved throughout the triplet lifetime and as a consequence the absolute triplet-triplet annihilation efficiency is not homogeneously distributed but depends on position within the active layer. This then gives a method to measure the charge-carrier recombination layer after electrical excitation relative to the light penetration depth, which is identical to the triplet generation layer after optical excitation. With the latter being obtained from ellipsometry, an absolute value of 5 nm is found for the exciton formation layer in polyspirobifluorene devices. This layer increases to 11 nm if the balance between the electron and the hole mobility is improved by chemically modifying the polymer backbone. Also, and consistent with previous work, triplet diffusion is dispersive at low temperature. As a consequence of this, the triplet-triplet annihilation rate is not a constant in the classical sense but depends on the triplet excitation dose. At 20 K and for typical excitation doses, absolute values of the latter rate are of the order of 10-14cm3s-1 .

Acute heat tolerance of cardiac excitation in the brown trout (Salmo trutta fario).

PubMed

Vornanen, Matti; Haverinen, Jaakko; Egginton, Stuart

2014-01-15

The upper thermal tolerance and mechanisms of heat-induced cardiac failure in the brown trout (Salmo trutta fario) was examined. The point above which ion channel function and sinoatrial contractility in vitro, and electrocardiogram (ECG) in vivo, started to fail (break point temperature, BPT) was determined by acute temperature increases. In general, electrical excitation of the heart was most sensitive to heat in the intact animal (electrocardiogram, ECG) and least sensitive in isolated cardiac myocytes (ion currents). BPTs of Ca(2+) and K(+) currents of cardiac myocytes were much higher (>28°C) than BPT of in vivo heart rate (23.5 ± 0.6°C) (P<0.05). A striking exception among sarcolemmal ion conductances was the Na(+) current (INa), which was the most heat-sensitive molecular function, with a BPT of 20.9 ± 0.5°C. The low heat tolerance of INa was reflected as a low BPT for the rate of action potential upstroke in vitro (21.7 ± 1.2°C) and the velocity of impulse transmission in vivo (21.9 ± 2.2°C). These findings from different levels of biological organization strongly suggest that heat-dependent deterioration of Na(+) channel function disturbs normal spread of electrical excitation over the heart, leading to progressive variability of cardiac rhythmicity (missed beats, bursts of fast beating), reduction of heart rate and finally cessation of the normal heartbeat. Among the cardiac ion currents INa is 'the weakest link' and possibly a limiting factor for upper thermal tolerance of electrical excitation in the brown trout heart. Heat sensitivity of INa may result from functional requirements for very high flux rates and fast gating kinetics of the Na(+) channels, i.e. a trade-off between high catalytic activity and thermal stability.

Ultrafast electric phase control of a single exciton qubit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Widhalm, Alex; Mukherjee, Amlan; Krehs, Sebastian; Sharma, Nandlal; Kölling, Peter; Thiede, Andreas; Reuter, Dirk; Förstner, Jens; Zrenner, Artur

2018-03-01

We report on the coherent phase manipulation of quantum dot excitons by electric means. For our experiments, we use a low capacitance single quantum dot photodiode which is electrically controlled by a custom designed SiGe:C BiCMOS chip. The phase manipulation is performed and quantified in a Ramsey experiment, where ultrafast transient detuning of the exciton energy is performed synchronous to double pulse π/2 ps laser excitation. We are able to demonstrate electrically controlled phase manipulations with magnitudes up to 3π within 100 ps which is below the dephasing time of the quantum dot exciton.

Design Comparison of Inner and Outer Rotor of Permanent Magnet Flux Switching Machine for Electric Bicycle Application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jusoh, L. I.; Sulaiman, E.; Bahrim, F. S.; Kumar, R.

2017-08-01

Recent advancements have led to the development of flux switching machines (FSMs) with flux sources within the stators. The advantage of being a single-piece machine with a robust rotor structure makes FSM an excellent choice for speed applications. There are three categories of FSM, namely, the permanent magnet (PM) FSM, the field excitation (FE) FSM, and the hybrid excitation (HE) FSM. The PMFSM and the FEFSM have their respective PM and field excitation coil (FEC) as their key flux sources. Meanwhile, as the name suggests, the HEFSM has a combination of PM and FECs as the flux sources. The PMFSM is a simple and cheap machine, and it has the ability to control variable flux, which would be suitable for an electric bicycle. Thus, this paper will present a design comparison between an inner rotor and an outer rotor for a single-phase permanent magnet flux switching machine with 8S-10P, designed specifically for an electric bicycle. The performance of this machine was validated using the 2D- FEA. As conclusion, the outer-rotor has much higher torque approximately at 54.2% of an innerrotor PMFSM. From the comprehensive analysis of both designs it can be conclude that output performance is lower than the SRM and IPMSM design machine. But, it shows that the possibility to increase the design performance by using “deterministic optimization method”.

High energy XeBr electric discharge laser

DOEpatents

Sze, Robert C.; Scott, Peter B.

1981-01-01

A high energy XeBr laser for producing coherent radiation at 282 nm. The XeBr laser utilizes an electric discharge as the excitation source to minimize formation of molecular ions thereby minimizing absorption of laser radiation by the active medium. Additionally, HBr is used as the halogen donor which undergoes harpooning reactions with Xe.sub.M * to form XeBr*.

High energy XeBr electric discharge laser

DOEpatents

Sze, R.C.; Scott, P.B.

A high energy XeBr laser for producing coherent radiation at 282 nm is disclosed. The XeBr laser utilizes an electric discharge as the excitation source to minimize formation of molecular ions thereby minimizing absorption of laser radiation by the active medium. Additionally, HBr, is used as the halogen donor which undergoes harpooning reactions with Xe/sub M/ to form XeBr.

Pulsed laser versus electrical energy for peripheral nerve stimulation

PubMed Central

Wells, Jonathon; Konrad, Peter; Kao, Chris; Jansen, E. Duco; Mahadevan-Jansen, Anita

2010-01-01

Transient optical neural stimulation has previously been shown to elicit highly controlled, artifact-free potentials within the nervous system in a non-contact fashion without resulting in damage to tissue. This paper presents the physiologic validity of elicited nerve and muscle potentials from pulsed laser induced stimulation of the peripheral nerve in a comparative study with the standard method of electrically evoked potentials. Herein, the fundamental physical properties underlying the two techniques are contrasted. Key laser parameters for efficient optical stimulation of the peripheral nerve are detailed. Strength response curves are shown to be linear for each stimulation modality, although fewer axons can be recruited with optically evoked potentials. Results compare the relative transient energy requirements for stimulation using each technique and demonstrate that optical methods can selectively excite functional nerve stimulation. Adjacent stimulation and recording of compound nerve potentials in their entirety from optical and electrical stimulation are presented, with optical responses shown to be free of any stimulation artifact. Thus, use of a pulsed laser exhibits some advantages when compared to standard electrical means for excitation of muscle potentials in the peripheral nerve in the research domain and possibly for clinical diagnostics in the future. PMID:17537515

Modeling an Excitable Biosynthetic Tissue with Inherent Variability for Paired Computational-Experimental Studies.

PubMed

Gokhale, Tanmay A; Kim, Jong M; Kirkton, Robert D; Bursac, Nenad; Henriquez, Craig S

2017-01-01

To understand how excitable tissues give rise to arrhythmias, it is crucially necessary to understand the electrical dynamics of cells in the context of their environment. Multicellular monolayer cultures have proven useful for investigating arrhythmias and other conduction anomalies, and because of their relatively simple structure, these constructs lend themselves to paired computational studies that often help elucidate mechanisms of the observed behavior. However, tissue cultures of cardiomyocyte monolayers currently require the use of neonatal cells with ionic properties that change rapidly during development and have thus been poorly characterized and modeled to date. Recently, Kirkton and Bursac demonstrated the ability to create biosynthetic excitable tissues from genetically engineered and immortalized HEK293 cells with well-characterized electrical properties and the ability to propagate action potentials. In this study, we developed and validated a computational model of these excitable HEK293 cells (called "Ex293" cells) using existing electrophysiological data and a genetic search algorithm. In order to reproduce not only the mean but also the variability of experimental observations, we examined what sources of variation were required in the computational model. Random cell-to-cell and inter-monolayer variation in both ionic conductances and tissue conductivity was necessary to explain the experimentally observed variability in action potential shape and macroscopic conduction, and the spatial organization of cell-to-cell conductance variation was found to not impact macroscopic behavior; the resulting model accurately reproduces both normal and drug-modified conduction behavior. The development of a computational Ex293 cell and tissue model provides a novel framework to perform paired computational-experimental studies to study normal and abnormal conduction in multidimensional excitable tissue, and the methodology of modeling variation can be applied to models of any excitable cell.

Self-excitation of single nanomechanical pillars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Hyun S.; Qin, Hua; Blick, Robert H.

2010-03-01

Self-excitation is a mechanism that is ubiquitous for electromechanical power devices such as electrical generators. This is conventionally achieved by making use of the magnetic field component in electrical generators (Nedic and Lipo 2000 IEEE/IAS Conf. Records (Rome, Italy) vol 1 pp 51-6), a good and widely visible example of which is the wind turbine farm (Muljadi et al 2005 J. Sol. Energy Eng. 127 581-7). In other words, a static force, such as the wind acting on rotor blades, can generate a resonant excitation at a certain mechanical frequency. For nanomechanical systems (Craighead 2000 Science 290 1532-5 Roukes 2001 Phys. World 14 25-31 Cleland 2003 Foundations of Nanomechanics (Berlin: Springer); Ayari et al 2007 Nano Lett. 7 2252-7 Koenig et al 2008 Nat. Nanotechnol. 3 482-4) such a self-excitation (SE) mechanism is also highly desirable, because it can generate mechanical oscillations at radio frequencies by simply applying a dc bias voltage. This is of great importance for low-power signal communication devices and detectors, as well as for mechanical computing elements. For a particular nanomechanical system—the single electron shuttle—this effect was predicted some time ago by Gorelik et al (Phys. Rev. Lett. 80 4526-9). Here, we use a nanoelectromechanical single electron transistor (NEMSET) to demonstrate self-excitation for both the soft and hard regimes, respectively. The ability to use self-excitation in nanomechanical systems may enable the detection of quantum mechanical backaction effects (Naik et al 2006 Nature 443 193-6) in direct tunneling, macroscopic quantum tunneling (Savelev et al 2006 New J. Phys. 8 105-15) and rectification (Pistolesi and Fazio 2005 Phys. Rev. Lett. 94 036806-4). All these effects have so far been overshadowed by the large driving voltages that had to be applied.

Effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on motor cortex excitability upon release of tonic muscle contraction.

PubMed

Sugawara, Kenichi; Tanabe, Shigeo; Suzuki, Tomotaka; Higashi, Toshio

The aim of the present study was to investigate the neurophysiological triggers underlying muscle relaxation from the contracted state, and to examine the mechanisms involved in this process and their subsequent modification by neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). Single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was used to produce motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) and short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) in 23 healthy participants, wherein motor cortex excitability was examined at the onset of voluntary muscle relaxation following a period of voluntary tonic muscle contraction. In addition, the effects of afferent input on motor cortex excitability, as produced by NMES during muscle contraction, were examined. In particular, two NMES intensities were used for analysis: 1.2 times the sensory threshold and 1.2 times the motor threshold (MT). Participants were directed to execute constant wrist extensions and to release muscle contraction in response to an auditory "GO" signal. MEPs were recorded from the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) and extensor carpi radialis (ECR) muscles, and TMS was applied at three different time intervals (30, 60, and 90 ms) after the "GO" signal. Motor cortex excitability was greater during voluntary ECR and FCR relaxation using high-intensity NMES, and relaxation time was decreased. Each parameter differed significantly between 30 and 60 ms. Moreover, in both muscles, SICI was larger in the presence than in the absence of NMES. Therefore, the present findings suggest that terminating a muscle contraction triggers transient neurophysiological mechanisms that facilitate the NMES-induced modulation of cortical motor excitability in the period prior to muscle relaxation. High-intensity NMES might facilitate motor cortical excitability as a function of increased inhibitory intracortical activity, and therefore serve as a transient trigger for the relaxation of prime mover muscles in a therapeutic context.

Comparison of Three Non-Invasive Transcranial Electrical Stimulation Methods for Increasing Cortical Excitability.

PubMed

Inukai, Yasuto; Saito, Kei; Sasaki, Ryoki; Tsuiki, Shota; Miyaguchi, Shota; Kojima, Sho; Masaki, Mitsuhiro; Otsuru, Naofumi; Onishi, Hideaki

2016-01-01

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a representative non-invasive brain stimulation method (NIBS). tDCS increases cortical excitability not only in healthy individuals, but also in stroke patients where it contributes to motor function improvement. Recently, two additional types of transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) methods have been introduced that may also prove beneficial for stimulating cortical excitability; these are transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). However, comparison of tDCS with tRNS and tACS, in terms of efficacy in cortical excitability alteration, has not been reported thus far. We compared the efficacy of the three different tES methods for increasing cortical excitability using the same subject population and same current intensity. Fifteen healthy subjects participated in this study. Similar stimulation patterns (1.0 mA and 10 min) were used for the three conditions of stimulation (tDCS, tRNS, and tACS). Cortical excitability was explored via single-pulse TMS elicited motor evoked potentials (MEPs). Compared with pre-measurements, MEPs significantly increased with tDCS, tACS, and tRNS ( p < 0.05). Compared with sham measurements, significant increases in MEPs were also observed with tRNS and tACS ( p < 0.05), but not with tDCS. In addition, a significant correlation of the mean stimulation effect was observed between tRNS and tACS ( p = 0.019, r = 0.598). tRNS induced a significant increase in MEP compared with the Pre or Sham at all time points. tRNS resulted in the largest significant increase in MEPs. These findings suggest that tRNS is the most effective tES method and should be considered as part of a treatment plan for improving motor function in stroke patients.

Utility negotiating strategies for end-users

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Studebaker, J.M.

This exciting new book discusses how retail electricity and natural gas consumers can learn to negotiate a concessionary rate with their utility service -- new, and post-deregulation. This includes survey resources that are available to the retail customer and negotiation processes that one should become familiar with in the electric utility industry. The contents include: Electricity -- an overview; Regulation of electricity -- now; Basic procedures for reducing electricity costs; Negotiation of electricity costs; Negotiation on electricity that is provided by marketers; The retail wheeling transaction; The retail wheeling contract process; Natural gas negotiation strategies; Regulation of natural gas utilities;more » Developing a strategy for reducing natural gas costs; Process of getting the natural gas to the customer; How to select an agent; and Negotiating with an agent.« less

FDTD simulation of field performance in reverberation chamber excited by two excitation antennas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Song; Wu, Zhan-cheng; Cui, Yao-zhong

2013-03-01

The excitation source is one of the critical items that determine the electromagnetic fields in a reverberation chamber (RC). In order to optimize the electromagnetic fields performance, a new method of exciting RC with two antennas is proposed based on theoretical analysis. The full 3D simulation of RC is carried out by the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method on two excitation conditions of one antenna and two antennas. The broadband response of RC is obtained by fast Fourier transformation (FFT) after only one simulation. Numerical data show that the field uniformity in the test space is improved on the condition of two transmitting antennas while the normalized electric fields decreased slightly compared to the one antenna condition. It is straightforward to recognize that two antennas excitation can reduce the demands on power amplifier as the total input power is split among the two antennas, and consequently the cost of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) test in large-scale RC can be reduced.

Electroabsorption in triphenylamine-based hole-transporting materials for organic light-emitting diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stampor, Waldemar; Mróz, Wojciech

2007-01-01

Electric-field modulated absorption (EA) spectra have been studied in solid films of triphenylamine (TPA)-based compounds, commonly used as hole-transporting materials in organic light-emitting diodes. The electroabsorption spectra of triphenyldiamine derivatives (TPD and TAPC) and a starburst amine dendrimer m-MTDATA are compared with those of TPA which is the building block of the molecules. The EA results indicate that properties of excited states of m-MTDATA and TAPC can be qualitatively rationalized in the terms of exciton interaction between TPA constituents. The lowest energy electronic excitations of m-MTDATA dendrimer are strongly delocalized within the area of the whole molecule. In contrast to m-MTDATA and TAPC, the TPD behavior in the electric field shows individual features that can not be derived from the optical properties of TPA monomers alone. The influence of excited state degeneracy on EA spectra is discussed. The consistent qualitative interpretation of EA spectra for compounds under investigation has been reached assuming that the second derivative lineshapes of EA signal originate from degenerate (in TPA and m-MTDATA) and possible quasi-degenerate states (in TAPC and TPD).

Measurement strategy for rectangular electrical capacitance tomography sensor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ye, Jiamin; Ge, Ruihuan; Qiu, Guizhi

2014-04-11

To investigate the influence of the measurement strategy for the rectangular electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) sensor, a Finite Element Method (FEM) is utilized to create the model for simulation. The simulation was carried out using COMSOL Multiphysics(trade mark, serif) and Matlab(trade mark, serif). The length-width ratio of the rectangular sensing area is 5. Twelve electrodes are evenly arranged surrounding the pipe. The covering ratio of the electrodes is 90%. The capacitances between different electrode pairs are calculated for a bar distribution. The air of the relative permittivity 1.0 and the material of the permittivity 3.0 are used for the calibration.more » The relative permittivity of the second phase is 3.0. The noise free and noise data are used for the image reconstruction using the Linear Back Projection (LBP). The measurement strategies with 1-, 2- and 4- electrode excitation are compared using the correlation coefficient. Preliminary results show that the measurement strategy with 2-electrode excitation outperforms other measurement strategies with 1- or 4-electrode excitation.« less

Definition of Shifts of Optical Transitions Frequencies due to Pulse Perturbation Action by the Photon Echo Signal Form

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lisin, V. N.; Shegeda, A. M.; Samartsev, V. V.

2015-09-01

A relative phase shift between the different groups of excited dipoles, which appears as result of its frequency splitting due to action of a pulse of electric or magnetic fields, depends on a time, if the pulse overlaps in time with echo-pulse. As а consequence, the echo waveform is changed. The echo time form is modulated. The inverse modulation period well enough approximates Zeeman and pseudo-Stark splitting in the cases of magnetic and, therefore, electrical fields. Thus the g-factors of ground 4I15/2 and excited 4F9/2 optical states of Er3+ ion in LuLiF4 and YLiF4 have been measured and pseudo-Stark shift of R1 line in ruby has been determined.

The NASA high power carbon dioxide laser: A versatile tool for laser applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lancashire, R. B.; Alger, D. L.; Manista, E. J.; Slaby, J. G.; Dunning, J. W.; Stubbs, R. M.

1976-01-01

A closed-cycle, continuous wave, carbon dioxide high power laser has been designed and fabricated to support research for the identification and evaluation of possible high power laser applications. The device is designed to generate up to 70 kW of laser power in annular shape beams from 1 to 9 cm in diameter. Electric discharge, either self sustained or electron beam sustained, is used for excitation. This laser facility provides a versatile tool on which research can be performed to advance the state-of-the-art technology of high power CO2 lasers in such areas as electric excitation, laser chemistry, and quality of output beams. The facility provides a well defined, continuous wave beam for various application experiments, such as propulsion, power conversion, and materials processing.

Nonlinear ultrafast optical response in organic molecular crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahman, Talat S.; Turkowski, Volodymyr; Leuenberger, Michael N.

2012-02-01

We analyze possible nonlinear excitonic effects in the organic molecule crystals by using a combined time-dependent DFT and many-body approach. In particular, we analyze possible effects of the time-dependent (retarded)interaction between different types of excitations, Frenkel excitons, charge transfer excitons and excimers, on the electric and the optical response of the system. We pay special attention to the case of constant electric field and ultrafast pulses, including that of four-wave mixing experiments. As a specific application we examine the optical excitations of pentacene nanocrystals and compare the results with available experimental data.[1] Our results demostrate that the nonlinear effects can play an important role in the optical response of these systems. [1] A. Kabakchiev, ``Scanning Tunneling Luminescence of Pentacene Nanocrystals'', PhD Thesis (EPFL, Lausanne, 2010).

Experimental observation of the generation of cutoff solitons in a discrete L C nonlinear electrical line

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koon, K. Tse Ve; Marquié, P.; Dinda, P. Tchofo

2014-11-01

We address the problem of supratransmission of waves in a discrete nonlinear system, driven at one end by a periodic excitation at a frequency lying above the phonon band edge. In an experimental electrical transmission line made of 200 inductance-capacitance LC cells, we establish the existence of a voltage threshold for a supratransmission enabling the generation and propagation of cut-off solitons within the line. The decisive role of modulational instability in the onset and development of the process of generation of cut-off solitons is clearly highlighted. The phenomenon of dissipation is identified as being particularly harmful for the soliton generation, but we show that its impact can be managed by a proper choice of the amplitude of the voltage excitation of the system.

Terahertz surface plasmon-polaritons in one-dimensional graphene based Fibonacci photonic superlattices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Namdar, Abdolrahman; Feizollahi Onsoroudi, Rana; Khoshsima, Habib; Sahrai, Mostafa

2018-03-01

The surface plasmon-polaritons in one-dimensional graphene-based Fibonacci photonic superlattices in the terahertz frequency range have been theoretically investigated. Our numerical study shows that surface plasmon-polaritons can be realized in both transverse electric and transverse magnetic polarizations. It is shown that these modes are manageable by varying the quasi-periodic generation orders which play a critical role in the occurrence of surface modes. In addition, the effect of thickness of cap layer and chemical potential of graphene sheets on surface plasmon-polaritons and their electric field distribution are studied. We have verified the excitation of surface plasmon-polaritons by using the attenuated total reflection method. This inspection confirms that all the predicted surface modes in the dispersion curves are actually excitable with this method.

Poynting Vector in High-Temperature Superconducting Transformers with a Separate Excitation Winding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Volkov, E. P.; Dzhafarov, E. A.

2017-12-01

The HTSC transformer with a separate winding for excitation of the mutual magnetic flux is considered; the windings of the transformer are performed of first- or second-generation HTSC wires. The article presents the design and the electrical circuit of the transformer, the equations of electromagnetic balance, and the total resistance of the primary and secondary power windings and the separate excitation winding. The transfer of the electromagnetic field energy is considered in a single-phase HTSC transformer with the separate excitation winding using the Poynting vector. The temporal change in the reactive and active components of the Poynting vector and the decrease in the leakage energy flux of the separate excitation winding are shown, which causes an increase in the critical current density of the HTSC power windings, a decrease in the energy losses in the latter, and an increase the in the specific power of the HTSC transformer.

Spatio-temporal Theory of Lasing Action in Optically-Pumped Rotationally Excited Molecular Gases

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-04-11

17. A. E. Siegman , Lasers (Univ. Science Books, 1986). 18. R. Bansal (ed.), Handbook of Engineering Electromagnetics (Marcel Dekker, Inc., 2004). 19... laser emission from optically-pumped rota- tionally excited molecular gases confined in a metallic cavity. To this end, we have developed a...the operation of this class of lasers . The effect on the main lasing features of the spatial variation of the electric field intensity and the ohmic

Liquid-Arc/Spark-Excitation Atomic-Emission Spectroscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schlagen, Kenneth J.

1992-01-01

Constituents of solutions identified in situ. Liquid-arc/spark-excitation atomic-emission spectroscopy (LAES) is experimental variant of atomic-emission spectroscopy in which electric arc or spark established in liquid and spectrum of light from arc or spark analyzed to identify chemical elements in liquid. Observations encourage development of LAES equipment for online monitoring of process streams in such industries as metal plating, electronics, and steel, and for online monitoring of streams affecting environment.

Observing spatio-temporal dynamics of excitable media using reservoir computing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zimmermann, Roland S.; Parlitz, Ulrich

2018-04-01

We present a dynamical observer for two dimensional partial differential equation models describing excitable media, where the required cross prediction from observed time series to not measured state variables is provided by Echo State Networks receiving input from local regions in space, only. The efficacy of this approach is demonstrated for (noisy) data from a (cubic) Barkley model and the Bueno-Orovio-Cherry-Fenton model describing chaotic electrical wave propagation in cardiac tissue.

Invited Parallel Talk: Lattice results on nucleon/roper properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Huey-Wen

2009-12-01

In this proceeding, I review the attempts to calculate the Nucleon resonance (including Roper as first radially excited state of nucleon and other excited states) using lattice quantum chromodynamics (QCD). The latest preliminary results from Hadron Spectrum Collaboration (HSC) with mπ thickapprox 380 MeV are reported. The Sachs electric form factor of the proton and neutron and their transition with the Roper at large Q2 are also updated in this work.

Wave excitations of drifting two-dimensional electron gas under strong inelastic scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korotyeyev, V. V.; Kochelap, V. A.; Varani, L.

2012-10-01

We have analyzed low-temperature behavior of two-dimensional electron gas in polar heterostructures subjected to a high electric field. When the optical phonon emission is the fastest relaxation process, we have found existence of collective wave-like excitations of the electrons. These wave-like excitations are periodic in time oscillations of the electrons in both real and momentum spaces. The excitation spectra are of multi-branch character with considerable spatial dispersion. There are one acoustic-type and a number of optical-type branches of the spectra. Their small damping is caused by quasi-elastic scattering of the electrons and formation of relevant space charge. Also there exist waves with zero frequency and finite spatial periods—the standing waves. The found excitations of the electron gas can be interpreted as synchronous in time and real space manifestation of well-known optical-phonon-transient-time-resonance. Estimates of parameters of the excitations for two polar heterostructures, GaN/AlGaN and ZnO/MgZnO, have shown that excitation frequencies are in THz-frequency range, while standing wave periods are in sub-micrometer region.

Electric Dipole Theory of Chemical Synaptic Transmission

PubMed Central

Wei, Ling Y.

1968-01-01

In this paper we propose that chemicals such as acetylcholine are electric dipoles which when oriented and arranged in a large array could produce an electric field strong enough to drive positive ions over the junction barrier of the post-synaptic membrane and thus initiate excitation or produce depolarization. This theory is able to explain a great number of facts such as cleft size, synaptic delay, nonregeneration, subthreshold integration, facilitation with repetition, and the calcium and magnesium effects. It also shows why and how acetylcholine could act as excitatory or inhibitory transmitters under different circumstances. Our conclusion is that the nature of synaptic transmission is essentially electrical, be it mediated by electrical or chemical transmitters. PMID:4296121

Transmission of the convection electric field to the inner magnetosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kikuchi, T.

2003-12-01

Low latitude magnetometer observations revealed that the partial ring current started to develop within several minutes after the onset of growth of the polar cap potential (PCP), and decayed simultaneously with the decrease in the PCP (Hashimoto, Kikuchi and Ebihara., JGR 2002). The magnetometer observations also indicated that the DP2 ionospheric currents were driven by the convection electric field at mid latitudes as well as at high latitudes. These observational facts suggest that the ionospheric electric field plays a crucial role in driving the convection in the inner magnetosphere. A probable model for the electric field transmission should explain both the convection in the inner magnetosphere and the ionospheric currents at mid latitudes. The instantaneous transmission of the ionospheric electric field and currents from the polar ionosphere to the equator was explained by Kikuchi and Araki (JATP 1979) based on the TM0 mode in the Earth-ionosphere waveguide. In this paper, we attempt to explain the transmission of the convection electric field to the inner magnetosphere by applying the Earth-ionosphere waveguide. However, two issues remained unresolved in the paper by Kikuchi and Araki (1979). One is the excitation of the TM0 mode in the Earth-ionosphere waveguide, and the other is the attenuation under the nighttime ionospheric condition. To examine the excitation of the TM0 mode, we couple the Earth-ionosphere waveguide (transmission line) with a magnetospheric transmission line composed of a pair of field-aligned currents (e.g., R1 FACs). A fraction of the electromagnetic energy carried from the magnetosphere is transmitted into the Earth-ionosphere waveguide, although substantial energy is dissipated in the polar ionosphere intervening between the two transmission lines. The transmitted electromagnetic energy excites the TM0 mode in the Earth-ionosphere waveguide. We then evaluate the attenuation of the TM0 mode by calculating upward flow of energy from the waveguide into the conducting ionosphere and the magnetosphere. It is shown that the attenuation of the TM0 mode is not significant even for the nighttime condition, when compared to the geometrical attenuation due to the finite size of the polar electric field. Furthermore, it is shown that the ionospheric electric field carried by the TM0 mode is transmitted by Alfven waves upward into the inner magnetosphere along the magnetic field lines, supplying energy for the convection in the inner magnetosphere. It should be stressed that the ionosphere never creates electromagnetic energy but acts as a transmission line for the convection electric field. We conclude that the Earth-ionosphere waveguide connected with the magnetospheric transmission line explains both the instantaneous propagation of the electric field and currents in the ionosphere and of the convection electric field into the inner magnetosphere.

Skid Prevention for EVs Based on the Emulation of Torque Reduction Characteristics of Separately-excited DC Motor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kodama, Shinya; Hori, Yoichi

It is well-known that the separately-excited DC motor has effective torque (current) reduction characteristics in response to rapid increase in the rotational speed of the motor. These characteristics have been utilized in adhesion control of electric railway trains with separately-excited DC motor. Up to now, we have proposed a new skid prevention method for EVs, utilizing these characteristics and have made experiments with the hardware skid simulator “Motor-Generator setup”. In this paper, we applied this skid prevention control to our new vehicle “UOT CADWELL EV" equipped with BLDC motors and showed its effectiveness.

Tunable Holstein model with cold polar molecules

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Herrera, Felipe; Krems, Roman V.

2011-11-15

We show that an ensemble of polar molecules trapped in an optical lattice can be considered as a controllable open quantum system. The coupling between collective rotational excitations and the motion of the molecules in the lattice potential can be controlled by varying the strength and orientation of an external dc electric field as well as the intensity of the trapping laser. The system can be described by a generalized Holstein Hamiltonian with tunable parameters and can be used as a quantum simulator of excitation energy transfer and polaron phenomena. We show that the character of excitation energy transfer canmore » be modified by tuning experimental parameters.« less

Antiferromagnetic resonance excited by oscillating electric currents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sluka, Volker

2017-12-01

In antiferromagnetic materials the order parameter exhibits resonant modes at frequencies that can be in the terahertz range, making them interesting components for spintronic devices. Here, it is shown that antiferromagnetic resonance can be excited using the inverse spin-Hall effect in a system consisting of an antiferromagnetic insulator coupled to a normal-metal waveguide. The time-dependent interplay between spin torque, ac spin accumulation, and magnetic degrees of freedom is studied. It is found that the dynamics of the antiferromagnet affects the frequency-dependent conductivity of the normal metal. Further, a comparison is made between spin-current-induced and Oersted-field-induced excitation under the condition of constant power injection.

Vibronic structure and coupling of higher excited electronic states in carotenoids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krawczyk, Stanisław; Luchowski, Rafał

2013-03-01

Absorption spectra of all-trans carotenoids (lycopene, violaxanthin, ζ-carotene) at low temperature exhibit peculiar features in the UV range. The transition to the 11Ag+ state ('cis-band') weakens on cooling, indicating that it is induced by thermal deformations of the conjugated chain. The higher energy band has unique vibrational structure indicating the vibronic coupling of nBu with another electronic state. The electroabsorption spectra point to the electric field-induced mixing of the nBu state with the vibrational continuum of a lower-lying excited state (Fano effect). These observations widen the basis for elucidation of the vibronic coupling effects in the lower excited states.

Photoconductive circuit element pulse generator

DOEpatents

Rauscher, Christen

1989-01-01

A pulse generator for characterizing semiconductor devices at millimeter wavelength frequencies where a photoconductive circuit element (PCE) is biased by a direct current voltage source and produces short electrical pulses when excited into conductance by short laser light pulses. The electrical pulses are electronically conditioned to improve the frequency related amplitude characteristics of the pulses which thereafter propagate along a transmission line to a device under test.

A titanium hydride gun for plasma injection into the T2-reversed field pinch device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voronin, A. V.; Hellblom, K. G.

1999-02-01

A study of a plasma gun (modified Bostic type) with titanium hydride electrodes has been carried out. The total number of released hydrogen atoms was in the range 1016-1018 and the maximum plasma flow velocity was 2.5×105 m s-1. The ion density near the gun edge reached 1.8×1020 m-3 and the electron temperature was around 40 eV as estimated from probe measurements. No species other than hydrogen or titanium were seen in the plasma line radiation. The plasma injector was successfully used for gas pre-ionization in the Extrap T2 reversed-field pinch device (ohmic heating toroidal experiment (OHTE)).

Application of diffuse discharges of atmospheric pressure formed by runaway electrons for modification of copper and stainless steel surface

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tarasenko, V. F., E-mail: VFT@loi.hcei.tsc.ru; Shulepov, M. A.; Erofeev, M. V.

The results of studies devoted to the influence of a runaway electron pre-ionized diffuse discharge (REP DD) formed in air and nitrogen at atmospheric pressure on the surface of copper and stainless steel are presented. Nanosecond high-voltage pulses were used to obtain REP DD in different gases at high pressures in a chamber with a flat anode and a cathode possessing a small radius of curvature. This mode of discharge was implemented owing to the generation of runaway electrons and X-rays. The conditions under which the surface of copper and stainless steel was cleaned from carbon and oxidized are described.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shaw, R.S.; Myers, B.R.; Vella, M.C.

Representative spectral data from T IV-a are compared with data from T IV-c obtained under similar conditions; i.e., 15 kV cusp bank voltage, 30 kV preionizer bank voltage, 2 kV bias bank voltage and 50 m Torr gas fill pressure. Two spectral lines, HeII 4686 A and D..beta.. 4861 A are studied. Line of sight data from the two devices, taken using a light pipe and mirror arrangement, are compared. The data were also used as inputs to a computer assisted tomogrphic reconstruction, the results of which are discussed. Comparison was made on the basis of the intensity and shapemore » of the spectral lines as functions of position and time.« less

Experimental and theoretical investigation of the molecular, electronic structure and solvatochromism of phenyl salicylate: External electric field effect on the electronic structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sıdır, İsa; Sıdır, Yadigar Gülseven

2017-11-01

The UV-vis absorption and steady state fluorescence spectra of phenyl salicylate (abbreviated as PS) have been recorded in a series of non-polar, polar protic and polar aprotic solvents at room temperature and the obtained spectral data are used to determine the solvatochromic behavior and the ground and excited state dipole moments. Basis set sensitive molecular structure along with X-ray crystal data are evaluated. The ground state and excited state dipole moments are determined by using Lippert-Mataga, Bakhshiev, Bilot-Kawski and Reichardt solvatochromic shift methods as a function of dielectric constant (ε) and refractive index (n) of the solvents. The larger excited state dipole moment value indicates the more polar PS in the excited state. The rate of μe/μg is found as 2.4239. Solvatochromic behavior of PS is enlightened by using Kamlet-Taft and Catalan models. Kamlet-Taft solvatochromic model indicates that non-specific solute solvent interactions are controlled by solvent dispersion-induction forces and specific interactions are directed by hydrogen-bond donor capacity of solvent. Catalan solvatochromic model designates that solute-solvent interactions are governed by solvent polarizability. Ground and excited state dipole moments are found theoretically by using DFT/B3LYP/6-311++G(d, p) and TDDFT/B3LYP/6-31++G(d, p) methods. External electric field effect on LUMO-HOMO band gap and dipole moment have been investigated by using B3LYP/6-311++G(d, p) method.

Three types of membrane excitations in the marine diatom Coscinodiscus wailesii.

PubMed

Gradmann, D; Boyd, C M

2000-05-15

Three types of electrical excitation have been investigated in the marine diatom Coscinodiscus wailesii. I: Depolarization-triggered, transient Cl(-) conductance, G(Cl)(t), followed by a transient, voltage-gated K(+) conductance, G(K), with an active state a and two inactive states i(1) and i(2) in series (a-i(1)-i(2)). II: Similar G(Cl)(t) as in Type-I but triggered by hyperpolarization; a subsequent increase of G(K) in this type is indicated but not analyzed in detail. III: Hyperpolarization-induced transient of a voltage-gated activity of an electrogenic pump (i(2)-a-i(2)), followed by G(Cl)(t) as in Type-II excitations. Type-III with pump gating is novel as such. G(Cl)(t) in all types seems to reflect the mechanism of InsP(-)(3) and Ca(2+)-mediated G(Cl)(t) in the action potential in Chara (Biskup et al., 1999). The nonlinear current-voltage-time relationships of Type-I and Type-III excitations have been recorded under voltage-clamp using single saw-tooth command voltages (voltage range: -200 to +50 mV, typical slope: +/-1 Vs(-1)). Fits of the corresponding models to the experimental data provided numerical values of the model parameters. The statistical significance of these solutions is investigated. We suggest that the original function of electrical excitability of biological membranes is related to osmoregulation which has persisted through evolution in plants, whereas the familiar and osmotically neutral action potentials in animals have evolved later towards the novel function of rapid transmission of information over long distances.

Practical aspects of the use of three-phase alternating current electric machines in electricity storage system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ciucur, Violeta

2015-02-01

Of three-phase alternating current electric machines, it brings into question which of them is more advantageous to be used in electrical energy storage system by pumping water. The two major categories among which are given dispute are synchronous and the asynchronous machine. To consider the synchronous machine with permanent magnet configuration because it brings advantages compared with conventional synchronous machine, first by removing the necessary additional excitation winding. From the point of view of loss of the two types of machines, the optimal adjustment of the magnetic flux density is obtained to minimize the copper loss by hysteresis and eddy currents.

Microscopic origin of electric-field-induced modulation of Curie temperature in cobalt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ando, Fuyuki; Yamada, Kihiro T.; Koyama, Tomohiro; Ishibashi, Mio; Shiota, Yoichi; Moriyama, Takahiro; Chiba, Daichi; Ono, Teruo

2018-07-01

The Curie temperature T C is one of the most fundamental physical properties of ferromagnetic materials and can be described by the Weiss molecular field theory with the exchange interaction of neighboring atoms. Here, we demonstrate the electrical control of exchange coupling in cobalt films through direct magnetization measurements. We find that the reduction in magnetization with temperature, which is caused by thermal spin wave excitation and scales with Bloch’s law, clearly depends on the applied electric field. Furthermore, we confirm that the correlation between the electric-field-induced modulation of T C and that of exchange coupling follows the Weiss molecular field theory.

Investigation of a vibration-damping unit for reduction in low-frequency vibrations of electric motors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grigoryey, N. V.; Fedorovich, M. A.

1973-01-01

The vibroacoustical characteristics of different types of electric motors are discussed. It is shown that the basic source of low frequency vibrations is rotor unbalance. A flexible damping support, with an antivibrator, is used to obtain the vibroacoustical effect of reduction in the basic harmonic of the electric motor. A model of the electric motor and the damping apparatus is presented. Mathematical models are developed to show the relationships of the parameters. The basic purpose in using a calculation model id the simultaneous replacement of the exciting force created by the rotor unbalance and its inertial rigidity characteristics by a limiting kinematic disturbance.

Electrical control of optical orientation of neutral and negatively charged excitons in an n -type semiconductor quantum well

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dzhioev, R. I.; Korenev, V. L.; Lazarev, M. V.; Sapega, V. F.; Gammon, D.; Bracker, A. S.

2007-01-01

We report electric field induced increase of spin orientation of negatively charged excitons (trions) localized in n -type GaAs/AlGaAs quantum well. Under resonant excitation of free neutral heavy-hole excitons, the polarization of trions increases dramatically with electrical injection of electrons. The polarization enhancement correlates strongly with trion/exciton luminescence intensity ratio. This effect results from a very efficient trapping of free neutral excitons by the quantum well interfacial fluctuations (“natural” quantum dots) containing resident electrons.

A nondisturbing electric-field sensor using piezoelectric and converse piezoelectric resonances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Yongkwan; Kim, Ilryong; Lee, Soonchil

1997-12-01

An electric-field sensor was developed using both piezoelectric and converse piezoelectric resonances. Composed of no metallic parts, this probe minimizes field disturbance. The most distinguishing feature of this probe is that a signal is transmitted neither electrically nor optically, but mechanically. To demonstrate the field sensing capability of this probe, we measured both the capacitive and inductive fields inside empty and plasma-filled solenoidal coils. The result shows that the capacitive field is dominant in an empty solenoid, although it is almost completely shielded by inductively excited plasma.

Plasmonic transparent conductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liapis, Andreas C.; Sfeir, Matthew Y.; Black, Charles T.

2016-09-01

Many of today's technological applications, such as solar cells, light-emitting diodes, displays, and touch screens, require materials that are simultaneously optically transparent and electrically conducting. Here we explore transparent conductors based on the excitation of surface plasmons in nanostructured metal films. We measure both the optical and electrical properties of films perforated with nanometer-scale features and optimize the design parameters in order to maximize optical transmission without sacrificing electrical conductivity. We demonstrate that plasmonic transparent conductors can out-perform indium tin oxide in terms of both their transparency and their conductivity.

A fast acting electrical servo for the actuation of full span, Fowler-type wing flaps in DLC applications: A detail design study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smetana, F. O.; Montoya, R. J.; Carden, R. K.

1972-01-01

The philosophy and detail design of an electro-mechanical actuator for Fowler-type wing flaps which have a response time constant of 0.025 seconds are described. A conventional electrical servomotor with a power rating twice the maximum power delivered to the load is employed along with adaptive, gain-scheduled feedback and various logic circuits, including one to remove electrical excitation from the motor during extended periods when no motion of the flap is desired.

Electrostatic ion instabilities in the presence of parallel currents and transverse electric fields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ganguli, G.; Palmadesso, P. J.

1988-01-01

The electrostatic ion instabilities are studied for oblique propagation in the presence of magnetic field-aligned currents and transverse localized electric fields in a weakly collisional plasma. The presence of transverse electric fields result in mode excitation for magnetic field aligned current values that are otherwise stable. The electron collisions enhance the growth while ion collisions have a damping effect. These results are discussed in the context of observations of low frequency ion modes in the auroral ionosphere by radar and rocket experiments.

Optimization study on inductive-resistive circuit for broadband piezoelectric energy harvesters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, Ting; Yan, Zhimiao

2017-03-01

The performance of cantilever-beam piezoelectric energy harvester is usually analyzed with pure resistive circuit. The optimal performance of such a vibration-based energy harvesting system is limited by narrow bandwidth around its modified natural frequency. For broadband piezoelectric energy harvesting, series and parallel inductive-resistive circuits are introduced. The electromechanical coupled distributed parameter models for such systems under harmonic base excitations are decoupled with modified natural frequency and electrical damping to consider the coupling effect. Analytical solutions of the harvested power and tip displacement for the electromechanical decoupled model are confirmed with numerical solutions for the coupled model. The optimal performance of piezoelectric energy harvesting with inductive-resistive circuits is revealed theoretically as constant maximal power at any excitation frequency. This is achieved by the scenarios of matching the modified natural frequency with the excitation frequency and equating the electrical damping to the mechanical damping. The inductance and load resistance should be simultaneously tuned to their optimal values, which may not be applicable for very high electromechanical coupling systems when the excitation frequency is higher than their natural frequencies. With identical optimal performance, the series inductive-resistive circuit is recommended for relatively small load resistance, while the parallel inductive-resistive circuit is suggested for relatively large load resistance. This study provides a simplified optimization method for broadband piezoelectric energy harvesters with inductive-resistive circuits.

Giant electric-field-induced strain in lead-free piezoelectric materials

PubMed Central

Chen, Lan; Yang, Yurong; Meng, X. K.

2016-01-01

First-principles calculations are performed to investigate the structures, electrical, and magnetic properties of compressive BiFeO3 films under electric-field and pressure perpendicular to the films. A reversible electric-field-induced strain up 10% is achieved in the compressive BiFeO3 films. The giant strain originates from rhombohedral-tetragonal (R-T) phase transition under electric-filed, and is recoverable from tetragonal-rhombohedral (T-R) phase transition by compressive stress. Additionally, the weak ferromagnetism in BiFeO3 films is largely changed in R-T phase transition under electric-filed and T-R phase transition under pressure – reminiscent of magnetoelectric effect and magnetoelastic effect. These results suggest exciting device opportunities arising from the giant filed-induced strain, large magnetoelectric effect and magnetoelastic effect. PMID:27139526

Memristors in the electrical network of Aloe vera L.

PubMed Central

Volkov, Alexander G; Reedus, Jada; Mitchell, Colee M; Tucket, Clayton; Forde-Tuckett, Victoria; Volkova, Maya I; Markin, Vladislav S; Chua, Leon

2014-01-01

A memristor is a resistor with memory, which is a non-linear passive two-terminal electrical element relating magnetic flux linkage and electrical charge. Here we found that memristors exist in vivo. The electrostimulation of the Aloe vera by bipolar sinusoidal or triangle periodic waves induce electrical responses with fingerprints of memristors. Uncouplers carbonylcyanide-3-chlorophenylhydrazone and carbonylcyanide-4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl hydrazone decrease the amplitude of electrical responses at low and high frequencies of bipolar periodic sinusoidal or triangle electrostimulating waves. Memristive behavior of an electrical network in the Aloe vera is linked to the properties of voltage gated ion channels: the K+ channel blocker TEACl reduces the electric response to a conventional resistor. Our results demonstrate that a voltage gated K+ channel in the excitable tissue of plants has properties of a memristor. The discovery of memristors in plants creates a new direction in the modeling and understanding of electrical phenomena in plants. PMID:25763487

Contest Physics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moehnke, Randy

1994-01-01

Discusses the use of contests to keep physics interesting and exciting for the students. Includes: balloon car, egg drop, tennis ball catapult, bridge building, mousetrap vehicle, musical instrument, slide photo, electric junk dissection, windmill generator, and solar heater. (MVL)

Electromyographic analysis of skeletal muscle changes arising from 9 days of weightlessness in the Apollo-Soyuz space mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lafevers, E. V.; Nicogossian, A. E.; Hursta, W. N.

1976-01-01

Both integration and frequency analyses of the electromyograms from voluntary contractions were performed in one crewman of the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project mission. Of particular interest were changes in excitability, electrical efficiency, and fatigability. As a result of 9 days of weightlessness, muscle excitability was shown to increase; muscle electrical efficiency was found to decrease in calf muscles and to increase in arm muscles; and fatigability was found to increase significantly, as shown by spectral power shifts into lower frequencies. It was concluded from this study that skeletal muscles are affected by the disuse of weightlessness early in the period of weightlessness, antigravity muscles seem most affected by weightlessness, and exercise may abrogate the weightlessness effect. It was further concluded that electromyography is a sensitive tool for measuring spaceflight muscle effects.

Theoretical investigation of discharge parameters in magnetized radio frequency excited CO2 lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tavassoli, H.; Sohbatzadeh, F.; Latifi, H.

2003-06-01

In the present paper the magnetic field effects on discharge parameters in rf excited CO2 lasers are calculated. A rf generated plasma imbedded in an external, constant, and homogeneous magnetic field is considered. The continuity equation is used to derive the electron density. Quasineutrality condition and ambipolar diffusion are used. Electron attachment coefficient is neglected. Local electric field, local electron density, and thickness of charge layers are derived as a function of distance from the electrodes and magnetic field. The thickness of charge layers in the presence of magnetic field is always smaller than one without the magnetic field. When the magnetic field increases, the electron density increases in all regions of discharge, and the electric field reduces in the charge layers but increases in the middle part of discharge.

3D Heart: a new visual training method for electrocardiographic analysis.

PubMed

Olson, Charles W; Lange, David; Chan, Jack-Kang; Olson, Kim E; Albano, Alfred; Wagner, Galen S; Selvester, Ronald H S

2007-01-01

This new training method is based on developing a sound understanding of the sequence in which electrical excitation spreads through both the normal and the infarcted myocardium. The student is made aware of the cardiac electrical performance through a series of 3-dimensional pictures during the excitation process. The electrocardiogram 3D Heart 3-dimensional program contains a variety of different activation simulations. Currently, this program enables the user to view the activation simulation for all of the following pathology examples: normal activation; large, medium, and small anterior myocardial infarction (MI); large, medium, and small posterolateral MI; large, medium, and small inferior MI. Simulations relating to other cardiac abnormalities, such as bundle branch block and left ventricular hypertrophy fasicular block, are being developed as part of a National Institute of Health (NIH) Phase 1 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.

Systematics of hot giant electric dipole resonance widths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schiller, A.; Thoennessen, M.; McAlpine, K. M.

2007-05-01

Giant Electric Dipole Resonance (GDR) parameters for γ decay to excited states with finite spin and temperature have been compiled by two of the authors ( nucl-ex/0605004). Over 100 original works have been reviewed and from some 70 of them, more than 300 sets of hot GDR parameters for different isotopes, excitation energies, and spin regions have been extracted. All parameter sets have been brought onto a common footing by calculating the equivalent Lorentzian parameters. Together with a complementary compilation by Samuel S. Dietrich and Barry L. Berman [At. Data Nucl. Data Tables 38, 199-338, (1988)] on ground-state photo-neutron and photo-absorption cross sections and their Lorentzian parameters, it is now possible by means of a comparison of the two data sets to shed light on the evolution of GDR parameters with temperature and spin.

The Nature of the Dielectric Response of Methanol Revealed by the Terahertz Kerr Effect.

PubMed

Kampfrath, Tobias; Campen, R Kramer; Wolf, Martin; Sajadi, Mohsen

2018-03-15

The dielectric response of liquids in the terahertz (THz) and sub-THz frequency range arises from low-energy collective molecular motions, which are often strongly influenced by intermolecular interactions. To shed light on the microscopic origin of the THz dielectric response of the simplest alcohol, methanol, we resonantly excite this liquid with an intense THz electric-field pulse and monitor the relaxation of the induced optical birefringence. We find a unipolar THz-Kerr-effect signal which, in contrast to aprotic polar liquids, shows a weak coupling between the THz electric field and the permanent molecular dipole moment of the liquid. We assign this weak coupling to the restricted translational rather than rotational nature of the excited mode. Our approach opens a new avenue to the assignment of the dielectric spectrum of liquids to a microscopic origin.

Losses analysis of soft magnetic ring core under sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM) and space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) excitations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Hezhe; Li, Yongjian; Wang, Shanming; Zhu, Jianguo; Yang, Qingxin; Zhang, Changgeng; Li, Jingsong

2018-05-01

Practical core losses in electrical machines differ significantly from those experimental results using the standardized measurement method, i.e. Epstein Frame method. In order to obtain a better approximation of the losses in an electrical machine, a simulation method considering sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM) and space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) waveforms is proposed. The influence of the pulse width modulation (PWM) parameters on the harmonic components in SPWM and SVPWM is discussed by fast Fourier transform (FFT). Three-level SPWM and SVPWM are analyzed and compared both by simulation and experiment. The core losses of several ring samples magnetized by SPWM, SVPWM and sinusoidal alternating current (AC) are obtained. In addition, the temperature rise of the samples under SPWM, sinusoidal excitation are analyzed and compared.

Energy storage cell impedance measuring apparatus, methods and related systems

DOEpatents

Morrison, John L.; Morrison, William H.; Christophersen, Jon P.

2017-12-26

Energy storage cell impedance testing devices, circuits, and related methods are disclosed. An energy storage cell impedance measuring device includes a sum of sinusoids (SOS) current excitation circuit including differential current sources configured to isolate a ground terminal of the differential current sources from a positive terminal and a negative terminal of an energy storage cell. A method includes applying an SOS signal comprising a sum of sinusoidal current signals to the energy storage cell with the SOS current excitation circuit, each of the sinusoidal current signals oscillating at a different one of a plurality of different frequencies. The method also includes measuring an electrical signal at a positive terminal and a negative terminal of the energy storage cell, and computing an impedance of the energy storage cell at each of the plurality of different frequencies using the measured electrical signal.

Physics and chemistry of the influence of excited molecules on combustion enhancement

PubMed Central

Starik, A. M.; Loukhovitski, B. I.; Sharipov, A. S.; Titova, N. S

2015-01-01

The paper addresses detailed analysis of kinetic processes in the H2−O2, CO−O2 and CH4−O2-reactive systems upon the presence of singlet oxygen molecules O2(a1Δg) and and the influence of the activation of oxygen molecules in electric discharge on the acceleration of ignition in the H2−O2 and CH4−O2 mixtures. The possibility of the intensification of CO oxidation due to excitation of O2 and N2 molecule vibrations and generation of singlet oxygen molecules is also considered. It is shown that the effect of accelerating the ignition strongly depends on the reduced electric field and, as a consequence, on the composition of discharge plasma as well as on the features of chain mechanism development in oxy-fuel systems. It is revealed that the most effective approach for the intensification of CO oxidation both in the moist air and in the products of hydrocarbon combustion in air is the generation of O2(a1Δg) molecules by electric discharge. Computations showed that the presence of 1% O2(a1Δg) in the total oxygen allowed one to convert CO to CO2 even at the temperature T=850–900 K in the time of 10−2 s. The excitation of O2 and N2 molecule vibrations is less effective for such a conversion. PMID:26170425

PIC simulations of post-pulse field reversal and secondary ionization in nanosecond argon discharges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, H. Y.; Gołkowski, M.; Gołkowski, C.; Stoltz, P.; Cohen, M. B.; Walker, M.

2018-05-01

Post-pulse electric field reversal and secondary ionization are investigated with a full kinetic treatment in argon discharges between planar electrodes on nanosecond time scales. The secondary ionization, which occurs at the falling edge of the voltage pulse, is induced by charge separation in the bulk plasma region. This process is driven by a reverse in the electric field from the cathode sheath to the formerly driven anode. Under the influence of the reverse electric field, electrons in the bulk plasma and sheath regions are accelerated toward the cathode. The electron movement manifests itself as a strong electron current generating high electron energies with significant electron dissipated power. Accelerated electrons collide with Ar molecules and an increased ionization rate is achieved even though the driving voltage is no longer applied. With this secondary ionization, in a single pulse (SP), the maximum electron density achieved is 1.5 times higher and takes a shorter time to reach using 1 kV 2 ns pulse as compared to a 1 kV direct current voltage at 1 Torr. A bipolar dual pulse excitation can increase maximum density another 50%–70% above a SP excitation and in half the time of RF sinusoidal excitation of the same period. The first field reversal is most prominent but subsequent field reversals also occur and correspond to electron temperature increases. Targeted pulse designs can be used to condition plasma density as required for fast discharge applications.

Motor cortex stimulation: role of computer modeling.

PubMed

Manola, L; Holsheimer, J

2007-01-01

Motor cortex stimulation (MCS) is a promising clinical technique used to treat chronic, otherwise intractable pain. However, the mechanisms by which the neural elements that are stimulated during MCS induce pain relief are not understood. Neither is it known which of the main neural elements, i.e. cell bodies, dendrites or fibers are immediately excited by the electrical pulses in MCS. Moreover, it is not known what are the effects of MCS on fibers which are parallel or perpendicular to the cortical layers, below or away from the electrode. The therapy and its efficacy are less likely to be improved until it is better understood how it may work. In this chapter, we present our efforts to resolve this issue. Our computer model of MCS is introduced and some of its predictions are discussed. In particular, the influence of stimulus polarity and electrode position on the electrical field and excitation thresholds of different neural elements is addressed. Such predictions, supported with clinical evidence, should help to elucidate the immediate effects of an electrical stimulus applied over the motor cortex and may ultimately lead to optimizations of the therapy.

Influence of image charge effect on impurity-related optical absorption coefficients and refractive index changes in a spherical quantum dot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vartanian, A. L.; Asatryan, A. L.; Vardanyan, L. A.

2017-03-01

We have investigated the influence of an image charge effect (ICE) on the energies of the ground and first few excited states of a hydrogen-like impurity in a spherical quantum dot (QD) in the presence of an external electric field. The oscillator strengths of transitions from the 1 s -like state to excited states of 2px and 2pz symmetries are calculated as the functions of the strengths of the confinement potential and the electric field. Also, we have studied the effect of image charges on linear and third-order nonlinear optical absorption coefficients and refractive index changes (RICs). The results show that image charges lead to the decrease of energies for all the hydrogen-like states, to the significant enhancement of the oscillator strengths of transitions between the impurity states, and to comparatively large blue shifts in linear, nonlinear, and total absorption coefficients and refractive index changes. Our results indicate that the total optical characteristics can be controlled by the strength of the confinement and the electric field.

[Diagnosis of electron energy and comparative effects of OH, O or O3 on NO oxidation in pulsed corona discharge].

PubMed

Xuan, Jian-yong; Luo, Zhong-yang; Zhao, Lei; Jiang, Jian-ping; Gao, Xiang

2012-05-01

The spectrum of excited N2 molecules and ions was measured by optical emission spectroscopy in pulsed corona discharge with a wire-to-plate reactor. The ratio of emission intensities emitted by the excited molecules and ions of N2 was compared with numerical simulation to determine average electron energies and electric field distributions. Within 2 cm distance from wire electrode in horizontal and vertical directions, electric field and average electron energies appear to be in the ranges of 11.05 19.6 MV x m(-1) and 10.10-13.92 eV respectively; as the distance increases, average electron energies and electric field show a similar trend: first decrease and then increase. Chemically active species, such as OH, O and O3, can be generated through the energetic electron collisions with H2O and O2 directly or indirectly. For the NO oxidation, there is no coexistence of NO and O3, whereas there is a coexistence of NO and OH. NO is oxidized by O3 or O more efficiently than by OH radical.

In-House fabrication and Electrical characterization of planner si-nanogap

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhahi, Th. S.; Adam, Tijjani; Hashim, U.

2017-10-01

Nanogap is increasingly known to be beneficial, dependable and higher sensing technology. Another possible purpose is to examine a bioactivity and study the reaction of single molecule. It is important to carefully recognize the differences between the sensor surface and electrode in order to incorporate the biological system with nanogap. Also, it crucial to examine the dielectric properties between the planar nanogap with and without a sample. Electrical concentration between the electrodes could be increased due to integrating of microfluidic channel when the sample is being used. This paper is a report on an electrical point of view of planar nanogap capacitor device with comparison of different excitation frequency with and without microfluidic channel. By using 40 nm Si nanogap devices, the sensitivity of nanogap was compared by dropping deionized water and pH 7 onto the target. Experiments were carried out in wide range of frequencies from 1 Hz to 1 MHz at room temperature with 30 mV input signal (0 V, DC, Offset). Both effects of excitation frequency on capacitance sampling with 10 µm microfluidic integration were analyzed.

Floating electrode dielectrophoresis.

PubMed

Golan, Saar; Elata, David; Orenstein, Meir; Dinnar, Uri

2006-12-01

In practice, dielectrophoresis (DEP) devices are based on micropatterned electrodes. When subjected to applied voltages, the electrodes generate nonuniform electric fields that are necessary for the DEP manipulation of particles. In this study, electrically floating electrodes are used in DEP devices. It is demonstrated that effective DEP forces can be achieved by using floating electrodes. Additionally, DEP forces generated by floating electrodes are different from DEP forces generated by excited electrodes. The floating electrodes' capabilities are explained theoretically by calculating the electric field gradients and demonstrated experimentally by using test-devices. The test-devices show that floating electrodes can be used to collect erythrocytes (red blood cells). DEP devices which contain many floating electrodes ought to have fewer connections to external signal sources. Therefore, the use of floating electrodes may considerably facilitate the fabrication and operation of DEP devices. It can also reduce device dimensions. However, the key point is that DEP devices can integrate excited electrodes fabricated by microtechnology processes and floating electrodes fabricated by nanotechnology processes. Such integration is expected to promote the use of DEP devices in the manipulation of nanoparticles.

Nonlinear physics of electrical wave propagation in the heart: a review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alonso, Sergio; Bär, Markus; Echebarria, Blas

2016-09-01

The beating of the heart is a synchronized contraction of muscle cells (myocytes) that is triggered by a periodic sequence of electrical waves (action potentials) originating in the sino-atrial node and propagating over the atria and the ventricles. Cardiac arrhythmias like atrial and ventricular fibrillation (AF,VF) or ventricular tachycardia (VT) are caused by disruptions and instabilities of these electrical excitations, that lead to the emergence of rotating waves (VT) and turbulent wave patterns (AF,VF). Numerous simulation and experimental studies during the last 20 years have addressed these topics. In this review we focus on the nonlinear dynamics of wave propagation in the heart with an emphasis on the theory of pulses, spirals and scroll waves and their instabilities in excitable media with applications to cardiac modeling. After an introduction into electrophysiological models for action potential propagation, the modeling and analysis of spatiotemporal alternans, spiral and scroll meandering, spiral breakup and scroll wave instabilities like negative line tension and sproing are reviewed in depth and discussed with emphasis on their impact for cardiac arrhythmias.

A Vibrating Jaw Crusher with Auteresonant Electric Motor Drive of Swinging Movement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zagrivniy, E. A.; Poddubniy, D. A.

2018-01-01

The article relates to a vibrating jaw crusher with pendulum vibrating exciter auteresonant electric motor drive and with elastic element rational force distribution, with limited peak-to-peak swing. Its design and its math model are presented. Also disclosed is the operating principle of a vibrating jaw crusher and the control algorithm for controlling the crushing jaw for maintaining the operating mode at resonant frequency.

Electric Monopole Transition Strengths in 62Ni

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evitts, L. J.; Garnsworthy, A. B.; Kibédi, T.; Moukaddam, M.; Alshahrani, B.; Eriksen, T. K.; Holt, J. D.; Hota, S. S.; Lane, G. J.; Lee, B. Q.; McCormick, B. P.; Palalani, N.; Reed, M. W.; Stroberg, S. R.; Stuchbery, A. E.

2016-09-01

Excited states in 62Ni were populated with a (p, p') reaction using the 14UD Pelletron accelerator at the Australian National University. Electric monopole transition strengths, ρ2(E0), were measured through simultaneous detection of the internal conversion electrons and γ rays emitted from the de-excitation of populated states, using the Super-e spectrometer coupled with a germanium detector. The strength of the 02+ to 01+ transition has been measured to be 77-34+23 × 10-3 and agrees with previously reported values. Upper limits have been placed on the 03+ to 01+ and 03+ to 02+ transitions. The measured ρ2(E0) value of the 22+ to 21+ transition in 62Ni has been measured for the first time and found to be one of the largest ρ2(E0) values measured to date in nuclei heavier than Ca. The low-lying states of 62Ni have previously been classified as one- and two-phonon vibrational states based on level energies. The measured electric quadrupole transition strengths are consistent with this interpretation. However as electric monopole transitions are forbidden between states which differ by one phonon number, the simple harmonic quadrupole vibrational picture is not suffcient to explain the large ρ2(E0) value for the 22+ to 21+ transition.

Electrical control of charged carriers and excitons in atomically thin materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Ke; De Greve, Kristiaan; Jauregui, Luis A.; Sushko, Andrey; High, Alexander; Zhou, You; Scuri, Giovanni; Taniguchi, Takashi; Watanabe, Kenji; Lukin, Mikhail D.; Park, Hongkun; Kim, Philip

2018-02-01

Electrical confinement and manipulation of charge carriers in semiconducting nanostructures are essential for realizing functional quantum electronic devices1-3. The unique band structure4-7 of atomically thin transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) offers a new route towards realizing novel 2D quantum electronic devices, such as valleytronic devices and valley-spin qubits8. 2D TMDs also provide a platform for novel quantum optoelectronic devices9-11 due to their large exciton binding energy12,13. However, controlled confinement and manipulation of electronic and excitonic excitations in TMD nanostructures have been technically challenging due to the prevailing disorder in the material, preventing accurate experimental control of local confinement and tunnel couplings14-16. Here we demonstrate a novel method for creating high-quality heterostructures composed of atomically thin materials that allows for efficient electrical control of excitations. Specifically, we demonstrate quantum transport in the gate-defined, quantum-confined region, observing spin-valley locked quantized conductance in quantum point contacts. We also realize gate-controlled Coulomb blockade associated with confinement of electrons and demonstrate electrical control over charged excitons with tunable local confinement potentials and tunnel couplings. Our work provides a basis for novel quantum opto-electronic devices based on manipulation of charged carriers and excitons.

Simulation of action potential propagation in plants.

PubMed

Sukhov, Vladimir; Nerush, Vladimir; Orlova, Lyubov; Vodeneev, Vladimir

2011-12-21

Action potential is considered to be one of the primary responses of a plant to action of various environmental factors. Understanding plant action potential propagation mechanisms requires experimental investigation and simulation; however, a detailed mathematical model of plant electrical signal transmission is absent. Here, the mathematical model of action potential propagation in plants has been worked out. The model is a two-dimensional system of excitable cells; each of them is electrically coupled with four neighboring ones. Ion diffusion between excitable cell apoplast areas is also taken into account. The action potential generation in a single cell has been described on the basis of our previous model. The model simulates active and passive signal transmission well enough. It has been used to analyze theoretically the influence of cell to cell electrical conductivity and H(+)-ATPase activity on the signal transmission in plants. An increase in cell to cell electrical conductivity has been shown to stimulate an increase in the length constant, the action potential propagation velocity and the temperature threshold, while the membrane potential threshold being weakly changed. The growth of H(+)-ATPase activity has been found to induce the increase of temperature and membrane potential thresholds and the reduction of the length constant and the action potential propagation velocity. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Modelling the heart as a communication system.

PubMed

Ashikaga, Hiroshi; Aguilar-Rodríguez, José; Gorsky, Shai; Lusczek, Elizabeth; Marquitti, Flávia Maria Darcie; Thompson, Brian; Wu, Degang; Garland, Joshua

2015-04-06

Electrical communication between cardiomyocytes can be perturbed during arrhythmia, but these perturbations are not captured by conventional electrocardiographic metrics. We developed a theoretical framework to quantify electrical communication using information theory metrics in two-dimensional cell lattice models of cardiac excitation propagation. The time series generated by each cell was coarse-grained to 1 when excited or 0 when resting. The Shannon entropy for each cell was calculated from the time series during four clinically important heart rhythms: normal heartbeat, anatomical reentry, spiral reentry and multiple reentry. We also used mutual information to perform spatial profiling of communication during these cardiac arrhythmias. We found that information sharing between cells was spatially heterogeneous. In addition, cardiac arrhythmia significantly impacted information sharing within the heart. Entropy localized the path of the drifting core of spiral reentry, which could be an optimal target of therapeutic ablation. We conclude that information theory metrics can quantitatively assess electrical communication among cardiomyocytes. The traditional concept of the heart as a functional syncytium sharing electrical information cannot predict altered entropy and information sharing during complex arrhythmia. Information theory metrics may find clinical application in the identification of rhythm-specific treatments which are currently unmet by traditional electrocardiographic techniques. © 2015 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.

Artificial Excitation of Schumann Resonance with HAARP

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Streltsov, A. V.; Chang, C. L.

2014-12-01

We report results from the experiment aimed at the artificial excitation of extremely-low-frequency (ELF) electromagnetic waves with frequencies corresponding to the frequency of Schumann resonance (typically, 7.5 - 8.0 Hz frequency range). Electromagnetic waves with these frequencies can form a standing pattern inside the spherical cavity formed by the surface of the earth and the ionosphere. In the experiment the ELF waves were excited by heating the ionosphere with X-mode HF electromagnetic waves generated by the High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) facility in Alaska. The experiment demonstrates that heating of the ionosphere can excite relatively large-amplitude electromagnetic waves with frequencies in the range of the Schumann resonance, when the ionosphere has a strong F-layer and an electric field greater than 5 mV/m is present in the E-region.

A quantum kinematics for asymptotically flat gravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campiglia, Miguel; Varadarajan, Madhavan

2015-07-01

We construct a quantum kinematics for asymptotically flat gravity based on the Koslowski-Sahlmann (KS) representation. The KS representation is a generalization of the representation underlying loop quantum gravity (LQG) which supports, in addition to the usual LQG operators, the action of ‘background exponential operators’, which are connection dependent operators labelled by ‘background’ su(2) electric fields. KS states have, in addition to the LQG state label corresponding to one dimensional excitations of the triad, a label corresponding to a ‘background’ electric field that describes three dimensional excitations of the triad. Asymptotic behaviour in quantum theory is controlled through asymptotic conditions on the background electric fields that label the states and the background electric fields that label the operators. Asymptotic conditions on the triad are imposed as conditions on the background electric field state label while confining the LQG spin net graph labels to compact sets. We show that KS states can be realised as wave functions on a quantum configuration space of generalized connections and that the asymptotic behaviour of each such generalized connection is determined by that of the background electric fields which label the background exponential operators. Similar to the spatially compact case, the Gauss law and diffeomorphism constraints are then imposed through group averaging techniques to obtain a large sector of gauge invariant states. It is shown that this sector supports a unitary action of the group of asymptotic rotations and translations and that, as anticipated by Friedman and Sorkin, for appropriate spatial topology, this sector contains states that display fermionic behaviour under 2π rotations.

Effective excitation of DBD lamp with a long feedline

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schitz, D. V.; Nechoroshev, V. O.

2016-01-01

The proposed solution makes possible the transfer of high-voltage excitation pulses through the long coaxial cable with the minimum losses and the excilamp efficiency. Use of resonant topology of the pulse converter provides ZCS at switching-ON and ZVC at switching- OFF of the transistors. The values of efficiency of radiation of ∼ 9% at the feedline of 2.5 m in length obtained during the experiments are about twice as much as the efficiency at the XeCl- excilamp excitation by the quasi-square pulses power supply due to the decrease of losses at switching and the increase of electric efficiency of a resonant power supply with the long coaxial feedline.

Analytical second derivatives of excited-state energy within the time-dependent density functional theory coupled with a conductor-like polarizable continuum model.

PubMed

Liu, Jie; Liang, WanZhen

2013-01-14

This work extends our previous works [J. Liu and W. Z. Liang, J. Chem. Phys. 135, 014113 (2011); J. Liu and W. Z. Liang, J. Chem. Phys. 135, 184111 (2011)] on analytical excited-state Hessian within the framework of time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) to couple with a conductor-like polarizable continuum model (CPCM). The formalism, implementation, and application of analytical first and second energy derivatives of TDDFT/CPCM excited state with respect to the nuclear and electric perturbations are presented. Their performances are demonstrated by the calculations of excitation energies, excited-state geometries, and harmonic vibrational frequencies for a number of benchmark systems. The calculated results are in good agreement with the corresponding experimental data or other theoretical calculations, indicating the reliability of the current computer implementation of the developed algorithms. Then we made some preliminary applications to calculate the resonant Raman spectrum of 4-hydroxybenzylidene-2,3-dimethyl-imidazolinone in ethanol solution and the infrared spectra of ground and excited states of 9-fluorenone in methanol solution.

EPR investigation of electronic excitations in rare gas solids (Review Article)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhitnikov, R. A.; Dmitriev, Yu. A.

1998-10-01

The methods are described for producing unstable paramagnetic excited states in rare gas cryocrystals Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe through the trapping, in the cryocrystals growing from the gas phase, the products of the gas discharge taking place in the same or other rare gas. The paper presents a technique and results of an observation and investigation of excited states in rare gas cryocrystals with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). The discovered unstable paramagnetic centers are interpreted as being local metastable excited np5(n+1)s atomic-type states in rare gas cryocrystals which are subject to the action of the anisotropic electric field resulted from the crystal surroundings distorted by the center. An account is given of the mechanisms for formation of observed paramagnetic excited states in cryocrystals which arise owing to the excitation energy of the metastable 3P2 atoms of Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe and He 23S1 and 21S0 atoms that form in the discharge in an appropriate gas and trap in the growing cryocrystal.

Modulation of voltage-gated conductances of retinal horizontal cells by UV-excited TiO2 nanoparticles.

PubMed

Meshik, Xenia; Choi, Min; Baker, Adam; Malchow, R Paul; Covnot, Leigha; Doan, Samuel; Mukherjee, Souvik; Farid, Sidra; Dutta, Mitra; Stroscio, Michael A

2017-04-01

This study examines the ability of optically-excited titanium dioxide nanoparticles to influence voltage-gated ion channels in retinal horizontal cells. Voltage clamp recordings were obtained in the presence and absence of TiO 2 and ultraviolet laser excitation. Significant current changes were observed in response to UV light, particularly in the -40 mV to +40 mV region where voltage-gated Na + and K + channels have the highest conductance. Cells in proximity to UV-excited TiO 2 exhibited a left-shift in the current-voltage relation of around 10 mV in the activation of Na + currents. These trends were not observed in control experiments where cells were excited with UV light without being exposed to TiO 2 . Electrostatic force microscopy confirmed that electric fields can be induced in TiO 2 with UV light. Simulations using the Hodgkin-Huxley model yielded results which agreed with the experimental data and showed the I-V characteristics of individual ion channels in the presence of UV-excited TiO 2 . Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Measuring Feedforward Inhibition and Its Impact on Local Circuit Function.

PubMed

Hull, Court

2017-05-01

This protocol describes a series of approaches to measure feedforward inhibition in acute brain slices from the cerebellar cortex. Using whole-cell voltage and current clamp recordings from Purkinje cells in conjunction with electrical stimulation of the parallel fibers, these methods demonstrate how to measure the relationship between excitation and inhibition in a feedforward circuit. This protocol also describes how to measure the impact of feedforward inhibition on Purkinje cell excitability, with an emphasis on spike timing. © 2017 Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.

Is the Luttinger Liquid a New State of Matter?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afonin, V. V.; Petrov, V. Y.

2010-02-01

We are demonstrating that the Luttinger model with short range interaction can be treated as a type of Fermi liquid. In line with the main dogma of Landau’s theory one can define a fermion excitation renormalized by interaction and show that in terms of these fermions any excited state of the system is described by free particles. The fermions are a mixture of renormalized right and left electrons. The electric charge and chirality of the Landau quasi-particle is discussed.

A variable-mode stator consequent pole memory machine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Hui; Lyu, Shukang; Lin, Heyun; Zhu, Z. Q.

2018-05-01

In this paper, a variable-mode concept is proposed for the speed range extension of a stator-consequent-pole memory machine (SCPMM). An integrated permanent magnet (PM) and electrically excited control scheme is utilized to simplify the flux-weakening control instead of relatively complicated continuous PM magnetization control. Due to the nature of memory machine, the magnetization state of low coercive force (LCF) magnets can be easily changed by applying either a positive or negative current pulse. Therefore, the number of PM poles may be changed to satisfy the specific performance requirement under different speed ranges, i.e. the machine with all PM poles can offer high torque output while that with half PM poles provides wide constant power range. In addition, the SCPMM with non-magnetized PMs can be considered as a dual-three phase electrically excited reluctance machine, which can be fed by an open-winding based dual inverters that provide direct current (DC) bias excitation to further extend the speed range. The effectiveness of the proposed variable-mode operation for extending its operating region and improving the system reliability is verified by both finite element analysis (FEA) and experiments.

Effect of electrode impedance on spread of excitation and pitch perception using electrically coupled “dual-electrode” stimulation

PubMed Central

Hughes, Michelle L.; Baudhuin, Jacquelyn L.; Goehring, Jenny L.

2014-01-01

Objective In newer-generation Cochlear Ltd. cochlear implants, two adjacent electrodes can be electrically coupled to produce a single contact or “dual electrode” (DE). The goal of the present study was to evaluate whether relatively large impedance differences (>3.0 kOhms) between coupled electrodes affect the excitation pattern and pitch percepts produced by the DE. Design Fifteen electrode pairs in six recipients were tested. Neural spread-of-excitation (SOE) patterns and pitch perception were measured for adjacent physical electrodes (PEs) and the resulting DE to determine if the lower-impedance PE in the pair dominates the DE response pattern. Results were compared to a “normative sample” (impedance differences <3.0 kOhms) from two earlier studies. Results In general, SOE patterns for DEs more closely approximated those of the lower-impedance PE in each pair. The DE was more easily distinguished in pitch from the higher-impedance PE than the lower-impedance PE. The ECAP and perceptual results generally differed from those of the normative group. Conclusions Impedance differences between adjacent PEs should be considered if DE stimulation is implemented in future research studies or clinical coding strategies. PMID:25250960

Excitability of Spinal Motor Neuron Function after the Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation (TES) in Healthy Subjects -F-wave Study.

PubMed

Hirose, Hiroaki; Suzuki, Toshiaki; Shimada, Tomoaki

2006-01-01

To clarify the excitability of spinal motor neuron function after transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES), we investigated the F-wave before and after TES. Fourteen healthy volunteers with a mean age of 23.4 years were studied. TES was applied to the flexor hallucis brevis (FHB) for 15 minutes. F-wave and M-wave were recorded from the FHB after tibial nerve stimulation at the ankle before TES, just after TES, 10, 20 and 30 minutes after TES. TES evoked full flexion of the great toe. F-wave was analyzed for the amplitude ratio of F/M, latency and duration. The amplitude ratio of F/ M was 3.1% before TES, 1.4% just after TES, 1.6% 10 minutes after, 1.9% 20 minutes after and 1.7% 30 minutes after TES. Each amplitude ratio of F/M after TES was significantly lower than that before TES (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the latency and the duration. These results suggest that the excitability of spinal motor neuron function after TES to muscles under this condition was reduced in healthy subjects.

Nonlinear Right-Hand Polarized Wave in Plasma in the Electron Cyclotron Resonance Region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krasovitskiy, V. B.; Turikov, V. A.

2018-05-01

The propagation of a nonlinear right-hand polarized wave along an external magnetic field in subcritical plasma in the electron cyclotron resonance region is studied using numerical simulations. It is shown that a small-amplitude plasma wave excited in low-density plasma is unstable against modulation instability with a modulation period equal to the wavelength of the excited wave. The modulation amplitude in this case increases with decreasing detuning from the resonance frequency. The simulations have shown that, for large-amplitude waves of the laser frequency range propagating in plasma in a superstrong magnetic field, the maximum amplitude of the excited longitudinal electric field increases with the increasing external magnetic field and can reach 30% of the initial amplitude of the electric field in the laser wave. In this case, the energy of plasma electrons begins to substantially increase already at magnetic fields significantly lower than the resonance value. The laser energy transferred to plasma electrons in a strong external magnetic field is found to increase severalfold compared to that in isotropic plasma. It is shown that this mechanism of laser radiation absorption depends only slightly on the electron temperature.

Needle-array to Plate DBD Plasma Using Sine AC and Nanosecond Pulse Excitations for Purpose of Improving Indoor Air Quality

PubMed Central

Zhang, Li; Yang, Dezheng; Wang, Wenchun; Wang, Sen; Yuan, Hao; Zhao, Zilu; Sang, Chaofeng; Jia, Li

2016-01-01

In this study, needle-array to plate electrode configuration was employed to generate an atmospheric air diffuse discharge using both nanosecond pulse and sine AC voltage as excitation voltage for the purpose of improving indoor air quality. Different types of voltage sources and electrode configurations are employed to optimize electrical field distribution and improve discharge stability. Discharge images, electrical characteristics, optical emission spectra, and plasma gas temperatures in both sine AC discharge and nanosecond pulse discharge were compared and the discharge stability during long operating time were discussed. Compared with the discharge excited by sine AC voltage, the nanosecond pulsed discharge is more homogenous and stable, besides, the plasma gas temperature of nanosecond pulse discharge is much lower. Using packed-bed structure, where γ- Al2O3 pellets are filled in the electrode gap, has obvious efficacy in the production of homogenous discharge. Furthermore, both sine AC discharge and nanosecond pulse discharge were used for removing formaldehyde from flowing air. It shows that nanosecond pulse discharge has a significant advantage in energy cost. And the main physiochemical processes for the generation of active species and the degradation of formaldehyde were discussed. PMID:27125663

Cortical inhibition and excitation by bilateral transcranial alternating current stimulation.

PubMed

Cancelli, Andrea; Cottone, Carlo; Zito, Giancarlo; Di Giorgio, Marina; Pasqualetti, Patrizio; Tecchio, Franca

2015-01-01

Transcranial electric stimulations (tES) with amplitude-modulated currents are promising tools to enhance neuromodulation effects. It is essential to select the correct cortical targets and inhibitory/excitatory protocols to reverse changes in specific networks. We aimed at assessing the dependence of cortical excitability changes on the current amplitude of 20 Hz transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) over the bilateral primary motor cortex. We chose two amplitude ranges of the stimulations, around 25 μA/cm2 and 63 μA/cm2 from peak to peak, with three values (at steps of about 2.5%) around each, to generate, respectively, inhibitory and excitatory effects of the primary motor cortex. We checked such changes online through transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-induced motor evoked potentials (MEPs). Cortical excitability changes depended upon current density (p = 0.001). Low current densities decreased MEP amplitudes (inhibition) while high current densities increased them (excitation). tACS targeting bilateral homologous cortical areas can induce online inhibition or excitation as a function of the current density.

Discovery of Emergent Photon and Monopoles in a Quantum Spin Liquid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tokiwa, Yoshifumi; Yamashita, Takuya; Terazawa, Daiki; Kimura, Kenta; Kasahara, Yuichi; Onishi, Takafumi; Kato, Yasuyuki; Halim, Mario; Gegenwart, Philipp; Shibauchi, Takasada; Nakatsuji, Satoru; Moon, Eun-Gook; Matsuda, Yuji

2018-06-01

Quantum spin liquid (QSL) is an exotic quantum phase of matter whose ground state is quantum-mechanically entangled without any magnetic ordering. A central issue concerns emergent excitations that characterize QSLs, which are hypothetically associated with quasiparticle fractionalization and topological order. Here we report highly unusual heat conduction generated by the spin degrees of freedom in a QSL state of the pyrochlore magnet Pr2Zr2O7, which hosts spin-ice correlations with strong quantum fluctuations. The thermal conductivity in high temperature regime exhibits a two-gap behavior, which is consistent with the gapped excitations of magnetic (M-) and electric monopoles (E-particles). At very low temperatures below 200 mK, the thermal conductivity unexpectedly shows a dramatic enhancement, which well exceeds purely phononic conductivity, demonstrating the presence of highly mobile spin excitations. This new type of excitations can be attributed to emergent photons (ν-particle), coherent gapless spin excitations in a spin-ice manifold.

A Study of Power Systems Stability Enhancement Effects by Excitation Control of Superconducting Generator with High Response Excitation based on Detailed Excitation Circuit Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Guohong; Shirato, Hideyuki

SCG (Superconducting Generator) has a superconducting field winding, which leads to many advantages such as small size, high generation efficiency, low impedance, and so on, and be considered as one of the candidates to meet the needs of high stability and high efficiency in the future power system networks. SCG with high response excitation is especially expected to be able to enhance the transient stability of power system by its SMES (Superconducting Magnetic Energy System) effect. The SMES effect of SCG is recognized that its behaviors are dominated by the structures and controls of its excitation system. For this reason, in order to verify exactly how the SMES effect of SCG influences on the power system stability, the electrical circuits of SCG high response excitation are modeled in detail for conducting digital simulation, and its influence on excitation voltage and active power output of SCG are discussed as well. The simulation results with a typical one machine - infinite bus power system model shows that the SMES effect can be certainly obtained when its exciting power is supplied from SCG terminal bus and may considerably lead to an improvement of power system transient stability.

Novel Laser Ignition Technique Using Dual-Pulse Pre-Ionization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dumitrache, Ciprian

Recent advances in the development of compact high power laser sources and fiber optic delivery of giant pulses have generated a renewed interest in laser ignition. The non-intrusive nature of laser ignition gives it a set of unique characteristics over the well-established capacitive discharge devices (or spark plugs) that are currently used as ignition sources in engines. Overall, the use of laser ignition has been shown to have a positive impact on engine operation leading to a reduction in NOx emission, fuel saving and an increased operational envelope of current engines. Conventionally, laser ignition is achieved by tightly focusing a high-power q-switched laser pulse until the optical intensity at the focus is high enough to breakdown the gas molecules. This leads to the formation of a spark that serves as the ignition source in engines. However, there are certain disadvantages associated with this ignition method. This ionization approach is energetically inefficient as the medium is transparent to the laser radiation until the laser intensity is high enough to cause gas breakdown. As a consequence, very high energies are required for ignition (about an order of magnitude higher energy than capacitive plugs at stoichiometric conditions). Additionally, the fluid flow induced during the plasma recombination generates high vorticity leading to high rates of flame stretching. In this work, we are addressing some of the aforementioned disadvantages of laser ignition by developing a novel approach based on a dual-pulse pre-ionization scheme. The new technique works by decoupling the effect of the two ionization mechanisms governing plasma formation: multiphoton ionization (MPI) and electron avalanche ionization (EAI). An UV nanosecond pulse (lambda = 266 nm) is used to generate initial ionization through MPI. This is followed by an overlapped NIR nanosecond pulse (lambda = 1064 nm) that adds energy into the pre-ionized mixture into a controlled manner until the gas temperature is suitable for combustion (T=2000-3000 K). This technique is demonstrated by attempting ignition of various mixtures of propane-air and it is shown to have distinct advantages when compared to the classical approach: lower ignition energy for given stoichiometry than conventional laser ignition ( 20% lower), extension of the lean limit ( 15% leaner) and improvement in combustion efficiency. Moreover, it is demonstrated that careful alignment of the two pulses influences the fluid dynamics of the early flame kernel growth. This finding has a number of implications for practical uses as it demonstrates that the flame kernel dynamics can be tailored using various combinations of laser pulses and opens the door for implementing such a technique to applications such as: flame holding and flame stabilization in high speed flow combustors (such as ramjet and scramjet engines), reducing flame stretching in highly turbulent combustion devices and increasing combustion efficiency for stationary natural gas engines. As such, the work presented in this dissertation should be of interest to a broad audience including those interested in combustion research, engine operation, chemically reacting flows, plasma dynamics and laser diagnostics.

Static deflection control of flexible beams by piezo-electric actuators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baz, A. M.

1986-01-01

This study deals with the utilization of piezo-electric actuators in controlling the static deformation of flexible beams. An optimum design procedure is presented to enable the selection of the optimal location, thickness and excitation voltage of the piezo-electric actuators in a way that would minimize the deflection of the beam to which these actuators are bonded. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the application of the developed optimization procedure in minimizing the structural deformation of beams of different materials when subjected to different loading and end conditions using ceramic or polymeric piezo-electric actuators. The results obtained emphasize the importance of the devised rational procedure in designing beam-actuator systems with minimal elastic distortions.

Size-dependent piezoelectric energy-harvesting analysis of micro/nano bridges subjected to random ambient excitations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Radgolchin, Moeen; Moeenfard, Hamid

2018-02-01

The construction of self-powered micro-electro-mechanical units by converting the mechanical energy of the systems into electrical power has attracted much attention in recent years. While power harvesting from deterministic external excitations is state of the art, it has been much more difficult to derive mathematical models for scavenging electrical energy from ambient random vibrations, due to the stochastic nature of the excitations. The current research concerns analytical modeling of micro-bridge energy harvesters based on random vibration theory. Since classical elasticity fails to accurately predict the mechanical behavior of micro-structures, strain gradient theory is employed as a powerful tool to increase the accuracy of the random vibration modeling of the micro-harvester. Equations of motion of the system in the time domain are derived using the Lagrange approach. These are then utilized to determine the frequency and impulse responses of the structure. Assuming the energy harvester to be subjected to a combination of broadband and limited-band random support motion and transverse loading, closed-form expressions for mean, mean square, correlation and spectral density of the output power are derived. The suggested formulation is further exploited to investigate the effect of the different design parameters, including the geometric properties of the structure as well as the properties of the electrical circuit on the resulting power. Furthermore, the effect of length scale parameters on the harvested energy is investigated in detail. It is observed that the predictions of classical and even simple size-dependent theories (such as couple stress) appreciably differ from the findings of strain gradient theory on the basis of random vibration. This study presents a first-time modeling of micro-scale harvesters under stochastic excitations using a size-dependent approach and can be considered as a reliable foundation for future research in the field of micro/nano harvesters subjected to non-deterministic loads.

Modeling the response of small myelinated axons in a compound nerve to kilohertz frequency signals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pelot, N. A.; Behrend, C. E.; Grill, W. M.

2017-08-01

Objective. There is growing interest in electrical neuromodulation of peripheral nerves, particularly autonomic nerves, to treat various diseases. Electrical signals in the kilohertz frequency (KHF) range can produce different responses, including conduction block. For example, EnteroMedics’ vBloc® therapy for obesity delivers 5 kHz stimulation to block the abdominal vagus nerves, but the mechanisms of action are unclear. Approach. We developed a two-part computational model, coupling a 3D finite element model of a cuff electrode around the human abdominal vagus nerve with biophysically-realistic electrical circuit equivalent (cable) model axons (1, 2, and 5.7 µm in diameter). We developed an automated algorithm to classify conduction responses as subthreshold (transmission), KHF-evoked activity (excitation), or block. We quantified neural responses across kilohertz frequencies (5-20 kHz), amplitudes (1-8 mA), and electrode designs. Main results. We found heterogeneous conduction responses across the modeled nerve trunk, both for a given parameter set and across parameter sets, although most suprathreshold responses were excitation, rather than block. The firing patterns were irregular near transmission and block boundaries, but otherwise regular, and mean firing rates varied with electrode-fibre distance. Further, we identified excitation responses at amplitudes above block threshold, termed ‘re-excitation’, arising from action potentials initiated at virtual cathodes. Excitation and block thresholds decreased with smaller electrode-fibre distances, larger fibre diameters, and lower kilohertz frequencies. A point source model predicted a larger fraction of blocked fibres and greater change of threshold with distance as compared to the realistic cuff and nerve model. Significance. Our findings of widespread asynchronous KHF-evoked activity suggest that conduction block in the abdominal vagus nerves is unlikely with current clinical parameters. Our results indicate that compound neural or downstream muscle force recordings may be unreliable as quantitative measures of neural activity for in vivo studies or as biomarkers in closed-loop clinical devices.

Properties of excited states in organic light emitting diodes and lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giebink, Noel C.

The field of organic semiconductors has grown rapidly over the past decade with the development of light emitting diodes, solar cells, and lasers that promise a new generation of low-cost, flexible optoelectronic devices. In each case, the behavior of molecular excited states, or excitons, is of fundamental importance. The present study explores the nature and interactions of such excited states in the attempt to develop an electrically pumped organic semiconductor laser, and to improve the performance and operational stability of organic light emitting diodes. We begin by investigating intrinsic loss processes in optically pumped organic semiconductor lasers and demonstrate that exciton annihilation implies a fundamental limit that will prevent lasing by electrical injection in currently known materials. Searching for an alternative approach to reach threshold leads us to study metastable geminate charge pairs, where we find that optically generated excitons can be accumulated over time in an external electric field via these intermediate states. Upon field turn-off, the excitons are immediately restored, leading to a sudden burst of excitation density over 30 times higher than that generated by the pump alone. Unfortunately, we identify limitations that have thus far prevented reaching laser threshold with this technique. In a parallel push toward high power density, we investigate the origins of quantum efficiency roll-off in organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) and find that it is dominated by loss of charge balance in the majority of fluorescent and phosphorescent devices. The second major theme of this work involves understanding the intrinsic modes of OLED operational degradation. Based on extensive modeling and supported directly by experimental evidence, we identify exciton-charge carrier annihilation reactions as a principle degradation pathway. Exploiting the diffusion of triplet excitons, we show that fluorescence and phosphorescence can be combined to increase the operational lifetime of white OLEDs and still retain the potential for unity internal quantum efficiency.

The Development of a Two-Dimensional Multielectrode Array for Visual Perception Research in the Mammalian Brain.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-12-01

primary and secondary visual cortex or in the secondary visual cortex itself. When the secondary visual cortex is electrically stimulated , the subject...effect enhances their excitability, which reduces the additional stimulation ( electrical or chemical) required to elicit an action potential. These...and the peripheral area with rods. The rods have a very low light intensity threshold and provide stimulation to optic nerve fibers for low light

Giga-Hertz Electromagnetic Wave Science and Devices for Advanced Battlefield Communications

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-12-15

Yeal Song, Lei Lu , Zihui Wang, Yiyan Sun, and Joshua Bevivino, Seminar in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, the University of...Celinski, “Spin wave resonance excitation in ferromagnetic films using planar waveguide structures”, J. Appl. Phys. 108, 023907 (2010) 6. Zihui ...Young-Yeal Song, Yiyan Sun, Lei Lu , Joshua Bevivino, and Mingzhong Wu, Appl. Phys. Lett. 97, 173502 (2010). 12. “Electric-field control of ferromagnetic

Charge-transfer excited state in pyrene-1-carboxylic acids adsorbed on titanium dioxide nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krawczyk, S.; Nawrocka, A.; Zdyb, A.

2018-06-01

The electronic structure of excited photosensitizer adsorbed at the surface of a solid is the key factor in the electron transfer processes that underlie the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells and photocatalysts. In this work, Stark effect (electroabsorption) spectroscopy has been used to measure the polarizability and dipole moment changes in electronic transitions of pyrene-1-carboxylic (PCA), -acetic (PAA) and -butyric (PBA) acids in ethanol, both free and adsorbed on colloidal TiO2, in glassy ethanol at low temperature. The lack of appreciable increase of dipole moment in the excited state of free and adsorbed PAA and PBA points that two or more single bonds completely prevent the expansion of π-electrons from the aromatic ring towards the carboxylic group, thus excluding the possibility of direct electron injection into TiO2. In free PCA, the pyrene's forbidden S0 → S1 transition has increased intensity, exhibits a long progression in 1400 cm-1 Ag mode and is associated with |Δμ| of 2 D. Adsorption of PCA on TiO2 causes a broadening and red shift of the S0 → S1 absorption band and an increase in dipole moment change on electronic excitation to |Δμ| = 6.5 D. This value increased further to about 15 D when the content of acetic acid in the colloid was changed from 0.2% to 2%, and this effect is ascribed to the surface electric field. The large increase of |Δμ| points that the electric field effect can not only change the energetics of electron transfer from the excited sensitizer into the solid, but can also shift the molecular electronic density, thus directly influencing the electronic coupling factor relevant for electron transfer at the molecule-solid interface.

Two-path plasmonic interferometer with integrated detector

DOEpatents

Dyer, Gregory Conrad; Shaner, Eric A.; Aizin, Gregory

2016-03-29

An electrically tunable terahertz two-path plasmonic interferometer with an integrated detection element can down convert a terahertz field to a rectified DC signal. The integrated detector utilizes a resonant plasmonic homodyne mixing mechanism that measures the component of the plasma waves in-phase with an excitation field that functions as the local oscillator in the mixer. The plasmonic interferometer comprises two independently tuned electrical paths. The plasmonic interferometer enables a spectrometer-on-a-chip where the tuning of electrical path length plays an analogous role to that of physical path length in macroscopic Fourier transform interferometers.

Light localization and SERS in tip-shaped silicon metasurface.

PubMed

Lagarkov, Andrey; Boginskaya, Irina; Bykov, Igor; Budashov, Igor; Ivanov, Andrey; Kurochkin, Ilya; Ryzhikov, Ilya; Rodionov, Ilya; Sedova, Marina; Zverev, Alexander; Sarychev, Andrey K

2017-07-24

Optical properties of two dimensional periodic system of the silicon micro-cones are investigated. The metasurface, composed of the silicon tips, shows enhancement of the local optical field. Finite element computer simulations as well as real experiment reveal anomalous optical response of the dielectric metasurface due to excitation of the dielectric resonances. Various electromagnetic resonances are considered in the dielectric cone. The metal-dielectric resonances, which are excited between metal nanoparticles and dielectric cones, are also considered. The resonance local electric field can be much larger than the field in the usual surface plasmon resonances. To investigate local electric field the signal molecules are deposited on the metal nanoparticles. We demonstrate enhancement of the electromagnetic field and Raman signal from the complex of DTNB acid molecules and gold nanoparticles, which are distributed over the metasurface. The metasurfaces composed from the dielectric resonators can have quasi-continuous spectrum and serve as an efficient SERS substrates.

Dynamical multiferroicity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Juraschek, Dominik M.; Fechner, Michael; Balatsky, Alexander V.; Spaldin, Nicola A.

2017-06-01

An appealing mechanism for inducing multiferroicity in materials is the generation of electric polarization by a spatially varying magnetization that is coupled to the lattice through the spin-orbit interaction. Here we describe the reciprocal effect, in which a time-dependent electric polarization induces magnetization even in materials with no existing spin structure. We develop a formalism for this dynamical multiferroic effect in the case for which the polarization derives from optical phonons, and compute the strength of the phonon Zeeman effect, which is the solid-state equivalent of the well-established vibrational Zeeman effect in molecules, using density functional theory. We further show that a recently observed behavior—the resonant excitation of a magnon by optically driven phonons—is described by the formalism. Finally, we discuss examples of scenarios that are not driven by lattice dynamics and interpret the excitation of Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya-type electromagnons and the inverse Faraday effect from the viewpoint of dynamical multiferroicity.

Comparisons between designs for single-sided linear electric motors: Homopolar synchronous and induction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nondahl, T. A.; Richter, E.

1980-09-01

A design study of two types of single sided (with a passive rail) linear electric machine designs, namely homopolar linear synchronous machines (LSM's) and linear induction machines (LIM's), is described. It is assumed the machines provide tractive effort for several types of light rail vehicles and locomotives. These vehicles are wheel supported and require tractive powers ranging from 200 kW to 3735 kW and top speeds ranging from 112 km/hr to 400 km/hr. All designs are made according to specified magnetic and thermal criteria. The LSM advantages are a higher power factor, much greater restoring forces for track misalignments, and less track heating. The LIM advantages are no need to synchronize the excitation frequency precisely to vehicle speed, simpler machine construction, and a more easily anchored track structure. The relative weights of the two machine types vary with excitation frequency and speed; low frequencies and low speeds favor the LSM.

Spectroscopy of Charged Quantum Dot Molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stinaff, E. A.; Scheibner, M.; Bracker, A. S.; Ponomarev, I. V.; Ware, M. E.; Doty, M. F.; Reinecke, T. L.; Gammon, D.; Korenev, V. L.

2006-03-01

Spins of single charges in quantum dots are attractive for many quantum information and spintronic proposals. Scalable quantum information applications require the ability to entangle and operate on multiple spins in coupled quantum dots (CQDs). To further the understanding of these systems, we present detailed spectroscopic studies of InAs CQDs with control of the discrete electron or hole charging of the system. The optical spectrum reveals a pattern of energy anticrossings and crossings in the photoluminescence as a function of applied electric field. These features can be understood as a superposition of charge and spin configurations of the two dots and represent clear signatures of quantum mechanical coupling. The molecular resonance leading to these anticrossings is achieved at different electric fields for the optically excited (trion) states and the ground (hole) states allowing for the possibility of using the excited states for optically induced coupling of the qubits.

[The cholinergic non-excitability phenomenon in the atrial myocardium of lower vertebrates].

PubMed

Abramochkin, D V; Kuz'min, V S; Sukhova, G S; Rozenshtraukh, L V

2009-06-01

Changes of electric activity induced by acetylcholine were studied in atrial myocardium of fishes (cod and carp) and reptilians (lizard and grass-snake). Standart microelectrode technique and novel method of optical mapping were used in the study. Acetylcholine (1-50 microM) provoked decrease of the action potential amplitude down to full inhibition of electrical activity in wide regions of atrium of cod and carp. We define this phenomenon as cholinergic inexcitability. In other regions excitation persisted even during action of 500 microM acetylcholine. In atria of lizard and grass-snake acetylcholine caused shortening of action potential without changes in it's amplitude. Local cholinergic inexcitability, shown in the atrial myocardium of fishes, is quite similar to the phenomenon, that was described earlier in the atria of frogs. It presents the heart of fish as an interesting model for study of mechanisms of cholinergic atrial arrhythmias initiation.

The Buzz About Anabolic Androgenic Steroids: Electrophysiological Effects in Excitable Tissues

PubMed Central

Oberlander, Joseph G.; Penatti, Carlos A. A.; Porter, Donna M.; Henderson, Leslie P.

2012-01-01

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) comprise a large and growing class of synthetic androgens used clinically to promote tissue-building in individuals suffering from genetic disorders, injuries and diseases. Despite these beneficial therapeutic applications, the predominant use of AAS is illicit: these steroids are self-administered to promote athletic performance and body image. Hand in hand with the desired anabolic actions of the AAS are untoward effects on the brain and behavior. While the signaling routes by which the AAS impose both beneficial and harmful actions may be quite diverse, key endpoints are likely to include ligand-gated and voltage-dependent ion channels that govern the activity of electrically excitable tissues. Here we review the known effects of AAS on molecular targets that play critical roles in controlling electrical activity, with a specific focus on the effects of AAS on neurotransmission mediated by GABAA receptors in the central nervous system (CNS). PMID:22576754

Photoconductive circuit element reflectometer

DOEpatents

Rauscher, Christen

1990-01-01

A photoconductive reflectometer for characterizing semiconductor devices at millimeter wavelength frequencies where a first photoconductive circuit element (PCE) is biased by a direct current voltage source and produces short electrical pulses when excited into conductance by short first laser light pulses. The electrical pulses are electronically conditioned to improve the frequency related amplitude characteristics of the pulses which thereafter propagate along a transmission line to a device under test. Second PCEs are connected along the transmission line to sample the signals on the transmission line when excited into conductance by short second laser light pulses, spaced apart in time a variable period from the first laser light pulses. Electronic filters connected to each of the second PCEs act as low-pass filters and remove parasitic interference from the sampled signals and output the sampled signals in the form of slowed-motion images of the signals on the transmission line.

Photoconductive circuit element reflectometer

DOEpatents

Rauscher, C.

1987-12-07

A photoconductive reflectometer for characterizing semiconductor devices at millimeter wavelength frequencies where a first photoconductive circuit element (PCE) is biased by a direct current voltage source and produces short electrical pulses when excited into conductance by short first laser light pulses. The electrical pulses are electronically conditioned to improve the frequency related amplitude characteristics of the pulses which thereafter propagate along a transmission line to a device under test. Second PCEs are connected along the transmission line to sample the signals on the transmission line when excited into conductance by short second laser light pulses, spaced apart in time a determinable period from the first laser light pulses. Electronic filters connected to each of the second PCEs act as low-pass filters and remove parasitic interference from the sampled signals and output the sampled signals in the form of slowed-motion images of the signals on the transmission line. 4 figs.

A nonequilibrium model for a moderate pressure hydrogen microwave discharge plasma

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scott, Carl D.

1993-01-01

This document describes a simple nonequilibrium energy exchange and chemical reaction model to be used in a computational fluid dynamics calculation for a hydrogen plasma excited by microwaves. The model takes into account the exchange between the electrons and excited states of molecular and atomic hydrogen. Specifically, electron-translation, electron-vibration, translation-vibration, ionization, and dissociation are included. The model assumes three temperatures, translational/rotational, vibrational, and electron, each describing a Boltzmann distribution for its respective energy mode. The energy from the microwave source is coupled to the energy equation via a source term that depends on an effective electric field which must be calculated outside the present model. This electric field must be found by coupling the results of the fluid dynamics and kinetics solution with a solution to Maxwell's equations that includes the effects of the plasma permittivity. The solution to Maxwell's equations is not within the scope of this present paper.

Bacterial voltage-gated sodium channels (BacNaVs) from the soil, sea, and salt lakes enlighten molecular mechanisms of electrical signaling and pharmacology in the brain and heart

PubMed Central

Payandeh, Jian; Minor, Daniel L.

2014-01-01

Voltage-gated sodium channels (NaVs) provide the initial electrical signal that drives action potential generation in many excitable cells of the brain, heart, and nervous system. For more than 60 years, functional studies of NaVs have occupied a central place in physiological and biophysical investigation of the molecular basis of excitability. Recently, structural studies of members of a large family of bacterial voltage-gated sodium channels (BacNaVs) prevalent in soil, marine, and salt lake environments that bear many of the core features of eukaryotic NaVs have reframed ideas for voltage-gated channel function, ion selectivity, and pharmacology. Here, we analyze the recent advances, unanswered questions, and potential of BacNaVs as templates for drug development efforts. PMID:25158094

Dynamical current-induced ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic resonances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guimarães, F. S. M.; Lounis, S.; Costa, A. T.; Muniz, R. B.

2015-12-01

We demonstrate that ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic excitations can be triggered by the dynamical spin accumulations induced by the bulk and surface contributions of the spin Hall effect. Due to the spin-orbit interaction, a time-dependent spin density is generated by an oscillatory electric field applied parallel to the atomic planes of Fe/W(110) multilayers. For symmetric trilayers of Fe/W/Fe in which the Fe layers are ferromagnetically coupled, we demonstrate that only the collective out-of-phase precession mode is excited, while the uniform (in-phase) mode remains silent. When they are antiferromagnetically coupled, the oscillatory electric field sets the Fe magnetizations into elliptical precession motions with opposite angular velocities. The manipulation of different collective spin-wave dynamical modes through the engineering of the multilayers and their thicknesses may be used to develop ultrafast spintronics devices. Our work provides a general framework that probes the realistic responses of materials in the time or frequency domain.

[Transcutaneous electrical nervous stimulation in the prognosis of Bell's palsy].

PubMed

Sabag-Ruiz, Enrique; Osuna-Bernal, Janeth; Brito-Zurita, Olga Rosa; Gómez-Alcalá, Alejandro Vidal; Ornelas-Aguirre, José Manuel

2009-01-01

The peripheral face palsy (PFP) is the commonest acute cranial neuropathy. The PFP has a showy clinical pattern which contrasts with a favorable course. Our objective was to determine the sensitivity and specificity for the nervous excitability test (NET) with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and the time required to obtain face symmetry. An analytical cross-sectional study was made in 22 patients with PFP. The goal was the time (days) to obtain face symmetry. The sensitivity and specificity was carried out. A sensitivity and specificity of the NET was of 100 %. The correlation corrected by sex and age between both variables was 0.89. The average in days of recovery was smaller in those with a positive NET (p < 0.05) test. The test of nervous excitability for PFP with TENS is safe and simple to use in primary care and urgencies services.

Benchmarking Atomic Data for Astrophysics: Be-like Ions between B II and Ne VII

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Kai; Chen, Zhan Bin; Zhang, Chun Yu; Si, Ran; Jönsson, Per; Hartman, Henrik; Gu, Ming Feng; Chen, Chong Yang; Yan, Jun

2018-02-01

Large-scale self-consistent multiconfiguration Dirac–Hartree–Fock and relativistic configuration interaction calculations are reported for the n≤slant 6 levels in Be-like ions from B II to Ne VII. Effects from electron correlation are taken into account by means of large expansions in terms of a basis of configuration state functions, and a complete and accurate data set of excitation energies; lifetimes; wavelengths; electric dipole, magnetic dipole, electric quadrupole, and magnetic quadrupole line strengths; transition rates; and oscillator strengths for these levels is provided for each ion. Comparisons are made with available experimental and theoretical results. The uncertainty of excitation energies is assessed to be 0.01% on average, which makes it possible to find and rule out misidentifications and aid new line identifications involving high-lying levels in astrophysical spectra. The complete data set is also useful for modeling and diagnosing astrophysical plasmas.

Infrared light excites cells by changing their electrical capacitance

PubMed Central

Shapiro, Mikhail G.; Homma, Kazuaki; Villarreal, Sebastian; Richter, Claus-Peter; Bezanilla, Francisco

2012-01-01

Optical stimulation has enabled important advances in the study of brain function and other biological processes, and holds promise for medical applications ranging from hearing restoration to cardiac pace making. In particular, pulsed laser stimulation using infrared wavelengths >1.5 μm has therapeutic potential based on its ability to directly stimulate nerves and muscles without any genetic or chemical pre-treatment. However, the mechanism of infrared stimulation has been a mystery, hindering its path to the clinic. Here we show that infrared light excites cells through a novel, highly general electrostatic mechanism. Infrared pulses are absorbed by water, producing a rapid local increase in temperature. This heating reversibly alters the electrical capacitance of the plasma membrane, depolarizing the target cell. This mechanism is fully reversible and requires only the most basic properties of cell membranes. Our findings underscore the generality of pulsed infrared stimulation and its medical potential. PMID:22415827

Laser-excited pulses in a crystallized dusty plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nosenko, V.; Nunomura, S.; Goree, J.

2000-10-01

A dusty plasma is an ionized gas containing small particles of solid matter. These particles acquire a large negative electric charge. Polymer microspheres were shaken into a capacitively-coupled parallel-plate rf plasma. The particles were levitated by the electric field in the sheath above the lower electrode. The particles settled in a single horizontal layer, arranged in a hexagonal lattice. They were imaged using a video camera, to record the particle motion. Like any crystal, this so-called ``plasma crystal'' sustains compressional sound waves, which can be launched as a pulse. There are several ways these waves can be excited, including applying a force from the radiation pressure of a laser beam. By chopping an argon laser beam that is directed at the lattice, it is possible to launch a pulsed wave in the lattice. We evaluate the pulse's shape and propagation speed, and test whether it has the properties of a shock.

1.54 micron Emission from Erbium implanted GaN for Photonic Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thaik, Myo; Hommerich, U.; Schwartz, R. N.; Wilson, R. G.; Zavada, J. M.

1998-01-01

The development of efficient and compact light sources operating at 1.54 micron is of enormous importance for the advancement of new optical communication systems. Erbium (1%) doped fiber amplifiers (EDFA's) or semiconductor lasers are currently being employed as near infrared light sources. Both devices, however, have inherent limitations due to their mode of operation. EDFA's employ an elaborate optical pumping scheme, whereas diode lasers have a strongly temperature dependent lasing wavelength. Novel light emitters based on erbium doped III-V semiconductors could overcome these limitations. Er doped semiconductors combine the convenience of electrical excitation with the excellent luminescence properties of Er(3+) ions. Electrically pumped, compact, and temperature stable optoelectronic devices are envisioned from this new class of luminescent materials. In this paper we discuss the potential of Er doped GaN for optoelectronic applications based on temperature dependent photoluminescence excitation studies.

Visual images in Luigi Galvani's path to animal electricity.

PubMed

Piccolino, Marco

2008-01-01

The scientific endeavor that led Luigi Galvani to his hypothesis of "animal electricity," i.e., of an electricity present in a condition of disequilibrium between the interior and the exterior of excitable animal fibers, is reviewed here with particular emphasis to the role played by visual images in Galvani's path of discovery. In 1791 Galvani formulated his model of neuromuscular physiology on the base of the image of a muscle and a nerve fiber together as in a "minute animal Leyden jar." This was the last instance of a series of physical models that accompanied Galvani's experimental efforts in the search of a theory capable of accounting for the electric nature of nerve conduction in spite of the many objections formulated in the eighteenth century against a possible role of electricity in animal physiology.

PLZT capacitor and method to increase the dielectric constant

DOEpatents

Taylor, Ralph S.; Fairchild, Manuel Ray; Balachjandran, Uthamalingam; Lee, Tae H.

2017-12-12

A ceramic-capacitor includes a first electrically-conductive-layer, a second electrically-conductive-layer arranged proximate to the first electrically-conductive-layer, and a dielectric-layer interposed between the first electrically-conductive-layer and the second electrically-conductive-layer. The dielectric-layer is formed of a lead-lanthanum-zirconium-titanate material (PLZT), wherein the PLZT is characterized by a dielectric-constant greater than 125, when measured at 25 degrees Celsius and zero Volts bias, and an excitation frequency of ten-thousand Hertz (10 kHz). A method for increasing a dielectric constant of the lead-lanthanum-zirconium-titanate material (PLZT) includes the steps of depositing PLZT to form a dielectric-layer of a ceramic-capacitor, and heating the ceramic-capacitor to a temperature not greater than 300.degree. C.

Structural contributions to fibrillatory rotors in a patient-derived computational model of the atria

PubMed Central

Gonzales, Matthew J.; Vincent, Kevin P.; Rappel, Wouter-Jan; Narayan, Sanjiv M.; McCulloch, Andrew D.

2014-01-01

Aims The aim of this study was to investigate structural contributions to the maintenance of rotors in human atrial fibrillation (AF) and possible mechanisms of termination. Methods and results A three-dimensional human biatrial finite element model based on patient-derived computed tomography and arrhythmia observed at electrophysiology study was used to study AF. With normal physiological electrical conductivity and effective refractory periods (ERPs), wave break failed to sustain reentrant activity or electrical rotors. With depressed excitability, decreased conduction anisotropy, and shorter ERP characteristic of AF, reentrant rotors were readily maintained. Rotors were transiently or permanently trapped by fibre discontinuities on the lateral wall of the right atrium near the tricuspid valve orifice and adjacent to the crista terminalis, both known sites of right atrial arrhythmias. Modelling inexcitable regions near the rotor tip to simulate fibrosis anchored the rotors, converting the arrhythmia to macro-reentry. Accordingly, increasing the spatial core of inexcitable tissue decreased the frequency of rotation, widened the excitable gap, and enabled an external wave to impinge on the rotor core and displace the source. Conclusion These model findings highlight the importance of structural features in rotor dynamics and suggest that regions of fibrosis may anchor fibrillatory rotors. Increasing extent of fibrosis and scar may eventually convert fibrillation to excitable gap reentry. Such macro-reentry can then be eliminated by extending the obstacle or by external stimuli that penetrate the excitable gap. PMID:25362167

Dendritic Kv3.3 potassium channels in cerebellar purkinje cells regulate generation and spatial dynamics of dendritic Ca2+ spikes.

PubMed

Zagha, Edward; Manita, Satoshi; Ross, William N; Rudy, Bernardo

2010-06-01

Purkinje cell dendrites are excitable structures with intrinsic and synaptic conductances contributing to the generation and propagation of electrical activity. Voltage-gated potassium channel subunit Kv3.3 is expressed in the distal dendrites of Purkinje cells. However, the functional relevance of this dendritic distribution is not understood. Moreover, mutations in Kv3.3 cause movement disorders in mice and cerebellar atrophy and ataxia in humans, emphasizing the importance of understanding the role of these channels. In this study, we explore functional implications of this dendritic channel expression and compare Purkinje cell dendritic excitability in wild-type and Kv3.3 knockout mice. We demonstrate enhanced excitability of Purkinje cell dendrites in Kv3.3 knockout mice, despite normal resting membrane properties. Combined data from local application pharmacology, voltage clamp analysis of ionic currents, and assessment of dendritic Ca(2+) spike threshold in Purkinje cells suggest a role for Kv3.3 channels in opposing Ca(2+) spike initiation. To study the physiological relevance of altered dendritic excitability, we measured [Ca(2+)](i) changes throughout the dendritic tree in response to climbing fiber activation. Ca(2+) signals were specifically enhanced in distal dendrites of Kv3.3 knockout Purkinje cells, suggesting a role for dendritic Kv3.3 channels in regulating propagation of electrical activity and Ca(2+) influx in distal dendrites. These findings characterize unique roles of Kv3.3 channels in dendrites, with implications for synaptic integration, plasticity, and human disease.

Band Excitation Kelvin probe force microscopy utilizing photothermal excitation

DOE PAGES

Collins, Liam; Jesse, Stephen; Balke, Nina; ...

2015-03-13

A multifrequency open loop Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) approach utilizing photothermal as opposed to electrical excitation is developed. Photothermal band excitation (PthBE)-KPFM is implemented here in a grid mode on a model test sample comprising a metal-insulator junction with local charge-patterned regions. Unlike the previously described open loop BE-KPFM, which relies on capacitive actuation of the cantilever, photothermal actuation is shown to be highly sensitive to the electrostatic force gradient even at biases close to the contact potential difference (CPD). PthBE-KPFM is further shown to provide a more localized measurement of true CPD in comparison to the gold standardmore » ambient KPFM approach, amplitude modulated KPFM. In conclusion, PthBE-KPFM data contain information relating to local dielectric properties and electronic dissipation between tip and sample unattainable using conventional single frequency KPFM approaches.« less

Vibration Analysis of Composite Laminate Plate Excited by Piezoelectric Actuators

PubMed Central

Her, Shiuh-Chuan; Lin, Chi-Sheng

2013-01-01

Piezoelectric materials can be used as actuators for the active vibration control of smart structural systems. In this work, piezoelectric patches are surface bonded to a composite laminate plate and used as vibration actuators. A static analysis based on the piezoelectricity and elasticity is conducted to evaluate the loads induced by the piezoelectric actuators to the host structure. The loads are then employed to develop the vibration response of a simply supported laminate rectangular plate excited by piezoelectric patches subjected to time harmonic voltages. An analytical solution of the vibration response of a simply supported laminate rectangular plate under time harmonic electrical loading is obtained and compared with finite element results to validate the present approach. The effects of location and exciting frequency of piezoelectric actuators on the vibration response of the laminate plate are investigated through a parametric study. Numerical results show that modes can be selectively excited, leading to structural vibration control. PMID:23529121

Artificial excitation of ELF waves with frequency of Schumann resonance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Streltsov, A. V.; Guido, T.; Tulegenov, B.; Labenski, J.; Chang, C.-L.

2014-11-01

We report results from the experiment aimed at the artificial excitation of extremely low-frequency (ELF) electromagnetic waves with frequencies corresponding to the frequency of Schumann resonance. Electromagnetic waves with these frequencies can form a standing pattern inside the spherical cavity formed by the surface of the Earth and the ionosphere. In the experiment the ELF waves were excited by heating the ionosphere with X-mode HF electromagnetic waves generated at the High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) facility in Alaska. The experiment demonstrates that heating of the ionosphere can excite relatively large-amplitude electromagnetic waves with frequencies in the range 7.8-8.0 Hz when the ionosphere has a strong F layer, the frequency of the HF radiation is in the range 3.20-4.57 MHz, and the electric field greater than 5 mV/m is present in the ionosphere.

High-resolution two-photon spectroscopy of a 5 p56 p ←5 p6 transition of xenon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Altiere, Emily; Miller, Eric R.; Hayamizu, Tomohiro; Jones, David J.; Madison, Kirk W.; Momose, Takamasa

2018-01-01

We report high-resolution Doppler-free two-photon excitation spectroscopy of Xe from the ground state to the 5 p5(P 3 /2 2 ) 6 p [3 /2 ] 2 2 electronic excited state. This is a first step to developing a comagnetometer using polarized 129Xe atoms for planned neutron electric dipole moment measurements at TRIUMF. Narrow linewidth radiation at 252.5 nm produced by a continuous wave laser was built up in an optical cavity to excite the two-photon transition, and the near-infrared emission from the 5 p56 p excited state to the 5 p56 s intermediate electronic state was used to detect the two-photon transition. Hyperfine constants and isotope shift parameters were evaluated and compared with previously reported values. In addition, the detected photon count rate was estimated from the observed intensities.

Dynamic generation of spin-wave currents in hybrid structures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lyapilin, I. I.; Okorokov, M. S., E-mail: Okorokovmike@gmail.com

2016-11-15

Spin transport through the interface in a semiconductor/ferromagnetic insulator hybrid structure is studied by the nonequilibrium statistical operator method under conditions of the spin Seebeck effect. The effective parameter approach in which each examined subsystem (conduction electrons, magnons, phonons) is characterized by its specific effective temperature is considered. The effect of the resonant (electric dipole) excitation of the spin electronic subsystem of conduction electrons on spin-wave current excitation in a ferromagnetic insulator is considered. The macroscopic equations describing the spin-wave current caused by both resonant excitation of the spin system of conduction electrons and the presence of a nonuniform temperaturemore » field in the ferromagnetic insulator are derived taking into account both the resonance-diffusion propagation of magnons and their relaxation processes. It is shown that spin-wave current excitation is also of resonant nature under the given conditions.« less

Experimental characterization of the effects induced by passive plasma lens on high brightness electron bunches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marocchino, A.; Anania, M. P.; Bellaveglia, M.; Biagioni, A.; Bini, S.; Bisesto, F.; Brentegani, E.; Chiadroni, E.; Cianchi, A.; Croia, M.; Di Giovenale, D.; Ferrario, M.; Filippi, F.; Giribono, A.; Lollo, V.; Marongiu, M.; Mostacci, A.; Di Pirro, G.; Pompili, R.; Romeo, S.; Rossi, A. R.; Scifo, J.; Shpakov, V.; Vaccarezza, C.; Villa, F.; Zigler, A.

2017-10-01

We report on the experimental characterization of the effect that a passive plasma lens in the overdense regime has on high-brightness bunch quality by means of 6D phase-space analysis. The passive lens is generated by confining hydrogen gas with a capillary tube pre-ionized with a high-voltage discharge. We observed that the optimum condition is retrieved at the end of the overdense regime with almost no effect on bunch brightness. The presence of gas jets, leaking from the hollow capillary end-points, extends the lens effects also outside of the capillary, resulting in longer focusing channels. Experimental results are supported with numerical simulations of the complete accelerator line together with the plasma channel section.

PT-1 Plasmoid Thruster Capable of Multi-Mode Operation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, Robert; Rose, Frank; Eskridge, Richard; Martin, Adam; Alam, Mohammed

2008-01-01

This slide presentation reviews the concept of a Plasmoid Thruster that is capable of operating in several different modes. A plasmoid is a compact plasma structure with an integral magnetic field, that may be categorized according to the relative strength of the poloidal and toroidal magnetic fields. A plasmoid thruster would operate by repetitively producing plasmoids that are accelerated to high velocity. The process is inductive, and the magnetic structure of the plasmoid suppresses thermal and mass losses, and improves detachment of the exhaust. The Drive and Bias circuits, the gas distribution, the pre-ionization stage, and the operation sequence are detailed. The advantages of the Plasmoid thruster and the research and technology required for development of this form of propulsion is reviewed.

Oxygen effects on the performance of XeCl excimer lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeon, S. H.; Soh, B. S.; Kim, Y. P.

2018-03-01

We have investigated the degradation of window transmittance of XeCl excimer laser with oxygen, from which it was analyzed the laser performances such as stability of output energy, pre-ionization voltage, and spatial shift of laser beam. We found that oxygen suppressed the generation of by-products due to the chemical reactions between electrode material and chlorine. The degradation of transmittance ratio of laser window with oxygen improved from 10.4% to 1.4% after 20 million shots compared to without oxygen. Analyzing XPS spectrum for the contaminated window, we have confirmed that W and Cu on window surface were reduced in case of with oxygen, which means oxygen has a role to suppress the contamination on window surface.

Studies of oxygen-helium discharges for use in electric oxygen-iodine lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zimmerman, Joseph William

In recent work, the performance of the Electric Oxygen-Iodine Laser (ElectricOIL), developed in partnership by researchers at the University of Illinois and CU Aerospace, has been greatly improved through systematic study of various components of this new laser technology. One major contribution to the advancement of ElectricOIL technology has been the development of electric discharges capable of producing significant flow rates of the precursor electronically-excited molecular oxygen, O2(a1Delta). O2(a 1Delta) serves as an energy reservoir in the laser system, pumping atomic iodine by near-resonant energy transfer producing gain and laser on the I(2P1/2) → I(2P3/2 ) transition at 1315 nm. Initial experimental work with radio-frequency discharges showed the importance of controlling O-atom flow rates to reduce quenching losses of energy stored in O2(a1Delta), and determined proper selection of the helium diluent ratio and specific power deposition (power per O2 flow rate). Further experimental investigations with transverse capacitive radio-frequency discharges in O2/He/NO mixtures in the pressure range of 1-100 Torr and power range of 0.1-1.2 kW have indicated that O2(a1Delta) production is a strong function of geometry (transverse gap), excitation frequency, and pressure. These parameters along with gas flow mixture dictate the current density at which the discharge operates, and its modal characteristics (normal vs. abnormal, homogeneous vs. inhomogeneous). A key result is that to encourage efficient O2(a1Delta) production these parameters should be selected in order to promote a homogeneous (low current density) discharge. The discharge behavior is characterized using terminal current-voltage-characteristics, microwave interferometer measurements, and plasma emission intensity measurements. Numerous spectroscopic measurements of O2(a1Delta), oxygen atoms, and discharge excited states are made in order to describe the discharge performance dependent on various parameters. The influence of NO on O-atom flow rates and O2(a1Delta) production is investigated. Progress of laser power extraction since initial reports in 2005 is overviewed.

Modeling cardiac action potential shortening driven by oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial oscillations in guinea pig cardiomyocytes.

PubMed

Zhou, Lufang; Cortassa, Sonia; Wei, An-Chi; Aon, Miguel A; Winslow, Raimond L; O'Rourke, Brian

2009-10-07

Ischemia-induced shortening of the cardiac action potential and its heterogeneous recovery upon reperfusion are thought to set the stage for reentrant arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. We have recently reported that the collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)) through a mechanism triggered by reactive oxygen species (ROS), coupled to the opening of sarcolemmal ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels, contributes to electrical dysfunction during ischemia-reperfusion. Here we present a computational model of excitation-contraction coupling linked to mitochondrial bioenergetics that incorporates mitochondrial ROS-induced ROS release with coupling between the mitochondrial energy state and electrical excitability mediated by the sarcolemmal K(ATP) current (I(K,ATP)). Whole-cell model simulations demonstrate that increasing the fraction of oxygen diverted from the respiratory chain to ROS production triggers limit-cycle oscillations of DeltaPsi(m), redox potential, and mitochondrial respiration through the activation of a ROS-sensitive inner membrane anion channel. The periods of transient mitochondrial uncoupling decrease the cytosolic ATP/ADP ratio and activate I(K,ATP), consequently shortening the cellular action potential duration and ultimately suppressing electrical excitability. The model simulates emergent behavior observed in cardiomyocytes subjected to metabolic stress and provides a new tool for examining how alterations in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation will impact the electrophysiological, contractile, and Ca(2+) handling properties of the cardiac cell. Moreover, the model is an important step toward building multiscale models that will permit investigation of the role of spatiotemporal heterogeneity of mitochondrial metabolism in the mechanisms of arrhythmogenesis and contractile dysfunction in cardiac muscle.

Sign Changes in the Electric Dipole Moment of Excited States in Rubidium-Alkaline Earth Diatomic Molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pototschnig, Johann V.; Lackner, Florian; Hauser, Andreas W.; Ernst, Wolfgang E.

2015-06-01

In a recent series of combined experimental and theoretical studies we investigated the ground state and several excited states of the Rb-alkaline earth molecules RbSr and RbCa. The group of alkali-alkaline earth (AK-AKE) molecules has drawn attention for applications in ultracold molecular physics and the measurement of fundamental constants due to their large permanent electric and magnetic dipole moments in the ground state. These properties should allow for an easy manipulation of the molecules and simulations of spin models in optical lattices. In our studies we found that the permanent electric dipole moment points in different directions for certain electronically excited states, and changes the sign in some cases as a function of bond length. We summarize our results, give possible causes for the measured trends in terms of molecular orbital theory and extrapolate the tendencies to other combinations of AK and AKE - elements. F. Lackner, G. Krois, T. Buchsteiner, J. V. Pototschnig, and W. E. Ernst, Phys. Rev. Lett., 2014, 113, 153001; G. Krois, F. Lackner, J. V. Pototschnig, T. Buchsteiner, and W. E. Ernst, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2014, 16, 22373; J. V. Pototschnig, G. Krois, F. Lackner, and W. E. Ernst, J. Chem. Phys., 2014, 141, 234309 J. V. Pototschnig, G. Krois, F. Lackner, and W. E. Ernst, J. Mol. Spectrosc., in Press (2015), doi:10.1016/j.jms.2015.01.006 M. Kajita, G. Gopakumar, M. Abe, and M. Hada, J. Mol. Spectrosc., 2014, 300, 99-107 A. Micheli, G. K. Brennen, and P. Zoller, Nature Physics, 2006, 2, 341-347

Stiffness Corrections for the Vibration Frequency of a Stretched Wire

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hornung, H. G.; Durie, M. J.

1977-01-01

Discusses the need of introducing corrections due to wire stiffness arising from end constraints and wire axis distribution curvature in the measurement of ac electrical frequency by exciting transverse standing waves in a stretched steel wire. (SL)

Dependence the Integrated Energy of the Electromagnetic Response from Excitation Pulse Duration for Epoxy Samples With Sand Filler

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Surzhikov, V. P.; Demikhova, A. A.

2017-01-01

Results of research of influence of the excitation pulse duration on the parameters of the electromagnetic response of epoxy samples with filler the quartz sand presented in the paper. The electric component of a response was registered by the capacitive sensors using a differential amplifier. Measurements were carried out at two frequencies of the master generator of 65 kHz and 74 kHz. The pulse duration was changing from 10 to 100 microseconds. The stepped sort of dependence of the integrated oscillations energy in the response from duration of the excitation pulse was discovered. The conclusion was made about the determining role of the normal oscillations in formation of such dependence.

Possible forerunners of earthquakes in optical range

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malnev, V. N.; Martysh, E. V.; Koshevya, S.; Kotsarenko, A.; Siqueiros Alatorre, J.

2007-05-01

The monitoring of the electrostatic field on the eve of the strong earthquakes detect its ultra-low-frequency perturbations with a period of a few hours (10-4Hz) and a magnitude of the order of 10 V/cm. Usually this field is on the level of one V/cm. The anomalous electric field as a forerunner of the coming earthquake considerably increases a concentration of the metal ions (sodium) in the E-domain at altitudes ~120 km and the electron concentration, as well. In particular, the latter may enlarge by one order comparing with the initial electron concentration in this domain. The typical dimensions of this layer are ~ 100 km in a length and ~ 10 km in a thickness. The perturbations of this electric field form a layer with higher than usual concentration of sodium ions and atoms in the E- ionosphere and the field will heats-up electrons in this layer. Simple evaluations show the electron temperature in this layer in the presence of the seismogenic electric field is approximately about 1000-1300K at altitudes 100-120 km provided that the electric field is ~ 10-3 V/cm. It is important the cross-section of excitation of the nitrogen low vibration levels by electrons at this energy is anomalous and close to 5x10-15cm2. It happens to be that the eighth vibration level of a nitrogen molecule practically coincides with the first excited state of a sodium atom with energy ENa=2.1eV. Thus, the resonant transfer of the vibration energy of excited nitrogen with excitation of a sodium atom takes place practically in every collision. Our evaluation of the sodium doublet intensity due to the above-discussed mechanism from the ionosphere layer, mentioned above, gives 5x10-3erg/cm2s. A comparison of this quantity with the conventional intensity of the sodium doublet from this layer 7x10-4erg/cm2s shows that the suggested mechanism provides the intensity almost by one order larger than the conventional intensity of the sodium doublet. The considerable increasing in the intensity of the sodium doublet in the spectrum of the night ionosphere can be registered by monitoring the night sky over the seismic dangerous regions.

Ultraviolet radiation induced discharge laser

DOEpatents

Gilson, Verle A.; Schriever, Richard L.; Shearer, James W.

1978-01-01

An ultraviolet radiation source associated with a suitable cathode-anode electrode structure, disposed in a gas-filled cavity of a high pressure pulsed laser, such as a transverse electric atmosphere (TEA) laser, to achieve free electron production in the gas by photoelectric interaction between ultraviolet radiation and the cathode prior to the gas-exciting cathode-to-anode electrical discharge, thereby providing volume ionization of the gas. The ultraviolet radiation is produced by a light source or by a spark discharge.