Hypervelocity impact microfoil perforations in the LEO space environment (LDEF, MAP AO-023 experiment)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcdonnell, J. A. M.; Stevenson, T. J.

1992-01-01

The Microabrasion Foil Experiment comprises arrays of frames, each supporting two layers of closely spaced metallic foils and a back-stop plate. The arrays, deploying aluminum and brass foil ranging from 1.5 to some 30 microns were exposed for 5.78 years on NASA's LDEF at a mean altitude of 458 km. They were deployed on the North, South, East, West, and Space pointing faces; results presented comprise the perforation rates for each location as a function of foil thickness. Initial results refer primarily to aluminum of 5 microns thickness or greater. This penetration distribution, comprising 2,342 perforations in total, shows significantly differing characteristics for each detector face. The anisotropy confirms, incorporating the dynamics of particulate orbital mechanics, the dominance of incorporating extraterrestrial particulates penetrating thicknesses greater than 20 microns in Al foil, yielding fluxes compatible with hyperbolic geocentric velocities. For thinner foils, a disproportionate increase in flux of particles on the East, North, and South faces shows the presence of orbital particulates which exceed the extraterrestrial component perforation rate at 5 micron foil thickness by a factor of approx. 4.

Effects of Palagonitic Dust Coatings on Visible, Near-IR, and Mossbauer Spectra of Rocks and Minerals: Implication for Mineralogical Remote Sensing of Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morris, R.; Graff, T. G.; Shelfer, T. D.; Bell, J. F., III

2001-01-01

Visible, near-IR, and Mossbauer measurements on dust coated rocks and minerals show that a 300 5m thick layer is required to obscure the substrate for VNIR measurements and that a greater than 2000-micron-thick layer is required to obscure the substrate for Mossbauer measurements. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Defect Induced Mix Experiments (DIME) for NIF

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmitt, Mark; Bradley, Paul; Cobble, James; Hsu, Scott; Krasheninnikova, Natalia; Magelssen, Glenn; Murphy, Thomas; Obrey, Kimberly; Tregillis, Ian; Wysocki, Frederick

2011-10-01

Los Alamos National Laboratory will be performing FY12 NIF experiments using polar direct drive to measure the effects of high mode number defects on ICF implosion hydrodynamics and yield. The effect of equatorial groove features will be assessed using both x-ray backlighting and spectrally resolved imaging of higher-Z dopant layers in 2.2 mm diameter (30 microns thick) CH capsules using a multiple monochromatic imager (MMI). By placing thin, 2 micron thick, layers containing ~1.5% of either Ge or Se at different depths in the capsule, we will be able to characterize the mixing and heating of these layers in both perturbed and unperturbed regions of the capsule. Precursor experiments have been performed on Omega to validate these measurement methods using Ti and V layers. An overview of our current results from Omega and design efforts for NIF will be presented. Work performed by Los Alamos National Laboratory under contract DE-AC52-06NA25396 for the National Nuclear Security Administration of the U.S. Department of Energy.

AlGaN materials for semiconductor sensors and emitters in 200- to 365-nm range

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Usikov, Alexander S.; Shapvalova, Elizaveta V.; Melnik, Yuri V.; Ivantsov, Vladimir A.; Dmitriev, Vladimir A.; Collins, Charles J.; Sampath, Anand V.; Garrett, Gregory A.; Shen, Paul H.; Wraback, Michael

2004-12-01

In this paper we report on the fabrication and characterization of GaN, AlGaN, and AlN layers grown by hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE). The layers were grown on 2-inch and 4-inch sapphire and 2-inch silicon carbide substrates. Thickness of the GaN layers was varied from 2 to 80 microns. Surface roughness, Rms, for the smoothest GaN layers was less than 0.5 nm, as measured by AFM using 10 μm x 10 μm scans. Background Nd-Na concentration for undoped GaN layers was less than 1x1016 cm-3. For n-type GaN layers doped with Si, concentration Nd-Na was controlled from 1016 to 1019 cm-3. P-type GaN layers were fabricated using Mg doping with concentration Na-Nd ranging from 4x1016 to 3x1018 cm-3, for various samples. Zn doping also resulted in p-type GaN formation with concnetration ND-NA in the 1017 cm-3 range. UV transmission, photoluminescence, and crystal structure of AlGaN layers with AlN concentration up to 85 mole.% were studied. Dependence of optical band gap on AlGaN alloy composition was measured for the whole composition range. Thick (up to 75 microns) crack-free AlN layers were grown on SiC substrates. Etch pit density for such thick AlN layers was in the 107 cm-2 range.

Epitaxial growth of 6H silicon carbide in the temperature range 1320 C to 1390 C

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Will, H. A.; Powell, J. A.

1974-01-01

High-quality epitaxial layers of 6H SiC have been grown on 6H SiC substrates with the grown direction perpendicular to the crystal c-axis. The growth was by chemical vapor deposition from methyltrichlorosilane (CH3SiCl3) in hydrogen at temperatures in the range of 1320 to 1390 C. Epitaxial layers up to 80 microns thick were grown at rates of 0.4 microns/min. Attempts at growth on the (0001) plane of 6H SiC substrates under similar conditions resulted in polycrystalline cubic SiC layers. Optical and X-ray diffraction techniques were used to characterize the grown layers.

Miniregoliths. I - Dusty lunar rocks and lunar soil layers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Comstock, G. M.

1978-01-01

A detailed Monte-Carlo model for rock surface evolution shows that erosion processes alone cannot account for the shapes of the solar flare particle track profiles generally observed at depths of about 100 microns and less in rocks. The observed profiles are easily explained by a steady accumulation of fine dust at a rate of 0.3 to 3 mm per m.y., depending on the micrometeoroid impact rate which controls the dust cover and results in maximum dust thicknesses on the order of 100 microns to 1 mm. The commonly used lunar soil track parameters are derived in terms of parameters characterizing the exposure of soil grains in the few-millimeter-thick surface mixing and maturation zone which is one form of miniregolith. Correlation plots permit determining the degree of mixing in soil samples and the amount of processing (maturation) in surface miniregoliths. It is shown that the sampling process often artificially mixes together finer distinct layers, and that ancient miniregolith layers on the order of a millimeter thick are probably common in the lunar soil.

Progress in developing ultrathin solar cell blanket technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patterson, R. E.; Mesch, H. G.; Scott-Monck, J.

1984-01-01

A program was conducted to develop technologies for welding interconnects to three types of 50-micron-thick, 2 by 2-cm solar cells. Parallel-gap resistance welding was used for interconnect attachment. Weld schedules were independently developed for each of the three cell types and were coincidentally identical. Six 48-cell modules were assembled with 50-micron (nominal) thick cells, frosted fused-silica covers, silver-plated Invar interconnectors, and four different substrate designs. Three modules (one for each cell type) have single-layer Kapton (50-micron-thick) substrates. The other three modules each have a different substrate (Kapton-Kevlar-Kapton, Kapton-graphite-Kapton, and Kapton-graphite-aluminum honeycomb-graphite). All six modules were subjected to 4112 thermal cycles from -175 to 65 C (corresponding to over 40 years of simulated geosynchronous orbit thermal cycling) and experienced only negligible electrical degradation (1.1 percent average of six 48-cell modules).

Large Format Transition Edge Sensor Microcalorimeter Arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chervenak, J. A.; Adams, J. A.; Bandler, S. b.; Busch, S. E.; Eckart, M. E.; Ewin, A. E.; Finkbeiner, F. M.; Kilbourne, C. A.; Kelley, R. L.; Porst, J. P.;

Production of Ti-C presolar carbide grain analogies and its infrared spectra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kimura, Y.; Ikegami, A.; Tanigaki, T.; Ishikawa, M.; Sato, T.; Suzuki, H.; Kido, O.; Kaito, C.

The infrared emission of the circumstellar environment of carbon-rich stars and dense molecular cloud cores is believed to be dominated by the emissivity of carbon dust. The origins of absorption peaks will be identified on the basis of laboratory studies. Important factors in the determination of absorption features are size, shape and structure of the grain (Bohren and Huffman, 1983). Therefore, the production of presolar grain analogy is important for the identification of the observation spectra. Recently, we succeeded in the formation of Si-, Ti- and Zr-C grains of the order of 50 nm by advanced gas evaporation method. We have started to obtain characteristic data of carbide grains in laboratory experiments. The spectra from ultraviolet to infrared of samples embedded in KBr pellets are presented. In the present study, we will elucidate the correlation between the size of TiC grain or thickness of the carbon mantle layer and spectra of TiC core-carbon mantle grains. Because TiC is one of the candidates of 21 micron feature. The absorption peaks of TiC core (50 nm)-carbon mantle (2 nm) grains were found to be at 9.5 and 12.5 microns. When the thickness of the mantle layer increased to 15 nm, the peak at 12.5 microns disappeared and the peak at 9.5 microns was significantly weakened. These results are similar to the calculated result for SiC core-carbon mantle grains, i.e., increased thickness of the mantle layer weakens the spectrum intensity (Kozasa et al., 1996). The 20.1 micron absorption feature never appeared, even if the same size grains seen in meteorites were produced. Moreover, the infrared spectra were observed when the size of TiC grains was smaller than presolar grain. Carbon was deposited on the surface of Ti grains. Then, TiC nanocrystallites with the size of 2-3 nm were produced by the diffusion of Ti and/or carbon. The new absorption feature was appeared at 14 microns. The 12.5 micron absorption was hardly seen. If the samples are heated at 700circC for 1h, crystallites size of TiC was increased to about 5 nm. The absorption feature at 14 microns was weaken. It was concluded that the infrared absorption feature was depend on the crystallites size.

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

Zhang, Jiandong; Neeway, James J.; Zhang, Yanyan

Glass particles with dimensions typically ranging from tens to hundreds of microns are often used in glass corrosion research in order to accelerate testing. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional nanoscale imaging techniques are badly needed to characterize the alteration layers at the surfaces of these corroded glass particles. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) can provide a lateral resolution as low as ~100 nm, and, compared to other imaging techniques, is sensitive to elements lighter than carbon. Here, we used ToF-SIMS to characterize the alteration layers of corroded international simple glass (ISG) particles. At most particle surfaces, we observed inhomogeneous or nomore » alteration layers, indicating that the thickness of the alterations layers may be too thin to be observable by ToF-SIMS imaging. Relatively thick (e.g., 1–10 µm) alteration layers were inhomogeneously distributed at a small portion of surfaces.Interestingly, some large-size (tens of microns) glass particles were fully altered. Above observations suggest that weak attachment and the defects on ISG particle surfaces play an important role in ISG glass corrosion.« less

Development of Resistive Electrode Gas Electron Multiplier (RE-GEM)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yoshikawa, A.; Tamagawa, T.; Iwahashi, T.; Asami, F.; Takeuchi, Y.; Hayato, A.; Hamagaki, H.; Gunji, T.; Akimoto, R.; Nukariya, A.;

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

None

Films of cadmium sulfide and cadmium telluride have been produced by screen printing and sintering. Cadmium sulfide films ten microns thick had a resistivity in the 10 ohm-cm range. A technique was developed for forming a cadmium telluride layer on top of a cadmium sulfide layer. Process control and device preparation are areas requiring further study.

Large-area few-layer hexagonal boron nitride prepared by quadrupole field aided exfoliation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lun Lu, Han; Zhi Rong, Min; Qiu Zhang, Ming

2018-03-01

A quadrupole electric field-mediated exfoliation method is proposed to convert micron-sized hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) powder into few-layer hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (h-BNNS). Under optimum conditions (400 Hz, 40 V, 32 μg ml-1, sodium deoxycholate, TAE medium), the h-BN powders (thickness >200 nm, horizontal scale ˜10 μm) are successfully exfoliated into 0.5-4 nm (1-10 layers) thick h-BNNS with the same horizontal scale. Dynamic laser scattering and atomic force microscope data show that the yield is 47.6% (for the portion with the thickness of 0.5-6 nm), and all of the vertical sizes are reduced to smaller than 18 nm (45 layers).

Eimeria peltocephali n. sp., (Apicomplexa:Eimeriidae) from the freshwater turtle Peltocephalus dumerilianus (Chelonia:Pelomusidae) and Eimeria molossi n. sp., from the bat, Molossus ater (Mammalia:Chiroptera).

PubMed

Lainson, R; Naiff, R D

1998-01-01

The oocyst is described of Eimeria peltocephali n.sp. from faeces of the freshwater turtle Peltocephalus dumerilianus from Barcelos, State of Amazonas, Brazil. Sporulation is exogenous and fully developed oocysts are elongate, ellipsoidal or cylindrical, frequently curved to a banana-shape, 54.4 x 19.1 (37.5-68.7 x 18.7-20.0 microns), shape-index 2.8 (1.8-3.9). The oocyst wall is a single thin, colourless layer about 1 micron thick, with no micropyle. There is a bulky oocyst residuum, at first spherical to ellipsoidal, 19 x 16 (16.2-26.2 x 16-21.5 microns), but becoming dispersed on maturation. There are no polar bodies. The sporocysts, 19.1 x 6.8 (17.5-21.2 x 6.2-7.5 microns), shape-index 2.8 (2.3-3.2), are usually disposed in pairs at each end of the oocyst, and bear an inconspicuous Stieda body in the form of a flat cap. The sporozoites are elongate and slightly curved around the residuum. No refractile bodies were seen. Eimeria molossi n.sp., is described from the molossid bat Molossus ater. Sporulation is exogenous and the mature oocysts are predominantly broadly ellipsoidal, 23.4 x 17.5 (18-30 x 15-22.5 microns), shape-index 1.3 (1-1.6). The oocyst wall is about 2 microns thick, and of three layers: an inner thin, colourless one and two outer layers which are thicker, yellowish-brown, prominently striated and in close apposition. There is no micropyle or oocyst residuum, but one and occasionally two polar bodies are usually present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, 10.2 x 7.5 (10-12.5 x 7.5 microns), shape-index 1.4 (1.3-1.7) with an inconspicuous Stieda body. Endogenous stages are described in the epithelial cells of the small intestine.

Nanoscale imaging of alteration layers of corroded international simple glass particles using ToF-SIMS

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Jiandong; Neeway, James J.; Zhang, Yanyan; ...

2017-02-24

Glass particles with dimensions typically ranging from tens to hundreds of microns are often used in glass corrosion research in order to accelerate testing. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional nanoscale imaging techniques are badly needed to characterize the alteration layers at the surfaces of these corroded glass particles. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) can provide a lateral resolution as low as ~100 nm, and, compared to other imaging techniques, is sensitive to elements lighter than carbon. Here, we used ToF-SIMS to characterize the alteration layers of corroded international simple glass (ISG) particles. At most particle surfaces, we observed inhomogeneous or nomore » alteration layers, indicating that the thickness of the alterations layers may be too thin to be observable by ToF-SIMS imaging. Relatively thick (e.g., 1–10 µm) alteration layers were inhomogeneously distributed at a small portion of surfaces.Interestingly, some large-size (tens of microns) glass particles were fully altered. Above observations suggest that weak attachment and the defects on ISG particle surfaces play an important role in ISG glass corrosion.« less

Applying a uniform layer of disinfectant by wiping.

PubMed

Cooper, D W

2000-01-01

Disinfection or sterilization often requires applying a film of liquid to a surface, frequently done by using a wiper as the applicator. The wiper must not only hold a convenient amount of liquid, it must deposit it readily and uniformly. Contact time is critical to disinfection efficacy. Evaporation can limit the contact time. To lengthen the contact time, thickly applied layers are generally preferred. The thickness of such layers can be determined by using dyes or other tracers, as long as the tracers do not significantly affect the liquid's surface tension and viscosity and thus do not affect the thickness of the applied layer. Alternatively, as done here, the thickness of the layer can be inferred from the weight loss of the wiper. Results are reported of experiments on thickness of the layers applied under various conditions. Near saturation, hydrophilic polyurethane foam wipers gave layers roughly 10 microns thick, somewhat less than expected from hydrodynamic theory, but more than knitted polyester or woven cotton. Wipers with large liquid holding capacity, refilled often, should produce more nearly uniform layers. Higher pressures increase saturation in the wiper, tending to thicken the layer, but higher pressures also force liquid from the interface, tending to thin the layer, so the net result could be thicker or thinner layers, and there is likely to be an optimal pressure.

Self-contained sub-millimeter wave rectifying antenna integrated circuit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Siegel, Peter H. (Inventor)

2004-01-01

The invention is embodied in a monolithic semiconductor integrated circuit in which is formed an antenna, such as a slot dipole antenna, connected across a rectifying diode. In the preferred embodiment, the antenna is tuned to received an electromagnetic wave of about 2500 GHz so that the device is on the order of a wavelength in size, or about 200 microns across and 30 microns thick. This size is ideal for mounting on a microdevice such as a microrobot for example. The antenna is endowed with high gain in the direction of the incident radiation by providing a quarter-wavelength (30 microns) thick resonant cavity below the antenna, the cavity being formed as part of the monolithic integrated circuit. Preferably, the integrated circuit consists of a thin gallium arsenide membrane overlying the resonant cavity and supporting an epitaxial Gallium Arsenide semiconductor layer. The rectifying diode is a Schottky diode formed in the GaAs semiconductor layer and having an area that is a very small fraction of the wavelength of the 2500 GHz incident radiation. The cavity provides high forward gain in the antenna and isolation from surrounding structure.

The formation of hydrogen permeation barriers on steels by aluminising

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Forcey, K. S.; Ross, D. K.; Wu, C. H.

1991-06-01

An extensive investigation has been carried out into the effectiveness of aluminised layers as permeation barriers on AISI 316L stainless and DIN 1.4914 martensitic steels. The study involved measurement of the hydrogen permeation rate through commercially aluminised steel discs of thicknesses in the range 1-1.6 mm, at temperatures between 250 and 600 °C and for an upstream hydrogen pressure of 10 5 Pa. The composition and structure of the aluminide layers were investigated by a number of techniques such as SEM, electron beam microprobe and X-ray diffraction. Accelerator based techniques such as RBS and NRA were employed to study the top micron or so of the surfaces of the samples. By these techniques it was found that the effectiveness of the permeation barrier depended on the formation of a thin surface oxide layer consisting of Al 2O 3. It was found that the permeation rate through the aluminised steels could be reduced by 3-4 orders of magnitude by forming a surface oxide layer up to a micron or so in thickness.

Effects of Laser Wavelength on Ablator Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

White, Susan M.

2014-01-01

Wavelength-dependent or spectral radiation effects are potentially significant for thermal protection materials. NASA atmospheric entry simulations include trajectories with significant levels of shock layer radiation which is concentrated in narrow spectral lines. Tests using two different high powered lasers, the 10.6 micron LHMEL I CO2 laser and the near-infrared 1.07 micron fiber laser, on low density ablative thermal protection materials offer a unique opportunity to evaluate spectral effects. Test results indicated that the laser wavelength can impact the thermal response of an ablative material, in terms of bond-line temperatures, penetration times, mass losses, and char layer thicknesses.

Experimental study of the polymer powder film thickness uniformity produced by the corona discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fazlyyyakhmatov, Marsel

2017-01-01

The results of an experimental study of the polymer powder film thickness uniformity are presented. Polymer powder films are produced by the electrostatic field of corona discharge. Epoxy and epoxy-polyester powder films with thickness in the range of 30-120 microns are studied. Experimentally confirmed possibility of using these coatings as protective matching layer of piezoceramic transducers at frequencies of 0.5-15 MHz.

Large Area Few Layers Hexagonal Boron Nitride Prepared by Quadrupole Field Aided Exfoliation.

PubMed

Hanlun, Lu; Rong, Min Zhi; Zhang, Ming Qiu

2018-01-16

A quadrupole electric field mediated exfoliation method is proposed to convert micron sized hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) powders into few layers hexagonal boron nitride nano-sheets (h-BNNS). Under the optimum conditions (400 Hz, 40 V, 32μg/mL, sodium deoxycholate, TAE medium), the hBN powders (thickness > 200 nm, horizontal scale ~ 10 μm) are successfully exfoliated into 0.5-4 nm (1-10 layers) thick h-BNNS with the same horizontal scale. Dynamic laser scattering (DLS) and atomic force microscope (AFM) statistics show that the yield is 47.6 % (for the portion with the thickness of 0.5-6 nm), and all of the vertical sizes are reduced to smaller than 18 nm (45 layers). © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Water frost and ice - The near-infrared spectral reflectance 0.65-2.5 microns. [observed on natural satellites and other solar system objects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clark, R. N.

1981-01-01

The spectral reflectance of water frost and frost on ice as a function of temperature and grain size is presented with 1-1/2% spectral resolution in the 0.65- to 2.5-micron wavelength region. The well-known 2.0-, 1.65-, and 1.5-micron solid water absorption bands are precisely defined along with the little studied 1.25-micron band and the previously unidentified (in reflectance) 1.04-, 0.90-, and 0.81-micron absorption bands. The 1.5-microns band complex is quantitatively analyzed using a nonlinear least squares algorithm to resolve the band into four Gaussian components as a function of grain size and temperature. It is found that the 1.65-micron component, which was thought to be a good temperature sensor, is highly grain-size dependent and poorly suited to temperature sensing. Another Gaussian component appears to show a dependence of width on grain size while being independent of temperature. The relative apparent band depths are different for frost layers on ice than for thick layers of frost and may explain the apparent band depths seen in many planetary reflectance spectra.

The Effects of an Absorbing Smoke Layer on MODIS Marine Boundary Layer Cloud Optical Property Retrievals and Radiative Forcing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyer, Kerry; Platnick, Steven

2012-01-01

Clouds, aerosols, and their interactions are widely considered to be key uncertainty components in our current understanding of the Earth's atmosphere and radiation budget. The work presented here is focused on the quasi-permanent marine boundary layer . (MBL) clouds off the southern Atlantic coast of Africa and the effects on MODIS cloud optical property retrievals (MOD06) of an overlying absorbing smoke layer. During much of August and September, a persistent smoke layer resides over this region, produced from extensive biomass burning throughout the southern African savanna. The resulting absorption, which increases with decreasing wavelength, potentially introduces biases into the MODIS cloud optical property retrievals of the underlying MBL clouds. This effect is more pronounced in the cloud optical thickness retrievals, which over ocean are derived from the wavelength channel centered near 0.86 micron (effective particle size retrievals are derived from the longer-wavelength near-IR channels at 1.6, 2.1, and 3.7 microns). Here, the spatial distributions of the scalar statistics of both the cloud and aerosol layers are first determined from the CALIOP 5 km layer products. Next, the MOD06 look-up tables (LUTs) are adjusted by inserting an absorbing smoke layer of varying optical thickness over the cloud. Retrievals are subsequently performed for a subset of MODIS pixels collocated with the CALIOP ground track, using smoke optical thickness from the CALIOP 5km aerosol layer product to select the appropriate LUT. The resulting differences in cloud optical property retrievals due to the inclusion of the smoke layer in the LUTs will be examined. In addition, the direct radiative forcing of this smoke layer will be investigated from the perspective of the cloud optical property retrieval differences.

Experimental Performance of a Micromachined Heat Flux Sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stefanescu, S.; DeAnna, R. G.; Mehregany, M.

1998-01-01

Steady-state and frequency response calibration of a microfabricated heat-flux sensor have been completed. This sensor is batch fabricated using standard, micromachining techniques, allowing both miniaturization and the ability to create arrays of sensors and their corresponding interconnects. Both high-frequency and spatial response is desired, so the sensors are both thin and of small cross-sectional area. Thin-film, temperature-sensitive resistors are used as the active gauge elements. Two sensor configurations are investigated: (1) a Wheatstone-bridge using four resistors; and (2) a simple, two-resistor design. In each design, one resistor (or pair) is covered by a thin layer (5000 A) thermal barrier; the other resistor (or pair) is covered by a thick (5 microns) thermal barrier. The active area of a single resistor is 360 microns by 360 microns; the total gauge area is 1.5 mm square. The resistors are made of 2000 A-thick metal; and the entire gauge is fabricated on a 25 microns-thick flexible, polyimide substrate. Heat flux through the surface changes the temperature of the resistors and produces a corresponding change in resistance. Sensors were calibrated using two radiation heat sources: (1) a furnace for steady-state, and (2) a light and chopper for frequency response.

Automated assembly of Gallium Arsenide and 50-micron thick silicon solar cell modules

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mesch, H. G.

1984-01-01

The TRW automated solar array assembly equipment was used for the module assembly of 300 GaAs solar cells and 300 50 micron thick silicon solar cells (2 x 4 cm in size). These cells were interconnected with silver plated Invar tabs by means of welding. The GaAs cells were bonded to Kapton graphite aluminum honeycomb graphite substrates and the thin silicon cells were bonded to 0.002 inch thick single layer Kapton substrates. The GaAs solar cell module assembly resulted in a yield of 86% and the thin cell assembly produced a yield of 46% due to intermittent sticking of weld electrodes during the front cell contact welding operation. (Previously assembled thin cell solar modules produced an overall assembly yield of greater than 80%).

Polymerization contraction stress in thin resin composite layers as a function of layer thickness.

PubMed

Alster, D; Feilzer, A J; de Gee, A J; Davidson, C L

1997-05-01

In the present study, the effect of layer thickness on the curing stress in thin resin composite layers was investigated. Since the value of the contraction stress is dependent on the compliance of the measuring equipment (especially for thin films), a method to determine the compliance of the test apparatus was tested. A chemically initiated resin composite (Clearfil F2, Kuraray) was inserted between two sandblasted and silane-coated stainless steel discs in a tensilometer. The curing contraction of the cylindrical samples was continuously counteracted by feedback displacement of the tensilometer crosshead, and the curing stress development was registered. After 20 min, the samples were loaded in tension until fracture. The curing stress was determined for layer thicknesses of 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 microns, 1.4 mm and 2.7 mm. The compliance of the apparatus was calculated with the aid of a non-linear regression analysis, using an equation derived from Hooke's Law as the model. None of the samples fractured due to contraction stress prior to tensile loading. The contraction stress after 20 min decreased from 23.3 +/- 5.3 MPa for the 50 microns layer to 5.5 +/- 0.6 MPa for the 2.7 mm layer. The compliance on the apparatus was 0.029 mm/MPa. A measuring method was developed which was found to be suitable for the determination of axial polymerization contraction stress in this films of chemically initiated resin composites. The method makes it possible to estimate the stress levels that occur in resin composite films in the clinical situation.

Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Dominated Micron-Wide Stripe Patterned-Based Ferroelectric Field-Effect Transistors with HfO2 Defect Control Layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, Qiuhong; Wang, Qianjin; Liu, Yingkai; Yan, Hailong; Cai, Wude; Yang, Zhikun

2018-04-01

Ferroelectric field-effect transistors (FeFETs) with single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) dominated micron-wide stripe patterned as channel, (Bi,Nd)4Ti3O12 films as insulator, and HfO2 films as defect control layer were developed and fabricated. The prepared SWCNT-FeFETs possess excellent properties such as large channel conductance, high on/off current ratio, high channel carrier mobility, great fatigue endurance performance, and data retention. Despite its thin capacitance equivalent thickness, the gate insulator with HfO2 defect control layer shows a low leakage current density of 3.1 × 10-9 A/cm2 at a gate voltage of - 3 V.

Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Dominated Micron-Wide Stripe Patterned-Based Ferroelectric Field-Effect Transistors with HfO2 Defect Control Layer.

PubMed

Tan, Qiuhong; Wang, Qianjin; Liu, Yingkai; Yan, Hailong; Cai, Wude; Yang, Zhikun

2018-04-27

Ferroelectric field-effect transistors (FeFETs) with single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) dominated micron-wide stripe patterned as channel, (Bi,Nd) 4 Ti 3 O 12 films as insulator, and HfO 2 films as defect control layer were developed and fabricated. The prepared SWCNT-FeFETs possess excellent properties such as large channel conductance, high on/off current ratio, high channel carrier mobility, great fatigue endurance performance, and data retention. Despite its thin capacitance equivalent thickness, the gate insulator with HfO 2 defect control layer shows a low leakage current density of 3.1 × 10 -9  A/cm 2 at a gate voltage of - 3 V.

Process for the deposition of high temperature stress and oxidation resistant coatings on silicon-based substrates

DOEpatents

Sarin, V.K.

1991-07-30

A process is disclosed for depositing a high temperature stress and oxidation resistant coating on a silicon nitride- or silicon carbide-based substrate body. A gas mixture is passed over the substrate at about 900--1500 C and about 1 torr to about ambient pressure. The gas mixture includes one or more halide vapors with other suitable reactant gases. The partial pressure ratios, flow rates, and process times are sufficient to deposit a continuous, fully dense, adherent coating. The halide and other reactant gases are gradually varied during deposition so that the coating is a graded coating of at least two layers. Each layer is a graded layer changing in composition from the material over which it is deposited to the material of the layer and further to the material, if any, deposited thereon, so that no clearly defined compositional interfaces exist. The gases and their partial pressures are varied according to a predetermined time schedule and the halide and other reactant gases are selected so that the layers include (a) an adherent, continuous intermediate layer about 0.5-20 microns thick of an aluminum nitride or an aluminum oxynitride material, over and chemically bonded to the substrate body, and (b) an adherent, continuous first outer layer about 0.5-900 microns thick including an oxide of aluminum or zirconium over and chemically bonded to the intermediate layer.

Process for the deposition of high temperature stress and oxidation resistant coatings on silicon-based substrates

DOEpatents

Sarin, Vinod K.

1991-01-01

A process for depositing a high temperature stress and oxidation resistant coating on a silicon nitride- or silicon carbide-based substrate body. A gas mixture is passed over the substrate at about 900.degree.-1500.degree. C. and about 1 torr to about ambient pressure. The gas mixture includes one or more halide vapors with other suitable reactant gases. The partial pressure ratios, flow rates, and process times are sufficient to deposit a continuous, fully dense, adherent coating. The halide and other reactant gases are gradually varied during deposition so that the coating is a graded coating of at least two layers. Each layer is a graded layer changing in composition from the material over which it is deposited to the material of the layer and further to the material, if any, deposited thereon, so that no clearly defined compositional interfaces exist. The gases and their partial pressures are varied according to a predetermined time schedule and the halide and other reactant gases are selected so that the layers include (a) an adherent, continuous intermediate layer about 0.5-20 microns thick of an aluminum nitride or an aluminum oxynitride material, over and chemically bonded to the substrate body, and (b) an adherent, continuous first outer layer about 0.5-900 microns thick including an oxide of aluminum or zirconium over and chemically bonded to the intermediate layer.

Plasma Spray-Physical Vapor Deposition (PS-PVD) of Ceramics for Protective Coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harder, Bryan J.; Zhu, Dongming

2011-01-01

In order to generate advanced multilayer thermal and environmental protection systems, a new deposition process is needed to bridge the gap between conventional plasma spray, which produces relatively thick coatings on the order of 125-250 microns, and conventional vapor phase processes such as electron beam physical vapor deposition (EB-PVD) which are limited by relatively slow deposition rates, high investment costs, and coating material vapor pressure requirements. The use of Plasma Spray - Physical Vapor Deposition (PS-PVD) processing fills this gap and allows thin (< 10 microns) single layers to be deposited and multilayer coatings of less than 100 microns to be generated with the flexibility to tailor microstructures by changing processing conditions. Coatings of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) were applied to NiCrAlY bond coated superalloy substrates using the PS-PVD coater at NASA Glenn Research Center. A design-of-experiments was used to examine the effects of process variables (Ar/He plasma gas ratio, the total plasma gas flow, and the torch current) on chamber pressure and torch power. Coating thickness, phase and microstructure were evaluated for each set of deposition conditions. Low chamber pressures and high power were shown to increase coating thickness and create columnar-like structures. Likewise, high chamber pressures and low power had lower growth rates, but resulted in flatter, more homogeneous layers

Impact penetration experiments in teflon targets of variable thickness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoerz, F.; Cintala, M. J.; Bernhard, R. P.; See, T. H.

1993-03-01

Approximately 20.4 sq m of Teflon thermal blankets on the nonspinning Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) were exposed to the orbital debris and micrometeoroid environment in low-Earth orbit (LEO) for approximately 5.7 years. Each blanket consisted of an outer layer (approximately 125 micron thick) of FEP Teflon that was backed by a vapor-deposited metal mirror (Inconel; less than 1 micron thick). The inner surface consisted of organic binders and Chemglaze thermal protective paint (approximately 50 micron thick) resulting in a somewhat variable, total blanket thickness of approximately 180 to 200 microns. There was at least one of these blankets, each exposing approximately 1.2 sq m of surface area, on nine of LDEF's 12 principal pointing directions, the exceptions being Rows 3, 9, and 12. As a consequence, these blankets represent a significant opportunity for micrometeoroid and debris studies, in general, and specifically they provide an opportunity to address those issues that require information about pointing direction (i.e., spatial density of impact events as a function of instrument orientation). During deintegration of the LDEF spacecraft at KSC, all penetration holes greater than or equal to 300 micron in diameter were documented and were recently synthesized in terms of spatial density as a function of LDEF viewing direction by. The present report describes ongoing cratering and penetration experiments in pure Teflon targets, which are intended to establish the relationships between crater or penetration-hole diameters and the associated projectile dimensions at laboratory velocities (i.e., 6 km/s). The ultimate objective of these efforts is to extract reliable mass-frequencies and associated fluxes of hypervelocity particles in LEO.

Fabrication and Performance of Large Format Transition Edge Sensor Microcalorimeter Arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chervenak, James A.; Adams, James S.; Bandler, Simon R.; Busch, Sara E.; Eckart, M. E.; Ewin, A. E.; Finkbeiner, F. M.; Kilbourne, C. A.; Kelley, R. L.; Porst, Jan-Patrick;

Dielectric function of InGaAs in the visible

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alterovitz, S. A.; Sieg, R. E.; Yao, H. D.; Snyder, P. G.; Woollam, J. A.; Pamulapati, J.; Bhattacharya, P. K.; Sekula-Moise, P. A.

1990-01-01

Measurements are reported of the dielectric function of thermodynamically stable In(x)Ga(1-x)As in the composition range 0.3 equal to or less than X = to or less than 0.7. The optically thick samples of InGaAs were made by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) in the range 0.4 = to or less than X = to or less than 0.7 and by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) for X = 0.3. The MBE made samples, usually 1 micron thick, were grown on semi-insulating InP and included a strain release structure. The MOCVD sample was grown on GaAs and was 2 microns thick. The dielectric functions were measured by variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry in the range 1.55 to 4.4 eV. The data was analyzed assuming an optically thick InGaAs material with an oxide layer on top. The thickness of this layer was estimated by comparing the results for the InP lattice matched material, i.e., X = 0.53, with results published in the literature. The top oxide layer mathematically for X = 0.3 and X = 0.53 was removed to get the dielectric function of the bare InGaAs. In addition, the dielectric function of GaAs in vacuum, after a protective arsenic layer was removed. The dielectric functions for X = 0, 0.3, and 0.53 together with the X = 1 result from the literature to evaluate an algorithm for calculating the dielectric function of InGaAs for an arbitrary value of X(0 = to or less than X = to or less than 1) were used. Results of the dielectric function calculated using the algorithm were compared with experimental data.

Dielectric function of InGaAs in the visible

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alterovitz, S. A.; Yao, H. D.; Snyder, P. G.; Woolam, J. A.; Pamulapati, J.; Bhattacharya, P. K.; Sekula-Moise, P. A.; Sieg, R. E.

1990-01-01

Measurements are reported of the dielectric function of thermodynamically stable In(x)Ga(1-x)As in the composition range 0.3 equal to or less than X = to or less than 0.7. The optically thick samples of InGaAs were made by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) in the range 0.4 = to or less than X = to or less than 0.7 and by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) for X = 0.3. The MBE made samples, usually 1 micron thick, were grown on semi-insulating InP and included a strain release structure. The MOCVD sample was grown on GaAs and was 2 microns thick. The dielectric functions were measured by variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry in the range 1.55 to 4.4 eV. The data was analyzed assuming an optically thick InGaAs material with an oxide layer on top. The thickness of this layer was estimated by comparing the results for the InP lattice matched material, i.e., X = 0.53, with results published in the literature. The top oxide layer mathematically for X = 0.3 and X = 0.53 was removed to get the dielectric function of the bare InGaAs. In addition, the dielectric function of GaAs in vacuum, after a protective arsenic layer was removed. The dielectric functions for X = 0, 0.3, and 0.53 together with the X = 1 result from the literature to evaluate an algorithm for calculating the dielectric function of InGaAs for an arbitrary value of X (0 = to or less than X = to or less than 1) were used. Results of the dielectric function calculated using the algorithm were compared with experimental data.

Normative Database and Color-code Agreement of Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer and Macular Ganglion Cell-inner Plexiform Layer Thickness in a Vietnamese Population.

PubMed

Perez, Claudio I; Chansangpetch, Sunee; Thai, Andy; Nguyen, Anh-Hien; Nguyen, Anwell; Mora, Marta; Nguyen, Ngoc; Lin, Shan C

2018-06-05

Evaluate the distribution and the color probability codes of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness in a healthy Vietnamese population and compare them with the original color-codes provided by the Cirrus spectral domain OCT. Cross-sectional study. We recruited non-glaucomatous Vietnamese subjects and constructed a normative database for peripapillary RNFL and macular GCIPL thickness. The probability color-codes for each decade of age were calculated. We evaluated the agreement with Kappa coefficient (κ) between OCT color probability codes with Cirrus built-in original normative database and the Vietnamese normative database. 149 eyes of 149 subjects were included. The mean age of enrollees was 60.77 (±11.09) years, with a mean spherical equivalent of +0.65 (±1.58) D and mean axial length of 23.4 (±0.87) mm. Average RNFL thickness was 97.86 (±9.19) microns and average macular GCIPL was 82.49 (±6.09) microns. Agreement between original and adjusted normative database for RNFL was fair for average and inferior quadrant (κ=0.25 and 0.2, respectively); and good for other quadrants (range: κ=0.63-0.73). For macular GCIPL κ agreement ranged between 0.39 and 0.69. After adjusting with the normative Vietnamese database, the percent of yellow and red color-codes increased significantly for peripapillary RNFL thickness. Vietnamese population has a thicker RNFL in comparison with Cirrus normative database. This leads to a poor color-code agreement in average and inferior quadrant between the original and adjusted database. These findings should encourage to create a peripapillary RNFL normative database for each ethnicity.

Novel Chemical Process for Producing Chrome Coated Metal

PubMed Central

Pelar, Christopher; Greenaway, Karima; Zea, Hugo; Wu, Chun-Hsien

2018-01-01

This work demonstrates that a version of the Reduction Expansion Synthesis (RES) process, Cr-RES, can create a micron scale Cr coating on an iron wire. The process involves three steps. I. A paste consisting of a physical mix of urea, chrome nitrate or chrome oxide, and water is prepared. II. An iron wire is coated by dipping. III. The coated, and dried, wire is heated to ~800 °C for 10 min in a tube furnace under a slow flow of nitrogen gas. The processed wires were then polished and characterized, primarily with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM indicates the chrome layer is uneven, but only on the scale of a fraction of a micron. The evidence of porosity is ambiguous. Elemental mapping using SEM electron microprobe that confirmed the process led to the formation of a chrome metal layer, with no evidence of alloy formation. Additionally, it was found that thickness of the final Cr layer correlated with the thickness of the precursor layer that was applied prior to the heating step. Potentially, this technique could replace electrolytic processing, a process that generates carcinogenic hexavalent chrome, but further study and development is needed. PMID:29303977

Novel Chemical Process for Producing Chrome Coated Metal.

PubMed

Pelar, Christopher; Greenaway, Karima; Zea, Hugo; Wu, Chun-Hsien; Luhrs, Claudia C; Phillips, Jonathan

2018-01-05

This work demonstrates that a version of the Reduction Expansion Synthesis (RES) process, Cr-RES, can create a micron scale Cr coating on an iron wire. The process involves three steps. I. A paste consisting of a physical mix of urea, chrome nitrate or chrome oxide, and water is prepared. II. An iron wire is coated by dipping. III. The coated, and dried, wire is heated to ~800 °C for 10 min in a tube furnace under a slow flow of nitrogen gas. The processed wires were then polished and characterized, primarily with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM indicates the chrome layer is uneven, but only on the scale of a fraction of a micron. The evidence of porosity is ambiguous. Elemental mapping using SEM electron microprobe that confirmed the process led to the formation of a chrome metal layer, with no evidence of alloy formation. Additionally, it was found that thickness of the final Cr layer correlated with the thickness of the precursor layer that was applied prior to the heating step. Potentially, this technique could replace electrolytic processing, a process that generates carcinogenic hexavalent chrome, but further study and development is needed.

Examining the Impact of Overlying Aerosols on the Retrieval of Cloud Optical Properties from Passive Remote Sensing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coddington, O. M.; Pilewskie, P.; Redemann, J.; Platnick, S.; Russell, P. B.; Schmidt, K. S.; Gore, W. J.; Livingston, J.; Wind, G.; Vukicevic, T.

2010-01-01

Haywood et al. (2004) show that an aerosol layer above a cloud can cause a bias in the retrieved cloud optical thickness and effective radius. Monitoring for this potential bias is difficult because space ]based passive remote sensing cannot unambiguously detect or characterize aerosol above cloud. We show that cloud retrievals from aircraft measurements above cloud and below an overlying aerosol layer are a means to test this bias. The data were collected during the Intercontinental Chemical Transport Experiment (INTEX-A) study based out of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, United States, above extensive, marine stratus cloud banks affected by industrial outflow. Solar Spectral Flux Radiometer (SSFR) irradiance measurements taken along a lower level flight leg above cloud and below aerosol were unaffected by the overlying aerosol. Along upper level flight legs, the irradiance reflected from cloud top was transmitted through an aerosol layer. We compare SSFR cloud retrievals from below ]aerosol legs to satellite retrievals from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) in order to detect an aerosol ]induced bias. In regions of small variation in cloud properties, we find that SSFR and MODIS-retrieved cloud optical thickness compares within the uncertainty range for each instrument while SSFR effective radius tend to be smaller than MODIS values (by 1-2 microns) and at the low end of MODIS uncertainty estimates. In regions of large variation in cloud properties, differences in SSFR and MODIS ]retrieved cloud optical thickness and effective radius can reach values of 10 and 10 microns, respectively. We include aerosols in forward modeling to test the sensitivity of SSFR cloud retrievals to overlying aerosol layers. We find an overlying absorbing aerosol layer biases SSFR cloud retrievals to smaller effective radii and optical thickness while nonabsorbing aerosols had no impact.

Modification of the sample's surface of hypereutectic silumin by pulsed electron beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rygina, M. E.; Ivanov, Yu F.; Lasconev, A. P.; Teresov, A. D.; Cherenda, N. N.; Uglov, V. V.; Petricova, E. A.; Astashinskay, M. V.

2016-04-01

The article presents the results of the analysis of the elemental and phase composition, defect substructures. It demonstrates strength and tribological characteristics of the aluminium-silicon alloy of the hypereutectic composition in the cast state and after irradiation with a high-intensity pulsed electron beam of a submillisecond exposure duration (a Solo installation, Institute of High Current Electrons of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences). The research has been conducted using optical and scanning electron microscopy, and the X-ray phase analysis. Mechanical properties have been characterized by microhardness, tribological properties - by wear resistance and the friction coefficient value. Irradiation of silumin with the high-intensity pulsed electron beam has led to the modification of the surface layer up to 1000 microns thick. The surface layer with the thickness of up to 100 microns is characterized by melting of all phases present in the alloy; subsequent highspeed crystallization leads to the formation of a submicro- and nanocrystalline structure in this layer. The hardness of the modified layer decreases with the increasing distance from the surface exposure. The hardness of the surface layer is more than twice the hardness of cast silumin. Durability of silumin treated with a high intensity electron beam is ≈ 1, 2 times as much as the wear resistance of the cast material.

In vivo sweat film layer thickness measured with Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jonathan, Enock

2008-06-01

While human sweat secretion is accepted as a mechanism by which the body cools off, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) is now appreciated as a medical condition and the primary site for diagnosis is the palm of the hand. We propose sweat film layer thickness as a potential clinical diagnostic parameter when screening for excessive sweating. In this preliminary study we demonstrate the usefulness of Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) for measurement of sweat film thickness in vivo with micron-scale resolution on the hand of a human volunteer. FD-OCT has a superior image acquisition time and identification of active sweat glands, ducts and pores is also possible.

Size dictated thermal conductivity of GaN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beechem, Thomas E.; McDonald, Anthony E.; Fuller, Elliot J.; Talin, A. Alec; Rost, Christina M.; Maria, Jon-Paul; Gaskins, John T.; Hopkins, Patrick E.; Allerman, Andrew A.

2016-09-01

The thermal conductivity of n- and p-type doped gallium nitride (GaN) epilayers having thicknesses of 3-4 μm was investigated using time domain thermoreflectance. Despite possessing carrier concentrations ranging across 3 decades (1015-1018 cm-3), n-type layers exhibit a nearly constant thermal conductivity of 180 W/mK. The thermal conductivity of p-type epilayers, in contrast, reduces from 160 to 110 W/mK with increased doping. These trends—and their overall reduction relative to bulk—are explained leveraging established scattering models where it is shown that, while the decrease in p-type layers is partly due to the increased impurity levels evolving from its doping, size effects play a primary role in limiting the thermal conductivity of GaN layers tens of microns thick. Device layers, even of pristine quality, will therefore exhibit thermal conductivities less than the bulk value of 240 W/mK owing to their finite thickness.

Effective refractive index and first-order-mode cutoff conditions in InGaAsP/InP DH laser structures /lambda = 1.2-1.6 microns/

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Botez, D.

1982-01-01

A highly accurate analytical expression for the effective refractive index in In GaAsP/InP DH lasers emitting in the 1.2-1.6 micron range is presented. This closed-form expression is used to derive simple wavelength-independent expressions for the first-order mode cutoff conditions of various lateral waveguides. The effective refractive index is a function of emission wavelength and active layer thickness, and the mode cutoff conditions are compared to experimental data from mode-stabilized 1.3 and 1.55 micron DH lasers.

Performance of Large Format Transition Edge Sensor Microcalorimeter Arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chervenak, J. A.; Adams, J. A.; Bandler, S. B.; Busch, S. E.; Eckart, M. E.; Ewin, A. E.; Finkbeiner, F. M.; Kilbourne, C. A.; Kelley, R. L.; Porst, J. P.;

Measured Propagation Characteristics of Finite Ground Coplanar Waveguide on Silicon with a Thick Polyimide Interface Layer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ponchak, George E.; Papapolymerou, John; Tentzeris, Emmanouil M.; Williams, W. O. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Measured propagation characteristics of Finite Ground Coplanar (FGC) waveguide on silicon substrates with resistivities spanning 3 orders of magnitude (0.1 to 15.5 Ohm cm) and a 20 micron thick polyimide interface layer is presented as a function of the FGC geometry. Results show that there is an optimum FGC geometry for minimum loss, and silicon with a resistivity of 0.1 Ohm cm has greater loss than substrates with higher and lower resistivity. Lastly, substrates with a resistivity of 10 Ohm cm or greater have acceptable loss.

Chromatic control in coextruded layered polymer microlenses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crescimanno, Michael; Oder, Tom N.; Andrews, James H.; Zhou, Chuanhong; Petrus, Joshua B.; Merlo, Cory; Bagheri, Cameron; Hetzel, Connor; Tancabel, James; Singer, Kenneth D.; Baer, Eric

2014-12-01

We describe the formation, characterization and theoretical understanding of microlenses comprised of alternating polystyrene and polymethylmethacrylate layers produced by multilayer coextrusion. These lenses are fabricated by photolithography, using a grayscale mask followed by plasma etching, so that the refractive index alternation of the bilayer stack appears across the radius of the microlens. The alternating quarter-wave thick layers form a one-dimensional photonic crystal whose dispersion augments the material dispersion, allowing one to sculpt the chromatic dispersion of the lens by adjusting the layered structure. Using Huygen's principle, we model our experimental measurements of the focal length of these lenses across the reflection band of the multilayer polymer film from which the microlens is fashioned. For a 56 micron diameter multilayered lens of focal length 300 microns, we measured a nearly 25 percent variation in the focal length across a shallow, 50 nm-wide reflection band.

Far-infrared reflectance spectra of optical black coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, S. M.

1983-01-01

Far-infrared specular reflectance spectra of six optically black coatings near normal incidence are presented. The spectra were obtained using nine bandpass transmission filters in the wavelength range between 12 and 300 microns. Data on the construction, thickness, and rms surface roughness of the coatings are also presented. The chemical composition of two coatings can be distinguished from that of the others by a strong absorption feature between 20 and 40 microns which is attributed to amorphous silicate material. Inverse relationships between these spectra and coating roughness and thickness are noted and lead to development of a reflecting-layer model for the measured reflectance. The model is applied to the spectra of several coatings whose construction falls within its constraints.

Reaction layer formation at the graphite/copper-chromium alloy interface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Devincent, Sandra M.; Michal, Gary M.

1992-01-01

Sessile drop tests were used to obtain information about copper chromium alloys that suitably wet graphite. Characterization of graphite/copper-chromium alloy interfaces subjected to elevated temperatures were conducted using scanning electron micrography, energy dispersive spectroscopy, auger electron spectroscopy, and x ray diffraction analyses. These analyses indicate that during sessile drop tests conducted at 1130 C for one hour, copper alloys containing greater than 0.98 percent chromium form continuous reaction layers of approximately 10 micron thickness. The reaction layers adhere to the graphite surface. The copper wets the reaction layer to form a contact angle of 60 degrees or less. X ray diffraction results indicate that the reaction layer is chromium carbide. The kinetics of reaction layer formation were modelled in terms of bulk diffusion mechanisms. Reaction layer thickness is controlled initially by the diffusion of Cr out of Cu alloy and later by the diffusion of C through chromium carbide.

Reaction layer formation at the graphite/copper-chromium alloy interface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Devincent, Sandra M.; Michal, Gary M.

1993-01-01

Sessile drop tests were used to obtain information about copper chromium alloys that suitably wet graphite. Characterization of graphite/copper-chromium alloy interfaces subjected to elevated temperatures were conducted using scanning electron micrography, energy dispersive spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analyses. These analyses indicate that during sessile drop tests conducted at 1130 C for one hour, copper alloys containing greater than 0.98 percent chromium form continuous reaction layers of approximately 10 micron thickness. The reaction layers adhere to the graphite surface. The copper wets the reaction layer to form a contact angle of 60 degrees or less. X-ray diffraction results indicate that the reaction layer is chromium carbide. The kinetics of reaction layer formation were modelled in terms of bulk diffusion mechanisms. Reaction layer thickness is controlled initially by the diffusion of Cr out of Cu alloy and later by the diffusion of C through chromium carbide.

Amino Acid Analyses of Acid Hydrolysates in Desert Varnish

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Perry, Randall S.; Staley, James T.; Dworkin, Jason P.; Engel, Mike

2001-01-01

There has long been a debate as to whether rock varnish deposits are microbially mediated or are deposited by inorganic processes. Varnished rocks are found throughout the world primarily in arid and semi-arid regions. The varnish coats are typically up to 200 microns thick and are composed of clays and alternating layers enriched in manganese and iron oxides. The individual layers range in thickness from 1 micron to greater than 10 microns and may continue laterally for more than a 100 microns. Overlapping botryoidal structures are visible in thin section and scanning electron micrographs. The coatings also include small amounts of organic mater and detrital grains. Amino-acid hydrolysates offer a means of assessing the organic composition of rock varnish collected from the Sonoran Desert, near Phoenix, AZ. Chromatographic analyses of hydrolysates from powdered samples of rock varnish suggest that the interior of rock varnish is relatively enriched in amino acids and specifically in d-alanine and glutamic acid. Peptidoglycan (murein) is the main structural component of gram-positive bacterial cell walls. The d-enantiomer of alanine and glutamic acid are specific to peptidoglycan and are consequently an indicator for the presence of bacteria. D-alanine is also found in teichoic acid which is only found in gram-positive bacteria. Several researchers have cultured bacteria from the surface of rock varnish and most have been gram-positive, suggesting that gram-positive bacteria are intimately associated with varnish coatings and may play a role in the formation of varnish coatings.

Method of forming an HTS article

DOEpatents

Bhattacharya, Raghu N.; Zhang, Xun; Selvamanickam, Venkat

2014-08-19

A method of forming a superconducting article includes providing a substrate tape, forming a superconducting layer overlying the substrate tape, and depositing a capping layer overlying the superconducting layer. The capping layer includes a noble metal and has a thickness not greater than about 1.0 micron. The method further includes electrodepositing a stabilizer layer overlying the capping layer using a solution that is non-reactive to the superconducting layer. The superconducting layer has an as-formed critical current I.sub.C(AF) and a post-stabilized critical current I.sub.C(PS). The I.sub.C(PS) is at least about 95% of the I.sub.C(AF).

Measurement of the performance of a spiral wound polyimide regenerator in a pulse tube refrigerator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rawlins, Wayne; Timmerhaus, Klaus D.; Radebaugh, Ray; Daney, D. E.

1991-01-01

A regenerator for use in a pulse tube refrigerator has been constructed from a polyimide (polypyromellitimide or PPMI) whose small ratio of thermal conductivity to heat capacity make it a good candidate for a regenerator material in cryocoolers. The regenerator was fabricated using 25 micron thick photoresist strips bonded to a 50 micron thick sheet of PPMI. This composite sheet was wound in jelly-roll fashion around a mandrel and inserted into the regenerator housing. The photoresist strips, formed using a photolithographic technique, provided a 25 micron spacing for the axial flow of gas between each layer of PPMI. Ineffectiveness results are presented for this material under actual operating conditions in a pulse tube refrigerator and compared with a numerical model. The numerical model indicated that a polyimide regenerator would perform much better than one constructed of stainless steel screen, but the experimental results showed the opposite behavior. Measured values for the ineffectiveness were 0.003 for the stainless steel screen and 0.017 for the polyimide.

Multilayer composites and manufacture of same

DOEpatents

Holesinger, Terry G.; Jia, Quanxi

2006-02-07

The present invention is directed towards a process of depositing multilayer thin films, disk-shaped targets for deposition of multilayer thin films by a pulsed laser or pulsed electron beam deposition process, where the disk-shaped targets include at least two segments with differing compositions, and a multilayer thin film structure having alternating layers of a first composition and a second composition, a pair of the alternating layers defining a bi-layer wherein the thin film structure includes at least 20 bi-layers per micron of thin film such that an individual bi-layer has a thickness of less than about 100 nanometers.

Characterization and growth of epitaxial layers of Gs exhibiting high resistivity for ionic implantation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1979-01-01

Either classical or low temperature epitaxial growth techniques can be used to control the deposition of buffer layers of GaAs on semiconducting substrates and to obtain the resistivity and purity desired. Techniques developed to study, as a function of thickness, the evolution of mobilities by photoHall, and the spectroscopy of shallow and deep centers by cathodoluminescence and current transients reveal one very pure layer of medium resistivity and high mobility, and another "dead layer" of elevated resistivity far from the surface. The highly resistive layer remains pure over several microns, which appears interesting for implantation.

Dynamic histomorphometric evaluation of human fetal bone formation.

PubMed

Glorieux, F H; Salle, B L; Travers, R; Audra, P H

1991-01-01

We have evaluated dynamic and static parameters of bone formation in femoral metaphyses collected from two human fetuses at 19 weeks of gestation. Tetracycline was administered to the mother at set intervals (2-5-2 day schedule) before interruption of pregnancy. Labels were distinct and sharply linear, suggesting a well organized calcification front at this early stage of mineralization. Mineral apposition rate (MAR) was fastest (4.1 +/- 0.3 microns/d) in the periosteal (Ps) envelope, and about half that value in the endosteal envelopes (endocortical: 2.5 +/- 0.1, cancellous 2.1 +/- 0.1 microns/d). Because cellular activities may vary throughout the metaphyseal area, sections were arbitrarily separated in 0.75 mm layers starting from the growth plate. Three measured parameters decreased rapidly with increasing distance from the physis: Ps MAR: 4.9 to 2.3 microns/d, trabecular osteoid thickness: 5.9 to 1.2 microns, and cartilage volume (CgV/TV): 5.4% to 1.2%. Others did not vary significantly along the metaphysis. Comparison of several static parameters with those measured in five autopsy specimens from full-term infants showed that bone and cartilage volume, and trabecular thickness increased while osteoid thickness and parameters of resorption decreased in the second half of the gestation period. The study indicates that fetal bone matrix mineralization is already highly organized at mid-gestation, and validates the use of histomorphometry to assess bone maturation during early skeletal development.

Ceramic Strain Gages for Use at Temperatures up to 1500 Celsius

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gregory, Otto; Fralick, Gustave (Technical Monitor)

2003-01-01

Indium-tin-oxide (ITO) thin film strain gages were successfully demonstrated at temperatures beyond 1500 C. High temperature static strain tests revealed that the piezoresistive response and electrical stability of the ceramic sensors depended on the thickness of the ITO films comprising the active strain elements. When 2.5 microns-thick ITO films were employed as the active strain elements, the piezoresistive response became unstable at temperatures above 1225 C. In contrast to this, ceramic sensors prepared with 5 microns-thick ITO were stable beyond 1430 C and sensors prepared with 8 microns-thick ITO survived more than 20 hr of operation at 1481 C. Very thick (10 microns) ITo strain gages were extremely stable and responsive at 1528 C. ESCA depth profiles confirmed that an interfacial reaction between the ITO strain gage and alumina substrate was responsible for the high temperature electrical stability observed. Similar improvements in high temperature stability were achieved by doping the active ITO strain elements with aluminum. Several Sic-Sic CMC constant strain beams were instrumented with ITO strain gages and delivered to NASA for testing. Due to the extreme surface roughness of the CMC substrates, new lithography techniques and surface preparation methods were developed. These techniques relied heavily on a combination of Sic and A12O3 cement layers to provide the necessary surface finish for efficient pattern transfer. Micro-contact printing using soft lithography and PDMS stamps was also used to successfully transfer the thin film strain gage patterns to the resist coated CMC substrates. This latter approach has considerable potential for transferring the thin film strain gage patterns to the extremely rough surfaces associated with the CMC's.

Size dictated thermal conductivity of GaN

DOE PAGES

Thomas Edwin Beechem; McDonald, Anthony E.; Fuller, Elliot James; ...

2016-04-01

The thermal conductivity on n- and p-type doped gallium nitride (GaN) epilayers having thickness of 3-4 μm was investigated using time domain thermoreflectance (TDTR). Despite possessing carrier concentrations ranging across 3 decades (10 15 – 10 18 cm –3), n-type layers exhibit a nearly constant thermal conductivity of 180 W/mK. The thermal conductivity of p-type epilayers, in contrast, reduces from 160 to 110 W/mK with increased doping. These trends–and their overall reduction relative to bulk–are explained leveraging established scattering models where it is shown that size effects play a primary role in limiting thermal conductivity for layers even tens ofmore » microns thick. GaN device layers, even of pristine quality, will therefore exhibit thermal conductivities less than the bulk value of 240 W/mK owing to their finite thickness.« less

Large area space qualified thermoelectrically (TE) cooled HgCdTe MW photovoltaic detectors for the Halogen Occultation Experiment (HALOE)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Norton, P. W.; Zimmermann, P. H.; Briggs, R. J.; Hartle, N. M.

1986-01-01

Large-area, HgCdTe MW photovoltaic detectors have been developed for the NASA-HALOE instrument scheduled for operation on the Upper Atmospheric Research Satellite. The photodiodes will be TE-cooled and were designed to operate in the 5.1-5.4 micron band at 185 K to measure nitric oxide concentrations in the atmosphere. The active area required 15 micron thick devices and a full backside common contact. Reflections from the backside contact doubled the effective thickness of the detectors. Optical interference from reflections was eliminated with a dual layer front surface A/R coating. Bakeout reliability was optimized by having Au metallization for both n and p interconnects. Detailed performance data and a model for the optical stack are presented.

Drop impact on liquid film: dynamics of interfacial gas layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Xiaoyu; Saha, Abhishek; Law, Chung K.; Sun, Chao

2016-11-01

Drop impacting liquid film is commonly observed in many processes including inkjet printing and thermal sprays. Owing to the resistance from the interfacial gas layer trapped between the drop and film surface, impact may not always result in coalescence; and as such investigating the behavior of the interfacial gas layer is important to understand the transition between bouncing and merging outcomes. The gas layer is, however, not easily optically accessible due to its microscopic scale and curved interfaces. We report the measurement of this critical gas layer thickness between two liquid surfaces using high-speed color interferometry capable of measuring micron and submicron thicknesses. The complete gas layer dynamics for the bouncing cases can be divided into two stages: the approaching stage when the drop squeezes the gas layer at the beginning of the impact, and the rebounding stage when the drop retracts and rebounds from the liquid film. The approaching stage is found to be similar across wide range of conditions studied. However, for the rebounding stage, with increase of liquid film thickness, the evolution of gas layer changes dramatically, displaying a non-monotonic behavior. Such dynamics is analyzed in lights of various competing timescales.

Assessment of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Using Optical Coherence Tomography and Scanning Laser Polarimetry in Progressive Glaucomatous Optic Neuropathy

PubMed Central

Sehi, Mitra; Greenfield, David S.

2006-01-01

Purpose To describe a case of progressive glaucomatous optic neuropathy using scanning laser polarimetry with fixed (SLP-FCC) and variable corneal compensation (SLP-VCC) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Design Observational case report. Methods A 21-year-old male with juvenile primary open-angle glaucoma developed progression because of noncompliance with therapy. The patient underwent dilated stereoscopic examination and photography of the optic disk, standard automated perimetry (SAP), OCT, and SLP imaging with FCC and VCC at the baseline examination and after four years of follow-up. Results Optic disk, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) atrophy, and SAP progression was observed. Reduction in mean RNFL thickness (average, superior, inferior) was 18, 18, and 27 microns (OCT); 22, 40, and 17 microns (SLP-FCC); and 6, 12, and 12 microns (SLP-VCC), respectively. Conclusions This case demonstrates that digital imaging of the peripapillary RNFL is capable of documentation and measurement of progressive glaucomatous RNFL atrophy. PMID:17157591

Accurate Spectral Fits of Jupiter's Great Red Spot: VIMS Visual Spectra Modelled with Chromophores Created by Photolyzed Ammonia Reacting with Acetyleneχ±

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baines, Kevin; Sromovsky, Lawrence A.; Fry, Patrick M.; Carlson, Robert W.; Momary, Thomas W.

2016-10-01

We report results incorporating the red-tinted photochemically-generated aerosols of Carlson et al (2016, Icarus 274, 106-115) in spectral models of Jupiter's Great Red Spot (GRS). Spectral models of the 0.35-1.0-micron spectrum show good agreement with Cassini/VIMS near-center-meridian and near-limb GRS spectra for model morphologies incorporating an optically-thin layer of Carlson (2016) aerosols at high altitudes, either at the top of the tropospheric GRS cloud, or in a distinct stratospheric haze layer. Specifically, a two-layer "crème brûlée" structure of the Mie-scattering Carlson et al (2016) chromophore attached to the top of a conservatively scattering (hereafter, "white") optically-thick cloud fits the spectra well. Currently, best agreement (reduced χ2 of 0.89 for the central-meridian spectrum) is found for a 0.195-0.217-bar, 0.19 ± 0.02 opacity layer of chromophores with mean particle radius of 0.14 ± 0.01 micron. As well, a structure with a detached stratospheric chromophore layer ~0.25 bar above a white tropospheric GRS cloud provides a good spectral match (reduced χ2 of 1.16). Alternatively, a cloud morphology with the chromophore coating white particles in a single optically- and physically-thick cloud (the "coated-shell model", initially explored by Carlson et al 2016) was found to give significantly inferior fits (best reduced χ2 of 2.9). Overall, we find that models accurately fit the GRS spectrum if (1) most of the optical depth of the chromophore is in a layer near the top of the main cloud or in a distinct separated layer above it, but is not uniformly distributed within the main cloud, (2) the chromophore consists of relatively small, 0.1-0.2-micron-radius particles, and (3) the chromophore layer optical depth is small, ~ 0.1-0.2. Thus, our analysis supports the exogenic origin of the red chromophore consistent with the Carlson et al (2016) photolytic production mechanism rather than an endogenic origin, such as upwelling of material from the depths of Jupiter.

Convective diffusion in protein crystal growth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baird, J. K.; Meehan, E. J., Jr.; Xidis, A. L.; Howard, S. B.

1986-01-01

A protein crystal modeled as a flat plate suspended in the parent solution, with the normal to the largest face perpendicular to gravity and the protein concentration in the solution adjacent to the plate taken to be the equilibrium solubility, is studied. The Navier-Stokes equation and the equation for convective diffusion in the boundary layer next to the plate are solved to calculate the flow velocity and the protein mass flux. The local rate of growth of the plate is shown to vary significantly with depth due to the convection. For an aqueous solution of lysozyme at a concentration of 40 mg/ml, the boundary layer at the top of a 1-mm-high crystal has a thickness of 80 microns at 1 g, and 2570 microns at 10 to the -6th g.

A simple theory of back surface field /BSF/ solar cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Von Roos, O.

1978-01-01

A theory of an n-p-p/+/ junction is developed, entirely based on Shockley's depletion layer approximation. Under the further assumption of uniform doping the electrical characteristics of solar cells as a function of all relevant parameters (cell thickness, diffusion lengths, etc.) can quickly be ascertained with a minimum of computer time. Two effects contribute to the superior performance of a BSF cell (n-p-p/+/ junction) as compared to an ordinary solar cell (n-p junction). The sharing of the applied voltage among the two junctions (the n-p and the p-p/+/ junction) decreases the dark current and the reflection of minority carriers by the builtin electron field of the p-p/+/ junction increases the short-circuit current. The theory predicts an increase in the open-circuit voltage (Voc) with a decrease in cell thickness. Although the short-circuit current decreases at the same time, the efficiency of the cell is virtually unaltered in going from a thickness of 200 microns to a thickness of 50 microns. The importance of this fact for space missions where large power-to-weight ratios are required is obvious.

Silver/oxygen depth profile in coins by using laser ablation, mass quadrupole spectrometer and X-rays fluorescence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cutroneo, M.; Torrisi, L.; Caridi, F.; Sayed, R.; Gentile, C.; Mondio, G.; Serafino, T.; Castrizio, E. D.

2013-05-01

Silver coins belonging to different historical periods were investigated to determine the Ag/O atomic ratio depth profiles. Laser ablation has been employed to remove, in high vacuum, the first superficial layers of the coins. Mass quadrupole spectrometry has been used to detect the Ag and the O atomic elements vaporized from the coin surface. The depth profile allowed to determine the thickness of the oxidation layer indicating that, in general, it is high in old coins. A complementary technique, using scanning electron microscope and the associated XRF microprobe, have been devoted to confirm the measurements of Ag/O atomic ratio measured with the laser-coupled mass spectrometry. The oxidation layer thicknesses range between about 25 and 250 microns.

Multi-functional carbon nanomaterials: Tailoring morphology for multidisciplinary applications

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

Dervishi, Enkeleda

2015-05-14

Carbon based nanomaterials are being developed to have many new properties and applications. Graphene, is a mono-layer 2D atomic thick structure formed from hexagons of carbon atoms bound together by sp^2hybrid bonds. A carbon nanotube (CNT) can be viewed as a sheet of graphene rolled up into a cylinder, usually 1-2 nanometers in diameter and a few microns thick. A few applications of graphene and carbon nanotubes include the development of Nanoelectronics, nanocomposite materials, Hydrogen storage and Li⁺ battery, etc.

Genetic Algorithm Optimization of a Film Cooling Array on a Modern Turbine Inlet Vane

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-01

heater is typically higher than the test section temperature since there is a lag due to heat transfer to the piping between the heater and test... flexible substrate 301 used 50 microns thick and the gauges themselves are a platinum metal layer 500-Å thick. When subjected to a change in heat ...more advanced gas turbine cooling design methods that factor in the 3-D flowfield and heat transfer characteristics, this study involves the

Optical coherence tomography as an accurate inspection and quality evaluation technique in paper industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prykäri, Tuukka; Czajkowski, Jakub; Alarousu, Erkki; Myllylä, Risto

2010-05-01

Optical coherence tomography (OCT), a technique for the noninvasive imaging of turbid media, based on low-coherence interferometry, was originally developed for the imaging of biological tissues. Since the development of the technique, most of its applications have been related to the area of biomedicine. However, from early stages, the vertical resolution of the technique has already been improved to a submicron scale. This enables new possibilities and applications. This article presents the possible applications of OCT in paper industry, where submicron or at least a resolution close to one micron is required. This requirement comes from the layered structure of paper products, where layer thickness may vary from single microns to tens of micrometers. This is especially similar to the case with high-quality paper products, where several different coating layers are used to obtain a smooth surface structure and a high gloss. In this study, we demonstrate that optical coherence tomography can be used to measure and evaluate the quality of the coating layer of a premium glossy photopaper. In addition, we show that for some paper products, it is possible to measure across the entire thickness range of a paper sheet. Furthermore, we suggest that in addition to topography and tomography images of objects, it is possible to obtain information similar to gloss by tracking the magnitude of individual interference signals in optical coherence tomography.

Development of dual-polarization LEKIDs for CMB observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCarrick, Heather; Abitbol, Maximilian H.; Ade, Peter A. R.; Barry, Peter; Bryan, Sean; Che, George; Day, Peter; Doyle, Simon; Flanigan, Daniel; Johnson, Bradley R.; Jones, Glenn; LeDuc, Henry G.; Limon, Michele; Mauskopf, Philip; Miller, Amber; Tucker, Carole; Zmuidzinas, Jonas

2016-07-01

We discuss the design considerations and initial measurements from arrays of dual-polarization, lumped-element kinetic inductance detectors (LEKIDs) nominally designed for cosmic microwave background (CMB) studies. The detectors are horn-coupled, and each array element contains two single-polarization LEKIDs, which are made from thin-film aluminum and optimized for a single spectral band centered on 150 GHz. We are developing two array architectures, one based on 160 micron thick silicon wafers and the other based on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafers with a 30 micron thick device layer. The 20-element test arrays (40 LEKIDs) are characterized with both a linearly-polarized electronic millimeter wave source and a thermal source. We present initial measurements including the noise spectra, noise-equivalent temperature, and responsivity. We discuss future testing and further design optimizations to be implemented.

Structures and fabrication techniques for solid state electrochemical devices

DOEpatents

Visco, Steven J.; Jacobson, Craig P.; DeJonghe, Lutgard C.

2006-10-10

Low-cost, mechanically strong, highly electronically conductive porous substrates and associated structures for solid-state electrochemical devices, techniques for forming these structures, and devices incorporating the structures provide solid state electrochemical device substrates of novel composition and techniques for forming thin electrode/membrane/electrolyte coatings on the novel or more conventional substrates. In particular, in one aspect the invention provides techniques for co-firing of device substrate (often an electrode) with an electrolyte or membrane layer to form densified electrolyte/membrane films 5 to 20 microns thick. In another aspect, densified electrolyte/membrane films 5 to 20 microns thick may be formed on a pre-sintered substrate by a constrained sintering process. In some cases, the substrate may be a porous metal, alloy, or non-nickel cermet incorporating one or more of the transition metals Cr, Fe and Cu, or alloys thereof.

Graphene-based bimorphs for the fabrication of micron-sized, autonomous origami machines.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miskin, Marc; Dorsey, Kyle; Bircan, Baris; Reynolds, Michael; Rose, Peter; Cohen, Itai; McEuen, Paul

We present a new platform for the construction of micron sized origami machines that change shape in fractions of a second in response to environmental stimuli. The enabling technology behind our machines is the graphene-glass bimorph. We show that graphene sheets bound to nanometer thick layers of glass are ultrathin actuators that bend in response to small strain differentials. These bimorphs can bend to micron radii of curvature using strains that are two orders of magnitude lower than the fracture strain of graphene. By patterning thick rigid panels on top of bimorphs, we localize bending to the unpatterned regions to produce folds. Using panels and bimorphs, we can scale down existing origami patterns to produce a wide range of machines. These machines can sense their environments, respond, and perform useful functions on time and length scales comparable to microscale biological organisms. this work was supported by NSF Grants DMR-1435829 and DMR-1120296, and performed at Cornell NanoScale Facility, a member of the National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network (NSF Grant ECCS-0335765).

Specular reflectance of optical-black coatings in the far infrared

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, S. M.

1984-01-01

Far-infrared specular reflectance spectra of seven optically black coatings near normal incidence are presented. Seven photometric spectra were obtained using eleven bandpass transmission filters in the wavelength range between 12 and 500 microns, and three interferometric spectra were obtained for corroboration. Data on the construction, thickness, and rms surface roughness of the coatings are also presented. The chemical composition of three coatings can be distinguished from that of the others by a strong absorption feature between 20 and 40 microns, which can be largely attributed to amorphous silicate material. At 100 microns, the most and least reflective coatings differ by nearly 3 orders of magnitude. Inverse relationships observed between the spectra and the roughness and thickness of the coatings led to development of a reflecting-layer model for the measured reflectance. The model successfully describes the spectra at wavelengths outside the silicate absorption, and optical constants are deduced from a nonlinear least squares fit to the data. Parametric errors are estimated by chi-square analysis, and sensitivity tests are performed to determine which parameters control reflectance in different spectral regions.

Experimental impacts into Teflon targets and LDEF thermal blankets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoerz, F.; Cintala, M. J.; Zolensky, M. E.; Bernhard, R. P.; See, T. H.

1994-03-01

The Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) exposed approximately 20 sq m of identical thermal protective blankets, predominantly on the Ultra-Heavy Cosmic Ray Experiment (UHCRE). Approximately 700 penetration holes greater than 300 micron in diameter were individually documented, while thousands of smaller penetrations and craters occurred in these blankets. As a result of their 5.7 year exposure and because they pointed into a variety of different directions relative to the orbital motion of the nonspinning LDEF platform, these blankets can reveal important dynamic aspects of the hypervelocity particle environment in near-earth orbit. The blankets were composed of an outer teflon layer (approximately 125 micron thick), followed by a vapor-deposited rear mirror of silver (less than 1000 A thick) that was backed with an organic binder and a thermal protective paint (approximately 50 to 75 micron thick), resulting in a cumulative thickness (T) of approximately 175 to 200 microns for the entire blanket. Many penetrations resulted in highly variable delaminations of the teflon/metal or metal/organic binder interfaces that manifest themselves as 'dark' halos or rings, because of subsequent oxidation of the exposed silver mirror. The variety of these dark albedo features is bewildering, ranging from totally absent, to broad halos, to sharp single or multiple rings. Over the past year experiments were conducted over a wide range of velocities (i.e., 1 to 7 km/s) to address velocity dependent aspects of cratering and penetrations of teflon targets. In addition, experiments were performed with real LDEF thermal blankets to duplicate the LDEF delaminations and to investigate a possible relationship of initial impact conditions on the wide variety of dark halo and ring features.

Effects of orbital exposure on Halar during the LDEF mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brower, William E., Jr.; Holla, Harish; Bauer, Robert A.

1992-01-01

Thermomechanical Analysis (TMA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) were performed on samples of Halar exposed on the LDEF Mission for 6 years in orbit and unexposed Halar control samples. Sections 10-100 microns thick were removed from the exposed surface down to a depth of 1,000 microns through the 3 mm thick samples. The TMA and DSC results, which arise from the entire slice and not just its surface, showed no differences between the LDEF and the control samples. TMA scans were run from ambient to 300 C; results were compared by a tabulation of the glass transition temperatures. DSC scans were run from ambient to 700 C; the enthalpy of melting was compared for the samples as a function of section depth with the sample. The TGA results, which arise from the surface of the sample initially, showed a sharp increase in the topmost 50 micron section (the exposed, discolored side) in the weight loss of 170 C in oxygen. This weight loss dropped to bulk values in the range of depth of 50-200 microns. The control sample showed only a slight increase in weight loss as the top surface was approached. The LDEF Halar sample appears to be mechanically undamaged, with a surface layer which oxidizes faster as a result of orbital exposure.

Fluorescence lifetime, dipole orientation and bilayer polymer films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ho, Xuan Long; Chen, Po-Jui; Woon, Wei-Yen; White, Jonathon David

2017-10-01

Bilayer films consisting of the optically transparent polymers, polystyrene (PS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) were spin-cast on glass substrates. The upper 13.5 nm layer (PS) was lightly doped with Rhodamine-6 G (RH6G) or MEH-PPV. While the fluorescence of MEH-PPV was independent of PMMA thickness, the lifetime of RH6G increased 3-fold as the underlying PMMA thickness increased from 0 to 500 nm while the collected flux decreased suggesting a reorientation of the smaller molecule's dipole with respect to the air-polymer interface with PMMA thickness. This suggests lifetime may find application for nondestructive thickness measurements of transparent films with sub-micron lateral resolution and large range.

Laser jetting of femto-liter metal droplets for high resolution 3D printed structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zenou, M.; Sa'Ar, A.; Kotler, Z.

2015-11-01

Laser induced forward transfer (LIFT) is employed in a special, high accuracy jetting regime, by adequately matching the sub-nanosecond pulse duration to the metal donor layer thickness. Under such conditions, an effective solid nozzle is formed, providing stability and directionality to the femto-liter droplets which are printed from a large gap in excess of 400 μm. We illustrate the wide applicability of this method by printing several 3D metal objects. First, very high aspect ratio (A/R > 20), micron scale, copper pillars in various configuration, upright and arbitrarily bent, then a micron scale 3D object composed of gold and copper. Such a digital printing method could serve the generation of complex, multi-material, micron-scale, 3D materials and novel structures.

Very high-cycle fatigue failure in micron-scale polycrystalline silicon films: Effects of environment and surface oxide thickness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alsem, D. H.; Timmerman, R.; Boyce, B. L.; Stach, E. A.; De Hosson, J. Th. M.; Ritchie, R. O.

2007-01-01

Fatigue failure in micron-scale polycrystalline silicon structural films, a phenomenon that is not observed in bulk silicon, can severely impact the durability and reliability of microelectromechanical system devices. Despite several studies on the very high-cycle fatigue behavior of these films (up to 1012cycles), there is still an on-going debate on the precise mechanisms involved. We show here that for devices fabricated in the multiuser microelectromechanical system process (MUMPs) foundry and Sandia Ultra-planar, Multi-level MEMS Technology (SUMMiT V™) process and tested under equi-tension/compression loading at ˜40kHz in different environments, stress-lifetime data exhibit similar trends in fatigue behavior in ambient room air, shorter lifetimes in higher relative humidity environments, and no fatigue failure at all in high vacuum. The transmission electron microscopy of the surface oxides in the test samples shows a four- to sixfold thickening of the surface oxide at stress concentrations after fatigue failure, but no thickening after overload fracture in air or after fatigue cycling in vacuo. We find that such oxide thickening and premature fatigue failure (in air) occur in devices with initial oxide thicknesses of ˜4nm (SUMMiT V™) as well as in devices with much thicker initial oxides ˜20nm (MUMPs). Such results are interpreted and explained by a reaction-layer fatigue mechanism. Specifically, moisture-assisted subcritical cracking within a cyclic stress-assisted thickened oxide layer occurs until the crack reaches a critical size to cause catastrophic failure of the entire device. The entirety of the evidence presented here strongly indicates that the reaction-layer fatigue mechanism is the governing mechanism for fatigue failure in micron-scale polycrystalline silicon thin films.

Effects of surface contamination on the infrared emissivity and visible-light scattering of highly reflective surfaces at cryogenic temperatures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Viehmann, W.; Eubanks, A. G.

1972-01-01

A technique is described for the simultaneous in situ measurement of film thickness, refractive index, total normal emissivity, visible-light scattering, and reflectance of contaminant films on a highly reflective liquid-nitrogen cooled, stainless steel substrate. Emissivities and scattering data are obtained for films of water, carbon dioxide, silicone oil, and a number of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons as a function of film thickness between zero and 20 microns. Of the contaminants investigated, water has by far the greatest effect on emissivity, followed by silicone oil, aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, and carbon dioxide. The emissivity increases more rapidly with film thickness between zero and 2.5 microns than at thicknesses greater than 2.5 microns. Scattering of visible light changes very little below 2 microns thickness but increases rapidly with thickness beyond 2 to 3 microns. The effect of contaminant films on passive radiation coolers is discussed.

Analysis of epitaxial drift field N on P silicon solar cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baraona, C. R.; Brandhorst, H. W., Jr.

1976-01-01

The performance of epitaxial drift field silicon solar cell structures having a variety of impurity profiles was calculated. These structures consist of a uniformly doped P-type substrate layer, and a P-type epitaxial drift field layer with a variety of field strengths. Several N-layer structures were modeled. A four layer solar cell model was used to calculate efficiency, open circuit voltage and short circuit current. The effect on performance of layer thickness, doping level, and diffusion length was determined. The results show that peak initial efficiency of 18.1% occurs for a drift field thickness of about 30 micron with the doping rising from 10 to the 17th power atoms/cu cm at the edge of the depletion region to 10 to the 18th power atoms/cu cm in the substrate. Stronger drift fields (narrow field regions) allowed very high performance (17% efficiency) even after irradiation to 3x10 to the 14th power 1 MeV electrons/sq cm.

Goussia girellae n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriorina) in the opaleye, Girella nigricans.

PubMed

Kent, M L; Fournie, J W; Snodgrass, R E; Elston, R A

1988-05-01

Goussia girellae n. sp. is described from the opaleye fish, Girella nigricans. Merogonic stages were observed in the apices of intestinal epithelial cells, in the lamina propria, and in extra-intestinal sites including liver, gills, and spleen. Gamonts were observed in the intestinal epithelial cells. Only unsporulated oocysts were detected in the intestine, and sporulation occurred when feces containing oocysts were incubated for 48 h in seawater at 21 degrees C. Oocysts are elongated (24.8 x 14.7 micron) with a wall about 200 nm thick and have no residuum, micropyle, or polar granule. Sporocysts are ellipsoid (8.5 x 4.5 micron), have a thin two-layered wall approximately 30 nm thick, and consist of two valves joined by a suture. Although moribund opaleye were also infected with Gyrodactylus sp., Cryptobia sp., Cardicola sp., and epitheliocystis organisms (chlamydia), all fish were heavily infected with G. girellae and morbidity was thus attributed to the coccidium.

Structures And Fabrication Techniques For Solid State Electrochemical Devices

DOEpatents

Visco, Steven J.; Jacobson, Craig P.; DeJonghe, Lutgard C.

2005-12-27

Provided are low-cost, mechanically strong, highly electronically conductive porous substrates and associated structures for solid-state electrochemical devices, techniques for forming these structures, and devices incorporating the structures. The invention provides solid state electrochemical device substrates of novel composition and techniques for forming thin electrode/membrane/electrolyte coatings on the novel or more conventional substrates. In particular, in one embodiment the invention provides techniques for co-firing of device substrate (often an electrode) with an electrolyte or membrane layer to form densified electrolyte/membrane films 5 to 20 microns thick. In another embodiment, densified electrolyte/membrane films 5 to 20 microns thick may be formed on a pre-sintered substrate by a constrained sintering process. In some cases, the substrate may be a porous metal, alloy, or non-nickel cermet incorporating one or more of the transition metals Cr, Fe, Cu and Ag, or alloys thereof.

Structures and fabrication techniques for solid state electrochemical devices

DOEpatents

Visco, Steven J.; Jacobson, Craig P.; DeJonghe, Lutgard C.

2003-08-12

Provided are low-cost, mechanically strong, highly electronically conductive porous substrates and associated structures for solid-state electrochemical devices, techniques for forming these structures, and devices incorporating the structures. The invention provides solid state electrochemical device substrates of novel composition and techniques for forming thin electrode/membrane/electrolyte coatings on the novel or more conventional substrates. In particular, in one embodiment the invention provides techniques for co-firing of device substrate (often an electrode) with an electrolyte or membrane layer to form densified electrolyte/membrane films 5 to 20 microns thick. In another embodiment, densified electrolyte/membrane films 5 to 20 microns thick may be formed on a pre-sintered substrate by a constrained sintering process. In some cases, the substrate may be a porous metal, alloy, or non-nickel cermet incorporating one or more of the transition metals Cr, Fe, Cu and Ag, or alloys thereof.

Submicron nickel-oxide-gold tunnel diode detectors for rectennas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoofring, A. B.; Kapoor, V. J.; Krawczonek, W.

1989-01-01

The characteristics of a metal-oxide-metal (MOM) tunnel diode made of nickel, nickel-oxide, and gold, designed and fabricated by standard integrated circuit technology for use in FIR rectennas, are presented. The MOM tunnel diode was formed by overlapping a 0.8-micron-wide layer of 1000-A of nickel, which was oxidized to form a thin layer of nickel oxide, with a 1500 A-thick layer of gold. The dc current-voltage characteristics of the MOM diode showed that the current dependence on voltage was linear about zero bias up to a bias of about 70 mV. The maximum detection of a low-level signal (10-mV ac) was determined to be at a dc voltage of 70 mV across the MOM diode. The rectified output signal due to a chopped 10.6-micron CO2 laser incident upon the rectenna device was found to increase with dc bias, with a maximum value of 1000 nV for a junction bias of 100 mV at room temperature.

Performance of epitaxial back surface field cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brandhorst, H. W., Jr.; Baraona, C. R.; Swartz, C. K.

1973-01-01

Epitaxial back surface field structures were formed by depositing a 10 micron thick 10 Omega-cm epitaxial silicon layer onto substrates with resistivities of 0.01, 0.1, 1.0 and 10 Omega-cm. A correlation between cell open-circuit voltage and substrate resistivity was observed and was compared to theory. The cells were also irradiated with 1 MeV electrons to a fluence of 5 X 10 to the 15th power e/cm2. The decrease of cell open-circuit voltage was in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions and the measured short circuit currents were within 2% of the prediction. Calculations are presented of optimum cell performance as functions of epitaxial layer thickness, radiation fluence and substrate diffusion length.

A Method for Qualitative Mapping of Thick Oil Spills Using Imaging Spectroscopy

USGS Publications Warehouse

Clark, Roger N.; Swayze, Gregg A.; Leifer, Ira; Livo, K. Eric; Lundeen, Sarah; Eastwood, Michael; Green, Robert O.; Kokaly, Raymond F.; Hoefen, Todd; Sarture, Charles; McCubbin, Ian; Roberts, Dar; Steele, Denis; Ryan, Thomas; Dominguez, Roseanne; Pearson, Neil; ,

2010-01-01

A method is described to create qualitative images of thick oil in oil spills on water using near-infrared imaging spectroscopy data. The method uses simple 'three-point-band depths' computed for each pixel in an imaging spectrometer image cube using the organic absorption features due to chemical bonds in aliphatic hydrocarbons at 1.2, 1.7, and 2.3 microns. The method is not quantitative because sub-pixel mixing and layering effects are not considered, which are necessary to make a quantitative volume estimate of oil.

Suppression of Random Dopant-Induced Threshold Voltage Fluctuations in Sub-0.1-(micron)meter MOSFET's with Epitaxial and (delta)-Doped Channels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Asenov, Asen; Saini, Subhash

1999-01-01

A detailed three-dimensional (3-D) statistical 'atomistic' simulation study of fluctuation-resistant sub-0.1-(micron)meter MOSFET architectures with epitaxial channels and delta doping is presented. The need for enhancing the fluctuation resistance of the sub-0.1-(micron)meter generation transistors is highlighted by presenting summarized results from atomistic simulations of a wide range of conventional devices with uniformly doped channel. According to our atomistic results, the doping concentration dependence of the random dopant-induced threshold voltage fluctuations in conventional devices is stronger than the analytically predicted fourth-root dependence. As a result of this, the scaling of such devices will be restricted by the "intrinsic" random dopant-induced fluctuations earlier than anticipated. Our atomistic simulations confirm that the introduction of a thin epitaxial layer in the MOSFET's channel can efficiently suppress the random dopant-induced threshold voltage fluctuations in sub-0.1-(micron)meter devices. For the first time, we observe an "anomalous" reduction in the threshold voltage fluctuations with an increase in the doping concentration behind the epitaxial channel, which we attribute to screening effects. Also, for the first time we study the effect of a delta-doping, positioned behind the epitaxial layer, on the intrinsic threshold voltage fluctuations. Above a certain thickness of epitaxial layer, we observe a pronounced anomalous decrease in the threshold voltage fluctuation with the increase of the delta doping. This phenomenon, which is also associated with screening, enhances the importance of the delta doping in the design of properly scaled fluctuation-resistant sub-0.1-(micron)meter MOSFET's. Index Terms-Doping, fluctuations, MOSFET, semiconductor device simulation, silicon devices, threshold.

Experimental studies of MOS inversion and accumulation layers: Quantum mechanical effects and mobility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chindalore, Gowrishankar L.

The development of fast, multi-functional, and energy efficient integrated circuits, is made possible by aggressively scaling the gate lengths of the MOS devices into the sub-quarter micron regime. However, with the increasing cost of fabrication, there is a strong need for the development of reliable and accurate device simulation capabilities. The development of the theoretical models for simulators is guided by extensive experimental data, which enable an experimental verification of the models, and lead to a better understanding of the underlying physics. This dissertation presents the methodology and the results for one such experimental effort, where two important physical effects in the inversion layer and the accumulation layer of a MOS device, namely, the quantum mechanical (QM) effects and the carrier mobility are investigated. Accordingly, this dissertation has been divided into two parts, with the first part discussing the increase in the threshold voltage and the accumulation electrical oxide thickness due to QM effects. The second part discusses the methodology and the experimental results for the extraction of the majority carrier mobilities in the accumulation layers of a MOSFET. The continued scaling of the MOS gate length requires decreased gate oxide thickness (tox) and increased channel doping (NB) in order to improve device performance while suppressing the short- channel effects. The combination of the two result in large enough transverse electric fields to cause significant quantization of the carriers in the potential well at the Si/SiO2 interface. Hence, compared to the classical calculations (where the QM effects are ignored), the QM effects are found to lead to an increase in the experimental threshold voltage by approximately 100mV, and an overestimation of the physical oxide thickness by approximately 3-4A, in MOSFET devices with a gate oxide thickness and the doping level anticipated for technologies with sub-quarter micron gate lengths. Thus, the experimental results indicate the need for using accurate QM models for simulating sub-quarter micron devices. Carrier mobility is a fundamental semiconductor device transport parameter that has been extensively characterized for both electrons and holes in the silicon bulk and MOS inversion layers. Accumulation layer mobility (μacc) has become increasingly important as the MOS devices have scaled to deep submicron gate lengths, and much effort has been required to achieve increased drive current. However, very little experimental data has been reported for carrier mobility in the MOS accumulation layers (Sun80, Man89). Hence, in this research work, the accumulation layer mobilities were extracted using buried-channel MOSFETs for both the electrons and holes, and for a wide range of doping levels at temperatures ranging from 25C to 150C. The experimental μacc is found to be greater than the corresponding bulk and the inversion layer mobilities, at low to moderate effective fields. However, at very high effective fields, where phonon and surface roughness scattering are dominant, the mobility behavior is found to be very similar to that of the inversion carriers. The extensive set of experimental data will enable the development of accurate local accumulation mobility models for inclusion in 2-D device simulators.

Coordinated Airborne, Spaceborne and Ground-based Measurements of Massive Thick Aerosol Layers during the Dry Season in Southern Africa

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schmid, B.; Redemann, J.; Russell, P. B.; Hobbs, P. V.; Hlavka, D. L.; McGill, M. J.; Holben, B. N.; Welton, E. J.; Campbell, J. R.; Torres, O.

2003-01-01

During the dry season airborne campaign of the Southern African Regional Science Initiative (SAFARI 2000), coordinated observations were made of massive thick aerosol layers. These layers were often dominated by aerosols from biomass burning. We report on airborne Sun photometer measurements of aerosol optical depth (lambda = 0.354- 1.557 microns), columnar water vapor, and vertical profiles of aerosol extinction and water vapor density that were obtained aboard the University of Washington's Convair-580 research aircraft. We compare these with ground-based AERONET Sun/sky radiometer results, with ground based lidar data (MPL-Net), and with measurements from a downward pointing lidar aboard the high-flying NASA ER-2 aircraft. Finally, we show comparisons between aerosol optical depths fiom the Sun photometer and those retrieved over land and over water using four spaceborne sensors (TOMS, MODIS, MISR, and ATSR-2).

Development of 256 x 256 Element Impurity Band Conduction Infrared Detector Arrays for Astronomy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Domingo, George

1997-01-01

This report describes the work performed on a one and a half year advance technology program to develop Impurity Band Conduction (IBC) detectors with very low dark current, high quantum efficiency, and with good repeatable processes. The program fabricated several epitaxial growths of Si:As detecting layers from 15 to 35 microns thick and analyzed the performance versus the thickness and the Arsenic concentration of these epitaxial layers. Some of the epitaxial runs did not yield because of excessive residual impurities. The thicker epitaxial layers and the ones with higher Arsenic concentration resulted in good detectors with low dark currents and good quantum efficiency. The program hybridized six detector die from the best detector wafers to a low noise, 256 x 256 readout array and delivered the hybrids to NASA Ames for a more detailed study of the performance of the detectors.

Abrasion and deformed layer formation of manganese-zinc ferrite in sliding contact with lapping tapes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miyoshi, K.; Buckley, D. H.; Tanaka, K.

1986-01-01

Wear experiments were conducted using replication electron microscopy and reflection electron diffraction to study abrasion and the deformed layers produced in single-crystal Mn-Zn ferrite simulated heads during contact with lapping tapes. The crystaline state of the head is changed drastically during the abrasion process. Crystalline states ranging from nearly amorphous to highly textured polycrystalline can be produced on the wear surface of a single-crystal Mn-Zn ferrite head. The total thickness of the deformed layer was approximately 0.8 microns. This thickness increased as the load and abrasive grit size increased. The anisotropic wear of the ferrite was found to be inversely proportional to the hardness of the wear surface. The wear was lower in the order 211 111 10 0110. The wear of the ferrite increased markedly with an increase in sliding velocity and abrasive grit size.

Changes in the choroidal thickness in reproductive-aged women with iron-deficiency anemia.

PubMed

Yumusak, Erhan; Ciftci, Aydin; Yalcin, Selim; Sayan, Cemile Dayangan; Dikel, Nevin Hande; Ornek, Kemal

2015-12-29

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential significance of the central macular thickness (foveal thickness-FT) and choroidal thickness (CT) in the eyes of patients with iron-deficiency anemia, the most common form of the anemia, via enhanced-depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT). We also investigated whether such changes might serve as an early indicator of underlying hematological disease. This prospective clinical study compared 96 female patients with iron-deficiency anemia and 60 healthy female control subjects. The macular and choroidal thicknesses in the temporal and nasal subfoveal areas were measured using enhanced-depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) at 500 and 1500 microns and in five different regions (FCT, T1500, T500, N500, and N1500). The mean ages of the patients and healthy controls were 34.08 ± 10.39 years and 32.29 ± 8.28 years, respectively (P =0.232). There were no significant changes in macular thickness between the groups (225.58 ± 19.76 vs. 222.45 ± 13.51, P =0.2). The choroidal thickness was significantly reduced in the patient group relative to the controls at all measured points (foveal choroidal thickness, P = 0.042; nasal-500 microns, P = 0.033; temporal-500 microns, P = 0.033; and temporal-1500 microns, P = 0.019). At some points, the choroidal thickness findings correlated with the hemoglobin values (temporal-500 microns, r = -0.287, P = 0.001; nasal-500 microns, r = -0.287, P = 0.005; nasal-1500 microns, r = -0.245, P = 0.016; and temporal-1500 microns, r = -0.280, P = 0.06). Patients with iron-deficiency anemia had a significantly reduced choroidal thickness.

A Reactive-Ion Etch for Patterning Piezoelectric Thin Film

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yang, Eui-Hyeok; Wild, Larry

2003-01-01

Reactive-ion etching (RIE) under conditions described below has been found to be a suitable means for patterning piezoelectric thin films made from such materials as PbZr(1-x)Ti(x)O3 or Ba(x)Sr(1.x)TiO3. In the original application for which this particular RIE process was developed, PbZr(1-x)Ti(x)O3 films 0.5 microns thick are to be sandwiched between Pt electrode layers 0.1 microns thick and Ir electrode layers 0.1 microns thick to form piezoelectric capacitor structures. Such structures are typical of piezoelectric actuators in advanced microelectromechanical systems now under development or planned to be developed in the near future. RIE of PbZr(1-x)Ti(x)O3 is usually considered to involve two major subprocesses: an ion-assisted- etching reaction, and a sputtering subprocess that removes reactive byproducts. RIE is favored over other etching techniques because it offers a potential for a high degree of anisotropy, high-resolution pattern definition, and good process control. However, conventional RIE is not ideal for patterning PbZr(1-x)Ti(x)O3 films at a thickness as great as that in the original intended application. In order to realize the potential benefits mentioned above, it is necessary to optimize process conditions . in particular, the composition of the etching gas and the values of such other process parameters as radio-frequency power, gas pressure, gas-flow rate, and duration of the process. Guidelines for determining optimum conditions can be obtained from experimental determination of etch rates as functions of these parameters. Etch-gas mixtures of BCl3 and Cl2, some also including Ar, have been found to offer a high degree of selectivity as needed for patterning of PbZr(1-x)Ti(x)O3 films on top of Ir electrode layers in thin-film capacitor structures. The selectivity is characterized by a ratio of approx.10:1 (rate of etching PbZr(1-x)Ti(x)O3 divided by rate of etching Ir and IrO(x)). At the time of reporting the information for this article, several experiments on RIE in BCl3 and Cl2 (and sometimes Ar) had demonstrated the 10:1 selectivity ratio, and further experiments to enhance understanding and obtain further guidance for optimizing process conditions were planned.

Fabrication and Theoretical Evaluation of Microlens Arrays on Layered Polymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oder, Tom; McMaster, Michael; Merlo, Corey; Bagheri, Camron; Reakes, Clayton; Petrus, Joshua; Li, Dingqiang; Crescimanno, Michael; Andrews, James

2014-03-01

Arrays of microlens were fabricated on nano-layered polymers using reactive ion etching. Semi hemispherical patterns with diameters ranging from 20 to 80 micrometers were first formed on a thick photoresist film that was spin-coated on the layered polymers using standard photolithographic process employing a gray scale glass mask. These patterns were then transferred to the polymers using dry etching in a reactive ion etching system. The optimized etch condition included a mixture of sulfur hexafluoride and oxygen, which resulted in an etch depth of 5 micrometers and successfully exposed the individual sub-micron thick layers in the polymers. Physical characterization of the microlens arrays was done using atomic force microscope and scanning electron microscope. We combine basic physical optics theory with the transfer matrix analysis of optical transport in nano-layered polymers to address subtleties in the chromatic response of microlenses made from these materials. In particular this method explains the len's behavior in and around the reflection band of the materials. We wish to acknowledge support of funds from NSF through its Center for Layered Polymeric Systems (CLiPS) at Case Western Reserve University.

Fiber Optic Microphone

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cho, Y. C.; George, Thomas; Norvig, Peter (Technical Monitor)

1999-01-01

Research into advanced pressure sensors using fiber-optic technology is aimed at developing compact size microphones. Fiber optic sensors are inherently immune to electromagnetic noise, and are very sensitive, light weight, and highly flexible. In FY 98, NASA researchers successfully designed and assembled a prototype fiber-optic microphone. The sensing technique employed was fiber optic Fabry-Perot interferometry. The sensing head is composed of an optical fiber terminated in a miniature ferrule with a thin, silicon-microfabricated diaphragm mounted on it. The optical fiber is a single mode fiber with a core diameter of 8 micron, with the cleaved end positioned 50 micron from the diaphragm surface. The diaphragm is made up of a 0.2 micron thick silicon nitride membrane whose inner surface is metallized with layers of 30 nm titanium, 30 nm platinum, and 0.2 micron gold for efficient reflection. The active sensing area is approximately 1.5 mm in diameter. The measured differential pressure tolerance of this diaphragm is more than 1 bar, yielding a dynamic range of more than 100 dB.

CAD/CAM for development and fabrication of cosecant reflector antennas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petri, U.

The application of CAD/CAM techniques to lower the cost of redesigning and manufacturing specialized cosecant reflector antennas for use in the mm-wave range is described and demonstrated. Consideration is given to the theoretical computation of reflector surfaces; the representation of a reflector surface in a CAD system; the numerically controlled milling of an Al, wood, or plastic model antenna; and the construction of the antenna (by spraying the 300-micron Sn-alloy conducting layer onto the coated model surface and then applying a 1-mm-thick epoxy-matrix GFRP layer, a 20-30-mm layer of flexible polyurethane foam, and a final GFRP layer). Diagrams and photographs are provided.

Stress compensation for arbitrary curvature control in vanadium dioxide phase transition actuators

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

Dong, Kaichen, E-mail: dkc12@mails.tsinghua.edu.cn, E-mail: wuj@berkeley.edu; Materials Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720; State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instruments, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084

2016-07-11

Due to its thermally driven structural phase transition, vanadium dioxide (VO{sub 2}) has emerged as a promising material for micro/nano-actuators with superior volumetric work density, actuation amplitude, and repetition frequency. However, the high initial curvature of VO{sub 2} actuators severely obstructs the actuation performance and application. Here, we introduce a “seesaw” method of fabricating tri-layer cantilevers to compensate for the residual stress and realize nearly arbitrary curvature control of VO{sub 2} actuators. By simply adjusting the thicknesses of the individual layers, cantilevers with positive, zero, or negative curvatures can be engineered. The actuation amplitude can be decoupled from the curvaturemore » and controlled independently as well. Based on the experimentally measured residual stresses, we demonstrate sub-micron thick VO{sub 2} actuators with nearly zero final curvature and a high actuation amplitude simultaneously. This “seesaw” method can be further extended to the curvature engineering of other microelectromechanical system multi-layer structures where large stress-mismatch between layers are inevitable.« less

METHOD OF FORMING TANTALUM SILICIDE ON TANTALUM SURFACES

DOEpatents

Bowman, M.G.; Krikorian, N.H.

1961-10-01

A method is described for forming a non-corrosive silicide coating on tantalum. The coating is made through the heating of trirhenium silicides in contact with the tantalum object to approximately 1400 deg C at which temperature trirhenium silicide decomposes into rhenium and gaseous silicons. The silicon vapor reacts with the tantalum surface to form a tantalum silicide layer approximately 10 microns thick. (AEC)

New long-wavelength Nd:YAG laser at 1.44 micron: effect on brain.

PubMed

Martiniuk, R; Bauer, J A; McKean, J D; Tulip, J; Mielke, B W

1989-02-01

A wavelength-shifted Nd:YAG laser, tuned to coincide with the infrared absorption peak of water at 1.44 microns, was used to make lesions in normal rabbit brain. A total of 48 lesions were made with power up to 20 W, with energy up to 40 joules, and with two different spot sizes. These lesions were compared to lesions made with 1.06 microns radiation from an Nd:YAG laser under identical operating conditions. Measurements of blood-brain barrier damage and width, depth, and volume of tissue affected were obtained 30 minutes after placement of the lesions. It was found that 1.44-microns lesions produced photoevaporative tissue loss at the highest intensities used. The layer of coagulated tissue remaining after photovaporization had a mean thickness of 0.6 mm irrespective of the volume of tissue removed. There was no photovaporization in the 1.06-microns lesions. In addition, the amount of peripheral edema per unit volume of tissue coagulated was approximately half at the 1.44-microns wavelength. These findings suggest that the 1.44-microns Nd:YAG laser may be a useful surgical instrument since it combines the photoevaporative effect of the CO2 laser while maintaining the advantages of the conventional Nd:YAG laser (quartz fiber delivery and effective hemostasis).

Silicon-on Ceramic Process: Silicon Sheet Growth and Device Development for the Large-area Silicon Sheet and Cell Development Tasks of the Low-cost Solar Array Project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chapman, P. W.; Zook, J. D.; Heaps, J. D.; Grung, B. L.; Koepke, B.; Schuldt, S. B.

1979-01-01

The technical and economic feasibility of producing solar cell-quality silicon was investigated. This was done by coating one surface of carbonized ceramic substrates with a thin layer of large-grain polycrystalline silicon from the melt. Significant progress in the following areas was demonstrated: (1) fabricating a 10 sq cm cell having 9.9 percent conversion efficiency; (2) producing a 225 sq cm layer of sheet silicon; and (3) obtaining 100 microns thick coatings at pull speed of 0.15 cm/sec, although approximately 50 percent of the layer exhibited dendritic growth.

Stretching-induced wrinkling in plastic-rubber composites.

PubMed

Yang, Junyu; Damle, Sameer; Maiti, Spandan; Velankar, Sachin S

2017-01-25

We examine the mechanics of three-layer composite films composed of an elastomeric layer sandwiched between two thin surface layers of plastic. Upon stretching and releasing such composite films, they develop a highly wrinkled surface texture. The mechanism for this texturing is that during stretching, the plastic layers yield and stretch irreversibly whereas the elastomer stretches reversibly. Thus upon releasing, the plastic layers buckle due to compressive stress imposed by the elastomer. Experiments are conducted using SEPS elastomer and 50 micron thick LLDPE plastic films. Stretching and releasing the composites to 2-5 times their original length induces buckles with wavelength on the order of 200 microns, and the wavelength decreases as the stretching increases. FEM simulations reveal that plastic deformation is involved at all stages during this process: (1) during stretching, the plastic layer yields in tension; (2) during recovery, the plastic layer first yields in-plane in compression and then buckles; (3) post-buckling, plastic hinges are formed at high-curvature regions. Homogeneous wrinkles are predicted only within a finite window of material properties: if the yield stress is too low, the plastic layers yield in-plane, without wrinkling, whereas if the yield stress is too high, non-homogeneous wrinkles are predicted. This approach to realizing highly wrinkled textures offers several advantages, most importantly the fact that high aspect ratio wrinkles (amplitude to wavelength ratios exceeding 0.4) can be realized.

The effect of sea ice on the solar energy budget in the astmosphere-sea ice-ocean system: A model study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jin, Z.; Stamnes, Knut; Weeks, W. F.; Tsay, Si-Chee

1994-01-01

A coupled one-dimensional multilayer and multistream radiative transfer model has been developed and applied to the study of radiative interactions in the atmosphere, sea ice, and ocean system. The consistent solution of the radiative transfer equation in this coupled system automatically takes into account the refraction and reflection at the air-ice interface and allows flexibility in choice of stream numbers. The solar radiation spectrum (0.25 micron-4.0 micron) is divided into 24 spectral bands to account adequately for gaseous absorption in the atmosphere. The effects of ice property changes, including salinity and density variations, as well as of melt ponds and snow cover variations over the ice on the solar energy distribution in the entire system have been studied quantitatively. The results show that for bare ice it is the scattering, determined by air bubbles and brine pockets, in just a few centimeters of the top layer of ice that plays the most important role in the solar energy absorption and partitioning in the entire system. Ice thickness is important to the energy distribution only when the ice is thin, while the absorption in the atmosphere is not sensitive to ice thickness exceeds about 70 cm. The presence of clouds moderates all the sensitivities of the absorptive amounts in each layer to the variations in the ice properties and ice thickness. Comparisons with observational spectral albedo values for two simple ice types are also presented.

Optimization of solar cells for air mass zero operation and a study of solar cells at high temperatures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hovel, H. J.; Vernon, S. M.

1982-01-01

The power to weight ratio of GaAs cells can be reduced by fabricating devices using thin GaAs films on low density substrate materials (silicon, glass, plastics). A graphoepitaxy technique was developed which uses fine geometric patterns in the substrate to affect growth. Initial substrates were processed by etching 25 microns deep grooves into 100 oriented wafers; fine-grained polycrystalline GaAs layers 25-50 microns thick were then deposited on these and recrystallization was performed, heating the substrates to above the GaAs melting point in ASH3 atmosphere, resulting in large grain regrowth oriented along the groove dimensions. Experiments with smaller groove depths and spacings were initially encouraging; single large GaAs grains would totally cover one and often two groove fields of 14 groove each spanning several hundred microns. Dielectric coatings on the grooved substrates were also used to modify the growth.

InAs/InGaSb Type-II strained layer superlattice IR detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nathan, Vaidya; Anselm, K. Alex; Lin, C. H. T.; Johnson, Jeffrey L.

2002-05-01

InAs/InGaSb type2 strained layer superlattice (SLS) combines the advantages of III-V materials technology with the strong, broad-band absorption, and wavelength tunability of HgCdTe. In fact, the significantly reduced tunneling and Auger recombination rates in SLS compared to those in HgCdTe should enable SLS detectors to outperform HgCdTe. We report the results of our investigation of InAs/InGaSb type2 strained layer superlattices (SLS)for LWIR photovoltaic detector development. We modeled the band structure, and absorption spectrum of SLS's, and achieved good agreement with experimental data. We systematically investigated the SLS growth conditions, resulting in good uniformity, and the elimination of several defects. We designed, developed and evaluated 16x16 array of 13 micron cutoff photovoltaic detectors. Photodiodes with cutoff wavelengths of 13 and 18microns were demonstrated, which are the longest wavelengths demonstrated for this material system. Quantum efficiencies commensurate with the superlattice thickness were demonstrated and verified at AFRL. The electrical properties show excessive leakage current, most likely due to trap-assisted tunneling.

Sensitivity of Cirrus Bidirectional Reflectance at MODIS Bands to Vertical Inhomogeneity of Ice Crystal Habits and Size Distribution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yang, P.; Gao, B.-C.; Baum, B. A.; Wiscombe, W.; Hu, Y.; Nasiri, S. L.; Soulen, P. F.; Heymsfield, A. J.; McFarquhar, G. M.; Miloshevich, L. M.

2000-01-01

A common assumption in satellite imager-based cirrus retrieval algorithms is that the radiative properties of a cirrus cloud may be represented by those associated with a specific ice crystal shape (or habit) and a single particle size distribution. However, observations of cirrus clouds have shown that the shapes and sizes of ice crystals may vary substantially with height within the clouds. In this study we investigate the sensitivity of the top-of-atmosphere bidirectional reflectances at two MODIS bands centered at 0.65 micron and 2.11 micron to the cirrus models assumed to be either a single homogeneous layer or three distinct but contiguous, layers. First, we define the single- and three-layer cirrus cloud models with respect to ice crystal habit and size distribution on the basis of in situ replicator data acquired during the First ISCCP Regional Experiment (FIRE-II), held in Kansas during the fall of 1991. Subsequently, fundamental light scattering and radiative transfer theory is employed to determine the single scattering and the bulk radiative properties of the cirrus cloud. Regarding the radiative transfer computations, we present a discrete form of the adding/doubling principle by introducing a direct transmission function, which is computationally straightforward and efficient an improvement over previous methods. For the 0.65 micron band, at which absorption by ice is negligible, there is little difference between the bidirectional reflectances calculated for the one- and three-layer cirrus models, suggesting that the vertical inhomogeneity effect is relatively unimportant. At the 2.11 micron band, the bidirectional reflectances computed for both optically thin (tau = 1) and thick (tau = 10) cirrus clouds show significant differences between the results for the one- and three-layer models. The reflectances computed for the three-layer cirrus model are substantially larger than those computed for the single-layer cirrus. Finally, we find that cloud reflectance is very sensitive to the optical properties of the small crystals that predominate in the top layer of the three-layer cirrus model. It is critical to define the most realistic geometric shape for the small "quasi-spherical" ice crystals in the top layer for obtaining reliable single-scattering parameters and bulk radiative properties of cirrus.

Analysis of Polder Polarization Measurements During Astex and Eucrex Experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, Hui; Han, Qingyuan; Chou, Joyce; Welch, Ronald M.

1997-01-01

Polarization is more sensitive than intensity to cloud microstructure such as the particle size and shape, and multiple scattering does not wash out features in polarization as effectively as it does in the intensity. Polarization measurements, particularly in the near IR, are potentially a valuable tool for cloud identification and for studies of the microphysics of clouds. The POLDER instrument is designed to provide wide field of view bidirectional images in polarized light. During the ASTEX-SOFIA campaign on June 12th, 1992, over the Atlantic Ocean (near the Azores Islands), images of homogeneous thick stratocumulus cloud fields were acquired. During the EUCREX'94 (April, 1994) campaign, the POLDER instrument was flying over the region of Brittany (France), taking observations of cirrus clouds. This study involves model studies and data analysis of POLDER observations. Both models and data analysis show that POLDER can be used to detect cloud thermodynamic phases. Model results show that polarized reflection in the Lamda =0.86 micron band is sensitive to cloud droplet sizes but not to cloud optical thickness. Comparison between model and data analysis reveals that cloud droplet sizes during ASTEX are about 5 microns, which agrees very well with the results of in situ measurements (4-5 microns). Knowing the retrieved cloud droplet sizes, the total reflected intensity of the POLDER measurements then can be used to retrieve cloud optical thickness. The close agreement between data analysis and model results during ASTEX also suggests the homogeneity of the cloud layer during that campaign.

Fabrication of a Cryogenic Terahertz Emitter for Bolometer Focal Plane Calibrations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chervenak, James; Brown, Ari; Wollack, Edward

2012-01-01

A fabrication process is reported for prototype emitters of THz radiation, which operate cryogenically, and should provide a fast, stable blackbody source suitable for characterization of THz devices. The fabrication has been demonstrated and, at the time of this reporting, testing was underway. The emitter is similar to a monolithic silicon bolometer in design, using both a low-noise thermometer and a heater element on a thermally isolated stage. An impedance-matched, high-emissivity coat ing is also integrated to tune the blackbody properties. This emitter is designed to emit a precise amount of power as a blackbody spectrum centered on terahertz frequencies. The emission is a function of the blackbody temperature. An integrated resistive heater and thermometer system can control the temperature of the blackbody with greater precision than previous incarnations of calibration sources that relied on blackbody emission. The emitter is fabricated using a silicon- on-insulator substrate wafer. The buried oxide is chosen to be less than 1 micron thick, and the silicon device thickness is 1-2 microns. Layers of phosphorus compensated with boron are implanted into and diffused throughout the full thickness of the silicon device layer to create the thermometer and heater components. Degenerately doped wiring is implanted to connect the devices to wire-bondable contact pads at the edge of the emitter chip. Then the device is micromachined to remove the thick-handle silicon behind the thermometer and heater components, and to thermally isolate it on a silicon membrane. An impedance- matched emissive coating (ion assisted evaporated Bi) is applied to the back of the membrane to enable high-efficiency emission of the blackbody spectrum.

New Eddy Current Probe for Thickness Gauging of Conductive Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wincheski, Buzz; Fulton, Jim; Nath, Shridhar; Namkung, Min

1993-01-01

The accurate measure of material thickness is important for many non-destructive evaluation applications. Factors such as corrosion damage can jeopardize structural integrity through material thinning and process control considerations often mandate strict limits on material dimensions. Access to the material under test can be limited to a single side and large areas may need to be examined in a small time period. In an effort to enhance the effectiveness of material thickness measurements a flux focusing eddy current probe has been developed at NASA Langley Research Center. The probe provides an accurate measure of the thickness of conducting materials from a single sided measurement. It is straight forward to use and can be easily automated for production line testing. The probe also requires only minimal instrumentation and power so that extremely portable units can be manufactured at a low cost. This new eddy current probe has been used to accurately measure the thickness of aluminum alloy plates with a resolution of greater than 0.001 in. (25 microns). Simulated corrosion damage has also been detected on both single layer and multi-layer samples. The present work will explain the output voltage dependence of the device as a function of material thickness and present experimental results for thickness gauging and corrosion detection.

NDCX-II target experiments and simulations

DOE PAGES

Barnard, J. J.; More, R. M.; Terry, M.; ...

2013-06-13

The ion accelerator NDCX-II is undergoing commissioning at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Its principal mission is to explore ion-driven High Energy Density Physics (HEDP) relevant to Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) especially in the Warm Dense Matter (WDM) regime. We have carried out hydrodynamic simulations of beam-heated targets for parameters expected for the initial configuration of NDCX-II. For metal foils of order one micron thick (thin targets), the beam is predicted to heat the target in a timescale comparable to the hydrodynamic expansion time for experiments that infer material properties from measurements of the resulting rarefaction wave. We have alsomore » carried out hydrodynamic simulations of beam heating of metallic foam targets several tens of microns thick (thick targets) in which the ion range is shorter than the areal density of the material. In this case shock waves will form and we derive simple scaling laws for the efficiency of conversion of ion energy into kinetic energy of fluid flow. Geometries with a tamping layer may also be used to study the merging of a tamper shock with the end-of-range shock. As a result, this process can occur in tamped, direct drive IFE targets.« less

A new method for fabrication of diamond-dust blocking filters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Collard, H. R.; Hogan, R. C.

1986-01-01

Thermal embedding of diamond dust onto a polyethylene-coated Al plate has been used to make a blocking filter for FIR applications. The Al plate is sandwiched between two Mylar 'blankets' and the air between the layers is removed by means of a small vacuum pump. After the polyethylene is heated and softened, the diamond dust is applied to the polyethylene coating using a brush. The optimum diamond dust grain sizes corresponding to polyethylene layer thicknesses of 9-12 microns are given in a table, and the application of the blocking filter to spectrometric measurements in the FIR is described. An exploded view diagram of the layered structure of the blocking filter is provided.

Impact Resistance of Environmental Barrier Coated SiC/SiC Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bhatt, Ramakrishna T.; Choi, Sung R.; Cosgriff, Laura M.; Fox, Dennis S.; Lee, Kang N.

2008-01-01

Impact performance of 2D woven SiC/SiC composites coated with 225 and 525 microns thick environmental barrier coating (EBC) was investigated. The composites were fabricated by melt infiltration and the EBC was deposited by plasma spray. Impact tests were conducted at room temperature and at 1316 C in air using 1.59 mm diameter steel-balls at projectile velocities ranging from 110 to 375 m/s . Both microscopy and non-destructive evaluation (NDE) methods were used to determine the extent of damage in the substrate and coating with increasing projectile velocity. The impacted specimens were tensile tested at room temperature to determine their residual mechanical properties. At projectile velocities less than 125 m/s , no detectable internal damage was noticed in the MI SiC/SiC composites coated with 525 microns EBC. With increase in projectile velocity beyond this value, spallation of EBC layers, delamination of fiber plies, and fiber fracture were detected. At a fixed projectile velocity, the composites coated with 525 microns EBC showed less damage than those coated with 225 microns EBC. Both types of coated composites retained a large fraction of the baseline properties of the as-fabricated composites and exhibited non-brittle failure after impact testing. Furnace exposure of impacted specimens in a moisture environment at 1316 C for 500 h indicated that the through-the-thickness cracks in the coating and delamination cracks in the substrate generated after impact testing acted as conduits for internal oxidation.

Effect of different thickness h-BN coatings on interface shear strength of quartz fiber reinforced Sisbnd Osbnd Csbnd N composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Shubin; Zheng, Yu

2014-02-01

Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) coatings with different thickness were prepared on quartz fibers to improve mechanical properties of quartz fiber reinforced Sisbnd Osbnd Csbnd N composite. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), push-out test and single edge notched beam (SENB) in three point bending test were employed to study morphology, interface shear strength and fracture toughness of the composite. The results showed that h-BN coatings changed the crack growth direction and weaken the interface shear strength efficiently. When the h-BN coating was 308.2 nm, the interface shear strength was about 5.2 MPa, which was about one-quarter of that of the sample without h-BN coatings. After the heating process for obtaining composite, the h-BN nanometer-sized grains would grow up to micron-sized hexagonal grains. Different thickness h-BN coatings had different structure. When the coatings were relatively thin, the hexagonal grains were single layer structure, and when the coatings were thicker, the hexagonal grains were multiple layer structure. This multiple layer interface phase would consume more power of cracks, thus interface shear strength of the composite decreased steadily with the increasing of h-BN coatings thickness. When the coating thickness was 238.8 nm, KIC reaches the peak value 3.8 MPa m1/2, which was more than two times of that of composites without h-BN coatings.

Sub-Grid Modeling of Electrokinetic Effects in Micro Flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, C. P.

2005-01-01

Advances in micro-fabrication processes have generated tremendous interests in miniaturizing chemical and biomedical analyses into integrated microsystems (Lab-on-Chip devices). To successfully design and operate the micro fluidics system, it is essential to understand the fundamental fluid flow phenomena when channel sizes are shrink to micron or even nano dimensions. One important phenomenon is the electro kinetic effect in micro/nano channels due to the existence of the electrical double layer (EDL) near a solid-liquid interface. Not only EDL is responsible for electro-osmosis pumping when an electric field parallel to the surface is imposed, EDL also causes extra flow resistance (the electro-viscous effect) and flow anomaly (such as early transition from laminar to turbulent flow) observed in pressure-driven microchannel flows. Modeling and simulation of electro-kinetic effects on micro flows poses significant numerical challenge due to the fact that the sizes of the double layer (10 nm up to microns) are very thin compared to channel width (can be up to 100 s of m). Since the typical thickness of the double layer is extremely small compared to the channel width, it would be computationally very costly to capture the velocity profile inside the double layer by placing sufficient number of grid cells in the layer to resolve the velocity changes, especially in complex, 3-d geometries. Existing approaches using "slip" wall velocity and augmented double layer are difficult to use when the flow geometry is complicated, e.g. flow in a T-junction, X-junction, etc. In order to overcome the difficulties arising from those two approaches, we have developed a sub-grid integration method to properly account for the physics of the double layer. The integration approach can be used on simple or complicated flow geometries. Resolution of the double layer is not needed in this approach, and the effects of the double layer can be accounted for at the same time. With this approach, the numeric grid size can be much larger than the thickness of double layer. Presented in this report are a description of the approach, methodology for implementation and several validation simulations for micro flows.

Track chambers based on precision drift tubes housed inside 30 mm mylar pipe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borisov, A.; Bozhko, N.; Fakhrutdinov, R.; Kozhin, A.; Leontiev, B.; Levin, A.

2014-06-01

We describe drift chambers consisting of 3 layers of 30 mm (OD) drift tubes made of double sided aluminized mylar film with thickness 0.125 mm. A single drift tube is self-supported structure withstanding 350 g tension of 50 microns sense wire located in the tube center with 10 microns precision with respect to end-plug outer surface. Such tubes allow to create drift chambers with small amount of material, construction of such chambers doesn't require hard frames. Twenty six chambers with working area from 0.8 × 1.0 to 2.5 × 2.0 m2 including 4440 tubes have been manufactured for experiments at 70-GeV proton accelerator at IHEP(Protvino).

Multilayer polymer light-emitting diodes by blade coating method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tseng, Shin-Rong; Meng, Hsin-Fei; Lee, Kuan-Chen; Horng, Sheng-Fu

2008-10-01

Multilayer polymer light-emitting diodes fabricated by blade coating are presented. Multilayer of polymers can be easily deposited by blade coating on a hot plate. The multilayer structure is confirmed by the total thickness and the cross section view in the scanning electron microscope. The film thickness variation is only 3.3% in 10cm scale and the film roughness is about 0.3nm in the micron scale. The efficiency of single layer poly(para-phenylene vinylene) copolymer Super Yellow and poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene) (PFO, deep blue) devices are 9 and 1.7cd/A, respectively, by blade coating. The efficiency of the PFO device is raised to 2.9cd/A with a 2-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-5-(4-biphenylyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole (PBD) hole-blocking layer and to 2.3cd/A with a poly[(9,9-dioctylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl)-co-(4,4'-(N-(4-sec-butylphenyl))diphenylamine)] elec-tron-blocking layer added by blade coating.

Anisotropic membranes for gas separation

DOEpatents

Gollan, A.Z.

1987-07-21

A gas separation membrane has a dense separating layer about 10,000 Angstroms or less thick and a porous support layer 10 to 400 microns thick that is an integral unit with gradually and continuously decreasing pore size from the base of the support layer to the surface of the thin separating layer and is made from a casting solution comprising ethyl cellulose and ethyl cellulose-based blends, typically greater than 47.5 ethoxyl content ethyl cellulose blended with compatible second polymers, such as nitrocellulose. The polymer content of the casting solution is from about 10% to about 35% by weight of the total solution with up to about 50% of this polymer weight a compatible second polymer to the ethyl cellulose in a volatile solvent such as isopropanol, methylacetate, methanol, ethanol, and acetone. Typical nonsolvents for the casting solutions include water and formamide. The casting solution is cast in air from about zero to 10 seconds to allow the volatile solvent to evaporate and then quenched in a coagulation bath, typically water, at a temperature of 7--25 C and then air dried at ambient temperature, typically 10--30 C. 2 figs.

Development of technologies for welding interconnects to fifty-micron thick silicon solar cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patterson, R. E.

1982-01-01

A program was conducted to develop technologies for welding interconnects to 50 microns thick, 2 by 2 cm solar cells. The cells were characterized with respect to electrical performance, cell thickness, silver contact thickness, contact waviness, bowing, and fracture strength. Weld schedules were independently developed for each of the three cell types and were coincidentally identical. Thermal shock tests (100 cycles from 100 C to -180 C) were performed on 16 cell coupons for each cell type without any weld joint failures or electrical degradation. Three 48 cell modules (one for each cell type) were assembled with 50 microns thick cells, frosted fused silica covers, silver clad Invar interconnectors, and Kapton substrates.

Craters formed in mineral dust by hypervelocity microparticles.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vedder, J. F.

1972-01-01

As a simulation of erosion processes on the lunar surface, impact craters were formed in dust targets by 2- to 5-micron-diameter polystyrene spheres with velocities between 2.5 and 12 km/sec. For weakly cohesive, thick targets of basalt dust with a maximum grain size comparable to the projectile diameter, the craters had an average projectile-to-diameter diameter ratio of 25, and the displaced mass was 3 orders of magnitude greater than the projectile mass. In a simulation of the effect of a dust covering on lunar rocks, a layer of cohesive, fine-grained basalt dust with a thickness nearly twice the projectile diameter protected a glass substrate from damage, but an area about 50 times the cross-sectional area of the projectile was cleared of all but a few grains. Impact damage was produced in glass under a thinner dust layer.

Domain and rim growth kinetics in stratifying foam films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yiran; Yilixiati, Subinuer; Sharma, Vivek

Foam films are freely standing thin liquid films that typically consist of two surfactant-laden surfaces that are ~5 nm - 10 micron apart. Sandwiched between these interfacial layers is a fluid that drains primarily under the influence of viscous and interfacial forces, including disjoining pressure. Interestingly, a layered ordering of micelles inside the foam films (thickness <100 nm) leads to a stepwise thinning phenomena called stratification, which results in a thickness-dependent variation in reflected light intensity, visualized as progressively darker shades of gray. Thinner, darker domains spontaneously grow within foam films. During the initial expansion, a rim forms near the contact line between the growing thinner domain and the surrounding region, which influences the dynamics of domain growth as well as stratification Using newly developed interferometry digitial imaging optical microscopy (IDIOM) technique, we capture the rim evolution dynamics. Finally, we also develop a theoretical model to describe both rim evolution and domain growth dynamics.

Investigation of Fumed Silica/Aqueous NaCl Superdielectric Material.

PubMed

Jenkins, Natalie; Petty, Clayton; Phillips, Jonathan

2016-02-20

A constant current charge/discharge protocol which showed fumed silica filled to the point of incipient wetness with aqueous NaCl solution to have dielectric constants >10⁸ over the full range of dielectric thicknesses of 0.38-3.9 mm and discharge times of 0.25->100 s was studied, making this material another example of a superdielectric. The dielectric constant was impacted by both frequency and thickness. For time to discharge greater than 10 s the dielectric constant for all thicknesses needed to be fairly constant, always >10⁸, although trending higher with increasing thickness. At shorter discharge times the dielectric constant consistently decreased, with decreasing time to discharge. Hence, it is reasonable to suggest that for time to discharge >10 s the dielectric constant at all thicknesses will be greater than 10⁸. This in turn implies an energy density for a 5 micron thick dielectric layer in the order of 350 J/cm³ for discharge times greater than 10 s.

Investigation of Fumed Silica/Aqueous NaCl Superdielectric Material

PubMed Central

Jenkins, Natalie; Petty, Clayton; Phillips, Jonathan

2016-01-01

A constant current charge/discharge protocol which showed fumed silica filled to the point of incipient wetness with aqueous NaCl solution to have dielectric constants >108 over the full range of dielectric thicknesses of 0.38–3.9 mm and discharge times of 0.25–>100 s was studied, making this material another example of a superdielectric. The dielectric constant was impacted by both frequency and thickness. For time to discharge greater than 10 s the dielectric constant for all thicknesses needed to be fairly constant, always >109, although trending higher with increasing thickness. At shorter discharge times the dielectric constant consistently decreased, with decreasing time to discharge. Hence, it is reasonable to suggest that for time to discharge >10 s the dielectric constant at all thicknesses will be greater than 109. This in turn implies an energy density for a 5 micron thick dielectric layer in the order of 350 J/cm3 for discharge times greater than 10 s. PMID:28787918

Ultra-thin, light-trapping silicon solar cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Landis, Geoffrey A.

1989-01-01

Design concepts for ultra-thin (2 to 10 microns) high efficiency single-crystal silicon cells are discussed. Light trapping allows more light to be absorbed at a given thickness, or allows thinner cells of a given Jsc. Extremely thin cells require low surface recombination velocity at both surfaces, including the ohmic contacts. Reduction of surface recombination by growth of heterojunctions of ZnS and GaP on Si has been demonstrated. The effects of these improvements on AM0 efficiency is shown. The peak efficiency increases, and the optimum thickness decreases. Cells under 10 microns thickness can retain almost optimum power. The increase of absorptance due to light trapping is considered. This is not a problem if the light-trapping cells are sufficiently thin. Ultra-thin cells have high radiation tolerance. A 2 microns thick light-trapping cell remains over 18 percent efficient after the equivalent of 20 years in geosynchronous orbit. Including a 50 microns thick coverglass, the thin cells had specific power after irradiation over ten times higher than the baseline design.

Enhanced Laser-Driven Ion Acceleration by Superponderomotive Electrons Generated from Near-Critical-Density Plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bin, J. H.; Yeung, M.; Gong, Z.; Wang, H. Y.; Kreuzer, C.; Zhou, M. L.; Streeter, M. J. V.; Foster, P. S.; Cousens, S.; Dromey, B.; Meyer-ter-Vehn, J.; Zepf, M.; Schreiber, J.

2018-02-01

We report on the experimental studies of laser driven ion acceleration from a double-layer target where a near-critical density target with a few-micron thickness is coated in front of a nanometer-thin diamondlike carbon foil. A significant enhancement of proton maximum energies from 12 to ˜30 MeV is observed when a relativistic laser pulse impinges on the double-layer target under linear polarization. We attributed the enhanced acceleration to superponderomotive electrons that were simultaneously measured in the experiments with energies far beyond the free-electron ponderomotive limit. Our interpretation is supported by two-dimensional simulation results.

Thermal sensors utilizing thin layer technology applied to the analysis of aeronautical thermal exchanges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Godefroy, J. C.; Gageant, C.; Francois, D.

Thin film surface thermometers and thermal gradient fluxmeters developed by ONERA to monitor thermal exchanges in aircraft engines to predict the remaining service life of the components are described. The sensors, less than 80 microns thick, with flexible Kapton dielectric layers and metal substrates, are integrated into the shape of the surface being monitored. Features of Cu-n, Ni-, Au-, and Cr-based films, including mounting and circuitry methods that permit calibration and accurate signal analysis, are summarized. Results are discussed from sample applications of the devices on a symmetric NACA 65(1)-012 airfoil and on a turbine blade.

Laboratory studies of silicon vapor deposition, phase A. [feasibility of producing thin films for photovoltaic applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frost, R. T.; Racette, G. W.; Stockhoff, E. H.

1977-01-01

A system is described capable of carrying out silicon vapor deposition experiments in the low 10 to the minus 10th power torr vacuum range. The system was assembled and tested for use in a program aimed at exploration of vacuum heteroepitaxy of silicon on several substrates of potential interest for photovoltaic applications. An experiment is described in which a silicon layer 2.5 microns thick was deposited on a pyrolytically cleaned tungsten substrate held at a temperature of 400 C. Using a resistance heated silicon source, thicker layers can be deposited in periods of hours by utilizing closer source to substrate distances.

Zero-order release of poorly water-soluble drug from polymeric films made via aqueous slurry casting.

PubMed

Zhang, Lu; Alfano, Joy; Race, Doran; Davé, Rajesh N

2018-05-30

In spite of significant recent interest in polymeric films containing poorly water-soluble drugs, dissolution mechanism of thicker films has not been investigated. Consequently, release mechanisms of poorly water-soluble drugs from thicker hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) films are investigated, including assessing thickness above which they exhibit zero-order drug release. Micronized, surface modified particles of griseofulvin, a model drug of BSC class II, were incorporated into aqueous slurry-cast films of different thicknesses (100, 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 μm). Films 1000 μm and thicker were formed by either stacking two or more layers of ~500 μm, or forming a monolithic thick film. Compared to monolithic thick films, stacked films required simpler manufacturing process (easier casting, short drying time) and resulted in better critical quality attributes (appearance, uniformity of thickness and drug per unit area). Both the film forming approaches exhibited similar release profiles and followed the semi-empirical power law. As thickness increased from 100 μm to 2000 μm, the release mechanism changed from Fickian diffusion to zero-order release for films ≥1000 μm. The diffusional power law exponent, n, achieved value of 1, confirming zero-order release, whereas the percentage drug release varied linearly with sample surface area, and sample thickness due to fixed sample diameter. Thus, multi-layer hydrophilic polymer aqueous slurry-cast thick films containing poorly water-soluble drug particles provide a convenient dosage form capable of zero-order drug release with release time modulated through number of layers. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Focus of a multilayer Laue lens with an aperture of 102 microns determined by ptychography at beamline 1-BM at the Advanced Photon Source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Macrander, Albert; Wojcik, Michael; Maser, Jörg; Bouet, Nathalie; Conley, Raymond

2017-09-01

Ptychography was used to determine the focus of a Multilayer-Laue-Lens (MLL) at beamline 1-BM at the Advanced Photon Source (APS). The MLL had a record aperture of 102 microns with 15170 layers. The measurements were made at 12 keV. The focal length was 9.6 mm, and the outer-most zone was 4 nm thick. MLLs with ever larger apertures are under continuous development since ever longer focal lengths, ever larger working distances, and ever increased flux in the focus are desired. A focus size of 25 nm was determined by ptychographic phase retrieval from a gold grating sample with 1 micron lines and spaces over 3.0 microns horizontal distance. The MLL was set to focus in the horizontal plane of the bending magnet beamline. A CCD with 13.0 micron pixel size positioned 1.13 m downstream of the sample was used to collect the transmitted intensity distribution. The beam incident on the MLL covered the whole 102 micron aperture in the horizontal focusing direction and 20 microns in the vertical direction. 160 iterations of the difference map algorithm were sufficient to obtain a reconstructed image of the sample. The present work highlights the utility of a bending magnet source at the APS for performing coherence-based experiments. Use of ptychography at 1-BM on MLL optics opens the way to study diffraction-limited imaging of other hard x-ray optics.

Remote Sensing of Aerosol and Non-Aerosol Absorption

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaufman, Y. J.; Dubovik, O.; Holben, B. N.; Remer, L. A.; Tanre, D.; Lau, William K. M. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Remote sensing of aerosol from the new satellite instruments (e.g. MODIS from Terra) and ground based radiometers (e.g. the AERONET) provides the opportunity to measure the absorption characteristics of the ambient undisturbed aerosol in the entire atmospheric column. For example Landsat and AERONET data are used to measure spectral absorption of sunlight by dust from West Africa. Both Application of the Landsat and AERONET data demonstrate that Saharan dust absorption of solar radiation is several times smaller than the current international standards. This is due to difficulties of measuring dust absorption in situ, and due to the often contamination of dust properties by the presence of air pollution or smoke. We use the remotely sensed aerosol absorption properties described by the spectral sin le scattering albedo, together with statistics of the monthly optical thickness for the fine and coarse aerosol derived from the MODIS data. The result is an estimate of the flux of solar radiation absorbed by the aerosol layer in different regions around the globe where aerosol is prevalent. If this aerosol forcing through absorption is not included in global circulation models, it may be interpreted as anomalous absorption in these regions. In a preliminary exercise we also use the absorption measurements by AERONET, to derive the non-aerosol absorption of the atmosphere in cloud free conditions. The results are obtained for the atmospheric windows: 0.44 microns, 0.66 microns, 0.86 microns and 1.05 microns. In all the locations over the land and ocean that were tested no anomalous absorption in these wavelengths, was found within absorption optical thickness of +/- 0.005.

Clinical applications of very high frequency ultrasound in ophthalmology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Silverman, Ronald H.; Coleman, D. Jackson; Reinstein, Dan Z.; Lizzi, Frederic L.

2004-05-01

The eye is ideally suited for diagnostic imaging with very high frequency (>35 MHz) ultrasound (VHFU) because of its peripheral location and cystic structure. VHFU allows high resolution visualization of pathologies affecting the anterior segment of the eye, including tumors, cysts, foreign bodies, and corneal pathologies. We developed a series of prototype instruments suitable for ophthalmic studies using both polymer and lithium niobate transducers, with digitization of radiofrequency echo data at up to 500 MHz. While initially using linear scan geometries, we subsequently developed an arc-shaped scan matched to the curvature of the 0.5-mm-thick cornea to circumvent the effect of specular deflection of the ultrasound beam produced by the corneas curved surface. This technique allowed us to obtain data across the entire cornea and determination of the thickness of each corneal layer, including the epithelium (approximately 50 microns in thickness) and the surgically induced interface produced in LASIK, the most common form of refractive surgery. By scanning in a series of meridians, and applying optimized signal processing strategies (deconvolution, analytic signal envelope determination), corneal pachymetric maps representing the local thickness of each layer can be generated and aid in diagnosis of surgically induced defects or refractive abnormalities.

Acoustic Resonator Optimisation for Airborne Particle Manipulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Devendran, Citsabehsan; Billson, Duncan R.; Hutchins, David A.; Alan, Tuncay; Neild, Adrian

Advances in micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology and biomedical research necessitate micro-machined manipulators to capture, handle and position delicate micron-sized particles. To this end, a parallel plate acoustic resonator system has been investigated for the purposes of manipulation and entrapment of micron sized particles in air. Numerical and finite element modelling was performed to optimise the design of the layered acoustic resonator. To obtain an optimised resonator design, careful considerations of the effect of thickness and material properties are required. Furthermore, the effect of acoustic attenuation which is dependent on frequency is also considered within this study, leading to an optimum operational frequency range. Finally, experimental results demonstrated good particle levitation and capture of various particle properties and sizes ranging to as small as 14.8 μm.

Fabrication of X-ray Microcalorimeter Focal Planes Composed of Two Distinct Pixel Types.

PubMed

Wassell, E J; Adams, J S; Bandler, S R; Betancourt-Martinez, G L; Chiao, M P; Chang, M P; Chervenak, J A; Datesman, A M; Eckart, M E; Ewin, A J; Finkbeiner, F M; Ha, J Y; Kelley, R; Kilbourne, C A; Miniussi, A R; Sakai, K; Porter, F; Sadleir, J E; Smith, S J; Wakeham, N A; Yoon, W

2017-06-01

We are developing superconducting transition-edge sensor (TES) microcalorimeter focal planes for versatility in meeting specifications of X-ray imaging spectrometers including high count-rate, high energy resolution, and large field-of-view. In particular, a focal plane composed of two sub-arrays: one of fine-pitch, high count-rate devices and the other of slower, larger pixels with similar energy resolution, offers promise for the next generation of astrophysics instruments, such as the X-ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU) instrument on the European Space Agency's Athena mission. We have based the sub-arrays of our current design on successful pixel designs that have been demonstrated separately. Pixels with an all gold X-ray absorber on 50 and 75 micron scales where the Mo/Au TES sits atop a thick metal heatsinking layer have shown high resolution and can accommodate high count-rates. The demonstrated larger pixels use a silicon nitride membrane for thermal isolation, thinner Au and an added bismuth layer in a 250 micron square absorber. To tune the parameters of each sub-array requires merging the fabrication processes of the two detector types. We present the fabrication process for dual production of different X-ray absorbers on the same substrate, thick Au on the small pixels and thinner Au with a Bi capping layer on the larger pixels to tune their heat capacities. The process requires multiple electroplating and etching steps, but the absorbers are defined in a single ion milling step. We demonstrate methods for integrating heatsinking of the two types of pixel into the same focal plane consistent with the requirements for each sub-array, including the limiting of thermal crosstalk. We also discuss fabrication process modifications for tuning the intrinsic transition temperature (T c ) of the bilayers for the different device types through variation of the bilayer thicknesses. The latest results on these "hybrid" arrays will be presented.

Fabrication of X-ray Microcalorimeter Focal Planes Composed of Two Distinct Pixel Types

PubMed Central

Wassell, E. J.; Adams, J. S.; Bandler, S. R.; Betancourt-Martinez, G. L.; Chiao, M. P.; Chang, M. P.; Chervenak, J. A.; Datesman, A. M.; Eckart, M. E.; Ewin, A. J.; Finkbeiner, F. M.; Ha, J. Y.; Kelley, R.; Kilbourne, C. A.; Miniussi, A. R.; Sakai, K.; Porter, F.; Sadleir, J. E.; Smith, S. J.; Wakeham, N. A.; Yoon, W.

2017-01-01

We are developing superconducting transition-edge sensor (TES) microcalorimeter focal planes for versatility in meeting specifications of X-ray imaging spectrometers including high count-rate, high energy resolution, and large field-of-view. In particular, a focal plane composed of two sub-arrays: one of fine-pitch, high count-rate devices and the other of slower, larger pixels with similar energy resolution, offers promise for the next generation of astrophysics instruments, such as the X-ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU) instrument on the European Space Agency’s Athena mission. We have based the sub-arrays of our current design on successful pixel designs that have been demonstrated separately. Pixels with an all gold X-ray absorber on 50 and 75 micron scales where the Mo/Au TES sits atop a thick metal heatsinking layer have shown high resolution and can accommodate high count-rates. The demonstrated larger pixels use a silicon nitride membrane for thermal isolation, thinner Au and an added bismuth layer in a 250 micron square absorber. To tune the parameters of each sub-array requires merging the fabrication processes of the two detector types. We present the fabrication process for dual production of different X-ray absorbers on the same substrate, thick Au on the small pixels and thinner Au with a Bi capping layer on the larger pixels to tune their heat capacities. The process requires multiple electroplating and etching steps, but the absorbers are defined in a single ion milling step. We demonstrate methods for integrating heatsinking of the two types of pixel into the same focal plane consistent with the requirements for each sub-array, including the limiting of thermal crosstalk. We also discuss fabrication process modifications for tuning the intrinsic transition temperature (Tc) of the bilayers for the different device types through variation of the bilayer thicknesses. The latest results on these “hybrid” arrays will be presented. PMID:28804229

Fabrication of X-ray Microcalorimeter Focal Planes Composed of Two Distinct Pixel Types

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wassell, Edward J.; Adams, Joseph S.; Bandler, Simon R.; Betancour-Martinez, Gabriele L; Chiao, Meng P.; Chang, Meng Ping; Chervenak, James A.; Datesman, Aaron M.; Eckart, Megan E.; Ewin, Audrey J.;

Effect of epoxy resin sealing on corrosion resistance of arc spraying aluminium coating using cathode electrophoresis method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pang, Xuming; Wang, Runqiu; Wei, Qian; Zhou, Jianxin

2018-01-01

Arc-sprayed Al coating was sealed with epoxy resin using the cathode electrophoresis method. The anti-corrosion performance of the coatings sealed with epoxy resin was studied by means of a 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution test at 40 °C. For comparison, the anti-corrosion performance of Al coating sealed with boiling water was also performed under the same conditions. The results show that epoxy resin with a thickness of about 20 microns can entirely cover open pores and decreases the surface roughness of the as-sprayed Al coating, and the epoxy resin even permeates into the gaps among lamellar splats from open pores. After corrosion, the thickness of the epoxy resin layer is unchanged and can still cover the as-sprayed Al coating entirely. However, the thickness of Al coating sealed with boiling water decreases from 100 to 40 microns, which indicates that the arc-sprayed Al coating has much better corrosion resistance than the Al coating sealed with boiling water. Meanwhile, the content of substituted benzene ring in the epoxy resin increases, but aromatic ring decreases according to the fourier transform infrared spectra, which will cause the rigidity of the epoxy resin to increase, but the toughness slightly decreases after corrosion.

Welding interconnects to 50-micron silicon solar cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patterson, R. E.; Mesch, H. G.

1983-01-01

A program was conducted to develop technologies for welding interconnects to 50-micron thick, 2 by 2 cm solar cells obtained from three suppliers. The cells were characterized with respect to electrical performance, cell thickness, silver contact thickness, contact waviness, bowing, and fracture strength. Weld schedules were independently developed for each of the three cell types and were coincidentally identical. Thermal shock tests (100 cycles from 100 deg to -180 deg C) were performed on 16-cell coupons for each cell type without any weld joint failures or electrical degradation. Three 48-cell modules (one for each cell type) were assembled with 50-micron thick cells, frosted fused silica covers, silver clad Invar interconnectors, and Kapton substrates.

Elemental analyses of hypervelocity micro-particle impact sites on interplanetary dust experiment sensor surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simon, Charles G.; Hunter, J. L.; Griffis, D. P.; Misra, V.; Ricks, D. R.; Wortman, Jim J.

1992-01-01

The Interplanetary Dust Experiment (IDE) had over 450 electrically active ultra-high purity metal-oxide-silicon impact detectors located on the six primary sides of the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF). Hypervelocity micro-particles that struck the active sensors with enough energy to breakdown the 0.4 to 1.0 micron thick SiO2 insulator layer separating the silicon base (the negative electrode), and the 1000 A thick surface layer of aluminum (the positive electrode) caused electrical discharges that were recorded for the first year of orbit. These discharge features, which include 50 micron diameter areas where the aluminum top layer has been vaporized, facilitate the location of the impacts. The high purity Al-SiO2-Si substrates allow detection of trace (ppm) amounts of hypervelocity impactor residues. After sputtering through a layer of surface contamination, secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) is used to create two-dimensional elemental ion intensity maps of micro-particle impact sites on the IDE sensors. The element intensities in the central craters of the impacts are corrected for relative ion yields and instrumental conditions and then normalized to silicon. The results are used to classify the particles' origins as 'manmade', 'natural' or 'indeterminate'. The last classification results from the presence of too little impactor residue (a frequent occurrence on leading edge impacts), analytical interference from high background contamination, the lack of information on silicon residue, the limited usefulness of data on aluminum in the central craters, or a combination of these circumstances. Several analytical 'blank' discharges were induced on flight sensors by pressing down on the sensor surface with a pure silicon shard. Analyses of these blank discharges showed that the discharge energy blasts away the layer of surface contamination. Only Si and Al were detected inside the discharge zones, including the central craters, of these features. A total of 35 impacts on leading edge sensors and 22 impacts on trailing edge sensors were analyzed.

Alternating gradient photodetector

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Overhauser, Albert W. (Inventor); Maserjian, Joseph (Inventor)

1989-01-01

A far infrared (FIR) range responsive photodetector is disclosed. There is a substrate of degenerate germanium. A plurality of alternating impurity-band and high resistivity layers of germanium are disposed on the substrate. The impurity-band layers have a doping concentration therein sufficiently high to include donor bands which can release electrons upon impingement by FIR photons of energy hv greater than an energy gap epsilon. The high resistivity layers have a doping concentration therein sufficiently low as to not include conducting donor bands and are depleted of electrons. Metal contacts are provided for applying an electrical field across the substrate and the plurality of layers. In the preferred embodiment as shown, the substrate is degenerate n-type (N++) germanium; the impurity-band layers are n+ layers of germanium doped to approximately the low 10(exp 16)/cu cm range; and, the high resistivity layers are n-layers of germanium doped to a maximum of approximately 10(exp)/cu cm. Additionally, the impurity-band layers have a thickness less than a conduction-electron diffusion length in germanium and likely to be in the range of 0.1 to 1.0 micron, the plurality of impurity-bands is of a number such that the flux of FIR photons passing therethrough will be substantially totally absorbed therein, the thickness of the high resistivity layers is such compared to the voltage applied that the voltage drop in each the high resistivity layers controls the occurence of impact ionization in the impurity-band layers to a desired level.

Flight Qualified Micro Sun Sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liebe, Carl Christian; Mobasser, Sohrab; Wrigley, Chris; Schroeder, Jeffrey; Bae, Youngsam; Naegle, James; Katanyoutanant, Sunant; Jerebets, Sergei; Schatzel, Donald; Lee, Choonsup

2007-01-01

A prototype small, lightweight micro Sun sensor (MSS) has been flight qualified as part of the attitude-determination system of a spacecraft or for Mars surface operations. The MSS has previously been reported at a very early stage of development in NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 28, No. 1 (January 2004). An MSS is essentially a miniature multiple-pinhole electronic camera combined with digital processing electronics that functions analogously to a sundial. A micromachined mask containing a number of microscopic pinholes is mounted in front of an active-pixel sensor (APS). Electronic circuits for controlling the operation of the APS, readout from the pixel photodetectors, and analog-to-digital conversion are all integrated onto the same chip along with the APS. The digital processing includes computation of the centroids of the pinhole Sun images on the APS. The spacecraft computer has the task of converting the Sun centroids into Sun angles utilizing a calibration polynomial. The micromachined mask comprises a 500-micron-thick silicon wafer, onto which is deposited a 57-nm-thick chromium adhesion- promotion layer followed by a 200-nm-thick gold light-absorption layer. The pinholes, 50 microns in diameter, are formed in the gold layer by photolithography. The chromium layer is thin enough to be penetrable by an amount of Sunlight adequate to form measurable pinhole images. A spacer frame between the mask and the APS maintains a gap of .1 mm between the pinhole plane and the photodetector plane of the APS. To minimize data volume, mass, and power consumption, the digital processing of the APS readouts takes place in a single field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The particular FPGA is a radiation- tolerant unit that contains .32,000 gates. No external memory is used so the FPGA calculates the centroids in real time as pixels are read off the APS with minimal internal memory. To enable the MSS to fit into a small package, the APS, the FPGA, and other components are mounted on a single two-sided board following chip-on-board design practices

An investigation of the effects of wavelength shifter thickness on backgrounds for the DEAP-3600 dark matter direct detection experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cranshaw, Derek

Several lines of astronomical evidence indicate that most of the matter in our universe is made of non-luminous material known as dark matter, the nature of which remains a mystery. DEAP-3600 is a liquid-argon-based scintillation detector located 2 km underground outside Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, purposed towards directly detecting dark matter particles as they pass through the target material. Since the acrylic vessel containing the 3600-kg liquid argon target is not transparent to the 128-nm scintillation light produced during these interactions, a thin layer of 1,1,4,4-tetraphenyl-1,3-butadiene (TPB) was deposited onto the inner surface of the acrylic vessel to shift the wavelength of the scintillation light to the visible range, where is can pass through the transparent acrylic vessel and is more easily detected by the surrounding array of photomultiplier tubes. The dark matter signal in DEAP-3600 is accompanied by a host of other background signals, which must either be suppressed, or identified as background signals and subsequently cut from the analysis. A major anticipated source of background events is alpha decays of radioactive isotopes on the inner surface of the acrylic vessel, near the TPB layer. The potential for these events to generate a background signal depends sensitively on the choice of thickness of the TPB layer. A study of the effects of TPB layer thickness on the background rate of these surface alpha events is presented, and a model for the dominant contributor to these background events is developed to generate estimates of the probability that an event of this type would mimic a dark matter signal. Other effects considered in the choice of TPB layer thickness are presented, and the final decision of a 2.99 +- 0.02 micron TPB layer thickness, along with the TPB deposition campaign, is briefly described.

Linear thermal expansion coefficient determination using in situ curvature and temperature dependent X-ray diffraction measurements applied to metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy-grown AlGaAs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maaßdorf, A.; Zeimer, U.; Grenzer, J.; Weyers, M.

2013-07-01

AlxGa1-xAs grown on GaAs is known to be almost perfectly lattice matched with a maximum lattice mismatch of 0.14% at room temperature and even less at temperatures of 700 °C-800 °C. However, as layer structures for edge-emitting diode lasers exhibit an increasing overall thickness of several microns of AlxGa1-xAs, e.g., diode lasers comprising a super-large optical cavity, the accumulated elastic strain energy increases as well. Depending on the growth temperature the formation energy of dislocations can be reached, which is limiting the pseudomorphic growth. In this regard, the thermal expansion coefficient difference between layer and substrate is an important parameter. We utilize in situ curvature measurements during growth of AlxGa1-xAs by metal-organic vapour phase epitaxy to determine the thermal expansion coefficient α. The curvature change with increasing layer thickness, as well as with wafer temperature at constant layer thickness is used to assess α. This is compared to ex situ temperature dependent X-ray diffraction measurements to obtain α. All determined values for α are in good agreement, yielding αAlAs=4.1×10-6 K-1 for a given GaAs linear thermal expansion coefficient of αGaAs=5.73×10-6 K-1.

Large area bulk superconductors

DOEpatents

Miller, Dean J.; Field, Michael B.

2002-01-01

A bulk superconductor having a thickness of not less than about 100 microns is carried by a polycrystalline textured substrate having misorientation angles at the surface thereof not greater than about 15.degree.; the bulk superconductor may have a thickness of not less than about 100 microns and a surface area of not less than about 50 cm.sup.2. The textured substrate may have a thickness not less than about 10 microns and misorientation angles at the surface thereof not greater than about 15.degree.. Also disclosed is a process of manufacturing the bulk superconductor and the polycrystalline biaxially textured substrate material.

Microstructural and wear properties of sputtered carbides and silicides

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spalvins, T.

1977-01-01

Sputtered Cr3C2, Cr3Si2, and MoSi2 wear-resistant films (0.05 to 3.5 microns thick) were deposited on metal and glass surfaces. Electron transmission, electron diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy were used to determine the microstructural appearance. Strong adherence was obtained with these sputtered films. Internal stresses and defect crystallographic growth structures of various configurations within the film have progressively more undesirable effects for film thicknesses greater than 1.5 microns. Sliding contact and rolling element bearing tests were performed with these sputtered films. Bearings sputtered with a duplex coating (0.1-micron-thick undercoating of Cr3Si2 and subsequently 0.6-micron coating of MoS2) produced marked improvement over straight MoS2 films.

Critical current oscillations of elliptical Josephson junctions with single-domain ferromagnetic layers

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

Glick, Joseph A.; Khasawneh, Mazin A.; Niedzielski, Bethany M.

We report that josephson junctions containing ferromagnetic layers are of considerable interest for the development of practical cryogenic memory and superconducting qubits. Such junctions exhibit a ground-state phase shift of π for certain ranges of ferromagnetic layer thicknesses. We present studies of Nb based micron-scale elliptically shaped Josephson junctions containing ferromagnetic barriers of Ni 81Fe 19 or Ni 65Fe 15Co 20. By applying an external magnetic field, the critical current of the junctions is found to follow characteristic Fraunhofer patterns and display sharp switching behavior suggestive of single-domain magnets. The high quality of the Fraunhofer patterns enables us to extractmore » the maximum value of the critical current even when the peak is shifted significantly outside the range of the data due to the magnetic moment of the ferromagnetic layer. The maximum value of the critical current oscillates as a function of the ferromagnetic barrier thickness, indicating transitions in the phase difference across the junction between values of zero and π. Lastly, we compare the data to previous work and to models of the 0-π transitions based on existing theories.« less

Anisotropic membranes for gas separation

DOEpatents

Gollan, Arye Z.

1987-01-01

A gas separation membrane has a dense separating layer about 10,000 Angstroms or less thick and a porous support layer 10 to 400 microns thick that is an integral unit with gradually and continuously decreasing pore size from the base of the support layer to the surface of the thin separating layer and is made from a casting solution comprising ethyl cellulose and ethyl cellulose-based blends, typically greater than 47.5 ethoxyl content ethyl cellulose blended with compatible second polymers, such as nitrocellulose. The polymer content of the casting solution is from about 10% to about 35% by weight of the total solution with up to about 50% of this polymer weight a compatible second polymer to the ethyl cellulose in a volatile solvent such as isopropanol, methylacetate, methanol, ethanol, and acetone. Typical nonsolvents for the casting solutions include water and formamide. The casting solution is cast in air from about zero to 10 seconds to allow the volatile solvent to evaporate and then quenched in a coagulation bath, typically water, at a temperature of 7.degree.-25.degree. C. and then air dried at ambient temperature, typically 10.degree.-30.degree. C.

Critical current oscillations of elliptical Josephson junctions with single-domain ferromagnetic layers

DOE PAGES

Glick, Joseph A.; Khasawneh, Mazin A.; Niedzielski, Bethany M.; ...

2017-10-06

We report that josephson junctions containing ferromagnetic layers are of considerable interest for the development of practical cryogenic memory and superconducting qubits. Such junctions exhibit a ground-state phase shift of π for certain ranges of ferromagnetic layer thicknesses. We present studies of Nb based micron-scale elliptically shaped Josephson junctions containing ferromagnetic barriers of Ni 81Fe 19 or Ni 65Fe 15Co 20. By applying an external magnetic field, the critical current of the junctions is found to follow characteristic Fraunhofer patterns and display sharp switching behavior suggestive of single-domain magnets. The high quality of the Fraunhofer patterns enables us to extractmore » the maximum value of the critical current even when the peak is shifted significantly outside the range of the data due to the magnetic moment of the ferromagnetic layer. The maximum value of the critical current oscillates as a function of the ferromagnetic barrier thickness, indicating transitions in the phase difference across the junction between values of zero and π. Lastly, we compare the data to previous work and to models of the 0-π transitions based on existing theories.« less

Depth-Penetrating Temperature Measurements of Thermal Barrier Coatings Incorporating Thermographic Phosphors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eldridge, Jeffrey I.; Bencic, Timothy J..; Allison, Stephen W.; Beshears, David L.

2003-01-01

Thermographic phosphors have been previously demonstrated to provide effective non-contact, emissivity-independent surface temperature measurements. Because of the translucent nature of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs), thermographic phosphor-based temperature measurements can be extended beyond the surface to provide depth-selective temperature measurements by incorporating the thermographic phosphor layer at the depth where the temperature measurement is desired. In this paper, thermographic phosphor (Y2O3:Eu) fluorescence decay time measurements are demonstrated to provide through-the-coating thickness temperature readings up to 1100 C with the phosphor layer residing beneath a 100 micron thick TBC (plasma-sprayed 8wt% yttria-stabilized zirconia). With an appropriately chosen excitation wavelength and detection configuration, it is shown that sufficient phosphor emission is generated to provide effective temperature measurements, despite the attenuation of both the excitation and emission intensities by the overlying TBC. This depth-penetrating temperature measurement capability should prove particularly useful for TBC diagnostics where a large thermal gradient is typically present across the TBC thickness. The fluorescence decay from the Y2O3:Eu layer exhibited both an initial short-term exponential rise and a longer-term exponential decay. The rise time constant was demonstrated to provide better temperature indication below 500 C while the decay time constant was a better indicator at higher temperatures.

Research on subsurface deformed layer in ultra-precision cutting of single crystal copper by focused ion beam etching method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Y.; Huang, X. J.; Kong, J. X.

2018-03-01

In this paper, the focused ion beam was used to study the subsurface deformed layer of single crystal copper caused by the nanoscale single-point diamond fly cutting, and the possibility of using nanometer ultra-precision cutting to remove the larger deformation layer caused by traditional rough cutting process was explored. The maximum cutting thickness of single-point diamond cutting was about 146 nm, and the surface of the single-crystal copper after cutting was etched and observed by using the focused ion beam method. It was found that the morphology of the near-surface layer and the intermediate layer of the copper material were larger differences: the near-surface of the material was smaller and more compact, and the intermediate material layer of the material was more coarse sparse. The results showed that the traditional precision cutting would residual significant subsurface deformed layer and the thickness was on micron level. Even more, the subsurface deformed layer was obviously removed from about 12μm to 5μm after single-point diamond fly cutting in this paper. This paper proved that the large-scale subsurface deformed layer caused by traditional cutting process could be removed by nanometer ultra-precision cutting. It was of great significance to further establish the method that control of the deformation of weak rigid components by reducing the depth of the subsurface deformed layers.

A study to improve the mechanical properties of silicon carbide ribbon fibers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Debolt, H. E.; Robey, R. J.

1976-01-01

Preliminary deposition studies of SiC ribbon on a carbon ribbon substrate showed that the dominant strength limiting flaws were at the substrate surface. Procedures for making the carbon ribbon substrate from polyimide film were improved, providing lengths up to 450 meters (1,500 ft.) of flat carbon ribbon substrate 1,900 microns (75 mils) wide by 25 microns (1 mil) thick. The flaws on the carbon ribbon were smaller and less frequent than on carbon ribbon used earlier. SiC ribbon made using the improved substrate, including a layer of pyrolytic graphite to reduce further the severity of substrate surface flaws, showed strength levels up to the 2,068 MPa (300 Ksi) target of the program, with average strength levels over 1,700 MPa (250 Ksi) with coefficient of variation as low as 10% for some runs.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Reaction-Formed Joints in Reaction Bonded Silicon Carbide Ceramics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Singh, M.

1998-01-01

A reaction-bonded silicon carbide (RB-SiC) ceramic material (Carborundum's Cerastar RB-SIC) has been joined using a reaction forming approach. Microstructure and mechanical properties of three types of reaction-formed joints (350 micron, 50-55 micron, and 20-25 micron thick) have been evaluated. Thick (approximately 350 micron) joints consist mainly of silicon with a small amount of silicon carbide. The flexural strength of thick joints is about 44 plus or minus 2 MPa, and fracture always occurs at the joints. The microscopic examination of fracture surfaces of specimens with thick joints tested at room temperature revealed the failure mode to be typically brittle. Thin joints (<50-55 micron) consist of silicon carbide and silicon phases. The room and high temperature flexural strengths of thin (<50-55 micron) reaction-formed joints have been found to be at least equal to that of the bulk Cerastar RB-SIC materials because the flexure bars fracture away from the joint regions. In this case, the fracture origins appear to be inhomogeneities inside the parent material. This was always found to be the case for thin joints tested at temperatures up to 1350C in air. This observation suggests that the strength of Cerastar RB-SIC material containing a thin joint is not limited by the joint strength but by the strength of the bulk (parent) materials.

Advanced detectors and signal processing for bubble memories

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kryder, M. H.; Rasky, P. H. L.; Greve, D. W.

1985-01-01

The feasibility of combining silicon and magnetic bubble technologies is demonstrated. Results of bubble film annealing indicate that a low temperature silicon on garnet technology is the most likely one to succeed commercially. Annealing ambients are also shown to have a major effect on the magnetic properties of bubble films. Functional MOSFETs were fabricated on bubble films coated with thick (approximately 1 micron) SiO2 layers. The two main problems with these silicon on garnet MOSFETs are low electron mobilities and large gate leakage currents. Results indicate that the laser recrystallized silicon and gate oxide (SiO2) layers are contaminated. The data suggest that part of the contaminating ions originate in the sputtered oxide spacer layer and part originates in the bubble film itself. A diffusion barrier, such as silicon nitride, placed between the bubble film and the silicon layer should eliminate the contamination induced problem.

Eddy Current Testing for Detecting Small Defects in Thin Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Obeid, Simon; Tranjan, Farid M.; Dogaru, Teodor

2007-03-01

Presented here is a technique of using Eddy Current based Giant Magneto-Resistance sensor (GMR) to detect surface and sub-layered minute defects in thin films. For surface crack detection, a measurement was performed on a copper metallization of 5-10 microns thick. It was done by scanning the GMR sensor on the surface of the wafer that had two scratches of 0.2 mm, and 2.5 mm in length respectively. In another experiment, metal coatings were deposited over the layers containing five defects with known lengths such that the defects were invisible from the surface. The limit of detection (resolution), in terms of defect size, of the GMR high-resolution Eddy Current probe was studied using this sample. Applications of Eddy Current testing include detecting defects in thin film metallic layers, and quality control of metallization layers on silicon wafers for integrated circuits manufacturing.

Adding GaAs Monolayers to InAs Quantum-Dot Lasers on (001) InP

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Qiu, Yueming; Chacon, Rebecca; Uhl, David; Yang, Rui

2005-01-01

In a modification of the basic configuration of InAs quantum-dot semiconductor lasers on (001)lnP substrate, a thin layer (typically 1 to 2 monolayer thick) of GaAs is incorporated into the active region. This modification enhances laser performance: In particular, whereas it has been necessary to cool the unmodified devices to temperatures of about 80 K in order to obtain lasing at long wavelengths, the modified devices can lase at wavelengths of about 1.7 microns or more near room temperature. InAs quantum dots self-assemble, as a consequence of the lattice mismatch, during epitaxial deposition of InAs on ln0.53Ga0.47As/lnP. In the unmodified devices, the quantum dots as thus formed are typically nonuniform in size. Strainenergy relaxation in very large quantum dots can lead to poor laser performance, especially at wavelengths near 2 microns, for which large quantum dots are needed. In the modified devices, the thin layers of GaAs added to the active regions constitute potential-energy barriers that electrons can only penetrate by quantum tunneling and thus reduce the hot carrier effects. Also, the insertion of thin GaAs layer is shown to reduce the degree of nonuniformity of sizes of the quantum dots. In the fabrication of a batch of modified InAs quantum-dot lasers, the thin additional layer of GaAs is deposited as an interfacial layer in an InGaAs quantum well on (001) InP substrate. The device as described thus far is sandwiched between InGaAsPy waveguide layers, then further sandwiched between InP cladding layers, then further sandwiched between heavily Zn-doped (p-type) InGaAs contact layer.

Transport of particulate matter from a shocked interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buttler, W. T.; Hammerberg, J. E.; Oro, D.; Morris, C.; Mariam, F.; Rousculp, C.

2011-03-01

We have performed a series of shock experiments to measure the evolution and transport of micron and sub-micron Tungsten particles from a 40 micron thick layer deposited on an Aluminum substrate. Densities and velocity distributions were measured using proton radiography at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center for vacuum conditions and with contained Argon and Xenon gas atmospheres at initial pressures of 9.5 bar and room temperature. A common shock drive resulted in free surface velocities of 1.25 km/s. An analysis of the time dependence of Lithium Niobate piezo-electric pin pressure profiles is given in terms of solutions to the particulate drag equations and the evolution equation for the particulate distribution function. The spatial and temporal fore-shortening in the shocked gas can be accounted for using reasonable values for the compressed gas shear viscosities and the vacuum distributions. The detailed form of the pin pressure data for Xenon indicates particulate breakup in the hot compressed gas. This work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy under contract DE-AC52-06NA25396.

Removal of long-lived 222Rn daughters by electropolishing thin layers of stainless steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schnee, R. W.; Bowles, M. A.; Bunker, R.; McCabe, K.; White, J.; Cushman, P.; Pepin, M.; Guiseppe, V. E.

2013-08-01

Long-lived alpha and beta emitters in the 222Rn decay chain on detector surfaces may be the limiting background in many experiments attempting to detect dark matter or neutrinoless double beta decay. Removal of tens of microns of material via electropolishing has been shown to be effective at removing radon daughters implanted into material surfaces. Some applications, however, require the removal of uniform and significantly smaller thicknesses. Here, we demonstrate that electropolishing < 1 μm from stainless-steel plates reduces the contamination efficiently, by a factor > 100. Examination of electropolished wires with a scanning electron microscope confirms that the thickness removed is reproducible and reasonably uniform. Together, these tests demonstrate the effectiveness of removal of radon daughters for a proposed low-radiation, multi-wire proportional chamber (the BetaCage), without compromising the screener's energy resolution. More generally, electropolishing thin layers of stainless steel may effectively remove radon daughters without compromising precision-machined parts.

Pulsed laser-assisted removal of powder coating from galvanised steel surface: a characterisation study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Aniruddha; Prasad, Manisha; Shail, Shailini; Bhatt, R. B.; Behere, P. G.; Afzal, Md.; Kumar, Arun; Kar, Rajib; Nilaya, J. P.; Biswas, D. J.

2015-06-01

Removal of pure polyester powder coating from galvanised steel surface is studied using the fundamental, second and third harmonic radiations obtained from a Q-switched Nd-YAG laser capable of delivering pulses of duration 10 ns. Removal of the coating was found to be most effective for 1064 nm radiation followed by 532 and 355 nm radiations. Measurement of absorption of the incident radiation by the paint layer carried out with an integrating sphere has helped to gain insight into the removal mechanisms operative at these wavelengths. Single shot removal of the entire thickness of the powder coating was successfully achieved using 1064 nm radiation. Characterisation study of the laser-treated surface revealed that the coating removal was achieved leaving the underneath zinc layer as before. Usage of pulsed emission at 1064 nm of fluence 0.7 J/cm2 and repetition rate 5 Hz allowed stripping of 60-micron-thick coating at the rate of ~35 cm2 per minute.

The behavior of nanothermite reaction based on Bi2O3/Al

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, L.; Luss, D.; Martirosyan, K. S.

2011-10-01

We studied the impact of aluminum particle size and the thickness of surrounding alumina layer on the dynamic pressure discharge of nanothermite reactions in the Bi2O3/Al system. A pressure discharge from 9 to 13 MPa was generated using as-synthesized Bi2O3 nano-particles produced by combustion synthesis and Al nanoparticles with size from 3 μm to 100 nm. The maximum reaction temperature was measured to be ˜2700 °C. The estimated activation energy of the reaction was 45 kJ/mol. A very large (several orders of magnitude) difference existed between the rate of the pressure pulse release by nanothermite reactions and by thermite reactions with large aluminum particles. The maximum observed pressurization rate was 3200 GPa/s. The time needed to reach the peak pressure was 0.01 ms and 100 ms for aluminum particles with diameter of 100 nm and 70 microns, respectively. The discharge pressure was a monotonic decreasing function of the thickness of the surrounding alumina layer.

Domain growth kinetics in stratifying foam films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yiran; Sharma, Vivek

2015-11-01

Baking bread, brewing cappuccino, pouring beer, washing dishes, shaving, shampooing, whipping eggs and blowing bubbles all involve creation of aqueous foam films. Typical foam films consist of two surfactant-laden surfaces that are ~ 5 nm - 10 micron apart. Sandwiched between these interfacial layers is a fluid that drains primarily under the influence of viscous and interfacial forces, including disjoining pressure. Interestingly, a layered ordering of micelles inside the foam films (thickness <100 nm) leads to a stepwise thinning phenomena called stratification, which results in a thickness-dependent variation in reflected light intensity, visualized as progressively darker shades of gray. Thinner, darker domains spontaneously grow within foam films. We show that the domain expansion dynamics exhibit two distinct growth regimes with characteristic scaling laws. Though several studies have focused on the expansion dynamics of isolated domains that exhibit a diffusion-like scaling, the change in expansion kinetics observed after domains contact with the Plateau border has not been reported and analyzed before.

Cirrus Cloud Optical and Microphysical Property Retrievals from eMAS During SEAC4RS Using Bi-Spectral Reflectance Measurements Within the 1.88 micron Water Vapor Absorption Band

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyer, K.; Platnick, S.; Arnold, G. T.; Holz, R. E.; Veglio, P.; Yorks, J.; Wang, C.

2016-01-01

Previous bi-spectral imager retrievals of cloud optical thickness (COT) and effective particle radius (CER) based on the Nakajima and King (1990) approach, such as those of the operational MODIS cloud optical property retrieval product (MOD06), have typically paired a non-absorbing visible or near-infrared wavelength, sensitive to COT, with an absorbing shortwave or midwave infrared wavelength sensitive to CER. However, in practice it is only necessary to select two spectral channels that exhibit a strong contrast in cloud particle absorption. Here it is shown, using eMAS observations obtained during NASAs SEAC4RS field campaign, that selecting two absorbing wavelength channels within the broader 1.88 micron water vapor absorption band, namely the 1.83 and 1.93 micron channels that have sufficient differences in ice crystal single scattering albedo, can yield COT and CER retrievals for thin to moderately thick single-layer cirrus that are reasonably consistent with other solar and IR imager-based and lidar-based retrievals. A distinct advantage of this channel selection for cirrus cloud retrievals is that the below cloud water vapor absorption minimizes the surface contribution to measured cloudy TOA reflectance, in particular compared to the solar window channels used in heritage retrievals such as MOD06. This reduces retrieval uncertainty resulting from errors in the surface reflectance assumption, as well as reduces the frequency of retrieval failures for thin cirrus clouds.

An all-silicon single-wafer micro-g accelerometer with a combined surface and bulk micromachining process

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yazdi, N.; Najafi, K.

2000-01-01

This paper reports an all-silicon fully symmetrical z-axis micro-g accelerometer that is fabricated on a single-silicon wafer using a combined surface and bulk fabrication process. The microaccelerometer has high device sensitivity, low noise, and low/controllable damping that are the key factors for attaining micro g and sub-micro g resolution in capacitive accelerometers. The microfabrication process produces a large proof mass by using the whole wafer thickness and a large sense capacitance by utilizing a thin sacrificial layer. The sense/feedback electrodes are formed by a deposited 2-3 microns polysilicon film with embedded 25-35 microns-thick vertical stiffeners. These electrodes, while thin, are made very stiff by the thick embedded stiffeners so that force rebalancing of the proof mass becomes possible. The polysilicon electrodes are patterned to create damping holes. The microaccelerometers are batch-fabricated, packaged, and tested successfully. A device with a 2-mm x 1-mm proof mass and a full bridge support has a measured sensitivity of 2 pF/g. The measured sensitivity of a 4-mm x 1-mm accelerometer with a cantilever support is 19.4 pF/g. The calculated noise floor of these devices at atmosphere are 0.23 micro g/sqrt(Hz) and 0.16 micro g/sqrt(Hz), respectively.

Rolling contact fatigue life of chromium ion plated 440C bearing steel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bhat, B. N.; Davis, J. H.

1985-01-01

Rolling contact fatigue (RCF) test specimens of heat treated 440C bearing steel were chromium ion plated in thicknesses from 0.1 to 8.0 micron and tested in RCF tester using 700 ksi maximum Hertzian stress. Heavy coatings, greater than about 5 micron in thickness, peeled off or spalled readily, whereas thin coatings, less than 3 micron thick, were tenacious and did not come off. Furthermore, significant improvement in RCF life was obtained with thin chromium ion plated test specimens. The average increase in B10 life was 75% compared with unplated 440C. These preliminary results indicate that ion plating is a promising way to improve bearing life.

Fabrication of Total-Dose-Radiation-Hardened (TDRH) SOI wafer with embedded silicon nanoclusters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Aimin; Wang, Xi; Wei, Xing; Chen, Jing; Chen, Ming; Zhang, Zhengxuan

2009-05-01

Si ion-implantation and post annealing of silicon wafers prior to wafer bonding were used to radiation-harden the thermal oxide layer of Silicon on Insulator structures. After grinding and polishing, Total-Dose-Radiation-Hardened SOI (TDRH-SOI) wafers with several-micron-thick device layers were prepared. Electrical characterization before and after X-ray irradiation showed that the flatband voltage shift induced by irradiation was reduced by this preprocessing. Photoluminescence Spectroscopy (PL), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results indicated that the improvement of the total dose response of the TDRH-SOI wafer was associated with formation of Si nanoclusters in the implanted oxide layer, suggesting that these were the likely candidates for electron and proton trapping centers that reduce the positive charge buildup effect in the buried oxide.

Interaction of metal layers with polycrystalline Si

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nakamura, K.; Olowolafe, J. O.; Lau, S. S.; Nicolet, M.-A.; Mayer, J. W.; Shima, R.

1976-01-01

Solid-phase reactions of metal films deposited on 0.5-micron-thick polycrystalline layers of Si grown by chemical vapor deposition at 640 C were investigated by MeV He-4 backscattering spectrometry, glancing angle X-ray diffraction, and SEM observations. For the metals Al, Ag, and Au, which form simple eutectics, heat treatment at temperatures below the eutectic results in erosion of the poly-Si layer and growth of Si crystallites in the metal film. Crystallite formation is observed at temperatures exceeding 550 C for Ag, at those exceeding 400 C for Al, and at those exceeding 200 C for Au films. For Pd, Ni, and Cr, heat treatment results in silicide formation. The same initial silicides (Pd2Si, Ni2Si, and CrSi2), are formed at similar temperatures on single-crystal substrates.

Self-recovery of stressed nanomembranes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Chaoyang; Rybak, Beth M.; Markutsya, Sergiy; Kladitis, Paul E.; Tsukruk, Vladimir V.

2005-03-01

Long-term stability and self-recovery properties were studied for the compliant nanomembranes with a thickness of 55nm free suspended over openings of several hundred microns across. These nanomembranes were assembled with spin-assisted layer-by-layer routines and were composed of polymer multilayers and gold nanoparticles. In a wide pressure range, the membranes behave like completely elastic freely suspended plates. Temporal stability was tested under extreme deformational conditions close to ultimate strain and very modest creep behavior was observed. A unique "self-recovery" ability of these nanomembranes was revealed in these tests. We observed a complete restoration of the initial nanomembrane shape and properties after significant inelastic deformation. These unique micromechanical properties are suggested to be the result of strong Coulombic interaction between the polyelectrolyte layers combined with a high level of biaxial orientation of polymer chains and in-plane prestretching stresses.

Failure analysis of blistered gold plating on spot welded electrical relays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sokolowski, Witold; O'Donnell, Tim

1989-01-01

Gold-plated stainless-steel sideplates, part of a JPL Galileo spacecraft electronic-relay assembly, exhibited blistering after resistance spot welding. Unacceptable relays had heavy nonuniform gold electrodeposited layers with thicknesses 4.5-11.5 microns. SEM and metallographic investigations indicated much higher heat input generated during the resistance spot welding in unacceptable relays. The attributes of acceptable welded relays are contrasted with unacceptable relays; the possible mechanism of laminar formation of polymeric material in the gold plating is discussed; and some recommendations are provided to prevent similar problems.

DNA-microarrays identification of Streptococcus mutans genes associated with biofilm thickness

PubMed Central

Shemesh, Moshe; Tam, Avshalom; Kott-Gutkowski, Miriam; Feldman, Mark; Steinberg, Doron

2008-01-01

Background A biofilm is a complex community of microorganisms that develop on surfaces in diverse environments. The thickness of the biofilm plays a crucial role in the physiology of the immobilized bacteria. The most cariogenic bacteria, mutans streptococci, are common inhabitants of a dental biofilm community. In this study, DNA-microarray analysis was used to identify differentially expressed genes associated with the thickness of S. mutans biofilms. Results Comparative transcriptome analyses indicated that expression of 29 genes was differentially altered in 400- vs. 100-microns depth and 39 genes in 200- vs. 100-microns biofilms. Only 10 S. mutans genes showed differential expression in both 400- vs. 100-microns and 200- vs. 100-microns biofilms. All of these genes were upregulated. As sucrose is a predominant factor in oral biofilm development, its influence was evaluated on selected genes expression in the various depths of biofilms. The presence of sucrose did not noticeably change the regulation of these genes in 400- vs. 100-microns and/or 200- vs. 100-microns biofilms tested by real-time RT-PCR. Furthermore, we analyzed the expression profile of selected biofilm thickness associated genes in the luxS- mutant strain. The expression of those genes was not radically changed in the mutant strain compared to wild-type bacteria in planktonic condition. Only slight downregulation was recorded in SMU.2146c, SMU.574, SMU.609, and SMU.987 genes expression in luxS- bacteria in biofilm vs. planktonic environments. Conclusion These findings reveal genes associated with the thickness of biofilms of S. mutans. Expression of these genes is apparently not regulated directly by luxS and is not necessarily influenced by the presence of sucrose in the growth media. PMID:19114020

Producing Foils From Direct Cast Titanium Alloy Strip

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stuart, T. A.; Gaspar, T. A.; Sukonnik, I. M.; Semiatan, S. L.; Batawi, E.; Peters, J. A.; Fraser, H. L.

1996-01-01

This research was undertaken to demonstrate the feasibility of producing high-quality, thin-gage, titanium foil from direct cast titanium strip. Melt Overflow Rapid Solidification Technology (MORST) was used to cast several different titanium alloys into 500 microns thick strip, 10 cm wide and up to 3 m long. The strip was then either ground, hot pack rolled or cold rolled, as appropriate, into foil. Gamma titanium aluminide (TiAl) was cast and ground to approximately 100 microns thick foil and alpha-2 titanium aluminide (Ti3AI) was cast and hot pack rolled to approximately 70 microns thick foil. CP Ti, Ti6Al2Sn4Zr2Mo, and Ti22AI23Nb (Orthorhombic), were successfully cast and cold-rolled into good quality foil (less than 125 microns thick). The foils were generally fully dense with smooth surfaces, had fine, uniform microstructures, and demonstrated mechanical properties equivalent to conventionally produced titanium. By eliminating many manufacturing steps, this technology has the potential to produce thin gage, titanium foil with good engineering properties at significantly reduced cost relative to conventional ingot metallurgy processing.

3.3 and 11.3 micron images of HD 44179 - Evidence for an optically thick polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon disk

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bregman, Jesse D.; Rank, David; Temi, Pasquale; Hudgins, Doug; Kay, Laura

1993-01-01

Images of HD 44179 (the Red Rectangle) obtained in the 3.3 and 11.3 micron emission bands show two different spatial distributions. The 3.3 micron band image is centrally peaked and slightly extended N-S while the 11.3 micron image shows a N-S bipolar shape with no central peak. If the 3.3 micron band image shows the intrinsic emission of the 11.3 micron band, then the data suggest absorption of the 11.3 micron emission near the center of HD 44179 by a disk with an optical depth of about one, making HD 44179 the first object in which the IR emission bands have been observed to be optically thick. Since there is no evidence of absorption of the 3.3 micron emission band by the disk, the absorption cross section of the 3.3 micron band must be substantially less than for the 11.3 micron band. Since the 3.3 and 11.3 micron bands are thought to arise from different size PAHs, the similar N-S extents of the two images implies that the ratio of small to large PAHs does not change substantially with distance from the center.

Evaluation of Central Macular Thickness and Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness using Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography in a Tertiary Care Hospital

PubMed Central

Saini, VK; Gupta, Saroj; Sharma, Anjali

2014-01-01

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the normative data of macular thickness and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL) among normal subjects using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). Materials and methods: Normal subjects presenting to a tertiary medical hospital were included in the study. All patient underwent clinical examination followed by study of macular thickness and RN FL thick ness by spectral domain Topc on OCT. The data was collected and analyzed for variations in gender and age. The data was also compared with available literature. Results: Total numbers of patients enrolled in the study were 154 (308 eyes). Numbers of males were 79 (158 eyes) and numbers of females were 75 (150 eyes). The mean age among males was 42.67 ± 12.15 years and mean age among females was 42.88 ± 11.73 years. Overall the mean mac ular thickness (central 1 mm zone) with SD - OCT was 241.75 ± 17.3 microns. The mean macular volume was 7.6 cu. mm ± 0.33. On analysis of the RNFL thickness, we observed that the RNFL was thickest in the inferior quadrant (138.58) followed by superior (122.30) nasal (116.32) and temporal quadrant (73.04). Gender-wise comparison of the data revealed no statistically significant difference for age, macular thickness parameters, volume and RFNL values except outer temporal thickness among males and females. No age-related difference was noted in the above parameters. On comparison with available norma tive data from India and elsewhere, we found significant variations with different machines. Conclusion: The study is the first to provide normative data using SD-OCT from central India. The data from spectral domain OCT correlated well with the values obtained from similar studies with SD - OCT. Values obtained from time domain OCT machines are different and are not comparable. How to cite this article: Agarwal P, Saini VK, Gupta S, Sharma A. Evaluation of Central Macular Thickness and Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness using Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography in a Tertiary Care Hospital. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2014;8(2):75-81. PMID:26997813

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

Marshall, S; Currier, B; Hodgdon, A

Purpose: The design of a new Portable Faraday Cup (PFC) used to calibrate proton accelerators was evaluated for energies between 50 and 220 MeV. Monte Carlo simulations performed in Geant4–10.0 were used to evaluate experimental results and reduce the relative detector error for this vacuum-less and low mass system, and invalidate current MCNP releases. Methods: The detector construction consisted of a copper conductor coated with an insulator and grounded with silver. Monte Carlo calculations in Geant4 were used to determine the net charge per proton input (gain) as a function of insulator thickness and beam energy. Kapton was chosen asmore » the insulating material and was designed to capture backscattered electrons. Charge displacement from/into Kapton was assumed to follow a linear proportionality to the origin/terminus depth toward the outer ground layer. Kapton thicknesses ranged from 0 to 200 microns, proton energies were set to match empirical studies ranging from 70 to 250 MeV. Each setup was averaged over 1 million events using the FTFP-BERT 2.0 physics list. Results: With increasing proton energy, the gain of Cu+KA gradually converges to the limit of pure copper, with relative error between 1.52% and 0.72%. The Ag layer created a more diverging behavior, accelerating the flux of negative charge into the device and increasing relative error when compared to pure copper from 1.21% to 1.63%. Conclusion: Gain vs. beam energy signatures were acquired for each device. Further analysis reveals proportionality between insulator thickness and measured gain, albeit an inverse proportionality between beam energy and in-flux of electrons. Increased silver grounding layer thickness also decreases gain, though the relative error expands with beam energy, contrary to the Kapton layer.« less

Internal optical losses in very thin CW heterojunction laser diodes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Butler, J. K.; Kressel, H.; Ladany, I.

1975-01-01

Theoretical calculations are presented showing the relationship between the internal laser absorption and structural parameters appropriate for CW room-temperature lasers. These diodes have submicron-thick recombination regions, and very small spacings between the heat sink and the recombination region to minimize the thermal resistance. The optical loss is shown to be strongly dependent on the degree of radiation confinement to the active region. In particular, absorption in the surface GaAs layer providing the ohmic contact becomes very significant when the intermediate (AlGa)As layer is reduced below about 1 micron. It is further shown that excessive penetration into the GaAs regions gives rise to anomalies in the far-field radiation profiles in the direction perpendicular to the junction plane.

Interface shapes during vertical Bridgman growth of (Pb, Sn)Te crystals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huang, YU; Debnam, William J.; Fripp, Archibald L.

1990-01-01

Melt-solid interfaces obtained during vertical Bridgman growth of (Pb, Sn)Te crystals were investigated with a quenching technique. The shapes of these interfaces, revealed by etching longitudinally cut sections, were correlated with the composition variations determined by EMPA. These experiments demonstrated that the interface shape can be changed from concave to convex by moving its location from the edge of the cold zone into the hot zone. The metallography and microsegregation near the melt-solid interface were analyzed in detail. A sharp change in composition above the interface indicated the existence of a diffusion boundary layer 40-90 microns thick. This small diffusion boundary layer is consistent with strong convective mixing in the (Pb, Sn)Te melt.

Micrometeorite penetration effects in gold foil

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hallgren, D. S.; Radigan, W.; Hemenway, C. L.

1976-01-01

Penetration structures revealed by a Skylab experiment dealing with exposure of single and double layers of 500-800 A thick gold foil to micrometeorites are examined. Examination of all double-layered gold foils revealed that particles producing holes of any type greater than 5 microns in diameter in the first foil break up into many fragments which in turn produce many more holes in the second foil. Evidence of an original particle is not found on any stainless steel plate below the foils, except in one instance. A precise relationship between the size of the event and the mass of the particle producing it could not be determined due to the extreme morphological variety in penetration effects. Fluxes from gold foil and crater experiments are briefly discussed.

Final report SI 08-SI-004: Fusion application targets

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

Biener, J; Kucheyev, S O; Wang, M Y

2010-12-03

Complex target structures are necessary to take full advantage of the unique laboratory environment created by inertial confinement fusion experiments. For example, uses-of-ignition targets that contain a thin layer of a low density nanoporous material inside a spherical ablator shell allow placing dopants in direct contact with the DT fuel. The ideal foam for this application is a low-density hydrocarbon foam that is strong enough to survive wetting with cryogenic hydrogen, and low enough in density (density less than {approx}30 mg/cc) to not reduce the yield of the target. Here, we discuss the fabrication foam-lined uses-of-ignition targets, and the developmentmore » of low-density foams that can be used for this application. Much effort has been directed over the last 20 years toward the development of spherical foam targets for direct-drive and fast-ignition experiments. In these targets, the spherical foam shell is used to define the shape of the cryogenic DT fuel layer, or acts as a surrogate to simulate the cryogenic fuel layer. These targets are fabricated from relatively high-density aerogels (>100 mg/cc) and coated with a few micron thick permeation barrier. With exception of the above mentioned fast ignition targets, the wall of these targets is typically larger than 100 microns. In contrast, the fusion application targets for indirect-drive experiments on NIF will require a much thinner foam shell surrounded by a much thicker ablator shell. The design requirements for both types of targets are compared in Table 1. The foam shell targets for direct-drive experiments can be made in large quantities and with reasonably high yields using an encapsulation technique pioneered by Takagi et al. in the early 90's. In this approach, targets are made by first generating unsupported foam shells using a triple-orifice droplet generator, followed by coating the dried foam shells with a thin permeation barrier. However, this approach is difficult, if not impossible, to transfer to the lower density and thinner wall foam shells required for indirect-drive uses-of-ignition targets for NIF that then would have to be coated with an at least hundred-micron-thick ablator film. So far, the thinnest shells that have been fabricated using the triple-orifice-droplet generator technique had a wall thickness of {approx}20 microns, but despite of being made from a higher-density foam formulation, the shells were mechanically very sensitive, difficult to dry, and showed large deviations from roundness. We thus decided to explore a different approach based on using prefabricated thick-walled spherical ablator shells as templates for the thin-walled foam shell. As in the case of the above mentioned encapsulation technique, the foam is made by sol-gel chemistry. However, our approach removes much the requirements on the mechanical stability of the foam shell as the foam shell is never handled in its free-standing form, and promises superior ablator uniformity and surface roughness. As discussed below, the success of this approach depends strongly on the availability of suitable aerogel chemistries (ideally pure hydrocarbon (CH)-based systems) with suitable rheological properties (high viscosity and high modulus near the gel point) that produce low-density and mechanically strong foams.« less

A lightweight solar array study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Josephs, R. H.

1977-01-01

A sample module was assembled to model a portion of a flexible extendable solar array, a type that promises to become the next generation of solar array design. The resulting study of this module is intended to provide technical support to the array designer for lightweight component selection, specifications, and tests. Selected from available lightweight components were 127-micron-thick wrap-around contacted solar cells, 34- micron-thick sputtered glass covers, and as a substrate a 13-micron-thick polyimide film clad with a copper printed circuit. Each component displayed weaknesses. The thin solar cells had excessive breakage losses. Sputtered glass cover adhesion was poor, and the covered cell was weaker than the cell uncovered. Thermal stresses caused some cell delamination from the model solar array substrate.

Large-Aperture Membrane Active Phased-Array Antennas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Karasik, Boris; McGrath, William; Leduc, Henry

2009-01-01

Large-aperture phased-array microwave antennas supported by membranes are being developed for use in spaceborne interferometric synthetic aperture radar systems. There may also be terrestrial uses for such antennas supported on stationary membranes, large balloons, and blimps. These antennas are expected to have areal mass densities of about 2 kg/sq m, satisfying a need for lightweight alternatives to conventional rigid phased-array antennas, which have typical areal mass densities between 8 and 15 kg/sq m. The differences in areal mass densities translate to substantial differences in total mass in contemplated applications involving aperture areas as large as 400 sq m. A membrane phased-array antenna includes patch antenna elements in a repeating pattern. All previously reported membrane antennas were passive antennas; this is the first active membrane antenna that includes transmitting/receiving (T/R) electronic circuits as integral parts. Other integral parts of the antenna include a network of radio-frequency (RF) feed lines (more specifically, a corporate feed network) and of bias and control lines, all in the form of flexible copper strip conductors on flexible polymeric membranes. Each unit cell of a prototype antenna (see Figure 1) contains a patch antenna element and a compact T/R module that is compatible with flexible membrane circuitry. There are two membrane layers separated by a 12.7-mm air gap. Each membrane layer is made from a commercially available flexible circuit material that, as supplied, comprises a 127-micron-thick polyimide dielectric layer clad on both sides with 17.5-micron-thick copper layers. The copper layers are patterned into RF, bias, and control conductors. The T/R module is located on the back side of the ground plane and is RF-coupled to the patch element via a slot. The T/R module is a hybrid multilayer module assembled and packaged independently and attached to the membrane array. At the time of reporting the information for this article, an 8 16 passive array (not including T/R modules) and a 2 4 active array (including T/R modules) had been demonstrated, and it was planned to fabricate and test larger arrays.

Rapid Flame Synthesis of Atomically Thin MoO3 down to Monolayer Thickness for Effective Hole Doping of WSe2.

PubMed

Cai, Lili; McClellan, Connor J; Koh, Ai Leen; Li, Hong; Yalon, Eilam; Pop, Eric; Zheng, Xiaolin

2017-06-14

Two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum trioxide (MoO 3 ) with mono- or few-layer thickness can potentially advance many applications, ranging from optoelectronics, catalysis, sensors, and batteries to electrochromic devices. Such ultrathin MoO 3 sheets can also be integrated with other 2D materials (e.g., as dopants) to realize new or improved electronic devices. However, there is lack of a rapid and scalable method to controllably grow mono- or few-layer MoO 3 . Here, we report the first demonstration of using a rapid (<2 min) flame synthesis method to deposit mono- and few-layer MoO 3 sheets (several microns in lateral dimension) on a wide variety of layered materials, including mica, MoS 2 , graphene, and WSe 2 , based on van der Waals epitaxy. The flame-grown ultrathin MoO 3 sheet functions as an efficient hole doping layer for WSe 2 , enabling WSe 2 to reach the lowest sheet and contact resistance reported to date among all the p-type 2D materials (∼6.5 kΩ/□ and ∼0.8 kΩ·μm, respectively). These results demonstrate that flame synthesis is a rapid and scalable pathway to growing atomically thin 2D metal oxides, opening up new opportunities for advancing 2D electronics.

Precision replenishable grinding tool and manufacturing process

DOEpatents

Makowiecki, D.M.; Kerns, J.A.; Blaedel, K.L.; Colella, N.J.; Davis, P.J.; Juntz, R.S.

1998-06-09

A reusable grinding tool consisting of a replaceable single layer of abrasive particles intimately bonded to a precisely configured tool substrate, and a process for manufacturing the grinding tool are disclosed. The tool substrate may be ceramic or metal and the abrasive particles are preferably diamond, but may be cubic boron nitride. The manufacturing process involves: coating a configured tool substrate with layers of metals, such as titanium, copper and titanium, by physical vapor deposition (PVD); applying the abrasive particles to the coated surface by a slurry technique; and brazing the abrasive particles to the tool substrate by alloying the metal layers. The precision control of the composition and thickness of the metal layers enables the bonding of a single layer or several layers of micron size abrasive particles to the tool surface. By the incorporation of an easily dissolved metal layer in the composition such allows the removal and replacement of the abrasive particles, thereby providing a process for replenishing a precisely machined grinding tool with fine abrasive particles, thus greatly reducing costs as compared to replacing expensive grinding tools. 11 figs.

Precision replenishable grinding tool and manufacturing process

DOEpatents

Makowiecki, Daniel M.; Kerns, John A.; Blaedel, Kenneth L.; Colella, Nicholas J.; Davis, Pete J.; Juntz, Robert S.

1998-01-01

A reusable grinding tool consisting of a replaceable single layer of abrasive particles intimately bonded to a precisely configured tool substrate, and a process for manufacturing the grinding tool. The tool substrate may be ceramic or metal and the abrasive particles are preferably diamond, but may be cubic boron nitride. The manufacturing process involves: coating a configured tool substrate with layers of metals, such as titanium, copper and titanium, by physical vapor deposition (PVD); applying the abrasive particles to the coated surface by a slurry technique; and brazing the abrasive particles to the tool substrate by alloying the metal layers. The precision control of the composition and thickness of the metal layers enables the bonding of a single layer or several layers of micron size abrasive particles to the tool surface. By the incorporation of an easily dissolved metal layer in the composition such allows the removal and replacement of the abrasive particles, thereby providing a process for replenishing a precisely machined grinding tool with fine abrasive particles, thus greatly reducing costs as compared to replacing expensive grinding tools.

Chemical reaction of atomic oxygen with evaporated films of copper, part 4

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fromhold, A. T.; Williams, J. R.

1990-01-01

Evaporated copper films were exposed to an atomic oxygen flux of 1.4 x 10(exp 17) atoms/sq cm per sec at temperatures in the range 285 to 375 F (140 to 191 C) for time intervals between 2 and 50 minutes. Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS) was used to determine the thickness of the oxide layers formed and the ratio of the number of copper to oxygen atoms in the layers. Oxide film thicknesses ranged from 50 to 3000 A (0.005 to 0.3 microns, or equivalently, 5 x 10(exp -9) to 3 x 10(exp -7); it was determined that the primary oxide phase was Cu2O. The growth law was found to be parabolic (L(t) varies as t(exp 1/2)), in which the oxide thickness L(t) increases as the square root of the exposure time t. The analysis of the data is consistent with either of the two parabolic growth laws. (The thin-film parabolic growth law is based on the assumption that the process is diffusion controlled, with the space charge within the growing oxide layer being negligible. The thick-film parabolic growth law is also based on a diffusion controlled process, but space-charge neutrality prevails locally within very thick oxides.) In the absence of a voltage measurement across the growing oxide, a distinction between the two mechanisms cannot be made, nor can growth by the diffusion of neutral atomic oxygen be entirely ruled out. The activation energy for the reaction is on the order of 1.1 eV (1.76 x 10(exp -19) joule, or equivalently, 25.3 kcal/mole).

Optical phase conjugation assisted scattering lens: variable focusing and 3D patterning

PubMed Central

Ryu, Jihee; Jang, Mooseok; Eom, Tae Joong; Yang, Changhuei; Chung, Euiheon

2016-01-01

Variable light focusing is the ability to flexibly select the focal distance of a lens. This feature presents technical challenges, but is significant for optical interrogation of three-dimensional objects. Numerous lens designs have been proposed to provide flexible light focusing, including zoom, fluid, and liquid-crystal lenses. Although these lenses are useful for macroscale applications, they have limited utility in micron-scale applications due to restricted modulation range and exacting requirements for fabrication and control. Here, we present a holographic focusing method that enables variable light focusing without any physical modification to the lens element. In this method, a scattering layer couples low-angle (transverse wave vector) components into a full angular spectrum, and a digital optical phase conjugation (DOPC) system characterizes and plays back the wavefront that focuses through the scattering layer. We demonstrate micron-scale light focusing and patterning over a wide range of focal distances of 22–51 mm. The interferometric nature of the focusing scheme also enables an aberration-free scattering lens. The proposed method provides a unique variable focusing capability for imaging thick specimens or selective photoactivation of neuronal networks. PMID:27049442

A high yield neutron target for cancer therapy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alger, D. L.; Steinberg, R.

1972-01-01

A rotating target was developed that has the potential for providing an initial yield of 10 to the 13th power neutrons per second by the T(d,n)He-4 reaction, and a useable lifetime in excess of 600 hours. This yield and lifetime are indicated for a 300 Kv and 30 mA deuteron accelerator and a 30 microns thick titanium tritide film formed of the stoichiometric compound TiT2. The potential for extended lifetime is made possible by incorporating a sputtering electrode that permits use of titanium tritide thicknesses much greater than the deuteron range. The electrode is used to remove in situ depleted titanium layers to expose fresh tritide beneath. The utilization of the rotating target as a source of fast neutrons for cancer therapy is discussed.

A comparative study of p(+)n and n(+)p InP solar cells made by a closed ampoule diffusion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Faur, M.; Faur, M.; Flood, D. J.; Weinberg, I.; Brinker, D. J.; Goradia, C.; Fatemi, N.; Goradia, M.; Thesling, W.

1991-01-01

The purpose was to demonstrate the possibility of fabricating thermally diffused p(+)n InP solar cells having high open-circuit voltage without sacrificing the short circuit current. The p(+)n junctions were formed by closed-ampoule diffusion of Cd through a 3 to 5 nm thick anodic or chemical phosphorus-rich oxide cap layer grown on n-InP:S Czochralski LEC grown substrates. For solar cells made by thermal diffusion the p(+)n configuration is expected to have a higher efficiency than the n(+)p configuration. It is predicted that the AM0, BOL efficiencies approaching 19 percent should be readily achieved providing that good ohmic front contacts could be realized on the p(+) emitters of thickness lower than 1 micron.

The Lunar Regolith

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noble, Sarah

2009-01-01

A thick layer of regolith, fragmental and unconsolidated rock material, covers the entire lunar surface. This layer is the result of the continuous impact of meteoroids large and small and the steady bombardment of charged particles from the sun and stars. The regolith is generally about 4-5 m thick in mare regions and 10-15 m in highland areas (McKay et al., 1991) and contains all sizes of material from large boulders to sub-micron dust particles. Below the regolith is a region of large blocks of material, large-scale ejecta and brecciated bedrock, often referred to as the "megaregolith". Lunar soil is a term often used interchangeably with regolith, however, soil is defined as the subcentimeter fraction of the regolith (in practice though, soil generally refers to the submillimeter fraction of the regolith). Lunar dust has been defined in many ways by different researchers, but generally refers to only the very finest fractions of the soil, less than approx.10 or 20 microns. Lunar soil can be a misleading term, as lunar "soil" bears little in common with terrestrial soils. Lunar soil contains no organic matter and is not formed through biologic or chemical means as terrestrial soils are, but strictly through mechanical comminution from meteoroids and interaction with the solar wind and other energetic particles. Lunar soils are also not exposed to the wind and water that shapes the Earth. As a consequence, in contrast to terrestrial soils, lunar soils are not sorted in any way, by size, shape, or chemistry. Finally, without wind and water to wear down the edges, lunar soil grains tend to be sharp with fresh fractured surfaces.

The solar-flare infrared continuum - Observational techniques and upper limits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hudson, H. S.

1975-01-01

Exploratory observations at 20 microns and 350 microns have determined detection thresholds for solar flares in these wavelengths. In the 20-micron range, solar atmospheric fluctuations (the 'temperature field') set the basic limits on flare detectability at about 5 K; at 350 microns, extinction in the earth's atmosphere provides the basic limitation of about 30 K. These thresholds are low enough for the successful detection of several infrared-emitting components of large flares. The upper limits obtained for subflares indicate that the thickness of the H-alpha flare region does not exceed approximately 10 km. This result confirms the conclusion of Suemoto and Hiei (1959) regarding the small effective thickness of the H-alpha-emitting regions in solar flares.

Chromium ion plating studies for enhancement of bearing lifetime

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, J. H.

1982-01-01

Six 440-C hardened stainless steel roller bearing test rods were ion plated with various chromium films of thicknesses from .2 microns to 7 microns. The thinner (approximately .2 microns) coating sample had 3 times the fatigue life of the unplated (standard) specimens. Contrastingly, the samples having thicker coatings (several microns) had short fatigue lives (about 3% of the unplated standard).

Photoinitiator-free 3D scaffolds fabricated by excimer laser photocuring.

PubMed

Farkas, Balázs; Dante, Silvia; Brandi, Fernando

2017-01-20

Photoinitiator-free fabrication of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) scaffolds is achieved using a novel three-dimensional (3D) printing method called mask projected excimer laser stereolithography (MPExSL). The spatial resolution of photoinitiator-free curing is suitable for 3D layer-by-layer fabrication with a single layer thickness well controllable at tens to hundreds of microns using 248 nm wavelength for the irradiation. The photoinitiator-free scaffolds are superior compared to their counterparts fabricated by using photoinitiator molecules, showing a higher level of biocompatibility. A release of toxic chemicals from the photoinitiator containing scaffolds is proven by cell proliferation tests. In contrast, no toxic release is found from the photoinitiator-free scaffolds, resulting in the very same level of cell proliferation as the control sample. The demonstration of photoinitiator-free PEGDA scaffolds enables the fabrication of 3D scaffolds with the highest level of biocompatibility for both in vitro and in vivo applications.

Bessel light sheet structured illumination microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noshirvani Allahabadi, Golchehr

Biomedical study researchers using animals to model disease and treatment need fast, deep, noninvasive, and inexpensive multi-channel imaging methods. Traditional fluorescence microscopy meets those criteria to an extent. Specifically, two-photon and confocal microscopy, the two most commonly used methods, are limited in penetration depth, cost, resolution, and field of view. In addition, two-photon microscopy has limited ability in multi-channel imaging. Light sheet microscopy, a fast developing 3D fluorescence imaging method, offers attractive advantages over traditional two-photon and confocal microscopy. Light sheet microscopy is much more applicable for in vivo 3D time-lapsed imaging, owing to its selective illumination of tissue layer, superior speed, low light exposure, high penetration depth, and low levels of photobleaching. However, standard light sheet microscopy using Gaussian beam excitation has two main disadvantages: 1) the field of view (FOV) of light sheet microscopy is limited by the depth of focus of the Gaussian beam. 2) Light-sheet images can be degraded by scattering, which limits the penetration of the excitation beam and blurs emission images in deep tissue layers. While two-sided sheet illumination, which doubles the field of view by illuminating the sample from opposite sides, offers a potential solution, the technique adds complexity and cost to the imaging system. We investigate a new technique to address these limitations: Bessel light sheet microscopy in combination with incoherent nonlinear Structured Illumination Microscopy (SIM). Results demonstrate that, at visible wavelengths, Bessel excitation penetrates up to 250 microns deep in the scattering media with single-side illumination. Bessel light sheet microscope achieves confocal level resolution at a lateral resolution of 0.3 micron and an axial resolution of 1 micron. Incoherent nonlinear SIM further reduces the diffused background in Bessel light sheet images, resulting in confocal quality images in thick tissue. The technique was applied to live transgenic zebra fish tg(kdrl:GFP), and the sub-cellular structure of fish vasculature genetically labeled with GFP was captured in 3D. The superior speed of the microscope enables us to acquire signal from 200 layers of a thick sample in 4 minutes. The compact microscope uses exclusively off-the-shelf components and offers a low-cost imaging solution for studying small animal models or tissue samples.

Graphene-based bimorphs for micron-sized, autonomous origami machines.

PubMed

Miskin, Marc Z; Dorsey, Kyle J; Bircan, Baris; Han, Yimo; Muller, David A; McEuen, Paul L; Cohen, Itai

2018-01-16

Origami-inspired fabrication presents an attractive platform for miniaturizing machines: thinner layers of folding material lead to smaller devices, provided that key functional aspects, such as conductivity, stiffness, and flexibility, are persevered. Here, we show origami fabrication at its ultimate limit by using 2D atomic membranes as a folding material. As a prototype, we bond graphene sheets to nanometer-thick layers of glass to make ultrathin bimorph actuators that bend to micrometer radii of curvature in response to small strain differentials. These strains are two orders of magnitude lower than the fracture threshold for the device, thus maintaining conductivity across the structure. By patterning 2-[Formula: see text]m-thick rigid panels on top of bimorphs, we localize bending to the unpatterned regions to produce folds. Although the graphene bimorphs are only nanometers thick, they can lift these panels, the weight equivalent of a 500-nm-thick silicon chip. Using panels and bimorphs, we can scale down existing origami patterns to produce a wide range of machines. These machines change shape in fractions of a second when crossing a tunable pH threshold, showing that they sense their environments, respond, and perform useful functions on time and length scales comparable with microscale biological organisms. With the incorporation of electronic, photonic, and chemical payloads, these basic elements will become a powerful platform for robotics at the micrometer scale.

Infrared emitting device and method

DOEpatents

Kurtz, S.R.; Biefeld, R.M.; Dawson, L.R.; Howard, A.J.; Baucom, K.C.

1997-04-29

The infrared emitting device comprises a III-V compound semiconductor substrate upon which are grown a quantum-well active region having a plurality of quantum-well layers formed of a ternary alloy comprising InAsSb sandwiched between barrier layers formed of a ternary alloy having a smaller lattice constant and a larger energy bandgap than the quantum-well layers. The quantum-well layers are preferably compressively strained to increase the threshold energy for Auger recombination; and a method is provided for determining the preferred thickness for the quantum-well layers. Embodiments of the present invention are described having at least one cladding layer to increase the optical and carrier confinement in the active region, and to provide for waveguiding of the light generated within the active region. Examples have been set forth showing embodiments of the present invention as surface- and edge-emitting light emitting diodes (LEDs), an optically-pumped semiconductor laser, and an electrically-injected semiconductor diode laser. The light emission from each of the infrared emitting devices of the present invention is in the midwave infrared region of the spectrum from about 2 to 6 microns. 8 figs.

Role of the membrane cortex in neutrophil deformation in small pipets.

PubMed Central

Zhelev, D V; Needham, D; Hochmuth, R M

1994-01-01

The simplest model for a neutrophil in its "passive" state views the cell as consisting of a liquid-like cytoplasmic region surrounded by a membrane. The cell surface is in a state of isotropic contraction, which causes the cell to assume a spherical shape. This contraction is characterized by the cortical tension. The cortical tension shows a weak area dilation dependence, and it determines the elastic properties of the cell for small curvature deformations. At high curvature deformations in small pipets (with internal radii less than 1 micron), the measured critical suction pressure for cell flow into the pipet is larger than its estimate from the law of Laplace. A model is proposed where the region consisting of the cytoplasm membrane and the underlying cortex (having a finite thickness) is introduced at the cell surface. The mechanical properties of this region are characterized by the apparent cortical tension (defined as a free contraction energy per unit area) and the apparent bending modulus (introduced as a bending free energy per unit area) of its middle plane. The model predicts that for small curvature deformations (in pipets having radii larger than 1.2 microns) the role of the cortical thickness and the resistance for bending of the membrane-cortex complex is negligible. For high curvature deformations, they lead to elevated suction pressures above the values predicted from the law of Laplace. The existence of elevated suction pressures for pipets with radii from 1 micron down to 0.24 micron is found experimentally. The measured excess suction pressures cannot be explained only by the modified law of Laplace (for a cortex with finite thickness and negligible bending resistance), because it predicts unacceptable high cortical thicknesses (from 0.3 to 0.7 micron). It is concluded that the membrane-cortex complex has an apparent bending modulus from 1 x 10(-18) to 2 x 10(-18) J for a cortex with a thickness from 0.1 micron down to values much smaller than the radius of the smallest pipet (0.24 micron) used in this study. Images FIGURE 1 PMID:7948682

Thick resist for MEMS processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, Joe; Hamel, Clifford

2001-11-01

The need for technical innovation is always present in today's economy. Microfabrication methods have evolved in support of the demand for smaller and faster integrated circuits with price performance improvements always in the scope of the manufacturing design engineer. The dispersion of processing technology spans well beyond IC fabrication today with batch fabrication and wafer scale processing lending advantages to MEMES applications from biotechnology to consumer electronics from oil exploration to aerospace. Today the demand for innovative processing techniques that enable technology is apparent where only a few years ago appeared too costly or not reliable. In high volume applications where yield and cost improvements are measured in fractions of a percent it is imperative to have process technologies that produce consistent results. Only a few years ago thick resist coatings were limited to thickness less than 20 microns. Factors such as uniformity, edge bead and multiple coatings made high volume production impossible. New developments in photoresist formulation combined with advanced coating equipment techniques that closely controls process parameters have enable thick photoresist coatings of 70 microns with acceptable uniformity and edge bead in one pass. Packaging of microelectronic and micromechanical devices is often a significant cost factor and a reliability issue for high volume low cost production. Technologies such as flip- chip assembly provide a solution for cost and reliability improvements over wire bond techniques. The processing for such technology demands dimensional control and presents a significant cost savings if it were compatible with mainstream technologies. Thick photoresist layers, with good sidewall control would allow wafer-bumping technologies to penetrate the barriers to yield and production where costs for technology are the overriding issue. Single pass processing is paramount to the manufacturability of packaging technology. Uniformity and edge bead control defined the success of process implementation. Today advanced packaging solutions are created with thick photoresist coatings. The techniques and results will be presented.

Development of graphite/copper composites utilizing engineered interfaces. M.S. Thesis Final Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Devincent, Sandra M.

1991-01-01

In situ measurements of graphite/copper alloy contact angles were made using the sessile drop method. The interfacial energy values obtained from these measurements were then applied to a model for the fiber matrix interfacial debonding phenomenon found in graphite/copper composites. The formation obtained from the sessile drop tests led to the development of a copper alloy that suitably wets graphite. Characterization of graphite/copper alloy interfaces subjected to elevated temperatures was conducted using Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy, Auger Electron Spectroscopy, and X Ray Diffraction analyses. These analyses indicated that during sessile drop tests conducted at 1130 C for 1 hour, copper alloys containing greater than 0.98 at pct chromium form continuous reaction layers of approx. 10 microns in thickness. The reaction layers are adherent to the graphite surface. The copper wets the reaction layer to form a contact angle of 60 deg or less. X ray diffraction results indicate that the reaction layer is Cr3C2.

Constituency and origins of cyclic growth layers in pelecypod shells, part 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berry, W. B. N.

1972-01-01

Growth layers occurring in shells of 98 species of pelecypods were examined microscopically in thin section and as natural and etched surfaces. Study began with shells of eleven species known from life history investigations to have annual cycles of growth. Internal microstructural features of the annual layers in these shells provided criteria for recognition of similar, apparently annual shell increments in eighty-six of eighty-seven other species. All of the specimens feature growth laminae, commonly on the order of 50 microns in thickness. The specimens from shallow marine environments show either a clustering of growth laminae related to the formation of concentric ridges or minor growth bands on the external shell surface. Based on observations of the number of growth laminae and clusters per annual-growth layer, it was hypothesised that the subannual increments may be related to daily and fortnightly (and in some cases monthly) cycles in the environment. Possible applications of the paleogrowth method in the fields of paleoecology and paleoclimatology are discussed.

Rapid interferometric imaging of printed drug laden multilayer structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sandler, Niklas; Kassamakov, Ivan; Ehlers, Henrik; Genina, Natalja; Ylitalo, Tuomo; Haeggstrom, Edward

2014-02-01

The developments in printing technologies allow fabrication of micron-size nano-layered delivery systems to personal specifications. In this study we fabricated layered polymer structures for drug-delivery into a microfluidic channel and aimed to interferometrically assure their topography and adherence to each other. We present a scanning white light interferometer (SWLI) method for quantitative assurance of the topography of the embedded structure. We determined rapidly in non-destructive manner the thickness and roughness of the structures and whether the printed layers containing polymers or/and active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) adhere to each other. This is crucial in order to have predetermined drug release profiles. We also demonstrate non-invasive measurement of a polymer structure in a microfluidic channel. It shown that traceable interferometric 3D microscopy is a viable technique for detailed structural quality assurance of layered drug-delivery systems. The approach can have impact and find use in a much broader setting within and outside life sciences.

Spectral emissivity of candidate alloys for very high temperature reactors in high temperature air environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, G.; Weber, S. J.; Martin, S. O.; Sridharan, K.; Anderson, M. H.; Allen, T. R.

2013-10-01

Emissivity measurements for candidate alloys for very high temperature reactors were carried out in a custom-built experimental facility, capable of both efficient and reliable measurements of spectral emissivities of multiple samples at high temperatures. The alloys studied include 304 and 316 austenitic stainless steels, Alloy 617, and SA508 ferritic steel. The oxidation of alloys plays an important role in dictating emissivity values. The higher chromium content of 304 and 316 austenitic stainless steels, and Alloy 617 results in an oxide layer only of sub-micron thickness even at 700 °C and consequently the emissivity of these alloys remains low. In contrast, the low alloy SA508 ferritic steel which contains no chromium develops a thicker oxide layer, and consequently exhibits higher emissivity values.

New techniques for fusion bonding and replication for large glass reflectors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Angel, J. R. P.

1983-01-01

Lightweight, space-deployable glass honeycomb telescope primary mirror structures are produced by a novel method which involves the heating to softening temperature of many borosilicate or silica glass tube sections that are packed to form a honeycomb matrix and filled with a high expansion coefficient refractory sand. The close packed tubes yield a hexagonal-cell honeycomb. Attention is given to the results of an experiment in which a highly refractory master was used to shape a honeycomb of less refractory glass, employing a 1-micron thick, vacuum-deposited gold coating as a parting layer between the two.

Measurement of N-Type 6H SiC Minority-Carrier Diffusion Lengths by Electron Bombardment of Schottky Barriers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hubbard, S. M.; Tabib-Azar, M.; Balley, S.; Rybickid, G.; Neudeck, P.; Raffaelle, R.

2004-01-01

Minority-Carrier diffusion lengths of n-type 6H-SiC were measured using the electron-beam induced current (EBIC) technique. Experimental values of primary beam current, EBIC, and beam voltage were obtained for a variety of SIC samples. This data was used to calculate experimental diode efficiency vs. beam voltage curves. These curves were fit to theoretically calculated efficiency curves, and the diffusion length and metal layer thickness were extracted. The hole diffusion length in n-6H SiC ranged from 0.93 +/- 0.15 microns.

Selective coating for solar panels. [using black chrome and black nickel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcdonald, G. E. (Inventor)

1977-01-01

The energy absorbing properties of solar heating panels are improved by depositing a black chrome coating of controlled thickness on a specially prepared surface of a metal substrate. The surface is prepared by depositing a dull nickel on the substrate, and the black chrome is plated on this low emittance surface to a thickness between 0.5 micron and 2.5 microns.

Measurements of Photoelectric Yield and Physical Properties of Individual Lunar Dust Grains

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abbas, M. M.; Tankosic, D.; Craven, P. D.; Spann, J. F.; LeClair, A.; West, F. A.; Taylor, L.; Hoover, R.

2005-01-01

Micron size dust grains levitated and transported on the lunar surface constitute a major problem for the robotic and human habitat missions for the Moon. It is well known since the Apollo missions that the lunar surface is covered with a thick layer of micron/sub-micron size dust grains. Transient dust clouds over the lunar horizon were observed by experiments during the Apollo 17 mission. Theoretical models suggest that the dust grains on the lunar surface are charged by the solar UV radiation as well as the solar wind. Even without any physical activity, the dust grains are levitated by electrostatic fields and transported away from the surface in the near vacuum environment of the Moon. The current dust charging and the levitation models, however, do not fully explain the observed phenomena. Since the abundance of dust on the Moon's surface with its observed adhesive characteristics is believed to have a severe impact on the human habitat and the lifetime and operations of a variety of equipment, it is necessary to investigate the phenomena and the charging properties of the lunar dust in order to develop appropriate mitigating strategies. We will present results of some recent laboratory experiments on individual micro/sub-micron size dust grains levitated in electrodynamic balance in simulated space environments. The experiments involve photoelectric emission measurements of individual micron size lunar dust grains illuminated with UV radiation in the 120-160 nm wavelength range. The photoelectric yields are required to determine the charging properties of lunar dust illuminated by solar UV radiation. We will present some recent results of laboratory measurement of the photoelectric yields and the physical properties of individual micron size dust grains from the Apollo and Luna-24 sample returns as well as the JSC-1 lunar simulants.

A solar module fabrication process for HALE solar electric UAV's

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carey, P. G.; Aceves, R. C.; Colella, N. J.; Williams, K. A.; Sinton, R. A.; Glenn, G. S.

1994-12-01

We describe a fabrication process used to manufacture high power-to-weight-ratio flexible solar array modules for use on high-altitude-long-endurance (HALE) solar-electric unmanned air vehicles (UAV's). These modules have achieved power-to-weight ratios of 315 and 396 W/kg for 150 micron-thick monofacial and 110 micron-thick bifacial silicon solar cells, respectively. These calculations reflect average module efficiencies of 15.3% (150 micron) and 14.7% (110 micron) obtained from electrical tests performed by Spectrolab, Inc. under AMO global conditions at 25 C, and include weight contributions from all module components (solar cells, lamination material, bypass diodes, interconnect wires, and adhesive tape used to attach the modules to the wing). The fabrication, testing, and performance of 32 sq m of these modules is described.

Effect of initial delamination on Mode 1 and Mode 2 interlaminar fracture toughness and fatigue fracture threshold

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Murri, Gretchen Bostaph; Martin, Roderick H.

1991-01-01

Static and fatigue double-cantilever beam (DCB) and end-notch flexure (ENF) tests were conducted to determine the effect of the simulated initial delamination in interlaminar fracture toughness, G(sub c), and fatigue fracture threshold, G(sub th). Unidirectional, 24-ply specimens of S2/SP250 glass/epoxy were tested using Kapton inserts of four different thickness - 13, 25, 75, and 130 microns, at the midplane at one end, or with tension or shear precracks, to simulate an initial delamination. To determine G(sub c), the fatigue fracture threshold below which no delamination growth would occur in less than 1 x 10(exp 6) cycles, fatigue tests were conducted by cyclically loading specimens until delamination growth was detected. Consistent values of model 1 fracture toughness, G(sub Ic), were measured from DCB specimens with inserts of thickness 75 microns or thinner, or with shear precracks. The fatigue DCB tests gave similar values of G(sub Ith) for the 13, 25, and 75 microns specimens. Results for the shear precracked specimens were significantly lower that for specimens without precracks. Results for both the static and fatigue ENF tests showed that measured G(IIc) and G(IIth) values decreased with decreasing insert thickness, so that no limiting thickness could be determined. Results for specimens with inserts of 75 microns or thicker were significantly higher than the results for precracked specimens or specimens with 13 or 25 microns inserts.

Multizone Paper Platform for 3D Cell Cultures

PubMed Central

Derda, Ratmir; Hong, Estrella; Mwangi, Martin; Mammoto, Akiko; Ingber, Donald E.; Whitesides, George M.

2011-01-01

In vitro 3D culture is an important model for tissues in vivo. Cells in different locations of 3D tissues are physiologically different, because they are exposed to different concentrations of oxygen, nutrients, and signaling molecules, and to other environmental factors (temperature, mechanical stress, etc). The majority of high-throughput assays based on 3D cultures, however, can only detect the average behavior of cells in the whole 3D construct. Isolation of cells from specific regions of 3D cultures is possible, but relies on low-throughput techniques such as tissue sectioning and micromanipulation. Based on a procedure reported previously (“cells-in-gels-in-paper” or CiGiP), this paper describes a simple method for culture of arrays of thin planar sections of tissues, either alone or stacked to create more complex 3D tissue structures. This procedure starts with sheets of paper patterned with hydrophobic regions that form 96 hydrophilic zones. Serial spotting of cells suspended in extracellular matrix (ECM) gel onto the patterned paper creates an array of 200 micron-thick slabs of ECM gel (supported mechanically by cellulose fibers) containing cells. Stacking the sheets with zones aligned on top of one another assembles 96 3D multilayer constructs. De-stacking the layers of the 3D culture, by peeling apart the sheets of paper, “sections” all 96 cultures at once. It is, thus, simple to isolate 200-micron-thick cell-containing slabs from each 3D culture in the 96-zone array. Because the 3D cultures are assembled from multiple layers, the number of cells plated initially in each layer determines the spatial distribution of cells in the stacked 3D cultures. This capability made it possible to compare the growth of 3D tumor models of different spatial composition, and to examine the migration of cells in these structures. PMID:21573103

Dehomogenized Elastic Properties of Heterogeneous Layered Materials in AFM Indentation Experiments.

PubMed

Lee, Jia-Jye; Rao, Satish; Kaushik, Gaurav; Azeloglu, Evren U; Costa, Kevin D

2018-06-05

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is used to study mechanical properties of biological materials at submicron length scales. However, such samples are often structurally heterogeneous even at the local level, with different regions having distinct mechanical properties. Physical or chemical disruption can isolate individual structural elements but may alter the properties being measured. Therefore, to determine the micromechanical properties of intact heterogeneous multilayered samples indented by AFM, we propose the Hybrid Eshelby Decomposition (HED) analysis, which combines a modified homogenization theory and finite element modeling to extract layer-specific elastic moduli of composite structures from single indentations, utilizing knowledge of the component distribution to achieve solution uniqueness. Using finite element model-simulated indentation of layered samples with micron-scale thickness dimensions, biologically relevant elastic properties for incompressible soft tissues, and layer-specific heterogeneity of an order of magnitude or less, HED analysis recovered the prescribed modulus values typically within 10% error. Experimental validation using bilayer spin-coated polydimethylsiloxane samples also yielded self-consistent layer-specific modulus values whether arranged as stiff layer on soft substrate or soft layer on stiff substrate. We further examined a biophysical application by characterizing layer-specific microelastic properties of full-thickness mouse aortic wall tissue, demonstrating that the HED-extracted modulus of the tunica media was more than fivefold stiffer than the intima and not significantly different from direct indentation of exposed media tissue. Our results show that the elastic properties of surface and subsurface layers of microscale synthetic and biological samples can be simultaneously extracted from the composite material response to AFM indentation. HED analysis offers a robust approach to studying regional micromechanics of heterogeneous multilayered samples without destructively separating individual components before testing. Copyright © 2018 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Epitaxially grown BaM hexaferrite films having uniaxial axis in the film plane for self-biased devices

PubMed Central

Zhang, Xiaozhi; Meng, Siqin; Song, Dongsheng; Zhang, Yao; Yue, Zhenxing; Harris, Vincent G.

2017-01-01

Barium hexaferrite (BaM) films with in-plane c-axis orientation are promising and technically important materials for self-biased magnetic microwave devices. In this work, highly oriented BaM films with different thickness and an in-plane easy axis (c-axis) of magnetization were grown on a-plane single-crystal sapphire substrates by direct current magnetron sputtering. A procedure involving seed layers, layer-by-layer annealing was adopted to reduce the substrate-induced strains and allow for the growth of thick (~3.44 μm) films. The epitaxial growth of the BaM film on sapphire was revealed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy with dislocations being observed at the film-substrate interface. The orientation was also verified by X-ray diffraction and more notably, polarized Raman scattering. The magnetic properties and ferromagnetic resonant frequencies were experimentally characterized by a vibrating sample magnetometry and a frequency-swept ferromagnetic resonant flip-chip technique, respectively. The micron-thick BaM films exhibited a large remanence ratio of 0.92 along in-plane easy axis and a small one of 0.09 for the in-plane hard axis loop measurement. The FMR frequency was 50.3 GHz at zero field and reached 57.9 GHz under a magnetic field of 3 kOe, indicating that the epitaxial BaM films with strong self-biased behaviors have good electromagnetic properties in millimeter-wave range. PMID:28276492

Online terahertz thickness measurement in films and coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duling, Irl N.; White, Jeffrey S.

2017-02-01

Pulsed terahertz systems are currently being deployed for online process control and quality control of multi-layered products for use in the building products and aerospace industries. While many laboratory applications of terahertz can allow waveforms to be acquired at rates of 1 - 40 Hz, online applications require measurement rates of in excess of 100Hz. The existing technologies of thickness measurement (nuclear, x-ray, or laser gauges) have rates between 100 and 1000 Hz. At these rates, the single waveform bandwidth must still remain at 2THz or above to allow thinner layers to be measured. In the applications where terahertz can provide unique capability (e.g. multi-layer thickness, delamination, density) long-term stability must be guaranteed within the tolerance required by the measurement. This can mean multi-day stability of less than a micron. The software that runs on these systems must be flexible enough to allow multiple product configurations, while maintaining the simplicity required by plant operators. The final requirement is to have systems that can withstand the environmental conditions of the measurement. This might mean qualification in explosive environments, or operation in hot, wet or dusty environments. All of these requirements can put restrictions on not only the voltage of electronic circuitry used, but also the wavelength and optical power used for the transmitter and receiver. The application of terahertz systems to online process control presents unique challenges that not only effect the physical design of the system, but can also effect the choices made on the terahertz technology itself.

Epitaxially grown BaM hexaferrite films having uniaxial axis in the film plane for self-biased devices.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiaozhi; Meng, Siqin; Song, Dongsheng; Zhang, Yao; Yue, Zhenxing; Harris, Vincent G

2017-03-09

Barium hexaferrite (BaM) films with in-plane c-axis orientation are promising and technically important materials for self-biased magnetic microwave devices. In this work, highly oriented BaM films with different thickness and an in-plane easy axis (c-axis) of magnetization were grown on a-plane single-crystal sapphire substrates by direct current magnetron sputtering. A procedure involving seed layers, layer-by-layer annealing was adopted to reduce the substrate-induced strains and allow for the growth of thick (~3.44 μm) films. The epitaxial growth of the BaM film on sapphire was revealed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy with dislocations being observed at the film-substrate interface. The orientation was also verified by X-ray diffraction and more notably, polarized Raman scattering. The magnetic properties and ferromagnetic resonant frequencies were experimentally characterized by a vibrating sample magnetometry and a frequency-swept ferromagnetic resonant flip-chip technique, respectively. The micron-thick BaM films exhibited a large remanence ratio of 0.92 along in-plane easy axis and a small one of 0.09 for the in-plane hard axis loop measurement. The FMR frequency was 50.3 GHz at zero field and reached 57.9 GHz under a magnetic field of 3 kOe, indicating that the epitaxial BaM films with strong self-biased behaviors have good electromagnetic properties in millimeter-wave range.

Enhanced heat transfer is dependent on thickness of graphene films: the heat dissipation during boiling

PubMed Central

Ahn, Ho Seon; Kim, Jin Man; Kim, TaeJoo; Park, Su Cheong; Kim, Ji Min; Park, Youngjae; Yu, Dong In; Hwang, Kyoung Won; Jo, HangJin; Park, Hyun Sun; Kim, Hyungdae; Kim, Moo Hwan

2014-01-01

Boiling heat transfer (BHT) is a particularly efficient heat transport method because of the latent heat associated with the process. However, the efficiency of BHT decreases significantly with increasing wall temperature when the critical heat flux (CHF) is reached. Graphene has received much recent research attention for applications in thermal engineering due to its large thermal conductivity. In this study, graphene films of various thicknesses were deposited on a heated surface, and enhancements of BHT and CHF were investigated via pool-boiling experiments. In contrast to the well-known surface effects, including improved wettability and liquid spreading due to micron- and nanometer-scale structures, nanometer-scale folded edges of graphene films provided a clue of BHT improvement and only the thermal conductivity of the graphene layer could explain the dependence of the CHF on the thickness. The large thermal conductivity of the graphene films inhibited the formation of hot spots, thereby increasing the CHF. Finally, the provided empirical model could be suitable for prediction of CHF. PMID:25182076

Fiber optic interferometry for industrial process monitoring and control applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marcus, Michael A.

2002-02-01

Over the past few years we have been developing applications for a high-resolution (sub-micron accuracy) fiber optic coupled dual Michelson interferometer-based instrument. It is being utilized in a variety of applications including monitoring liquid layer thickness uniformity on coating hoppers, film base thickness uniformity measurement, digital camera focus assessment, optical cell path length assessment and imager and wafer surface profile mapping. The instrument includes both coherent and non-coherent light sources, custom application dependent optical probes and sample interfaces, a Michelson interferometer, custom electronics, a Pentium-based PC with data acquisition cards and LabWindows CVI or LabView based application specific software. This paper describes the development evolution of this instrument platform and applications highlighting robust instrument design, hardware, software, and user interfaces development. The talk concludes with a discussion of a new high-speed instrument configuration, which can be utilized for high speed surface profiling and as an on-line web thickness gauge.

Depth-Selective Diagnostics of Thermal Barrier Coatings Incorporating Thermographic Phosphors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eldridge, J. I.; Bencic, T. J.; Allison, S. W.; Beshears, D. L.

2003-01-01

Thermographic phosphors have been previously demonstrated to provide effective non- contact, emissivity-independent surface temperature measurements. Because of the translucent nature of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs), thermographic-phosphor-based temperature measurements can be extended beyond the surface to provide depth-selective temperature measurements by incorporating the thermographic phosphor layer at the depth where the temperature measurement is desired. In this paper, the use of thermographic phosphor (Y2O3:Eu) luminescence decay time measurements is demonstrated for the first time for through-the-thickness temperature readings up to 1000 C with the phosphor placed beneath a 100-micron-thick TBC (plasma-sprayed 8wt% yttria-stabilized zirconia). With an appropriately chosen excitation wavelength and detection configuration, it is shown that sufficient phosphor emission is generated to provide effective temperature measurements, despite the attenuation of both the excitation and emission intensities by the overlying TBC. This depth-selective temperature measurement capability should prove particularly useful for TBC diagnostics, where a large thermal gradient is typically present across the TBC thickness.

Near-field microwave tomography of planar semiconductor microstructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reznik, A. N.; Vostokov, N. V.; Vdovicheva, N. K.; Korolyov, S. A.; Shashkin, V. I.

2017-12-01

A method for determining the parameters of a layered semiconductor structure, using the data obtained by near-field microwave probing with a micron-size lateral resolution, was developed and tested experimentally. We have measured a frequency spectrum of the impedance of a coaxial antenna formed on a test structure surface. The corresponding inverse problem has been solved based on the quasistatic theory for the impedance of a monopole antenna interacting with a layered medium, which was proposed earlier [A. N. Reznik and S. A. Korolyov, J. Appl. Phys. 119, 094504 (2016)]. This method was applied to a low-barrier Mott diode structure with a nearly 100 nm thick undoped layer grown on a conducting substrate GaAs. Computer simulation allowed us to establish the optimal frequency intervals and estimate the accuracy of determining the structure parameters. Measurements were taken in the frequency range of 0.1-67 GHz on commercially available equipment. Three antennas with a radius of the central conductor of 5.5, 11, and 25 μm, respectively, were used. The accuracy of the experimental evaluation of the layer thickness d and conductivity σ was ˜1-3%, and for the substrate conductivity, it came to about 15%. As an example, we also present the parameters σ and d in four points of the sample surface image. These data show strong lateral inhomogeneity of the structure under study.

Interlaminar and lateral excitatory amino acid connections in the striate cortex of monkey.

PubMed

Kisvarday, Z F; Cowey, A; Smith, A D; Somogyi, P

1989-02-01

The intrinsic excitatory amino acid pathways within the striate cortex of monkeys were studied by autoradiographic detection of retrogradely labeled somata following microinjections of D-3H-aspartate (D-3H-Asp) into different layers. The labeled amino acid was selectively accumulated by subpopulations of neurons and, to a small extent, by glial cells, the latter mainly in the supragranular layers. Immunocytochemical detection of neurons containing GABA showed that, apart from a few cells exclusively in layer I, GABAergic neurons do not accumulate D-3H-Asp. Several lines of evidence suggest that D-3H-Asp uptake occurred only at nerve terminals; thus, the pattern of perikaryal labeling allowed the delineation of interlaminar and lateral projections. Neurons in layer I probably project laterally, and layer I receives wide-ranging projections from layer IVB and layer V from cells up to 1300 microns laterally. Some neurons in layer II send a focused projection to lower layer VI. Some neurons in layers II/III project up to 1 mm laterally within their own layer, but relatively few neurons can be labeled in these projections. Similarly, in layers II/III few neurons can be retrogradely labeled from layers V and upper VI, and this projection is organized such that cells closer to the pia project deeper in layer V/VI. The connections of layer IVA could not be revealed separately because of the difficulty of confining injections to this thin sublamina. Neurons in layer IVB project up to 1300 microns within IVB itself. A small number of cells from IVB also project to layers III, IVC-alpha, V, and VI with much more restricted lateral spread. Neurons in upper IVC-alpha send axons to layer IVB with at least 600-800 microns lateral spread. Neurons in lower IVC-alpha/upper IVC-beta project to layer III with at least 300-500 microns lateral spread. The bottom 50-80 microns of layer IVC-beta contains neurons with a very focused projection, apparently exclusively to the layer III/IVA border region. Both layers IVC alpha and beta have rich connections within themselves, the beta sublayer having more restricted lateral connections. Some neurons in layer IVC-beta give a laterally restricted small input to layers IVC-alpha and IVB. Both IVC-alpha and -beta project to layers V and VI, and these projections are spread at least 400 microns laterally. Neurons in layer V project to all layers, but the projection to layers I-III and within layer V itself spread much further laterally than the projections to layers IV and VI.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

A new lightweight solar cell

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lindmayer, J.; Wrigley, C.

1976-01-01

Highly reproducible, very thin (40-80 microns thick) silicon solar cells are examined. These cells are the product of silicon thinning techniques that produce very flexible, resilient slices as compared to other techniques. Measurements on solar cells 2 cm by 2 cm by 50 microns thick producing 60 mW or more at AM0 are described. These cells have fine-line metallizations, tantalum oxide antireflection coatings and back-surface aluminum alloy.

Removal of Long-Lived Radon Daughters by Electropolishing Thin Layers of Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

White, James; Schnee, Richard; Bunker, Raymond; Bowles, Michael; Cushman, Priscilla; Epland, Matthew; Pepin, Mark; Guiseppe, Vince

2012-10-01

Long-lived alpha and beta emitters in the Radon decay chain on detector surfaces may be limiting background in many experiments attempting to detect dark matter or neutrinoless double beta decay. To screen detector surfaces for this radioactive contamination, a low-radiation, multi-wire proportional chamber (the BetaCage) is under construction. Removal of Pb-210 implanted on its 25-micron stainless steel wires without causing significant variation in the diameter of the wires is critical to the BetaCage's ultimate sensitivity. An apparatus to perform electropolishing trials to remove roughly a micron of material has been assembled. These trials have shown promising results. Stainless steel square samples implanted with Pb-210 have shown counts with a reduction factor greater than 10 after electropolishing according to gamma assay. Furthermore, alpha counting has produced similar results, with a reduction factor greater than 100. Lastly, the diameters of wires after electropolishing have remained sufficiently uniform, with reduction in thickness consistent with expectations.

Capabilities of OCT in diagnosing pathological processes, functional states, and treatment adequacy in gynecology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shakhova, Natalia M.; Kachalina, Tatiana S.; Kuznetzova, Irina N.; Chumakov, Yuri; Feldchtein, Felix I.; Gelikonov, Valentin M.; Gelikonov, Grigory V.; Gladkova, Natalia D.; Kamensky, Vladislav A.; Kuranov, Roman V.; Sergeev, Alexander M.

1999-01-01

We report on the results of using the optical coherence tomography (OCT) as one of the diagnostic methods at the Department of Gynecology of the Nizhny Novgorod Regional Hospital. An endoscopic OCT device adjusted for gynecological examinations with colposcopy, hysteroscopy and laparoscopy has been developed at the Institute of Applied Physics. It provides clinicians with sharp (up to 15 - 20 micron resolution) images of 1.5 mm thick superficial mucosa layers in the female genital tract, that are recorded at the 0.83 micron wavelength with approximately 1 frame/second rate for a 200 X 200 pixel image. Data obtained during examination of more than 100 patients demonstrate the capability of OCT in estimation of structural alterations in organs, connected with different types of pathologies and functional states of the female genital system. We present first results of OCT application to assess the adequacy of cervical pathologies treatment (electro-, laser surgery and cryotherapy) and to control the healing process.

Validation of a Laser-Ray Package in an Eulerian Code

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bradley, Paul; Hall, Mike; McKenty, Patrick; Collins, Tim; Keller, David

2014-10-01

A laser-ray absorption package was recently installed in the RAGE code by the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE). In this presentation, we describe our use of this package to implode Omega 60 beam symmetric direct drive capsules. The capsules have outer diameters of about 860 microns, CH plastic shell thicknesses between 8 and 32 microns, DD or DT gas fills between 5 and 20 atmospheres, and a 1 ns square pulse of 23 to 27 kJ. These capsule implosions were previously modeled with a calibrated energy source in the outer layer of the capsule, where we matched bang time and burn ion temperature well, but the simulated yields were two to three times higher than the data. We will run simulations with laser ray energy deposition to the experiments and the results to the yield and spectroscopic data. Work performed by Los Alamos National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-06NA25396 for the National Nuclear Security Administration of the U.S. Department of Energy.

A novel method for the fabrication of microfluidic devices by photopolymerization of polymethylmethacrylate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Forstater, Jacob; Augustine, Brian; Hughes, Chris

2006-11-01

We have developed a new technique for the rapid fabrication of structures useful for microfluidic devices called micromolding by photopolymerization in capillaries (μ-PIC). The technique involves the replication of features from a silicon master in which features on the order of tens to hundreds of microns have been formed by crystallographic etching. The negative of the features is then transferred to a sheet of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) by placing the PMMA sheet over the silicon master and injecting a solution of methylmethacrylate monomer with a benzoin methyl ether photoinitiator. This solution is drawn between the PMMA and the silicon by capillary action forming a liquid layer that is no more than a few hundred microns thick. This liquid is then polymerized by exposure to ultraviolet light for less than a half hour. The features transferred in this manner have nearly identical surface structure and roughness. Analysis of these surfaces and structures by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy will be presented.

Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness and Characteristics Associated with Glaucoma in Community Living Older Adults: Prelude to a Screening Trial?

PubMed

Klein, Barbara E K; Johnson, Chris A; Meuer, Stacy M; Lee, Kyungmoo; Wahle, Andreas; Lee, Kristine E; Kulkarni, Amruta; Sonka, Milan; Abràmoff, Michael D; Klein, Ronald

2017-04-01

To examine the associations of nerve fiber layer (NFL) thickness with other ocular characteristics in older adults. Participants in the Beaver Dam Eye Study (2008-2010) underwent spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) scans of the optic nerve head, imaging of optic discs, frequency doubling technology (FDT) perimetry, measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP), and an interview concerning their history of glaucoma and use of drops to lower eye pressure. Self-reported histories of glaucoma and the use of drops to lower eye pressure were obtained at follow-up examinations (2014-2016). NFL thickness measured on OCTs varied by location around the optic nerve. Age was associated with mean NFL thickness. Mean NFL was thinnest in eyes with larger cup/disc (C/D) ratios. Horizontal hemifield defects or other optic nerve-field defects were associated with thinner NFL. NFL in persons who reported taking eye drops for high intraocular pressure was thinner compared to those not taking drops. After accounting for the presence of high intraocular pressure, large C/D ratios or hemifield defects, eyes with thinner NFL in the arcades were more likely (OR = 2.3 for 30 micron thinner NFL, p = 0.04) to have incident glaucoma at examination 5 years later. Retinal NFL thickness was associated with a new history of self-reported glaucoma 5 years later. A trial testing the usefulness of NFL as part of a screening battery for predicting glaucoma in those previously undiagnosed might lead to improved case finding and, ultimately, to diminishing the risk of visual field loss.

21 CFR 177.1320 - Ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... content. The ethyl acrylate can be determined by the infrared spectra. Prepare a scan from 10.5 microns to 12.5 microns. Obtain a baseline absorbance at 11.6 microns and divide by the plaque thickness to... less than 0.920 nor more than 0.935, as determined by ASTM method D1505-68 (Reapproved 1979), “Standard...

NIMS Views of a Jovian 'Hot Spot'

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1997-01-01

These four Galileo/NIMS near-infrared images of a small portion of the equatorial region of Jupiter show a dark clearing of clouds in the meteorologically-active troposphere of Jupiter. This region constitutes a 'hot spot', a nearly-clear area devoid of thick ammonia clouds which allows Jupiter's indigenous heat radiation to shine through at 5 microns (not shown). These features are thought to be areas of downwelling, dry (low ammonia and water humidity) air. The second image from the top, taken at a wavelength sensitive to methane absorption, has muted contrast, showing that a high-level optically-thin haze layer overlies the entire region. All other images, taken over a large range of methane-insensitive wavelengths from 0.76 to 2.74 microns, reveal such 5 micron bright hotspots as actually being dark in reflected sunlight, confirming clearings in the bright reflective surrounding cloud layer and perhaps indicating absorption by clouds and/or gases at relatively deep levels in the atmosphere.

These images were acquired December 17, 1996 from a distance of 1.43 million kilometers above the cloudtops. The large dark clearing near the middle of the image is approximately 7000 km wide in the east-west direction and 4000 km tall in the north-south direction, about twice the size of the continental U. S. Images shown are at 0.76, 1.61, 1.99, and 2.74 microns, proceeding from top to bottom.

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA manages the mission for NASA's Office of Space Science, Washington, DC.

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA manages the mission for NASA's Office of Space Science, Washington, DC.

This image and other images and data received from Galileo are posted on the World Wide Web, on the Galileo mission home page at URL http://galileo.jpl.nasa.gov.

Direct and indirect light emissions from layered ReS2-x Se x (0 ≤ x ≤ 2)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ho, Ching-Hwa; Liu, Zhan-Zhi; Lin, Min-Han

2017-06-01

ReS2 and ReSe2 have recently been enthusiastically studied owing to the specific in-plane electrical, optical and structural anisotropy caused by their distorted one-layer trigonal (1 T) phase, whereas other traditional transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs, e.g. MoS2 and WSe2) have a hexagonal structure. Because of this special property, more and versatile nano-electronics and nano-optoelectronics devices can be developed. In this work, 2D materials in the series ReS2-x Se x (0 ≤ x ≤ 2) have been successfully grown by the method of chemical vapor transport. The direct and indirect resonant emissions of the complete series of layers can be simultaneously detected by polarized micro-photoluminescence (μPL) spectroscopy when the thickness of the ReS2-x Se x is greater than ˜70 nm. When it is less than 70 nm, only three direct excitonic emissions—E 1 ex, E 2 ex and E S ex—are detected. For the thick (bulk) ReS2-x Se x , more stacking of the ReX2 monolayers even flattens and shifts the valence-band maximum from Γ to the other K- or M-related points, thus leading to the coexistence of direct and indirect resonant light emissions from the c-plane ReX2. The transmittance absorption edge of each bulk ReX2 (a few microns thick) usually has a lower energy than those of the direct E 1 ex and E 2 ex excitonic emissions to form indirect absorption. The coexistence of direct and indirect emissions in ReX2 is a unique characteristic of a 2D layered semiconductor possessing triclinic low symmetry.

Limited-life cartridge primers

DOEpatents

Makowiecki, Daniel M.; Rosen, Robert S.

1998-01-01

A cartridge primer which utilizes an explosive that can be designed to become inactive in a predetermined period of time: a limited-life primer. The explosive or combustible material of the primer is an inorganic reactive multilayer (RML). The reaction products of the RML are sub-micron grains of non-corrosive inorganic compounds that would have no harmful effects on firearms or cartridge cases. Unlike use of primers containing lead components, primers utilizing RML's would not present a hazard to the environment. The sensitivity of an RML is determined by the physical structure and the stored interfacial energy. The sensitivity lowers with time due to a decrease in interfacial energy resulting from interdiffusion of the elemental layers. Time-dependent interdiffusion is predictable, thereby enabling the functional lifetime of an RML primer to be predetermined by the initial thickness and materials selection of the reacting layers.

Limited-life cartridge primers

DOEpatents

Makowiecki, Daniel M.; Rosen, Robert S.

2005-04-19

A cartridge primer which utilizes an explosive that can be designed to become inactive in a predetermined period of time: a limited-life primer. The explosive or combustible material of the primer is an inorganic reactive multilayer (RML). The reaction products of the RML are sub-micron grains of non-corrosive inorganic compounds that would have no harmful effects on firearms or cartridge cases. Unlike use of primers containing lead components, primers utilizing RML's would not present a hazard to the environment. The sensitivity of an RML is determined by the physical structure and the stored interfacial energy. The sensitivity lowers with time due to a decrease in interfacial energy resulting from interdiffusion of the elemental layers. Time-dependent interdiffusion is predictable, thereby enabling the functional lifetime of an RML primer to be predetermined by the initial thickness and materials selection of the reacting layers.

Selective radiative cooling with MgO and/or LiF layers

DOEpatents

Berdahl, Paul H.

1986-01-01

A material for a wavelength-selective radiative cooling system, the material comprising an infrared-reflective substrate coated with magnesium oxide and/or lithium fluoride in a polycrystalline form. The material is non-absorptive for short wavelengths, absorptive from 8 to 13 microns, and reflective at longer wavelengths. The infrared-reflective substrate inhibits absorption at wavelengths shorter than 8 microns, and the magnesium oxide and/or lithium fluoride layers reflect radiation at wavelengths longer than 13 microns.

Surface characterization of selected LDEF tray clamps

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cromer, T. F.; Grammer, H. L.; Wightman, J. P.; Young, Philip R.; Slemp, Wayne S.

1993-01-01

The surface characterization of chromic acid anodized 6061-T6 aluminum alloy tray clamps has shown differences in surface chemistry depending upon the position on the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF). Water contact angle results showed no changes in wettability of the tray clamps. The overall surface topography of the control, trailing edge(E3) and leading edge(D9) samples was similar. The thickness of the aluminum oxide layer for all samples determined by Auger depth profiling was less than one micron. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of the tray clamps showed significant differences in the surface composition. Carbon and silicon containing compounds were the primary contaminants detected.

Thin film molybdenum silicide as potential temperature sensors for turbine engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ho, C. H.; Prakash, S.; Deshpandey, C. V.; Doerr, H. J.; Bunshah, R. F.

1989-01-01

Temperature measurements of Mo-Si-based thin-film resistance thermometers were studied. Annealing in an argon ambient at a temperature above 1000 C for at least 1 h is required to form the stable tetragonal MoSi2 phase. With a crack-free 2-micron-thick AlN barrier layer on top, a sensor was tested up to 1200 C. The resistivity vs temperature characteristic shows the room temperature resistivity and temperature coefficient of resistivity (TCR) of the sensor to be approximately 350 microohm and 0.01195 K, respectively. No film adhesion problems were observed for at least four testing cycles.

SO2 frost - UV-visible reflectivity and Io surface coverage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nash, D. B.; Fanale, F. P.; Nelson, R. M.

1980-01-01

The reflectance spectrum in the range 0.24-0.85 microns of SO2 frost is measured in light of the discovery of SO2 gas in the atmosphere of Io and the possible discovery of the frost on its surface. Frost deposits up to 1.5 mm thick were grown in vacuum at 130 K and bi-directional reflectance spectra were obtained. Typical SO2 frost is found to exhibit very low reflectivity (2-5%) at 0.30 microns, rising steeply at 0.32 microns to attain a maximum reflectivity (75-80%) at 4.0 microns and uniformly high reflectivity throughout the visible and near infrared. Comparison with the full disk spectrum of Io reveals that no more than 20% of the surface can be covered with optically thick SO2 frost. Combinations of surface materials including SO2 frost which can produce the observed spectrum are indicated.

Effects of corneal thickness on the intraocular penetration of travoprost 0.004%

PubMed Central

Martinez-de-la-Casa, J M; Rayward, O; Saenz-Frances, F; Santos-Bueso, E; Mendez-Hernandez, C; Herrero-Vanrell, R; Garcia-Feijoo, J; Garcia-Sanchez, J

2012-01-01

Purpose To determine whether the intraocular penetration of travoprost 0.004% is affected by central corneal thickness. Methods Sixty-four patients who were scheduled for cataract surgery without any other ophthalmologic pathology of significance were enroled in this study. At 120 min before surgery, one drop of travoprost 0.004% was instilled in the eye to be operated on. At the start of surgery, a sample of aqueous humour was extracted to subsequently determine its AL-5848 concentration. These concentrations were compared among three groups of patients established according to central corneal thickness measurements obtained by ultrasound pachymetry. Results Mean AL-5848 concentrations were 3.27±2.03 ng/ml in Group I (CCT<511 microns), 3.27±2.44 ng/ml in Group II (CCT≥511 and ≤574 microns), and 2.73±2.15 ng/ml in Group III (CCT>574 microns), indicating no significant differences among the groups. Conclusions We were unable to demonstrate the greater or lesser penetration of travoprost depending on corneal thickness, which could explain differences in patient responses to this drug. PMID:22562189

Infrared emitting device and method

DOEpatents

Kurtz, Steven R.; Biefeld, Robert M.; Dawson, L. Ralph; Howard, Arnold J.; Baucom, Kevin C.

1997-01-01

An infrared emitting device and method. The infrared emitting device comprises a III-V compound semiconductor substrate upon which are grown a quantum-well active region having a plurality of quantum-well layers formed of a ternary alloy comprising InAsSb sandwiched between barrier layers formed of a ternary alloy having a smaller lattice constant and a larger energy bandgap than the quantum-well layers. The quantum-well layers are preferably compressively strained to increase the threshold energy for Auger recombination; and a method is provided for determining the preferred thickness for the quantum-well layers. Embodiments of the present invention are described having at least one cladding layer to increase the optical and carrier confinement in the active region, and to provide for waveguiding of the light generated within the active region. Examples have been set forth showing embodiments of the present invention as surface- and edge-emitting light emitting diodes (LEDs), an optically-pumped semiconductor laser, and an electrically-injected semiconductor diode laser. The light emission from each of the infrared emitting devices of the present invention is in the midwave infrared region of the spectrum from about 2 to 6 microns.

Measuring the complete cross-cell carrier mobility distributions in bulk heterojunction solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seifter, Jason; Sun, Yanming; Choi, Hyosung; Lee, Byoung Hoon; Heeger, Alan

2015-03-01

Carbon nanotube-enabled, vertical, organic field effect transistors (CN-VFETs) based on the small molecule dinaphtho[2,3-b:2',3'-f]thieno[3,2-b]thiophene (DNTT) have demonstrated high current, low-power operation suitable for driving active matix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED) displays. This performance is achieved without the need for costly high-resolution patterning, despite the low mobility of the organic semiconductor, by employing sub-micron channel widths, defined in the vertical devices by the thickness of the semiconducting layer. Replacing the thermally evaporated small molecule semiconductor with a solution-processed polymer would possibly further simplify the fabrication process and reduce manufacturing cost. Here we investigate several polymer systems as wide bandgap semiconducting channel layers for potentially air stable and transparent CN-VFETs. The field effect mobility and optical transparency of the polymer layers are determined, and the performance and air stability of CN-VFET devices are measured. A. S. gratefully acknowledges support from the National Science Foundation under DMR-1156737.

Fabrication of 200 nanometer period centimeter area hard x-ray absorption gratings by multilayer deposition

PubMed Central

Lynch, S K; Liu, C; Morgan, N Y; Xiao, X; Gomella, A A; Mazilu, D; Bennett, E E; Assoufid, L; de Carlo, F; Wen, H

2012-01-01

We describe the design and fabrication trials of x-ray absorption gratings of 200 nm period and up to 100:1 depth-to-period ratios for full-field hard x-ray imaging applications. Hard x-ray phase-contrast imaging relies on gratings of ultra-small periods and sufficient depth to achieve high sensitivity. Current grating designs utilize lithographic processes to produce periodic vertical structures, where grating periods below 2.0 μm are difficult due to the extreme aspect ratios of the structures. In our design, multiple bilayers of x-ray transparent and opaque materials are deposited on a staircase substrate, and mostly on the floor surfaces of the steps only. When illuminated by an x-ray beam horizontally, the multilayer stack on each step functions as a micro-grating whose grating period is the thickness of a bilayer. The array of micro-gratings over the length of the staircase works as a single grating over a large area when continuity conditions are met. Since the layers can be nanometers thick and many microns wide, this design allows sub-micron grating periods and sufficient grating depth to modulate hard x-rays. We present the details of the fabrication process and diffraction profiles and contact radiography images showing successful intensity modulation of a 25 keV x-ray beam. PMID:23066175

Lunar dust charging by photoelectric emissions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abbas, M. M.; Tankosic, D.; Craven, P. D.; Spann, J. F.; LeClair, A.; West, E. A.

2007-05-01

The lunar surface is covered with a thick layer of sub-micron/micron size dust grains formed by meteoritic impact over billions of years. The fine dust grains are levitated and transported on the lunar surface, as indicated by the transient dust clouds observed over the lunar horizon during the Apollo 17 mission. Theoretical models suggest that the dust grains on the lunar surface are charged by the solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation as well as the solar wind. Even without any physical activity, the dust grains are levitated by electrostatic fields and transported away from the surface in the near vacuum environment of the Moon. The current dust charging and levitation models, however, do not fully explain the observed phenomena. Since the abundance of dust on the Moon's surface with its observed adhesive characteristics has the potential of severe impact on human habitat and operations and lifetime of a variety of equipment, it is necessary to investigate the charging properties and the lunar dust phenomena in order to develop appropriate mitigating strategies. Photoelectric emission induced by the solar UV radiation with photon energies higher than the work function (WF) of the grain materials is recognized to be the dominant process for charging of the lunar dust, and requires measurements of the photoelectric yields to determine the charging and equilibrium potentials of individual dust grains. In this paper, we present the first laboratory measurements of the photoelectric efficiencies and yields of individual sub-micron/micron size dust grains selected from sample returns of Apollo 17 and Luna-24 missions as well as similar size dust grains from the JSC-1 simulants. The measurements were made on a laboratory facility based on an electrodynamic balance that permits a variety of experiments to be conducted on individual sub-micron/micron size dust grains in simulated space environments. The photoelectric emission measurements indicate grain size dependence with the yield increasing by an order of magnitude for grains of sub-micron to several micron size radii, at which it reaches asymptotic values. The yield for large size grains is found to be more than an order of magnitude higher than the bulk measurements on lunar fines reported in the literature.

Laboratory Measurements of Optical and Physical Properties of Individual Lunar Dust Grains

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abbas, M. M.; Tankosic, D.; Craven, P. D.; Hoover, R. B.

2006-01-01

The lunar surface is covered with a thick layer of sub-micron/micron size dust grains formed by meteoritic impact over billions of years. The fine dust grains are levitated and transported on the lunar surface, and transient dust clouds over the lunar horizon were observed by experiments during the Apollo 17 mission. Theoretical models suggest that the dust grains on the lunar surface are charged by the solar UV radiation as well as the solar wind. Even without any physical activity, the dust grains are levitated by electrostatic fields and transported away from the surface in the near vacuum environment of the Moon. The current dust charging and levitation models, however, do not fully explain the observed phenomena. Since the abundance of dust on the Moon's surface with its observed adhesive characteristics has the potential of severe impact on human habitat and operations and lifetime of a variety of equipment, it is necessary to investigate the charging properties and the lunar dust phenomena in order to develop appropriate mitigating strategies. Photoelectric emission induced by the solar UV radiation with photon energies higher than the work function of the grain materials is recognized to be the dominant process for charging of the lunar dust, and requires measurements of the photoelectric yields to determine the charging and equilibrium potentials of individual dust grains. In this paper, we present the first laboratory measurements of the photoelectric yields of individual sub-micron/micron size dust grains selected from sample returns of Apollo 17, and Luna 24 missions, as well as similar size dust grains from the JSC-1 simulants. The experimental results were obtained on a laboratory facility based on an electrodynamic balance that permits a variety of experiments to be conducted on individual sub-micron/micron size dust grains in simulated space environments. The photoelectric emission measurements indicate grain size dependence with the yield increasing by an order of magnitude for grains of radii sub-micron size to several micron radii, at which it reaches asymptotic values. The yield for large size grains is found to be more than an order of magnitude higher than the bulk measurements on lunar fines reported in the literature.

Lunar Dust Charging by Photoelectric Emissions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abbas, M. M.; Tankosic, D.; Craven, P. D.; Spann, J. F.; LeClair, A.; West, E. A.

2007-01-01

The lunar surface is covered with a thick layer of sub-micron/micron size dust grains formed by meteoritic impact over billions of years. The fine dust grains are levitated and transported on the lunar surface, as indicated by the transient dust clouds observed over the lunar horizon during the Apollo 17 mission. Theoretical models suggest that the dust grains on the lunar surface are charged by the solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation as well as the solar wind. Even without any physical activity, the dust grains are levitated by electrostatic fields and transported away from the surface in the near vacuum environment of the Moon. The current dust charging and levitation models, however, do not fully explain the observed phenomena. Since the abundance of dust on the Moon's surface with its observed adhesive characteristics has the potential of severe impact on human habitat and operations and lifetime of a variety of equipment, it is necessary to investigate the charging properties and the lunar dust phenomena in order to develop appropriate mitigating strategies. Photoelectric emission induced by the solar UV radiation with photon energies higher than the work function (WF) of the grain materials is recognized to be the dominant process for charging of the lunar dust, and requires measurements of the photoelectric yields to determine the charging and equilibrium potentials of individual dust grains. In this paper, we present the first laboratory measurements of the photoelectric efficiencies and yields of individual sub-micron/micron size dust grains selected from sample returns of Apollo 17 and Luna-24 missions as well as similar size dust grains from the JSC-1 simulants. The measurements were made on a laboratory facility based on an electrodynamic balance that permits a variety of experiments to be conducted on individual sub-micron/micron size dust grains in simulated space environments. The photoelectric emission measurements indicate grain size dependence with the yield increasing by an order of magnitude for grains of sub-micron to several micron size radii, at which it reaches asymptotic values. The yield for large size grains is found to be more than an order of magnitude higher than the bulk measurements on lunar fines reported in the literature.

Lunar Dust Charging by Photoelectric Emissions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abbas, M. M.; Tankosic, D.; Craven, P. D.; Spann, J. F.; LeClair, A.; West, E. A.

2007-01-01

The lunar surface is covered with a thick layer of sub-micron/micron size dust grains formed by meteoritic impact over billions of years. The fine dust grains are levitated and transported on the lunar surface, as indicated by the transient dust clouds observed over the lunar horizon during the Apollo 17 mission. Theoretical models suggest that the dust grains on the lunar surface are charged by the solar UV radiation as well as the solar wind. Even without any physical activity, the dust grains are levitated by electrostatic fields and transported away from the surface in the near vacuum environment of the Moon. The current dust charging and levitation models, however, do not fully explain the observed phenomena. Since the abundance of dust on the Moon s surface with its observed adhesive characteristics has the potential of severe impact on human habitat and operations and lifetime of a variety of equipment, it is necessary to investigate the charging properties and the lunar dust phenomena in order to develop appropriate mitigating strategies. Photoelectric emission induced by the solar UV radiation with photon energies higher than the work function of the grain materials is recognized to be the dominant process for charging of the lunar dust, and requires measurements of the photoelectric yields to determine the charging and equilibrium potentials of individual dust grains. In this paper, we present the first laboratory measurements of the photoelectric efficiencies and yields of individual sub-micron/micron size dust grains selected from sample returns of Apollo 17, and Luna 24 missions, as well as similar size dust grains from the JSC-1 simulants. The measurements were made on a laboratory facility based on an electrodynamic balance that permits a variety of experiments to be conducted on individual sub-micron/micron size dust grains in simulated space environments. The photoelectric emission measurements indicate grain size dependence with the yield increasing by an order of magnitude for grains of sub-micron to several micron size radii, at which it reaches asymptotic values. The yield for large size grains is found to be more than an order of magnitude higher than the bulk measurements on lunar fines reported in the literature.

Layer-by-layer assembly of MXene and carbon nanotubes on electrospun polymer films for flexible energy storage.

PubMed

Zhou, Zehang; Panatdasirisuk, Weerapha; Mathis, Tyler S; Anasori, Babak; Lu, Canhui; Zhang, Xinxing; Liao, Zhiwei; Gogotsi, Yury; Yang, Shu

2018-03-29

Free-standing, highly flexible and foldable supercapacitor electrodes were fabricated through the spray-coating assisted layer-by-layer assembly of Ti3C2Tx (MXene) nanoflakes together with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) fiber networks. The open structure of the PCL network and the use of MWCNTs as spacers not only limit the restacking of Ti3C2Tx flakes but also increase the accessible surface of the active materials, facilitating fast diffusion of electrolyte ions within the electrode. Composite electrodes have areal capacitance (30-50 mF cm-2) comparable to other templated electrodes reported in the literature, but showed significantly improved rate performance (14-16% capacitance retention at a scan rate of 100 V s-1). Furthermore, the composite electrodes are flexible and foldable, demonstrating good tolerance against repeated mechanical deformation, including twisting and folding. Therefore, these tens of micron thick fiber electrodes will be attractive for applications in energy storage, electroanalytical chemistry, brain electrodes, electrocatalysis and other fields, where flexible freestanding electrodes with an open and accessible surface are highly desired.

Thin-Layer Composite Unimorph Ferroelectric Driver Sensor Properties

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mossi, Karla M.; Selby, Gregory V.; Bryant, Robert G.

1998-01-01

Tests were conducted on 13 different configurations of a new class of piezoelectric devices called THUNDER (thin layer composite unimorph ferroelectric driver and sensor). These configurations consisted of a combination of 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 layers of 25.4 micron thick aluminium as a backing material, with and without a top layer of 25.4 micrometer aluminum. All of these configurations used the same piezoelectric ceramic wafer (PZT-5A) with dimensions of 5.08 x 3.81 x 0.018 cm. The above configurations were tested at two stages of the manufacturing process: before and after repoling. The parameters measured included frequency, driving voltage. displacement, capacitance, and radius of curvature. An optic sensor recorded the displacement at a fixed voltage(100 - 400 V peak to peak) over a predetermined frequency range (1 - 1000 Hz). These displacement measurements were performed using a computer that controlled the process of activating and measuring the displacement of the device. A parameter alpha was defined which can be used to predict the which configuration will produce the most displacement for a free standing device.

Development of quantitative parameters to assess in-vivo optical coherence tomography images of late oral radiation toxicity patients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davoudi, Bahar; Damodaran, Vani; Bizheva, Kostadinka; Yang, Victor; Dinniwell, Robert; Levin, Wilfred; Vitkin, Alex

2013-03-01

Late oral radiation toxicity is a common condition occurring in a considerable percentage of head and neck cancer patients after radiation therapy which reduces their quality of life. The current examination of these patients is based on a visual inspection of the surface of the oral cavity; however, it is well known that many of the complications start in the subsurface layers before any superficial manifestation. Considering the currently suboptimal examination techniques, we address this clinical problem by using optical coherence tomography (OCT) to monitor the subsurface oral layers with micron-scale resolution images. A spectral-domain OCT system and a specialized oral imaging probe were designed and built for a clinical study to image late oral radiation toxicity patients. In addition to providing qualitative 2D and 3D images of the subsurface oral layers, quantitative metrics were developed to assess the back-scattering and thickness properties of different layers. Metric derivations are explained and preliminary results from late radiation toxicity patients and healthy volunteers are presented and discussed.

Interferometric characterization of tear film dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Primeau, Brian Christopher

The anterior refracting surface of the eye is the thin tear film that forms on the surface of the cornea. When a contact lens is on worn, the tear film covers the contact lens as it would a bare cornea, and is affected by the contact lens material properties. Tear film irregularity can cause both discomfort and vision quality degradation. Under normal conditions, the tear film is less than 10 microns thick and the thickness and topography change in the time between blinks. In order to both better understand the tear film, and to characterize how contact lenses affect tear film behavior, two interferometers were designed and built to separately measure tear film behavior in vitro and in vivo. An in vitro method of characterizing dynamic fluid layers applied to contact lenses mounted on mechanical substrates has been developed using a phase-shifting Twyman-Green interferometer. This interferometer continuously measures light reflected from the surface of the fluid layer, allowing precision analysis of the dynamic fluid layer. Movies showing this fluid layer behavior can be generated. The fluid behavior on the contact lens surface is measured, allowing quantitative analysis beyond what typical contact angle or visual inspection methods provide. The in vivo interferometer is a similar system, with additional modules included to provide capability for human testing. This tear film measurement allows analysis beyond capabilities of typical fluorescein visual inspection or videokeratometry and provides better sensitivity and resolution than shearing interferometry methods.

GaAs Photovoltaics on Polycrystalline Ge Substrates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilt, David M.; Pal, AnnaMaria T.; McNatt, Jeremiah S.; Wolford, David S.; Landis, Geoffrey A.; Smith, Mark A.; Scheiman, David; Jenkins, Phillip P.; McElroy Bruce

2007-01-01

High efficiency III-V multijunction solar cells deposited on metal foil or even polymer substrates can provide tremendous advantages in mass and stowage, particularly for planetary missions. As a first step towards that goal, poly-crystalline p/i/n GaAs solar cells are under development on polycrystalline Ge substrates. Organo Metallic Vapor Phase Epitaxy (OMVPE) parameters for pre-growth bake, nucleation and deposition have been examined. Single junction p/i/n GaAs photovoltaic devices, incorporating InGaP front and back window layers, have been grown and processed. Device performance has shown a dependence upon the thickness of a GaAs buffer layer deposited between the Ge substrate and the active device structure. A thick (2 m) GaAs buffer provides for both increased average device performance as well as reduced sensitivity to variations in grain size and orientation. Illumination under IR light (lambda > 1 micron), the cells showed a Voc, demonstrating the presence of an unintended photoactive junction at the GaAs/Ge interface. The presence of this junction limited the efficiency to approx.13% (estimated with an anti-refection coating) due to the current mismatch and lack of tunnel junction interconnect.

Elastomer modulus and dielectric strength scaling with sample thickness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larson, Kent

2015-04-01

Material characteristics such as adhesion and dielectric strength have well recognized dependencies on material thickness. There is disagreement, however, on the scale: the long held dictum that dielectric strength is inversely proportional to the square root of sample thickness has been shown to not always hold true for all materials, nor for all possible thickness regions. In D-EAP applications some studies have postulated a "critical thickness" below which properties show significantly less thickness dependency. While a great deal of data is available for dielectric strength, other properties are not nearly as well documented as samples get thinner. In particular, elastic modulus has been found to increase and elongation to decrease as sample thickness is lowered. This trend can be observed experimentally, but has been rarely reported and certainly does not appear in typical suppliers' product data sheets. Both published and newly generated data were used to study properties such as elastic modulus and dielectric strength vs sample thickness in silicone elastomers. Several theories are examined to explain such behavior, such as the impact of defect size and of common (but not well reported) concentration gradients that occur during elastomer curing that create micron-sized layers at the upper and lower interfaces with divergent properties to the bulk material. As Dielectric Electro-Active Polymer applications strive to lower and lower material thickness, changing mechanical properties must be recognized and taken into consideration for accurate electro-mechanical predictions of performance.

Multistage polymeric lens structure in silica-waveguides for photonic functional circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tate, Atsushi; Suzuki, Takanori; Tsuda, Hiroyuki

2005-04-01

A waveguide lens composed of multistage polymer-filled thin grooves in a silica planar lightwave circuit (PLC) is proposed and the low-loss structure is designed. Both an imaging optical system and a Fourier-Transform optical system can be configured in a PLC by use of a waveguide lens. It makes a PLC functional and its design flexible. Moreover, a focal length of a lens is tunable with large thermo-optic effect of the polymer. A concatenated lens is formed to attain a desirable focal length with low-loss. The thickness of each lens and the spacing are about 10-50 microns. The simulation showed that the radiation loss of the light propagate through 20-stage grooves filled with a polymer was only 0.868 dB when the refractive index of the polymer was 1.57, the groove width was 30 microns, and the spacing between adjacent grooves was 15 microns. For example, the single lens structure that the center thickness is 30 microns, the diameter is 300 microns, and the refractive index of the polymer was 1.57, have a focal length of 4600 microns. The focal length of 450 microns can be obtained with 20-stage concatenated lens structure. The larger numerical aperture can be realized with a polymer of higher refractive index. We have applied the concatenated lens structure to various photonic circuits including optical couplers, a variable optical attenuator.

M and D SIG progress report: Laboratory simulations of LDEF impact features

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Horz, Friedrich; Bernhard, R. P.; See, T. H.; Atkinson, D.; Allbrooks, M.

1992-01-01

Laboratory impact experiments are needed to understand the relationship between a measured penetration hole diameter and associated projectile dimension in the thermal blankets of experiment A0178, which occupied some 16 sq. m. These blankets are composed of 125 micron thick Teflon that has an Ag/enconel second mirror surface, backed by organic binder and Chemglaze paint for a total thickness of some 170 microns. While dedicated experiments are required to understand the penetration behavior of this compound target in detail, we report here on impact simulations sponsored by other projects into pure Teflon and aluminum targets. These experiments will allow first order interpretations of impact features on the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF), and they will serve as guides for dedicated experiments that employ the real LDEF blankets, both exposed and unexposed, for a refined understanding of the LDEF's collisional environment. We employed a light gas gun to launch soda-lime glass spheres from 50 to 3200 microns in diameter that impacted targets of variable thickness. Penetration measurements are given.

Tape casting and partial melting of Bi-2212 thick films

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buhl, D.; Lang, TH.; Heeb, B.; Gauckler, L. J.

1995-01-01

To produce Bi-2212 thick films with high critical current densities tape casting and partial melting is a promising fabrication method. Bi-2212 powder and organic additives were mixed into a slurry and tape casted onto glass by the doctor blade tape casting process. The films were cut from the green tape and partially molten on Ag foils during heat treatment. We obtained almost single-phase and well-textured films over the whole thickness of 20 microns. The orientation of the (a,b)-plane of the grains was parallel to the substrate with a misalignment of less than 6 deg. At 77 K/0T a critical current density of 15, 000 A/sq cm was reached in films of the dimension 1 cm x 2 cm x 20 microns (1 micron V/cm criterion, resistively measured). At 4 K/0T the highest value was 350,000 A/sq cm (1 nV/cm criterion, magnetically measured).

Non-Contact Measurement of Thermal Diffusivity in Ion-Implanted Nuclear Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hofmann, F.; Mason, D. R.; Eliason, J. K.; Maznev, A. A.; Nelson, K. A.; Dudarev, S. L.

2015-11-01

Knowledge of mechanical and physical property evolution due to irradiation damage is essential for the development of future fission and fusion reactors. Ion-irradiation provides an excellent proxy for studying irradiation damage, allowing high damage doses without sample activation. Limited ion-penetration-depth means that only few-micron-thick damaged layers are produced. Substantial effort has been devoted to probing the mechanical properties of these thin implanted layers. Yet, whilst key to reactor design, their thermal transport properties remain largely unexplored due to a lack of suitable measurement techniques. Here we demonstrate non-contact thermal diffusivity measurements in ion-implanted tungsten for nuclear fusion armour. Alloying with transmutation elements and the interaction of retained gas with implantation-induced defects both lead to dramatic reductions in thermal diffusivity. These changes are well captured by our modelling approaches. Our observations have important implications for the design of future fusion power plants.

Limited-life cartridge primers

DOEpatents

Makowiecki, D.M.; Rosen, R.S.

1998-06-30

A cartridge primer is described which utilizes an explosive that can be designed to become inactive in a predetermined period of time: a limited-life primer. The explosive or combustible material of the primer is an inorganic reactive multilayer (RML). The reaction products of the RML are sub-micron grains of non-corrosive inorganic compounds that would have no harmful effects on firearms or cartridge cases. Unlike use of primers containing lead components, primers utilizing RML`s would not present a hazard to the environment. The sensitivity of an RML is determined by the physical structure and the stored interfacial energy. The sensitivity lowers with time due to a decrease in interfacial energy resulting from interdiffusion of the elemental layers. Time-dependent interdiffusion is predictable, thereby enabling the functional lifetime of an RML primer to be predetermined by the initial thickness and materials selection of the reacting layers. 10 figs.

Non-Contact Measurement of Thermal Diffusivity in Ion-Implanted Nuclear Materials

DOE PAGES

Hofmann, F.; Mason, D. R.; Eliason, J. K.; ...

2015-11-03

Knowledge of mechanical and physical property evolution due to irradiation damage is essential for the development of future fission and fusion reactors. Ion-irradiation provides an excellent proxy for studying irradiation damage, allowing high damage doses without sample activation. Limited ion-penetration-depth means that only few-micron-thick damaged layers are produced. Substantial effort has been devoted to probing the mechanical properties of these thin implanted layers. Yet, whilst key to reactor design, their thermal transport properties remain largely unexplored due to a lack of suitable measurement techniques. Here we demonstrate non-contact thermal diffusivity measurements in ion-implanted tungsten for nuclear fusion armour. Alloying withmore » transmutation elements and the interaction of retained gas with implantation-induced defects both lead to dramatic reductions in thermal diffusivity. These changes are well captured by our modelling approaches. Our observations have important implications for the design of future fusion power plants.« less

Non-Contact Measurement of Thermal Diffusivity in Ion-Implanted Nuclear Materials

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

Hofmann, F.; Mason, D. R.; Eliason, J. K.

Knowledge of mechanical and physical property evolution due to irradiation damage is essential for the development of future fission and fusion reactors. Ion-irradiation provides an excellent proxy for studying irradiation damage, allowing high damage doses without sample activation. Limited ion-penetration-depth means that only few-micron-thick damaged layers are produced. Substantial effort has been devoted to probing the mechanical properties of these thin implanted layers. Yet, whilst key to reactor design, their thermal transport properties remain largely unexplored due to a lack of suitable measurement techniques. Here we demonstrate non-contact thermal diffusivity measurements in ion-implanted tungsten for nuclear fusion armour. Alloying withmore » transmutation elements and the interaction of retained gas with implantation-induced defects both lead to dramatic reductions in thermal diffusivity. These changes are well captured by our modelling approaches. Our observations have important implications for the design of future fusion power plants.« less

Fabrication of solid oxide fuel cell by electrochemical vapor deposition

DOEpatents

Brian, Riley; Szreders, Bernard E.

1989-01-01

In a high temperature solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), the deposition of an impervious high density thin layer of electrically conductive interconnector material, such as magnesium doped lanthanum chromite, and of an electrolyte material, such as yttria stabilized zirconia, onto a porous support/air electrode substrate surface is carried out at high temperatures (approximately 1100.degree.-1300.degree. C.) by a process of electrochemical vapor deposition. In this process, the mixed chlorides of the specific metals involved react in the gaseous state with water vapor resulting in the deposit of an impervious thin oxide layer on the support tube/air electrode substrate of between 20-50 microns in thickness. An internal heater, such as a heat pipe, is placed within the support tube/air electrode substrate and induces a uniform temperature profile therein so as to afford precise and uniform oxide deposition kinetics in an arrangement which is particularly adapted for large scale, commercial fabrication of SOFCs.

Non-Contact Measurement of Thermal Diffusivity in Ion-Implanted Nuclear Materials

PubMed Central

Hofmann, F.; Mason, D. R.; Eliason, J. K.; Maznev, A. A.; Nelson, K. A.; Dudarev, S. L.

2015-01-01

Knowledge of mechanical and physical property evolution due to irradiation damage is essential for the development of future fission and fusion reactors. Ion-irradiation provides an excellent proxy for studying irradiation damage, allowing high damage doses without sample activation. Limited ion-penetration-depth means that only few-micron-thick damaged layers are produced. Substantial effort has been devoted to probing the mechanical properties of these thin implanted layers. Yet, whilst key to reactor design, their thermal transport properties remain largely unexplored due to a lack of suitable measurement techniques. Here we demonstrate non-contact thermal diffusivity measurements in ion-implanted tungsten for nuclear fusion armour. Alloying with transmutation elements and the interaction of retained gas with implantation-induced defects both lead to dramatic reductions in thermal diffusivity. These changes are well captured by our modelling approaches. Our observations have important implications for the design of future fusion power plants. PMID:26527099

Domain Growth Kinetics in Stratifying Foam Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yiran; Sharma, Vivek

2015-03-01

Baking bread, brewing cappuccino, pouring beer, washing dishes, shaving, shampooing, whipping eggs and blowing bubbles all involve creation of aqueous foam films. Typical foam films consist of two surfactant-laden surfaces that are μ 5 nm - 10 micron apart. Sandwiched between these interfacial layers is a fluid that drains primarily under the influence of viscous and interfacial forces, including disjoining pressure. Interestingly, for certain low molecular weight surfactants, a layered ordering of micelles inside the foam films (thickness <100 nm) leads to a stepwise thinning phenomena called stratification. We experimentally elucidate the influence of these different driving forces, and confinement on drainage kinetics of horizontal stratifying foam films. Thinner, darker domains spontaneously grow within foam films. Quantitative characterization of domain growth visualized in a using Scheludko-type thin film cell and a theoretical model based on lubrication analysis, provide critical insights into hydrodynamics of thin foam films, and the strength and nature of surface forces, including supramolecular oscillatory structural forces.

Silicon on Ceramic Process: Silicon Sheet Growth and Device Development for the Large-area Silicon Sheet and Cell Development Tasks of the Low-cost Solar Array Project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chapman, P. W.; Zook, J. D.; Heaps, J. D.; Pickering, C.; Grung, B. L.; Koepke, B.; Schuldt, S. B.

1979-01-01

The technical and economic feasibility of producing solar cell quality sheet silicon was investigated. It was hoped this could be done by coating one surface of carbonized ceramic substrates with a thin layer of large-grain polycrystalline silicon from the melt. Work was directed towards the solution of unique cell processing/design problems encountered with the silicon-ceramic (SOC) material due to its intimate contact with the ceramic substrate. Significant progress was demonstrated in the following areas; (1) the continuous coater succeeded in producing small-area coatings exhibiting unidirectional solidification and substatial grain size; (2) dip coater succeeded in producing thick (more than 500 micron) dendritic layers at coating speeds of 0.2-0.3 cm/sec; and (3) a standard for producing total area SOC solar cells using slotted ceramic substrates was developed.

Pulsed energy synthesis and doping of silicon carbide

DOEpatents

Truher, J.B.; Kaschmitter, J.L.; Thompson, J.B.; Sigmon, T.W.

1995-06-20

A method for producing beta silicon carbide thin films by co-depositing thin films of amorphous silicon and carbon onto a substrate is disclosed, whereafter the films are irradiated by exposure to a pulsed energy source (e.g. excimer laser) to cause formation of the beta-SiC compound. Doped beta-SiC may be produced by introducing dopant gases during irradiation. Single layers up to a thickness of 0.5-1 micron have been produced, with thicker layers being produced by multiple processing steps. Since the electron transport properties of beta silicon carbide over a wide temperature range of 27--730 C is better than these properties of alpha silicon carbide, they have wide application, such as in high temperature semiconductors, including HETEROJUNCTION-junction bipolar transistors and power devices, as well as in high bandgap solar arrays, ultra-hard coatings, light emitting diodes, sensors, etc.

Pulsed energy synthesis and doping of silicon carbide

DOEpatents

Truher, Joel B.; Kaschmitter, James L.; Thompson, Jesse B.; Sigmon, Thomas W.

1995-01-01

A method for producing beta silicon carbide thin films by co-depositing thin films of amorphous silicon and carbon onto a substrate, whereafter the films are irradiated by exposure to a pulsed energy source (e.g. excimer laser) to cause formation of the beta-SiC compound. Doped beta-SiC may be produced by introducing dopant gases during irradiation. Single layers up to a thickness of 0.5-1 micron have been produced, with thicker layers being produced by multiple processing steps. Since the electron transport properties of beta silicon carbide over a wide temperature range of 27.degree.-730.degree. C. is better than these properties of alpha silicon carbide, they have wide application, such as in high temperature semiconductors, including hetero-junction bipolar transistors and power devices, as well as in high bandgap solar arrays, ultra-hard coatings, light emitting diodes, sensors, etc.

Improving depth resolutions in positron beam spectroscopy by concurrent ion-beam sputtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

John, Marco; Dalla, Ayham; Ibrahim, Alaa M.; Anwand, Wolfgang; Wagner, Andreas; Böttger, Roman; Krause-Rehberg, Reinhard

2018-05-01

The depth resolution of mono-energetic positron annihilation spectroscopy using a positron beam is shown to improve by concurrently removing the sample surface layer during positron beam spectroscopy. During ion-beam sputtering with argon ions, Doppler-broadening spectroscopy is performed with energies ranging from 3 keV to 5 keV allowing for high-resolution defect studies just below the sputtered surface. With this technique, significantly improved depth resolutions could be obtained even at larger depths when compared to standard positron beam experiments which suffer from extended positron implantation profiles at higher positron energies. Our results show that it is possible to investigate layered structures with a thickness of about 4 microns with significantly improved depth resolution. We demonstrated that a purposely generated ion-beam induced defect profile in a silicon sample could be resolved employing the new technique. A depth resolution of less than 100 nm could be reached.

Efficiency of a multilayer-Laue-lens with a 102 μm aperture

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

Macrander, Albert T.; Kubec, Adam; Conley, Raymond

2015-08-25

A multilayer-Laue-lens (MLL) comprised of WSi 2/Al layers stacked to a full thickness of 102 microns was characterized for its diffraction efficiency and dynamical diffraction properties by x-ray measurements made in the far field. The achieved aperture roughly doubles the previous maximum reported aperture for an MLL, thereby doubling the working distance. Negative and positive first orders were found to have 14.2 % and 13.0 % efficiencies, respectively. A section thickness of 9.6 μm was determined from Laue-case thickness fringes in the diffraction data. A background gas consisting of 90 % Ar and 10 % N 2 was used formore » sputtering. This material system was chosen to reduce grown-in stress as the multilayer is deposited. Although some regions of the full MLL exhibited defects, the presently reported results were obtained for a region devoid of defects. The data compare well to dynamical diffraction calculations with Coupled Wave Theory (CWT) which provided confirmation of the optical constants and densities assumed for the CWT calculations.« less

Orbiting lidar simulations. I - Aerosol and cloud measurements by an independent-wavelength technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Russell, P. B.; Morley, B. M.; Livingston, J. M.; Grams, G. W.; Patterson, E. M.

1982-01-01

Aerosol and cloud measurements have been simulated for a Space Shuttle lidar. Expected errors - in signal, transmission, density, and calibration - are calculated algebraically and checked by simulating measurements and retrievals using random-number generators. By day, vertical structure is retrieved for tenuous clouds, Saharan aerosols, and boundary layer aerosols (at 0.53 and 1.06 micron) as well as strong volcanic stratospheric aerosols (at 0.53 micron). By night, all these constituents are retrieved plus upper tropospheric and stratospheric aerosols (at 1.06 micron), mesospheric aerosols (at 0.53 micron), and noctilucent clouds (at 1.06 and 0.53 micron). The vertical resolution was 0.1-0.5 km in the troposphere, 0.5-2.0 km above, except 0.25-1.0 km in the mesospheric cloud and aerosol layers; horizontal resolution was 100-2000 km.

Slip-localization within confined gouge powder sheared at moderate to high slip-velocity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reches, Zeev; Chen, Xiaofeng; Morgan, Chance; Madden, Andrew

2015-04-01

Slip along faults in the upper crust is always associated with comminution and formation of non-cohesive gouge powder that can be lithified to cataclasite. Typically, the fine-grained powders (grain-size < 1 micron) build a 1-10 cm thick inner-core of a fault-zone. The ubiquitous occurrence of gouge powder implies that gouge properties may control the dynamic weakening of faults. Testing these properties is the present objective. We built a Confined ROtary Cell, CROC, with a ring-shape, ~3 mm thick gouge chamber, with 62.5 and 81.2 mm of inner and outer diameters. The sheared powder is sealed by two sets of seals pressurized by nitrogen. In CROC, we can control the pore-pressure and to inject fluids, and to monitor CO2 and H2O concentration; in addition, we monitor the standard mechanical parameters (slip velocity, stresses, dilation, and temperature). We tested six types of granular materials (starting grain-size in microns): Talc (<250), Kasota dolomite (125-250), ooides grains (125-250), San Andreas fault zone powder (< 840), montmorillonite powder (1-2), kaolinite powder and gypsum. The experimental slip-velocity ranged 0.001-1 m/s, slip distances from a few tens of cm to tens of m, effective normal stress up to 6.1 MPa. The central ultra-microscopic (SEM) observation is that almost invariably the slip was localized along principal-slip-zone (PSZ) within the granular layer. Even though the starting material was loose, coarse granular material, the developed PSZ was cohesive, hard, smooth and shining. The PSZ is about 1 micron thick, and built of agglomerated, ultra-fine grains (20-50 nm) that were pulverized from the original granular material. We noted that PSZs of the different tested compositions display similar characteristics in terms of structure, grain size, and roughness. Further, we found striking similarities between PSZ in the granular samples and the PZS that developed along experimental faults made of solid rock that were sheared at similar conditions. The ultra-fine grains and extreme slip localization in these experiments are generally similar to ultra-cataclasites found in exhumed faults-zones, and the intensely pulverized gouge found in drilling across active faults.

Retinal layer segmentation of macular OCT images using boundary classification

PubMed Central

Lang, Andrew; Carass, Aaron; Hauser, Matthew; Sotirchos, Elias S.; Calabresi, Peter A.; Ying, Howard S.; Prince, Jerry L.

2013-01-01

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has proven to be an essential imaging modality for ophthalmology and is proving to be very important in neurology. OCT enables high resolution imaging of the retina, both at the optic nerve head and the macula. Macular retinal layer thicknesses provide useful diagnostic information and have been shown to correlate well with measures of disease severity in several diseases. Since manual segmentation of these layers is time consuming and prone to bias, automatic segmentation methods are critical for full utilization of this technology. In this work, we build a random forest classifier to segment eight retinal layers in macular cube images acquired by OCT. The random forest classifier learns the boundary pixels between layers, producing an accurate probability map for each boundary, which is then processed to finalize the boundaries. Using this algorithm, we can accurately segment the entire retina contained in the macular cube to an accuracy of at least 4.3 microns for any of the nine boundaries. Experiments were carried out on both healthy and multiple sclerosis subjects, with no difference in the accuracy of our algorithm found between the groups. PMID:23847738

Micro-Slit Collimators for X-Ray/Gamma-Ray Imaging

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Appleby, Michael; Fraser, Iain; Klinger, Jill

2011-01-01

A hybrid photochemical-machining process is coupled with precision stack lamination to allow for the fabrication of multiple ultra-high-resolution grids on a single array substrate. In addition, special fixturing and etching techniques have been developed that allow higher-resolution multi-grid collimators to be fabricated. Building on past work of developing a manufacturing technique for fabricating multi-grid, high-resolution coating modulation collimators for arcsecond and subarcsecond x-ray and gamma-ray imaging, the current work reduces the grid pitch by almost a factor of two, down to 22 microns. Additionally, a process was developed for reducing thin, high-Z (tungsten or molybdenum) from the thinnest commercially available foil (25 microns thick) down to approximately equal to 10 microns thick using precisely controlled chemical etching

Analysis of thick brain sections by obverse-reverse computer microscopy: application of a new, high clarity Golgi-Nissl stain.

PubMed

Glaser, E M; Van der Loos, H

1981-08-01

Exceptionally clear Golgi-Nissl sections of 300 micron thickness have been morphometrically studied by light microscopy using oil immersion objectives. The clarity results from a new variation of a staining procedure that combines Golgi and Nissl images in one section. A viewing technique has been developed that permits a histologic preparation to be examined from its obverse (or normally viewed) side and its reverse (or under) side. The technique was designed for use with a computer microscope but can be employed with any light microscope whose stage position can be measured within 100 micron. Sections thicker than 300 micron can be studied dependent on the working distance of the objective lens, provided that the clarity of the material permits it.

Bifunctional air electrodes containing elemental iron powder charging additive

DOEpatents

Liu, Chia-tsun; Demczyk, Brian G.; Gongaware, Paul R.

1982-01-01

A bifunctional air electrode for use in electrochemical energy cells is made, comprising a hydrophilic layer and a hydrophobic layer, where the hydrophilic layer essentially comprises a hydrophilic composite which includes: (i) carbon; (ii) elemental iron particles having a particle size of between about 25 microns and about 700 microns diameter; (iii) an oxygen evolution material; (iv) a nonwetting agent; and (v) a catalyst, where at least one current collector is formed into said composite.

Dip coating process: Silicon sheet growth development for the large-area silicon sheet task of the low-cost silicon solar array project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heaps, J. D.; Maciolek, R. B.; Zook, J. D.; Harrison, W. B.; Scott, M. W.; Hendrickson, G.; Wolner, H. A.; Nelson, L. D.; Schuller, T. L.; Peterson, A. A.

1976-01-01

The technical and economic feasibility of producing solar cell quality sheet silicon by dip-coating one surface of carbonized ceramic substrates with a thin layer of large grain polycrystalline silicon was investigated. The dip-coating methods studied were directed toward a minimum cost process with the ultimate objective of producing solar cells with a conversion efficiency of 10% or greater. The technique shows excellent promise for low cost, labor-saving, scale-up potentialities and would provide an end product of sheet silicon with a rigid and strong supportive backing. An experimental dip-coating facility was designed and constructed, several substrates were successfully dip-coated with areas as large as 25 sq cm and thicknesses of 12 micron to 250 micron. There appears to be no serious limitation on the area of a substrate that could be coated. Of the various substrate materials dip-coated, mullite appears to best satisfy the requirement of the program. An inexpensive process was developed for producing mullite in the desired geometry.

Transport of Particulate Matter from a Shocked Interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buttler, W. T.; Hammerberg, J. E.; Oro, D.; Mariam, F.; Rousculp, C.

2011-06-01

We have performed a series of shock experiments to measure the evolution and transport of micron and sub-micron Tungsten particles from a 40 μm thick layer deposited on an Aluminum substrate. Densities and velocity distributions were measured using proton radiography at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center for vacuum conditions and with contained Argon and Xenon gas atmospheres at initial pressures of 9.5 bar and room temperature. A common shock drive resulted in free surface velocities of 1.25 km/s. An analysis of the time dependence of Lithium Niobate piezo-electric pin pressure profiles is given in terms of solutions to the particulate drag equations and the evolution equation for the particulate distribution function. The spatial and temporal fore-shortening in the shocked gas can be accounted for using reasonable values for the compressed gas shear viscosities and the vacuum distributions. The detailed form of the pin pressure data for Xenon indicates particulate breakup in the hot compressed gas. This work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy under contract DE-AC52-06NA25396.

Performance measurements of hybrid PIN diode arrays

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

Jernigan, J.G.; Arens, J.F.; Kramer, G.

We report on the successful effort to develop hybrid PIN diode arrays and to demonstrate their potential as components of vertex detectors. Hybrid pixel arrays have been fabricated by the Hughes Aircraft Co. by bump bonding readout chips developed by Hughes to an array of PIN diodes manufactured by Micron Semiconductor Inc. These hybrid pixel arrays were constructed in two configurations. One array format having 10 {times} 64 pixels, each 120 {mu}m square, and the other format having 256 {times} 256 pixels, each 30 {mu}m square. In both cases, the thickness of the PIN diode layer is 300 {mu}m. Measurementsmore » of detector performance show that excellent position resolution can be achieved by interpolation. By determining the centroid of the charge cloud which spreads charge into a number of neighboring pixels, a spatial resolution of a few microns has been attained. The noise has been measured to be about 300 electrons (rms) at room temperature, as expected from KTC and dark current considerations, yielding a signal-to-noise ratio of about 100 for minimum ionizing particles. 4 refs., 13 figs.« less

[Corrosion resistant properties of different anodized microtopographies on titanium surfaces].

PubMed

Fangjun, Huo; Li, Xie; Xingye, Tong; Yueting, Wang; Weihua, Guo; Weidong, Tian

2015-12-01

To investigate the corrosion resistant properties of titanium samples prepared by anodic oxidation with different surface morphologies. Pure titanium substrates were treated by anodic oxidation to obtain porous titanium films in micron, submicron, and micron-submicron scales. The surface morphologies, coating cross-sectional morphologies, crystalline structures, and surface roughness of these samples were characterized. Electrochemical technique was used to measure the corrosion potential (Ecorr), current density of corrosion (Icorr), and polarization resistance (Rp) of these samples in a simulated body fluid. Pure titanium could be modified to exhibit different surface morphologies by the anodic oxidation technique. The Tafel curve results showed that the technique can improve the corrosion resistance of pure titanium. Furthermore, the corrosion resistance varied with different surface morphologies. The submicron porous surface sample demonstrated the best corrosion resistance, with maximal Ecorr and Rp and minimal Icorr. Anodic oxidation technology can improve the corrosion resistance of pure titanium in a simulated body fluid. The submicron porous surface sample exhibited the best corrosion resistance because of its small surface area and thick barrier layer.

Packaging of ferroelectric liquid crystal-on-silicon spatial light modulators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, W.; Morozova, Nina D.; Ju, TehHua; Zhang, Weidong; Lee, Yung-Cheng; McKnight, Douglas J.; Johnson, Kristina M.

1996-11-01

A self-pulling soldering technology has been demonstrated for assembling liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) spatial light modulators (SLMs). One of the major challenges in manufacturing the LCOS modules is to reproducibly control the thickness of the gap between the very large scale integrated circuit (VLSI) chip and the cover glass. The liquid crystal material is sandwiched between the VLSI chop and the cover glass which is coated with a transparent conductor. Solder joints with different profiles and sizes have been designed to provide surface tension forces to control the gap accommodating the ferroelectric liquid crystal layer in the range of a micron level with sub- micron uniformity. The optimum solder joint design is defined as a joint that results in the maximum pulling force. This technology provides an automatic, batch assembly process for a LCOS SLM through one reflow process. Fluxless soldering technology is used to assemble the module. This approach avoids residues from chemical of flux and oxides, and eliminates potential contamination to the device. Two different LCOS SLM designs and the process optimization are described.

Fabrication and evaluation of thin layer PVDF composites using MWCNT reinforcement: Mechanical, electrical and enhanced electromagnetic interference shielding properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhaskara Rao, B. V.; Kale, Nikita; Kothavale, B. S.; Kale, S. N.

2016-06-01

Radar X-band electromagnetic interference shielding (EMS) is one of the prime requirements for any air vehicle coating; with limitations on the balance between strength and thickness of the EMS material. Nanocomposite of multiwalled-carbon-nanotubes (MWCNT) has been homogeneously integrated (0 - 9 wt%) with polymer, poly (vinylidene fluoride, PVDF) to yield 300 micron film. The PVDF + 9 wt% MWCNT sample of density 1.41 g/cm3 show specific shielding effectiveness (SSE) of 17.7 dB/(g/cm3) (99.6% EMS), with maintained hardness and improved conductivity. With multilayer stacking (900 microns) of these films of density 1.37 g/cm3, the sample showed increase in SSE to 23.3 dB/(g/cm3) (99.93% EMS). Uniform dispersion of MWCNTs in the PVDF matrix gives rise to increased conductivity in the sample beyond 5 wt% MWCNT reinforcement. The results are correlated to the hardness, reflection loss, absorption loss, percolation threshold, permittivity and the conductivity data. An extremely thin film with maximum EMS property is hence proposed.

Microstructural and wear properties of sputtered carbides and silicides

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spalvins, T.

1977-01-01

Sputtered Cr3C2, Cr3Si2, and MoSi2 wear-resistant films (0.05 to 3.5 microns thick) were deposited on metal and glass surfaces. Electron transmission, electron diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy were used to determine the microstructural appearance. Strong adherence was obtained with these sputtered films. Internal stresses and defect crystallographic growth structures of various configurations within the film have progressively more undesirable effects for film thicknesses greater than 1.5 microns. Sliding contact and rolling-element bearing tests were also performed with these sputtered films.

Characterization of photoreceptor degeneration in the rhodopsin P23H transgenic rat line 2 using optical coherence tomography.

PubMed

Monai, Natsuki; Yamauchi, Kodai; Tanabu, Reiko; Gonome, Takayuki; Ishiguro, Sei-Ichi; Nakazawa, Mitsuru

2018-01-01

To characterize the optical coherence tomography (OCT) appearances of photoreceptor degeneration in the rhodopsin P23H transgenic rat (line 2) in relation to the histological, ultrastructural, and electroretinography (ERG) findings. Homozygous rhodopsin P23H transgenic albino rats (line 2, very-slow degeneration model) were employed. Using OCT (Micron IV®; Phoenix Research Labs, Pleasanton, CA, USA), the natural course of photoreceptor degeneration was recorded from postnatal day (P) 15 to P 287. The OCT images were qualitatively observed by comparing them to histological and ultrastructural findings at P 62 and P 169. In addition, each retinal layer was quantitatively analyzed longitudinally during degeneration, compared it to that observed in wild type Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The relationships between the ERG (full-field combined rod-cone response, 3.0 cds/m2 stimulation) findings and OCT images were also analyzed. In the qualitative study, the two layers presumably corresponding to the photoreceptor inner segment ellipsoid zone (EZ) and interdigitation zone (IZ) were identified in the P23H rat until PN day 32. However, the photoreceptor inner and outer segment (IS/OS) layer became diffusely hyperreflective on OCT after P 46, and the EZ and IZ zones could no longer be identified on OCT. In contrast, in the SD rats, the EZ and IZ were clearly distinguished until at least P 247. The ultrastructural study showed partial disarrangements of the photoreceptor outer segment discs in the P23H rats at P 62, although a light-microscopic histological study detected almost no abnormality in the outer segment. In the quantitative study, the outer retinal layer including the outer plexiform layer (OPL) and the outer nuclear layer (ONL) became significantly thinner in the P23H rats than in the SD rats after P 71. The thickness of the IS/OS layer was maintained in the P23H rats until P 130, and it became statistically thinner than in the SD rats at P 237. The longitudinal attenuation in the amplitude of the a- and b-waves of ERG was significantly correlated with the thickness of the combined OPL and ONL but not with that of the IS/OS layer. OCT showed the degenerated photoreceptor IS/OS layer in rhodopsin P23H transgenic rats (line 2) as a diffuse hyperreflective zone, even in the early stage, with the partially disarranged and destabilized OS discs recognizable by ultrastructural assessment but not by a histological study. The amplitude of the a- and b-waves mainly depends on the thickness of the OPL and ONL layer rather than the thickness of the photoreceptor IS/OS layer in P23H rats.

Effect of mechanical ventilation on regional variation of pleural liquid thickness in rabbits.

PubMed

Wang, P M; Lai-Fook, S J

1997-01-01

We studied the effect of ventilation on the regional distribution of pleural liquid thickness in anesthetized rabbits. Three transparent pleural windows were made between the second and eight intercostal space along the midaxillary line of the right chest. Fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled dextran (1 ml) was injected into the pleural space through a rib capsule and allowed to mix with the pleural liquid. The light emitted from the pleural space beneath the windows was measured by fluorescence videomicroscopy at a constant tidal volume (20 ml) and two ventilation frequencies (20 and 40 breaths/min). Pleural liquid thickness was determined from the light measurements after in vitro calibration of pleural liquid collected postmortem. At 20 breaths/min, pleural liquid thickness increased with a cranial-caudal distance from 5 microns at the second to third intercostal space to 30 microns at the sixth through eighth intercostal space. At 40 breaths/min, pleural space thickness was unchanged at the second to third intercostal space but increased to 46 microns at the sixth through eighth intercostal space. To determine this effect on pleural liquid shear stress, we measured relative lung velocity from videomicroscopic images of the lung surface through the windows. Lung velocity amplitude increased with cranial-caudal distance and with ventilation frequency. Calculated shear stress amplitude was constant with cranial-caudal distance but increased with ventilation frequency. Thus, pleural liquid thickness is matched to the relative lung motion so as to maintain a spatially uniform shear stress amplitude in pleural liquid during mechanical ventilation.

Measurements of Charging of Apollo 17 Lunar Dust Grains by Electron Impact

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abbas, Mian M.; Tankosic, Dragana; Spann, James F.; Dube, Michael J.

2008-01-01

It is well known since the Apollo missions that the lunar surface is covered with a thick layer of micron size dust grains with unusually high adhesive characteristics. The dust grains observed to be levitated and transported on the lunar surface are believed to have a hazardous impact on the robotic and human missions to the Moon. The observed dust phenomena are attributed to the lunar dust being charged positively during the day by UV photoelectric emissions, and negatively during the night by the solar wind electrons. The current dust charging and the levitation models, however, do not fully explain the observed phenomena, with the uncertainty of dust charging processes and the equilibrium potentials of the individual dust grains. It is well recognized that the charging properties of individual dust grains are substantially different from those determined from measurements made on bulk materials that are currently available. An experimental facility has been developed in the Dusty Plasma Laboratory at MSFC for investigating the charging and optical properties of individual micron/sub-micron size positively or negatively charged dust grains by levitating them in an electrodynamic balance in simulated space environments. In this paper, we present the laboratory measurements on charging of Apollo 17 individual lunar dust grains by a low energy electron beam. The charging rates and the equilibrium potentials produced by direct electron impact and by secondary electron emission process are discussed.

High Luminescence Efficiency from GaAsN Layers Grown by MBE with RF Nitrogen Plasma Source

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-01-01

is the goal for applications in fiber optic communication systems. 1.3 micron edge- emitting lasers and VCSELs have been recently demonstrated by...GaAsN layers. CONCLUSIONS Molecular beam epitaxial growth of GaAsj_,N, layers has been studied as a function of nitrogen content and growth regimes. We...obtained are important for further improving the characteristics of InGaAsN lasers emitting at 1.3 micron. INTRODUCTION Group-Ill nitride semiconductors

The matching of ventilation and perfusion in the lung of the Tegu lizard, Tupinambis nigropunctatus.

PubMed

Hlastala, M P; Standaert, T A; Pierson, D J; Luchtel, D L

1985-06-01

Ventilation-perfusion (VA/Q) distribution was evaluated in the Tegu lizard, Tupinambis nigropunctatus, using the multiple inert gas elimination technique (MIGET) in order to define the limitations to gas exchange in the large chambered unicameral lung. The lizards (0.52-1.1 kg) were anesthetized with halothane and ventilated. Body temperature was maintained at 35 degrees C. Arterial and sinus venosus PO2 averaged 79.4 +/- 5.9 and 47.3 +/- 6.4 torr while breathing air and 232.1 +/- 31 and 64.8 +/- 11.5 torr while breathing oxygen. VA/Q distributions were broad and right-to-left shunt averaged 21% while breathing air and 27% while breathing oxygen. Gas exchange was significantly impaired due to the presence of both shunt and VA/Q heterogeneity. The walls of the lung enclose a large axial air chamber. Microscopic examination revealed approximately three generations of septa which subdivided the wall into tubular-shaped gas-exchange chambers. Wall thickness averages 2.8 mm at the anterior end of the lung, 2.1 mm in the middle portion of the lung and 1.4 mm at the posterior end. The thickness of the blood-air barrier (epithelial-basal lamina-endothelial cell layer) ranged from 0.35 to 0.90 micron. Although this barrier is slightly thicker than in the mammalian lung (0.1-0.5 micron), it is unlikely to be a source of diffusion limitation in gas exchange at rest.

Fault gouge rheology under confined, high-velocity conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reches, Z.; Madden, A. S.; Chen, X.

2012-12-01

We recently developed the experimental capability to investigate the shear properties of fine-grain gouge under confined conditions and high-velocity. The experimental system includes a rotary apparatus that can apply large displacements of tens of meters, slip velocity of 0.001- 2.0 m/s, and normal stress of 35 MPa (Reches and Lockner, 2010). The key new component is a Confined ROtary Cell (CROC) that can shear a gouge layer either dry or under pore-pressure. The pore pressure is controlled by two syringe pumps. CROC includes a ring-shape gouge chamber of 62.5 mm inner diameter, 81.25 mm outer diameter, and up to 3 mm thick gouge sample. The lower, rotating part of CROC contains the sample chamber, and the upper, stationary part includes the loading, hollow cylinder and setting for temperature, and dilation measurements, and pore-pressure control. Each side of the gouge chamber has two pairs of industrial, spring-energized, self-lubricating, teflon-graphite seals, built for particle media and can work at temperature up to 250 ded C. The space between each of the two sets of seals is pressurized by nitrogen. This design generates 'zero-differential pressure' on the inner seal (which is in contact with the gouge powder), and prevents gouge leaks. For the preliminary dry experiments, we used ~2.0 mm thick layers of room-dry kaolinite powder. Total displacements were on the order of meters and normal stress up to 4 MPa. The initial shear was accommodated by multiple internal slip surfaces within the kaolinite layer accommodated as oriented Riedel shear structures. Later, the shear was localized within a thin, plate-parallel Y-surface. The kaolinite layer was compacted at a quasi-asymptotic rate, and displayed a steady-state friction coefficient of ~ 0.5 with no clear dependence on slip velocity up to 0.15 m/s. Further experiments with loose quartz sand (grain size ~ 125 micron) included both dry runs and pore-pressure (distilled water) controlled runs. The sand was pressurized through a porous metal (Mott) plug. Comparison with effective stress calculations indicates the same friction coefficient of ~ 1.0 for the sand layer under dry and pressurized conditions. Both kaolinite and quartz sand experiments developed localized shear zones that were examined at the nano- and micro- scales with AFM, SEM and TEM. These zones displayed reduced grain sizes and cementation by local agglomeration. Kaolinite grains sheared in CROC experiment; scale bar = 1 micron.

Compositional-Spread Discovery of Catalysts for the Growth of Long-Length Dense Forests of Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Christen, Hans M.; Puretzky, Alex A.; Cui, Hongtao; Lowndes, Douglas H.; Belay, Kalayu; Geohegan, David B.

2004-03-01

The growth of dense forests of vertically aligned arrays of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (VAA-MWNTs) by chemical vapor deposition [CVD] from a single metallic catalyst layer typically self-terminates after only a few hundred microns of tube length. In order to obtain maximal growth to long lengths, a systematic simultaneous study of catalyst composition and thickness is needed performed here by a compositional-spread approach. Using Pulsed-Laser Deposition (PLD), metallic layers with a wedge-shaped thickness profile are deposited onto Al-coated silicon substrates. High temperature annealing of the metal catalyst films in flowing Ar/H2 gas followed by the one-hour growth of VA-MWNTs by CVD using acetylene gas yields VAA-MWNTs. Tube height (and thus the catalytic activity) is determined as function of position and can be analyzed as a function of catalyst thickness and composition. A dependence of tube height as function of catalyst composition (Mo/Fe ratio) demonstrates that a specific catalyst composition exhibits a local maximum in catalytic activity, permitting the extension of nanotube array growth up to 4 millimeters in height. Other combinations of catalysts and the growth of single-walled tubes will be discussed. This research was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy under contract DE-AC05-00OR22725 with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, managed by UT-Battelle, LLC, and the Laboratory-Directed Research and Development Program at ORNL.

Optimizing the dual elemental thermal reactive deposition time in carbide layer formation on SUJ2 tool steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mochtar, Myrna Ariati; Putra, Wahyuaji Narottama; Mahardika, Bayu

2018-05-01

This paper presents developments contributing to the improvement of thermo-reactive deposition (TRD) process in producing hard carbide layers, on automotive components application. The problem in using FeV powder as a coating material that has been applied in the industries is it is high cost. In this study, FeCr powder coating material was mixed into FeV powder with a ratio of 35:65 weight percent. The SUJ2 steel pins components are processed at 980° C, with varying TRD time was 4,6,8 and 10 hours. Scanning Electron microscope (SEM), Electron Probe Micro Analyzer (EPMA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were applied to analyze the coating layers. The thickness of the carbide layer formed will increase with the longer processing time, which thickness at 4-10 hours is increase from 22.7 to 29.7 micron. The gained thickness tends to be homogeneous. Increasing the TRD process holding time results in a higher hardness of the carbide layerwith hardness at 4, 6, 8 and 10 hours is 2049, 2184, 2175 and 2343 HV. The wear rate at TRD holding time of 4-10 hours with the Ogoshi method was reduced from 5.1 × 10-4 mm3/m to 2.5 × 10-4 mm3/m. Optical microscope observations shows that substrate phases consisting of pearlite and cementite and grains that tend to enlarge with the addition of time. Carbide compounds that are formed are vanadium carbide (V8C7, V6C5, V2C) and chromium carbide (Cr3C2, Cr23C7, Cr3C7). While EDS-Linescan results show complex phase (Fe, V, Cr) xC formed. The research shows that addition of FeCr into FeV powder in TRD process in 980°C with optimum time of 10 hours processing meet the mechanical properties requirement of automotive components.

Preparation and Layer-by-Layer Solution Deposition of Cu(In,Ga)O2 Nanoparticles with Conversion to Cu(In,Ga)S2 Films

PubMed Central

Dressick, Walter J.; Soto, Carissa M.; Fontana, Jake; Baker, Colin C.; Myers, Jason D.; Frantz, Jesse A.; Kim, Woohong

2014-01-01

We present a method of Cu(In,Ga)S2 (CIGS) thin film formation via conversion of layer-by-layer (LbL) assembled Cu-In-Ga oxide (CIGO) nanoparticles and polyelectrolytes. CIGO nanoparticles were created via a novel flame-spray pyrolysis method using metal nitrate precursors, subsequently coated with polyallylamine (PAH), and dispersed in aqueous solution. Multilayer films were assembled by alternately dipping quartz, Si, and/or Mo substrates into a solution of either polydopamine (PDA) or polystyrenesulfonate (PSS) and then in the CIGO-PAH dispersion to fabricate films as thick as 1–2 microns. PSS/CIGO-PAH films were found to be inadequate due to weak adhesion to the Si and Mo substrates, excessive particle diffusion during sulfurization, and mechanical softness ill-suited to further processing. PDA/CIGO-PAH films, in contrast, were more mechanically robust and more tolerant of high temperature processing. After LbL deposition, films were oxidized to remove polymer and sulfurized at high temperature under flowing hydrogen sulfide to convert CIGO to CIGS. Complete film conversion from the oxide to the sulfide is confirmed by X-ray diffraction characterization. PMID:24941104

Detection of cryogenic water ice contaminants and the IR AI&T environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lynch, David K.; Russell, Ray W.

2000-12-01

Several remote sensing/infrared space surveillance programs in the midst of assembly, integration and test have recently experienced delays when water vapor was deposited as ice on cold surfaces in a sensor under test or calibration. When these surfaces were at critical locations, the sensitivity or response of the sensor decreased significantly because the ice absorbed the incoming signal. The source of water vapor could be from a chamber leak or outgassing from the sensor system or the vacuum chamber itself. In order to quantify the effects of ice deposits on signals in various spectral bands, published optical constants for amorphous and crystalline water ice have been used to calculate the transmission of water ice films as a function of wavelength from 1 to 20 microns. The results are presented in two ways: spectra of the physical thickness of a layer of ice whose absorption optical depth is unity, and transmission spectra for several characteristic layer thicknesses. These tools can be used in estimating the amount of ice - and by inference water vapor - present in the system. Related calculations can also be used to assess the probability that a given hardware setup or resulting data set is showing signs of degradation of response due to ice absorption, and the implications for those trying to interpret the results.

The MODIS Aerosol Algorithm, Products and Validation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Remer, L. A.; Kaufman, Y. J.; Tanre, D.; Mattoo, S.; Chu, D. A.; Martins, J. V.; Li, R.-R.; Ichoku, C.; Levy, R. C.; Kleidman, R. G.

2003-01-01

The MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aboard both NASA's Terra and Aqua satellites is making near global daily observations of the earth in a wide spectral range. These measurements are used to derive spectral aerosol optical thickness and aerosol size parameters over both land and ocean. The aerosol products available over land include aerosol optical thickness at three visible wavelengths, a measure of the fraction of aerosol optical thickness attributed to the fine mode and several derived parameters including reflected spectral solar flux at top of atmosphere. Over ocean, the aerosol optical thickness is provided in seven wavelengths from 0.47 microns to 2.13 microns. In addition, quantitative aerosol size information includes effective radius of the aerosol and quantitative fraction of optical thickness attributed to the fine mode. Spectral aerosol flux, mass concentration and number of cloud condensation nuclei round out the list of available aerosol products over the ocean. The spectral optical thickness and effective radius of the aerosol over the ocean are validated by comparison with two years of AERONET data gleaned from 133 AERONET stations. 8000 MODIS aerosol retrievals colocated with AERONET measurements confirm that one-standard deviation of MODIS optical thickness retrievals fall within the predicted uncertainty of delta tauapproximately equal to plus or minus 0.03 plus or minus 0.05 tau over ocean and delta tay equal to plus or minus 0.05 plus or minus 0.15 tau over land. 271 MODIS aerosol retrievals co-located with AERONET inversions at island and coastal sites suggest that one-standard deviation of MODIS effective radius retrievals falls within delta r_eff approximately equal to 0.11 microns. The accuracy of the MODIS retrievals suggests that the product can be used to help narrow the uncertainties associated with aerosol radiative forcing of global climate.

Nanoindentation studies of paper

Treesearch

B.F. West; B.T. Hotle; J.E. Jakes; J.M. Considine; R.E. Rowlands; K.T. Turner

2008-01-01

Paper materials consist of a porous web of cellulose polymeric fibers held together by entanglement and fiber-to-fiber bonding. These materials usually contain lignin and hemicellulose carbohydrates remaining from the pulping process. Pulped fibers are a flattened ribbon shape on the order of 30 microns wide, 10 microns thick and from one to four mm long. Paper web...

Development program for 1.93-micron lasers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Longeway, P.; Zamerowski, T.; Martinelli, R.; Stolzenberger, R.; Digiuseppe, N.

1988-01-01

For the first time lasers operating at 1.93 microns were demonstrated. The lasers were fabricated by Vapor Phase Epitaxial (VPE) growth techniques currently used for the fabrication of high power lasers at 1.3 microns. The structure of these laser diodes consisted of compositionally graded, sulfur-doped InAsP, grown on an InP substrate; a constant-composition n+InAs(0.27)P(0.73) layer, which is the first cladding layer; an In(0.66)Ga(0.34)As layer, which is the active region, and a second InAs(0.27)P(0.73) layer. The devices were oxide-stripe DH lasers (gain-guided only). The best devices had 80 K lasing thresholds in the range of from 80 to 150 mA, and T sub o (below 220 K) in the range of 60 to 90 K. The highest observed temperature of oscillation was 15.5 C. The highest observed power output at 80 K was in the range of 3 to 5 mW. The calculated delta I/delta T was 4.4 A/K. As a part of the materials development, PIN homojunction detectors having the band edge near 1.93 were also fabricated. The best devices (100 micron diameter, mesa structure) exhibited room temperature dark currents in the range of from 20 to 50 nA and had QE at 1.93 microns in the range of 35 to 40 percent. In addition to the device results, the InGaAs-InAsP materials system was extensively investigated and low defect density layers can now be grown allowing for significant device performance improvement.

Release of MEMS devices with hard-baked polyimide sacrificial layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boroumand Azad, Javaneh; Rezadad, Imen; Nath, Janardan; Smith, Evan; Peale, Robert E.

2013-03-01

Removal of polyimides used as sacrificial layer in fabricating MEMS devices can be challenging after hardbaking, which may easily result by the end of multiple-step processing. We consider the specific commercial co-developable polyimide ProLift 100 (Brewer Science). Excessive heat hardens this material, so that during wet release in TMAH based solvents, intact sheets break free from the substrate, move around in the solution, and break delicate structures. On the other hand, dry reactive-ion etching of hard-baked ProLift is so slow, that MEMS structures are damaged from undesirably-prolonged physical bombardment by plasma ions. We found that blanket exposure to ultraviolet light allows rapid dry etch of the ProLift surrounding the desired structures without damaging them. Subsequent removal of ProLift from under the devices can then be safely performed using wet or dry etch. We demonstrate the approach on PECVD-grown silicon-oxide cantilevers of 100 micron × 100 micron area supported 2 microns above the substrate by ~100-micron-long 8-micron-wide oxide arms.

New method for shielding electron beams used for head and neck cancer treatment.

PubMed

Farahani, M; Eichmiller, F C; McLaughlin, W L

1993-01-01

Shields and stents of metals with high atomic number, which are custom cast in molds from the melt, are the materials most widely used to protect surrounding tissues during treatment of skin or oral lesions with therapeutic electron beams. An improved fabrication method is to mix a polysiloxane-metal composite, which is readily cast at room temperature by combining a metal-powder/polysiloxane resin mixture with a hardening catalyst. The purpose of the present study is to compare the shielding effectiveness of two different metal-polysiloxane composites with that of conventional cast Lipowitz metal (50.1% Bi, 26.6% Pb, 13.3% Sn, 10% Cd). Also, a 2(3) factorial experiment was run to investigate the effects and interactions of metal particle size (20-microns vs 100-microns diameter), the atomic weight of the metal (304 stainless steel vs 70% Ag, 30% Cu alloy), and the presence or absence of a layer of unfilled polymer added to the forward-scatter side of the shield. The composites of different thicknesses were made by blending 90% (w/w) metal powder separately with 10% polysiloxane base and catalyst. A thin GafChromic dosimeter film was placed between the shielding material and a polystyrene base to measure the radiation shielding effect of composite disc samples irradiated with a 6-MeV electron beam normal to the flat surface of the disc. The results show that composite shields with the metal of higher atomic weight and density (Ag-Cu) combined with an additional unfilled layer are more effective than the stainless-steel composite with a similar additional unfilled layer, in terms of diminishing the dose at the surface of the polystyrene backing material.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Optical Imaging and Spectroscopic Characterization of Self-Assembled Environmental Adsorbates on Graphene

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

Gallagher, Patrick; Li, Yilei; Watanabe, Kenji

Topographic studies using scanning probes have found that graphene surfaces are often covered by micron-scale domains of periodic stripes with a 4 nm pitch. These stripes have been variously interpreted as structural ripples or as self-assembled adsorbates. We show that the stripe domains are optically anisotropic by imaging them using a polarization-contrast technique. Optical spectra between 1.1 and 2.8 eV reveal that the anisotropy in the in-plane dielectric function is predominantly real, reaching 0.6 for an assumed layer thickness of 0.3 nm. Furthermore, the spectra are incompatible with a rippled graphene sheet but would be quantitatively explained by the self-assemblymore » of chainlike organic molecules into nanoscale stripes.« less

Gaseous Viscous Peeling of Linearly Elastic Substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elbaz, Shai; Jacob, Hila; Gat, Amir

2017-11-01

We study pressure-driven propagation of gas into a micron-scale gap between two linearly elastic substrates. Applying the lubrication approximation, the governing nonlinear evolution equation describes the interaction between elasticity and viscosity, as well as weak rarefaction and low-Mach-number compressibility, characteristic to gaseous microflows. Several physical limits allow simplification of the evolution equation and enable solution by self-similarity. During the peeling process the flow-field transitions between the different limits and the respective approximate solutions. The sequence of limits occurring during the propagation dynamics can be related to the thickness of the prewetting layer of the configuration at rest, yielding an approximate description of the entire peeling dynamics. The results are validated by numerical solutions of the evolution equation. Israel Science Foundation 818/13.

Optical Imaging and Spectroscopic Characterization of Self-Assembled Environmental Adsorbates on Graphene

DOE PAGES

Gallagher, Patrick; Li, Yilei; Watanabe, Kenji; ...

2018-03-28

Topographic studies using scanning probes have found that graphene surfaces are often covered by micron-scale domains of periodic stripes with a 4 nm pitch. These stripes have been variously interpreted as structural ripples or as self-assembled adsorbates. We show that the stripe domains are optically anisotropic by imaging them using a polarization-contrast technique. Optical spectra between 1.1 and 2.8 eV reveal that the anisotropy in the in-plane dielectric function is predominantly real, reaching 0.6 for an assumed layer thickness of 0.3 nm. Furthermore, the spectra are incompatible with a rippled graphene sheet but would be quantitatively explained by the self-assemblymore » of chainlike organic molecules into nanoscale stripes.« less

Two-Dimensional Photonic Crystals for Sensitive Microscale Chemical and Biochemical Sensing

PubMed Central

Miller, Benjamin L.

2015-01-01

Photonic crystals – optical devices able to respond to changes in the refractive index of a small volume of space – are an emerging class of label-free chemical-and bio-sensors. This review focuses on one class of photonic crystal, in which light is confined to a patterned planar material layer of sub-wavelength thickness. These devices are small (on the order of tens to 100s of microns square), suitable for incorporation into lab-on-a-chip systems, and in theory can provide exceptional sensitivity. We introduce the defining characteristics and basic operation of two-dimensional photonic crystal sensors, describe variations of their basic design geometry, and summarize reported detection results from chemical and biological sensing experiments. PMID:25563402

Bilayer lift-off process for aluminum metallization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, Thomas E.; Korolev, Konstantin A.; Crow, Nathaniel A.

2015-01-01

Recently published reports in the literature for bilayer lift-off processes have described recipes for the patterning of metals that have recommended metal-ion-free developers, which do etch aluminum. We report the first measurement of the dissolution rate of a commercial lift-off resist (LOR) in a sodium-based buffered commercial developer that does not etch aluminum. We describe a reliable lift-off recipe that is safe for multiple process steps in patterning thin (<100 nm) and thick aluminum devices with micron-feature sizes. Our patterning recipe consists of an acid cleaning of the substrate, the bilayer (positive photoresist/LOR) deposition and development, the sputtering of the aluminum film along with a palladium capping layer and finally, the lift-off of the metal film by immersion in the LOR solvent. The insertion into the recipe of postexposure and sequential develop-bake-develop process steps are necessary for an acceptable undercut. Our recipe also eliminates any need for accompanying sonication during lift-off that could lead to delamination of the metal pattern from the substrate. Fine patterns were achieved for both 100-nm-thick granular aluminum/palladium bilayer bolometers and 500-nm-thick aluminum gratings with 6-μm lines and 4-μm spaces.

Characterization of a 2-mm thick, 16x16 Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride Pixel Array

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gaskin, Jessica; Richardson, Georgia; Mitchell, Shannon; Ramsey, Brian; Seller, Paul; Sharma, Dharma

2003-01-01

The detector under study is a 2-mm-thick, 16x16 Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride pixel array with a pixel pitch of 300 microns and inter-pixel gap of 50 microns. This detector is a precursor to that which will be used at the focal plane of the High Energy Replicated Optics (HERO) telescope currently being developed at Marshall Space Flight Center. With a telescope focal length of 6 meters, the detector needs to have a spatial resolution of around 200 microns in order to take full advantage of the HERO angular resolution. We discuss to what degree charge sharing will degrade energy resolution but will improve our spatial resolution through position interpolation. In addition, we discuss electric field modeling for this specific detector geometry and the role this mapping will play in terms of charge sharing and charge loss in the detector.

Historical and New Perspective of Moissanite in the Canyon Diablo Meteorite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leung, I. S.; Winston, R.

2004-12-01

Silicon carbide (SiC) was reportedly found in the residue of a 50-kg sample of the Canyon Diablo meteorite dissolved in acid by Henri Moissan, and, in his honor, George F. Kunz coined the mineral name moissanite in 1904. Scholars of the same meteorite, unable to find SiC, believed that Moissan's sample might have been contaminated by synthetic SiC used in tools and abrasives. Thus, an intriguing mineralogical controversy ensued to this day. Recently, occurrence of SiC in carbonaceous chondrites has been confirmed. We present in this paper our finding of three varieties of SiC crystals in the Canyon Diablo meteorite. We found 5 crystals of SiC (size 70-150 microns) in a black nodule (1 cm in size), composed mostly of disordered graphite and diamond/lonsdaleite. The crystals are pale blue, but some have dark overgrowths of uneven thickness, and black spotty or feathery inclusions. Their forms are rounded and resorbed. Our second specimen is oxidized and friable, bearing a 2-cm nodule showing sandy and black magnetic layers. We found 3 apple-green crystals, up to 200 microns in size. Scattered over two of the sandy layers are many minute emerald-green SiC crystals. Carbon in these crystals might have a terrestrial origin. As Moissan's crystals are no longer available for re-examination, a study of large carbon nodules housed in museums might at least lend credence that meteoritic SiC crystals could be as large as ones reported by Moissan.

Single-crystal micromachining using multiple fusion-bonded layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, Alan; O'Neill, Garry; Blackstone, Scott C.

2000-08-01

Multi-layer structures have been fabricated using Fusion bonding. The paper shows void free layers of between 2 and 100 microns that have been bonded to form multi-layer structures. Silicon layers have been bonded both with and without interfacial oxide layers.

Metal Halide Solid-State Surface Treatment for High Efficiency PbS and PbSe QD Solar Cells

PubMed Central

Crisp, Ryan W.; Kroupa, Daniel M.; Marshall, Ashley R.; Miller, Elisa M.; Zhang, Jianbing; Beard, Matthew C.; Luther, Joseph M.

2015-01-01

We developed a layer-by-layer method of preparing PbE (E = S or Se) quantum dot (QD) solar cells using metal halide (PbI2, PbCl2, CdI2, or CdCl2) salts dissolved in dimethylformamide to displace oleate surface ligands and form conductive QD solids. The resulting QD solids have a significant reduction in the carbon content compared to films treated with thiols and organic halides. We find that the PbI2 treatment is the most successful in removing alkyl surface ligands and also replaces most surface bound Cl- with I-. The treatment protocol results in PbS QD films exhibiting a deeper work function and band positions than other ligand exchanges reported previously. The method developed here produces solar cells that perform well even at film thicknesses approaching a micron, indicating improved carrier transport in the QD films. We demonstrate QD solar cells based on PbI2 with power conversion efficiencies above 7%. PMID:25910183

Removal of long-lived {sup 222}Rn daughters by electropolishing thin layers of stainless steel

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

Schnee, R. W.; Bowles, M. A.; Bunker, R.

Long-lived alpha and beta emitters in the {sup 222}Rn decay chain on detector surfaces may be the limiting background in many experiments attempting to detect dark matter or neutrinoless double beta decay. Removal of tens of microns of material via electropolishing has been shown to be effective at removing radon daughters implanted into material surfaces. Some applications, however, require the removal of uniform and significantly smaller thicknesses. Here, we demonstrate that electropolishing < 1 μm from stainless-steel plates reduces the contamination efficiently, by a factor > 100. Examination of electropolished wires with a scanning electron microscope confirms that the thicknessmore » removed is reproducible and reasonably uniform. Together, these tests demonstrate the effectiveness of removal of radon daughters for a proposed low-radiation, multi-wire proportional chamber (the BetaCage), without compromising the screener’s energy resolution. More generally, electropolishing thin layers of stainless steel may effectively remove radon daughters without compromising precision-machined parts.« less

Fabrication of solid oxide fuel cell by electrochemical vapor deposition

DOEpatents

Riley, B.; Szreders, B.E.

1988-04-26

In a high temperature solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), the deposition of an impervious high density thin layer of electrically conductive interconnector material, such as magnesium doped lanthanum chromite, and of an electrolyte material, such as yttria stabilized zirconia, onto a porous support/air electrode substrate surface is carried out at high temperatures (/approximately/1100/degree/ /minus/ 1300/degree/C) by a process of electrochemical vapor deposition. In this process, the mixed chlorides of the specific metals involved react in the gaseous state with water vapor resulting in the deposit of an impervious thin oxide layer on the support tube/air electrode substrate of between 20--50 microns in thickness. An internal heater, such as a heat pipe, is placed within the support tube/air electrode substrate and induces a uniform temperature profile therein so as to afford precise and uniform oxide deposition kinetics in an arrangement which is particularly adapted for large scale, commercial fabrication of SOFCs.

Metal halide solid-state surface treatment for high efficiency PbS and PbSe QD solar cells.

PubMed

Crisp, Ryan W; Kroupa, Daniel M; Marshall, Ashley R; Miller, Elisa M; Zhang, Jianbing; Beard, Matthew C; Luther, Joseph M

2015-04-24

We developed a layer-by-layer method of preparing PbE (E = S or Se) quantum dot (QD) solar cells using metal halide (PbI2, PbCl2, CdI2, or CdCl2) salts dissolved in dimethylformamide to displace oleate surface ligands and form conductive QD solids. The resulting QD solids have a significant reduction in the carbon content compared to films treated with thiols and organic halides. We find that the PbI2 treatment is the most successful in removing alkyl surface ligands and also replaces most surface bound Cl(-) with I(-). The treatment protocol results in PbS QD films exhibiting a deeper work function and band positions than other ligand exchanges reported previously. The method developed here produces solar cells that perform well even at film thicknesses approaching a micron, indicating improved carrier transport in the QD films. We demonstrate QD solar cells based on PbI2 with power conversion efficiencies above 7%.

Metal Halide Solid-State Surface Treatment for High Efficiency PbS and PbSe QD Solar Cells

DOE PAGES

Crisp, R. W.; Kroupa, D. M.; Marshall, A. R.; ...

2015-04-24

We developed a layer-by-layer method of preparing PbE (E = S or Se) quantum dot (QD) solar cells using metal halide (PbI 2, PbCl 2, CdI 2, or CdCl 2) salts dissolved in dimethylformamide to displace oleate surface ligands and form conductive QD solids. The resulting QD solids have a significant reduction in the carbon content compared to films treated with thiols and organic halides. We find that the PbI 2 treatment is the most successful in removing alkyl surface ligands and also replaces most surface bound Cl- with I-. The treatment protocol results in PbS QD films exhibiting amore » deeper work function and band positions than other ligand exchanges reported previously. The method developed here produces solar cells that perform well even at film thicknesses approaching a micron, indicating improved carrier transport in the QD films. We demonstrate QD solar cells based on PbI 2 with power conversion efficiencies above 7%.« less

Novel wafer stepper with violet LED light source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ting, Yung-Chiang; Shy, Shyi-Long

2014-03-01

Novel wafer stepper by using contact or proximity printing will be developed, using violet LED light source to replace Hg Arc. lamp or laser. Mirror, filter and condenser lens for Hg Arc. Lamp or laser and reduction lens for projection printing can be discarded. Reliability and manufacturing cost of wafer stepper can be improved. Exposure result by using IP3600 resist and wafer stepper with violet LED light source (wave-length 360nm to 410 nm) will be obtained. This novel wafer stepper can be used for 3DIC, MEMS and bio-chip lithography application by using thin and thick resist with sub-micron to 100 micron thickness.

Brane Craft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Janson, Siegfried

2017-01-01

A Brane Craft is a membrane spacecraft with solar cells, command and control electronics, communications systems, antennas, propulsion systems, attitude and proximity sensors, and shape control actuators as thin film structures manufactured on 10 micron thick plastic sheets. This revolutionary spacecraft design can have a thickness of tens of microns with a surface area of square meters to maximize area-to-mass ratios for exceptionally low-mass spacecraft. Communications satellites, solar power satellites, solar electric propulsion stages, and solar sails can benefit from Brane Craft design. It also enables new missions that require low-mass spacecraft with exceptionally high delta-V. Active removal of orbital debris from Earth orbit is the target application for this study.

COST-EFFECTIVE METHOD FOR PRODUCING SELF SUPPORTED PALLADIUM ALLOY MEMBRANES FOR USE IN EFFICIENT PRODUCTION OF COAL DERIVED HYDROGEN

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

B. Lanning; J. Arps

2004-04-01

Extending upon development efforts last quarter to produce ''free-standing'', copper and palladium alloy films, the goal this quarter has been to produce pinhole-free, Pd-Cu alloy films up to 5 x 5 inches in area (1-3 microns thick) using both magnetron sputtering and e-beam evaporation on PVA (Solublon) and polystyrene backing materials. A set of experiments were conducted to assess processing methods/solutions chemistry for removing the polymer backing material from the Pd-Cu film. For all of the alloy films produced to this point, we were unable to produce pinhole-free films on plastic although we were able to produce free-standing Pd-Cu filmsmore » at less than 0.5 microns thick with minimal intrinsic stress. Subsequently, to evaluate gas permeation and leakage across the films, two films were sandwiched together on top of a porous Monel support disc (25 mm in diameter) and then tested in a leak test apparatus. Using two Cu films (10 micron thickness total) in the sandwich configuration, leak rates were about 20% of the background leak rate.« less

Lithographic process window optimization for mask aligner proximity lithography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voelkel, Reinhard; Vogler, Uwe; Bramati, Arianna; Erdmann, Andreas; Ünal, Nezih; Hofmann, Ulrich; Hennemeyer, Marc; Zoberbier, Ralph; Nguyen, David; Brugger, Juergen

2014-03-01

We introduce a complete methodology for process window optimization in proximity mask aligner lithography. The commercially available lithography simulation software LAB from GenISys GmbH was used for simulation of light propagation and 3D resist development. The methodology was tested for the practical example of lines and spaces, 5 micron half-pitch, printed in a 1 micron thick layer of AZ® 1512HS1 positive photoresist on a silicon wafer. A SUSS MicroTec MA8 mask aligner, equipped with MO Exposure Optics® was used in simulation and experiment. MO Exposure Optics® is the latest generation of illumination systems for mask aligners. MO Exposure Optics® provides telecentric illumination and excellent light uniformity over the full mask field. MO Exposure Optics® allows the lithography engineer to freely shape the angular spectrum of the illumination light (customized illumination), which is a mandatory requirement for process window optimization. Three different illumination settings have been tested for 0 to 100 micron proximity gap. The results obtained prove, that the introduced process window methodology is a major step forward to obtain more robust processes in mask aligner lithography. The most remarkable outcome of the presented study is that a smaller exposure gap does not automatically lead to better print results in proximity lithography - what the "good instinct" of a lithographer would expect. With more than 5'000 mask aligners installed in research and industry worldwide, the proposed process window methodology might have significant impact on yield improvement and cost saving in industry.

Electrical-transport properties and microwave device performance of sputtered TlCaBaCuO superconducting thin films

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

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

1992-01-01

The paper describes the processing and electrical transport measurements for achieving reproducible high-Tc and high-Jc sputtered TlCaBaCuO thin films on LaAlO3 substrates, for microelectronic applications. The microwave properties of TlCaBaCuO thin films were investigated by designing, fabricating, and characterizing microstrip ring resonators with a fundamental resonance frequency of 12 GHz on 10-mil-thick LaAlO3 substrates. Typical unloaded quality factors for a ring resonator with a superconducting ground plane of 0.3 micron-thickness and a gold ground plane of 1-micron-thickness were above 1500 at 65 K. Typical values of penetration depth at 0 K in the TlCaBaCuO thin films were between 7000 and 8000 A.

Thickness limitations in carbon nanotube reinforced silicon nitride coatings synthesized by vapor infiltration

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

Eres, Gyula

Chemical vapor infiltration is a convenient method for synthesizing carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced ceramic coatings. The thickness over which infiltration is relatively uniform is limited by gas phase diffusion in the pore structure. These effects were investigated in two types of silicon nitride matrix composites. With CNTs that were distributed uniformly on the substrate surface dense coatings were limited to thicknesses of several microns. With dual structured CNT arrays produced by photolithography coatings up to 400 gm thick were obtained with minimal residual porosity. Gas transport into these dual structured materials was facilitated by creating micron sized channels between "CNT pillars"more » (i.e. each pillar consisted of a large number of individual CNTs). The experimental results are consistent with basic comparisons between the rates of gas diffusion and silicon nitride growth in porous structures. This analysis also provides a general insight into optimizing infiltration conditions during the fabrication of thick CNT-reinforced composite coatings. (C) 2012 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.« less

Computerized Ultrasonic Testing System (CUTS) for in-process thickness determination

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frankel, J.; Doxbeck, M.; Schroeder, S. C.; Abbate, A.

1994-01-01

A Computerized Ultrasonic Testing System (CUTS) was developed to measure, in real-time, the rate of deposition and thickness of chromium plated on the inside of thick steel tubes. The measurements are made from the outside of the tubes with the ultrasonic pulse-echo technique. The resolution of the system is 2.5 micron. (0.0001 in.) and the accuracy is better than 10 micron (0.0004 in.). The thickness is measured using six transducers mounted at different locations on the tube. In addition, two transducers are mounted on two reference standards, thereby allowing the system to be continuously calibrated. The tube temperature varies during the process, thus the input from eight thermocouples, located at the measurement sites, is used to calculate and compensate for the change in return time of the ultrasonic echo due to the temperature dependence of the sound velocity. CUTS is applicable to any commercial process where real-time change of thickness of a sample has to be known, with the advantage of facilitating increased efficiency and of improving process control.

Selective radiative cooling with MgO and/or LiF layers

DOEpatents

Berdahl, P.H.

1984-09-14

A selective radiation cooling material which is absorptive only in the 8 to 13 microns wavelength range is accomplished by placing ceramic magnesium oxide and/or polycrystalline lithium fluoride on an infrared-reflective substrate. The reflecting substrate may be a metallic coating, foil or sheet, such as aluminum, which reflects all atmospheric radiation from 0.3 to 8 microns, the magnesium oxide and lithium fluoride being nonabsorptive at those wavelengths. <10% of submicron voids in the material is permissible in which case the MgO and/or LiF layer is diffusely scattering, but still nonabsorbing, in the wavelength range of 0.3 to 8 microns. At wavelengths from 8 to 13 microns, the magnesium oxide and lithium fluoride radiate power through the ''window'' in the atmosphere, and thus remove heat from the reflecting sheet of material and the attached object to be cooled. At wavelengths longer than 13 microns, the magnesium oxide and lithium fluoride reflects the atmospheric radiation back into the atmosphere. This high reflectance is only obtained if the surface is sufficiently smooth: roughness on a scale of 1 micron is permissible but roughness on a scale of 10 microns is not. An infrared-transmitting cover or shield is mounted in spaced relationship to the material to reduce convective heat transfer. If this is utilized in direct sunlight, the infrared transmitting cover or shield should be opaque in the solar spectrum of 0.3 to 3 microns.

GaAs CLEFT solar cells for space applications. [CVD thin film growth technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fan, J. C. C.; Mcclelland, R. W.; King, B. D.

1984-01-01

Although GaAs solar cells are radiation-resistant and have high conversion efficiencies, there are two major obstacles that such cells must overcome before they can be widely adopted for space applications: GaAs wafers are too expensive and cells made from these wafers are too heavy. The CLEFT process permits the growth of thin single-crystal films on reusable substrates, resulting in a drastic reduction in both cell cost and cell weight. Recent advances in CLEFT technology have made it possible to achieve efficiencies of about 14 percent AM0 for 0.51-sq cm GaAs solar cells 5 microns thick with a 41-mil-thick coverglass. In preliminary experiments efficiencies close to 19 percent AM1 have been obtained for 10-micron-thick cells. It is suggested that the CLEFT technology should yield inexpensive, highly efficient modules with a beginning-of-life specific power close to 1 kW/kg (for a coverglass thickness of 4 mils).

Nondestructive evaluation of structural ceramics by photoacoustic microscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khandelwal, Pramod K.

1987-01-01

A photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) digital imaging system was developed and utilized to characterize silicon nitride material at the various stages of the ceramic fabrication process. Correlation studies revealed that photoacoustic microscopy detected failure initiating defects in substantially more specimens than microradiography and ultrasonic techniques. Photoacoustic microscopy detected 10 to 100 micron size surface and subsurface pores and inclusions, respectively, up to 80 microns below the interrogating surface in machined sintered silicon nitride. Microradiography detected 50 micron diameter fracture controlling pores and inclusions. Subsurface holes were detected up to a depth of 570 microns and 1.00 mm in sintered silicon nitride and silicon carbide, respectively. Seeded voids of 20 to 30 micron diameters at the surface and 50 microns below the interrogating surface were detected by photoacoustic microscopy and microradiography with 1 percent X-ray thickness sensitivity. Tight surface cracks of 96 micron length x 48 micron depth were detected by photoacoustic microscopy. PAM volatilized and removed material in the green state which resulted in linear shallow microcracks after sintering. This significantly limits the use of PAM as an in-process NDE technique.

Characterization of Pixelated Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride Detectors for Astrophysical Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gaskin, Jessica; Sharma, Dharma; Ramsey, Brian; Seller, Paul

2003-01-01

Comparisons of charge sharing and charge loss measurements between two pixelated Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride (CdZnTe) detectors are discussed. These properties along with the detector geometry help to define the limiting energy resolution and spatial resolution of the detector in question. The first detector consists of a 1-mm-thick piece of CdZnTe sputtered with a 4x4 array of pixels with pixel pitch of 750 microns (inter-pixel gap is 100 microns). Signal readout is via discrete ultra-low-noise preamplifiers, one for each of the 16 pixels. The second detector consists of a 2-mm-thick piece of CdZnTe sputtered with a 16x16 array of pixels with a pixel pitch of 300 microns (inter-pixel gap is 50 microns). This crystal is bonded to a custom-built readout chip (ASIC) providing all front-end electronics to each of the 256 independent pixels. These detectors act as precursors to that which will be used at the focal plane of the High Energy Replicated Optics (HERO) telescope currently being developed at Marshall Space Flight Center. With a telescope focal length of 6 meters, the detector needs to have a spatial resolution of around 200 microns in order to take full advantage of the HERO angular resolution. We discuss to what degree charge sharing will degrade energy resolution but will improve our spatial resolution through position interpolation.

Cracking of Clay Due to Contact with Waste Chlorinated Solvents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Otero, M.; Ayral, D.; Shipan, J.; Goltz, M. N.; Huang, J.; Demond, A. H.

2012-12-01

Clays are known to crack upon desiccation. Desiccation cracks of up to 3 cm wide have been reported in natural soils. This raises the question if a similar behavior is seen when a dense non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPL) waste is in contact with clay. The contact with organic liquids causes the clay structure to shrink, leading to the formation of cracks. Moreover, DNAPL waste not only contains the organic liquid solvent but also includes surface-active solutes or surfactants. Such solutes can enhance the interaction of the organic solvents with the clay. This research will assess whether or not contact with chlorinated organic waste causes cracking. In order to evaluate the possibility of cracking in the clay, microcosms have been constructed that mimic aquifer systems, consisting of a saturated layer of sand, a saturated layer of bentonite clay and a 2.5 cm layer of either pure chlorinated solvents or DNAPL waste. The onset of cracking for the microcosm with tetrachloroethylene (PCE) waste as the DNAPL layer occurred after ten days of contact. Similarly, at eight days, cracks were observed in a microcosm containing trichloroethylene (TCE) waste . Forty-four days later, the length and number of cracks have grown considerably; with a total crack length of 50 cm on a surface of 80 cm2 in the microcosm containing PCE waste. On the other hand it took approximately 161 days for the clay layer in the microcosm containing pure PCE to crack. To quantity the degree of cracking, crack maps were developed using the image software, Image J. Characteristics like crack length, crack aperture, and the percentage of total length for a range of apertures were calculated using this software. For example, for the PCE waste microcosm, it was calculated that 3.7% of the crack length had an aperture of 100-300 microns, 15.1% of the crack length had an aperture of 300-500 microns, 29.7% of the crack length had an aperture of 500-700 microns, 40.1% of the crack length had an aperture of 700-900 microns, 6.3% had an aperture of 900-1,100 microns and 5.1% had an aperture of over 1,100 microns. These data suggest that aquitards in the field might crack when in contact with the DNAPL waste. Moreover, it is apparent that the waste contains solutes that accelerate the cracking of the clay layer. Thus, models examining the impact of storage in low permeability layers need to consider the possible impact of cracking.

The effect of microgeometry, implant thickness and polyurethane chemistry on the foreign body response to subcutaneous implants.

PubMed

Ward, W Kenneth; Slobodzian, Emily P; Tiekotter, Kenneth L; Wood, Michael D

2002-11-01

We addressed the effect of implant thickness, implant porosity, and polyurethane (PU) chemistry on angiogenesis and on the foreign body response in rats. The following materials were implanted subcutaneously for 7 weeks then excised for histologic analysis: a solid PU; a solid polyurethane with silicone and polyethylene oxide (PU-S-PEO); porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE); and porous polyvinyl alcohol sponge (PVA). Two thicknesses of PU-S-PEO were compared: 300 microns (thin) and 2000 microns (thick). Foreign body capsule (FBC) thickness was much less in PU-S-PEO implants than in PU implants. In addition, FBC were thinner in thin implants than in thick implants. FBC was much more dense in solid implants than in porous implants. As compared with solid implants, porous implants (PVA and ePTFE) led to a marked increase in the number of microvessels that developed adjacent to the implant, as observed both with hematoxylin/eosin staining and with an immunohistochemical anti-endothelial stain. We conclude that the polyethylene oxide and silicone moieties in PU reduce the thickness of the subsequent FBC. In addition, thin implants lead to a thin FBC. Porous implants (PVA and ePTFE) cause more angiogenesis than solid implants. These results may have implications for the measurement of blood-derived analytes by biosensors.

Observations of the 63 micron forbidden O I line in Herbig-Haro objects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cohen, Martin; Hollenbach, David J.; Haas, Michael R.; Erickson, Edwin F.

1988-01-01

The paper presents observations of the 63 micron forbidden O I line from Herbig-Haro objects and their exciting stars. Forbidden O I 63 micron emission is detected toward the HH-exciting stars T Tau, DG Tau, L1551 IRS 5, and toward the HH objects HH 7-11, HH 42A, and HH 43 which are displaced from their exciting stars. The forbidden O I emission is associated with these flows on the basis of its spatial coincidence and its negative radial velocities. If the exciting stars drive bipolar flows in which the 63 micron emission follows that at 6300 A, the absence of redshifted 63 micron lines from the three exciting stars might indicate that the disks hypothesized to overlie the receding lobes of these flows are still optically thick in the far-infrared.

Large-Area Growth of Turbostratic Graphene on Ni(111) via Physical Vapor Deposition

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

Garlow, Joseph A.; Barrett, Lawrence K.; Wu, Lijun

Single-layer graphene has demonstrated remarkable electronic properties that are strongly influenced by interfacial bonding and break down for the lowest energy configuration of stacked graphene layers (AB Bernal). Multilayer graphene with relative rotations between carbon layers, known as turbostratic graphene, can effectively decouple the electronic states of adjacent layers, preserving properties similar to that of SLG. While the growth of AB Bernal graphene through chemical vapor deposition has been widely reported, we investigate the growth of turbostratic graphene on heteroepitaxial Ni(111) thin films utilizing physical vapor deposition. By varying the carbon deposition temperature between 800–1100°C, we report an increase inmore » the graphene quality concomitant with a transition in the size of uniform thickness graphene, ranging from nanocrystallites to thousands of square microns. Combination Raman modes of as-grown graphene within the frequency range of 1650 cm ₋1 to 2300 cm ₋1, along with features of the Raman 2D mode, were employed as signatures of turbostratic graphene. Bilayer and multilayer graphene were directly identified from areas that exhibited Raman characteristics of turbostratic graphene using high-resolution TEM imaging. Lastly, Raman maps of the pertinent modes reveal large regions of turbostratic graphene on Ni(111) thin films at a deposition temperature of 1100°C.« less

Large-Area Growth of Turbostratic Graphene on Ni(111) via Physical Vapor Deposition

DOE PAGES

Garlow, Joseph A.; Barrett, Lawrence K.; Wu, Lijun; ...

2016-01-29

Single-layer graphene has demonstrated remarkable electronic properties that are strongly influenced by interfacial bonding and break down for the lowest energy configuration of stacked graphene layers (AB Bernal). Multilayer graphene with relative rotations between carbon layers, known as turbostratic graphene, can effectively decouple the electronic states of adjacent layers, preserving properties similar to that of SLG. While the growth of AB Bernal graphene through chemical vapor deposition has been widely reported, we investigate the growth of turbostratic graphene on heteroepitaxial Ni(111) thin films utilizing physical vapor deposition. By varying the carbon deposition temperature between 800–1100°C, we report an increase inmore » the graphene quality concomitant with a transition in the size of uniform thickness graphene, ranging from nanocrystallites to thousands of square microns. Combination Raman modes of as-grown graphene within the frequency range of 1650 cm ₋1 to 2300 cm ₋1, along with features of the Raman 2D mode, were employed as signatures of turbostratic graphene. Bilayer and multilayer graphene were directly identified from areas that exhibited Raman characteristics of turbostratic graphene using high-resolution TEM imaging. Lastly, Raman maps of the pertinent modes reveal large regions of turbostratic graphene on Ni(111) thin films at a deposition temperature of 1100°C.« less

Large-Area Growth of Turbostratic Graphene on Ni(111) via Physical Vapor Deposition

PubMed Central

Garlow, Joseph A.; Barrett, Lawrence K.; Wu, Lijun; Kisslinger, Kim; Zhu, Yimei; Pulecio, Javier F.

2016-01-01

Single-layer graphene has demonstrated remarkable electronic properties that are strongly influenced by interfacial bonding and break down for the lowest energy configuration of stacked graphene layers (AB Bernal). Multilayer graphene with relative rotations between carbon layers, known as turbostratic graphene, can effectively decouple the electronic states of adjacent layers, preserving properties similar to that of SLG. While the growth of AB Bernal graphene through chemical vapor deposition has been widely reported, we investigate the growth of turbostratic graphene on heteroepitaxial Ni(111) thin films utilizing physical vapor deposition. By varying the carbon deposition temperature between 800 –1100 °C, we report an increase in the graphene quality concomitant with a transition in the size of uniform thickness graphene, ranging from nanocrystallites to thousands of square microns. Combination Raman modes of as-grown graphene within the frequency range of 1650 cm−1 to 2300 cm−1, along with features of the Raman 2D mode, were employed as signatures of turbostratic graphene. Bilayer and multilayer graphene were directly identified from areas that exhibited Raman characteristics of turbostratic graphene using high-resolution TEM imaging. Raman maps of the pertinent modes reveal large regions of turbostratic graphene on Ni(111) thin films at a deposition temperature of 1100 °C. PMID:26821604

Quantitative analysis of ice films by near-infrared spectroscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Keiser, Joseph T.

1990-01-01

One of the outstanding problems in the Space Transportation System is the possibility of the ice buildup on the external fuel tank surface while it is mounted on the launch pad. During the T-2 hours (and holding) period, the frost/ice thickness on the external tank is monitored/measured. However, after the resumption of the countdown time, the tank surface can only be monitored remotely. Currently, remote sensing is done with a TV camera coupled to a thermal imaging device. This device is capable of identifying the presence of ice, especially if it is covered with a layer of frost. However, it has difficulty identifying transparent ice, and, it is not capable of determining the thickness of ice in any case. Thus, there is a need for developing a technique for measuring the thickness of frost/ice on the tank surface during this two hour period before launch. The external tank surface is flooded with sunlight (natural or simulated) before launch. It may be possible, therefore, to analyze the diffuse reflection of sunlight from the external tank to determine the presence and thickness of ice. The purpose was to investigate the feasibility of this approach. A near-infrared spectrophotometer was used to record spectra of ice. It was determined that the optimum frequencies for monitoring the ice films were 1.03 and 1.255 microns.

Quantitative and qualitative morphology of rabbit retinal glia. A light microscopical study on cells both in situ and isolated by papaine.

PubMed

Reichenbach, A

1987-01-01

Rabbit retinal glia was studied by light microscopy of both stained sections of frozen retinae and enzymatically isolated cells. In the vast majority of this tissue, except for a small region around the optic nerve head, the glia consists solely of radial glia, i.e. Müller cells whose morphology was found to depend markedly on their topographic localization within the retina. Müller cells in the periphery are short and have thick vitreal processes bearing a single large endfoot. Central Müller cells are long and slender; through the thickening nerve fibre layer they send vitreal processes which are subdivided into several fine branches ending with multiple small endfeet. Müller cells in the retinal centre are far more closely packed than those in the periphery; everywhere, however, a constant ratio of Müller cells: neurons of about 1:15 was found, except for the juxta-optic nerve head region where this ratio is slightly reduced. Where the central retina reaches a thickness requiring Müller cell lengths of more than 130 micron, additional non-radial glial cells occur within the nerve fibre layer. The majority of these cells seem to be astrocytes. Their number per retinal area increases with the thickening of both the whole retina and the nerve fibre layer. The occurrence of these non-radial glial cells leads to an enhancement of the glia:neuron index in the retinal centre. Possible mechanisms of physiological control of gliogenesis are discussed.

Pars Plana Vitrectomy with Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling for Nontractional Diabetic Macular Edema.

PubMed

Ulrich, Jan Niklas

2017-01-01

Diabetes mellitus remains the leading cause of blindness among working age Americans with diabetic macular edema being the most common cause for moderate and severe vision loss. To investigate the anatomical and visual benefits of pars plana vitrectomy with inner limiting membrane peeling in patients with nontractional diabetic macular edema as well as correlation of integrity of outer retinal layers on spectral domain optical coherence tomography to visual outcomes. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 42 diabetic patients that underwent vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling for nontractional diabetic macula edema. The integrity of outer retinal layers was evaluated and preoperative central macular thickness and visual acuity were compared with data at 1 month, 3 months and 6 months postoperatively. The student t-test was used to compare the groups. 31 eyes were included. While no differences were seen at 1 and 3 months, there was significant improvement of both central macular thickness and visual acuity at the 6 months follow up visit compared to preoperatively (357, 427 microns; p=0.03. 20/49, 20/82; p=0.03) . Patients with intact external limiting membrane and ellipsoid zone had better preoperative vision than patients with outer retinal layer irregularities (20/54, 20/100; p=0.03) and greater visual gains postoperatively (20/33, p<0.001 versus 20/81; p=non-significant). Pars plana vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling can improve retinal anatomy and visual acuity in patients with nontractional diabetic macular edema. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography may help identify patients with potential for visual improvement.

Experimental transconjunctival diode laser retinal photocoagulation through silicone scleral exoplants.

PubMed

Nanda, S K; Han, D P

1995-07-01

To study the feasibility of inducing a chorioretinal lesion under a previously placed scleral buckle by experimental transconjunctival diode laser photocoagulation. We performed transconjunctival diode laser photocoagulation in the peripheral retinas of seven pigmented rabbit eyes with a silicone exoplant (No. 42 band or No. 276 tire) and seven eyes without an exoplant. Each eye received burns with an intensity of grades 1 to 3 in different quadrants at varying power levels, with a 0.5-second duration and 650-micron spot size. Eyes were enucleated for histopathologic studies 1 day and 1 week after treatment. Although the irradiance emitted through the No. 42 band and the No. 276 tire was attenuated by 17% and 23%, respectively, the range of threshold powers needed to produce grades 1 to 3 burns was similar between eyes with and without a silicone exoplant. At 1 day, full-thickness coagulative necrosis was observed in all lesions, except that the ganglion cell layer and inner nuclear layer were preserved in two of four grade 1 burns and the ganglion cell layer was intact in one of six grade 2 burns. Inner scleral changes were noted acutely in three of five grade 3 lesions. At 1 week, burns of all intensity grades showed a full-thickness atrophic chorioretinal lesion with inner scleral changes. Experimental transconjunctival diode laser photocoagulation through hard silicone elements reproducibly created a chorioretinal lesion with histopathologic findings similar to those of lesions obtained without these elements. Although retinal photocoagulative effects were prominent, inner scleral abnormalities were also observed histologically.

Thickness dependences of solar cell performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sah, C. T.

1982-01-01

The significance of including factors such as the base resistivity loss for solar cells thicker than 100 microns and emitter and BSF layer recombination for thin cells in predicting the fill factor and efficiency of solar cells is demonstrated analytically. A model for a solar cell is devised with the inclusion of the dopant impurity concentration profile, variation of the electron and hole mobility with dopant concentration, the concentration and thermal capture and emission rates of the recombination center, device temperature, the AM1 spectra and the Si absorption coefficient. Device equations were solved by means of the transmission line technique. The analytical results were compared with those of low-level theory for cell performance. Significant differences in predictions of the fill factor resulted, and inaccuracies in the low-level approximations are discussed.

Counter tube window and X-ray fluorescence analyzer study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hertel, R.; Holm, M.

1973-01-01

A study was performed to determine the best design tube window and X-ray fluorescence analyzer for quantitative analysis of Venusian dust and condensates. The principal objective of the project was to develop the best counter tube window geometry for the sensing element of the instrument. This included formulation of a mathematical model of the window and optimization of its parameters. The proposed detector and instrument has several important features. The instrument will perform a near real-time analysis of dust in the Venusian atmosphere, and is capable of measuring dust layers less than 1 micron thick. In addition, wide dynamic measurement range will be provided to compensate for extreme variations in count rates. An integral pulse-height analyzer and memory accumulate data and read out spectra for detail computer analysis on the ground.

Design and verification of a cloud field optical simulator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, J. M.; Cox, S. K.; Mckee, T. B.

1982-01-01

A concept and an apparatus designed to investigate the reflected and transmitted distributions of light from optically thick clouds is presented. The Cloud Field Optical Simulator (CFOS) is a laboratory device which utilizes an array of incandescent lamps as a source, simulated clouds made from cotton or styrofoam as targets, and an array of silicon photodiodes as detectors. The device allows virtually any source-target-detector geometry to be examined. Similitude between real clouds and their CFOS cotton or styrofoam counterparts is established by relying on a linear relationship between optical depth and the ratio of reflected to transmitted light for a semi-infinite layer. Comparisons of principal plane radiances observed by the CFOS with Monte Carlo computations for a water cloud at 0.7 microns show excellent agreement.

Electric energy production by particle thermionic-thermoelectric power generators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oettinger, P. E.

1980-01-01

Thermionic-thermoelectric power generators, composed of a thin layer of porous, low work function material separating a heated emitter electrode and a cooler collector electrode, have extremely large Seebeck coefficients of over 2 mV/K and can provide significant output power. Preliminary experiments with 20-micron thick (Ba Sr Ca)O coatings, limited by evaporative loss to temperatures below 1400 K, have yielded short circuit current densities of 500 mA/sq cm and power densities of 60 mW/ sq cm. Substantially more output is expected with cesium-coated refractory oxide particle coatings operating at higher temperatures. Practical generators will have thermal-to-electrical efficiencies of 10 to 20%. Further increases can be gained by cascading these high-temperature devices with lower temperature conventional thermoelectric generators.

Nucleation and growth of tin whiskers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Jing; Vianco, Paul T.; Zhang, Bei; Li, James C. M.

2011-06-01

Pure tin film of one micron thick was evaporated onto a silicon substrate with chromium and nickel underlayers. The tinned silicon disk was bent by applying a dead load at the center and supported below around the edge to apply biaxial compressive stresses to the tin layer. After 180 C vacuum annealing for 1,2,4,6, and 8 weeks, tin whiskers/hillocks grew. A quantitative method revealed that the overall growth rate decreased with time with a tendency for saturation. A review of the literature showed in general, tin whisker growth has a nucleation period, a growth period and a period of saturation, very similar to recrystallization or phase transformation. In fact we found our data fit Avrami equation very well. This equation shows that the nucleation period was the first week.

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

Weigel, Peter O.; Savanier, Marc; DeRose, Christopher T.

Here, we demonstrate a photonic waveguide technology based on a two-material core, in which light is controllably and repeatedly transferred back and forth between sub-micron thickness crystalline layers of Si and LN bonded to one another, where the former is patterned and the latter is not. In this way, the foundry-based wafer-scale fabrication technology for silicon photonics can be leveraged to form lithium-niobate based integrated optical devices. Using two different guided modes and an adiabatic mode transition between them, we demonstrate a set of building blocks such as waveguides, bends, and couplers which can be used to route light underneathmore » an unpatterned slab of LN, as well as outside the LN-bonded region, thus enabling complex and compact lightwave circuits in LN alongside Si photonics with fabrication ease and low cost.« less

Effectiveness of eye drops protective against ultraviolet radiation.

PubMed

Daxer, A; Blumthaler, M; Schreder, J; Ettl, A

1998-01-01

To test the effectiveness of commercially available ultraviolet (UV)-protective eye drops (8-hydroxy-1-methylchinolinium methylsulphate) which are recommended for protection against both solar and artificial UV radiation. The spectral transmission in the wavelength range from 250 to 500 nm was investigated in 1-nm steps using a high-resolution double monochromator with holographic gratings of 2,400 lines/mm and a 1,000-watt halogen lamp as light source. The transmission spectrum was measured for different values of the layer thickness. The transmission of a liquid layer of about 10 microns, which corresponds to the thickness of the human tear film, shows a cut-off at 290 nm with a transmission of about 25-50% at shorter wavelengths. For wavelengths longer than 290 nm the transmission is higher than 90%. The threshold time ratio for keratitis formation with and without eye drops is above 0.93 considering solar radiation on the earth's surface and above 0.65 considering radiation from arc-welding, respectively. The transmission spectrum of the eye drops under realistic conditions does not show a protective effect against solar UV radiation. However, there exists reduction of UVC radiation in the spectral range typical of artificial UV sources such as arc-welding. We cannot recommend the application of these eye drops as an UV-protective aid against eye damage by solar UV radiation.

Abundance of the multiheme c-type cytochrome OmcB increases in outer biofilm layers of electrode-grown Geobacter sulfurreducens.

PubMed

Stephen, Camille S; LaBelle, Edward V; Brantley, Susan L; Bond, Daniel R

2014-01-01

When Geobacter sulfurreducens utilizes an electrode as its electron acceptor, cells embed themselves in a conductive biofilm tens of microns thick. While environmental conditions such as pH or redox potential have been shown to change close to the electrode, less is known about the response of G. sulfurreducens to growth in this biofilm environment. To investigate whether respiratory protein abundance varies with distance from the electrode, antibodies against an outer membrane multiheme cytochrome (OmcB) and cytoplasmic acetate kinase (AckA) were used to determine protein localization in slices spanning ∼25 µm-thick G. sulfurreducens biofilms growing on polished electrodes poised at +0.24 V (vs. Standard Hydrogen Electrode). Slices were immunogold labeled post-fixing, imaged via transmission electron microscopy, and digitally reassembled to create continuous images allowing subcellular location and abundance per cell to be quantified across an entire biofilm. OmcB was predominantly localized on cell membranes, and 3.6-fold more OmcB was detected on cells 10-20 µm distant from the electrode surface compared to inner layers (0-10 µm). In contrast, acetate kinase remained constant throughout the biofilm, and was always associated with the cell interior. This method for detecting proteins in intact conductive biofilms supports a model where the utilization of redox proteins changes with depth.

Laser-induced erasable patterns in a N* liquid crystal on an iron doped lithium niobate surface.

PubMed

Habibpourmoghadam, Atefeh; Lucchetti, Liana; Evans, Dean R; Reshetnyak, Victor Y; Omairat, Faissal; Schafforz, Samuel L; Lorenz, Alexander

2017-10-16

A chiral nematic (N*) liquid crystal (LC) was hybridized with a z-cut iron doped lithium niobate (Fe:LN) substrate and exposed with a focused continuous wave diode laser beam. The N* LC layer was confined with a cover glass to provide a homogeneous LC layer thickness. Two distinct kinds of test cells were investigated, one with an uncoated glass covering slip and one with an indium tin oxide (ITO) coated cover glass. Photo generated electric fields (generated in the Fe:LN) resulted in a localized defect formation and textural transitions in the N* LC. Due to field confinement, the field induced responses were more localized in samples with ITO coated cover glasses. By scanning the laser beam on programmed trajectories, formation of persistent patterns could be achieved in the N* LC layer. Polarized optical microscopy of the exposed samples revealed that these patterns consisted of adjacent circular Frank-Pryce defects. Exposure with a slightly defocused laser beam could be applied selectively to erase these patterns. Thus, a promising method is reported to generate reconfigurable patterns, photonic motives, and touch sensitive devices in a hybridized N* LC with micron accuracy.

Analysis of Nb 3Sn surface layers for superconducting radio frequency cavity applications

DOE PAGES

Becker, Chaoyue; Posen, Sam; Groll, Nickolas; ...

2015-02-23

Here, we present an analysis of Nb 3Sn surface layers grown on a bulk Nb coupon prepared at the same time and by the same vapor diffusion process used to make Nb 3Sn coatings on 1.3 GHz Nb cavities. Tunneling spectroscopy reveal a well developed, homogeneous superconducting density of states at the surface with a gap value distribution centered around 2.7 ± 0.4 meV and superconducting critical temperature's (T c) up to 16.3K. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) performed on cross sections of the sample's surface shows a ~ 2 microns thick Nb 3Sn surface layer. The elemental composition map exhibitsmore » a Nb:Sn ratio of 3:1 with buried substoichiometric regions with a ratio of 5:1. Synchrotron diffraction experiments indicate a polycrystalline Nb 3Sn film and confirm the presence of Nb rich regions that occupies about a third of the coating volume. These low T c regions could play an important role in the dissipation mechanisms occurring during RF tests of Nb 3Sn -coated Nb cavities and open the way for further improving a very promising alternative to pure Nb cavities for particle accelerators.« less

Experimental studies of thin films deposition by magnetron sputtering method for CIGS solar cell fabrication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gułkowski, Sławomir; Krawczak, Ewelina

2017-10-01

Among a variety of the thin film solar cell technologies of second generation, copper-indium-gallium-diselenide device (CIGS) with the latest highest lab cell efficiency record of 22.4 % seems to be the most promising for the power generation. This is partly due to the advantages of using low cost films of few microns thick not only as a metallic contacts but also as a main structure of the solar cell consisted of high quality semiconductor layers. This paper reports the experimental studies of the CIGS absorber formation on Soda Lime Glass substrate covered by thin molybdenum film as a back contact layer. All structures were deposited with the use of magnetron sputtering method only. Technological parameters of the deposition process such as deposition power, pressure and deposition time were optimized for each layer of the structure. Mo back contact was examined in terms of resistivity. EDS measurements were carried out to verify stoichiometric composition of CIGS absorber. Thin film of Al was used as a top contact in order to examine the quality of p-n junction. The I-V electrical characteristic of the p-n junction was analysed in terms of solar cell application.

Fire protection covering for small diameter missiles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Riccitiello, S. R.; Sawko, P. M. (Inventor)

1979-01-01

Flexible intumescent protection sheeting of unusually uniform thickness were prepared from epoxy-polysulfide compositions, containing microfibers and the ammonium salt of 1,4-nitroaniline-2-sulfonic acid, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,663,464, except that an ammonium salt particle size in the order of 5 to 8 microns and a fiber size of about 1/128th inch in length and 3 to 5 microns in diameter were found critical to obtain the required density of 1.46 to 1.50 g/cc. The insulation sheeting was prepared by a continuous process involving vacuum mixing, calendering, and curing under very strict conditions which depend to some extent upon the thickness of the sheet produced.

Ceramic capacitor exhibiting graceful failure by self-clearing, method for fabricating self-clearing capacitor

DOEpatents

Kaufman, David Y [Chicago, IL; Saha, Sanjib [Santa Clara, CA

2006-08-29

A short-resistant capacitor comprises an electrically conductive planar support substrate having a first thickness, a ceramic film deposited over the support substrate, thereby defining a ceramic surface; and a metallic film deposited over the ceramic surface, said film having a second thickness which is less than the first thickness and which is between 0.01 and 0.1 microns.

The 27-28 October 1986 FIRE IFO cirrus case study: Comparison of satellite and aircraft derived particle size

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wielicki, Bruce A.; Suttles, J. T.; Heymsfield, Andrew J.; Welch, Ronald M.; Spinhirne, James D.; Wu, Man-Li C.; Starr, David; Parker, Lindsay; Arduini, Robert F.

1990-01-01

Theoretical calculations predict that cloud reflectance in near infrared windows such as those at 1.6 and 2.2 microns should give lower reflectances than at visible wavelengths. The reason for this difference is that ice and liquid water show significant absorption at those wavelengths, in contrast to the nearly conservative scattering at wavelengths shorter than 1 micron. In addition, because the amount of absorption scales with the path length of radiation through the particle, increasing cloud particle size should lead to decreasing reflectances at 1.6 and 2.2 microns. Measurements at these wavelengths to date, however, have often given unpredicted results. Twomey and Cocks found unexpectedly high absorption (factors of 3 to 5) in optically thick liquid water clouds. Curran and Wu found expectedly low absorption in optically thick high clouds, and postulated the existence of supercooled small water droplets in place of the expected large ice particles. The implications of the FIRE data for optically thin cirrus are examined.

Congo red staining on 1 micron de-plasticized sections for detection of lesions in Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.

PubMed

Snow, A D; Mar, H; Nochlin, D; Wight, T N

1989-01-01

Neuritic plaques (NPs), neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and congophilic angiopathy (CA), the three characteristic lesions in Alzheimer's disease, are easily detected in paraffin sections using light microscopy and specific staining methods including Congo red and Thioflavin S. Identification of these lesions in plastic thick sections (1 micron) is more tedious and relies essentially on morphological criteria. This causes investigators to subsequently analyze large numbers of thin sections under the electron microscope. Since many researchers use electron microscopy for various aspects of Alzheimer's disease and related research, it would be advantageous to have a rapid method enabling the investigator to quickly and reliably identify in thick sections the characteristic NPs, NFTs and/or CA, which can then be used for further analysis at the ultrastructural level. In this context, the present study describes a dependable technique for identifying NPs, NFTs and/or CA in Alzheimer's disease and related disorders and involves Congo red staining on one micron sections after plastic removal.

Preliminary evaluation of Glass Resin materials for solar cell cover use

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marsik, S. J.; Swartz, C. K.; Baraona, C. R.

1978-01-01

The glass resins were deposited by several techniques on 200 micron thick cells and on 50 microns thick wafers. The covered cells were exposed to ultraviolet light in vacuum to an intensity of 10 UV energy-equivalent solar constants at air mass zero for 728 hr. The exposure was followed by a single long thermal cycle from ambient temperature to -150 C. Visual inspection of the samples indicated that all samples had darkened to varying degrees. The loss in short-circuit current was found to range from 8 to 24%, depending on the resin formulation. In another test over 40 glass resin-coated silicon wafers withstood 15 thermal cycles from 100 to-196 C in one or more of the thicknesses tested. Several of the resin-coated wafers were tested at 65 C and 90% relative humidity for 170 hr. No change in physical appearance was detected.

Ionomer-Liquid Electrolyte Hybrid Ionic Conductor for High Cycling Stability of Lithium Metal Electrodes

PubMed Central

Song, Jongchan; Lee, Hongkyung; Choo, Min-Ju; Park, Jung-Ki; Kim, Hee-Tak

2015-01-01

The inhomogeneous Li electrodeposition of lithium metal electrode has been a major impediment to the realization of rechargeable lithium metal batteries. Although single ion conducting ionomers can induce more homogeneous Li electrodeposition by preventing Li+ depletion at Li surface, currently available materials do not allow room-temperature operation due to their low room temperature conductivities. In the paper, we report that a highly conductive ionomer/liquid electrolyte hybrid layer tightly laminated on Li metal electrode can realize stable Li electrodeposition at high current densities up to 10 mA cm−2 and permit room-temperature operation of corresponding Li metal batteries with low polarizations. The hybrid layer is fabricated by laminating few micron-thick Nafion layer on Li metal electrode followed by soaking 1 M LiPF6 EC/DEC (1/1) electrolyte. The Li/Li symmetric cell with the hybrid layer stably operates at a high current density of 10 mA cm−2 for more than 2000 h, which corresponds to more than five-fold enhancement compared with bare Li metal electrode. Also, the prototype Li/LiCoO2 battery with the hybrid layer offers cycling stability more than 350 cycles. These results demonstrate that the hybrid strategy successfully combines the advantages of bi-ionic liquid electrolyte (fast Li+ transport) and single ionic ionomer (prevention of Li+ depletion). PMID:26411701

Ionomer-Liquid Electrolyte Hybrid Ionic Conductor for High Cycling Stability of Lithium Metal Electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Jongchan; Lee, Hongkyung; Choo, Min-Ju; Park, Jung-Ki; Kim, Hee-Tak

2015-09-01

The inhomogeneous Li electrodeposition of lithium metal electrode has been a major impediment to the realization of rechargeable lithium metal batteries. Although single ion conducting ionomers can induce more homogeneous Li electrodeposition by preventing Li+ depletion at Li surface, currently available materials do not allow room-temperature operation due to their low room temperature conductivities. In the paper, we report that a highly conductive ionomer/liquid electrolyte hybrid layer tightly laminated on Li metal electrode can realize stable Li electrodeposition at high current densities up to 10 mA cm-2 and permit room-temperature operation of corresponding Li metal batteries with low polarizations. The hybrid layer is fabricated by laminating few micron-thick Nafion layer on Li metal electrode followed by soaking 1 M LiPF6 EC/DEC (1/1) electrolyte. The Li/Li symmetric cell with the hybrid layer stably operates at a high current density of 10 mA cm-2 for more than 2000 h, which corresponds to more than five-fold enhancement compared with bare Li metal electrode. Also, the prototype Li/LiCoO2 battery with the hybrid layer offers cycling stability more than 350 cycles. These results demonstrate that the hybrid strategy successfully combines the advantages of bi-ionic liquid electrolyte (fast Li+ transport) and single ionic ionomer (prevention of Li+ depletion).

Second-harmonic generation in single crystals of 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)-5-nitroacetanilide (DAN) at 1.3 micron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolinsky, P. V.; Chad, R. J.; Jones, R. J.; Hall, S. R.; Norman, P. A.

1987-07-01

Measurements are reported on efficiency phase-matched second-harmonic generation in a single crystal of the organic material 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)-5-nitroacetanilide at the technologically important communications wavelength of 1.3 micron. Using 0.5 mJ pulses, a conversion efficiency of 18 percent has been achieved for a sample 2 mm thick.

Leaf optical system modeled as a stochastic process. [solar radiation interaction with terrestrial vegetation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tucker, C. J.; Garratt, M. W.

1977-01-01

A stochastic leaf radiation model based upon physical and physiological properties of dicot leaves has been developed. The model accurately predicts the absorbed, reflected, and transmitted radiation of normal incidence as a function of wavelength resulting from the leaf-irradiance interaction over the spectral interval of 0.40-2.50 micron. The leaf optical system has been represented as Markov process with a unique transition matrix at each 0.01-micron increment between 0.40 micron and 2.50 micron. Probabilities are calculated at every wavelength interval from leaf thickness, structure, pigment composition, and water content. Simulation results indicate that this approach gives accurate estimations of actual measured values for dicot leaf absorption, reflection, and transmission as a function of wavelength.

Kinetic Plasma and Turbulent Mix Studies using DT Plastic-shell Implosions with Shell-thickness and Pressure Variations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Y.; Herrmann, H. W.; Hoffman, N. M.; Schmitt, M. J.; Bradley, P. A.; Kagan, G.; Gales, S.; Horsfield, C. J.; Rubery, M.; Leatherland, A.; Gatu Johnson, M.; Glebov, V.; Seka, W.; Marshall, F.; Stoeckl, C.; Church, J.

2014-10-01

Kinetic plasma and turbulent mix effects on inertial confinement fusion have been studied using a series of DT-filled plastic-shell implosions at the OMEGA laser facility. Plastic capsules of 4 different shell thicknesses (7.4, 15, 20, 29 micron) were shot at 2 different fill pressures in order to vary the ion mean free path compared to the size of fuel region (i.e., Knudsen number). We varied the empirical Knudsen number by a factor of 25. Measurements were obtained from the burn-averaged ion temperature and fuel areal density. Preliminary results indicate that as the empirical Knudsen number increases, fusion performances (e.g., neutron yield) increasingly deviate from hydrodynamic simulations unless turbulent mix and ion kinetic terms (e.g., enhanced ion diffusion, viscosity, thermal conduction, as well as Knudsen-layer fusion reactivity reduction) are considered. We are developing two separate simulations: one is a reduced-ion-kinetics model and the other is turbulent mix model. Two simulation results will be compared with the experimental observables.

Nanowall formation by maskless wet-etching on a femtosecond laser irradiated silicon surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Siwoo; Jo, Kukhyun; Keum, Hee-sung; Chae, Sangmin; Kim, Yonghyeon; Choi, Jiyeon; Lee, Hyun Hwi; Kim, Hyo Jung

2018-04-01

We found that micro-cells surrounded by nanowalls can be formed by a maskless wet-etching process on Si (100) surfaces possessing Laser Induced Periodic Surface Structure (LIPSS) by femtosecond laser irradiation. The LIPSS process could produce periodic one-dimensional micron scale ripples on a Si surface, which could be developed into micro-cells by a subsequent etching process. The solution etching conditions strongly affected both the micro-cell and nanowall shapes such as the height and the thickness of nanowalls. The tetramethylammonium hydroxide solution created thin nanowalls and the resulting micro-cells with a well-flattened bottom while the KOH solution formed thick walls and incomplete micro-cells. The bottoms of micro-cells surrounded by the nanowalls were considerably flat with a 3.10 nm surface roughness. A pentacene layer was deposited on the micro-cells of a Si surface to evaluate the film properties by grazing incidence wide angle x-ray scattering measurements. The pentacene film on the micro-cell Si surface showed a strong film phase, which was comparable to the film phase grown on the atomically flat Si surface.

High Curie temperature drive layer materials for ion-implanted magnetic bubble devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fratello, V. J.; Wolfe, R.; Blank, S. L.; Nelson, T. J.

1984-01-01

Ion implantation of bubble garnets can lower the Curie temperature by 70 C or more, thus limiting high temperature operation of devices with ion-implanted propagation patterns. Therefore, double-layer materials were made with a conventional 2-micron bubble storage layer capped by an ion-implantable drive layer of high Curie temperature, high magnetostriction material. Contiguous disk test patterns were implanted with varying doses of a typical triple implant. Quality of propagation was judged by quasistatic tests on 8-micron period major and minor loops. Variations of magnetization, uniaxial anisotropy, implant dose, and magnetostriction were investigated to ensure optimum flux matching, good charged wall coupling, and wide operating margins. The most successful drive layer compositions were in the systems (SmDyLuCa)3(FeSi)5O12 and (BiGdTmCa)3(FeSi)5O12 and had Curie temperatures 25-44 C higher than the storage layers.

Acute and chronic response of articular cartilage to Ho:YAG laser irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trauner, Kenneth B.; Nishioka, Norman S.; Flotte, Thomas J.; Patel, Dinesh K.

1992-06-01

A Ho:YAG laser system operating at a wavelength of 2.1 microns has recently been introduced for use in arthroscopic surgery. The acceptability of this new tool will be determined not only by its ability to resect tissue, but also by its long term effects on articular surfaces. In order to investigate these issues further, we performed two studies to evaluate the acute and chronic effects of the laser on cartilaginous tissue. We evaluated the acute, in vitro effects of 2.1 micron laser irradiation on articular and fibrocartilage. This included the measurement of ablation efficiency, ablation threshold and thermal damage in both meniscus and articular cartilage. To document the chronic effects on articular cartilage in vivo, we next performed a ten week healing study. Eight sheep weighing 30 - 40 kg underwent bilateral arthrotomy procedures. Multiple full thickness and partial thickness defects were created. Animals were sacrificed at 0, 2, 4, and 10 weeks. The healing study demonstrated: (1) no healing of full or partial thickness defects at 10 weeks with hyaline cartilage; (2) fibrocartilaginous granulation tissue filling full thickness defects at two and four weeks, but no longer evident at ten weeks; (3) chondrocyte necrosis extending to greater than 900 microns distal to ablation craters at four weeks with no evidence of repair at later dates; and (4) chondrocyte hyperplasia at the borders of the damage zone at two weeks but no longer evident at later sacrifice dates.

Tens of micron-sized unilamellar nanosheets of Y/Eu layered rare-earth hydroxide: efficient exfoliation via fast anion exchange and their self-assembly into oriented oxide film with enhanced photoluminescence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Qi; Li, Ji-Guang; Li, Xiaodong; Sun, Xudong; Qi, Yang; Zhu, Miaoyong; Sakka, Yoshio

2014-02-01

Layered rare-earth hydroxide (LRH) crystals of (Y0.95Eu0.05)2(OH)5NO3·nH2O with a lateral size of ˜ 300 μm and a thickness of ˜ 9 μm have been synthesized via a hydrothermal reaction of mixed nitrate solutions in the presence of mineralizer NH4NO3 at 200 °C for 24 h. LRH exhibits the ability to undergo intercalation and anion exchange with DS- (C12H25OSO3-) via hydrothermal treatment. Compared with traditional anion exchange at room temperature, hydrothermal processing not only shortens the anion exchange time from 720 to 24 h but also increases the basal spacing. The arrangements of DS- in the interlayer of LRH are significantly affected by the DS- concentration and reaction temperature, and the basal spacing of the LRH-DS sample in the crystal edge is assumed to be larger than that in the crystal center. A higher DS- concentration and reaction temperature both induce more intercalation of DS- anions into the interlayer gallery, thus yielding a larger basal spacing. Unilamellar nanosheets with a lateral size of ⩾60 μm and a thickness of ˜ 1.6 nm can be obtained by delaminating LRH-DS in formamide. The resultant unilamellar nanosheets are single crystalline. Transparent (Y0.95Eu0.05)2O3 phosphor films with a uniform [111] orientation and a layer thickness of ˜ 90 nm were constructed with the nanosheets as building blocks via spin-coating, followed by proper annealing. The oriented oxide film exhibits a strong red emission at 614 nm (the 5D0-7F2 transition of Eu3+), whose intensity is ˜ 2 times that of the powder form owing to the significant exposure of the (222) facets.

Effect of grinding and fluoride-gel exposure on strength of ion-exchanged porcelain.

PubMed

Anusavice, K J; Hojjatie, B; Chang, T C

1994-08-01

Strengthening of dental porcelain through a diffusion heat treatment at 450 degrees C of a potassium-enriched, ion-exchange surface coating has been demonstrated in several recent studies. However, little attention has been focused on the potential strength reduction of these materials when the treated surfaces are ground or etched under clinically simulated conditions. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that partial removal of the surface layers of ion-exchanged porcelains by grinding or exposure to acidulated fluoride gel will significantly reduce their flexure strength. Nine groups of body porcelain disks were ion-exchanged at 450 degrees C for 30 min. One of these groups was subjected to ion exchange and no further surface treatment. Eight specimen groups were subjected to the following procedures after ion exchange: grinding to depths of 50 microns, 100 microns, 150 microns, 200 microns, and 250 microns, and exposure to acidulated fluoride for 30 min, 60 min, and 300 min. A tenth group (FC) was fired at 960 degrees C and fast-cooled in air, but the disks were not subjected to the ion-exchange treatment. Surface stress was calculated from measured values of cracks induced in the treated surfaces. Fluoride exposure for up to 60 min resulted in a significant decrease in surface compression (P < or = 0.05), although this treatment had no effect on strength. Grinding to a depth of from 100 microns to 250 microns caused a significant decrease in strength, while removal of a 50-microns layer caused no significant change (P > 0.05).

Self-Renewing Microns-Thick Biopolymer Brush Made of Hyaluronan under Active Synthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, W.; Washburn, J.; Weigel, P.; Curtis, J. E.

Hyaluronan (HA) is a large anionic polysaccharide distributed throughout many vertebrate tissues. We introduce a technology to produce dynamic HA polymer brush interfaces. The strategy relies on the enzyme hyaluronan synthase (HA synthase), which synthesizes and extrudes HA polymers up to 20 microns in length. We show that interfaces decorated by HA synthase-rich membrane fragments robustly produce polymer brushes of predictable heights and concentration profiles. The brush thickness can be tuned by the duration of growth or the enzyme density in the membranes. The system is self-renewing in that old polymers desorb and new polymers are produced. The brush can also be replenished after enzymatic removal multiple times. The large extent of the polymer interface allows for characterization of the brush architecture and for studying dynamic processes inside the brush using optical microscopy. At low ionic strengths (1 mM), we measure one of the largest polymer brushes yet reported, an average of 7.8 microns thick. For applications that require a stable brush interface, we have covalently reinforced the HA to the surfaces, and demonstrated that the brush is stable for at least two months. This self-renewing, dynamic biopolymer brush has great potential as a new biomaterial for implants, antifouling, tissue engineering and drug delivery.

Nano-Multiplication-Region Avalanche Photodiodes and Arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zheng, Xinyu; Pain, Bedabrata; Cunningham, Thomas

2008-01-01

Nano-multiplication-region avalanche photodiodes (NAPDs), and imaging arrays of NAPDs integrated with complementary metal oxide/semiconductor (CMOS) active-pixel-sensor integrated circuitry, are being developed for applications in which there are requirements for high-sensitivity (including photoncounting) detection and imaging at wavelengths from about 250 to 950 nm. With respect to sensitivity and to such other characteristics as speed, geometric array format, radiation hardness, power demand of associated circuitry, size, weight, and robustness, NAPDs and arrays thereof are expected to be superior to prior photodetectors and arrays including CMOS active-pixel sensors (APSs), charge-coupled devices (CCDs), traditional APDs, and microchannelplate/ CCD combinations. Figure 1 depicts a conceptual NAPD array, integrated with APS circuitry, fabricated on a thick silicon-on-insulator wafer (SOI). Figure 2 presents selected aspects of the structure of a typical single pixel, which would include a metal oxide/semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) integrated with the NAPD. The NAPDs would reside in silicon islands formed on the buried oxide (BOX) layer of the SOI wafer. The silicon islands would be surrounded by oxide-filled insulation trenches, which, together with the BOX layer, would constitute an oxide embedding structure. There would be two kinds of silicon islands: NAPD islands for the NAPDs and MOSFET islands for in-pixel and global CMOS circuits. Typically, the silicon islands would be made between 5 and 10 m thick, but, if necessary, the thickness could be chosen outside this range. The side walls of the silicon islands would be heavily doped with electron-acceptor impurities (p+-doped) to form anodes for the photodiodes and guard layers for the MOSFETs. A nanoscale reach-through structure at the front (top in the figures) central position of each NAPD island would contain the APD multiplication region. Typically, the reach-through structure would be about 0.1 microns in diameter and between 0.3 and 0.4 nm high. The top layer in the reach-through structure would be heavily doped with electron-donor impurities (n+-doped) to make it act as a cathode. A layer beneath the cathode, between 0.1 and 0.2 nm thick, would be p-doped to a concentration .10(exp 17)cu cm. A thin n+-doped polysilicon pad would be formed on the top of the cathode to protect the cathode against erosion during a metal-silicon alloying step that would be part of the process of fabricating the array.

Macular Choroidal Small-Vessel Layer, Sattler's Layer and Haller's Layer Thicknesses: The Beijing Eye Study.

PubMed

Zhao, Jing; Wang, Ya Xing; Zhang, Qi; Wei, Wen Bin; Xu, Liang; Jonas, Jost B

2018-03-13

To study macular choroidal layer thickness, 3187 study participants from the population-based Beijing Eye Study underwent spectral-domain optical coherence tomography with enhanced depth imaging for thickness measurements of the macular small-vessel layer, including the choriocapillaris, medium-sized choroidal vessel layer (Sattler's layer) and large choroidal vessel layer (Haller's layer). In multivariate analysis, greater thickness of all three choroidal layers was associated (all P < 0.05) with higher prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (except for geographic atrophy), while it was not significantly (all P > 0.05) associated with the prevalence of open-angle glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy. There was a tendency (0.07 > P > 0.02) toward thinner choroidal layers in chronic angle-closure glaucoma. The ratio of small-vessel layer thickness to total choroidal thickness increased (P < 0.001; multivariate analysis) with older age and longer axial length, while the ratios of Sattler's layer and Haller's layer thickness to total choroidal thickness decreased. A higher ratio of small-vessel layer thickness to total choroidal thickness was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of AMD (early type, intermediate type, late geographic type). Axial elongation-associated and aging-associated choroidal thinning affected Haller's and Sattler's layers more markedly than the small-vessel layer. Non-exudative and exudative AMD, except for geographic atrophy, was associated with slightly increased choroidal thickness.

Low dark current photovoltaic multiquantum well long wavelength infrared detectors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wu, C. S.; Wen, Cheng P.; Sato, R. N.; Hu, M.

1990-01-01

The authors have, for the first time, demonstrated photovoltaic detection for an multiple quantum well (MQW) detector. With a blocking layer, the MQW detector exhibits Schottky I-V characteristics with extremely low dark current and excellent ideality factor. The dark current is 5 times 10(exp -14) A for an 100x100 square micron 10 micron detector at 40 K, 8 to 9 orders of magnitude lower than that of a similar 10 micron MQW detector without blocking layer. The ideality factor is about 1.01 to 1.05 at T = 40 to 80 K. The measured barrier height is consistent with the energy difference between first excited states and ground states, or the peak of spectral response. The authors also, for the first time, report the measured effective Richardson constant (A asterisk asterisk) for the GaAs/AlGaAs heterojunction using this blocking layer structure. The A asterisk asterisk is low approx. 2.3 A/sq cm/K(exp 2).

Mechanisms for fatigue and wear of polysilicon structural thinfilms

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

Alsem, Daniel Henricus

2006-01-01

Fatigue and wear in micron-scale polysilicon structural films can severely impact the reliability of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Despite studies on fatigue and wear behavior of these films, there is still an on-going debate regarding the precise physical mechanisms for these two important failure modes. Although macro-scale silicon does not fatigue, this phenomenon is observed in micron-scale silicon. It is shown that for polysilicon devices fabricated in the MUMPs foundry and SUMMiT process stress-lifetime data exhibits similar trends in ambient air, shorter lifetimes in higher relative humidity environments and no fatigue failure at all in high vacuum. Transmission electron microscopy ofmore » the surface oxides of the samples show an approximate four-fold thickening of the oxide at stress concentrations after fatigue failure, but no thickening after fracture in air or after fatigue cycling in vacuo. It is found that such oxide thickening and fatigue failure (in air) occurs in devices with initial oxide thicknesses of ~4-20 nm. Such results are interpreted and explained by a reaction layer fatigue mechanism; specifically, moisture-assisted subcritical cracking within a cyclic stress-assisted thickened oxide layer occurs until the crack reaches a critical size to cause catastrophic failure. Polysilicon specimens from the SUMMiT process are used to study wear mechanisms in micron-scale silicon in ambient air. Worn parts are examined by analytical scanning and transmission electron microscopy, while temperature changes are monitored using infrared microscopy. These results are compared with the development of values of static coefficients of friction (COF) with number of wear cycles. Observations show amorphous debris particles (~50-100 nm) created by fracture through the silicon grains (~500 nm), which subsequently oxidize, agglomerate into clusters and create plowing tracks. A nano-crystalline layer (~20-200 nm) forms at worn regions. No dislocations or extreme temperature increases are found, ruling out plasticity and temperature-assisted mechanisms. The COF reaches a steady-state value of ~0.20±0.05 after a short time at an initial value of ~0.11±0.01. Plowing tracks are found before the steady-state value of the COF is reached, suggesting only a short adhesive wear regime. This suggests a predominantly abrasive wear mechanism, controlled by fracture, which commences by the first particles created by adhesive wear.« less

Mechanisms for fatigue and wear of polysilicon structural thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alsem, Daniel Henricus

Fatigue and wear in micron-scale polysilicon structural films can severely impact the reliability of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Despite studies on fatigue and wear behavior of these films, there is still an on-going debate regarding the precise physical mechanisms for these two important failure modes. Although macro-scale silicon does not fatigue, this phenomenon is observed in micron-scale silicon. It is shown that for polysilicon devices fabricated in the MUMPs foundry and SUMMiT(TM) process stress-lifetime data exhibits similar trends in ambient air, shorter lifetimes in higher relative humidity environments and no fatigue failure at all in high vacuum. Transmission electron microscopy of the surface oxides of the samples show an approximate four-fold thickening of the oxide at stress concentrations after fatigue failure, but no thickening after fracture in air or after fatigue cycling in vacuo . It is found that such oxide thickening and fatigue failure (in air) occurs in devices with initial oxide thicknesses of ˜4-20 nm. Such results are interpreted and explained by a reaction-layer fatigue mechanism; specifically, moisture-assisted subcritical cracking within a cyclic stress-assisted thickened oxide layer occurs until the crack reaches a critical size to cause catastrophic failure. Polysilicon specimens from the SUMMiT(TM) process are used to study wear mechanisms in micron-scale silicon in ambient air. Worn parts are examined by analytical scanning and transmission electron microscopy, while temperature changes are monitored using infrared microscopy. These results are compared with the development of values of static coefficients of friction (COF) with number of wear cycles. Observations show amorphous debris particles (˜50-100 nm) created by fracture through the silicon grains (˜500 nm), which subsequently oxidize, agglomerate into clusters and create plowing tracks. A nano-crystalline layer (˜20-200 nm) forms at worn regions. No dislocations or extreme temperature increases are found, ruling out plasticity and temperature-assisted mechanisms. The COF reaches a steady-state value of ˜0.20+/-0.05 after a short time at an initial value of ˜0.11+/-0.01. Plowing tracks are found before the steady-state value of the COF is reached, suggesting only a short adhesive wear regime. This suggests a predominantly abrasive wear mechanism, controlled by fracture, which commences by the first particles created by adhesive wear.

Thin film type 248-nm bottom antireflective coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Enomoto, Tomoyuki; Nakayama, Keisuke; Mizusawa, Kenichi; Nakajima, Yasuyuki; Yoon, Sangwoong; Kim, Yong-Hoon; Kim, Young-Ho; Chung, Hoesik; Chon, Sang Mun

2003-06-01

A frequent problem encountered by photoresists during the manufacturing of semiconductor device is that activating radiation is reflected back into the photoresist by the substrate. So, it is necessary that the light reflection is reduced from the substrate. One approach to reduce the light reflection is the use of bottom anti-reflective coating (BARC) applied to the substrate beneath the photoresist layer. The BARC technology has been utilized for a few years to minimize the reflectivity. As the chip size is reduced to sub 0.13-micron, the photoresist thickness has to decrease with the aspect ratio being less than 3.0. Therefore, new Organic BARC is strongly required which has the minimum reflectivity with thinner BARC thickness and higher etch selectivity towards resist. SAMSUNG Electronics has developed the advanced Organic BARC with Nissan Chemical Industries, Ltd. and Brewer Science, Inc. for achieving the above purpose. As a result, the suitable high performance SNAC2002 series KrF Organic BARCs were developed. Using CF4 gas as etchant, the plasma etch rate of SNAC2002 series is about 1.4 times higher than that of conventional KrF resists and 1.25 times higher than the existing product. The SNAC2002 series can minimize the substrate reflectivity at below 40nm BARC thickness, shows excellent litho performance and coating properties.

Study of meteoroid impact craters on various materials (AO 138-1). Attempt at dust debris collection with stacked detectors (AO 138-2)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mandeville, Jean Claude

1991-01-01

Part of the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) tray allocated to French experiments, known as FRECOPA payload, was devoted to the study of dust particles. Two passive experiments were flown: one composed of a set of glass and metallic samples and one composed of multilayer thin foils detectors. In addition to these experiments, a broad variety of materials were exposed to the bombardment of microparticles and provide more data. Thick target experiment comprises selected metallic (Al, Au, Cu, W, Stainless Steel) 250 microns thick and glass surfaces 1.5 mm thick. Crater size distribution from these thick target experiments enable, with the aid of lab calibrations by solid particle accelerators, the evaluation of the incident microparticle flux in the near earth environment. The aim of the multiple foil penetration and collection experiment is primarily to study the feasibility of multilayer thin film detectors acting as energy sorters in order to collect micrometeoroids, if not in their original shape, at least as 'breakup' fragments suitable for chemical analysis. Foil thicknesses range from 0.75 to 5 microns of Al.

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

Lumpkin, A. H.; Macrander, A. T.

Using the 1-BM-C beamline at the Advanced Photon Source (APS), we have performed the initial indirect x - ray imaging point-spread-function (PSF) test of a unique 88-mm diameter YAG:Ce single crystal of only 100 - micron thickness. The crystal was bonded to a fiber optic plat e (FOP) for mechanical support and to allow the option for FO coupling to a large format camera. This configuration resolution was compared to that of self - supported 25-mm diameter crystals, with and without an Al reflective coating. An upstream monochromator was used to select 17-keV x-rays from the broadband APS bending magnetmore » source of synchrotron radiation. The upstream , adjustable Mo collimators were then used to provide a series of x-ray source transverse sizes from 200 microns down to about 15-20 microns (FWHM) at the crystal surface. The emitted scintillator radiation was in this case lens coupled to the ANDOR Neo sCMOS camera, and the indirect x-ray images were processed offline by a MATLAB - based image processing program. Based on single Gaussian peak fits to the x-ray image projected profiles, we observed a 10.5 micron PSF. This sample thus exhibited superior spatial resolution to standard P43 polycrystalline phosphors of the same thickness which would have about a 100-micron PSF. Lastly, this single crystal resolution combined with the 88-mm diameter makes it a candidate to support future x-ray diffraction or wafer topography experiments.« less

Silica-protected micron and sub-micron capsules and particles for self-healing at the microscale.

PubMed

Jackson, Aaron C; Bartelt, Jonathan A; Marczewski, Kamil; Sottos, Nancy R; Braun, Paul V

2011-01-03

A generalized silica coating scheme is used to functionalize and protect sub-micron and micron size dicyclopentadiene monomer-filled capsules and polymer-protected Grubbs' catalyst particles. These capsules and particles are used for self-healing of microscale damage in an epoxy-based polymer. The silica layer both protects the capsules and particles, and limits their aggregation when added to an epoxy matrix, enabling the capsules and particles to be dispersed at high concentrations with little loss of reactivity. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Inference of the boundary layer structure over the oceans from satellite infrared measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prabhakara, C.; Dalu, G.; Lo, R.; Nath, N. R.

1980-01-01

Remote infrared spectral measurements in the 8-13 micron m window region, at a resolution about 3 cm/1, contain useful information about the water vapor and temperature stratification of the atmosphere within the first few kilometers above the water surface. Two pieces of information are retrieved from the spectral measurements: precipitable water vapor in the atmosphere, from the depth of the line structure between 8 and 9 micron m due to water vapor lines; and sea surface temperature, from the variation of brightness temperature between 11 and 13 micron m. Together, these two pieces of information can signify either the presence of a deep moist convective layer or the prevalence of stable conditions, such as caused by temperature inversions, which inhibit moist convection. A simple infrared radiative transfer model of the 9 micron m water vapor lines was developed to validate the method. With the help of this model and the Nimbus 4 infrared interferometer spectrometer data, a gross picture of the planetary boundary layer for different seasons over the global oceans is deduced. The important regions of the trade wind inversion and the intertropical convergence zones over all the oceans are clearly identified with this method. The derived information is in reasonable agreement with some observed climatological patterns over the oceans.

RETINA EXPANSION TECHNIQUE FOR MACULAR HOLE APPOSITION REPORT 2: Efficacy, Closure Rate, and Risks of a Macular Detachment Technique to Close Large Full-Thickness Macular Holes.

PubMed

Wong, Roger; Howard, Catherine; Orobona, Giancarlo Dellʼaversana

2018-04-01

To describe the safety and efficacy of a technique to close large thickness macular holes. A consecutive retrospective interventional case series of 16 patients with macular holes greater than 650 microns in "aperture" diameter were included. The technique involves vitrectomy, followed by internal limiting membrane peeling. The macula is detached using subretinal injection of saline. Fluid-air exchange is performed to promote detachment and stretch of the retina. After this, the standard fluid-air exchange is performed and perfluoropropane gas is injected. Face-down posturing is advised. Adverse effects, preoperative, and postoperative visual acuities were recorded. Optical coherence tomography scans were also taken. The mean hole size was 739 microns (SD: 62 microns; mean base diameter: 1,311 microns). Eighty-three percent (14 of 16) of eyes had successful hole closure after the procedure. At 12-month follow-up, no worsening in visual acuity was reported, and improvement in visual acuity was noted in 14 of 16 eyes. No patients lost vision because of the procedure. It is possible to achieve anatomical closure of large macular holes using RETMA. No patients experienced visual loss. The level of visual improvement is likely limited because of the size and chronicity of these holes.

Microstructure, Chemistry, and Origin of Grain Rims on ilmenite from the Lunar Soil Finest Fraction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Christoffersen, Roy; Keller, Lindsay P.; McKay, David S.

1996-01-01

Analytical transmission electron microscope (TEM) observations reveal that ilmenite grains sampled from the sub-10 micron size fraction of Apollo 11 (10084) and Apollo 16 (61221, 67701) soils have rims 10-300 nm thick that are chemically and microstructurally distinct from the host ilmenite. The rims have a thin outer sublayer 10-50 nm thick that contains the ilmenite-incompatible elements Si, Al, Ca and S. This overlies a relatively thicker (50-250 nm) inner sublayer of nanocrystalline Ti-oxide precipitates in a matrix of single-crystal ilmenite that is structurally continuous with the underlying host grain. Microstructural information, as well as data from x-ray spectrometry (EDS) and electron energy loss spectrometry (EELS) analysis of the inner sublayer, suggest that both the inner and outer sublayer assemblages are reduced and that the inner layer is depleted in Fe relative to the underlying ilmenite. The chemistry of the outer sublayer suggests that it is a surface deposit of sputtered or impact-vaporized components from the bulk lunar soil. The inner sublayer is part of the original host grain that has been physically and chemically processed, but not amorphized, by solar ion irradiation and possibly some subsolidus heating. The fact that the deposited outer sublayer is consistently much thinner than the radiation-altered inner sublayer indicates that only a minor fraction of the total rim volume is a product of vapor or sputter deposition. This finding is in contrast to recent descriptions of thick deposited layers on one-third of regolith silicate grains and indicates that ilmenite and silicate rims as a group are different in the fraction of deposited material that they contain.

Tensile Strength and Microstructural Characterization of Uncoated and Coated HPZ Ceramic Fibers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bansal, Narottam P.; Wheeler, Donald R.; Dickerson, Robert M.

1996-01-01

Tensile strengths of as-received HPZ fiber and those surface coated with BN, BN/SiC, and BN/Si3N4 have been determined at room temperature using a two-parameter Weibull distribution. Nominally approx. 0.4 micron BN and 0.2 micron SiC or Si3N4 coatings were deposited on the fibers by chemical vapor deposition using a continuous reactor. The average tensile strength of uncoated HPZ fiber was 2.0 +/- 0.56 GPa (290 +/- 81 ksi) with a Weibull modulus of 4.1. For the BN coated fibers, the average strength and the Weibull modulus increased to 2.39 +/- 0.44 GPa (346 +/- 64 ksi) and 6.5, respectively. The HPZ/BN/SiC fibers showed an average strength of 2.0 +/- 0.32 GPa (290 +/- 47 ksi) and Weibull modulus of 7.3. Average strength of the fibers having a dual BN/Si3N4 surface coating degraded to 1.15 +/- 0.26 GPa (166 +/- 38 ksi) with a Weibull modulus of 5.3. The chemical composition and thickness of the fiber coatings were determined using scanning Auger analysis. Microstructural analysis of the fibers and the coatings was carried out by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. A microporous silica-rich layer approx. 200 nm thick is present on the as-received HPZ fiber surface. The BN coatings on the fibers are amorphous to partly turbostratic and contaminated with carbon and oxygen. Silicon carbide coating was crystalline whereas the silicon nitride coating was amorphous. The silicon carbide and silicon nitride coatings are non-stoichiometric, non-uniform, and granular. Within a fiber tow, the fibers on the outside had thicker and more granular coatings than those on the inside.

High temperature low friction surface coating

DOEpatents

Bhushan, Bharat

1980-01-01

A high temperature, low friction, flexible coating for metal surfaces which are subject to rubbing contact includes a mixture of three parts graphite and one part cadmium oxide, ball milled in water for four hours, then mixed with thirty percent by weight of sodium silicate in water solution and a few drops of wetting agent. The mixture is sprayed 12-15 microns thick onto an electro-etched metal surface and air dried for thirty minutes, then baked for two hours at 65.degree. C. to remove the water and wetting agent, and baked for an additional eight hours at about 150.degree. C. to produce the optimum bond with the metal surface. The coating is afterwards burnished to a thickness of about 7-10 microns.

Coherent spin transport through a 350 micron thick silicon wafer.

PubMed

Huang, Biqin; Monsma, Douwe J; Appelbaum, Ian

2007-10-26

We use all-electrical methods to inject, transport, and detect spin-polarized electrons vertically through a 350-micron-thick undoped single-crystal silicon wafer. Spin precession measurements in a perpendicular magnetic field at different accelerating electric fields reveal high spin coherence with at least 13pi precession angles. The magnetic-field spacing of precession extrema are used to determine the injector-to-detector electron transit time. These transit time values are associated with output magnetocurrent changes (from in-plane spin-valve measurements), which are proportional to final spin polarization. Fitting the results to a simple exponential spin-decay model yields a conduction electron spin lifetime (T1) lower bound in silicon of over 500 ns at 60 K.

Fracture Probability of MEMS Optical Devices for Space Flight Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fettig, Rainer K.; Kuhn, Jonathan L.; Moseley, S. Harvey; Kutyrev, Alexander S.; Orloff, Jon

1999-01-01

A bending fracture test specimen design is presented for thin elements used in optical devices for space flight applications. The specimen design is insensitive to load position, avoids end effect complications, and can be used to measure strength of membranes less than 2 microns thick. The theoretical equations predicting stress at failure are presented, and a detailed finite element model is developed to validate the equations for this application. An experimental procedure using a focused ion beam machine is outlined, and results from preliminary tests of 1.9 microns thick single crystal silicon are presented. These tests are placed in the context of a methodology for the design and evaluation of mission critical devices comprised of large arrays of cells.

Revealing the semiconductor–catalyst interface in buried platinum black silicon photocathodes

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

Aguiar, Jeffery A.; Anderson, Nicholas C.; Neale, Nathan R.

2016-01-01

Nanoporous 'black' silicon semiconductors interfaced with buried platinum nanoparticle catalysts have exhibited stable activity for photoelectrochemical hydrogen evolution even after months of exposure to ambient conditions. The mechanism behind this stability has not been explained in detail, but is thought to involve a Pt/Si interface free from SiOx layer that would adversely affect interfacial charge transfer kinetics. In this paper, we resolve the chemical composition and structure of buried Pt/Si interfaces in black silicon photocathodes from a micron to sub-nanometer level using aberration corrected analytical scanning transmission electron microscopy. Through a controlled electrodeposition of copper on samples aged for onemore » month in ambient conditions, we demonstrate that the main active catalytic sites are the buried Pt nanoparticles located below the 400-800 nm thick nanoporous SiOx layer. Though hydrogen production performance degrades over 100 h under photoelectrochemical operating conditions, this burying strategy preserves an atomically clean catalyst/Si interface free of oxide or other phases under air exposure and provides an example of a potential method for stabilizing silicon photoelectrodes from oxidative degradation in photoelectrochemical applications.« less

Micromechanical and in situ shear testing of Al–SiC nanolaminate composites in a transmission electron microscope (TEM)

DOE PAGES

Mayer, Carl; Li, Nan; Mara, Nathan Allan; ...

2014-11-07

Nanolaminate composites show promise as high strength and toughness materials. Still, due to the limited volume of these materials, micron scale mechanical testing methods must be used to determine the properties of these films. To this end, a novel approach combining a double notch shear testing geometry and compression with a flat punch in a nanoindenter was developed to determine the mechanical properties of these films under shear loading. To further elucidate the failure mechanisms under shear loading, in situ TEM experiments were performed using a double notch geometry cut into the TEM foil. Aluminum layer thicknesses of 50nm andmore » 100nm were used to show the effect of constraint on the deformation. Higher shear strength was observed in the 50 nm sample (690±54 MPa) compared to the 100 nm sample (423±28.7 MPa). Additionally, failure occurred along the Al-SiC interface in the 50 nm sample as opposed to failure within the Al layer in the 100 nm sample.« less

Recombination phenomena in high efficiency silicon solar cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sah, C. T.

1985-01-01

The dominant recombination phenomena which limit the highest efficiency attainable in silicon solar cells under terrestrial sunlight are reviewed. The ultimate achievable efficiency is limited by the two intrinsic recombination mechanisms, the interband Auger recombination and interband Radiative recombination, both of which occur in the entire cell body but principally in the base layer. It is suggested that an optimum (26%) cell design is one with lowly doped 50 to 100 micron thick base, a perfect BSF, and zero extrinsic recombination such as the thermal mechanism at recombination centers the Shockley-Read-Hall process (SRH) in the bulk, on the surface and at the interfaces. The importance of recombination at the interfaces of a high-efficiency cell is demonstrated by the ohmic contact on the back surface whose interface recombination velocity is infinite. The importance of surface and interface recombination is demonstrated by representing the auger and radiative recombination losses by effective recombination velocities. It is demonstrated that the three highest efficiency cells may all be limited by the SRH recombination losses at recombination centers in the base layer.

Detection of Anomalous Machining Damages in Inconel 718 and TI 6-4 by Eddy Current Techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lo, C. C. H.; Shimon, M.; Nakagawa, N.

2010-02-01

This paper reports on an eddy current (EC) study aimed at detecting anomalous machining damages in Inconel 718 and Ti 6-4 samples, including (i) surface discontinuities such as re-depositing of chips onto the machined surface, and (ii) microstructural damages manifested as a white surface layer and a subsurface layer of distorted grains, typically tens of microns thick. A series of pristine and machine-damaged coupons were studied by EC scans using a differential probe operated at 2 MHz to detect discontinuous surface anomalies, and by swept high frequency EC (SHFEC) measurements from 0.5 MHz to 65.5 MHz using proprietary detection coils to detect surface microstructural damages. In general, the EC c-scan data from machine-damaged surfaces show spatial variations with larger standard deviations than those from the undamaged surfaces. In some cases, the c-scan images exhibit characteristic bipolar indications in good spatial correlation with surface anomalies revealed by optical microscopy and laser profilometry. Results of the SHFEC measurements indicate a reduced near-surface conductivity of the damaged surfaces compared to the undamaged surfaces.

Interface control and mechanical property improvements in silicon carbide/titanium composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brewer, W. D.; Unnam, J.

1982-01-01

Several composite systems made of titanium matrix reinforced with silicon carbide fiber were investigated to obtain a better understanding of composite-degradation mechanisms and to develop techniques to minimize loss of mechanical properties during fabrication and in service. Emphasis was on interface control by fiber or matrix coatings. X-ray diffraction studies on planar samples showed that the formation of titanium silicides was greatly inhibited by the presence of aluminum or Ti3A1 layers at the fiber-matrix interface, with the Ti3A1 being more effective in reducing the reactions. Fiber studies showed that coating the fiber with a 1-micron-thick layer of aluminum improved the as-fabricated strength of a stoichiometric SiC fiber and reduced the fiber degradation during exposure to composite-fabrication conditions. Applying an interfacial barrier by coating the matrix foils instead of the fibers was found to be an effective method for improving composite strength. Reducing the fabrication temperature also resulted in significant improvements in composite strengths. Good-quality, well-consolidated composites were fabricated at temperatures well below those currently used for SiC-Ti composite fabrication.

Investigation of the hydrodynamics and emission of a laser heated tamped high-Z target

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gray, William J.; Foord, Mark E.; Schneider, Marilyn B.; Barrios, Maria A.; Brown, Greg V.; Heeter, Robert F.; Jarrott, L. Charlie; Liedahl, Duane A.; Marley, Ed V.; Mauche, Chris W.; Widmann, Klaus

2018-06-01

We investigate the hydrodynamic expansion and x-ray emission of a laser-heated buried-layer target. This work is motivated by our interest in developing an experimental platform for probing plasma properties under relatively uniform conditions, such as ionization and equation of state. Targets consist of a few thousand angstrom-thick layer of material, embedded in a few microns of the tamper material (typically beryllium), which are irradiated on both sides by an intense few-nanosecond laser pulse. The expansion and emission of our target, composed of a homogeneous mixture of iron, vanadium, and gold, are simulated using the 2-D LASNEX code. Reasonable agreement is found with the time history of the x-ray emission traces (DANTE). Both experiments and simulations exhibit an interesting reduction in the radial size of the emission region with time, as measured using face-on imaging. This is shown to be due to the ablation of the beryllium tamper, which affects the radial confinement of the embedded target. Simulations using a larger diameter beryllium tamper are found to mitigate this effect, improving the one-dimensionality of the expansion.

GaAs/Ge crystals grown on Si substrates patterned down to the micron scale

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

Taboada, A. G., E-mail: gonzalez@phys.ethz.ch; Kreiliger, T.; Falub, C. V.

Monolithic integration of III-V compounds into high density Si integrated circuits is a key technological challenge for the next generation of optoelectronic devices. In this work, we report on the metal organic vapor phase epitaxy growth of strain-free GaAs crystals on Si substrates patterned down to the micron scale. The differences in thermal expansion coefficient and lattice parameter are adapted by a 2-μm-thick intermediate Ge layer grown by low-energy plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The GaAs crystals evolve during growth towards a pyramidal shape, with lateral facets composed of (111) planes and an apex formed by (137) and (001) surfaces.more » The influence of the anisotropic GaAs growth kinetics on the final morphology is highlighted by means of scanning and transmission electron microscopy measurements. The effect of the Si pattern geometry, substrate orientation, and crystal aspect ratio on the GaAs structural properties was investigated by means of high resolution X-ray diffraction. The thermal strain relaxation process of GaAs crystals with different aspect ratio is discussed within the framework of linear elasticity theory by Finite Element Method simulations based on realistic geometries extracted from cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy images.« less

Synergistic plasmonic and photonic crystal light-trapping: architectures for optical up-conversion in thin-film solar cells.

PubMed

Le, Khai Q; John, Sajeev

2014-01-13

We demonstrate, numerically, that with a 60 nanometer layer of optical up-conversion material, embedded with plasmonic core-shell nano-rings and placed below a sub-micron silicon conical-pore photonic crystal it is possible to absorb sunlight well above the Lambertian limit in the 300-1100 nm range. With as little as 500 nm, equivalent bulk thickness of silicon, the maximum achievable photo-current density (MAPD) is about 36 mA/cm2, using above-bandgap sunlight. This MAPD increases to about 38 mA/cm2 for one micron of silicon. Our architecture also provides solar intensity enhancement by a factor of at least 1400 at the sub-bandgap wavelength of 1500 nm, due to plasmonic and photonic crystal resonances, enabling a further boost of photo-current density from up-conversion of sub-bandgap sunlight. With an external solar concentrator, providing 100 suns, light intensities sufficient for significant nonlinear up-conversion can be realized. Two-photon absorption of sub-bandgap sunlight is further enhanced by the large electromagnetic density of states in the photonic crystal at the re-emission wavelength near 750 nm. It is suggested that this synergy of plasmonic and photonic crystal resonances can lead to unprecedented power conversion efficiency in ultra-thin-film silicon solar cells.

Mechanical modeling and characteristic study for the adhesive contact of elastic layered media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yuyan; Wang, Xiaoli; Tu, Qiaoan; Sun, Jianjun; Ma, Chenbo

2017-11-01

This paper investigates the adhesive contact between a smooth rigid sphere and a smooth elastic layered medium with different layer thicknesses, layer-to-substrate elastic modulus ratios and adhesion energy ratios. A numerical model is established by combining elastic responses of the contact system and an equation of equivalent adhesive contact pressure which is derived based on the Hamaker summation method and the Lennard-Jones intermolecular potential law. Simulation results for hard layer cases demonstrate that variation trends of the pull-off force with the layer thickness and elastic modulus ratio are complex. On one hand, when the elastic modulus ratio increases, the pull-off force decreases at smaller layer thicknesses, decreases at first and then increases at middle layer thicknesses, while increases monotonously at larger layer thicknesses. On the other hand, the pull-off force decreases at first and then increases with the increase in the layer thickness. Furthermore, a critical layer thickness above which the introduction of hard layer cannot reduce adhesion and an optimum layer thickness under which the pull-off force reaches a minimum are found. Both the critical and optimum layer thicknesses become larger with an increase in the Tabor parameter, while they tend to decrease with the increase in the elastic modulus ratio. In addition, the pull-off force increases sublinearly with the adhesion energy ratio if the layer thickness and elastic modulus ratio are fixed.

Design and verification of a cloud field optical simulator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, J. M.; Cox, S. K.; Mckee, T. B.

1983-01-01

A concept and an apparatus designed to investigate the reflected and transmitted distributions of light from optically thick clouds is presented. The Cloud Field Optical Simulator (CFOS) is a laboratory device which utilizes an array of incandescent lamps as a source, simulated clouds made from cotton or styrofoam as targets, and an array of silicon photodiodes as detectors. The device allows virtually any source-target-detector geometry to be examined. Similitude between real clouds and their CFOS cotton or styrofoam counterparts is established by relying on a linear relationship between optical depth and the ratio of reflected to transmitted light for a semiinfinite layer. Comparisons of principal plane radiances observed by the CFOS with Monte Carlo computations for a water cloud at 0.7 micron show excellent agreement. Initial applications of the CFOS are discussed.

Fabrication of imaging X-ray optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Catura, R. C.; Joki, E. G.; Brookover, W. J.

The design, fabrication, and performance of optics for X-ray astronomy and laboratory applications are described and illustrated with diagrams, drawings, graphs, photographs, and sample images. Particular attention is given to the Wolter I telescope developed for spectroscopic observation of 8-30-A cosmic X-ray sources from a rocketborne X-ray Objective Grating Spectrometer; this instrument employs three nested paraboloid-hyperboloid mirrors of 5083 Al alloy, figured by diamond turning and covered with a thin coating of acrylic lacquer prior to deposition of a 40-nm-thick layer of Sn. In calibration tests at NASA Marshall, the FWHM of the line-spread function at 1.33 nm was found to be 240 microns, corresponding to 21 arcsec. Also presented are the results of reflectivity measurements on C and W multilayers sputtered on Si and fusion glass substrates.

Blocked impurity band hybrid infrared focal plane arrays for astronomy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reynolds, D. B.; Seib, D. H.; Stetson, S. B.; Herter, T.; Rowlands, N.

1989-01-01

High-performance infrared hybrid focal plane arrays using 10- x 50-element Si:As blocked-impurity-band (BIB) detectors (cutoff wavelength = 28 microns) and matching switched MOSFET multiplexers have been developed and characterized for space astronomy. Use of impurity-band-conduction technology provides detectors which are nuclear-radiation-hard and free of the many anomalies associated with conventional silicon photoconductive detectors. Emphasis in the present work is on recent advances in detector material quality which have led to significantly improved detector and hybrid characteristics. Results demonstrating increased quantum efficiency (particularly at short-wavelength infrared), obtained by varying the BIB detector properties (infrared active layer thickness and arsenic doping profile), are summarized. Measured read noise and dark current for different temperatures are reported. The hybrid array performance achieved demonstrates that BIB detectors are well suited for use in astronomical instrumentation.

MEMS Incandescent Light Source

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tuma, Margaret; King, Kevin; Kim, Lynn; Hansler, Richard; Jones, Eric; George, Thomas

2001-01-01

A MEMS-based, low-power, incandescent light source is being developed. This light source is fabricated using three bonded chips. The bottom chip consists of a reflector on Silicon, the middle chip contains a Tungsten filament bonded to silicon and the top layer is a transparent window. A 25-micrometer-thick spiral filament is fabricated in Tungsten using lithography and wet-etching. A proof-of-concept device has been fabricated and tested in a vacuum chamber. Results indicate that the filament is electrically heated to approximately 2650 K. The power required to drive the proof-of-concept spiral filament to incandescence is 1.25 W. The emitted optical power is expected to be approximately 1.0 W with the spectral peak at 1.1 microns. The micromachining techniques used to fabricate this light source can be applied to other MEMS devices.

Search for unbound nuclides and beam/fragment optics with the MoNA/LISA segmented target at NSCL

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gueye, Paul; Frank, Nathan; Thoennessen, Michael; Redpath, Thomas; MoNA Collaboration

2017-09-01

A multi-layered Si/Be segmented target consisting of three 700 mg/cm2 thick Be9 slabs and four 140 microns Si detectors was used by the MoNA Collaboration at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory of Michigan State University to study the O26 lifetime. This target provides unprecedented information on the incident beams and fragments (energy loss and position), thus allowing for better determination of the incident and outgoing energies and momenta of the detected particles compare to previous experiments conducted at this facility. With the availability of a newly developed Geant4 Monte Carlo simulation of the full N2 vault, we will present and discuss the performances of this target. Search for unbound nuclides and beam/fragment optics with the MoNA/LISA segmented target at NSCL.

Lightwave Circuits in Lithium Niobate through Hybrid Waveguides with Silicon Photonics

PubMed Central

Weigel, Peter O.; Savanier, Marc; DeRose, Christopher T.; Pomerene, Andrew T.; Starbuck, Andrew L.; Lentine, Anthony L.; Stenger, Vincent; Mookherjea, Shayan

2016-01-01

We demonstrate a photonic waveguide technology based on a two-material core, in which light is controllably and repeatedly transferred back and forth between sub-micron thickness crystalline layers of Si and LN bonded to one another, where the former is patterned and the latter is not. In this way, the foundry-based wafer-scale fabrication technology for silicon photonics can be leveraged to form lithium-niobate based integrated optical devices. Using two different guided modes and an adiabatic mode transition between them, we demonstrate a set of building blocks such as waveguides, bends, and couplers which can be used to route light underneath an unpatterned slab of LN, as well as outside the LN-bonded region, thus enabling complex and compact lightwave circuits in LN alongside Si photonics with fabrication ease and low cost. PMID:26927022

Lightwave Circuits in Lithium Niobate through Hybrid Waveguides with Silicon Photonics.

PubMed

Weigel, Peter O; Savanier, Marc; DeRose, Christopher T; Pomerene, Andrew T; Starbuck, Andrew L; Lentine, Anthony L; Stenger, Vincent; Mookherjea, Shayan

2016-03-01

We demonstrate a photonic waveguide technology based on a two-material core, in which light is controllably and repeatedly transferred back and forth between sub-micron thickness crystalline layers of Si and LN bonded to one another, where the former is patterned and the latter is not. In this way, the foundry-based wafer-scale fabrication technology for silicon photonics can be leveraged to form lithium-niobate based integrated optical devices. Using two different guided modes and an adiabatic mode transition between them, we demonstrate a set of building blocks such as waveguides, bends, and couplers which can be used to route light underneath an unpatterned slab of LN, as well as outside the LN-bonded region, thus enabling complex and compact lightwave circuits in LN alongside Si photonics with fabrication ease and low cost.

A Flexible Alignment Fixture for the Fabrication of Replication Mandrels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cuttino, James F.; Todd, Michael W.

1996-01-01

NASA uses precision diamond turning technology to fabricate replication mandrels for its X-ray Calibration Facility (XRCF) optics. The XRCF optics are tubular, and the internal surface contains a parabolic profile over the first section and a hyperbolic profile over the last. The optic is fabricated by depositing layers of gold and nickel on to the replication mandrel and then separating it from the mandrel. Since the mandrel serves as a replication form, it must contain the inverse image of the surface. The difficulty in aligning the mandrel comes from the fabrication steps which it undergoes. The mandrel is rough machined and heat treated prior to diamond turning. After diamond turning, silicon rubber separators which are undercut in radius by 3 mm (0.12 in.) are inserted between the two end caps of the mandrel to allow the plating to wrap around the ends (to prevent flaking). The mandrel is then plated with a nickel-phosphor alloy using an electroless nickel process. At this point, the separators are removed and the mandrel is reassembled for the final cut on the DTM. The mandrel is measured for profile and finish, and polished to achieve an acceptable surface finish. Wrapping the plating around the edges helps to prevent flaking, but it also destroys the alignment surfaces between the parts of the mandrel that insure that the axes of the parts are coincident. Several mandrels have been realigned by trial-and-error methods, consuming significant amounts of setup time. When the mandrel studied in this paper was reassembled, multiple efforts resulted in a minimum radial error motion of 100 microns. Since 50 microns of nickel plating was to be removed, and a minimum plating thickness of 25 microns was to remain on the part, the radial error motion had to be reduced to less than 25 microns. The mandrel was therefore not usable in its current state.

Variations in the 3 micron spectrum across the Orion Bar: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and related molecules

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sloan, G. C.; Bregman, J. D.; Geballe, T. R.; Allamandola, L. J.; Woodward, C. E.

1997-01-01

Long-slit spectra across the Orion Bar reveal significant differences in the spatial behavior of the components of the 3 microns polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) spectrum. The strong PAH band at 3.29 microns generally decreases exponentially with distance from the ionization front into the molecular cloud (scale height approximately 12"), although excesses appear approximately 10" and 20" behind the ionization front, close to layers of H2 and CO emission, respectively. The 3.40 microns PAH feature separates into two components with very different spatial distributions. The main component (at 3.395 microns), along with the 3.51 microns band and the PAH plateau (3.3-3.6 microns), shows excess emission approximately 10" and approximately 20" behind the ionization front, stronger than the excesses in the 3.29 microns band. The extra component of the 3.40 microns band, which peaks at approximately 3.405 microns, has a spatial distribution very similar to the H2 emission. Aromatic C-H stretches in PAHs most likely produce the 3.29 microns feature. Aliphatic C-H stretches in either attached methyl side-groups or superhydrogenated PAHs, or perhaps both, could produce the complicated spectral and spatial structure at 3.40 microns.

Imaging antenna array at 119 microns. [for plasma diagnostics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neikirk, N. P.; Tong, P. P.; Putledge, D. B.; Park, H.; Young, P. E.

1982-01-01

A focal-plane imaging antenna array has been demonstrated at 119 microns. The array is a line of evaporated silver bow-tie antennas with bismuth microbolometer detectors on a silicon substrate. Radiation is coupled into the array by a lens placed on the back of the substrate. The bolometers are thermally isolated from the silicon substrate with a half-micron layer of polyimide. The array performance is demonstrated by coherent imaging of a series of holes at half the diffraction-limited cut-off frequency.

Cerebellar foliation in rats. 2. Effects of maternal malnutrition on the formation of fissures in foetal rats.

PubMed

Conradi, N G; Müntzing, K

1985-11-01

The effects of maternal malnutrition on the formation of cerebellar fissures was studied in foetal rats. The rats were given a diet containing either 14 (normal) or 7 (protein-deprived) per cent protein by weight from two weeks before conception and throughout gestation. The first day with a sperm-positive vaginal smear was designated as Embryonic day 1 (E 1). Foetuses were examined on days E 19 to 22. In seventy-five foetuses, a sagittal slice of the cerebellum, 3-4 mm thick was embedded in Sorvall embedding medium. Sagittal sections, 2 micron thick were cut at levels 100 micron apart through the specimen. Sixty-three foetuses were examined for presence of cerebellar fissures only after filling their vascular system with ink-gelatin and cutting serial sagittal frozen sections, 100 micron thick. A morphological comparison of the foliation in normal and malnourished foetuses suggested a slight delay in the malnourished ones, albeit the earliest fissures were visible on the same day as in normal foetuses. The existence of a developmental alteration due to malnutrition was demonstrated by a decrease in the length of the pial surface and a surface folding index day on E 22. The alteration is discussed in relation to previously reported changes in cerebellar development during malnutrition, such as delayed Purkinje cell formation and alterations in proliferation/differentiation in the EGL.

Ultra-high aspect ratio titania nanoflakes for dye-sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Yang-Yao; El-Shall, Hassan

2017-12-01

Micron sized titania flakes with thickness about 40 nm were used in the titania pastes to assemble dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Using the same deposition method, better particle dispersion of titania flakes resulted in well bonded and integral films comparing to cracking of Degussa P25 nanoparticle films during the evaporation and sintering processes. There are two features of titania flakes which leads to improved conversion efficiency of DSSC: (1) Higher and stronger adsorption of N-719 dyes due to high specific surface area (2) Stronger light scattering of visible light spectrum because of micron scale wide in two dimensions of the flakes. The thickness of the conducting TiO2 was critical to the IV characteristics of DSSC such as the short-circuit current density (Isc) and open-circuit voltage (Voc). Under the same thickness basis, calcined titania flakes provided 5 times higher efficiency than the photoelectrodes consisted of Degussa P25 nanoparticles (7.4% vs. 1.2%).

Ferroelectric domain inversion and its stability in lithium niobate thin film on insulator with different thicknesses

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

Shao, Guang-hao; Bai, Yu-hang; Cui, Guo-xin

2016-07-15

Ferroelectric domain inversion and its effect on the stability of lithium niobate thin films on insulator (LNOI) are experimentally characterized. Two sets of specimens with different thicknesses varying from submicron to microns are selected. For micron thick samples (∼28 μm), domain structures are achieved by pulsed electric field poling with electrodes patterned via photolithography. No domain structure deterioration has been observed for a month as inspected using polarizing optical microscopy and etching. As for submicron (540 nm) films, large-area domain inversion is realized by scanning a biased conductive tip in a piezoelectric force microscope. A graphic processing method is takenmore » to evaluate the domain retention. A domain life time of 25.0 h is obtained and possible mechanisms are discussed. Our study gives a direct reference for domain structure-related applications of LNOI, including guiding wave nonlinear frequency conversion, nonlinear wavefront tailoring, electro-optic modulation, and piezoelectric devices.« less

Acoustic Behavior of Subfloor Lightweight Mortars Containing Micronized Poly (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) (EVA).

PubMed

Brancher, Luiza R; Nunes, Maria Fernanda de O; Grisa, Ana Maria C; Pagnussat, Daniel T; Zeni, Mára

2016-01-15

This paper aims to contribute to acoustical comfort in buildings by presenting a study about the polymer waste micronized poly (ethylene vinyl acetate) (EVA) to be used in mortars for impact sound insulation in subfloor systems. The evaluation method included physical, mechanical and morphological properties of the mortar developed with three distinct thicknesses designs (3, 5, and 7 cm) with replacement percentage of the natural aggregate by 10%, 25%, and 50% EVA. Microscopy analysis showed the surface deposition of cement on EVA, with preservation of polymer porosity. The compressive creep test estimated long-term deformation, where the 10% EVA sample with a 7 cm thick mortar showed the lowest percentage deformation of its height. The impact noise test was performed with 50% EVA samples, reaching an impact sound insulation of 23 dB when the uncovered slab was compared with the 7 cm thick subfloor mortar. Polymer waste addition decreased the mortar compressive strength, and EVA displayed characteristics of an influential material to intensify other features of the composite.

ARC-1990-AC91-2010

NASA Image and Video Library

1990-12-08

Range : 50,000 miles This multispectral map of Australia, and surrounding seas was obtained by the Galileo spacecraft's Near Infrared Mapping Spectrometer shortly after closest approach. The image shows various ocean, land and atmospheric cloud features as they appear in three of the 408 infrared colors or wavelengths sensed by the instrument. The wavelength of 0.873 micron, represented as blue in the photo, shows regions of enhanced liquid water absorption, i.e. the Pacific and Indian oceans. The 0.984-micron band, represented as red, shows areas of enhanced ground reflection as on the Australian continent. This wavelength is also s ensitive to the reflectivity of relatively thick clouds. The 0.939-micron wavelength, shown as green, is a strong water-vapor-absorbing band, and is used to accentuate clouds lying above the strongly absorbing lower atmosphere. When mixed with the red indicator of cloud reflection, the green produces a yellowish hue; this indicates thick clouds. The distinctive purplish color off the northeast coast marks the unusually shallow waters of the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea. Here the blue denoting water absorption combines with the red denoting reflection from coral and surface marine organisms to produce thiss unusual color. The Near Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (NIMS) on the Galileo spacecraft is a combines mapping (imaging) and spectral instrument. It can sense 408 contiguous wavelengths from 0.7 micron (deep red) to 5.2 microns, and can construct a map or image by mechanical scanning. It can spectroscopically analyze atmospheres and surfaces and construct thermal and chemical maps.

Charge Loss and Charge Sharing Measurements for Two Different Pixelated Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride Detectors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gaskin, Jessica; Sharma, Dharma; Ramsey, Brian; Seller, Paul

2003-01-01

As part of ongoing research at Marshall Space Flight Center, Cadmium-Zinc- Telluride (CdZnTe) pixilated detectors are being developed for use at the focal plane of the High Energy Replicated Optics (HERO) telescope. HERO requires a 64x64 pixel array with a spatial resolution of around 200 microns (with a 6m focal length) and high energy resolution (< 2% at 60keV). We are currently testing smaller arrays as a necessary first step towards this goal. In this presentation, we compare charge sharing and charge loss measurements between two devices that differ both electronically and geometrically. The first device consists of a 1-mm-thick piece of CdZnTe that is sputtered with a 4x4 array of pixels with pixel pitch of 750 microns (inter-pixel gap is 100 microns). The signal is read out using discrete ultra-low-noise preamplifiers, one for each of the 16 pixels. The second detector consists of a 2-mm-thick piece of CdZnTe that is sputtered with a 16x16 array of pixels with a pixel pitch of 300 microns (inter-pixel gap is 50 microns). Instead of using discrete preamplifiers, the crystal is bonded to an ASIC that provides all of the front-end electronics to each of the 256 pixels. what degree the bias voltage (i.e. the electric field) and hence the drift and diffusion coefficients affect our measurements. Further, we compare the measured results with simulated results and discuss to

Elemental analyses of hypervelocity microparticle impact sites on Interplanetary Dust Experiment sensor surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simon, Charles G.; Hunter, J. L.; Griffis, D. P.; Misra, V.; Ricks, D. A.; Wortman, Jim J.; Brownlee, D. E.

1993-01-01

The Interplanetary Dust Experiment (IDE) had over 450 electrically active ultra-high purity metal-oxide-silicon impact detectors located on the six primary sides of the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF). Hypervelocity microparticles (approximately 0.2 to approximately 100 micron diameter) that struck the active sensors with enough energy to break down the 0.4 or 1.0 micron thick SIO2 insulator layer separating the silicon base (the negative electrode), and the 1000 A thick surface layer of aluminum (the positive electrode) caused electrical discharges that were recorded for the first year of orbit. The high purity Al-SiO2-Si substrates allowed detection of trace (ppm) amounts of hypervelocity impactor residues. After sputtering through a layer of surface contamination, secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) was used to create two-dimensional elemental ion intensity maps of microparticle impact sites on the IDE sensors. The element intensities in the central craters of the impacts were corrected for relative ion yields and instrumental conditions and then normalized to silicon. The results were used to classify the particles' origins as 'manmade,' 'natural,' or 'indeterminate.' The last classification resulted from the presence of too little impactor residue, analytical interference from high background contamination, the lack of information on silicon and aluminum residues, or a combination of these circumstances. Several analytical 'blank' discharges were induced on flight sensors by pressing down on the sensor surface with a pure silicon shard. Analyses of these blank discharges showed that the discharge energy blasts away the layer of surface contamination. Only Si and Al were detected inside the discharge zones, including the central craters of these features. Thus far a total of 79 randomly selected microparticle impact sites from the six primary sides of the LDEF have been analyzed: 36 from tray C-9 (Leading (ram), or East, side), 18 from tray C-3 (Trailing (wake), or West, side), 12 from tray B-12 (North side), 4 from tray D-6 (South side), 3 from tray H-11 (Space end), and 6 from tray G-10 (Earth end). Residue from manmade debris was identified in craters on all trays. (Aluminum oxide particle residues were not detectable on the Al/Si substrates.) These results were consistent with the IDE impact record which showed highly variable long term microparticle impact flux rates on the West, Space and Earth sides of the LDEF which could not be ascribed to astronomical variability of micrometeorite density. The IDE record also showed episodic bursts of microparticle impacts on the East, North, and South sides of the satellite, denoting passage through orbital debris clouds or rings.

Elemental Analyses of Hypervelocity Microparticle Impact Sites on Interplanetary Dust Experiment Sensor Surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simon, C. G.; Hunter, J. L.; Griffis, D. P.; Misra, V.; Ricks, D. A.; Wortman, J. J.; Brownlee, D. E.

1992-01-01

The Interplanetary Dust Experiment (IDE) had over 450 electrically active ultra-high purity metal-oxide-silicon impact detectors located on the six primary sides of the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF). Hypervelocity microparticles (approximately 0.2 to approximately 100 micron diameter) that struck the active sensors with enough energy to breakdown the 0.4 or 1.0 micron thick SiO2 insulator layer separating the silicon base (the negative electrode), and the 1000 A thick surface layer of aluminum (the positive electrode) caused electrical discharges that were recorded for the first year of orbit. The high purity Al-SiO2-Si substrates allowed detection of trace (ppm) amounts of hypervelocity impactor residues. After sputtering through a layer of surface contamination, secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) was used to create two-dimensional elemental ion intensity maps of microparticle sites on the IDE sensors. The element intensities in the central craters of the impacts were corrected for relative ion yields and instrumental conditions and then normalized to silicon. The results classification resulted from the particles' origins as 'manmade', 'natural', or 'indeterminate'. The last classification resulted from the presence of too little impactor residue, analytical interference from high background contamination, the lack of information on silicon and aluminum residues, or a combination of these circumstances. Several analytical 'blank' discharges were induced on flight sensors by pressing down on the sensor surface with a pure silicon shard. Analyses of these blank discharges showed that the discharge energy blasts away the layer of surface contamination. Only Si and Al were detected inside the discharge zones, including the central craters, of these features. Thus far, a total of 79 randomly selected microparticle impact sites from the six primary sides of the LDEF were analyzed: 36 from tray C-9 (Leading (ram), or east, side), 18 from tray C-3 (Trailing (wake), or west, side), 12 from tray B-12 (north side), 4 from tray D-6 (south side), 3 from tray H-11 (space end), and 6 from tray G-10 (earth end). Residue from manmade debris was identified in craters on all trays (aluminum oxide particle residues were not detectable on the Al/Si substrates). These results were consistent with the IDE impact record which showed highly variable long term microparticle impact flux rates on the west, space, and Earth sides of the LDEF which could not be ascribed to astronomical variability of micrometeorite density. The IDE record also showed episodic bursts of microparticle impacts on the east, north, and south sides of the satellite, denoting passage through orbital debris clouds or rings.

Generation of monoenergetic ion beams via ionization dynamics (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Chen; Kim, I. Jong; Yu, Jinqing; Choi, Il Woo; Ma, Wenjun; Yan, Xueqing; Nam, Chang Hee

2017-05-01

The research on ion acceleration driven by high intensity laser pulse has attracted significant interests in recent decades due to the developments of laser technology. The intensive study of energetic ion bunches is particularly stimulated by wide applications in nuclear fusion, medical treatment, warm dense matter production and high energy density physics. However, to implement such compact accelerators, challenges are still existing in terms of beam quality and stability, especially in applications that require higher energy and narrow bandwidth spectra ion beams. We report on the acceleration of quasi-mono-energetic ion beams via ionization dynamics in the interaction of an intense laser pulse with a solid target. Using ionization dynamics model in 2D particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations, we found that high charge state contamination ions can only be ionized in the central spot area where the intensity of sheath field surpasses their ionization threshold. These ions automatically form a microstructure target with a width of few micron scale, which is conducive to generate mono-energetic beams. In the experiment of ultraintense (< 10^21 W/cm^2) laser pulses irradiating ultrathin targets each attracted with a contamination layer of nm-thickness, high quality < 100 MeV mono-energetic ion bunches are generated. The peak energy of the self-generated micro-structured target ions with respect to different contamination layer thickness is also examined This is relatively newfound respect, which is confirmed by the consistence between experiment data and the simulation results.

Trans-Pacific Transport of Saharan Dust to Western North America: A Case Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kendry, Ian G. M.; Strawbridge, Kevin B.; O'Neill, Norman; Macdonald, Anne Marie; Liu, Peter S. K.; Leaitch, W. Richard; Anlauf, Kurt G.; Jaegle, Lyatt; Fairlie, T. Duncan; Westphal, Douglas L.

2007-01-01

The first documented case of long range transport of Saharan dust over a pathway spanning Asia and the Pacific to Western North America is described. Crustal material generated by North African dust storms during the period 28 February - 3 March 2005 reached western Canada on 13-14 March 2005 and was observed by lidar and sunphotometer in the Vancouver region and by high altitude aerosol instrumentation at Whistler Peak. Global chemical models (GEOS-CHEM and NRL NAAPS) confirm the transport pathway and suggest source attribution was simplified in this case by the distinct, and somewhat unusual, lack of dust activity over Eurasia (Gobi and Takla Makan deserts) at this time. Over western North America, the dust layer, although subsiding close to the boundary layer, did not appear to contribute to boundary layer particulate matter concentrations. Furthermore, sunphotometer observations (and associated inversion products) suggest that the dust layer had only subtle optical impact (Aerosol Optical Thickness (Tau(sub a500)) and Angstrom exponent (Alpha(sub 440-870) were 0.1 and 1.2 respectively) and was dominated by fine particulate matter (modes in aerodynamic diameter at 0.3 and 2.5microns). High Altitude observations at Whistler BC, confirm the crustal origin of the layer (rich in Ca(++) ions) and the bi-modal size distribution. Although a weak event compared to the Asian Trans-Pacific dust events of 1998 and 2001, this novel case highlights the possibility that Saharan sources may contribute episodically to the aerosol burden in western North America.

Results of analyses performed on soil adjacent to penetrators emplaced into sediments at McCook, Nebraska, January 1976. [simulated penetration into wind-deposited sediments on Martian plains

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blanchard, M.; Bunch, T.; Davis, A.; Kyte, F.; Shade, H.; Erlichman, J.; Polkowski, G.

1977-01-01

During 1976 several penetrators (full and 0.58 scale) were dropped into a test site McCook, Nebraska. The McCook site was selected because it simulated penetration into wind-deposited sediments (silts and sands) on Martian plains. The physical and chemical modifications found in the sediment after the penetrators' impact are described. Laboratory analyses have shown mineralogical and elemental changes are produced in the sediment next to the penetrator. Optical microscopy studies of material next to the skin of the penetrator revealed a layer of glassy material about 75 microns thick. Elemental analysis of a 0-1-mm layer of sediment next to the penetrator revealed increased concentrations for Cr, Fe, Ni, Mo, and reduced concentrations for Mg, Al Si, P, K, and Ca. The Cr, Fe, Ni, and Mo were in fragments abraded from the penetrator. Mineralogical changes occurring in the sediment next to the penetrator included the introduction of micron-size grains of alpha iron and several hydrated iron oxide minerals. The newly formed silicate minerals include metastable phases of silica (cristobalite, lechatelierite, and opal). The glassy material was mostly opal which formed when the host minerals (mica, calcite, and clay) decomposed. In summary, contaminants introduced by the penetrator occur up to 2 mm away from the penetrator's skin. Although volatile elements do migrate and new minerals are formed during the destruction of host minerals in the sediment, no changes were observed beyond the 2-mm distance. The analyses indicate 0.58-scale penetrators do effectively simulate full-scale testing for soil modification effects.

Solar Cells for Lunar Application

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Freundlich, Alex; Ignatiev, Alex

1997-01-01

In this work a preliminary study of the vacuum evaporation of silicon extracted from the lunar regolith has been undertaken. An electron gun vacuum evaporation system has been adapted for this purpose. Following the calibration of the system using ultra high purity silicon deposited on Al coated glass substrates, thin films of lunar Si were evaporated on a variety of crystalline substrates as well as on glass and lightweight 1 mil (25 microns) Al foil. Extremely smooth and featureless films with essentially semiconducting properties were obtained. Optical absorption analysis sets the bandgap (about 1.1 eV) and the refractive index (n=3.5) of the deposited thin films close to that of crystalline silicon. Secondary ion mass spectroscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis indicated that these films are essentially comparable to high purity silicon and that the evaporation process resulted in a substantial reduction of impurity levels. All layers exhibited a p-type conductivity suggesting the presence of a p-type dopant in the fabricated layers. While the purity of the 'lunar waste material' is below that of the 'microelectronic-grade silicon', the vacuum evaporated material properties seems to be adequate for the fabrication of average performance Si-based devices such as thin film solar cells. Taking into account solar cell thickness requirements (greater than 10 microns) and the small quantities of lunar material available for this study, solar cell fabrication was not possible. However, the high quality of the optical and electronic properties of evaporated thin films was found to be similar to those obtained using ultra-high purity silicon suggest that thin film solar cell production on the lunar surface with in situ resource utilization may be a viable approach for electric power generation on the moon.

Mechanical properties of coated titanium Beta-21S after exposure to air at 700 and 800 C

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wiedemann, Karl E.; Bird, R. Keith; Wallace, Terryl A.; Clark, Ronald K.

1992-01-01

Mechanical properties of Beta-21S (Ti-15Mo-3Al-2.7Nb-0.2Si, wt percent) with glass, aluminide, and glass-on-aluminide coatings less than 3-micron thick were studied. Coatings were deposited by sol-gel processing or electron-beam evaporation onto 4.5-mil (113-micron) thick Beta-21S sheet from which, after oxidizing in air at 700 or 800 C, tensile test specimens were machined. Plastic elongation was the most severely degraded of the tensile properties; the glass-on-aluminide coatings were the most effective in preventing degradation. It was found that oxygen trapping by forming oxides in the coating, and reactions between the coatings and the Beta-21S alloy played significant roles.

Improved performance characteristics of a high temperature superconductor bolometer using photo-thermoelectrical feedback

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaila, M. M.; Russell, G. J.

2000-12-01

We have designed a liquid nitrogen cooled detector where a thermoelectric feedback is combined with electrothermal feedback to produce an improvement of three orders of magnitude in the response time of the detector. We have achieved this by considering a parallel resistance combination of thermoelectric and High Temperature Superconductor (HTSC) material legs of an approximate geometry 1mm /spl times/ 2 mm /spl times/ 1micron operated at 80K. One end of this thermocouple acts as the sensitive area where the radiation is absorbed. The other end remains unexposed and stays basically at substrate temperature. It is found that micron thick films in our bolometer produce characteristics very close to those found for nanometer thick films required in semiconductor detectors and Low Temperature Superconductor (LTSC) bolometers.

Process for making dense thin films

DOEpatents

Jacobson, Craig P.; Visco, Steven J.; DeJonghe, Lutgard C.

2005-07-26

Provided are low-cost, mechanically strong, highly electronically conductive porous substrates and associated structures for solid-state electrochemical devices, techniques for forming these structures, and devices incorporating the structures. The invention provides solid state electrochemical device substrates of novel composition and techniques for forming thin electrode/membrane/electrolyte coatings on the novel or more conventional substrates. In particular, in one embodiment the invention provides techniques for firing of device substrate to form densified electrolyte/membrane films 5 to 20 microns thick. In another embodiment, densified electrolyte/membrane films 5 to 20 microns thick may be formed on a pre-sintered substrate by a constrained sintering process. In some cases, the substrate may be a porous metal, alloy, or non-nickel cermet incorporating one or more of the transition metals Cr, Fe, Cu and Ag, or alloys thereof.

Magneto-transport Characterization of Thin Film In-plane and Cross-plane Conductivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Yang; Grayson, Matthew

Thin films with highly anisotropic in-plane and cross-plane conductivities are widely used in devices, such as infrared emitters and detectors, and the proper magneto-transport characterization in both directions can reveal information about the doping density, impurities, carrier life times and band structure. This work introduces a novel method for deducing the complete anisotropic electrical conductivity tensor of such an anisotropic resistive layer atop a highly conducting bottom contact, which is a standard part of the device structure. Three strip-line contacts separated by a length scale comparable to the film thickness are applied atop the resistive thin film layer of interest, with the highly conducting back-plane as a back-contact. The potential distribution in the device is modeled, using both scaling and conformal transformation to minimize the calculated volume. As a proof of concept, triple strip-line devices for GaAs and GaAs/AlGaAs superlattice thin films are fabricated. To achieve narrow strip-line contacts with sub-micron scale widths, non-annealed Ni/Au contacts form ohmic contacts to a patterned n+-GaAs cap layer atop the anisotropic thin films. Preliminary experimental data will be presented as a validation of this method. Acknowledgment: Funded by AFOSR FA9550-15-1-0377 and AFOSR FA9550-15-1-0247.

Impacts of age and sex on retinal layer thicknesses measured by spectral domain optical coherence tomography with Spectralis.

PubMed

Nieves-Moreno, María; Martínez-de-la-Casa, José M; Morales-Fernández, Laura; Sánchez-Jean, Rubén; Sáenz-Francés, Federico; García-Feijoó, Julián

2018-01-01

To examine differences in individual retinal layer thicknesses measured by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) (Spectralis®) produced with age and according to sex. Cross-sectional, observational study. The study was conducted in 297 eyes of 297 healthy subjects aged 18 to 87 years. In one randomly selected eye of each participant the volume and mean thicknesses of the different macular layers were measured by SD-OCT using the instrument's macular segmentation software. Volume and mean thickness of macular retinal nerve fiber layer (mRNFL), ganglion cell layer (GCL), inner plexiform layer (IPL), inner nuclear layer (INL), outer plexiform layer (OPL), outer nuclear layer (ONL), retinal pigmentary epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptor layer (PR). Retinal thickness was reduced by 0.24 μm for every one year of age. Age adjusted linear regression analysis revealed mean GCL, IPL, ONL and PR thickness reductions and a mean OPL thickness increase with age. Women had significantly lower mean GCL, IPL, INL, ONL and PR thicknesses and volumes and a significantly greater mRNFL volume than men. The thickness of most retinal layers varies both with age and according to sex. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine the rate of layer thinning produced with age.

Non-destructive prediction of enteric coating layer thickness and drug dissolution rate by near-infrared spectroscopy and X-ray computed tomography.

PubMed

Ariyasu, Aoi; Hattori, Yusuke; Otsuka, Makoto

2017-06-15

The coating layer thickness of enteric-coated tablets is a key factor that determines the drug dissolution rate from the tablet. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) enables non-destructive and quick measurement of the coating layer thickness, and thus allows the investigation of the relation between enteric coating layer thickness and drug dissolution rate. Two marketed products of aspirin enteric-coated tablets were used in this study, and the correlation between the predicted coating layer thickness and the obtained drug dissolution rate was investigated. Our results showed correlation for one product; the drug dissolution rate decreased with the increase in enteric coating layer thickness, whereas, there was no correlation for the other product. Additional examination of the distribution of coating layer thickness by X-ray computed tomography (CT) showed homogenous distribution of coating layer thickness for the former product, whereas the latter product exhibited heterogeneous distribution within the tablet, as well as inconsistent trend in the thickness distribution between the tablets. It was suggested that this heterogeneity and inconsistent trend in layer thickness distribution contributed to the absence of correlation between the layer thickness of the face and side regions of the tablets, which resulted in the loss of correlation between the coating layer thickness and drug dissolution rate. Therefore, the predictability of drug dissolution rate from enteric-coated tablets depended on the homogeneity of the coating layer thickness. In addition, the importance of micro analysis, X-ray CT in this study, was suggested even if the macro analysis, NIRS in this study, are finally applied for the measurement. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characterization of ZrO2 buffer layers for sequentially evaporated Y-Ba-CuO on Si and Al2O3 substrates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Valco, George J.; Rohrer, Norman J.; Pouch, John J.; Warner, Joseph D.; Bhasin, Kul B.

1988-01-01

Thin film high temperature superconductors have the potential to change the microwave technology for space communications systems. For such applications it is desirable that the films be formed on substrates such as Al2O3 which have good microwave properties. The use of ZrO2 buffer layers between Y-Ba-Cu-O and the substrate has been investigated. These superconducting films have been formed by multilayer sequential electron beam evaporation of Cu, BaF2 and Y with subsequent annealing. The three layer sequence of Y/BaF2/Cu is repeated four times for a total of twelve layers. Such a multilayer film, approximately 1 micron thick, deposited directly on SrTiO3 and annealed at 900 C for 45 min produces a film with a superconducting onset of 93 K and critical temperature of 85 K. Auger electron spectroscopy in conjunction with argon ion sputtering was used to obtain the distribution of each element as a function of depth for an unannealed film, the annealed film on SrTiO3 and annealed films on ZrO2 buffer layers. The individual layers were apparent. After annealing, the bulk of the film on SrTiO3 is observed to be fairly uniform while films on the substrates with buffer layers are less uniform. The Y-Ba-Cu-O/ZrO2 interface is broad with a long Ba tail into the ZrO2, suggesting interaction between the film and the buffer layer. The underlying ZrO2/Si interface is sharper. The detailed Auger results are presented and compared with samples annealed at different temperatures and durations.

Formation of macroscopic surface layers on Fe(0) electrocoagulation electrodes during an extended field trial of arsenic treatment.

PubMed

van Genuchten, Case M; Bandaru, Siva R S; Surorova, Elena; Amrose, Susan E; Gadgil, Ashok J; Peña, Jasquelin

2016-06-01

Extended field trials to remove arsenic (As) via Fe(0) electrocoagulation (EC) have demonstrated consistent As removal from groundwater to concentrations below 10 μg L(-1). However, the coulombic performance of long-term EC field operation is lower than that of laboratory-based systems. Although EC electrodes used over prolonged periods show distinct passivation layers, which have been linked to decreased treatment efficiency, the spatial distribution and mineralogy of such surface layers have not been investigated. In this work, we combine wet chemical measurements with sub-micron-scale chemical maps and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) to determine the chemical composition and mineral phase of surface layers formed during long-term Fe(0) EC treatment. We analyzed Fe(0) EC electrodes used for 3.5 months of daily treatment of As-contaminated groundwater in rural West Bengal, India. We found that the several mm thick layer that formed on cathodes and anodes consisted of primarily magnetite, with minor fractions of goethite. Spatially-resolved SAED patterns also revealed small quantities of CaCO3, Mn oxides, and SiO2, the source of which was the groundwater electrolyte. We propose that the formation of the surface layer contributes to decreased treatment performance by preventing the migration of EC-generated Fe(II) to the bulk electrolyte, where As removal occurs. The trapped Fe(II) subsequently increases the surface layer size at the expense of treatment efficiency. Based on these findings, we discuss several simple and affordable methods to prevent the efficiency loss due to the surface layer, including alternating polarity cycles and cleaning the Fe(0) surface mechanically or via electrolyte scouring. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Performance Analysis of GaN Capping Layer Thickness on GaN/AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors.

PubMed

Sharma, N; Periasamy, C; Chaturvedi, N

2018-07-01

In this paper, we present an investigation of the impact of GaN capping layer and AlGaN layer thickness on the two-dimensional (2D)-electron mobility and the carrier concentration which was formed close to the AlGaN/GaN buffer layer for Al0.25Ga0.75N/GaN and GaN/Al0.25Ga0.75N/GaN heterostructures deposited on sapphire substrates. The results of our analysis clearly indicate that expanding the GaN capping layer thickness from 1 nm to 100 nm prompts an increment in the electron concentration at hetero interface. As consequence of which drain current was additionally increments with GaN cap layer thicknesses, and eventually saturates at approximately 1.85 A/mm for capping layer thickness greater than 40 nm. Interestingly, for the same structure, the 2D-electron mobility, decrease monotonically with GaN capping layer thickness, and saturate at approximately 830 cm2/Vs for capping layer thickness greater than 50 nm. A device with a GaN cap layer didn't exhibit gate leakage current. Furthermore, it was observed that the carrier concentration was first decrease 1.03 × 1019/cm3 to 6.65 × 1018/cm3 with AlGaN Layer thickness from 5 to 10 nm and after that it increases with the AlGaN layer thickness from 10 to 30 nm. The same trend was followed for electric field distributions. Electron mobility decreases monotonically with AlGaN layer thickness. Highest electron mobility 1354 cm2/Vs were recorded for the AlGaN layer thickness of 5 nm. Results obtained are in good agreement with published experimental data.

Controlled Spalling in (100)-Oriented Germanium by Electroplating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crouse, Dustin Ray

This work investigates controlled spalling as a method to exfoliate thin films of various thickness from rigid, crystalline germanium (Ge) substrates and to enable substrate reuse for III-V single junction photovoltaic devices. Technological limitations impeding wide-spread adoption of flexible electronics and high-material-cost photovoltaic devices have motivated significant interest in a method to remove devices from their substrates. DC magnetron sputtering has been previously utilized to remove semiconductor devices of various thicknesses from Ge substrates, but this method is expensive and time-consuming. Controlled spalling via high-speed electrodeposition is a fast, inexpensive exfoliation method that utilizes a tensile-stressed metal layer deposited on a (100)-oriented Ge substrate and an external force to mechanically propagate a crack parallel to the surface at a desired depth in the substrate material. Suo and Hutchinson's quantitative models describe critical combinations of film thickness and strain mismatch between a film and substrate at which a stressed bilayer system spontaneously spalls; however, fine control over a wide steady-state spall depth range has been limited by the ability to experimentally tailor strain mismatch caused by residual stress within deposited stressor layers. This work investigates the effect of tuning electroplating current density and electrolyte chemistry on the residual stress in a nickel stressor film and their impact on the achievable spall depth range. Steady-state spall depth is found to increase with increasing stressor layer thickness and decrease with increasing residual stress. By tailoring residual stress through adjusting plating conditions and the electrolyte's phosphorous concentration, wide control over spall depth within Ge substrates from sub-micron to 76microm-thicknesses were achieved. To assess the viability of utilizing controlled spalling for substrate reuse, this dissertation demonstrates the first III-V solar cells (GaInAsP, Eg 1.7 eV) grown directly on a spalled-Ge substrate without any additional surface preparation. Widespread adoption of high-efficiency III-V solar cells has been limited by expensive deposition processes and high material cost of substrates. Substrate reuse offers a promising route towards enabling III-V devices to become cost-competitive for one-sun terrestrial applications. In this study, the quality of spalled Ge surfaces is characterized to assess lattice matching capability between the device layer materials and the substrate. GaAs films grown on spalled Ge substrates by hydride vapor phase epitaxy were single-crystal in nature. III-V solar cells grown on spalled and pristine Ge substrates show nearly equivalent efficiency of 8%, despite the roughness of the spalled-Ge substrate. Principles of fractography were used to deduce that surface roughness originated from non-uniform crack propagation and mixed-mode loading during the spalling process.

Lighting up a Dead Star's Layers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2006-01-01

This image from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope shows the scattered remains of an exploded star named Cassiopeia A. Spitzer's infrared detectors 'picked' through these remains and found that much of the star's original layering had been preserved.

In this false-color image, the faint, blue glow surrounding the dead star is material that was energized by a shock wave, called the forward shock, which was created when the star blew up. The forward shock is now located at the outer edge of the blue glow. Stars are also seen in blue. Green, yellow and red primarily represent material that was ejected in the explosion and heated by a slower shock wave, called the reverse shock wave.

The picture was taken by Spitzer's infrared array camera and is a composite of 3.6-micron light (blue); 4.5-micron light (green); and 8.0-micron light (red).

Method of producing thin cellulose nitrate film

DOEpatents

Lupica, S.B.

1975-12-23

An improved method for forming a thin nitrocellulose film of reproducible thickness is described. The film is a cellulose nitrate film, 10 to 20 microns in thickness, cast from a solution of cellulose nitrate in tetrahydrofuran, said solution containing from 7 to 15 percent, by weight, of dioctyl phthalate, said cellulose nitrate having a nitrogen content of from 10 to 13 percent.

ARC-1990-AC91-2005

NASA Image and Video Library

1990-02-10

Range : 60,000 miles This image is a false-color version of a near- infrared map of lower-level clouds on the night side of Venus, obtained by the Near Infrared Mapping Spectrometer aboard Galileo. Taken at an infrared wavelength of 2.3 microns (about three times the longest wavelength visible to the human eye) the map shows the turbulent, cloudy middle atmosphere some 30-33 miles above the surface, 6-10 miles below the visible cloudtops. The image shows the radiant heat from the lower atmosphere (about 400 degrees F) shining through the sulfuric acid clouds, which appear as much as 10 times darker than the bright gaps between clouds. The colors indicate relative cloud transparency; white and red show thin cloud regions, while black and blue represent relatively this clouds. This cloud layer is at about 170 degrees F., at a pressure about 1/2 Earth's atmospheric pressure. About 2/3 of the dark hemisphere is visible, centered on longitude 350 West, with bright slivers of daylit high clouds visible at top and bottom left. Near the equator, the clouds appear fluffy and blocky; farther north, they are stretched out into East-West filaments by winds estimated at more than 150 mph, while the poles are capped by thick clouds at this altitude. The Near Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (NIMS) on the Galileo is a combined mapping (imaging) and spectral instrument. It can sense 408 contiguous wavelengths from 0.7 microns (deep red) to 5.2 microns, and can construct a map or image by mechanical scanning. It can spectroscopic-ally analyze atmospheres and surfaces and construct thermal and chemical maps. Designed and operated by scientists and engineers at the JPL, NIMS involves 15 scientists in the US, England and France.

Thin film and high-etch-rate type 248-nm bottom antireflective coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Enomoto, Tomoyuki; Takei, Satoshi; Kishioka, Takahiro; Hatanaka, Tadashi; Sakamoto, Rikimaru; Nakajima, Yasuyuki

2004-05-01

A frequent problem encountered by photoresists during the manufacturing of semiconductor device is that activating radiation is reflected back into the photoresist by the substrate. So, it is necessary that the light reflection is reduced from the substrate. One approach to reduce the light reflection is the use of bottom anti-reflective coating (BARC) applied to the substrate beneath the photoresist layer. The BARC technology has been utilized for a few years to minimize the reflectivity. As the chip size is reduced to sub 0.13 micron, the photoresist thickness has to decrease with the aspect ratio being less than 3.0. Therefore, new Organic BARC is strongly required which has the minimum reflectivity with thinner BARC thickness and higher etch selectivity toward resists. Nissan Chemical Industries, Ltd. and Brewer Science, Inc. have developed the advanced Organic BARC for achieving the above purpose. As a result, the suitable high performance NCA3000 series 248nm Organic BARCs were developed. Using CF4 gas as etchant, the plasma etch rate of NCA3000 series is about 1.4-1.6 times higher than that of conventional 248nm resists and 1.1-1.2 times higher than that of the existing product. The NCA3000 series can minimize the substrate reflectivity at below 45nm BARC thickness, shows excellent litho performance and coating properties.

Probing softness of the parietal pleural surface at the micron scale

PubMed Central

Kim, Jae Hun; Butler, James P.; Loring, Stephen H.

2011-01-01

The pleural surfaces of the chest wall and lung slide against each other, lubricated by pleural fluid. During sliding motion of soft tissues, shear induced hydrodynamic pressure deforms the surfaces, promoting uniformity of the fluid layer thickness, thereby reducing friction. To assess pleural deformability at length scales comparable to pleural fluid thickness, we measured the modulus of the parietal pleura of rat chest wall using atomic force microscopy (AFM) to indent the pleural surface with spheres (radius 2.5 µm and 5 µm). The pleura exhibited two distinct indentation responses depending on location, reflecting either homogeneous or significantly heterogeneous tissue properties. We found an elastic modulus of 0.38–0.95 kPa, lower than the values measured using flat-ended cylinders > 100 µm radii (Gouldstone et al., 2003, Journal of Applied Physiology 95, 2345–2349). Interestingly, the pleura exhibited a three-fold higher modulus when probed using 2.5 µm vs. 5 µm spherical tips at the same normalized depth, confirming depth dependent inhomogeneous elastic properties. The observed softness of the pleura supports the hypothesis that unevenness of the pleural surface on this scale is smoothed by local hydrodynamic pressure. PMID:21820660

Extraordinary wavelength reduction in terahertz graphene-cladded photonic crystal slabs

PubMed Central

Williamson, Ian A. D.; Mousavi, S. Hossein; Wang, Zheng

2016-01-01

Photonic crystal slabs have been widely used in nanophotonics for light confinement, dispersion engineering, nonlinearity enhancement, and other unusual effects arising from their structural periodicity. Sub-micron device sizes and mode volumes are routine for silicon-based photonic crystal slabs, however spectrally they are limited to operate in the near infrared. Here, we show that two single-layer graphene sheets allow silicon photonic crystal slabs with submicron periodicity to operate in the terahertz regime, with an extreme 100× wavelength reduction from graphene’s large kinetic inductance. The atomically thin graphene further leads to excellent out-of-plane confinement, and consequently photonic-crystal-slab band structures that closely resemble those of ideal two-dimensional photonic crystals, with broad band gaps even when the slab thickness approaches zero. The overall photonic band structure not only scales with the graphene Fermi level, but more importantly scales to lower frequencies with reduced slab thickness. Just like ideal 2D photonic crystals, graphene-cladded photonic crystal slabs confine light along line defects, forming waveguides with the propagation lengths on the order of tens of lattice constants. The proposed structure opens up the possibility to dramatically reduce the size of terahertz photonic systems by orders of magnitude. PMID:27143314

MULPEX: a compact multi-layered polymer foil collector for micrometeoroids and orbital debris.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kearsley, A. T.; Graham, G. A.; Burchell, M. J.; Taylor, E. A.; Drolshagen, G.; Chater, R. J.; McPhail, D.

Detailed studies of preserved hypervelocity impact residues on spacecraft multi-layer insulation foils have yielded important information about the flux of small particles from different sources in low-Earth orbit (LEO). We have extended our earlier research on impacts occurring in LEO to design and testing of a compact capture device. MULPEX (MUlti-Layer Polymer EXperiment) is simple, cheap to build, lightweight, of no power demand, easy to deploy, and optimised for the efficient collection of impact residue for analysis on return to Earth. The capture medium is a stack of very thin (8 micron and 40 micron) polyimide foils, supported on poly-tetrafluoroethylene sheet frames, surrounded by a protective aluminium casing. The uppermost foil has a very thin metallic coating for thermal protection and resistance to atomic oxygen and ultra-violet exposure. The casing provides a simple detachable interface for deployment on the spacecraft, facing into the desired direction for particle collection. On return to the laboratory, the stacked foils are separated for examination in a variable pressure scanning electron microscope, without need for surface coating. Analysis of impact residue is performed using energy dispersive X-ray spectrometers. Our laboratory experiments, utilising buck-shot firings of analogues to micrometeoroids (35-38 micron olivine) and space debris (4 micron alumina and 1mm stainless steel) in a light gas gun, have shown that impact residue is abundant within the foil layers, and preserves a record of the impacting particle, whether of micrometer or millimetre dimensions. Penetrations of the top foil are easily recognised, and act as a proxy for dimensions of the penetrating particle. Impact may cause disruption and melting, but some residue retains sufficient crystallographic structure to show clear Raman lines, diagnostic of the original mineral.

Numerical Simulations of Martian Fog Formation in the Low Latitudes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inada, A.

2002-09-01

The formation of Martian surface fog is simulated by a one-dimensional model including the micro-physical processes of heterogeneous nucleation, condensation, and sublimation. The model includes diurnal cycle of water vapor in the 1 km surface layer which is spatially resolved. The results show that the column density of water ice in fog strongly depends on the water vapor density near the surface. If the mixing ratio of water vapor is 300 ppm near the surface, the simulations show that a thin fog layer appears with a maximum column density of 0.145 precipitable microns. If the mixing ratio is 600 ppm, the value measured by the Mars Pathfinder, the column density of water ice reaches 0.75 precipitable microns. It is also found that if the boundary layer is strongly turbulent the total amount of ice formed is small, since the ice particles are transported to the unsaturated higher atmospheric layers and sublimate there. Fog particles, which are large enough to precipitate to the lower atmosphere play a significant role in determining the altitude distribution of water vapor. It is noteworthy that the size distribution of all of the aerosols has two peaks once fog appears. This is because nucleation on large dust particles is so much faster than on the small ones, that the small dust particles are hardly coated by ice. The simulations assume an initial dust distribution with effective radius of 1.6 microns. Once fog forms this peak remains and is populated with particles with little water ice. A secondary peak is formed at about 10 microns corresponding to particles which are mostly water ice. This research was carried out under the partial support of JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships for Research Abroad.

Finite Element Analysis of the Microisolation Valve

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Man, K.; Mueller, J.; Forgrave, J.

1998-01-01

Agenda: Design and Use of the Microisolation Valve; Geometry of the Microisolation Valve; FEA Model Objectives; Results of the 10 and 50 microns Thick Wall Models; Results of the Thermally-Induced Stresses.

Scientific, Back-Illuminated CCD Development for the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Suntharalingam, V.; Ciampi, J.; Cooper, M. J.; Lambert, R. D.; O'Mara, D. M.; Prigozhin, I.; Young, D. J.; Warner, K.; Burke, B. E.

2015-01-01

We describe the development of the fully depleted, back illuminated charge coupled devices for the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, which includes a set of four wide angle telescopes, each having a 2x2 array of CCDs. The devices are fabricated on the newly upgraded 200-mm wafer line at Lincoln Laboratory. We discuss methods used to produce the devices and present early performance results from the 100- micron thick, 15x15-microns, 2k x 4k pixel frame transfer CCDs.

Nanostructured Diamond Device for Biomedical Applications.

PubMed

Fijalkowski, M; Karczemska, A; Lysko, J M; Zybala, R; KozaneckI, M; Filipczak, P; Ralchenko, V; Walock, M; Stanishevsky, A; Mitura, S

2015-02-01

Diamond is increasingly used in biomedical applications because of its unique properties such as the highest thermal conductivity, good optical properties, high electrical breakdown voltage as well as excellent biocompatibility and chemical resistance. Diamond has also been introduced as an excellent substrate to make the functional microchip structures for electrophoresis, which is the most popular separation technique for the determination of analytes. In this investigation, a diamond electrophoretic chip was manufactured by a replica method using a silicon mold. A polycrystalline 300 micron-thick diamond layer was grown by the microwave plasma-assisted CVD (MPCVD) technique onto a patterned silicon substrate followed by the removal of the substrate. The geometry of microstructure, chemical composition, thermal and optical properties of the resulting free-standing diamond electrophoretic microchip structure were examined by CLSM, SFE, UV-Vis, Raman, XRD and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, and by a modified laser flash method for thermal property measurements.

Zinc Sulphide Overlayer Two-Dimensional Photonic Crystal for Enhanced Extraction of Light from a Micro Cavity Light-Emitting Diode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mastro, Michael A.; Kim, Chul Soo; Kim, Mijin; Caldwell, Josh; Holm, Ron T.; Vurgaftman, Igor; Kim, Jihyun; Eddy, Charles R., Jr.; Meyer, Jerry R.

2008-10-01

A two-dimensional (2D) ZnS photonic crystal was deposited on the surface of a one-dimensional (1D) III-nitride micro cavity light-emitting diode (LED), to intermix the light extraction features of both structures (1D+2D). The deposition of an ideal micro-cavity optical thickness of ≈λ/2 is impractical for III-nitride LEDs, and in realistic multi-mode devices a large fraction of the light is lost to internal refraction as guided light. Therefore, a 2D photonic crystal on the surface of the LED was used to diffract and thus redirect this guided light out of the semiconductor over several hundred microns. Additionally, the employment of a post-epitaxy ZnS 2D photonic crystal avoided the typical etching into the GaN:Mg contact layer, a procedure which can cause damage to the near surface.

Corrosion Behavior of Aqua-Blasted and Laser-Engraved Type 316L Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krawczyk, B.; Cook, P.; Hobbs, J.; Engelberg, D. L.

2017-12-01

The effect of aqua blasting and laser engraving on surface microstructure development, residual stress and corrosion resistance of type 316L stainless steel has been investigated. Aqua blasting resulted in a deformed near-surface microstructure containing compressive residual stresses. Subsequent laser engraving produced a surface layer with tensile residual stresses reaching to a depth of 200 microns. Changes of surface roughness topography were accompanied by the development of a thick oxide/hydroxide film after laser engraving. The atmospheric corrosion behavior of all surfaces with MgCl2-laden droplets was compared to their electrochemical response in 1M NaCl and 0.7 M HCl aqueous solutions. The measured total volume loss after atmospheric corrosion testing was similar for all investigated surface conditions. Laser-engraved surface exhibited the smallest number of corrosion sites, but the largest mean corrosion depth.

Annealing results on low-energy proton-irradiated GaAs solar cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kachare, R.; Anspaugh, B. E.; O'Meara, L.

1988-01-01

AlGaAs/GaAs solar cells with an approximately 0.5-micron-thick Al(0.85)Ga(0.15)As window layer were irradiated using normal and isotropic incident protons having energies between 50 and 500 keV with fluence up to 1 x 10 to the 12th protons/sq cm. The irradiated cells were annealed at temperatures between 150 and 300 C in nitrogen ambient. The annealing results reveal that significant recovery in spectral response at longer wavelengths occurred. However, the short-wavelength spectral response showed negligible annealing, irrespective of the irradiation energy and annealing conditions. This indicates that the damage produced near the AlGaAs/GaAs interface and the space-charge region anneals differently than damage produced in the bulk. This is explained by using a model in which the as-grown dislocations interact with irradiation-induced point defects to produce thermally stable defects.

Real-time detection of fast and thermal neutrons in radiotherapy with CMOS sensors.

PubMed

Arbor, Nicolas; Higueret, Stephane; Elazhar, Halima; Combe, Rodolphe; Meyer, Philippe; Dehaynin, Nicolas; Taupin, Florence; Husson, Daniel

2017-03-07

The peripheral dose distribution is a growing concern for the improvement of new external radiation modalities. Secondary particles, especially photo-neutrons produced by the accelerator, irradiate the patient more than tens of centimeters away from the tumor volume. However the out-of-field dose is still not estimated accurately by the treatment planning softwares. This study demonstrates the possibility of using a specially designed CMOS sensor for fast and thermal neutron monitoring in radiotherapy. The 14 microns-thick sensitive layer and the integrated electronic chain of the CMOS are particularly suitable for real-time measurements in γ/n mixed fields. An experimental field size dependency of the fast neutron production rate, supported by Monte Carlo simulations and CR-39 data, has been observed. This dependency points out the potential benefits of a real-time monitoring of fast and thermal neutron during beam intensity modulated radiation therapies.

Lateral epitaxial overgowth of GaAs by organometallic chemical vapor deposition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gale, R. P.; Mcclelland, R. W.; Fan, J. C. C.; Bozler, C. O.

1982-01-01

Lateral epitaxial overgrowth of GaAs by organometallic chemical vapor deposition has been demonstrated. Pyrolytic decomposition of trimethylgallium and arsine, without the use of HCl, was used to deposit GaAs on substrates prepared by coating (110) GaAs wafers with SiO2, then using photolithography to open narrow stripes in the oxide. Lateral overgrowth was seeded by epitaxial deposits formed on the GaAs surfaces exposed by the stripe openings. The extent of lateral overgrowth was investigated as a function of stripe orientation and growth temperature. Ratios of lateral to vertical growth rates greater than five have been obtained. The lateral growth is due to surface-kinetic control for the two-dimensional growth geometry studied. A continuous epitaxial GaAs layer 3 microns thick has been grown over a patterned mask on a GaAs substrate and then cleaved from the substrate.

New Technique for Fabrication of Scanning Single-Electron Transistor Microscopy Tips

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goodwin, Eric; Tessmer, Stuart

Fabrication of glass tips for Scanning Single-Electron Transistor Microscopy (SSETM) can be expensive, time consuming, and inconsistent. Various techniques have been tried, with varying levels of success in regards to cost and reproducibility. The main requirement for SSETM tips is to have a sharp tip ending in a micron-scale flat face to allow for deposition of a quantum dot. Drawing inspiration from methods used to create tips from optical fibers for Near-Field Scanning Optical Microscopes, our group has come up with a quick and cost effective process for creating SSETM tips. By utilizing hydrofluoric acid to etch the tips and oleic acid to guide the etch profile, optical fiber tips with appropriate shaping can be rapidly prepared. Once etched, electric leads are thermally evaporated onto each side of the tip, while an aluminum quantum dot is evaporated onto the face. Preliminary results using various metals, oxide layers, and lead thicknesses have proven promising.

Lightwave Circuits in Lithium Niobate through Hybrid Waveguides with Silicon Photonics

DOE PAGES

Weigel, Peter O.; Savanier, Marc; DeRose, Christopher T.; ...

2016-03-01

Here, we demonstrate a photonic waveguide technology based on a two-material core, in which light is controllably and repeatedly transferred back and forth between sub-micron thickness crystalline layers of Si and LN bonded to one another, where the former is patterned and the latter is not. In this way, the foundry-based wafer-scale fabrication technology for silicon photonics can be leveraged to form lithium-niobate based integrated optical devices. Using two different guided modes and an adiabatic mode transition between them, we demonstrate a set of building blocks such as waveguides, bends, and couplers which can be used to route light underneathmore » an unpatterned slab of LN, as well as outside the LN-bonded region, thus enabling complex and compact lightwave circuits in LN alongside Si photonics with fabrication ease and low cost.« less

Thermal damage produced by high-irradiance continuous wave CO2 laser cutting of tissue.

PubMed

Schomacker, K T; Walsh, J T; Flotte, T J; Deutsch, T F

1990-01-01

Thermal damage produced by continuous wave (cw) CO2 laser ablation of tissue in vitro was measured for irradiances ranging from 360 W/cm2 to 740 kW/cm2 in order to investigate the extent to which ablative cooling can limit tissue damage. Damage zones thinner than 100 microns were readily produced using single pulses to cut guinea pig skin as well as bovine cornea, aorta, and myocardium. Multiple pulses can lead to increased damage. However, a systematic decrease in damage with irradiance, predicted theoretically by an evaporation model of ablation, was not observed. The damage-zone thickness was approximately constant around the periphery of the cut, consistent with the existence of a liquid layer which stores heat and leads to tissue damage, and with a model of damage and ablation recently proposed by Zweig et al.

Optical Coherence Tomography Enabling Non Destructive Metrology of Layered Polymeric GRIN Material

PubMed Central

Meemon, Panomsak; Yao, Jianing; Lee, Kye-Sung; Thompson, Kevin P.; Ponting, Michael; Baer, Eric; Rolland, Jannick P.

2013-01-01

Gradient Refractive INdex (GRIN) optical components have historically fallen short of theoretical expectations. A recent breakthrough is the manufacturing of nanolayered spherical GRIN (S-GRIN) polymer optical elements, where the construction method yields refractive index gradients that exceed 0.08. Here we report on the application of optical coherence tomography (OCT), including micron-class axial and lateral resolution advances, as effective, innovative methods for performing nondestructive diagnostic metrology on S-GRIN. We show that OCT can be used to visualize and quantify characteristics of the material throughout the manufacturing process. Specifically, internal film structure may be revealed and data are processed to extract sub-surface profiles of each internal film of the material to quantify 3D film thickness and homogeneity. The technique provides direct feedback into the fabrication process directed at optimizing the quality of the nanolayered S-GRIN polymer optical components.

Silicon-on-ceramic Process: Silicon Sheet Growth and Device Development for the Large-area Silicon Sheet and Cell Development Tasks of the Low-cost Solar Array Project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chapman, P. W.; Zook, J. D.; Heaps, J. D.; Grung, B. L.; Koepke, B.; Schuldt, S. B.

1979-01-01

Significant progress is reported in fabricating a 4 sq cm cell having a 10.1 percent conversion efficiency and a 10 sq cm cell having a 9.2 percent conversion efficiency. The continuous (SCIM) coater succeeded in producing a 16 sq cm coating exhibiting unidirectional solidification and large grain size. A layer was grown at 0.2 cm/sec in the experimental coater which was partially dendritic but also contained a large smooth area approximately 100 micron m thick. The dark characteristic measurements of a typical SCC solar cell yield shunt resistance values of 10K ohms and series resistance values and 0.4 ohm. The production dip-coater is operating at over 50 percent yield in terms of good cell quality material. The most recent run yielded 13 good substrates out of 15.

Monolithic short wave infrared (SWIR) detector array

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1983-01-01

A monolithic self-scanned linear detector array was developed for remote sensing in the 1.1- 2.4-micron spectral region. A high-density IRCCD test chip was fabricated to verify new design approaches required for the detector array. The driving factors in the Schottky barrier IRCCD (Pdsub2Si) process development are the attainment of detector yield, uniformity, adequate quantum efficiency, and lowest possible dark current consistent with radiometric accuracy. A dual-band module was designed that consists of two linear detector arrays. The sensor architecture places the floating diffusion output structure in the middle of the chip, away from the butt edges. A focal plane package was conceptualized and includes a polycrystalline silicon substrate carrying a two-layer, thick-film interconnecting conductor pattern and five epoxy-mounted modules. A polycrystalline silicon cover encloses the modules and bond wires, and serves as a radiation and EMI shield, thermal conductor, and contamination seal.

Microfluidic Controlled Conformal Coating of Particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsai, Scott; Wexler, Jason; Wan, Jiandi; Stone, Howard

2011-11-01

Coating flows are an important class of fluid mechanics problems. Typically a substrate is coated with a moving continuous film, but it is also possible to consider coating of discrete objects. In particular, in applications involving coating of particles that are useful in drug delivery, the coatings act as drug-carrying vehicles, while in cell therapy a thin polymeric coating is required to protect the cells from the host's immune system. Although many functional capabilities have been developed for lab-on-a-chip devices, a technique for coating has not been demonstrated. We present a microfluidic platform developed to coat micron-size spheres with a thin aqueous layer by magnetically pulling the particles from the aqueous phase to the non-aqueous phase in a co-flow. Coating thickness can be adjusted by the average fluid speed and the number of beads encapsulated inside a single coat is tuned by the ratio of magnetic to interfacial forces acting on the beads.

Alterations in Retinal Layer Thickness and Reflectance at Different Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy by En Face Optical Coherence Tomography

PubMed Central

Wanek, Justin; Blair, Norman P.; Chau, Felix Y.; Lim, Jennifer I.; Leiderman, Yannek I.; Shahidi, Mahnaz

2016-01-01

Purpose This article reports a method for en face optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging and quantitative assessment of alterations in both thickness and reflectance of individual retinal layers at different stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Methods High-density OCT raster volume scans were acquired in 29 diabetic subjects divided into no DR (NDR) or non-proliferative DR (NPDR) groups and 22 control subjects (CNTL). A customized image segmentation method identified eight retinal layer interfaces and generated en face thickness maps and reflectance images for nerve fiber layer (NFL), ganglion cell and inner plexiform layers (GCLIPL), inner nuclear layer (INL), outer plexiform layer (OPL), outer nuclear layer (ONL), photoreceptor outer segment layer (OSL), and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Mean thickness and intensity values were calculated in nine macular subfields for each retinal layer. Results En face thickness maps and reflectance images of retinal layers in CNTL subjects corresponded to normal retinal anatomy. Total retinal thickness correlated negatively with age in nasal subfields (R ≤−0.31; P ≤ 0.03, N = 51). In NDR subjects, NFL and OPL thickness were decreased (P = 0.05), and ONL thickness was increased (P = 0.04) compared to CNTL. In NPDR subjects, GCLIPL thickness was increased in perifoveal subfields (P < 0.05) and INL intensity was higher in all macular subfields (P = 0.04) compared to CNTL. Conclusions Depth and spatially resolved retinal thickness and reflectance measurements are potential biomarkers for assessment and monitoring of DR. PMID:27409491

Effect of layer thickness on the elution of bulk-fill composite components.

PubMed

Rothmund, Lena; Reichl, Franz-Xaver; Hickel, Reinhard; Styllou, Panorea; Styllou, Marianthi; Kehe, Kai; Yang, Yang; Högg, Christof

2017-01-01

An increment layering technique in a thickness of 2mm or less has been the standard to sufficiently convert (co)monomers. Bulk fill resin composites were developed to accelerate the restoration process by enabling up to 4mm thick increments to be cured in a single step. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of layer thickness on the elution of components from bulk fill composites. The composites ELS Bulk fill, SDR Bulk fill and Venus Bulkfill were polymerized according to the instruction of the manufacturers. For each composite three groups with four samples each (n=4) were prepared: (1) samples with a layer thickness of 2mm; (2) samples with a layer thickness of 4mm and (3) samples with a layer thickness of 6mm. The samples were eluted in methanol and water for 24h and 7 d. The eluates were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). A total of 11 different elutable substances have been identified from the investigated composites. Following methacrylates showed an increase of elution at a higher layer thickness: TEGDMA (SDR Bulk fill, Venus Bulk fill), EGDMA (Venus Bulk fill). There was no significant difference in the elution of HEMA regarding the layer thickness. The highest concentration of TEGDMA was 146μg/mL for SDR Bulk fill at a layer thickness of 6mm after 7 d in water. The highest HEMA concentration measured at 108μg/mL was detected in the methanol eluate of Venus Bulk fill after 7 d with a layer thickness of 6mm. A layer thickness of 4mm or more can lead to an increased elution of some bulk fill components, compared to the elution at a layer thickness of 2mm. Copyright © 2016 The Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Retrieval of cloud cover parameters from multispectral satellite images

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arking, A.; Childs, J. D.

1985-01-01

A technique is described for extracting cloud cover parameters from multispectral satellite radiometric measurements. Utilizing three channels from the AVHRR (Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer) on NOAA polar orbiting satellites, it is shown that one can retrieve four parameters for each pixel: cloud fraction within the FOV, optical thickness, cloud-top temperature and a microphysical model parameter. The last parameter is an index representing the properties of the cloud particle and is determined primarily by the radiance at 3.7 microns. The other three parameters are extracted from the visible and 11 micron infrared radiances, utilizing the information contained in the two-dimensional scatter plot of the measured radiances. The solution is essentially one in which the distributions of optical thickness and cloud-top temperature are maximally clustered for each region, with cloud fraction for each pixel adjusted to achieve maximal clustering.

Simulations of Infrared Radiances Over a Deep Convective Cloud System Observed During TC4: Potential for Enhancing Nocturnal Ice Cloud Retrievals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Minnis, Patrick; Hong, Gang; Ayers, Kirk; Smith, William L., Jr.; Yost, Christopher R.; Heymsfield, Andrew J.; Heymsfield, Gerald M.; Hlavka, Dennis L.; King, Michael D.; Korn, Errol;

Simulations of Infrared Radiances Over a Deep Convective Cloud System Observed During TC4- Potential for Enhancing Nocturnal Ice Cloud Retrievals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Minnis, Patrick; Hong, Gang; Ayers, Jeffrey Kirk; Smith, William L.; Yost, Christopher R.; Heymsfield, Andrew J.; Heymsfield, Gerald M.; Hlavka, Dennis L.; King, Michael D.; Korn, Errol M.;

Development of a process for producing ribbon shaped filaments. [production of silicon carbide filaments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Debolt, H. E.; Krukonis, V. J.

1973-01-01

Silicon carbide (SiC) ribbon filaments were produced on a carbon ribbon substrate, about 1500 microns (60 mils) wide and 100 microns (4 mils) thick in lengths up to 2 meters (6 ft), and with tensile strengths up to 142 KN/cm sq (206 Ksi). During the course of the study, ribbon filaments of boron were also produced on the carbon ribbon substrate; the boron ribbon produced was extremely fragile. The tensile strength of the SiC ribbon was limited by large growths or flaws caused by anomalies at the substrate surface; these anomalies were either foreign dirt or substrate imperfections or both. Related work carried out on round 100 micron (4 mils) diameter SiC filaments on a 33 micron (1.3 mil) diameter, very smooth carbon monofilament substrate has shown that tensile strengths as high as 551 KN/cm sq (800 Ksi) are obtainable with the SiC-carbon round substrate combination, and indicates that if the ribbon substrate surface and ribbon deposition process can be improved similar strengths can be realizable. Cost analysis shows that 100 micron x 5-10 micron SiC ribbon can be very low cost reinforcement material.

Assessment of In Situ Time Resolved Shock Experiments at Synchrotron Light Sources*

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belak, J.; Ilavsky, J.; Hessler, J. P.

2005-07-01

Prior to fielding in situ time resolved experiments of shock wave loading at the Advanced Photon Source, we have performed feasibility experiments assessing a single photon bunch. Using single and poly-crystal Al, Ti, V and Cu shock to incipient spallation on the gas gun, samples were prepared from slices normal to the spall plane of thickness 100-500 microns. In addition, single crystal Al of thickness 500 microns was shocked to incipient spallation and soft recovered using the LLNL e-gun mini-flyer system. The e-gun mini-flyer impacts the sample target producing a 10's ns flat-top shock transient. Here, we present results for imaging, small-angle scattering (SAS), and diffraction. In particular, there is little SAS away from the spall plane and significant SAS at the spall plane, demonstrating the presence of sub-micron voids. * Use of the Advanced Photon Source was supported by the U. S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, under Contract No. W-31-109-Eng-38 and work performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by University of California, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract W-7405-Eng-48.

Antibacterial effects of Nd:YAG laser irradiation within root canal dentin.

PubMed

Klinke, T; Klimm, W; Gutknecht, N

1997-02-01

The microbial flora of the root canal dentin can cause failures in the conventional treatment of infected root canals if it cannot be sufficiently removed by preparation and chemical disinfection of the root canal. The aim of this study is to examine the bactericidal effects of neodymium:yttriumaluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser irradiation in the depth of the root canal dentin. Following sterilization, longitudinal section dentin slices of different thicknesses (100-1000 microns) were inoculated on one side with 4 microliters of a Streptococcus mutans suspension. The opposite sides of the dentin slices were then irradiated four times for 10-20 sec (according to the sample area) using the Nd:YAG laser at a setting of 1.5 W, 15 pps with a 200 microns glass fiber from an angle of about 5 degrees. The bacteria were then removed from the dentin using vibration and plated out on culture dishes that were selective for Streptococcus mutans. When compared with untreated control slices, counting of the colonies revealed a highly significant elimination of bacteria for all thicknesses following laser irradiation. Although the intensity of the laser irradiation decreased after penetration of a 1000-micron dentin slice, the bactericidal mode of action was still effective.

Oral tactile sensibility recorded in overdenture wearers with implants or natural roots: a comparative study. Part 2.

PubMed

Mericske-Stern, R

1994-01-01

The capacity of dentate subjects to discriminate the thickness of objects placed between the teeth seems to depend on receptors in the periodontal ligament and muscles. The compensatory mechanism of ankylotic implants for the function of missing periodontal ligaments is not yet known. To investigate this question in overdenture wearers, 26 patients with ITI implants and 20 patients with natural roots were selected. According to the experimental protocol, the discriminatory ability was recorded with 10 steel foils (thickness ranging from 10 to 100 microns) placed between the premolars. Each thickness was tested 10 times and the test subjects were required to distinguish whether foil was positioned between the teeth. A maximum of 100 correct or 100 incorrect answers was possible. The average number of incorrect answers was significantly higher in test subjects with implants. The 50% limit (ie, the tested thickness recorded with at least 5 wrong answers) was established, but no statistically significant difference was found. In both groups, the critical tactile threshold of perceived thickness was 30 to 40 microns, with 2 being the average number of incorrect assessments. When comparing the minimal thickness, which was recorded without incorrect assessment, a significantly lower threshold was observed on patients with natural roots. Thus, active tactile sensibility appears to depend on the receptors in the periodontal ligament. However, wearing of removable prostheses is a modifying factor and may influence the oral tactile sensibility for both groups.

Progress of 2-micron Detectors for Application to Lidar Remote Sensing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abedin, M. N.; Refaat, Tamer F.; Ismail, Syed; Koch, Grady; Singh, Upendra N.

2008-01-01

AlGaAsSb/InGaAsSb heterojunction phototransistors were developed at Astropower, Inc under Laser Risk Reduction Program (LRRP) for operation in the 2-micron region. These phototransistors were optimized for 2-micron detection and have high quantum efficiency (>60%), high gain (>10(exp 3)) and low noise-equivalent- power (<5x10(exp -14) W/Hz), while operating at low bias voltage. One of these phototransistors was tested in lidar mode using the 2-micron CO2 Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) system currently under development under the Instrument Incubator Program (IIP) at NASA Langley. Lidar measurements included detecting atmospheric structures consisting of thin clouds in the mid-altitude and near-field boundary layer. These test results are very promising for the application of phototransistors for the two-micron lidar remote sensing. In addition, HgCdTe avalanche photodiodes (APD) acquired from Raytheon were used in atmospheric testing at 2-microns. A discussion of these measurements is also presented in this paper.

Changes in Macular Retinal Layers and Peripapillary Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness after 577-nm Pattern Scanning Laser in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy

PubMed Central

Shin, Ji Soo

2017-01-01

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in thickness of each macular retinal layer, the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), and central macular thickness (CMT) after 577-nm pattern scanning laser (PASCAL) photocoagulation in patients with diabetic retinopathy. Methods This retrospective study included 33 eyes with diabetic retinopathy that underwent 577-nm PASCAL photocoagulation. Each retinal layer thickness, peripapillary RNFL thickness, and CMT were measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography before 577-nm PASCAL photocoagulation, as well as at 1, 6, and 12 months after 577-nm PASCAL photocoagulation. Computerized intraretinal segmentation of optical coherence tomography was performed to identify the thickness of each retinal layer. Results The average thickness of the RNFL, ganglion cell layer, inner plexiform layer, inner nuclear layer, inner retinal layer, and CMT at each follow-up increased significantly from baseline (p < 0.001), whereas that of the retinal pigment epithelium at each follow-up decreased significantly from baseline (p < 0.001). The average thickness of the peripapillary RNFL increased significantly at one month (p < 0.001). This thickness subsequently recovered to 7.48 µm, and there were no significant changes at six or 12 months compared to baseline (p > 0.05). Conclusions Each macular retinal layer and CMT had a tendency to increase for one year after 577-nm PASCAL photocoagulation, whereas the average thickness of retinal pigment epithelium decreased at one-year follow-up compared to the baseline. Although an increase in peripapillary RNFL thickness was observed one month after 577-nm PASCAL photocoagulation, there were no significant changes at the one-year follow-up compared to the baseline. PMID:29022292

Changes in Macular Retinal Layers and Peripapillary Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness after 577-nm Pattern Scanning Laser in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy.

PubMed

Shin, Ji Soo; Lee, Young Hoon

2017-12-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in thickness of each macular retinal layer, the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), and central macular thickness (CMT) after 577-nm pattern scanning laser (PASCAL) photocoagulation in patients with diabetic retinopathy. This retrospective study included 33 eyes with diabetic retinopathy that underwent 577-nm PASCAL photocoagulation. Each retinal layer thickness, peripapillary RNFL thickness, and CMT were measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography before 577-nm PASCAL photocoagulation, as well as at 1, 6, and 12 months after 577-nm PASCAL photocoagulation. Computerized intraretinal segmentation of optical coherence tomography was performed to identify the thickness of each retinal layer. The average thickness of the RNFL, ganglion cell layer, inner plexiform layer, inner nuclear layer, inner retinal layer, and CMT at each follow-up increased significantly from baseline (p < 0.001), whereas that of the retinal pigment epithelium at each follow-up decreased significantly from baseline (p < 0.001). The average thickness of the peripapillary RNFL increased significantly at one month (p < 0.001). This thickness subsequently recovered to 7.48 μm, and there were no significant changes at six or 12 months compared to baseline (p > 0.05). Each macular retinal layer and CMT had a tendency to increase for one year after 577-nm PASCAL photocoagulation, whereas the average thickness of retinal pigment epithelium decreased at one-year follow-up compared to the baseline. Although an increase in peripapillary RNFL thickness was observed one month after 577-nm PASCAL photocoagulation, there were no significant changes at the one-year follow-up compared to the baseline. © 2017 The Korean Ophthalmological Society

Hybrid membrane-microfluidic components using a novel ceramic MEMS technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lutz, Brent J.; Polyakov, Oleg; Rinaldo, Chris

2012-03-01

A novel hybrid nano/microfabrication technology has been employed to produce unique MEMS and microfluidic components that integrate nanoporous membranes. The components are made by micromachining a self-organized nanostructured ceramic material that is biocompatible and amenable to surface chemistry modification. Microfluidic structures, such as channels and wells, can be made with a precision of <2 microns. Thin-film membranes can be integrated into the bottom of these structures, featuring a wide range of possible thicknesses, from 100 micron to <50 nm. Additionally, these membranes may be non-porous or porous (with controllable pore sizes from 200 nm to <5 nm), for sophisticated size-based separations. With previous and current support from the NIH SBIR program, we have built several unique devices, and demonstrated improved separations, cell culturing, and imaging (optical and electron microscopy) versus standard products. Being ceramic, the material is much more robust to demanding environments (e.g. high and low temperatures and organic solvents), compared to polymer-based devices. Additionally, we have applied multiple surface modification techniques, including atomic layer deposition, to manipulate properties such as electrical conductivity. This microfabrication technology is highly scaleable, and thus can yield low-cost, reliable, disposable microcomponents and devices. Specific applications that can benefit from this technology includes cell culturing and assays, imaging by cryo-electron tomography, environmental sample processing, as well as many others.

Spectrum from Embedded Star in Herbig-Haro 46/47

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2003-01-01

NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope has lifted the cosmic veil to see an otherwise hidden newborn star, while detecting the presence of water and carbon dioxide ices, as well as organic molecules. Using near-infrared light, Spitzer pierces through an optically dark cloud to detect the embedded outflow in an object called HH 46/47. Herbig-Haro (HH) objects are bright, nebulous regions of gas and dust that are usually buried within dark dust clouds. They are formed when supersonic gas ejected from a forming protostar, or embryonic star, interacts with the surrounding interstellar medium. These young stars are often detected only in the infrared.

HH 46/47 is a striking example of a low mass protostar ejecting a jet and creating a bipolar, or two-sided, outflow. The central protostar lies inside a dark cloud (known as a 'Bok globule') which is illuminated by the nearby Gum Nebula. Located at a distance of 1140 light-years and found in the constellation Vela, the protostar is hidden from view in the visible-light image (inset). With Spitzer, the star and its dazzling jets of molecular gas appear with clarity.

The Spitzer image (inset) was obtained with the infrared array camera and is a three-color mosaic. Emission at 3.6 microns is shown as blue, emission from 4.5 and 5.8 microns has been combined as green, and 8.0 micron emission is depicted as red. The 8-micron channel of the camera is sensitive to emission from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These organic molecules, comprised of carbon and hydrogen, are excited by the surrounding radiation field and become luminescent, accounting for the reddish cloud. Note that the boundary layer of the 8-micron mission corresponds to the lower right edge of the dark cloud in the visible-light picture.

The primary image shows a spectrum obtained with Spitzer's infrared spectrograph instrument, stretching from wavelengths of 5.5 microns (left) to 20 microns (right). Spectra are graphical representations of a celestial object's unique blend of light. Characteristic patterns, or fingerprints, within the spectra allow astronomers to identify the object's chemical composition.

The broad depression in the center of the spectrum signifies the presence of silicates, which are chemically similar to beach sand. The depth of the silicate absorption feature indicates that the dusty cocoon surrounding the embedded protostar star is extremely thick Other absorption dips are produced by water ice (blue) and carbon dioxide ice (green). The fact that water and carbon dioxide appear in solid form suggests that the material immediately surrounding the protostar is cold. In addition, the Spitzer spectrum includes the chemical signatures of methane (purple) and methyl alcohol (tan).

Penetration of multiple thin films in micrometeorite capture cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simon, Charles G.

1994-01-01

As part of a continuing effort to develop cosmic dust detectors/collectors for use in space, we performed a series of hypervelocity impact experiments on combined sensor/capture-cell assemblies using 10-200-micron-diameter glass projectiles and olivine crystals at velocities of 0.9-14.4 km/s. The design objective of the space-flight instrument is to measure the trajectories of individual particles with sufficient accuracy to permit identification of their parent bodies and to capture enough impactor material to allow chemical and isotopic analyses of samples returned to Earth. Three different multiple-film small-particle capture cell designs (0.1-100-micron-thick Al foils with approx. 10, 100, and 1800 micron spacing) were evaluated for their ability to capture impactor fragments and residue. Their performances were compared to two other types of capture cells, foil covered Ge crystals, and 0.50 and 0.120 g/cu cm aerogels. All capture cells were tested behind multifilm (1.4-6.0-micron-thick) polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) velocity/trajectory sensor devices. Several tests were also done without the PVDF sensors for comparison. The results of this study were reported by Simon in a comprehensive report in which the morphology of impacts and impactor residues in various types of capture cells after passage through two PVDF sensor films is discussed. Impactor fragments in selected capture cells from impacts at velocities up to 6.4 km/s were identified using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS).

Acoustic Behavior of Subfloor Lightweight Mortars Containing Micronized Poly (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) (EVA)

PubMed Central

Brancher, Luiza R.; Nunes, Maria Fernanda de O.; Grisa, Ana Maria C.; Pagnussat, Daniel T.; Zeni, Mára

2016-01-01

This paper aims to contribute to acoustical comfort in buildings by presenting a study about the polymer waste micronized poly (ethylene vinyl acetate) (EVA) to be used in mortars for impact sound insulation in subfloor systems. The evaluation method included physical, mechanical and morphological properties of the mortar developed with three distinct thicknesses designs (3, 5, and 7 cm) with replacement percentage of the natural aggregate by 10%, 25%, and 50% EVA. Microscopy analysis showed the surface deposition of cement on EVA, with preservation of polymer porosity. The compressive creep test estimated long-term deformation, where the 10% EVA sample with a 7 cm thick mortar showed the lowest percentage deformation of its height. The impact noise test was performed with 50% EVA samples, reaching an impact sound insulation of 23 dB when the uncovered slab was compared with the 7 cm thick subfloor mortar. Polymer waste addition decreased the mortar compressive strength, and EVA displayed characteristics of an influential material to intensify other features of the composite. PMID:28787851

Frictional and morphological properties of Au-MoS2 films sputtered from a compact target

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spalvins, T.

1984-01-01

AuMoS2 films 0.02 to 1.2 microns thick were sputtered from target compacted from 5 wt % Au + 95 wt % MoS2, to investigate the frictional and morphological film growth characteristics. The gold dispersion effects in MoS2 films are of interest to increase the densitification and strengthening of the film structure. Three microstructural growth stages were identified on the nano-micro-macrostructural level. During sliding both sputtered Au-MoS2 and MoS2 films have a tendency to break within the columner region. The remaining or effective film, about 0.2 microns thick, performs the lubrication. The Au-MoS2 films displayed a lower friction coefficient with a high degree of frictional stability and less wear debris generation as compared to pure MoS2 films. The more favorable frictional characteristics of the Au-MoS2 films are attributed to the effective film thickness and the high density packed columner zone which has a reduced effect on the fragmentation of the tapered crystallites during fracture.

Collagenous Gastritis a Rare Disorder in Search of a Disease

PubMed Central

Mandaliya, Rohan; DiMarino, Anthony J.; Abraham, Sheeja; Burkart, Ashlie; Cohen, Sidney

2013-01-01

A 19-year-old young male presented with abdominal pain and constipation. Subsequent EGD showed nodular gastric mucosa with simple gastric aspirate demonstrating acidic pH of 2.0. The gastric biopsy showed thick subepithelial band of about 15 microns that was confirmed to be collagen on Masson’s trichrome stain along with inflammatory infiltrate. Colonoscopy and capsule endoscopy findings were unremarkable as well as the biopsy of the colon. Collagenous gastritis is a rare histopathological entity characterized by the presence of thick subepithelial collagen band of thickness greater than 10 microns along with intraepithelial lymphocytes and lamina propria lymphoplasmacytic and eosinophilic infitrates. Clinical presentation varies and depends more on the age of the patient with anemia or epigastric pain with nodular gastric mucosa being more common in children while diarrhea being more common in adults due to its increased association with collagenous colitis. The purpose of this case report is; (A) To define the endoscopic and histopathological features and progression of collagenous gastritis in this patient; (B) To compare these findings to those of collagenous sprue and collagenous colitis. PMID:27785244

Cloud layer thicknesses from a combination of surface and upper-air observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Poore, Kirk D.; Wang, Junhong; Rossow, William B.

1995-01-01

Cloud layer thicknesses are derived from base and top altitudes by combining 14 years (1975-1988) of surface and upper-air observations at 63 sites in the Northern Hemisphere. Rawinsonde observations are employed to determine the locations of cloud-layer top and base by testing for dewpoint temperature depressions below some threshold value. Surface observations serve as quality checks on the rawinsonde-determined cloud properties and provide cloud amount and cloud-type information. The dataset provides layer-cloud amount, cloud type, high, middle, or low height classes, cloud-top heights, base heights and layer thicknesses, covering a range of latitudes from 0 deg to 80 deg N. All data comes from land sites: 34 are located in continental interiors, 14 are near coasts, and 15 are on islands. The uncertainties in the derived cloud properties are discussed. For clouds classified by low-, mid-, and high-top altitudes, there are strong latitudinal and seasonal variations in the layer thickness only for high clouds. High-cloud layer thickness increases with latitude and exhibits different seasonal variations in different latitude zones: in summer, high-cloud layer thickness is a maximum in the Tropics but a minimum at high latitudes. For clouds classified into three types by base altitude or into six standard morphological types, latitudinal and seasonal variations in layer thickness are very small. The thickness of the clear surface layer decreases with latitude and reaches a summer minimum in the Tropics and summer maximum at higher latitudes over land, but does not vary much over the ocean. Tropical clouds occur in three base-altitude groups and the layer thickness of each group increases linearly with top altitude. Extratropical clouds exhibit two groups, one with layer thickness proportional to their cloud-top altitude and one with small (less than or equal to 1000 m) layer thickness independent of cloud-top altitude.

Parameterization of volcanic ash remobilization by wind-tunnel erosion experiments.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Del Bello, Elisabetta; Taddeucci, Jacopo; Merrison, Jonathan; Alois, Stefano; Iversen, Jens Jacob; Scarlato, Piergiorgio

2017-04-01

The remobilization of volcanic ash from the ground is one of the many problems posing threat to life and infrastructures during and after the course of an explosive volcanic eruption. A proper management of the risks connected to this problem requires a thorough understanding of the factors that influence and promote the dispersal of particles over large distances. Towards this target, we conducted a series of experiments aimed at defining first-order processes controlling the remobilization threshold of ash particles by wind erosion. In the framework of the EU-funded Europlanet project, we joinly used the environmental wind tunnel facility at Aarhus University (DK) and the state-of-the art high-speed imaging equipment of INGV experimental lab (Italy) to capture at unparalleled temporal and spatial resolution the removal dynamics of ash-sized (half-millimetre to micron-sized) particles. A homogenous layer of particles was set at on a plate placed downwind a boundary layer setup. Resuspension processes were filmed at 2000 fps and 50 micron pixel resolution, and the plate weighted pre and post-experiment. Explored variables include: 1) wind speed (from ca. 1 to 7 m/s) and boundary layer structure; 2) particle grain size (from 32-63 to 90-125 micron), and sample sorting); 3) chemical and textural features, using basalt and trachyte samples from Campi Flegrei (Pomici Principali,10 ka) and Eyjafjallajökull (May 2010) eruptions; and 4) temperature and humidity, by conducting experiments either at ambient conditions or with a heated sample. We found that the grain size distribution exerts a strong control on the fundamental dynamics of gas-particle coupling. Particles > 90 micron detach from the particles layer individually, also entering the gas flow individually. Conversely, removal < 63 micron particles occurs in clumps of aggregates. These clumps, once taken in charge by the gas flow, are frequently disaggregated and dispersed rapidly (order of few milliseconds). Our preliminary results shows that, for a given size distribution, the boundary between the two dynamics may shift greatly as a function of ambient humidity.

Results of analyses performed on basalt adjacent to penetrators emplaced into volcanic rock at Amboy, California, April 1976

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blanchard, M.; Bunch, T.; Davis, A.; Shade, H.; Erlichman, J.; Polkowski, G.

1977-01-01

The physical and chemical modifications found in the basalt after impact of four penetrators were studied. Laboratory analyses show that mineralogical and elemental changes are produced in the powdered and crushed basalt immediately surrounding the penetrator. Optical microscopy studies of material next to the skin of the penetrator revealed a layer, 0-2 mm thick, of glass and abraded iron alloy mixed with fractured mineral grains of basalt. Elemental analysis of the 0-2 mm layer revealed increased concentrations of Fe, Cr, Ni, No, and Mn, and reduced concentrations of Mg, Al, Si, and Ca. The Fe, Cr, Ni, and Mo were in fragments abraded from the penetrator. Mineralogical changes occurring in the basalt sediment next to the penetrator include the introduction of micron-size grains of alpha-iron, magnetite, and hematite. The newly formed silicate minerals include metastable phases of silica (tridymite and cristobalite). An increased concentration of Fe, Cr, Ni, and Mo occurred in the 2-mm to 1-cm layer of penetrator no. 1, which impacted at the highest velocity. No elemental concentration increase was noted for penetrators nos. 2 and 3 in the 2-mm to 1-cm layer. Contaminants introduced by the penetrator occur up to 1 cm away from the penetrator's skin. Although volatile elements do migrate and new minerals are formed during the destruction of host minerals in the crushed rock, no changes were observed beyond the 1-cm distance.

The Role of Endolithic Cyanobacteria in the Formation of Lithified Laminae in Bahamian Stromatolites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prufert-Bebout, L.; Macintyre, I.; Reid, R. P.; DeVincenzi, Donald L. (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

The microboring activity of endolithic cyanobacteria plays a major role in the formation of lithified laminae in modern marine stromatolites in the Exuma Cays, Bahamas. These stromatolites are composed primarily of fine grained carbonate sand that is trapped and bound by the filamentous cyanobacteria Schizothrix sp. Periodic introduction of coccoid endolithic cyanobacteria, Solentia sp., results in formation of lithified horizons, 200 to 1000 micron thick. We used SEM and petrographic analyses to examine both naturally occurring lithified layers dominated by endoliths and fused oolitic crusts generated in the laboratory by activity of endolithic cyanobacteria (Solentia sp.). Fused grain crusts consist of micritized grains that are welded together at point contacts. Micritization results from extensive microboring and rapid (days to weeks) carbonate precipitation within the bore holes. This precipitation appears to occur concurrently with further endolithic activity within the grain, Infilling of bore holes that cross from one grain to another at point contacts results in grain welding, Thus, while microboring destroys original grain textures, at the same time the endolith activity plays a constructional role in stromatolite growth by forming lithified layers of welded grains. These framework structures help to stabilize and preserve the stromatolite deposits.

Epitaxial Growth of beta-Silicon Carbide (SiC) on a Compliant Substrate via Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mitchell, Sharanda L.

1996-01-01

Many lattice defects have been attributed to the lattice mismatch and the difference in the thermal coefficient of expansion between SiC and silicon (Si). Stacking faults, twins and antiphase boundaries are some of the lattice defects found in these SiC films. These defects may be a partial cause of the disappointing performance reported for the prototype devices fabricated from beta-SiC films. The objective of this research is to relieve some of the thermal stress due to lattice mismatch when SiC is epitaxially grown on Si. The compliant substrate is a silicon membrane 2-4 microns thick. The CVD process includes the buffer layer which is grown at 1360 C followed by a very thin epitaxial growth of SiC. Then the temperature is raised to 1500 C for the subsequent growth of SiC. Since silicon melts at 1415 C, the SiC will be grown on molten Silicon which is absorbed by a porous graphite susceptor eliminating the SiC/Si interface. We suspect that this buffer layer will yield less stressed material to help in the epitaxial growth of SiC.

Low-Outgassing Photogrammetry Targets for Use in Outer Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gross, Jason N.; Sampler, Henry; Reed, Benjamin B.

2011-01-01

A short document discusses an investigation of materials for photogrammetry targets for highly sensitive optical scientific instruments to be operated in outer space and in an outer-space-environment- simulating thermal vacuum chamber on Earth. A key consideration in the selection of photogrammetry-target materials for vacuum environments is the need to prevent contamination that could degrade the optical responses of the instruments. Therefore, in addition to the high levels and uniformity of reflectivity required of photogrammetry-target materials suitable for use in air, the materials sought must exhibit minimal outgassing. Commercially available photogrammetry targets were found to outgas excessively under the thermal and vacuum conditions of interest; this finding prompted the investigators to consider optically equivalent or superior, lower-outgassing alternative target materials. The document lists several materials found to satisfy the requirements, but does not state explicitly whether the materials can be used individually or must be combined in the proper sequence into layered target structures. The materials in question are an aluminized polyimide tape, an acrylic pressure- sensitive adhesive, a 500-A-thick layer of vapor-deposited aluminum, and spherical barium titanate glass beads having various diameters from 20 to 63 microns..

Atmospheric aerosol backscatter measurements using a tunable coherent CO2 lidar

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Menzies, R. T.; Kavaya, M. J.; Flamant, P. H.; Haner, D. A.

1984-01-01

Measurements of atmospheric aerosol backscatter coefficients, using a coherent CO2 lidar at 9.25- and 10.6-micron wavelengths, are described. Vertical profiles of the volume backscatter coefficient beta have been measured to a 10-km altitude over the Pasadena, CA, region. These measurements indicate a wide range of variability in beta both in and above the local boundary layer. Certain profiles also indicate a significant enhancement in beta at the 9.25-micron wavelength compared with beta at the 10.6-micron wavelength, which possibly indicates a major contribution to the volume backscatter from ammonium sulfate aerosol particles.

Two-dimensional turning of thermal flux from normal to lateral propagation in thin metal film irradiated by femtosecond laser pulse

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shepelev, V. V.; Inogamov, N. A.

2018-01-01

There are various geometrical variants of laser illumination and target design. Important direction of investigations is connected with tightly focused action (spot size may be less than micron) onto a thin metal film: thickness of a film is just few skin-layer depths. Duration of a pulse is τ L ˜ 0.1 ps. In these conditions energy absorbed in a skin layer first propagates normally to a surface: gradient ∂Te /∂x dominates, here and below x and y are normal and lateral directions. This process in 1-2 ps homogenizes electron temperature T e along thickness of a film. We consider conditions when a film or is supported by weakly conducting substrate, or is free standing. Therefore all absorbed energy is confined inside the film. At the next stage the internal energy begin to flow along the lateral direction—thus direction of energy expansion is changed from x to y because of the heat non-penetrating boundary condition imposed on the rear-side of the film. At the short two-temperature stage of lateral expansion the thermal conductivity κ is high. After that electron and ion temperatures equilibrates and later on the heat propagates with usual value of κ. Lateral expansion cools down the hot spot on long time scales and finally the molten spot recrystallizes. Two-dimensional approach allows us to consider all these stages from propagation in x direction (normal to a film) to propagation in y direction (along a film).

Giant magnetoresistance (GMR) behavior of electrodeposited NiFe/Cu multilayers: Dependence of non-magnetic and magnetic layer thicknesses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuru, Hilal; Kockar, Hakan; Alper, Mursel

2017-12-01

Giant magnetoresistance (GMR) behavior in electrodeposited NiFe/Cu multilayers was investigated as a function of non-magnetic (Cu) and ferromagnetic (NiFe) layer thicknesses, respectively. Prior to the GMR analysis, structural and magnetic analyses of the multilayers were also studied. The elemental analysis of the multilayers indicated that the Cu and Ni content in the multilayers increase with increasing Cu and NiFe layer thickness, respectively. The structural studies by X-ray diffraction revealed that all multilayers have face centred cubic structure with preferred (1 1 0) crystal orientation as their substrates. The magnetic properties studied with the vibrating sample magnetometer showed that the magnetizations of the samples are significantly affected by the layer thicknesses. Saturation magnetisation, Ms increases from 45 to 225 emu/cm3 with increasing NiFe layer thickness. The increase in the Ni content of the multilayers with a small Fe content causes an increase in the Ms. And, the coercivities ranging from 2 to 24 Oe are between the soft and hard magnetic properties. Also, the magnetic easy axis of the multilayers was found to be in the film plane. Magnetoresistance measurements showed that all multilayers exhibited the GMR behavior. The GMR magnitude increases with increasing Cu layer thickness and reaches its maximum value of 10% at the Cu layer thickness of 1 nm, then it decreases. And similarly, the GMR magnitude increases and reaches highest value of pure GMR (10%) for the NiFe layer thickness of 3 nm, and beyond this point GMR decreases with increasing NiFe layer thickness. Some small component of the anisotropic magnetoresistance was also observed at thin Cu and thick NiFe layer thicknesses. It is seen that the highest GMR values up to 10% were obtained in electrodeposited NiFe/Cu multilayers up to now. The structural, magnetic and magnetoresistance properties of the NiFe/Cu were reported via the variations of the thicknesses of Cu and NiFe layers with stressing the role of layer thicknesses on the high GMR behavior.

Zone compensated multilayer laue lens and apparatus and method of fabricating the same

DOEpatents

Conley, Raymond P.; Liu, Chian Qian; Macrander, Albert T.; Yan, Hanfei; Maser, Jorg; Kang, Hyon Chol; Stephenson, Gregory Brian

2015-07-14

A multilayer Laue Lens includes a compensation layer formed in between a first multilayer section and a second multilayer section. Each of the first and second multilayer sections includes a plurality of alternating layers made of a pair of different materials. Also, the thickness of layers of the first multilayer section is monotonically increased so that a layer adjacent the substrate has a minimum thickness, and the thickness of layers of the second multilayer section is monotonically decreased so that a layer adjacent the compensation layer has a maximum thickness. In particular, the compensation layer of the multilayer Laue lens has an in-plane thickness gradient laterally offset by 90.degree. as compared to other layers in the first and second multilayer sections, thereby eliminating the strict requirement of the placement error.

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

Uribe, Fernando; Vianco, Paul Thomas; Zender, Gary L.

A study was performed that examined the microstructure and mechanical properties of 63Sn-37Pb (wt.%, Sn-Pb) solder joints made to thick film layers on low-temperature co-fired (LTCC) substrates. The thick film layers were combinations of the Dupont{trademark} 4596 (Au-Pt-Pd) conductor and Dupont{trademark} 5742 (Au) conductor, the latter having been deposited between the 4596 layer and LTCC substrate. Single (1x) and triple (3x) thicknesses of the 4596 layer were evaluated. Three footprint sizes were evaluated of the 5742 thick film. The solder joints exhibited excellent solderability of both the copper (Cu) lead and thick film surface. In all test sample configurations, themore » 5742 thick film prevented side wall cracking of the vias. The pull strengths were in the range of 3.4-4.0 lbs, which were only slightly lower than historical values for alumina (Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}) substrates. General (qualitative) observations: (a) The pull strength was maximized when the total number of thick film layers was between two and three. Fewer that two layers did not develop as strong of a bond at the thick film/LTCC interface; more than three layers and of increased footprint area, developed higher residual stresses at the thick film/LTCC interface and in the underlying LTCC material that weakened the joint. (b) Minimizing the area of the weaker 4596/LTCC interface (e.g., larger 5742 area) improved pull strength. Specific observations: (a) In the presence of vias and the need for the 3x 4596 thick film, the preferred 4596:5742 ratio was 1.0:0.5. (b) For those LTCC components that require the 3x 4596 layer, but do not have vias, it is preferred to refrain from using the 5742 layer. (c) In the absence of vias, the highest strength was realized with a 1x thick 5742 layer, a 1x thick 4596 layer, and a footprint ratio of 1.0:1.0.« less

Spectral ellipsometry as a method for characterization of nanosized films with ferromagnetic layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hashim, H.; Singkh, S. P.; Panina, L. V.; Pudonin, F. A.; Sherstnev, I. A.; Podgornaya, S. V.; Shpetnyi, I. A.; Beklemisheva, A. V.

2017-11-01

Nanosized films with ferromagnetic layers are widely used in nanoelectronics, sensor systems and telecommunications. Their properties may strongly differ from those of bulk materials that is on account of interfaces, intermediate layers and diffusion. In the present work, spectral ellipsometry and magnetooptical methods are adapted for characterization of the optical parameters and magnetization processes in two- and three-layer Cr/NiFe, Al/NiFe and Cr(Al)/Ge/NiFe films onto a sitall substrate for various thicknesses of Cr and Al layers. At a layer thickness below 20 nm, the complex refractive coefficients depend pronouncedly on the thickness. In two-layer films, remagnetization changes weakly over a thickness of the top layer, but the coercive force in three-layer films increases by more than twice upon remagnetization, while increasing the top layer thickness from 4 to 20 nm.

Electric Field Tunable Microwave and MM-wave Ferrite Devices

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-04-30

xm thick YIG film grown by liquid-phase epitaxy on a (111) gadolinium gallium garnet was used. A PZT plate with the dimensions 4x1x0.5 mm3 was...of width ~ 150 micron and length 20 mm. An YIG film , 6 u.m thick, 0.5 mm in width and 2.5 mm long, grown on a 0.5 mm thick gadolinium gallium garnet ...yttrium iron garnet film and a ceramic barium strontium titanate slab. The electrical tunability of the differential phase shift Acp is achieved through

Effects of channel thickness on oxide thin film transistor with double-stacked channel layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Kimoon; Kim, Yong-Hoon; Yoon, Sung-Min; Kim, Jiwan; Oh, Min Suk

2017-11-01

To improve the field effect mobility and control the threshold voltage ( V th ) of oxide thin film transistors (TFTs), we fabricated the oxide TFTs with double-stacked channel layers which consist of thick Zn-Sn-O (ZTO) and very thin In-Zn-O (IZO) layers. We investigated the effects of the thickness of thin conductive layer and the conductivity of thick layer on oxide TFTs with doublestacked channel layer. When we changed the thickness of thin conductive IZO channel layer, the resistivity values were changed. This resistivity of thin channel layer affected on the saturation field effect mobility and the off current of TFTs. In case of the thick ZTO channel layer which was deposited by sputtering in Ar: O2 = 10: 1, the device showed better performances than that which was deposited in Ar: O2 = 1: 1. Our TFTs showed high mobility ( μ FE ) of 40.7 cm2/Vs and V th of 4.3 V. We assumed that high mobility and the controlled V th were caused by thin conductive IZO layer and thick stable ZTO layer. Therefore, this double-stacked channel structure can be very promising way to improve the electrical characteristics of various oxide thin film transistors.

Huge domain-wall speed variation with respect to ferromagnetic layer thickness in ferromagnetic Pt/Co/TiO2/Pt films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Dae-Yun; Park, Min-Ho; Park, Yong-Keun; Yu, Ji-Sung; Kim, Joo-Sung; Kim, Duck-Ho; Min, Byoung-Chul; Choe, Sug-Bong

2018-02-01

In this study, we investigate the influence of the ferromagnetic layer thickness on the magnetization process. A series of ultrathin Pt/Co/TiO2/Pt films exhibits domain-wall (DW) speed variation of over 100,000 times even under the same magnetic field, depending on the ferromagnetic layer thickness. From the creep-scaling analysis, such significant variation is found to be mainly attributable to the thickness-dependence of the creep-scaling constant in accordance with the creep-scaling theory of the linear proportionality between the creep-scaling constant and the ferromagnetic layer thickness. Therefore, a thinner film shows a faster DW speed. The DW roughness also exhibits sensitive dependence on the ferromagnetic layer thickness: a thinner film shows smoother DW. The present observation provided a guide for an optimal design rule of the ferromagnetic layer thickness for better performance of DW-based devices.

Twelve Channel Optical Fiber Connector Assembly: From Commercial Off the Shelf to Space Flight Use

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ott, Melaine N.

1998-01-01

The commercial off the shelf (COTS) twelve channel optical fiber MTP array connector and ribbon cable assembly is being validated for space flight use and the results of this study to date are presented here. The interconnection system implemented for the Parallel Fiber Optic Data Bus (PFODB) physical layer will include a 100/140 micron diameter optical fiber in the cable configuration among other enhancements. As part of this investigation, the COTS 62.5/125 microns optical fiber cable assembly has been characterized for space environment performance as a baseline for improving the performance of the 100/140 micron diameter ribbon cable for the Parallel FODB application. Presented here are the testing and results of random vibration and thermal environmental characterization of this commercial off the shelf (COTS) MTP twelve channel ribbon cable assembly. This paper is the first in a series of papers which will characterize and document the performance of Parallel FODB's physical layer from COTS to space flight worthy.

Neutron reflectometry as a tool to study magnetism.

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

Felcher, G. P.

1999-09-21

Polarized-neutron specular reflectometry (PNR) was developed in the 1980's as a means of measuring magnetic depth profiles in flat films. Starting from simple profiles, and gradually solving structures of greater complexity, PNR has been used to observe or clarify a variety of magnetic phenomena. It has been used to measure the absolute magnetization of films of thickness not exceeding a few atomic planes, the penetration of magnetic fields in micron-thick superconductors, and the detailed magnetic coupling across non-magnetic spacers in multilayers and superlattices. Although PNR is considered a probe of depth dependent magnetic structure, laterally averaged in the plane ofmore » the film, the development of new scattering techniques promises to enable the characterization of lateral magnetic structures. Retaining the depth-sensitivity of specular reflectivity, off-specular reflectivity may be brought to resolve in-plane structures over nanometer to micron length scales.« less

Parametric analysis of hollow conductor parallel and coaxial transmission lines for high frequency space power distribution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jeffries, K. S.; Renz, D. D.

1984-01-01

A parametric analysis was performed of transmission cables for transmitting electrical power at high voltage (up to 1000 V) and high frequency (10 to 30 kHz) for high power (100 kW or more) space missions. Large diameter (5 to 30 mm) hollow conductors were considered in closely spaced coaxial configurations and in parallel lines. Formulas were derived to calculate inductance and resistance for these conductors. Curves of cable conductance, mass, inductance, capacitance, resistance, power loss, and temperature were plotted for various conductor diameters, conductor thickness, and alternating current frequencies. An example 5 mm diameter coaxial cable with 0.5 mm conductor thickness was calculated to transmit 100 kW at 1000 Vac, 50 m with a power loss of 1900 W, an inductance of 1.45 micron and a capacitance of 0.07 micron-F. The computer programs written for this analysis are listed in the appendix.

Large format silicon immersion gratings for high resolution infrared spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ge, Jian; McDavitt, Dan; Zhao, Bo; Miller, Shane

2006-06-01

We report progress on development of large format silicon immersion gratings (SIG) at UF. Currently SIGs on 4 inch diameter thick silicon disks can be routinely produced with groove periods from 7 microns to 250 microns and blaze angles from 20 degrees to 76 degrees. A new capability of making SIGs from 6 inch diameter silicon disks has also been demonstrated. A new Space Astronomy Instrumentation Lab (SAIL) facility is being established at UF to have a capability of fabricating SIGs on 8 inch diameter silicon disks with up to 4 inch thickness. Our prototype SIG with an 85x50 mm2 etched grating area and a 54.7 deg blaze angle has produced a nearly diffraction-limited wavefront, less than 1% integrated scattered light and ghost intensity, a 74% peak blaze efficiency and a R = 55,000 resolving power at 1.55 μm.

The retina of the shovel-nosed ray, Rhinobatos batillum (Rhinobatidae): morphology and quantitative analysis of the ganglion, amacrine and bipolar cell populations.

PubMed

Collin, S P

1988-01-01

A light microscopy study of the retina of the shovel-nosed ray, Rhinobatos batillum (Rhinobatidae) has revealed a duplex retina with a rod to cone ratio between 4:1 and 6:1. The inner nuclear layer consists of three layers of large horizontal cells, tightly packed, stellate bipolar cells, and up to three substrata of amacrine cells. The collaterals of the many supporting Müller cells project from the inner to the outer limiting membrane and divide the retina into many subunits. The cells of the ganglion cell layer are distributed into two layers, although a large proportion of ganglion cells are also displaced into the inner plexiform and inner nuclear layers. Topographic analysis of the cells in the ganglion cell layer, inner plexiform and inner nuclear layers reveals a number of regional specializations or "areae centrales". Ganglion cells were retrogradely-labelled with cobalt-lysine from the optic nerve, and three sub-populations of neurons characterized on their soma size and position. Small (20-50 microns2), large (80-300 microns2) and giant (greater than 300 microns2) sub-populations of ganglion cells each revealed distinct retinal specializations with peak densities of 3 x 10(3), 1.25 x 10(3) and 1.57 x 10(3) cells per mm2, respectively. Topographical comparison between Nissl-stained and retrogradely-labelled ganglion cell populations have established that a maximum of 20% in the "area centralis", and 75% in unspecialized, peripheral regions of the retina are non-ganglion cells. Out of a total of 210,566 cells in the ganglion cell layer, 49% were found to be non-ganglion cells. Iso-density contour maps of amacrine and bipolar cell distributions also reveal some specializations. These cell concentrations lie in corresponding regions to areas of increased density in the large and giant ganglion cell populations, suggesting some functional association.

Creation of economical and robust large area MCPs by ALD method for photodetectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mane, Anil U.; Elam, Jeffrey W.; Wagner, Robert G.; Siegmund, Oswald H. W.; Minot, Michael J.

2016-09-01

We report a cost-effective and production achievable path to fabricate robust large-area microchannel plates (MCPs), which offers the new prospect for larger area MCP-based detector technologies. We used atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), a thin film growth technique, to independently adjust the desired electrical resistance and secondary electron emission (SEE) properties of low cost borosilicate glass micro-capillary arrays (MCAs). These capabilities allow a separation of the substrate material properties from the signal amplification properties. This methodology enables the functionalization of microporous, highly insulating MCA substrates to produce sturdy, large format MCPs with unique properties such as high gain (<107/MCP pair), low background noise, 10ps time resolution, sub-micron spatial resolution and excellent stability after only a short (2-3days) scrubbing time. The ALD self-limiting growth mechanism allows atomic level control over the thickness and composition of resistive and secondary electron emission (SEE) layers that can be deposited conformally on high aspect ratio ( 100) capillary glass arrays. We have developed several robust and consistent production doable ALD processes for the resistive coatings and SEE layers to give us precise control over the MCP parameters. Further, the adjustment of MCPs resistance by tailoring the ALD material composition permits the use of these MCPs at high or low temperature detector applications. Here we discuss ALD method for MCP functionalization and a variety of MCP testing results.

Gastric mucosal protective mechanisms: roles of epithelial bicarbonate and mucus secretions.

PubMed

Garner, A; Flemström, G; Allen, A; Heylings, J R; McQueen, S

1984-01-01

Secretion of HCO3 (amounting to 2-10% of maximum H+ secretion) in conjunction with the adherent mucus gel layer (functioning as a mixing barrier) protects gastric mucosa from luminal acid by a process of surface neutralization. Gastric HCO3 secretion is augmented by cholinergic agonists, prostaglandins and low luminal pH. Ulcerogens attenuate HCO3 secretion although passive diffusion of alkali consequent upon an increase in mucosal permeability may mask these inhibitory actions. Studies in vitro indicate that HCO3 transport in the stomach is dependent on oxidative metabolism, carbonic anhydrase activity and involves a CL exchange mechanism. Mucus, synthesized and released from epithelial cells, adheres to the mucosal surface as a thin (less than 80 microns in rat) but continuous gel layer. Prostaglandins and carbachol induced release of preformed mucus and thereby increase thickness, whereas acute exposure to ulcerogens has little effect on overall dimensions of the surface mucus layer. Measurements of pH gradients adjacent to gastric mucosa indicate that the disposal of luminal H+ occurs by extracellular neutralization. However, the fall in pH at the apical cell membrane when luminal pH is low (pH 1.5) suggests that while a mucus-bicarbonate barrier comprises the first line of mucosal defence, other factors are involved in the overall process of mucosal protection in the stomach.

Multi-angle lensless digital holography for depth resolved imaging on a chip.

PubMed

Su, Ting-Wei; Isikman, Serhan O; Bishara, Waheb; Tseng, Derek; Erlinger, Anthony; Ozcan, Aydogan

2010-04-26

A multi-angle lensfree holographic imaging platform that can accurately characterize both the axial and lateral positions of cells located within multi-layered micro-channels is introduced. In this platform, lensfree digital holograms of the micro-objects on the chip are recorded at different illumination angles using partially coherent illumination. These digital holograms start to shift laterally on the sensor plane as the illumination angle of the source is tilted. Since the exact amount of this lateral shift of each object hologram can be calculated with an accuracy that beats the diffraction limit of light, the height of each cell from the substrate can be determined over a large field of view without the use of any lenses. We demonstrate the proof of concept of this multi-angle lensless imaging platform by using light emitting diodes to characterize various sized microparticles located on a chip with sub-micron axial and lateral localization over approximately 60 mm(2) field of view. Furthermore, we successfully apply this lensless imaging approach to simultaneously characterize blood samples located at multi-layered micro-channels in terms of the counts, individual thicknesses and the volumes of the cells at each layer. Because this platform does not require any lenses, lasers or other bulky optical/mechanical components, it provides a compact and high-throughput alternative to conventional approaches for cytometry and diagnostics applications involving lab on a chip systems.

An independently addressable microbiosensor array: what are the limits of sensing element density?

PubMed

Yu, P; Wilson, G S

2000-01-01

A microdisc sensor array, prepared by thin film technology, has been used as a model for miniaturized multi-functional biosensors. It consists of a series of wells, 20 microns in diameter, possessing a 1000 A Pt layer at the bottom that serves as the indicating electrode. The depth of the wells ranged from 2.3-24 microns, depending on the photoresist employed and the spinning speed used to coat the electrode interconnect grid. Ten such wells were arranged in a circular array within an area of radius 130 microns. The center to center distance between any two of the discs ranged from 30 to 155 microns. Each disc is connected by a conductive film line to corresponding pads on the side of the sensor chip. A cylinder placed on top of the chip array formed the electrochemical cell into which a common reference and counter electrode were placed. The reference electrode was operated at ground potential. Prior to the evaluation of enzyme sensors, an assessment of "chemical cross-talk", the perturbation of sensor response resulting from the overlap of proximal diffusion layers, was made using Fe(CN)6(4-). The preliminary conclusion is that the sensing elements probably must be separated by about 100 microns in order to avoid interference from adjacent sensors. A technique was developed for the precision delivery of enzyme and cross-linking agent to the 2.3 microns cavity, having a capacity of 4 pL. This procedure makes possible the preparation of sensor arrays capable of detecting different analytes by employing different enzymes. The sensors gave reasonably rapid (2-4 s) response with linearity (up to about 10 mM. However, the sensors in the center of the array clearly showed the effects of depletion of substrates by the surrounding sensors.

Role of Cu layer thickness on the magnetic anisotropy of pulsed electrodeposited Ni/Cu/Ni tri-layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhanapal, K.; Prabhu, D.; Gopalan, R.; Narayanan, V.; Stephen, A.

2017-07-01

The Ni/Cu/Ni tri-layer film with different thickness of Cu layer was deposited using pulsed electrodeposition method. The XRD pattern of all the films show the formation of fcc structure of nickel and copper. This shows the orientated growth in the (2 2 0) plane of the layered films as calculated from the relative intensity ratio. The layer formation in the films were observed from cross sectional view using FE-SEM and confirms the decrease in Cu layer thickness with decreasing deposition time. The magnetic anisotropy behaviour was measured using VSM with two different orientations of layered film. This shows that increasing anisotropy energy with decreasing Cu layer thickness and a maximum of  -5.13  ×  104 J m-3 is observed for copper deposited for 1 min. From the K eff.t versus t plot, development of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in the layered system is predicted below 0.38 µm copper layer thickness.

Comparing Production and Placement of Warm-Mix Asphalt to Traditional Hot-Mix Asphalt for Constructing Airfield Pavements

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-08-01

Sasobit® STA 0+35 cross-section layer thicknesses as constructed............................... 36  Figure 50. Evotherm ™ center-line layer thicknesses...as constructed. ................................................ 37  Figure 51. Evotherm ™ STA 0+15 cross-section layer thicknesses as constructed...37  Figure 52. Evotherm ™ STA 0+25 cross-section layer thicknesses as constructed. .......................... 38  Figure 53

Study of interlayer coupling between FePt and FeCoB thin films through MgO spacer layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Sadhana; Kumar, Dileep; Gupta, Mukul; Reddy, V. Raghvendra

2017-05-01

Interlayer exchange coupling between hard-FePt and soft-FeCoB magnetic layers has been studied with increasing thickness of insulator MgO spacer layer in FePt/MgO/FeCoB sandwiched structure. A series of the samples were prepared in identical condition using ion beam sputtering method and characterized for their magnetic and structural properties using magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) and X-ray reflectivity measurements. The nature of coupling between FePt and FeCoB was found to be ferromagnetic which decreases exponentially with increasing thickness of MgO layer. At very low thickness of MgO layer, both layers were found strongly coupled thus exhibiting coherent magnetization reversal. At higher thickness, both layers were found decoupled and magnetization reversal occurred at different switching fields. Strong coupling at very low thickness is attributed to pin holes in MgO layer which lead to direct coupling whereas on increasing thickness, coupling may arise due to magneto-static interactions.

Metaporous layer to overcome the thickness constraint for broadband sound absorption

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

Yang, Jieun; Lee, Joong Seok; Kim, Yoon Young, E-mail: yykim@snu.ac.kr

The sound absorption of a porous layer is affected by its thickness, especially in a low-frequency range. If a hard-backed porous layer contains periodical arrangements of rigid partitions that are coordinated parallel and perpendicular to the direction of incoming sound waves, the lower bound of the effective sound absorption can be lowered much more and the overall absorption performance enhanced. The consequence of rigid partitioning in a porous layer is to make the first thickness resonance mode in the layer appear at much lower frequencies compared to that in the original homogeneous porous layer with the same thickness. Moreover, appropriatemore » partitioning yields multiple thickness resonances with higher absorption peaks through impedance matching. The physics of the partitioned porous layer, or the metaporous layer, is theoretically investigated in this study.« less

Web-dendritic growth. [single crystal silicon ribbons for solar cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hilborn, R. B.; Faust, J. W., Jr.; Rhodes, C.

1977-01-01

The effects of various machine design parameters on the growth of web dendritic silicon ribbon were investigated. Ribbons were grown up to lengths of one meter, with widths increasing linearly up to one cm at the point of termination of growth. Thermal data were collected and evaluated for actual seeding and growth with variations in parameters affecting heat loss. It was found that for suitable growth, the mechanical system should be very rigid and stable, and the tolerances and specifications of the quartz crucibles must be far tighter than normal quartz tolerances. The widening rates of the ribbons were found to be a function of the temperature gradient rather than the temperature differences alone. A twin spacing in the seed of 3 microns to 2 microns was found to be unfavorable for growth; whereas spacing of 0.9 microns to 2 microns and 8 microns to 2 microns were favorable. Thermal modeling studies of the effects of furnace design parameters on the temperature distributions in melt and the growth of the dendritic web ribbon showed that the pull rate of the ribbon is strongly dependent on the temperature of the top thermal shield, the spacing between this shield and the melt, and the thickness of the growing web.

Lag and light-transfer characteristics of amorphous selenium photoconductive film with tellurium-doped layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Wug-Dong; Tanioka, Kenkichi

2016-07-01

Amorphous selenium (a-Se) high-gain avalanche rushing amorphous photoconductor (HARP) films have been used for highly sensitive imaging devices. To study a-Se HARP films for a solid-state image sensor, current-voltage, lag, spectral response, and light-transfer characteristics of 0.4-µm-thick a-Se HARP films are investigated. Also, to clarify a suitable Te-doped a-Se layer thickness in the a-Se photoconductor, we considered the effects of Te-doped layer thickness on the lag, spectral response, and light-transfer characteristics of 0.4-µm-thick a-Se HARP films. The threshold field, at which avalanche multiplication occurs in the a-Se HARP targets, decreases when the Te-doped layer thickness increases. The lag of 0.4-µm-thick a-Se HARP targets with Te-doped layers is higher than that of the target without Te doping. The lag of the targets with Te-doped layers is caused by the electrons trapped in the Te-doped layers within the 0.4-µm-thick a-Se HARP films. From the results of the spectral response measurement of about 15 min, the 0.4-µm-thick a-Se HARP targets with Te-doped layers of 90 and 120 nm are observed to be unstable owing to the electrons trapped in the Te-doped a-Se layer. From the light-transfer characteristics of 0.4-µm-thick a-Se HARP targets, as the slope at the operating point of signal current-voltage characteristics in the avalanche mode increases, the γ of the a-Se HARP targets decreases. Considering the effects of dark current on the lag and spectral response characteristics, a Te-doped layer of 60 nm is suitable for 0.4-µm-thick a-Se HARP films.

Thin EFG octagons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalejs, J. P.

1994-01-01

Mobil Solar Energy Corporation currently practices a unique crystal growth technology for producing crystalline silicon sheet, which is then cut with lasers into wafers. The wafers are processed into solar cells and incorporated into modules for photovoltaic applications. The silicon sheet is produced using a method known as Edge-defined Film-fed growth (EFG), in the form of hollow eight-sided polygons (octagons) with 10 cm faces. These are grown to lengths of 5 meters and thickness of 300 microns, with continuous melt replenishment, in compact furnaces designed to operate at a high sheet area production area of 135 sq cm/min. The present Photovoltaic Manufacturing Technology (PVMaT) three-year program seeks to advance the manufacturing line capabilities of the Mobil Solar crystal growth and cutting technologies. If successful, these advancements will provide significant reductions in already low silicon raw material usage, improve process productivity, laser cutting throughput and yield, and so lower both individual wafer cost and the cost of module production. This report summarizes the significant technical improvements in EFG technology achieved in Phase 1 of this program. Technical results are reported for each of the three main program areas: (1) thin octagon growth (crystal growth) -- to reduce the thickness of the octagon to an interim goal of 250 microns during Phase 1, with an ultimate goal of achieving 200 micron thicknesses; (2) laser cutting -- to improve the laser cutting process, so as to produce wafers with decreased laser cutting damage at increased wafer throughput rates; and (3) process control and product specification -- to implement advanced strategies in crystal growth process control and productivity designed to increase wafer yields.

The origin of the infrared luminosity in Centaurus A

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Joy, Marshall; Lester, Daniel F.; Harvey, Paul M.; Ellis, H. Benton

1988-01-01

The origin of the infrared luminosity in Centaurus A is studied using new tracking and data acquisition techniques which yield diffraction-limited profiles at both 50 and 100 microns. Ninety percent of the 100 micron flux is found to originate in a source which extends 5 kpc along the optical dust lane that bisects the galaxy; the remaining 10 percent comes from an unresolved source coincident with the active radio nucleus. The extended 100 micron emission profile is fully consistent with a uniform disk of thermally radiating particles; when combined with results of previous studies at shorter wavelengths, these measurements indicate that nearly all of the infrared luminosity is produced by thermally emitting grains which are heated by massive young stars distributed throughout the optically thick dust lane.

Relative Translucency of a Multilayered Ultratranslucent Zirconia Material.

PubMed

Shamseddine, Loubna; Majzoub, Zeina

2017-12-01

The aim of this study was to compare the translucency parameter (TP) of ultratranslucent multilayered (UTML) zirconia according to thickness and layer level. Rectangles of UTML zirconia with four layers [dentin layer (DEL), first transitional layer (FTL), second transitional layer (STL), and enamel layer (ENL)] and four different thicknesses (0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1 mm) were milled from blanks. Digital images were taken in a dark studio against white and black backgrounds under simulated daylight illumination and international commission on illumination (CIE) Lab* color values recorded using Photoshop Creative Cloud software. The TP was computed and compared according to thickness and layer level using analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Bonferroni post hoc analysis for multiple comparisons. Significance was set at p < 0.05. In each thickness, TP values were similar between any two layers. The significant effect of thickness on the TP was observed only in the first two layers. In the DEL, translucency was significantly greater at 0.4 mm than all other thicknesses. In the FTL, differences were significant between 0.4 and 0.8 mm and between 0.4 and 1 mm. The investigated zirconia does not seem to show gradational changes in relative translucency from dentin to enamel levels regardless of the thickness used. Thickness affected the TP only in the first two layers with better translu-cency at 0.4 mm. Since relative translucency does not seem to be significantly different between layers, clinicians can modify the apicocoronal positioning of the UTML layers within the restoration according to the desired Chroma without any implications on the clinically perceived translucency. While the thickness of 0.4 mm may be suggested for anterior esthetic veneers because of its higher translucency, the other thicknesses of 0.6 to 1 mm can be used to mask colored abutments in full contour restorations.

Non-Uniform Thickness Electroactive Device

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Su, Ji (Inventor); Harrison, Joycelyn S. (Inventor)

2006-01-01

An electroactive device comprises at least two layers of material, wherein at least one layer is an electroactive material and wherein at least one layer is of non-uniform thickness. The device can be produced in various sizes, ranging from large structural actuators to microscale or nanoscale devices. The applied voltage to the device in combination with the non-uniform thickness of at least one of the layers (electroactive and/or non-electroactive) controls the contour of the actuated device. The effective electric field is a mathematical function of the local layer thickness. Therefore, the local strain and the local bending/ torsion curvature are also a mathematical function of the local thickness. Hence the thinnest portion of the actuator offers the largest bending and/or torsion response. Tailoring of the layer thicknesses can enable complex motions to be achieved.

SiO2/ZnO Composite Hollow Sub-Micron Fibers: Fabrication from Facile Single Capillary Electrospinning and Their Photoluminescence Properties.

PubMed

Song, Guanying; Li, Zhenjiang; Li, Kaihua; Zhang, Lina; Meng, Alan

2017-02-24

In this work, SiO2/ZnO composite hollow sub-micron fibers were fabricated by a facile single capillary electrospinning technique followed by calcination, using tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and ZnO nanoparticles as raw materials. The characterization results of the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectra indicated that the asprepared composite hollow fibers consisted of amorphous SiO2 and hexagonal wurtzite ZnO. The products revealed uniform tubular structure with outer diameters of 400-500 nm and wall thickness of 50-60 nm. The gases generated and the directional escaped mechanism was proposed to illustrate the formation of SiO2/ZnO composite hollow sub-micron fibers. Furthermore, a broad blue emission band was observed in the photoluminescence (PL) of SiO2/ZnO composite hollow sub-micron fibers, exhibiting great potential applications as blue light-emitting candidate materials.

Study of ion beam sputtered Fe/Si interfaces as a function of Si layer thickness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Anil; Brajpuriya, Ranjeet; Singh, Priti

2018-01-01

The exchange interaction in metal/semiconductor interfaces is far from being completely understood. Therefore, in this paper, we have investigated the nature of silicon on the Fe interface in the ion beam deposited Fe/Si/Fe trilayers keeping the thickness of the Fe layers fixed at 3 nm and varying the thickness of the silicon sandwich layer from 1.5 nm to 4 nm. Grazing incidence x-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy techniques were used, respectively, to study the structural and morphological changes in the deposited films as a function of layer thickness. The structural studies show silicide formation at the interfaces during deposition and better crystalline structure of Fe layers at a lower spacer layer thickness. The magnetization behavior was investigated using magneto-optical Kerr effect, which clearly shows that coupling between the ferromagnetic layers is highly influenced by the semiconductor spacer layer thickness. A strong antiferromagnetic coupling was observed for a value of tSi = 2.5 nm but above this value an unexpected behavior of hysteresis loop (step like) with two coercivity values is recorded. For spacer layer thickness greater than 2.5 nm, an elemental amorphous Si layer starts to appear in the spacer layer in addition to the silicide layer at the interfaces. It is observed that in the trilayer structure, Fe layers consist of various stacks, viz., Si doped Fe layers, ferromagnetic silicide layer, and nonmagnetic silicide layer at the interfaces. The two phase hysteresis loop is explained on the basis of magnetization reversal of two ferromagnetic layers, independent of each other, with different coercivities. X-ray photo electron spectroscopy technique was also used to study interfaces characteristics as a function of tSi.

The dependence of the modulation transfer function on the blocking layer thickness in amorphous selenium x-ray detectors

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

Hunter, David M.; Belev, Gueorgi; DeCrescenzo, Giovanni

2007-08-15

Blocking layers are used to reduce leakage current in amorphous selenium detectors. The effect of the thickness of the blocking layer on the presampling modulation transfer function (MTF) and on dark current was experimentally determined in prototype single-line CCD-based amorphous selenium (a-Se) x-ray detectors. The sampling pitch of the detectors evaluated was 25 {mu}m and the blocking layer thicknesses varied from 1 to 51 {mu}m. The blocking layers resided on the signal collection electrodes which, in this configuration, were used to collect electrons. The combined thickness of the blocking layer and a-Se bulk in each detector was {approx}200 {mu}m. Asmore » expected, the dark current increased monotonically as the thickness of the blocking layer was decreased. It was found that if the blocking layer thickness was small compared to the sampling pitch, it caused a negligible reduction in MTF. However, the MTF was observed to decrease dramatically at spatial frequencies near the Nyquist frequency as the blocking layer thickness approached or exceeded the electrode sampling pitch. This observed reduction in MTF is shown to be consistent with predictions of an electrostatic model wherein the image charge from the a-Se is trapped at a characteristic depth within the blocking layer, generally near the interface between the blocking layer and the a-Se bulk.« less

Deformation Mechanism Map of Cu/Nb Nanoscale Metallic Multilayers as a Function of Temperature and Layer Thickness

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

Snel, J.; Monclús, M. A.; Castillo-Rodríguez, M.

The mechanical properties and deformation mechanisms of Cu/Nb nanoscale metallic multilayers (NMMs) manufactured by accumulative roll bonding are studied at 25°C and 400°C. Cu/Nb NMMs with individual layer thicknesses between 7 nm and 63 nm were tested by in situ micropillar compression inside a scanning electron microscope. Yield strength, strain-rate sensitivities and activation volumes were obtained from the pillar compression tests. The deformed micropillars were examined under scanning and transmission electron microscopy in order to examine the deformation mechanisms active for different layer thicknesses and temperatures. The paper suggests that room temperature deformation was determined by dislocation glide at largermore » layer thicknesses and interface-related mechanisms at the thinner layer thicknesses. The high-temperature compression tests, in contrast, revealed superior thermo-mechanical stability and strength retention for the NMMs with larger layer thicknesses with deformation controlled by dislocation glide. A remarkable transition in deformation mechanism occurred as the layer thickness decreased, to a deformation response controlled by diffusion processes along the interfaces, which resulted in temperature-induced softening. Finally, a deformation mechanism map, in terms of layer thickness and temperature, is proposed from the results obtained in this investigation.« less

Deformation Mechanism Map of Cu/Nb Nanoscale Metallic Multilayers as a Function of Temperature and Layer Thickness

DOE PAGES

Snel, J.; Monclús, M. A.; Castillo-Rodríguez, M.; ...

2017-08-29

The mechanical properties and deformation mechanisms of Cu/Nb nanoscale metallic multilayers (NMMs) manufactured by accumulative roll bonding are studied at 25°C and 400°C. Cu/Nb NMMs with individual layer thicknesses between 7 nm and 63 nm were tested by in situ micropillar compression inside a scanning electron microscope. Yield strength, strain-rate sensitivities and activation volumes were obtained from the pillar compression tests. The deformed micropillars were examined under scanning and transmission electron microscopy in order to examine the deformation mechanisms active for different layer thicknesses and temperatures. The paper suggests that room temperature deformation was determined by dislocation glide at largermore » layer thicknesses and interface-related mechanisms at the thinner layer thicknesses. The high-temperature compression tests, in contrast, revealed superior thermo-mechanical stability and strength retention for the NMMs with larger layer thicknesses with deformation controlled by dislocation glide. A remarkable transition in deformation mechanism occurred as the layer thickness decreased, to a deformation response controlled by diffusion processes along the interfaces, which resulted in temperature-induced softening. Finally, a deformation mechanism map, in terms of layer thickness and temperature, is proposed from the results obtained in this investigation.« less

Nano-indentation creep properties of the S2 cell wall lamina and compound corner middle lamella [abstract

Treesearch

Joseph E. Jakes; Charles R. Frihart; James F. Beecher; Donald S. Stone

2010-01-01

Bulk wood properties are derived from an ensemble of processes taking place at the micron-scale, and at this level the properties differ dramatically in going from cell wall layers to the middle lamella. To better understand the properties of these micron-scaled regions of wood, we have developed a unique set of nano-indentation tools that allow us to measure local...