Correlation of spacecraft passive microwave system data with soil moisture indices (API). [great plains corridor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blanchard, B. J.; Mcfarland, M. J.; Theis, S.; Richter, J. G.

1981-01-01

Electrical scanning microwave radiometer brightness temperature, meteorological data, climatological data, and winter wheat crop information were used to estimate that soil moisture content in the Great Plains region. Results over the predominant winter wheat areas indicate that the best potential to infer soil moisture occurs during fall and spring. These periods encompass the growth stages when soil moisture is most important to winter wheat yield. Other significant results are reported.

A review of applications of microwave radiometry to oceanography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilheit, T. T., Jr.

1977-01-01

The emissivity of sea ice and atmospheric precipitation was investigated. Using the above physics, the data from the Electrically Scanning Microwave Radiometers (ESMR's) on the Nimbus-5 and Nimbus-6 satellites operating at wavelengths of 1.55 cm and 8mm, respectively, can be interpreted in terms of rain rate, ice coverage, and first year versus multi-year ice determination. The rain rate data is being used to establish a climatology of rainfall over the oceans. Both ice and rain data sets have been generated for the Global Atmospheric Research Project Data Systems Test.

Polar microwave brightness temperatures from Nimbus-7 SMMR: Time series of daily and monthly maps from 1978 to 1987

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Comiso, Josefino C.; Zwally, H. Jay

1989-01-01

A time series of daily brightness temperature gridded maps (October 25, 1978 through August 15, 1987) were generated from all ten channels of the Nimbus-7 Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer orbital data. This unique data set can be utilized in a wide range of applications including heat flux, ocean circulation, ice edge productivity, and climate studies. Two sets of data in polar stereographic format are created for the Arctic region: one with a grid size of about 30 km on a 293 by 293 array similar to that previously utilized for the Nimbus-5 Electrically Scanning Microwave Radiometer, while the other has a grid size of about 25 km on a 448 by 304 array identical to what is now being used for the DMSP Scanning Multichannel Microwave Imager. Data generated for the Antaractic region are mapped using the 293 by 293 grid only. The general technique for mapping, and a quality assessment of the data set are presented. Monthly and yearly averages are also generated from the daily data and sample geophysical ice images and products derived from the data are given. Contour plots of monthly ice concentrations derived from the data for October 1978 through August 1987 are presented to demonstrate spatial and temporal detail which this data set can offer, and to show potential research applications.

Microwave processed NiMg ferrite: Studies on structural and magnetic properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chandra Babu Naidu, K.; Madhuri, W.

2016-12-01

Ferrites are magnetic semiconductors realizing an important role in electrical and electronic circuits where electrical and magnetic property coupling is required. Though ferrite materials are known for a long time, there is a large scope in the improvement of their properties (vice sintering and frequency dependence of electrical and magnetic properties) with the current technological trends. Forth coming technology is aimed at miniaturization and smart gadgets, electrical components like inductors and transformers cannot be included in integrated circuits. These components are incorporated into the circuit as surface mount devices whose fabrication involves low temperature co-firing of ceramics and microwave monolithic integrated circuits technologies. These technologies demand low temperature sinter-ability of ferrites. This article presents low temperature microwave sintered Ni-Mg ferrites of general chemical formula Ni1-xMgxFe2O4 (x=0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.8, 1) for potential applications as transformer core materials. The series of ferrites are characterized using X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared and vibrating sample magnetometer for investigating structural, morphological and magnetic properties respectively. The initial permeability is studied with magnesium content, temperature and frequency in the temperature range of 308 K-873 K and 42 Hz-5 MHz.

Microwave sintering of nanopowder ZnNb2O6: Densification, microstructure and microwave dielectric properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bafrooei, H. Barzegar; Nassaj, E. Taheri; Hu, C. F.; Huang, Q.; Ebadzadeh, T.

2014-12-01

High density ZnNb2O6 ceramics were successfully fabricated by microwave sintering of ZnO-Nb2O5 and ZnNb2O6 nanopowders. Phase formation, microstructure and microwave electrical properties of the microwave sintered (MS) and microwave reaction sintered (MRS) specimens were examined using X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy and microwave dielectric properties measurement. Specimens were sintered in a temperature range from 950 to 1075 °C for 30 min at an interval of 25 °C using a microwave furnace operated at 2.45 GHz frequency, 3 kW power. XRD pattern revealed the formation of pure columbite phase of ZnNb2O6. The SEM micrographs show grain growth and reduction in porosity of specimens with the increase in sintering temperature. Good combination of microwave dielectric properties (εr~23.6, Qf~64,300 GHz and τf~-66 ppm/°C and εr~24, Qf~75,800 GHz and τf~-64 ppm/°C) was obtained for MS- and MRS-prepared samples at 1000 °C and 1050 °C for 30 min, respectively.

Satellite microwave observations of soil moisture variations. [by the microwave radiometer on the Nimbus 5 satellite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schmugge, T. J.; Rango, A.; Neff, R.

1975-01-01

The electrically scanning microwave radiometer (ESMR) on the Nimbus 5 satellite was used to observe microwave emissions from vegetated and soil surfaces over an Illinois-Indiana study area, the Mississippi Valley, and the Great Salt Lake Desert in Utah. Analysis of microwave brightness temperatures (T sub B) and antecedent rainfall over these areas provided a way to monitor variations of near-surface soil moisture. Because vegetation absorbs microwave emission from the soil at the 1.55 cm wavelength of ESMR, relative soil moisture measurements can only be obtained over bare or sparsely vegetated soil. In general T sub B increased during rainfree periods as evaporation of water and drying of the surface soil occurs, and drops in T sub B are experienced after significant rainfall events wet the soil. Microwave observations from space are limited to coarse resolutions (10-25 km), but it may be possible in regions with sparse vegetation cover to estimate soil moisture conditions on a watershed or agricultural district basis, particularly since daily observations can be obtained.

A hydrological analysis of east Australian floods using Nimbus-5 electrically scanning radiometer data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allison, L. J.; Schmugge, T. J.; Byrne, G.

1979-01-01

The chronological development and diminution of six floods in eastern Australia during January, February, and March 1974 were mapped for the first time by the Nimbus Electrically Scanning Microwave Radiometer (ESMR). Day and nighttime ESMR (19.35 GHz) coverage was analyzed for the low gradient, flooded Darling River system in New South Wales. Apparent movement of surface water as indicated by low brightness temperatures (less than 250 K, day and less than 240 K, night) was easily followed around the curved runoff basin along the northern shoreline of the flooded Darling River during this 3-month period. This pattern was in good agreement with flood crest data at selected river height gage stations, even under cloudy conditions.

ASPECTS OF ARCTIC SEA ICE OBSERVABLE BY SEQUENTIAL PASSIVE MICROWAVE OBSERVATIONS FROM THE NIMBUS-5 SATELLITE.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Campbell, William J.; Gloersen, Per; Zwally, H. Jay; ,

1984-01-01

Observations made from 1972 to 1976 with the Electrically Scanning Microwave Radiometer on board the Nimbus-5 satellite provide sequential synoptic information of the Arctic sea ice cover. This four-year data set was used to construct a fairly continuous series of three-day average 19-GHz passive microwave images which has become a valuable source of polar information, yielding many anticipated and unanticipated discoveries of the sea ice canopy observed in its entirety through the clouds and during the polar night. Short-term, seasonal, and annual variations of key sea ice parameters, such as ice edge position, ice types, mixtures of ice types, ice concentrations, and snow melt on the ice, are presented for various parts of the Arctic.

A multisensor analysis of Nimbus-5 data recorded on 22 January 1973. [measurement of rainfall rates for east coast of the United States

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allison, L. J.; Rodgers, E. B.; Wilheit, T. T.; Wexler, R.

1975-01-01

The Nimbus 5 meteorological satellite has a full complement of radiation sensors. Data from these sensors were analyzed and intercompared for orbits 569 and 570. The electrically-scanning microwave radiometer (19.35-GHz region) delineated rain areas over the ocean off the U.S. east coast, in good agreement with radar imagery, and permitted the estimation of rainfall rates in this region. Residual ground water, from abnormal rainfall in the lower Mississippi Valley, was indicated under clear sky conditions by soil brightness temperature values in the Nimbus 5 electrically scanning microwave radiometer and U.S. Air Force Data Acquisition and Processing Program infrared data. The temperature-humidity infrared radiometer (6.7 micron and 11 micron) showed the height and spatial configuration of frontal clouds along the east coast and outlined the confluence of a polar jet stream with a broad subtropical jet stream along the U.S. Gulf Coast. Temperature profiles from three vertical temperature sounders are found to be in good agreement with related radiosonde ascents along orbit 569 from the subtropics to the Arctic Circle.

Advances in imaging and quantification of electrical properties at the nanoscale using Scanning Microwave Impedance Microscopy (sMIM)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Friedman, Stuart; Stanke, Fred; Yang, Yongliang; Amster, Oskar

Scanning Microwave Impedance Microscopy (sMIM) is a mode for Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) enabling imaging of unique contrast mechanisms and measurement of local permittivity and conductivity at the 10's of nm length scale. sMIM has been applied to a variety of systems including nanotubes, nanowires, 2D materials, photovoltaics and semiconductor devices. Early results were largely semi-quantitative. This talk will focus on techniques for extracting quantitative physical parameters such as permittivity, conductivity, doping concentrations and thin film properties from sMIM data. Particular attention will be paid to non-linear materials where sMIM has been used to acquire nano-scale capacitance-voltage curves. These curves can be used to identify the dopant type (n vs p) and doping level in doped semiconductors, both bulk samples and devices. Supported in part by DOE-SBIR DE-SC0009856.

Advanced microwave radiometer antenna system study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kummer, W. H.; Villeneuve, A. T.; Seaton, A. F.

1976-01-01

The practicability of a multi-frequency antenna for spaceborne microwave radiometers was considered in detail. The program consisted of a comparative study of various antenna systems, both mechanically and electronically scanned, in relation to specified design goals and desired system performance. The study involved several distinct tasks: definition of candidate antennas that are lightweight and that, at the specified frequencies of 5, 10, 18, 22, and 36 GHz, can provide conical scanning, dual linear polarization, and simultaneous multiple frequency operation; examination of various feed systems and phase-shifting techniques; detailed analysis of several key performance parameters such as beam efficiency, sidelobe level, and antenna beam footprint size; and conception of an antenna/feed system that could meet the design goals. Candidate antennas examined include phased arrays, lenses, and optical reflector systems. Mechanical, electrical, and performance characteristics of the various systems were tabulated for ease of comparison.

Estimating the exceedance probability of rain rate by logistic regression

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chiu, Long S.; Kedem, Benjamin

1990-01-01

Recent studies have shown that the fraction of an area with rain intensity above a fixed threshold is highly correlated with the area-averaged rain rate. To estimate the fractional rainy area, a logistic regression model, which estimates the conditional probability that rain rate over an area exceeds a fixed threshold given the values of related covariates, is developed. The problem of dependency in the data in the estimation procedure is bypassed by the method of partial likelihood. Analyses of simulated scanning multichannel microwave radiometer and observed electrically scanning microwave radiometer data during the Global Atlantic Tropical Experiment period show that the use of logistic regression in pixel classification is superior to multiple regression in predicting whether rain rate at each pixel exceeds a given threshold, even in the presence of noisy data. The potential of the logistic regression technique in satellite rain rate estimation is discussed.

International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment, 9th, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich., April 15-19, 1974, Proceedings. Volumes 1, 2 & 3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1974-01-01

The present work gathers together numerous papers describing the use of remote sensing technology for mapping, monitoring, and management of earth resources and man's environment. Studies using various types of sensing equipment are described, including multispectral scanners, radar imagery, spectrometers, lidar, and aerial photography, and both manual and computer-aided data processing techniques are described. Some of the topics covered include: estimation of population density in Tokyo districts from ERTS-1 data, a clustering algorithm for unsupervised crop classification, passive microwave sensing of moist soils, interactive computer processing for land use planning, the use of remote sensing to delineate floodplains, moisture detection from Skylab, scanning thermal plumes, electrically scanning microwave radiometers, oil slick detection by X-band synthetic aperture radar, and the use of space photos for search of oil and gas fields. Individual items are announced in this issue.

Microwave sintering of Ag-nanoparticle thin films on a polyimide substrate

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

Fujii, S., E-mail: fujii.s.ap@m.titech.ac.jp; Department of Information and Communication System Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Okinawa College, Nago, Okinawa 905-2192; Kawamura, S.

2015-12-15

Ag-nanoparticle thin films on a polyimide substrate were subjected to microwave sintering by use of a single-mode waveguide applicator. A two-step sintering process was employed. First, at low conductivities of the film, the film sample was placed at the site of the maximum electric field and subjected to microwave irradiation. Second, when the conductivity of the film increased, the film sample was placed at the site of the maximum magnetic field and again subjected to microwave irradiation. The microwave sintering process was completed within 1.5 min, which is significantly lower than the time required for the oven heating process. Themore » resulting conductivity of the film, albeit only 30% of that of the bulk material, was seven times that of a film annealed at the same temperature in a furnace. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed that the nanoparticles underwent both grain necking and grain growth during microwave sintering. In addition, this sintering process was equivalent to the oven heating process performed at a 50 °C higher annealing temperature. An electromagnetic wave simulation and a heat transfer simulation of the microwave sintering process were performed to gain a thorough understanding of the process.« less

Graphene/Poly(aniline-co-pyrrole) Nanocomposite: Potential Candidate for Supercapacitor and Microwave Absorbing Applications.

PubMed

Sahoo, Sumanta; Bhattacharya, Pallab; Dhibar, Saptarshi; Hatui, Goutam; Das, Tanya; Das, Chapal Kumar

2015-09-01

A simple and cost-effective in-situ chemical route to prepare the nanocomposites based on graphene and Poly(aniline-co-pyrrole) [PPP] has been proposed. Introduction of graphene changes the morphology of copolymer from spherical to fiber like. Graphene/Poly(aniline-co-pyrrole) [GPPP] nanocomposite achieved highest specific capacitance of 351 F/g and energy density of 124.8 Wh/Kg at 10 mV/s scan rate. The composite also obtained moderate specific capacitance retention of 66% after 500 cycles, which establish its potentiality as supercapacitor electrode materials. The composite also exhibited high electrical conductivity and superior microwave absorbing properties (maximum reflection loss is -29.97 dB). The absorption range corresponding to ≥ 90% absorption (or -10 dB) is 2.72 GHz which is excellent for the microwave absorbing applications.

Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Fiber Paper by Active Screen Plasma Nitriding and Its Microwave Heating Properties.

PubMed

Zhu, Naishu; Ma, Shining; Sun, Xiaofeng

2016-12-28

In this paper, active screen plasma nitriding (ASPN) treatment was performed on polyacrylonitrile carbon fiber papers. Electric resistivity and microwave loss factor of carbon fiber were described to establish the relationship between processing parameters and fiber's ability to absorb microwaves. The surface processing effect of carbon fiber could be characterized by dynamic thermal mechanical analyzer testing on composites made of carbon fiber. When the process temperature was at 175 °C, it was conducive to obtaining good performance of dynamical mechanical properties. The treatment provided a way to change microwave heating properties of carbon fiber paper by performing different treatment conditions, such as temperature and time parameters. Atomic force microscope, scanning electron microscope, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis showed that, during the course of ASPN treatment on carbon fiber paper, nitrogen group was introduced and silicon group was removed. The treatment of nitrogen-doped carbon fiber paper represented an alternative promising candidate for microwave curing materials used in repairing and heating technology, furthermore, an efficient dielectric layer material for radar-absorbing structure composite in metamaterial technology.

Multiferroic properties of microwave sintered PbFe12-xO19-δ

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prathap, S.; Madhuri, W.

2017-05-01

The effect of iron deficiency on the structural, electrical, ferroelectric and magnetic properties of nano PbFe12-xO19-δ (where x=0.0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.0) hexaferrites prepared by sol-gel auto combustion and processed by microwaves are investigated. X-ray analysis confirms single phase magneto-plumbite phase formation. The surface morphology is studied from Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope. Further, optical properties are investigated using Fourier Transform Infrared spectra and UV-visible spectra. AC electrical conductivity is estimated as a function of temperature and frequency in the range of room temperature (RT) to 500 °C and 100 Hz to 5MHz. AC electrical conduction analysis shows that conduction is mainly due to small polaron hopping mechanism. The variation of polarization with applied electric field exhibits hysteresis loop confirming the ferroelectric nature. The initial permeability studies with varying temperature reveals that the Curie transition temperature for the present series is around 400 °C. Variation of initial permeability with frequency ranging from 100 to 5 MHz shows a constant value (except for x=0.0) opening avenues for high frequency applications.

Topical cyclone rainfall characteristics as determined from a satellite passive microwave radiometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rodgers, E. B.; Adler, R. F.

1979-01-01

Data from the Nimbus-5 Electrically Scanning Microwave Radiometer (ESMR-5) were used to calculate latent heat release and other rainfall parameters for over 70 satellite observations of 21 tropical cyclones in the tropical North Pacific Ocean. The results indicate that the ESMR-5 measurements can be useful in determining the rainfall characteristics of these storms and appear to be potentially useful in monitoring as well as predicting their intensity. The ESMR-5 derived total tropical cyclone rainfall estimates agree favorably with previous estimates for both the disturbance and typhoon stages. The mean typhoon rainfall rate (1.9 mm h(-1)) is approximately twice that of disturbances (1.1 mm h(-1)).

The principles of radio engineering and antennas. II Antennas (2nd revised and enlarged edition)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belotserkovskii, G. B.

This book represents the second part of a textbook for technical schools. The characteristics and parameters of antennas are considered along with transmission lines, the theory of single dipoles and radiator systems, and the technological realization of elements and units of the antenna-feeder system, taking into account filters and multiport networks for microwave communications applications, and ferrite circulators and isolators. The first edition of this textbook was published in 1969. For the current edition, the material in the first edition has been revised, and new material has been introduced. Much attention is given to microwave antennas, including, in particular, arrays with electrical scanning characteristics. Other topics discussed are related to the general principles of antennas, the matching of the impedance of transmission lines, the elements of transmission lines, aperture-type antennas for microwaves, and the functional characteristics of antennas for ultrashort waves.

RF MEMS and Their Applications in NASA's Space Communication Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, W. Daniel; Ponchak, George E.; Simons, Rainee N.; Zaman, Afroz; Kory, Carol; Wintucky, Edwin; Wilson, Jeffrey D.; Scardelletti, Maximilian; Lee, Richard; Nguyen, Hung

2001-01-01

Radio frequency (RF) and microwave communication systems rely on frequency, amplitude, and phase control circuits to efficiently use the available spectrum. Phase control circuits are required for electronically scanning phase array antennas that enable radiation pattern shaping, scanning, and hopping. Two types of phase shifters, which are the phase control circuits, are most often used. The first is comprised of two circuits with different phase characteristics such as two transmission lines of different lengths or a high pass and low pass filter and a switch that directs the RF power through one of the two circuits. Alternatively, a variable capacitor, or varactor, is used to change the effective electrical path length of a transmission line, which changes the phase characteristics. Filter banks are required for the diplexer at the front end of wide band communication satellites. These filters greatly increase the size and mass of the RF/microwave systems, but smaller diplexers may be made with a low loss varactor or a group of capacitors, a switch and an inductor.

Surface and atmosphere parameter maps from earth-orbiting radiometers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gloersen, P.

1976-01-01

Earlier studies have shown that an earth-orbiting electrically scanned microwave radiometer (ESMR) is capable of inferring the extent, concentration, and age of sea ice; the extent, concentration, and thickness of lake ice; rainfall rates over oceans; surface wind speeds over open water; particle size distribution in the deep snow cover of continental ice sheets; and soil moisture content in unvegetated fields. Most other features of the surface of the earth and its atmosphere require multispectral imaging techniques to unscramble the combined contributions of the atmosphere and the surface. Multispectral extraction of surface parameters is analyzed on the basis of a pertinent equation in terms of the observed brightness temperature, the emissivity of the surface which depends on wavelength and various parameters, the sensible temperature of the surface, and the total atmospheric opacity which is also wavelength dependent. Implementation of the multispectral technique is examined. Properties of the surface of the earth and its atmosphere to be determined from a scanning multichannel microwave radiometer are tabulated.

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

Sudiana, I. Nyoman, E-mail: sudiana75@yahoo.com; Ngkoimani, La Ode; Usman, Ida

Microwave sintering of materials has attracted much research interest because of its significant advantages (e.g. reduced sintering temperatures and soaking times) over the conventional heating. Most researchers compared processes that occurred during the microwave and conventional heating at the same temperature and time. The enhancements found in the former method are indicated as a 'non-thermal effect' which is usually used for explaining the phenomena in microwave processing. Numerous recent studies have been focused on the effect to elucidate the microwave interaction mechanism with materials. Moreover, recent progress on microwave sources such as gyrotrons has opened the possibility for processing materialsmore » by using a higher microwave frequency. Therefore, the technology is expected to exhibit a stronger non-thermal effect. This paper presents results from a series of experiments to study the non-thermal effect on microwave sintered alumina. Sintering by using a wide rage of microwave frequencies up to 300 GHz as well as a conventional furnace was carried out. The linear shrinkages of samples for each sintering method were measured. Pores and grains taken from scanning electron microstructure (SEM) images of cut surfaces were also examined. The results of a comparative study of the shrinkages and microstructure evolutions of the sintered samples under annealing in microwave heating systems and in an electric furnace were analyzed. A notably different behavior of the shrinkages and microstructures of alumina after being annealed was found. The results suggested that microwave radiations provided an additional force for mass transports. The results also indicated that the sintering process depended on microwave frequencies.« less

Effect of pre-pyrolysis mode on simultaneous introduction of nitrogen/oxygen-containing functional groups into the structure of bagasse-based mesoporous carbon and its influence on Cu(II) adsorption.

PubMed

Wan, Zeqing; Li, Kunquan

2018-03-01

A convenient effective microwave pre-pyrolysis treatment to synthesize biomass-based mesoporous carbon with higher nitrogen/oxygen-chelating adsorption for Cu(II) is reported here, in which phosphoric acid impregnated bagasse was used as a microwave absorber and porogen. For comparison, conventional electric-heating pyrolyzed carbon was prepared and doped with nitrogen/oxygen groups. Nitrogen adsorption, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and batch adsorption were employed to investigate the effects of the two pre-pyrolysis modes on the sample physicochemical and Cu(II) adsorptive properties. The 22-min-microwave-pyrolyzed bagasse mesoporous activated carbon (MBAC, 85.32% mesoporosity) contained 10.52% O, which is 3.94% more than electric-heating pyrolyzed mesoporous activated carbon (89.52% mesoporosity). After electrophilic aromatic substitutions of N/O doping, the former possessed more N (5.83%) and more O (21.40%), confirming that time-saving energy-efficient microwave pyrolysis favors the formation of defective C/O atoms in or at the edges of the graphite layer of MBAC, which are highly active and tend to act as preferred reactive positions for the doping of N/O-containing groups simultaneously compared with conventional electric-heating pyrolysis. These N and O species existed mainly as COOH, OH, NH and NH 2 functional groups, and were confirmed by XPS to be active sites for metal binding via electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding, a chelate effect and complexation, resulting in the great enhancement of Cu(II) adsorption. Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic fitting further proved that Cu(II) adsorption by N/O-doped MBAC is ascribed mainly to chemisorption. Therefore, rapid microwave pre-pyrolysis provides a promising route to prepare excellent-performance N/O-doped carbon adsorbents. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A broadband toolbox for scanning microwave microscopy transmission measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lucibello, Andrea; Sardi, Giovanni Maria; Capoccia, Giovanni; Proietti, Emanuela; Marcelli, Romolo; Kasper, Manuel; Gramse, Georg; Kienberger, Ferry

2016-05-01

In this paper, we present in detail the design, both electromagnetic and mechanical, the fabrication, and the test of the first prototype of a Scanning Microwave Microscope (SMM) suitable for a two-port transmission measurement, recording, and processing the high frequency transmission scattering parameter S21 passing through the investigated sample. The S21 toolbox is composed by a microwave emitter, placed below the sample, which excites an electromagnetic wave passing through the sample under test, and is collected by the cantilever used as the detector, electrically matched for high frequency measurements. This prototype enhances the actual capability of the instrument for a sub-surface imaging at the nanoscale. Moreover, it allows the study of the electromagnetic properties of the material under test obtained through the measurement of the reflection (S11) and transmission (S21) parameters at the same time. The SMM operates between 1 GHz and 20 GHz, current limit for the microwave matching of the cantilever, and the high frequency signal is recorded by means of a two-port Vector Network Analyzer, using both contact and no-contact modes of operation, the latter, especially minded for a fully nondestructive and topography-free characterization. This tool is an upgrade of the already established setup for the reflection mode S11 measurement. Actually, the proposed setup is able to give richer information in terms of scattering parameters, including amplitude and phase measurements, by means of the two-port arrangement.

A near-field scanning microwave microscope for characterization of inhomogeneous photovoltaics.

PubMed

Weber, J C; Schlager, J B; Sanford, N A; Imtiaz, A; Wallis, T M; Mansfield, L M; Coakley, K J; Bertness, K A; Kabos, P; Bright, V M

2012-08-01

We present a near-field scanning microwave microscope (NSMM) that has been configured for imaging photovoltaic samples. Our system incorporates a Pt-Ir tip inserted into an open-ended coaxial cable to form a weakly coupled resonator, allowing the microwave reflection S(11) signal to be measured across a sample over a frequency range of 1 GHz - 5 GHz. A phase-tuning circuit increased impedance-measurement sensitivity by allowing for tuning of the S(11) minimum down to -78 dBm. A bias-T and preamplifier enabled simultaneous, non-contact measurement of the DC tip-sample current, and a tuning fork feedback system provided simultaneous topographic data. Light-free tuning fork feedback provided characterization of photovoltaic samples both in the dark and under illumination at 405 nm. NSMM measurements were obtained on an inhomogeneous, third-generation Cu(In,Ga)Se(2) (CIGS) sample. The S(11) and DC current features were found to spatially broaden around grain boundaries with the sample under illumination. The broadening is attributed to optically generated charge that becomes trapped and changes the local depletion of the grain boundaries, thereby modifying the local capacitance. Imaging provided by the NSMM offers a new RF methodology to resolve and characterize nanoscale electrical features in photovoltaic materials and devices.

Design of a cathodoluminescence image generator using a Raspberry Pi coupled to a scanning electron microscope.

PubMed

Benítez, Alfredo; Santiago, Ulises; Sanchez, John E; Ponce, Arturo

2018-01-01

In this work, an innovative cathodoluminescence (CL) system is coupled to a scanning electron microscope and synchronized with a Raspberry Pi computer integrated with an innovative processing signal. The post-processing signal is based on a Python algorithm that correlates the CL and secondary electron (SE) images with a precise dwell time correction. For CL imaging, the emission signal is collected through an optical fiber and transduced to an electrical signal via a photomultiplier tube (PMT). CL Images are registered in a panchromatic mode and can be filtered using a monochromator connected between the optical fiber and the PMT to produce monochromatic CL images. The designed system has been employed to study ZnO samples prepared by electrical arc discharge and microwave methods. CL images are compared with SE images and chemical elemental mapping images to correlate the emission regions of the sample.

Design of a cathodoluminescence image generator using a Raspberry Pi coupled to a scanning electron microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benítez, Alfredo; Santiago, Ulises; Sanchez, John E.; Ponce, Arturo

2018-01-01

In this work, an innovative cathodoluminescence (CL) system is coupled to a scanning electron microscope and synchronized with a Raspberry Pi computer integrated with an innovative processing signal. The post-processing signal is based on a Python algorithm that correlates the CL and secondary electron (SE) images with a precise dwell time correction. For CL imaging, the emission signal is collected through an optical fiber and transduced to an electrical signal via a photomultiplier tube (PMT). CL Images are registered in a panchromatic mode and can be filtered using a monochromator connected between the optical fiber and the PMT to produce monochromatic CL images. The designed system has been employed to study ZnO samples prepared by electrical arc discharge and microwave methods. CL images are compared with SE images and chemical elemental mapping images to correlate the emission regions of the sample.

Microwave-driven asbestos treatment and its scale-up for use after natural disasters.

PubMed

Horikoshi, Satoshi; Sumi, Takuya; Ito, Shigeyuki; Dillert, Ralf; Kashimura, Keiichiro; Yoshikawa, Noboru; Sato, Motoyasu; Shinohara, Naoki

2014-06-17

Asbestos-containing debris generated by the tsunami after the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011, was processed by microwave heating. The analysis of the treated samples employing thermo gravimetry, differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, and phase-contrast microscopy revealed the rapid detoxification of the waste by conversion of the asbestos fibers to a nonfibrous glassy material. The detoxification by the microwave method occurred at a significantly lower processing temperature than the thermal methods actually established for the treatment of asbestos-containing waste. The lower treatment temperature is considered to be a consequence of the microwave penetration depth into the waste material and the increased intensity of the microwave electric field in the gaps between the asbestos fibers resulting in a rapid heating of the fibers inside the debris. A continuous treatment plant having a capacity of 2000 kg day(-1) of asbestos-containing waste was built in the area affected by the earthquake disaster. This treatment plant consists of a rotary kiln to burn the combustible waste (wood) and a microwave rotary kiln to treat asbestos-containing inorganic materials. The hot flue gas produced by the combustion of wood is introduced into the connected microwave rotary kiln to increase the energy efficiency of the combined process. Successful operation of this combined device with regard to asbestos decomposition is demonstrated.

Catalytic chemical vapor deposition synthesis and electron microscopy observation of coiled carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Jining; Mukhopadyay, K.; Yadev, J.; Varadan, V. K.

2003-10-01

Coiled carbon nanotubes exhibit excellent mechanical and electrical properties because of the combination of coil morphology and properties of nanotubes. They could have potential novel applications in nanocomposites and nano-electronic devices as well as nano-electromechanical systems. In this work, synthesis of regularly coiled carbon nanotubes is presented. It involves pyrolysis of hydrocarbon gas over metal/support catalyst by both thermal filament and microwave catalytic chemical vapor deposition methods. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were performed to observe the coil morphology and nanostructure of coiled nanotubes. The growth mechanism and structural and electrical properties of coiled carbon nanotubes are also discussed.

Magnetoelectrical control of nonreciprocal microwave response in a multiferroic helimagnet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iguchi, Yusuke; Nii, Yoichi; Onose, Yoshinori

Control of physical property in terms of external fields is essential for contemporary technologies. The conductance can be controlled by a gate electric field in a field effect transistor, which is a main component of the integrated circuit. Optical phenomena induced by an electric field such as electroluminescence and electrochromism are useful for display and other technologies. Control of microwave propagation seems also imperative for future wireless communication technology. Microwave properties in solids are dominated mostly by magnetic excitations, which cannot be easily controlled by an electric field. One of the solutions for this problem is utilizing magnetically induced ferroelectrics (multiferroics). Here we show that microwave nonreciprocity, which is difference between oppositely propagating microwaves, can be reversed by the external electric field in a multiferroic helimagnet Ba2Mg2Fe12O22. This result offers a new avenue for the electrical control of microwave properties.

Magnetoelectrical control of nonreciprocal microwave response in a multiferroic helimagnet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iguchi, Y.; Nii, Y.; Onose, Y.

2017-05-01

The control of physical properties by external fields is essential in many contemporary technologies. For example, conductance can be controlled by a gate electric field in a field effect transistor, which is a main component of integrated circuits. Optical phenomena induced by an electric field such as electroluminescence and electrochromism are useful for display and other technologies. Control of microwave propagation is also important for future wireless communication technology. Microwave properties in solids are dominated mostly by magnetic excitations, which cannot be easily controlled by an electric field. One solution to this problem is to use magnetically induced ferroelectrics (multiferroics). Here we show that microwave nonreciprocity, that is, different refractive indices for microwaves propagating in opposite directions, could be reversed by an external electric field in a multiferroic helimagnet Ba2Mg2Fe12O22. This approach offers an avenue for the electrical control of microwave properties.

Electric field measurement in microwave discharge ion thruster with electro-optic probe.

PubMed

Ise, Toshiyuki; Tsukizaki, Ryudo; Togo, Hiroyoshi; Koizumi, Hiroyuki; Kuninaka, Hitoshi

2012-12-01

In order to understand the internal phenomena in a microwave discharge ion thruster, it is important to measure the distribution of the microwave electric field inside the discharge chamber, which is directly related to the plasma production. In this study, we proposed a novel method of measuring a microwave electric field with an electro-optic (EO) probe based on the Pockels effect. The probe, including a cooling system, contains no metal and can be accessed in the discharge chamber with less disruption to the microwave distribution. This method enables measurement of the electric field profile under ion beam acceleration. We first verified the measurement with the EO probe by a comparison with a finite-difference time domain numerical simulation of the microwave electric field in atmosphere. Second, we showed that the deviations of the reflected microwave power and the beam current were less than 8% due to inserting the EO probe into the ion thruster under ion beam acceleration. Finally, we successfully demonstrated the measurement of the electric-field profile in the ion thruster under ion beam acceleration. These measurements show that the electric field distribution in the thruster dramatically changes in the ion thruster under ion beam acceleration as the propellant mass flow rate increases. These results indicate that this new method using an EO probe can provide a useful guide for improving the propulsion of microwave discharge ion thrusters.

Synthesis of kenaf cellulose carbamate and its smart electric stimuli-response.

PubMed

Gan, Sinyee; Piao, Shang Hao; Choi, Hyoung Jin; Zakaria, Sarani; Chia, Chin Hua

2016-02-10

Cellulose carbamate (CC) was produced from kenaf core pulp (KCP) via a microwave reactor-assisted method. The formation of CC was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nitrogen content analysis. The degree of substitution, zeta potential and size distribution of CC were also determined. The CC was characterized with scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetry analysis. The CC particles were then dispersed in silicone oil to prepare CC-based anhydrous electric stimuli-responsive electrorheological (ER) fluids. Rhelogical measurement was carried out using rotational rheometer with a high voltage generator in both steady and oscillatory shear modes to examine the effect of electric field strength on the ER characteristics. The results showed that the increase in electric field strength has enhanced the ER properties of CC-based ER fluid due to the chain formation induced by electric polarization among the particles. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sensor development in the Shuttle era. [infrared temperature sounders and microwave radiometers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gerding, R. B.; Mantarakis, P. Z.; Webber, D. S.

1975-01-01

The use of the Space Shuttle in the development of earth observation sensors is examined. Two sensor classes are selected for case histories: infrared temperature sounders and microwave radiometers. The most significant finding in each of the developmental studies of these two sensor classes is considered to be the feasibility and value of using the Shuttle/Spacelab as a test vehicle for the operation in space of a versatile multimode experimental sensor. The Shuttle Electrically Scanned Microwave Radiometer and the Shuttle Infrared Interferometer are found to be the most effective instruments in this context. The Shuttle/Spacelab Sortie mission characteristics provide opportunities for new approaches to the development of sensors, using the Shuttle as a test vehicle to improve the efficiency of the process with respect to time, cost, and/or quality of the final product. As for crew functions, the short-term Spacelab mission requires some near real-time evaluation of data quality and sensor function in order to insure efficient data collection.

Antartic sea ice, 1973 - 1976: Satellite passive-microwave observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zwally, H. J.; Comiso, J. C.; Parkinson, C. L.; Campbell, W. J.; Carsey, F. D.; Gloersen, P.

1983-01-01

Data from the Electrically Scanning Microwave Radiometer (ESMR) on the Nimbus 5 satellite are used to determine the extent and distribution of Antarctic sea ice. The characteristics of the southern ocean, the mathematical formulas used to obtain quantitative sea ice concentrations, the general characteristics of the seasonal sea ice growth/decay cycle and regional differences, and the observed seasonal growth/decay cycle for individual years and interannual variations of the ice cover are discussed. The sea ice data from the ESMR are presented in the form of color-coded maps of the Antarctic and the southern oceans. The maps show brightness temperatures and concentrations of pack ice averaged for each month, 4-year monthly averages, and month-to-month changes. Graphs summarizing the results, such as areas of sea ice as a function of time in the various sectors of the southern ocean are included. The images demonstrate that satellite microwave data provide unique information on large-scale sea ice conditions for determining climatic conditions in polar regions and possible global climatic changes.

GCOM-W AMSR2 soil moisture product validation using core validation sites

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2) is part of the Global Change Observation Mission-Water (GCOM-W). AMSR2 has filled the gap in passive microwave observations left by the loss of the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer–Earth Observing System (AMSR-E) after almost 10 years of obs...

Quantitative mapping of rainfall rates over the oceans utilizing Nimbus-5 ESMR data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rao, M. S. V.; Abbott, W. V.

1976-01-01

The electrically scanning microwave radiometer (ESMR) data from the Nimbus 5 satellite was used to deduce estimates of precipitation amount over the oceans. An atlas of the global oceanic rainfall was prepared and the global rainfall maps analyzed and related to available ground truth information as well as to large scale processes in the atmosphere. It was concluded that the ESMR system provides the most reliable and direct approach yet known for the estimation of rainfall over sparsely documented, wide oceanic regions.

Experimental continuous sludge microwave system to enhance dehydration ability and hydrogen production from anaerobic digestion of sludge.

PubMed

Zhou, Cuihong; Huang, Xintong; Zeng, Meng

2018-05-01

Dehydrating large amounts of sludge produced by sewage treatment plants is difficult. Microwave pretreatment can effectively and significantly improve the dewaterability and hydrogen production of sludge subjected to anaerobic digestion. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different microwave conditions on hydrogen production from anaerobic digestion and dewaterability of sludge. Based on an analysis of the electric field distribution, a spiral reactor was designed and a continuous microwave system was built to conduct intermittent and continuous experiments under different conditions. Settling Volume, Capillary Suction Time, particle size, and moisture content of the sludge were measured. The results show that sludge pretreatment in continuous experiments has equally remarkable dehydration performance as in intermittent experiments; the minimum moisture content was 77.29% in the intermittent experiment under a microwave power of 300W and an exposure time of 60sec, and that in the continuous experiment was 77.56% under a microwave power of 400W and an exposure time of 60sec. The peak measured by Differential Scanning Calorimeter appeared earliest under a microwave power of 600W and an exposure time of 180sec. The heat flux at the peak was 4.343W/g, which is relatively small. This indicates that microwave pretreatment induced desirable effects. The maximum yield of hydrogen production was 7.967% under the conditions of microwave power of 500W, exposure time of 120sec, and water bath at 55°C. This research provides a theoretical and experimental basis for the development of a continuous microwave sludge-conditioning system. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Recording and reproduction of microwave holograms using a scanning procedure and their subsequent optical processing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hetsch, J.

1983-01-01

Intensity distributions in nonoptical wave fields can be visualized and stored on photosensitive material. In the case of microwaves, temperature effects can be utilized with the aid of liquid crystals to visualize intensity distributions. Particular advantages for the study of intensity distributions in microwave fields presents a scanning procedure in which a microcomputer is employed for the control of a probe and the storage of the measured data. The present investigation is concerned with the employment of such a scanning procedure for the recording and the reproduction of microwave holograms. The scanning procedure makes use of an approach discussed by Farhat, et al. (1973). An eight-bit microprocessor with 64 kBytes of RAM is employed together with a diskette storage system.

Seeing through walls at the nanoscale: Microwave microscopy of enclosed objects and processes in liquids

DOE PAGES

Velmurugan, Jeyavel; Kalinin, Sergei V.; Kolmakov, Andrei; ...

2016-02-11

Here, noninvasive in situ nanoscale imaging in liquid environments is a current imperative in the analysis of delicate biomedical objects and electrochemical processes at reactive liquid–solid interfaces. Microwaves of a few gigahertz frequencies offer photons with energies of ≈10 μeV, which can affect neither electronic states nor chemical bonds in condensed matter. Here, we describe an implementation of scanning near-field microwave microscopy for imaging in liquids using ultrathin molecular impermeable membranes separating scanning probes from samples enclosed in environmental cells. We imaged a model electroplating reaction as well as individual live cells. Through a side-by-side comparison of the microwave imagingmore » with scanning electron microscopy, we demonstrate the advantage of microwaves for artifact-free imaging.« less

Thermocouple shield

DOEpatents

Ripley, Edward B [Knoxville, TN

2009-11-24

A thermocouple shield for use in radio frequency fields. In some embodiments the shield includes an electrically conductive tube that houses a standard thermocouple having a thermocouple junction. The electrically conductive tube protects the thermocouple from damage by an RF (including microwave) field and mitigates erroneous temperature readings due to the microwave or RF field. The thermocouple may be surrounded by a ceramic sheath to further protect the thermocouple. The ceramic sheath is generally formed from a material that is transparent to the wavelength of the microwave or RF energy. The microwave transparency property precludes heating of the ceramic sheath due to microwave coupling, which could affect the accuracy of temperature measurements. The ceramic sheath material is typically an electrically insulating material. The electrically insulative properties of the ceramic sheath help avert electrical arcing, which could damage the thermocouple junction. The electrically conductive tube is generally disposed around the thermocouple junction and disposed around at least a portion of the ceramic sheath. The concepts of the thermocouple shield may be incorporated into an integrated shielded thermocouple assembly.

A novel property of gold nanoparticles: Free radical generation under microwave irradiation.

PubMed

Paudel, Nava Raj; Shvydka, Diana; Parsai, E Ishmael

2016-04-01

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are known to be effective mediators in microwave hyperthermia. Interaction with an electromagnetic field, large surface to volume ratio, and size quantization of nanoparticles (NPs) can lead to increased cell killing beyond pure heating effects. The purpose of this study is to explore the possibility of free radical generation by GNPs in aqueous media when they are exposed to a microwave field. A number of samples with 500 mM 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO) in 20 ppm GNP colloidal suspensions were scanned with an electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)/electron spin resonance spectrometer to generate and detect free radicals. A fixed (9.68 GHz) frequency microwave from the spectrometer has served for both generation and detection of radicals. EPR spectra obtained as first derivatives of intensity with the spectrometer were double integrated to get the free radical signal intensities. Power dependence of radical intensity was studied by applying various levels of microwave power (12.5, 49.7, and 125 mW) while keeping all other scan parameters the same. Free radical signal intensities from initial and final scans, acquired at the same power levels, were compared. Hydroxyl radical (OH⋅) signal was found to be generated due to the exposure of GNP-DMPO colloidal samples to a microwave field. Intensity of OH⋅ signal thus generated at 12.5 mW microwave power for 2.8 min was close to the intensity of OH⋅ signal obtained from a water-DMPO sample exposed to 1.5 Gy ionizing radiation dose. For repeated scans, higher OH⋅ intensities were observed in the final scan for higher power levels applied between the initial and the final scans. Final intensities were higher also for a shorter time interval between the initial and the final scans. Our results observed for the first time demonstrate that GNPs generate OH⋅ radicals in aqueous media when they are exposed to a microwave field. If OH⋅ radicals can be generated close to deoxyribonucleic acid of cells by proper localization of NPs, NP-aided microwave hyperthermia can yield cell killing via both elevated temperature and free radical generation.

What Is a Pacemaker?

MedlinePlus

... your pacemaker. • If you work around industrial microwaves, electricity, cars or other large motors, ask your doctor about possible effects. Can I use a cell phone or microwave oven if I have a pacemaker? Microwave ovens, electric blankets, remote controls for TV and other common ...

Effects of feedstock characteristics on microwave-assisted pyrolysis - A review.

PubMed

Zhang, Yaning; Chen, Paul; Liu, Shiyu; Peng, Peng; Min, Min; Cheng, Yanling; Anderson, Erik; Zhou, Nan; Fan, Liangliang; Liu, Chenghui; Chen, Guo; Liu, Yuhuan; Lei, Hanwu; Li, Bingxi; Ruan, Roger

2017-04-01

Microwave-assisted pyrolysis is an important approach to obtain bio-oil from biomass. Similar to conventional electrical heating pyrolysis, microwave-assisted pyrolysis is significantly affected by feedstock characteristics. However, microwave heating has its unique features which strongly depend on the physical and chemical properties of biomass feedstock. In this review, the relationships among heating, bio-oil yield, and feedstock particle size, moisture content, inorganics, and organics in microwave-assisted pyrolysis are discussed and compared with those in conventional electrical heating pyrolysis. The quantitative analysis of data reported in the literature showed a strong contrast between the conventional processes and microwave based processes. Microwave-assisted pyrolysis is a relatively new process with limited research compared with conventional electrical heating pyrolysis. The lack of understanding of some observed results warrant more and in-depth fundamental research. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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

Paudel, Nava Raj, E-mail: nrpaudel@yahoo.com; Shvydka, Diana; Parsai, E. Ishmael

Purpose: Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are known to be effective mediators in microwave hyperthermia. Interaction with an electromagnetic field, large surface to volume ratio, and size quantization of nanoparticles (NPs) can lead to increased cell killing beyond pure heating effects. The purpose of this study is to explore the possibility of free radical generation by GNPs in aqueous media when they are exposed to a microwave field. Methods: A number of samples with 500 mM 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO) in 20 ppm GNP colloidal suspensions were scanned with an electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)/electron spin resonance spectrometer to generate and detect free radicals.more » A fixed (9.68 GHz) frequency microwave from the spectrometer has served for both generation and detection of radicals. EPR spectra obtained as first derivatives of intensity with the spectrometer were double integrated to get the free radical signal intensities. Power dependence of radical intensity was studied by applying various levels of microwave power (12.5, 49.7, and 125 mW) while keeping all other scan parameters the same. Free radical signal intensities from initial and final scans, acquired at the same power levels, were compared. Results: Hydroxyl radical (OH⋅) signal was found to be generated due to the exposure of GNP–DMPO colloidal samples to a microwave field. Intensity of OH⋅ signal thus generated at 12.5 mW microwave power for 2.8 min was close to the intensity of OH⋅ signal obtained from a water–DMPO sample exposed to 1.5 Gy ionizing radiation dose. For repeated scans, higher OH⋅ intensities were observed in the final scan for higher power levels applied between the initial and the final scans. Final intensities were higher also for a shorter time interval between the initial and the final scans. Conclusions: Our results observed for the first time demonstrate that GNPs generate OH⋅ radicals in aqueous media when they are exposed to a microwave field. If OH⋅ radicals can be generated close to deoxyribonucleic acid of cells by proper localization of NPs, NP-aided microwave hyperthermia can yield cell killing via both elevated temperature and free radical generation.« less

Correlation of scanning microwave interferometry and digital X-ray images for damage detection in ceramic composite armor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmidt, Karl F.; Goitia, Ryan M.; Ellingson, William A.; Green, William

2012-05-01

Application of non-contact, scanning, microwave interferometry for inspection of ceramic-based composite armor facilitates detection of defects which may occur in manufacturing or in service. Non-contact, one-side access permits inspection of panels while on the vehicle. The method was applied as a base line inspection and post-damage inspection of composite ceramic armor containing artificial defects, fiduciaries, and actual damage. Detection, sizing, and depth location capabilities were compared using microwave interferometry system and micro-focus digital x-ray imaging. The data demonstrates corroboration of microwave interference scanning detection of cracks and laminar features. The authors present details of the system operation, descriptions of the test samples used, and recent results obtained.

New features of global climatology revealed by satellite-derived oceanic rainfall maps

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rao, M. S. V.; Theon, J. S.

1977-01-01

Quantitative rainfall maps over the oceanic areas of the globe were derived from the Nimbus 5 Electrically Scanning Microwave Radiometer (ESMR) data. Analysis of satellite derived oceanic rainfall maps reveal certain distinctive characteristics of global patterns for the years 1973-74. The main ones are (1) the forking of the Intertropical Convergence Zone in the Pacific, (2) a previously unrecognized rain area in the South Atlantic, (3) the bimodal behavior of rainbelts in the Indian Ocean and (4) the large interannual variability in oceanic rainfall. These features are discussed.

Activation of VEGF/Flk-1-ERK Pathway Induced Blood-Brain Barrier Injury After Microwave Exposure.

PubMed

Wang, Li-Feng; Li, Xiang; Gao, Ya-Bing; Wang, Shui-Ming; Zhao, Li; Dong, Ji; Yao, Bin-Wei; Xu, Xin-Ping; Chang, Gong-Min; Zhou, Hong-Mei; Hu, Xiang-Jun; Peng, Rui-Yun

2015-08-01

Microwaves have been suggested to induce neuronal injury and increase permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), but the mechanism remains unknown. The role of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/Flk-1-Raf/MAPK kinase (MEK)/extracellular-regulated protein kinase (ERK) pathway in structural and functional injury of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) following microwave exposure was examined. An in vitro BBB model composed of the ECV304 cell line and primary rat cerebral astrocytes was exposed to microwave radiation (50 mW/cm(2), 5 min). The structure was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the permeability was assessed by measuring transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) transmission. Activity and expression of VEGF/Flk-1-ERK pathway components and occludin also were examined. Our results showed that microwave radiation caused intercellular tight junctions to broaden and fracture with decreased TEER values and increased HRP permeability. After microwave exposure, activation of the VEGF/Flk-1-ERK pathway and Tyr phosphorylation of occludin were observed, along with down-regulated expression and interaction of occludin with zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). After Flk-1 (SU5416) and MEK1/2 (U0126) inhibitors were used, the structure and function of the BBB were recovered. The increase in expression of ERK signal transduction molecules was muted, while the expression and the activity of occludin were accelerated, as well as the interactions of occludin with p-ERK and ZO-1 following microwave radiation. Thus, microwave radiation may induce BBB damage by activating the VEGF/Flk-1-ERK pathway, enhancing Tyr phosphorylation of occludin, while partially inhibiting expression and interaction of occludin with ZO-1.

Application of integral equation theory to analyze stability of electric field in multimode microwave heating cavity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Zhengming; Hong, Tao; Chen, Fangyuan; Zhu, Huacheng; Huang, Kama

2017-10-01

Microwave heating uniformity is mainly dependent on and affected by electric field. However, little study has paid attention to its stability characteristics in multimode cavity. In this paper, this problem is studied by the theory of Freedholm integral equation. Firstly, Helmholtz equation and the electric dyadic Green's function are used to derive the electric field integral equation. Then, the stability of electric field is demonstrated as the characteristics of solutions to Freedholm integral equation. Finally, the stability characteristics are obtained and verified by finite element calculation. This study not only can provide a comprehensive interpretation of electric field in multimode cavity but also help us make better use of microwave energy.

Liquid-phase and solid-phase microwave irradiations for reduction of graphite oxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Na; Wen, Chen-Yu; Zhang, David Wei; Wu, Dong-Ping; Zhang, Zhi-Bin; Zhang, Shi-Li

2014-12-01

In this paper, two microwave irradiation methods: (i) liquid-phase microwave irradiation (MWI) reduction of graphite oxide suspension dissolved in de-ionized water and N, N-dimethylformamide, respectively, and (ii) solid-phase MWI reduction of graphite oxide powder have been successfully carried out to reduce graphite oxide. The reduced graphene oxide products are thoroughly characterized by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis, Raman spectroscopy, UV-Vis absorption spectral analysis, and four-point probe conductivity measurements. The results show that both methods can efficiently remove the oxygen-containing functional groups attached to the graphite layers, though the solid-phase MWI reduction method can obtain far more efficiently a higher quality-reduced graphene oxide with fewer defects. The I(D)/I(G) ratio of the solid-phase MWI sample is as low as 0.46, which is only half of that of the liquid-phase MWI samples. The electrical conductivity of the reduced graphene oxide by the solid method reaches 747.9 S/m, which is about 25 times higher than that made by the liquid-phase method.

Microwave radiometer studies of atmospheric water over the oceans, volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Katsaros, Kristina B.

1992-01-01

Since Seasat carried the Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer (SMMR) into space, shortly followed by the SMMR on Nimbus 7, a new type of data source on atmospheric water vapor and other meteorological parameters has been available for analysis of weather systems over the ocean. Since 1987, the Scanning Multichannel Microwave/Imager (SMM/I) has provided similar data. A collection of work using this data is presented.

Measurement of the Microwave Refractive Index of Materials Based on Parallel Plate Waveguides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, F.; Pei, J.; Kan, J. S.; Zhao, Q.

2017-12-01

An electrical field scanning apparatus based on a parallel plate waveguide method is constructed, which collects the amplitude and phase matrices as a function of the relative position. On the basis of such data, a method for calculating the refractive index of the measured wedge samples is proposed in this paper. The measurement and calculation results of different PTFE samples reveal that the refractive index measured by the apparatus is substantially consistent with the refractive index inferred with the permittivity of the sample. The proposed refractive index calculation method proposed in this paper is a competitive method for the characterization of the refractive index of materials with positive refractive index. Since the apparatus and method can be used to measure and calculate arbitrary direction of the microwave propagation, it is believed that both of them can be applied to the negative refractive index materials, such as metamaterials or “left-handed” materials.

Effect of Dopants and Sintering Method on the Properties of Ceria-Based Electrolytes for IT-SOFCs Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Payal; Sharma, Chetan; Singh, Kanchan L.; Singh, Anirudh P.

2018-05-01

Doped and co-doped ceria ceramics are used as electrolyte materials in solid oxide fuel cells. In this work, ceria-based oxides, Ce0.90Gd0.06Y0.02M0.02O2-δ (M = Ca, Fe, La, and Sr) were prepared by conventional as well as microwave processing from the precursors prepared by the mixed oxide method. The consolidated calcined powders in pellet form were sintered in microwave energy at 1400°C for 20 min and in an electric furnace of IR radiation at 1400°C for 6 h. The x-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that all the compositions were crystallized into a cubic fluorite structure. Surface morphology of the sintered products was studied using scanning electron microscopy and the microhardness was investigated using the Vickers hardness test. The comparative results analysis shows that the microwave-sintered samples have uniform grain growth, higher density and higher microhardness than the corresponding conventionally sintered products. The microwave-sintered sample of composition Ce0.90Gd0.06Y0.02Sr0.02O2-δ was found to have the highest microhardness among the four compositions due to its high density and smallest grain size.

Apparatus for mounting a diode in a microwave circuit

DOEpatents

Liu, Shing-gong

1976-07-27

Apparatus for mounting a diode in a microwave circuit for making electrical contact between the circuit and ground and for dissipation of heat between the diode and a heat sink. The diode, supported on a thermally and electrically conductive member, is resiliently pressed in electrical contact with the microwave circuit. A tapered collar on the member is elastically deformably wedged into a tapered aperture formed in a heat sink. The wedged collar tightens firmly around the member establishing good thermal and electrical conduction from the diode to the heat sink and ground. Disassembly is facilitated because of the elastically deformed collar.

Studies of midaltitude cyclone structure with SEASAT scanning multichannel microwave radiometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Katsaros, K. B.

1984-01-01

The data provided by the atmospheric water channels of SEASAT's Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer (SMMR) is used to investigate mesoscale structure at various stages of the development of a midlatitude cyclone. Seasonal and graphic differences in the storms are also studied.

Effects of rain and fog on the Shuttle Ku-band microwave scanning beam landing system range and accuracy performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Butler, D.

1981-01-01

The microwave Scanning Beam Landing System's (MSBLS) performance in fog and rain was studied. The fog and rain effects on the Shuttle Ku-band system were determined. Specifically, microwave attenuation, beam distortion, and coordinate errors resulting from operation of the MSBLS in poor weather conditions were evaluated. The main physical processes giving rise to microwave attenuation were found to be absorption and scattering by water droplets. The general theory of scattering and absorption used is discussed and a listing of applicable computer programs is provided.

Classification of Tropical Oceanic Precipitation using High Altitude Aircraft: Microwave and Electric Field Measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hood, Robbie E.; Cecil, Daniel; LaFontaine, Frank J.; Blakeslee, Richard; Mach, Douglas; Heymsfield, Gerald; Marks, Frank, Jr.; Zipser, Edward

2004-01-01

During the 1998 and 2001 hurricane seasons of the western Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, the Advanced Microwave Precipitation Radiometer (AMPR), the ER-2 Doppler (EDOP) radar, and the Lightning Instrument Package (LIP) were flown aboard the National Aeronautics and Space Administration ER-2 high altitude aircraft as part of the Third Convection and Moisture Experiment (CAMEX-3) and the Fourth Convection and Moisture Experiment (CAMEX-4). Several hurricanes, tropical storms, and other precipitation systems were sampled during these experiments. An oceanic rainfall screening technique has been developed using AMPR passive microwave observations of these systems collected at frequencies of 10.7, 19.35,37.1, and 85.5 GHz. This technique combines the information content of the four AMPR frequencies regarding the gross vertical structure of hydrometeors into an intuitive and easily executable precipitation mapping format. The results have been verified using vertical profiles of EDOP reflectivity and lower altitude horizontal reflectivity scans collected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration WP-3D Orion radar. Matching the rainfall classification results with coincident electric field information collected by the LIP readily identifies convective rain regions within the precipitation fields. This technique shows promise as a real-time research and analysis tool for monitoring vertical updraft strength and convective intensity from airborne platforms such as remotely operated or uninhabited aerial vehicles. The technique is analyzed and discussed for a wide variety of precipitation types using the 26 August 1998 observations of Hurricane Bonnie near landfall.

Nondestructive imaging of atomically thin nanostructures buried in silicon

PubMed Central

Gramse, Georg; Kölker, Alexander; Lim, Tingbin; Stock, Taylor J. Z.; Solanki, Hari; Schofield, Steven R.; Brinciotti, Enrico; Aeppli, Gabriel; Kienberger, Ferry; Curson, Neil J.

2017-01-01

It is now possible to create atomically thin regions of dopant atoms in silicon patterned with lateral dimensions ranging from the atomic scale (angstroms) to micrometers. These structures are building blocks of quantum devices for physics research and they are likely also to serve as key components of devices for next-generation classical and quantum information processing. Until now, the characteristics of buried dopant nanostructures could only be inferred from destructive techniques and/or the performance of the final electronic device; this severely limits engineering and manufacture of real-world devices based on atomic-scale lithography. Here, we use scanning microwave microscopy (SMM) to image and electronically characterize three-dimensional phosphorus nanostructures fabricated via scanning tunneling microscope–based lithography. The SMM measurements, which are completely nondestructive and sensitive to as few as 1900 to 4200 densely packed P atoms 4 to 15 nm below a silicon surface, yield electrical and geometric properties in agreement with those obtained from electrical transport and secondary ion mass spectroscopy for unpatterned phosphorus δ layers containing ~1013 P atoms. The imaging resolution was 37 ± 1 nm in lateral and 4 ± 1 nm in vertical directions, both values depending on SMM tip size and depth of dopant layers. In addition, finite element modeling indicates that resolution can be substantially improved using further optimized tips and microwave gradient detection. Our results on three-dimensional dopant structures reveal reduced carrier mobility for shallow dopant layers and suggest that SMM could aid the development of fabrication processes for surface code quantum computers. PMID:28782006

Multiferroics BiMn1-xAlxO3 nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of various structural, physical, electrical and dielectric parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad, Bashir; Raissat, Rabia; Mumtaz, Saleem; Ahmad, Zahoor; Sadiq, Imran; Ashiq, Muhammad Naeem; Najam-ul-Haq, Muhammad

2017-07-01

The aluminium substituted bismuth based manganates with nominal composition BiMn1-xAlxO3 (x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8) were prepared by the simple microemulsion method. The alteration in their structural, electrical and dielectric parameters due to Al substitution has been investigated. The X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) confirms the formation of single phase orthorhombic with crystallite size ranges from 32 to 52 nm. The morphological features and particle size were determined by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The dc electrical resistivity increased from 6 × 108 to 8 × 109 Ω cm with the increase in substituent concentration. The dielectric constant, dielectric loss tangent and dielectric loss factor decreased with the increase in frequency. The increase in electrical resistivity makes the synthesized materials paramount over other materials and can be useful for technological applications in microwave devices.

Passive monitoring using a combination of focused and phased array radiometry: a simulation study.

PubMed

Farantatos, Panagiotis; Karanasiou, Irene S; Uzunoglu, Nikolaos

2011-01-01

Aim of this simulation study is to use the focusing properties of a conductive ellipsoidal reflector in conjunction with directive phased microwave antenna configurations in order to achieve brain passive monitoring with microwave radiometry. One of the main modules of the proposed setup which ensures the necessary beamforming and focusing on the body and brain areas of interest is a symmetrical axis ellipsoidal conductive wall cavity. The proposed system operates in an entirely non-invasive contactless manner providing temperature and/or conductivity variations monitoring and is designed to also provide hyperthermia treatment. In the present paper, the effect of the use of patch antennas as receiving antennas on the system's focusing properties and specifically the use of phased array setups to achieve scanning of the areas under measurement is investigated. Extensive simulations to compute the electric field distributions inside the whole ellipsoidal reflector and inside two types of human head models were carried out using single and two element microstrip patch antennas. The results show that clear focusing (creation of "hot spots") inside the head models is achieved at 1.53GHz. In the case of the two element antennas, the "hot spot" performs a linear scan around the brain area of interest while the phase difference of the two microstrip patch antennas significantly affects the way the scanning inside the head model is achieved. In the near future, phased array antennas with multiband and more elements will be used in order to enhance the system scanning properties toward the acquisition of tomography images without the need of subject movement.

Imaging magnetisation dynamics in nano-contact spin-torque vortex oscillators exhibiting gyrotropic mode splitting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keatley, Paul Steven; Redjai Sani, Sohrab; Hrkac, Gino; Majid Mohseni, Seyed; Dürrenfeld, Philipp; Åkerman, Johan; Hicken, Robert James

2017-04-01

Nano-contact spin-torque vortex oscillators (STVOs) are anticipated to find application as nanoscale sources of microwave emission in future technological applications. Presently the output power and phase stability of individual STVOs are not competitive with existing oscillator technologies. Synchronisation of multiple nano-contact STVOs via magnetisation dynamics has been proposed to enhance the microwave emission. The control of device-to-device variations, such as mode splitting of the microwave emission, is essential if multiple STVOs are to be successfully synchronised. In this work a combination of electrical measurements and time-resolved scanning Kerr microscopy (TRSKM) was used to demonstrate how mode splitting in the microwave emission of STVOs was related to the magnetisation dynamics that are generated. The free-running STVO response to a DC current only was used to identify devices and bias magnetic field configurations for which single and multiple modes of microwave emission were observed. Stroboscopic Kerr images were acquired by injecting a small amplitude RF current to phase lock the free-running STVO response. The images showed that the magnetisation dynamics of a multimode device with moderate splitting could be controlled by the injected RF current so that they exhibit similar spatial character to that of a single mode. Significant splitting was found to result from a complicated equilibrium magnetic state that was observed in Kerr images as irregular spatial characteristics of the magnetisation dynamics. Such dynamics were observed far from the nano-contact and so their presence cannot be detected in electrical measurements. This work demonstrates that TRSKM is a powerful tool for the direct observation of the magnetisation dynamics generated by STVOs that exhibit complicated microwave emission. Characterisation of such dynamics outside the nano-contact perimeter permits a deeper insight into the requirements for optimal phase-locking of multiple STVOs that share common magnetic layers. , which features invited work from the best early-career researchers working within the scope of J. Phys. D. This project is part of the Journal of Physics series' 50th anniversary celebrations in 2017. Paul Keatley was selected by the Editorial Board of J. Phys. D as an Emerging Leader.

Analysis of temperature profile and electric field in natural rubber glove due to microwave heating: effects of waveguide position

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keangin, P.; Narumitbowonkul, U.; Rattanadecho, P.

2018-01-01

Natural rubber (NR) is the key raw material used in the manufacture of other products such as rubber band, tire and shoes. Recently, the NR is used in natural rubber glove ( NRG) manufacturing in the industrial and medical fields. This research aims to investigate the electromagnetic wave propagation and heat transfer in NRG due to heating with microwave energy within the microwave oven at a microwave frequency of 2.45 GHz. Three-dimensional model of NRG and microwave oven are considered in this work. The comparative effects of waveguide position on the electric field and temperature profile in NRG when subjected to microwave energy are discussed. The finite element method (FEM) is used to solve the transient Maxwell’s equation coupled with the transient heat transfer equation. The simulation results with computer programs are validated with experimental results. The placement of waveguides in three cases are left hand side of microwave oven, right hand side of microwave oven and left and right hand sides of microwave oven are investigated. The findings revealed that the placing the waveguide on the right side of the microwave oven gives the highest electric field and temperature profile. The values obtained provide an indication toward understanding the study of heat transfer in NRG during microwave heating in the industry.

AMSR2 soil moisture product validation

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2) is part of the Global Change Observation Mission-Water (GCOM-W) mission. AMSR2 fills the void left by the loss of the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer–Earth Observing System (AMSR-E) after almost 10 years. Both missions provide brightness te...

Compact tunable and reconfigurable microwave photonic filter for satellite payloads

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santos, M. C.; Yoosefi, O.

2017-11-01

The trend towards the photonic processing of electrical signals at microwave frequencies for satellite payloads is increasing at a breathtaking pace, mainly spurred by prospects of wide electrical bandwidth operation, low mass and volume, reduced electrical noise levels, immunity to electromagnetic interferences and resistance to both temperature and radiation.

Emitron: microwave diode

DOEpatents

Craig, G.D.; Pettibone, J.S.; Drobot, A.T.

1982-05-06

The invention comprises a new class of device, driven by electron or other charged particle flow, for producing coherent microwaves by utilizing the interaction of electromagnetic waves with electron flow in diodes not requiring an external magnetic field. Anode and cathode surfaces are electrically charged with respect to one another by electron flow, for example caused by a Marx bank voltage source or by other charged particle flow, for example by a high energy charged particle beam. This produces an electric field which stimulates an emitted electron beam to flow in the anode-cathode region. The emitted electrons are accelerated by the electric field and coherent microwaves are produced by the three dimensional spatial and temporal interaction of the accelerated electrons with geometrically allowed microwave modes which results in the bunching of the electrons and the pumping of at least one dominant microwave mode.

Low-Loss, High-Isolation Microwave Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) Switches Being Developed

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ponchak, George E.

2002-01-01

Switches, electrical components that either permit or prevent the flow of electricity, are the most important and widely used electrical devices in integrated circuits. In microwave systems, switches are required for switching between the transmitter and receiver; in communication systems, they are needed for phase shifters in phased-array antennas, for radar and communication systems, and for the new class of digital or software definable radios. Ideally, switches would be lossless devices that did not depend on the electrical signal's frequency or power, and they would not consume electrical power to change from OFF to ON or to maintain one of these two states. Reality is quite different, especially at microwave frequencies. Typical switches in microwave integrated circuits are pin diodes or gallium arsenide (GaAs) field-effect transistors that are nonlinear, with characteristics that depend on the power of the signal. In addition, they are frequency-dependent, lossy, and require electrical power to maintain a certain state. A new type of component has been developed that overcomes most of these technical difficulties. Microelectromechanical (MEMS) switches rely on mechanical movement as a response to an applied electrical force to either transmit or reflect electrical signal power. The NASA Glenn Research Center has been actively developing MEMS for microwave applications for over the last 5 years. Complete fabrication procedures have been developed so that the moving parts of the switch can be released with near 100-percent yield. Moreover, the switches fabricated at Glenn have demonstrated state-of-the-art performance. A typical MEMS switch is shown. The switch extends over the signal and ground lines of a finite ground coplanar waveguide, a commonly used microwave transmission line. In the state shown, the switch is in the UP state and all the microwave power traveling along the transmission line proceeds unimpeded. When a potential difference is applied between the cantilever and the transmission line, the cantilever is pulled downward until it connects the signal line to the ground planes, creating a short circuit. In this state, all the microwave power is reflected. The graph shows the measured performance of the switch, which has less than 0.1 dB of insertion loss and greater than 30dB of isolation. These switches consume negligible electrical power and are extremely linear. Additional research is required to address reliability and to increase the switching speed.

Adaptive and robust statistical methods for processing near-field scanning microwave microscopy images.

PubMed

Coakley, K J; Imtiaz, A; Wallis, T M; Weber, J C; Berweger, S; Kabos, P

2015-03-01

Near-field scanning microwave microscopy offers great potential to facilitate characterization, development and modeling of materials. By acquiring microwave images at multiple frequencies and amplitudes (along with the other modalities) one can study material and device physics at different lateral and depth scales. Images are typically noisy and contaminated by artifacts that can vary from scan line to scan line and planar-like trends due to sample tilt errors. Here, we level images based on an estimate of a smooth 2-d trend determined with a robust implementation of a local regression method. In this robust approach, features and outliers which are not due to the trend are automatically downweighted. We denoise images with the Adaptive Weights Smoothing method. This method smooths out additive noise while preserving edge-like features in images. We demonstrate the feasibility of our methods on topography images and microwave |S11| images. For one challenging test case, we demonstrate that our method outperforms alternative methods from the scanning probe microscopy data analysis software package Gwyddion. Our methods should be useful for massive image data sets where manual selection of landmarks or image subsets by a user is impractical. Published by Elsevier B.V.

CdO-based nanostructures as novel CO2 gas sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krishnakumar, T.; Jayaprakash, R.; Prakash, T.; Sathyaraj, D.; Donato, N.; Licoccia, S.; Latino, M.; Stassi, A.; Neri, G.

2011-08-01

Crystalline Cd(OH)2/CdCO3 nanowires, having lengths in the range from 0.3 up to several microns and 5-30 nm in diameter, were synthesized by a microwave-assisted wet chemical route and used as a precursor to obtain CdO nanostructures after a suitable thermal treatment in air. The morphology and microstructure of the as-synthesized and annealed materials have been investigated by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction and thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry. The change in morphology and electrical properties with temperature has revealed a wire-to-rod transformation along with a decreases of electrical resistance. Annealed samples were printed on a ceramic substrate with interdigitated contacts to fabricate resistive solid state sensors. Gas sensing properties were explored by monitoring CO2 in synthetic air in the concentration range 0.2-5 v/v% (2000-50 000 ppm). The effect of annealing temperature, working temperature and CO2 concentration on sensing properties (sensitivity, response/recovery time and stability) were investigated. The results obtained demonstrate that CdO-based thick films have good potential as novel CO2 sensors for practical applications.

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

EFFECT OF MICROWAVE SINTERING ON THE STRUCTURAL AND ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF Li0.51Zn0.2Ti0.2V0.01Fe2.08O4 FERRITE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maisnam, Mamata; Phanjoubam, Sumitra

2013-07-01

Effect of microwave sintering on the structural and electrical properties of Li+0.51Zn2+0.2Ti4+0.2V5+0.01Fe3+2.08O2-4 is studied in comparison with that of conventionally sintered one. The technique is advantageous in terms of significantly reduced size of microwave kilns and rapid heating compared to the cumbersome and slow heating of conventional sintering technology. Microwave sintering produced enhanced densification and much finer microstructures. The DC resistivity is markedly increased. Microwave sintering reduces chances of evaporation of lithium and oxygen during sintering of lithium based ferrites resulting in formation of lesser ferrous ions. This has profound effect on the electrical properties of microwave sintered ferrites. The dielectric constant is significantly reduced possibly due to reduced space charge polarization and the temperature dependence of the dielectric properties are also studied.

Apparatus for Use in Determining Surface Conductivity at Microwave Frequencies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hearn, Chase P. (Inventor)

1995-01-01

An apparatus is provided for use in determining surface conductivity of a flat or shaped conductive material at microwave frequencies. A plate has an electrically conductive surface with first and second holes passing through the plate. An electrically conductive material under test (MUT) is maintained in a spaced apart relationship with the electrically conductive surface of the plate by one or more nonconductive spacers. A first coupling loop is electrically shielded within the first hole while a second coupling loop is electrically shielded within the second hole. A dielectric resonator element is positioned between the first and second coupling loops, while also being positioned closer to the MUT than the electrically conductive surface of the plate. Microwave energy at an operating frequency f is supplied from a signal source to the first coupling loop while microwave energy received at the second coupling loop is measured. The apparatus is capable of measuring the Q-factor of the dielectric resonator situated in the 'cavity' existing between the electrically conductive surface of the plate and the MUT. Surface conductivity of the electrically conductive surface can be determined via interpolation using: 1 ) the measured Q-factor with the electrically conductive surface in place, and 2) the measured Q-factor when the MUT is replaced with reference standards having known surface conductivities.

Fast ultra-wideband microwave spectral scanning utilizing photonic wavelength- and time-division multiplexing.

PubMed

Li, Yihan; Kuse, Naoya; Fermann, Martin

2017-08-07

A high-speed ultra-wideband microwave spectral scanning system is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. Utilizing coherent dual electro-optical frequency combs and a recirculating optical frequency shifter, the proposed system realizes wavelength- and time-division multiplexing at the same time, offering flexibility between scan speed and size, weight and power requirements (SWaP). High-speed spectral scanning spanning from ~1 to 8 GHz with ~1.2 MHz spectral resolution is achieved experimentally within 14 µs. The system can be easily scaled to higher bandwidth coverage, faster scanning speed or finer spectral resolution with suitable hardware.

0.4 Microns Spatial Resolution with 1 GHz (lambda = 30 cm) Evanescent Microwave Probe

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tabib-Azar, M.; Su, D.-P.; Pohar, A.; LeClair, S. R.; Ponchak, George E.

1999-01-01

In this article we describe evanescent field imaging of material nonuniformities with a record resolution of 0.4 microns at 1 GHz (lambda(sub g)/750000), using a resonant stripline scanning microwave probe. A chemically etched tip is used as a point-like evanescent field emitter and a probe-sample distance modulation is employed to improve the signal-to-noise ratio. Images obtained by evanescent microwave probe, by optical microscope, and by scanning tunneling microscope are presented for comparison. Probe was calibrated to perform quantitative conductivity measurements. The principal factors affecting the ultimate resolution of evanescent microwave probe are also discussed.

Electric-field distribution near rectangular microstrip radiators for hyperthermia heating: theory versus experiment in water.

PubMed

Underwood, H R; Peterson, A F; Magin, R L

1992-02-01

A rectangular microstrip antenna radiator is investigated for its near-zone radiation characteristics in water. Calculations of a cavity model theory are compared with the electric-field measurements of a miniature nonperturbing diode-dipole E-field probe whose 3 mm tip was positioned by an automatic three-axis scanning system. These comparisons have implications for the use of microstrip antennas in a multielement microwave hyperthermia applicator. Half-wavelength rectangular microstrip patches were designed to radiate in water at 915 MHz. Both low (epsilon r = 10) and high (epsilon r = 85) dielectric constant substrates were tested. Normal and tangential components of the near-zone radiated electric field were discriminated by appropriate orientation of the E-field probe. Low normal to transverse electric-field ratios at 3.0 cm depth indicate that the radiators may be useful for hyperthermia heating with an intervening water bolus. Electric-field pattern addition from a three-element linear array of these elements in water indicates that phase and amplitude adjustment can achieve some limited control over the distribution of radiated power.

Microwave Crystallization of Lithium Aluminum Germanium Phosphate Solid-State Electrolyte.

PubMed

Mahmoud, Morsi M; Cui, Yuantao; Rohde, Magnus; Ziebert, Carlos; Link, Guido; Seifert, Hans Juergen

2016-06-23

Lithium aluminum germanium phosphate (LAGP) glass-ceramics are considered as promising solid-state electrolytes for Li-ion batteries. LAGP glass was prepared via the regular conventional melt-quenching method. Thermal, chemical analyses and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were performed to characterize the prepared glass. The crystallization of the prepared LAGP glass was done using conventional heating and high frequency microwave (MW) processing. Thirty GHz microwave (MW) processing setup were used to convert the prepared LAGP glass into glass-ceramics and compared with the conventionally crystallized LAGP glass-ceramics that were heat-treated in an electric conventional furnace. The ionic conductivities of the LAGP samples obtained from the two different routes were measured using impedance spectroscopy. These samples were also characterized using XRD and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Microwave processing was successfully used to crystallize LAGP glass into glass-ceramic without the aid of susceptors. The MW treated sample showed higher total, grains and grain boundary ionic conductivities values, lower activation energy and relatively larger-grained microstructure with less porosity compared to the corresponding conventionally treated sample at the same optimized heat-treatment conditions. The enhanced total, grains and grain boundary ionic conductivities values along with the reduced activation energy that were observed in the MW treated sample was considered as an experimental evidence for the existence of the microwave effect in LAGP crystallization process. MW processing is a promising candidate technology for the production of solid-state electrolytes for Li-ion battery.

Microwave absorbance properties of zirconium–manganese substituted cobalt nanoferrite as electromagnetic (EM) wave absorbers

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

Khan, Kishwar, E-mail: kknano@hotmail.com; Rehman, Sarish

2014-02-01

Highlights: • Good candidates for EM materials with low reflectivity. • Good candidates for broad bandwidth at microwave frequency. • Microwave absorbing bandwidth was modulated simply by manipulating the Zr–Mn. • Higher the Zr–Mn content, the higher absorption rates for the electromagnetic radiation. • The predicted reflection loss shows that this can be used for thin ferrite absorber. - Abstract: Nanocrystalline Zr–Mn (x) substituted Co ferrite having chemical formula CoFe{sub 2−2x}Zr{sub x}Mn{sub x}O{sub 4} (x = 0.1–0.4) was prepared by co-precipitation technique. Combining properties such as structural, electrical, magnetic and reflection loss characteristics. Crystal structure and surface morphology of themore » calcined samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). By using two point probe homemade resistivity apparatus to find resistivity of the sample. Electromagnetic (EM) properties are measured through RF impedance/materials analyzer over 1 MHz–3 GHz. The room-temperature dielectric measurements show dispersion behavior with increasing frequency from 100 Hz to 3 MHz. Magnetic properties confirmed relatively strong dependence of saturation magnetization on Zr–Mn composition. Curie temperature is also found to decrease linearly with addition of Zr–Mn. Furthermore, comprehensive analysis of microwave reflection loss (RL) is carried out as a function of substitution, frequency, and thickness. Composition accompanying maximum microwave absorption is suggested.« less

Alternative Architecture for Commercial Space Solar Power

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Potter, Seth

2000-01-01

This presentation discuss the space solar power (SSP) concept. It takes us step by step through the process: the use of sunlight and solar cells to create power, the conversion of the sunlight into electricity, the conversion of electricity to microwaves, and finally the from microwaves back to electricity by the Rectennas on Earth.

Processing, electrical and microwave properties of sputtered Tl-Ca-Ba-Cu-O superconducting thin films

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Subramanyam, G.; Kapoor, V. J.; Chorey, C. M.; Bhasin, K. B.

1993-01-01

A reproducible fabrication process has been established for TlCaBaCuO thin films on LaAlO3 substrates by RF magnetron sputtering and post-deposition processing methods. Electrical transport properties of the thin films were measured on patterned four-probe test devices. Microwave properties of the films were obtained from unloaded Q measurements of all-superconducting ring resonators. This paper describes the processing, electrical and microwave properties of Tl2Ca1Ba2Cu2O(x) 2122-plane phase thin films.

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

Alekseev, I. S.; Ivanov, I. E.; Strelkov, P. S., E-mail: strelkov@fpl.gpi.ru

A method based on the detection of emission of a dielectric screen with metal microinclusions in open air is applied to visualize the transverse structure of a high-power microwave beam. In contrast to other visualization techniques, the results obtained in this work provide qualitative information not only on the electric field strength, but also on the structure of electric field lines in the microwave beam cross section. The interpretation of the results obtained with this method is confirmed by numerical simulations of the structure of electric field lines in the microwave beam cross section by means of the CARAT code.

Microwave absorption in powders of small conducting particles for heating applications.

PubMed

Porch, Adrian; Slocombe, Daniel; Edwards, Peter P

2013-02-28

In microwave chemistry there is a common misconception that small, highly conducting particles heat profusely when placed in a large microwave electric field. However, this is not the case; with the simple physical explanation that the electric field (which drives the heating) within a highly conducting particle is highly screened. Instead, it is the magnetic absorption associated with induction that accounts for the large experimental heating rates observed for small metal particles. We present simple principles for the effective heating of particles in microwave fields from calculations of electric and magnetic dipole absorptions for a range of practical values of particle size and conductivity. For highly conducting particles, magnetic absorption dominates electric absorption over a wide range of particle radii, with an optimum absorption set by the ratio of mean particle radius a to the skin depth δ (specifically, by the condition a = 2.41δ). This means that for particles of any conductivity, optimized magnetic absorption (and hence microwave heating by magnetic induction) can be achieved by simple selection of the mean particle size. For weakly conducting samples, electric dipole absorption dominates, and is maximized when the conductivity is approximately σ ≈ 3ωε(0) ≈ 0.4 S m(-1), independent of particle radius. Therefore, although electric dipole heating can be as effective as magnetic dipole heating for a powder sample of the same volume, it is harder to obtain optimized conditions at a fixed frequency of microwave field. The absorption of sub-micron particles is ineffective in both magnetic and electric fields. However, if the particles are magnetic, with a lossy part to their complex permeability, then magnetic dipole losses are dramatically enhanced compared to their values for non-magnetic particles. An interesting application of this is the use of very small magnetic particles for the selective microwave heating of biological samples.

Microwave-emitting rotor, separator apparatus including same, methods of operation and design thereof

DOEpatents

Meikrantz, David H.

2006-12-19

An apparatus for use in separating, at least in part, a mixture, including at least one chamber and at least one microwave generation device configured for communicating microwave energy into the at least one chamber is disclosed. The rotor assembly may comprise an electric generator for generating electricity for operating the microwave generation device. At least one microwave generation device may be positioned within a tubular interior shaft extending within the rotor assembly. At least a portion of the tubular interior shaft may be substantially transparent to microwave energy. Microwave energy may be emitted in an outward radial direction or toward an anticipated boundary surface defined between a mixture and a separated constituent thereof. A method including flowing a mixture through at least one chamber and communicating microwave energy into the at least one chamber while rotating same is disclosed. Methods of operating a centrifugal separator and design thereof are disclosed.

A Microwave Thruster for Spacecraft Propulsion

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

Chiravalle, Vincent P

This presentation describes how a microwave thruster can be used for spacecraft propulsion. A microwave thruster is part of a larger class of electric propulsion devices that have higher specific impulse and lower thrust than conventional chemical rocket engines. Examples of electric propulsion devices are given in this presentation and it is shown how these devices have been used to accomplish two recent space missions. The microwave thruster is then described and it is explained how the thrust and specific impulse of the thruster can be measured. Calculations of the gas temperature and plasma properties in the microwave thruster aremore » discussed. In addition a potential mission for the microwave thruster involving the orbit raising of a space station is explored.« less

Coaxial microwave electrothermal thruster performance in hydrogen

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Richardson, W.; Asmussen, J.; Hawley, M.

1994-01-01

The microwave electro thermal thruster (MET) is an electric propulsion concept that offers the promise of high performance combined with a long lifetime. A unique feature of this electric propulsion concept is its ability to create a microwave plasma discharge separated or floating away from any electrodes or enclosing walls. This allows propellant temperatures that are higher than those in resistojets and reduces electrode and wall erosion. It has been demonstrated that microwave energy is coupled into discharges very efficiently at high input power levels. As a result of these advantages, the MET concept has been identified as a future high power electric propulsion possibility. Recently, two additional improvements have been made to the coaxial MET. The first was concerned with improving the microwave matching. Previous experiments were conducted with 10-30 percent reflected power when incident power was in excess of 600 W(exp 6). Power was reflected back to the generator because the impedance of the MET did not match the 50 ohm impedance of the microwave circuit. To solve this problem, a double stub tuning system has been inserted between the MET and the microwave power supply. The addition of the double stub tuners reduces the reflected power below 1 percent. The other improvement has prepared the coaxial MET for hydrogen experiments. To operate with hydrogen, the vacuum window which separates the coaxial line from the discharge chamber has been changed from teflon to boron nitride. All the microwave energy delivered to the plasma discharge passes through this vacuum window. This material change had caused problems in the past because of the increased microwave reflection coefficients associated with the electrical properties of boron nitride. However, by making the boron nitride window electrically one-half of a wavelength long, power reflection in the window has been eliminated. This technical note summarizes the experimental performance of the improved coaxial MET when operating in nitrogen, helium, and hydrogen gases.

Quantitative measurement of piezoelectric coefficient of thin film using a scanning evanescent microwave microscope.

PubMed

Zhao, Zhenli; Luo, Zhenlin; Liu, Chihui; Wu, Wenbin; Gao, Chen; Lu, Yalin

2008-06-01

This article describes a new approach to quantitatively measure the piezoelectric coefficients of thin films at the microscopic level using a scanning evanescent microwave microscope. This technique can resolve 10 pm deformation caused by the piezoelectric effect and has the advantages of high scanning speed, large scanning area, submicron spatial resolution, and a simultaneous accessibility to many other related properties. Results from the test measurements on the longitudinal piezoelectric coefficient of PZT thin film agree well with those from other techniques listed in literatures.

Specific Electromagnetic Effects of Microwave Radiation on Escherichia coli▿

PubMed Central

Shamis, Yury; Taube, Alex; Mitik-Dineva, Natasa; Croft, Rodney; Crawford, Russell J.; Ivanova, Elena P.

2011-01-01

The present study investigated the effects of microwave (MW) radiation applied under a sublethal temperature on Escherichia coli. The experiments were conducted at a frequency of 18 GHz and at a temperature below 40°C to avoid the thermal degradation of bacterial cells during exposure. The absorbed power was calculated to be 1,500 kW/m3, and the electric field was determined to be 300 V/m. Both values were theoretically confirmed using CST Microwave Studio 3D Electromagnetic Simulation Software. As a negative control, E. coli cells were also thermally heated to temperatures up to 40°C using Peltier plate heating. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis performed immediately after MW exposure revealed that the E. coli cells exhibited a cell morphology significantly different from that of the negative controls. This MW effect, however, appeared to be temporary, as following a further 10-min elapsed period, the cell morphology appeared to revert to a state that was identical to that of the untreated controls. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) revealed that fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated dextran (150 kDa) was taken up by the MW-treated cells, suggesting that pores had formed within the cell membrane. Cell viability experiments revealed that the MW treatment was not bactericidal, since 88% of the cells were recovered after radiation. It is proposed that one of the effects of exposing E. coli cells to MW radiation under sublethal temperature conditions is that the cell surface undergoes a modification that is electrokinetic in nature, resulting in a reversible MW-induced poration of the cell membrane. PMID:21378041

Specific electromagnetic effects of microwave radiation on Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Shamis, Yury; Taube, Alex; Mitik-Dineva, Natasa; Croft, Rodney; Crawford, Russell J; Ivanova, Elena P

2011-05-01

The present study investigated the effects of microwave (MW) radiation applied under a sublethal temperature on Escherichia coli. The experiments were conducted at a frequency of 18 GHz and at a temperature below 40°C to avoid the thermal degradation of bacterial cells during exposure. The absorbed power was calculated to be 1,500 kW/m(3), and the electric field was determined to be 300 V/m. Both values were theoretically confirmed using CST Microwave Studio 3D Electromagnetic Simulation Software. As a negative control, E. coli cells were also thermally heated to temperatures up to 40°C using Peltier plate heating. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis performed immediately after MW exposure revealed that the E. coli cells exhibited a cell morphology significantly different from that of the negative controls. This MW effect, however, appeared to be temporary, as following a further 10-min elapsed period, the cell morphology appeared to revert to a state that was identical to that of the untreated controls. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) revealed that fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated dextran (150 kDa) was taken up by the MW-treated cells, suggesting that pores had formed within the cell membrane. Cell viability experiments revealed that the MW treatment was not bactericidal, since 88% of the cells were recovered after radiation. It is proposed that one of the effects of exposing E. coli cells to MW radiation under sublethal temperature conditions is that the cell surface undergoes a modification that is electrokinetic in nature, resulting in a reversible MW-induced poration of the cell membrane.

Space Technology for Crop Drying

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1980-01-01

McDonnell Douglas came up with a new method of drying agricultural crops derived from vacuum chamber technology called MIVAC, a compression of microwave vacuum drying system. A distant cousin of the home microwave oven, MIVAC dries by means of electrically- generated microwaves introduced to a crop-containing vacuum chamber. Microwaves remove moisture quickly and the very low pressure atmosphere in the chamber permits effective drying at much lower than customary temperatures. Thus energy demand is doubly reduced by lower heat requirement and by the shorter time electric power is needed.

Multispectral remote observations of hydrologic features on the North Slope of Alaska

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hall, D. K.; Bryan, M. L.

1977-01-01

Visible and near-infrared satellite data and active and passive microwave aircraft data are used to analyze some hydrologic features in Arctic Alaska. The following features have been studied: the small thaw lakes on the Arctic Coastal Plain (oriented lakes), Chandalar Lake in the Brooks Range, several North Slope rivers, surface water on the tundra, and snowcover on the North Slope and in the Brooks Range. Passive microwave brightness temperatures (T sub b) as seen on Electrically Scanned Microwave Radiometer (ESMR) imagery are shown to increase with increasing ice thickness on all of the lakes studied. Aufeis, an important hydrologic parameter in the Arctic, is observable in the Sagavanirktok River channel on April ESMR imagery. LANDSAT imagery with better (80 m) resolution is useful for measuring aufeis extent using band 5 imagery obtained just after snowmelt in June. It is shown that the extent of aufeis (as measured on LANDSAT imagery) varies with meteorological conditions and, therefore, may be a useful indicator of annual climate fluctuations on the North Slope. Snow and ice breakup has been traced from the Brooks Range Mountains to the Arctic Ocean Coast using LANDSAT band 7 imagery in May when melting begins in the mountains.

Addendum to Site Assessment and Feasibility of a New Operations Base on the Greenland Ice Sheet: Addendum to Preliminary Report

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-11-01

National Guard PLR Division of Polar Programs SMM /I Special Sensor Microwave/Imager SMMR Scanning Multi-channel Microwave Radiometer ERDC/CRREL...and the Special Sensor Microwave/Imager ( SMM /I). The satellite-based technique uses a difference in the passive microwave brightness temperatures

Calibrated complex impedance of CHO cells and E. coli bacteria at GHz frequencies using scanning microwave microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tuca, Silviu-Sorin; Badino, Giorgio; Gramse, Georg; Brinciotti, Enrico; Kasper, Manuel; Oh, Yoo Jin; Zhu, Rong; Rankl, Christian; Hinterdorfer, Peter; Kienberger, Ferry

2016-04-01

The application of scanning microwave microscopy (SMM) to extract calibrated electrical properties of cells and bacteria in air is presented. From the S 11 images, after calibration, complex impedance and admittance images of Chinese hamster ovary cells and E. coli bacteria deposited on a silicon substrate have been obtained. The broadband capabilities of SMM have been used to characterize the bio-samples between 2 GHz and 20 GHz. The resulting calibrated cell and bacteria admittance at 19 GHz were Y cell = 185 μS + j285 μS and Y bacteria = 3 μS + j20 μS, respectively. A combined circuitry-3D finite element method EMPro model has been developed and used to investigate the frequency response of the complex impedance and admittance of the SMM setup. Based on a proposed parallel resistance-capacitance model, the equivalent conductance and parallel capacitance of the cells and bacteria were obtained from the SMM images. The influence of humidity and frequency on the cell conductance was experimentally studied. To compare the cell conductance with bulk water properties, we measured the imaginary part of the bulk water loss with a dielectric probe kit in the same frequency range resulting in a high level of agreement.

Facile Preparation of a Platinum Silicide Nanoparticle-Modified Tip Apex for Scanning Kelvin Probe Microscopy.

PubMed

Lin, Chun-Ting; Chen, Yu-Wei; Su, James; Wu, Chien-Ting; Hsiao, Chien-Nan; Shiao, Ming-Hua; Chang, Mao-Nan

2015-12-01

In this study, we propose an ultra-facile approach to prepare a platinum silicide nanoparticle-modified tip apex (PSM tip) used for scanning Kelvin probe microscopy (SKPM). We combined a localized fluoride-assisted galvanic replacement reaction (LFAGRR) and atmospheric microwave annealing (AMA) to deposit a single platinum silicide nanoparticle with a diameter of 32 nm on the apex of a bare silicon tip of atomic force microscopy (AFM). The total process was completed in an ambient environment in less than 3 min. The improved potential resolution in the SKPM measurement was verified. Moreover, the resolution of the topography is comparable to that of a bare silicon tip. In addition, the negative charges found on the PSM tips suggest the possibility of exploring the use of current PSM tips to sense electric fields more precisely. The ultra-fast and cost-effective preparation of the PSM tips provides a new direction for the preparation of functional tips for scanning probe microscopy.

The effect of a scanning flat fold mirror on a cosmic microwave background B-mode experiment.

PubMed

Grainger, William F; North, Chris E; Ade, Peter A R

2011-06-01

We investigate the possibility of using a flat-fold beam steering mirror for a cosmic microwave background B-mode experiment. An aluminium flat-fold mirror is found to add ∼0.075% polarization, which varies in a scan synchronous way. Time-domain simulations of a realistic scanning pattern are performed, and the effect on the power-spectrum illustrated, and a possible method of correction applied. © 2011 American Institute of Physics

Microwave phase conjugation using artificial nonlinear microwave surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Yian

1997-09-01

A new technique is developed and demonstrated to simulate nonlinear materials in the microwave and millimeter wave regime. Such materials are required to extend nonlinear optical techniques into longer wavelength areas. Using an array of antenna coupled mixers as an artificial nonlinear surface, we have demonstrated two-dimensional free space microwave phase conjugation at 10 GHz. The basic concept is to replace the weak nonlinearity of electron distribution in a crystal with the strong nonlinear V-I response of a P-N junction. This demnstration uses a three-wave mixing method with the effective nonlinear susceptibility χ(2) provided by an artificial nonlinear surface. The pump signal at 2ω (20 GHz) can be injected to the mixing elements electrically or optically. Electrical injection was first used to prove the concept of artificial nonlinear surfaces. However, due to the loss and size of microwave components, electrical injection is not practical for an array of artificial nonlinear surfaces, as would be needed in a three-dimensional free space phase conjugation setup. Therefore optical injection was implemented to carry the 2ω microwave pump signal in phase to all mixing elements. In both cases, two-dimensional free space phase conjugation was observed by directly measuring the electric field amplitude and phase distribution. The electric field wavefronts exhibited retro-directivity and auto- correction characteristics of phase conjugation. This demonstration surface also shows a power gain of 10 dB, which is desired for potential communication applications.

Microwave radiometer studies of atmospheric water over the oceans, volume 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Katsaros, Kristina B.

1992-01-01

Since the Seasat carried the Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer (SMMR) into space in July of 1978, shortly followed by the SMMR on Nimbus 7, which operated for almost a decade, a new type of data source on atmospheric water vapor and other meteorological parameters has been available for analysis of weather systems over the ocean. Since 1987, we have had the Scanning Multichannel Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) instrument on Defense Meteorological Satellites providing similar data. We present a collection of our work performed over the last years of the study.

White Sands Space Harbor Area 1, Microwave Scanning Beam Landing ...

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

White Sands Space Harbor Area 1, Microwave Scanning Beam Landing Ground Stations, 1,500' to the south of the north end of Runway 17/35; 1,500' to the west of the east end of Runway 23/05; and 1,500' southwest of the northeast end of Runway 20/02., White Sands, Dona Ana County, NM

A near-field scanning microwave microscope based on a superconducting resonator for low power measurements.

PubMed

de Graaf, S E; Danilov, A V; Adamyan, A; Kubatkin, S E

2013-02-01

We report on the design and performance of a cryogenic (300 mK) near-field scanning microwave microscope. It uses a microwave resonator as the near-field sensor, operating at a frequency of 6 GHz and microwave probing amplitudes down to 100 μV, approaching low enough photon population (N ∼ 1000) of the resonator such that coherent quantum manipulation becomes feasible. The resonator is made out of a miniaturized distributed fractal superconducting circuit that is integrated with the probing tip, micromachined to be compact enough such that it can be mounted directly on a quartz tuning-fork, and used for parallel operation as an atomic force microscope (AFM). The resonator is magnetically coupled to a transmission line for readout, and to achieve enhanced sensitivity we employ a Pound-Drever-Hall measurement scheme to lock to the resonance frequency. We achieve a well localized near-field around the tip such that the microwave resolution is comparable to the AFM resolution, and a capacitive sensitivity down to 6.4 × 10(-20) F/Hz, limited by mechanical noise. We believe that the results presented here are a significant step towards probing quantum systems at the nanoscale using near-field scanning microwave microscopy.

Structural, optical, and electrical characteristics of graphene nanosheets synthesized from microwave-assisted exfoliated graphite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chamoli, Pankaj; Das, Malay K.; Kar, Kamal K.

2017-11-01

In the present study, low defect density graphene nanosheets (GNs) have been synthesized via chemical reduction of exfoliated graphite (EG) in the presence of a green reducing agent, oxalic acid. EG has been synthesized via chemical intercalation of natural flake graphite followed by exfoliation through microwave irradiation at 800 W for 50 s. 50 mg/mL concentration of oxalic acid helps to extract low defect density GNs from EG. As-synthesized GNs have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV-Visible spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photon spectroscopy. Raman analysis confirms the removal of oxygen functional groups from EG and achieved an ID/IG ratio of ˜0.10 with low defect density (˜1.12 × 1010 cm-2). Elemental analysis supports the Raman signature of the removal of oxygen functionalities from EG, and a high C/O ratio of ˜15.97 is obtained. Further, transparent conducting films (TCFs) have been fabricated by spray coating. The optical and electrical properties of fabricated TCFs have been measured after thermal graphitization. Thermal graphitization helps to improve the optical and electrical properties of TCFs by tuning the optical bandgap in a controlled way. TCF shows best performance when the film is annealed at 900 °C for 1 h in vacuum. It shows a sheet resistance of ˜1.10 kΩ/◻ and a transmittance of ˜71.56% at 550 nm.

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

Paudel, N; Shvydka, D; Karpov, V

Purpose: Hyperthermia, an established method of cancer treatment used in adjuvant to radiation and chemotherapy, can utilize metallic nanoparticles (NPs) for tumor heating with a microwave electromagnetic field. The high surface-area-to-volume ratio of nanoparticles makes them effective catalysts for free radical generation, thus amplifying the cell-killing effect of hyperthermia. We explore the effect of gold and platinum NPs in generating free radicals in aqueous media under a microwave field. Methods: Spin trap 5,5-Dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO) was mixed separately with 3.2 nm Mesogold and Mesoplatinum colloidal nanoparticle suspensions in deionized water to trap radicals. The mixtures were injected into a number ofmore » glass capillaries and exposed to the 9.68GHz microwave field of an electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometer. The microwave radiation from the spectrometer served to both generate and detect the trapped radicals. Each sample was scanned at 12mW microwave power to obtain the initial signal of hydroxyl radicals (OH.), then at 39.8mW followed by 79.8 or 125mW, and finally re-scanned at 12mW. Radical signal intensities obtained by double integration of EPR spectra from the initial and the final scans were then compared. Results: Nanoparticle samples had no intentionally-added free radicals before the initial measurement. While samples with DMPO-water solution showed no OH. signal, all those with AuNPs or PtNPs developed an OH. signal during their first exposure to the microwave field. Depending upon the applied microwave power and time interval between the initial and the final EPR scans, an OH. intensity increase of ∼10-60% was found. This contradicts the typical trend of exponential decay of the OH. signal with time. Conclusion: The consistent increase in OH. intensity establishes that gold and platinum nanoparticles facilitate free radical generation under microwave irradiation. Our results suggest that NP-aided hyperthermia is accompanied by the generation of free radicals, which enhance the cell-killing effects of hyperthermia.« less

Microwave Magnetochiral Dichroism in the Chiral-Lattice Magnet Cu2OSeO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okamura, Y.; Kagawa, F.; Seki, S.; Kubota, M.; Kawasaki, M.; Tokura, Y.

2015-05-01

Through broadband microwave spectroscopy in Faraday geometry, we observe distinct absorption spectra accompanying magnetoelectric (ME) resonance for oppositely propagating microwaves, i.e., directional dichroism, in the multiferroic chiral-lattice magnet Cu2OSeO3. The magnitude of the directional dichroism critically depends on the magnetic-field direction. Such behavior is well accounted for by considering the relative direction of the oscillating electric polarizations induced via the ME effect with respect to microwave electric fields. Directional dichroism in a system with an arbitrary form of ME coupling can be also discussed in the same manner.

Effects of Mass Flow Rate on the Thermal-Flow Characteristics of Microwave CO2 Plasma.

PubMed

Hong, Chang-Ki; Na, Young-Ho; Uhm, Han-Sup; Kim, Youn-Jea

2015-03-01

In this study, the thermal-flow characteristics of atmospheric pressure microwave CO2 plasma were numerically investigated by simulation. The electric and gas flow fields in the reaction chamber with a microwave axial injection torch operated at 2.45 GHz were simulated. The microwave launcher had the standard rectangular waveguide WR340 geometry. The simulation was performed by using the COMSOL Multiphysics plasma model with various mass flow rates of CO2. The electric fields, temperature profiles and the density of electrons were graphically depicted for different CO2 inlet mass flow rates.

Theory of magnetothermoelectric phenomena in high-mobility two-dimensional electron systems under microwave irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raichev, O. E.

2015-06-01

The response of two-dimensional electron gas to a temperature gradient in perpendicular magnetic field under steady-state microwave irradiation is studied theoretically. The electric currents induced by the temperature gradient and the thermopower coefficients are calculated taking into account both diffusive and phonon-drag mechanisms. The modification of thermopower by microwaves takes place because of Landau quantization of the electron energy spectrum and is governed by the microscopic mechanisms which are similar to those responsible for microwave-induced oscillations of electrical resistivity. The magnetic-field dependence of microwave-induced corrections to phonon-drag thermopower is determined by mixing of phonon resonance frequencies with radiation frequency, which leads to interference oscillations. The transverse thermopower is modified by microwave irradiation much stronger than the longitudinal one. Apart from showing prominent microwave-induced oscillations as a function of magnetic field, the transverse thermopower appears to be highly sensitive to the direction of linear polarization of microwave radiation.

Characterization of Microwave-Induced Electric Discharge Phenomena in Metal–Solvent Mixtures

PubMed Central

Chen, Wen; Gutmann, Bernhard; Kappe, C Oliver

2012-01-01

Electric discharge phenomena in metal–solvent mixtures are investigated utilizing a high field density, sealed-vessel, single-mode 2.45 GHz microwave reactor with a built-in camera. Particular emphasis is placed on studying the discharges exhibited by different metals (Mg, Zn, Cu, Fe, Ni) of varying particle sizes and morphologies in organic solvents (e.g., benzene) at different electric field strengths. Discharge phenomena for diamagnetic and paramagnetic metals (Mg, Zn, Cu) depend strongly on the size of the used particles. With small particles, short-lived corona discharges are observed that do not lead to a complete breakdown. Under high microwave power conditions or with large particles, however, bright sparks and arcs are experienced, often accompanied by solvent decomposition and formation of considerable amounts of graphitized material. Small ferromagnetic Fe and Ni powders (<40 μm) are heated very rapidly in benzene suspensions and start to glow in the microwave field, whereas larger particles exhibit extremely strong discharges. Electric discharges were also observed when Cu metal or other conductive materials such as silicon carbide were exposed to the microwave field in the absence of a solvent in an argon or nitrogen atmosphere. PMID:24551491

Characterization of microwave-induced electric discharge phenomena in metal-solvent mixtures.

PubMed

Chen, Wen; Gutmann, Bernhard; Kappe, C Oliver

2012-02-01

Electric discharge phenomena in metal-solvent mixtures are investigated utilizing a high field density, sealed-vessel, single-mode 2.45 GHz microwave reactor with a built-in camera. Particular emphasis is placed on studying the discharges exhibited by different metals (Mg, Zn, Cu, Fe, Ni) of varying particle sizes and morphologies in organic solvents (e.g., benzene) at different electric field strengths. Discharge phenomena for diamagnetic and paramagnetic metals (Mg, Zn, Cu) depend strongly on the size of the used particles. With small particles, short-lived corona discharges are observed that do not lead to a complete breakdown. Under high microwave power conditions or with large particles, however, bright sparks and arcs are experienced, often accompanied by solvent decomposition and formation of considerable amounts of graphitized material. Small ferromagnetic Fe and Ni powders (<40 μm) are heated very rapidly in benzene suspensions and start to glow in the microwave field, whereas larger particles exhibit extremely strong discharges. Electric discharges were also observed when Cu metal or other conductive materials such as silicon carbide were exposed to the microwave field in the absence of a solvent in an argon or nitrogen atmosphere.

Fabrication of p-Si/n-ZnO:Al heterojunction diode and determination of electrical parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ilican, Saliha; Gorgun, Kamuran; Aksoy, Seval; Caglar, Yasemin; Caglar, Mujdat

2018-03-01

We present a fundamental experimental study of a microwave assisted chemical bath deposition (MW-CBD) method for Al doped ZnO films. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy were used to analyze the microstructures and crystalline structures of these films, respectively. The p-Si/n-ZnO:Al heterojunction diodes were fabricated. The current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of these diodes were measured at room temperature. The important electrical parameters such as series resistance, the ideality factor and the barrier height were determined by performing plots from the forward bias I-V characteristics using different methods. The obtained results indicate that Al doping improve the electrical properties of the p-Si/n-ZnO diode. The best rectification properties were observed in the p-Si/n-ZnO:5%Al heterojunction diode, so only capacitance-voltage (C-V) measurements of this diode were taken. Electrical parameter values such as series resistance, the built-in potential and the acceptor concentration calculated for this heterojunction diode.

Satellite-derived ice data sets no. 2: Arctic monthly average microwave brightness temperatures and sea ice concentrations, 1973-1976

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parkinson, C. L.; Comiso, J. C.; Zwally, H. J.

1987-01-01

A summary data set for four years (mid 70's) of Arctic sea ice conditions is available on magnetic tape. The data include monthly and yearly averaged Nimbus 5 electrically scanning microwave radiometer (ESMR) brightness temperatures, an ice concentration parameter derived from the brightness temperatures, monthly climatological surface air temperatures, and monthly climatological sea level pressures. All data matrices are applied to 293 by 293 grids that cover a polar stereographic map enclosing the 50 deg N latitude circle. The grid size varies from about 32 X 32 km at the poles to about 28 X 28 km at 50 deg N. The ice concentration parameter is calculated assuming that the field of view contains only open water and first-year ice with an ice emissivity of 0.92. To account for the presence of multiyear ice, a nomogram is provided relating the ice concentration parameter, the total ice concentration, and the fraction of the ice cover which is multiyear ice.

Portable automated imaging in complex ceramics with a microwave interference scanning system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goitia, Ryan M.; Schmidt, Karl F.; Little, Jack R.; Ellingson, William A.; Green, William; Franks, Lisa P.

2013-01-01

An improved portable microwave interferometry system has been automated to permit rapid examination of components with minimal operator attendance. Functionalities include stereo and multiplexed, frequency-modulated at multiple frequencies, producing layered volumetric images of complex ceramic structures. The technique has been used to image composite ceramic armor and ceramic matrix composite components, as well as other complex dielectric materials. The system utilizes Evisive Scan microwave interference scanning technique. Validation tests include artificial and in-service damage of ceramic armor, surrogates and ceramic matrix composite samples. Validation techniques include micro-focus x-ray and computed tomography imaging. The microwave interference scanning technique has demonstrated detection of cracks, interior laminar features and variations in material properties such as density. The image yields depth information through phase angle manipulation, and shows extent of feature and relative dielectric property information. It requires access to only one surface, and no coupling medium. Data are not affected by separation of layers of dielectric material, such as outer over-wrap. Test panels were provided by the US Army Research Laboratory, and the US Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC), who with the US Air Force Research Laboratory have supported this work.

Space solar power - An energy alternative

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, R. W.

1978-01-01

The space solar power concept is concerned with the use of a Space Power Satellite (SPS) which orbits the earth at geostationary altitude. Two large symmetrical solar collectors convert solar energy directly to electricity using photovoltaic cells woven into blankets. The dc electricity is directed to microwave generators incorporated in a transmitting antenna located between the solar collectors. The antenna directs the microwave beam to a receiving antenna on earth where the microwave energy is efficiently converted back to dc electricity. The SPS design promises 30-year and beyond lifetimes. The SPS is relatively pollution free as it promises earth-equivalence of 80-85% efficient ground-based thermal power plant.

Densification and Electrical Properties of Zinc Oxide Varistors Microwave-Sintered Under Different Oxygen Partial Pressures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Cong; Wang, Bo; Xu, Zheng; Peng, Hu

2012-11-01

ZnO varistors were prepared by microwave sintering under different oxygen partial pressures. The temperature profile and the densification behavior in different atmospheres were investigated. It was found that the density of ZnO varistors during sintering was the key factor affecting the absorption of microwave energy. The electrical properties, including the nonlinear properties and capacitance-voltage ( C- V) characteristics, were also carefully studied. The results showed that the oxygen partial pressure has significant effects on the electrical properties of ZnO varistors by changing the concentration of defects through a series of reactions involving oxygen during sintering.

The separated electric and magnetic field responses of luminescent bacteria exposed to pulsed microwave irradiation

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

Williams, Catrin F., E-mail: williamscf@cardiff.ac.uk; School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Main Building, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3AT Wales; Geroni, Gilles M.

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are ubiquitous in the digital world we inhabit, with microwave and millimetre wave sources of non-ionizing radiation employed extensively in electronics and communications, e.g., in mobile phones and Wi-Fi. Indeed, the advent of 5G systems and the “internet of things” is likely to lead to massive densification of wireless networks. Whilst the thermal effects of EMFs on biological systems are well characterised, their putative non-thermal effects remain a controversial subject. Here, we use the bioluminescent marine bacterium, Vibrio fischeri, to monitor the effects of pulsed microwave electromagnetic fields, of nominal frequency 2.5 GHz, on light emission. Separatedmore » electric and magnetic field effects were investigated using a resonant microwave cavity, within which the maxima of each field are separated. For pulsed electric field exposure, the bacteria gave reproducible responses and recovery in light emission. At the lowest pulsed duty cycle (1.25%) and after short durations (100 ms) of exposure to the electric field at power levels of 4.5 W rms, we observed an initial stimulation of bioluminescence, whereas successive microwave pulses became inhibitory. Much of this behaviour is due to thermal effects, as the bacterial light output is very sensitive to the local temperature. Conversely, magnetic field exposure gave no measurable short-term responses even at the highest power levels of 32 W rms. Thus, we were able to detect, de-convolute, and evaluate independently the effects of separated electric and magnetic fields on exposure of a luminescent biological system to microwave irradiation.« less

The separated electric and magnetic field responses of luminescent bacteria exposed to pulsed microwave irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Williams, Catrin F.; Geroni, Gilles M.; Pirog, Antoine; Lloyd, David; Lees, Jonathan; Porch, Adrian

2016-08-01

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are ubiquitous in the digital world we inhabit, with microwave and millimetre wave sources of non-ionizing radiation employed extensively in electronics and communications, e.g., in mobile phones and Wi-Fi. Indeed, the advent of 5G systems and the "internet of things" is likely to lead to massive densification of wireless networks. Whilst the thermal effects of EMFs on biological systems are well characterised, their putative non-thermal effects remain a controversial subject. Here, we use the bioluminescent marine bacterium, Vibrio fischeri, to monitor the effects of pulsed microwave electromagnetic fields, of nominal frequency 2.5 GHz, on light emission. Separated electric and magnetic field effects were investigated using a resonant microwave cavity, within which the maxima of each field are separated. For pulsed electric field exposure, the bacteria gave reproducible responses and recovery in light emission. At the lowest pulsed duty cycle (1.25%) and after short durations (100 ms) of exposure to the electric field at power levels of 4.5 W rms, we observed an initial stimulation of bioluminescence, whereas successive microwave pulses became inhibitory. Much of this behaviour is due to thermal effects, as the bacterial light output is very sensitive to the local temperature. Conversely, magnetic field exposure gave no measurable short-term responses even at the highest power levels of 32 W rms. Thus, we were able to detect, de-convolute, and evaluate independently the effects of separated electric and magnetic fields on exposure of a luminescent biological system to microwave irradiation.

"Printed-circuit" rectenna

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dickinson, R. M.

1977-01-01

Rectifying antenna is less bulky structure for absorbing transmitted microwave power and converting it into electrical current. Printed-circuit approach, using microstrip technology and circularly polarized antenna, makes polarization orientation unimportant and allows much smaller arrays for given performance. Innovation is particularly useful with proposed electric vehicles powered by beam microwaves.

Snow parameters from Nimbus-6 electrically scanned microwave radiometer. [(ESMR-6)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abrams, G.; Edgerton, A. T.

1977-01-01

Two sites in Canada were selected for detailed analysis of the ESMR-6/ snow relationships. Data were analyzed for February 1976 for site 1 and January, February and March 1976 for site 2. Snowpack water equivalents were less than 4.5 inches for site 1 and, depending on the month, were between 2.9 and 14.5 inches for site 2. A statistically significant relationship was found between ESMR-6 measurements and snowpack water equivalents for the Site 2 February and March data. Associated analysis findings presented are the effects of random measurement errors, snow site physiolography, and weather conditions on the ESMR-6/snow relationship.

Integrated Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-A (AMSU-A). As-Designed Parts List: Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical (EEE) As-Built Parts List for the AMSU-A Instruments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

This is the As-Designed Parts List, Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical (EEE) As-Built Parts Lists For The AMSU-A Instruments, for the Integrated Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-A (AMSU-A).

Electro-optically tunable microwave source based on composite-cavity microchip laser.

PubMed

Qiao, Yunfei; Zheng, Shilie; Chi, Hao; Jin, Xiaofeng; Zhang, Xianmin

2012-12-17

A compact and electric tuning microwave source based on a diode-pumped composite Nd:YAG-LiNbO(3) cavity microchip laser is demonstrated. The electro-optical element introduces an electric tuning intra-cavity birefringence which causes a tunable frequency difference between two spilt orthogonal polarization states of a longitude mode. Thus a continuously tunable microwave signal with frequency up to 14.12 GHz can be easily generated by beating the two polarization modes on a high speed photodetector.

A Microwave Thermostatic Reactor for Processing Liquid Materials Based on a Heat-Exchanger.

PubMed

Zhou, Yongqiang; Zhang, Chun; Xie, Tian; Hong, Tao; Zhu, Huacheng; Yang, Yang; Liu, Changjun; Huang, Kama

2017-10-08

Microwaves have been widely used in the treatment of different materials. However, the existing adjustable power thermostatic reactors cannot be used to analyze materials characteristics under microwave effects. In this paper, a microwave thermostatic chemical reactor for processing liquid materials is proposed, by controlling the velocity of coolant based on PLC (programmable logic controller) in different liquid under different constant electric field intensity. A nonpolar coolant (Polydimethylsiloxane), which is completely microwave transparent, is employed to cool the liquid materials. Experiments are performed to measure the liquid temperature using optical fibers, the results show that the precision of temperature control is at the range of ±0.5 °C. Compared with the adjustable power thermostatic control system, the effect of electric field changes on material properties are avoided and it also can be used to detect the properties of liquid materials and special microwave effects.

A Microwave Thermostatic Reactor for Processing Liquid Materials Based on a Heat-Exchanger

PubMed Central

Zhou, Yongqiang; Zhang, Chun; Xie, Tian; Hong, Tao; Yang, Yang; Liu, Changjun; Huang, Kama

2017-01-01

Microwaves have been widely used in the treatment of different materials. However, the existing adjustable power thermostatic reactors cannot be used to analyze materials characteristics under microwave effects. In this paper, a microwave thermostatic chemical reactor for processing liquid materials is proposed, by controlling the velocity of coolant based on PLC (programmable logic controller) in different liquid under different constant electric field intensity. A nonpolar coolant (Polydimethylsiloxane), which is completely microwave transparent, is employed to cool the liquid materials. Experiments are performed to measure the liquid temperature using optical fibers, the results show that the precision of temperature control is at the range of ±0.5 °C. Compared with the adjustable power thermostatic control system, the effect of electric field changes on material properties are avoided and it also can be used to detect the properties of liquid materials and special microwave effects. PMID:28991195

Mapping Daily and Maximum Flood Extents at 90-m Resolution During Hurricanes Harvey and Irma Using Passive Microwave Remote Sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galantowicz, J. F.; Picton, J.; Root, B.

2017-12-01

Passive microwave remote sensing can provided a distinct perspective on flood events by virtue of wide sensor fields of view, frequent observations from multiple satellites, and sensitivity through clouds and vegetation. During Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, we used AMSR2 (Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2, JAXA) data to map flood extents starting from the first post-storm rain-free sensor passes. Our standard flood mapping algorithm (FloodScan) derives flooded fraction from 22-km microwave data (AMSR2 or NASA's GMI) in near real time and downscales it to 90-m resolution using a database built from topography, hydrology, and Global Surface Water Explorer data and normalized to microwave data footprint shapes. During Harvey and Irma we tested experimental versions of the algorithm designed to map the maximum post-storm flood extent rapidly and made a variety of map products available immediately for use in storm monitoring and response. The maps have several unique features including spanning the entire storm-affected area and providing multiple post-storm updates as flood water shifted and receded. From the daily maps we derived secondary products such as flood duration, maximum flood extent (Figure 1), and flood depth. In this presentation, we describe flood extent evolution, maximum extent, and local details as detected by the FloodScan algorithm in the wake of Harvey and Irma. We compare FloodScan results to other available flood mapping resources, note observed shortcomings, and describe improvements made in response. We also discuss how best-estimate maps could be updated in near real time by merging FloodScan products and data from other remote sensing systems and hydrological models.

Electrically detected magnetic resonance in a W-band microwave cavity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lang, V.; Lo, C. C.; George, R. E.; Lyon, S. A.; Bokor, J.; Schenkel, T.; Ardavan, A.; Morton, J. J. L.

2011-03-01

We describe a low-temperature sample probe for the electrical detection of magnetic resonance in a resonant W-band (94 GHz) microwave cavity. The advantages of this approach are demonstrated by experiments on silicon field-effect transistors. A comparison with conventional low-frequency measurements at X-band (9.7 GHz) on the same devices reveals an up to 100-fold enhancement of the signal intensity. In addition, resonance lines that are unresolved at X-band are clearly separated in the W-band measurements. Electrically detected magnetic resonance at high magnetic fields and high microwave frequencies is therefore a very sensitive technique for studying electron spins with an enhanced spectral resolution and sensitivity.

A multi-sensor analysis of Nimbus 5 data on 22 January 1973. [meteorological parameters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allison, L. J.; Rodgers, E. B.; Wilheit, T. T.; Wexler, R.

1973-01-01

The Nimbus 5 meteorological satellite carried aloft a full complement of radiation sensors, the data from which were analyzed and intercompared during orbits 569-570 on 22 January 1973. The electrically scanning microwave radiometer (ESMR) which sensed passive microwave radiation in the 19.35 GHz region, delineated rain areas over the ocean off the U.S. east coast, in good agreement with WSR-57 and FPS-77 radar imagery and permitted the estimation of rainfall rates in this region. Residual ground water in the lower Mississippi Valley, which resulted from abnormal rainfall in previous months, was indicated under clear sky conditions by soil brightness temperature values in the Nimbus 5 ESMR and U.S. Air Force Data Acquisition and Processing Program (DAPP) IR data. The temperature-humidity infrared radiometer showed the height and spatial configuration of frontal clouds along the east coast and outlined the confluence of a polar jet stream with a broad sub-tropical jet stream along the U.S. Gulf Coast. Temperature profiles from three vertical temperature sounders, the infrared temperature profile radiometer (ITPR), the Nimbus E microwave spectrometer (NEMS) and the selective chopper radiometer (SCR) were found to be in good agreement with related radiosonde ascents along orbit 569 from the sub-tropics to the Arctic Circle.

Time-dependence of sea-ice concentration and multiyear ice fraction in the Arctic Basin

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gloersen, P.; Zwally, H.J.; Chang, A.T.C.; Hall, D.K.; Campbell, W.J.; Ramseier, R.O.

1978-01-01

The time variation of the sea-ice concentration and multiyear ice fraction within the pack ice in the Arctic Basin is examined, using microwave images of sea ice recently acquired by the Nimbus-5 spacecraft and the NASA CV-990 airborne laboratory. The images used for these studies were constructed from data acquired from the Electrically Scanned Microwave Radiometer (ESMR) which records radiation from earth and its atmosphere at a wavelength of 1.55 cm. Data are analyzed for four seasons during 1973-1975 to illustrate some basic differences in the properties of the sea ice during those times. Spacecraft data are compared with corresponding NASA CV-990 airborne laboratory data obtained over wide areas in the Arctic Basin during the Main Arctic Ice Dynamics Joint Experiment (1975) to illustrate the applicability of passive-microwave remote sensing for monitoring the time dependence of sea-ice concentration (divergence). These observations indicate significant variations in the sea-ice concentration in the spring, late fall and early winter. In addition, deep in the interior of the Arctic polar sea-ice pack, heretofore unobserved large areas, several hundred kilometers in extent, of sea-ice concentrations as low as 50% are indicated. ?? 1978 D. Reidel Publishing Company.

Environmental assessment of microwaves and the effect of European energy efficiency and waste management legislation.

PubMed

Gallego-Schmid, Alejandro; Mendoza, Joan Manuel F; Azapagic, Adisa

2018-03-15

More than 130 million microwaves are affected by European Union (EU) legislation which is aimed at reducing the consumption of electricity in the standby mode ('Standby Regulation') and at more sustainable management of end-of-life electrical and electronic waste ('WEEE Directive'). While legislation focuses on these two life cycle stages, there is little information on the environmental impacts of the entire life cycle of microwaves. To address this gap, this paper presents a comprehensive life cycle assessment of microwaves and assesses the environmental implications of the Standby Regulation and the WEEE Directive at the EU level. The impacts are first considered at the level of individual appliances and then at the EU level, with the aim of evaluating the potential environmental implications of the full implementation of the above two EU regulations by 2020. The effects of the electricity decarbonisation and the expected increase in the number of microwaves in use have also been considered. The results suggest that implementation of the EU regulation by 2020 will reduce the environmental impacts considered by 4%-9% compared to the current situation. The majority of these reductions is due to the Standby Regulation, with the contribution of the WEEE Directive being small (~0.3%). However, the expected decarbonisation of electricity will result in much higher reductions (6%-24%) for most impact categories. The results also show that the materials used to manufacture the microwaves, the manufacturing process and end-of-life disposal are environmental hot-spots for several impacts, including depletion of abiotic elements. Therefore, efforts to reduce the environmental impacts of a future electricity mix should be combined with the development of specific eco-design regulations for microwaves that stipulate optimisation of resource consumption. Possible future trends, such as shorter lifetimes and limited availability of some resources, make the development of such product regulations more critical. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Morphological Transition in Diamond Thin-Films Induced by Boron in a Microwave Plasma Deposition Process.

PubMed

Baker, Paul A; Goodloe, David R; Vohra, Yogesh K

2017-11-14

The purpose of this study is to understand the basic mechanisms responsible for the synthesis of nanostructured diamond films in a microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) process and to identify plasma chemistry suitable for controlling the morphology and electrical properties of deposited films. The nanostructured diamond films were synthesized by MPCVD on Ti-6Al-4V alloy substrates using H₂/CH₄/N₂ precursor gases and the plasma chemistry was monitored by the optical emission spectroscopy (OES). The synthesized thin-films were characterized by x -ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The addition of B₂H₆ to the feedgas during MPCVD of diamond thin-films changes the crystal grain size from nanometer to micron scale. Nanostructured diamond films grown with H₂/CH₄/N₂ gases demonstrate a broad (111) Bragg x -ray diffraction peak (Full-Width at Half-Maximum (FWHM) = 0.93° 2θ), indicating a small grain size, whereas scans show a definite sharpening of the diamond (111) peak (FWHM = 0.30° 2θ) with the addition of boron. OES showed a decrease in CN (carbon-nitrogen) radical in the plasma with B₂H₆ addition to the gas mixture. Our study indicates that CN radical plays a critical role in the synthesis of nanostructured diamond films and suppression of CN radical by boron-addition in the plasma causes a morphological transition to microcrystalline diamond.

Quantitative impedance characterization of sub-10 nm scale capacitors and tunnel junctions with an interferometric scanning microwave microscope.

PubMed

Wang, Fei; Clément, Nicolas; Ducatteau, Damien; Troadec, David; Tanbakuchi, Hassan; Legrand, Bernard; Dambrine, Gilles; Théron, Didier

2014-10-10

We present a method to characterize sub-10 nm capacitors and tunnel junctions by interferometric scanning microwave microscopy (iSMM) at 7.8 GHz. At such device scaling, the small water meniscus surrounding the iSMM tip should be reduced by proper tip tuning. Quantitative impedance characterization of attofarad range capacitors is achieved using an 'on-chip' calibration kit facing thousands of nanodevices. Nanoscale capacitors and tunnel barriers were detected through variations in the amplitude and phase of the reflected microwave signal, respectively. This study promises quantitative impedance characterization of a wide range of emerging functional nanoscale devices.

Microwave signatures of snow and fresh water ice

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schmugge, T.; Wilheit, T. T.; Gloersen, P.; Meier, M. F.; Frank, D.; Dirmhirn, I.

1973-01-01

During March of 1971, the NASA Convair 990 Airborne Observatory carrying microwave radiometers in the wavelength range 0.8 to 21 cm was flown over dry snow with different substrata: Lake ice at Bear Lake in Utah; wet soil in the Yampa River Valley near Steamboat Springs, Colorado; and glacier ice, firm and wet snow on the South Cascade Glacier in Washington. The data presented indicate that the transparency of the snow cover is a function of wavelength. False-color images of microwave brightness temperatures obtained from a scanning radiometer operating at a wavelength of 1.55 cm demonstrate the capability of scanning radiometers for mapping snowfields.

Measurements of energy distribution and thrust for microwave plasma coupling of electrical energy to hydrogen for propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morin, T.; Chapman, R.; Filpus, J.; Hawley, M.; Kerber, R.; Asmussen, J.; Nakanishi, S.

1982-01-01

A microwave plasma system for transfer of electrical energy to hydrogen flowing through the system has potential application for coupling energy to a flowing gas in the electrothermal propulsion concept. Experimental systems have been designed and built for determination of the energy inputs and outputs and thrust for the microwave coupling of energy to hydrogen. Results for experiments with pressure in the range 100 microns-6 torr, hydrogen flow rate up to 1000 micronmoles/s, and total absorbed power to 700 w are presented.

Aircraft and satellite measurement of ocean wave directional spectra using scanning-beam microwave radars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jackson, F. C.; Walton, W. T.; Baker, P. L.

1982-01-01

A microwave radar technique for remotely measuring the vector wave number spectrum of the ocean surface is described. The technique, which employs short-pulse, noncoherent radars in a conical scan mode near vertical incidence, is shown to be suitable for both aircraft and satellite application, the technique was validated at 10 km aircraft altitude, where we have found excellent agreement between buoy and radar-inferred absolute wave height spectra.

Ceramic Gas Turbine Engine Demonstration Program

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-05-01

of Radiographs 124 5.2.3 Ultrasonic NDE 127 5.2.4 Scanning Laser Acoustic Microscopy 132 5.2.5 Microwave NDE 134 5.2.6 Neutron Radiography 134 5.2.7...microwaves, and scanning loser acoustic microscopy (SLAM) were evaluated using the standards containing known defects. Component shape standards...mounted in a carousel and rotated in the high velocity combustor gases. The temperature is measured by an infrared pyrometer 95 TABLE 4-3. SUMMARY OF

Studies of Atmospheric Water in Storms with the Nimbus 7 Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Katsaros, K. B.

1984-01-01

The new tools for the study of midlattitude cyclones by atmospheric water channels of the scanning multichannel microwave radiometer (SMMR) on Nimbus 7, were discussed. The integrated atmospheric water vapor, total cloud liquid water and rain data were obtained from the Nimbus 7 Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer (SMMR). The frontal structure of several midlattitude cyclones over the North Pacific Ocean as they approached the West Coast of North America were studied. It is found that fronts are consistently located at the leading edge of the strongest gradient in integrated water vapor. The cloud liquid water content has patterns which are consistent with the structure seen in visible and infrared imagery. The rain distribution is a good indicator of frontal location. It is concluded that the onset of rain on the coast can be forecast accurately by simple advection of the SMMR observed rain areas.

Current status of the global change observation mission - water SHIZUKU (GCOM-W) and the advanced microwave scanning radiometer 2 (AMSR2) (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maeda, Takashi; Kachi, Misako; Kasahara, Marehito

2016-10-01

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched the Global Change Observation Mission - Water (GCOM-W) or "SHIZUKU" in 18 May 2012 (JST) from JAXA's Tanegashima Space Center. The GCOM-W satellite joins to NASA's A-train orbit since June 2012, and its observation is ongoing. The GCOM-W satellite carries the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2). The AMSR2 is a multi-frequency, total-power microwave radiometer system with dual polarization channels for all frequency bands, and successor microwave radiometer to the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for EOS (AMSR-E) loaded on the NASA's Aqua satellite. The AMSR-E kept observation in the slower rotation speed (2 rotations per minute) for cross-calibration with AMSR2 since December 2012, its operation ended in December 2015. The AMSR2 is designed almost similarly as the AMSR-E. The AMSR2 has a conical scanning system with large-size offset parabolic antenna, a feed horn cluster to realize multi-frequency observation, and an external calibration system with two temperature standards. However, some important improvements are made. For example, the main reflector size of the AMSR2 is expanded to 2.0 m to observe the Earth's surface in higher spatial resolution, and 7.3-GHz channel is newly added to detect radio frequency interferences at 6.9 GHz. In this paper, we present a recent topic for the AMSR2 (i.e., RFI detection performances) and the current operation status of the AMSR2.

Geological applications of Nimbus radiation data in the Middle East

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allison, L. J.

1977-01-01

Large plateaus of Eocene limestone and exposed limestone escarpments, in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, respectively, were indicated by cool brightness temperatures recorded by the Nimbus-5 electrically scanning microwave radiometer (ESMR), over a 2-year period. Nubian sandstone, desert eolian sand, and igneous-metamorphic rock of the Pliocene, Miocene, Oligocene, and Cretaceous periods were differentiated from these limestone areas by warm T sub B values. These brightness temperature differences are a result of seasonal in-situ ground temperatures and differential emissivity of limestone and sand, sandstone and granite, whose dielectric constants are 6 to 8.9 and 2.9 and 4.2 to 5.3, respectively, at 19.35 GHz.

Satellite Power System (SPS) microwave subsystem impacts and benefits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dickinson, R. M.

1977-01-01

The impacts and benefits to society of the microwave subsystem resulting from the developing, construction and operating of a space solar power to earth, electric power delivery system are presented and discussed. The primary benefit (usable energy) is conveyed mainly in the fundamental frequency portion of the RF radiation beam that is intercepted and converted to electric power output. The small fraction of the microwave and other electromagnetic energy that does not end up in the electric utility grid, yields most of the subsystem impacts. The impacts range from harmonics and noise radiated by the transmitting antenna, through potential interference with ionospheric communications and navigation caused by the power beam heating the ionosphere, to the potential large land area requirements for the rectennas and low level microwave radiation around the rectennas. Additional benefits range from a very low level of waste heat liberated and lack of atmospheric emissions including noise while operating to having no residual ionizing radiation from the rectenna when it is deactivated.

The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission: Overview and U.S. Status

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hou, Arthur Y.; Azarbarzin, Ardeshir A.; Kakar, Ramesh K.; Neeck, Steven

2011-01-01

The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission is an international satellite mission specifically designed to unify and advance precipitation measurements from a constellation of research and operational microwave sensors. Building upon the success of the U.S.-Japan Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the United States and the Japan Aerospace and Exploration Agency (JAXA) will deploy in 2013 a GPM "Core" satellite carrying a KulKa-band Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) and a conical-scanning multi-channel (10-183 GHz) GPM Microwave Imager (GMI) to establish a new reference standard for precipitation measurements from space. The combined active/passive sensor measurements will also be used to provide common database for precipitation retrievals from constellation sensors. For global coverage, GPM relies on existing satellite programs and new mission opportunities from a consortium of partners through bilateral agreements with either NASA or JAXA. Each constellation member may have its unique scientific or operational objectives but contributes microwave observations to GPM for the generation and dissemination of unified global precipitation data products. In addition to the DPR and GMI on the Core Observatory, the baseline GPM constellation consists of the following sensors: (1) Special Sensor Microwave Imager/Sounder (SSMIS) instruments on the U.S. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) satellites, (2) the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer- 2 (AMSR-2) on the GCOM-Wl satellite of JAXA, (3) the Multi-Frequency Microwave Scanning Radiometer (MADRAS) and the multi-channel microwave humidity sounder (SAPHIR) on the French-Indian Megha-Tropiques satellite, (4) the Microwave Humidity Sounder (MHS) on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)-19, (5) MHS instruments on MetOp satellites launched by the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT), (6) the Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS) on the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) Preparatory Project (NPP), (7) ATMS instruments on the NOAA-NASA Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) satellites, and (8) a microwave imager under planning for the Defense Weather Satellite System (DWSS).

Electrically protected resonant exchange qubits in triple quantum dots.

PubMed

Taylor, J M; Srinivasa, V; Medford, J

2013-08-02

We present a modulated microwave approach for quantum computing with qubits comprising three spins in a triple quantum dot. This approach includes single- and two-qubit gates that are protected against low-frequency electrical noise, due to an operating point with a narrowband response to high frequency electric fields. Furthermore, existing double quantum dot advances, including robust preparation and measurement via spin-to-charge conversion, are immediately applicable to the new qubit. Finally, the electric dipole terms implicit in the high frequency coupling enable strong coupling with superconducting microwave resonators, leading to more robust two-qubit gates.

Fundamental experiment of ion thruster using ECR discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yasui, Toshiaki; Kitayama, Jiro; Tahara, Hirokazu; Onoe, Ken-Ichi; Yoshikawa, Takao

A microwave ion thruster has the potential to overcome a lifetime problem of electric propulsion by eliminating electrodes. Two types of microwave ion thruster have been investigated to examine the operational characteristics. The one is the thruster using cavity-resonance microwave discharge, and the other is the thruster using Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR) discharge. Cavity-resonance microwave discharge produced plasmas by strong electric field in the resonant cavity and sustained plasmas at argon mass flow rates above 10 sccm. However, ECR discharge was capable of sustaining plasmas at lower mass flow rate, because ECR discharge efficiently produced plasmas by resonance absorption. From these generated microwave plasmas, ions were electrostatically extracted by two multiaperture grids. In ECR discharge, the maximum ion beam current of 75 mA and the highest mass utilization efficiency of 18.7% were achieved at a total extraction voltage of 950 V.

Computational studies of suppression of microwave gas breakdown by crossed dc magnetic field using electron fluid model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Pengcheng; Guo, Lixin; Shu, Panpan

2016-08-01

The gas breakdown induced by a square microwave pulse with a crossed dc magnetic field is investigated using the electron fluid model, in which the accurate electron energy distribution functions are adopted. Simulation results show that at low gas pressures the dc magnetic field of a few tenths of a tesla can prolong the breakdown formation time by reducing the mean electron energy. With the gas pressure increasing, the higher dc magnetic field is required to suppress the microwave breakdown. The electric field along the microwave propagation direction generated due to the motion of electrons obviously increases with the dc magnetic field, but it is much less than the incident electric field. The breakdown predictions of the electron fluid model agree very well with the particle-in-cell-Monte Carlo collision simulations as well as the scaling law for the microwave gas breakdown.

Modulated microwave microscopy and probes used therewith

DOEpatents

Lai, Keji; Kelly, Michael; Shen, Zhi-Xun

2012-09-11

A microwave microscope including a probe tip electrode vertically positionable over a sample and projecting downwardly from the end of a cantilever. A transmission line connecting the tip electrode to the electronic control system extends along the cantilever and is separated from a ground plane at the bottom of the cantilever by a dielectric layer. The probe tip may be vertically tapped near or at the sample surface at a low frequency and the microwave signal reflected from the tip/sample interaction is demodulated at the low frequency. Alternatively, a low-frequency electrical signal is also a non-linear electrical element associated with the probe tip to non-linearly interact with the applied microwave signal and the reflected non-linear microwave signal is detected at the low frequency. The non-linear element may be semiconductor junction formed near the apex of the probe tip or be an FET formed at the base of a semiconducting tip.

Radio-frequency and microwave energies, magnetic and electric fields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Michaelson, S. M.

1975-01-01

The biological effects of radio frequency, including microwave, radiation are considered. Effects on body temperature, the eye, reproductive systems, internal organs, blood cells, the cardiovascular system, and the central nervous system are included. Generalized effects of electric and magnetic fields are also discussed. Experimentation with animals and clinical studies on humans are cited, and possible mechanisms of the effects observed are suggested.

Microwave performance of photoresist-alumina microcomposites for batch fabrication of thick polymer-based dielectric structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rashidian, Atabak; Klymyshyn, David M.; Tayfeh Aligodarz, Mohammadreza; Boerner, Martin; Mohr, Jürgen

2012-10-01

The goal of this paper is to investigate the electrical properties of photoresist-alumina microcomposites with different portions of ceramic content. Substrates of photoresist-alumina microcomposites are fabricated and a comprehensive analysis is performed to characterize their dielectric constant and dielectric loss tangent at microwave frequencies up to 40 GHz. To evaluate the performance of these materials for microwave applications, the properties of various lithographically fabricated antenna elements are examined and analysed based on the measured electrical properties. The experimental results show that the electrical properties of the photoresist composite are nonlinearly affected by ceramic content and also a minimum percentage of ceramic portion is required to improve the electrical properties of the photoresist composite. For instance, comparison of 0 wt% with 23 wt% SU8-alumina shows that no reduction is achieved for the dielectric loss tangent. Comparison of 38 wt% with 48 wt% SU8-alumina microcomposite shows that the dielectric loss tangent is improved from 0.03 to 0.01 and the dielectric constant is increased from 3.8 to 5.0 at 25 GHz. These improvements can result in superior performance for the photoresist-based microwave components.

TEMPEST-D MM-Wave Radiometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Padmanabhan, S.; Gaier, T.; Reising, S. C.; Lim, B.; Stachnik, R. A.; Jarnot, R.; Berg, W. K.; Kummerow, C. D.; Chandrasekar, V.

2016-12-01

The TEMPEST-D radiometer is a five-frequency millimeter-wave radiometer at 89, 165, 176, 180, and 182 GHz. The direct-detection architecture of the radiometer reduces its power consumption and eliminates the need for a local oscillator, reducing complexity. The Instrument includes a blackbody calibrator and a scanning reflector, which enable precision calibration and cross-track scanning. The MMIC-based millimeter-wave radiometers take advantage of the technology developed under extensive investment by the NASA Earth Science Technology Office (ESTO). The five-frequency millimeter-wave radiometer is built by Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), which has produced a number of state-of-the-art spaceborne microwave radiometers, such as the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS), Advanced Microwave Radiometer (AMR) for Jason-2/OSTM, Jason-3, and the Juno Microwave Radiometer (MWR). The TEMPEST-D Instrument design is based on a 165 to 182 GHz radiometer design inherited from RACE and an 89 GHz receiver developed under the ESTO ACT-08 and IIP-10 programs at Colorado State University (CSU) and JPL. The TEMPEST reflector scan and calibration methodology is adapted from the Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS) and has been validated on the Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) using the High Altitude MMIC Sounding radiometer (HAMSR) instrument. This presentation will focus on the design, development and performance of the TEMPEST-D radiometer instrument. The flow-down of the TEMPEST-D mission objectives to instrument level requirements will also be discussed.

Probing amplitude, phase, and polarization of microwave field distributions in real time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

King, R. J.; Yen, Y. H.

1981-11-01

A coherent (homodyne) detection system is used to map field distributions in real time. A key feature is the use of an electrically modulated (10-kHz) dipole scatterer which is also mechanically spun (150 Hz) to create an amplitude- and phase-modulated backscattered field. The system is monostatic. The backscattered field is coherently detected by mixing with the CW reference. A phase-insensitive detector is used, comprised of two balanced mixers which are fed in quadrature phase by one of the RF inputs followed by a phase quadrature combiner. The resulting amplitude and phase of the 10-kHz output are proportional to the square of the RF field component along the instantaneous axis of the spinning dipole. Both are measured simultaneously and independently in real time. From these, the polarization properties can also be found, so the field is uniquely described. The system's application to scanning the E-field transmitted through lossy, nonhomogeneous and anisotropic media (e.g., wood) is demonstrated. Other applications besides nondestructive testing are microwave vector holography, near-field antenna measurements, and inverse scattering.

Microwave Synthesized ZnO Nanorod Arrays for UV Sensors: A Seed Layer Annealing Temperature Study.

PubMed

Pimentel, Ana; Ferreira, Sofia Henriques; Nunes, Daniela; Calmeiro, Tomas; Martins, Rodrigo; Fortunato, Elvira

2016-04-20

The present work reports the influence of zinc oxide (ZnO) seed layer annealing temperature on structural, optical and electrical properties of ZnO nanorod arrays, synthesized by hydrothermal method assisted by microwave radiation, to be used as UV sensors. The ZnO seed layer was produced using the spin-coating method and several annealing temperatures, ranging from 100 to 500 °C, have been tested. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and spectrophotometry measurements have been used to investigate the structure, morphology, and optical properties variations of the produced ZnO nanorod arrays regarding the seed layer annealing temperatures employed. After the growth of ZnO nanorod arrays, the whole structure was tested as UV sensors, showing an increase in the sensitivity with the increase of seed layer annealing temperature. The UV sensor response of ZnO nanorod arrays produced with the seed layer annealed temperature of 500 °C was 50 times superior to the ones produced with a seed layer annealed at 100 °C.

Microwave Synthesized ZnO Nanorod Arrays for UV Sensors: A Seed Layer Annealing Temperature Study

PubMed Central

Pimentel, Ana; Ferreira, Sofia Henriques; Nunes, Daniela; Calmeiro, Tomas; Martins, Rodrigo; Fortunato, Elvira

2016-01-01

The present work reports the influence of zinc oxide (ZnO) seed layer annealing temperature on structural, optical and electrical properties of ZnO nanorod arrays, synthesized by hydrothermal method assisted by microwave radiation, to be used as UV sensors. The ZnO seed layer was produced using the spin-coating method and several annealing temperatures, ranging from 100 to 500 °C, have been tested. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and spectrophotometry measurements have been used to investigate the structure, morphology, and optical properties variations of the produced ZnO nanorod arrays regarding the seed layer annealing temperatures employed. After the growth of ZnO nanorod arrays, the whole structure was tested as UV sensors, showing an increase in the sensitivity with the increase of seed layer annealing temperature. The UV sensor response of ZnO nanorod arrays produced with the seed layer annealed temperature of 500 °C was 50 times superior to the ones produced with a seed layer annealed at 100 °C. PMID:28773423

Source analysis of spaceborne microwave radiometer interference over land

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guan, Li; Zhang, Sibo

2016-03-01

Satellite microwave thermal emissions mixed with signals from active sensors are referred to as radiofrequency interference (RFI). Based on Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer-Earth Observing System (AMSR-E) observations from June 1 to 16, 2011, RFI over Europe was identified and analyzed using the modified principal component analysis algorithm in this paper. The X band AMSR-E measurements in England and Italy are mostly affected by the stable, persistent, active microwave transmitters on the surface, while the RFI source of other European countries is the interference of the reflected geostationary TV satellite downlink signals to the measurements of spaceborne microwave radiometers. The locations and intensities of the RFI induced by the geostationary TV and communication satellites changed with time within the observed period. The observations of spaceborne microwave radiometers in ascending portions of orbits are usually interfered with over European land, while no RFI was detected in descending passes. The RFI locations and intensities from the reflection of downlink radiation are highly dependent upon the relative geometry between the geostationary satellite and the measuring passive sensor. Only these fields of view of a spaceborne instrument whose scan azimuths are close to the azimuth relative to the geostationary satellite are likely to be affected by RFI.

Microwave Frequency Comb from a Semiconductor in a Scanning Tunneling Microscope.

PubMed

Hagmann, Mark J; Yarotski, Dmitry A; Mousa, Marwan S

2017-04-01

Quasi-periodic excitation of the tunneling junction in a scanning tunneling microscope, by a mode-locked ultrafast laser, superimposes a regular sequence of 15 fs pulses on the DC tunneling current. In the frequency domain, this is a frequency comb with harmonics at integer multiples of the laser pulse repetition frequency. With a gold sample the 200th harmonic at 14.85 GHz has a signal-to-noise ratio of 25 dB, and the power at each harmonic varies inversely with the square of the frequency. Now we report the first measurements with a semiconductor where the laser photon energy must be less than the bandgap energy of the semiconductor; the microwave frequency comb must be measured within 200 μm of the tunneling junction; and the microwave power is 25 dB below that with a metal sample and falls off more rapidly at the higher harmonics. Our results suggest that the measured attenuation of the microwave harmonics is sensitive to the semiconductor spreading resistance within 1 nm of the tunneling junction. This approach may enable sub-nanometer carrier profiling of semiconductors without requiring the diamond nanoprobes in scanning spreading resistance microscopy.

History and status of beamed power technology and applications at 2.45 Gigahertz

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, William C.

1989-01-01

Various applications of beamed power technology are discussed. An experimental microwave powered helicopter, rectenna technology, the use of the Solar Power Satellite to beam energy to Earth via microwaves, the use of cyclotron resonance devices, microwave powered airships, and electric propulsion are discussed.

Status of VESAS: a fully-electronic microwave imaging radiometer system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schreiber, Eric; Peichl, Markus; Suess, Helmut

2010-04-01

Present applications of microwave remote sensing systems cover a large variety. One utilisation of the frequency range from 1 - 300 GHz is the domain of security and reconnaissance. Examples are the observation of critical infrastructures or the performance of security checks on people in order to detect concealed weapons or explosives, both being frequent threats in our world of growing international terrorism. The imaging capability of concealed objects is one of the main advantages of microwave remote sensing, because of the penetration performance of electromagnetic waves through dielectric materials in this frequency domain. The main physical effects used in passive microwave sensing rely on the naturally generated thermal radiation and the physical properties of matter, the latter being surface characteristics, chemical and physical composition, and the temperature of the material. As a consequence it is possible to discriminate objects having different material characteristics like ceramic weapons or plastic explosives with respect to the human body. Considering the use of microwave imaging with respect to people scanning systems in airports, railway stations, or stadiums, it is advantageous that passively operating devices generate no exposure on the scanned objects like actively operating devices do. For frequently used security gateways it is additionally important to have a high through-put rate in order to minimize the queue time. Consequently fast imaging systems are necessary. In this regard the conceptual idea of a fully-electronic microwave imaging radiometer system is introduced. The two-dimensional scanning mechanism is divided into a frequency scan in one direction and the method of aperture synthesis in the other. The overall goal here is to design a low-cost, fully-electronic imaging system with a frame rate of around one second at Ka band. This frequency domain around a center frequency of 37 GHz offers a well-balanced compromise between the achievable spatial resolution for a given size, and the penetration depth of the electromagnetic wave, which are conflictive requirements.

The influence of pulsed electric fields and microwave pretreatments on some selected physicochemical properties of oil extracted from black cumin seed.

PubMed

Bakhshabadi, Hamid; Mirzaei, HabibOllah; Ghodsvali, Alireza; Jafari, Seid Mahdi; Ziaiifar, Aman Mohammad

2018-01-01

Application of novel technologies such as microwave and pulsed electric fields (PEF) might increase the speed and efficiency of oil extraction. In the present research, PEF (3.25 kV/cm electric field intensity and 30 pulse number) and microwave (540 W for 180 s) pretreatments were used to study the process of oil extraction from black cumin ( Nigella sativa ) seeds. After applying the selected pretreatments, the oil of seeds was extracted with the use of a screw press and the extraction efficiency, refractive index, oil density, color index, oxidative stability, and chemical components of oil and protein of meal were evaluated. The achieved results expressed that PEF and microwave pretreatments increased the oil extraction efficiency and its oxidative stability. Different pretreatments didn't have any significant influence on the refractive index of black cumin seed oil ( p >.05). When microwave and PEF were used, the oil density showed an enhancement as the following: 1.51% and 0.96%, respectively in comparison with the samples with no pretreatments. Evaluation of the extracted oils, using GC/MS analysis indicated that thymoquinone was the dominant phenolic component in the black cumin oil. Finally, the SEM analysis revealed that microwave and PEF can be useful in the extraction of oil from black cumin seeds since these treatments damaged cell walls and facilitated the oil extraction process.

Self-assembly of multiferroic core-shell particulate nanocomposites through DNA-DNA hybridization and magnetic field directed assembly of superstructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sreenivasulu, Gollapudi; Lochbiler, Thomas A.; Panda, Manashi; Srinivasan, Gopalan; Chavez, Ferman A.

2016-04-01

Multiferroic composites of ferromagnetic and ferroelectric phases are of importance for studies on mechanical strain mediated coupling between the magnetic and electric subsystems. This work is on DNA-assisted self-assembly of superstructures of such composites with nanometer periodicity. The synthesis involved oligomeric DNA-functionalized ferroelectric and ferromagnetic nanoparticles, 600 nm BaTiO3 (BTO) and 200 nm NiFe2O4 (NFO), respectively. Mixing BTO and NFO particles, possessing complementary DNA sequences, resulted in the formation of ordered core-shell heteronanocomposites held together by DNA hybridization. The composites were imaged by scanning electron microscopy and scanning microwave microscopy. The presence of heteroassemblies along with core-shell architecture is clearly observed. The reversible nature of the DNA hybridization allows for restructuring the composites into mm-long linear chains and 2D-arrays in the presence of a static magnetic field and ring-like structures in a rotating-magnetic field. Strong magneto-electric (ME) coupling in as-assembled composites is evident from static magnetic field H induced polarization and low-frequency magnetoelectric voltage coefficient measurements. Upon annealing the nanocomposites at high temperatures, evidence for the formation of bulk composites with excellent cross-coupling between the electric and magnetic subsystems is obtained by H-induced polarization and low-frequency ME voltage coefficient. The ME coupling strength in the self-assembled composites is measured to be much stronger than in bulk composites with randomly distributed NFO and BTO prepared by direct mixing and sintering.

Sequentially evaporated thin Y-Ba-Co-O superconducting films on microwave substrates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Valco, G. J.; Rohrer, N. J.; Warner, J. D.; Bhasin, K. B.

1989-01-01

The development of high T sub c superconducting thin films on various microwave substrates is of major interest in space electronic systems. Thin films of YBa2Cu3O(7-Delta) were formed on SrTiO3, MgO, ZrO2 coated Al2O3, and LaAlO3 substrates by multi-layer sequential evaporation and subsequent annealing in oxygen. The technique allows controlled deposition of Cu, BaF2 and Y layers, as well as the ZrO buffer layers, to achieve reproducibility for microwave circuit fabrication. The three layer structure of Cu/BaF2/Y is repeated a minimum of four times. The films were annealed in an ambient of oxygen bubbled through water at temperatures between 850 C and 900 C followed by slow cooling (-2 C/minute) to 450 C, a low temperature anneal, and slow cooling to room temperature. Annealing times ranged from 15 minutes to 5 hrs. at high temperature and 0 to 6 hr. at 450 C. Silver contacts for four probe electrical measurements were formed by evaporation followed with an anneal at 500 C. The films were characterized by resistance-temperature measurements, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. Critical transition temperatures ranged from 30 K to 87 K as a function of the substrate, composition of the film, thicknesses of the layers, and annealing conditions. Microwave ring resonator circuits were also patterned on these MgO and LaAlO3 substrates.

Microwave detector

DOEpatents

Meldner, H.W.; Cusson, R.Y.; Johnson, R.M.

1985-02-08

A microwave detector is provided for measuring the envelope shape of a microwave pulse comprised of high-frequency oscillations. A biased ferrite produces a magnetization field flux that links a B-dot loop. The magnetic field of the microwave pulse participates in the formation of the magnetization field flux. High-frequency insensitive means are provided for measuring electric voltage or current induced in the B-dot loop. The recorded output of the detector is proportional to the time derivative of the square of the envelope shape of the microwave pulse.

Analysis of SFMR-Derived and Satellite-Based Rain Rates over the Tropical Western North Pacific

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-01

from SFMR are compared to rain rates from the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer–EOS ( ASMR -E) and the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM...2010 program. Rain rates from SFMR are compared to rain rates from the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer–EOS ( ASMR -E) and the Tropical Rainfall...Figures 10 and 11, except for the ASMR -E and (a) earth-relative flight track and (b) storm-relative flight track for TY Sinlaku on 12 Sep 2008

Tube Failure Mechanisms.

DTIC Science & Technology

studies will be made: ( a ) An investigation of the factors influencing electrical breakdown in a vacuum and across the surface of a dielectric. (b) An...The purpose of this program is to investigate the nature and the principal causes of failures in microwave tubes. In this context, the following...investigation of the various electrical and surface properties of materials commonly used in microwave tubes, i.e., OFHC copper, alumina ceramic, tungsten

Correlation of Electric Field and Critical Design Parameters for Ferroelectric Tunable Microwave Filters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Subramanyam, Guru; VanKeuls, Fred W.; Miranda, Felix A.; Canedy, Chadwick L.; Aggarwal, Sanjeev; Venkatesan, Thirumalai; Ramesh, Ramamoorthy

2000-01-01

The correlation of electric field and critical design parameters such as the insertion loss, frequency ability return loss, and bandwidth of conductor/ferroelectric/dielectric microstrip tunable K-band microwave filters is discussed in this work. This work is based primarily on barium strontium titanate (BSTO) ferroelectric thin film based tunable microstrip filters for room temperature applications. Two new parameters which we believe will simplify the evaluation of ferroelectric thin films for tunable microwave filters, are defined. The first of these, called the sensitivity parameter, is defined as the incremental change in center frequency with incremental change in maximum applied electric field (EPEAK) in the filter. The other, the loss parameter, is defined as the incremental or decremental change in insertion loss of the filter with incremental change in maximum applied electric field. At room temperature, the Au/BSTO/LAO microstrip filters exhibited a sensitivity parameter value between 15 and 5 MHz/cm/kV. The loss parameter varied for different bias configurations used for electrically tuning the filter. The loss parameter varied from 0.05 to 0.01 dB/cm/kV at room temperature.

Ground-Based Calibration Of A Microwave Landing System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kiriazes, John J.; Scott, Marshall M., Jr.; Willis, Alfred D.; Erdogan, Temel; Reyes, Rolando

1996-01-01

System of microwave instrumentation and data-processing equipment developed to enable ground-based calibration of microwave scanning-beam landing system (MSBLS) at distances of about 500 to 1,000 ft from MSBLS transmitting antenna. Ensures accuracy of MSBLS near touchdown point, without having to resort to expense and complex logistics of aircraft-based testing. Modified versions prove useful in calibrating aircraft instrument landing systems.

Rapid Cellulose-Mediated Microwave Sintering for High-Conductivity Ag Patterns on Paper.

PubMed

Jung, Sunshin; Chun, Su Jin; Shon, Chae-Hwa

2016-08-10

Cellulose-based paper is essential in everyday life, but it also has further potentials for use in low-cost, printable, disposable, and eco-friendly electronics. Here, a method is developed for the cellulose-mediated microwave sintering of Ag patterns on conventional paper, in which the paper plays a significant role both as a flexible insulating substrate for the conductive Ag pattern and as a lossy dielectric media for rapid microwave heating. The anisotropic dielectric properties of the cellulose fibers mean that a microwave electric field applied parallel to the paper substrate provides sufficient heating to produce Ag patterns with a conductivity 29-38% that of bulk Ag in a short period of time (∼1 s) at 250-300 °C. Significantly, there is little thermal degradation of the substrate during this process. The microwave-sintered Ag patterns exhibit good mechanical stability against 10 000 bending cycles and can be easily soldered with lead-free solder. Therefore, cellulose-mediated microwave sintering presents a promising means of achieving short processing times and high electrical performance in flexible paper electronics.

Comparative evaluation of surface porosities in conventional heat polymerized acrylic resin cured by water bath and microwave energy with microwavable acrylic resin cured by microwave energy

PubMed Central

Singh, Sunint; Palaskar, Jayant N.; Mittal, Sanjeev

2013-01-01

Background: Conventional heat cure poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) is the most commonly used denture base resin despite having some short comings. Lengthy polymerization time being one of them and in order to overcome this fact microwave curing method was recommended. Unavailability of specially designed microwavable acrylic resin made it unpopular. Therefore, in this study, conventional heat cure PMMA was polymerized by microwave energy. Aim and Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the surface porosities in PMMA cured by conventional water bath and microwave energy and compare it with microwavable acrylic resin cured by microwave energy. Materials and Methods: Wax samples were obtained by pouring molten wax into a metal mold of 25 mm × 12 mm × 3 mm dimensions. These samples were divided into three groups namely C, CM, and M. Group C denotes conventional heat cure PMMA cured by water bath method, CM denotes conventional heat cure PMMA cured by microwave energy, M denotes specially designed microwavable acrylic denture base resin cured by microwave energy. After polymerization, each sample was scanned in three pre-marked areas for surface porosities using the optical microscope. As per the literature available, this instrument is being used for the first time to measure the porosity in acrylic resin. It is a reliable method of measuring area of surface pores. Portion of the sample being scanned is displayed on the computer and with the help of software area of each pore was measured and data were analyzed. Results: Conventional heat cure PMMA samples cured by microwave energy showed maximum porosities than the samples cured by conventional water bath method and microwavable acrylic resin cured by microwave energy. Higher percentage of porosities was statistically significant, but well within the range to be clinically acceptable. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this in-vitro study, conventional heat cure PMMA can be cured by microwave energy without compromising on its property such as surface porosity. PMID:24015000

Gas Laser Interferometer in the Electric Conversion Laboratory

NASA Image and Video Library

1966-10-21

Richard Lancashire operates a gas laser interferometer in the Electric Conversion Laboratory at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Lewis Research Center. Lewis was in the midst of a long-term effort to develop methods of delivering electrical power to spacecraft using nuclear, solar, or electrochemical technologies. Lancashire was measuring the thermionic diode’s plasma particle density. The thermionic diodes were being studied for possible use in radioisotope thermoelectric generators for use in space. Microwave interferometry was one method of measuring transient plasmas. The interferometer measured the difference between the frequencies of two laser beams, one of which passed through the diode. The electron density was measured by revealing the phase shift of the transmitted microwave beam brought about by a change in the plasma refraction. Microwave interferometry, however, offers poor spatial resolution and has limited range of applicability.

Microwave remote sensing of sea ice in the AIDJEX Main Experiment. [Arctic Ice Dynamics Joint Experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Campbell, W. J.; Wayenberg, J.; Ramseyer, J. B.; Ramseier, R. O.; Vant, M. R.; Weaver, R.; Redmond, A.; Arsenault, L.; Gloersen, P.; Zwally, H. J.

1978-01-01

A microwave remote sensing program of sea ice in the Beaufort Sea was conducted during the Arctic Ice Dynamics Joint Experiment (AIDJEX). Several types of both passive and active sensors were used to perform surface and aircraft measurements during all seasons of the year. In situ observations were made of physical properties (salinity, temperature, density, surface roughness), dielectric properties, and passive microwave measurements were made of first-year, multiyear, and first-year/multiyear mixtures. Airborne passive microwave measurements were performed with the electronically scanning microwave radiometer while airborne active microwave measurements were performed by synthetic aperture radar, X- and L-band radar, and a scatterometer.

Comparison of microwave hydrodistillation and solvent-free microwave extraction of essential oil from Melaleuca leucadendra Linn

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ismanto, A. W.; Kusuma, H. S.; Mahfud, M.

2017-12-01

The comparison of solvent-free microwave extraction (SFME) and microwave hydrodistillation (MHD) in the extraction of essential oil from Melaleuca leucadendra Linn. was examined. Dry cajuput leaves were used in this study. The purpose of this study is also to determine optimal condition (microwave power). The relative electric consumption of SFME and MHD methods are both showing 0,1627 kWh/g and 0,3279 kWh/g. The results showed that solvent-free microwave extraction methods able to reduce energy consumption and can be regarded as a green technique for extraction of cajuput oil.

A review of research and development on the microwave-plasma electrothermal rocket

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hawley, Martin C.; Asmussen, Jes; Filpus, John W.; Frasch, Lydell L.; Whitehair, Stanley; Morin, T. J.; Chapman, R.

1987-01-01

The microwave-plasma electrothermal rocket (MWPETR) shows promise for spacecraft propulsion and maneuvering, without some of the drawbacks of competitive electric propulsion systems. In the MWPETR, the electric power is first converted to microwave-frequency radiation. In a specially-designed microwave cavity system, the electromagnetic energy of the radiation is transferred to the electrons in a plasma sustained in the working fluid. The resulting high-energy electrons transfer their energy to the atoms and molecules of the working fluid by collisions. The working fluid, thus heated, expands through a nozzle to generate thrust. In the MWPETR, no electrodes are in contact with the working fluid, the energy is transferred into the working fluid by nonthermal mechanisms, and the main requirement for the materials of construction is that the walls of the plasma chamber be insulating and transparent to microwave radiation at operating conditions. In this survey of work on the MWPETR, several experimental configurations are described and compared. Diagnostic methods used in the study are described and compared, including titration, spectroscopy, calorimetry, electric field measurements, gas-dynamic methods, and thrust measurements. Measured and estimated performance efficiencies are reported. Results of computer modeling of the plasma and of the gas flowing from the plasma are summarized.

Vapor cell geometry effect on Rydberg atom-based microwave electric field measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Linjie; Liu, Jiasheng; Jia, Yue; Zhang, Hao; Song, Zhenfei; Jia, Suotang

2018-03-01

The geometry effect of a vapor cell on the metrology of a microwave electric field is investigated. Based on the splitting of the electromagnetically induced transparency spectra of cesium Rydberg atoms in a vapor cell, high-resolution spatial distribution of the microwave electric field strength is achieved for both a cubic cell and a cylinder cell. The spatial distribution of the microwave field strength in two dimensions is measured with sub-wavelength resolution. The experimental results show that the shape of a vapor cell has a significant influence on the abnormal spatial distribution because of the Fabry–Pérot effect inside a vapor cell. A theoretical simulation is obtained for different vapor cell wall thicknesses and shows that a restricted wall thickness results in a measurement fluctuation smaller than 3% at the center of the vapor cell. Project supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (Grant Nos. 2017YFA03044200 and 2016YFF0200104), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 91536110, 61505099, and 61378013), and the Fund for Shanxi “331 Project” Key Subjects Construction, China.

Space/lunar solar power systems research and needs (1999)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Criswell, David R.; Waldron, Robert D.

1999-01-01

Average per capita incomes of people in the Developed and Developing Nations have been diverging since the 1800s. The divergence increased after World War II. Now the per capita cost of commercial energy in the Developing Nations is a large fraction of the per capita income within the Developing Nations. Solar electric power could be provided to Earth from space or lunar installations. This new source power must be low in cost, <=1 ¢/kWe-h, in order to accelerate economic growth in the Developing Nations. Microwave beams appear to be the preferable method of delivering power to Earth. In order to provide low cost solar-electric power the projected cost of the microwave rectifier/antennas, termed rectennas, must be reduced. A reflector-rectenna is proposed to concentrate microwaves before they are converted by compact sets of antenna/rectifiers to electric power. Rectenna costs may be reduced by a factor of 5 and energy costs to the order of 1 ¢/kWe-h or less. The primary disadvantages of the concentrators are an ~10% loss in efficiency and re-emission of non-captured microwave energy.

Microwave Oven Observations.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sumrall, William J.; Richardson, Denise; Yan, Yuan

1998-01-01

Explains a series of laboratory activities which employ a microwave oven to help students understand word problems that relate to states of matter, collect data, and calculate and compare electrical costs to heat energy costs. (DDR)

Dielectric Haloscopes: A New Way to Detect Axion Dark Matter.

PubMed

Caldwell, Allen; Dvali, Gia; Majorovits, Béla; Millar, Alexander; Raffelt, Georg; Redondo, Javier; Reimann, Olaf; Simon, Frank; Steffen, Frank

2017-03-03

We propose a new strategy to search for dark matter axions in the mass range of 40-400 μeV by introducing dielectric haloscopes, which consist of dielectric disks placed in a magnetic field. The changing dielectric media cause discontinuities in the axion-induced electric field, leading to the generation of propagating electromagnetic waves to satisfy the continuity requirements at the interfaces. Large-area disks with adjustable distances boost the microwave signal (10-100 GHz) to an observable level and allow one to scan over a broad axion mass range. A sensitivity to QCD axion models is conceivable with 80 disks of 1  m^{2} area contained in a 10 T field.

Enhanced conductive loss in nickel–cobalt sulfide nanostructures for highly efficient microwave absorption and shielding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Wanrong; Zhou, Min; Lu, Fei; Liu, Hongfei; Zhou, Yuxue; Zhu, Jun; Zeng, Xianghua

2018-06-01

Microwave-absorbing materials with light weight and high efficiency are desirable in addressing electromagnetic interference (EMI) problems. Herein, a nickel–cobalt sulfide (NCS) nanostructure was employed as a robust microwave absorber, which displayed an optimized reflection loss of  ‑49.1 dB in the gigahertz range with a loading of only 20 wt% in an NCS/paraffin wax composite. High electrical conductivity was found to contribute prominent conductive loss in NCS, leading to intense dielectric loss within a relatively low mass loading. Furthermore, owing to its high electrical conductivity and remarkable dielectric loss to microwaves, the prepared NCS exhibited excellent performance in EMI shielding. The EMI shielding efficiency of the 50 wt% NCS/paraffin composite exceeded 55 dB at the X-band, demonstrating NCS is a versatile candidate for solving EMI problems.

Microwave detector

DOEpatents

Meldner, Heiner W.; Cusson, Ronald Y.; Johnson, Ray M.

1986-01-01

A microwave detector (10) is provided for measuring the envelope shape of a microwave pulse comprised of high-frequency oscillations. A biased ferrite (26, 28) produces a magnetization field flux that links a B-dot loop (16, 20). The magnetic field of the microwave pulse participates in the formation of the magnetization field flux. High-frequency insensitive means (18, 22) are provided for measuring electric voltage or current induced in the B-dot loop. The recorded output of the detector is proportional to the time derivative of the square of the envelope shape of the microwave pulse.

Preliminary results of passive microwave snow experiment during February and March 1978

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chang, A. T. C.; Shiue, J. C.; Boyne, H.; Ellerbruch, D.; Counas, G.; Wittmann, R.; Jones, R.

1979-01-01

The purpose of the experiment was to determine if remote microwave sensing of snowpack data could be used to predict runoff, thereby allowing more efficient management of the water supply. A four-frequency microwave radiometer system was attached to a truck-mounted aerial lift and was used to gather data on snowpacks at three different sites in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Ground truth data measurements (density, temperature, grain size, hardness, and free-liquid water content) were taken at each site corresponding to each microwave scan.

Microwave Brightness Of Land Surfaces From Outer Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kerr, Yann H.; Njoku, Eni G.

1991-01-01

Mathematical model approximates microwave radiation emitted by land surfaces traveling to microwave radiometer in outer space. Applied to measurements made by Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer (SMMR). Developed for interpretation of microwave imagery of Earth to obtain distributions of various chemical, physical, and biological characteristics across its surface. Intended primarily for use in mapping moisture content of soil and fraction of Earth covered by vegetation. Advanced Very-High-Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR), provides additional information on vegetative cover, thereby making possible retrieval of soil-moisture values from SMMR measurements. Possible to monitor changes of land surface during intervals of 5 to 10 years, providing significant data for mathematical models of evolution of climate.

An investigation of microwave landing guidance system signal requirements for conventionally equipped civilian aircraft.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1971-06-01

The report describes efforts leading to the determination of minimum suitable scan rates for the azimuth and Elevation functions of the microwave Landing Guidance System (LGS) proposed by RTCA SC-117, based on performance requirements of two conventi...

Evaluation of mechanical and thermal properties of commonly used denture base resins.

PubMed

Phoenix, Rodney D; Mansueto, Michael A; Ackerman, Neal A; Jones, Robert E

2004-03-01

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate and compare the mechanical and thermal properties of 6 commonly used polymethyl methacrylate denture base resins. Sorption, solubility, color stability, adaptation, flexural stiffness, and hardness were assessed to determine compliance with ADA Specification No. 12. Thermal assessments were performed using differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis. Results were assessed using statistical and observational analyses. All materials satisfied ADA requirements for sorption, solubility, and color stability. Adaptation testing indicated that microwave-activated systems provided better adaptation to associated casts than conventional heat-activated resins. According to flexural testing results, microwaveable resins were relatively stiff, while rubber-modified resins were more flexible. Differential scanning calorimetry indicated that microwave-activated systems were more completely polymerized than conventional heat-activated materials. The microwaveable resins displayed better adaptation, greater stiffness, and greater surface hardness than other denture base resins included in this investigation. Elastomeric toughening agents yielded decreased stiffness, decreased surface hardness, and decreased glass transition temperatures.

Microwave sensing technology issues related to a global change technology architecture trade study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Campbell, Thomas G.; Shiue, Jim; Connolly, Denis; Woo, Ken

1991-01-01

The objectives are to enable the development of lighter and less power consuming, high resolution microwave sensors which will operate at frequencies from 1 to 200 GHz. These systems will use large aperture antenna systems (both reflector and phased arrays) capable of wide scan angle, high polarization purity, and utilize sidelobe suppression techniques as required. Essentially, the success of this technology program will enable high resolution microwave radiometers from geostationary orbit, lightweight and more efficient radar systems from low Earth orbit, and eliminate mechanical scanning methods to the fullest extent possible; a main source of platform instability in large space systems. The Global Change Technology Initiative (GCTI) will develop technology which will enable the use of satellite systems for Earth observations on a global scale.

Microwave scanning beam landing system compatibility and performance: Engineering analyses 75-1 and 75-2. [space shuttle orbiter landing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1977-01-01

The microwave scanning beam landing system (MSBLS) is the primary position sensor of the Orbiter's navigation subsystem during the autoland phase of the flight. Portions of the system are discussed with special emphasis placed on potential problem areas as referenced to the Orbiter's mission. Topics discussed include system compatability, system accuracy, and expected RF signal levels. A block and flow diagram of MSBLS system operation is included with a list of special tests required to determine system performance.

Nimbus-7 Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer (SMMR) PARM tape user's guide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Han, D.; Gloersen, P.; Kim, S. T.; Fu, C. C.; Cebula, R. P.; Macmillan, D.

1992-01-01

The Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer (SMMR) instrument, onboard the Nimbus-7 spacecraft, collected data from Oct. 1978 until Jun. 1986. The data were processed to physical parameter level products. Geophysical parameters retrieved include the following: sea-surface temperatures, sea-surface windspeed, total column water vapor, and sea-ice parameters. These products are stored on PARM-LO, PARM-SS, and PARM-30 tapes. The geophysical parameter retrieval algorithms and the quality of these products are described for the period between Nov. 1978 and Oct 1985. Additionally, data formats and data availability are included.

The Seasat scanning multichannel microwave radiometer /SMMR/: Antenna pattern corrections - Development and implementation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Njoku, E. G.; Christensen, E. J.; Cofield, R. E.

1980-01-01

The antenna temperatures measured by the Seasat scanning multichannel microwave radiometer (SMMR) differ from the true brightness temperatures of the observed scene due to antenna pattern effects, principally from antenna sidelobe contributions and cross-polarization coupling. To provide accurate brightness temperatures convenient for geophysical parameter retrievals the antenna temperatures are processed through a series of stages, collectively known as the antenna pattern correction (APC) algorithm. A description of the development and implementation of the APC algorithm is given, along with an error analysis of the resulting brightness temperatures.

INVESTIGATION OF NEW CONCEPTS AND LINEAR BEAM TECHNIQUES FOR MICROWAVE POWER GENERATION.

DTIC Science & Technology

ARSENIC ALLOYS, MILLIMETER WAVES, CAVITY RESONATORS, ELECTRON GUNS, ELECTRON DENSITY, EPITAXIAL GROWTH, OSCILLATORS, S BAND , X BAND , GERMANIUM...ELECTRIC FIELDS, SCATTERING, BRILLOUIN ZONES, RUBY, ELECTROSTRICTION, IONIZATION, MICROWAVE OSCILLATORS, KLYSTRONS , EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN.

Self-consistent evolution of plasma discharge and electromagnetic fields in a microwave pulse compressor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shlapakovski, A. S.; Beilin, L.; Hadas, Y.; Schamiloglu, E.; Krasik, Ya. E.

2015-07-01

Nanosecond-scale evolution of plasma and RF electromagnetic fields during the release of energy from a microwave pulse compressor with a plasma interference switch was investigated numerically using the code MAGIC. The plasma was simulated in the scope of the gas conductivity model in MAGIC. The compressor embodied an S-band cavity and H-plane waveguide tee with a shorted side arm filled with pressurized gas. In a simplified approach, the gas discharge was initiated by setting an external ionization rate in a layer crossing the side arm waveguide in the location of the electric field antinode. It was found that with increasing ionization rate, the microwave energy absorbed by the plasma in the first few nanoseconds increases, but the absorption for the whole duration of energy release, on the contrary, decreases. In a hybrid approach modeling laser ignition of the discharge, seed electrons were set around the electric field antinode. In this case, the plasma extends along the field forming a filament and the plasma density increases up to the level at which the electric field within the plasma decreases due to the skin effect. Then, the avalanche rate decreases but the density still rises until the microwave energy release begins and the electric field becomes insufficient to support the avalanche process. The extraction of the microwave pulse limits its own power by terminating the rise of the plasma density and filament length. For efficient extraction, a sufficiently long filament of dense plasma must have sufficient time to be formed.

Microwave transmission through metallic hole arrays: Surface electric field measurements

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

Hou Bo; Hang Zhihong; Wen Weijia

2006-09-25

The authors investigate the enhanced microwave transmission through a metal plate perforated by a square lattice of subwavelength holes, predicted to occur as a structure factor resonance phenomenon [F. J. Gracia de Abajo and J. J. Saenz, Phys. Rev. Lett. 95, 233901 (2005)]. By probing the surface electric field on the metallic plate at the peak transmission frequency, they establish the similarities and differences between the structure factor resonance and surface plasmon.

Ultra-wideband microwave photonic link based on single-sideband modulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jingnan; Wang, Yunxin; Wang, Dayong; Zhou, Tao; Zhong, Xin; Xu, Jiahao; Yang, Dengcai; Rong, Lu

2017-10-01

Comparing with the conventional double-sideband (DSB) modulation in communication system, single-sideband (SSB) modulation only demands half bandwidth of DSB in transmission. Two common ways are employed to implement SSB modulation by using optical filter (OF) or electrical 90° phase shift, respectively. However, the bandwidth of above methods is limited by characteristics of current OF and electrical phase shift. To overcome this problem, an ultra-wideband microwave photonic link based on SSB modulation is proposed and demonstrated. The radio frequency (RF) signal modulates a single-drive dual-parallel Mach-Zehnder modulator, and the SSB modulation is realized by combining an electrical 90° hybrid coupler and an optical bandpass filter. The experimental results indicate that the system can achieve SSB modulation for RF signal from 2 to 40 GHz. The proposed microwave photonic link provides an ultra-wideband approach based on SSB modulation for radio-over-fiber system.

Microwave Hydrothermal Synthesis of Reduced Graphene Oxide: Effects of Microwave Power and Irradiation Time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agusu, La; Ode Ahmad, La; Anggara, Desna; Alimin; Mitsudo, Seitaro; Fujii, Yutaka; Kikuchi, Hiromitsu

2018-04-01

Reduced graphene oxide has been synthesihzed by one-pot microwave assisted hydrothermal method. Effects of microwave power and irradiation time to its crystal structure and electrical conductivity were investigated. Here, graphene oxide, firstly, were synthesized by modified hummers method and subsequently mixed with Zn as a reducing agent. Then it was transferred to modified domestic microwave oven (800 watts) with glass distiller equipment for completely reduction process. Three different power levels (240, 400, 630 watts) and two cases of irradiation times (20 and 40 minutes) were treated. XRD study shows that irradiation time variation is more effective than the variation of power level. Power level of 270 watts and for 40 minutes microwave irradiation are enough for producing estimated bilayer rGO with graphene interlayer of ~0.4 nm. Bilayer graphene and water molecule (~0.3 nm) may vibrate the same manner and perhaps they are accepting the same temperature. Graphene seems to be re-arranged in unspecified way among the thermal pressure, temperature gradient and/or water surface tension between graphene and water induced by microwave, in order to achieve thermal equilibrium through out the system The electrical conductivity rGO/PVA (60/40 %w) paper are ranging from 15.6 to 43.4 mS/cm.

Soil moisture and temperature algorithms and validation

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Passive microwave remote sensing of soil moisture has matured over the past decade as a result of the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR) program of JAXA. This program has resulted in improved algorithms that have been supported by rigorous validation. Access to the products and the valida...

Microwave hemorrhagic stroke detector

DOEpatents

Haddad, Waleed S.; Trebes, James E.

2002-01-01

The microwave hemorrhagic stroke detector includes a low power pulsed microwave transmitter with a broad-band antenna for producing a directional beam of microwaves, an index of refraction matching cap placed over the patients head, and an array of broad-band microwave receivers with collection antennae. The system of microwave transmitter and receivers are scanned around, and can also be positioned up and down the axis of the patients head. The microwave hemorrhagic stroke detector is a completely non-invasive device designed to detect and localize blood pooling and clots or to measure blood flow within the head or body. The device is based on low power pulsed microwave technology combined with specialized antennas and tomographic methods. The system can be used for rapid, non-invasive detection of blood pooling such as occurs with hemorrhagic stroke in human or animal patients as well as for the detection of hemorrhage within a patient's body.

Microwave hemorrhagic stroke detector

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

Haddad, Waleed S; Trebes, James E

The microwave hemorrhagic stroke detector includes a low power pulsed microwave transmitter with a broad-band antenna for producing a directional beam of microwaves, an index of refraction matching cap placed over the patients head, and an array of broad-band microwave receivers with collection antennae. The system of microwave transmitter and receivers are scanned around, and can also be positioned up and down the axis of the patients head. The microwave hemorrhagic stroke detector is a completely non-invasive device designed to detect and localize blood pooling and clots or to measure blood flow within the head or body. The device ismore » based on low power pulsed microwave technology combined with specialized antennas and tomographic methods. The system can be used for rapid, non-invasive detection of blood pooling such as occurs with hemorrhagic stoke in human or animal patients as well as for the detection of hemorrhage within a patient's body.« less

Characterization of Nano-Hydroxyapatite Synthesized from Sea Shells Through Wet Chemical Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santhosh, S.; Prabu, S. Balasivanandha

2012-10-01

Nano-hydroxyapatite (HA) was synthesized by a wet chemical reaction using powdered sea shells (CaO) as starting material which was converted to calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) and subsequently reacted with phosphoric acid (H3PO4). Initially raw sea shells (CaCO3) were thermally converted to amorphous calcium oxide by heat treatment. Two sets of experiments were done; in the first experiment, HA powder was dried in an electric furnace and in the second experiment, the reactants were irradiated in a domestic microwave oven followed by microwave drying. In each set of experiments, the concentrations of the reactants were decreased gradually. HA was synthesized by slow addition of phosphoric acid (H3PO4) in to calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) maintaining the pH of the solution at 10 to avoid the formation of calcium deficient apatites. In both the experiments, Ca:P ratio of 1.67 was maintained for the reagents. The synthesized samples showed X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns corresponding to hydroxyapatite. The wet chemical process with furnace drying resulted in HA particles of size 7-34 nm, whereas microwave irradiated process yielded HA particles of size 34-102 nm as evidenced from XRD analyses. The above experimental work done by wet chemical synthesis to produce HA powder from sea shells is a simple processing method at room temperature. Microwave irradiation leads to uniform crystallite sizes as evident from this study, at differing concentrations of the reactants and is a comparatively easy method to synthesize HA. The high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM)/transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analyses revealed the characteristic rod-shaped nanoparticles of HA for the present study.

High-Temperature-Superconductor Films In Microwave Circuits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bhasin, K. B.; Warner, J. D.; Romanofsky, R. R.; Heinen, V. O.; Chorey, C. M.

1993-01-01

Report discusses recent developments in continuing research on fabrication and characterization of thin films of high-temperature superconducting material and incorporation of such films into microwave circuits. Research motivated by prospect of exploiting superconductivity to reduce electrical losses and thereby enhancing performance of such critical microwave components as ring resonators, filters, transmission lines, phase shifters, and feed lines in phased-array antennas.

Dynamic of microwave breakdown in the localized places of transmitting line driving by Cherenkov-type oscillator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Jialing; Chen, Changhua; Chang, Chao; Wu, Cheng; Shi, Yanchao; Cao, Yibing; Song, Zhimin; Zhang, Yuchuan

2018-02-01

A breakdown cavity is designed to study the breakdown phenomena of high-power microwaves in transmission waveguides. The maximum electric field within the cavity varies in amplitude from 400 kV/cm to 1.8 MV/cm and may surpass breakdown thresholds. The breakdown cavities were studied in particle-in-cell simulations and experiments, the results of which yielded waveforms that were consistent. The experimental results indicate that the microwave pulse does not shorten, and the amplitude of the electric field does not fall below 800 kV/cm. Moreover, large numbers of electrons are not emitted in microwaves below 670 kV/cm at 9.75 GHz frequency and 25-ns pulse width transmitted in stainless steel waveguides. The radiation waveforms of breakdown cavity with different materials are compared in experiments, with titanium material performing better.

Improvements to the swath-level near-surface atmospheric state parameter retrievals within the NRL Ocean Surface Flux System (NFLUX)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

May, J. C.; Rowley, C. D.; Meyer, H.

2017-12-01

The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Ocean Surface Flux System (NFLUX) is an end-to-end data processing and assimilation system used to provide near-real-time satellite-based surface heat flux fields over the global ocean. The first component of NFLUX produces near-real-time swath-level estimates of surface state parameters and downwelling radiative fluxes. The focus here will be on the satellite swath-level state parameter retrievals, namely surface air temperature, surface specific humidity, and surface scalar wind speed over the ocean. Swath-level state parameter retrievals are produced from satellite sensor data records (SDRs) from four passive microwave sensors onboard 10 platforms: the Special Sensor Microwave Imager/Sounder (SSMIS) sensor onboard the DMSP F16, F17, and F18 platforms; the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-A (AMSU-A) sensor onboard the NOAA-15, NOAA-18, NOAA-19, Metop-A, and Metop-B platforms; the Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS) sensor onboard the S-NPP platform; and the Advanced Microwave Scannin Radiometer 2 (AMSR2) sensor onboard the GCOM-W1 platform. The satellite SDRs are translated into state parameter estimates using multiple polynomial regression algorithms. The coefficients to the algorithms are obtained using a bootstrapping technique with all available brightness temperature channels for a given sensor, in addition to a SST field. For each retrieved parameter for each sensor-platform combination, unique algorithms are developed for ascending and descending orbits, as well as clear vs cloudy conditions. Each of the sensors produces surface air temperature and surface specific humidity retrievals. The SSMIS and AMSR2 sensors also produce surface scalar wind speed retrievals. Improvement is seen in the SSMIS retrievals when separate algorithms are used for the even and odd scans, with the odd scans performing better than the even scans. Currently, NFLUX treats all SSMIS scans as even scans. Additional improvement in all of the surface retrievals comes from using a 3-hourly SST field, as opposed to a daily SST field.

Self-assembly of multiferroic core-shell particulate nanocomposites through DNA-DNA hybridization and magnetic field directed assembly of superstructures

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

Sreenivasulu, Gollapudi; Srinivasan, Gopalan, E-mail: srinivas@oakland.edu, E-mail: chavez@oakland.edu; Lochbiler, Thomas A.

Multiferroic composites of ferromagnetic and ferroelectric phases are of importance for studies on mechanical strain mediated coupling between the magnetic and electric subsystems. This work is on DNA-assisted self-assembly of superstructures of such composites with nanometer periodicity. The synthesis involved oligomeric DNA-functionalized ferroelectric and ferromagnetic nanoparticles, 600 nm BaTiO{sub 3} (BTO) and 200 nm NiFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} (NFO), respectively. Mixing BTO and NFO particles, possessing complementary DNA sequences, resulted in the formation of ordered core-shell heteronanocomposites held together by DNA hybridization. The composites were imaged by scanning electron microscopy and scanning microwave microscopy. The presence of heteroassemblies along with core-shellmore » architecture is clearly observed. The reversible nature of the DNA hybridization allows for restructuring the composites into mm-long linear chains and 2D-arrays in the presence of a static magnetic field and ring-like structures in a rotating-magnetic field. Strong magneto-electric (ME) coupling in as-assembled composites is evident from static magnetic field H induced polarization and low-frequency magnetoelectric voltage coefficient measurements. Upon annealing the nanocomposites at high temperatures, evidence for the formation of bulk composites with excellent cross-coupling between the electric and magnetic subsystems is obtained by H-induced polarization and low-frequency ME voltage coefficient. The ME coupling strength in the self-assembled composites is measured to be much stronger than in bulk composites with randomly distributed NFO and BTO prepared by direct mixing and sintering.« less

An extended Kalman-Bucy filter for atmospheric temperature profile retrieval with a passive microwave sounder

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ledsham, W. H.; Staelin, D. H.

1978-01-01

An extended Kalman-Bucy filter has been implemented for atmospheric temperature profile retrievals from observations made using the Scanned Microwave Spectrometer (SCAMS) instrument carried on the Nimbus 6 satellite. This filter has the advantage that it requires neither stationary statistics in the underlying processes nor linear production of the observed variables from the variables to be estimated. This extended Kalman-Bucy filter has yielded significant performance improvement relative to multiple regression retrieval methods. A multi-spot extended Kalman-Bucy filter has also been developed in which the temperature profiles at a number of scan angles in a scanning instrument are retrieved simultaneously. These multi-spot retrievals are shown to outperform the single-spot Kalman retrievals.

Investigations of microwave plasmas - Applications in electrothermal thruster systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haraburda, Scott S.; Hawley, Martin C.

1989-01-01

Experimental studies which have been conducted to develop understanding of plasma processes used for spacecraft propulsion are reviewed. The techniques discussed are calorimetry and volume measurements using the TM 011 and TM 012 modes in the microwave cavity system. The use of plasmas in electrical propulsion and microwave induction is reviewed. Plasma containment, microwave power production, energy distribution, and the pressure and flow dependence of the energy distribution are addressed. The plasma dimensions and their dependence on pressure, flow, and power are considered.

Investigations of microwave plasmas - Applications in electrothermal thruster systems

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

Haraburda, S.S.; Hawley, M.C.

1989-01-01

Experimental studies which have been conducted to develop understanding of plasma processes used for spacecraft propulsion are reviewed. The techniques discussed are calorimetry and volume measurements using the TM 011 and TM 012 modes in the microwave cavity system. The use of plasmas in electrical propulsion and microwave induction is reviewed. Plasma containment, microwave power production, energy distribution, and the pressure and flow dependence of the energy distribution are addressed. The plasma dimensions and their dependence on pressure, flow, and power are considered. 10 refs.

Preliminary environmental assessment for the satellite power system (SPS). Revision 1. Volume 1. Executive summary

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

Not Available

1980-01-01

A preliminary assessment of the environmental impacts of the proposed satellite power system (SPS) is summarized here. In this system, satellites would collect solar energy in space, convert it to microwaves, and transmit the microwaves to receiving antennas (rectennas) on earth. At the rectennas, the microwaves would be converted to electricity. The assessment considers microwave and nonmicrowave effects on the terrestrial environment and human health, atmospheric effects, and disruption of communications and other electromagnetic systems.

GCOM-W soil moisture and temperature algorithms and validation

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Passive microwave remote sensing of soil moisture has matured over the past decade as a result of the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR) program of JAXA. This program has resulted in improved algorithms that have been supported by rigorous validation. Access to the products and the valida...

An approach to constructing a homogeneous time series of soil mositure using SMOS

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Overlapping soil moisture time series derived from two satellite microwave radiometers (SMOS, Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity; AMSR-E, Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer - Earth Observing System) are used to generate a soil moisture time series from 2003 to 2010. Two statistical methodologies f...

Dielectric behavior of semiconductors at microwave frequencies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dahiya, Jai N.

1992-01-01

A cylindrical microwave resonant cavity in TE(011) (Transverse Electric) mode is used to study the dielectric relaxation in germanium and silicon. The samples of these semiconductors are used to perturb the electric field in the cavity, and Slater's perturbation equations are used to calculate the real and imaginary parts of the dielectric constant. The dielectric loss of germanium and silicon is studied at different temperatures, and Debye's equations are used to calculate the relaxation time at these temperatures.

Technology Development for a Hyperspectral Microwave Atmospheric Sounder (HyMAS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blackwell, W.; Galbraith, C.; Hilliard, L.; Racette, P.; Thompson, E.

2014-01-01

The Hyperspectral Microwave Atmospheric Sounder (HyMAS) is being developed at Lincoln Laboratories and accommodated by the Goddard Space Flight Center for a flight opportunity on a NASA research aircraft. The term hyperspectral microwave is used to indicate an all-weather sounding instrument that performs equivalent to hyperspectral infrared sounders in clear air with vertical resolution of approximately 1 km. Deploying the HyMAS equipped scanhead with the existing Conical Scanning Microwave Imaging Radiometer (CoSMIR) shortens the path to a flight demonstration. Hyperspectral microwave is achieved through the use of independent RF antennas that sample the volume of the Earths atmosphere through various levels of frequencies, thereby producing a set of dense, spaced vertical weighting functions.

Electrically tunable transport and high-frequency dynamics in antiferromagnetic S r3I r2O7

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seinige, Heidi; Williamson, Morgan; Shen, Shida; Wang, Cheng; Cao, Gang; Zhou, Jianshi; Goodenough, John B.; Tsoi, Maxim

2016-12-01

We report dc and high-frequency transport properties of antiferromagnetic S r3I r2O7 . Temperature-dependent resistivity measurements show that the activation energy of this material can be tuned by an applied dc electrical bias. The latter allows for continuous variations in the sample resistivity of as much as 50% followed by a reversible resistive switching at higher biases. Such a switching is of high interest for antiferromagnetic applications in high-speed memory devices. Interestingly, we found the switching behavior to be strongly affected by a high-frequency (microwave) current applied to the sample. The microwaves at 3-7 GHz suppress the dc switching and produce resonancelike features that we tentatively associated with the dissipationless magnonics recently predicted to occur in antiferromagnetic insulators subject to ac electric fields. We have characterized the effects of microwave irradiation on electronic transport in S r3I r2O7 as a function of microwave frequency and power, strength and direction of external magnetic field, strength and polarity of applied dc bias, and temperature. Our observations support the potential of antiferromagnetic materials for high-speed/high-frequency spintronic applications.

Self-consistent fluid modeling and simulation on a pulsed microwave atmospheric-pressure argon plasma jet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhaoquan; Yin, Zhixiang; Chen, Minggong; Hong, Lingli; Xia, Guangqing; Hu, Yelin; Huang, Yourui; Liu, Minghai; Kudryavtsev, A. A.

2014-10-01

In present study, a pulsed lower-power microwave-driven atmospheric-pressure argon plasma jet has been introduced with the type of coaxial transmission line resonator. The plasma jet plume is with room air temperature, even can be directly touched by human body without any hot harm. In order to study ionization process of the proposed plasma jet, a self-consistent hybrid fluid model is constructed in which Maxwell's equations are solved numerically by finite-difference time-domain method and a fluid model is used to study the characteristics of argon plasma evolution. With a Guass type input power function, the spatio-temporal distributions of the electron density, the electron temperature, the electric field, and the absorbed power density have been simulated, respectively. The simulation results suggest that the peak values of the electron temperature and the electric field are synchronous with the input pulsed microwave power but the maximum quantities of the electron density and the absorbed power density are lagged to the microwave power excitation. In addition, the pulsed plasma jet excited by the local enhanced electric field of surface plasmon polaritons should be the discharge mechanism of the proposed plasma jet.

Package Holds Five Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mysoor, Narayan R.; Decker, D. Richard; Olson, Hilding M.

1996-01-01

Packages protect and hold monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) chips while providing dc and radio-frequency (RF) electrical connections for chips undergoing development. Required to be compact, lightweight, and rugged. Designed to minimize undesired resonances, reflections, losses, and impedance mismatches.

Fabrication and long-wavelength characterization of neat and chemically modified graphene

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

Kalugin, Nikolai G.

2014-03-31

Graphene, a single- or several layer-thick carbon, attracts significant research activity because of its exceptional material properties. Graphene is a promising material for optoelectronic applications. Neat graphene demonstrates potential as a material for long wavelength photodetectors working at elevated temperatures. Chemical modification of graphene opens up many new applications of this material in electronics, in new composite materials, and in new catalysts for different chemical processes. Chemical vapor deposition-grown large-area graphene can be successfully modified with the creation of benzyne attachments. The investigation of microwave properties is an important part of graphene research. Two variants of near-field long wavelength microscopymore » were found efficient with graphene. Measurements with a probe formed by an electrically open end of a 4 GHz half-lambda parallel-strip transmission line resonator allow the implementation of an electrodynamic model of graphene microwave impedance. The results of near-field scanning superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) RF microscopy of graphite and graphene at 200 MHz shed light on mechanisms of AC graphene response: screening currents induced in graphene by an external RF magnetic field tend to localize near structural defects.« less

SMAP L-Band Microwave Radiometer: Instrument Design and First Year on Orbit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Piepmeier, Jeffrey R.; Focardi, Paolo; Horgan, Kevin; Knuble, Joseph; Ehsan, Negar; Lucey, Jared; Brambora, Clifford; Brown, Paula R.; Hoffman, Pamela J.; French, Richard T.;

Development of an early warning system of crop moisture conditions using passive microwave

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcfarland, M. J.; Harder, P. H., II (Principal Investigator)

1982-01-01

Emissivities were calculated from the Nimbus 5 electrically scanning microwave radiometer (ESMR) over 25 km grid cells for the southern Great Plains includin the western two-thirds of Kansas and Oklahoma and northwest Texas. These emissivities, normalized for seasonal temperature changes, were in excellent agreement with theory and measurements made from aircraft and truck sensors at the 1.55 cm wavelength of ESMR. These emissivities were related to crop moisture conditions of the winter wheat in the major wheat producing counties of the three states. High correlations were noted between emissitivity and an antecedent precipitation index (API) used to infer soil moisture for periods when the soils were essentially bare. The emissivities from ESMR were related through API and actual crop condition reports to progress of fall planting, adequacy of crop moisture for stand establishment, and periods of excessive moisture that necessitated replanting. Periods of prolonged frozen soil in the winter were observable at several grid points. The average emissivities of the canopy/soil surface during the maximum canopy development times in the spring showed a good agreement with moisture stress inferred from rainfall and yield data.

Optimization of the imaging response of scanning microwave microscopy measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sardi, G. M.; Lucibello, A.; Kasper, M.; Gramse, G.; Proietti, E.; Kienberger, F.; Marcelli, R.

2015-07-01

In this work, we present the analytical modeling and preliminary experimental results for the choice of the optimal frequencies when performing amplitude and phase measurements with a scanning microwave microscope. In particular, the analysis is related to the reflection mode operation of the instrument, i.e., the acquisition of the complex reflection coefficient data, usually referred as S11. The studied configuration is composed of an atomic force microscope with a microwave matched nanometric cantilever probe tip, connected by a λ/2 coaxial cable resonator to a vector network analyzer. The set-up is provided by Keysight Technologies. As a peculiar result, the optimal frequencies, where the maximum sensitivity is achieved, are different for the amplitude and for the phase signals. The analysis is focused on measurements of dielectric samples, like semiconductor devices, textile pieces, and biological specimens.

Scanning Mechanism of the FY-3 Microwave Humidity Sounder

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schmid, Manfred; Jing, Li; Hehr, Christian

2010-01-01

Astrium GmbH Germany, developed the scanning equipment for the instrument package of the MicroWave Humidity Sounder (MWHS) flying on the FY-3 meteorological satellite (FY means Feng Yun, Wind and Cloud) in a sun-synchronized orbit of 850-km altitude and at an inclination of 98.8 . The scanning mechanism rotates at variable velocity comprising several acceleration / deceleration phases during each revolution. The Scanning Mechanism contains two output shafts, each rotating a parabolic offset Antenna Reflector. The mechanism is operated in closed loop by means of redundant control electronics. MWHS is a sounding radiometer for measurement of global atmospheric water vapour profiles. An Engineering Qualification Model was developed and qualified and a first Flight Model was launched early 2008. The system is now working for more than two years successful in orbit. A second Flight Model of the Antenna Scanning Mechanism and of its associated control electronics was built and delivered to the customer for application on the follow-on spacecraft that will be launched by the end of 2010.

Localized electrical fine tuning of passive microwave and radio frequency devices

DOEpatents

Findikoglu, Alp T.

2001-04-10

A method and apparatus for the localized electrical fine tuning of passive multiple element microwave or RF devices in which a nonlinear dielectric material is deposited onto predetermined areas of a substrate containing the device. An appropriate electrically conductive material is deposited over predetermined areas of the nonlinear dielectric and the signal line of the device for providing electrical contact with the nonlinear dielectric. Individual, adjustable bias voltages are applied to the electrically conductive material allowing localized electrical fine tuning of the devices. The method of the present invention can be applied to manufactured devices, or can be incorporated into the design of the devices so that it is applied at the time the devices are manufactured. The invention can be configured to provide localized fine tuning for devices including but not limited to coplanar waveguides, slotline devices, stripline devices, and microstrip devices.

Microwave scanning beam approach and landing system phased array antenna.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1971-09-01

The design, operating instructions, detailed logic circuitry, and antenna test range results for the electronic circular scanning phased array developed at TSC (DOTSCAN) are described. Components developed for this effort are also described, and test...

Effect of Microwave Non thermal Plasma Irradiation on the Adsorptive Properties of Active Carbon Preliminarily Impregnated with Poly(vinyl alcohol)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ueshima, Masato; Toda, Eriko; Nakajima, Yuki; Sugiyama, Kazuo

2010-08-01

Microwave non thermal plasma irradiation was conducted on active carbon (AC) preliminarily impregnated with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) in order to modify the adsorption properties of active carbon, particularly to increase hydrophobicity. The plasma was produced by applying microwave power on the PVA-impregnated active carbon (PVA/AC) placed in a low vacuum chamber (<10 Torr). The surface of the plasma-treated PVA/AC was imaged using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy (SEM and AFM, respectively), and analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Hydrophobicity of the plasma-treated PVA/AC was compared to that of untreated PVA/AC and AC by a sinking test in water/methanol mixed solutions. The hydrophobicity drastically increased for PVA/AC treatment with 1-min plasma irradiation. The AFM results indicated that the surface roughness of the PVA/AC was dependent upon the hydrophobicity, rather than reduction of free energy due to reduction of polarized functional groups. NaOH and HCl adsorption onto the plasma-treated PVA/AC was also measured. Adsorption capacity of plasma-treated PVA/AC increased for NaOH, whereas it decreased for HCl. The plasma treatment not only increased the hydrophobicity of PVA/AC, but also changed its acid-base adsorption properties. We have developed a new material based on active carbon, which is light, hydrophobic and electrically conductive by using a combination of PVA sintering and plasma irradiation.

Effect of externally applied electrostatic fields, microwave radiation and electric currents on plants and other organisms, with special reference to weed control

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

Diprose, M.F.; Benson, F.A.; Willis, A.J.

High electric fields are reported to damage plants if currents greater than 10/sup -6/ A are induced to flow through leaves causing corona discharges from the tips. The nature of the damage and the effects on metabolic processes are discussed. The results from experiments on the growth of plants in which the density and charge of air ions have been varied are also reviewed. The effects of microwave radiation (mostly 2450 MHz) upon seeds, plants and other organisms in soil are discussed. These effects depend upon the power density of the radiation and the electrical properties of the targets. Althoughmore » microwaves can be effective in killing plants and also seeds that are buried several centimeters deep in soil, high power equipment is required and treatment times are long e.g. a 60 kW machine could take up to 92.6 hours per hectare. Other experiments reported show that microwave radiation can kill nematodes in the soil and that it is also very effective in killing fungi and bacteria. The potential of the various possible uses of microwave radiation in agriculture is also described. Electric currents have been caused to flow through plants by the applicaton of electrodes to the leaves. The effects range from nil, when 50-100 V and 1 or 2 ..mu..A are used, to very striking when voltages from 5 to 15 kV are applied causing currents of several amperes to flow and resulting in the rapid destruction of the target. Small electric currents passed through soil containing plants are reported to increase their growth. The effects of small current on the growth of individual leaves are reviewed. The use of high voltage tractor-borne equipment for weed control is also considered. 152 references, 9 tables.« less

The GPM Common Calibrated Brightness Temperature Product

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stout, John; Berg, Wesley; Huffman, George; Kummerow, Chris; Stocker, Erich

2005-01-01

The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) project will provide a core satellite carrying the GPM Microwave Imager (GMI) and will use microwave observations from a constellation of other satellites. Each partner with a satellite in the constellation will have a calibration that meets their own requirements and will decide on the format to archive their brightness temperature (Tb) record in GPM. However, GPM multi-sensor precipitation algorithms need to input intercalibrated Tb's in order to avoid differences among sensors introducing artifacts into the longer term climate record of precipitation. The GPM Common Calibrated Brightness Temperature Product is intended to address this problem by providing intercalibrated Tb data, called "Tc" data, where the "c" stands for common. The precipitation algorithms require a Tc file format that is both generic and flexible enough to accommodate the different passive microwave instruments. The format will provide detailed information on the processing history in order to allow future researchers to have a record of what was done. The format will be simple, including the main items of scan time, latitude, longitude, and Tc. It will also provide spacecraft orientation, spacecraft location, orbit, and instrument scan type (cross-track or conical). Another simplification is to store data in real numbers, avoiding the ambiguity of scaled data. Finally, units and descriptions will be provided in the product. The format is built on the concept of a swath, which is a series of scans that have common geolocation and common scan geometry. Scan geometry includes pixels per scan, sensor orientation, scan type, and incidence angles. The Tc algorithm and data format are being tested using the pre-GPM Precipitation Processing System (PPS) software to generate formats and 1/0 routines. In the test, data from SSM/I, TMI, AMSR-E, and WindSat are being processed and written as Tc products.

Rheological and electrical properties of hybrid nanocomposites of epoxy resins filled with graphite nanoplatelets and carbon black.

PubMed

Truong, Quang-Trung; Lee, Seon-Suk; Lee, Dai-Soo

2011-02-01

Graphite nanoplatelets (GNP) were prepared by microwave irradiation of natural graphites intercalated with ferric chloride in nitromethane (GIC). Intercalated structure of GIC was confirmed by X-ray diffraction patterns. SEM images of GIC after microwave irradiation showed the exfoliation of GIC, the formation of GNPs. Hybrid nanocomposites of bisphenol-A type epoxy resins filled with GNP and a conductive carbon black (CB) were prepared and rheological and electrical properties of the nanocomposites were investigated. Viscosity and electrical surface resistivity of the nanocomposites showed minima at certain mixtures of GNP and CB in the epoxy resins.

Optically coupled methods for microwave impedance microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnston, Scott R.; Ma, Eric Yue; Shen, Zhi-Xun

2018-04-01

Scanning Microwave Impedance Microscopy (MIM) measurement of photoconductivity with 50 nm resolution is demonstrated using a modulated optical source. The use of a modulated source allows for the measurement of photoconductivity in a single scan without a reference region on the sample, as well as removing most topographical artifacts and enhancing signal to noise as compared with unmodulated measurement. A broadband light source with a tunable monochrometer is then used to measure energy resolved photoconductivity with the same methodology. Finally, a pulsed optical source is used to measure local photo-carrier lifetimes via MIM, using the same 50 nm resolution tip.

Laser-Ablated Ba(0.50)Sr(0.50)TiO3/LaAlO3 Films Analyzed Statistically for Microwave Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Romanofsky, Robert R.

2003-01-01

Scanning phased-array antennas represent a highly desirable solution for futuristic near-Earth and deep space communication scenarios requiring vibration-free, rapid beam steering and enhanced reliability. The current state-of-practice in scanning phased arrays is represented by gallium arsenide (GaAs) monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) technology or ferrite phase shifters. Cost and weight are significant impediments to space applications. Moreover, conventional manifold-fed arrays suffer from beam-forming loss that places considerable burden on MMIC amplifiers. The inefficiency can result in severe thermal management problems.

Application of the Electrically Scanning Microwave Radiometer (ESMR) to classification of the moisture condition of the ground

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meneely, J. M.

1977-01-01

The ability of the Nimbus 5 ESMR to characterize the moisture condition of the uppermost portion of the soil was evaluated. In the absence of snow cover, ESMR-5 brightness temperatures were compared with computed upper soil zone moisture values from a soil moisture budgeting scheme. The study was conducted over the U.S. Great Plains for the late summer and early fall in 1974 and 1975. Favorable results were limited by the relatively high vegetative cover and infrequent substantial rainfalls at that time of year. Satisfactory characterization of the general moisture condition was deemed feasible in agricultural regions at times of the year when fields were nearly bare. An additional evaluation demonstrated that ESMR-6 data could delineate the active boundary of a snow pack.

On the relationship between atmospheric circulation and the fluctuations in the sea ice extents of the Bering and Okhotsk Seas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cavalieri, D. J.; Parkinson, C. L.

1987-01-01

The influence of the hemispheric atmospheric circulation on the sea ice covers of the Bering Sea and the Sea of Okhotsk is examined using data obtained with the Nimbus 5 electrically scanning microwave radiometer for the four winters of the 1973-1976 period. The 3-day averaged sea ice extent data were used to establish periods for which there is an out-of-phase relationship between fluctuations of the two ice covers. A comparison of the sea-level atmospheric pressure field with the seasonal, interannual, and short-term sea ice fluctuations reveal an association between changes in the phase and the amplitude of the long waves in the atmosphere and advance and retreat of Arctic ice covers.

Large-scale variations in observed Antarctic Sea ice extent and associated atmospheric circulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cavalieri, D. J.; Parkinson, C. L.

1981-01-01

The 1974 Antarctic large scale sea ice extent is studied from data from Nimbus 2 and 5 and temperature and sea level pressure fields from the Australian Meteorological Data Set. Electrically Scanning Microwave Radiometer data were three-day averaged and compared with 1000 mbar atmospheric pressure and sea level pressure data, also in three-day averages. Each three-day period was subjected to a Fourier analysis and included the mean latitude of the ice extent and the phases and percent variances in terms of the first six Fourier harmonics. Centers of low pressure were found to be generally east of regions which displayed rapid ice growth, and winds acted to extend the ice equatorward. An atmospheric response was also noted as caused by the changing ice cover.

Early Breast Cancer Detection by Ultrawide Band Imaging with Dispersion Consideration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Xia; Kikkawa, Takamaro

2008-04-01

Ultrawide band (UWB) microwave imaging is a promising method for early-stage breast cancer detection based on the large contrast of electric parameters between the tumor and the normal breast tissue. The tumor can be detected by analyzing the reflection and scattering behavior of the UWB microwave propagating in the breast. In this study, the tumor location is determined by comparing the waveforms resulted from the tumor-containing and tumor-free breasts. The frequency dispersive characteristics of the fatty breast tissue, skin and tumor are considered in the study to approach the actual electrical properties of the breast. The correct location and size are visualized for an early-stage tumor embedded in the breast using the principle of a confocal microwave imaging technique.

An assessment of the differences between spatial resolution and grid size for the SMAP enhanced soil moisture product over homogeneous sites

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Satellite-based passive microwave remote sensing typically involves a scanning antenna that makes measurements at irregularly spaced locations. These locations can change on a day to day basis. Soil moisture products derived from satellite-based passive microwave remote sensing are usually resampled...

Scanning microwave microscopy technique for nanoscale characterization of magnetic materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joseph, C. H.; Sardi, G. M.; Tuca, S. S.; Gramse, G.; Lucibello, A.; Proietti, E.; Kienberger, F.; Marcelli, R.

2016-12-01

In this work, microwave characterization of magnetic materials using the scanning microwave microscopy (SMM) technique is presented. The capabilities of the SMM are employed for analyzing and imaging local magnetic properties of the materials under test at the nanoscale. The analyses are performed by acquiring both amplitude and phase of the reflected microwave signal. The changes in the reflection coefficient S11 are related to the local properties of the material under investigation, and the changes in its magnetic properties have been studied as a function of an external DC magnetic bias. Yttrium iron garnet (YIG) films deposited by RF sputtering and grown by liquid phase epitaxial (LPE) on gadolinium gallium garnet (GGG) substrates and permalloy samples have been characterized. An equivalent electromagnetic transmission line model is discussed for the quantitative analysis of the local magnetic properties. We also observed the hysteretic behavior of the reflection coefficient S11 with an external bias field. The imaging and spectroscopy analysis on the experimental results are evidently indicating the possibilities of measuring local changes in the intrinsic magnetic properties on the surface of the material.

Feasibility of Respiratory Triggering for MR-Guided Microwave Ablation of Liver Tumors Under General Anesthesia

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

Morikawa, Shigehiro, E-mail: morikawa@belle.shiga-med.ac.jp; Inubushi, Toshiro; Kurumi, Yoshimasa

2004-08-15

We obtained clear and reproducible MR fluoroscopic images and temperature maps for MR image-guided microwave ablation of liver tumors under general anesthesia without suspending the artificial ventilation. Respiratory information was directly obtained from air-way pressure without a sensor on the chest wall. The trigger signal started scanning of one whole image with a spoiled gradient echo sequence. The delay time before the start of scanning was adjusted to acquire the data corresponding to the k-space center at the maximal expiratory phase. The triggered images were apparently clearer than the nontriggered ones and the location of the liver was consistent, whichmore » made targeting of the tumor easy. MR temperature images, which were highly susceptible to the movement of the liver, during microwave ablation using a proton resonance frequency method, could be obtained without suspending the artificial ventilation. Respiratory triggering technique was found to be useful for MR fluoroscopic images and MR temperature monitoring in MR-guided microwave ablation of liver tumors under general anesthesia.« less

Estimation of Rainfall Rates from Passive Microwave Remote Sensing.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Awdhesh Kumar

Rainfall rates have been estimated using the passive microwave and visible/infrared remote sensing techniques. Data of September 14, 1978 from the Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer (SMMR) on board SEA SAT-A and the Visible and Infrared Spin Scan Radiometer (VISSR) on board GOES-W (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite - West) was obtained and analyzed for rainfall rate retrieval. Microwave brightness temperatures (MBT) are simulated, using the microwave radiative transfer model (MRTM) and atmospheric scattering models. These MBT were computed as a function of rates of rainfall from precipitating clouds which are in a combined phase of ice and water. Microwave extinction due to ice and liquid water are calculated using Mie-theory and Gamma drop size distributions. Microwave absorption due to oxygen and water vapor are based on the schemes given by Rosenkranz, and Barret and Chung. The scattering phase matrix involved in the MRTM is found using Eddington's two stream approximation. The surface effects due to winds and foam are included through the ocean surface emissivity model. Rainfall rates are then inverted from MBT using the optimization technique "Leaps and Bounds" and multiple linear regression leading to a relationship between the rainfall rates and MBT. This relationship has been used to infer the oceanic rainfall rates from SMMR data. The VISSR data has been inverted for the rainfall rates using Griffith's scheme. This scheme provides an independent means of estimating rainfall rates for cross checking SMMR estimates. The inferred rainfall rates from both techniques have been plotted on a world map for comparison. A reasonably good correlation has been obtained between the two estimates.

Opto-electronic microwave oscillator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, X. Steve; Maleki, Lute

1996-12-01

Photonic applications are important in RF communication systems to enhance many functions including remote transfer of antenna signals, carrier frequency up or down conversion, antenna beam steering, and signal filtering. Many of these functions require reference frequency oscillators. However, traditional microwave oscillators cannot meet all the requirements of photonic communication systems that need high frequency and low phase noise signal generation. Because photonic systems involve signals in both optical and electrical domains, an ideal signal source should be able to provide electrical and optical signals. In addition, it should be possible to synchronize or control the signal source by both electrical and optical means. We present such a source1-2 that converts continuous light energy into stable and spectrally pure microwave signals. This Opto-Electronic Oscillator, OEO, consists of a pump laser and a feedback circuit including an intensity modulator, an optical fiber delay line, a photodetector, an amplifier, and a filter, as shown in Figure 1a. Its oscillation frequency, limited only by the speed of the modulator, can be up to 75 GHz.

Snow cover of the Upper Colorado River Basin from satellite passive microwave and visual imagery

USGS Publications Warehouse

Josberger, E.G.; Beauvillain, E.

1989-01-01

A comparison of passive microwave images from the Nimbus-7 Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer (SMMR) and visual images from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) of the Upper Colorado River Basin shows that passive microwave satellite imagery can be used to determine the extent of the snow cover. Eight cloud-free DMSP images throughout the winter of 1985-1986 show the extent of the snowpack, which, when compared to the corresponding SMMR images, determine the threshold microwave characteristics for snow-covered pixels. With these characteristics, the 27 sequential SMMR images give a unique view of the temporal history of the snow cover extent through the first half of the water year. -from Authors

Microcomb-Based True-Time-Delay Network for Microwave Beamforming With Arbitrary Beam Pattern Control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xue, Xiaoxiao; Xuan, Yi; Bao, Chengying; Li, Shangyuan; Zheng, Xiaoping; Zhou, Bingkun; Qi, Minghao; Weiner, Andrew M.

2018-06-01

Microwave phased array antennas (PAAs) are very attractive to defense applications and high-speed wireless communications for their abilities of fast beam scanning and complex beam pattern control. However, traditional PAAs based on phase shifters suffer from the beam-squint problem and have limited bandwidths. True-time-delay (TTD) beamforming based on low-loss photonic delay lines can solve this problem. But it is still quite challenging to build large-scale photonic TTD beamformers due to their high hardware complexity. In this paper, we demonstrate a photonic TTD beamforming network based on a miniature microresonator frequency comb (microcomb) source and dispersive time delay. A method incorporating optical phase modulation and programmable spectral shaping is proposed for positive and negative apodization weighting to achieve arbitrary microwave beam pattern control. The experimentally demonstrated TTD beamforming network can support a PAA with 21 elements. The microwave frequency range is $\\mathbf{8\\sim20\\ {GHz}}$, and the beam scanning range is $\\mathbf{\\pm 60.2^\\circ}$. Detailed measurements of the microwave amplitudes and phases are performed. The beamforming performances of Gaussian, rectangular beams and beam notch steering are evaluated through simulations by assuming a uniform radiating antenna array. The scheme can potentially support larger PAAs with hundreds of elements by increasing the number of comb lines with broadband microcomb generation.

Microwave meta-atom enhanced spintronic rectification

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

Gou, Peng; Xi, Fuchun; Qian, Qinbai

2015-04-06

An artificial meta-atom (MA), or alternatively, a plasmonic antenna, has been demonstrated to significantly enhance the microwave spin rectifying photovoltage by more than two orders in magnitude (∼280) in the ferromagnetic resonance regime. The large enhancement is attributed to the unique structure of the MA which magnifies both microwave electric (∼5) and magnetic (∼56) fields in the same near-field spatial region. Our work develops the interdisciplinary direction with artificial and natural magnetism and may find promising applications in high-frequency or opto-spintronic devices and wireless microwave energy harvesting.

Ultra-wide-band 3D microwave imaging scanner for the detection of concealed weapons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rezgui, Nacer-Ddine; Andrews, David A.; Bowring, Nicholas J.

2015-10-01

The threat of concealed weapons, explosives and contraband in footwear, bags and suitcases has led to the development of new devices, which can be deployed for security screening. To address known deficiencies of metal detectors and x-rays, an UWB 3D microwave imaging scanning apparatus using FMCW stepped frequency working in the K and Q bands and with a planar scanning geometry based on an x y stage, has been developed to screen suspicious luggage and footwear. To obtain microwave images of the concealed weapons, the targets are placed above the platform and the single transceiver horn antenna attached to the x y stage is moved mechanically to perform a raster scan to create a 2D synthetic aperture array. The S11 reflection signal of the transmitted sweep frequency from the target is acquired by a VNA in synchronism with each position step. To enhance and filter from clutter and noise the raw data and to obtain the 2D and 3D microwave images of the concealed weapons or explosives, data processing techniques are applied to the acquired signals. These techniques include background subtraction, Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT), thresholding, filtering by gating and windowing and deconvolving with the transfer function of the system using a reference target. To focus the 3D reconstructed microwave image of the target in range and across the x y aperture without using focusing elements, 3D Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) techniques are applied to the post-processed data. The K and Q bands, between 15 to 40 GHz, show good transmission through clothing and dielectric materials found in luggage and footwear. A description of the system, algorithms and some results with replica guns and a comparison of microwave images obtained by IFFT, 2D and 3D SAR techniques are presented.

Preparation of Silica Nanoparticles Through Microwave-assisted Acid-catalysis

PubMed Central

Lovingood, Derek D.; Owens, Jeffrey R.; Seeber, Michael; Kornev, Konstantin G.; Luzinov, Igor

2013-01-01

Microwave-assisted synthetic techniques were used to quickly and reproducibly produce silica nanoparticle sols using an acid catalyst with nanoparticle diameters ranging from 30-250 nm by varying the reaction conditions. Through the selection of a microwave compatible solvent, silicic acid precursor, catalyst, and microwave irradiation time, these microwave-assisted methods were capable of overcoming the previously reported shortcomings associated with synthesis of silica nanoparticles using microwave reactors. The siloxane precursor was hydrolyzed using the acid catalyst, HCl. Acetone, a low-tan δ solvent, mediates the condensation reactions and has minimal interaction with the electromagnetic field. Condensation reactions begin when the silicic acid precursor couples with the microwave radiation, leading to silica nanoparticle sol formation. The silica nanoparticles were characterized by dynamic light scattering data and scanning electron microscopy, which show the materials' morphology and size to be dependent on the reaction conditions. Microwave-assisted reactions produce silica nanoparticles with roughened textured surfaces that are atypical for silica sols produced by Stöber's methods, which have smooth surfaces. PMID:24379052

Microwave Scanning System Correlations

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-08-11

The follow equipment is needed for each of the individual scanning systems: Handheld Scanner Equipment list 1. Dell Netbook (with the...proper software installed by Evisive) 2. Bluetooth USB port transmitter 3. Handheld Probe 4. USB to mini-USB Converter (links camera to netbook

Effect of Zn doping on the microwave absorption of BFO multiferroic materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bi, S.; Li, J.; Mei, B.; Su, X. J.; Ying, C. Z.; Li, P. H.

2018-01-01

The microwave absorbing materials were firstly used in the Second World War. And the BiFeO3 (BFO) based microwave absorbers have been widely applied into the microwave absorbing area due to its possession of excellent electromagnetic properties. Various methods have been conducted to improve the microwave absorption performance of the BFO based materials. In the work, the sol-gel method were used to prepare the BFO, and the Zn were doped into the BFO to prepare the Bi1-xZnxFeO3 nanoparticles. The X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and vector network analysis (VNA) were conducted to characterize the microstructure and electromagnetic properties of the as-prepared samples. The results indicate that the Bi1-xZnxFeO3 nanoparticles were successfully gained and the as-prepared samples possess excellent microwave absorption properties.

Complementary structure for designer localized surface plasmons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Zhen; Gao, Fei; Zhang, Youming; Zhang, Baile

2015-11-01

Magnetic localized surface plasmons (LSPs) supported on metallic structures corrugated by very long and curved grooves have been recently proposed and demonstrated on an extremely thin metallic spiral structure (MSS) in the microwave regime. However, the mode profile for the magnetic LSPs was demonstrated by measuring only the electric field, not the magnetic field. Here, based on Babinet's principle, we propose a Babinet-inverted, or complementary MSS whose electric/magnetic mode profiles match the magnetic/electric mode profiles of MSS. This complementarity of mode profiles allows mapping the magnetic field distribution of magnetic LSP mode profile on MSS by measuring the electric field distribution of the corresponding mode on complementary MSS. Experiment at microwave frequencies also demonstrate the use of complementary MSS in sensing refractive-index change in the environment.

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

Shlapakovski, A. S.; Beilin, L.; Krasik, Ya. E.

Nanosecond-scale evolution of plasma and RF electromagnetic fields during the release of energy from a microwave pulse compressor with a plasma interference switch was investigated numerically using the code MAGIC. The plasma was simulated in the scope of the gas conductivity model in MAGIC. The compressor embodied an S-band cavity and H-plane waveguide tee with a shorted side arm filled with pressurized gas. In a simplified approach, the gas discharge was initiated by setting an external ionization rate in a layer crossing the side arm waveguide in the location of the electric field antinode. It was found that with increasingmore » ionization rate, the microwave energy absorbed by the plasma in the first few nanoseconds increases, but the absorption for the whole duration of energy release, on the contrary, decreases. In a hybrid approach modeling laser ignition of the discharge, seed electrons were set around the electric field antinode. In this case, the plasma extends along the field forming a filament and the plasma density increases up to the level at which the electric field within the plasma decreases due to the skin effect. Then, the avalanche rate decreases but the density still rises until the microwave energy release begins and the electric field becomes insufficient to support the avalanche process. The extraction of the microwave pulse limits its own power by terminating the rise of the plasma density and filament length. For efficient extraction, a sufficiently long filament of dense plasma must have sufficient time to be formed.« less

Microwave Treatment of Prostate Cancer and Hyperplasia

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arndt, G. Dickey; Ngo, Phong; Carl, J. R.; Raffoul, George

2005-01-01

Microwave ablation in the form of microwave energy applied to a heart muscle by a coaxial catheter inserted in a vein in the groin area can be used to heat and kill diseased heart cells. A microwave catheter has been developed to provide deep myocardial ablation to treat ventricular tachycardia by restoring appropriate electrical activity within the heart and eliminating irregular heartbeats. The resulting microwave catheter design, which is now being developed for commercial use in treating ventricular tachycardia, can be modified to treat prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Inasmuch as the occurrence of BPH is increasing currently 350,000 operations per year are performed in the United States alone to treat this condition this microwave catheter has significant commercial potential.

Atmospheric water parameters in mid-latitude cyclones observed by microwave radiometry and compared to model calculations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Katsaros, Kristina B.; Hammarstrand, Ulla; Petty, Grant W.

1990-01-01

Existing and experimental algorithms for various parameters of atmospheric water content such as integrated water vapor, cloud water, precipitation, are used to examine the distribution of these quantities in mid latitude cyclones. The data was obtained from signals given by the special sensor microwave/imager (SSM/I) and compared with data from the nimbus scanning multichannel microwave radiometer (SMMR) for North Atlantic cyclones. The potential of microwave remote sensing for enhancing knowledge of the horizontal structure of these storms and to aid the development and testing of the cloud and precipitation aspects of limited area numerical models of cyclonic storms is investigated.

Recent Advances in Microwave Imaging for Breast Cancer Detection

PubMed Central

Kwon, Sollip

2016-01-01

Breast cancer is a disease that occurs most often in female cancer patients. Early detection can significantly reduce the mortality rate. Microwave breast imaging, which is noninvasive and harmless to human, offers a promising alternative method to mammography. This paper presents a review of recent advances in microwave imaging for breast cancer detection. We conclude by introducing new research on a microwave imaging system with time-domain measurement that achieves short measurement time and low system cost. In the time-domain measurement system, scan time would take less than 1 sec, and it does not require very expensive equipment such as VNA. PMID:28096808

Determination of nuclear quadrupole moments – An example of the synergy of ab initio calculations and microwave spectroscopy

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

Kellö, Vladimir

Highly correlated scalar relativistic calculations of electric field gradients at nuclei in diatomic molecules in combination with accurate nuclear quadrupole coupling constants obtained from microwave spectroscopy are used for determination of nuclear quadrupole moments.

Opportunities for electric utilities in telecommunications

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

Meehan, C.M.

1994-11-01

This article examines the opportunities for utility participation in the telecommunications market on private microwave systems and hybrid microwave and fiber systems. The topics of the article include entering the market, national information infrastructure, business opportunities and considerations, levels of participation in telecommunications market, and regulatory objectives.

Recovering NOAA 1,2,3,4 Infrared and visible high resolution data, 1974-1977.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campbell, G. G.

2017-12-01

The NOAA satellites 1 to 4 (1974-1977) had high resolution visible and infrared detectors which made daily observations of the Earth from sun-synchronous orbits so both day and night observations were made. Here we describe the recovery of this data at 25 km resolution by digitizing the half tome prints from publication NOAA #54 which provides daily composites of the scan observations. The infrared images can be calibrated using the 280 km resolution digital archive still maintained by NOAA from this Scanning Radiometer data. This is an extension of our recovery of the ESSA 1,3,5,7 and 9 data from 1966 to 1974. This much higher resolution product provides much richer detail about the Earth in the 1970's. As a particular example we will discuss the large polynya in the sea ice in the Wedell sea first noted in the Electrically Scanned Microwave Radiometer observations from 1974 to 1976. The visible data verify the presence of the large open water region in the middle of the pack ice in the winters of 1974, 5 and 6. In addition we will discuss the cloud fields and motions over this region apparent from the recovered high resolution observations. One can also see hints of this phenomenon occurring in 2016 and 2017.

Structural and electrical properties of conducting diamond nanowires.

PubMed

Sankaran, Kamatchi Jothiramalingam; Lin, Yen-Fu; Jian, Wen-Bin; Chen, Huang-Chin; Panda, Kalpataru; Sundaravel, Balakrishnan; Dong, Chung-Li; Tai, Nyan-Hwa; Lin, I-Nan

2013-02-01

Conducting diamond nanowires (DNWs) films have been synthesized by N₂-based microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The incorporation of nitrogen into DNWs films is examined by C 1s X-ray photoemission spectroscopy and morphology of DNWs is discerned using field-emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The electron diffraction pattern, the visible-Raman spectroscopy, and the near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy display the coexistence of sp³ diamond and sp² graphitic phases in DNWs films. In addition, the microstructure investigation, carried out by high-resolution TEM with Fourier transformed pattern, indicates diamond grains and graphitic grain boundaries on surface of DNWs. The same result is confirmed by scanning tunneling microscopy and scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS). Furthermore, the STS spectra of current-voltage curves discover a high tunneling current at the position near the graphitic grain boundaries. These highly conducting regimes of grain boundaries form effective electron paths and its transport mechanism is explained by the three-dimensional (3D) Mott's variable range hopping in a wide temperature from 300 to 20 K. Interestingly, this specific feature of high conducting grain boundaries of DNWs demonstrates a high efficiency in field emission and pave a way to the next generation of high-definition flat panel displays or plasma devices.

Microwave heating and joining of ceramic cylinders: A mathematical model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Booty, Michael R.; Kriegsmann, Gregory A.

1994-01-01

A thin cylindrical ceramic sample is placed in a single mode microwave applicator in such a way that the electric field strength is allowed to vary along its axis. The sample can either be a single rod or two rods butted together. We present a simple mathematical model which describes the microwave heating process. It is built on the assumption that the Biot number of the material is small, and that the electric field is known and uniform throughout the cylinder's cross-section. The model takes the form of a nonlinear parabolic equation of reaction-diffusion type, with a spatially varying reaction term that corresponds to the spatial variation of the electromagnetic field strength in the waveguide. The equation is analyzed and a solution is found which develops a hot spot near the center of the cylindrical sample and which then propagates outwards until it stabilizes. The propagation and stabilization phenomenon concentrates the microwave energy in a localized region about the center where elevated temperatures may be desirable.

Probing resonant energy transfer in collisions of ammonia with Rydberg helium atoms by microwave spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhelyazkova, V.; Hogan, S. D.

2017-12-01

We present the results of experiments demonstrating the spectroscopic detection of Förster resonance energy transfer from NH3 in the X1A1 ground electronic state to helium atoms in 1sns 3S1 Rydberg levels, where n = 37 and n = 40. For these values of n, the 1sns 3S1 → 1snp 3PJ transitions in helium lie close to resonance with the ground-state inversion transitions in NH3 and can be tuned through resonance using electric fields of less than 10 V/cm. In the experiments, energy transfer was detected by direct state-selective electric field ionization of the 3S1 and 3PJ Rydberg levels and by monitoring the population of the 3DJ levels following pulsed microwave transfer from the 3PJ levels. Detection by microwave spectroscopic methods represents a highly state selective, low-background approach to probing the collisional energy transfer process and the environment in which the atom-molecule interactions occur. The experimentally observed electric-field dependence of the resonant energy transfer process, probed both by direct electric field ionization and by microwave transfer, agrees well with the results of calculations performed using a simple theoretical model of the energy transfer process. For measurements performed in zero electric field with atoms prepared in the 1s40s 3S1 level, the transition from a regime in which a single energy transfer channel can be isolated for detection to one in which multiple collision channels begin to play a role has been identified as the NH3 density was increased.

Fast Determination of Ingredients in Solid Pharmaceuticals by Microwave-Enhanced In-Source Decay of Microwave Plasma Torch Mass Spectrometry.

PubMed

Su, Rui; Wang, Xinchen; Hou, Changming; Yang, Meiling; Huang, Keke; Chen, Huanwen

2017-09-01

Rapid qualitative and quantitative analysis of solid samples (e.g., pharmaceutical preparations) by using a small and low-resolution mass spectrometer without MS/MS function is still a challenge in ambient pressure ionization mass spectrometric analysis. Herein, a practically efficient method termed microwave-enhanced in-source decay (MEISD) using microwave plasma torch desorption ionization coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MPTDI-TOF MS) was developed for fast analysis of pharmaceutical tablets using a miniature TOF mass spectrometer without tandem mass function. The intensity of ISD fragmentation was evaluated under different microwave power values. Several factors, including desorption distance and time that might affect the signal intensity and fragmentation, were systematically investigated. It was observed that both the protonated molecular ions and major fragment ions from the active ingredients in tablets could be found in the full-scan mass spectra in positive ion mode, which were comparable to those obtained by a commercial LTQ-XL ion trap mass spectrometer. The structures of the ingredients could be elucidated in detail using the MEISD method, which promotes our understanding of the desorption/ionization processes in microwave plasma torch (MPT). Quantitative analysis of 10 tablets was achieved by full-scan MPTDI-TOF MS with low limit of detection (LOD, 0.763 mg/g), acceptable relative standard deviation (RSD < 7.33%, n =10), and 10 s for each tablet, showing promising applications in high throughput screening of counterfeit drugs. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

An Evanescent Microwave Probe for Super-Resolution Nondestructive Imaging of Metals, Semiconductors, Dielectrics, Composites and Biological Specimens

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pathak, P. S.; Tabib-Azar, M.; Ponchak, G.

1998-01-01

Using evanescent microwaves with decay lengths determined by a combination of microwave wavelength (lambda) and waveguide termination geometry, we have imaged and mapped material non-uniformities and defects with a resolving capability of lambda/3800=79 microns at 1 GHz. In our method a microstrip quarter wavelength resonator was used to generate evanescent microwaves. We imaged materials with a wide range of conductivities. Carbon composites, dielectrics (Duroid, polymers), semiconductors (3C-SiC, polysilicon, natural diamond), metals (tungsten alloys, copper, zinc, steel), high-temperature superconductors, and botanical samples were scanned for defects, residual stresses, integrity of brazed junctions, subsurface features, areas of different film thickness and moisture content. The evanescent microwave probe is a versatile tool and it can be used to perform very fast, large scale mapping of a wide range of materials. This method of characterization compares favorably with ultrasound testing, which has a resolution of about 0.1 mm and suffers from high absorption in composite materials and poor transmission across boundaries. Eddy current methods which can have a resolution on the order of 50 microns are restricted to evaluating conducting materials. Evanescent microwave imaging, with careful choice of operating frequency and probe geometry, can have a resolution of up to 1 micron. In this method we can scan hot and moving objects, sample preparation is not required, testing is non-destructive, non-invasive and non-contact, and can be done in air, in liquid or in vacuum.

Fast Determination of Ingredients in Solid Pharmaceuticals by Microwave-Enhanced In-Source Decay of Microwave Plasma Torch Mass Spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Rui; Wang, Xinchen; Hou, Changming; Yang, Meiling; Huang, Keke; Chen, Huanwen

2017-09-01

Rapid qualitative and quantitative analysis of solid samples (e.g., pharmaceutical preparations) by using a small and low-resolution mass spectrometer without MS/MS function is still a challenge in ambient pressure ionization mass spectrometric analysis. Herein, a practically efficient method termed microwave-enhanced in-source decay (MEISD) using microwave plasma torch desorption ionization coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MPTDI-TOF MS) was developed for fast analysis of pharmaceutical tablets using a miniature TOF mass spectrometer without tandem mass function. The intensity of ISD fragmentation was evaluated under different microwave power values. Several factors, including desorption distance and time that might affect the signal intensity and fragmentation, were systematically investigated. It was observed that both the protonated molecular ions and major fragment ions from the active ingredients in tablets could be found in the full-scan mass spectra in positive ion mode, which were comparable to those obtained by a commercial LTQ-XL ion trap mass spectrometer. The structures of the ingredients could be elucidated in detail using the MEISD method, which promotes our understanding of the desorption/ionization processes in microwave plasma torch (MPT). Quantitative analysis of 10 tablets was achieved by full-scan MPTDI-TOF MS with low limit of detection (LOD, 0.763 mg/g), acceptable relative standard deviation (RSD < 7.33%, n =10), and 10 s for each tablet, showing promising applications in high throughput screening of counterfeit drugs. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Search for nonthermal effects of 434 MHz microwave radiation on whole human blood

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

Dunscombe, P.B.; Gammampila, K.; Ramsey, N.W.

1983-11-01

Whole human blood was subjected to a microwave environment at 434 MHz for 6 h with external electric fields corresponding to free space power densities up to 598 mW cm/sup -2/ and the levels of hemoglobin, sodium, and potassium in the plasma were monitored. Under geometrical conditions in which the field strength within the samples was unknown, measurements indicated increased red cell membrane fragility following irradiation. It was possible to exclude localized heating as an explanation of this effect. However, with a known and reasonably uniform electric field distribution within spherical specimens, increased membrane fragility was not observed. We aremore » therefore unable to confirm previously reported results which indicate a nonthermal deleterious effect of microwave radiation on erythrocytes.« less

Characterization of biobased polyurethane foams employing lignin fractionated from microwave liquefied switchgrass

Treesearch

Xingyan Huang; Cornelis F. De Hoop; Jiulong Xie; Chung-Yun Hse; Jinqiu Qi; Tingxing Hu

2017-01-01

Lignin samples fractionated from microwave liquefied switchgrass were applied in the preparation of semirigid polyurethane (PU) foams without purification.The objective of this study was to elucidate the influence of lignin in the PU matrix on themorphological, chemical, mechanical, and thermal properties of thePU foams.The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images...

Spatial distribution of the electron component parameters in the nitrogen plasma of a low-pressure electrode microwave Discharge

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

Lebedev, Yu. A., E-mail: lebedev@ips.ac.ru; Krashevskaya, G. V., E-mail: krashevskaya-gv@mail.ru; Gogoleva, M. A., E-mail: masha-g@list.ru

2016-01-15

Spatial distributions of charged particle concentration, electron temperature, and DC potential in an electrode microwave discharge in nitrogen at a pressure of 1 Torr have been measured using the double electric probe method. It has been shown that, near the electrode/antenna, the charged particle concentration exceeds a critical value. The concentration and heterogeneity of the discharge increase with increasing microwave power.

Unexpected surface implanted layer in static random access memory devices observed by microwave impedance microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kundhikanjana, W.; Yang, Y.; Tanga, Q.; Zhang, K.; Lai, K.; Ma, Y.; Kelly, M. A.; Li, X. X.; Shen, Z.-X.

2013-02-01

Real-space mapping of doping concentration in semiconductor devices is of great importance for the microelectronics industry. In this work, a scanning microwave impedance microscope (MIM) is employed to resolve the local conductivity distribution of a static random access memory sample. The MIM electronics can also be adjusted to the scanning capacitance microscopy (SCM) mode, allowing both measurements on the same region. Interestingly, while the conventional SCM images match the nominal device structure, the MIM results display certain unexpected features, which originate from a thin layer of the dopant ions penetrating through the protective layers during the heavy implantation steps.

Seasat scatterometer versus scanning multichannel microwave radiometer wind speeds: A comparison on a global scale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boutin, J.; Etcheto, J.

1990-12-01

The wind speeds obtained from the Seasat A scatterometer system (SASS) and scanning multichannel microwave radiometer (SMMR) using two different algorithms were compared on a global scale. The temperature dependence of the sea surface emissivity was shown to be incorrectly modelled. After correcting this effect, regional differences up to ± 3 m s-1 are still observed between both instruments, even though they balance in global averaging, resulting in no bias between the global data sets. Validation experiments of satellite wind speeds should take into account this possibility of regional biases and insure the validity of the measurements everywhere in the global ocean.

Scanning microwave microscopy applied to semiconducting GaAs structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buchter, Arne; Hoffmann, Johannes; Delvallée, Alexandra; Brinciotti, Enrico; Hapiuk, Dimitri; Licitra, Christophe; Louarn, Kevin; Arnoult, Alexandre; Almuneau, Guilhem; Piquemal, François; Zeier, Markus; Kienberger, Ferry

2018-02-01

A calibration algorithm based on one-port vector network analyzer (VNA) calibration for scanning microwave microscopes (SMMs) is presented and used to extract quantitative carrier densities from a semiconducting n-doped GaAs multilayer sample. This robust and versatile algorithm is instrument and frequency independent, as we demonstrate by analyzing experimental data from two different, cantilever- and tuning fork-based, microscope setups operating in a wide frequency range up to 27.5 GHz. To benchmark the SMM results, comparison with secondary ion mass spectrometry is undertaken. Furthermore, we show SMM data on a GaAs p-n junction distinguishing p- and n-doped layers.

Self-mixing laser diode included in scanning microwave microscope to the control of probe nanodisplacement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Usanov, D. A.; Skripal, A. V.; Astakhov, E. I.; Dobdin, S. Y.

2018-04-01

The possibilities of self-mixing interferometry for measuring nanodisplacement of a probe included in a near-field scanning microwave microscope have been considered. The features of the formation of a laser interference signal at current modulation of the wavelength of laser radiation have been investigated. Experimental responses of a semiconductor laser system included in scanning microwave microscope to control nanodisplacement of the probe have been demonstrated.To register the nanodisplacement of the probe, it is proposed to use the method of determining the stationary phase of a laser interference signal by low-frequency spectrum of a semiconductor laser. The change of the amplitudes of the spectral components in the spectrum of the interference signal due to creation of the standing wave in the external resonator of the laser self-mixing system has been shown. The form of the interference signal at current modulation of the radiation wavelength was experimentally obtained when the probe moves with a step of 80 nm. The results of measuring nanodisplacements of an electromagnetic translator STANDA 8MVT40-13 have been demonstrated. Deviation of the nanodisplacement of the proposed method does not exceed 15%.

Low electrical resistivity carbon nanotube and polyethylene nanocomposites for aerospace and energy exploration applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moloney, Padraig G.

An investigation was conducted towards the development and optimization of low electrical resistivity carbon nanotube (CNT) and thermoplastic composites as potential materials for future wire and cable applications in aerospace and energy exploration. Fundamental properties of the polymer, medium density polyethylene (MDPE), such as crystallinity were studied and improved for composite use. A parallel effort was undertaken on a broad selection of CNT, including single wall, double wall and multi wall carbon nanotubes, and included research of material aspects relevant to composite application and low resistivity such as purity, diameter and chirality. With an emphasis on scalability, manufacturing and purification methods were developed, and a solvent-based composite fabrication method was optimized. CNT MDPE composites were characterized via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Raman spectroscopy, and multiple routes of electron microscopy. Techniques including annealing and pressure treatments were used to further improve the composites' resulting electrical performance. Enhancement of conductivity was explored via exposure to a focused microwave beam. A novel doping method was developed using antimony pentafluoride (SbF5) to reduce the resistivity of the bulk CNT. Flexible composites, malleable under heat and pressure, were produced with exceptional electrical resistivities reaching as low as 2*10-6O·m (5*105S/m). A unique gas sensor application utilizing the unique electrical resistivities of the produced CNT-MDPE composites was developed. The materials proved suitable as a low weight and low energy sensing material for dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), a nerve gas simulant.

Laser power conversion system analysis, volume 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, W. S.; Morgan, L. L.; Forsyth, J. B.; Skratt, J. P.

1979-01-01

The orbit-to-ground laser power conversion system analysis investigated the feasibility and cost effectiveness of converting solar energy into laser energy in space, and transmitting the laser energy to earth for conversion to electrical energy. The analysis included space laser systems with electrical outputs on the ground ranging from 100 to 10,000 MW. The space laser power system was shown to be feasible and a viable alternate to the microwave solar power satellite. The narrow laser beam provides many options and alternatives not attainable with a microwave beam.

Coherent Microwave-to-Optical Conversion via Six-Wave Mixing in Rydberg Atoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Jingshan; Vogt, Thibault; Gross, Christian; Jaksch, Dieter; Kiffner, Martin; Li, Wenhui

2018-03-01

We present an experimental demonstration of converting a microwave field to an optical field via frequency mixing in a cloud of cold 87Rb atoms, where the microwave field strongly couples to an electric dipole transition between Rydberg states. We show that the conversion allows the phase information of the microwave field to be coherently transferred to the optical field. With the current energy level scheme and experimental geometry, we achieve a photon-conversion efficiency of ˜0.3 % at low microwave intensities and a broad conversion bandwidth of more than 4 MHz. Theoretical simulations agree well with the experimental data, and they indicate that near-unit efficiency is possible in future experiments.

The experimental study of the effect of microwave on the physical properties of multi-walled carbon nanotubes

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

Haque, A.K.M. Mahmudul; Oh, Geum Seok; Kim, Taeoh

Highlights: • We study the microwave effect on the multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). • We examine the non uniform heating effect on the physical structure of MWCNTs. • We examine the purification of MWCNTs by microwave. • We analyze the thermal characteristics of microwave treated MWCNTs. - Abstract: This paper reports the effect of microwave on the physical properties of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) where different power levels of microwave were applied on MWCNTs in order to apprehend the effect of microwave on MWCNTs distinctly. A low energy ball milling in aqueous circumstance was also applied on both MWCNTs andmore » microwave treated MWCNTs. Temperature profile, morphological analysis by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), defect analysis by Raman spectroscopy, thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity as well as heat transfer coefficient enhancement ratio were studied which expose some strong witnesses of the effect of microwave on the both purification and dispersion properties of MWCNTs in base fluid distilled water. The highest thermal conductivity enhancement (6.06% at 40 °C) of MWCNTs based nanofluid is achieved by five minutes microwave treatment as well as wet grinding at 500 rpm for two hours.« less

Microwave non-contact imaging of subcutaneous human body tissues.

PubMed

Kletsov, Andrey; Chernokalov, Alexander; Khripkov, Alexander; Cho, Jaegeol; Druchinin, Sergey

2015-10-01

A small-size microwave sensor is developed for non-contact imaging of a human body structure in 2D, enabling fitness and health monitoring using mobile devices. A method for human body tissue structure imaging is developed and experimentally validated. Subcutaneous fat tissue reconstruction depth of up to 70 mm and maximum fat thickness measurement error below 2 mm are demonstrated by measurements with a human body phantom and human subjects. Electrically small antennas are developed for integration of the microwave sensor into a mobile device. Usability of the developed microwave sensor for fitness applications, healthcare, and body weight management is demonstrated.

Electrical detection of microwave assisted magnetization reversal by spin pumping

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

Rao, Siddharth; Subhra Mukherjee, Sankha; Elyasi, Mehrdad

2014-03-24

Microwave assisted magnetization reversal has been investigated in a bilayer system of Pt/ferromagnet by detecting a change in the polarity of the spin pumping signal. The reversal process is studied in two material systems, Pt/CoFeB and Pt/NiFe, for different aspect ratios. The onset of the switching behavior is indicated by a sharp transition in the spin pumping voltage. At a threshold value of the external field, the switching process changes from partial to full reversal with increasing microwave power. The proposed method provides a simple way to detect microwave assisted magnetization reversal.

Precipitation Estimation Using Combined Radar/Radiometer Measurements Within the GPM Framework

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hou, Arthur

2012-01-01

The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission is an international satellite mission specifically designed to unify and advance precipitation measurements from a constellation of research and operational microwave sensors. The GPM mission centers upon the deployment of a Core Observatory in a 65o non-Sun-synchronous orbit to serve as a physics observatory and a transfer standard for intersatellite calibration of constellation radiometers. The GPM Core Observatory will carry a Ku/Ka-band Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) and a conical-scanning multi-channel (10-183 GHz) GPM Microwave Radiometer (GMI). The DPR will be the first dual-frequency radar in space to provide not only measurements of 3-D precipitation structures but also quantitative information on microphysical properties of precipitating particles needed for improving precipitation retrievals from microwave sensors. The DPR and GMI measurements will together provide a database that relates vertical hydrometeor profiles to multi-frequency microwave radiances over a variety of environmental conditions across the globe. This combined database will be used as a common transfer standard for improving the accuracy and consistency of precipitation retrievals from all constellation radiometers. For global coverage, GPM relies on existing satellite programs and new mission opportunities from a consortium of partners through bilateral agreements with either NASA or JAXA. Each constellation member may have its unique scientific or operational objectives but contributes microwave observations to GPM for the generation and dissemination of unified global precipitation data products. In addition to the DPR and GMI on the Core Observatory, the baseline GPM constellation consists of the following sensors: (1) Special Sensor Microwave Imager/Sounder (SSMIS) instruments on the U.S. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) satellites, (2) the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer-2 (AMSR-2) on the GCOM-W1 satellite of JAXA, (3) the Multi-Frequency Microwave Scanning Radiometer (MADRAS) and the multi-channel microwave humidity sounder (SAPHIR) on the French-Indian Megha- Tropiques satellite, (4) the Microwave Humidity Sounder (MHS) on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)-19, (5) MHS instruments on MetOp satellites launched by the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT), (6) the Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS) on the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) Preparatory Project (NPP), and (7) ATMS instruments on the NOAA-NASA Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) satellites. Data from Chinese and Russian microwave radiometers may also become available through international collaboration under the auspices of the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) and Group on Earth Observations (GEO). The current generation of global rainfall products combines observations from a network of uncoordinated satellite missions using a variety of merging techniques. GPM will provide next-generation precipitation products characterized by: (1) more accurate instantaneous precipitation estimate (especially for light rain and cold-season solid precipitation), (2) intercalibrated microwave brightness temperatures from constellation radiometers within a consistent framework, and (3) unified precipitation retrievals from constellation radiometers using a common a priori hydrometeor database constrained by combined radar/radiometer measurements provided by the GPM Core Observatory.

Heavy thunderstorms observed over land by the Nimbus 7 scanning multichannel microwave radiometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spencer, R. W.; Olson, W. S.; Martin, D. W.; Weinman, J. A.; Santek, D. A.; Wu, R.

1983-01-01

Brightness temperatures obtained through examination of microwave data from the Nimbus 7 satellite are noted to be much lower than those expected on the strength of radiation emanating from rain-producing clouds. Very cold brightness temperature cases all coincided with heavy thunderstorm rainfall, with the cold temperatures being attributable to scattering by a layer of ice hydrometeors in the upper parts of the storms. It is accordingly suggested that brightness temperatures observed by satellite microwave radiometers can sometimes distinguish heavy rain over land.

Resolution enhancement of multichannel microwave imagery from the Nimbus-7 SMMR for maritime rainfall analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Olson, W. S.; Yeh, C. L.; Weinman, J. A.; Chin, R. T.

1985-01-01

A restoration of the 37, 21, 18, 10.7, and 6.6 GHz satellite imagery from the scanning multichannel microwave radiometer (SMMR) aboard Nimbus-7 to 22.2 km resolution is attempted using a deconvolution method based upon nonlinear programming. The images are deconvolved with and without the aid of prescribed constraints, which force the processed image to abide by partial a priori knowledge of the high-resolution result. The restored microwave imagery may be utilized to examined the distribution of precipitating liquid water in marine rain systems.

Characterization of errors in a coupled snow hydrology-microwave emission model

USGS Publications Warehouse

Andreadis, K.M.; Liang, D.; Tsang, L.; Lettenmaier, D.P.; Josberger, E.G.

2008-01-01

Traditional approaches to the direct estimation of snow properties from passive microwave remote sensing have been plagued by limitations such as the tendency of estimates to saturate for moderately deep snowpacks and the effects of mixed land cover within remotely sensed pixels. An alternative approach is to assimilate satellite microwave emission observations directly, which requires embedding an accurate microwave emissions model into a hydrologic prediction scheme, as well as quantitative information of model and observation errors. In this study a coupled snow hydrology [Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC)] and microwave emission [Dense Media Radiative Transfer (DMRT)] model are evaluated using multiscale brightness temperature (TB) measurements from the Cold Land Processes Experiment (CLPX). The ability of VIC to reproduce snowpack properties is shown with the use of snow pit measurements, while TB model predictions are evaluated through comparison with Ground-Based Microwave Radiometer (GBMR), air-craft [Polarimetric Scanning Radiometer (PSR)], and satellite [Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for the Earth Observing System (AMSR-E)] TB measurements. Limitations of the model at the point scale were not as evident when comparing areal estimates. The coupled model was able to reproduce the TB spatial patterns observed by PSR in two of three sites. However, this was mostly due to the presence of relatively dense forest cover. An interesting result occurs when examining the spatial scaling behavior of the higher-resolution errors; the satellite-scale error is well approximated by the mode of the (spatial) histogram of errors at the smaller scale. In addition, TB prediction errors were almost invariant when aggregated to the satellite scale, while forest-cover fractions greater than 30% had a significant effect on TB predictions. ?? 2008 American Meteorological Society.

A Green Protocol for Synthesis of MAl2O4, [M=Cu and Co] Spinels Under Microwave Irradiation Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuvasravana, R.; George, P. P.

Nanosized metal aluminates MAl2O4, [M=Cu and Co] are synthesized from their nitrates solution by using pomegranate peel extract as fuel in microwave combustion. MAl2O4 [M=Cu and Co] nanoparticles are grown in microwave assisted synthesis followed by annealing at 700∘C. The nanoparticles have been characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-VIS spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The PXRD analysis has confirmed their spinel composition. The green protocol and microwave combustion route for spinel synthesis are rapid, simple, without any hazardous chemicals as reducing or stabilizing agents and economical.

Interpretation of Nimbus-7 37 GHz microwave brightness temperature data in semi-arid southern Africa

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prince, S. D.; Choudhury, B. J.

1989-01-01

Monthly 37 GHz microwave polarization difference temperatures (MPDT) derived from the Nimbus-7 scanning multichannel microwave radiometer (SMMR) for southern Africa from 1979 to 1985 are compared with rainfall and Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data. MPDT rose sharply during a drought episode which occurred within the period included in the data. The rise was seen not only in the growing season, but also in the dry season MPDT when no actively photosynthetic, water-containing leaves are present. The results suggest that scattering of the emitted microwave radiation by dead and living vegetation is a more important factor than has previously been recognized.

Preparation of graphene-ZrO2 nanocomposites by heat treatment and photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes.

PubMed

Cho, Bum Hwi; Ko, Weon Bae

2013-11-01

ZrO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by combining a solution containing zinconyl chloride in distilled water with a NH4OH solution under microwave irradiation. Graphene and ZrO2 nanocomposites were synthesized in an electric furnace at 700 degrees C for 2 hours. The heated graphene-ZrO2 nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. In addition, UV-vis spectrophotometry was used to evaluate the heated graphene-ZrO2 nanocomposites as a catalyst in the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes. The photocatalytic effect of the heated graphene-ZrO2 nanocomposites was compared with that of unheated graphene nanoparticles, heated graphene nanoparticles, and unheated graphene-ZrO2 nanocomposites in organic dyes (methylene blue, methyl orange, and rhodamine B) under ultraviolet light at 254 nm.

Oceanographic influences on the sea ice cover in the Sea of Okhotsk

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gratz, A. J.; Parkinson, C. L.

1981-01-01

Sea ice conditions in the Sea of Okhotsk, as determined by satellite images from the electrically scanning microwave radiometer on board Nimbus 5, were analyzed in conjunction with the known oceanography. In particular, the sea ice coverage was compared with the bottom bathymetry and the surface currents, water temperatures, and salinity. It is found that ice forms first in cold, shallow, low salinity waters. Once formed, the ice seems to drift in a direction approximating the Okhotsk-Kuril current system. Two basic patterns of ice edge positioning which persist for significant periods were identified as a rectangular structure and a wedge structure. Each of these is strongly correlated with the bathymetry of the region and with the known current system, suggesting that convective depth and ocean currents play an important role in determining ice patterns.

Microwave-assisted green synthesis of silver nanostructures.

PubMed

Nadagouda, Mallikarjuna N; Speth, Thomas F; Varma, Rajender S

2011-07-19

Over the past 25 years, microwave (MW) chemistry has moved from a laboratory curiosity to a well-established synthetic technique used in many academic and industrial laboratories around the world. Although the overwhelming number of MW-assisted applications today are still performed on a laboratory (mL) scale, we expect that this enabling technology may be used on a larger, perhaps even production, scale in conjunction with radio frequency or conventional heating. Microwave chemistry is based on two main principles, the dipolar mechanism and the electrical conductor mechanism. The dipolar mechanism occurs when, under a very high frequency electric field, a polar molecule attempts to follow the field in the same alignment. When this happens, the molecules release enough heat to drive the reaction forward. In the second mechanism, the irradiated sample is an electrical conductor and the charge carriers, ions and electrons, move through the material under the influence of the electric field and lead to polarization within the sample. These induced currents and any electrical resistance will heat the sample. This Account summarizes a microwave (MW)-assisted synthetic approach for producing silver nanostructures. MW heating has received considerable attention as a promising new method for the one-pot synthesis of metallic nanostructures in solutions. Researchers have successfully demonstrated the application of this method in the preparation of silver (Ag), gold (Au), platinum (Pt), and gold-palladium (Au-Pd) nanostructures. MW heating conditions allow not only for the preparation of spherical nanoparticles within a few minutes but also for the formation of single crystalline polygonal plates, sheets, rods, wires, tubes, and dendrites. The morphologies and sizes of the nanostructures can be controlled by changing various experimental parameters, such as the concentration of metallic salt precursors, the surfactant polymers, the chain length of the surfactant polymers, the solvents, and the operation reaction temperature. In general, nanostructures with smaller sizes, narrower size distributions, and a higher degree of crystallization have been obtained more consistently via MW heating than by heating with a conventional oil-bath. The use of microwaves to heat samples is a viable avenue for the greener synthesis of nanomaterials and provides several desirable features such as shorter reaction times, reduced energy consumption, and better product yields.

Topography preserved microwave plasma etching for top-down layer engineering in MoS2 and other van der Waals materials.

PubMed

Varghese, Abin; Sharma, Chithra H; Thalakulam, Madhu

2017-03-17

A generic and universal layer engineering strategy for van der Waals (vW) materials, scalable and compatible with the current semiconductor technology, is of paramount importance in realizing all-two-dimensional logic circuits and to move beyond the silicon scaling limit. In this letter, we demonstrate a scalable and highly controllable microwave plasma based layer engineering strategy for MoS 2 and other vW materials. Using this technique we etch MoS 2 flakes layer-by-layer starting from an arbitrary thickness and area down to the mono- or the few-layer limit. From Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, we confirm that the structural and morphological properties of the material have not been compromised. The process preserves the pre-etch layer topography and yields a smooth and pristine-like surface. We explore the electrical properties utilising a field effect transistor geometry and find that the mobility values of our samples are comparable to those of the pristine ones. The layer removal does not involve any reactive gasses or chemical reactions and relies on breaking the weak inter-layer vW interaction making it a generic technique for a wide spectrum of layered materials and heterostructures. We demonstrate the wide applicability of the technique by extending it to other systems such as graphene, h-BN and WSe 2 . In addition, using microwave plasma in combination with standard lithography, we illustrate a lateral patterning scheme making this process a potential candidate for large scale device fabrication in addition to layer engineering.

A study of thermal properties of sodium titanate nanotubes synthesized by microwave-assisted hydrothermal method

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

Preda, Silviu, E-mail: predas01@yahoo.co.uk; Rutar, Melita; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana

2015-11-15

Highlights: • The microwave-assisted hydrothermal route was used for titanate nanotubes synthesis. • Conversion to single-phase nanotube morphology completes after 8 h reaction time. • The nanotube morphology is stable up to 600 °C, as determined by in-situ XRD and SEM. • Sodium ions migrate to the surface due to thermal motion and structure condensation. - Abstract: Sodium titanate nanotubes (NaTiNTs) were synthesized by microwave-assisted hydrothermal treatment of commercial TiO{sub 2}, at constant temperature (135 °C) and different irradiation times (15 min, 1, 4, 8 and 16 h). The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electronmore » microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and specific surface area measurements. The irradiation time turned out to be the key parameter for morphological control of the material. Nanotubes were observed already after 15 min of microwave irradiation. The analyses of the products irradiated for 8 and 16 h confirm the complete transformation of the starting TiO{sub 2} powder to NaTiNTs. The nanotubes are open ended with multi-wall structures, with the average outer diameter of 8 nm and specific surface area up to 210 m{sup 2}/g. The morphology, surface area and crystal structure of the sodium titanate nanotubes synthesized by microwave-assisted hydrothermal method were similar to those obtained by conventional hydrothermal method.« less

Microwave Sensors for Breast Cancer Detection

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among females, early diagnostic methods with suitable treatments improve the 5-year survival rates significantly. Microwave breast imaging has been reported as the most potential to become the alternative or additional tool to the current gold standard X-ray mammography for detecting breast cancer. The microwave breast image quality is affected by the microwave sensor, sensor array, the number of sensors in the array and the size of the sensor. In fact, microwave sensor array and sensor play an important role in the microwave breast imaging system. Numerous microwave biosensors have been developed for biomedical applications, with particular focus on breast tumor detection. Compared to the conventional medical imaging and biosensor techniques, these microwave sensors not only enable better cancer detection and improve the image resolution, but also provide attractive features such as label-free detection. This paper aims to provide an overview of recent important achievements in microwave sensors for biomedical imaging applications, with particular focus on breast cancer detection. The electric properties of biological tissues at microwave spectrum, microwave imaging approaches, microwave biosensors, current challenges and future works are also discussed in the manuscript. PMID:29473867

Microwave Sensors for Breast Cancer Detection.

PubMed

Wang, Lulu

2018-02-23

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among females, early diagnostic methods with suitable treatments improve the 5-year survival rates significantly. Microwave breast imaging has been reported as the most potential to become the alternative or additional tool to the current gold standard X-ray mammography for detecting breast cancer. The microwave breast image quality is affected by the microwave sensor, sensor array, the number of sensors in the array and the size of the sensor. In fact, microwave sensor array and sensor play an important role in the microwave breast imaging system. Numerous microwave biosensors have been developed for biomedical applications, with particular focus on breast tumor detection. Compared to the conventional medical imaging and biosensor techniques, these microwave sensors not only enable better cancer detection and improve the image resolution, but also provide attractive features such as label-free detection. This paper aims to provide an overview of recent important achievements in microwave sensors for biomedical imaging applications, with particular focus on breast cancer detection. The electric properties of biological tissues at microwave spectrum, microwave imaging approaches, microwave biosensors, current challenges and future works are also discussed in the manuscript.

[Determination of benzo(alpha)pyrene in food with microwave-assisted extraction].

PubMed

Zhou, Na; Luo, He-Dong; Li, Na; Li, Yao-Qun

2014-03-01

Coupling derivative technique and constant-energy synchronous fluorescence scanning technique, a method of determining benzo[alpha] pyrene in foods by second derivative constant-energy synchronous spectrofluorimetry after microwave-assisted treatment of samples was established using domestic microwave oven. The main factors of influencing the efficiency of microwave extraction were discussed, including the extraction solvent types and amounts, the microwave extraction time, microwave radiation power and cooling time. And the comparison with ultrasonic extraction was made. Low-fat food samples, which were just microwave-extracted with mixed-solvents, could be analyzed immediately by the spectrofluorimetric technique. For high-fat food samples, microwave-assisted saponification and extraction were made at the same time, thus simplifying operation steps and reducing sample analysis time. So the whole sample analysis process could be completed within one hour. This method was simple, rapid and inexpensive. In consequence, it was applied to determine benzo(a)pyrene in food with good reproducibility and the recoveries of benzo(alpha) pyrene ranged from 90.0% to 105.0% for the low fat samples and 83.3% to 94.6% for high-fat samples.

Microwave-induced electrostatic etching: generation of highly reactive magnesium for application in Grignard reagent formation.

PubMed

van de Kruijs, Bastiaan H P; Dressen, Mark H C L; Meuldijk, Jan; Vekemans, Jef A J M; Hulshof, Lumbertus A

2010-04-07

A detailed study regarding the influence of microwave irradiation on the formation of a series of Grignard reagents in terms of rates and selectivities has revealed that these heterogeneous reactions may display a beneficial microwave effect. The interaction between microwaves and magnesium turnings generates violent electrostatic discharges. These discharges on magnesium lead to melting of the magnesium surface, thus generating highly active magnesium particles. As compared to conventional operation the microwave-induced discharges on the magnesium surface lead to considerably shorter initiation times for the insertion of magnesium in selected substrates (i.e. halothiophenes, halopyridines, octyl halides, and halobenzenes). Thermographic imaging and surface characterization by scanning electron microscopy showed that neither selective heating nor a "specific" microwave effect was causing the reduction in initiation times. This novel and straightforward initiation method eliminates the use of toxic and environmentally adverse initiators. Thus, this initiation method limits the formation of by-products. We clearly demonstrated that microwave irradiation enables fast Grignard reagent formation. Therefore, microwave technology is promising for process intensification of Grignard based coupling reactions.

Flexible magnetic membranes based on bacterial cellulose and its evaluation as electromagnetic interference shielding material.

PubMed

Marins, Jéssica A; Soares, Bluma G; Barud, Hernane S; Ribeiro, Sidney J L

2013-10-01

Flexible magnetic membranes with high proportion of magnetite were successfully prepared by previous impregnation of the never dried bacterial cellulose pellicles with ferric chloride followed by reduction with sodium bisulfite and alkaline treatment for magnetite precipitation. Membranes were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating magnetometer, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM) and impedance spectroscopy. Microwave properties of these membranes were investigated in the X-band (8.2 to 12.4 GHz). FEG-SEM micrographs show an effective coverage of the BC nanofibers by Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Membranes with up to 75% in weight of particles have been prepared after 60 min of reaction. Magnetite nanoparticles in the form of aggregates well adhered to the BC fibers were observed by SEM. The average crystal sizes of the magnetic particles were in the range of 10±1 to 13±1 nm (estimated by XRD). The magnetic particles in the BC pellicles presented superparamagnetic behavior with a saturation magnetization in the range of 60 emu g(-1) and coercive force around 15 Oe. These magnetic pellicles also displayed high electrical permittivity and a potential application as microwave absorber materials. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Unusual effect of the magnetic field component of the microwave radiation on aqueous electrolyte solutions.

PubMed

Horikoshi, Satoshi; Sumi, Takuya; Serpone, Nick

2012-01-01

The heating characteristics of aqueous electrolyte solutions (NaCl, KCl, CaCl2, NaBF4, and NaBr) of varying concentrations in ultrapure water by 2.45 GHz microwave radiation from a single-mode resonance microwave device and a semiconductor microwave generator were examined under conditions where the electric field (E-field) was dominant and where the magnetic field (H-field) dominated. Although magnetic field heating is not generally used in microwave chemistry, the electrolyte solutions were heated almost entirely by the microwaves' H-field. The heating rates under H-field irradiation at the higher concentrations of electrolytes (0.125 M to 0.50 M) exceeded the rates under E-field irradiation. This inversion phenomenon in heating is described in terms of the penetration depth of the microwaves. On the other hand, the action of the microwave radiation on ethylene glycol containing an electrolyte differed from that observed for water under E-field and H-field conditions.

On-chip microwave signal generation based on a silicon microring modulator.

PubMed

Shao, Haifeng; Yu, Hui; Li, Xia; Li, Yan; Jiang, Jianfei; Wei, Huan; Wang, Gencheng; Dai, Tingge; Chen, Qimei; Yang, Jianyi; Jiang, Xiaoqing

2015-07-15

A photonic-assisted microwave signal generator based on a silicon microring modulator is demonstrated. The microring cavity incorporates an embedded PN junction that enables a microwave signal to modulate the lightwave circling inside. The DC component of the modulated light is trapped in the cavity, while the high-order sideband components are able to exit the cavity and then generate microwave signals at new frequencies in a photodetector. In our proof-of-concept experiment, a 10 GHz microwave signal is converted to a 20 GHz signal in the optical domain with an electrical harmonic suppression ratio of 22 dB. An analytic model is also established to explain the operation mechanism, which agrees well with the measured data.

Comparative microstructure study of oil palm fruit bunch fibre, mesocarp and kernels after microwave pre-treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Jessie S. L.; Chan, Y. S.; Law, M. C.; Leo, C. P.

2017-07-01

The implementation of microwave technology in palm oil processing offers numerous advantages; besides elimination of polluted palm oil mill effluent, it also reduces energy consumption, processing time and space. However, microwave exposure could damage a material’s microstructure which affected the quality of fruit that can be related to its physical structure including the texture and appearance. In this work, empty fruit bunches, mesocarp and kernel was microwave dried and their respective microstructures were examined. The microwave pretreatments were conducted at 100W and 200W and the microstructure investigation of both treated and untreated samples were evaluated using scanning electron microscope. The micrographs demonstrated that microwave does not significantly influence kernel and mesocarp but noticeable change was found on the empty fruit bunches where the sizes of the granular starch were reduced and a small portion of the silica bodies were disrupted. From the experimental data, the microwave irradiation was shown to be efficiently applied on empty fruit bunches followed by mesocarp and kernel as significant weight loss and size reduction was observed after the microwave treatments. The current work showed that microwave treatment did not change the physical surfaces of samples but sample shrinkage is observed.

Rapid microwave assisted synthesis of YIn1-xMnxO3 blue pigments: Synthesis, microstructure and optical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Yuncheng; Jiang, Peng; Kuang, Jianlei; Yang, Xueshan; Cao, Wenbin

2018-07-01

The YIn1-xMnxO3 (0.1 ≤x ≤ 0.5) blue pigment samples are successfully prepared through a sol-gel process followed by microwave assisted sintering process. All the samples are shown single phases in the X-ray diffraction results. In the morphology study from scanning electronic microscope, the samples are composed of loosely connected small particles. The oxidation state of Mn is confirmed to be 3 + from the results of X-ray photonelectronic scan. The optical properties are characterized by UV-Visible spectrum and UV-visible-NIR spectrum. The samples exhibit intense blue color and they show small absorption in infrared region.

In-situ microwave irradiation synthesis of ZnO-graphene nanocomposite for high-performance supercapacitor applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gunaseelan, R.; Venkatachalam, V.; Raj, A. Antony

2018-04-01

In this paper, the ZnO/G nanocomposite was synthesized by facile in-situ microwave irradiation method. The as-prepared ZnO/G composite has been characterized with X-ray powder diffraction. The electrochemical properties of the obtained composite electrode for supercapacitor have been studied by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectra analyses. The ZnO/G nanocomposites showed a good capacitive behavior with a higher specific capacitance of 140.4 F/g at a scan rate of 5 mV/s scan rate in 1M KOH electrolyte. Based on the electrochemical results revealed that the composite electrode is a suitable candidate for supercapacitor applications.

Modulation and detection of single neuron activity using spin transfer nano-oscillators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Algarin, Jose Miguel; Ramaswamy, Bharath; Venuti, Lucy; Swierzbinski, Matthew; Villar, Pablo; Chen, Yu-Jin; Krivorotov, Ilya; Weinberg, Irving N.; Herberholz, Jens; Araneda, Ricardo; Shapiro, Benjamin; Waks, Edo

2017-09-01

The brain is a complex network of interconnected circuits that exchange electrical signals with each other. These electrical signals provide insight on how neural circuits code information, and give rise to sensations, thoughts, emotions and actions. Currents methods to detect and modulate these electrical signals use implanted electrodes or optical fields with light sensitive dyes in the brain. These techniques require complex surgeries or suffer low resolution. In this talk we explore a new method to both image and stimulate single neurons using spintronics. We propose using a Spin Transfer Nano-Oscillators (STNOs) as a nanoscale sensor that converts neuronal action potentials to microwave field oscillations that can be detected wirelessly by magnetic induction. We will describe our recent proof-of-concept demonstration of both detection and wireless modulation of neuronal activity using STNOs. For detection we use electrodes to connect a STNO to a lateral giant crayfish neuron. When we stimulate the neuron, the STNO responds to the neuronal activity with a corresponding microwave signal. For modulation, we stimulate the STNOs wirelessly using an inductively coupled solenoid. The STNO rectifies the induced microwave signal to produce a direct voltage. This direct voltage from the STNO, when applied in the vicinity of a mammalian neuron, changes the frequency of electrical signals produced by the neuron.

Microwave mode shifting antenna system for regenerating particulate filters

DOEpatents

Gonze, Eugene V [Pinckney, MI; Kirby, Kevin W [Calabasas Hills, CA; Phelps, Amanda [Malibu, CA; Gregoire, Daniel J [Thousand Oaks, CA

2011-04-26

A regeneration system comprises a particulate matter (PM) filter including a microwave energy absorbing surface, and an antenna system comprising N antennas and an antenna driver module that sequentially drives the antenna system in a plurality of transverse modes of the antenna system to heat selected portions of the microwave absorbing surface to regenerate the PM filter, where N is an integer greater than one. The transverse modes may include transverse electric (TE) and/or transverse magnetic (TM) modes.

Monolithic microwave integrated circuits: Interconnections and packaging considerations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhasin, K. B.; Downey, A. N.; Ponchak, G. E.; Romanofsky, R. R.; Anzic, G.; Connolly, D. J.

Monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMIC's) above 18 GHz were developed because of important potential system benefits in cost reliability, reproducibility, and control of circuit parameters. The importance of interconnection and packaging techniques that do not compromise these MMIC virtues is emphasized. Currently available microwave transmission media are evaluated to determine their suitability for MMIC interconnections. An antipodal finline type of microstrip waveguide transition's performance is presented. Packaging requirements for MMIC's are discussed for thermal, mechanical, and electrical parameters for optimum desired performance.

Monolithic microwave integrated circuits: Interconnections and packaging considerations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bhasin, K. B.; Downey, A. N.; Ponchak, G. E.; Romanofsky, R. R.; Anzic, G.; Connolly, D. J.

1984-01-01

Monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMIC's) above 18 GHz were developed because of important potential system benefits in cost reliability, reproducibility, and control of circuit parameters. The importance of interconnection and packaging techniques that do not compromise these MMIC virtues is emphasized. Currently available microwave transmission media are evaluated to determine their suitability for MMIC interconnections. An antipodal finline type of microstrip waveguide transition's performance is presented. Packaging requirements for MMIC's are discussed for thermal, mechanical, and electrical parameters for optimum desired performance.

Tunable ferroelectric meta-material phase shifter embedded inside low temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tork, Hossam S.

This dissertation describes electrically tunable microwave devices utilizing low temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) and thick film via filled with the ferroelectric materials barium strontium titanate (BST) and barium zirconate titanate (BZT). Tunable ferroelectric capacitors, zero meta-material phase shifters, and tunable meta-material phase shifters are presented. Microwave phase shifters have many applications in microwave devices. They are essential components for active and passive phased array antennas and their most common use is in scanning phased array antennas. They are used in synthetic aperture radars (SAR), low earth orbit (LEO) communication satellites, collision warning radars, and intelligent vehicle highway systems (IVHS), in addition to various other applications. Tunable ferroelectric materials have been investigated, since they offer the possibility of lowering the total cost of phased arrays. Two of the most promising ferroelectric materials in microwave applications are BST and BZT. The proposed design and implementation in this research introduce new types of tunable meta-material phase shifters embedded inside LTCC, which use BST and BZT as capacitive tunable dielectric material controlled by changing the applied voltage. This phase shifter has the advantages of meta-material structures, which produce little phase error and compensation while having the simultaneous advantage of using LTCC technology for embedding passive components that improve signal integrity (several signal lines, power planes, and ground planes) by using different processes like via filling, screen printing, laminating and firing that can be produced in compact sizes at a low cost. The via filling technique was used to build tunable BST, BZT ferroelectric material capacitors to control phase shift. Finally, The use of the proposed ferroelectric meta-material phase shifter improves phase shifter performance by reducing insertion loss in both transmitting and receiving directions for phased array antennas, reducing phase error, improving figure of merit (FOM) and phase shifter tunability around center frequency, and also enables the integration of the phase shifters with the microwave circuits on one substrate, thus substantially reducing the size, mass, and cost of the antennas.

Simulation study on the spatial and temporal characteristics of focused microwave beam discharge in nitrogen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Wei; Zhou, Qianhong; Dong, Zhiwei

2018-01-01

This paper reports a simulation study on a focused microwave (frequency 9.4 GHz, pulse width 2.5 μs, and peak electric field 1.2 kV/cm) discharge in 200 Pa nitrogen. A one-dimensional (1D) fluid model is based on the wave equation for the microwave field propagating through the gas breakdown plasma, the continuity equations for electron, ion and neutral particle densities, and the energy balance equations for mean electron temperature, and nitrogen vibrational and translational temperatures. These equations are numerically solved in a self-consistent manner with a simplified plasma chemistry set, in which the reaction rates involving electrons are calculated from the electron energy distribution function (EEDF) using a two-term expansion method. The spatial and temporal characteristics of the focused microwave breakdown in nitrogen are demonstrated, which include the amplitude of the microwave electric field, and the densities and temperatures of the plasma components. The temporal evolution of the plasma electron density agrees reasonably well with that measured with a microwave interferometer. The spatial-temporal distributions of metastable states are discussed on the plasma chemistry and the character of mean electron temperature. The spatially integrated N2(C3) density shows similar trends with the measured temporal intensity of optical emission spectroscopy, except for a time delay of 100-300 ns. The quantitative discrepancies are explained in light of limitations of the 1D model with a two-term expansion of EEDF. The theoretical model is found to describe the gas breakdown plasma generated by focused microwave beams at least qualitatively.

Typhoon June /1975/ viewed by a scanning microwave spectrometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rosenkranz, P. W.; Staelin, D. H.; Grody, N. C.

1978-01-01

Data were collected by the scanning microwave spectrometer onboard Nimbus 6 during the June 1975 typhoon in the Philippine Sea. The spectrometer was equipped with channels centered on 22.23 GHz (a water vapor band), 31.65 GHz (a transmittance window), and 52.85, 53.85, and 55.45 GHz (an oxygen band). Temperature maps, derived from oxygen band measurements, showed that the typhoon eye had a single peak varying in amplitude with time. Water line and window measurements were used to develop a coordinate system having mutually orthogonal atmospheric variables of column water-vapor content and cloud liquid-water content. Vapor measurements showed a maximum around the intensifying typhoon with a more developed structure during typhoon development. Values were extrapolated for surface wind speed and cloud liquid water vapor content by assuming the troposphere to be saturated with respect to the water vapor in the typhoon. Comparisons with infrared cloud imagery and aircraft flight data show different time variations, attributed to poor typhoon-eye resolution in the microwave images.

Microwave Processing of Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-01-01

up to many meters in electrically insulating materials, such as ceramics, polymers, and certain composite materials. As discussed in Chapter 2, the...for University of Illinois, Urbana Center: High Performance Polymeric Materials Technology 1206 West Green Street Adhesives & Composites United...Michigan State University, application of microwave processing to polymers and polymer composites Dr. Raymond Decker, University Science Partners

Risk Analysis for Nonthermal process interventions

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Over the last few years a number of nonthermal process interventions including ionizing radiation and ultraviolet light, high pressure processing, pulsed-electric and radiofrequency electric fields, microwave and infrared technologies, bacteriophages, etc. have been approved by regulatory agencies, ...

Field strengths and dissipated powers in microwave-excited high-pressure sulphur discharges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Dongen, Menno; Körber, Achim; van der Heijden, Harm; Jonkers, Jeroen; Scholl, Robert; van der Mullen, Joost

1998-11-01

A method which makes it is possible to measure the electric field strength in microwave discharges is presented. A condition for this method is that the plasma has such a low conductivity that the associated skin depth is larger than the discharge radius. It is found that the field strength in high-pressure sulphur lamps is around 400 V 0022-3727/31/21/015/img10. Furthermore, this method allows the determination of the power absorbed in the resonator's wall and in the plasma and the estimation of the effective electric conductivity in the discharge.

Influence of applied electric field annealing on the microwave properties of (Ba0.5Sr0.5)TiO3 thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Kwang-Hwan; Lee, Chil-Hyoung; Kang, Chong-Yun; Yoon, Seok-Jin; Lee, Young-Pak

2007-04-01

The effect of heat treatment in electric field on the structure and dielectric properties at microwave range of rf magnetron sputtering derived (Ba0.5Sr0.5)TiO3 thin films have been studied. It has been demonstrated that postannealing in the proper electric field can increase the dielectric constant and the tunability. The increased out-of-plane lattice constant in the electric-annealed films indicated the formation of small polar regions with tetragonal structure, which are responsible for the increased dielectric constant and tunability. It was proposed that the segregation of Ti3+ ions caused by electric annealing could induce the formation of BaTiO3-like regions, which are ferroelectric at room temperature. And in dielectric loss, as the Ti-O bonding lengths increase, the energy scattering on the ferroelectric mode also increases. So, the value of dielectric loss is slightly increased.

Dielectric polarization in the Planck theory of sonoluminescence.

PubMed

Prevenslik, T V

1998-11-01

Sonoluminescence observed in the cavitation of liquid H2O may be explained by the Planck theory of SL, which treats the bubbles as collapsing miniature masers having optical waves standing in resonance with the dimensions of the bubble cavity. Microwaves are shown to be created from the Planck energy of the standing waves, provided the bubble wall can be treated as a perfect blackbody surface. Liquid H2O is strongly absorbent in the ultraviolet and there the bubble approaches a Planck blackbody enclosure. The microwaves are created at frequencies proportional to the bubble collapse velocity only to be promptly absorbed by the rotation quantum states of the H2O and other bubble wall molecules. The microwaves are absorbed discretely at rotation line frequencies, or continuously by dipole rotation at frequencies from 1 to 30 GHz. In the liquid state, molecular rotation of the H2O molecule is hindered and the microwave energy is rapidly turned into bending energy by intermolecular collisions. Subsequently, the bubble wall molecules may thereby ionize and produce visible photons. The microwaves create intense electrical fields in the bubble wall by dielectric polarization. If the gases adjacent to the bubble wall undergo electrical breakdown, free electrons are created, thereby providing sonoluminescence with a magnetic field effect.

Topological magnetoelectric effects in microwave far-field radiation

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

Berezin, M.; Kamenetskii, E. O.; Shavit, R.

2016-07-21

Similar to electromagnetism, described by the Maxwell equations, the physics of magnetoelectric (ME) phenomena deals with the fundamental problem of the relationship between electric and magnetic fields. Despite a formal resemblance between the two notions, they concern effects of different natures. In general, ME-coupling effects manifest in numerous macroscopic phenomena in solids with space and time symmetry breakings. Recently, it was shown that the near fields in the proximity of a small ferrite particle with magnetic-dipolar-mode (MDM) oscillations have the space and time symmetry breakings and the topological properties of these fields are different from the topological properties of themore » free-space electromagnetic fields. Such MDM-originated fields—called magnetoelectric (ME) fields—carry both spin and orbital angular momenta. They are characterized by power-flow vortices and non-zero helicity. In this paper, we report on observation of the topological ME effects in far-field microwave radiation based on a small microwave antenna with a MDM ferrite resonator. We show that the microwave far-field radiation can be manifested with a torsion structure where an angle between the electric and magnetic field vectors varies. We discuss the question on observation of the regions of localized ME energy in far-field microwave radiation.« less

Microwave non-contact imaging of subcutaneous human body tissues

PubMed Central

Chernokalov, Alexander; Khripkov, Alexander; Cho, Jaegeol; Druchinin, Sergey

2015-01-01

A small-size microwave sensor is developed for non-contact imaging of a human body structure in 2D, enabling fitness and health monitoring using mobile devices. A method for human body tissue structure imaging is developed and experimentally validated. Subcutaneous fat tissue reconstruction depth of up to 70 mm and maximum fat thickness measurement error below 2 mm are demonstrated by measurements with a human body phantom and human subjects. Electrically small antennas are developed for integration of the microwave sensor into a mobile device. Usability of the developed microwave sensor for fitness applications, healthcare, and body weight management is demonstrated. PMID:26609415

The extraction of essential oil from patchouli leaves (Pogostemon cablin Benth) using microwave hydrodistillation and solvent-free microwave extraction methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Putri, D. K. Y.; Kusuma, H. S.; Syahputra, M. E.; Parasandi, D.; Mahfud, M.

2017-12-01

Patchouli plant (Pogostemon cablin Benth) is one of the important essential oil-producing plant, contributes more than 50% of total exports of Indonesia’s essential oil. However, the extraction of patchouli oil that has been done in Indonesia is generally still used conventional methods that require enormous amount of energy, high solvent usage, and long time of extraction. Therefore, in this study, patchouli oil extraction was carried out by using microwave hydrodistillation and solvent-free microwave extraction methods. Based on this research, it is known that the extraction of patchouli oil using microwave hydrodistillation method with longer extraction time (240 min) only produced patchouli oil’s yield 1.2 times greater than solvent-free microwave extraction method which require faster extraction time (120 min). Otherwise the analysis of electric consumption and the environmental impact, the solvent-free microwave extraction method showed a smaller amount when compared with microwave hydrodistillation method. It is conclude that the use of solvent-free microwave extraction method for patchouli oil extraction is suitably method as a new green technique.

Surface scanning through a cylindrical tank of coupling fluid for clinical microwave breast imaging exams

PubMed Central

Pallone, Matthew J.; Meaney, Paul M.; Paulsen, Keith D.

2012-01-01

Purpose: Microwave tomographic image quality can be improved significantly with prior knowledge of the breast surface geometry. The authors have developed a novel laser scanning system capable of accurately recovering surface renderings of breast-shaped phantoms immersed within a cylindrical tank of coupling fluid which resides completely external to the tank (and the aqueous environment) and overcomes the challenges associated with the optical distortions caused by refraction from the air, tank wall, and liquid bath interfaces. Methods: The scanner utilizes two laser line generators and a small CCD camera mounted concentrically on a rotating gantry about the microwave imaging tank. Various calibration methods were considered for optimizing the accuracy of the scanner in the presence of the optical distortions including traditional ray tracing and image registration approaches. In this paper, the authors describe the construction and operation of the laser scanner, compare the efficacy of several calibration methods—including analytical ray tracing and piecewise linear, polynomial, locally weighted mean, and thin-plate-spline (TPS) image registrations—and report outcomes from preliminary phantom experiments. Results: The results show that errors in calibrating camera angles and position prevented analytical ray tracing from achieving submillimeter accuracy in the surface renderings obtained from our scanner configuration. Conversely, calibration by image registration reliably attained mean surface errors of less than 0.5 mm depending on the geometric complexity of the object scanned. While each of the image registration approaches outperformed the ray tracing strategy, the authors found global polynomial methods produced the best compromise between average surface error and scanner robustness. Conclusions: The laser scanning system provides a fast and accurate method of three dimensional surface capture in the aqueous environment commonly found in microwave breast imaging. Optical distortions imposed by the imaging tank and coupling bath diminished the effectiveness of the ray tracing approach; however, calibration through image registration techniques reliably produced scans of submillimeter accuracy. Tests of the system with breast-shaped phantoms demonstrated the successful implementation of the scanner for the intended application. PMID:22755695

Coherent interaction with two-level fluctuators using near field scanning microwave microscopy.

PubMed

de Graaf, S E; Danilov, A V; Kubatkin, S E

2015-11-24

Near field Scanning Microwave Microscopy (NSMM) is a scanning probe technique that non-invasively can obtain material properties on the nano-scale at microwave frequencies. While focus has been on developing room-temperature systems it was recently shown that this technique can potentially reach the quantum regime, opening up for applications in materials science and device characterization in solid state quantum information processing. In this paper we theoretically investigate this new regime of NSMM. Specifically we show that interaction between a resonant NSMM probe and certain types of two-level systems become possible when the NSMM probe operates in the (sub-) single photon regime, and we expect a high signal-to-noise ratio if operated under the right conditions. This would allow to detect single atomic material defects with energy splittings in the GHz range with nano-scale resolution, provided that individual defects in the material under study are well enough separated. We estimate that this condition is fulfilled for materials with loss tangents below tan δ ∼ 10(-3) which holds for materials used in today's quantum circuits and devices where typically tan δ < 10(-5). We also propose several extensions to a resonant NSMM that could improve sensitivity and functionality also for microscopes operating in a high power regime.

Cellular effects of acute exposure to high peak power microwave systems: Morphology and toxicology.

PubMed

Ibey, Bennett L; Roth, Caleb C; Ledwig, Patrick B; Payne, Jason A; Amato, Alayna L; Dalzell, Danielle R; Bernhard, Joshua A; Doroski, Michael W; Mylacraine, Kevin S; Seaman, Ronald L; Nelson, Gregory S; Woods, Clifford W

2016-03-15

Electric fields produced by advanced pulsed microwave transmitter technology now readily exceed the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) C.95.1 peak E-field limit of 100 kV/m, highlighting a need for scientific validation of such a specific limit. Toward this goal, we exposed Jurkat Clone E-6 human lymphocyte preparations to 20 high peak power microwave (HPPM) pulses (120 ns duration) with a mean peak amplitude of 2.3 MV/m and standard deviation of 0.1 with the electric field at cells predicted to range from 0.46 to 2.7 MV/m, well in excess of current standard limit. We observed that membrane integrity and cell morphology remained unchanged 4 h after exposure and cell survival 24 h after exposure was not statistically different from sham exposure or control samples. Using flow cytometry to analyze membrane disruption and morphological changes per exposed cell, no changes were observed in HPPM-exposed samples. Current IEEE C95.1-2005 standards for pulsed radiofrequency exposure limits peak electric field to 100 kV/m for pulses shorter than 100 ms [IEEE (1995) PC95.1-Standard for Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Electric, Magnetic and Electromagnetic Fields, 0 Hz to 300 GHz, Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers: Piscataway, NJ, USA]. This may impose large exclusion zones that limit HPPM technology use. In this study, we offer evidence that maximum permissible exposure of 100 kV/m for peak electric field may be unnecessarily restrictive for HPPM devices. Bioelectromagnetics. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Modeling of electron behaviors under microwave electric field in methane and air pre-mixture gas plasma assisted combustion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akashi, Haruaki; Sasaki, K.; Yoshinaga, T.

2011-10-01

Recently, plasma-assisted combustion has been focused on for achieving more efficient combustion way of fossil fuels, reducing pollutants and so on. Shinohara et al has reported that the flame length of methane and air premixed burner shortened by irradiating microwave power without increase of gas temperature. This suggests that electrons heated by microwave electric field assist the combustion. They also measured emission from 2nd Positive Band System (2nd PBS) of nitrogen during the irradiation. To clarify this mechanism, electron behavior under microwave power should be examined. To obtain electron transport parameters, electron Monte Carlo simulations in methane and air mixture gas have been done. A simple model has been developed to simulate inside the flame. To make this model simple, some assumptions are made. The electrons diffuse from the combustion plasma region. And the electrons quickly reach their equilibrium state. And it is found that the simulated emission from 2nd PBS agrees with the experimental result. Recently, plasma-assisted combustion has been focused on for achieving more efficient combustion way of fossil fuels, reducing pollutants and so on. Shinohara et al has reported that the flame length of methane and air premixed burner shortened by irradiating microwave power without increase of gas temperature. This suggests that electrons heated by microwave electric field assist the combustion. They also measured emission from 2nd Positive Band System (2nd PBS) of nitrogen during the irradiation. To clarify this mechanism, electron behavior under microwave power should be examined. To obtain electron transport parameters, electron Monte Carlo simulations in methane and air mixture gas have been done. A simple model has been developed to simulate inside the flame. To make this model simple, some assumptions are made. The electrons diffuse from the combustion plasma region. And the electrons quickly reach their equilibrium state. And it is found that the simulated emission from 2nd PBS agrees with the experimental result. This work was supported by KAKENHI (22340170).

An accurate automated technique for quasi-optics measurement of the microwave diagnostics for fusion plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Jianqiang; Liu, Ahdi; Zhou, Chu; Zhang, Xiaohui; Wang, Mingyuan; Zhang, Jin; Feng, Xi; Li, Hong; Xie, Jinlin; Liu, Wandong; Yu, Changxuan

2017-08-01

A new integrated technique for fast and accurate measurement of the quasi-optics, especially for the microwave/millimeter wave diagnostic systems of fusion plasma, has been developed. Using the LabVIEW-based comprehensive scanning system, we can realize not only automatic but also fast and accurate measurement, which will help to eliminate the effects of temperature drift and standing wave/multi-reflection. With the Matlab-based asymmetric two-dimensional Gaussian fitting method, all the desired parameters of the microwave beam can be obtained. This technique can be used in the design and testing of microwave diagnostic systems such as reflectometers and the electron cyclotron emission imaging diagnostic systems of the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak.

Synthesis and microwave absorption property of graphene oxide/carbon nanotubes modified with cauliflower-like Fe3O4 nanospheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Shaojiu; Wang, Lina; Wang, Tihong; Zhang, Liqiang; Li, Yongfeng; Dai, Shenglong

2016-03-01

We report a simple procedure to fabricate graphene oxide/carbon nanotube hybrids coated with cauliflower-like Fe3O4 sphere. Characterizations have been carried out to investigate the morphology, crystalline structure of the composites by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Fe3O4 particles have the morphologies of multi-lacuna; moreover, some spheres are hollow. As a kind of potential microwave absorption material, the composites are lightweight and exhibit excellent microwave absorbing ability in the range of 2-16 GHz.

Receivers for the Microwave Radiometer on Juno

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maiwald, F.; Russell, D.; Dawson, D.; Hatch, W.; Brown, S.; Oswald, J.; Janssen, M.

2009-01-01

Six receivers for the MicroWave Radiometer (MWR) are currently under development at JPL. These receivers cover a frequency range of 0.6 to 22 GHz in approximately octave steps, with 4 % bandwidth. For calibration and diagnosis three noise diodes and a Dicke switch are integrated into each receiver. Each receiver is connected to its own antenna which is mounted with its bore sights perpendicular to the spin axis of the spacecraft. As the spacecraft spins at 2 RPM, the antenna field of view scans Jupiter's atmosphere from limb to nadir to limb, measuring microwave emission down to 1000-bar.

Electrical circuit modeling and analysis of microwave acoustic interaction with biological tissues.

PubMed

Gao, Fei; Zheng, Qian; Zheng, Yuanjin

2014-05-01

Numerical study of microwave imaging and microwave-induced thermoacoustic imaging utilizes finite difference time domain (FDTD) analysis for simulation of microwave and acoustic interaction with biological tissues, which is time consuming due to complex grid-segmentation and numerous calculations, not straightforward due to no analytical solution and physical explanation, and incompatible with hardware development requiring circuit simulator such as SPICE. In this paper, instead of conventional FDTD numerical simulation, an equivalent electrical circuit model is proposed to model the microwave acoustic interaction with biological tissues for fast simulation and quantitative analysis in both one and two dimensions (2D). The equivalent circuit of ideal point-like tissue for microwave-acoustic interaction is proposed including transmission line, voltage-controlled current source, envelop detector, and resistor-inductor-capacitor (RLC) network, to model the microwave scattering, thermal expansion, and acoustic generation. Based on which, two-port network of the point-like tissue is built and characterized using pseudo S-parameters and transducer gain. Two dimensional circuit network including acoustic scatterer and acoustic channel is also constructed to model the 2D spatial information and acoustic scattering effect in heterogeneous medium. Both FDTD simulation, circuit simulation, and experimental measurement are performed to compare the results in terms of time domain, frequency domain, and pseudo S-parameters characterization. 2D circuit network simulation is also performed under different scenarios including different sizes of tumors and the effect of acoustic scatterer. The proposed circuit model of microwave acoustic interaction with biological tissue could give good agreement with FDTD simulated and experimental measured results. The pseudo S-parameters and characteristic gain could globally evaluate the performance of tumor detection. The 2D circuit network enables the potential to combine the quasi-numerical simulation and circuit simulation in a uniform simulator for codesign and simulation of a microwave acoustic imaging system, bridging bioeffect study and hardware development seamlessly.

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.

Towards Biofilm Spectroscopy - A Novel Microfluidic Approach for Characterizing Biofilm Subpopulation by Microwave-Based Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richter, Christiane; Schneider, Stefan; Rapp, Bastian E.; Schmidt, Sönke; Schüßler, Martin; Jakoby, Rolf; Bruchmann, Julia; Bischer, Moritz; Schwartz, Thomas

2018-03-01

In this work three disciplines - microfluidics, microbiology and microwave engineering - are utilized to develop a system for analyzing subpopulations of biofilms and their reaction to antibiotic treatment. We present handling strategies to destabilize a biofilm inside a microfluidic system down to aggregate sizes of<10 µm2 as well as microfluidic structures for the flow-through filtration of the resulting cell suspensions. For the analysis of the cell populations by microwave electrical impedance spectroscopy, two novel calibration schemes are demonstrated to cover both, reflection as well as transmission measurements of dielectric fluids. The broadband calibration strategies are solely based on liquid standards and allow a precise long-term monitoring with a resolution up to Δ ɛ = 6 Δ = 1.5 ‰ at H 5 GHz. Combining these three research topics therefore will open up new ways for analyzing biofilm effects.

Perovskite Superlattices as Tunable Microwave Devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Christen, H. M.; Harshavardhan, K. S.

2003-01-01

Experiments have shown that superlattices that comprise alternating epitaxial layers of dissimilar paraelectric perovskites can exhibit large changes in permittivity with the application of electric fields. The superlattices are potentially useful as electrically tunable dielectric components of such microwave devices as filters and phase shifters. The present superlattice approach differs fundamentally from the prior use of homogeneous, isotropic mixtures of base materials and dopants. A superlattice can comprise layers of two or more perovskites in any suitable sequence (e.g., ABAB..., ABCDABCD..., ABACABACA...). Even though a single layer of one of the perovskites by itself is not tunable, the compositions and sequence of the layers can be chosen so that (1) the superlattice exhibits low microwave loss and (2) the interfacial interaction between at least two of the perovskites in the superlattice renders either the entire superlattice or else at least one of the perovskites tunable.

Enhancement of anodic current attributed to oxygen evolution on α-Fe2O3 electrode by microwave oscillating electric field

PubMed Central

Kishimoto, Fuminao; Matsuhisa, Masayuki; Kawamura, Shinichiro; Fujii, Satoshi; Tsubaki, Shuntaro; Maitani, Masato M.; Suzuki, Eiichi; Wada, Yuji

2016-01-01

Various microwave effects on chemical reactions have been observed, reported and compared to those carried out under conventional heating. These effects are classified into thermal effects, which arise from the temperature rise caused by microwaves, and non-thermal effects, which are attributed to interactions between substances and the oscillating electromagnetic fields of microwaves. However, there have been no direct or intrinsic demonstrations of the non-thermal effects based on physical insights. Here we demonstrate the microwave enhancement of oxidation current of water to generate dioxygen with using an α-Fe2O3 electrode induced by pulsed microwave irradiation under constantly applied potential. The rectangular waves of current density under pulsed microwave irradiation were observed, in other words the oxidation current of water was increased instantaneously at the moment of the introduction of microwaves, and stayed stably at the plateau under continuous microwave irradiation. The microwave enhancement was observed only for the α-Fe2O3 electrode with the specific surface electronic structure evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. This discovery provides a firm evidence of the microwave special non-thermal effect on the electron transfer reactions caused by interaction of oscillating microwaves and irradiated samples. PMID:27739529

Low temperature regeneration of activated carbons using microwaves: revising conventional wisdom.

PubMed

Calışkan, E; Bermúdez, J M; Parra, J B; Menéndez, J A; Mahramanlıoğlu, M; Ania, C O

2012-07-15

The purpose of this work was to explore the application of microwaves for the low temperature regeneration of activated carbons saturated with a pharmaceutical compound (promethazine). Contrary to expectations, microwave-assisted regeneration did not lead to better results than those obtained under conventional electric heating. At low temperatures the regeneration was incomplete either under microwave and conventional heating, being this attributed to the insufficient input energy. At mild temperatures, a fall in the adsorption capacity upon cycling was obtained in both devices, although this was much more pronounced for the microwave. These results contrast with previous studies on the benefits of microwaves for the regeneration of carbon materials. The fall in the adsorption capacity after regeneration was due to the thermal cracking of the adsorbed molecules inside the carbon porous network, although this effect applies to both devices. When microwaves are used, along with the thermal heating of the carbon bed, a fraction of the microwave energy seemed to be directly used in the decomposition of promethazine through the excitation of the molecular bonds by microwaves (microwave-lysis). These results point out that the nature of the adsorbate and its ability to interact with microwave are key factors that control the application of microwaves for regeneration of exhausted activated carbons. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Large-scale synthesis and microwave absorption enhancement of actinomorphic tubular ZnO/CoFe2O4 nanocomposites.

PubMed

Cao, Jing; Fu, Wuyou; Yang, Haibin; Yu, Qingjiang; Zhang, Yanyan; Liu, Shikai; Sun, Peng; Zhou, Xiaoming; Leng, Yan; Wang, Shuangming; Liu, Bingbing; Zou, Guangtian

2009-04-09

Actinomorphic tubular ZnO/CoFe(2)O(4) nanocomposites were fabricated in large scale via a simple solution method at low temperature. The phase structures, morphologies, particle size, shell thickness, chemical compositions of the composites have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The as-synthesized nanocomposites were uniformly dispersed into the phenolic resin then the mixture was pasted on metal plate with the area of 200 mm x 200 mm as the microwave absorption test plate. The test of microwave absorption was carried out by the radar-absorbing materials (RAM) reflectivity far field radar cross-section (RCS) method. The range of microwave absorption is from 2 to 18 Hz and the best microwave absorption reach to 28.2 dB at 8.5 Hz. The results indicate that the composites are of excellence with respect to microwave absorption.

Botswana water and surface energy balance research program. Part 2: Large scale moisture and passive microwaves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vandegriend, A. A.; Owe, M.; Chang, A. T. C.

1992-01-01

The Botswana water and surface energy balance research program was developed to study and evaluate the integrated use of multispectral satellite remote sensing for monitoring the hydrological status of the Earth's surface. The research program consisted of two major, mutually related components: a surface energy balance modeling component, built around an extensive field campaign; and a passive microwave research component which consisted of a retrospective study of large scale moisture conditions and Nimbus scanning multichannel microwave radiometer microwave signatures. The integrated approach of both components are explained in general and activities performed within the passive microwave research component are summarized. The microwave theory is discussed taking into account: soil dielectric constant, emissivity, soil roughness effects, vegetation effects, optical depth, single scattering albedo, and wavelength effects. The study site is described. The soil moisture data and its processing are considered. The relation between observed large scale soil moisture and normalized brightness temperatures is discussed. Vegetation characteristics and inverse modeling of soil emissivity is considered.

Effective Thermal Inactivation of the Spores of Bacillus cereus Biofilms Using Microwave.

PubMed

Park, Hyong Seok; Yang, Jungwoo; Choi, Hee Jung; Kim, Kyoung Heon

2017-07-28

Microwave sterilization was performed to inactivate the spores of biofilms of Bacillus cereus involved in foodborne illness. The sterilization conditions, such as the amount of water and the operating temperature and treatment time, were optimized using statistical analysis based on 15 runs of experimental results designed by the Box-Behnken method. Statistical analysis showed that the optimal conditions for the inactivation of B. cereus biofilms were 14 ml of water, 108°C of temperature, and 15 min of treatment time. Interestingly, response surface plots showed that the amount of water is the most important factor for microwave sterilization under the present conditions. Complete inactivation by microwaves was achieved in 5 min, and the inactivation efficiency by microwave was obviously higher than that by conventional steam autoclave. Finally, confocal laser scanning microscopy images showed that the principal effect of microwave treatment was cell membrane disruption. Thus, this study can contribute to the development of a process to control food-associated pathogens.

Rapid syntheses of a metal-organic framework material Cu3(BTC)2(H2O)3 under microwave: a quantitative analysis of accelerated syntheses.

PubMed

Khan, Nazmul Abedin; Haque, Enamul; Jhung, Sung Hwa

2010-03-20

A typical MOF material, Cu-BTC has been synthesized with microwave and conventional electric heating in various conditions to elucidate, for the first time, the quantitative acceleration in the synthesis of a MOF by microwaves. The acceleration by microwaves is mainly due to rapid nucleation rather than rapid crystal growth, even though both stages are accelerated. The acceleration in the nucleation stage by microwaves is due to the very large pre-exponential factor (about 1.4 x 10(10) times that of conventional synthesis) in the Arrhenius plot. However, the activation energy for the nucleation in the case of microwave synthesis is higher than the activation energy of conventional synthesis. The large acceleration in the nucleation, compared with that in the crystal growth, is observed once again by the syntheses in two-steps (changing heating methods from microwave into conventional heating or from conventional heating into microwave heating just after the nucleation is completed). The crystal size of Cu-BTC obtained by microwave-nucleation is generally smaller than the Cu-BTC made by conventional-nucleation, probably due to rapid nucleation and the small size of nuclei with microwave-nucleation.

Microwave platform as a valuable tool for characterization of nanophotonic devices

PubMed Central

Shishkin, Ivan; Baranov, Dmitry; Slobozhanyuk, Alexey; Filonov, Dmitry; Lukashenko, Stanislav; Samusev, Anton; Belov, Pavel

2016-01-01

The rich potential of the microwave experiments for characterization and optimization of optical devices is discussed. While the control of the light fields together with their spatial mapping at the nanoscale is still laborious and not always clear, the microwave setup allows to measure both amplitude and phase of initially determined magnetic and electric field components without significant perturbation of the near-field. As an example, the electromagnetic properties of an add-drop filter, which became a well-known workhorse of the photonics, is experimentally studied with the aid of transmission spectroscopy measurements in optical and microwave ranges and through direct mapping of the near fields at microwave frequencies. We demonstrate that the microwave experiments provide a unique platform for the comprehensive studies of electromagnetic properties of micro- and nanophotonic devices, and allow to obtain data which are hardly acquirable by conventional optical methods. PMID:27759058

Effect of deposition parameters on the structural properties of ZnO nanopowders prepared by microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis.

PubMed

Caglar, Yasemin; Gorgun, Kamuran; Aksoy, Seval

2015-03-05

ZnO nanopowders were synthesized via microwave-assisted hydrothermal method at different deposition (microwave irradiation) times and pH values. The effects of pH and deposition (microwave irradiation) time on the crystalline structure and orientation of the ZnO nanopowders have been investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) study. XRD observations showed that the crystalline quality of ZnO nanopowders increased with increasing pH value. The crystallite size and texture coefficient values of ZnO nanopowders were calculated. The structural quality of ZnO nanopowder was improved by deposition parameters. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) was used to analyze the surface morphology of the ZnO nanopowders. Microwave irradiation time and pH value showed a significant effect on the surface morphology. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Molecular Rotors

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-10-31

microwave signal processing components, and micro-fluidic devices. The projected involved the preparation, surface mounting, and characterization of...Guisinger, R. Basu, and M. C. Hersam, “Atomic-level characterization and control of free radical surface chemistry using scanning tunneling microscopy...Basu, and M. C. Hersam, “Atomic level characterization and control of organosilicon surface chemistry using scanning tunneling microscopy,” presented

Multipoint Ignition of a Gas Mixture by a Microwave Subcritical Discharge with an Extended Streamer Structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aleksandrov, K. V.; Busleev, N. I.; Grachev, L. P.; Esakov, I. I.; Ravaev, A. A.

2018-02-01

The results of experimental studies on using an electrical discharge with an extended streamer structure in a quasioptical microwave beam in the multipoint ignition of a propane-air mixture have been reported. The pulsed microwave discharge was initiated at the interior surface of a quartz tube that was filled with the mentioned flammable mixture and introduced into a microwave beam with a subbreakdown initial field. Gas breakdown was initiated by an electromagnetic vibrator. The dependence of the type of discharge on the microwave field strength was examined, the lower concentration threshold of ignition of the propane-air mixture by the studied discharge was determined, and the dynamics of combustion of the flammable mixture with local and multipoint ignition were compared.

Metamaterial Absorbers for Microwave Detection

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-01

duration, high-power electrical pulses into electromagnetic waves. 6  A mode converter to tailor the spatial distribution of the electromagnetic ...congressional-report/113th-congress/senate- report/211/1. [16] C. Wilson, “High altitude electromagnetic pulse and high power microwave devices...and Communications CRS Congressional Report Services DE Directed Energy DEW Directed Energy Weapons EM Electromagnetic EMS

Third-order linearization for self-beating filtered microwave photonic systems using a dual parallel Mach-Zehnder modulator.

PubMed

Pérez, Daniel; Gasulla, Ivana; Capmany, José; Fandiño, Javier S; Muñoz, Pascual; Alavi, Hossein

2016-09-05

We develop, analyze and apply a linearization technique based on dual parallel Mach-Zehnder modulator to self-beating microwave photonics systems. The approach enables broadband low-distortion transmission and reception at expense of a moderate electrical power penalty yielding a small optical power penalty (<1 dB).

Theoretical investigation of the microwave electron gun

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, J.

1990-12-01

In this article the microwave electron gun (rf gun) is investigated theoretically in a general way. After a brief review of the sources of emittance growth in a cavity, the optimization criteria are given and optimized electric field distributions on the axes of the cavities are found, from which cavities for a rf gun can be designed.

Modeling Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields with Realistic Anatomical Models: The Brooks Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD)

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-02-01

1996. [15] Gambrill, C.S. DeAngelis M.L., Lu S-T. Error analysis of a thermometric microwave-dosimetry procedure. In: Blank M, editor. Electricity...Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, Vol. BME-31, No. 7, July 1984, 533-536. [18] Lu S-T, DeAngelis ML, Gambrill CS. Ocular microwave thermometric

Anisotropic Dielectric Properties of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites during Microwave Curing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Linglin; Li, Yingguang; Zhou, Jing

2018-01-01

Microwave cuing technology is a promising alternative to conventional autoclave curing technology in high efficient and energy saving processing of polymer composites. Dielectric properties of composites are key parameters related to the energy conversion efficiency during the microwave curing process. However, existing methods of dielectric measurement cannot be applied to the microwave curing process. This paper presented an offline test method to solve this problem. Firstly, a kinetics model of the polymer composites under microwave curing was established based on differential scanning calorimetry to describe the whole curing process. Then several specially designed samples of different feature cure degrees were prepared and used to reflect the dielectric properties of the composite during microwave curing. It was demonstrated to be a feasible plan for both test accuracy and efficiency through extensive experimental research. Based on this method, the anisotropic complex permittivity of a carbon fiber/epoxy composite during microwave curing was accurately determined. Statistical results indicated that both the dielectric constant and dielectric loss of the composite increased at the initial curing stage, peaked at the maximum reaction rate point and decreased finally during the microwave curing process. Corresponding mechanism has also been systematically investigated in this work.

Radiation measurements from polar and geosynchronous satellites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vonderhaar, T. H.; Kidder, S. Q.; Hillger, D. W.; Ellis, J. S.

1978-01-01

The following topics are discussed: (1) cloud effects in climate determination; (2) annual variation in the global heat balance of the earth; (3) the accuracy of precipitation estimates made from passive microwave measurements from satellites; (4) seasonal oceanic precipitation frequencies; (5) determination of mesoscale temperature and moisture fields over land from satellite radiance measurements; and (6) Nimbus 6 scanning microwave spectrometer data evaluation for surface wind and pressure components in tropical storms.

Microwave NDE of impact damaged fiberglass and elastomer layered composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greenawald, E. C.; Levenberry, L. J.; Qaddoumi, N.; McHardy, A.; Zoughi, R.; Poranski, C. F.

2000-05-01

Layered composites have been proposed as advanced materials for future use in large naval sonar domes. Unlike today's steel/rubber composite domes, such materials promise engineered acoustic properties and less costly resin-transfer fabrication methods. The development and deployment of these large and complex composite structures will result in challenging NDE requirements for both manufacturing quality assurance and in-service needs. Among the anticipated in-service requirements is the detection and characterization of the impact damage associated with striking a submerged object at sea. A one-sided inspection method is desired, preferably applicable in the underwater environment. In this paper, we present preliminary microwave NDE results from impact test coupons of a proposed thick FRP/elastomer/FRP "sandwich" composite. The coupons were scanned using a near-field microwave probe that responds to the composite's dielectric properties. The unprocessed scan data was displayed in an image format to reveal damaged areas. Results are compared with those from x-ray backscatter imaging and ultrasonic testing, and are verified by destructive analysis of the coupons. The difficulties posed by the application are discussed, as are the operating principles and advantages of the microwave methods. The importance of optimizing inspection parameters such as frequency and standoff distance is emphasized for future work.

Growth and field emission properties of globe-like diamond microcrystalline-aggregate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Jin-hai; Zhang, Lan; Zhao, Limin; Hao, Haoshan

2009-02-01

The globe-like diamond microcrystalline-aggregates were fabricated by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) method. The ceramic with a Ti mental layer was used as substrate. The fabricated diamond was evaluated by Raman scattering spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction spectrum (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The field emission properties were tested by using a diode structure in a vacuum. A phosphor-coated indium tin oxide (ITO) anode was used for observing and characterizing the field emission. It was found that the globe-like diamond microcrystalline-aggregates exhibited good electron emission properties. The turn-on field was only 0.55 V/μm, and emission current density as high as 11 mA/cm 2 was obtained under an applied field of 2.9 V/μm for the first operation. The growth mechanism and field emission properties of the globe-like diamond microcrystalline-aggregates are discussed relating to microstructure and electrical conductivity.

A self-assembled synthesis of carbon nanotubes for interconnects.

PubMed

Chen, Zexiang; Cao, Guichuan; Lin, Zulun; Koehler, Irmgard; Bachmann, Peter K

2006-02-28

We report a novel approach to grow highly oriented, freestanding and structured carbon nanotubes (CNTs) between two substrates, using microwave plasma chemical vapour deposition. Sandwiched, multi-layered catalyst structures are employed to generate such structures. The as-grown CNTs adhere well to both the substrate and the top contact, and provide a low-resistance electric contact between the two. High-resolution scanning electron microscope (SEM) images show that the CNTs grow perpendicular to these surfaces. This presents a simple way to grow CNTs in different, predetermined directions in a single growth step. The overall resistance of a CNT bundle and two CNT-terminal contacts is measured to be about 14.7 k Ω. The corresponding conductance is close to the quantum limit conductance G(0). This illustrates that our new approach is promising for the direct assembly of CNT-based interconnects in integrated circuits (ICs) or other micro-electronic devices.

[Study on friction and wear properties of dental zirconia ceramics processed by microwave and conventional sintering methods].

PubMed

Guoxin, Hu; Ying, Yang; Yuemei, Jiang; Wenjing, Xia

2017-04-01

This study evaluated the wear of an antagonist and friction and wear properties of dental zirconia ceramic that was subjected to microwave and conventional sintering methods. Ten specimens were fabricated from Lava brand zirconia and randomly assigned to microwave and conventional sintering groups. A profile tester for surface roughness was used to measure roughness of the specimens. Wear test was performed, and steatite ceramic was used as antagonist. Friction coefficient curves were recorded, and wear volume were calculated. Finally, optical microscope was used to observe the surface morphology of zirconia and steatite ceramics. Field emission scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the microstructure of zirconia. Wear volumes of microwave and conventionally sintered zirconia were (6.940±1.382)×10⁻², (7.952±1.815) ×10⁻² mm³, respectively. Moreover, wear volumes of antagonist after sintering by the considered methods were (14.189±4.745)×10⁻², (15.813±3.481)×10⁻² mm³, correspondingly. Statistically significant difference was not observed in the wear resistance of zirconia and wear volume of steatite ceramic upon exposure to two kinds of sintering methods. Optical microscopy showed that ploughed surfaces were apparent in zirconia. The wear surface of steatite ceramic against had craze, accompanied by plough. Scanning electron microscopy showed that zirconia was sintered compactly when subjected to both conventional sintering and microwave methods, whereas grains of zirconia sintered by microwave alone were smaller and more uniform. Two kinds of sintering methods are successfully used to produce dental zirconia ceramics with similar friction and wear properties.
.

Analysis of remote sensing data collected for detection and mapping of oil spills: Reduction and analysis of multi-sensor airborne data of the NASA Wallops oil spill exercise of November 1978

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1982-01-01

Airborne, remotely sensed data of the NASA Wallops controlled oil spill were corrected, reduced and analysed. Sensor performance comparisons were made by registering data sets from different sensors, which were near-coincident in time and location. Multispectral scanner images were, in turn, overlayed with profiles of correlation between airborne and laboratory-acquired fluorosensor spectra of oil; oil-thickness contours derived (by NASA) from a scanning fluorosensor and also from a two-channel scanning microwave radiometer; and synthetic aperture radar X-HH images. Microwave scatterometer data were correlated with dual-channel (UV and TIR) line scanner images of the oil slick.

Global positioning system supported pilot's display

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scott, Marshall M., Jr.; Erdogan, Temel; Schwalb, Andrew P.; Curley, Charles H.

1991-01-01

The hardware, software, and operation of the Microwave Scanning Beam Landing System (MSBLS) Flight Inspection System Pilot's Display is discussed. The Pilot's Display is used in conjunction with flight inspection tests that certify the Microwave Scanning Beam Landing System used at Space Shuttle landing facilities throughout the world. The Pilot's Display was developed for the pilot of test aircraft to set up and fly a given test flight path determined by the flight inspection test engineers. This display also aids the aircraft pilot when hazy or cloud cover conditions exist that limit the pilot's visibility of the Shuttle runway during the flight inspection. The aircraft position is calculated using the Global Positioning System and displayed in the cockpit on a graphical display.

ERS-1 experimental payload package

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reynolds, M. L.; Llewellyn-Jones, D. T.

1982-09-01

Proposals were received in response to an Announcement of Opportunity in April 1981. The proposals received were evaluated by two independent panels: a science panel appointed by the Earth Observation Advisory Committee and an Agency-internal technical panel. The five proposals that met all the evaluation criteria were the imaging lightning flash detector, the along-track scanning radiometer (ATSR), the precise range and range rate equipment (PRARE), the tropospheric and stratospheric wind and composition investigation, and the conical scan radiometer. The scientific evaluation panel preferred two alternative combinations: the PRARE with, if possible, a redefined and down-graded mini-imaging microwave radiometer, and the PRARE with the ASTR and, if possible, a nadir looking microwave sounder to provide water vapor correction in all-weather conditions.

A TRMM-Based System for Real-Time Quasi-Global Merged Precipitation Estimates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Starr, David OC. (Technical Monitor); Huffman, G. J.; Adler, R. F.; Stocker, E. F.; Bolvin, D. T.; Nelkin, E. J.

2002-01-01

A new processing system has been developed to combine IR and microwave data into 0.25 degree x 0.25 degree gridded precipitation estimates in near-real time over the latitude band plus or minus 50 degrees. Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Microwave Imager (TMI) precipitation estimates are used to calibrate Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) estimates, and Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU) and Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR) estimates, when available. The merged microwave estimates are then used to create a calibrated IR estimate in a Probability-Matched-Threshold approach for each individual hour. The microwave and IR estimates are combined for each 3-hour interval. Early results will be shown, including typical tropical and extratropical storm evolution and examples of the diurnal cycle. Major issues will be discussed, including the choice of IR algorithm, the approach for merging the IR and microwave estimates, extension to higher latitudes, retrospective processing back to 1999, and extension to the GPCP One-Degree Daily product (for which the authors are responsible). The work described here provides one approach to using data from the future NASA Global Precipitation Measurement program, which is designed to provide Jill global coverage by low-orbit passive microwave satellites every three hours beginning around 2008.

Simulation of electrical and thermal fields in a multimode microwave oven using software written in C++

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abrudean, C.

2017-05-01

Due to multiple reflexions on walls, the electromagnetic field in a multimode microwave oven is difficult to estimate analytically. This paper presents a C++ program that calculates the electromagnetic field in a resonating cavity with an absorbing payload, uses the result to calculate heating in the payload taking its properties into account and then repeats. This results in a simulation of microwave heating, including phenomena like thermal runaway. The program is multithreaded to make use of today’s common multiprocessor/multicore computers.

Observation of linear-polarization-sensitivity in the microwave-radiation-induced magnetoresistance oscillations

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

Mani, R. G.; Ramanayaka, A. N.; Wegscheider, W.

2013-12-04

We examine the linear polarization sensitivity of the radiation- induced magneto-resistance oscillations by investigating the effect of rotating in-situ the electric field of linearly polarized microwaves relative to the current, in the GaAs/AlGaAs system. We find that the frequency and the phase of the photo-excited magneto-resistance oscillations are insensitive to the polarization. On the other hand, the amplitude of the resistance oscillations are strongly sensitive to the relative orientation between the microwave antenna and the current-axis in the specimen.

Microwave Photonics

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-11-01

along X & Z The active area of the detector used is about 3 mm in diameter. Figure 54 shows two measured light power coupling curves plotted against...the scanned detector positions along the X & Z axes. At the top of the power curves , there are flat areas. It indicates that the detector collects...is about 400 m long for curve scanning along X direction and is about 500 m long for curve scanning along Z direction. This difference might be

Microwave absorption properties of gold nanoparticle doped polymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, C.; Ouattara, L.; Ingrosso, C.; Curri, M. L.; Krozer, V.; Boisen, A.; Jakobsen, M. H.; Johansen, T. K.

2011-03-01

This paper presents a method for characterizing microwave absorption properties of gold nanoparticle doped polymers. The method is based on on-wafer measurements at the frequencies from 0.5 GHz to 20 GHz. The on-wafer measurement method makes it possible to characterize electromagnetic (EM) property of small volume samples. The epoxy based SU8 polymer and SU8 doped with gold nanoparticles are chosen as the samples under test. Two types of microwave test devices are designed for exciting the samples through electrical coupling and magnetic coupling, respectively. Measurement results demonstrate that the nanocomposites absorb a certain amount of microwave energy due to gold nanoparticles. Higher nanoparticle concentration results in more significant absorption effect.

The Relationship between C_60 Mass Spectrum Intensity and C2 Vibrational Temperature in Microwave Helium Plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ueda, Kengo; Kuwahara, Kiyoshi; Fujiyama, Hiroshi

1998-10-01

The soot containing C_60 and C_70 was synthesized in helium plasmas generated in a quartz tube by microwave discharge. We used reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) that was heated by electric field of TE_10 mode microwave and the plasma. During soot deposition, optical emission of plasmas was observed with a monochromator. The soot deposited on the quartz tube was analyzed by the laser desorption time-of-flight mass-spectroscopy (LD-TOF-MS). Up to the present, the most intense C_60 mass spectrum intensity was obtained for the condition of absorbed microwave power 200W and pressure 100Torr, where C2 vibrational temperature was about 5500K.

Critical analysis of active methods of ozone layer recovery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bekker, S. Z.; Doronin, A. P.; Kozlov, S. I.

2017-09-01

A critical analysis is given for various methods for recovery of the ozone layer of the Earth: the emission of alkane gases, the destruction of freons by laser IR radiation and with microwave discharge, exposure to laser UV radiation and electric discharge in the atmosphere, the use of solar radiation, laser infrared radiation, and gamma rays, and the creation of an artificial formation at high altitudes that shields the solar radiation dissociating ozone. The optimal methods are discussed in terms of their effectiveness, economic costs, and environmental consequences. These include the use of gamma rays sources, electric discharge in the atmosphere, and microwave breakdown.

Retrievals of atmospheric parameters from radiances obtained by the Juno Microwave Radiometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, C.; Ingersoll, A. P.; Janssen, M. A.

2016-12-01

The Juno microwave radiometer (MWR) makes a north-south scan of Jupiter on every perijove pass of the spacecraft (Fig. 1). The planet is observed in six channels, at wavelengths ranging from 1.3 cm to 50 cm, the peaks of whose weighting functions range from 0.6 bars to 30 bars, respectively. Within 25 degrees of the equator each latitude band 1 degree wide is observed at 5-10 different emission angles. Intermediate processing involves conversion of electrical signals into radiances, subtraction of the side lobe contributions, and deconvolution to achieve maximum spatial resolution. After that, one wants to convert the radiances into physical parameters of the atmosphere, all as functions of latitude. The two main goals of the MWR are (1) to determine the global water and ammonia abundances and (2) to document the latitude variations of water, ammonia, and temperature in the subcloud regions, in effect, to observe the deep Jovian weather. Prior probability is based on the Galileo probe results at 6 degrees north latitude, VLA maps at wavelengths shorter than 7 cm, and moist adiabats calculated from assumed deep abundances of water and ammonia. A complication is that ammonia dominates the microwave opacity, and water is detectable mainly through its effect on the temperature profile and the slope of the moist adiabat. MCMC analysis of synthetic data suggests that the radiances and limb-darkening parameters contain at most 4 pieces of information about the atmosphere at each latitude. Choosing the right parameters is the heart of the effort, and we will report on testing the choices using synthetic and real data. If we have preliminary results concerning objectives (1) and (2) above, we will share them.

Morphology and phase evolution in microwave synthesized Al/FeO4 system.

PubMed

Chuan, Lee Chang; Yoshikawaa, Noboru; Taniguchia, Shoji

2011-01-01

Thermite reaction between Al/Fe3O4 raised by microwave (MW) heating under N2 atmosphere has been investigated, and compared with that by the electric furnace. In addition to the stoichiometric ratio for the production of metallic iron and alumina, mixture with slightly Lower in Al content is also studied. As thermite reaction is highly exothermic, melting of reaction product and destruction of microstructure may occur, which corresponds to the enthalpy and adiabatic temperature of the reaction. Hence, to avoid this problem, reaction coupled with a smaller driving force by controlling the MW ignition condition at low temperature exotherm has been investigated. The phase and microstructure evolution during the reaction were analyzed by differential thermal analysis (DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thermogram of the DTA analysis, irrespective of their mole ratio, recorded two exothermic peaks, one at - 1310 degrees C and another one at - 1370 degrees C. When heated by microwave at 955 degrees C, the main products were identified as Al, FeO and Fe, minor amount of Fe3O4 and some Fe and alumina were detected. When heating to 1155 degrees C, Al and Fe3O4 peaks disappeared, formation of Fe-Al alloy was observed. For sample heated at 1265 degrees C, a porous body was obtained. Micron sized metal particles with complex morphology, irregular in size and shapes were formed, uniformly distributed within the spinel hercynite and/or alumina matrix. In contrast, conventional heating produced no porous products. Formation of alumina is also observed around the metal particles. Controlling of the reaction progress was possible while heating the sample by MW around the low temperature exotherm region, whereas the combustion wave could not be self-propagated.

Scanning means for Cassegrainian antenna

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Giandomenico, A.; Rusch, W. V. T.

1967-01-01

Mechanical antenna beam switching device detects weak signals over atmospheric and equipment noise sources in microwave antennas. It periodically nutates the paraboloidal subdish in a Cassegrainian reflector system.

A comparative study of conventionally sintered and microwave sintered nickel zinc ferrite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rani, Rekha; Juneja, J. K.; Raina, K. K.; Kotnala, R. K.; Prakash, Chandra

2014-04-01

For the present work, nickel zinc ferrite having compositional formula Ni0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4 was synthesized by conventional solid state method and sintered in conventional and microwave furnaces. Pellets were sintered with very short soaking time of 10 min at 1150 °C in microwave furnace whereas 4 hrs of soaking time was selected for conventional sintering at 1200 °C. Phase formation was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis technique. Scanning electron micrographs were taken for microstructural study. Dielectric properties were studied as a function of temperature. To study magnetic behavior, M-H hysteresis loops were recorded for both samples. It is observed that microwave sintered sample could obtain comparable properties to the conventionally sintered one in lesser soaking time at lower sintering temperature.

Densification of LSGM electrolytes using activated microwave sintering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kesapragada, S. V.; Bhaduri, S. B.; Bhaduri, S.; Singh, P.

Lanthanum gallate doped with alkaline rare earths (LSGM) powders were densified using an activated microwave sintering process for developing a dense stable electrolyte layer for applications in intermediate temperature-solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). Due to heat generation in situ, the process of sintering gets activated with faster kinetics compared to a conventional sintering process. The effect of various microwave process parameters on the microstructure and phase formation was studied. The sintered pellets were characterized using scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive analysis (SEM-EDAX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The density of LSGM pellets microwave sintered at 1350 °C for 20 min is greater than 95% theoretical density with a fine grained microstructure (˜2-3 μm) and without the presence of other phase(s).

Subsurface imaging of metal lines embedded in a dielectric with a scanning microwave microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

You, Lin; Ahn, Jung-Joon; Obeng, Yaw S.; Kopanski, Joseph J.

2016-02-01

We demonstrate the ability of the scanning microwave microscope (SMM) to detect subsurface metal lines embedded in a dielectric film with sub-micrometer resolution. The SMM was used to image 1.2 μm-wide Al-Si-Cu metal lines encapsulated with either 800 nm or 2300 nm of plasma deposited silicon dioxide. Both the reflected microwave (S 11) amplitude and phase shifted near resonance frequency while the tip scanned across these buried lines. The shallower line edge could be resolved within 900 nm  ±  70 nm, while the deeper line was resolved within 1200 nm  ±  260 nm. The spatial resolution obtained in this work is substantially better that the 50 μm previously reported in the literature. Our observations agree very well with the calculated change in peak frequency and phase using a simple lumped element model for an SMM with a resonant transmission line. By conducting experiments at various eigenmodes, different contrast levels and signal-to-noise ratios have been compared. With detailed sensitivity studies, centered around 9.3 GHz, it has been revealed that the highest amplitude contrast is obtained when the probe microwave frequency matches the exact resonance frequency of the experimental setup. By RLC equivalent circuit modeling of the tip-sample system, two competing effects have been identified to account for the positive and negative S 11 amplitude and phase contrasts, which can be leveraged to further improve the contrast and resolution. Official contribution of the National Institute of Standards and Technology; not subject to copyright in the United States.

Full-time response of starch subjected to microwave heating.

PubMed

Fan, Daming; Wang, Liyun; Zhang, Nana; Xiong, Lei; Huang, Luelue; Zhao, Jianxin; Wang, Mingfu; Zhang, Hao

2017-06-21

The effect of non-ionizing microwave radiation on starch is due to a gelatinization temperature range that changes starch structure and properties. However, the changes in starch upon microwave heating are observable throughout the heating process. We compared the effects on starch heating by microwaves to the effects by rapid and regular conventional heating. Our results show that microwave heating promotes the rapid rearrangement of starch molecules at low temperatures; starch showed a stable dielectric response and a high dielectric constant. Microwave heating changed the Cole-Cole curve and the polarization of starch suspension at low temperatures. A marked transition at 2.45 GHz resulted in a double-polarization phenomenon. At temperatures below gelatinization, microwave-induced dielectric rearrangement and changes in the polarization characteristics of starch suspensions reduced the absorption properties; at temperatures above gelatinization, these characteristics became consistent with conventional heating. Throughout the heating process, microwaves change the electrical response and polarization characteristics of the starch at low temperatures, but on the macro level, there is no enhancement of the material's microwave absorption properties. In contrast, with the warming process, the starch exhibited a "blocking effect", and the absorption properties of the starch quickly returned to the level observed in conductive heating after gelatinization.

All solid-state high power microwave source with high repetition frequency.

PubMed

Bragg, J-W B; Sullivan, W W; Mauch, D; Neuber, A A; Dickens, J C

2013-05-01

An all solid-state, megawatt-class high power microwave system featuring a silicon carbide (SiC) photoconductive semiconductor switch (PCSS) and a ferrimagnetic-based, coaxial nonlinear transmission line (NLTL) is presented. A 1.62 cm(2), 50 kV 4H-SiC PCSS is hard-switched to produce electrical pulses with 7 ns full width-half max (FWHM) pulse widths at 2 ns risetimes in single shot and burst-mode operation. The PCSS resistance drops to sub-ohm when illuminated with approximately 3 mJ of laser energy at 355 nm (tripled Nd:YAG) in a single pulse. Utilizing a fiber optic based optical delivery system, a laser pulse train of four 7 ns (FWHM) signals was generated at 65 MHz repetition frequency. The resulting electrical pulse train from the PCSS closely follows the optical input and is utilized to feed the NLTL generating microwave pulses with a base microwave-frequency of about 2.1 GHz at 65 MHz pulse repetition frequency (prf). Under typical experimental conditions, the NLTL produces sharpened output risetimes of 120 ps and microwave oscillations at 2-4 GHz that are generated due to damped gyromagnetic precession of the ferrimagnetic material's axially pre-biased magnetic moments. The complete system is discussed in detail with its output matched into 50 Ω, and results covering MHz-prf in burst-mode operation as well as frequency agility in single shot operation are discussed.

Design study for a gound microwave power transmission system for use with a high-altitude powered platform

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, W. C.

1983-01-01

The conceptual design of a ground-based microwave power transmission system is described. This system is intended to supply electrical power via an air link to a high-altitude (21 km) powered platform. The platform must be equipped with the required instrumentation (RECTENNA) to convert the RF energy to dc power.

Electric-field assisted spin torque nano-oscillator and binary frequency shift keying modulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xiangli; Chen, Hao-Hsuan; Zhang, Zongzhi; Liu, Yaowen

2018-04-01

Electric-controlled magnetization precession introduces technologically relevant possibility for developing spin torque nano-oscillators (STNO) with potential applications in microwave emission. Using the perpendicularly magnetized magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ), we show that the magnetization oscillation frequency can be tuned by the co-action of electric field and spin polarized current. The dynamical phase diagram of MTJ-based STNO is analytically predicted through coordinate transformation from the laboratory frame to the rotation frame, by which the nonstationary out-of-plane magnetization precession process is therefore transformed into the stationary process in the rotation frame. Furthermore, using this STNO as a microwave source, we numerically demonstrate that the bit signal can be transmitted by a binary frequency shift keying (BFSK) modulation technique. The BFSK scheme shows good modulation features with no transient state.

Synergistic use of multispectral satellite data for monitoring land surface change

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choudhury, Bhaskar J.

1991-01-01

Observations by the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) onboard the NOAA satellites were used to compute visible and near infrared reflectances and surface temperature, while passive microwave observations at 37 GHz frequency by the Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer (SMMR) and Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) on board, respectively, the Nimbus-7 and DMSP-F8 satellites were used to compute polarization difference. These observations were analyzed along transects from rainforest to desert over northern Africa for the period 1979-1987, which included an unprecedented drought during 1984 over the Sahel zone. Model simulations were made to understand the interrelationship among multispectral data.

A Rapid Microwave-Assisted Thermolysis Route to Highly Crystalline Carbon Nitrides for Efficient Hydrogen Generation.

PubMed

Guo, Yufei; Li, Jing; Yuan, Yupeng; Li, Lu; Zhang, Mingyi; Zhou, Chenyan; Lin, Zhiqun

2016-11-14

Highly crystalline graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ) with decreased structural imperfections benefits from the suppression of electron-hole recombination, which enhances its hydrogen generation activity. However, producing such g-C 3 N 4 materials by conventional heating in an electric furnace has proven challenging. Herein, we report on the synthesis of high-quality g-C 3 N 4 with reduced structural defects by judiciously combining the implementation of melamine-cyanuric acid (MCA) supramolecular aggregates and microwave-assisted thermolysis. The g-C 3 N 4 material produced after optimizing the microwave reaction time can effectively generate H 2 under visible-light irradiation. The highest H 2 evolution rate achieved was 40.5 μmol h -1 , which is two times higher than that of a g-C 3 N 4 sample prepared by thermal polycondensation of the same supramolecular aggregates in an electric furnace. The microwave-assisted thermolysis strategy is simple, rapid, and robust, thereby providing a promising route for the synthesis of high-efficiency g-C 3 N 4 photocatalysts. © 2016 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Experimental Demonstration of Microwave Signal/Electric Thruster Plasma Interaction Effects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zaman, Afroz J.; Lambert, Kevin M.; Curran, Frank M.

1995-01-01

An experiment was designed and conducted in the Electric Propulsion Laboratory of NASA Lewis Research Center to assess the impact of ion thruster exhaust plasma plume on electromagnetic signal propagation. A microwave transmission experiment was set up inside the propulsion test bed using a pair of broadband horn antennas and a 30 cm 2.3 kW ion thruster. Frequency of signal propagation covered from 6.5 to 18 GHz range. The stainless steel test bed when enclosed can be depressurized to simulate a near vacuum environment. A pulsed CW system with gating hardware was utilized to eliminate multiple chamber reflections from the test signal. Microwave signal was transmitted and received between the two hours when the thruster was operating at a given power level in such a way that the signal propagation path crossed directly through the plume volume. Signal attenuation and phase shift due to the plume was measured for the entire frequency band. Results for this worst case configuration simulation indicate that the effects of the ion thruster plume on microwave signals is a negligible attenuation (within 0.15 dB) and a small phase shift (within 8 deg.). This paper describes the detailed experiment and presents some of the results.

Frequency Dependent Non- Thermal Effects of Oscillating Electric Fields in the Microwave Region on the Properties of a Solvated Lysozyme System: A Molecular Dynamics Study

PubMed Central

Floros, Stelios; Liakopoulou-Kyriakides, Maria; Karatasos, Kostas

2017-01-01

The use of microwaves in every day’s applications raises issues regarding the non thermal biological effects of microwaves. In this work we employ molecular dynamics simulations to advance further the dielectric studies of protein solutions in the case of lysozyme, taking into consideration possible frequency dependent changes in the structural and dynamic properties of the system upon application of electric field in the microwave region. The obtained dielectric spectra are identical with those derived in our previous work using the Fröhlich-Kirkwood approach in the framework of the linear response theory. Noticeable structural changes in the protein have been observed only at frequencies near its absorption maximum. Concerning Cα position fluctuations, different frequencies affected different regions of the protein sequence. Furthermore, the influence of the field on the kinetics of protein-water as well as on the water-water hydrogen bonds in the first hydration shell has been studied; an extension of the Luzar-Chandler kinetic model was deemed necessary for a better fit of the applied field results and for the estimation of more accurate hydrogen bond lifetime values. PMID:28129348

Designing an efficient rectifying cut-wire metasurface for electromagnetic energy harvesting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oumbé Tékam, Gabin T.; Ginis, Vincent; Danckaert, Jan; Tassin, Philippe

2017-02-01

Electromagnetic energy harvesting, i.e., capturing energy from ambient microwave signals, may become an essential part in extending the battery lifetime of wearable devices. Here, we present a design of a microwave energy harvester based on a cut-wire metasurface with an integrated PN junction diode. The cut wire with a quasistatic electric-dipole moment is designed to have a resonance at 6.75 GHz, leading to a substantial cross-section for absorption. The external microwaves create a unidirectional current through the rectifying action of the integrated diode. Using an electrical-circuit model, we design the operating frequency and the resistive load of the cut wire. Subsequently, by optimizing our design using full-wave numerical simulations, we obtain an energy harvesting efficiency of 50% for incident power densities in agreement with the typical power density of WiFi signals. Finally, we study the effect of connecting adjacent unit cells of the metasurface in parallel by a thin highly inductive wire and we demonstrate that this allows for the collection of current from all individual cells, while the microwave resonance of the unit cell is not significantly altered, thus solving the wiring problem that arises in many nonlinear metamaterials.

Microwave amplification with nanomechanical resonators.

PubMed

Massel, F; Heikkilä, T T; Pirkkalainen, J-M; Cho, S U; Saloniemi, H; Hakonen, P J; Sillanpää, M A

2011-12-14

The sensitive measurement of electrical signals is at the heart of modern technology. According to the principles of quantum mechanics, any detector or amplifier necessarily adds a certain amount of noise to the signal, equal to at least the noise added by quantum fluctuations. This quantum limit of added noise has nearly been reached in superconducting devices that take advantage of nonlinearities in Josephson junctions. Here we introduce the concept of the amplification of microwave signals using mechanical oscillation, which seems likely to enable quantum-limited operation. We drive a nanomechanical resonator with a radiation pressure force, and provide an experimental demonstration and an analytical description of how a signal input to a microwave cavity induces coherent stimulated emission and, consequently, signal amplification. This generic scheme, which is based on two linear oscillators, has the advantage of being conceptually and practically simpler than the Josephson junction devices. In our device, we achieve signal amplification of 25 decibels with the addition of 20 quanta of noise, which is consistent with the expected amount of added noise. The generality of the model allows for realization in other physical systems as well, and we anticipate that near-quantum-limited mechanical microwave amplification will soon be feasible in various applications involving integrated electrical circuits.

Nondestructive Testing Information Analysis Center, 1982.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-03-01

RF Fields Microwaves Magnetic Flux Analysis Magnetic Particles * ULTRASONIC AND ACOUSTIC TESTING Ultrasonic Transmission and Reflectometry Ultrasonic... Reflectometry and Transmission Holography THERMAL TESTING Infrared Radiometry Thermography 3 The present organization and personnel of NTIAC are...the current core and secondary serials. As an added check on our surveillance effectiveness, we also scan Current Contents, NASA /SCAN, as well as the

Patterned Ferroelectric Films for Tunable Microwave Devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miranda, Felix A.; Mueller, Carl H.

2008-01-01

Tunable microwave devices based on metal terminals connected by thin ferroelectric films can be made to perform better by patterning the films to include suitably dimensioned, positioned, and oriented constrictions. The patterns can be formed during fabrication by means of selective etching processes. If the width of the ferroelectric film in such a device is reduced at one or more locations, then both the microwave field and any applied DC bias (tuning) electric field become concentrated at those locations. The magnitudes of both the permittivity and the dielectric loss of a ferroelectric material are reduced by application of a DC field. Because the concentration of the DC field in the constriction(s) magnifies the permittivity- and loss-reducing effects of the applied DC voltage, the permittivity and dielectric loss in the constriction(s) are smaller in the constriction(s) than they are in the wider parts of the ferroelectric film. Furthermore, inasmuch as displacement current must flow through either the constriction(s) or the low-loss dielectric substrate, the net effect of the constriction(s) is equivalent to that of incorporating one or more low-loss, low-permittivity region(s) in series with the high-loss, high-permittivity regions. In a series circuit, the properties of the low-capacitance series element (in this case, the constriction) dominate the overall performance. Concomitantly, the capacitance between the metal terminals is reduced. By making the capacitance between the metal terminals small but tunable, a constriction increases the upper limit of the frequency range amenable to ferroelectric tuning. The present patterning concept is expected to be most advantageous for devices and circuits that must operate at frequencies from about 4 to about 60 GHz. A constriction can be designed such that the magnitude of the microwave electric field and the effective width of the region occupied by the microwave electric field become functions of the applied DC electric field, so that tunability is enhanced. It should even be possible to design the constriction to obtain a specific tuning-versus-voltage profile.

Microwave fluid flow meter

DOEpatents

Billeter, Thomas R.; Philipp, Lee D.; Schemmel, Richard R.

1976-01-01

A microwave fluid flow meter is described utilizing two spaced microwave sensors positioned along a fluid flow path. Each sensor includes a microwave cavity having a frequency of resonance dependent upon the static pressure of the fluid at the sensor locations. The resonant response of each cavity with respect to a variation in pressure of the monitored fluid is represented by a corresponding electrical output which can be calibrated into a direct pressure reading. The pressure drop between sensor locations is then correlated as a measure of fluid velocity. In the preferred embodiment the individual sensor cavities are strategically positioned outside the path of fluid flow and are designed to resonate in two distinct frequency modes yielding a measure of temperature as well as pressure. The temperature response can then be used in correcting for pressure responses of the microwave cavity encountered due to temperature fluctuations.

Seasat data utilization project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Born, G. H.; Held, D. N.; Lame, D. B.; Lipes, R. G.; Montgomery, D. R.; Rygh, P. J.; Scott, J. F.

1981-01-01

During the three months of orbital operations, the satellite returned data from the world's oceans. Dozens of tropical storms, hurricanes and typhoons were observed, and two planned major intensive surface truth experiments were conducted. The utility of the Seasat-A microwave sensors as oceanographic tools was determined. Sensor and geophysical evaluations are discussed, including surface observations, and evaluation summaries of an altimeter, a scatterometer, a scanning multichannel microwave radiometer, a synthetic aperture radar, and a visible and infrared radiometer.

Monthly average polar sea-ice concentration

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schweitzer, Peter N.

1995-01-01

The data contained in this CD-ROM depict monthly averages of sea-ice concentration in the modern polar oceans. These averages were derived from the Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer (SMMR) and Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) instruments aboard satellites of the U.S. Air Force Defense Meteorological Satellite Program from 1978 through 1992. The data are provided as 8-bit images using the Hierarchical Data Format (HDF) developed by the National Center for Supercomputing Applications.

From Radio to X-rays--Some 'Real' Electrical Applications.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Freeman, J. C.

1986-01-01

Describes practical applications related to X-rays, ultra-violet radiation, light radiation, short-wave infra-red radiation, medium-wave infra-red radiation, long-wave infra-red radiation, microwave radiation, and radio frequency radiation. Suggests that these applications be used during instruction on electricity. (JN)

The New Microwave Temperature and Humidity Profiler (MTHP) Airborne Instrument

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, B.; Bendig, R.; Denning, R.; Pandian, P.; Read, W. G.; Tanner, A.

2016-12-01

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has developed a next generation sensor, the Microwave Temperature and Humidity Profiler (MTHP) for use on airborne platforms. The instrument measures the 60 GHz oxygen band and 183 GHz water vapor band, and scans ahead of the aircraft flight path, allowing for atmospheric retrievals above and below the aircraft, to generate vertical profiles. The millimeter wave microwave receivers utilize low noise amplifiers made on the 35 nm indium phosphide (InP) High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs) process that offer low noise figures ( 4 dB). Continuous calibration is performed with a novel rotating drum, through an aperture matched to the measurement frequencies, with two external targets - one at ambient and another heated to 55oC. The instrument performs a scan of the vertical structure of the atmosphere and calibration targets every 1.5 seconds The instrument has recently flown on the Gulfstream 2 in June 2016 and participated in the NCAR ARISTO C-130 flight test campaign in August 2016. The performance of the instrument during these campaigns, will be presented.

Near-Field Microwave Detection of Corrosion Precursor Pitting under Thin Dielectric Coatings in Metallic Substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hughes, D.; Zoughi, R.; Austin, R.; Wood, N.; Engelbart, R.

2003-03-01

Detection of corrosion precursor pitting on metallic surfaces under various coatings and on bare metal is of keen interest in evaluation of aircraft fuselage. Near-field microwave nondestructive testing methods, utilizing open-ended rectangular waveguides and coaxial probes, have been used extensively for detection of surface flaws in metals, both on bare metal and under a dielectric coating. This paper presents the preliminary results of using microwave techniques to detect corrosion precursor pitting under paint and primer, applique and on bare metal. Machined pits of 500 μm diameter were detected using open-ended rectangular waveguides at V-Band under paint and primer and applique, and on bare metal. Using coaxial probes, machined pits with diameters down to 150 μm on bare metal were also detected. Relative pit size and density were shown on a corrosion-pitted sample using open-ended rectangular waveguides at frequencies of 35 GHz to 70 GHz. The use of Boeing's MAUS™ scanning systems provided improved results by alleviating standoff variation and scanning artifact. Typical results of this investigation are also presented.

In situ high temperature microwave microscope for nondestructive detection of surface and sub-surface defects.

PubMed

Wang, Peiyu; Li, Zhencheng; Pei, Yongmao

2018-04-16

An in situ high temperature microwave microscope was built for detecting surface and sub-subsurface structures and defects. This system was heated with a self-designed quartz lamp radiation module, which is capable of heating to 800°C. A line scanning of a metal grating showed a super resolution of 0.5 mm (λ/600) at 1 GHz. In situ scanning detections of surface hole defects on an aluminium plate and a glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) plate were conducted at different high temperatures. A post processing algorithm was proposed to remove the background noises induced by high temperatures and the 3.0 mm-spaced hole defects were clearly resolved. Besides, hexagonal honeycomb lattices were in situ detected and clearly resolved under a 1.0 mm-thick face panel at 20°C and 50°C, respectively. The core wall positions and bonding width were accurately detected and evaluated. In summary, this in situ microwave microscope is feasible and effective in sub-surface detection and super resolution imaging at different high temperatures.

Angular power spectrum of the FASTICA cosmic microwave background component from Background Emission Anisotropy Scanning Telescope data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Donzelli, S.; Maino, D.; Bersanelli, M.; Childers, J.; Figueiredo, N.; Lubin, P. M.; Meinhold, P. R.; O'Dwyer, I. J.; Seiffert, M. D.; Villela, T.; Wandelt, B. D.; Wuensche, C. A.

2006-06-01

We present the angular power spectrum of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) component extracted with FASTICA from the Background Emission Anisotropy Scanning Telescope (BEAST) data. BEAST is a 2.2-m off-axis telescope with a focal plane comprising eight elements at Q (38-45 GHz) and Ka (26-36 GHz) bands. It operates from the UC (University of California) White Mountain Research Station at an altitude of 3800 m. The BEAST CMB angular power spectrum has already been calculated by O'Dwyer et al. using only the Q-band data. With two input channels, FASTICA returns two possible independent components. We found that one of these two has an unphysical spectral behaviour, while the other is a reasonable CMB component. After a detailed calibration procedure based on Monte Carlo (MC) simulations, we extracted the angular power spectrum for the identified CMB component and found a very good agreement with the already published BEAST CMB angular power spectrum and with the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) data.

Synthesis of nanocrystalline diamonds by microwave plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Purohit, V. S.; Jain, Deepti; Sathe, V. G.; Ganesan, V.; Bhoraskar, S. V.

2007-03-01

Nanocrystalline diamonds, varying in size from 40 to 400 nm, with random faceting were grown without the help of initial nucleation sites on nickel substrates as seen by scanning electron micrographs. These carbonaceous films were deposited in a microwave plasma reactor using hexane/nitrogen based chemical vapour deposition. The substrate temperatures during deposition were varied from 400 to 600 °C. The morphological investigations obtained by scanning electron micrographs and atomic force microscopy revealed the presence of nanocrystallites with multifaceted structures. Micro Raman investigations were carried out on the deposited films, which conclusively inferred that the growth of nanodiamond crystallites seen in the scanning electron micrographs correlate with clear Raman peaks appearing at 1120 and 1140 cm-1. Nanoindentation analysis with atomic force microscopy has revealed that the carbonaceous deposition identified by the Raman line at ~1140 cm-1, in fact, is related to nanodiamond on account of its hardness which was ~30 GPa. X-ray diffraction data supported this fact.

Imaging of soft material with carbon nanotube tip using near-field scanning microwave microscopy.

PubMed

Wu, Zhe; Sun, Wei-Qiang; Feng, Tao; Tang, Shawn Wenjie; Li, Gang; Jiang, Kai-Li; Xu, Sheng-Yong; Ong, Chong Kim

2015-01-01

In this manuscript, a near-field scanning microwave microscope (NSMM) of our own design is introduced while using a multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) bundle as the tip (referred to as 'CNT tip'). Clear images of gold-patterned numbers, photoresist stripes and corneal endothelial cells (cell line B4G12) were obtained by mapping the resonant frequency fr and S11 amplitude of a given area while the NSMM is operating in tapping mode. The CNT tip helps to improve image quality and reveals more information about the sample as compared to a traditional metallic tip. The CNT tip is flexible and does not scratch the surface of the sample during the scan, which is useful for imaging soft material in biological science. In the imaging of the B4G12 endothelial cells, the nuclei and cytoplasm can be clearly distinguished from the rest of the cell and its surrounding medium. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

CHARGING OF DEVICES BY MICROWAVE POWER BEAMING

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Landis, Geoffrey A. (Inventor)

2005-01-01

A system for providing wireless, charging power and/or primary power to electronic/electrical devices is described whereby microwave energy is employed. Microwave energy is focused by a power transmitter comprising one or more adaptively-phased microwave array emitters onto a device to be charged. Rectennas within the device to be charged receive and rectify the microwave energy and use it for battery charging and/or for primary power. A locator signal generated by the device to be charged is analyzed by the system to determine the location of the device to be charged relative to the microwave array emitters, permitting thc microwave energy to be directly specifically towards the device to be charged. Backscatter detectors respond to backscatter energy reflected off of any obstacle between the device to be charged and the microwave array emitters. Power to any obstructed microwave array emitter is reduced until the obstruction is removed. Optionally, data can be modulated onto microwave energy beams produced by the array emitter and demodulated by the device, thereby providing means of data communication from the power transmitter to the device. Similarly, data can be modulated onto the locator signal and demodulated in the power transmitter, thereby providing means of data communication from the device to the power transmitter.

4H-SiC p i n diodes grown by sublimation epitaxy in vacuum (SEV) and their application as microwave diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Camara, N.; Zekentes, K.; Zelenin, V. V.; Abramov, P. L.; Kirillov, A. V.; Romanov, L. P.; Boltovets, N. S.; Krivutsa, V. A.; Thuaire, A.; Bano, E.; Tsoi, E.; Lebedev, A. A.

2008-02-01

Sublimation epitaxy under vacuum (SEV) was investigated as a method for growing 4H-SiC epitaxial structures for p-i-n diode fabrication. The SEV-grown 4H-SiC material was investigated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), x-ray diffraction, photo-luminescence spectroscopy (PL), cathodo-luminescence (CL) spectroscopy, photocurrent method for carrier diffusion length determination, electro-luminescence microscopy (EL), deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS), C-V profiling and Hall-effect measurements. When possible, the same investigation techniques were used in parallel with similar layers grown by chemical vapour deposition (CVD) epitaxy and the physical properties of the two kind of epitaxied layers were compared. p-i-n diodes were fabricated in parallel on SEV and CVD-grown layers and showed close electrical performances in dc mode in term of capacitance, resistance and transient time switching, despite the lower mobility and the diffusion length of the SEV-grown layers. X-band microwave switches based on the SEV-grown p-i-n diodes have been demonstrated with insertion loss lower than 4 dB and an isolation higher than 17 dB. These single-pole single-throw (SPST) switches were able to handle a pulsed power up to 1800 W in isolation mode, similar to the value obtained with switches incorporating diodes with CVD-grown layers.

Novel synthesis of holey reduced graphene oxide (HRGO) by microwave irradiation method for anode in lithium-ion batteries

PubMed Central

Alsharaeh, Edreese; Ahmed, Faheem; Aldawsari, Yazeed; Khasawneh, Majdi; Abuhimd, Hatem; Alshahrani, Mohammad

2016-01-01

In this work, holey reduced graphene oxide (HRGO) was synthesized by the deposition of silver (Ag) nanoparticles onto the reduced graphene oxide (RGO) sheets followed by nitric acid treatment to remove Ag nanoparticles by microwave irradiation to form a porous structure. The HRGO were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultra violet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Raman spectroscopy. These novel HRGO exhibited high rate capability with excellent cycling stability as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. The results have shown an excellent electrochemical response in terms of charge/discharge capacity (423 mAh/g at 100 mA/g). The cyclic performance was also exceptional as a high reversible capacity (400 mAh/g at 100 mA/g) was retained for 100 charge/discharge cycles. This fascinating electrochemical performance can be ascribed to their specific porous structure (2–5 nm pores) and high surface area (457 m2/g), providing numerous active sites for Li+ insertion, high electrical conductivity, low charge-transfer resistance across the electrolyte–electrode interface, and improved structural stability against the local volume change during Li+ insertion–extraction. Such electrodes are envisioned to be mass scalable with relatively simple and low-cost fabrication procedures, thereby providing a clear pathway toward commercialization. PMID:27457356

Effects of Gd-Substitutions on the Microstructure, Electrical and Electromagnetic Behavior of M-Type Hexagonal Ferrites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad, Ishtiaq; Ahmad, Mahmood; Ali, Ihsan; Kanwal, M.; Awan, M. S.; Mustafa, Ghulam; Ahmad, Mukhtar

2015-07-01

A series of Gd-substituted Ba-Co-based (M-type) hexaferrites having the chemical compositions of Ba0.5Co0.5Gd x Fe12- x O19 ( x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0) were prepared by co-precipitation method. The pellets formed by co-precipitated powder were calcined at a temperature of 1200°C for 20 h. Final sintering was done at 1320°C for 4 h. From the x-ray diffraction analysis, it was revealed that all the samples showed M-type hexagonal structure as a major phase. The scanning electron microscope was used to examine the morphology of the sintered ferrites. The average grain size estimated by the line intercept method was found to be in the range of 2.8-1.0 μm. The room temperature DC resistivity increases with increasing Gd-contents to make these ferrites useful for high frequency applications and microwave devices. Lower values of coercivity ( H c) and higher saturation magnetization ( M s) may be suitable to enhance the permeability of these ferrites, which is favorable for impedance matching in microwave absorption. In addition, reflection coefficients for a sample was also measured from a frequency of 1 MHz to 3 GHz and a reflection peak was observed at about 2.2 GHz.

Microstructural and mechanical investigation of aluminium alloy (Al 1050) melted by microwave hybrid heating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shashank Lingappa, M.; Srinath, M. S.; Amarendra, H. J.

2017-07-01

Microwave processing of metals is an emerging area. Melting of bulk metallic materials through microwave irradiation is still immature. In view of this, the present paper discusses the melting of bulk Al 1050 metallic material through microwave irradiation. The melting process is carried out successfully in a domestic microwave oven with 900 W power at 2450 MHz frequency. Metallurgical and mechanical characterization of the processed and as-received material is carried out. Aluminium phase is found to be dominant in processed material when tested through x-ray diffraction (XRD). Microstructure study of as-cast metal through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals the formation of uniform hexagonal grain structure free from pores and cavities. The average tensile strength of the cast material is found to be around 21% higher, when compared to as-received material. Vickers’ microhardness of the as-cast metal is measured and is 10% higher than that of the as-received metal. Radiography on as-cast metal shows no significant defects. Al 1050 material melted through microwave irradiation has exhibited superior properties than the as-received Al 1050.

Tropical cyclone warm core analyses with FY-3 microwave temperature sounder data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Zhe; Bai, Jie; Zhang, Wenjun; Yan, Jun; Zhou, Zhuhua

2014-05-01

Space-borne microwave instruments are well suited to analyze Tropical Cyclone (TC) warm core structure, because certain wavelengths of microwave energy are able to penetrate the cirrus above TC. With the vector discrete-ordinate microwave radiative transfer model, the basic atmospheric parameters of Hurricane BOB are used to simulate the upwelling brightness temperatures on each channel of the Microwave Temperature Sounder (MWTS) onboard FY-3A/3B observation. Based on the simulation, the characteristic of 1109 super typhoon "Muifa" warm core structure is analyzed with the MWTS channel 3. Through the radiative and hydrostatic equation, TC warm core brightness temperature anomalies are related to surface pressure anomalies. In order to correct the radiation attenuation caused by MWTS scan geometric features, and improve the capability in capturing the relatively complete warm core radiation, a proposed algorithm is devised to correct the bias from receiving warm core microwave radiation, shows similar time-variant tendency with "Muifa" minimal sea level pressure as described by TC best track data. As the next generation of FY-3 satellite will be launched in 2012, this method will be further verified

Book Reviews

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Radl, Bruce M.; Donnelly, J. P.; Oliner, Arthur A.

1986-08-01

Laser Beam Scanning: Opto-mechanical devices, systems, and data Storage Optics-Reviewed by Bruce M. Radl; Integrated Optoelectronics-Reviewed by J.P. Donnelly; Planar Circuits for Microwaves and Lightwaves-Reviewed by Arthur A. Oliner;

Satellite Observation Systems for Polar Climate Change Studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Comiso, Josefino C.

2012-01-01

The key observational tools for detecting large scale changes of various parameters in the polar regions have been satellite sensors. The sensors include passive and active satellite systems in the visible, infrared and microwave frequencies. The monitoring started with Tiros and Nimbus research satellites series in the 1970s but during the period, not much data was stored digitally because of limitations and cost of the needed storage systems. Continuous global data came about starting with the launch of ocean color, passive microwave, and thermal infrared sensors on board Nimbus-7 and Synthetic Aperture Radar, Radar Altimeter and Scatterometer on board SeaSat satellite both launched in 1978. The Nimbus-7 lasted longer than expected and provided about 9 years of useful data while SeaSat quit working after 3 months but provided very useful data that became the baseline for follow-up systems with similar capabilities. Over the years, many new sensors were launched, some from Japan Aeronautics and Space Agency (JAXA), some from the European Space Agency (ESA) and more recently, from RuSSia, China, Korea, Canada and India. For polar studies, among the most useful sensors has been the passive microwave sensor which provides day/night and almost all weather observation of the surface. The sensor provide sea surface temperature, precipitation, wind, water vapor and sea ice concentration data that have been very useful in monitoring the climate of the region. More than 30 years of such data are now available, starting with the Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer (SMMR) on board the Nimbus-7, the Special Scanning Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) on board a Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) and the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer on board the EOS/ Aqua satellite. The techniques that have been developed to derive geophysical parameters from data provided by these and other sensors and associated instrumental and algorithm errors and validation techniques will be discussed. An important issue is the organization and storage of hundreds of terabytes of data collected by even just a few of these satellite sensors. Advances in mass storage and computer technology have made it possible to overcome many of the collection and archival problems and the availability of comprehensive satellite data sets put together by NASA's Earth Observing System project will be discussed.

Handheld microwave bomb-detecting imaging system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gorwara, Ashok; Molchanov, Pavlo

2017-05-01

Proposed novel imaging technique will provide all weather high-resolution imaging and recognition capability for RF/Microwave signals with good penetration through highly scattered media: fog, snow, dust, smoke, even foliage, camouflage, walls and ground. Image resolution in proposed imaging system is not limited by diffraction and will be determined by processor and sampling frequency. Proposed imaging system can simultaneously cover wide field of view, detect multiple targets and can be multi-frequency, multi-function. Directional antennas in imaging system can be close positioned and installed in cell phone size handheld device, on small aircraft or distributed around protected border or object. Non-scanning monopulse system allows dramatically decrease in transmitting power and at the same time provides increased imaging range by integrating 2-3 orders more signals than regular scanning imaging systems.

Observation of variations in the composition of sea ice in the Greenland MIZ during early summer 1983 with the Nimbus-7 SMMR. [Marginal Ice Zone (MIZ); Scanning Multichannel Microwave radiometer (SMMR)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gloersen, P.; Campbell, W. J.

1984-01-01

Data acquired with the Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer (SMMR) on board the Nimbus-7 Satellite for a six-week period in Fram Strait were analyzed with a procedure for calculating sea ice concentration, multiyear fraction, and ice temperature. Calculations were compared with independent observations made on the surface and from aircraft to check the validity of the calculations based on SMMR data. The calculation of multiyear fraction, which was known to be invalid near the melting point of sea ice, is discussed. The indication of multiyear ice is found to disappear a number of times, presumably corresponding to freeze/thaw cycles which occurred in this time period.

Trapped Ion Oscillation Frequencies as Sensors for Spectroscopy

PubMed Central

Vogel, Manuel; Quint, Wolfgang; Nörtershäuser, Wilfried

2010-01-01

The oscillation frequencies of charged particles in a Penning trap can serve as sensors for spectroscopy when additional field components are introduced to the magnetic and electric fields used for confinement. The presence of so-called “magnetic bottles” and specific electric anharmonicities creates calculable energy-dependences of the oscillation frequencies in the radiofrequency domain which may be used to detect the absorption or emission of photons both in the microwave and optical frequency domains. The precise electronic measurement of these oscillation frequencies therefore represents an optical sensor for spectroscopy. We discuss possible applications for precision laser and microwave spectroscopy and their role in the determination of magnetic moments and excited state life-times. Also, the trap-assisted measurement of radiative nuclear de-excitations in the X-ray domain is discussed. This way, the different applications range over more than 12 orders of magnitude in the detectable photon energies, from below μeV in the microwave domain to beyond MeV in the X-ray domain. PMID:22294921

Microwave plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition of porous carbon film as supercapacitive electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Ai-Min; Feng, Chen-Chen; Huang, Hao; Paredes Camacho, Ramon Alberto; Gao, Song; Lei, Ming-Kai; Cao, Guo-Zhong

2017-07-01

Highly porous carbon film (PCF) coated on nickel foam was prepared successfully by microwave plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) with C2H2 as carbon source and Ar as discharge gas. The PCF is uniform and dense with 3D-crosslinked nanoscale network structure possessing high degree of graphitization. When used as the electrode material in an electrochemical supercapacitor, the PCF samples verify their advantageous electrical conductivity, ion contact and electrochemical stability. The test results show that the sample prepared under 1000 W microwave power has good electrochemical performance. It displays the specific capacitance of 62.75 F/g at the current density of 2.0 A/g and retains 95% of its capacitance after 10,000 cycles at the current density of 2.0 A/g. Besides, its near-rectangular shape of the cyclic voltammograms (CV) curves exhibits typical character of an electric double-layer capacitor, which owns an enhanced ionic diffusion that can fit the requirements for energy storage applications.

Ultra-wideband microwave photonic frequency downconverter based on carrier-suppressed single-sideband modulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yunxin; Li, Jingnan; Wang, Dayong; Zhou, Tao; Xu, Jiahao; Zhong, Xin; Yang, Dengcai; Rong, Lu

2018-03-01

An ultra-wideband microwave photonic frequency downconverter is proposed based on carrier-suppressed single-sideband (CS-SSB) modulation. A radio frequency (RF) signal and a local oscillator (LO) signal are combined to drive a dual-parallel Mach-Zehnder modulator (DPMZM) through the electrical 90°hybrid coupler. To break through the bandwidth limit, an optical bandpass filter (OBPF) is applied simultaneously. Then a photodetector (PD) after OBPF is used to obtain intermediate frequency (IF) signal. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed frequency downconverter can generate the CS-SSB modulation signal from 2 to 40 GHz in optical spectrum. All the mixing spurs are completely suppressed under the noise floor in electrical spectrum, and the output IF signal possesses high purity with a suppression ratio of the undesired signals (≥40 dB). Furthermore, the multi-octave downconversion can also be implemented to satisfy the bandwidth requirement of multi-channel communication. The proposed frequency downconverter supplies an ultra-wideband and high-purity alternative for the signal processing in microwave photonic applications.

Ultrabroadband Microwave Metamaterial Absorber Based on Electric SRR Loaded with Lumped Resistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Jingcheng; Cheng, Yongzhi

2016-10-01

An ultrabroadband microwave metamaterial absorber (MMA) based on an electric split-ring resonator (ESRR) loaded with lumped resistors is presented. Compared with an ESRR MMA, the composite MMA (CMMA) loaded with lumped resistors offers stronger absorption over an extremely extended bandwidth. The reflectance simulated under different substrate loss conditions indicates that incident electromagnetic (EM) wave energy is mainly consumed by the lumped resistors. The simulated surface current and power loss density distributions further illustrate the mechanism underlying the observed absorption. Further simulation results indicate that the performance of the CMMA can be tuned by adjusting structural parameters of the ESRR and lumped resistor parameters. We fabricated and measured MMA and CMMA samples. The CMMA yielded below -10 dB reflectance from 4.4 GHz to 18 GHz experimentally, with absorption bandwidth and relative bandwidth of 13.6 GHz and 121.4%, respectively. This ultrabroadband microwave absorber has potential applications in the electromagnetic energy harvesting and stealth fields.

Exposure assessment of microwave ovens and impact on total exposure in WLANs

PubMed Central

Plets, David; Verloock, Leen; Van Den Bossche, Matthias; Tanghe, Emmeric; Joseph, Wout; Martens, Luc

2016-01-01

In situ exposure of electric fields of 11 microwave ovens is assessed in an occupational environment and in an office. Measurements as a function of distance without load and with a load of 275 ml of tap water were performed at distances of <1 m. The maximal measured field was 55.2 V m−1 at 5 cm from the oven (without load), which is 2.5 and 1.1 times below the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection reference level for occupational exposure and general public exposure, respectively. For exposure at distances of >1 m, a model of the electric field in a realistic environment is proposed. In an office scenario, switching on a microwave oven increases the median field strength from 91 to 145 mV m−1 (+91 %) in a traditional Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) deployment and from 44 to 92 mV m−1 (+109 %) in an exposure-optimised WLAN deployment. PMID:25956787

Conventional and microwave pyrolysis of a macroalgae waste from the Agar-Agar industry. Prospects for bio-fuel production.

PubMed

Ferrera-Lorenzo, N; Fuente, E; Bermúdez, J M; Suárez-Ruiz, I; Ruiz, B

2014-01-01

A comparative study of the pyrolysis of a macroalgae industrial solid waste (algae meal) in an electrical conventional furnace and in a microwave furnace has been carried out. It was found that the chars obtained from both pyrolyses are similar and show good properties for performing as a solid bio-fuel and as a precursor of activated carbon. Bio-oils from conventional pyrolysis have a greater number of phenolic, pyrrole and alkane compounds whereas benzene and pyridine compounds are more predominant in microwave pyrolysis with a major presence of light compounds. The bio-gas fraction from microwave pyrolysis presents a much higher syngas content (H2+CO), and a lower CO2 and CH4 proportion than that obtained by conventional pyrolysis. Yields are similar for both treatments with a slightly higher gas yield in the case of microwave pyrolysis due to the fact that microwave heating favors heterogeneous reactions between the gases and the char. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Rapid and Sensitive Colorimetric ELISA using Silver Nanoparticles, Microwaves and Split Ring Resonator Structures

PubMed Central

Addae, Sarah A.; Pinard, Melissa A.; Caglayan, Humeyra; Cakmakyapan, Semih; Caliskan, Deniz; Ozbay, Ekmel; Aslan, Kadir

2010-01-01

We report a new approach to colorimetric Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) that reduces the total assay time to < 2 min and the lower-detection-limit by 100-fold based on absorbance readout. The new approach combines the use of silver nanoparticles, microwaves and split ring resonators (SRR). The SRR structure is comprised of a square frame of copper thin film (30 µm thick, 1 mm wide, overall length of ~9.4 mm on each side) with a single split on one side, which was deposited onto a circuit board (2×2 cm2). A single micro-cuvette (10 µl volume capacity) was placed in the split of the SRR structures. Theoretical simulations predict that electric fields are focused in and above the micro-cuvette without the accumulation of electrical charge that breaks down the copper film. Subsequently, the walls and the bottom of the micro-cuvette were coated with silver nanoparticles using a modified Tollen’s reaction scheme. The silver nanoparticles served as a mediator for the creation of thermal gradient between the bioassay medium and the silver surface, where the bioassay is constructed. Upon exposure to low power microwave heating, the bioassay medium in the micro-cuvette was rapidly and uniformly heated by the focused electric fields. In addition, the creation of thermal gradient resulted in the rapid assembly of the proteins on the surface of silver nanoparticles without denaturing the proteins. The proof-of-principle of the new approach to ELISA was demonstrated for the detection of a model protein (biotinylated-bovine serum albumin, b-BSA). In this regard, the detection of b-BSA with bulk concentrations (1 µM to 1 pM) was carried out on commercially available 96-well high throughput screening (HTS) plates and silver nanoparticle-deposited SRR structures at room temperature and with microwave heating, respectively. While the room temperature bioassay (without microwave heating) took 70 min to complete, the identical bioassay took < 2 min to complete using the SRR structures (with microwave heating). A lower detection limit of 0.01 nM for b-BSA (100-fold lower than room temperature ELISA) was observed using the SRR structures. PMID:20953346

77 FR 28805 - Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Microwave Ovens

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-16

...On November 23, 2011, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNOPR) to amend the test procedures for microwave ovens. That SNOPR proposed amendments to the DOE test procedure to incorporate provisions from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standard 62301, ``Household electrical appliances--Measurement of standby power,'' Edition 2.0 2011-01 (IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition)). Today's SNOPR proposes additional provisions for measuring the standby mode and off mode energy use of products that combine a microwave oven with other appliance functionality, as well as minor technical clarifications.

High bandwidth electro-optic technology for intersatellite optical communications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krainak, Michael A.

1992-01-01

The research and development of electronic and electro-optic components for geosynchronous and low earth orbiting satellite optical high bandwidth communications at the NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center is reviewed. Intersatellite optical communications retains a strong reliance on microwave circuit technology in several areas - the microwave to optical interface, the laser transmitter modulation driver and the optical receiver. A microwave to optical interface is described requiring high bandwidth electronic downconverters and demodulators. Electrical bandwidth and current drive requirements for the laser modulation driver for three laser alternatives are discussed. Bandwidth and noise requirements are presented for optical receiver architectures.

Electrical and Structural Properties Study of Layered Dielectric and Magnetic Composites and Blends Structures for RF and Microwave Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-12

Graduação em Engenharia de Teleinformática (2012) 3- STUDY of THERMAL STABILITY of microwave Resonant frequency of (τf) of DIELETRICS and...SYNTHESIS of CERAMIC MATERIALS with NEAR-ZERO τf Marcelo Antonio Santos da Silva, Programa de Pós Graduação em Quimica (2012) 4- STUDY OF DIELECTRIC...PROPERTIES OF CERAMIC MATRIX SrBi2Nb2O9 (SBN) FOR USE IN RF AND MICROWAVE DEVICES, EMMANUELLE DE OLIVEIRA SANCHO PROGRAMA DE PÓS-GRADUAÇÃO EM ENGENHARIA

Development of near-field scanning microwave and optical dual probe: Application to characterization of high-T(c) superconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aga, Roberto Sabas, Jr.

In this dissertation, a novel dual-channel near-field scanning microwave and optical microprobe (NSMM/NSOM) was developed for simultaneous mapping of microwave and optical properties of a sample at microscopic scales. This microprobe is composed of an open-end coaxial resonator with its center conductor being replaced by a stainless steel tube terminated by a titanium/silver coated fiber optic with a tapered tip. The optical fiber serves as the channel for NSOM, while its metal coating is the channel for NSMM. Using this dual-channel NSMM/NSOM probe, a spatial resolution of ˜5 mum, that is comparable to the best reported for single-channel NSMM, has been achieved on metallic samples. This resolution is mainly limited by the sensitivity of the NSMM channel and may be further improved when the sensitivity of NSMM is enhanced. Characterization of the microwave properties of the highest-Tc Hg-based superconductors has been carried out using a traditional resonant cavity technique, as well as a novel single-channel NSMM and the dual-channel NSMM/NSOM. Using the traditional technique, the microwave surface resistance (Rs) and power handling capability (Pc) of HgBa 2CaCu2O6 (Hg-1212 with Tc ˜ 125 K) films have been measured for the first time, and the results are superior to the best achieved on other superconductors. For example, a comparable R s ˜ 0.3 mO (10 GHz) can be obtained on Hg-1212 at close to 120 K as opposed to the same Rs for YBa2Cu3O 7 (the most popular high-Tc superconductor with Tc ˜ 92 K) at around 77K. This can be attributed to the large difference in the Tcs between the two materials and has demonstrated the potential of Hg-1212 for microwave applications. A comparison of the microwave properties of Hg-1212, Tl-2212 and YBCO films at reduced temperature scale suggested further room for improvement of Hg-1212 performance. Using NSMM, the localized microwave properties, such as Tcs, sheet resistance and power handling capability have been investigated and nonuniformity, revealed. Attempts to correlate the observed nonuniformity of microwave properties with the microstructures of the sample have been made using the dual-channel NSMM/NSOM probe and interesting results, obtained. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission: Overview and U.S. Science Status

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hou, Arthur Y.; Skofronick-Jackson, Gail; Stocker, Erich F.

2013-04-01

The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission is a satellite mission specifically designed to unify and advance precipitation measurements from a constellation of research and operational microwave sensors provided by a consortium of international partners. NASA and JAXA will deploy a Core Observatory in 2014 to serve as a reference satellite for precipitation measurements by the constellation sensors. The GPM Core Observatory will carry a Ku/Ka-band Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) and a conical-scanning multi-channel (10-183 GHz) GPM Microwave Radiometer (GMI). The DPR, the first dual-frequency radar in space, will provide not only measurements of 3-D precipitation structures but also quantitative information on microphysical properties of precipitating particles. The DPR and GMI measurements will together provide a database that relates vertical hydrometeor profiles to multi-frequency microwave radiances over a variety of environmental conditions across the globe. This combined database will serve as a common transfer standard for improving the accuracy and consistency of precipitation retrievals from all constellation radiometers. In addition to the Core Observatory, the GPM constellation consists of (1) Special Sensor Microwave Imager/Sounder (SSMIS) instruments on the U.S. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) satellites, (2) the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer-2 (AMSR-2) on the GCOM-W1 satellite of JAXA, (3) the Multi-Frequency Microwave Scanning Radiometer (MADRAS) and the multi-channel microwave humidity sounder (SAPHIR) on the French-Indian Megha-Tropiques satellite, (4) the Microwave Humidity Sounder (MHS) on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Polar Orbiting Environmental Satellites (POES), (5) MHS instruments on MetOp satellites launched by the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT), (6) the Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS) on the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) Preparatory Project (NPP), and (7) ATMS instruments on the NOAA-NASA Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) satellites. Each constellation member may have its unique scientific or operational objectives but contributes microwave observations to GPM for the generation and dissemination of unified global precipitation data products. Currently global rainfall products combine observations from a network of uncoordinated satellite missions using a variety of merging techniques. GPM is designed to provide the next-generation of precipitation products characterized by: (1) more accurate instantaneous precipitation estimate (especially for light rain and cold-season solid precipitation), (2) intercalibrated microwave brightness temperatures from constellation radiometers within a consistent framework, and (3) unified precipitation retrievals from constellation radiometers using a common a priori hydrometeor database consistent with combined radar/radiometer measurements by the GPM Core Observatory. As a science mission with integrated applications goals, GPM will advance the understanding of global water cycle variability in a changing climate by offering insights into 3-dimensional structures of hurricanes and midlatitude storms, microphysical properties of precipitating particles, and latent heat associated with precipitation processes. The GPM Mission will also make data available in near realtime (within 3 hours of observations) for societal applications ranging from position fixes of storm centers, numerical weather prediction, flood forecasting, freshwater management, landslide warning, crop prediction, to tracking of water-borne diseases. This presentation will give an overview of the GPM mission and its development status approximately one-year prior to launch.

Novel microwave device for nondestructive electrical characterization of semiconducting layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Druon, C.; Tabourier, P.; Bourzgui, N.; Wacrenier, J. M.

1990-11-01

A microwave measurement technique, using a novel cell which enables the sheet resistance (R⧠), the carrier density (n), and the mobility (μ) of epitaxial layers to be measured, is proposed. The system, controlled by a microcomputer, performs this characterization by measuring galvanomagnetic effects. The sample is only lightly pressed on the cell. The electrical contacts between the sample and the cell are capacitive. This method is thus nondestructive and requires no technological process. The data treatment necessitates knowledge of factors which are determined from a calibration procedure made only once. For the GaAs samples reported here, the accuracy is better than 5% for R⧠, 15% for μ, and 20% for n.

Spatial electron density and electric field strength measurements in microwave cavity experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peters, M.; Rogers, J.; Whitehair, S.; Asmussen, J.; Kerber, R.

1984-01-01

Measurements of electron density and electric field strength have been made in an argon plasma contained in a resonant microwave cavity at 2.45 GHz. Spatial measurements of electron density, n sub e, are correlated with fluorescence observations of the discharge. Measurements of n sub e were made with Stark broadening and compared with n sub 3 calculated from measured plasma conductivity. Additional measurements of n sub 3 as a function of pressure and in mixtures of argon and oxygen are presented for pressures from 10 Torr to 1 atm. Measurements in flowing gases and in static systems are presented. In addition, limitations of these measurements are identified.

Tuneable dielectric films having low electrical losses

DOEpatents

Dimos, Duane Brian; Schwartz, Robert William; Raymond, Mark Victor; Al-Shareef, Husam Niman; Mueller, Carl; Galt, David

2000-01-01

The present invention is directed to a method for forming dielectric thin films having substantially reduced electrical losses at microwave and millimeter wave frequencies relative to conventional dielectric thin films. The reduction in losses is realized by dramatically increasing the grain sizes of the dielectric films, thereby minimizing intergranular scattering of the microwave signal due to grain boundaries and point defects. The increase in grain size is realized by heating the film to a temperature at which the grains experience regrowth. The grain size of the films can be further increased by first depositing the films with an excess of one of the compoents, such that a highly mobile grain boundary phase is formed.

SMMR Simulator radiative transfer calibration model. 2: Algorithm development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Link, S.; Calhoon, C.; Krupp, B.

1980-01-01

Passive microwave measurements performed from Earth orbit can be used to provide global data on a wide range of geophysical and meteorological phenomena. A Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer (SMMR) is being flown on the Nimbus-G satellite. The SMMR Simulator duplicates the frequency bands utilized in the spacecraft instruments through an amalgamate of radiometer systems. The algorithm developed utilizes data from the fall 1978 NASA CV-990 Nimbus-G underflight test series and subsequent laboratory testing.

Satellite derived integrated water vapor and rain intensity patterns: Indicators of rapid cyclogenesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcmurdie, Lynn; Katsaros, Kristina

1992-01-01

We examine integrated water vapor fields and rain intensity patterns derived from the Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer (SMMR) and Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) for several rapidly deepening and non-rapidly deepening midlatitude cyclones in the North Atlantic. Our goal is to identify features in the satellite data unique to the rapidly deepening cases, and to explore how these data can potentially be used in the analysis and forecasting of these events.

Cosmic microwave background anisotropies in cold dark matter models with cosmological constant: The intermediate versus large angular scales

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stompor, Radoslaw; Gorski, Krzysztof M.

1994-01-01

We obtain predictions for cosmic microwave background anisotropies at angular scales near 1 deg in the context of cold dark matter models with a nonzero cosmological constant, normalized to the Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) Differential Microwave Radiometer (DMR) detection. The results are compared to those computed in the matter-dominated models. We show that the coherence length of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) anisotropy is almost insensitive to cosmological parameters, and the rms amplitude of the anisotropy increases moderately with decreasing total matter density, while being most sensitive to the baryon abundance. We apply these results in the statistical analysis of the published data from the UCSB South Pole (SP) experiment (Gaier et al. 1992; Schuster et al. 1993). We reject most of the Cold Dark Matter (CDM)-Lambda models at the 95% confidence level when both SP scans are simulated together (although the combined data set renders less stringent limits than the Gaier et al. data alone). However, the Schuster et al. data considered alone as well as the results of some other recent experiments (MAX, MSAM, Saskatoon), suggest that typical temperature fluctuations on degree scales may be larger than is indicated by the Gaier et al. scan. If so, CDM-Lambda models may indeed provide, from a point of view of CMB anisotropies, an acceptable alternative to flat CDM models.

Synthesis, characterization and oxidation of metallic cobalt (Co) thin film into semiconducting cobalt oxide (Co3O4)thin film using microwave plasma CVD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahman Ansari, Akhalakur; Hussain, Shahir; Imran, Mohd; Abdel-wahab, M. Sh; Alshahrie, Ahmed

2018-06-01

The pure cobalt thin film was deposited on the glass substrate by using DC magnetron sputtering and then exposed to microwave assist oxygen plasma generated in microwave plasma CVD. The oxidation process of Co thin film into Co3O4 thin films with different microwave power and temperature were studied. The influences of microwave power, temperature and irradiation time were investigated on the morphology and particle size of oxide thin films. The crystal structure, chemical conformation, morphologies and optical properties of oxidized Co thin films (Co3O4) were studied by using x-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Raman Spectroscopy and UV–vis Spectroscopy. The data of these films showed complete oxidation pure metallic cobalt (Co) into cobalt oxide (Co3O4). The optical properties were studied for calculating the direct band gaps which ranges from 1.35 to 1.8 eV.

Assimilation of Passive and Active Microwave Soil Moisture Retrievals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Draper, C. S.; Reichle, R. H.; DeLannoy, G. J. M.; Liu, Q.

2012-01-01

Root-zone soil moisture is an important control over the partition of land surface energy and moisture, and the assimilation of remotely sensed near-surface soil moisture has been shown to improve model profile soil moisture [1]. To date, efforts to assimilate remotely sensed near-surface soil moisture at large scales have focused on soil moisture derived from the passive microwave Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR-E) and the active Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT; together with its predecessor on the European Remote Sensing satellites (ERS. The assimilation of passive and active microwave soil moisture observations has not yet been directly compared, and so this study compares the impact of assimilating ASCAT and AMSR-E soil moisture data, both separately and together. Since the soil moisture retrieval skill from active and passive microwave data is thought to differ according to surface characteristics [2], the impact of each assimilation on the model soil moisture skill is assessed according to land cover type, by comparison to in situ soil moisture observations.

The influences of microwave irradiation and polyol precursor pH on Cu/AC catalyst and its CO oxidation performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chuang, Kui-Hao; Shih, Kaimin; Wey, Ming-Yen

2012-10-01

This study evaluated the effects of microwave irradiation parameters and the pH of the polyol precursor on the morphological features and catalytic performances of Cu/activated carbon (AC) catalysts. Experimental results of carbon monoxide (CO) oxidation indicated that the highest catalytic activity is achieved when the Cu/AC catalyst is prepared with microwave irradiation at 700 W for 60 s. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of beneficial small copper aciculae on the Cu/AC catalyst under such a microwave irradiation scheme. Further investigation of operational parameters found that the performance of Cu/AC catalysts is enhanced by adopting a pH = 12 polyol precursor solution. With the observation that small cube copper ( 16 nm) aggregates form when a pH = 12 polyol precursor solution is used, this study also demonstrated the importance of controlling the morphology of metal nanoparticles on Cu/AC catalysts when using the microwave-assisted polyol method.

Scanning evanescent electro-magnetic microscope

DOEpatents

Xiang, Xiao-Dong; Gao, Chen; Schultz, Peter G.; Wei, Tao

2003-01-01

A novel scanning microscope is described that uses near-field evanescent electromagnetic waves to probe sample properties. The novel microscope is capable of high resolution imaging and quantitative measurements of the electrical properties of the sample. The inventive scanning evanescent wave electromagnetic microscope (SEMM) can map dielectric constant, tangent loss, conductivity, complex electrical impedance, and other electrical parameters of materials. The quantitative map corresponds to the imaged detail. The novel microscope can be used to measure electrical properties of both dielectric and electrically conducting materials.

Scanning evanescent electro-magnetic microscope

DOEpatents

Xiang, Xiao-Dong; Gao, Chen

2001-01-01

A novel scanning microscope is described that uses near-field evanescent electromagnetic waves to probe sample properties. The novel microscope is capable of high resolution imaging and quantitative measurements of the electrical properties of the sample. The inventive scanning evanescent wave electromagnetic microscope (SEMM) can map dielectric constant, tangent loss, conductivity, complex electrical impedance, and other electrical parameters of materials. The quantitative map corresponds to the imaged detail. The novel microscope can be used to measure electrical properties of both dielectric and electrically conducting materials.

Microwave probe stations with three-dimensional control of the magnetic field to study high-frequency dynamics in nanoscale devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banuazizi, Seyed Amir Hossein; Åkerman, Johan

2018-06-01

We present two microwave probe stations with motorized rotary stages for adjusting the magnitude and angle of the applied magnetic field. In the first system, the magnetic field is provided by an electromagnet and can be adjusted from 0 to ˜1.4 T while its polar angle (θ) can be varied from 0° to 360°. In the second system, the magnetic field is provided by a Halbach array permanent magnet, which can be rotated and translated to cover the full range of polar (θ) and azimuthal (φ) angles with a tunable field magnitude up to ˜1 T. Both systems are equipped with microwave probes, bias-Ts, amplifiers, and spectrum analyzers to allow for microwave characterization up to 40 GHz, as well as software to automatically perform continuous large sets of electrical and microwave measurements.

Design and development of an electrically-controlled beam steering mirror for microwave tomography

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

Tayebi, A., E-mail: tayebiam@msu.edu; Tang, J.; Paladhi, P. Roy

2015-03-31

Microwave tomography has gained significant attention due to its reliability and unhazardous nature in the fields of NDE and medical industry. A new microwave tomography system is presented in this paper, which significantly reduces the design and operational complexities of traditional microwave imaging systems. The major component of the proposed system is a reconfigurable reflectarray antenna which is used for beam steering in order to generate projections from multiple angles. The design, modeling and fabrication of the building block of the antenna, a tunable unit cell, are discussed in this paper. The unit cell is capable of dynamically altering themore » phase of the reflected field which results in beam steering ability of the reflectarray antenna. A tomographically reconstructed image of a dielectric sample using this new microwave tomography system is presented in this work.« less

A monolithic integrated photonic microwave filter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fandiño, Javier S.; Muñoz, Pascual; Doménech, David; Capmany, José

2017-02-01

Meeting the increasing demand for capacity in wireless networks requires the harnessing of higher regions in the radiofrequency spectrum, reducing cell size, as well as more compact, agile and power-efficient base stations that are capable of smoothly interfacing the radio and fibre segments. Fully functional microwave photonic chips are promising candidates in attempts to meet these goals. In recent years, many integrated microwave photonic chips have been reported in different technologies. To the best of our knowledge, none has monolithically integrated all the main active and passive optoelectronic components. Here, we report the first demonstration of a tunable microwave photonics filter that is monolithically integrated into an indium phosphide chip. The reconfigurable radiofrequency photonic filter includes all the necessary elements (for example, lasers, modulators and photodetectors), and its response can be tuned by means of control electric currents. This is an important step in demonstrating the feasibility of integrated and programmable microwave photonic processors.

Thermoacoustic and photoacoustic characterizations of few-layer graphene by pulsed excitations

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

Wang, Xiong; Department of Medical Imaging, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724; School of Information Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 200031

2016-04-04

We characterized the thermoacoustic and photoacoustic properties of large-area, few-layer graphene by pulsed microwave and optical excitations. Due to its high electric conductivity and low heat capacity per unit area, graphene lends itself to excellent microwave and optical energy absorption and acoustic signal emanation due to the thermoacoustic effect. When exposed to pulsed microwave or optical radiation, distinct thermoacoustic and photoacoustic signals generated by the few-layer graphene are obtained due to microwave and laser absorption of the graphene, respectively. Clear thermoacoustic and photoacoustic images of large-area graphene sample are achieved. A numerical model is developed and the simulated results aremore » in good accordance with the measured ones. This characterization work may find applications in ultrasound generator and detectors for microwave and optical radiation. It may also become an alternative characterization approach for graphene and other types of two-dimensional materials.« less

Feasibility study of microwave modulation DIAL system for global CO II monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirano, Yoshihito; Kameyama, Shumpei; Ueno, Shinichi; Sugimoto, Nobuo; Kimura, Toshiyoshi

2006-12-01

A new concept of DIAL (DIfferential Absorption Lidar) system for global CO II monitoring using microwave modulation is introduced. This system uses quasi-CW lights which are intensity modulated in microwave region and receives a backscattered light from the ground. In this system, ON/OFF wavelength laser lights are modulated with microwave frequencies, and received lights of two wavelengths are able to be discriminated by modulation frequencies in electrical signal domain. Higher sensitivity optical detection can be realized compared with the conventional microwave modulation lidar by using direct down conversion of modulation frequency. The system also has the function of ranging by using pseudo-random coding in modulation. Fiber-based optical circuit using wavelength region of 1.6 micron is a candidate for the system configuration. After the explanation of this configuration, feasibility study of this system on the application to global CO II monitoring is introduced.

Current Operational Use of and Future Needs for Microwave Imagery at NOAA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goldberg, M.; McWilliams, G.; Chang, P.

2017-12-01

There are many applications of microwave imagery served by NOAA's operational products and services. They include the use of microwave imagery and derived products for monitoring precipitation, tropical cyclones, sea surface temperature under all weather conditions, wind speed, snow and ice cover, and even soil moisture. All of NOAA's line offices including the National Weather Service, National Ocean Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, and Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research rely on microwave imagery. Currently microwave imagery products used by NOAA come from a constellation of satellites that includes Air Force's Special Sensor Microwave Imager Sounder (SSMIS), the Japanese Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR), the Navy's WindSat, and NASA's Global Precipitation Monitoring (GPM) Microwave Imager (GMI). Follow-on missions for SSMIS are very uncertain, JAXA approval for a follow-on to AMSR2 is still pending, and GMI is a research satellite (lacking high-latitude coverage) with no commitment for operational continuity. Operational continuity refers to a series of satellites, so when one satellite reaches its design life a new satellite is launched. EUMETSAT has made a commitment to fly a microwave imager in the mid-morning orbit. China and Russia have demonstrated on-orbit microwave imagers. Of utmost importance to NOAA, however, is the quality, access, and latency of the data This presentation will focus on NOAA's current requirements for microwave imagery data which, for the most part, are being fulfilled by AMSR2, SSMIS, and WindSat. It will include examples of products and applications of microwave imagery at NOAA. We will also discuss future needs, especially for improved temporal resolution which hopefully can be met by an international constellation of microwave imagers. Finally, we will discuss what we are doing to address the potential gap in imagery.

Rydberg Dipole Antennas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stack, Daniel; Rodenburg, Bradon; Pappas, Stephen; Su, Wangshen; St. John, Marc; Kunz, Paul; Simon, Matt; Gordon, Joshua; Holloway, Christopher

2017-04-01

Measurements of microwave frequency electric fields by traditional methods (i.e. engineered antennas) have limited sensitivity and can be difficult to calibrate properly. A useful tool to address this problem are highly-excited (Rydberg) neutral atoms which have very large electric-dipole moments and many dipole-allowed transitions in the range of 1-500 GHz. Using Rydberg states, it is possible to sensitively probe the electric field in this frequency range using the combination of two quantum interference phenomena: electromagnetically induced transparency and the Autler-Townes effect. This atom-light interaction can be modeled by the classical description of a harmonically bound electron. The classical damped, driven, coupled-oscillators model yields significant insights into the deep connections between classical and quantum physics. We will present a detailed experimental analysis of the noise processes in making such measurements in the laboratory and discuss the prospects for building a practical atomic microwave receiver.

Microwave assisted growth of nanorods vanadium dioxide VO2 (R): structural and electrical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Derkaoui, I.; Khenfouch, M.; Mothudi, B. M.; Moloi, S. J.; Zorkani, I.; Jorio, A.; Maaza, M.

2018-03-01

Nanostructured metal oxides have attracted a lot of attention recently owning to their unique structural advantages and demonstrated promising chemical and physical properties for various applications. In this study, we report the structural and electrical properties of vanadium dioxide VO2 (R) prepared via a single reaction microwave (SRC) synthesis. Our results are revealing that the components of VO2 (R) films have a rod-like shape with a uniform size distribution. The nanorods with very smooth and flat surfaces have a typical length of up to 2μm and a width of about several nanometers. The structural investigations reveal the high crystallinity of VO2 (R) ensuring good electrical contact and showing a high conductivity as a function of temperature. This synthesis method provides a new simple route to fabricate one-dimensional nanostructured metal oxides which is suitable for a large field of applications especially for smart windows.

Impact of grain size and structural changes on magnetic, dielectric, electrical, impedance and modulus spectroscopic characteristics of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles synthesized by honey mediated sol-gel combustion method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh Yadav, Raghvendra; Kuřitka, Ivo; Vilcakova, Jarmila; Havlica, Jaromir; Masilko, Jiri; Kalina, Lukas; Tkacz, Jakub; Švec, Jiří; Enev, Vojtěch; Hajdúchová, Miroslava

2017-12-01

In this work CoFe2O4 spinel ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized by honey mediated sol-gel combustion method and further annealed at higher temperature 500 °C, 700 °C, 900 °C and 1100 °C. The synthesized spinel ferrite nanoparticles is investigated by x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry (TGA/DSC), field emission scanning electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometer. The x-ray diffraction study reveals face-centered cubic spinel cobalt ferrite crystal phase formation. The crystallite size and lattice parameter are increased with annealing temperature. Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectra also confirm spinel ferrite crystal structure of synthesized nanoparticles. The existence of cation at octahedral and tetrahedral site in cobalt ferrite nanoparticles is confirmed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Magnetic measurement shows increased saturation magnetization 74.4 emu g-1 at higher annealing temperature 1100 °C, high coercivity 1347.3 Oe at lower annealing temperature 500 °C, and high remanent magnetization 32.3 emu g-1 at 900 °C annealing temperature. The magnetic properties of synthesized ferrite nanoparticles can be tuned by adjusting sizes through annealing temperature. Furthermore, the dielectric constant and ac conductivity shows variation with frequency (1-107 Hz), grain size and cation redistribution. The modulus spectroscopy study reveals the role of bulk grain and grain boundary towards the resistance and capacitance. The cole-cole plots in modulus formalism also well support the electrical response of nanoparticles originated from both grain and grain boundaries. The dielectric, electrical, magnetic, impedance and modulus spectroscopic characteristics of synthesized CoFe2O4 spinel ferrite nanoparticles demonstrate the applicability of these nanoparticles for magnetic recording, memory devices and for microwave applications.

Reliability Prediction Models for Discrete Semiconductor Devices

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-07-01

influence failure rate were device construction, semiconductor material, junction temperature, electrical stress, circuit application., a plication...found to influence failure rate were device construction, semiconductor material, junction temperature, electrical stress, circuit application...MFA Airbreathlng 14issile, Flight MFF Missile, Free Flight ML Missile, Launch MMIC Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits MOS Metal-Oxide

Microwave radiometric aircraft observations of the Fabry-Perot interference fringes of an ice-water system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harrington, R. F.; Swift, C. T.; Fedors, J. C.

1980-01-01

Airborne stepped-frequency microwave radiometer (SFMR) observations of the Fabry-Perot interference fringes of ice-water systems are discussed. The microwave emissivity at normal incidence of a smooth layered dielectric medium over a semi-infinite dielectric medium is examined for the case of ice over water as a function of ice thickness and attenuation coefficient, and the presence of quarter-wavelength oscillations in emissivity as the ice thickness and frequency are varied is pointed out. Experimental observations of pronounced quarter-wavelength oscillations in radiometric brightness temperature due to the Fabry-Perot interference fringes over smooth sea ice and lake ice varying in roughness as the radiometer frequencies were scanned are then presented.

The Norwegian remote sensing experiment (Norsex) in a marginal ice zone

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Farrelly, B.; Johannessen, J.; Johannessen, O. M.; Svendson, E.; Kloster, K.; Horjen, I.; Campbell, W. J.; Crawford, J.; Harrington, R.; Jones, L.

1981-01-01

Passive and active microwave measurements from surface based, airborne, and satellite instruments were obtained together with surface observations northwest of Svalbard. Emissivities of different ice patches in the ice edge region over the spectral range from 4.9 to 94 GHz are presented. The combination of a 6.6 GHz microwave radiometer with a 14.6 GHz scatterometer demonstrates the usefulness of an active/passive system in ice classification. A variety of mesoscale features under different meteorological conditions is revealed by a 1.36 GHz synthetic aperture radar. Ice edge location by Nimbus 7 scanning multifrequency microwave radiometer is shown accurate to 10 km when the 37 GHz horizontal polarized channel is used.

The Passive Microwave Neural Network Precipitation Retrieval (PNPR) for AMSU/MHS and ATMS cross-track scanning radiometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sano', Paolo; Casella, Daniele; Panegrossi, Giulia; Cinzia Marra, Anna; Dietrich, Stefano

2016-04-01

Spaceborne microwave cross-track scanning radiometers, originally developed for temperature and humidity sounding, have shown great capabilities to provide a significant contribution in precipitation monitoring both in terms of measurement quality and spatial/temporal coverage. The Passive microwave Neural network Precipitation Retrieval (PNPR) algorithm for cross-track scanning radiometers, originally developed for the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit/Microwave Humidity Sounder (AMSU-A/MHS) radiometers (on board the European MetOp and U.S. NOAA satellites), was recently newly designed to exploit the Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS) on board the Suomi-NPP satellite and the future JPSS satellites. The PNPR algorithm is based on the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) approach. The main PNPR-ATMS algorithm changes with respect to PNPR-AMSU/MHS are the design and implementation of a new ANN able to manage the information derived from the additional ATMS channels (respect to the AMSU-A/MHS radiometer) and a new screening procedure for not-precipitating pixels. In order to achieve maximum consistency of the retrieved surface precipitation, both PNPR algorithms are based on the same physical foundation. The PNPR is optimized for the European and the African area. The neural network was trained using a cloud-radiation database built upon 94 cloud-resolving simulations over Europe and the Mediterranean and over the African area and radiative transfer model simulations of TB vectors consistent with the AMSU-A/MHS and ATMS channel frequencies, viewing angles, and view-angle dependent IFOV sizes along the scan projections. As opposed to other ANN precipitation retrieval algorithms, PNPR uses a unique ANN that retrieves the surface precipitation rate for all types of surface backgrounds represented in the training database, i.e., land (vegetated or arid), ocean, snow/ice or coast. This approach prevents different precipitation estimates from being inconsistent with one another when an observed precipitation system extends over two or more types of surfaces. As input data, the PNPR algorithm incorporates the TBs from selected channels, and various additional TBs-derived variables. Ancillary geographical/geophysical inputs (i.e., latitude, terrain height, surface type, season) are also considered during the training phase. The PNPR algorithm outputs consist of both the surface precipitation rate (along with the information on precipitation phase: liquid, mixed, solid) and a pixel-based quality index. We will illustrate the main features of the PNPR algorithm and will show results of a verification study over Europe and Africa. The study is based on the available ground-based radar and/or rain gauge network observations over the European area. In addition, results of the comparison with rainfall products available from the NASA/JAXA Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Precipitation Radar (PR) (over the African area) and Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Dual frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) will be shown. The analysis is built upon a two-years coincidence dataset of AMSU/MHS and ATMS observations with PR (2013-2014) and DPR (2014-2015). The PNPR is developed within the EUMETSAT H/SAF program (Satellite Application Facility for Operational Hydrology and Water Management), where it is used operationally towards the full exploitation of all microwave radiometers available in the GPM era. The algorithm will be tailored to the future European Microwave Sounder (MWS) onboard the MetOp-Second Generation (MetOp-SG) satellites.

Microwave Treatment for Cardiac Arrhythmias

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hernandez-Moya, Sonia

2009-01-01

NASA seeks to transfer the NASA developed microwave ablation technology, designed for the treatment of ventricular tachycardia (irregular heart beat), to industry. After a heart attack, many cells surrounding the resulting scar continue to live but are abnormal electrically; they may conduct impulses unusually slowly or fire when they would typically be silent. These diseased areas might disturb smooth signaling by forming a reentrant circuit in the muscle. The objective of microwave ablation is to heat and kill these diseased cells to restore appropriate electrical activity in the heart. This technology is a method and apparatus that provides for propagating microwave energy into heart tissues to produce a desired temperature profile therein at tissue depths sufficient for thermally ablating arrhythmogenic cardiac tissue while preventing excessive heating of surrounding tissues, organs, and blood. A wide bandwidth double-disk antenna is effective for this purpose over a bandwidth of about six gigahertz. A computer simulation provides initial screening capabilities for an antenna such as antenna, frequency, power level, and power application duration. The simulation also allows optimization of techniques for specific patients or conditions. In comparison with other methods that involve direct-current pulses or radio frequencies below 1 GHz, this method may prove more effective in treating ventricular tachycardia. This is because the present method provides for greater control of the location, cross-sectional area, and depth of a lesion via selection of the location and design of the antenna and the choice of microwave power and frequency.

Design of novel dual-port tapered waveguide plasma apparatus by numerical analysis

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

Zhang, D.; Zhou, R.; Yang, X. Q., E-mail: yyxxqq-mail@163.com

Microwave plasma apparatus is often of particular interest due to their superiority of low cost, electrode contamination free, and suitability for industrial production. However, there exist problems of unstable plasma and low electron density in conventional waveguide apparatus based on single port, due to low strength and non-uniformity of microwave field. This study proposes a novel dual-port tapered waveguide plasma apparatus based on power-combining technique, to improve the strength and uniformity of microwave field for the applications of plasma. A 3D model of microwave-induced plasma (field frequency 2.45 GHz) in argon at atmospheric pressure is presented. On the condition thatmore » the total input power is 500 W, simulations indicate that coherent power-combining will maximize the electric-field strength to 3.32 × 10{sup 5 }V/m and improve the uniformity of distributed microwave field, which raised 36.7% and 47.2%, respectively, compared to conventional waveguide apparatus of single port. To study the optimum conditions for industrial application, a 2D argon fluid model based on above structure is presented. It demonstrates that relatively uniform and high-density plasma is obtained at an argon flow rate of 200 ml/min. The contrastive result of electric-field distribution, electron density, and gas temperature is also valid and clearly proves the superiority of coherent power-combining to conventional technique in flow field.« less

How to Ignite an Atmospheric Pressure Microwave Plasma Torch without Any Additional Igniters

PubMed Central

Leins, Martina; Gaiser, Sandra; Schulz, Andreas; Walker, Matthias; Schumacher, Uwe; Hirth, Thomas

2015-01-01

This movie shows how an atmospheric pressure plasma torch can be ignited by microwave power with no additional igniters. After ignition of the plasma, a stable and continuous operation of the plasma is possible and the plasma torch can be used for many different applications. On one hand, the hot (3,600 K gas temperature) plasma can be used for chemical processes and on the other hand the cold afterglow (temperatures down to almost RT) can be applied for surface processes. For example chemical syntheses are interesting volume processes. Here the microwave plasma torch can be used for the decomposition of waste gases which are harmful and contribute to the global warming but are needed as etching gases in growing industry sectors like the semiconductor branch. Another application is the dissociation of CO2. Surplus electrical energy from renewable energy sources can be used to dissociate CO2 to CO and O2. The CO can be further processed to gaseous or liquid higher hydrocarbons thereby providing chemical storage of the energy, synthetic fuels or platform chemicals for the chemical industry. Applications of the afterglow of the plasma torch are the treatment of surfaces to increase the adhesion of lacquer, glue or paint, and the sterilization or decontamination of different kind of surfaces. The movie will explain how to ignite the plasma solely by microwave power without any additional igniters, e.g., electric sparks. The microwave plasma torch is based on a combination of two resonators — a coaxial one which provides the ignition of the plasma and a cylindrical one which guarantees a continuous and stable operation of the plasma after ignition. The plasma can be operated in a long microwave transparent tube for volume processes or shaped by orifices for surface treatment purposes. PMID:25938699

Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) Battery Operations Problem Resolution Team (PRT)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Keys, Denney J.

2010-01-01

The NASA Technical Discipline Fellow for Electrical Power, was requested to form a Problem Resolution Team (PRT) to help assess the health of the flight battery that is currently operating aboard NASA's Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) and provide recommendations for battery operations to mitigate the risk of impacting science operations for the rest of the mission. This report contains the outcome of the PRT's assessment.

High precision slotted cavity measurement of a novel ceramic state polymer electrolyte

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quan, Wei; NurulAfsar, Mohammed

2018-01-01

Thin film materials are already used in a variety of microwave and higher frequency applications such as electrically tunable microwave devices, integrated circuits like MMICs, radomes, and radar absorbing coating. The determination of the dielectric properties of these films is thus of significant importance. The measurement of complex dielectric permittivity of thin films is very difficult at microwave, millimeter, and THz frequencies because both the amplitude change and phase shift are not large enough to evaluate the real part of the dielectric permittivity. A specially designed transverse slotted cavity for X-band microwave measurement has been designed and constructed to employ with a vector network analyzer to evaluate the real part of dielectric permittivity of thin films accurately and conveniently. Commercially available polymer thin films are measured to validate the methods.

DC transport in two-dimensional electron systems under strong microwave illumination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chakraborty, Shantanu

At low temperature (T) and weak magnetic field ( B), two dimensional electron systems (2DES) can exhibit strong 1/ B-periodic resistance oscillations on application of sufficiently strong microwave radiation. These oscillations are known as microwave induced resistance oscillations (MIROs), MIROs appearing near cyclotron resonance (CR) and its harmonics involve single photon processes and are called integer MIROs while the oscillations near CR subharmonics require multiphoton processes and are called fractional MIROs. Similar strong 1/B periodic resistance oscillations can occur due to strong dc current, and are known as Hall-field resistance oscillations (HIROs). Oscillations also occur for a combination of microwave radiation and strong dc current. In one prominent theory of MIROs, known as the displacement model, electrons make impurity-assisted transitions into higher or lower Landau levels by absorbing or emitting one or more (N) photons. In the presence of combined strong dc current and microwave radiation, electrons make transitions between Landau levels by absorbing or emitting photons followed by a space transition along the applied dc bias. The object of the dissertation is to explore how the different resistance oscillations area affected by strong microwave radiation when multiphoton processes are relevant. We used a coplanar waveguide (CPW) structure deposited on the sample, as opposed to simply placing the sample near the termination of a waveguide as is more the usual practice in this field. The CPW allows us to estimate the AC electric field (EAC) at the sample. In much of the work presented in this thesis we find that higher Nprocesses supersede the competing lower N processes as microwave power is increased. We show this in the presence and in the absence of a strong dc electric field. Finally, we look at the temperature evolution of fractional MIROs to compare the origin of the fractional MIROs with that of integer MIROs.

Prostate Enlargement: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

MedlinePlus

... such as ultrasound, a computerized tomography scan, or magnetic resonance imaging to guide the biopsy needle into ... heats and destroys selected portions of prostate tissue. Shields protect the urethra from heat damage. Transurethral microwave ...

Measuring the global distribution of intense convection over land with passive microwave radiometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spencer, R. W.; Santek, D. A.

1985-01-01

The global distribution of intense convective activity over land is shown to be measurable with satellite passive-microwave methods through a comparison of an empirical rain rate algorithm with a climatology of thunderstorm days for the months of June-August. With the 18 and 37 GHz channels of the Nimbus-7 Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer (SMMR), the strong volume scattering effects of precipitation can be measured. Even though a single frequency (37 GHz) is responsive to the scattering signature, two frequencies are needed to remove most of the effect that variations in thermometric temperatures and soil moisture have on the brightness temperatures. Because snow cover is also a volume scatterer of microwave energy at these microwavelengths, a discrimination procedure involving four of the SMMR channels is employed to separate the rain and snow classes, based upon their differences in average thermometric temperature.

Very high S-band microwave absorption of carbon nanotube buckypapers with Mn nanoparticle interlayers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Shaowei; Bai, Yaoyao; Wang, Jijie; Zhang, Lu; Tian, Caijiao; Ma, Keming; Wang, Xiaoqiang

2018-03-01

Flexible and high-performance electromagnetic absorbing materials of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) buckypapers with Mn nanoparticles (NPSs) interlayer were fabricated via monodisperse solutions through layer by layer vacuum filtration method. The morphology and element composition of buckypapers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometer, and X-ray diffraction. The formation of flexible MWCNT buckypapers with Mn NPS (0-30 wt. %) interlayer was attributed to nanostructure and morphology of the samples. When the blended Mn NPS content in buckypapers is 20 wt. %, there are evidently two larger absorption peaks (-13.2 dB at 3.41 GHz, -15.6 dB at 3.52 GHz) of the buckypaper with an absorbing thickness of 0.1 mm. The fundamental microwave absorption mechanism of the buckypapers is discussed. This work opens a new pathway towards tuning microwave absorbers performance and this method can be extended to exploit other excellent microwave absorbers with interlayer.

Evaluation of multichannel Wiener filters applied to fine resolution passive microwave images of first-year sea ice

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Full, William E.; Eppler, Duane T.

1993-01-01

The effectivity of multichannel Wiener filters to improve images obtained with passive microwave systems was investigated by applying Wiener filters to passive microwave images of first-year sea ice. Four major parameters which define the filter were varied: the lag or pixel offset between the original and the desired scenes, filter length, the number of lines in the filter, and the weight applied to the empirical correlation functions. The effect of each variable on the image quality was assessed by visually comparing the results. It was found that the application of multichannel Wiener theory to passive microwave images of first-year sea ice resulted in visually sharper images with enhanced textural features and less high-frequency noise. However, Wiener filters induced a slight blocky grain to the image and could produce a type of ringing along scan lines traversing sharp intensity contrasts.

Microwave Fiber-Optics Delay Line.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-01-01

frequency response. We observed the anticipated modulation resonance and its dependence on the dc bias level. However, we did not have a scanning Fabry - Perot ...could not be determined accurately because a scanning Fabry - Perot was not available. However, from the various experimental observations and the rise time...Hitachi HLP-2400U BH laser and a Rockwell heterojunction photodiode o. ......... 26 11 Demodulated rf power versus detector dc photocurrent

Cost efficient PMMA/NG nanocomposites for electromagnetic interference shielding applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yadav, Prachi; Rattan, Sunita; Tripathi, Ambuj; Kumar, Sandeep

2017-06-01

Cost-efficient polymethylmethacrylate/exfoliated nanographite (PMMA/NG) nanocomposites were prepared through the melt blending technique. The crystalline size of NG in nanocomposites was estimated using Scherrer’s formula and was found to be in the range of 42.4-50.6 nm. Scanning electron micrographs showed the homogeneous dispersion of NG in the PMMA matrix. The thermal degradation temperature (T d) of nanocomposites was found to rise monotonically with increase in the loading of NG. Differential scanning calorimetry measurement showed a significant improvement in glass transition temperature (T g) from 97.2 °C for neat PMMA to 106.4 °C for 4.0 wt% PMMA/NG nanocomposites. DC electrical conductivity measurement revealed that the prepared nanocomposites exhibited a low percolation threshold of 0.45 vol%. The s-parameters (S 11 and S 21) were measured through vector network analyser and were explored in the estimation of electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE). The EMI SE of 19.2 dB (~ 99% attenuation of incoming microwave (MW) power) was attained in the 4.0 wt% PMMA/NG nanocomposite at 12.7 GHz MW frequency. Moreover, the observed broadband EMI SE spectra indicate that the prepared nanocomposites can be employed in lightweight and low-cost commercial EMI shielding applications.

Infrared Scanning For Electrical Maintenance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eisenbath, Steven E.

1983-03-01

Given the technological age that we have now entered, the purpose of this paper is to relate how infrared scanning can be used for an electrical preventative maintenance program. An infrared scanner is able to produce an image because objects give off infrared radiation in relationship to their temperature. Most electrical problems will show up as an increase in temperature, thereby making the infrared scanner a useful preventative maintenance tool. Because of the sensitivity of most of the scanners, .1 to .2 of a degree, virtually all electrical problems can be pinpointed long before they become a costly failure. One of the early uses of infrared scanning was to check the power company's electrical distribution system. Most of this was performed via aircraft or truck mounted scanning devices which necessitated its semi-permanent mounting. With the advent of small hand held infrared imagers, along with more portability of the larger systems, infrared scanning has gained more popularity in checking electrical distribution systems. But the distribution systems are now a scaled down model, mainly the in-plant electrical systems. By in-plant, I mean any distribution of electricity; once it leaves the power company's grid. This can be in a hospital, retail outlet, warehouse or manufacturing facility.

Dielectric Properties of Sol-Gel Derived Barium Strontium Titanate and Microwave Sintering of Ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Selmi, Fathi A.

This thesis consists of two areas of research: (1) sol-gel processing of Ba_{rm 1-x}Sr_{rm x} TiO_3 ceramics and their dielectric properties measurement; and (2) microwave versus conventional sintering of ceramics such as Al_2 O_3, Ba_{ rm 1-x}Sr_{rm x}TiO_3, Sb-doped SnO _2 and YBa_2Cu _3O_7. Sol-gel powders of BaTiO_3, SrTiO_3, and their solid solutions were synthesized by the hydrolysis of titanium isopropoxide and Ba and Sr methoxyethoxides. The loss tangent and dielectric constant of both sol-gel and conventionally prepared and sintered Ba_{rm 1-x}Sr _{rm x}TiO _3 ceramics were investigated at high frequencies. The sol-gel prepared ceramics showed higher dielectric constant and lower loss compared to those prepared conventionally. Ba _{rm 1-x}Sr _{rm x}TiO_3 ceramics were tunable with applied bias, indicating the potential use of this material for phase shifter applications. Porous Ba_{0.65}Sr _{0.35}TiO_3 was also investigated to lower the dielectric constant. Microwave sintering of alpha -Al_2O_3 and SrTiO_3 was investigated using an ordinary kitchen microwave oven (2.45 GHz; 600 Watts). The use of microwaves with good insulation of alpha -Al_2O_3 and SrTiO_3 samples resulted in their rapid sintering with good final densities of 96 and 98% of the theoretical density, respectively. A comparison of grain size for conventionally and microwave sintered SrTiO_3 samples did not show a noticeable difference. However, the grain size of microwave sintered alpha-Al_2O _3 was found to be larger than that of conventionally sintered sample. These results show that rapid sintering of ceramics can be achieved by using microwave radiation. The sintering behavior of coprecipitated Sb-doped SnO_2 was investigated using microwave power absorption. With microwave power, samples were sintered at 1450^circC for 20 minutes and showed a density as high as 99.9% of theoretical. However, samples fired in a conventional electric furnace at the same temperature for 4 hours showed only 60% of theoretical density. Microwave sintering also led to improvement in terms of uniform structure and electrical properties. Ba_{0.65}Sr _{0.35}TiO_3 was sintered using the microwave power at 1300 ^circC for 10 minutes. A density of 99% was achieved with small and uniform grain size. Superconducting powders have been successfully prepared by the sol-gel process and sintered and annealed using microwave power. Sintering and densification was achieved in a shorter time with microwave heating than with conventional heating and microwave heating appears to result in refined microstructure.

Comparing the Accuracy of AMSRE, AMSR2, SSMI and SSMIS Satellite Radiometer Ice Concentration Products with One-Meter Resolution Visible Imagery in the Arctic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peterson, E. R.; Stanton, T. P.

2016-12-01

Determining ice concentration in the Arctic is necessary to track significant changes in sea ice edge extent. Sea ice concentrations are also needed to interpret data collected by in-situ instruments like buoys, as the amount of ice versus water in a given area determines local solar heating. Ice concentration products are now routinely derived from satellite radiometers including the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for the Earth Observing System (AMSR-E), the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2), the Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSMI), and the Special Sensor Microwave Imager/Sounder (SSMIS). While these radiometers are viewed as reliable to monitor long-term changes in sea ice extent, their accuracy should be analyzed, and compared to determine which radiometer performs best over smaller features such as melt ponds, and how seasonal conditions affect accuracy. Knowledge of the accuracy of radiometers at high resolution can help future researchers determine which radiometer to use, and be aware of radiometer shortcomings in different ice conditions. This will be especially useful when interpreting data from in-situ instruments which deal with small scale measurements. In order to compare these passive microwave radiometers, selected high spatial resolution one-meter resolution Medea images, archived at the Unites States Geological Survey, are used for ground truth comparison. Sea ice concentrations are derived from these images in an interactive process, although estimates are not perfect ground truth due to exposure of images, shadowing and cloud cover. 68 images are retrieved from the USGS website and compared with 9 useable, collocated SSMI, 33 SSMIS, 36 AMSRE, and 14 AMSR2 ice concentrations in the Arctic Ocean. We analyze and compare the accuracy of radiometer instrumentation in differing ice conditions.

Microwave-assisted microemulsion technique for production of miconazole nitrate- and econazole nitrate-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles.

PubMed

Shah, Rohan M; Eldridge, Daniel S; Palombo, Enzo A; Harding, Ian H

2017-08-01

The microwave-assisted production of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) is a novel technique reported recently by our group. The small particle size, solid nature and use of physiologically well-tolerated lipid materials make SLNs an interesting and potentially efficacious drug carrier. The main purpose of this research work was to investigate the suitability of microwave-assisted microemulsion technique to encapsulate selected ionic drug substances such as miconazole nitrate and econazole nitrate. The microwave-produced SLNs had a small size (250-300nm), low polydispersity (<0.20), high encapsulation efficiency (72-87%) and loading capacity (3.6-4.3%). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies suggested reduced crystallinity of stearic acid in SLNs. The release studies demonstrated a slow, sustained but incomplete release of drugs (<60% after 24h) from microwave-produced SLNs. Data fitting of drug release data revealed that the release of both drugs from microwave-produced SLNs was governed by non-Fickian diffusion indicating that drug release was both diffusion- and dissolution- controlled. Anti-fungal efficacy of drug-loaded SLNs was evaluated on C. albicans. The cell viability studies showed that cytotoxicity of SLNs was concentration-dependent. These encouraging results suggest that the microwave-assisted procedure is suitable for encapsulation of ionic drugs and that microwave-produced SLNs can act as potential carriers of antifungal drugs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission: Overview and U.S. Status

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hou, Arthur Y.; Azarbarzin, Ardeshir A.; Kakar, Ramesh K.; Neeck, Steven

2011-01-01

The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission is an international satellite mission specifically designed to unify and advance precipitation measurements from a constellation of research and operational microwave sensors. The cornerstone of the GPM mission is the deployment of a Core Observatory in a 65 deg non-Sun-synchronous orbit to serve as a physics observatory and a transfer standard for inter-calibration of constellation radiometers. The GPM Core Observatory will carry a Ku/Ka-band Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) and a conical-scanning multi-channel (10-183 GHz) GPM Microwave Radiometer (GMI). The first space-borne dual-frequency radar will provide not only measurements of 3-D precipitation structures but also quantitative information on microphysical properties of precipitating particles needed for improving precipitation retrievals from passive microwave sensors. The combined use of DPR and GMI measurements will place greater constraints on radiometer retrievals to improve the accuracy and consistency of precipitation estimates from all constellation radiometers. The GPM constellation is envisioned to comprise five or more conical-scanning microwave radiometers and four or more cross-track microwave sounders on operational satellites. NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) plan to launch the GPM Core in July 2013. NASA will provide a second radiometer to be flown on a partner-provided GPM Low-Inclination Observatory (L10) to improve near real-time monitoring of hurricanes and mid-latitude storms. NASA and the Brazilian Space Program (AEB/IPNE) are currently engaged in a one-year study on potential L10 partnership. JAXA will contribute to GPM data from the Global Change Observation Mission-Water (GCOM-W) satellite. Additional partnerships are under development to include microwave radiometers on the French-Indian Megha-Tropiques satellite and U.S. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) satellites, as well as cross-track scanning humidity sounders on operational satellites such as the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) Preparatory Project (NPP), POES, the NASA/NOAA Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), and EUMETSAT MetOp satellites. Data from Chinese and Russian microwave radiometers may also become available through international collaboration under the auspices of the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) and Group on Earth Observations (GEO). The current generation of global rainfall products combines observations from a network of uncoordinated satellite missions using a variety of merging techniques. Relative to current data products, GPM's "nextgeneration" precipitation products will be characterized by: (1) more accurate instantaneous precipitation estimate (especially for light rain and cold-season solid precipitation), (2) more frequent sampling by an expanded constellation of microwave radiometers including operational humidity sounders over land, (3) intercalibrated microwave brightness temperatures from constellation radiometers within a unified framework, and (4) physical-based precipitation retrievals from constellation radiometers using a common a priori hydrometeor database constrained by combined radar/radiometer measurements provided by the GPM Core Observatory. An overview of the GPM mission concept, the U.S. GPM program status and updates on international science collaborations on GPM will be presented.

Thermal Stability of a 4 Meter Primary Reflector for the Scanning Microwave Limb Sounder

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cofield, Richard E.; Kasl, Eldon P.

2011-01-01

The Scanning Microwave Limb Sounder (SMLS) is a space-borne heterodyne radiometer which will measure pressure, temperature and atmospheric constituents from thermal emission in [180,680] GHz. SMLS, planned for the NRC Decadal Survey's Global Atmospheric Composition Mission, uses a novel toric Cassegrain antenna to perform both elevation and azimuth scanning. This provides better horizontal and temporal resolution and coverage than were possible with elevation-only scanning in the two previous MLS satellite instruments. SMLS is diffraction-limited in the vertical plane but highly astigmatic in the horizontal (beam aspect ratio approx. 1:20). Nadir symmetry ensures that beam shape is nearly invariant over plus or minus 65 deg azimuth. A low-noise receiver FOV is swept over the reflector system by a small azimuth-scanning mirror. We describe the fabrication and thermal-stability test of a composite demonstration primary reflector, having full 4m height and 1/3 the width planned for flight. Using finite-element models of reflectors and structure, we evaluate thermal deformations and optical performance for 4 orbital environments and isothermal soak. We compare deformations with photogrammetric measurements made during soak tests in a chamber. The test temperature range exceeds predicted orbital ranges by large factors, implying in-orbit thermal stability of 0.21 micron rms (root mean square)/C, which meets SMLS requirements.

Integrated Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-A (AMSU-A). As-Designed Parts List: Electrical, Electronic and Electromechanical (EEE) As-Designed Parts List

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lorenz, E.

1999-01-01

This report comprises the Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical (EEE) As Designed Parts List to be used in the Integrated Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-A (AMSU-A) instrument. The purpose of the EEE As-Designed Parts List is to provide a listing of EEE parts identified for use on the Integrated AMSU-A. All EEE parts used on the AMSU-A must meet the parts control requirements as defined in the Parts Control Plan (POP). All part applications are reviewed by the Parts Control Board (PCB) and granted approval if POP requirements are met. The "As Designed Parts Lists" indicates PCB approval status, and thus also serves as the Program Approved Parts List.

Broadband gradient index microwave quasi-optical elements based on non-resonant metamaterials.

PubMed

Liu, Ruopeng; Cheng, Qiang; Chin, Jessie Y; Mock, Jack J; Cui, Tie Jun; Smith, David R

2009-11-09

Utilizing non-resonant metamaterial elements, we demonstrate that complex gradient index optics can be constructed exhibiting low material losses and large frequency bandwidth. Although the range of structures is limited to those having only electric response, with an electric permittivity always equal to or greater than unity, there are still numerous metamaterial design possibilities enabled by leveraging the non-resonant elements. For example, a gradient, impedance matching layer can be added that drastically reduces the return loss of the optical elements due to reflection. In microwave experiments, we demonstrate the broadband design concepts with a gradient index lens and a beam-steering element, both of which are confirmed to operate over the entire X-band (roughly 8-12 GHz) frequency spectrum.

Field emission from bias-grown diamond thin films in a microwave plasma

DOEpatents

Gruen, Dieter M.; Krauss, Alan R.; Ding, Ming Q.; Auciello, Orlando

2002-01-01

A method of producing diamond or diamond like films in which a negative bias is established on a substrate with an electrically conductive surface in a microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition system. The atmosphere that is subjected to microwave energy includes a source of carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen. The negative bias is maintained on the substrate through both the nucleation and growth phase of the film until the film is continuous. Biases between -100V and -200 are preferred. Carbon sources may be one or more of CH.sub.4, C.sub.2 H.sub.2 other hydrocarbons and fullerenes.

Book Review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clevers, J. G. P. W.

2015-02-01

About thirty years after the previous advanced textbook on Microwave Remote Sensing by Ulaby, Moore and Fung has been published as three separate volumes, now an up-to-date new textbook has been published. The 1000-page book covers theoretical models, system design and operation, and geoscientific applications of active and passive microwave remote sensing systems. It is designed as a textbook at the postgraduate level, as well as a reference for the practicing professional. The book is caught by a thorough introduction into the physics and mathematics of electrical engineering applied to microwave radiation. Here on overview of its chapters with a short description of its focus will be given.

Simulation of Seasonal Snow Microwave TB Using Coupled Multi-Layered Snow Evolution and Microwave Emission Models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brucker, Ludovic; Royer, Alain; Picard, Ghislain; Langlois, Alex; Fily, Michel

2014-01-01

The accurate quantification of SWE has important societal benefits, including improving domestic and agricultural water planning, flood forecasting and electric power generation. However, passive-microwave SWE algorithms suffer from variations in TB due to snow metamorphism, difficult to distinguish from those due to SWE variations. Coupled snow evolution-emission models are able to predict snow metamorphism, allowing us to account for emissivity changes. They can also be used to identify weaknesses in the snow evolution model. Moreover, thoroughly evaluating coupled models is a contribution toward the assimilation of TB, which leads to a significant increase in the accuracy of SWE estimates.

Process for manufacturing multilayer capacitors

DOEpatents

Lauf, Robert J.; Holcombe, Cressie E.; Dykes, Norman L.

1996-01-01

The invention is directed to a method of manufacture of multilayer electrical components, especially capacitors, and components made by such a method. High capacitance dielectric materials and low cost metallizations layered with such dielectrics may be fabricated as multilayer electrical components by sintering the metallizations and the dielectrics during the fabrication process by application of microwave radiation.

Energy Use and Quality of Foods Cooked by Different Appliances.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Odland, Dianne; And Others

1987-01-01

The authors compared energy consumption, cooking time, and quality of five foods cooked using electric range surface units and oven, induction cooktop, electric frypan, microwave oven, and toaster oven. The induction cooktop was among the most energy conserving. For most products, cooking treatment had little impact on quality. (Author/CH)

The Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite microwave limb sounder instrument

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barath, F. T.; Chavez, M. C.; Cofield, R. E.; Flower, D. A.; Frerking, M. A.; Gram, M. B.; Harris, W. M.; Holden, J. R.; Jarnot, R. F.; Kloezeman, W. G.

1993-01-01

The microwave limb sounder (MLS) on the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) is the first satellite experiment using limb sounding techniques at microwave frequencies. Primary measurement objectives are stratospheric ClO, O3, H2O, temperature, and pressure. Measurements are of thermal emission: all are performed simultaneously and continuously and are not degraded by ice clouds or volcanic aerosols. The instrument has a 1.6-m mechanically scanning antenna system and contains heterodyne radiometers in spectral bands centred near 63, 183, and 205 GHz. The radiometers operate at ambient temperature and use Schottky-diode mixers with local oscillators derived from phase-locked Gunn oscillators. Frequency tripling by varactor multipliers generates the 183- and 205-GHz local oscillators, and quasi-optical techniques inject these into the mixers. Six 15-channel filter banks spectrally resolve stratospheric thermal emission lines and produce an output spectrum every 2 s. Thermal stability is sufficient for 'total power' measurements which do not require fast chopping. Radiometric calibration, consisting of measurements of cold space and an internal target, is performed every 65-s limb scan. Instrument in-orbit performance has been excellent, and all objectives are being met.

The Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite microwave limb sounder instrument

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barath, F. T.; Chavez, M. C.; Cofield, R. E.; Flower, D. A.; Frerking, M. A.; Gram, M. B.; Harris, W. M.; Holden, J. R.; Jarnot, R. F.; Kloezeman, W. G.

1993-06-01

The microwave limb sounder (MLS) on the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) is the first satellite experiment using limb sounding techniques at microwave frequencies. Primary measurement objectives are stratospheric ClO, O3, H2O, temperature, and pressure. Measurements are of thermal emission: all are performed simultaneously and continuously and are not degraded by ice clouds or volcanic aerosols. The instrument has a 1.6-m mechanically scanning antenna system and contains heterodyne radiometers in spectral bands centred near 63, 183, and 205 GHz. The radiometers operate at ambient temperature and use Schottky-diode mixers with local oscillators derived from phase-locked Gunn oscillators. Frequency tripling by varactor multipliers generates the 183- and 205-GHz local oscillators, and quasi-optical techniques inject these into the mixers. Six 15-channel filter banks spectrally resolve stratospheric thermal emission lines and produce an output spectrum every 2 s. Thermal stability is sufficient for 'total power' measurements which do not require fast chopping. Radiometric calibration, consisting of measurements of cold space and an internal target, is performed every 65-s limb scan. Instrument in-orbit performance has been excellent, and all objectives are being met.

Status of calibration and data evaluation of AMSR on board ADEOS-II

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Imaoka, Keiji; Fujimoto, Yasuhiro; Kachi, Misako; Takeshima, Toshiaki; Igarashi, Tamotsu; Kawanishi, Toneo; Shibata, Akira

2004-02-01

The Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR) is the multi-frequency, passive microwave radiometer on board the Advanced Earth Observing Satellite-II (ADEOS-II), currently called Midori-II. The instrument has eight-frequency channels with dual polarization (except 50-GHz band) covering frequencies between 6.925 and 89.0 GHz. Measurement of 50-GHz channels is the first attempt by this kind of conically scanning microwave radiometers. Basic concept of the instrument including hardware configuration and calibration method is almost the same as that of ASMR for EOS (AMSR-E), the modified version of AMSR. Its swath width of 1,600 km is wider than that of AMSR-E. In parallel with the calibration and data evaluation of AMSR-E instrument, almost identical calibration activities have been made for AMSR instrument. After finished the initial checkout phase, the instrument has been continuously obtaining the data in global basis. Time series of radiometer sensitivities and automatic gain control telemetry indicate the stable instrument performance. For the radiometric calibration, we are now trying to apply the same procedure that is being used for AMSR-E. This paper provides an overview of the instrument characteristics, instrument status, and preliminary results of calibration and data evaluation activities.

Circular Bioassay Platforms for Applications in Microwave-Accelerated Techniques.

PubMed

Mohammed, Muzaffer; Clement, Travis C; Aslan, Kadir

2014-12-02

In this paper, we present the design of four different circular bioassay platforms, which are suitable for homogeneous microwave heating, using theoretical calculations (i.e., COMSOL™ multiphysics software). Circular bioassay platforms are constructed from poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) for optical transparency between 400-800 nm, has multiple sample capacity (12, 16, 19 and 21 wells) and modified with silver nanoparticle films (SNFs) to be used in microwave-accelerated bioassays (MABs). In addition, a small monomode microwave cavity, which can be operated with an external microwave generator (100 W), for use with the bioassay platforms in MABs is also developed. Our design parameters for the circular bioassay platforms and monomode microwave cavity during microwave heating were: (i) temperature profiles, (ii) electric field distributions, (iii) location of the circular bioassay platforms inside the microwave cavity, and (iv) design and number of wells on the circular bioassay platforms. We have also carried out additional simulations to assess the use of circular bioassay platforms in a conventional kitchen microwave oven (e.g., 900 W). Our results show that the location of the circular bioassay platforms in the microwave cavity was predicted to have a significant effect on the homogeneous heating of these platforms. The 21-well circular bioassay platform design in our monomode microwave cavity was predicted to offer a homogeneous heating pattern, where inter-well temperature was observed to be in between 23.72-24.13°C and intra-well temperature difference was less than 0.21°C for 60 seconds of microwave heating, which was also verified experimentally.

Circular Bioassay Platforms for Applications in Microwave-Accelerated Techniques

PubMed Central

Mohammed, Muzaffer; Clement, Travis C.; Aslan, Kadir

2014-01-01

In this paper, we present the design of four different circular bioassay platforms, which are suitable for homogeneous microwave heating, using theoretical calculations (i.e., COMSOL™ multiphysics software). Circular bioassay platforms are constructed from poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) for optical transparency between 400–800 nm, has multiple sample capacity (12, 16, 19 and 21 wells) and modified with silver nanoparticle films (SNFs) to be used in microwave-accelerated bioassays (MABs). In addition, a small monomode microwave cavity, which can be operated with an external microwave generator (100 W), for use with the bioassay platforms in MABs is also developed. Our design parameters for the circular bioassay platforms and monomode microwave cavity during microwave heating were: (i) temperature profiles, (ii) electric field distributions, (iii) location of the circular bioassay platforms inside the microwave cavity, and (iv) design and number of wells on the circular bioassay platforms. We have also carried out additional simulations to assess the use of circular bioassay platforms in a conventional kitchen microwave oven (e.g., 900 W). Our results show that the location of the circular bioassay platforms in the microwave cavity was predicted to have a significant effect on the homogeneous heating of these platforms. The 21-well circular bioassay platform design in our monomode microwave cavity was predicted to offer a homogeneous heating pattern, where inter-well temperature was observed to be in between 23.72–24.13°C and intra-well temperature difference was less than 0.21°C for 60 seconds of microwave heating, which was also verified experimentally. PMID:25568813

Development of a microwave clothes dryer: Interim report 4. Final report

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

Smith, R.; Lenz, R.

1996-03-01

The objective of the project is to investigate the microwave drying of clothes and to produce data that potential manufacturers can use in developing marketable microwave dryers. This is an interim report covering activities in 1994, the fifth year of the project. During 1994, three field test dryers were completed, two residential models and one commercial subscale model. All of these dryers operated at a microwave frequency of 2,450 MHz, which is the frequency of home microwave ovens and ovens used in fastfood outlets. Consequently, magnetron tubes for these high-production items are inexpensive. The residential dryers were tested according tomore » the Department of Energy protocols and were 15% more efficient than a top-of-the-line conventional electric dryer. They were also 14% faster. Extensive testing was done to assure that the hazard-detection (sniffer) system would sense degradation of the lighter and shut down the dryer before a fire could occur. Numerous butane lighters were heated to destruction in a microwave oven to examine their failure modes. Lighters were placed in microwave dryers equipped with hazard-detection systems; these systems always detected incipient problems before any fire hazard could occur.« less

Determining the microwave coupling and operational efficiencies of a microwave plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition reactor under high pressure diamond synthesis operating conditions

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

Nad, Shreya; Department of Physics and Astronomy, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824; Gu, Yajun

2015-07-15

The microwave coupling efficiency of the 2.45 GHz, microwave plasma assisted diamond synthesis process is investigated by experimentally measuring the performance of a specific single mode excited, internally tuned microwave plasma reactor. Plasma reactor coupling efficiencies (η) > 90% are achieved over the entire 100–260 Torr pressure range and 1.5–2.4 kW input power diamond synthesis regime. When operating at a specific experimental operating condition, small additional internal tuning adjustments can be made to achieve η > 98%. When the plasma reactor has low empty cavity losses, i.e., the empty cavity quality factor is >1500, then overall microwave discharge coupling efficienciesmore » (η{sub coup}) of >94% can be achieved. A large, safe, and efficient experimental operating regime is identified. Both substrate hot spots and the formation of microwave plasmoids are eliminated when operating within this regime. This investigation suggests that both the reactor design and the reactor process operation must be considered when attempting to lower diamond synthesis electrical energy costs while still enabling a very versatile and flexible operation performance.« less

Equivalent Electromagnetic Constants for Microwave Application to Composite Materials for the Multi-Scale Problem

PubMed Central

Fujisaki, Keisuke; Ikeda, Tomoyuki

2013-01-01

To connect different scale models in the multi-scale problem of microwave use, equivalent material constants were researched numerically by a three-dimensional electromagnetic field, taking into account eddy current and displacement current. A volume averaged method and a standing wave method were used to introduce the equivalent material constants; water particles and aluminum particles are used as composite materials. Consumed electrical power is used for the evaluation. Water particles have the same equivalent material constants for both methods; the same electrical power is obtained for both the precise model (micro-model) and the homogeneous model (macro-model). However, aluminum particles have dissimilar equivalent material constants for both methods; different electric power is obtained for both models. The varying electromagnetic phenomena are derived from the expression of eddy current. For small electrical conductivity such as water, the macro-current which flows in the macro-model and the micro-current which flows in the micro-model express the same electromagnetic phenomena. However, for large electrical conductivity such as aluminum, the macro-current and micro-current express different electromagnetic phenomena. The eddy current which is observed in the micro-model is not expressed by the macro-model. Therefore, the equivalent material constant derived from the volume averaged method and the standing wave method is applicable to water with a small electrical conductivity, although not applicable to aluminum with a large electrical conductivity. PMID:28788395

Thermal phenomena under microwave field in the organic synthesis processes: Application to the Diels Alder reaction

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

Saillard, R.; Poux, M.; Audhuy-Peaudecerf, M.

1996-12-31

The influence of the microwave heating on chemical reactions were investigated. The kinetic of the Diels Alder reaction were studied under microwave irradiation at a frequency of 2.45 GHz in a single mode cavity and were compared to the kinetic obtained by a conventional heating. Experiments were carried out in a liquid solvent in order to have a better control of the medium temperature measurement. In a second part, the presence of a catalytic solid phase was introduced. Some thermal fluctuations which are due to an heterogeneity of the electric field were detected in the medium. They reduce the precisionmore » of the results and cause problems of experimental reproducibility. A thermoluminescent material allow a good visualization of these phenomena. In addition, the profiles of the electric field intensity were modelled by a 2D finite elements method in the reactor in the presence of a solvent. Despite the small size of the sample and the use of a monomode cavity which both limited the heterogeneities of the medium temperature, the authors showed a great heterogeneity of the electric field intensity and as a result the heterogeneity of the temperature in their sample. In order to avoid these phenomena which induce a lack of reproducibility, a stirring device was developed. The values of the kinetics obtained under the 2 heating modes with the introduction of the stirring device. So, it induces a good control of the medium temperature. All those investigations prompted the authors to the conclusion that there is no difference between microwave heating and a classical heating in the studied reaction.« less

Progress Towards Microwave Ignition of Explosives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Curling, Mark; Collins, Adam; Dima, Gabriel; Proud, William

2009-06-01

Microwaves could provide a method of propellant ignition that does away with a traditional primer, making ammunition safer and suitable for Insensitive Munitions (IM) applications. By embedding a suitable material inside a propellant, it is postulated that microwaves could be used to stimulate hotspots, through direct heating or electrostatic discharge (arcing) across the energetic material. This paper reports on progress in finding these suitable materials. Graphite rod, magnetite cubes and powders of graphite, aluminium, copper oxide, and iron were irradiated in a conventional microwave oven. Temperature measurements were made using a shielded thermocouple and thermal paints. Only graphite rod and magnetite showed significant heating upon microwave exposure. The light output from arcing of iron, steel, iron pyrite, magnetite and graphite was measured in the same microwave oven as above. Sample mass and shape were correlated with arcing intensity. A strategy is proposed to create a homogeneous igniter material by embedding arcing materials within an insulator, Polymethylpentene (TPX). External discharges were transmitted through TPX, however no embedded samples were successful in generating an electrical breakdown suitable for propellant ignition.

Ultrafast high-power microwave window breakdown: nonlinear and postpulse effects.

PubMed

Chang, C; Verboncoeur, J; Guo, M N; Zhu, M; Song, W; Li, S; Chen, C H; Bai, X C; Xie, J L

2014-12-01

The time- and space-dependent optical emissions of nanosecond high-power microwave discharges near a dielectric-air interface have been observed by nanosecond-response four-framing intensified-charged-coupled device cameras. The experimental observations indicate that plasma developed more intensely at the dielectric-air interface than at the free-space region with a higher electric-field amplitude. A thin layer of intense light emission above the dielectric was observed after the microwave pulse. The mechanisms of the breakdown phenomena are analyzed by a three-dimensional electromagnetic-field modeling and a two-dimensional electromagnetic particle-in-cell simulation, revealing the formation of a space-charge microwave sheath near the dielectric surface, accelerated by the normal components of the microwave field, significantly enhancing the local-field amplitude and hence ionization near the dielectric surface. The nonlinear positive feedback of ionization, higher electron mobility, and ultraviolet-driven photoemission due to the elevated electron temperature are crucial for achieving the ultrafast discharge. Following the high-power microwave pulse, the sheath sustains a glow discharge until the sheath collapses.

Opto-electronic oscillator and its applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, X. S.; Maleki, Lute

1997-04-01

We review the properties of a new class of microwave oscillators called opto-electronic oscillators (OEO). We present theoretical and experimental results of a multi-loop technique for single mode selection. We then describe a new development called coupled OEO (COEO) in which the electrical oscillation is directly coupled with the optical oscillation, producing an OEO that generates stable optical pulses and single mode microwave oscillation simultaneously. Finally we discuss various applications of OEO.

ARC-2002-ACD02-0061-5

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-02-26

Microvave effects on plant growth (alfalfa), shown here is Dr. Jay Skiles of NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif. NASA scientists are about to test that hypothesis by evaluating the effects of continuously beaming weak microwaves on alfalfa plants during laboratory tests. Microwaves derived from solar power and transmitted by orbiting satellites to electric power stations on Earth may someday enable U.S. energy self-sufficiency, but is this method safe for local plant life?

ARC-2002-ACD02-0061-4

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-02-26

Microvave effects on plant growth (alfalfa), shown here is Dr. Jay Skiles of NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif. NASA scientists are about to test that hypothesis by evaluating the effects of continuously beaming weak microwaves on alfalfa plants during laboratory tests. Microwaves derived from solar power and transmitted by orbiting satellites to electric power stations on Earth may someday enable U.S. energy self-sufficiency, but is this method safe for local plant life?

Design and Functional Validation of a Mechanism for Dual-Spinning CubeSats

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peters, Eric; Dave, Pratik; Kingsbury, Ryan; Marinan, Anne; Wise, Evan; Pong, Chris; Prinkey, Meghan; Cahoy, Kerri; Miller, David W.; Sklair, Devon

2014-01-01

The mission of the Micro-sized Microwave Atmospheric Satellite (MicroMAS) is to collect useful atmospheric images using a miniature passive microwave radiometer payload hosted on a low-cost CubeSat platform. In order to collect this data, the microwave radiometer payload must rotate to scan the ground-track perpendicular to the satellite's direction of travel. A custom motor assembly was developed to facilitate the rotation of the payload while allowing the spacecraft bus to remained fixed in the local-vertical, local-horizontal (LVLH) frame for increased pointing accuracy. This paper describes the mechanism used to enable this dual-spinning operation for CubeSats, and the lessons learned during the design, fabrication, integration, and testing phases of the mechanism's development lifecycle.

Low frequency microwave radiometer for N-ROSS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hollinger, J. P.; Lo, R. C.

1984-01-01

The all weather, global determination of sea surface temperature (SST) has been identified as a requirement needed to support naval operations.The target SST accuracy is + or 1.0 K with a surface resolution of 10 km. Investigations of the phenomenology and technology of remote passive microwave sensing of the ocean environment over the past decade have demonstrated that this objective is presently attainable. Preliminary specification and trade off studies were conducted to define the frequency, polarization, scan geometry, antenna size, and other essential parameters of the low frequency microwave radiometer (LFMR). It will be a meter deployable mesh surface antenna. It is to be flown on the Navy-Remote Ocean Sensing System (N-ROSS) satellite scheduled to be launched in late 1988.

TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI) Updates for Final Data Version Release

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kroodsma, Rachael A; Bilanow, Stephen; Ji, Yimin; McKague, Darren

2017-01-01

The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Microwave Imager (TMI) dataset released by the Precipitation Processing System (PPS) will be updated to a final version within the next year. These updates are based on increased knowledge in recent years of radiometer calibration and sensor performance issues. In particular, the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Microwave Imager (GMI) is used as a model for many of the TMI version updates. This paper discusses four aspects of the TMI data product that will be improved: spacecraft attitude, calibration and quality control, along-scan bias corrections, and sensor pointing accuracy. These updates will be incorporated into the final TMI data version, improving the quality of the data product and ensuring accurate geophysical parameters can be derived from TMI.

Assimilation of Precipitation Measurement Missions Microwave Radiance Observations With GEOS-5

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jin, Jianjun; Kim, Min-Jeong; McCarty, Will; Akella, Santha; Gu, Wei

2015-01-01

The Global Precipitation Mission (GPM) Core Observatory satellite was launched in February, 2014. The GPM Microwave Imager (GMI) is a conically scanning radiometer measuring 13 channels ranging from 10 to 183 GHz and sampling between 65 S 65 N. This instrument is a successor to the Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM) Microwave Imager (TMI), which has observed 9 channels at frequencies ranging 10 to 85 GHz between 40 S 40 N since 1997. This presentation outlines the base procedures developed to assimilate GMI and TMI radiances in clear-sky conditions, including quality control methods, thinning decisions, and the estimation of, observation errors. This presentation also shows the impact of these observations when they are incorporated into the GEOS-5 atmospheric data assimilation system.

SMAP Soil Moisture Disaggregation using Land Surface Temperature and Vegetation Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, B.; Lakshmi, V.

2016-12-01

Soil moisture (SM) is a key parameter in agriculture, hydrology and ecology studies. The global SM retrievals have been providing by microwave remote sensing technology since late 1970s and many SM retrieval algorithms have been developed, calibrated and applied on satellite sensors such as AMSR-E (Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for the Earth Observing System), AMSR-2 (Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2) and SMOS (Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity). Particularly, SMAP (Soil Moisture Active/Passive) satellite, which was developed by NASA, was launched in January 2015. SMAP provides soil moisture products of 9 km and 36 km spatial resolutions which are not capable for research and applications of finer scale. Toward this issue, this study applied a SM disaggregation algorithm to disaggregate SMAP passive microwave soil moisture 36 km product. This algorithm was developed based on the thermal inertial relationship between daily surface temperature variation and daily average soil moisture which is modulated by vegetation condition, by using remote sensing retrievals from AVHRR (Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer, MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer), SPOT (Satellite Pour l'Observation de la Terre), as well as Land Surface Model (LSM) output from NLDAS (North American Land Data Assimilation System). The disaggregation model was built at 1/8o spatial resolution on monthly basis and was implemented to calculate and disaggregate SMAP 36 km SM retrievals to 1 km resolution in Oklahoma. The SM disaggregation results were also validated using MESONET (Mesoscale Network) and MICRONET (Microscale Network) ground SM measurements.

Nonthermal microwave effects revisited: on the importance of internal temperature monitoring and agitation in microwave chemistry.

PubMed

Herrero, M Antonia; Kremsner, Jennifer M; Kappe, C Oliver

2008-01-04

The concept of nonthermal microwave effects has received considerable attention in recent years and is the subject of intense debate in the scientific community. Nonthermal microwave effects have been postulated to result from a direct stabilizing interaction of the electric field with specific (polar) molecules in the reaction medium that is not related to a macroscopic temperature effect. In order to probe the existence of nonthermal microwave effects, four synthetic transformations (Diels-Alder cycloaddition, alkylation of triphenylphosphine and 1,2,4-triazole, direct amide bond formation) were reevaluated under both microwave dielectric heating and conventional thermal heating. In all four cases, previous studies have claimed the existence of nonthermal microwave effects in these reactions. Experimentally, significant differences in conversion and/or product distribution comparing the conventionally and microwave-heated experiments performed at the same measured reaction temperature were found. The current reevaluation of these reactions was performed in a dedicated reactor setup that allowed accurate internal reaction temperature measurements using a multiple fiber-optic probe system. Using this technology, the importance of efficient stirring and internal temperature measurement in microwave-heated reactions was made evident. Inefficient agitation leads to temperature gradients within the reaction mixture due to field inhomogeneities in the microwave cavity. Using external infrared temperature sensors in some cases results in significant inaccuracies in the temperature measurement. Applying the fiber-optic probe temperature monitoring device, a critical reevaluation of all four reactions has provided no evidence for the existence of nonthermal microwave effects. Ensuring efficient agitation of the reaction mixture via magnetic stirring, no significant differences in terms of conversion and selectivity between experiments performed under microwave or oil bath conditions at the same internally measured reaction temperatures were experienced. The observed effects were purely thermal and not related to the microwave field.

Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission: Overview and Status

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hou, Arthur Y.

2012-01-01

The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission is an international satellite mission specifically designed to unify and advance precipitation measurements from a constellation of research and operational microwave sensors. NASA and JAXA will deploy a Core Observatory in 2014 to serve as a reference satellite to unify precipitation measurements from the constellation of sensors. The GPM Core Observatory will carry a Ku/Ka-band Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) and a conical-scanning multi-channel (10-183 GHz) GPM Microwave Radiometer (GMI). The DPR will be the first dual-frequency radar in space to provide not only measurements of 3-D precipitation structures but also quantitative information on microphysical properties of precipitating particles. The DPR and GMI measurements will together provide a database that relates vertical hydrometeor profiles to multi-frequency microwave radiances over a variety of environmental conditions across the globe. This combined database will be used as a common transfer standard for improving the accuracy and consistency of precipitation retrievals from all constellation radiometers. For global coverage, GPM relies on existing satellite programs and new mission opportunities from a consortium of partners through bilateral agreements with either NASA or JAXA. Each constellation member may have its unique scientific or operational objectives but contributes microwave observations to GPM for the generation and dissemination of unified global precipitation data products. In addition to the DPR and GMI on the Core Observatory, the baseline GPM constellation consists of the following sensors: (1) Special Sensor Microwave Imager/Sounder (SSMIS) instruments on the U.S. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) satellites, (2) the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer-2 (AMSR-2) on the GCOM-W1 satellite of JAXA, (3) the Multi-Frequency Microwave Scanning Radiometer (MADRAS) and the multi-channel microwave humidity sounder (SAPHIR) on the French-Indian MeghaTropiques satellite, (4) the Microwave Humidity Sounder (MHS) on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)-19, (5) MHS instruments on MetOp satellites launched by the European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT), (6) the Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS) on the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) Preparatory Project (NPP), and (7) ATMS instruments on the NOAA-NASA Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) satellites. Data from Chinese and Russian microwave radiometers may also become available through international collaboration under the auspices of the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) and Group on Earth Observations (GEO). The current generation of global rainfall products combines observations from a network of uncoordinated satellite missions using a variety of merging techniques. GPM will provide "next-generation" precipitation products characterized by: (1) more accurate instantaneous precipitation estimate (especially for light rain and cold-season solid precipitation), (2) intercalibrated microwave brightness temperatures from constellation radiometers within a consistent framework, and (3) unified precipitation retrievals from constellation radiometers using a common a priori hydrometeor database constrained by combined radar/radiometer measurements provided by the GPM Core Observatory. GPM is a science mission with integrated applications goals. GPM will provide a key measurement to improve understanding of global water cycle variability and freshwater availability in a changing climate. The DPR and GMI measurements will offer insights into 3-dimensional structures of hurricanes and midlatitude storms, microphysical properties of precipitating particles, and latent heat associated with precipitation processes. The GPM mission will also make data available in near realtime (within 3 hours of observations) forocietal applications ranging from position fixes of storm centers, numerical weather prediction, flood forecasting, freshwater management, landslide warning, crop prediction, to tracking of water-borne diseases. An overview of the GPM mission design, retrieval strategy, ground validation activities, and international science collaboration will be presented.

Optical Vector Near-Field Imaging for the Design of Impedance Matched Optical Antennas and Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olmon, Robert L.

Antennas control and confine electromagnetic energy, transforming free-space propagating modes to localized regions. This is not only true for the traditional classical radio antenna, but also for structures that interact resonantly at frequencies throughout the visible regime, that are on the micro- and nanometer size scales. The investigation of these optical antennas has increased dramatically in recent years. They promise to bring the transformative capabilities of radio antennas to the nanoscale in fields such as plasmonics, photonics, spectroscopy, and microscopy. However, designing optical antennas with desired properties is not straightforward due to different material properties and geometric considerations in the optical regime compared to the RF. New antenna characterization tools and techniques must be developed for the optical frequency range. Here, the optical analogue of the vector network analyzer, based on a scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscope, is described and demonstrated for the investigation of the electric and magnetic properties of optical antennas through their electromagnetic vector near-field. Specifically, bringing this microwave frequency tool to the optical regime enables the study of antenna resonant length scaling, optical frequency electromagnetic parameters including current density and impedance, optical antenna coupling to waveguides and nanoloads, local electric field enhancement, and electromagnetic duality of complementary optical antenna geometries.

An Airborne Conical Scanning Millimeter-Wave Imaging Radiometer (CoSMIR)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Piepmeier, J.; Racette, P.; Wang, J.; Crites, A.; Doiron, T.; Engler, C.; Lecha, J.; Powers, M.; Simon, E.; Triesky, M.;

Dielectric constant tunability at microwave frequencies and pyroelectric behavior of lead-free submicrometer-structured (Bi0.5Na0.5)1-xBaxTiO3 ferroelectric ceramics.

PubMed

Martínez, Félix L; Hinojosa, Juan; Doménech, Ginés; Fernández-Luque, Francisco J; Zapata, Juan; Ruiz, Ramon; Pardo, Lorena

2013-08-01

In this article, we show that the dielectric constant of lead-free ferroelectric ceramics based on the solid solution (1-x)(Bi(0.5)Na(0.5))TiO(3)-xBaTiO(3), with compositions at or near the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB), can be tuned by a local applied electric field. Two compositions have been studied, one at the MPB, with x = 0.06 (BNBT6), and another one nearer the BNT side of the phase diagram, with x = 0.04 (BNBT4). The tunability of the dielectric constant is measured at microwave frequencies between 100 MHz and 3 GHz by a nonresonant method and simultaneously applying a dc electric field. As expected, the tunability is higher for the composition at the MPB (BNBT6), reaching a maximum value of 60% for an electric field of 900 V/cm, compared with the composition below this boundary (BNBT4), which saturates at 40% for an electric field of 640 V/cm. The high tunability in both cases is attributed to the fine grain and high density of the samples, which have a submicrometer homogeneous grain structure with grain size of the order of a few hundred nanometers. Such properties make these ceramics attractive for microwave tunable devices. Finally, we have tested these ceramics for their application as infrared pyroelectric detectors and we have found that the pyroelectric figure of merit is comparable to traditional lead-containing pyroelectrics.

Free radical propulsion concept

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hawkins, C. E.; Nakanishi, S.

1981-01-01

The concept of a free radical propulsion system, utilizing the recombination energy of dissociated low molecular weight gases to produce thrust, is analyzed. The system, operating at a theoretical impulse with hydrogen, as high as 2200 seconds at high thrust to power ratio, is hypothesized to bridge the gap between chemical and electrostatic propulsion capabilities. A comparative methodology is outlined by which characteristics of chemical and electric propulsion for orbit raising mission can be investigated. It is noted that free radicals proposed in rockets previously met with difficulty and complexity in terms of storage requirements; the present study proposes to eliminate the storage requirements by using electric energy to achieve a continuous-flow product of free radicals which are recombined to produce a high velocity propellant. Microwave energy used to dissociate a continuously flowing gas is transferred to the propellant via three-body-recombination for conversion to propellant kinetic energy. Microwave plasma discharge was found in excess of 90 percent over a broad range of pressure in preliminary experiments, and microwave heating compared to electrothermal heating showed much higher temperatures in gasdynamic equations.

Voltage control of ferromagnetic resonance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Ziyao; Peng, Bin; Zhu, Mingmin; Liu, Ming

2016-05-01

Voltage control of magnetism in multiferroics, where the ferromagnetism and ferroelectricity are simultaneously exhibiting, is of great importance to achieve compact, fast and energy efficient voltage controllable magnetic/microwave devices. Particularly, these devices are widely used in radar, aircraft, cell phones and satellites, where volume, response time and energy consumption is critical. Researchers realized electric field tuning of magnetic properties like magnetization, magnetic anisotropy and permeability in varied multiferroic heterostructures such as bulk, thin films and nanostructure by different magnetoelectric (ME) coupling mechanism: strain/stress, interfacial charge, spin-electromagnetic (EM) coupling and exchange coupling, etc. In this review, we focus on voltage control of ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) in multiferroics. ME coupling-induced FMR change is critical in microwave devices, where the electric field tuning of magnetic effective anisotropic field determines the tunability of the performance of microwave devices. Experimentally, FMR measurement technique is also an important method to determine the small effective magnetic field change in small amount of magnetic material precisely due to its high sensitivity and to reveal the deep science of multiferroics, especially, voltage control of magnetism in novel mechanisms like interfacial charge, spin-EM coupling and exchange coupling.

Candidate solar cell materials for photovoltaic conversion in a solar power satellite /SPS/

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glaser, P. E.; Almgren, D. W.

1978-01-01

In recognition of the obstacles to solar-generated baseload power on earth, proposals have been made to locate solar power satellites in geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO), where solar energy would be available 24 hours a day during most of the time of the year. In an SPS, the electricity produced by solar energy conversion will be fed to microwave generators forming part of a planar phase-array transmitting antenna. The antenna is designed to precisely direct a microwave beam of very low intensity to one or more receiving antennas at desired locations on earth. At the receiving antenna, the microwave energy will be safely and efficiently reconverted to electricity and then be transmitted to consumers. An SPS system will include a number of satellites in GEO. Attention is given to the photovoltaic option for solar energy conversion in GEO, solar cell requirements, the availability of materials, the implication of large production volumes, requirements for high-volume manufacture of solar cell arrays, and the effects of concentration ratio on solar cell array area.

Toward all weather, long record, and real-time land surface temperature retrievals from microwave satellite observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jimenez, Carlos; Prigent, Catherine; Aires, Filipe; Ermida, Sofia

2017-04-01

The land surface temperature can be estimated from satellite passive microwave observations, with limited contamination from the clouds as compared to the infrared satellite retrievals. With ˜60% cloud cover in average over the globe, there is a need for "all weather," long record, and real-time estimates of land surface temperature (Ts) from microwaves. A simple yet accurate methodology is developed to derive the land surface temperature from microwave conical scanner observations, with the help of pre-calculated land surface microwave emissivities. The method is applied to the Special Sensor Microwave/Imagers (SSM/I) and the Earth observation satellite (EOS) Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR-E) observations?, regardless of the cloud cover. The SSM/I results are compared to infrared estimates from International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) and from Advanced Along Track Scanning Radiometer (AATSR), under clear-sky conditions. Limited biases are observed (˜0.5 K for both comparisons) with a root-mean-square difference (RMSD) of ˜5 K, to be compared to the RMSE of ˜3.5 K between ISCCP et AATSR. AMSR-E results are compared with the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) clear-sky estimates. As both instruments are on board the same satellite, this reduces the uncertainty associated to the observations match-up, resulting in a lower RMSD of ˜ 4K. The microwave Ts is compared to in situ Ts time series from a collection of ground stations over a large range of environments. For 22 stations available in the 2003-2004 period, SSM/I Ts agrees very well for stations in vegetated environments (down to RMSD of ˜2.5 K for several stations), but the retrieval methodology encounters difficulties under cold conditions due to the large variability of snow and ice surface emissivities. For 10 stations in the year 2010, AMSR-E presents an all-station mean RMSD of ˜4.0 K with respect tom the ground Ts. Over the same stations, MODIS agrees better (RMSD of 2.4 K), ?but AMSR-E provides a larger number of Ts estimates by being able to measure under cloudy conditions, with an approximated ratio of 3 to 1 over the analysed stations. At many stations the RMSD of the AMSR-E clear and cloudy-sky are comparable, highlighting the ability of the microwave inversions to provide Ts under most atmospheric and surface conditions.

Practical application of a bidirectional microwave photonic filter: simultaneous transmission of analog TV signals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Correa-Mena, Ana Gabriela; Zaldívar-Huerta, Ignacio E.; Abril García, Jose Humberto; García-Juárez, Alejandro; Vera-Marquina, Alicia

2016-10-01

A practical application of a bidirectional microwave photonic filter (MPF) to transmit simultaneous analog TV signals coded on microwave carriers is experimentally demonstrated. The frequency response of the bidirectional MPF is obtained by the interaction of an externally modulated multimode laser diode emitting at 1.55 μm associated to the free-spectral range of the optical source, the chromatic dispersion parameter of the optical fiber, as well as the length of the optical link. The filtered microwave bandpass window generated around 2 GHz is used as electrical carrier in order to simultaneously transmit TV signals of 67.25 and 61.25 MHz in both directions. The obtained signal-to-noise ratios for the transmitted signals of 67.25 and 61.25 MHz are 37.62 and 44.77 dB, respectively.

Estimation of Radiofrequency Power Leakage from Microwave Ovens for Dosimetric Assessment at Nonionizing Radiation Exposure Levels

PubMed Central

Lopez-Iturri, Peio; de Miguel-Bilbao, Silvia; Aguirre, Erik; Azpilicueta, Leire; Falcone, Francisco; Ramos, Victoria

2015-01-01

The electromagnetic field leakage levels of nonionizing radiation from a microwave oven have been estimated within a complex indoor scenario. By employing a hybrid simulation technique, based on coupling full wave simulation with an in-house developed deterministic 3D ray launching code, estimations of the observed electric field values can be obtained for the complete indoor scenario. The microwave oven can be modeled as a time- and frequency-dependent radiating source, in which leakage, basically from the microwave oven door, is propagated along the complete indoor scenario interacting with all of the elements present in it. This method can be of aid in order to assess the impact of such devices on expected exposure levels, allowing adequate minimization strategies such as optimal location to be applied. PMID:25705676

Microwavable thermal energy storage material

DOEpatents

Salyer, I.O.

1998-09-08

A microwavable thermal energy storage material is provided which includes a mixture of a phase change material and silica, and a carbon black additive in the form of a conformable dry powder of phase change material/silica/carbon black, or solid pellets, films, fibers, moldings or strands of phase change material/high density polyethylene/ethylene vinyl acetate/silica/carbon black which allows the phase change material to be rapidly heated in a microwave oven. The carbon black additive, which is preferably an electrically conductive carbon black, may be added in low concentrations of from 0.5 to 15% by weight, and may be used to tailor the heating times of the phase change material as desired. The microwavable thermal energy storage material can be used in food serving applications such as tableware items or pizza warmers, and in medical wraps and garments. 3 figs.

Digital communication with Rydberg atoms and amplitude-modulated microwave fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meyer, David H.; Cox, Kevin C.; Fatemi, Fredrik K.; Kunz, Paul D.

2018-05-01

Rydberg atoms, with one highly excited, nearly ionized electron, have extreme sensitivity to electric fields, including microwave fields ranging from 100 MHz to over 1 THz. Here, we show that room-temperature Rydberg atoms can be used as sensitive, high bandwidth, microwave communication antennas. We demonstrate near photon-shot-noise limited readout of data encoded in amplitude-modulated 17 GHz microwaves, using an electromagnetically induced-transparency (EIT) probing scheme. We measure a photon-shot-noise limited channel capacity of up to 8.2 Mbit s-1 and implement an 8-state phase-shift-keying digital communication protocol. The bandwidth of the EIT probing scheme is found to be limited by the available coupling laser power and the natural linewidth of the rubidium D2 transition. We discuss how atomic communication receivers offer several opportunities to surpass the capabilities of classical antennas.

Microwavable thermal energy storage material

DOEpatents

Salyer, Ival O.

1998-09-08

A microwavable thermal energy storage material is provided which includes a mixture of a phase change material and silica, and a carbon black additive in the form of a conformable dry powder of phase change material/silica/carbon black, or solid pellets, films, fibers, moldings or strands of phase change material/high density polyethylene/ethylene-vinyl acetate/silica/carbon black which allows the phase change material to be rapidly heated in a microwave oven. The carbon black additive, which is preferably an electrically conductive carbon black, may be added in low concentrations of from 0.5 to 15% by weight, and may be used to tailor the heating times of the phase change material as desired. The microwavable thermal energy storage material can be used in food serving applications such as tableware items or pizza warmers, and in medical wraps and garments.

Preparation of ultrafiltration membrane by phase separation coupled with microwave irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suryani, Puput Eka; Purnama, Herry; Susanto, Heru

2015-12-01

Preparation of low fouling ultrafiltration membrane is still a big challenge in the membrane field. In this paper, polyether sulfone (PES) ultrafiltration membranes were prepared by non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) coupled with microwave irradiation. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polyethylene glycol methacrylate (PEGMA) were used as additives to improve membrane hydrophilicity. In this study, the concentration of additive, irradiation time and microwave power was varied. The membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, while the performances were tested by adsorptive and ultrafiltration fouling experiments. The results show that the irradiation time and irradiation power are very important parameter that influence the membrane characteristic. In addition, type and concentration of additive are other important parameters. The results suggest that microwave irradiation is the most important parameter influencing the membrane characteristic. Both pure water flux and fouling resistance increase with increasing irradiation time, power irradiation, and additive concentration. PES membrane with addition of 10% w/w PEG and irradiated by 130 W microwave power for 180 seconds is the best membrane performance.

Observations of Ball-Lightning-Like Plasmoids Ejected from Silicon by Localized Microwaves.

PubMed

Meir, Yehuda; Jerby, Eli; Barkay, Zahava; Ashkenazi, Dana; Mitchell, James Brian; Narayanan, Theyencheri; Eliaz, Noam; LeGarrec, Jean-Luc; Sztucki, Michael; Meshcheryakov, Oleg

2013-09-11

This paper presents experimental characterization of plasmoids (fireballs) obtained by directing localized microwave power (<1 kW at 2.45 GHz) onto a silicon-based substrate in a microwave cavity. The plasmoid emerges up from the hotspot created in the solid substrate into the air within the microwave cavity. The experimental diagnostics employed for the fireball characterization in this study include measurements of microwave scattering, optical spectroscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Various characteristics of these plasmoids as dusty plasma are drawn by a theoretical analysis of the experimental observations. Aggregations of dust particles within the plasmoid are detected at nanometer and micrometer scales by both in - situ SAXS and ex-situ SEM measurements. The resemblance of these plasmoids to the natural ball-lightning (BL) phenomenon is discussed with regard to silicon nano-particle clustering and formation of slowly-oxidized silicon micro-spheres within the BL. Potential applications and practical derivatives of this study (e.g., direct conversion of solids to powders, material identification by breakdown spectroscopy (MIBS), thermite ignition, and combustion) are discussed.

All-Sky Microwave Imager Data Assimilation at NASA GMAO

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, Min-Jeong; Jin, Jianjun; El Akkraoui, Amal; McCarty, Will; Todling, Ricardo; Gu, Wei; Gelaro, Ron

2017-01-01

Efforts in all-sky satellite data assimilation at the Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO) at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center have been focused on the development of GSI configurations to assimilate all-sky data from microwave imagers such as the GPM Microwave Imager (GMI) and Global Change Observation Mission-Water (GCOM-W) Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR-2). Electromagnetic characteristics associated with their wavelengths allow microwave imager data to be relatively transparent to atmospheric gases and thin ice clouds, and highly sensitive to precipitation. Therefore, GMAOs all-sky data assimilation efforts are primarily focused on utilizing these data in precipitating regions. The all-sky framework being tested at GMAO employs the GSI in a hybrid 4D-EnVar configuration of the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) data assimilation system, which will be included in the next formal update of GEOS. This article provides an overview of the development of all-sky radiance assimilation in GEOS, including some performance metrics. In addition, various projects underway at GMAO designed to enhance the all-sky implementation will be introduced.

Microwave-assisted extraction of silkworm pupal oil and evaluation of its fatty acid composition, physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities.

PubMed

Hu, Bin; Li, Cheng; Zhang, Zhiqing; Zhao, Qing; Zhu, Yadong; Su, Zhao; Chen, Yizi

2017-09-15

Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of oil from silkworm pupae was firstly performed in the present research. The response surface methodology was applied to optimize the parameters for MAE. The yield of oil by MAE was 30.16% under optimal conditions of a mixed solvent consisting of ethanol and n-hexane (1:1, v/v), microwave power (360W), liquid to solid ratio (7.5/1mL/g), microwave time (29min). Moreover, oil extracted by MAE was quantitatively (yield) and qualitatively (fatty acid profile) similar to those obtained using Soxhlet extraction (SE), but oil extracted by MAE exhibited favourable physicochemical properties and oxidation stability. Additionally, oil extracted by MAE had a higher content of total phenolic, and it showed stronger antioxidant activities. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that microwave technique efficiently promoted the release of oil by breaking down the cell structure of silkworm pupae. Therefore, MAE can be an effective method for the silkworm pupal oil extraction. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A statistical technique for determining rainfall over land employing Nimbus-6 ESMR measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rodgers, E.; Siddalingaiah, H.; Chang, A. T. C.; Wilheit, T. T.

1978-01-01

At 37 GHz, the frequency at which the Nimbus 6 Electrically Scanning Microwave Radiometer (ESMR 6) measures upwelling radiance, it was shown theoretically that the atmospheric scattering and the relative independence on electromagnetic polarization of the radiances emerging from hydrometers make it possible to monitor remotely active rainfall over land. In order to verify experimentally these theoretical findings and to develop an algorithm to monitor rainfall over land, the digitized ESMR 6 measurements were examined statistically. Horizontally and vertically polarized brightness temperature pairs (TH, TV) from ESMR 6 were sampled for areas of rainfall over land as determined from the rain recording stations and the WSR 57 radar, and areas of wet and dry ground (whose thermodynamic temperatures were greater than 5 C) over the Southeastern United States. These three categories of brightness temperatures were found to be significantly different in the sense that the chances that the mean vectors of any two populations coincided were less than 1 in 100.

Phase resolved near-field imaging of propagating waves in infrared tapered slot antennas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Florence, Louis A.; Kinzel, Edward C.; Olmon, Robert L.; Ginn, James C.; Raschke, Markus B.; Boreman, Glenn D.

2012-11-01

Tapered slot antennas (TSAs) consist of a planar non-resonant structure which couples incident radiation to a propagating waveguide mode. They are commonly used at microwave and radio frequencies because they are fundamentally broadband and have small profiles. Because of their planar layout and broadband response they have recently been scaled to infrared frequencies where they have advantages for sensing and energy harvesting. We use scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM) to study the mode transformation of two types of TSA operating in the thermal infrared (λ0 = 10.6 μm) with respect to electric field amplitude and phase. The results agree well with simulation showing both the phase reversal across the tapered slot and the traveling of wave fronts along the tapered slot, yet they also reveal high sensitivity of device performance to inhomogeneities in the geometry or illumination. This study will aid future design and analysis of practical non-resonant antennas operating at optical and infrared frequencies.

Satellite-observed latent heat release in a tropical cyclone

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adler, R. F.; Rodgers, E. B.

1976-01-01

Earlier observational estimates of storm latent heat release (LHR) have been made using a moisture budget approach. The present paper summarizes results for the tropical cyclone Nora, using the electrically scanning microwave radiometer (ESMR) on Nimbus 5, on the basis of the theoretical brightness temperature/rainfall rate relationship for an assumed freezing level of 5 km. The LHR of the storm as a function of time for a circular area of radius 4 deg latitude positioned on the circulation center is discussed along with the calculated mean rain rate as a function of distance from the storm center. The contribution of the various magnitudes of rain rates to the total LHR of the storm is examined. It is concluded that the Nimbus 5 ESMR data can be used to determine the LHR characteristics of tropical cyclones and are potentially useful in the monitoring of such storms. The calculations for Typhoon Nora indicate that the LHR for the storm increases as the storm intensifies from a tropical disturbance to a typhoon.

Application of the Nimbus 5 ESMR to rainfall detection over land surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meneely, J. M.

1975-01-01

The ability of the Nimbus 5 Electrically Scanning Microwave Radiometer (ESMR) to detect rainfall over land surfaces was evaluated. The ESMR brightness temperatures (Tb sub B) were compared with rainfall reports from climatological stations for a limited number of rain events over portions of the U.S. The greatly varying emissivity of land surfaces precludes detection of actively raining areas. Theoretical calculations using a ten-layer atmospheric model showed this to be an expected result. Detection of rain which had fallen was deemed feasible over certain types of land surfaces by comparing the Tb sub B fields before and after the rain fell. This procedure is reliable only over relatively smooth terrain having a substantial fraction of bare soil, such as exists in major agricultural regions during the dormant or early growing seasons. Soil moisture budgets were computed at selected sites to show how the observed emissivity responded to changes in the moisture content of the upper soil zone.

Geological applications of Nimbus radiation data in Middle East

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allison, L. J.

1976-01-01

Plateaus of Eocene limestone and exposed limestone escarpments, in Egypt and Saudi Arabia respectively, were indicated by cool brightness temperatures T sub B (less than 240 to 265 K) by the Nimbus 5 electrically scanning microwave radiometer (ESMR) over a 2-year period. Nubian sandstone, desert eolian sand and igneous metamorphic rocks were differentiated from these limestone areas by warm T sub B values (more than 265 to 300 K). Cool T sub B values in the form of a V were found over broad areas of the Nile Valley and in the western desert of central Egypt. Similar cool T sub B values were shown over limestone-dolomitic hills of the interior Homocline and the Hadramawt plateau of Saudi Arabia. Nimbus 5 and 6 ESMR T sub B values selectively identified intermediate dense rock types (limestone versus sandstone/granite) in the Lake Nasser region whose thermal inertia ranged from 0.035 to 0.06 cal cm to minus 2 C sec 1/2 to minus one half.

Microwave conductance properties of aligned multiwall carbon nanotube textile sheets

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

Brown, Brian L.; Martinez, Patricia; Zakhidov, Anvar A.

2015-07-06

Understanding the conductance properties of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) textile sheets in the microwave regime is essential for their potential use in high-speed and high-frequency applications. To expand current knowledge, complex high-frequency conductance measurements from 0.01 to 50 GHz and across temperatures from 4.2 K to 300 K and magnetic fields up to 2 T were made on textile sheets of highly aligned MWNTs with strand alignment oriented both parallel and perpendicular to the microwave electric field polarization. Sheets were drawn from 329 and 520 μm high MWNT forests that resulted in different DC resistance anisotropy. For all samples, themore » microwave conductance can be modeled approximately by a shunt capacitance in parallel with a frequency-independent conductance, but with no inductive contribution. Finally, this is consistent with diffusive Drude conduction as the primary transport mechanism up to 50 GHz. Further, it is found that the microwave conductance is essentially independent of both temperature and magnetic field.« less

Hyperenergetic manned aerospacecraft propelled by intense pulsed microwave power beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Myrabo, Leik N.

1995-09-01

The objective of this research was to exploit wireless power transmission (microwave/millimeter)--to lower manned space transportation costs by two or three orders of magnitude. Concepts have been developed for lightweight, mass-producible, beam-propelled aerospacecraft called Lightcraft. The vehicles are designed for a 'mass-poor, energy-rich' (i.e. hyper-energentic flight infrastructure which utilizes remote microwave power stations to build an energy-beam highway to space. Although growth in laser power levels has lagged behind expectations, microwave and millimeter-wave source technology now exists for rapid scaling to the megawatt and gigawatt time-average power levels. The design exercise focused on the engine, structure, and receptive optics requirements for a 15 meter diameter, 5 person Earth- to-moon aerospacecraft. Key elements in the airbreathing accelerator propulsion system are: a) a 'flight-weight' 35GHz rectenna electric powerplant, b) microwave-induced 'Air Spike' and perimeter air-plasma generators, and c) MagnetoHydroDynamic-Fanjet engine with its superconducting magnets and external electrodes.

Studies on magnetocapacitance, dielectric, ferroelectric, and magnetic properties of microwave sintered (1-x) (Ba0.8Sr0.2TiO3) - x (Co0.9Ni0.1Fe2O4) multiferroic composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mane, Sagar M.; Tirmali, Pravin M.; Ranjit, Bhakti; Khan, Madiha; Khan, Nargis; Tarale, Arjun N.; Kulkarni, Shrinivas B.

2018-07-01

Present paper reports the synthesis of multiferroic composite (1-x) [Ba0.8Sr0.2Ti)O3]-x[Co0.9Ni0.1Fe2O4] were x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4. Both phases of the composite i.e. ferroelectric (BST) and ferrite (CNFO) are synthesized via hydroxide co-precipitation method followed by microwave sintering technique at 1100 °C. These composites were characterized for their structural, microstructural, dielectric analysis, magnetodielectric (MD) effect and ferroelectric properties. Presence of both the phases ferroelectric (BST) and ferromagnetic (CNFO) are confirmed by the x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopic analysis. Maxwell-Wagner type dielectric dispersion is observed in frequency dependent dielectric measurement. Temperature-dependent dielectric properties were measured from 25 °C to 500 °C at various applied frequencies. Ferroelectric behavior in the composites was confirmed by the polarization vs. Electric field analysis. The magnetodielectric effect was studied in the presence of applied magnetic field from 0 to 1 Tesla. Magnetocapacitance (%) increases with increase in the ferrite concentration in the ferroelectric phase. The maximum percentage of magnetocapacitance is observed in 60BST-40CNFO composite which is MC = 30% at the frequency 1 KHz with the applied magnetic field is 1-Tesla. Room temperature magnetic hysteresis loops show an increase in saturation magnetization (Ms) with an increase in ferrite concentration.

Direct Electrical Probing of Periodic Modulation of Zinc-Dopant Distributions in Planar Gallium Arsenide Nanowires.

PubMed

Choi, Wonsik; Seabron, Eric; Mohseni, Parsian K; Kim, Jeong Dong; Gokus, Tobias; Cernescu, Adrian; Pochet, Pascal; Johnson, Harley T; Wilson, William L; Li, Xiuling

2017-02-28

Selective lateral epitaxial (SLE) semiconductor nanowires (NWs), with their perfect in-plane epitaxial alignment, ability to form lateral complex p-n junctions in situ, and compatibility with planar processing, are a distinctive platform for next-generation device development. However, the incorporation and distribution of impurity dopants in these planar NWs via the vapor-liquid-solid growth mechanism remain relatively unexplored. Here, we present a detailed study of SLE planar GaAs NWs containing multiple alternating axial segments doped with Si and Zn impurities by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. The dopant profile of the lateral multi-p-n junction GaAs NWs was imaged simultaneously with nanowire topography using scanning microwave impedance microscopy and correlated with infrared scattering-type near-field optical microscopy. Our results provide unambiguous evidence that Zn dopants in the periodically twinned and topologically corrugated p-type segments are preferentially segregated at twin plane boundaries, while Si impurity atoms are uniformly distributed within the n-type segments of the NWs. These results are further supported by microwave impedance modulation microscopy. The density functional theory based modeling shows that the presence of Zn dopant atoms reduces the formation energy of these twin planes, and the effect becomes significantly stronger with a slight increase of Zn concentration. This implies that the twin formation is expected to appear when a threshold planar concentration of Zn is achieved, making the onset and twin periodicity dependent on both Zn concentration and nanowire diameter, in perfect agreement with our experimental observations.

Novel tannin-based Si, P co-doped carbon for supercapacitor applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramasahayam, Sunil Kumar; Nasini, Udaya B.; Shaikh, Ali U.; Viswanathan, Tito

2015-02-01

Increasing environmental pollution and population compounded by a decrease in the availability of non-renewable resources and fossil fuels has propelled the need for sustainable alternate energy storage technologies particularly in the last two decades. An attempt to meet this crisis was carried out by a unique, microwave-assisted method which has enabled the generation of a novel Si, P co-doped carbon (SiPDC) for supercapacitor applications. The microwave-assisted method is useful in developing SiPDC at a rapid and economical fashion that does not employ any inert or reducing gases, but is high yielding. Varying proportions of precursor materials were utilized to generate four SiPDCs (SiPDC-1, SiPDC-2, SiPDC-3 and SiPDC-4) with varying contents of dopants as evidenced by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) results. Surface area and pore size analysis revealed that SiPDC-2 has a surface area of 641.51 m2 g-1, abundant micropores, mesopores and macropores which are critical for electrical double layer capacitance (EDLC). Of all the SiPDCs, SiPDC-2 exhibited highest capacitance of 276 F g-1 in 1 M H2SO4 and 244 F g-1 in 6 M KOH at a scan rate of 5 mV s-1. Galvanostatic charge-discharge studies performed in 6 M KOH establish the high capacitance of SiPDC-2. SiPDC-2 also exhibited excellent electrochemical stability in 1 M H2SO4 and 6 M KOH.

Process for manufacturing multilayer capacitors

DOEpatents

Lauf, R.J.; Holcombe, C.E.; Dykes, N.L.

1996-01-02

The invention is directed to a method of manufacture of multilayer electrical components, especially capacitors, and components made by such a method. High capacitance dielectric materials and low cost metallizations layered with such dielectrics may be fabricated as multilayer electrical components by sintering the metallizations and the dielectrics during the fabrication process by application of microwave radiation. 4 figs.

Large Antenna Multifrequency Microwave Radiometer (LAMMR) system design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

King, J. L.

1980-01-01

The large Antenna Multifrequency Microwave Radiometer (LAMMR) is a high resolution 4 meter aperture scanning radiometer system designed to determine sea surface temperature and wind speed, atmospheric water vapor and liquid water, precipitation, and various sea ice parameters by interpreting brightness temperature images from low Earth orbiting satellites. The LAMMR with dual linear horizontal and vertical polarization radiometer channels from 1.4 to 91 GHZ can provide multidiscipline data with resolutions from 105 to 7 km. The LAMMR baseline radiometer system uses total power radiometers to achieve delta T's in the 0.5 to 1.7 K range and system calibration accuracies in the 1 to 2 deg range. A cold sky horn/ambient load two point calibration technique is used in this baseline concept and the second detector output uses an integrated and dump circuit to sample the scanning cross-tract resolution cells.

Passive microwave mapping of ice thickness. Final Report. Ph.D. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Apinis, J. J.; Peake, W. H.

1976-01-01

Basic calculations are presented for evaluating the feasibility of a scanning microwave radiometer system for mapping the thickness of lake ice. An analytical model for the apparent brightness temperature as a function of ice thickness has been developed, and elaborated to include such variables as galactic and atmospheric noise, aspect angle, polarization, temperature gradient in the ice, the presence of transition layers such as snow, slush, and water, increased loss due to air inclusions in the ice layer, and the presence of multiple ice thicknesses within the antenna footprint. It was found that brightness temperature measurements at six or seven frequencies in the range of 0.4 to 0.7 GHz were required to obtain unambiquous thickness estimates. A number of data processing methods were examined. The effects of antenna beamwidth, scanning rate, receiver bandwidth, noise figure, and integration time were studied.