A Numerical Investigation of the Extinction of Low Strain Rate Diffusion Flames by an Agent in Microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Puri, Ishwar K.

2004-01-01

Our goal has been to investigate the influence of both dilution and radiation on the extinction process of nonpremixed flames at low strain rates. Simulations have been performed by using a counterflow code and three radiation models have been included in it, namely, the optically thin, the narrowband, and discrete ordinate models. The counterflow flame code OPPDIFF was modified to account for heat transfer losses by radiation from the hot gases. The discrete ordinate method (DOM) approximation was first suggested by Chandrasekhar for solving problems in interstellar atmospheres. Carlson and Lathrop developed the method for solving multi-dimensional problem in neutron transport. Only recently has the method received attention in the field of heat transfer. Due to the applicability of the discrete ordinate method for thermal radiation problems involving flames, the narrowband code RADCAL was modified to calculate the radiative properties of the gases. A non-premixed counterflow flame was simulated with the discrete ordinate method for radiative emissions. In comparison with two other models, it was found that the heat losses were comparable with the optically thin and simple narrowband model. The optically thin model had the highest heat losses followed by the DOM model and the narrow-band model.

EFFECTS OF ULTRAVIOLET BACKGROUND AND LOCAL STELLAR RADIATION ON THE H I COLUMN DENSITY DISTRIBUTION

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

Nagamine, Kentaro; Choi, Jun-Hwan; Yajima, Hidenobu, E-mail: kn@physics.unlv.ed

We study the impact of ultraviolet background (UVB) radiation field and the local stellar radiation on the H I column density distribution f(N{sub H{sub I}}) of damped Ly{alpha} systems (DLAs) and sub-DLAs at z = 3 using cosmological smoothed particle hydrodynamics simulations. We find that, in the previous simulations with an optically thin approximation, the UVB was sinking into the H I cloud too deeply, and therefore we underestimated the f(N{sub H{sub I}}) at 19 < log N{sub H{sub I}} < 21.2 compared to the observations. If the UVB is shut off in the high-density regions with n{sub gas}>6 xmore » 10{sup -3} cm{sup -3}, then we reproduce the observed f(N{sub H{sub I}}) at z = 3 very well. We also investigate the effect of local stellar radiation by postprocessing our simulation with a radiative transfer code and find that the local stellar radiation does not change the f(N{sub H{sub I}}) very much. Our results show that the shape of f(N{sub H{sub I}}) is determined primarily by the UVB with a much weaker effect by the local stellar radiation and that the optically thin approximation often used in cosmological simulation is inadequate to properly treat the ionization structure of neutral gas in and out of DLAs. Our result also indicates that the DLA gas is closely related to the transition region from optically thick neutral gas to optically thin ionized gas within dark matter halos.« less

PAH 8μm Emission as a Diagnostic of HII Region Optical Depth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oey, M. S.; Lopez-Hernandez, J.; Kellar, J. A.; Pellegrini, E. W.; Gordon, Karl D.; Jameson, Katherine; Li, Aigen; Madden, Suzanne C.; Meixner, Margaret; Roman-Duval, Julia; Bot, Caroline; Rubio, Monica; Tielens, A. G. G. M.

2017-01-01

PAHs are easily destroyed by Lyman continuum radiation and so in optically thick Stromgren spheres, they tend to be found only on the periphery of HII regions, rather than in the central volume. We therefore expect that in HII regions that are optically thin to ionizing radiation, PAHs would be destroyed beyond the primary nebular structure. Using data from the Spitzer SAGE survey of the Magellanic Clouds, we test whether 8 μm emission can serve as a diagnostic of optical depth in HII regions. We find that 8 μm emission does provide valuable constraints in the Large Magellanic Cloud, where objects identified as optically thick by their atomic ionization structure have 6 times higher median 8 μm surface brightness than optically thin objects. However, in the Small Magellanic Cloud, this differentiation is not observed. This appears to be caused by extremely low PAH production in this low-metallicity environment, such that any differentiation between optically thick and thin objects is washed out by stochastic variations, likely driven by the interplay between dust production and UV destruction. Thus, PAH emission is sensitive to nebular optical depth only at higher metallicities.

Radiative Forcing by Contrails

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meerkoetter, R.; Schumann, U.; Doelling, D. R.; Nakajima, T.; Tsushima, Y.

1999-01-01

A parametric study of the instantaneous radiative impact of contrails is presented using three different radiative transfer models for a series of model atmospheres and cloud parameters. Contrails are treated as geometrically and optically thin plane parallel homogeneous cirrus layers in a static atmospheres The ice water content is varied as a function of ambient temperature. The model atmospheres include tropical, mid-latitude, and subarctic summer and winter atmospheres Optically thin contrails cause a positive net forcing at top of the atmosphere. At the surface the radiative forcing is negative during daytime. The forcing increases with the optical depth and the amount of contrail cover. At the top of the atmosphere a mean contrail cover of 0.1% with average optical depth of 0.2 to 0.5 causes about 0.01 to 0.03 W/m(exp 2)a daily mean instantaneous radiative forcing. Contrails cool the surface during the day and heat the surface during the night, and hence reduce the daily temperature amplitude The net effect depends strongly on the daily variation of contrail cloud cover. The indirect radiative forcing due to particle changes in natural cirrus clouds may be of the same magnitude as the direct one due to additional cover.

Effects of simulated solar radiation on the transmission of magnesium fluoride and cryolite thin films

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heslin, T.

1974-01-01

Thin films of cryolite magnesium fluoride on fused silica substrates were exposed to 1126 equivalent sun-hours of radiation. The optical transmissions of the samples were measured before and after irradiation. The results indicate that, after the degradation of the silica substrate is accounted for, the cryolite is severely affected by the simulated solar radiation, but the magnesium fluoride is only slightly affected.

Experimental establishment of the erosion nature of the pulsed low-threshold optical breakdown of air near the surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Min'ko, L. Ia.; Chumakov, A. N.; Chivel', Iu. A.

1988-08-01

Nanosecond kinetic spectroscopy methods are used to establish the erosion nature of the pulsed low-threshold optical breakdown of air near the surface upon exposure of certain metals (indium, lead) to microsecond neodymium and CO2 laser radiation. It is shown that this optical breakdown of air by CO2 laser radiation is accompanied by the formation of a plasma spectrum which is optically thin in the visible range.

Defect analysis and detection of micro nano structured optical thin film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Chang; Shi, Nuo; Zhou, Lang; Shi, Qinfeng; Yang, Yang; Li, Zhuo

2017-10-01

This paper focuses on developing an automated method for detecting defects on our wavelength conversion thin film. We analyzes the operating principle of our wavelength conversion Micro/Nano thin film which absorbing visible light and emitting infrared radiation, indicates the relationship between the pixel's pattern and the radiation of the thin film, and issues the principle of defining blind pixels and their categories due to the calculated and experimental results. An effective method is issued for the automated detection based on wavelet transform and template matching. The results reveal that this method has desired accuracy and processing speed.

Analytical Solution of the Radiative Transfer Equation in a Thin Dusty Circumstellar Shell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cruzalèbes, P.; Sacuto, S.

The radiative transfer equation can be solved analytically for optically thin shells. The solution leads to a semi-analytical expression of the visibility function, which can be compared to the numerical solution given by the DUSTY code. Best-fit model parameters are given using real measurements of ISO fluxes, ISI and VLTI-MIDI visibilities for 3 late-type stars.

Optically Thin Liquid Water Clouds: Their Importance and Our Challenge

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Turner, D. D.; Vogelmann, A. M.; Austin, R. T.; Barnard, J. C.; Cady-Pereira, K.; Chiu, J. C.; Clough, S. A.; Flynn, C.; Khaiyer, M. M.; Liljegren, J.;

Thermal sensor with an improved coating

DOEpatents

LaDelfe, P.C.; Stotlar, S.C.

1984-03-30

The disclosure is directed to an apparatus for detecting radiation having wavelengths from about 0.4 ..mu..m to about 5.6 ..mu..m. An optical coating is applied to a thermal sensor that is normally transparent to radiation with such wavelengths. The optical coating is thin and light and includes a modifier and an absorber. The thermal sensor can be a pyroelectric detector such as strontium barium niobate.

Thermal sensor with an improved coating

DOEpatents

LaDelfe, Peter C.; Stotlar, Suzanne C.

1986-01-01

The disclosure is directed to an apparatus for detecting radiation having wavelengths from about 0.4 .mu.m to about 5.6 .mu.m. An optical coating is applied to a thermal sensor that is normally transparent to radiation with such wavelengths. The optical coating is thin and light and includes a modifier and an absorber. The thermal sensor can be a pyroelectric detector such as strontium barium niobate.

Premixed Flame Propagation in an Optically Thick Gas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abbud-Madrid, Angel; Ronney, Paul D.

1993-01-01

Flame propagation in both the optically thin and the optically thick regime of radiative transport was studied experimentally using particle-laden gas mixtures. Data on flame shapes, propagation rates, peak pressure, maximum rate of pressure rise, and thermal decay in the burned gases are consistent with the hypothesis that, at low particle loadings, the particles act to increase the radiative loss from the gases, whereas at higher loadings, reabsorption of emitted radiation becomes significant. The reabsorption acts to decrease the net radiative loss and augment conductive heat transport. It is speculated that, in sufficiently large systems, in which the absorption length is much smaller than the system size, flammability limits might not exist at microgravity conditions because emitted radiation would not constitute a loss mechanism.

Ultra thin metallic coatings to control near field radiative heat transfer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esquivel-Sirvent, R.

2016-09-01

We present a theoretical calculation of the changes in the near field radiative heat transfer between two surfaces due to the presence of ultra thin metallic coatings on semiconductors. Depending on the substrates, the radiative heat transfer is modulated by the thickness of the ultra thin film. In particular we consider gold thin films with thicknesses varying from 4 to 20 nm. The ultra-thin film has an insulator-conductor transition close to a critical thickness of dc = 6.4 nm and there is an increase in the near field spectral heat transfer just before the percolation transition. Depending on the substrates (Si or SiC) and the thickness of the metallic coatings we show how the near field heat transfer can be increased or decreased as a function of the metallic coating thickness. The calculations are based on available experimental data for the optical properties of ultrathin coatings.

Optical enhancement of Au doped ZrO2 thin films by sol-gel dip coating method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

John Berlin, I.; Joy, K.

2015-01-01

Homogeneous and transparent Au doped ZrO2 thin films were prepared by sol-gel dip coating method. The films have mixed phase of tetragonal, monoclinic and face centered cubic with crack free surface. Due to the increase in Au doping concentration many-body interaction occurs between free carriers and ionized impurities causing decrease in optical band gap from 5.72 to 5.40 eV. Localized surface plasmon resonance peak of the Au doped films appeared at 610 nm. Conversion of photons to surface plasmons allows the sub-wavelength manipulation of electromagnetic radiation. Hence the prepared Au doped ZrO2 thin films can be applied in nanoscale photonic devices such as lenses, switches, waveguides etc. Moreover the photoluminescence (PL) intensity of Au doped ZrO2 thin films decrease due to decrease in the radiative recombination, life time of the excitons and suppression of grain growth of ZrO2 with increasing Au dopant.

Impact of nanostructured thin ZnO film in ultraviolet protection

PubMed Central

Sasani Ghamsari, Morteza; Alamdari, Sanaz; Han, Wooje; Park, Hyung-Ho

2017-01-01

Nanoscale ZnO is one of the best choices for ultraviolet (UV) protection, not only because of its antimicrobial properties but also due to its potential application for UV preservation. However, the behavior of nanostructured thin ZnO films and long-term effects of UV-radiation exposure have not been studied yet. In this study, we investigated the UV-protection ability of sol gel-derived thin ZnO films after different exposure times. Scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and UV-visible optical spectroscopy were carried out to study the structure and optical properties of the ZnO films as a function of the UV-irradiation time. The results obtained showed that the prepared thin ZnO films were somewhat transparent under the visible wavelength region and protective against UV radiation. The UV-protection factor was 50+ for the prepared samples, indicating that they were excellent UV protectors. The deposited thin ZnO films demonstrated promising antibacterial potential and significant light absorbance in the UV range. The experimental results suggest that the synthesized samples have potential for applications in the health care field. PMID:28096668

Impact of nanostructured thin ZnO film in ultraviolet protection.

PubMed

Sasani Ghamsari, Morteza; Alamdari, Sanaz; Han, Wooje; Park, Hyung-Ho

2017-01-01

Nanoscale ZnO is one of the best choices for ultraviolet (UV) protection, not only because of its antimicrobial properties but also due to its potential application for UV preservation. However, the behavior of nanostructured thin ZnO films and long-term effects of UV-radiation exposure have not been studied yet. In this study, we investigated the UV-protection ability of sol gel-derived thin ZnO films after different exposure times. Scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and UV-visible optical spectroscopy were carried out to study the structure and optical properties of the ZnO films as a function of the UV-irradiation time. The results obtained showed that the prepared thin ZnO films were somewhat transparent under the visible wavelength region and protective against UV radiation. The UV-protection factor was 50+ for the prepared samples, indicating that they were excellent UV protectors. The deposited thin ZnO films demonstrated promising antibacterial potential and significant light absorbance in the UV range. The experimental results suggest that the synthesized samples have potential for applications in the health care field.

Ice Cloud Properties And Their Radiative Effects: Global Observations And Modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, Yulan

Ice clouds are crucial to the Earth's radiation balance. They cool the Earth-atmosphere system by reflecting solar radiation back to space and warm it by blocking outgoing thermal radiation. However, there is a lack of an observation-based climatology of ice cloud properties and their radiative effects. Two active sensors, the CloudSat radar and the CALIPSO lidar, for the first time provide vertically resolved ice cloud data on a global scale. Using synergistic signals of these two sensors, it is possible to obtain both optically thin and thick ice clouds as the radar excels in probing thick clouds while the lidar is better to detect the thin ones. First, based on the CloudSat radar and CALIPSO lidar measurements, we have derived a climatology of ice cloud properties. Ice clouds cover around 50% of the Earth surface, and their global-mean optical depth, ice water path, and effective radius are approximately 2 (unitless), 109 g m. {-2} and 48 \\mum, respectively. Ice cloud occurrence frequency not only depends on regions and seasons, but also on the types of ice clouds as defined by optical depth (tau) values. Optically thin ice clouds (tau < 3) are most frequently observed in the tropics around 15 km and in the midlatitudes below 5 km, while the thicker clouds (tau > 3) occur frequently in the tropical convective areas and along the midlatitude storm tracks. Using ice retrievals derived from combined radar-lidar measurements, we conducted radiative transfer modeling to study ice cloud radiative effects. The combined effects of ice clouds warm the earth-atmosphere system by approximately 5 W m-2, contributed by a longwave warming effect of about 21.8 W m-2 and a shortwave cooling effect of approximately -16.7 W m-2. Seasonal variations of ice cloud radiative effects are evident in the midlatitudes where the net effect changes from warming during winter to cooling during summer, and the net warming effect occurs year-round in the tropics (˜ 10 W m-2). Ice cloud optical depth is shown to be an important factor in determining the sign and magnitude of the net radiative effect. On a global average, ice clouds with tau ≤ 4.6 display a warming effect with the largest contributions from those with tau ˜ 1.0. Optically thin and high ice clouds cause strong heating in the tropical upper troposphere, while outside the tropics, mixed-phase clouds cause strong cooling at lower altitudes (> 5 km). In addition, ice clouds occurring with liquid clouds in the same profile account for about 30%$of all observations. These liquid clouds reduce longwave heating rates in ice cloud layers by 0-1 K/day depending on the values of ice cloud optical depth and regions. This research for the first time provides a clear picture on the global distribution of ice clouds with a wide range of optical depth. Through radiative transfer modeling, we have gained better knowledge on ice cloud radiative effects and their dependence on ice cloud properties. These results not only improve our understanding of the interaction between clouds and climate, but also provide observational basis to evaluate climate models.

Fabrication of optically reflecting ohmic contacts for semiconductor devices

DOEpatents

Sopori, Bhushan L.

1995-01-01

A method is provided to produce a low-resistivity ohmic contact having high optical reflectivity on one side of a semiconductor device. The contact is formed by coating the semiconductor substrate with a thin metal film on the back reflecting side and then optically processing the wafer by illuminating it with electromagnetic radiation of a predetermined wavelength and energy level through the front side of the wafer for a predetermined period of time. This method produces a thin epitaxial alloy layer between the semiconductor substrate and the metal layer when a crystalline substrate is used. The alloy layer provides both a low-resistivity ohmic contact and high optical reflectance.

Experimental design to understand the interaction of stellar radiation with molecular clouds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

VanDervort, Robert; Davis, Josh; Trantham, Matt; Klein, Sallee; Frank, Yechiel; Raicher, Erez; Fraenkel, Moshe; Shvarts, Dov; Keiter, Paul; Drake, R. Paul

2017-06-01

Enhanced star formation triggered by local O and B type stars is an astrophysical problem of interest. O and B type stars are massive, hot stars that emit an enormous amount of radiation. This radiation acts to either compress or blow apart clumps of gas in the interstellar media. For example, in the optically thick limit, when the x-ray radiation in the gas clump has a short mean free path length the x-ray radiation is absorbed near the clump edge and compresses the clump. In the optically thin limit, when the mean free path is long, the radiation is absorbed throughout acting to heat the clump. This heating explodes the gas clump. Careful selection of parameters, such as foam density or source temperature, allow the experimental platform to access different hydrodynamic regimes. The stellar radiation source is mimicked by a laser irradiated thin gold foil. This will provide a source of thermal x-rays (around ~100 eV). The gas clump is mimicked by a low-density foam around 0.150 g/cc. Simulations were done using radiation hydrodynamics codes to tune the experimental parameters. The experiment will be carried out at the Omega laser facility on OMEGA 60.

Climatology analysis of cirrus cloud in ARM site: South Great Plain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olayinka, K.

2017-12-01

Cirrus cloud play an important role in the atmospheric energy balance and hence in the earth's climate system. The properties of optically thin clouds can be determined from measurements of transmission of the direct solar beam. The accuracy of cloud optical properties determined in this way is compromised by contamination of the direct transmission by light that is scattered into the sensors field of view. With the forward scattering correction method developed by Min et al., (2004), the accuracy of thin cloud retrievals from MFRSR has been improved. Our result shows over 30% of cirrus cloud present in the atmosphere are within optical depth between (1-2). In this study, we do statistics studies on cirrus clouds properties based on multi-years cirrus cloud measurements from MFRSR at ARM site from the South Great Plain (SGP) site due to its relatively easy accessibility, wide variability of climate cloud types and surface flux properties, large seasonal variation in temperature and specific humidity. Through the statistic studies, temporal and spatial variations of cirrus clouds are investigated. Since the presence of cirrus cloud increases the effect of greenhouse gases, we will retrieve the aerosol optical depth in all the cirrus cloud regions using a radiative transfer model for atmospheric correction. Calculate thin clouds optical depth (COD), and aerosol optical depth (AOD) using a radiative transfer model algorithm, e.g.: MODTRAN (MODerate resolution atmospheric TRANsmission)

Black carbon radiative forcing at TOA decreased during aging.

PubMed

Wu, Yu; Cheng, Tianhai; Zheng, Lijuan; Chen, Hao

2016-12-05

During aging processing, black carbon (also called soot) particles may tend to be mixed with other aerosols, and highly influence their radiative forcing. In this study, freshly emitted soot particles were simulated as fractal aggregates composed of small spherical primary monomers. After aging in the atmosphere, soot monomers were coated by a thinly layer of sulfate as thinly coated soot particles. These soot particles were entirely embedded into large sulfate particle by further aging, and becoming heavily coated soot particles. In clear-sky conditions, black carbon radiative forcing with different aging states were investigated for the bottom and top of atmosphere (BOA and TOA). The simulations showed that black carbon radiative forcing increased at BOA and decreased at TOA after their aging processes. Thinly and heavily coated states increased up to ~12% and ~35% black carbon radiative forcing at BOA, and black carbon radiative forcing at TOA can reach to ~20% and ~100% smaller for thinly and heavily coated states than those of freshly emitted states, respectively. The effect of aging states of black carbon radiative forcing was varied with surface albedo, aerosol optical depth and solar zenith angles. These findings would be helpful for the assessments of climate change.

Carbon-Nitrogen-Oxygen Line Radiation and the X-ray Bowen Fluorescence Mechanism in Optically Thick, Highly Ionized Media

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sako, Masao

2003-01-01

Radiative transfer effects due to overlapping X-ray lines in a high-temperature, optically thick, highly ionized medium are investigated. One particular example, in which the O VIII Lyalpha doublet (2(sup 2) P(sub 1/2,3/2)-1(sup 2) S(sub 1/2) coincides in frequency with the N VII Lyzeta lines (7(sup 2) P(sub 1/2,3/2)-1(sup 2) S(sub 1/2) is studied in detail to illustrate the effects on the properties of the emergent line spectrum. We solve the radiative transfer equation to study the energy transport of resonance-line radiation in a static, infinite, plane-parallel geometry, which is used to compute the destruction/escape probabilities for each of the lines for various total optical thicknesses of the medium, as well as destruction probabilities by sources of underlying photoelectric opacity. It is found that a large fraction of the O vIII Lyalpha line radiation can be destroyed by N VII, which can result in a reversal of the O VIII Lyalpha/N VII Lyalpha line intensity ratio similar to what may be seen under nonsolar abundances. Photoelectric absorption by ionized carbon and nitrogen can also subsequently increase the emission-line intensities of these ions. We show that line ratios, which are directly proportional to the abundance ratios in optically thin plasmas, are not good indicators of the true CNO abundances. Conversely, global spectral modeling that assumes optically thin conditions may yield incorrect abundance estimates when compared with observations, especially if the optical depth is large. Other potentially important overlapping lines and continua in the X-ray band are also identified, and their possible relevance to recent high-resolution spectroscopic observations with Chandra and XMM-Newton are briefly discussed.

Free-Free Radiation Cannot Make the UV/Soft-X-Ray Excess in AGN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kriss, G. A.

1994-05-01

Thermal gas always has associated atomic spectral features either in absorption or in emission. In optically thin gas the emission spectrum is dominated by line radiation and recombination continua. An example of radiation from optically thin material in accreting systems is the emission-line-dominated spectrum of a cataclysmic variable in its low state. Barvainis (1993, ApJ, 412, 513) and others have proposed that the UV/soft-X-ray excess prominent in the spectra of many AGN is due to free-free emission from gas at temperatures of 10(5) - 10(6) K. Simple arguments using only atomic data show that the recombination radiation from emission lines would produce UV, optical, and soft X-ray spectral features orders of magnitude stronger than observed. Collisional excitation produces even more line radiation under most physical conditions. As a particular example I take the Astro-1 observations of the Seyfert 1 galaxy Mrk 335 by HUT and BBXRT. Depending on the ionization state of the gas (which may be photoionized by the central source), the emission measure of the free-free radiation necessary to produce the UV continuum (3 times 10(68) cm(-3) at 8.2 times 10(5) K for H_o = 75 km s(-1) Mpc(-1) ) implies line emission from O VI, O VII, or O VIII more than a factor of 10 stronger than any features observed by HUT or BBXRT.

Simultaneous SMM flat crystal spectrometer and Very Large Array observations of solar active regions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lang, Kenneth R.; Willson, Robert F.; Smith, Kermit L.; Strong, Keith T.

1987-01-01

High-resolution images of the quiescent emission from two solar active regions at 20 cm (VLA) and soft X-ray (SMM FCS) wavelengths are compared. There are regions where the X-ray coronal loops have been completely imaged at 20 cm wavelength. In other regions, the X-ray radiation was detected without detectable 20 cm radiation, and vice versa. The X-ray data were used to infer average electron temperatures of about 3-million K and average electron densities of about 2.5 x 10 to the 9th/cu cm for the X-ray emitting plasma in the two active regions. The thermal bremsstrahlung of the X-ray emitting plasma is optically thin at 20 cm wavelength. The 20 cm brightness temperatures were always less than T(e), which is consistent with optically thin bremsstrahlung. The low T(B) can be explained if a higher, cooler plasma covers the hotter X-ray emitting plasma. Thermal gyroresonance radiation must account for the intense 20 cm radiation near and above sunspots where no X-ray radiation is detected.

Method and apparatus for enhanced evanescent fluorescence and color filtering using a high refractive index thin film coating

DOEpatents

Kao, Hung Pin; Schoeniger, Joseph; Yang, Nancy

2001-01-01

A technique for increasing the excitation and collection of evanescent fluorescence radiation emanating from a fiber optic sensor having a high refractive index (n.sub.r), dielectric thin film coating has been disclosed and described. The invention comprises a clad optical fiber core whose cladding is removed on a distal end, the distal end coated with a thin, non-porous, titanium dioxide sol-gel coating. It has been shown that such a fiber will exhibit increased fluorescence coupling due in part by 1) increasing the intensity of the evanescent field at the fiber core surface by a constructive interference effect on the propagating light, and 2) increasing the depth of penetration of the field in the sample. The interference effect created by the thin film imposes a wavelength dependence on the collection of the fluorescence and also suggests a novel application of thin films for color filtering as well as increasing collected fluorescence in fiber sensors. Collected fluorescence radiation increased by up to 6-fold over that of a bare fused silica fiber having a numerical aperture (N.A.) of O.6.

Fabrication of optically reflecting ohmic contacts for semiconductor devices

DOEpatents

Sopori, B.L.

1995-07-04

A method is provided to produce a low-resistivity ohmic contact having high optical reflectivity on one side of a semiconductor device. The contact is formed by coating the semiconductor substrate with a thin metal film on the back reflecting side and then optically processing the wafer by illuminating it with electromagnetic radiation of a predetermined wavelength and energy level through the front side of the wafer for a predetermined period of time. This method produces a thin epitaxial alloy layer between the semiconductor substrate and the metal layer when a crystalline substrate is used. The alloy layer provides both a low-resistivity ohmic contact and high optical reflectance. 5 figs.

Effects of Gamma Irradiation on Polyvinylidene Fluoride Thin Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Madivalappa, Shivaraj; Jali, V. M.

2018-02-01

Polyvinylidene fluoride thin films were synthesized by Sol-Gel method with spin rate of 3000 rpm for 30 sec on ITO glass substrates and were annealed at 170 C. The films were irradiated by Gamma radiation with different doses (10, 30, 40 and 50 kGy). XRD and FTIR spectra have been obtained to identify the presence of α / β phases. Mean crystallite size was calculated by Scherer’s equation. Different vibrational bands were identified and percentage of β phase was determined by FTIR analysis. Optical properties like band gap, refractive index, optical activation energy have been determined. Surface morphology and compositions of pristine and gamma irradiated PVDF thin films were confirmed respectively, by SEM and Energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The comparison of the structural and optical optical properties of pristine PVDF polymer film has been made with those of the Gamma irradiated films.

A Monte Carlo Code for Relativistic Radiation Transport Around Kerr Black Holes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schnittman, Jeremy David; Krolik, Julian H.

2013-01-01

We present a new code for radiation transport around Kerr black holes, including arbitrary emission and absorption mechanisms, as well as electron scattering and polarization. The code is particularly useful for analyzing accretion flows made up of optically thick disks and optically thin coronae. We give a detailed description of the methods employed in the code and also present results from a number of numerical tests to assess its accuracy and convergence.

Structure in Radiative Shocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drake, R. Paul; Visco, A.; Doss, F.; Reighard, A.; Froula, D.; Glenzer, S.; Knauer, J.

2008-05-01

Radiative shocks are shock waves fast enough that radiation from the shock-heated matter alters the structure of the shock. They are of fundamental interest to high-energy-density physics and also have applications throughout astrophysics. This poster will review the dimensionless parameters that determine structure in these shocks and will discuss recent experiments to measure such structure for strongly radiative shocks that are optically thin upstream and optically thick downstream. The shock transition itself heats mainly the ions. Immediately downstream of the shock, the ions heat the electrons and the electrons radiate, producing an optically thin cooling layer, followed by the downstream layer of warm, shocked material. The axial structure of these systems is of interest, because the transition from precursor through the cooling layer to the final state is complex and difficult to calculate. Their lateral structure is also of interest, as they seem likely to be subject to some variation on the Vishniac instability of thin layers. In our experiments to produce such shocks, laser ablation launches a Be plasma into a tube of Xe or Ar gas, at a velocity above 100 km/s. This drives a shock down the tube. Radiography provides fundamental information about the structure and evolution of the shocked material in Xe. Thomson scattering and pyrometry have provided data in Ar. We will summarize the available evidence regarding the properties of these shocks, and will discuss their connections to astrophysical cases. This research was sponsored by the National Nuclear Security Administration under the Stewardship Science Academic Alliances program through DOE Research Grants DE-FG52-07NA28058, DE-FG52-04NA00064, and other grants and contracts.

Space Environmentally Stable Polyimides and Copolyimides

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watson, Kent A.; Connell, John W.

2000-01-01

Polyimides with a unique combination of properties including low color in thin films, atomic oxygen (AO), ultra-violet (UV) radiation resistance, solubility in organic solvents in the imide form, high glass transition (T(sub g)) temperatures and high thermal stability have been prepared and characterized. The polymers were prepared by reacting a novel aromatic diamine with aromatic dianhydrides in a polar aprotic solvent. The solubility of the polymers in the imide form as well as the color density of thin films were dependent upon the chemical structure of the dianhydride. Several thin films (25-50 mm thick) prepared by solution casting of amide acid or imide solutions exhibited very low color and high optical transparency (approximately 90%) as determined by UV/visible spectroscopy. The polymers exhibited T(sub g)s >200 C depending upon the structure of the dianhydride and temperatures of 5% weight loss approximately 500C in air as determined by dynamic thermogravimetric analysis. Thin films coated with silver/inconel were exposed to a high fluence of AO and 1000 equivalent solar hours of UV radiation. The effects of these exposures on optical properties were minor. These space environmentally durable polymers are potentially useful in a variety of applications on spacecraft such as thin film membranes on antennas, second-surface mirrors, thermal/optical coatings and multi-layer thermal insulation (MLI) blanket materials. The chemistry, physical and mechanical properties of the polymers as well as their responses to AO and UV exposure will be discussed.

July 2012 Greenland melt extent enhanced by low-level liquid clouds.

PubMed

Bennartz, R; Shupe, M D; Turner, D D; Walden, V P; Steffen, K; Cox, C J; Kulie, M S; Miller, N B; Pettersen, C

2013-04-04

Melting of the world's major ice sheets can affect human and environmental conditions by contributing to sea-level rise. In July 2012, an historically rare period of extended surface melting was observed across almost the entire Greenland ice sheet, raising questions about the frequency and spatial extent of such events. Here we show that low-level clouds consisting of liquid water droplets ('liquid clouds'), via their radiative effects, played a key part in this melt event by increasing near-surface temperatures. We used a suite of surface-based observations, remote sensing data, and a surface energy-balance model. At the critical surface melt time, the clouds were optically thick enough and low enough to enhance the downwelling infrared flux at the surface. At the same time they were optically thin enough to allow sufficient solar radiation to penetrate through them and raise surface temperatures above the melting point. Outside this narrow range in cloud optical thickness, the radiative contribution to the surface energy budget would have been diminished, and the spatial extent of this melting event would have been smaller. We further show that these thin, low-level liquid clouds occur frequently, both over Greenland and across the Arctic, being present around 30-50 per cent of the time. Our results may help to explain the difficulties that global climate models have in simulating the Arctic surface energy budget, particularly as models tend to under-predict the formation of optically thin liquid clouds at supercooled temperatures--a process potentially necessary to account fully for temperature feedbacks in a warming Arctic climate.

Leakage radiation interference microscopy.

PubMed

Descrovi, Emiliano; Barakat, Elsie; Angelini, Angelo; Munzert, Peter; De Leo, Natascia; Boarino, Luca; Giorgis, Fabrizio; Herzig, Hans Peter

2013-09-01

We present a proof of principle for a new imaging technique combining leakage radiation microscopy with high-resolution interference microscopy. By using oil immersion optics it is demonstrated that amplitude and phase can be retrieved from optical fields, which are evanescent in air. This technique is illustratively applied for mapping a surface mode propagating onto a planar dielectric multilayer on a thin glass substrate. The surface mode propagation constant estimated after Fourier transformation of the measured complex field is well matched with an independent measurement based on back focal plane imaging.

Robust, Thin Optical Films for Extreme Environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2006-01-01

The environment of space presents scientists and engineers with the challenges of a harsh, unforgiving laboratory in which to conduct their scientific research. Solar astronomy and X-ray astronomy are two of the more challenging areas into which NASA scientists delve, as the optics for this high-tech work must be extremely sensitive and accurate, yet also be able to withstand the battering dished out by radiation, extreme temperature swings, and flying debris. Recent NASA work on this rugged equipment has led to the development of a strong, thin film for both space and laboratory use.

Nanostructured refractory thin films for solar applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ollier, E.; Dunoyer, N.; Dellea, O.; Szambolics, H.

2014-08-01

Selective solar absorbers are key elements of all solar thermal systems. Solar thermal panels and Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) systems aim respectively at producing heat and electricity. In both cases, a surface receives the solar radiation and is designed to have the highest optical absorption (lowest optical reflectivity) of the solar radiation in the visible wavelength range where the solar intensity is the highest. It also has a low emissivity in the infrared (IR) range in order to avoid radiative thermal losses. Current solutions in the state of the art usually consist in deposited interferential thin films or in cermets [1]. Structured surfaces have been proposed and have been simulated because they are supposed to be more efficient when the solar radiation is not normal to the receiving surface and because they could potentially be fabricated with refractory materials able to sustain high operating temperatures. This work presents a new method to fabricate micro/nanostructured surfaces on molybdenum (refractory metal with a melting temperature of 2623°C). This method now allows obtaining a refractory selective surface with an excellent optical selectivity and a very high absorption in the visible range. This high absorption performance was obtained by achieving a double structuration at micro and nano scales thanks to an innovative process flow.

Magnetic Rayleigh-Taylor instability in radiative flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yaghoobi, Asiyeh; Shadmehri, Mohsen

2018-06-01

We present a linear analysis of the radiative Rayleigh-Taylor (RT) instability in the presence of magnetic field for both optically thin and thick regimes. When the flow is optically thin, magnetic field not only stabilizes perturbations with short wavelengths, but also growth rate of the instability at long wavelengths is reduced compared to a non-magnetized case. Then, we extend our analysis to the optically thick flows with a conserved total specific entropy, and properties of the unstable perturbations are investigated in detail. Growth rate of the instability at short wavelengths is suppressed due to the presence of the magnetic field; however, growth rate is nearly constant at long wavelengths because of the radiation field. Since the radiative bubbles around massive protostars are subject to the RT instability, we also explore implications of our results in this context. In the non-magnetized case, the growth time-scale of the instability for a typical bubble is found to be less than 1000 yr, which is very short compared to the typical star formation time-scale. Magnetic field with a reasonable strength significantly increases the growth time-scale to more than hundreds of thousand years. The instability, furthermore, is more efficient at large wavelengths, whereas in the non-magnetized case, growth rate at short wavelengths is more significant.

Radiative Properties of Thin Films of Common Dielectric Materials in the IR Spectral Range of 1.5-14.2 μm: Application to Infrared Imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bañobre, Asahel; Marthi, Sita Rajyalaxmi; Ravindra, N. M.

2018-05-01

To measure, map and control temperature, imaging of materials in a thermal furnace routinely utilizes non-contact sensors, such as pyrometers. These pyrometers require a pre-knowledge of the radiative properties of materials in the desired infrared range of wavelengths. In this study, radiative properties of some commonly used thin films of dielectric materials are investigated within the infrared (IR) spectral range of 1.5-14.2 μm. Radiative properties of aluminum oxide (Al2O3), silicon dioxide (SiO2), aluminum nitride (AlN) and silicon nitride (Si3N4) have been simulated and compared, utilizing a matrix method of representing the optical properties. The simulated results of the radiative properties show that Si3N4 is an excellent choice for the infrared radiation absorbing layer that is currently used in infrared uncooled detectors (microbolometers) because of its optical, mechanical and electrical properties. A case study of the radiative properties of an infrared uncooled microbolometer (Honeywell structure) is presented and discussed in the infrared spectral range of 8-14 μm. The results obtained serve as useful information for the design and fabrication of infrared imaging systems and components such as coatings, detectors, filters, lenses and waveguides.

Accretion flows onto supermassive black holes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Begelman, Mitchell C.

1988-01-01

The radiative and hydrodynamic properties of an angular momentum-dominated accretion flow onto a supermassive black hole depend largely on the ratio of the accretion rate to the Eddington accretion rate. High values of this ratio favor optically thick flows which produce largely thermal radiation, while optically thin 'two-temperature' flows may be present in systems with small values of this ratio. Observations of some AGN suggest that thermal and nonthermal sources of radiation may be of comparable importance in the 'central engine'. Consideration is given to the possibilities for coexistence of different modes of accretion in a single flow. One intriguing possibility is that runaway pair production may cause an optically thick 'accretion annulus' to form at the center of a two-temperature inflow.

Creating a Driven, Collapsed Radiative Shock in the Laboratory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reighard, Amy

2006-10-01

We report details of the first experimental campaign to create a driven, planar, radiatively collapsed in laboratory experiment. Radiation hydrodynamics experiments are challenging to realize in a laboratory setting, requiring high temperatures in a system of sufficient extent. The Omega laser at ˜10^15 W/cm^2 drives a thin slab of low-Z material at >100 km/s gas via laser ablation pressure. This slab initially shocks, then continues driving a shock through a cylindrical volume of Xe gas at 6 mg/cc. Simulations predict a collapsed layer in which the density reaches ˜45 times initial density. Side-on x-ray backlighting was the principal diagnostic. We have successfully imaged shocks with average velocities between 95-205 km/sec, with measured thicknesses of 45-150 μm in experiments lasting up to 20 ns and spanning up 2.5 mm in extent. Comparison of the shock position as a function of time from these experiments to 1D radiation hydrodynamic simulation results show some discrepancy, which will be explored. Optical depth before and behind the shock is important for meaningful comparison to these astrophysical systems. This shock is optically thin to emitted radiation in the unshocked region and optically thick to radiation in the shocked, dense region. We compare this system to collapsed shocks in astrophysical systems with similar optical depth profiles. An experiment using a Thomson scattering diagnostic across the shock front is also discussed. This research was sponsored by the National Nuclear Security Administration under the Stewardship Science Academic Alliances program through DOE Research Grants DE-FG52-03NA00064, DE-FG53-2005-NA26014, and other grants and contracts.

A study on the radiation resistance of CdWO4 thin-film scintillators deposited by using an electron-beam physical vapor deposition method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Seyong; Yoon, Young Soo

2016-09-01

In this paper, we report the first successful fabrication of CdWO4 thin film scintillators deposited on quartz glass substrates by using an electron-beam physical vapor deposition method. The films were dense, uniform, and crack-free. CdWO4 thin-film samples of varying thicknesses were investigated by using structural and optical characterization techniques. An optimized thickness for the CdWO4 thin-film scintillators was discovered. The scintillation and the optical properties were found to depend strongly on the annealing process. The annealing process resulted in thin films with a distinct crystal structure and with improved transparency and scintillation properties. For potential applications in gamma-ray energy storage systems, photoluminescence measurements were performed using gamma rays at a dose rate of 10 kGy h-1.

Refractive index dispersion of swift heavy ion irradiated BFO thin films using Surface Plasmon Resonance technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paliwal, Ayushi; Sharma, Savita; Tomar, Monika; Singh, Fouran; Gupta, Vinay

2016-07-01

Swift heavy ion irradiation (SHI) is an effective technique to induce defects for possible modifications in the material properties. There is growing interest in studying the optical properties of multiferroic BiFeO3 (BFO) thin films for optoelectronic applications. In the present work, BFO thin films were prepared by sol-gel spin coating technique and were irradiated using the 15 UD Pelletron accelerator with 100 MeV Au9+ ions at a fluence of 1 × 1012 ions cm-2. The as-grown films became rough and porous on ion irradiation. Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) technique has been identified as a highly sensitive and powerful technique for studying the optical properties of a dielectric material. Optical properties of BFO thin films, before and after irradiation were studied using SPR technique in Otto configuration. Refractive index is found to be decreasing from 2.27 to 2.14 on ion irradiation at a wavelength of 633 nm. Refractive index dispersion of BFO thin film (from 405 nm to 633 nm) before and after ion radiation was examined.

A comparative study of optical and radiative characteristics of X-ray-induced luminescent defects in Ag-doped glass and LiF thin films and their applications in 2-D imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurobori, T.; Miyamoto, Y.; Maruyama, Y.; Yamamoto, T.; Sasaki, T.

2014-05-01

We report novel disk-type X-ray two-dimensional (2-D) imaging detectors utilising Ag-doped phosphate glass and lithium fluoride (LiF) thin films based on the radiophotoluminescence (RPL) and photoluminescence (PL) phenomena, respectively. The accumulated X-ray doses written in the form of atomic-scale Ag-related luminescent centres in Ag-doped glass and F-aggregated centres in LiF thin films were rapidly reconstructed as a dose distribution using a homemade readout system. The 2-D images reconstructed from the RPL and PL detectors are compared with that from the optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) detector. In addition, the optical and dosimetric characteristics of LiF thin films are investigated and evaluated. The possibilities of dose distributions with a high spatial resolution on the order of microns over large areas, a wide dynamic range covering 11 orders of magnitude and a non-destructive readout are successfully demonstrated by combining the Ag-doped glass with LiF thin films.

Radiation resistance of a gamma-ray irradiated nonlinear optic chromophore

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Cheng; Taylor, Edward W.

2009-11-01

The radiation resistance of organic electro-optic and optoelectronic materials for space applications is receiving increased attention. An earlier investigation reported that guest-host poled polymer EO modulator devices composed of a phenyltetraene bridge-type chromophore in amorphous polycarbonate (CLD/APC) did not exhibit a decrease in EO response (i.e., an increase in modulation-switching voltage- Vπ) following irradiation by low dose [10-160 krad(Si)] 60Co gamma-rays. To provide further evidences to the observed radiation stability, the post-irradiation responses of 60Co gamma-rays on CLD1/APC thin films are examined by various chemical and spectroscopic methods including: a solubility test, thin-layer chromatography, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, UV-vis absorption, and infra-red absorption. The results indicate that CLD1 and APC did not decompose under gamma-ray irradiation at dose levels ranging from 66-274 krad(Si) and from 61-154 krad(Si), respectively which support the previously reported data.

Dust Emission at 8 and 24 μm as Diagnostics of H II Region Radiative Transfer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oey, M. S.; López-Hernández, J.; Kellar, J. A.; Pellegrini, E. W.; Gordon, K. D.; Jameson, K. E.; Li, A.; Madden, S. C.; Meixner, M.; Roman-Duval, J.; Bot, C.; Rubio, M.; Tielens, A. G. G. M.

2017-07-01

We use the Spitzer Surveying the Agents of Galaxy Evolution (SAGE) survey of the Magellanic Clouds to evaluate the relationship between the 8 μm polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emission, 24 μm hot dust emission, and H II region radiative transfer. We confirm that in the higher-metallicity Large Magellanic Cloud, PAH destruction is sensitive to optically thin conditions in the nebular Lyman continuum: objects identified as optically thin candidates based on nebular ionization structure show six times lower median 8 μm surface brightness (0.18 mJy arcsec-2) than their optically thick counterparts (1.2 mJy arcsec-2). The 24 μm surface brightness also shows a factor of three offset between the two classes of objects (0.13 versus 0.44 mJy arcsec-2, respectively), which is driven by the association between the very small dust grains and higher density gas found at higher nebular optical depths. In contrast, PAH and dust formation in the low-metallicity Small Magellanic Cloud is strongly inhibited such that we find no variation in either 8 μm or 24 μm emission between our optically thick and thin samples. This is attributable to extremely low PAH and dust production together with high, corrosive UV photon fluxes in this low-metallicity environment. The dust mass surface densities and gas-to-dust ratios determined from dust maps using Herschel HERITAGE survey data support this interpretation.

Fabrication and comparison of selective, transparent optics for concentrating solar systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taylor, Robert A.; Hewakuruppu, Yasitha; DeJarnette, Drew; Otanicar, Todd P.

2015-09-01

Concentrating optics enable solar thermal energy to be harvested at high temperature (<100oC). As the temperature of the receiver increases, radiative losses can become dominant. In many concentrating systems, the receiver is coated with a selectively absorbing surface (TiNOx, Black Chrome, etc.) to obtain higher efficiency. Commercial absorber coatings are well-developed to be highly absorbing for short (solar) wavelengths, but highly reflective at long (thermal emission) wavelengths. If a solar system requires an analogous transparent, non-absorbing optic - i.e. a cover material which is highly transparent at short wavelengths, but highly reflective at long wavelengths - the technology is simply not available. Low-e glass technology represents a commercially viable option for this sector, but it has only been optimized for visible light transmission. Optically thin metal hole-arrays are another feasible solution, but are often difficult to fabricate. This study investigates combinations of thin film coatings of transparent conductive oxides and nanoparticles as a potential low cost solution for selective solar covers. This paper experimentally compares readily available materials deposited on various substrates and ranks them via an `efficiency factor for selectivity', which represents the efficiency of radiative exchange in a solar collector. Out of the materials studied, indium tin oxide and thin films of ZnS-Ag-ZnS represent the most feasible solutions for concentrated solar systems. Overall, this study provides an engineering design approach and guide for creating scalable, selective, transparent optics which could potentially be imbedded within conventional low-e glass production techniques.

Initial experiments to understand the interaction of stellar radiation with molecular clouds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vandervort, Robert; Davis, Josh; Trantham, Matt; Klein, Sallee; Shvarts, Dov; Keiter, Paul; Drake, R. Paul

2017-10-01

Enhanced star formation triggered by local O and B type stars is an astrophysical problem of interest. O and B type stars are massive, hot stars that emit an enormous amount of radiation. This radiation acts to either compress or blow apart gas clumps in the interstellar media. For example, in the optically thick limit, when the radiation in the gas clump has a short mean free path, radiation is absorbed near the clump edge and compresses the clump. In the optically thin limit, when the mean free path is long, the radiation is absorbed throughout, acting to heat the clump. This heating explodes the gas clump. Careful selection of parameters, such as foam density or source temperature, allow the experimental platform to access different hydrodynamic regimes. 2D CRASH simulations guide our parameter selection. A stellar radiation source is mimicked by a laser-irradiated, thin, gold foil, providing a source of thermal x-rays around 100 eV. The gas clump is mimicked by low-density CRF foam. We plan to show the preliminary experimental results of this platform in the optically thick limit, from experiments scheduled in August. This work is funded by the U.S. DOE, through the NNSA-DS and SC-OFES Joint Program in HEDPLP, Grant No. DE-NA0002956, and the NLUF Program, Grant No. DE-NA0002719, and through LLE, University of Rochester by the NNSA/OICF under Cooperative Agreement No. DE-NA0001944. This work is funded by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under subcontract B614207.

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

Wendt, Joel Robert; Hadley, G. Ronald; Samora, Sally

Plasmonic structures open up new opportunities in photonic devices, sometimes offering an alternate method to perform a function and sometimes offering capabilities not possible with standard optics. In this LDRD we successfully demonstrated metal coatings on optical surfaces that do not adversely affect the transmission of those surfaces at the design frequency. This technology could be applied as an RF noise blocking layer across an optical aperture or as a method to apply an electric field to an active electro-optic device without affecting optical performance. We also demonstrated thin optical absorbers using similar patterned surfaces. These infrared optical antennas showmore » promise as a method to improve performance in mercury cadmium telluride detectors. Furthermore, these structures could be coupled with other components to lead to direct rectification of infrared radiation. This possibility leads to a new method for infrared detection and energy harvesting of infrared radiation.« less

Approximate Solution Methods for Spectral Radiative Transfer in High Refractive Index Layers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Siegel, R.; Spuckler, C. M.

1994-01-01

Some ceramic materials for high temperature applications are partially transparent for radiative transfer. The refractive indices of these materials can be substantially greater than one which influences internal radiative emission and reflections. Heat transfer behavior of single and laminated layers has been obtained in the literature by numerical solutions of the radiative transfer equations coupled with heat conduction and heating at the boundaries by convection and radiation. Two-flux and diffusion methods are investigated here to obtain approximate solutions using a simpler formulation than required for exact numerical solutions. Isotropic scattering is included. The two-flux method for a single layer yields excellent results for gray and two band spectral calculations. The diffusion method yields a good approximation for spectral behavior in laminated multiple layers if the overall optical thickness is larger than about ten. A hybrid spectral model is developed using the two-flux method in the optically thin bands, and radiative diffusion in bands that are optically thick.

Aerosols and their influence on radiation partitioning and savanna productivity in northern Australia

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

Kanniah, K. D.; Beringer, J.; Tapper, N. J.

2010-05-01

We investigated the effect of aerosols and clouds on the Net Ecosystem Productivity (NEP) of savannas in northern Australia using aerosol optical depth, clouds and radiation data from the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) site in Darwin and carbon flux data measured from eddy covariance techniques from a site at Howard Springs, 35km southeast of Darwin. Generally we found that the concentration of aerosols in this region was relatively low than observed at other sites, therefore the proportion of diffuse radiation reaching the earths surface was only ~ 30%. As a result, we observed only a modest change in carbon uptakemore » under aerosol laden skies and there was no significant difference for dry season Radiation Use Efficiency (RUE) between clear sky, aerosols or thin clouds. On the other hand thick clouds in the wet season produce much more diffuse radiation than aerosols or thin clouds and therefore the initial canopy quantum efficiency was seen to increase 45 and 2.5 times more than under thin clouds and aerosols respectively. The normalized carbon uptake under thick clouds is 57% and 50% higher than under aerosols and thin clouds respectively even though the total irradiance received under thick clouds was reduced 59% and 50% than under aerosols and thin clouds respectively. However, reduction in total irradiance decreases the mean absolute carbon uptake as much as 22% under heavy cloud cover compared to thin clouds or aerosols. Thus, any increase in aerosol concentration or cloud cover that can enhance the diffuse component may have large impacts on productivity in this region.« less

Line-driven ablation of circumstellar discs - I. Optically thin decretion discs of classical Oe/Be stars.

PubMed

Kee, Nathaniel Dylan; Owocki, Stanley; Sundqvist, J O

2016-05-21

The extreme luminosities of massive, hot OB stars drive strong stellar winds through line-scattering of the star's UV continuum radiation. For OB stars with an orbiting circumstellar disc, we explore here the effect of such line-scattering in driving an ablation of material from the disc's surface layers, with initial focus on the marginally optically thin decretion discs of classical Oe and Be stars. For this we apply a multidimensional radiation-hydrodynamics code that assumes simple optically thin ray tracing for the stellar continuum, but uses a multiray Sobolev treatment of the line transfer; this fully accounts for the efficient driving by non-radial rays, due to desaturation of line-absorption by velocity gradients associated with the Keplerian shear in the disc. Results show a dense, intermediate-speed surface ablation, consistent with the strong, blueshifted absorption of UV wind lines seen in Be shell stars that are observed from near the disc plane. A key overall result is that, after an initial adjustment to the introduction of the disc, the asymptotic disc destruction rate is typically just an order-unity factor times the stellar wind mass-loss rate. For optically thin Be discs, this leads to a disc destruction time of order months to years, consistent with observationally inferred disc decay times. The much stronger radiative forces of O stars reduce this time to order days, making it more difficult for decretion processes to sustain a disc in earlier spectral types, and so providing a natural explanation for the relative rarity of Oe stars in the Galaxy. Moreover, the decrease in line-driving at lower metallicity implies both a reduction in the winds that help spin-down stars from near-critical rotation, and a reduction in the ablation of any decretion disc; together these provide a natural explanation for the higher fraction of classical Be stars, as well as the presence of Oe stars, in the lower metallicity Magellanic Clouds. We conclude with a discussion of future extensions to study line-driven ablation of denser, optically thick, accretion discs of pre-main-sequence massive stars.

Line-driven ablation of circumstellar discs – I. Optically thin decretion discs of classical Oe/Be stars

PubMed Central

Kee, Nathaniel Dylan; Owocki, Stanley; Sundqvist, J. O.

2016-01-01

The extreme luminosities of massive, hot OB stars drive strong stellar winds through line-scattering of the star's UV continuum radiation. For OB stars with an orbiting circumstellar disc, we explore here the effect of such line-scattering in driving an ablation of material from the disc's surface layers, with initial focus on the marginally optically thin decretion discs of classical Oe and Be stars. For this we apply a multidimensional radiation-hydrodynamics code that assumes simple optically thin ray tracing for the stellar continuum, but uses a multiray Sobolev treatment of the line transfer; this fully accounts for the efficient driving by non-radial rays, due to desaturation of line-absorption by velocity gradients associated with the Keplerian shear in the disc. Results show a dense, intermediate-speed surface ablation, consistent with the strong, blueshifted absorption of UV wind lines seen in Be shell stars that are observed from near the disc plane. A key overall result is that, after an initial adjustment to the introduction of the disc, the asymptotic disc destruction rate is typically just an order-unity factor times the stellar wind mass-loss rate. For optically thin Be discs, this leads to a disc destruction time of order months to years, consistent with observationally inferred disc decay times. The much stronger radiative forces of O stars reduce this time to order days, making it more difficult for decretion processes to sustain a disc in earlier spectral types, and so providing a natural explanation for the relative rarity of Oe stars in the Galaxy. Moreover, the decrease in line-driving at lower metallicity implies both a reduction in the winds that help spin-down stars from near-critical rotation, and a reduction in the ablation of any decretion disc; together these provide a natural explanation for the higher fraction of classical Be stars, as well as the presence of Oe stars, in the lower metallicity Magellanic Clouds. We conclude with a discussion of future extensions to study line-driven ablation of denser, optically thick, accretion discs of pre-main-sequence massive stars. PMID:27346978

Hyperspectrally-Resolved Surface Emissivity Derived Under Optically Thin Clouds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhou, Daniel K.; Larar, Allen M.; Liu, Xu; Smith, William L.; Strow, L. Larrabee; Yang, Ping

2010-01-01

Surface spectral emissivity derived from current and future satellites can and will reveal critical information about the Earth s ecosystem and land surface type properties, which can be utilized as a means of long-term monitoring of global environment and climate change. Hyperspectrally-resolved surface emissivities are derived with an algorithm utilizes a combined fast radiative transfer model (RTM) with a molecular RTM and a cloud RTM accounting for both atmospheric absorption and cloud absorption/scattering. Clouds are automatically detected and cloud microphysical parameters are retrieved; and emissivity is retrieved under clear and optically thin cloud conditions. This technique separates surface emissivity from skin temperature by representing the emissivity spectrum with eigenvectors derived from a laboratory measured emissivity database; in other words, using the constraint as a means for the emissivity to vary smoothly across atmospheric absorption lines. Here we present the emissivity derived under optically thin clouds in comparison with that under clear conditions.

Optical spectroscopy and microscopy of radiation-induced light-emitting point defects in lithium fluoride crystals and films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Montereali, R. M.; Bonfigli, F.; Menchini, F.; Vincenti, M. A.

2012-08-01

Broad-band light-emitting radiation-induced F2 and F3+ electronic point defects, which are stable and laser-active at room temperature in lithium fluoride crystals and films, are used in dosimeters, tuneable color-center lasers, broad-band miniaturized light sources and novel radiation imaging detectors. A brief review of their photoemission properties is presented, and their behavior at liquid nitrogen temperatures is discussed. Some experimental data from optical spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy of these radiation-induced point defects in LiF crystals and thin films are used to obtain information about the coloration curves, the efficiency of point defect formation, the effects of photo-bleaching processes, etc. Control of the local formation, stabilization, and transformation of radiation-induced light-emitting defect centers is crucial for the development of optically active micro-components and nanostructures. Some of the advantages of low temperature measurements for novel confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy techniques, widely used for spatial mapping of these point defects through the optical reading of their visible photoluminescence, are highlighted.

Optical response of thin amorphous films to infrared radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orosco, J.; Coimbra, C. F. M.

2018-03-01

We briefly review the electrical-optical response of materials to radiative forcing within the formalism of the Kramers-Kronig relations. A commensurate set of criteria is described that must be met by any frequency-domain model representing the time-domain response of a real (i.e., physically possible) material. The criteria are applied to the Brendel-Bormann (BB) oscillator, a model that was originally introduced for its fidelity at reproducing the non-Lorentzian peak broadening experimentally observed in the infrared absorption by thin amorphous films but has since been used for many other common materials. We show that the BB model fails to satisfy the established physical criteria. Taking an alternative approach to the model derivation, a physically consistent model is proposed. This model provides the appropriate line-shape broadening for modeling the infrared optical response of thin amorphous films while adhering strictly to the Kramers-Kronig criteria. Experimental data for amorphous alumina (Al2O3 ) and amorphous quartz silica (SiO2) are used to obtain model parametrizations for both the noncausal BB model and the proposed causal model. The proposed model satisfies consistency criteria required by the underlying physics and reproduces the experimental data with better fidelity (and often with fewer parameters) than previously proposed permittivity models.

Laser induced Bi diffusion in As40S60 thin films and the optical properties change probed by FTIR and XPS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naik, Ramakanta; Sahoo, Pragyan Paramita; Sripan, C.; Ganesan, R.

2016-12-01

Amorphous chalcogenide semiconducting materials are playing a pivotal role in modern technology. Such type of materials are very sensitive to electromagnetic radiations which is useful for infrared optics. In the present report, Bi doped in As40S60 thin films (As40S60, Bi06As40S54) of 800 nm thickness were prepared by thermal evaporation method. The Bi06As40S54 thin film is subjected to laser irradiation for photo induced study. The X-ray diffraction study reveals no structural change due to laser irradiation. The optical parameters are affected by both Bi addition and laser irradiation which brings a change in the transmitivity and absorption coefficient. The indirect optical band gap is found to be increased by 0.08 eV with laser irradiation with the decrease in disorderness. The Tauc parameter and Urbach energy which measures the degree of disorderness changes with Bi doping and irradiation. The refractive index is modified by the illumination process which is useful for optical applications. The optical property change is well supported by the X-ray photoelectron core level spectra.

A NUMERICAL SCHEME FOR SPECIAL RELATIVISTIC RADIATION MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS BASED ON SOLVING THE TIME-DEPENDENT RADIATIVE TRANSFER EQUATION

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

Ohsuga, Ken; Takahashi, Hiroyuki R.

2016-02-20

We develop a numerical scheme for solving the equations of fully special relativistic, radiation magnetohydrodynamics (MHDs), in which the frequency-integrated, time-dependent radiation transfer equation is solved to calculate the specific intensity. The radiation energy density, the radiation flux, and the radiation stress tensor are obtained by the angular quadrature of the intensity. In the present method, conservation of total mass, momentum, and energy of the radiation magnetofluids is guaranteed. We treat not only the isotropic scattering but also the Thomson scattering. The numerical method of MHDs is the same as that of our previous work. The advection terms are explicitlymore » solved, and the source terms, which describe the gas–radiation interaction, are implicitly integrated. Our code is suitable for massive parallel computing. We present that our code shows reasonable results in some numerical tests for propagating radiation and radiation hydrodynamics. Particularly, the correct solution is given even in the optically very thin or moderately thin regimes, and the special relativistic effects are nicely reproduced.« less

Dust Emission at 8 and 24 μ m as Diagnostics of H ii Region Radiative Transfer

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

Oey, M. S.; López-Hernández, J.; Kellar, J. A.

We use the Spitzer Surveying the Agents of Galaxy Evolution (SAGE) survey of the Magellanic Clouds to evaluate the relationship between the 8 μ m polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emission, 24 μ m hot dust emission, and H ii region radiative transfer. We confirm that in the higher-metallicity Large Magellanic Cloud, PAH destruction is sensitive to optically thin conditions in the nebular Lyman continuum: objects identified as optically thin candidates based on nebular ionization structure show six times lower median 8 μ m surface brightness (0.18 mJy arcsec{sup −2}) than their optically thick counterparts (1.2 mJy arcsec{sup −2}). The 24more » μ m surface brightness also shows a factor of three offset between the two classes of objects (0.13 versus 0.44 mJy arcsec{sup −2}, respectively), which is driven by the association between the very small dust grains and higher density gas found at higher nebular optical depths. In contrast, PAH and dust formation in the low-metallicity Small Magellanic Cloud is strongly inhibited such that we find no variation in either 8 μ m or 24 μ m emission between our optically thick and thin samples. This is attributable to extremely low PAH and dust production together with high, corrosive UV photon fluxes in this low-metallicity environment. The dust mass surface densities and gas-to-dust ratios determined from dust maps using Herschel HERITAGE survey data support this interpretation.« less

Nonthermal response of YBa2Cu3O7-δ thin films to picosecond THz pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Probst, P.; Semenov, A.; Ries, M.; Hoehl, A.; Rieger, P.; Scheuring, A.; Judin, V.; Wünsch, S.; Il'in, K.; Smale, N.; Mathis, Y.-L.; Müller, R.; Ulm, G.; Wüstefeld, G.; Hübers, H.-W.; Hänisch, J.; Holzapfel, B.; Siegel, M.; Müller, A.-S.

2012-05-01

The photoresponse of YBa2Cu3O7-δ thin film microbridges with thicknesses between 15 and 50 nm was studied in the optical and terahertz frequency range. The voltage transients in response to short radiation pulses were recorded in real time with a resolution of a few tens of picoseconds. The bridges were excited by either femtosecond pulses at a wavelength of 0.8 μm or broadband (0.1-1.5 THz) picosecond pulses of coherent synchrotron radiation. The transients in response to optical radiation are qualitatively well explained in the framework of the two-temperature model with a fast component in the picosecond range and a bolometric nanosecond component whose decay time depends on the film thickness. The transients in the THz regime showed no bolometric component and had amplitudes up to three orders of magnitude larger than the two-temperature model predicts. Additionally THz field-dependent transients in the absence of DC bias were observed. We attribute the response in the THz regime to a rearrangement of vortices caused by high-frequency currents.

Design and investigation of properties of nanocrystalline diamond optical planar waveguides.

PubMed

Prajzler, Vaclav; Varga, Marian; Nekvindova, Pavla; Remes, Zdenek; Kromka, Alexander

2013-04-08

Diamond thin films have remarkable properties comparable with natural diamond. Because of these properties it is a very promising material for many various applications (sensors, heat sink, optical mirrors, chemical and radiation wear, cold cathodes, tissue engineering, etc.) In this paper we report about design, deposition and measurement of properties of optical planar waveguides fabricated from nanocrystalline diamond thin films. The nanocrystalline diamond planar waveguide was deposited by microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition and the structure of the deposited film was studied by scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The design of the presented planar waveguides was realized on the bases of modified dispersion equation and was schemed for 632.8 nm, 964 nm, 1 310 nm and 1 550 nm wavelengths. Waveguiding properties were examined by prism coupling technique and it was found that the diamond based planar optical element guided one fundamental mode for all measured wavelengths. Values of the refractive indices of our NCD thin film measured at various wavelengths were almost the same as those of natural diamond.

Transparent photocatalytic coatings on the surface of the tips of medical fibre-optic bundles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evstropiev, S. K.; Volynkin, V. M.; Kiselev, V. M.; Dukelskii, K. V.; Evstropyev, K. S.; Demidov, V. V.; Gatchin, Yu. A.

2017-12-01

We report the results of the development of the sol - gel method for obtaining thin, transparent (in the visible part of the spectrum) TiO2/MgO coatings on the surfaces of the tips of medical fibre-optic bundles. Such coatings are capable of generating singlet oxygen under the action of UV radiation and are characterised by high antibacterial activity.

Optically thin cirrus clouds over oceans and possible impact on sea surface temperature of warm pool in western Pacific

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prabhakara, C.; Yoo, J.-M.; Dalu, G.; Kratz, P.

1991-01-01

Over the convectively active tropical ocean regions, the measurement made from space in the IR and visible spectrum have revealed the presence of optically thin cirrus clouds, which are quite transparent in the visible and nearly opaque in the IR. The Nimbus-4 IR Interferometer Spectrometer (IRIS), which has a field of view (FOV) of approximately 100 km, was utilized to examine the IR optical characteristics of these cirrus clouds. From the IRIS data, it was observed that these optically thin cirrus clouds prevail extensively over the warm pool region of the equatorial western Pacific, surrounding Indonesia. It is found that the seasonal cloud cover caused by these thin cirrus clouds exceeds 50 percent near the central regions of the warm pool. For most of these clouds, the optical thickness in the IR is less than or = 2. It is deduced that the dense cold anvil clouds associated with deep convection spread extensively and are responsible for the formation of the thin cirrus clouds. This is supported by the observation that the coverage of the dense anvil clouds is an order of magnitude less than that of the thin cirrus clouds. From these observations, together with a simple radiative-convective model, it is inferred that the optically thin cirrus can provide a greenhouse effect, which can be a significant factor in maintaining the warm pool. In the absence of fluid transports, it is found that these cirrus clouds could lead to a runaway greenhouse effect. The presence of fluid transport processes, however, act to moderate this effect. Thus, if a modest 20 W/sq m energy input is considered to be available to warm the ocean, then it is found that the ocean mixed-layer of a 50-m depth will be heated by approximately 1 C in 100 days.

Simulations of sooting turbulent jet flames using a hybrid flamelet/stochastic Eulerian field method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Consalvi, Jean-Louis; Nmira, Fatiha; Burot, Daria

2016-03-01

The stochastic Eulerian field method is applied to simulate 12 turbulent C1-C3 hydrocarbon jet diffusion flames covering a wide range of Reynolds numbers and fuel sooting propensities. The joint scalar probability density function (PDF) is a function of the mixture fraction, enthalpy defect, scalar dissipation rate and representative soot properties. Soot production is modelled by a semi-empirical acetylene/benzene-based soot model. Spectral gas and soot radiation is modelled using a wide-band correlated-k model. Emission turbulent radiation interactions (TRIs) are taken into account by means of the PDF method, whereas absorption TRIs are modelled using the optically thin fluctuation approximation. Model predictions are found to be in reasonable agreement with experimental data in terms of flame structure, soot quantities and radiative loss. Mean soot volume fractions are predicted within a factor of two of the experiments whereas radiant fractions and peaks of wall radiative fluxes are within 20%. The study also aims to assess approximate radiative models, namely the optically thin approximation (OTA) and grey medium approximation. These approximations affect significantly the radiative loss and should be avoided if accurate predictions of the radiative flux are desired. At atmospheric pressure, the relative errors that they produced on the peaks of temperature and soot volume fraction are within both experimental and model uncertainties. However, these discrepancies are found to increase with pressure, suggesting that spectral models describing properly the self-absorption should be considered at over-atmospheric pressure.

Investigation of the Emissivity and Suitability of a Carbon Thin Film for Terahertz Absorbers

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-01

Carbonization In order to verify whether the carbon soot coated THz sensor produces sufficient spectral emissivity for IR-based readout, dummy test...ABSTRACT (maximum 200 words) The main goal of this work is to optimize the emissivity of terahertz (THz) thermal sensors by deposition of a carbon thin...film. Previously, these thermal sensors were designed to detect THz radiation utilizing metamaterials in a complicated optical probing scheme. We

Thin film interference optics for imaging the O II 834-A airglow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seely, John F.; Hunter, William R.

1991-01-01

Normal incidence thin film interference mirrors and filters have been designed to image the O II 834-A airglow. It is shown that MgF2 is a useful spacer material for this wavelength region. The mirrors consist of thin layers of MgF2 in combination with other materials that are chosen to reflect efficiently in a narrow band centered at 834 A. Peak reflectance of 60 percent can be obtained with a passband 200 A wide. Al/MgF2/Si and Al/MgF2/SiC interference coatings have been designed to reflect 834 A and to absorb the intense H I 1216 A airglow. An In/MgF2/In interference filter is designed to transmit 834 A and attenuate 1216 A radiation. Interference photocathode coatings for rejecting 1216 A radiation are also discussed.

Optically Addressable, Ferroelectric Memory With NDRO

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thakoor, Sarita

1994-01-01

For readout, memory cells addressed via on-chip semiconductor lasers. Proposed thin-film ferroelectric memory device features nonvolatile storage, optically addressable, nondestructive readout (NDRO) with fast access, and low vulnerability to damage by ionizing radiation. Polarization switched during recording and erasure, but not during readout. As result, readout would not destroy contents of memory, and operating life in specific "read-intensive" applications increased up to estimated 10 to the 16th power cycles.

Experimental design to understand the interaction of stellar radiation with molecular clouds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vandervort, Robert; Davis, Josh; Trantham, Matt; Klein, Sallee; Frank, Yechiel; Raicher, Erez; Fraenkel, Moshe; Shvarts, Dov; Keiter, Paul; Drake, R. Paul

2016-10-01

Enhanced star formation triggered by local O and B type stars is an astrophysical problem of interest. O and B type stars are massive, hot stars that emit an enormous amount of radiation. This radiation acts to either compress or blow apart clumps of gas in the interstellar media. For example, in the optically thick limit, when the x-ray radiation in the gas clump has a short mean free path length the x-ray radiation is absorbed near the clump edge and compresses the clump. In the optically thin limit, when the mean free path is long, the radiation is absorbed throughout acting to heat the clump. This heating explodes the gas clump. Careful selection of parameters, such as foam density or source temperature, allow the experimental platform to access different hydrodynamic regimes. The stellar radiation source is mimicked by a laser irradiated thin gold foil. This will provide a source of thermal x-rays (around 100 eV). The gas clump is mimicked by a low-density foam around 0.12 g/cc. Simulations were done using radiation hydrodynamics codes to tune the experimental parameters. The experiment will be carried out at the Omega laser facility on OMEGA 60. Funding acknowledgements: This work is funded by the U.S. DOE, through the NNSA-DS and SC-OFES Joint Program in HEDPLP, Grant No. DE-NA0001840, and the NLUF Program, Grant No. DE-NA0000850, and through LLE, University of Rochester by the NNSA/OICF under Agreement No. DE-FC52-08NA28302.

Potential Nighttime Contamination of CERES Clear-sky Field of View by Optically Thin Cirrus during the CRYSTAL-FACE Campaign

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Yong-Keun; Yang, Ping; Hu, Yongxiang; Baum, Bryan A.; Loeb, Norman G.; Gao, Bo-Cai

2006-01-01

We investigate the outgoing broadband longwave (LW, 5 to approx. 200 microns) and window (WIN, 8 to approx. 12 microns) channel radiances at the top of atmosphere (TOA) under clear-sky conditions, using data acquired by the Cloud and the Earth s Radiant Energy System (CERES) and Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instruments onboard the NASA Terra satellite platform. In this study, detailed analyses are performed on the CERES Single Scanner Footprint TOA/Surface Fluxes and Clouds product to understand the radiative effect of thin cirrus. The data are acquired over the Florida area during the Cirrus Regional Study of Tropical Anvils and Cirrus Layers Florida Area Cirrus Experiment (CRYSTAL-FACE) field program. Of particular interest is the anisotropy associated with the radiation field. Measured CERES broadband radiances are compared to those obtained from rigorous radiative transfer simulations. Analysis of results from this comparison indicates that the simulated radiances tend to be larger than their measured counterparts, with differences ranging from 2.1% to 8.3% for the LW band and from 1.7% to 10.6% for the WIN band. The averaged difference in radiance is approximately 4% for both the LW and WIN channels. A potential cause for the differences could be the presence of thin cirrus (i.e., optically thin ice clouds with visible optical thicknesses smaller than approximately 0.3). The detection and quantitative analysis of these thin cirrus clouds are challenging even with sophisticated multispectral instruments. While large differences in radiance between the CERES observations and the theoretical calculations are found, the corresponding difference in the anisotropic factors is very small (0.2%). Furthermore, sensitivity studies show that the influence due to a 1 K bias of the surface temperature on the errors of the LW and WIN channel radiances is of the same order as that associated with a 2% bias of the surface emissivity. The LW and WIN errors associated with a 5% bias of water vapor amount in the lower atmosphere in conjunction with a 50% bias of water vapor amount in the upper atmosphere is similar to that of a 1 K bias of the vertical temperature profile. Even with the uncertainties considered for these various factors, the simulated LW and WIN radiances are still larger than the observed radiances if thin cirrus clouds are excluded.

Investigation of logarithmic spiral nanoantennas at optical frequencies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verma, Anamika; Pandey, Awanish; Mishra, Vigyanshu; Singh, Ten; Alam, Aftab; Dinesh Kumar, V.

2013-12-01

The first study is reported of a logarithmic spiral antenna in the optical frequency range. Using the finite integration technique, we investigated the spectral and radiation properties of a logarithmic spiral nanoantenna and a complementary structure made of thin gold film. A comparison is made with results for an Archimedean spiral nanoantenna. Such nanoantennas can exhibit broadband behavior that is independent of polarization. Two prominent features of logarithmic spiral nanoantennas are highly directional far field emission and perfectly circularly polarized radiation when excited by a linearly polarized source. The logarithmic spiral nanoantenna promises potential advantages over Archimedean spirals and could be harnessed for several applications in nanophotonics and allied areas.

Effects of morphology on the radiative properties of internally mixed light absorbing carbon aerosols with different aging status.

PubMed

Cheng, Tianhai; Wu, Yu; Chen, Hao

2014-06-30

Light absorbing carbon aerosols play a substantial role in climate change through radiative forcing, which is the dominant absorber of solar radiation. Radiative properties of light absorbing carbon aerosols are strongly dependent on the morphological factors and the mixing mechanism of black carbon with other aerosol components. This study focuses on the morphological effects on the optical properties of internally mixed light absorbing carbon aerosols using the numerically exact superposition T-matrix method. Three types aerosols with different aging status such as freshly emitted BC particles, thinly coated light absorbing carbon aerosols, heavily coated light absorbing carbon aerosols are studied. Our study showed that morphological factors change with the aging of internally mixed light absorbing carbon aerosols to result in a dramatic change in their optical properties. The absorption properties of light absorbing carbon aerosols can be enhanced approximately a factor of 2 at 0.67 um, and these enhancements depend on the morphological factors. A larger shell/core diameter ratio of volume-equivalent shell-core spheres (S/C), which indicates the degree of coating, leads to stronger absorption. The enhancement of absorption properties accompanies a greater enhancement of scattering properties, which is reflected in an increase in single scattering albedo (SSA). The enhancement of single scattering albedo due to the morphological effects can reach a factor of 3.75 at 0.67 μm. The asymmetry parameter has a similar yet smaller enhancement. Moreover, the corresponding optical properties of shell-and-core model determined by using Lorenz -Mie solutions are presented for comparison. We found that the optical properties of internally mixed light absorbing carbon aerosol can differ fundamentally from those calculated for the Mie theory shell-and-core model, particularly for thinly coated light absorbing carbon aerosols. Our studies indicate that the complex morphology of internally mixed light absorbing carbon aerosols must be explicitly considered in climate radiation balance.

Ground-based remote sensing of thin clouds in the Arctic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garrett, T. J.; Zhao, C.

2012-11-01

This paper describes a method for using interferometer measurements of downwelling thermal radiation to retrieve the properties of single-layer clouds. Cloud phase is determined from ratios of thermal emission in three "micro-windows" where absorption by water vapor is particularly small. Cloud microphysical and optical properties are retrieved from thermal emission in two micro-windows, constrained by the transmission through clouds of stratospheric ozone emission. Assuming a cloud does not approximate a blackbody, the estimated 95% confidence retrieval errors in effective radius, visible optical depth, number concentration, and water path are, respectively, 10%, 20%, 38% (55% for ice crystals), and 16%. Applied to data from the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement program (ARM) North Slope of Alaska - Adjacent Arctic Ocean (NSA-AAO) site near Barrow, Alaska, retrievals show general agreement with ground-based microwave radiometer measurements of liquid water path. Compared to other retrieval methods, advantages of this technique include its ability to characterize thin clouds year round, that water vapor is not a primary source of retrieval error, and that the retrievals of microphysical properties are only weakly sensitive to retrieved cloud phase. The primary limitation is the inapplicability to thicker clouds that radiate as blackbodies.

Effects of Radiative Emission and Absorption on the Propagation and Extinction of Premixed Gas Flames

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ju, Yiguang; Masuya, Goro; Ronney, Paul D.

1998-01-01

Premixed gas flames in mixtures of CH4, O2, N2, and CO2 were studied numerically using detailed chemical and radiative emission-absorption models to establish the conditions for which radiatively induced extinction limits may exist independent of the system dimensions. It was found that reabsorption of emitted radiation led to substantially higher burning velocities and wider extinction limits than calculations using optically thin radiation models, particularly when CO2, a strong absorber, is present in the unburned gas, Two heat loss mechanisms that lead to flammability limits even with reabsorption were identified. One is that for dry hydrocarbon-air mixtures, because of the differences in the absorption spectra of H2O and CO2, most of the radiation from product H2O that is emitted in the upstream direction cannot be absorbed by the reactants. The second is that the emission spectrum Of CO2 is broader at flame temperatures than ambient temperature: thus, some radiation emitted near the flame front cannot be absorbed by the reactants even when they are seeded with CO2 Via both mechanisms, some net upstream heat loss due to radiation will always occur, leading to extinction of sufficiently weak mixtures. Downstream loss has practically no influence. Comparison with experiment demonstrates the importance of reabsorption in CO2 diluted mixtures. It is concluded that fundamental flammability limits can exist due to radiative heat loss, but these limits are strongly dependent on the emission-absorption spectra of the reactant and product -gases and their temperature dependence and cannot be predicted using gray-gas or optically thin model parameters. Applications to practical flames at high pressure, in large combustion chambers, and with exhaust-gas or flue-gas recirculation are discussed.

3D Radiative Hydrodynamics Simulations of Protoplanetary Disks: A Comparison Between Two Radiative Cooling Algorithms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lord, Jesse W.; Boley, A. C.; Durisen, R. H.

2006-12-01

We present a comparison between two three-dimensional radiative hydrodynamics simulations of a gravitationally unstable 0.07 Msun protoplanetary disk around a 0.5 Msun star. The first simulation is the radiatively cooled disk described in Boley et al. (2006, ApJ, 651). This simulation employed an algorithm that uses 3D flux-limited diffusion wherever the vertical Rosseland optical depth is greater than 2/3, which defines the optically thick region. The optically thin atmosphere of the disk, which cools according to its emissivity, is coupled to the optically thick region through an Eddington-like boundary condition. The second simulation employed an algorithm that uses a combination of solving the radiative transfer equation along rays in the z direction and flux limited diffusion in the r and phi directions on a cylindrical grid. We compare the following characteristics of the disk simulations: the mass transport and torques induced by gravitational instabilities, the effective temperature profiles of the disks, the gravitational and Reynolds stresses measured in the disk and those expected in an alpha-disk, and the amplitudes of the Fourier modes. This work has been supported by the National Science Foundation through grant AST-0452975 (astronomy REU program to Indiana University).

Transparent conductive coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ashok, S.

1983-01-01

Thin film transparent conductors are discussed. Materials with electrical conductivity and optical transparency are highly desirable in many optoelectronic applications including photovoltaics. Certain binary oxide semiconductors such as tin oxide (SnO2) and indium oxide (In2O3) offer much better performance tradeoff in optoelectronics as well as better mechanical and chemical stability than thin semitransparent films. These thin-film transparent conductors (TC) are essentially wide-bandgap degenerate semiconductors - invariably n-type - and hence are transparent to sub-bandgap (visible) radiation while affording high electrical conductivity due to the large free electron concentration. The principal performance characteristics of TC's are, of course, electrical conductivity and optical transmission. The TC's have a refractive index of around 2.0 and hence act as very efficient antireflection coatings. For using TC's in surface barrier solar cells, the photovoltaic barrier is of utmost importance and so the work function or electron affinity of the TC is also a very important material parameter. Fabrication processes are discussed.

Center-to-Limb Variability of Hot Coronal EUV Emissions During Solar Flares

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thiemann, E. M. B.; Chamberlin, P. C.; Eparvier, F. G.; Epp, L.

2018-02-01

It is generally accepted that densities of quiet-Sun and active region plasma are sufficiently low to justify the optically thin approximation, and this is commonly used in the analysis of line emissions from plasma in the solar corona. However, the densities of solar flare loops are substantially higher, compromising the optically thin approximation. This study begins with a radiative transfer model that uses typical solar flare densities and geometries to show that hot coronal emission lines are not generally optically thin. Furthermore, the model demonstrates that the observed line intensity should exhibit center-to-limb variability (CTLV), with flares observed near the limb being dimmer than those occurring near disk center. The model predictions are validated with an analysis of over 200 flares observed by the EUV Variability Experiment (EVE) on the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), which uses six lines, with peak formation temperatures between 8.9 and 15.8 MK, to show that limb flares are systematically dimmer than disk-center flares. The data are then used to show that the electron column density along the line of sight typically increases by 1.76 × 10^{19} cm^{-2} for limb flares over the disk-center flare value. It is shown that the CTLV of hot coronal emissions reduces the amount of ionizing radiation propagating into the solar system, and it changes the relative intensities of lines and bands commonly used for spectral analysis.

Optical luminescence studies of the ethyl xanthate adsorption layer on the surface of sphalerite minerals.

PubMed

Todoran, R; Todoran, D; Szakács, Zs

2016-01-05

In this work we propose optical luminescence measurements as a method to evaluate the kinetics of adsorption processes. Measurement of the intensity of the integral optical radiation obtained from the mineral-xanthate interface layer, stimulated with a monochromatic pulsating optical signal, as a function of time were made. The luminescence radiation was obtained from the thin interface layer formed at the separation surface between the sphalerite natural mineral and potassium ethyl xanthate solution, for different solution concentrations and pH-es at the constant industry standard temperature. This method enabled us to determine the time to achieve dynamic equilibrium in the formation of the interface layer of approximately 20min, gaining information on the adsorption kinetics in the case of xanthate on mineral surface and leading to the optimization of the industrial froth flotation process. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An archetype hydrogen atmosphere problem

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Athay, R. G.; Mihalas, D.; Shine, R. A.

1975-01-01

Populations for the first three bound states and the continuum of hydrogen are determined for an isothermal hydrostatic atmosphere at 20,000 K. The atmosphere is treated as optically thin in the Balmer and Paschen continua and illuminated by continuum radiation at these wavelengths with prescribed radiation temperatures. The atmosphere is optically thick in the 2-1, 3-1, 3-2 and c-1 transitions. Three stages of approximation are treated: (1) radiative detailed balance in the 2-1, 3-1 and 3-2 transitions, (2) radiative detailed balance in the 3-1 and 3-2 transitions, and (3) all transitions out of detailed balance. The solution of this problem is nontrivial and presents sufficient difficulty to have caused the failure of at least one rather standard technique. The problem is thus a good archetype against which new methods or new implementations of old methods may be tested.

Characterization of semiconductor materials using synchrotron radiation-based near-field infrared microscopy and nano-FTIR spectroscopy.

PubMed

Hermann, Peter; Hoehl, Arne; Ulrich, Georg; Fleischmann, Claudia; Hermelink, Antje; Kästner, Bernd; Patoka, Piotr; Hornemann, Andrea; Beckhoff, Burkhard; Rühl, Eckart; Ulm, Gerhard

2014-07-28

We describe the application of scattering-type near-field optical microscopy to characterize various semiconducting materials using the electron storage ring Metrology Light Source (MLS) as a broadband synchrotron radiation source. For verifying high-resolution imaging and nano-FTIR spectroscopy we performed scans across nanoscale Si-based surface structures. The obtained results demonstrate that a spatial resolution below 40 nm can be achieved, despite the use of a radiation source with an extremely broad emission spectrum. This approach allows not only for the collection of optical information but also enables the acquisition of near-field spectral data in the mid-infrared range. The high sensitivity for spectroscopic material discrimination using synchrotron radiation is presented by recording near-field spectra from thin films composed of different materials used in semiconductor technology, such as SiO2, SiC, SixNy, and TiO2.

Narrowband thermal radiation from closed-end microcavities

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

Kohiyama, Asaka; Shimizu, Makoto; Iguchi, Fumitada

2015-10-07

High spectral selectivity of thermal radiation is important for achieving high-efficiency energy systems. In this study, intense, narrowband, and low directional absorption/radiation were observed in closed-end microcavity which is a conventional open-end microcavity covered by a semi-transparent thin metal film. The quality factor (Q factor) of optical absorption band strongly depended on the film electrical conductivity. Asymmetric and narrow absorption band with a Q factor of 25 at 1.28 μm was obtained for a 6-nm-thick Au film. Numerical simulations suggest that the formation of a fixed-end mode at the cavity aperture contributes to the narrowband optical absorption. The closed-end microcavity filledmore » with SiO{sub 2} exhibits intense and isotropic thermal radiation over a wide solid angle according to numerical simulation. The narrow and asymmetric absorption spectrum was experimentally confirmed in a model of closed-end microcavity.« less

Broadband terahertz generation of metamaterials

DOEpatents

Luo, Liang; Wang, Jigang; Koschny, Thomas; Wegener, Martin; Soukoulis, Costas M.

2017-06-20

Provided are systems and methods to generate single-cycle THz pulses from a few tens of nanometers thin layer of split ring resonators (SRRs) via optical rectification of femtosecond laser pulses. The emitted THz radiation, with a spectrum ranging from about 0.1 to 4 THz, arises exclusively from pumping the magnetic-dipole resonance of SRRs around 200 THz. This resonant enhancement, together with pump polarization dependence and power scaling of the THz emission, underpins the nonlinearity from optically induced circulating currents in SRRs, with a huge effective nonlinear susceptibility of 0.8.times.10.sup.-16 m.sup.2/V that far exceeds surface nonlinearities of both thin films and bulk organic/inorganic crystals and sheet nonlinearities of non-centrosymmetric materials such as ZnTe.

Radiative transfer and radiative driving of outflows in active galactic nuclei and starbursts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Novak, G. S.; Ostriker, J. P.; Ciotti, L.

2012-12-01

To facilitate the study of black hole fuelling, star formation and feedback in galaxies, we outline a method for treating the radial forces on interstellar gas due to absorption of photons by dust grains. The method gives the correct behaviour in all of the relevant limits [dominated by the central point source; dominated by the distributed isotropic source; optically thin; optically thick to ultraviolet (UV)/optical; optically thick to infrared (IR)] and reasonably interpolates between the limits when necessary. The method is explicitly energy conserving so that UV/optical photons that are absorbed are not lost, but are rather redistributed to the IR where they may scatter out of the galaxy. We implement the radiative transfer algorithm in a two-dimensional hydrodynamical code designed to study feedback processes in the context of early-type galaxies. We find that the dynamics and final state of simulations are measurably but only moderately affected by radiative forces on dust, even when assumptions about the dust-to-gas ratio are varied from zero to a value appropriate for the Milky Way. In simulations with high gas densities designed to mimic ultraluminous IR galaxies with a star formation rate of several hundred solar masses per year, dust makes a more substantial contribution to the dynamics and outcome of the simulation. We find that, despite the large opacity of dust to UV radiation, the momentum input to the flow from radiation very rarely exceeds L/c due to two factors: the low opacity of dust to the re-radiated IR and the tendency for dust to be destroyed by sputtering in hot gas environments. We also develop a simplification of our radiative transfer algorithm that respects the essential physics but is much easier to implement and requires a fraction of the computational cost.

Optically transparent, mechanically durable, nanostructured superhydrophobic surfaces enabled by spinodally phase-separated glass thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aytug, Tolga; Simpson, John T.; Lupini, Andrew R.; Trejo, Rosa M.; Jellison, Gerald E.; Ivanov, Ilia N.; Pennycook, Stephen J.; Hillesheim, Daniel A.; Winter, Kyle O.; Christen, David K.; Hunter, Scott R.; Haynes, J. Allen

2013-08-01

We describe the formation and properties of atomically bonded, optical quality, nanostructured thin glass film coatings on glass plates, utilizing phase separation by spinodal decomposition in a sodium borosilicate glass system. Following deposition via magnetron sputtering, thermal processing and differential etching, these coatings are structurally superhydrophilic (i.e., display anti-fogging functionality) and demonstrate robust mechanical properties and superior abrasion resistance. After appropriate chemical surface modification, the surfaces display a stable, non-wetting Cassie-Baxter state and exhibit exceptional superhydrophobic performance, with water droplet contact angles as large as 172°. As an added benefit, in both superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic states these nanostructured surfaces can block ultraviolet radiation and can be engineered to be anti-reflective with broadband and omnidirectional transparency. Thus, the present approach could be tailored toward distinct coatings for numerous markets, such as residential windows, windshields, specialty optics, goggles, electronic and photovoltaic cover glasses, and optical components used throughout the US military.

Optically transparent, mechanically durable, nanostructured superhydrophobic surfaces enabled by spinodally phase-separated glass thin films.

PubMed

Aytug, Tolga; Simpson, John T; Lupini, Andrew R; Trejo, Rosa M; Jellison, Gerald E; Ivanov, Ilia N; Pennycook, Stephen J; Hillesheim, Daniel A; Winter, Kyle O; Christen, David K; Hunter, Scott R; Haynes, J Allen

2013-08-09

We describe the formation and properties of atomically bonded, optical quality, nanostructured thin glass film coatings on glass plates, utilizing phase separation by spinodal decomposition in a sodium borosilicate glass system. Following deposition via magnetron sputtering, thermal processing and differential etching, these coatings are structurally superhydrophilic (i.e., display anti-fogging functionality) and demonstrate robust mechanical properties and superior abrasion resistance. After appropriate chemical surface modification, the surfaces display a stable, non-wetting Cassie-Baxter state and exhibit exceptional superhydrophobic performance, with water droplet contact angles as large as 172°. As an added benefit, in both superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic states these nanostructured surfaces can block ultraviolet radiation and can be engineered to be anti-reflective with broadband and omnidirectional transparency. Thus, the present approach could be tailored toward distinct coatings for numerous markets, such as residential windows, windshields, specialty optics, goggles, electronic and photovoltaic cover glasses, and optical components used throughout the US military.

The radiation from slots in truncated dielectric-covered surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hwang, Y. M.; Kouyoumjian, R. G.; Pathak, P. H.

1974-01-01

A theoretical approach based on the geometrical theory of diffraction is used to study the electromagnetic radiation from a narrow slot in a dielectric-covered perfectly-conducting surface terminated at an edge. The total far-zone field is composed of a geometrical optics field and a diffracted field. The geometrical optics field is the direct radiation from the slot to the field point. The slot also generates surface waves which are incident at the termination of the dielectric cover, where singly-diffracted rays and reflected surface waves are excited. The diffraction and reflection coefficients are obtained from the canonical problem of the diffraction of a surface wave by a right-angle wedge where the dielectric-covered surface is approximated by an impedance surface. This approximation is satisfactory for a very thin cover; however, the radiation from its vertical and faces cannot be neglected in treating the thicker dielectric cover. This is taken into account by using a Kirchhoff-type approximation, which contributes a second term to the diffraction coefficient previously obtained. The contributions from the geometrical optics field, the singly-diffracted rays and all significant multiply-diffracted rays are summed to give the total radiation. Calculated and measured patterns are found to be in good agreement.

Simulated Space Vacuum Ultraviolet (VUV) Exposure Testing for Polymer Films

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dever, Joyce A.; Pietromica, Anthony J.; Stueber, Thomas J.; Sechkar, Edward A.; Messer, Russell K.

2002-01-01

Vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation of wavelengths between 115 and 200 nm produced by the sun in the space environment can cause degradation to polymer films producing changes in optical, mechanical, and chemical properties. These effects are particularly important for thin polymer films being considered for ultra-lightweight space structures, because, for most polymers, VUV radiation is absorbed in a thin surface layer. NASA Glenn Research Center has developed facilities and methods for long-term ground testing of polymer films to evaluate space environmental VUV radiation effects. VUV exposure can also be used as part of sequential simulated space environmental exposures to determine combined damaging effects. This paper will describe the effects of VUV on polymer films and the necessity for ground testing. Testing practices used at Glenn Research Center for VUV exposure testing will be described including characterization of the VUV radiation source used, calibration procedures traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and testing techniques for VUV exposure of polymer surfaces.

Thermodynamic and cloud parameter retrieval using infrared spectral data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhou, Daniel K.; Smith, William L., Sr.; Liu, Xu; Larar, Allen M.; Huang, Hung-Lung A.; Li, Jun; McGill, Matthew J.; Mango, Stephen A.

2005-01-01

High-resolution infrared radiance spectra obtained from near nadir observations provide atmospheric, surface, and cloud property information. A fast radiative transfer model, including cloud effects, is used for atmospheric profile and cloud parameter retrieval. The retrieval algorithm is presented along with its application to recent field experiment data from the NPOESS Airborne Sounding Testbed - Interferometer (NAST-I). The retrieval accuracy dependence on cloud properties is discussed. It is shown that relatively accurate temperature and moisture retrievals can be achieved below optically thin clouds. For optically thick clouds, accurate temperature and moisture profiles down to cloud top level are obtained. For both optically thin and thick cloud situations, the cloud top height can be retrieved with an accuracy of approximately 1.0 km. Preliminary NAST-I retrieval results from the recent Atlantic-THORPEX Regional Campaign (ATReC) are presented and compared with coincident observations obtained from dropsondes and the nadir-pointing Cloud Physics Lidar (CPL).

Intrinsic Fabry-Perot optical fiber sensors and their multiplexing

DOEpatents

Wang, Anbo

2007-12-11

An intrinsic Fabry-Perot optical sensor includes a thin film sandwiched between two fiber ends. When light is launched into the fiber, two reflections are generated at the two fiber/thin film interfaces due to a difference in refractive indices between the fibers and the film, giving rise to the sensor output. In another embodiment, a portion of the cladding of a fiber is removed, creating two parallel surfaces. Part of the evanescent fields of light propagating in the fiber is reflected at each of the surfaces, giving rise to the sensor output. In a third embodiment, the refractive index of a small portion of a fiber is changed through exposure to a laser beam or other radiation. Interference between reflections at the ends of the small portion give rise to the sensor output. Multiple sensors along a single fiber are multiplexed using an optical time domain reflectometry method.

Collapsing Radiative Shocks in Xenon Gas on the Omega Laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reighard, A. B.; Glendinning, S. G.; Knauer, J.; Bouquet, S.; Koenig, M.

2005-10-01

A number of astrophysical systems involve radiative shocks that collapse spatially in response to energy lost through radiation, producing thin shells believed to be Vishniac unstable. We report experiments intended to study such collapsing shocks. The Omega laser drives a thin slab of material at >100 km/s through Xe gas. Simulations predict a collapsed layer in which the density reaches 45 times initial density. X-ray backlighting techniques have yielded images of a collapsed shock compressed to <1/25 its initial thickness (45 μm) at a speed of ˜100 km/s when the shock has traveled 1.3 mm. Optical depth before and behind the shock is important for comparison to astrophysical systems. This research was sponsored by the National Nuclear Security Administration under the Stewardship Science Academic Alliances program through DOE Research Grants DE-FG52-03NA00064, DE-FG53-2005-NA26014, and other grants and contracts.

Radiative Transfer in Stellar Atmospheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rutten, Robert J.

2003-05-01

The main topic treated in these graduate course notes is the classical theory of radiative transfer for explaining stellar spectra. It needs relatively much attention to be mastered. Radiative transfer in gaseous media that are neither optically thin nor fully opaque and scatter to boot is a key part of astrophysics but not a transparent subject. These course notes represent a middle road between Mihalas' "Stellar Atmospheres" (graduate level and up) and the books by Novotny and Boehm-Vitense (undergraduate level). They are at about the level of Gray's "The observation and analysis of stellar photospheres" but emphasize NLTE radiative transfer rather than observational techniques and data interpretation.

A concept for Z-dependent microbunching measurements with coherent X-ray transition radiation in a sase FEL

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

Lumpkin, A.H.; Fawley, W.M.; Rule, D.W.

We present an adaptation of the measurements performed in the visible-to-VUV regime of the z-dependent microbunching in a self-amplified spontaneous emission (SASE) free-electron laser (FEL). In these experiments a thin metal foil was used to block the more intense SASE radiation and to generate coherent optical transition radiation (COTR) as one source in a two-foil interferometer. However, for the proposed x-ray SASE FELs, the intense SASE emission is either too strongly transmitted at 1.5 Angstrom or the needed foil thickness for blocking scatters the electron beam too much. Since x-ray transition radiation (XTR) is emitted in an annulus with openingmore » angle 1/g = 36 mrad for 14.09-GeV electrons, we propose using a thin foil or foil stack to generate the XTR and coherent XTR (CXTR) and an annular crystal to wavelength sort the radiation. The combined selectivity in angle and wavelength will favor the CXTR over SASE by about eight orders of magnitude. Time-dependent GINGER simulations support the z-dependent gain evaluation plan.« less

Effect of Radiation on Chromospheric Magnetic Reconnection: Reactive and Collisional Multi-fluid Simulations

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

Alvarez Laguna, A.; Poedts, S.; Lani, A.

We study magnetic reconnection under chromospheric conditions in five different ionization levels from 0.5% to 50% using a self-consistent two-fluid (ions + neutrals) model that accounts for compressibility, collisional effects, chemical inequilibrium, and anisotropic heat conduction. Results with and without radiation are compared, using two models for the radiative losses: an optically thin radiation loss function, and an approximation of the radiative losses of a plasma with photospheric abundances. The results without radiation show that reconnection occurs faster for the weakly ionized cases as a result of the effect of ambipolar diffusion and fast recombination. The tearing mode instability appearsmore » earlier in the low ionized cases and grows rapidly. We find that radiative losses have a stronger effect than was found in previous results as the cooling changes the plasma pressure and the concentration of ions inside the current sheet. This affects the ambipolar diffusion and the chemical equilibrium, resulting in thin current sheets and enhanced reconnection. The results quantify this complex nonlinear interaction by showing that a strong cooling produces faster reconnections than have been found in models without radiation. The results accounting for radiation show timescales and outflows comparable to spicules and chromospheric jets.« less

Potential of remote sensing of cirrus optical thickness by airborne spectral radiance measurements at different sideward viewing angles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolf, Kevin; Ehrlich, André; Hüneke, Tilman; Pfeilsticker, Klaus; Werner, Frank; Wirth, Martin; Wendisch, Manfred

2017-03-01

Spectral radiance measurements collected in nadir and sideward viewing directions by two airborne passive solar remote sensing instruments, the Spectral Modular Airborne Radiation measurement sysTem (SMART) and the Differential Optical Absorption Spectrometer (mini-DOAS), are used to compare the remote sensing results of cirrus optical thickness τ. The comparison is based on a sensitivity study using radiative transfer simulations (RTS) and on data obtained during three airborne field campaigns: the North Atlantic Rainfall VALidation (NARVAL) mission, the Mid-Latitude Cirrus Experiment (ML-CIRRUS) and the Aerosol, Cloud, Precipitation, and Radiation Interactions and Dynamics of Convective Cloud Systems (ACRIDICON) campaign. Radiative transfer simulations are used to quantify the sensitivity of measured upward radiance I with respect to τ, ice crystal effective radius reff, viewing angle of the sensor θV, spectral surface albedo α, and ice crystal shape. From the calculations it is concluded that sideward viewing measurements are generally better suited than radiance data from the nadir direction to retrieve τ of optically thin cirrus, especially at wavelengths larger than λ = 900 nm. Using sideward instead of nadir-directed spectral radiance measurements significantly improves the sensitivity and accuracy in retrieving τ, in particular for optically thin cirrus of τ ≤ 2. The comparison of retrievals of τ based on nadir and sideward viewing radiance measurements from SMART, mini-DOAS and independent estimates of τ from an additional active remote sensing instrument, the Water Vapor Lidar Experiment in Space (WALES), shows general agreement within the range of measurement uncertainties. For the selected example a mean τ of 0.54 ± 0.2 is derived from SMART, and 0.49 ± 0.2 by mini-DOAS nadir channels, while WALES obtained a mean value of τ = 0.32 ± 0.02 at 532 nm wavelength, respectively. The mean of τ derived from the sideward viewing mini-DOAS channels is 0.26 ± 0.2. For the few simultaneous measurements, the mini-DOAS sideward channel measurements systematically underestimate (-17.6 %) the nadir observations from SMART and mini-DOAS. The agreement between mini-DOAS sideward viewing channels and WALES is better, showing the advantage of using sideward viewing measurements for cloud remote sensing for τ ≤ 1. Therefore, we suggest sideward viewing measurements for retrievals of τ of thin cirrus because of the significantly enhanced capability of sideward viewing compared to nadir measurements.

Unveiling slim accretion disc in AGN through X-ray and Infrared observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castelló-Mor, Núria; Kaspi, Shai; Netzer, Hagai; Du, Pu; Hu, Chen; Ho, Luis C.; Bai, Jin-Ming; Bian, Wei-Hao; Yuan, Ye-Fei; Wang, Jian-Min

2017-05-01

In this work, which is a continuation of Castelló-Mor et al., we present new X-ray and infrared (IR) data for a sample of active galactic nuclei (AGN) covering a wide range in Eddington ratio over a small luminosity range. In particular, we rigorously explore the dependence of the optical-to-X-ray spectral index αOX and the IR-to-optical spectral index on the dimensionless accretion rate, \\dot{M} = \\dot{m}/η, where \\dot{m} = LAGN/LEdd and η is the mass-to-radiation conversion efficiency, in low- and high-accretion rate sources. We find that the spectral energy distribution (SED) of the faster accreting sources is surprisingly similar to those from the comparison sample of sources with lower accretion rate. In particular: (I) The optical-to-UV AGN SED of slow and fast accreting AGN can be fitted with thin accretion disc (AD) models. (II) The value of αOX is very similar in slow and fast accreting systems up to a dimensionless accretion rate \\dot{M}c ˜ 10. We only find a correlation between αOX and \\dot{M} for sources with \\dot{M} > \\dot{M}c. In such cases, the faster accreting sources appear to have systematically larger αOX values. (III) We also find that the torus in the faster accreting systems seems to be less efficient in reprocessing the primary AGN radiation having lower IR-to-optical spectral slopes. These findings, failing to recover the predicted differences between the SEDs of slim and thin ADs within the observed spectral window, suggest that additional physical processes or very special geometry act to reduce the extreme-UV radiation in fast accreting AGN. This may be related to photon trapping, strong winds and perhaps other yet unknown physical processes.

Compositional Dependence of Optical and Structural Properties of Nanogranular Mixed ZrO2/ZnO/SnO2 Thin Film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salari, S.; Ghodsi, F. E.

2018-06-01

A study on the optical properties and photoluminescence (PL) spectra of ternary oxide nanogranular thin films comprising Zr, Zn, and Sn revealed that the change in component ratio could direct the roadmap to improve characteristics of the films. Grazing angle X-ray diffraction analysis showed that incorporation of Sn atoms into the tetragonal structure of Zn/Zr thin film resulted in an amorphous structure. The band gap of film was tunable by precisely controlling the concentration of components. The widening of band gap could correlate to the quantum confinement effect. PL spectra of the composite thin films under excitation at 365 nm showed a sharp red emission with relatively Gaussian line shape, which was intensified in the optimum percentage ratio of 50/30/20. This nearly red emission is attributed to the radiative emission of electrons captured at low-energy traps located near the valence band. An optimum red emission is strongly desirable for use in white LEDs. The comparative study on FTIR spectra of unary, binary, and ternary thin films confirmed successful composition of three different metal oxides in ternary thin films. Detailed investigation on FTIR spectra of ternary compounds revealed that the quenching in PL emission at higher percentage of Sn was originally due to the hydroxyl group.

Microgravity Processing and Photonic Applications of Organic and Polymeric Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frazier, Donald O.; Penn, Benjamin G.; Smith, David D.; Witherow, William K.; Paley, Mark S.; Abdeldayem, Hossin A.

1997-01-01

In recent years, a great deal of interest has been directed toward the use of organic materials in the development of high-efficiency optoelectronic and photonic devices. There is a myriad of possibilities among organics which allow flexibility in the design of unique structures with a variety of functional groups. The use of nonlinear optical (NLO) organic materials such as thin-film waveguides allows full exploitation of their desirable qualities by permitting long interaction lengths and large susceptibilities allowing modest power input. There are several methods in use to prepare thin films, such as Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) and self-assembly techniques, vapor deposition, growth from sheared solution or melt, and melt growth between glass plates. Organics have many features that make them desirable for use in optical devices such as high second- and third-order nonlinearities, flexibility of molecular design, and damage resistance to optical radiation. However, their use in devices has been hindered by processing difficulties for crystals and thin films. In this chapter, we discuss photonic and optoelectronic applications of a few organic materials and the potential role of microgravity on processing these materials. It is of interest to note how materials with second- and third-order nonlinear optical behavior may be improved in a diffusion-limited environment and ways in which convection may be detrimental to these materials.

Microgravity Processing and Photonic Applications of Organic and Polymeric Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frazier, Donald 0; Penn, Benjamin G.; Smith, David; Witherow, William K.; Paley, M. S.; Abdeldayem, Hossin A.

1998-01-01

In recent years, a great deal of interest has been directed toward the use of organic materials in the development of high-efficiency optoelectronic and photonic devices. There is a myriad of possibilities among organic which allow flexibility in the design of unique structures with a variety of functional groups. The use of nonlinear optical (NLO) organic materials such as thin-film waveguides allows full exploitation of their desirable qualities by permitting long interaction lengths and large susceptibilities allowing modest power input. There are several methods in use to prepare thin films, such as Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) and self-assembly techniques, vapor deposition, growth from sheared solution or melt, and melt growth between glass plates. Organics have many features that make Abstract: them desirable for use in optical devices such as high second- and third-order nonlinearities, flexibility of molecular design, and damage resistance to optical radiation. However, their use in devices has been hindered by processing difficulties for crystals and thin films. In this chapter, we discuss photonic and optoelectronic applications of a few organic materials and the potential role of microgravity on processing these materials. It is of interest to note how materials with second- and third-order nonlinear optical behavior may be improved in a diffusion-limited environment and ways in which convection may be detrimental to these materials. We focus our discussion on third-order materials for all-optical switching, and second-order materials for all-optical switching, and second-order materials for frequency conversion and electrooptics.

Analytical Solutions for Radiative Transfer: Implications for Giant Planet Formation by Disk Instability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boss, Alan P.

2009-03-01

The disk instability mechanism for giant planet formation is based on the formation of clumps in a marginally gravitationally unstable protoplanetary disk, which must lose thermal energy through a combination of convection and radiative cooling if they are to survive and contract to become giant protoplanets. While there is good observational support for forming at least some giant planets by disk instability, the mechanism has become theoretically contentious, with different three-dimensional radiative hydrodynamics codes often yielding different results. Rigorous code testing is required to make further progress. Here we present two new analytical solutions for radiative transfer in spherical coordinates, suitable for testing the code employed in all of the Boss disk instability calculations. The testing shows that the Boss code radiative transfer routines do an excellent job of relaxing to and maintaining the analytical results for the radial temperature and radiative flux profiles for a spherical cloud with high or moderate optical depths, including the transition from optically thick to optically thin regions. These radial test results are independent of whether the Eddington approximation, diffusion approximation, or flux-limited diffusion approximation routines are employed. The Boss code does an equally excellent job of relaxing to and maintaining the analytical results for the vertical (θ) temperature and radiative flux profiles for a disk with a height proportional to the radial distance. These tests strongly support the disk instability mechanism for forming giant planets.

Diffusion tensor imaging of the optic tracts in multiple sclerosis: association with retinal thinning and visual disability.

PubMed

Dasenbrock, Hormuzdiyar H; Smith, Seth A; Ozturk, Arzu; Farrell, Sheena K; Calabresi, Peter A; Reich, Daniel S

2011-04-01

Visual disability is common in multiple sclerosis, but its relationship to abnormalities of the optic tracts remains unknown. Because they are only rarely affected by lesions, the optic tracts may represent a good model for assessing the imaging properties of normal-appearing white matter in multiple sclerosis. Whole-brain diffusion tensor imaging was performed on 34 individuals with multiple sclerosis and 26 healthy volunteers. The optic tracts were reconstructed by tractography, and tract-specific diffusion indices were quantified. In the multiple-sclerosis group, peripapillary retinal nerve-fiber-layer thickness and total macular volume were measured by optical coherence tomography, and visual acuity at 100%, 2.5%, and 1.25% contrast was examined. After adjusting for age and sex, optic-tract mean and perpendicular diffusivity were higher (P=.002) in multiple sclerosis. Lower optic-tract fractional anisotropy was correlated with retinal nerve-fiber-layer thinning (r=.51, P=.003) and total-macular-volume reduction (r=.59, P=.002). However, optic-tract diffusion indices were not specifically correlated with visual acuity or with their counterparts in the optic radiation. Optic-tract diffusion abnormalities are associated with retinal damage, suggesting that both may be related to optic-nerve injury, but do not appear to contribute strongly to visual disability in multiple sclerosis. Copyright © 2010 by the American Society of Neuroimaging.

Diffusion Tensor Imaging of the Optic Tracts in Multiple Sclerosis: Association with Retinal Thinning and Visual Disability

PubMed Central

Dasenbrock, Hormuzdiyar H.; Smith, Seth A.; Ozturk, Arzu; Farrell, Sheena K.; Calabresi, Peter A.; Reich, Daniel S.

2009-01-01

Background and purpose Visual disability is common in multiple sclerosis, but its relationship to abnormalities of the optic tracts remains unknown. Because they are only rarely affected by lesions, the optic tracts may represent a good model for assessing the imaging properties of normal-appearing white matter in multiple sclerosis. Methods Whole-brain diffusion tensor imaging was performed on 34 individuals with multiple sclerosis and 26 healthy volunteers. The optic tracts were reconstructed by tractography, and tract-specific diffusion indices were quantified. In the multiple-sclerosis group, peripapillary retinal nerve-fiber-layer thickness and total macular volume were measured by optical coherence tomography, and visual acuity at 100%, 2.5%, and 1.25% contrast was examined. Results After adjusting for age and sex, optic-tract mean and perpendicular diffusivity were higher (p=0.002) in multiple sclerosis. Lower optic-tract fractional anisotropy was correlated with retinal nerve-fiber-layer thinning (r=0.51, p=0.003) and total-macular-volume reduction (r=0.59, p=0.002). However, optic-tract diffusion indices were not specifically correlated with visual acuity or with their counterparts in the optic radiation. Conclusions Optic-tract diffusion abnormalities are associated with retinal damage, suggesting that both may be related to optic-nerve injury, but do not appear to contribute strongly to visual disability in multiple sclerosis. PMID:20331501

Design of a Shadowband Spectral Radiometer for the Retrieval of Thin Cloud Optical Depth, Liquid Water Path, and the Effective Radius

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

Bartholomew M. J.; Reynolds, R. M.; Vogelmann, A. M.

2011-11-01

The design and operation of a Thin-Cloud Rotating Shadowband Radiometer (TCRSR) described here was used to measure the radiative intensity of the solar aureole and enable the simultaneous retrieval of cloud optical depth, drop effective radius, and liquid water path. The instrument consists of photodiode sensors positioned beneath two narrow metal bands that occult the sun by moving alternately from horizon to horizon. Measurements from the narrowband 415-nm channel were used to demonstrate a retrieval of the cloud properties of interest. With the proven operation of the relatively inexpensive TCRSR instrument, its usefulness for retrieving aerosol properties under cloud-free skiesmore » and for ship-based observations is discussed.« 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.

Models of the Solar Atmospheric Response to Flare Heating

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allred, Joel

2011-01-01

I will present models of the solar atmospheric response to flare heating. The models solve the equations of non-LTE radiation hydrodynamics with an electron beam added as a flare energy source term. Radiative transfer is solved in detail for many important optically thick hydrogen and helium transitions and numerous optically thin EUV lines making the models ideally suited to study the emission that is produced during flares. I will pay special attention to understanding key EUV lines as well the mechanism for white light production. I will also present preliminary results of how the model solar atmosphere responds to Fletcher & Hudson type flare heating. I will compare this with the results from flare simulations using the standard thick target model.

Absorption and Emission of Light in Optoelectronic Nanomaterials: The Role of the Local Optical Environment.

PubMed

Jiménez-Solano, Alberto; Galisteo-López, Juan F; Míguez, Hernán

2018-04-19

Tailoring the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with matter is central to the development of optoelectronic devices. This becomes particularly relevant for a new generation of devices offering the possibility of solution processing with competitive efficiencies as well as new functionalities. These devices, containing novel materials such as inorganic colloidal quantum dots or hybrid organic-inorganic lead halide perovskites, commonly demand thin (tens of nanometers) active layers in order to perform optimally and thus maximizing the way electromagnetic radiation interacts with these layers is essential. In this Perspective, we discuss the relevance of tailoring the optical environment of the active layer in an optoelectronic device and illustrate it with two real-world systems comprising photovoltaic cells and light emitting devices.

Diamond drumhead crystals for X-ray optics applications

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

Kolodziej, Tomasz; Vodnala, Preeti; Terentyev, Sergey

2016-07-14

Thin (<50 µm) and flawless diamond single crystals are essential for the realization of numerous advanced X-ray optical devices at synchrotron radiation and free-electron laser facilities. The fabrication and handling of such ultra-thin components without introducing crystal damage and strain is a challenge. Drumhead crystals, monolithic crystal structures composed of a thin membrane furnished with a surrounding solid collar, are a solution ensuring mechanically stable strain-free mounting of the membranes with efficient thermal transport. Diamond, being one of the hardest and most chemically inert materials, poses significant difficulties in fabrication. Reported here is the successful manufacture of diamond drumhead crystalsmore » in the [100] orientation using picosecond laser milling. Subsequent high-temperature treatment appears to be crucial for the membranes to become defect free and unstrained, as revealed by X-ray topography on examples of drumhead crystals with a 26 µm thick (1 mm in diameter) and a 47 µm thick (1.5 × 2.5 mm) membrane.« less

Investigations on Structural, Optical and X-Radiation Responsive Properties of a-Se Thin Films Fabricated by Thermal Evaporation Method at Low Vacuum Degree.

PubMed

Li, Jitao; Zhu, Xinghua; Yang, Dingyu; Gu, Peng; Wu, Haihua

2018-03-02

Amorphous selenium (a-Se) thin films with a thickness of 1200 nm were successfully fabricated by thermal evaporation at a low vacuum degree of 10 -2 Pa. The structural properties involving phase and morphology showed that a-Se thin films could be resistant to 60 °C in air. Also, a transformation to polycrystalline Selenium (p-Se) was shown as the annealing temperature rose to 62 °C and 65 °C, with obvious changes in color and surface morphology. Moreover, as the a-Se transformed to p-Se, the samples' transmittance decreased significantly, and the band gap declined dramatically from 2.15 eV to 1.92 eV. Finally, the X-radiation response of a-Se was investigated as an important property, revealing there is a remarkable response speed of photogeneration current both X-ray on and X-ray off, with a requirement of only a very small electrical field.

Preparation and characterization of double layer thin films ZnO/ZnO:Ag for methylene blue photodegradation

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

Wibowo, Singgih, E-mail: singgih@st.fisika.undip.ac.id; Sutanto, Heri, E-mail: herisutanto@undip.ac.id

2016-02-08

Double layer (DL) thin films of zinc oxide and silver-doped zinc oxide (ZnO/ZnO:Ag) were deposited on glass substrate by sol-gel spray coating technique. The prepared thin films were subjected for optical and photocatalytic studies. UV-visible transmission spectra shows that the subtitution of Ag in ZnO leads to band gap reduction. The influence of Ag doping on the photocatalytic activity of ZnO for the degradation of methylene blue dye was studied under solar radiation. The light absorption over an extended visible region by Ag ion doping in ZnO film contributed equally to improve the photocatalytic activity up to 98.29%.

Spectral focusing of broadband silver electroluminescence in nanoscopic FRET-LEDs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Puchert, Robin P.; Steiner, Florian; Plechinger, Gerd; Hofmann, Felix J.; Caspers, Ines; Kirschner, Johanna; Nagler, Philipp; Chernikov, Alexey; Schüller, Christian; Korn, Tobias; Vogelsang, Jan; Bange, Sebastian; Lupton, John M.

2017-07-01

Few inventions have shaped the world like the incandescent bulb. Edison used thermal radiation from ohmically heated conductors, but some noble metals also exhibit 'cold' electroluminescence in percolation films, tunnel diodes, electromigrated nanoparticle aggregates, optical antennas or scanning tunnelling microscopy. The origin of this radiation, which is spectrally broad and depends on applied bias, is controversial given the low radiative yields of electronic transitions. Nanoparticle electroluminescence is particularly intriguing because it involves localized surface-plasmon resonances with large dipole moments. Such plasmons enable very efficient non-radiative fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) coupling to proximal resonant dipole transitions. Here, we demonstrate nanoscopic FRET-light-emitting diodes which exploit the opposite process, energy transfer from silver nanoparticles to exfoliated monolayers of transition-metal dichalcogenides. In diffraction-limited hotspots showing pronounced photon bunching, broadband silver electroluminescence is focused into the narrow excitonic resonance of the atomically thin overlayer. Such devices may offer alternatives to conventional nano-light-emitting diodes in on-chip optical interconnects.

Spectral focusing of broadband silver electroluminescence in nanoscopic FRET-LEDs.

PubMed

Puchert, Robin P; Steiner, Florian; Plechinger, Gerd; Hofmann, Felix J; Caspers, Ines; Kirschner, Johanna; Nagler, Philipp; Chernikov, Alexey; Schüller, Christian; Korn, Tobias; Vogelsang, Jan; Bange, Sebastian; Lupton, John M

2017-07-01

Few inventions have shaped the world like the incandescent bulb. Edison used thermal radiation from ohmically heated conductors, but some noble metals also exhibit 'cold' electroluminescence in percolation films, tunnel diodes, electromigrated nanoparticle aggregates, optical antennas or scanning tunnelling microscopy. The origin of this radiation, which is spectrally broad and depends on applied bias, is controversial given the low radiative yields of electronic transitions. Nanoparticle electroluminescence is particularly intriguing because it involves localized surface-plasmon resonances with large dipole moments. Such plasmons enable very efficient non-radiative fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) coupling to proximal resonant dipole transitions. Here, we demonstrate nanoscopic FRET-light-emitting diodes which exploit the opposite process, energy transfer from silver nanoparticles to exfoliated monolayers of transition-metal dichalcogenides. In diffraction-limited hotspots showing pronounced photon bunching, broadband silver electroluminescence is focused into the narrow excitonic resonance of the atomically thin overlayer. Such devices may offer alternatives to conventional nano-light-emitting diodes in on-chip optical interconnects.

Radiative enhancement of tube-side heat transfer.

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

Im, K. H.; Ahluwalia, R. K.; Engineering Physics

1994-01-01

The potential of augmenting film coefficient by uniformly dispersing thin metallic/ceramic filaments oriented longitudinally along a tube is investigated. The purpose of the rigidly held filaments is to create a participating medium from a gas otherwise transparent to thermal radiation. The filaments absorb the thermal radiation emitted by the tube and transfer the heat convectively to the flowing gas. Wave theory shows that optical thickness > 10 can be achieved with 50 {micro}m SiC filaments at 300 cm{sup 2} number density in a 2.54 cm diameter tube. Solution of the radiation transport equation indicates that the radiative film coefficients aremore » a function of filament material, diameter and number density, and gas and surface temperatures.« less

Radiation pressure in galactic disks: stability, turbulence, and winds in the single-scattering limit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wibking, Benjamin D.; Thompson, Todd A.; Krumholz, Mark R.

2018-04-01

The radiation force on dust grains may be dynamically important in driving turbulence and outflows in rapidly star-forming galaxies. Recent studies focus on the highly optically-thick limit relevant to the densest ultra-luminous galaxies and super star clusters, where reprocessed infrared photons provide the dominant source of electromagnetic momentum. However, even among starburst galaxies, the great majority instead lie in the so-called "single-scattering" limit, where the system is optically-thick to the incident starlight, but optically-thin to the re-radiated infrared. In this paper we present a stability analysis and multidimensional radiation-hydrodynamic simulations exploring the stability and dynamics of isothermal dusty gas columns in this regime. We describe our algorithm for full angle-dependent radiation transport based on the discontinuous Galerkin finite element method. For a range of near-Eddington fluxes, we show that the medium is unstable, producing convective-like motions in a turbulent atmosphere with a scale height significantly inflated compared to the gas pressure scale height and mass-weighted turbulent energy densities of ˜0.01 - 0.1 of the midplane radiation energy density, corresponding to mass-weighted velocity dispersions of Mach number ˜0.5 - 2. Extrapolation of our results to optical depths of 103 implies maximum turbulent Mach numbers of ˜20. Comparing our results to galaxy-averaged observations, and subject to the approximations of our calculations, we find that radiation pressure does not contribute significantly to the effective supersonic pressure support in star-forming disks, which in general are substantially sub-Eddington. We further examine the time-averaged vertical density profiles in dynamical equilibrium and comment on implications for radiation-pressure-driven galactic winds.

Ultralow-power local laser control of the dimer density in alkali-metal vapors through photodesorption

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

Jha, Pankaj K.; Scully, Marlan O.; Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544

2012-08-27

Ultralow-power diode-laser radiation is employed to induce photodesorption of cesium from a partially transparent thin-film cesium adsorbate on a solid surface. Using resonant Raman spectroscopy, we demonstrate that this photodesorption process enables an accurate local optical control of the density of dimer molecules in alkali-metal vapors.

The Tuning of Optical Properties of Nanoscale MOFs-Based Thin Film through Post-Modification.

PubMed

Yin, Wenchang; Tao, Cheng-An; Zou, Xiaorong; Wang, Fang; Qu, Tianlian; Wang, Jianfang

2017-08-29

Optical properties, which determine the application of optical devices in different fields, are the most significant properties of optical thin films. In recent years, Metal-organic framework (MOF)-based optical thin films have attracted increasing attention because of their novel optical properties and important potential applications in optical and photoelectric devices, especially optical thin films with tunable optical properties. This study reports the first example of tuning the optical properties of a MOF-based optical thin film via post-modification. The MOF-based optical thin film was composed of NH₂-MIL-53(Al) nanorods (NRs) (MIL: Materials from Institute Lavoisier), and was constructed via a spin-coating method. Three aldehydes with different lengths of carbon chains were chosen to modify the MOF optical thin film to tune their optical properties. After post-modification, the structural color of the NH₂-MIL-53(Al) thin film showed an obvious change from purple to bluish violet and cyan. The reflection spectrum and the reflectivity also altered in different degrees. The effective refractive index ( n eff ) of MOFs thin film can also be tuned from 1.292 to 1.424 at a wavelength of 750 nm. The success of tuning of the optical properties of MOFs thin films through post-modification will make MOFs optical thin films meet different needs of optical properties in various optical and optoelectronic devices.

The Tuning of Optical Properties of Nanoscale MOFs-Based Thin Film through Post-Modification

PubMed Central

Zou, Xiaorong; Wang, Fang; Qu, Tianlian; Wang, Jianfang

2017-01-01

Optical properties, which determine the application of optical devices in different fields, are the most significant properties of optical thin films. In recent years, Metal-organic framework (MOF)-based optical thin films have attracted increasing attention because of their novel optical properties and important potential applications in optical and photoelectric devices, especially optical thin films with tunable optical properties. This study reports the first example of tuning the optical properties of a MOF-based optical thin film via post-modification. The MOF-based optical thin film was composed of NH2-MIL-53(Al) nanorods (NRs) (MIL: Materials from Institute Lavoisier), and was constructed via a spin-coating method. Three aldehydes with different lengths of carbon chains were chosen to modify the MOF optical thin film to tune their optical properties. After post-modification, the structural color of the NH2-MIL-53(Al) thin film showed an obvious change from purple to bluish violet and cyan. The reflection spectrum and the reflectivity also altered in different degrees. The effective refractive index (neff) of MOFs thin film can also be tuned from 1.292 to 1.424 at a wavelength of 750 nm. The success of tuning of the optical properties of MOFs thin films through post-modification will make MOFs optical thin films meet different needs of optical properties in various optical and optoelectronic devices. PMID:28850057

Apparatus and method for characterizing thin film and interfaces using an optical heat generator and detector

DOEpatents

Maris, H.J.; Stoner, R.J.

1998-05-05

An optical heat generation and detection system generates a first non-destructive pulsed beam of electromagnetic radiation that is directed upon a sample containing at least one interface between similar or dissimilar materials. The first pulsed beam of electromagnetic radiation, a pump beam, produces a non-uniform temperature change within the sample. A second non-destructive pulsed beam of electromagnetic radiation, a probe beam, is also directed upon the sample. Physical and chemical properties of the materials, and of the interface, are measured by observing changes in a transient optical response of the sample to the probe beam, as revealed by a time dependence of changes in, by example, beam intensity, direction, or state of polarization. The system has increased sensitivity to interfacial properties including defects, contaminants, chemical reactions and delaminations, as compared to conventional non-destructive, non-contact techniques. One feature of this invention is a determination of a Kapitza resistance at the interface, and the correlation of the determined Kapitza resistance with a characteristic of the interface, such as roughness, delamination, the presence of contaminants, etc. 31 figs.

Apparatus and method for characterizing thin film and interfaces using an optical heat generator and detector

DOEpatents

Maris, Humphrey J; Stoner, Robert J

1998-01-01

An optical heat generation and detection system generates a first non-destructive pulsed beam of electromagnetic radiation that is directed upon a sample containing at least one interface between similar or dissimilar materials. The first pulsed beam of electromagnetic radiation, a pump beam (21a), produces a non-uniform temperature change within the sample. A second non-destructive pulsed beam of electromagnetic radiation, a probe beam (21b), is also directed upon the sample. Physical and chemical properties of the materials, and of the interface, are measured by observing changes in a transient optical response of the sample to the probe beam, as revealed by a time dependence of changes in, by example, beam intensity, direction, or state of polarization. The system has increased sensitivity to interfacial properties including defects, contaminants, chemical reactions and delaminations, as compared to conventional non-destructive, non-contact techniques. One feature of this invention is a determination of a Kapitza resistance at the interface, and the correlation of the determined Kapitza resistance with a characteristic of the interface, such as roughness, delamination, the presence of contaminants, etc.

A Study of Tropical thin Cirrus Clouds with Supervised Learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodier, S. D.; Hu, Y.; Vaughan, M. A.

2007-12-01

ABSTRACT Accurate knowledge of the temporal frequency and spatial extent of optically thin cirrus is crucial to climate feedback analysis. Current global warming theory asserts that when the atmospheric concentration of CO2 increases, the outgoing longwave radiation at non-window wavelengths is reduced. If the Earth's net radiative balance is to remain stable, ground temperatures must rise in response, thereby increasing thermal emission to space. Current models do not account for subsequent changes in cloud cover, because this aspect of the climate feedback system is so poorly understood. One possible response of the cloud-climate feedback process is an increase in the global occurrence of thin cirrus clouds, driven by the increase in longwave cooling in the upper troposphere that results from higher CO2 concentrations. Exacerbating the difficulty of assessing the situation is the fact that passive remote sensing instruments cannot reliably detect cirrus clouds with optical depths less than ~0.3, because these clouds do not reflect enough sunlight to create a sufficient contrast with the Earth's surface. Now, however, the presence of thin cirrus can for the first time be accurately detected and systematically monitored by the combination of active and passive sensors onboard the CALIPSO satellite. Nevertheless, the data record is still quite limited, as CALIPSO has been in orbit for only 16 months. We have therefore initiated a multi-platform data fusion study to establish a methodology for extending the limited set of CALIPSO measurements to the existing 30-year record of passive remote sensing data, and thus improve our understanding of cloud feedback mechanisms. Using nighttime data from the first 10 days in April 2007 as a training set, we applied a general regression neural network (GRNN) to collocated samples of sea surface temperature (SST) reported by AMSR, brightness temperatures (BT) from the CALIPSO imaging infrared radiometer (IIR), and optical depths (OD) derived from the CALIPSO lidar measurements. The result is an accurate mapping of the optical depths derived from the active sensors to the brightness temperatures computed from the passive sensor measurements. Applying the trained network to this combination of passive sensor parameters, optical depths as small as 0.1 can be reliably retrieved. The relative uncertainties in the retrieval are reasonable, and can be improved significantly by use of a much larger training set.

Hybrid accretion disks in active galactic nuclei. I - Structure and spectra

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wandel, Amri; Liang, Edison P.

1991-01-01

A unified treatment is presented of the two distinct states of vertically thin AGN accretion disks: a cool (about 10 to the 6th K) optically thick solution, and a hot (about 10 to the 9th K) optically thin solution. A generalized formalism and a new radiative cooling equation valid in both regimes are introduced. A new luminosity limit is found at which the hot and cool alpha solutions merge into a single solution of intermediate optical depth. Analytic solutions for the disk structure are given, and output spectra are computed numerically. This is used to demonstrate the prospect of fitting AGN broadband spectra containing both the UV bump as well as the hard X-ray and gamma-ray tail, using a single accretion disk model. Such models are found to make definite predictions about the observed spectrum, such as the relation between the hard X-ray spectral index, the UV-to-X-ray luminosity ratio, and a feature of about 1 MeV.

The optical properties of platinum and gold in the vacuum ultraviolet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Linton, R. C.

1972-01-01

The optical constants of platinum and gold thin films have been determined in the spectral region of 40 to 200 nm by reflection measurements. The highly polarized continuum of synchrotron radiation emitted by the 240-MeV electron storage ring at the Physical Sciences Laboratory of the University of Wisconsin was used as a light source for the spectrum below 120 nm, while a windowless discharge lamp coupled to a normal incidence monochromator provided a source for the longer wavelengths. Optical constants were determined by a computer program based on iterative solutions to the Fresnel equations for reflection as a function of the angle of incidence.

Ultrafast All-Optical Switching of Germanium-Based Flexible Metaphotonic Devices.

PubMed

Lim, Wen Xiang; Manjappa, Manukumara; Srivastava, Yogesh Kumar; Cong, Longqing; Kumar, Abhishek; MacDonald, Kevin F; Singh, Ranjan

2018-03-01

Incorporating semiconductors as active media into metamaterials offers opportunities for a wide range of dynamically switchable/tunable, technologically relevant optical functionalities enabled by strong, resonant light-matter interactions within the semiconductor. Here, a germanium-thin-film-based flexible metaphotonic device for ultrafast optical switching of terahertz radiation is experimentally demonstrated. A resonant transmission modulation depth of 90% is achieved, with an ultrafast full recovery time of 17 ps. An observed sub-picosecond decay constant of 670 fs is attributed to the presence of trap-assisted recombination sites in the thermally evaporated germanium film. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Scattering by a slab containing randomly located cylinders: comparison between radiative transfer and electromagnetic simulation.

PubMed

Roux, L; Mareschal, P; Vukadinovic, N; Thibaud, J B; Greffet, J J

2001-02-01

This study is devoted to the examination of scattering of waves by a slab containing randomly located cylinders. For the first time to our knowledge, the complete transmission problem has been solved numerically. We have compared the radiative transfer theory with a numerical solution of the wave equation. We discuss the coherent effects, such as forward-scattering dip and backscattering enhancement. It is seen that the radiative transfer equation can be used with great accuracy even for optically thin systems whose geometric thickness is comparable with the wavelength. We have also shown the presence of dependent scattering.

Interstellar clouds containing optically thin H2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jura, M.

1975-01-01

The theory of Black and Delgarno that the relative populations of the excited rotational levels of H2 can be understood in terms of cascading following absorption in the Lyman and Werner bands is employed to infer the gas densities and radiation fields within diffuse interstellar clouds containing H2 that is optically thin in those bands. The procedure is described for computing the populations of the different rotation levels, the relative distribution among the different rotation levels of newly formed H2 is determined on the basis of five simplified models, and the rate of H2 formation is estimated. The results are applied to delta Ori, two components of iota Ori, the second components of rho Leo and zeta Ori, tau Sco, gamma Vel, and zeta Pup. The inferred parameters are summarized for each cloud.

FIBER AND INTEGRATED OPTICS: Reflection of electromagnetic radiation from a multilayer waveguide structure with an absorbing metal layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chernushich, A. P.; Shkerdin, G. N.; Shukin, Yu M.

1992-10-01

The angular distribution of the reflection coefficient of an asymmetric multilayer planar structure containing a thin metal film and a planar optical waveguide has been found by accurate numerical calculations. There are resonances in the reflection coefficient associated with hybrid modes of the structure. The cases of strong and weak coupling of the surface polariton modes with the waveguide modes are discussed. The results of the numerical analysis agree with solutions of Maxwell's equations for a multilayer planar structure.

Gaussian-Beam/Physical-Optics Design Of Beam Waveguide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Veruttipong, Watt; Chen, Jacqueline C.; Bathker, Dan A.

1993-01-01

In iterative method of designing wideband beam-waveguide feed for paraboloidal-reflector antenna, Gaussian-beam approximation alternated with more nearly exact physical-optics analysis of diffraction. Includes curved and straight reflectors guiding radiation from feed horn to subreflector. For iterative design calculations, curved mirrors mathematically modeled as thin lenses. Each distance Li is combined length of two straight-line segments intersecting at one of flat mirrors. Method useful for designing beam-waveguide reflectors or mirrors required to have diameters approximately less than 30 wavelengths at one or more intended operating frequencies.

A Fast and Accurate Method of Radiation Hydrodynamics Calculation in Spherical Symmetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stamer, Torsten; Inutsuka, Shu-ichiro

2018-06-01

We develop a new numerical scheme for solving the radiative transfer equation in a spherically symmetric system. This scheme does not rely on any kind of diffusion approximation, and it is accurate for optically thin, thick, and intermediate systems. In the limit of a homogeneously distributed extinction coefficient, our method is very accurate and exceptionally fast. We combine this fast method with a slower but more generally applicable method to describe realistic problems. We perform various test calculations, including a simplified protostellar collapse simulation. We also discuss possible future improvements.

Numerical modelling of soot formation and oxidation in laminar coflow non-smoking and smoking ethylene diffusion flames

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Fengshan; Guo, Hongsheng; Smallwood, Gregory J.; Gülder, Ömer L.

2003-06-01

A numerical study of soot formation and oxidation in axisymmetric laminar coflow non-smoking and smoking ethylene diffusion flames was conducted using detailed gas-phase chemistry and complex thermal and transport properties. A modified two-equation soot model was employed to describe soot nucleation, growth and oxidation. Interaction between the gas-phase chemistry and soot chemistry was taken into account. Radiation heat transfer by both soot and radiating gases was calculated using the discrete-ordinates method coupled with a statistical narrow-band correlated-k based band model, and was used to evaluate the simple optically thin approximation. The governing equations in fully elliptic form were solved. The current models in the literature describing soot oxidation by O2 and OH have to be modified in order to predict the smoking flame. The modified soot oxidation model has only moderate effects on the calculation of the non-smoking flame, but dramatically affects the soot oxidation near the flame tip in the smoking flame. Numerical results of temperature, soot volume fraction and primary soot particle size and number density were compared with experimental data in the literature. Relatively good agreement was found between the prediction and the experimental data. The optically thin approximation radiation model significantly underpredicts temperatures in the upper portion of both flames, seriously affecting the soot prediction.

Radiation pressure in galactic discs: stability, turbulence, and winds in the single-scattering limit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wibking, Benjamin D.; Thompson, Todd A.; Krumholz, Mark R.

2018-07-01

The radiation force on dust grains may be dynamically important in driving turbulence and outflows in rapidly star-forming galaxies. Recent studies focus on the highly optically thick limit relevant to the densest ultraluminous galaxies and super star clusters, where reprocessed infrared photons provide the dominant source of electromagnetic momentum. However, even among starburst galaxies, the great majority instead lie in the so-called `single-scattering' limit, where the system is optically thick to the incident starlight, but optically thin to the reradiated infrared. In this paper, we present a stability analysis and multidimensional radiation-hydrodynamic simulations exploring the stability and dynamics of isothermal dusty gas columns in this regime. We describe our algorithm for full angle-dependent radiation transport based on the discontinuous Galerkin finite element method. For a range of near-Eddington fluxes, we show that the medium is unstable, producing convective-like motions in a turbulent atmosphere with a scale height significantly inflated compared to the gas pressure scale height and mass-weighted turbulent energy densities of ˜0.01-0.1 of the mid-plane radiation energy density, corresponding to mass-weighted velocity dispersions of Mach number ˜0.5-2. Extrapolation of our results to optical depths of 103 implies maximum turbulent Mach numbers of ˜20. Comparing our results to galaxy-averaged observations, and subject to the approximations of our calculations, we find that radiation pressure does not contribute significantly to the effective supersonic pressure support in star-forming discs, which in general are substantially sub-Eddington. We further examine the time-averaged vertical density profiles in dynamical equilibrium and comment on implications for radiation-pressure-driven galactic winds.

Substrate evaluation for a microbeam endstation using unstained cell imaging

PubMed Central

Flaccavento, G.; Folkard, M.; Noble, J.A.; Prise, K.M.; Vojnovic, B.

2010-01-01

A cellular imaging system, optimized for unstained cells seeded onto a thin substrate, is under development. This system will be a component of the endstation for the microbeam cell-irradiation facility at the University of Surrey. Previous irradiation experiments at the Gray Cancer Institute (GCI) have used Mylar™ film to support the cells [Folkard, M., Prise, K., Schettino, G., Shao, C., Gilchrist, S., Vojnovic, B., 2005. New insights into the cellular response to radiation using microbeams. Nucl. Instrum. Methods B 231, 189–194]. Although suitable for fluorescence microscopy, the Mylar™ often creates excessive optical noise when used with non-fluorescent microscopy. A variety of substrates are being investigated to provide appropriate optical clarity, cell adhesion, and radiation attenuation. This paper reports on our investigations to date. PMID:18684631

A review of the matrix-exponential formalism in radiative transfer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Efremenko, Dmitry S.; Molina García, Víctor; Gimeno García, Sebastián; Doicu, Adrian

2017-07-01

This paper outlines the matrix exponential description of radiative transfer. The eigendecomposition method which serves as a basis for computing the matrix exponential and for representing the solution in a discrete ordinate setting is considered. The mathematical equivalence of the discrete ordinate method, the matrix operator method, and the matrix Riccati equations method is proved rigorously by means of the matrix exponential formalism. For optically thin layers, approximate solution methods relying on the Padé and Taylor series approximations to the matrix exponential, as well as on the matrix Riccati equations, are presented. For optically thick layers, the asymptotic theory with higher-order corrections is derived, and parameterizations of the asymptotic functions and constants for a water-cloud model with a Gamma size distribution are obtained.

Efficiency of super-Eddington magnetically-arrested accretion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McKinney, Jonathan C.; Dai, Lixin; Avara, Mark J.

2015-11-01

The radiative efficiency of super-Eddington accreting black holes (BHs) is explored for magnetically-arrested discs, where magnetic flux builds-up to saturation near the BH. Our three-dimensional general relativistic radiation magnetohydrodynamic (GRRMHD) simulation of a spinning BH (spin a/M = 0.8) accreting at ˜50 times Eddington shows a total efficiency ˜50 per cent when time-averaged and total efficiency ≳ 100 per cent in moments. Magnetic compression by the magnetic flux near the rotating BH leads to a thin disc, whose radiation escapes via advection by a magnetized wind and via transport through a low-density channel created by a Blandford-Znajek (BZ) jet. The BZ efficiency is sub-optimal due to inertial loading of field lines by optically thick radiation, leading to BZ efficiency ˜40 per cent on the horizon and BZ efficiency ˜5 per cent by r ˜ 400rg (gravitational radii) via absorption by the wind. Importantly, radiation escapes at r ˜ 400rg with efficiency η ≈ 15 per cent (luminosity L ˜ 50LEdd), similar to η ≈ 12 per cent for a Novikov-Thorne thin disc and beyond η ≲ 1 per cent seen in prior GRRMHD simulations or slim disc theory. Our simulations show how BH spin, magnetic field, and jet mass-loading affect these radiative and jet efficiencies.

Development of an alpha/beta/gamma detector for radiation monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamamoto, Seiichi; Hatazawa, Jun

2011-11-01

For radiation monitoring at the site of nuclear power plant accidents such as Fukushima Daiichi, radiation detectors not only for gamma photons but also for alpha and beta particles are needed because some nuclear fission products emit beta particles and gamma photons and some nuclear fuels contain plutonium that emits alpha particles. We developed a radiation detector that can simultaneously monitor alpha and beta particles and gamma photons for radiation monitoring. The detector consists of three-layered scintillators optically coupled to each other and coupled to a photomultiplier tube. The first layer, which is made of a thin plastic scintillator (decay time: 2.4 ns), detects alpha particles. The second layer, which is made of a thin Gd2SiO5 (GSO) scintillator with 1.5 mol.% Ce (decay time: 35 ns), detects beta particles. The third layer made of a thin GSO scintillator with 0.4 mol.% Ce (decay time: 70 ns) detects gamma photons. By using pulse shape discrimination, the count rates of these layers can be separated. With individual irradiation of alpha and beta particles and gamma photons, the count rate of the first layer represented the alpha particles, the second layer represented the beta particles, and the third layer represented the gamma photons. Even with simultaneous irradiation of the alpha and beta particles and the gamma photons, these three types of radiation can be individually monitored using correction for the gamma detection efficiency of the second and third layers. Our developed alpha, beta, and gamma detector is simple and will be useful for radiation monitoring, especially at nuclear power plant accident sites or other applications where the simultaneous measurements of alpha and beta particles and gamma photons are required.

Development of an alpha/beta/gamma detector for radiation monitoring.

PubMed

Yamamoto, Seiichi; Hatazawa, Jun

2011-11-01

For radiation monitoring at the site of nuclear power plant accidents such as Fukushima Daiichi, radiation detectors not only for gamma photons but also for alpha and beta particles are needed because some nuclear fission products emit beta particles and gamma photons and some nuclear fuels contain plutonium that emits alpha particles. We developed a radiation detector that can simultaneously monitor alpha and beta particles and gamma photons for radiation monitoring. The detector consists of three-layered scintillators optically coupled to each other and coupled to a photomultiplier tube. The first layer, which is made of a thin plastic scintillator (decay time: 2.4 ns), detects alpha particles. The second layer, which is made of a thin Gd(2)SiO(5) (GSO) scintillator with 1.5 mol.% Ce (decay time: 35 ns), detects beta particles. The third layer made of a thin GSO scintillator with 0.4 mol.% Ce (decay time: 70 ns) detects gamma photons. By using pulse shape discrimination, the count rates of these layers can be separated. With individual irradiation of alpha and beta particles and gamma photons, the count rate of the first layer represented the alpha particles, the second layer represented the beta particles, and the third layer represented the gamma photons. Even with simultaneous irradiation of the alpha and beta particles and the gamma photons, these three types of radiation can be individually monitored using correction for the gamma detection efficiency of the second and third layers. Our developed alpha, beta, and gamma detector is simple and will be useful for radiation monitoring, especially at nuclear power plant accident sites or other applications where the simultaneous measurements of alpha and beta particles and gamma photons are required. © 2011 American Institute of Physics

Method and apparatus for making an optical element having a dielectric film

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Augason, Gordon C. (Inventor)

1987-01-01

A film-application device (FAD) comprising a pair of exterior, tapered, O-ring bearing plate members and a central plate member for simplifying the process of thermally bonding a thin dielectric film to a substrate comprising an optical element are discussed. In use, the film is sandwiched between the O rings and stretched across the optical element by squeezing the exterior plates together before bonding to the element. The film may be used for protecting the optical element or to reduce surface reflection of radiation. The FAD may also be used without the center plate to stretch a dielectric film prior to its attachment to or insertion in a holder to make pellicles or beam-splitters.

Direct Collapse to Supermassive Black Hole Seeds with Radiative Transfer: Isolated Halos

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Yang; Ardaneh, Kazem; Shlosman, Isaac; Nagamine, Kentaro; Wise, John H.; Begelman, Mitchell C.

2018-05-01

Direct collapse within dark matter haloes is a promising path to form supermassive black hole seeds at high redshifts. The outer part of this collapse remains optically thin. However, the innermost region of the collapse is expected to become optically thick and requires to follow the radiation field in order to understand its evolution. So far, the adiabatic approximation has been used exclusively for this purpose. We apply radiative transfer in the flux-limited diffusion (FLD) approximation to solve the evolution of coupled gas and radiation for isolated haloes. We find that (1) the photosphere forms at 10-6 pc and rapidly expands outwards. (2) A central core forms, with a mass of 1 M⊙, supported by gas pressure gradients and rotation. (3) Growing gas and radiation pressure gradients dissolve it. (4) This process is associated with a strong anisotropic outflow; another core forms nearby and grows rapidly. (5) Typical radiation luminosity emerging from the photosphere is 5 × 1037-5 × 1038 erg s-1, of the order the Eddington luminosity. (6) Two variability time-scales are associated with this process: a long one, which is related to the accretion flow within the central 10-4-10-3 pc, and 0.1 yr, related to radiation diffusion. (7) Adiabatic models evolution differs profoundly from that of the FLD models, by forming a geometrically thick disc. Overall, an adiabatic equation of state is not a good approximation to the advanced stage of direct collapse, because the radiation is capable of escaping due to anisotropy in the optical depth and associated gradients.

Evaluation of the OMI Cloud Pressures Derived from Rotational Raman Scattering by Comparisons with other Satellite Data and Radiative Transfer Simulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vasilkov, Alexander; Joiner, Joanna; Spurr, Robert; Bhartia, Pawan K.; Levelt, Pieternel; Stephens, Graeme

2009-01-01

In this paper we examine differences between cloud pressures retrieved from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) using the ultraviolet rotational Raman scattering (RRS) algorithm and those from the thermal infrared (IR) Aqua/MODIS. Several cloud data sets are currently being used in OMI trace gas retrieval algorithms including climatologies based on IR measurements and simultaneous cloud parameters derived from OMI. From a validation perspective, it is important to understand the OMI retrieved cloud parameters and how they differ with those derived from the IR. To this end, we perform radiative transfer calculations to simulate the effects of different geophysical conditions on the OMI RRS cloud pressure retrievals. We also quantify errors related to the use of the Mixed Lambert-Equivalent Reflectivity (MLER) concept as currently implemented of the OMI algorithms. Using properties from the Cloudsat radar and MODIS, we show that radiative transfer calculations support the following: (1) The MLER model is adequate for single-layer optically thick, geometrically thin clouds, but can produce significant errors in estimated cloud pressure for optically thin clouds. (2) In a two-layer cloud, the RRS algorithm may retrieve a cloud pressure that is either between the two cloud decks or even beneath the top of the lower cloud deck because of scattering between the cloud layers; the retrieved pressure depends upon the viewing geometry and the optical depth of the upper cloud deck. (3) Absorbing aerosol in and above a cloud can produce significant errors in the retrieved cloud pressure. (4) The retrieved RRS effective pressure for a deep convective cloud will be significantly higher than the physical cloud top pressure derived with thermal IR.

Radiation-hydrodynamic simulations of thermally-driven disc winds in X-ray binaries: A direct comparison to GRO J1655-40

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Higginbottom, Nick; Knigge, Christian; Long, Knox S.; Matthews, James H.; Sim, Stuart A.; Hewitt, Henrietta A.

2018-06-01

Essentially all low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) in the soft state appear to drive powerful equatorial disc winds. A simple mechanism for driving such outflows involves X-ray heating of the top of the disc atmosphere to the Compton temperature. Beyond the Compton radius, the thermal speed exceeds the escape velocity, and mass loss is inevitable. Here, we present the first coupled radiation-hydrodynamic simulation of such thermally-driven disc winds. The main advance over previous modelling efforts is that the frequency-dependent attenuation of the irradiating SED is taken into account. We can therefore relax the approximation that the wind is optically thin throughout which is unlikely to hold in the crucial acceleration zone of the flow. The main remaining limitations of our simulations are connected to our treatment of optically thick regions. Adopting parameters representative of the wind-driving LMXB GRO J1655-40, our radiation-hydrodynamic model yields a mass-loss rate that is ≃ 5 × lower than that suggested by pure hydrodynamic, optically thin models. This outflow rate still represents more than twice the accretion rate and agrees well with the mass-loss rate inferred from Chandra/HETG observations of GRO J1655-40 at a time when the system had a similar luminosity to that adopted in our simulations. The Fe XXV and Fe XXVI Lyman {α } absorption line profiles observed in this state are slightly stronger than those predicted by our simulations but the qualitative agreement between observed and simulated outflow properties means that thermal driving is a viable mechanism for powering the disc winds seen in soft-state LMXBs.

Far-infrared transmission in GaN, AlN, and AlGaN thin films grown by molecular beam epitaxy

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

Ibanez, J.; Hernandez, S.; Alarcon-Llado, E.

2008-08-01

We present a far-infrared transmission study on group-III nitride thin films. Cubic GaN and AlN layers and c-oriented wurtzite GaN, AlN, and Al{sub x}Ga{sub 1-x}N (x<0.3) layers were grown by molecular beam epitaxy on GaAs and Si(111) substrates, respectively. The Berreman effect allows us to observe simultaneously the transverse optic and the longitudinal optic phonons of both the cubic and the hexagonal films as transmission minima in the infrared spectra acquired with obliquely incident radiation. We discuss our results in terms of the relevant electromagnetic theory of infrared transmission in cubic and wurtzite thin films. We compare the infrared resultsmore » with visible Raman-scattering measurements. In the case of films with low scattering volumes and/or low Raman efficiencies and also when the Raman signal of the substrate material obscures the weaker peaks from the nitride films, we find that the Berreman technique is particularly useful to complement Raman spectroscopy.« less

Optical properties of mineral dust aerosol in the thermal infrared

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Köhler, Claas H.

2017-02-01

The optical properties of mineral dust and biomass burning aerosol in the thermal infrared (TIR) are examined by means of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) measurements and radiative transfer (RT) simulations. The measurements were conducted within the scope of the Saharan Mineral Dust Experiment 2 (SAMUM-2) at Praia (Cape Verde) in January and February 2008. The aerosol radiative effect in the TIR atmospheric window region 800-1200 cm-1 (8-12 µm) is discussed in two case studies. The first case study employs a combination of IASI measurements and RT simulations to investigate a lofted optically thin biomass burning layer with emphasis on its potential influence on sea surface temperature (SST) retrieval. The second case study uses ground based measurements to establish the importance of particle shape and refractive index for benchmark RT simulations of dust optical properties in the TIR domain. Our research confirms earlier studies suggesting that spheroidal model particles lead to a significantly improved agreement between RT simulations and measurements compared to spheres. However, room for improvement remains, as the uncertainty originating from the refractive index data for many aerosol constituents prohibits more conclusive results.

UV and IR laser radiation's interaction with metal film and teflon surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fedenev, A. V.; Alekseev, S. B.; Goncharenko, I. M.; Koval', N. N.; Lipatov, E. I.; Orlovskii, V. M.; Shulepov, M. A.; Tarasenko, V. F.

2003-04-01

The interaction of Xe ([lambda] [similar] 1.73 [mu]m) and XeCl (0.308 [mu]m) laser radiation with surfaces of metal and TiN-ceramic coatings on glass and steel substrates has been studied. Correlation between parameters of surface erosion versus laser-specific energy was investigated. Monitoring of laser-induced erosion on smooth polished surfaces was performed using optical microscopy. The correlation has been revealed between characteristic zones of thin coatings damaged by irradiation and energy distribution over the laser beam cross section allowing evaluation of defects and adhesion of coatings. The interaction of pulsed periodical CO2 ([lambda] [similar] 10.6 [mu]m), and Xe ([lambda] [similar] 1.73 [mu]m) laser radiation with surfaces of teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene—PTFE) has been studied. Monitoring of erosion track on surfaces was performed through optical microscopy. It has been shown that at pulsed periodical CO2-radiation interaction with teflon the sputtering of polymer with formation of submicron-size particles occurs. Dependencies of particle sizes, form, and sputtering velocity on laser pulse duration and target temperature have been obtained.

Cooled optical filters for Q-band infrared astronomy (15-40 μm)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hawkins, Gary J.; Sherwood, Richard E.; Djotni, Karim; Threadgold, Timothy M.

2016-07-01

With a growing interest in mid- and far-infrared astronomy using cooled imaging and spectrometer instruments in highaltitude observatories and spaceflight telescopes, it is becoming increasingly important to characterise and assess the spectral performance of cooled multilayer filters across the Q-band atmospheric window. This region contains spectral features emitted by many astrophysical phenomena and objects fundamental to circumstellar and planetary formation theories. However extending interference filtering to isolate radiation at progressively longer wavelengths and improve photometric accuracy is an area of ongoing and challenging thin-film research. We have successfully fabricated cooled bandpass and edge filters with high durability for operation across the 15-30 μm Q-band region. In this paper we describe the rationale for selection of optical materials and properties of fabricated thin-film coatings for this region, together with FTIR spectral measurements and assessment of environmental durability.

Model of a thin film optical fiber fluorosensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Egalon, Claudio O.; Rogowski, Robert S.

1991-01-01

The efficiency of core-light injection from sources in the cladding of an optical fiber is modeled analytically by means of the exact field solution of a step-profile fiber. The analysis is based on the techniques by Marcuse (1988) in which the sources are treated as infinitesimal electric currents with random phase and orientation that excite radiation fields and bound modes. Expressions are developed based on an infinite cladding approximation which yield the power efficiency for a fiber coated with fluorescent sources in the core/cladding interface. Marcuse's results are confirmed for the case of a weakly guiding cylindrical fiber with fluorescent sources uniformly distributed in the cladding, and the power efficiency is shown to be practically constant for variable wavelengths and core radii. The most efficient fibers have the thin film located at the core/cladding boundary, and fibers with larger differences in the indices of refraction are shown to be the most efficient.

Activities report in quantum optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1985-03-01

Soft X-ray radiation from laser plasmas, intense Planck radiation, X-ray spectroscopy with transmission gratings, simulation of laser-produced shock waves, self-similar expansion in vacuum, radiation hydrodynamics, electronic structure of highly compressed matter, and heavy-ion beams for inertial confinement were investigated, and a high power iodine laser was developed. Laser-spectroscopy experiments, as well as a gravitational wave experiments were conducted. The fundamentals of light-matter interaction and nonlinear dynamics were studied. Many-photon ionization of molecules; spectroscopy of shock pairs; interaction of excited molecules with surfaces; IR laser applications; organic photochemistry with UV lasers; theoretical chemistry; and a ClF laser were investigated. Thin layers, and a high-pressure CO2 laser were studied.

Using hybrid implicit Monte Carlo diffusion to simulate gray radiation hydrodynamics

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

Cleveland, Mathew A., E-mail: cleveland7@llnl.gov; Gentile, Nick

This work describes how to couple a hybrid Implicit Monte Carlo Diffusion (HIMCD) method with a Lagrangian hydrodynamics code to evaluate the coupled radiation hydrodynamics equations. This HIMCD method dynamically applies Implicit Monte Carlo Diffusion (IMD) [1] to regions of a problem that are opaque and diffusive while applying standard Implicit Monte Carlo (IMC) [2] to regions where the diffusion approximation is invalid. We show that this method significantly improves the computational efficiency as compared to a standard IMC/Hydrodynamics solver, when optically thick diffusive material is present, while maintaining accuracy. Two test cases are used to demonstrate the accuracy andmore » performance of HIMCD as compared to IMC and IMD. The first is the Lowrie semi-analytic diffusive shock [3]. The second is a simple test case where the source radiation streams through optically thin material and heats a thick diffusive region of material causing it to rapidly expand. We found that HIMCD proves to be accurate, robust, and computationally efficient for these test problems.« less

Synthesis, Properties, and Applications Of Boron Nitride

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pouch, John J.; Alterovitz, Samuel A.

1993-01-01

Report describes synthesis, properties, and applications of boron nitride. Especially in thin-film form. Boron nitride films useful as masks in x-ray lithography; as layers for passivation of high-speed microelectronic circuits; insulating films; hard, wear-resistant, protective films for optical components; lubricants; and radiation detectors. Present status of single-crystal growth of boron nitride indicates promising candidate for use in high-temperature semiconductor electronics.

Dusty Cloud Acceleration by Radiation Pressure in Rapidly Star-forming Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Dong; Davis, Shane W.; Jiang, Yan-Fei; Stone, James M.

2018-02-01

We perform two-dimensional and three-dimensional radiation hydrodynamic simulations to study cold clouds accelerated by radiation pressure on dust in the environment of rapidly star-forming galaxies dominated by infrared flux. We utilize the reduced speed of light approximation to solve the frequency-averaged, time-dependent radiative transfer equation. We find that radiation pressure is capable of accelerating the clouds to hundreds of kilometers per second while remaining dense and cold, consistent with observations. We compare these results to simulations where acceleration is provided by entrainment in a hot wind, where the momentum injection of the hot flow is comparable to the momentum in the radiation field. We find that the survival time of the cloud accelerated by the radiation field is significantly longer than that of a cloud entrained in a hot outflow. We show that the dynamics of the irradiated cloud depends on the initial optical depth, temperature of the cloud, and intensity of the flux. Additionally, gas pressure from the background may limit cloud acceleration if the density ratio between the cloud and background is ≲ {10}2. In general, a 10 pc-scale optically thin cloud forms a pancake structure elongated perpendicular to the direction of motion, while optically thick clouds form a filamentary structure elongated parallel to the direction of motion. The details of accelerated cloud morphology and geometry can also be affected by other factors, such as the cloud lengthscale, reduced speed of light approximation, spatial resolution, initial cloud structure, and dimensionality of the run, but these have relatively little affect on the cloud velocity or survival time.

Geometrically thin, hot accretion disks - Topology of the thermal equilibrium curves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kusunose, Masaaki; Mineshige, Shin

1992-01-01

All the possible thermal equilibrium states of geometrically thin alpha-disks around stellar-mass black holes are presented. A (vertically) one-zone disk model is employed and it is assumed that a main energy source is viscous heating of protons and that cooling is due to bremsstrahlung and Compton scattering. There exist various branches of the thermal equilibrium solution, depending on whether disks are effectively optically thick or thin, radiation pressure-dominated or gas pressure-dominated, composed of one-temperature plasmas or of two-temperature plasmas, and with high concentration of e(+)e(-) pairs or without pairs. The thermal equilibrium curves at high temperatures (greater than or approximately equal to 10 exp 8 K) are substantially modified by the presence of e(+)e(-) pairs. The thermal stability of these branches are examined.

Highly efficient 400  W near-fundamental-mode green thin-disk laser.

PubMed

Piehler, Stefan; Dietrich, Tom; Rumpel, Martin; Graf, Thomas; Ahmed, Marwan Abdou

2016-01-01

We report on the efficient generation of continuous-wave, high-brightness green laser radiation. Green lasers are particularly interesting for reliable and reproducible deep-penetration welding of copper or for pumping Ti:Sa oscillators. By intracavity second-harmonic generation in a thin-disk laser resonator designed for fundamental-mode operation, an output power of up to 403 W is demonstrated at a wavelength of 515 nm with almost diffraction-limited beam quality. The unprecedented optical efficiency of 40.7% of green output power with respect to the pump power of the thin-disk laser is enabled by the intracavity use of a highly efficient grating waveguide mirror, which combines the functions of wavelength stabilization and spectral narrowing, as well as polarization selection in a single element.

Mass loss from inhomogeneous hot star winds. I. Resonance line formation in 2D models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sundqvist, J. O.; Puls, J.; Feldmeier, A.

2010-01-01

Context. The mass-loss rate is a key parameter of hot, massive stars. Small-scale inhomogeneities (clumping) in the winds of these stars are conventionally included in spectral analyses by assuming optically thin clumps, a void inter-clump medium, and a smooth velocity field. To reconcile investigations of different diagnostics (in particular, unsaturated UV resonance lines vs. Hα/radio emission) within such models, a highly clumped wind with very low mass-loss rates needs to be invoked, where the resonance lines seem to indicate rates an order of magnitude (or even more) lower than previously accepted values. If found to be realistic, this would challenge the radiative line-driven wind theory and have dramatic consequences for the evolution of massive stars. Aims: We investigate basic properties of the formation of resonance lines in small-scale inhomogeneous hot star winds with non-monotonic velocity fields. Methods: We study inhomogeneous wind structures by means of 2D stochastic and pseudo-2D radiation-hydrodynamic wind models, constructed by assembling 1D snapshots in radially independent slices. A Monte-Carlo radiative transfer code, which treats the resonance line formation in an axially symmetric spherical wind (without resorting to the Sobolev approximation), is presented and used to produce synthetic line spectra. Results: The optically thin clumping limit is only valid for very weak lines. The detailed density structure, the inter-clump medium, and the non-monotonic velocity field are all important for the line formation. We confirm previous findings that radiation-hydrodynamic wind models reproduce observed characteristics of strong lines (e.g., the black troughs) without applying the highly supersonic “microturbulence” needed in smooth models. For intermediate strong lines, the velocity spans of the clumps are of central importance. Current radiation-hydrodynamic models predict spans that are too large to reproduce observed profiles unless a very low mass-loss rate is invoked. By simulating lower spans in 2D stochastic models, the profile strengths become drastically reduced, and are consistent with higher mass-loss rates. To simultaneously meet the constraints from strong lines, the inter-clump medium must be non-void. A first comparison to the observed Phosphorus V doublet in the O6 supergiant λ Cep confirms that line profiles calculated from a stochastic 2D model reproduce observations with a mass-loss rate approximately ten times higher than that derived from the same lines but assuming optically thin clumping. Tentatively this may resolve discrepancies between theoretical predictions, evolutionary constraints, and recent derived mass-loss rates, and suggests a re-investigation of the clump structure predicted by current radiation-hydrodynamic models.

Transmittance jump in a thin aluminium layer during laser ablation

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

Bykovsky, N E; Senatsky, Yu V; Pershin, S M

A jump in the transmittance (from ∼0.1% to ∼50% for ∼1 ns) of an optical gate on a Mylar film (a thin aluminium layer on a Lavsan substrate) irradiated by nanosecond (10{sup -7} – 10{sup -8} s) pulses of a neodymium laser with an intensity up to 0.1 GW cm{sup -2} has been recorded. The mechanism of a fast (10{sup -10} – 10{sup -11} s) increase in the transmittance of the aluminium layer upon its overheating (without boiling) to the metal – insulator phase-transition temperature is discussed. (interaction of laser radiation with matter. laser plasma)

First Estimates of the Radiative Forcing of Aerosols Generated from Biomass Burning using Satellite Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chistopher, Sundar A.; Kliche, Donna V.; Chou, Joyce; Welch, Ronald M.

1996-01-01

Collocated measurements from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) and the Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE) scanner are used to examine the radiative forcing of atmospheric aerosols generated from biomass burning for 13 images in South America. Using the AVHRR, Local Area Coverage (LAC) data, a new technique based on a combination of spectral and textural measures is developed for detecting these aerosols. Then, the instantaneous shortwave, longwave, and net radiative forcing values are computed from the ERBE instantaneous scanner data. Results for the selected samples from 13 images show that the mean instantaneous net radiative forcing for areas with heavy aerosol loading is about -36 W/sq m and that for the optically thin aerosols are about -16 W/sq m. These results, although preliminary, provide the first estimates of radiative forcing of atmospheric aerosols from biomass burning using satellite data.

First Estimates of the Radiative Forcing of Aerosols Generated from Biomass Burning Using Satellite Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Christopher, Sundar A.; Kliche, Donna A.; Chou, Joyce; Welch, Ronald M.

1996-01-01

Collocated measurements from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) and the Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE) scanner are used to examine the radiative forcing of atmospheric aerosols generated from biomass burning for 13 images in South America. Using the AVHRR, Local Area Coverage (LAC) data, a new technique based on a combination of spectral and textural measures is developed for detecting these aerosols. Then, the instantaneous shortwave, longwave, and net radiative forcing values are computed from the ERBE instantaneous scanner data. Results for the selected samples from 13 images show that the mean instantaneous net radiative forcing for areas with heavy aerosol loading is about -36 W/sq m and that for the optically thin aerosols are about -16 W/sq m. These results, although preliminary, provide the first estimates of radiative forcing of atmospheric aerosols from biomass burning using satellite data.

The study of radiation effects in emerging micro and nano electro mechanical systems (M and NEMs)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arutt, Charles N.; Alles, Michael L.; Liao, Wenjun; Gong, Huiqi; Davidson, Jim L.; Schrimpf, Ronald D.; Reed, Robert A.; Weller, Robert A.; Bolotin, Kirill; Nicholl, Ryan; Pham, Thang Toan; Zettl, Alex; Qingyang, Du; Hu, Juejun; Li, Mo; Alphenaar, Bruce W.; Lin, Ji-Tzuoh; Shurva, Pranoy Deb; McNamara, Shamus; Walsh, Kevin M.; X-L Feng, Philip; Hutin, Louis; Ernst, Thomas; Homeijer, Brian D.; Polcawich, Ronald G.; Proie, Robert M.; Jones, Jacob L.; Glaser, Evan R.; Cress, Cory D.; Bassiri-Gharb, Nazanin

2017-01-01

The potential of micro and nano electromechanical systems (M and NEMS) has expanded due to advances in materials and fabrication processes. A wide variety of materials are now being pursued and deployed for M and NEMS including silicon carbide (SiC), III-V materials, thin-film piezoelectric and ferroelectric, electro-optical and 2D atomic crystals such as graphene, hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). The miniaturization, functionality and low-power operation offered by these types of devices are attractive for many application areas including physical sciences, medical, space and military uses, where exposure to radiation is a reliability consideration. Understanding the impact of radiation on these materials and devices is necessary for applications in radiation environments.

Modelling blazar flaring using a time-dependent fluid jet emission model - an explanation for orphan flares and radio lags

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Potter, William J.

2018-01-01

Blazar jets are renowned for their rapid violent variability and multiwavelength flares, however, the physical processes responsible for these flares are not well understood. In this paper, we develop a time-dependent inhomogeneous fluid jet emission model for blazars. We model optically thick radio flares for the first time and show that they are delayed with respect to the prompt optically thin emission by ∼months to decades, with a lag that increases with the jet power and observed wavelength. This lag is caused by a combination of the travel time of the flaring plasma to the optically thin radio emitting sections of the jet and the slow rise time of the radio flare. We predict two types of flares: symmetric flares - with the same rise and decay time, which occur for flares whose duration is shorter than both the radiative lifetime and the geometric path-length delay time-scale; extended flares - whose luminosity tracks the power of particle acceleration in the flare, which occur for flares with a duration longer than both the radiative lifetime and geometric delay. Our model naturally produces orphan X-ray and γ-ray flares. These are caused by flares that are only observable above the quiescent jet emission in a narrow band of frequencies. Our model is able to successfully fit to the observed multiwavelength flaring spectra and light curves of PKS1502+106 across all wavelengths, using a transient flaring front located within the broad-line region.

Utilizing the ratio and the summation of two spectral lines for estimation of optical depth: Focus on thick plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rezaei, Fatemeh; Tavassoli, Seyed Hassan

2016-11-01

In this paper, a study is performed on the spectral lines of plasma radiations created from focusing of the Nd:YAG laser on Al standard alloys at atmospheric air pressure. A new theoretical method is presented to investigate the evolution of the optical depth of the plasma based on the radiative transfer equation, in LTE condition. This work relies on the Boltzmann distribution, lines broadening equations, and as well as the self-absorption relation. Then, an experimental set-up is devised to extract some of plasma parameters such as temperature from modified line ratio analysis, electron density from Stark broadening mechanism, line intensities of two spectral lines in the same order of ionization from similar species, and the plasma length from the shadowgraphy section. In this method, the summation and the ratio of two spectral lines are considered for evaluation of the temporal variations of the plasma parameters in a LIBS homogeneous plasma. The main advantage of this method is that it comprises the both of thin and thick laser induced plasmas without straight calculation of self-absorption coefficient. Moreover, the presented model can also be utilized for evaluation the transition of plasma from the thin condition to the thick one. The results illustrated that by measuring the line intensities of two spectral lines at different evolution times, the plasma cooling and the growth of the optical depth can be followed.

A Fast Hyperspectral Vector Radiative Transfer Model in UV to IR spectral bands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, J.; Yang, P.; Sun, B.; Kattawar, G. W.; Platnick, S. E.; Meyer, K.; Wang, C.

2016-12-01

We develop a fast hyperspectral vector radiative transfer model with a spectral range from UV to IR with 5 nm resolutions. This model can simulate top of the atmosphere (TOA) diffuse radiance and polarized reflectance by considering gas absorption, Rayleigh scattering, and aerosol and cloud scattering. The absorption component considers several major atmospheric absorbers such as water vapor, CO2, O3, and O2 including both line and continuum absorptions. A regression-based method is used to parameterize the layer effective optical thickness for each gas, which substantially increases the computation efficiency for absorption while maintaining high accuracy. This method is over 500 times faster than the existing line-by-line method. The scattering component uses the successive order of scattering (SOS) method. For Rayleigh scattering, convergence is fast due to the small optical thickness of atmospheric gases. For cloud and aerosol layers, a small-angle approximation method is used in SOS calculations. The scattering process is divided into two parts, a forward part and a diffuse part. The scattering in the small-angle range in the forward direction is approximated as forward scattering. A cloud or aerosol layer is divided into thin layers. As the ray propagates through each thin layer, a portion diverges as diffuse radiation, while the remainder continues propagating in forward direction. The computed diffuse radiance is the sum of all of the diffuse parts. The small-angle approximation makes the SOS calculation converge rapidly even in a thick cloud layer.

Ground-based remote sensing of thin clouds in the Arctic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garrett, T. J.; Zhao, C.

2013-05-01

This paper describes a method for using interferometer measurements of downwelling thermal radiation to retrieve the properties of single-layer clouds. Cloud phase is determined from ratios of thermal emission in three "micro-windows" at 862.5 cm-1, 935.8 cm-1, and 988.4 cm-1 where absorption by water vapour is particularly small. Cloud microphysical and optical properties are retrieved from thermal emission in the first two of these micro-windows, constrained by the transmission through clouds of primarily stratospheric ozone emission at 1040 cm-1. Assuming a cloud does not approximate a blackbody, the estimated 95% confidence retrieval errors in effective radius re, visible optical depth τ, number concentration N, and water path WP are, respectively, 10%, 20%, 38% (55% for ice crystals), and 16%. Applied to data from the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement programme (ARM) North Slope of Alaska - Adjacent Arctic Ocean (NSA-AAO) site near Barrow, Alaska, retrievals show general agreement with both ground-based microwave radiometer measurements of liquid water path and a method that uses combined shortwave and microwave measurements to retrieve re, τ and N. Compared to other retrieval methods, advantages of this technique include its ability to characterise thin clouds year round, that water vapour is not a primary source of retrieval error, and that the retrievals of microphysical properties are only weakly sensitive to retrieved cloud phase. The primary limitation is the inapplicability to thicker clouds that radiate as blackbodies and that it relies on a fairly comprehensive suite of ground based measurements.

Photoluminescence of radiation-induced color centers in lithium fluoride thin films for advanced diagnostics of proton beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piccinini, M.; Ambrosini, F.; Ampollini, A.; Picardi, L.; Ronsivalle, C.; Bonfigli, F.; Libera, S.; Nichelatti, E.; Vincenti, M. A.; Montereali, R. M.

2015-06-01

Systematic irradiation of thermally evaporated 0.8 μm thick polycrystalline lithium fluoride films on glass was performed by proton beams of 3 and 7 MeV energies, produced by a linear accelerator, in a fluence range from 1011 to 1015 protons/cm2. The visible photoluminescence spectra of radiation-induced F2 and F3+ laser active color centers, which possess almost overlapping absorption bands at about 450 nm, were measured under laser pumping at 458 nm. On the basis of simulations of the linear energy transfer with proton penetration depth in LiF, it was possible to obtain the behavior of the measured integrated photoluminescence intensity of proton irradiated LiF films as a function of the deposited dose. The photoluminescence signal is linearly dependent on the deposited dose in the interval from 103 to about 106 Gy, independently from the used proton energies. This behavior is very encouraging for the development of advanced solid state radiation detectors based on optically transparent LiF thin films for proton beam diagnostics and two-dimensional dose mapping.

Radiative Heating Methodology for the Huygens Probe

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnston, Christopher O.; Hollis, Brian R.; Sutton, Kenneth

2007-01-01

The radiative heating environment for the Huygens probe near peak heating conditions for Titan entry is investigated in this paper. The task of calculating the radiation-coupled flowfield, accounting for non-Boltzmann and non-optically thin radiation, is simplified to a rapid yet accurate calculation. This is achieved by using the viscous-shock layer (VSL) technique for the stagnation-line flowfield calculation and a modified smeared rotational band (SRB) model for the radiation calculation. These two methods provide a computationally efficient alternative to a Navier-Stokes flowfield and line-by-line radiation calculation. The results of the VSL technique are shown to provide an excellent comparison with the Navier-Stokes results of previous studies. It is shown that a conventional SRB approach is inadequate for the partially optically-thick conditions present in the Huygens shock-layer around the peak heating trajectory points. A simple modification is proposed to the SRB model that improves its accuracy in these partially optically-thick conditions. This modified approach, labeled herein as SRBC, is compared throughout this study with a detailed line-by-line (LBL) calculation and is shown to compare within 5% in all cases. The SRBC method requires many orders-of-magnitude less computational time than the LBL method, which makes it ideal for coupling to the flowfield. The application of a collisional-radiative (CR) model for determining the population of the CN electronic states, which govern the radiation for Huygens entry, is discussed and applied. The non-local absorption term in the CR model is formulated in terms of an escape factor, which is then curve-fit with temperature. Although the curve-fit is an approximation, it is shown to compare well with the exact escape factor calculation, which requires a computationally intensive iteration procedure.

Spectral shifting strongly constrains molecular cloud disruption by radiation pressure on dust

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reissl, Stefan; Klessen, Ralf S.; Mac Low, Mordecai-Mark; Pellegrini, Eric W.

2018-03-01

Aim. We aim to test the hypothesis that radiation pressure from young star clusters acting on dust is the dominant feedback agent disrupting the largest star-forming molecular clouds and thus regulating the star-formation process. Methods: We performed multi-frequency, 3D, radiative transfer calculations including both scattering and absorption and re-emission to longer wavelengths for model clouds with masses of 104-107 M⊙, containing embedded clusters with star formation efficiencies of 0.009-91%, and varying maximum grain sizes up to 200 μm. We calculated the ratio between radiative and gravitational forces to determine whether radiation pressure can disrupt clouds. Results: We find that radiation pressure acting on dust almost never disrupts star-forming clouds. Ultraviolet and optical photons from young stars to which the cloud is optically thick do not scatter much. Instead, they quickly get absorbed and re-emitted by the dust at thermal wavelengths. As the cloud is typically optically thin to far-infrared radiation, it promptly escapes, depositing little momentum in the cloud. The resulting spectrum is more narrowly peaked than the corresponding Planck function, and exhibits an extended tail at longer wavelengths. As the opacity drops significantly across the sub-mm and mm wavelength regime, the resulting radiative force is even smaller than for the corresponding single-temperature blackbody. We find that the force from radiation pressure falls below the strength of gravitational attraction by an order of magnitude or more for either Milky Way or moderate starbust conditions. Only for unrealistically large maximum grain sizes, and star formation efficiencies far exceeding 50% do we find that the strength of radiation pressure can exceed gravity. Conclusions: We conclude that radiation pressure acting on dust does not disrupt star-forming molecular clouds in any Local Group galaxies. Radiation pressure thus appears unlikely to regulate the star-formation process on either local or global scales.

Laboratory analogues simulating Titan's atmospheric aerosols: Compared chemical compositions of grains and thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carrasco, Nathalie; Jomard, François; Vigneron, Jackie; Etcheberry, Arnaud; Cernogora, Guy

2016-09-01

Two sorts of solid organic samples can be produced in laboratory experiments simulating Titan's atmospheric reactivity: grains in the volume and thin films on the reactor walls. We expect that grains are more representative of Titan's atmospheric aerosols, but films are used to provide optical indices for radiative models of Titan's atmosphere. The aim of the present study is to address if these two sorts of analogues are chemically equivalent or not, when produced in the same N2-CH4 plasma discharge. The chemical compositions of both these materials are measured by using elemental analysis, XPS analysis and Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry. The main parameter probed is the CH4/N2 ratio to explore various possible chemical regimes. We find that films are homogeneous but significantly less rich in nitrogen and hydrogen than grains produced in the same experimental conditions. This surprising difference in their chemical compositions could be explained by the efficient etching occurring on the films, which stay in the discharge during the whole plasma duration, whereas the grains are ejected after a few minutes. The higher nitrogen content in the grains possibly involves a higher optical absorption than the one measured on the films, with a possible impact on Titan's radiative models.

Invited Paper Thin Film Technology In Design And Production Of Optical Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guenther, K. H.; Menningen, R.; Burke, C. A.

1983-10-01

Basic optical properties of dielectric thin films for interference applications and of metallic optical coatings are reviewed. Some design considerations of how to use thin films best in optical systems are given, and some aspects of thin film production technology relevant to the optical designer and the optician are addressed. The necessity of proper specifications, inclusive of test methods, is emphasized.

Density gradient free electron collisionally excited x-ray laser

DOEpatents

Campbell, E.M.; Rosen, M.D.

1984-11-29

An operational x-ray laser is provided that amplifies 3p-3s transition x-ray radiation along an approximately linear path. The x-ray laser is driven by a high power optical laser. The driving line focused optical laser beam illuminates a free-standing thin foil that may be associated with a substrate for improved structural integrity. This illumination produces a generally cylindrically shaped plasma having an essentially uniform electron density and temperature, that exists over a long period of time, and provides the x-ray laser gain medium. The x-ray laser may be driven by more than one optical laser beam. The x-ray laser has been successfully demonstrated to function in a series of experimental tests.

3-D photo-patterning of refractive index structures in photosensitive thin film materials

DOEpatents

Potter, Jr., Barrett George; Potter, Kelly Simmons

2002-01-01

A method of making a three-dimensional refractive index structure in a photosensitive material using photo-patterning. The wavelengths at which a photosensitive material exhibits a change in refractive index upon exposure to optical radiation is first determined and then a portion of the surface of the photosensitive material is optically irradiated at a wavelength at which the photosensitive material exhibits a change in refractive index using a designed illumination system to produce a three-dimensional refractive index structure. The illumination system can be a micro-lenslet array, a macroscopic refractive lens array, or a binary optic phase mask. The method is a single-step, direct-write procedure to produce a designed refractive index structure.

Radiation pressure on a biconcave human Red Blood Cell and the resulting deformation in a pair of parallel optical traps.

PubMed

Liao, Guan-Bo; Chen, Yin-Quan; Bareil, Paul B; Sheng, Yunlong; Chiou, Arthur; Chang, Ming-Shien

2014-10-01

We calculated the three-dimensional optical stress distribution and the resulting deformation on a biconcave human red blood cell (RBC) in a pair of parallel optical trap. We assumed a Gaussian intensity distribution with a spherical wavefront for each trapping beam and calculated the optical stress from the momentum transfer associated with the reflection and refraction of the incident photons at each interface. The RBC was modelled as a biconcave thin elastic membrane with uniform elasticity and a uniform thickness of 0.25 μm. The resulting cell deformation was determined from the optical stress distribution by finite element software, Comsol Structure Mechanics Module, with Young's modulus (E) as a fitting parameter in order to fit the theoretical results for cell elongation to our experimental data. Copyright © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Direct glass bonded high specific power silicon solar cells for space applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dinetta, L. C.; Rand, J. A.; Cummings, J. R.; Lampo, S. M.; Shreve, K. P.; Barnett, Allen M.

1991-01-01

A lightweight, radiation hard, high performance, ultra-thin silicon solar cell is described that incorporates light trapping and a cover glass as an integral part of the device. The manufacturing feasibility of high specific power, radiation insensitive, thin silicon solar cells was demonstrated experimentally and with a model. Ultra-thin, light trapping structures were fabricated and the light trapping demonstrated experimentally. The design uses a micro-machined, grooved back surface to increase the optical path length by a factor of 20. This silicon solar cell will be highly tolerant to radiation because the base width is less than 25 microns making it insensitive to reduction in minority carrier lifetime. Since the silicon is bonded without silicone adhesives, this solar cell will also be insensitive to UV degradation. These solar cells are designed as a form, fit, and function replacement for existing state of the art silicon solar cells with the effect of simultaneously increasing specific power, power/area, and power supply life. Using a 3-mil thick cover glass and a 0.3 g/sq cm supporting Al honeycomb, a specific power for the solar cell plus cover glass and honeycomb of 80.2 W/Kg is projected. The development of this technology can result in a revolutionary improvement in high survivability silicon solar cell products for space with the potential to displace all existing solar cell technologies for single junction space applications.

Astrophysical Connections to Collapsing Radiative Shock Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reighard, A. B.; Hansen, J. F.; Bouquet, S.; Koenig, M.

2005-10-01

Radiative shocks occur in many high-energy density explosions, but prove difficult to create in laboratory experiments or to fully model with astrophysical codes. Low astrophysical densities combined with powerful explosions provide ideal conditions for producing radiative shocks. Here we describe an experiment significant to astrophysical shocks, which produces a driven, planar radiative shock in low density Xe gas. Including radiation effects precludes scaling experiments directly to astrophysical conditions via Euler equations, as can be done in purely hydrodynamic experiments. We use optical depth considerations to make comparisons between the driven shock in xenon and specific astrophysical phenomena. This planar shock may be subject to thin shell instabilities similar to those affecting the evolution of astrophysical shocks. This research was sponsored by the National Nuclear Security Administration under the Stewardship Science Academic Alliances program through DOE Research Grants DE-FG52-03NA00064, DE-FG53-2005-NA26014, and other grants and contracts.

Intraluminal tissue welding for anastomosis

DOEpatents

Glinsky, M.; London, R.; Zimmerman, G.; Jacques, S.

1998-10-27

A method and device are provided for performing intraluminal tissue welding for anastomosis of a hollow organ. A retractable catheter assembly is delivered through the hollow organ and consists of a catheter connected to an optical fiber, an inflatable balloon, and a biocompatible patch mounted on the balloon. The disconnected ends of the hollow organ are brought together on the catheter assembly, and upon inflation of the balloon, the free ends are held together on the balloon to form a continuous channel while the patch is deployed against the inner wall of the hollow organ. The ends are joined or ``welded`` using laser radiation transmitted through the optical fiber to the patch. A thin layer of a light-absorbing dye on the patch can provide a target for welding. The patch may also contain a bonding agent to strengthen the bond. The laser radiation delivered has a pulse profile to minimize tissue damage. 8 figs.

Intraluminal tissue welding for anastomosis

DOEpatents

Glinsky, Michael; London, Richard; Zimmerman, George; Jacques, Steven

1998-10-27

A method and device are provided for performing intraluminal tissue welding for anastomosis of a hollow organ. A retractable catheter assembly is delivered through the hollow organ and consists of a catheter connected to an optical fiber, an inflatable balloon, and a biocompatible patch mounted on the balloon. The disconnected ends of the hollow organ are brought together on the catheter assembly, and upon inflation of the balloon, the free ends are held together on the balloon to form a continuous channel while the patch is deployed against the inner wall of the hollow organ. The ends are joined or "welded" using laser radiation transmitted through the optical fiber to the patch. A thin layer of a light-absorbing dye on the patch can provide a target for welding. The patch may also contain a bonding agent to strengthen the bond. The laser radiation delivered has a pulse profile to minimize tissue damage.

Effect of polarized radiative transfer on the Hanle magnetic field determination in prominences: Analysis of hydrogen H alpha line observations at Pic-du-Midi

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bommier, V.; Deglinnocenti, E. L.; Leroy, J. L.; Sahal-Brechot, S.

1985-01-01

The linear polarization of the Hydrogen H alpha line of prominences has been computed, taking into account the effect of a magnetic field (Hanle effect), of the radiative transfer in the prominence, and of the depolarization due to collisions with the surrounding electrons and protons. The corresponding formalisms are developed in a forthcoming series of papers. In this paper, the main features of the computation method are summarized. The results of computation have been used for interpretation in terms of magnetic field vector measurements from H alpha polarimetric observations in prominences performed at Pic-du-Midi coronagraph-polarimeter. Simultaneous observations in one optically thin line (He I D(3)) and one optically thick line (H alpha) give an opportunity for solving the ambiguity on the field vector determination.

Analysis of observations of the dwarf nova pegasi 2010

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shimansky, V. V.; Mitrofanova, A. A.; Borisov, N. V.; Gabdeev, M. M.

2013-06-01

Analysis of photometric and spectroscopic observations of GSC 02197-00886 at the outburst maximum (on May 8, 2010) and at the stage of relaxation towards the quiescent (on August 4, 2010) was performed. Radiation of an optically thick accretion disc with a hot boundary layer dominates the spectra, which are consistent with the spectra of a WZ Sge-type dwarf novae. In the relaxation phase, an optically thin accretion disc with radiation in the HI and HeI emission lines is observed against the background of the absorption spectrum of a white dwarf. The parameters of GSC 02197-00886, which were determined by combining the radial velocities of the components with the assumption that the secondary component is close to mainsequence stars, differ significantly from the parameters that characterize other WZ Sge-type systems. We hypothesize that the secondary component was excited in the course of the outburst and experienced long-lasting relaxation towards the main-sequence state.

Thin-film optical initiator

DOEpatents

Erickson, Kenneth L.

2001-01-01

A thin-film optical initiator having an inert, transparent substrate, a reactive thin film, which can be either an explosive or a pyrotechnic, and a reflective thin film. The resultant thin-film optical initiator system also comprises a fiber-optic cable connected to a low-energy laser source, an output charge, and an initiator housing. The reactive thin film, which may contain very thin embedded layers or be a co-deposit of a light-absorbing material such as carbon, absorbs the incident laser light, is volumetrically heated, and explodes against the output charge, imparting about 5 to 20 times more energy than in the incident laser pulse.

Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy Platform Based on GaAs/AlGaAs Thin-Film Waveguides and Quantum Cascade Lasers.

PubMed

Sieger, Markus; Haas, Julian; Jetter, Michael; Michler, Peter; Godejohann, Matthias; Mizaikoff, Boris

2016-03-01

The performance and versatility of GaAs/AlGaAs thin-film waveguide technology in combination with quantum cascade lasers for mid-infrared spectroscopy in comparison to conventional FTIR spectroscopy is presented. Infrared radiation is provided by a quantum cascade laser (QCL) spectrometer comprising four tunable QCLs providing a wavelength range of 5-11 μm (1925-885 cm(-1)) within a single collimated beam. Epitaxially grown GaAs slab waveguides serve as optical transducer for tailored evanescent field absorption analysis. A modular waveguide mounting accessory specifically designed for on-chip thin-film GaAs waveguides is presented serving as a flexible analytical platform in lieu of conventional attenuated total reflection (ATR) crystals uniquely facilitating macroscopic handling and alignment of such microscopic waveguide structures in real-world application scenarios.

Structure and properties of optical-discharge plasma in CO2-laser beam near target surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Danshchikov, Ye. V.; Dymshakov, V. A.; Lebedev, F. V.; Ryazanov, A. V.

1986-05-01

An experimental study of optical-discharge plasma in a CO2-laser beam at a target surface was made for the purpose of exploring the not yet understood role of this plasma in the laser-target interaction process. Such a plasma was produced by means of a quasi-continuous CO2-laser with an unstable resonator, its power being maintained constant for 1 ms periods. Its radiation was focused on the surfaces of thick and seeding thin Al, Ti, and Ta targets inclined at an approximately 70 deg. angle to the beam, inside a hermetic chamber containing air, argon, or helium under atmospheric pressure. The radiation intensity distribution over the focal plane and the nearest caustic surface in the laser beam was measured along with the plasma parameters, the latter by the methods of spectral analysis and photoelectric recording. The instrumentation for this purpose included an MDR-3 monochromator with an entrance slit, a double electron-optical converter, a memory oscillograph, and an SI-10-30 ribbon lamp as radiation reference standard. The results yielded integral diametral intensity distributions of the emission lines Ti-II (457.2 nm), Ti-I (464 nm), Ar-II (462 nm), radial and axial temperature profiles of optical discharge in metal vapor in surrounding gas, and the radial temperature profile of irradiated metal surface at successive instants of time. The results reveal marked differences between the structures and the properties of optical-discharge plasma in metal vapor and in surrounding gas, optical discharge in the former being characterized by localization within the laser beam and optical discharge in the latter being characterized by a drift away from the target.

Comparison of selective transmitters for solar thermal applications.

PubMed

Taylor, Robert A; Hewakuruppu, Yasitha; DeJarnette, Drew; Otanicar, Todd P

2016-05-10

Solar thermal collectors are radiative heat exchangers. Their efficacy is dictated predominantly by their absorption of short wavelength solar radiation and, importantly, by their emission of long wavelength thermal radiation. In conventional collector designs, the receiver is coated with a selectively absorbing surface (Black Chrome, TiNO_x, etc.), which serves both of these aims. As the leading commercial absorber, TiNO_x consists of several thin, vapor deposited layers (of metals and ceramics) on a metal substrate. In this technology, the solar absorption to thermal emission ratio can exceed 20. If a solar system requires an analogous transparent component-one which transmits the full AM1.5 solar spectrum, but reflects long wavelength thermal emission-the technology is much less developed. Bespoke "heat mirrors" are available from optics suppliers at high cost, but the closest mass-produced commercial technology is low-e glass. Low-e glasses are designed for visible light transmission and, as such, they reflect up to 50% of available solar energy. To address this technical gap, this study investigated selected combinations of thin films that could be deposited to serve as transparent, selective solar covers. A comparative numerical analysis of feasible materials and configurations was investigated using a nondimensional metric termed the efficiency factor for selectivity (EFS). This metric is dependent on the operation temperature and solar concentration ratio of the system, so our analysis covered the practical range for these parameters. It was found that thin films of indium tin oxide (ITO) and ZnS-Ag-ZnS provided the highest EFS. Of these, ITO represents the more commercially viable solution for large-scale development. Based on these optimized designs, proof-of-concept ITO depositions were fabricated and compared to commercial depositions. Overall, this study presents a systematic guide for creating a new class of selective, transparent optics for solar thermal collectors.

Advanced optical manufacturing and testing; Proceedings of the Meeting, San Diego, CA, July 9-11, 1990

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanger, Gregory M.; Reid, Paul B.; Baker, Lionel R.

1990-11-01

Consideration is given to advanced optical fabrication, profilometry and thin films, and metrology. Particular attention is given to automation for optics manufacturing, 3D contouring on a numerically controlled grinder, laser-scanning lens configurations, a noncontact precision measurement system, novel noncontact profiler design for measuring synchrotron radiation mirrors, laser-diode technologies for in-process metrology, measurements of X-ray reflectivities of Au-coatings at several energies, platinum coating of an X-ray mirror for SR lithography, a Hilbert transform algorithm for fringe-pattern analysis, structural error sources during fabrication of the AXAF optical elements, an in-process mirror figure qualification procedure for large deformable mirrors, interferometric evaluation of lenslet arrays for 2D phase-locked laser diode sources, and manufacturing and metrology tooling for the solar-A soft X-ray telescope.

The Effects of Accretion Disk Geometry on AGN Reflection Spectra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taylor, Corbin James; Reynolds, Christopher S.

2017-08-01

Despite being the gravitational engines that power galactic-scale winds and mega parsec-scale jets in active galaxies, black holes are remarkably simple objects, typically being fully described by their angular momenta (spin) and masses. The modelling of AGN X-ray reflection spectra has proven fruitful in estimating the spin of AGN, as well as giving insight into their accretion histories and the properties of plasmas in the strong gravity regime. However, current models make simplifying assumptions about the geometry of the reflecting material in the accretion disk and the irradiating X-ray corona, approximating the disk as an optically thick, infinitely thin disk of material in the orbital plane. We present results from the new relativistic raytracing suite, Fenrir, that explore the effects that disk thickness may have on the reflection spectrum and the accompanying reverberation signatures. Approximating the accretion disk as an optically thick, geometrically thin, radiation pressure dominated disk (Shakura & Sunyaev 1973), one finds that the disk geometry is non-negligible in many cases, with significant changes in the broad Fe K line profile. Finally, we explore the systematic errors inherent in approximating the disk as being infinitely thin when modeling reflection spectrum, potentially biasing determinations of black hole and corona properties.

Use of the ARM Measurement of Spectral Zenith Radiance For Better Understanding Of 3D Cloud-Radiation Processes and Aerosol-Cloud Interaction

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

Chiu, Jui-Yuan

2010-10-19

Our proposal focuses on cloud-radiation processes in a general 3D cloud situation, with particular emphasis on cloud optical depth and effective particle size. We also focus on zenith radiance measurements, both active and passive. The proposal has three main parts. Part One exploits the "solar-background" mode of ARM lidars to allow them to retrieve cloud optical depth not just for thin clouds but for all clouds. This also enables the study of aerosol cloud interactions with a single instrument. Part Two exploits the large number of new wavelengths offered by ARM's zenith-pointing ShortWave Spectrometer (SWS), especially during CLASIC, to developmore » better retrievals not only of cloud optical depth but also of cloud particle size. We also propose to take advantage of the SWS's 1 Hz sampling to study the "twilight zone" around clouds where strong aerosol-cloud interactions are taking place. Part Three involves continuing our cloud optical depth and cloud fraction retrieval research with ARM's 2NFOV instrument by, first, analyzing its data from the AMF-COPS/CLOWD deployment, and second, making our algorithms part of ARM's operational data processing.« less

Radiation properties of two types of luminous textile devices containing plastic optical fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Selm, Bärbel; Rothmaier, Markus

2007-05-01

Luminous textiles have the potential to satisfy a need for thin and flexible light diffusers for treatment of intraoral cancerous tissue. Plastic optical fibers (POF) with diameters of 250 microns and smaller are used to make the textiles luminous. Usually light is supplied to the optical fiber at both ends. On the textile surface light emission occurs in a woven structure via damaged straight POFs, whereas the embroidered structure radiates the light out of macroscopically bent POFs. We compared the optical properties of these two types of textile diffusers using red light laser for the embroidery and light emitting diode (LED) for the woven structure as light sources, and found efficiencies for the luminous areas of the two samples of 19 % (woven) and 32 % (embroidery), respectively. It was shown that the efficiency can be greatly improved using an aluminium backing. Additional scattering layers lower the fluence rate by around 30 %. To analyse the homogeneity we took a photo of the illuminated surface using a 3CCD camera and found, for both textiles, a slightly skewed distribution of the dark and bright pixels. The interquartile range of brightness distribution of the embroidery is more than double as the woven structure.

Relativistic MHD Turbulence with Synchrotron and Inverse-Compton Radiation Cooling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uzdensky, Dmitri

2017-10-01

This work investigates the energetic aspects and observational appearance of driven relativistic MHD turbulence in an optically thin, relativistically hot plasma subject to strong synchrotron and synchrotron-self-Compton (SSC) radiative cooling. Steady-state balance between turbulent heating and radiative cooling is shown to lead, essentially independent of turbulent driving's strength, to a characteristic electron temperature of Te /mec2 τT- 1 / 2 , where τT << 1 is the system's Thomson optical depth. Furthermore, the SSC cooling power becomes automatically comparable to the synchrotron power. Under certain conditions, a few higher-order inverse-Compton components also become comparable to the synchrotron and SSC losses, and so the broad-band radiation spectrum of the system consists of several distinct peaks with gradually decreasing luminosity, separated by a factor of τT- 1 >> 1 from each other. The number of these spectral components is governed by synchrotron self-absorption and Klein-Nishina effects. These findings have important implications for several classes of high-energy astrophysical systems including pulsar wind nebulae and black-hole-driven accretion flows, jets, and radio-lobes. Work supported by NSF, DOE, NASA, IAS, and the Ambrose Monell Foundation.

High Tech Art: Chameleon Glass

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1993-01-01

Dichroic Glass is a technology wherein extremely thin films of metal are vacuum deposited on a glass surface. The coated glass shields spacecraft instruments from cosmic radiation and protects human vision from unfiltered sunlight in space. Because the coating process allows some wavelengths of light and color to reflect and others to pass through, a chameleon effect is produced. Murray Schwartz, a former aerospace engineer, has based his business KROMA on this NASA optical technology. He produces dichroic stained glass windows, mobiles and jewelry. The technique involves deposition of super thin layers of metal oxides applied one layer at a time in a specific order and thickness for the desired effect. His product line is unique and has been very successful.

“Deterministic” quantum plasmonics.

PubMed

Cuche, Aurélien; Mollet, Oriane; Drezet, Aurélien; Huant, Serge

2010-11-10

We demonstrate “deterministic” launching of propagative quantum surface-plasmon polaritons at freely chosen positions on gold plasmonic receptacles. This is achieved by using as a plasmon launcher a near-field scanning optical source made of a diamond nanocrystal with two nitrogen-vacancy color-center occupancy. Our demonstration relies on leakage-radiation microscopy of a thin homogeneous gold film and on near-field optical microscopy of a nanostructured thick gold film. Our work paves the way to future fundamental studies and applications in quantum plasmonics that require an accurate positioning of single-plasmon sources and may open a new branch in plasmonics and nanophotonics, namely scanning quantum plasmonics.

Dependence of Cumulus Anvil Radiative Properties on Environmental Conditions in the Tropical West Pacific

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ye, B.; DelGenio, A. D.

1999-01-01

Areally extensive, optically thick anvil clouds associated with mesoscale convective clusters dominate the shortwave cloud forcing in the tropics and provide longwave forcing comparable to that of thin cirrus. Changes in the cover and optical thickness of tropical anvils as climate warms can regulate the sign of cloud feedback. As a prelude to the study of MMCR data from the ARM TWP sites, we analyze ISCCP-derived radiative characteristics of anvils observed in the tropical west Pacific during the TOGA-COARE IOP. Anvils with radius greater than 100 km were identified and tracked from inception to decay using the Machado-Rossow algorithm. Corresponding environmental conditions just prior to the start of the convectove event were diagnosed using the Lin-Johnson objective analysis product. Small clusters (100-200 km radius) are observed to have a broad range of optical thicknesses (10-50), while intermediate optical thickness clusters are observed to range in size from 100 km to almost 1000 km. Large-size clusters appear to be favored by strong pre-storm large scale upward motion throughout the troposphere, moist low-to-midlevel relative humidities, environments with slightly higher CAPE than those for smaller clusters, and strong front-to-rear flow. Optically thick anvils are favored in situations of strong low-level moisture convergence and strong upper-level shear.

Oscillator strengths of the Si II 181 nanometer resonance multiplet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bergeson, S. D.; Lawler, J. E.

1993-01-01

We report Si II experimental log (gf)-values of -2.38(4) for the 180.801 nm line, of -2.18(4) for the 181.693 nm line, and of -3.29(5) for the 181.745 nm line, where the number in parentheses is the uncertainty in the last digit. The overall uncertainties (about 10 percent) include the 1 sigma random uncertainty (about 6 percent) and an estimate of the systematic uncertainty. The oscillator strengths are determined by combining branching fractions and radiative lifetimes. The branching fractions are measured using standard spectroradiometry on an optically thin source; the radiative lifetimes are measured using time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence.

Radiation sensitive area detection device and method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carter, Daniel C. (Inventor); Hecht, Diana L. (Inventor); Witherow, William K. (Inventor)

1991-01-01

A radiation sensitive area detection device for use in conjunction with an X ray, ultraviolet or other radiation source is provided which comprises a phosphor containing film which releases a stored diffraction pattern image in response to incoming light or other electromagnetic wave. A light source such as a helium-neon laser, an optical fiber capable of directing light from the laser source onto the phosphor film and also capable of channelling the fluoresced light from the phosphor film to an integrating sphere which directs the light to a signal processing means including a light receiving means such as a photomultiplier tube. The signal processing means allows translation of the fluoresced light in order to detect the original pattern caused by the diffraction of the radiation by the original sample. The optical fiber is retained directly in front of the phosphor screen by a thin metal holder which moves up and down across the phosphor screen and which features a replaceable pinhole which allows easy adjustment of the resolution of the light projected onto the phosphor film. The device produces near real time images with high spatial resolution and without the distortion that accompanies prior art devices employing photomultiplier tubes. A method is also provided for carrying out radiation area detection using the device of the invention.

Calculation of optical band gaps of a-Si:H thin films by ellipsometry and UV-Vis spectrophotometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiu, Yijiao; Li, Wei; Wu, Maoyang; Fu, Junwei; Jiang, Yadong

2010-10-01

Hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) thin films doped with Phosphorus (P) and Nitrogen (N) were deposited by radio frequency plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (RF-PECVD). The optical band gaps of the thin films obtained through either changing the gas pressure (P-doped only) or adulterating nitrogen concentration (with fixed P content) were investigated by means of Ellipsometric and Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, respectively. Tauc formula was used in calculating the optical band gaps of the thin films in both methods. The results show that Ellipsometry and UV-Vis spectrophotometry can be applied in the research of the optical properties of a-Si:H thin films experimentally. Both methods reflect the variation law of the optical band gaps caused by CVD process parameters, i.e., the optical band gap of the a-Si:H thin films is increased with the rise of the gas pressure or the nitrogen concentration respectively. The difference in optical band gaps of the doped a-Si:H thin films calculated by Ellipsometry or UV-Vis spectrophotometry are not so great that they both can be used to measure the optical band gaps of the thin films in practical applications.

DustEM: Dust extinction and emission modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Compiègne, M.; Verstraete, L.; Jones, A.; Bernard, J.-P.; Boulanger, F.; Flagey, N.; Le Bourlot, J.; Paradis, D.; Ysard, N.

2013-07-01

DustEM computes the extinction and the emission of interstellar dust grains heated by photons. It is written in Fortran 95 and is jointly developed by IAS and CESR. The dust emission is calculated in the optically thin limit (no radiative transfer) and the default spectral range is 40 to 108 nm. The code is designed so dust properties can easily be changed and mixed and to allow for the inclusion of new grain physics.

THE ORIGIN AND OPTICAL DEPTH OF IONIZING RADIATION IN THE 'GREEN PEA' GALAXIES

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

Jaskot, A. E.; Oey, M. S.

2013-04-01

Although Lyman-continuum (LyC) radiation from star-forming galaxies likely drove the reionization of the universe, observations of star-forming galaxies at low redshift generally indicate low LyC escape fractions. However, the extreme [O III]/[O II] ratios of the z = 0.1-0.3 Green Pea galaxies may be due to high escape fractions of ionizing radiation. To analyze the LyC optical depths and ionizing sources of these rare, compact starbursts, we compare nebular photoionization and stellar population models with observed emission lines in the Peas' Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) spectra. We focus on the six most extreme Green Peas, the galaxies with themore » highest [O III]/[O II] ratios and the best candidates for escaping ionizing radiation. The Balmer line equivalent widths and He I {lambda}3819 emission in the extreme Peas support young ages of 3-5 Myr, and He II {lambda}4686 emission in five extreme Peas signals the presence of hard ionizing sources. Ionization by active galactic nuclei or high-mass X-ray binaries is inconsistent with the Peas' line ratios and ages. Although stacked spectra reveal no Wolf-Rayet (WR) features, we tentatively detect WR features in the SDSS spectra of three extreme Peas. Based on the Peas' ages and line ratios, we find that WR stars, chemically homogeneous O stars, or shocks could produce the observed He II emission. If hot stars are responsible, then the Peas' optical depths are ambiguous. However, accounting for emission from shocks lowers the inferred optical depth and suggests that the Peas may be optically thin. The Peas' ages likely optimize the escape of LyC radiation; they are old enough for supernovae and stellar winds to reshape the interstellar medium, but young enough to possess large numbers of UV-luminous O or WR stars.« less

EFFECT OF CORONAL TEMPERATURE ON THE SCALE OF SOLAR CHROMOSPHERIC JETS

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

Iijima; Yokoyama, T.H., E-mail: h.iijima@eps.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp

2015-10-20

We investigate the effect of coronal temperature on the formation process of solar chromospheric jets using two-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic simulations of the region from the upper convection zone to the lower corona. We develop a new radiative magnetohydrodynamic code for the dynamic modeling of the solar atmosphere, employing an LTE equation of state, optically thick radiative loss in the photosphere, optically thin radiative loss in the chromosphere and the corona, and thermal conduction along the magnetic field lines. Many chromospheric jets are produced in the simulations by shock waves passing through the transition region. We find that these jets are projectedmore » farther outward when the coronal temperature is lower (similar to that in coronal holes) and shorter when the coronal temperature is higher (similar to that in active regions). When the coronal temperature is high, the deceleration of the chromospheric jets is consistent with the model in which deceleration is determined by the periodic chromospheric shock waves. However, when the coronal temperature is low, the gravitational deceleration becomes more important and the chromospheric jets approach ballistic motion.« less

Intrinsic homogeneous linewidth and broadening mechanisms of excitons in monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides

DOE PAGES

Moody, Galan; Dass, Chandriker Kavir; Hao, Kai; ...

2015-09-18

In this paper, the band-edge optical response of transition metal dichalcogenides, an emerging class of atomically thin semiconductors, is dominated by tightly bound excitons localized at the corners of the Brillouin zone (valley excitons). A fundamental yet unknown property of valley excitons in these materials is the intrinsic homogeneous linewidth, which reflects irreversible quantum dissipation arising from system (exciton) and bath (vacuum and other quasiparticles) interactions and determines the timescale during which excitons can be coherently manipulated. Here we use optical two-dimensional Fourier transform spectroscopy to measure the exciton homogeneous linewidth in monolayer tungsten diselenide (WSe 2). The homogeneous linewidthmore » is found to be nearly two orders of magnitude narrower than the inhomogeneous width at low temperatures. We evaluate quantitatively the role of exciton–exciton and exciton–phonon interactions and population relaxation as linewidth broadening mechanisms. The key insights reported here—strong many-body effects and intrinsically rapid radiative recombination—are expected to be ubiquitous in atomically thin semiconductors.« less

Intrinsic homogeneous linewidth and broadening mechanisms of excitons in monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides

PubMed Central

Moody, Galan; Kavir Dass, Chandriker; Hao, Kai; Chen, Chang-Hsiao; Li, Lain-Jong; Singh, Akshay; Tran, Kha; Clark, Genevieve; Xu, Xiaodong; Berghäuser, Gunnar; Malic, Ermin; Knorr, Andreas; Li, Xiaoqin

2015-01-01

The band-edge optical response of transition metal dichalcogenides, an emerging class of atomically thin semiconductors, is dominated by tightly bound excitons localized at the corners of the Brillouin zone (valley excitons). A fundamental yet unknown property of valley excitons in these materials is the intrinsic homogeneous linewidth, which reflects irreversible quantum dissipation arising from system (exciton) and bath (vacuum and other quasiparticles) interactions and determines the timescale during which excitons can be coherently manipulated. Here we use optical two-dimensional Fourier transform spectroscopy to measure the exciton homogeneous linewidth in monolayer tungsten diselenide (WSe2). The homogeneous linewidth is found to be nearly two orders of magnitude narrower than the inhomogeneous width at low temperatures. We evaluate quantitatively the role of exciton–exciton and exciton–phonon interactions and population relaxation as linewidth broadening mechanisms. The key insights reported here—strong many-body effects and intrinsically rapid radiative recombination—are expected to be ubiquitous in atomically thin semiconductors. PMID:26382305

Discrete Angle Radiative Transfer in Uniform and Extremely Variable Clouds.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gabriel, Philip Mitri

The transfer of radiant energy in highly inhomogeneous media is a difficult problem that is encountered in many geophysical applications. It is the purpose of this thesis to study some problems connected with the scattering of solar radiation in natural clouds. Extreme variability in the optical density of these clouds is often believed to occur regularly. In order to facilitate study of very inhomogeneous optical media such as clouds, the difficult angular part of radiative transfer calculations is simplified by considering a series of models in which conservative scattering only occurs in discrete directions. Analytic and numerical results for the radiative properties of these Discrete Angle Radiative Transfer (DART) systems are obtained in the limits of both optically thin and thick media. Specific results include: (a) In thick homogeneous media, the albedo (reflection coefficient), unlike the transmission, cannot be obtained by a diffusion equation. (b) With the aid of an exact analogy with an early model of conductor/superconductor mixtures, it is argued that inhomogeneous media with embedded holes, neither the transmission, nor the albedo can be described by diffusive random walks. (c) Using renormalization methods, it is shown that thin cloud behaviour is sensitive to the scattering phase functions since it is associated with a repelling fixed point, whereas, the thick cloud limit is universal in that it is phase function independent, and associated with an attracting fixed point. (d) In fractal media, the optical thickness required for a given albedo or transmission can differ by large factors from that required in the corresponding plane parallel geometry. The relevant scaling exponents have been calculated in a very simple example. (e) Important global meteorological and climatological implications of the above are discussed when applied to the scattering of visible light in clouds. In the remote sensing context, an analysis of satellite data reveals that augmenting a satellite's resolution reveals increasingly detailed structures that are found to occupy a decreasing fraction of the image, while simultaneously brightening to compensate. By systematically degrading the resolution of visible and infra red satellite cloud and surface data as well as radar rain data, resolution -independent co-dimension functions were defined which were useful in describing the spatial distribution of image features as well as the resolution dependence of the intensities themselves. The scale invariant functions so obtained fit into theoretically predicted functional forms. These multifractal techniques have implications for our ability to meaningfully estimate cloud brightness fraction, total cloud amount, as well as other remotely sensed quantities.

TRUST. I. A 3D externally illuminated slab benchmark for dust radiative transfer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gordon, K. D.; Baes, M.; Bianchi, S.; Camps, P.; Juvela, M.; Kuiper, R.; Lunttila, T.; Misselt, K. A.; Natale, G.; Robitaille, T.; Steinacker, J.

2017-07-01

Context. The radiative transport of photons through arbitrary three-dimensional (3D) structures of dust is a challenging problem due to the anisotropic scattering of dust grains and strong coupling between different spatial regions. The radiative transfer problem in 3D is solved using Monte Carlo or Ray Tracing techniques as no full analytic solution exists for the true 3D structures. Aims: We provide the first 3D dust radiative transfer benchmark composed of a slab of dust with uniform density externally illuminated by a star. This simple 3D benchmark is explicitly formulated to provide tests of the different components of the radiative transfer problem including dust absorption, scattering, and emission. Methods: The details of the external star, the slab itself, and the dust properties are provided. This benchmark includes models with a range of dust optical depths fully probing cases that are optically thin at all wavelengths to optically thick at most wavelengths. The dust properties adopted are characteristic of the diffuse Milky Way interstellar medium. This benchmark includes solutions for the full dust emission including single photon (stochastic) heating as well as two simplifying approximations: One where all grains are considered in equilibrium with the radiation field and one where the emission is from a single effective grain with size-distribution-averaged properties. A total of six Monte Carlo codes and one Ray Tracing code provide solutions to this benchmark. Results: The solution to this benchmark is given as global spectral energy distributions (SEDs) and images at select diagnostic wavelengths from the ultraviolet through the infrared. Comparison of the results revealed that the global SEDs are consistent on average to a few percent for all but the scattered stellar flux at very high optical depths. The image results are consistent within 10%, again except for the stellar scattered flux at very high optical depths. The lack of agreement between different codes of the scattered flux at high optical depths is quantified for the first time. Convergence tests using one of the Monte Carlo codes illustrate the sensitivity of the solutions to various model parameters. Conclusions: We provide the first 3D dust radiative transfer benchmark and validate the accuracy of this benchmark through comparisons between multiple independent codes and detailed convergence tests.

Generalized radiative transfer theory for scattering by particles in an absorbing gas: Addressing both spatial and spectral integration in multi-angle remote sensing of optically thin aerosol layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, Anthony B.; Xu, Feng; Diner, David J.

2018-01-01

We demonstrate the computational advantage gained by introducing non-exponential transmission laws into radiative transfer theory for two specific situations. One is the problem of spatial integration over a large domain where the scattering particles cluster randomly in a medium uniformly filled with an absorbing gas, and only a probabilistic description of the variability is available. The increasingly important application here is passive atmospheric profiling using oxygen absorption in the visible/near-IR spectrum. The other scenario is spectral integration over a region where the absorption cross-section of a spatially uniform gas varies rapidly and widely and, moreover, there are scattering particles embedded in the gas that are distributed uniformly, or not. This comes up in many applications, O2 A-band profiling being just one instance. We bring a common framework to solve these problems both efficiently and accurately that is grounded in the recently developed theory of Generalized Radiative Transfer (GRT). In GRT, the classic exponential law of transmission is replaced by one with a slower power-law decay that accounts for the unresolved spectral or spatial variability. Analytical results are derived in the single-scattering limit that applies to optically thin aerosol layers. In spectral integration, a modest gain in accuracy is obtained. As for spatial integration of near-monochromatic radiance, we find that, although both continuum and in-band radiances are affected by moderate levels of sub-pixel variability, only extreme variability will affect in-band/continuum ratios.

The Interplay between Radiation Pressure and the Photoelectric Instability in Optically Thin Disks of Gas and Dust

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richert, Alexander J. W.; Lyra, Wladimir; Kuchner, Marc J.

2018-03-01

In optically thin disks, dust grains are photoelectrically stripped of electrons by starlight, heating nearby gas and possibly creating a dust clumping instability—the photoelectric instability (PeI)—that significantly alters global disk structure. In the current work, we use the Pencil Code to perform the first numerical models of the PeI that include stellar radiation pressure on dust grains in order to explore the parameter regime in which the instability operates. In some models with low gas and dust surface densities, we see a variety of dust structures, including sharp concentric rings. In the most gas- and dust-rich models, nonaxisymmetric clumps, arcs, and spiral arms emerge that represent dust surface density enhancements of factors of ∼5–20. In one high gas surface density model, we include a large, low-order gas viscosity and find that it observably smooths the structures that form in the gas and dust, suggesting that resolved images of a given disk may be useful for deriving constraints on the effective viscosity of its gas. Our models show that radiation pressure does not preclude the formation of complex structure from the PeI, but the qualitative manifestation of the PeI depends strongly on the parameters of the system. The PeI may provide an explanation for unusual disk morphologies, such as the moving blobs of the AU Mic disk, the asymmetric dust distribution of the 49 Ceti disk, and the rings and arcs found in the HD 141569A disk.

Multilayer and grazing incidence X-ray/EUV optics; Proceedings of the Meeting, San Diego, CA, July 22-24, 1991

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoover, Richard B. (Editor)

1992-01-01

The present conference discusses the Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF) calibration by means of synchrotron radiation and its X-ray reflectivity, X-ray scattering measurements from thin-foil X-ray mirrors, lobster-eye X-ray optics using microchannel plates, space-based interferometry at EUV and soft X-ray wavelengths, a water-window imaging X-ray telescope, a graded d-spacing multilayer telescope for high energy X-ray astronomy, photographic films for the multispectral solar telescope array, a soft X-ray ion chamber, and the development of hard X-ray optics. Also discussed are X-ray spectroscopy with multilayered optics, a slit aperture for monitoring X-ray experiments, an objective double-crystal spectrometer, a Ly-alpha coronagraph/polarimeter, tungsten/boron nitride multilayers for XUV optical applications, the evaluation of reflectors for soft X-ray optics, the manufacture of elastically bent crystals and multilayer mirrors, and selective photodevices for the VUV.

Novel method of optical image registration in wide wavelength range using matrix of piezoelectric crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pigarev, Aleksey V.; Bazarov, Timur O.; Fedorov, Vladimir V.; Ryabushkin, Oleg A.

2018-02-01

Most modern systems of the optical image registration are based on the matrices of photosensitive semiconductor heterostructures. However, measurement of radiation intensities up to several MW/cm2 -level using such detectors is a great challenge because semiconductor elements have low optical damage threshold. Reflecting or absorbing filters that can be used for attenuation of radiation intensity, as a rule, distort beam profile. Furthermore, semiconductor based devices have relatively narrow measurement wavelength bandwidth. We introduce a novel matrix method of optical image registration. This approach doesn't require any attenuation when measuring high radiation intensities. A sensitive element is the matrix made of thin transparent piezoelectric crystals that absorb just a small part of incident optical power. Each crystal element has its own set of intrinsic (acoustic) vibration modes. These modes can be exited due to the inverse piezoelectric effect when the external electric field is applied to the crystal sample providing that the field frequency corresponds to one of the vibration mode frequencies. Such piezoelectric resonances (PR) can be observed by measuring the radiofrequency response spectrum of the crystal placed between the capacitor plates. PR frequencies strongly depend on the crystal temperature. Temperature calibration of PR frequencies is conducted in the uniform heating conditions. In the case a crystal matrix is exposed to the laser radiation the incident power can be obtained separately for each crystal element by measuring its PR frequency kinetics providing that the optical absorption coefficient is known. The operating wavelength range of such sensor is restricted by the transmission bandwidth of the applied crystals. A plane matrix constituting of LiNbO3 crystals was assembled in order to demonstrate the possibility of application of the proposed approach. The crystal elements were placed between two electrodes forming a capacitor which was interconnected to the lock-in detection system. The radiofrequency response to the applied voltage from the generator was measured simultaneously for all elements.

Accretion of magnetized matter into a black hole.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bisnovatyj-Kogan, G. S.

1999-12-01

Accretion is the main source of energy in binary X-ray sources inside the Galaxy, and most probably in active galactic nuclei, where numerous observational data for the existence of supermassive black holes have been obtained. Standard accretion disk theory is formulated which is based on local heat balance. The whole energy produced by turbulent viscous heating is supposed to be emitted to the sides of the disk. Sources of turbulence in the accretion disk are discussed, including nonlinear hydrodynamic turbulence, convection and magnetic field. In standard theory there are two branches of solution, optically thick, anti-optically thin, which are individually self-consistent. The choice between these solutions should be done on the basis of a stability analysis. Advection in the accretion disks is described by differential equations, which makes the theory nonlocal. The low-luminosity optically thin accretion disk model with advection under some conditions may become advectively dominated, carrying almost all the energy inside the black hole. A proper account for magnetic field in the process of accretion limits the energy advected into a black hole, and does not allow the radiative efficiency of accretion to become lower than about 1/4 of the standard accretion disk model efficiency.

Second Annual Research Center for Optical Physics (RCOP) Forum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allario, Frank (Editor); Temple, Doyle (Editor)

1995-01-01

The Research Center for Optical Physics (RCOP) held its Second Annual Forum on September 23-24, 1994. The forum consisted of two days of technical sessions with invited talks, submitted talks, and a student poster session. Participants in the technical sessions included students and researchers from CCNY/CUNY, Fisk University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Hampton University, University of Maryland, the Univeristy of Michigan, NASA Langley Research Center, North Caroline A and T University, Steven's Institute of Technology, and NAWC-Warminster. Topics included chaotic lasers, pumped optical filters, nonlinear responses in polythiophene and thiophene based thin films, crystal growth and spectroscopy, laser-induced photochromic centers, raman scattering in phorphyrin, superradiance, doped fluoride crystals, luminescence of terbium in silicate glass, and radiative and nonradiative transitions in rare-earth ions.

Density gradient free electron collisionally excited X-ray laser

DOEpatents

Campbell, Edward M.; Rosen, Mordecai D.

1989-01-01

An operational X-ray laser (30) is provided that amplifies 3p-3s transition X-ray radiation along an approximately linear path. The X-ray laser (30) is driven by a high power optical laser. The driving line focused optical laser beam (32) illuminates a free-standing thin foil (34) that may be associated with a substrate (36) for improved structural integrity. This illumination produces a generally cylindrically shaped plasma having an essentially uniform electron density and temperature, that exists over a long period of time, and provides the X-ray laser gain medium. The X-ray laser (30) may be driven by more than one optical laser beam (32, 44). The X-ray laser (30) has been successfully demonstrated to function in a series of experimental tests.

Optic radiations are thinner and show signs of iron deposition in patients with long-standing remitting-relapsing multiple sclerosis: an enhanced T2*-weighted angiography imaging study.

PubMed

Zeng, Chun; Du, Silin; Han, Yongliang; Fu, Jialiang; Luo, Qi; Xiang, Yayun; Chen, Xiaoya; Luo, Tianyou; Li, Yongmei; Zheng, Yineng

2018-04-30

This study aimed to investigate iron deposition and thickness and signal changes in optic radiation (OR) by enhanced T 2 * -weighted angiography imaging (ESWAN) in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) with unilateral and bilateral lesions or no lesions. Fifty-one RRMS patients (42 patients with a disease duration [DD] ≥ 2 years [group Mor], nine patients with a DD < 2 years [group Les]) and 51 healthy controls (group Con) underwent conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ESWAN at 3.0 T. The mean phase value (MPV) of the OR was measured on the phase image, and thickness and signal changes of the OR were observed on the magnitude image. The average MPVs for the OR were 1,981.55 ± 7.75 in group Mor, 1,998.45 ± 2.01 in group Les, and 2,000.48 ± 5.53 in group Con. In group Mor, 28 patients with bilateral OR lesions showed bilateral OR thinning with a heterogeneous signal, and 14 patients with unilateral OR lesions showed ipsilateral OR thinning with a heterogeneous signal. In the remaining nine patients without OR lesions and in group Con, the bilateral OR had a normal appearance. In the patients, a negative correlation was found between DD and OR thickness and a positive correlation was found between MPV and OR thickness. We confirmed iron deposition in the OR in the RRMS patients, and the OR thickness was lower in the patients than in the controls. • Enhanced T 2 * -weighted magnetic resonance angiography (ESWAN) provides new insights into multiple sclerosis (MS). • Focal destruction of the optic radiation (OR) is detectable by ESWAN. • Iron deposition in OR can be measured on ESWAN phase image in MS patients. • OR thickness was lower in the patients than in the controls. • Iron deposition and thickness changes of the OR are associated with disease duration.

Aerosol-Induced Changes of Convective Cloud Anvils Produce Strong Climate Warming

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koren, I.; Remer, L. A.; Altaratz, O.; Martins, J. V.; Davidi, A.

2010-01-01

The effect of aerosol on clouds poses one of the largest uncertainties in estimating the anthropogenic contribution to climate change. Small human-induced perturbations to cloud characteristics via aerosol pathways can create a change in the top-of-atmosphere radiative forcing of hundreds of Wm(exp-2) . Here we focus on links between aerosol and deep convective clouds of the Atlantic and Pacific Intertropical Convergence Zones, noting that the aerosol environment in each region is entirely different. The tops of these vertically developed clouds consisting of mostly ice can reach high levels of the atmosphere, overshooting the lower stratosphere and reaching altitudes greater than 16 km. We show a link between aerosol, clouds and the free atmosphere wind profile that can change the magnitude and sign of the overall climate radiative forcing. We find that increased aerosol loading is associated with taller cloud towers and anvils. The taller clouds reach levels of enhanced wind speeds that act to spread and thin the anvi1 clouds, increasing areal coverage and decreasing cloud optical depth. The radiative effect of this transition is to create a positive radiative forcing (warming) at top-of-atmosphere. Furthermore we introduce the cloud optical depth (r), cloud height (Z) forcing space and show that underestimation of radiative forcing is likely to occur in cases of non homogenous clouds. Specifically, the mean radiative forcing of towers and anvils in the same scene can be several times greater than simply calculating the forcing from the mean cloud optical depth in the scene. Limitations of the method are discussed, alternative sources of aerosol loading are tested and meteorological variance is restricted, but the trend of taller clouds; increased and thinner anvils associated with increased aerosol loading remains robust through all the different tests and perturbations.

Space Environmentally Durable Polyimides and Copolyimides

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Connell, John W. (Inventor); Smith, Joseph G. (Inventor); Hergenrother, Paul M. (Inventor); Watson, Kent A. (Inventor); Thompson, Craig M. (Inventor)

2006-01-01

Polyimides displaying low color in thin films, atomic oxygen resistance, vacuum ultraviolet radiation resistance, solubility in organic solvents in the imide form, high glass transition (T(sub g)) temperatures, and high thermal stability are provided. The poly(amide acid)s, copoly(amide acid)s, polyimides and copolyimides are prepared by the reaction of stoichiometric ratios of an aromatic &anhydride with diamines which contain phenylphosphine oxide groups in polar aprotic solvents. Controlled molecular weight oligomeric (amide acid)s and imides can be prepared by offsetting the stoichiometry according to the Carothers equation using excess diamine and endcapping with aromatic anhydrides. The polyimide materials can be processed into various material forms such as thin films, fibers, foams, threads, adhesive film, coatings, dry powders, and fiber coated prepreg, and uses include thin film membranes on antennas, second-surface mirrors, thermal optical coatings, and multilayer thermal insulation (MLI) blanket materials.

Space Environmentally Durable Polyimides and Copolyimides

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Connell, John W. (Inventor); Smith, Joseph G., Jr. (Inventor); Hergenrother, Paul M. (Inventor); Watson, Kent A. (Inventor); Thompson, Craig M. (Inventor)

2005-01-01

Polyimides displaying low color in thin films, atomic oxygen resistance, vacuum ultraviolet radiation resistance, solubility in organic solvents in the imide form, high glass transition (T(sub g)) temperatures, and high thermal stability are provided. The poly(amide acid)s, copoly(amide acid)s, polyimides and copolyimides are prepared by the reaction of stoichiometric ratios of an aromatic dianhydride with diamines which contain phenylphosphine oxide groups in polar aprotic solvents. Controlled molecular weight oligomeric (amide acid)s and imides can be prepared by offsetting the stoichiometry according to the Carothers equation using excess diamine and endcapping with aromatic anhydrides The polyimide materials can be processed into various material forms such as thin films, fibers, foams, threads, adhesive film, coatings, dry powders, and fiber coated prepreg, and uses include thin film membranes on antennas, second-surface mirrors, thermal optical coatings, and multilayer thermal insulation (MLI) blanket materials.

New method for measuring the laser-induced damage threshold of optical thin film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Jun-hong; Wang, Hong; Xi, Ying-xue

2012-10-01

The laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) of thin film means that the thin film can withstand a maximum intensity of laser radiation. The film will be damaged when the irradiation under high laser intensity is greater than the value of LIDT. In this paper, an experimental platform with measurement operator interfaces and control procedures in the VB circumstance is built according to ISO11254-1. In order to obtain more accurate results than that with manual measurement, in the software system, a hardware device can be controlled by control widget on the operator interfaces. According to the sample characteristic, critical parameters of the LIDT measurement system such as spot diameter, damage threshold region, and critical damage pixel number are set up on the man-machine conversation interface, which could realize intelligent measurements of the LIDT. According to experimental data, the LIDT is obtained by fitting damage curve automatically.

Optical characterization of Mg-doped ZnO thin films deposited by RF magnetron sputtering technique

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

Singh, Satyendra Kumar; Tripathi, Shweta; Hazra, Purnima

2016-05-06

This paper reports the in-depth analysis on optical characteristics of magnesium (Mg) doped zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films grown on p-silicon (Si) substrates by RF magnetron sputtering technique. The variable angle ellipsometer is used for the optical characterization of as-deposited thin films. The optical reflectance, transmission spectra and thickness of as-deposited thin films are measured in the spectral range of 300-800 nm with the help of the spectroscopic ellipsometer. The effect of Mg-doping on optical parameters such as optical bandgap, absorption coefficient, absorbance, extinction coefficient, refractive Index and dielectric constant for as-deposited thin films are extracted to show its application inmore » optoelectronic and photonic devices.« less

Impact of spatial resolution on cirrus infrared satellite retrievals in the presence of cloud heterogeneity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fauchez, T.; Platnick, S. E.; Meyer, K.; Zhang, Z.; Cornet, C.; Szczap, F.; Dubuisson, P.

2015-12-01

Cirrus clouds are an important part of the Earth radiation budget but an accurate assessment of their role remains highly uncertain. Cirrus optical properties such as Cloud Optical Thickness (COT) and ice crystal effective particle size are often retrieved with a combination of Visible/Near InfraRed (VNIR) and ShortWave-InfraRed (SWIR) reflectance channels. Alternatively, Thermal InfraRed (TIR) techniques, such as the Split Window Technique (SWT), have demonstrated better accuracy for thin cirrus effective radius retrievals with small effective radii. However, current global operational algorithms for both retrieval methods assume that cloudy pixels are horizontally homogeneous (Plane Parallel Approximation (PPA)) and independent (Independent Pixel Approximation (IPA)). The impact of these approximations on ice cloud retrievals needs to be understood and, as far as possible, corrected. Horizontal heterogeneity effects in the TIR spectrum are mainly dominated by the PPA bias that primarily depends on the COT subpixel heterogeneity; for solar reflectance channels, in addition to the PPA bias, the IPA can lead to significant retrieval errors due to a significant photon horizontal transport between cloudy columns, as well as brightening and shadowing effects that are more difficult to quantify. Furthermore TIR retrievals techniques have demonstrated better retrieval accuracy for thin cirrus having small effective radii over solar reflectance techniques. The TIR range is thus particularly relevant in order to characterize, as accurately as possible, thin cirrus clouds. Heterogeneity effects in the TIR are evaluated as a function of spatial resolution in order to estimate the optimal spatial resolution for TIR retrieval applications. These investigations are performed using a cirrus 3D cloud generator (3DCloud), a 3D radiative transfer code (3DMCPOL), and two retrieval algorithms, namely the operational MODIS retrieval algorithm (MOD06) and a research-level SWT algorithm.

Evaluation of space environmental effects on metals and optical thin films on EOIM-3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vaughn, Jason A.; Linton, Roger C.; Finckenor, Miria M.; Kamenetzky, Rachel R.

1995-01-01

Metals and optical thin films exposed to the space environment on the Third Flight of the Evaluation of Oxygen Interactions with Materials (EOIM-3) payload, onboard Space Shuttle mission STS-46 were evaluated. The materials effects described in this paper include the effects of space exposure on various pure metals, optical thin films, and optical thin film metals. The changes induced by exposure to the space environment in the material properties were evaluated using bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF), specular reflectance (250 nm to 2500 nm), ESCA, VUV reflectance (120 nm to 200 nm), ellipsometry, FTIR and optical properties. Using these analysis techniques gold optically thin film metal mirrors with nickel undercoats were observed to darken due to nickel diffusion through the gold to the surface. Also, thin film nickel mirrors formed nickel oxide due to exposure to both the atmosphere and space.

Structural properties and UV to NIR absorption spectra of metal-free phthalocyanine (H2Pc) thin films P. B. Thakor, P. N. Gajjar and A. R. Jani: Different reference systems in the study of structural properties of some simple liquid metals Shazia Bashir, M. S. Rafique, M. Khaleeq-ur-Rahman, Faizan-ul-Haq and B. R. Alvina: CO2 and Nd:YAG laser radiation induced damage in aluminium Smail Bougouffa: The study of atomic transitions by use of Numerov technique in schematic model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Nahass, M. M.; Farid, A. M.; Attia, A. A.; Ali, H. A. M.

The structural properties and absorption spectra of H2Pc thin films have been studied. The films used in these studies were thermally evaporated on glass/quartz substrates with thickness ranging from 60 to 460 nm. The XRD studies of H2Pc thin films showed that the as-deposited films have a-form with monoclinic system. The mean crystallite size (L), the dislocation density (d) and the strain (x) were evaluated. The molecular structure of H2Pc thin films is confirmed by analysis of (FTIR) spectra. The surface morphology of H2Pc thin films was examined by scanning electron microscope. The absorption spectra of H2Pc recorded in the UV - VIS - IR region for the as-deposited and the annealed thin films of different thickness have been analyzed. The spectra showed two absorption bands namely the Q-band and the Soret (B)-band. The Q-band shows its characteristic splitting (Davydove splitting) with DQ = 0.21 eV. Values of some important optical parameters, namely optical absorption coefficient (a¢), molar extinction coefficient (emolar), half-band-width (Dl), electronic dipole strength (q2) and oscillator strength (f) were calculated. The fundamental and the onset of the indirect energy gaps were also determined as 2.47 and 1.4 eV, respectively.

On the Nature and Extent of Optically Thin Marine low Clouds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leahy, L. V.; Wood, R.; Charlson, R. J.; Hostetler, C. A.; Rogers, R. R.; Vaughan, M. A.; Winker, D. M.

2012-01-01

Macrophysical properties of optically thin marine low clouds over the nonpolar oceans (60 deg S-60 deg N) are measured using 2 years of full-resolution nighttime data from the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP). Optically thin clouds, defined as the subset of marine low clouds that do not fully attenuate the lidar signal, comprise almost half of the low clouds over the marine domain. Regionally, the fraction of low clouds that are optically thin (f(sub thin,cld)) exhibits a strong inverse relationship with the low-cloud cover, with maxima in the tropical trades (f(sub thin,cld) greater than 0.8) and minima in regions of persistent marine stratocumulus and in midlatitudes (f(sub thin,cld) less than 0.3). Domain-wide, a power law fit describes the cloud length distribution, with exponent beta = 2.03 +/- 0.06 (+/-95% confidence interval). On average, the fraction of a cloud that is optically thin decreases from approximately 1 for clouds smaller than 2 km to less than 0.3 for clouds larger than 30 km. This relationship is found to be independent of region, so that geographical variations in the cloud length distribution explain three quarters of the variance in f(sub thin,cld). Comparing collocated trade cumulus observations from CALIOP and the airborne High Spectral Resolution Lidar reveals that clouds with lengths smaller than are resolvable with CALIOP contribute approximately half of the low clouds in the region sampled. A bounded cascade model is constructed to match the observations from the trades. The model shows that the observed optically thin cloud behavior is consistent with a power law scaling of cloud optical depth and suggests that most optically thin clouds only partially fill the CALIOP footprint.

Determination of the optical absorption spectra of thin layers from their photoacoustic spectra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bychto, Leszek; Maliński, Mirosław; Patryn, Aleksy; Tivanov, Mikhail; Gremenok, Valery

2018-05-01

This paper presents a new method for computations of the optical absorption coefficient spectra from the normalized photoacoustic amplitude spectra of thin semiconductor samples deposited on the optically transparent and thermally thick substrates. This method was tested on CuIn(Te0.7Se0.3)2 thin films. From the normalized photoacoustic amplitude spectra, the optical absorption coefficient spectra were computed with the new formula as also with the numerical iterative method. From these spectra, the value of the energy gap of the thin film material and the type of the optical transitions were determined. From the experimental optical transmission spectra, the optical absorption coefficient spectra were computed too, and compared with the optical absorption coefficient spectra obtained from photoacoustic spectra.

Ionic Self-Assembled Monolayer (ISAM) Nonlinear Optical Thin Films and Devices

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-05-12

SUBTITLE " Ionic Self-Assembled Monolayer (ISAM) Nonlinear Optical Thin Films and Devices" 6. AUTHORS Michael B. Miller 5. FUNDING NUMBERS F49620-97...ii. Lü. Ionic Self-Assembled Monolayer (ISAM) Nonlinear Optical Thin Films and Devices Final Technical Report Performance Period: 15 August 1997...Investigator F&S. Inc.N ̂ 1. INTRODUCTION .’ 2 2. PROGRAM TASK REVIEW 2 3. BACKGROUND 4 3.1 NONLINEAR OPTICAL THIN FILMS 4 3.2 IONIC SELF

Calibration of a thin metal foil for infrared imaging video bolometer to estimate the spatial variation of thermal diffusivity using a photo-thermal technique.

PubMed

Pandya, Shwetang N; Peterson, Byron J; Sano, Ryuichi; Mukai, Kiyofumi; Drapiko, Evgeny A; Alekseyev, Andrey G; Akiyama, Tsuyoshi; Itomi, Muneji; Watanabe, Takashi

2014-05-01

A thin metal foil is used as a broad band radiation absorber for the InfraRed imaging Video Bolometer (IRVB), which is a vital diagnostic for studying three-dimensional radiation structures from high temperature plasmas in the Large Helical Device. The two-dimensional (2D) heat diffusion equation of the foil needs to be solved numerically to estimate the radiation falling on the foil through a pinhole geometry. The thermal, physical, and optical properties of the metal foil are among the inputs to the code besides the spatiotemporal variation of temperature, for reliable estimation of the exhaust power from the plasma illuminating the foil. The foil being very thin and of considerable size, non-uniformities in these properties need to be determined by suitable calibration procedures. The graphite spray used for increasing the surface emissivity also contributes to a change in the thermal properties. This paper discusses the application of the thermographic technique for determining the spatial variation of the effective in-plane thermal diffusivity of the thin metal foil and graphite composite. The paper also discusses the advantages of this technique in the light of limitations and drawbacks presented by other calibration techniques being practiced currently. The technique is initially applied to a material of known thickness and thermal properties for validation and finally to thin foils of gold and platinum both with two different thicknesses. It is observed that the effect of the graphite layer on the estimation of the thermal diffusivity becomes more pronounced for thinner foils and the measured values are approximately 2.5-3 times lower than the literature values. It is also observed that the percentage reduction in thermal diffusivity due to the coating is lower for high thermal diffusivity materials such as gold. This fact may also explain, albeit partially, the higher sensitivity of the platinum foil as compared to gold.

Calibration of a thin metal foil for infrared imaging video bolometer to estimate the spatial variation of thermal diffusivity using a photo-thermal technique

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

Pandya, Shwetang N., E-mail: pandya.shwetang@LHD.nifs.ac.jp; Sano, Ryuichi; Peterson, Byron J.

A thin metal foil is used as a broad band radiation absorber for the InfraRed imaging Video Bolometer (IRVB), which is a vital diagnostic for studying three-dimensional radiation structures from high temperature plasmas in the Large Helical Device. The two-dimensional (2D) heat diffusion equation of the foil needs to be solved numerically to estimate the radiation falling on the foil through a pinhole geometry. The thermal, physical, and optical properties of the metal foil are among the inputs to the code besides the spatiotemporal variation of temperature, for reliable estimation of the exhaust power from the plasma illuminating the foil.more » The foil being very thin and of considerable size, non-uniformities in these properties need to be determined by suitable calibration procedures. The graphite spray used for increasing the surface emissivity also contributes to a change in the thermal properties. This paper discusses the application of the thermographic technique for determining the spatial variation of the effective in-plane thermal diffusivity of the thin metal foil and graphite composite. The paper also discusses the advantages of this technique in the light of limitations and drawbacks presented by other calibration techniques being practiced currently. The technique is initially applied to a material of known thickness and thermal properties for validation and finally to thin foils of gold and platinum both with two different thicknesses. It is observed that the effect of the graphite layer on the estimation of the thermal diffusivity becomes more pronounced for thinner foils and the measured values are approximately 2.5–3 times lower than the literature values. It is also observed that the percentage reduction in thermal diffusivity due to the coating is lower for high thermal diffusivity materials such as gold. This fact may also explain, albeit partially, the higher sensitivity of the platinum foil as compared to gold.« less

The structure and appearance of winds from supercritical accretion disks. II - Dynamical theory of supercritical winds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meier, D. L.

1982-01-01

A general analytic theory is presented of winds driven by super-Eddington luminosities. The relevant parameters are the mass of the central object, the radius at which the luminosity and matter are injected, the ratio of the free-fall time to the heating time at this radius, and the total luminosity injected at the radius. Several different regimes of dynamical wind structure are identified, and the analytic expressions are shown to agree with the numerical results in Meier (1979) in the appropriate case. It is noted that, in its general form, the theory is the optically thick (to electron scattering) counterpart to optically thin radiation pressure-driven stellar winds.

Three-temperature plasma shock solutions with gray radiation diffusion

DOE PAGES

Johnson, Bryan M.; Klein, Richard I.

2016-04-19

Here we discuss the effects of radiation on the structure of shocks in a fully ionized plasma are investigated by solving the steady-state fluid equations for ions, electrons, and radiation. The electrons and ions are assumed to have the same bulk velocity but separate temperatures, and the radiation is modeled with the gray diffusion approximation. Both electron and ion conduction are included, as well as ion viscosity. When the material is optically thin, three-temperature behavior occurs. When the diffusive flux of radiation is important but radiation pressure is not, two-temperature behavior occurs, with the electrons strongly coupled to the radiation.more » Since the radiation heats the electrons on length scales that are much longer than the electron–ion Coulomb coupling length scale, these solutions resemble radiative shock solutions rather than plasma shock solutions that neglect radiation. When radiation pressure is important, all three components are strongly coupled. Results with constant values for the transport and coupling coefficients are compared to a full numerical simulation with a good match between the two, demonstrating that steady shock solutions constitute a straightforward and comprehensive verification test methodology for multi-physics numerical algorithms.« less

Three-temperature plasma shock solutions with gray radiation diffusion

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

Johnson, Bryan M.; Klein, Richard I.

Here we discuss the effects of radiation on the structure of shocks in a fully ionized plasma are investigated by solving the steady-state fluid equations for ions, electrons, and radiation. The electrons and ions are assumed to have the same bulk velocity but separate temperatures, and the radiation is modeled with the gray diffusion approximation. Both electron and ion conduction are included, as well as ion viscosity. When the material is optically thin, three-temperature behavior occurs. When the diffusive flux of radiation is important but radiation pressure is not, two-temperature behavior occurs, with the electrons strongly coupled to the radiation.more » Since the radiation heats the electrons on length scales that are much longer than the electron–ion Coulomb coupling length scale, these solutions resemble radiative shock solutions rather than plasma shock solutions that neglect radiation. When radiation pressure is important, all three components are strongly coupled. Results with constant values for the transport and coupling coefficients are compared to a full numerical simulation with a good match between the two, demonstrating that steady shock solutions constitute a straightforward and comprehensive verification test methodology for multi-physics numerical algorithms.« less

Schemes for efficient QW pumping of AlGaInP disk lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brauch, Uwe; Mateo, Cherry May N.; Kahle, Hermann; Bek, Roman; Jetter, Michael; Abdou Ahmed, Marwan; Michler, Peter; Graf, Thomas

2017-02-01

Keys to high-power operation of disk lasers are a thin active layer, a small Stokes shift and an efficient cooling, best realized with a limited number of QWs which are pumped close to the laser wavelength and which are in close contact with one or two diamond heat sinks. To get sufficient pump absorption many passes of the pump radiation are needed. This can be realized either by taking advantage of intrinsic resonances (designed for the pump radiation) or by an external multi-pass optics (known from Yb disk lasers) or a combination of both. The various options will be discussed and some results for AlGaInP disk lasers will be presented.

Global Measurements of Optically Thin Cirrus Clouds Using CALIOP

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryan, R. A.; Avery, M. A.; Vaughan, M.

2017-12-01

Optically thin cirrus clouds, defined here as cold clouds consisting of randomly oriented ice crystals and having optical depths (τ) less than 0.3, are difficult to measure accurately. Thin cirrus clouds have been shown to have a net warming effect on the globe but, because passive instruments are not sensitive to optically thin clouds, the occurrence frequency of thin cirrus is greatly underestimated in historical passive sensor cloud climatology. One major strength of Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) is its ability to detect these thin cirrus clouds, thus filling an important missing piece in the historical data record. This poster examines multiple years of CALIOP Level 2 data, focusing on those CALIOP retrievals identified as being optically thin (τ < 0.3), having a cold centroid temperature (TC < -40°C), and consisting solely of randomly oriented ice crystals. Using this definition, thin cirrus are identified and counted globally within each season. By examining the spatial, and seasonal distributions of these thin clouds we hope to gain a better understanding of how thin cirrus affect the atmosphere. Understanding when and where these clouds form and persist in the global atmosphere is the topic and focus of the presented poster.

Contamination of optical surfaces in Earth orbit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kinser, Donald L.; Weller, Robert A.; Mendenhall, M. H.; Wiedlocher, D. E.; Nichols, R.; Tucker, D.; Whitaker, A.

1992-01-01

Glass and glass ceramic samples exposed to the low earth orbit environment for approximately 5.5 years on the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) were found to display limited degradation in optical transmission. Commercial optical quality fused silica samples display decreases in transmission in the 200 to 400 nm wavelength region, and this degradation appears to be a consequence of surface contamination. The contamination, found only on internal surfaces of samples, was measured by medium energy backscattering spectrometry and found to be primarily carbon. Additional thin film contamination by a species with atomic mass near 64, which was present at the level of about 8 x 10 exp 14/sq. cm has not been identified. These observations are consistent with the interpretation that organic binders used in the black absorbing paint (Chem Glaze Z-306) inside the sample holding tray were concentrated in the vicinity of the samples and photolytically cracked by solar UV radiation. The resulting decomposition products were deposited on the interior sample surface and gave rise to the optical transmission loss. No detectable contamination was observed on the external or space exposed surface of the samples. No measurable damage was detected which could be attributed to the direct action of gamma or UV radiation on the glass samples. These results emphasize the need for special precautions in the preparation of spacecraft carrying precision optical components on long duration missions.

Selective optical contacting for solar spectrum management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Jianfeng; Chen, Weijian; Wang, Bo; Zhang, Zhilong; Huang, Shujuan; Shrestha, Santosh; Wen, Xiaoming; Patterson, Robert; Conibeer, Gavin

2017-02-01

Solar spectrum management using up/down conversion is an important method to improve the photovoltaic energy conversion efficiency. It asks for a monochromatic luminescence absorption at the band edge of the photovoltaic device to reduce both the sub-band-gap and over-band-gap energy losses. Here, we demonstrate an energy selective optical contacting concept to improve the luminescence transfer efficiency for spectrum management. By increasing both the luminescence emission and re-absorption ability through photonic resonance, an efficient photon transfer channel could be established between the luminescence emitter and the photovoltaic component in a near-field region. This concept is not only able to compensate the insufficient band edge absorption ability of the photovoltaic device, but also to break the far-field limitation of luminescence radiation. The energy selection on the optical spectrum naturally imposed by the mode resonance is also helpful to improve the monochromaticity of the luminescence yield. In this paper, a photonic crystal cavity is used to realize the optical contacting concept between a thin silicon film and spectrum converter. The optical power and photon flux transferred between different components are calculated analytically using the electromagnetic Green's function. The corresponding radiative dipole moment is estimated by the fluctuation-dissipation theorem. The example shows an over 80 times enhancement in the luminescence absorbance by the silicon layer, illustrating the great potential of this concept to be applied on nano-structured photovoltaic devices.

Quantitative analysis of optical and recombination losses in Cu(In,Ga)Se{sub 2} thin-film solar cells

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

Kosyachenko, L. A., E-mail: lakos@chv.ukrpack.net; Lytvynenko, V. Yu.; Maslyanchuk, O. L.

2016-04-15

Optical and recombination losses in a Cu(In,Ga)Se{sub 2} thin-film solar cell with a band gap of 1.36–1.38 eV are theoretically analyzed. The optical transmittance of the ZnO and CdS layers through which the radiation penetrates into the absorbing layer is determined. Using optical constants, the optical loss caused by reflection at the interfaces (7.5%) and absorption in the ZnO and CdS layers (10.2%) are found. To calculate the recombination loss, the spectral distribution of the quantum efficiency of CdS/CuIn{sub 1–x}Ga{sub x}Se{sub 2} is investigated. It is demonstrated that, taking the drift and diffusion components of recombination at the front andmore » rear surfaces of the absorber into account, the quantum efficiency spectra of the investigated solar cell can be analytically described in detail. The real parameters of the solar cell are determined by comparing the calculated results and experimental data. In addition, the losses caused by the recombination of photogenerated carriers at the front and rear surfaces of the absorbing layer (1.8% and <0.1%, respectively), at its neutral part (7.6%), and in the space-charge region of the p–n heterojunction (1.0%) are determined. A correction to the parameters of Cu(In,Ga)Se{sub 2} is proposed, which enhances the charge-accumulation efficiency.« less

The point explosion with radiation transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Zhiwei; Zhang, Lu; Kuang, Longyu; Jiang, Shaoen

2017-10-01

Some amount of energy is released instantaneously at the origin to generate simultaneously a spherical radiative heat wave and a spherical shock wave in the point explosion with radiation transport, which is a complicated problem due to the competition between these two waves. The point explosion problem possesses self-similar solutions when only hydrodynamic motion or only heat conduction is considered, which are Sedov solution and Barenblatt solution respectively. The point explosion problem wherein both physical mechanisms of hydrodynamic motion and heat conduction are included has been studied by P. Reinicke and A.I. Shestakov. In this talk we numerically investigate the point explosion problem wherein both physical mechanisms of hydrodynamic motion and radiation transport are taken into account. The radiation transport equation in one dimensional spherical geometry has to be solved for this problem since the ambient medium is optically thin with respect to the initially extremely high temperature at the origin. The numerical results reveal a high compression of medium and a bi-peak structure of density, which are further theoretically analyzed at the end.

INTEGRATED AND FIBER OPTICS: Unidirectional coupling of radiation out of a composite dielectric waveguide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Avrutskiĭ, I. A.; Sychugov, V. A.; Tishchenko, A. V.; Svakhin, A. S.

1989-02-01

An analysis is made of the emission of light from a composite system representing a thin film on the surface of a corrugated diffused waveguide. Expressions are obtained for the radiative light losses in this waveguide. There is no emission of light into the substrate for certain relationships between the amplitudes and phases of the corrugations at the interfaces between the film and the adjoining medium and between the film and the waveguide. Numerical estimates of the losses are obtained for a case of practical importance, which is a corrugated diffused waveguide in glass with a film of Nb2O5 on the surface. A report is given of an experiment in which a grating was formed for coupling radiation out of a composite Cs+-diffused waveguide coated by a film of Nb2O5, which was capable of preferential (80%) emission of radiation into air, and in the presence of an immersion liquid ensured practically unidirectional coupling out of radiation into air.

Photonic light-trapping versus Lambertian limits in thin film silicon solar cells with 1D and 2D periodic patterns.

PubMed

Bozzola, Angelo; Liscidini, Marco; Andreani, Lucio Claudio

2012-03-12

We theoretically investigate the light-trapping properties of one- and two-dimensional periodic patterns etched on the front surface of c-Si and a-Si thin film solar cells with a silver back reflector and an anti-reflection coating. For each active material and configuration, absorbance A and short-circuit current density Jsc are calculated by means of rigorous coupled wave analysis (RCWA), for different active materials thicknesses in the range of interest of thin film solar cells and in a wide range of geometrical parameters. The results are then compared with Lambertian limits to light-trapping for the case of zero absorption and for the general case of finite absorption in the active material. With a proper optimization, patterns can give substantial absorption enhancement, especially for 2D patterns and for thinner cells. The effects of the photonic patterns on light harvesting are investigated from the optical spectra of the optimized configurations. We focus on the main physical effects of patterning, namely a reduction of reflection losses (better impedance matching conditions), diffraction of light in air or inside the cell, and coupling of incident radiation into quasi-guided optical modes of the structure, which is characteristic of photonic light-trapping.

Optical constants of SrF 2 thin films in the 25-780-eV spectral range

DOE PAGES

Rodriguez-de Marcos, Luis; Larraguert, Juan I.; Aznarez, Jose A.; ...

2013-04-08

The transmittance and the optical constants of SrF 2 thin films, a candidate material for multilayer coatings operating in the extreme ultraviolet and soft x-rays, have been determined in the spectral range of 25–780 eV, in most of which no experimental data were previously available. SrF 2 films of various thicknesses were deposited by evaporation onto room-temperature, thin Al support films, and their transmittance was measured with synchrotron radiation. The transmittance as a function of film thickness was used to calculate the extinction coefficient k at each photon energy. A decrease in density with increasing SrF 2 film thickness wasmore » observed. In the calculation of k, this effect was circumvented by fitting the transmittance versus the product of thickness and density. The real part of the refractive index of SrF 2 films was calculated from k with Kramers-Krönig analysis, for which the measured spectral range was extended both to lower and to higher photon energies with data in the literature combined with interpolations and extrapolations. In conclusion, with the application of f- and inertial sum rules, the consistency of the compiled data was found to be excellent.« less

Optical characterizations of silver nanoprisms embedded in polymer thin film layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carlberg, Miriam; Pourcin, Florent; Margeat, Olivier; Le Rouzo, Judikael; Berginc, Gerard; Sauvage, Rose-Marie; Ackermann, Jorg; Escoubas, Ludovic

2017-10-01

The precise control of light-matter interaction has a wide range of applications and is currently driven by the use of nanoparticles (NPs) by the recent advances in nanotechnology. Taking advantage of the material, size, shape, and surrounding media dependence of the optical properties of plasmonic NPs, thin film layers with tunable optical properties are achieved. The NPs are synthesized by wet chemistry and embedded in a polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) polymer thin film layer. Spectrophotometer and spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements are coupled to finite-difference time domain numerical modeling to optically characterize the heterogeneous thin film layers. Silver nanoprisms of 10 to 50 nm edge size exhibit high absorption through the visible wavelength range. A simple optical model composed of a Cauchy law and a Lorentz law, accounting for the optical properties of the nonabsorbing polymer and the absorbing property of the nanoprisms, fits the spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements. Knowing the complex optical indices of heterogeneous thin film layers let us design layers of any optical properties.

Influences of the clearness index on UV solar radiation for two locations in the Tibetan Plateau-Lhasa and Haibei

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Bo; Wang, Yuesi; Liu, Guangren

2008-09-01

Ultraviolet (UV) solar radiation has a significant influence on human health, the environment and climate. A series of measurements, including UV radiation (290-400 nm) and global solar radiation ( R s), were continuously recorded from August 2004 at the Lhasa and Haibei sites on the Tibetan Plateau. Both observation sites’ altitudes are above 3000 m and have similar meteorological conditions. The data from 2005-2006 was used to identify the varying characteristics of UV radiation. It’s relation to the clearness index K s, the relative optical mass m r, and R s were established. The annual mean values of total daily UV radiation are 0.92 and 0.67 MJ m-2 at Lhasa and Haibei, respectively. The UV radiation in Lhasa represented 4.6% of the global solar radiation while in Haibei this percentage was 4.2%. In the case of clear days ( K s > 0.8), these percentages ranged between 4.0% and 4.5% in Lhasa and between 5.1% and 5.5% in Haibei. In the case of cloudy days ( K s < 0.4), these percentages ranged from 4.4% to 6.8% in Lhasa and from 5.1% to 5.5% in Haibei. The maximum values of UV radiation for each relative optical mass diminished exponentially with m r. Thus, for Lhasa and Haibei, UV=46.25 m {4/-1.29}, and UV=51.76 m {r/-1.42}, respectively. The results of this study can be used to obtain more UV radiation data for the study of UV climate characteristics, the effects of UV on ecological processes and the feedback of the thinning of the stratospheric ozone, from more routine measurements R s data.

Permanent laser conditioning of thin film optical materials

DOEpatents

Wolfe, C. Robert; Kozlowski, Mark R.; Campbell, John H.; Staggs, Michael; Rainer, Frank

1995-01-01

The invention comprises a method for producing optical thin films with a high laser damage threshold and the resulting thin films. The laser damage threshold of the thin films is permanently increased by irradiating the thin films with a fluence below an unconditioned laser damage threshold.

Electro-optic studies of novel organic materials and devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Jianjun

1997-11-01

Specific single crystal organic materials have high potential for use in high speed optical signal processing and various other electro-optic applications. In this project some of the most important organic crystal materials were studied regarding their detailed electro- optic properties and potential device applications. In particular, the electro-optic properties of N-(4- Nitrophenyl)-L-Prolinol (NPP) and 4'-N,N- dimethylamino-4-methylstilbazolium tosylate (DAST) both of which have extremely large second order susceptibilites were studied. The orientation of the thin film crystal with respect to the substrate surface was determined using-X-ray diffraction. The principal axes of the single crystal thin film were determined by polarization transmission microscopy. The elements of the electro-optic coefficient tensor were measured by field induced birefringence measurements. Detailed measurements for NPP thin films with different orientations of the external electric field with respect to the charge transfer axis were carried out at a wavelength of 1064nm. The wavelength dependence of the electro-optic effect for DAST single crystal thin films was measured using a Ti:Sapphire laser. Several device geometries involving organic single crystal thin film materials were studied. A new method for the fabrication of channel waveguides for organic materials was initiated. Channel waveguides for NPP and ABP were obtained using this methods. Optical modulation due to the electro-optic effect based on the organic channel waveguide for NPP single crystal was demonstrated. The electro-optic modulation using NPP single crystals thin film in a Fabry-Perot cavity was measured. A device using a optical fiber half coupler and organic electro-optic thin film material was constructed, and it has potential applications in optical signal processing.

Calculated emission rates for barium releases in space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stenbaek-Nielsen, H. C.

1989-01-01

The optical emissions from barium releases in space are caused by resonance and fluorescent scattering of sunlight. Emission rates for the dominant ion and neutral lines are calculated assuming the release to be optically thin and the barium to be in radiative equilibrium with the solar radiation. The solar spectrum has deep Fraunhofer absorption lines at the primary barium ion resonances. A velocity component toward or away from the sun will Doppler shift the emission lines relative to the absorption lines and the emission rates will increase many-fold over the rest value. The Doppler brightening is important in shaped charge or satellite releases where the barium is injected at high velocities. Emission rates as a function of velocity are calculated for the 4554, 4934, 5854, 6142 and 6497 A ion emission lines and the dominant neutral line at 5535 A. Results are presented for injection parallel to the ambient magnetic field, B, and for injection at an angle to B.

Simulations of a Molecular Cloud experiment using CRASH

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trantham, Matthew; Keiter, Paul; Vandervort, Robert; Drake, R. Paul; Shvarts, Dov

2017-10-01

Recent laboratory experiments explore molecular cloud radiation hydrodynamics. The experiment irradiates a gold foil with a laser producing x-rays to drive the implosion or explosion of a foam ball. The CRASH code, an Eulerian code with block-adaptive mesh refinement, multigroup diffusive radiation transport, and electron heat conduction developed at the University of Michigan to design and analyze high-energy-density experiments, is used to perform a parameter search in order to identify optically thick, optically thin and transition regimes suitable for these experiments. Specific design issues addressed by the simulations are the x-ray drive temperature, foam density, distance from the x-ray source to the ball, as well as other complicating issues such as the positioning of the stalk holding the foam ball. We present the results of this study and show ways the simulations helped improve the quality of the experiment. This work is funded by the LLNL under subcontract B614207 and NNSA-DS and SC-OFES Joint Program in High-Energy-Density Laboratory Plasmas, Grant Number DE-NA0002956.

Radiative amplification of sound waves in the winds of O and B stars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Macgregor, K. B.; Hartmann, L.; Raymond, J. C.

1979-01-01

The velocity perturbation associated with an outwardly propagating sound wave in a radiation-driven stellar wind gives rise to a periodic Doppler shifting of absorption lines formed in the flow. A linearized theory applicable to optically thin waves is used to show that the resulting fluctuation in the absorption-line force can cause the wave amplitude to grow. Detailed calculations of the acceleration due to a large number of lines indicate that significant amplification can occur throughout the high-velocity portion of winds in which the dominant force-producing lines have appreciable optical depths. In the particular case of the wind of Zeta Pup (O4f), it is found that the e-folding distance for wave growth is considerably shorter than the scale lengths over which the physical properties of the flow vary. A qualitative estimate of the rate at which mechanical energy due to nonlinear waves can be dissipated suggests that this mechanism may be important in heating the supersonic portion of winds of early-type stars.

High-temperature sensor instrumentation with a thin-film-based sapphire fiber.

PubMed

Guo, Yuqing; Xia, Wei; Hu, Zhangzhong; Wang, Ming

2017-03-10

A novel sapphire fiber-optic high-temperature sensor has been designed and fabricated based on blackbody radiation theory. Metallic molybdenum has been used as the film material to develop the blackbody cavity, owing to its relatively high melting point compared to that of sapphire. More importantly, the fabrication process for the blackbody cavity is simple, efficient, and economical. Thermal radiation emitted from such a blackbody cavity is transmitted via optical fiber to a remote place for detection. The operating principle, the sensor structure, and the fabrication process are described here in detail. The developed high-temperature sensor was calibrated through a calibration blackbody furnace at temperatures from 900°C to 1200°C and tested by a sapphire crystal growth furnace up to 1880°C. The experimental results of our system agree well with those from a commercial Rayteck MR1SCCF infrared pyrometer, and the maximum residual is approximately 5°C, paving the way for high-accuracy temperature measurement especially for extremely harsh environments.

Mathematical Modelling of Laser/Material Interactions.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-11-25

check the relationship between the raw and focussed beams. REFERENCES 1. DULEY,W.W. CO Lasers effects and applications Academic press 1976 2. READY,J.F...Effects of high power laser radiation Academic press 1971 3. KOGELNIK.H.& LI,T. Proc IEEE 54 1312 1966 4. BORN,M.& WOLF,E. Principles of optics...zone at toe Mi Partial temport. ,- : dist , Ielting -point of the substrate to facilitate transverse nec.t a’ X a fusion bond. Thin in obtained if ’g

Hidden symmetries in plasmonic gratings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huidobro, P. A.; Chang, Y. H.; Kraft, M.; Pendry, J. B.

2017-04-01

Plasmonic gratings constitute a paradigmatic instance of the wide range of applications enabled by plasmonics. While subwavelength metal gratings find applications in optical biosensing and photovoltaics, atomically thin gratings achieved by periodically doping a graphene monolayer perform as metasurfaces for the control of terahertz radiation. In this paper we show how these two instances of plasmonic gratings inherit their spectral properties from an underlying slab with translational symmetry. We develop an analytical formalism to accurately derive the mode spectrum of the gratings that provides a great physical insight.

Formation of nanoparticles from thin silver films irradiated by laser pulses in air

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nastulyavichus, A. A.; Smirnov, N. A.; Kudryashov, S. I.; Ionin, A. A.; Saraeva, I. N.; Busleev, N. I.; Rudenko, A. A.; Khmel'nitskii, R. A.; Zayarnyi, D. A.

2018-03-01

Some specific features of the transport of silver nanoparticles onto a SiO2 substrate under focused nanosecond IR laser pulses is experimentally investigated. A possibility of obtaining silver coatings is demonstrated. The formation of silver nanostructures as a result of pulsed laser ablation in air is studied. Nanoparticles are formed by exposing a silver film to radiation of an HTF MARK (Bulat) laser marker (λ = 1064 nm). The thus prepared nanoparticles are analysed using scanning electron microscopy and optical spectroscopy.

Gaseous Electronics Conference (35th) Held at Dallas, Texas, 19-22 October 1982.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-12-31

Hz LTE arcs con- taining mrury and metal halide additives such as Nal and Sc13 . , Using a well defined cylindrical arc vessel and a known mercury ...termination of the high pressure mercury arc will be presented. 1 F.E. Irons, J.Quant.Spect.Radiat.Transfer 22,1,(1979). 41IBLANK I- CA-3 Time Dependent...High pressure mercury lamps were. operated on a perioically pulsed supply voltage. From optically thin mercury line emission the variation of the axial

Therapeutic Applications Of Argon Laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brunetaud, J. M.; Mosquet, L.; Mordon, S.; Rotteleur, G.

1984-03-01

Argon laser has a C.W. emission and emits several lines between 487 and 544 nm. This radiation is well absorbed by living tissue and especially where there are red pigments (hemoglobin, myoglobin) or black pigments (melanine). Therapeutic applications mainly use thermal effects. By varying the parameters, (optic power, size of exposed area, exposure time) ; one can obtain a coagulation (maximal tissular temperature 60° - 80°) or a vaporization (temperature over 100°). Section occures when the vaporized area is very thin (below 0.5 mm).

Adsorption calorimetry during metal vapor deposition on single crystal surfaces: Increased flux, reduced optical radiation, and real-time flux and reflectivity measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sellers, Jason R. V.; James, Trevor E.; Hemmingson, Stephanie L.; Farmer, Jason A.; Campbell, Charles T.

2013-12-01

Thin films of metals and other materials are often grown by physical vapor deposition. To understand such processes, it is desirable to measure the adsorption energy of the deposited species as the film grows, especially when grown on single crystal substrates where the structure of the adsorbed species, evolving interface, and thin film are more homogeneous and well-defined in structure. Our group previously described in this journal an adsorption calorimeter capable of such measurements on single-crystal surfaces under the clean conditions of ultrahigh vacuum [J. T. Stuckless, N. A. Frei, and C. T. Campbell, Rev. Sci. Instrum. 69, 2427 (1998)]. Here we describe several improvements to that original design that allow for heat measurements with ˜18-fold smaller standard deviation, greater absolute accuracy in energy calibration, and, most importantly, measurements of the adsorption of lower vapor-pressure materials which would have previously been impossible. These improvements are accomplished by: (1) using an electron beam evaporator instead of a Knudsen cell to generate the metal vapor at the source of the pulsed atomic beam, (2) changing the atomic beam design to decrease the relative amount of optical radiation that accompanies evaporation, (3) adding an off-axis quartz crystal microbalance for real-time measurement of the flux of the atomic beam during calorimetry experiments, and (4) adding capabilities for in situ relative diffuse optical reflectivity determinations (necessary for heat signal calibration). These improvements are not limited to adsorption calorimetry during metal deposition, but also could be applied to better study film growth of other elements and even molecular adsorbates.

Adsorption calorimetry during metal vapor deposition on single crystal surfaces: increased flux, reduced optical radiation, and real-time flux and reflectivity measurements.

PubMed

Sellers, Jason R V; James, Trevor E; Hemmingson, Stephanie L; Farmer, Jason A; Campbell, Charles T

2013-12-01

Thin films of metals and other materials are often grown by physical vapor deposition. To understand such processes, it is desirable to measure the adsorption energy of the deposited species as the film grows, especially when grown on single crystal substrates where the structure of the adsorbed species, evolving interface, and thin film are more homogeneous and well-defined in structure. Our group previously described in this journal an adsorption calorimeter capable of such measurements on single-crystal surfaces under the clean conditions of ultrahigh vacuum [J. T. Stuckless, N. A. Frei, and C. T. Campbell, Rev. Sci. Instrum. 69, 2427 (1998)]. Here we describe several improvements to that original design that allow for heat measurements with ~18-fold smaller standard deviation, greater absolute accuracy in energy calibration, and, most importantly, measurements of the adsorption of lower vapor-pressure materials which would have previously been impossible. These improvements are accomplished by: (1) using an electron beam evaporator instead of a Knudsen cell to generate the metal vapor at the source of the pulsed atomic beam, (2) changing the atomic beam design to decrease the relative amount of optical radiation that accompanies evaporation, (3) adding an off-axis quartz crystal microbalance for real-time measurement of the flux of the atomic beam during calorimetry experiments, and (4) adding capabilities for in situ relative diffuse optical reflectivity determinations (necessary for heat signal calibration). These improvements are not limited to adsorption calorimetry during metal deposition, but also could be applied to better study film growth of other elements and even molecular adsorbates.

Permanent laser conditioning of thin film optical materials

DOEpatents

Wolfe, C.R.; Kozlowski, M.R.; Campbell, J.H.; Staggs, M.; Rainer, F.

1995-12-05

The invention comprises a method for producing optical thin films with a high laser damage threshold and the resulting thin films. The laser damage threshold of the thin films is permanently increased by irradiating the thin films with a fluence below an unconditioned laser damage threshold. 9 figs.

MULTI2D - a computer code for two-dimensional radiation hydrodynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramis, R.; Meyer-ter-Vehn, J.; Ramírez, J.

2009-06-01

Simulation of radiation hydrodynamics in two spatial dimensions is developed, having in mind, in particular, target design for indirectly driven inertial confinement energy (IFE) and the interpretation of related experiments. Intense radiation pulses by laser or particle beams heat high-Z target configurations of different geometries and lead to a regime which is optically thick in some regions and optically thin in others. A diffusion description is inadequate in this situation. A new numerical code has been developed which describes hydrodynamics in two spatial dimensions (cylindrical R-Z geometry) and radiation transport along rays in three dimensions with the 4 π solid angle discretized in direction. Matter moves on a non-structured mesh composed of trilateral and quadrilateral elements. Radiation flux of a given direction enters on two (one) sides of a triangle and leaves on the opposite side(s) in proportion to the viewing angles depending on the geometry. This scheme allows to propagate sharply edged beams without ray tracing, though at the price of some lateral diffusion. The algorithm treats correctly both the optically thin and optically thick regimes. A symmetric semi-implicit (SSI) method is used to guarantee numerical stability. Program summaryProgram title: MULTI2D Catalogue identifier: AECV_v1_0 Program summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/AECV_v1_0.html Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University, Belfast, N. Ireland Licensing provisions: Standard CPC licence, http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/licence/licence.html No. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 151 098 No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 889 622 Distribution format: tar.gz Programming language: C Computer: PC (32 bits architecture) Operating system: Linux/Unix RAM: 2 Mbytes Word size: 32 bits Classification: 19.7 External routines: X-window standard library (libX11.so) and corresponding heading files (X11/*.h) are required. Nature of problem: In inertial confinement fusion and related experiments with lasers and particle beams, energy transport by thermal radiation becomes important. Under these conditions, the radiation field strongly interacts with the hydrodynamic motion through emission and absorption processes. Solution method: The equations of radiation transfer coupled with Lagrangian hydrodynamics, heat diffusion and beam tracing (laser or ions) are solved, in two-dimensional axial-symmetric geometry ( R-Z coordinates) using a fractional step scheme. Radiation transfer is solved with angular resolution. Matter properties are either interpolated from tables (equations-of-state and opacities) or computed by user routines (conductivities and beam attenuation). Restrictions: The code has been designed for typical conditions prevailing in inertial confinement fusion (ns time scale, matter states close to local thermodynamical equilibrium, negligible radiation pressure, …). Although a wider range of situations can be treated, extrapolations to regions beyond this design range need special care. Unusual features: A special computer language, called r94, is used at top levels of the code. These parts have to be converted to standard C by a translation program (supplied as part of the package). Due to the complexity of code (hydro-code, grid generation, user interface, graphic post-processor, translator program, installation scripts) extensive manuals are supplied as part of the package. Running time: 567 seconds for the example supplied.

High Vertically Resolved Atmospheric and Surface/Cloud Parameters Retrieved with Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhou, Daniel K.; Liu, Xu; Larar, Allen M.; Smith, WIlliam L.; Taylor, Jonathan P.; Schluessel, Peter; Strow, L. Larrabee; Mango, Stephen A.

2008-01-01

The Joint Airborne IASI Validation Experiment (JAIVEx) was conducted during April 2007 mainly for validation of the IASI on the MetOp satellite. IASI possesses an ultra-spectral resolution of 0.25/cm and a spectral coverage from 645 to 2760/cm. Ultra-spectral resolution infrared spectral radiance obtained from near nadir observations provide atmospheric, surface, and cloud property information. An advanced retrieval algorithm with a fast radiative transfer model, including cloud effects, is used for atmospheric profile and cloud parameter retrieval. This physical inversion scheme has been developed, dealing with cloudy as well as cloud-free radiance observed with ultraspectral infrared sounders, to simultaneously retrieve surface, atmospheric thermodynamic, and cloud microphysical parameters. A fast radiative transfer model, which applies to the cloud-free and/or clouded atmosphere, is used for atmospheric profile and cloud parameter retrieval. A one-dimensional (1-d) variational multi-variable inversion solution is used to improve an iterative background state defined by an eigenvector-regression-retrieval. The solution is iterated in order to account for non-linearity in the 1-d variational solution. It is shown that relatively accurate temperature and moisture retrievals are achieved below optically thin clouds. For optically thick clouds, accurate temperature and moisture profiles down to cloud top level are obtained. For both optically thin and thick cloud situations, the cloud top height can be retrieved with relatively high accuracy (i.e., error < 1 km). Preliminary retrievals of atmospheric soundings, surface properties, and cloud optical/microphysical properties with the IASI observations are obtained and presented. These retrievals will be further inter-compared with those obtained from airborne FTS system, such as the NPOESS Airborne Sounder Testbed - Interferometer (NAST-I), dedicated dropsondes, radiosondes, and ground based Raman Lidar. The capabilities of satellite ultra-spectral sounder such as the IASI are investigated indicating a high vertical structure of atmosphere is retrieved.

Excitation of hybridized Dirac plasmon polaritons and transition radiation in multi-layer graphene traversed by a fast charged particle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akbari, Kamran; Mišković, Zoran L.; Segui, Silvina; Gervasoni, Juana L.; Arista, Néstor R.

2018-06-01

We analyze the energy loss channels for a fast charged particle traversing a multi-layer graphene (MLG) structure with N layers under normal incidence. Focusing on a terahertz (THz) range of frequencies, and assuming equally doped graphene layers with a large enough separation d between them to neglect interlayer electron hopping, we use the Drude model for two-dimensional conductivity of each layer to describe hybridization of graphene’s Dirac plasmon polaritons (DPPs). Performing a layer decomposition of ohmic energy losses, which include excitation of hybridized DPPs (HDPPs), we have found for N = 3 that the middle HDPP eigenfrequency is not excited in the middle layer due to symmetry constraint, whereas the excitation of the lowest HDPP eigenfrequency produces a Fano resonance in the graphene layer that is first traversed by the charged particle. While the angular distribution of transition radiation emitted in the far field region also shows asymmetry with respect to the traversal order by the incident charged particle at supra-THz frequencies, the integrated radiative energy loss is surprisingly independent of both d and N for N ≤ 5, which is explained by a dominant role of the outer graphene layers in transition radiation. We have further found that the integrated ohmic energy loss in optically thin MLG scales as ∝1/N at sub-THz frequencies, which is explained by exposing the role of dissipative processes in graphene at low frequencies. Finally, prominent peaks are observed at supra-THz frequencies in the integrated ohmic energy loss for MLG structures that are not optically thin. The magnitude of those peaks is found to scale with N for N ≥ 2, while their shape and position replicate the peak in a double-layer graphene (N = 2), which is explained by arguing that plasmon hybridization in such MLG structures is dominated by electromagnetic interaction between the nearest-neighbor graphene layers.

Excitation of hybridized Dirac plasmon polaritons and transition radiation in multi-layer graphene traversed by a fast charged particle.

PubMed

Akbari, Kamran; Mišković, Zoran L; Segui, Silvina; Gervasoni, Juana L; Arista, Néstor R

2018-06-01

We analyze the energy loss channels for a fast charged particle traversing a multi-layer graphene (MLG) structure with N layers under normal incidence. Focusing on a terahertz (THz) range of frequencies, and assuming equally doped graphene layers with a large enough separation d between them to neglect interlayer electron hopping, we use the Drude model for two-dimensional conductivity of each layer to describe hybridization of graphene's Dirac plasmon polaritons (DPPs). Performing a layer decomposition of ohmic energy losses, which include excitation of hybridized DPPs (HDPPs), we have found for N = 3 that the middle HDPP eigenfrequency is not excited in the middle layer due to symmetry constraint, whereas the excitation of the lowest HDPP eigenfrequency produces a Fano resonance in the graphene layer that is first traversed by the charged particle. While the angular distribution of transition radiation emitted in the far field region also shows asymmetry with respect to the traversal order by the incident charged particle at supra-THz frequencies, the integrated radiative energy loss is surprisingly independent of both d and N for N ≤ 5, which is explained by a dominant role of the outer graphene layers in transition radiation. We have further found that the integrated ohmic energy loss in optically thin MLG scales as ∝1/N at sub-THz frequencies, which is explained by exposing the role of dissipative processes in graphene at low frequencies. Finally, prominent peaks are observed at supra-THz frequencies in the integrated ohmic energy loss for MLG structures that are not optically thin. The magnitude of those peaks is found to scale with N for N ≥ 2, while their shape and position replicate the peak in a double-layer graphene (N = 2), which is explained by arguing that plasmon hybridization in such MLG structures is dominated by electromagnetic interaction between the nearest-neighbor graphene layers.

Two-dimensional models for the optical response of thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yilei; Heinz, Tony F.

2018-04-01

In this work, we present a systematic study of 2D optical models for the response of thin layers of material under excitation by normally incident light. The treatment, within the framework of classical optics, analyzes a thin film supported by a semi-infinite substrate, with both the thin layer and the substrate assumed to exhibit local, isotropic linear response. Starting from the conventional three-dimensional (3D) slab model of the system, we derive a two-dimensional (2D) sheet model for the thin film in which the optical response is described by a sheet optical conductivity. We develop criteria for the applicability of this 2D sheet model for a layer with an optical thickness far smaller than the wavelength of the light. We examine in detail atomically thin semi-metallic and semiconductor van-der-Waals layers and ultrathin metal films as representative examples. Excellent agreement of the 2D sheet model with the 3D slab model is demonstrated over a broad spectral range from the radio frequency limit to the near ultraviolet. A linearized version of system response for the 2D model is also presented for the case where the influence of the optically thin layer is sufficiently weak. Analytical expressions for the applicability and accuracy of the different optical models are derived, and the appropriateness of the linearized treatment for the materials is considered. We discuss the advantages, as well as limitations, of these models for the purpose of deducing the optical response function of the thin layer from experiment. We generalize the theory to take into account in-plane anisotropy, layered thin film structures, and more general substrates. Implications of the 2D model for the transmission of light by the thin film and for the implementation of half- and totally absorbing layers are discussed.

Transformation and birth processes of the transient luminous phenomena's in the low atmosphere of the Hessdalen valley, Norway.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gitle Hauge, Bjørn; Strand, Erling

2013-04-01

Transient louminous phenomenas has been observed in and over the Hessdalen valley for over 100 years. These phenomena's has been nicknamed "Hessdalen phenomenas", HP, and has been under permanent scientific investigation since 1998, when Norwegian, Italian and later French researchers installed different types of monitoring equipment in the valley. The earth's magnetic field, electromagnetic radiation in different bands, radioactive radiation, electrical resistance in the ground, ultrasound, and seismic activity are some of the signals/parameters that has been monitored. The valley has also been surveillanced by radar, optical spectrometers and automatic video recording devices. So far no electromagnetic radiation, except in the optical band, has been detected that can be coupled to the HP. The phenomenon is characterized by its horizontal movement, intense optical radiation when a transformation process occurs, different colours where white/yellow dominates, no sound, high speed, unpredictable flight patterns, seen by radar while optical invisible and often observed with continuous optical spectrum. The phenomena have been seen touching ground, without leaving burning marks and flying in higher altitudes over the valley apparently ignoring wind/weather conditions. The Hessdalen valley is located in the middle of Norway and is famous for its mines with iron, zinc and copper ore. Big deposits of ore still reside inside the valley, and the mountains are penetrated by several mineshafts, some has depth down to 1000m. No exact birthplace has been located and the phenomenon seems to emerge "out of thin air" anywhere in the valley. Any activity coupled to mineshafts has not been observed. In September 2006 a birth and transformation process was observed and several optical spectrums was obtained. The phenomena appear as a big white light possibly not more than some hundred meters above the ground in a desolated area. The phenomenon starts a transformation process dividing itself into two light balls where the light-intensity increases and showing a continuous optical spectrum. Later on the light intensity decreases and the continuous optical spectrum is broken up and emission lines appearing, as if the phenomenon goes from a plasma to a gas state. The process ends up when two round light balls are formed, with low optical intensity and red colour, showing sign of a thermal process loosing energy. This observation is to be documented and analyzed.

Improvements to a High Spectral Resolution, Radiation-Hydrodynamics Model of a Lightning Return Stroke and Comparisons with Measured Spectra and Inferred Plasma Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Edwards, J. D.; Dreike, P.; Smith, M. W.; Clemenson, M. D.; Zollweg, J. D.

2015-12-01

We describe developments to a 1-D cylindrical, radiation-hydrodynamics model of a lightning return stroke that simulates lighting spectra with 1 Angstrom resolution in photon wavelength. In previous calculations we assumed standard density air in the return stroke channel and the resulting optical spectrum was that of an optically thick emitter, unlike measured spectra that are optically thin. In this work, we improve our model by initializing our simulation assuming that the leader-heated channel is pre-expanded to a density of 0.01-0.05 ambient and near pressure equilibrium with the surrounding ambient air and by implementing a time-dependent, external heat source to incorporate the effects of continuing current. By doing so, our simulated spectra, illustrated in the attached figure, show strong spectral emission characteristics at wavelengths similar to spectra measured by Orville (1968). In this poster, we describe our model and compare our simulated results with spectra measured by Orville (1968) and Smith (2015). We also use spectroscopic methods to compute physical properties of the plasma channel, e.g. temperature, from Smith's measurements and compare these with our simulated results.

Broadly tunable thin-film intereference coatings: active thin films for telecom applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Domash, Lawrence H.; Ma, Eugene Y.; Lourie, Mark T.; Sharfin, Wayne F.; Wagner, Matthias

2003-06-01

Thin film interference coatings (TFIC) are the most widely used optical technology for telecom filtering, but until recently no tunable versions have been known except for mechanically rotated filters. We describe a new approach to broadly tunable TFIC components based on the thermo-optic properties of semiconductor thin films with large thermo-optic coefficients 3.6X10[-4]/K. The technology is based on amorphous silicon thin films deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), a process adapted for telecom applications from its origins in the flat-panel display and solar cell industries. Unlike MEMS devices, tunable TFIC can be designed as sophisticated multi-cavity, multi-layer optical designs. Applications include flat-top passband filters for add-drop multiplexing, tunable dispersion compensators, tunable gain equalizers and variable optical attenuators. Extremely compact tunable devices may be integrated into modules such as optical channel monitors, tunable lasers, gain-equalized amplifiers, and tunable detectors.

The Multi-Dimensional Structure of Radiative Shocks: Suppressed Thermal X-rays and Relativistic Ion Acceleration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steinberg, Elad; Metzger, Brian D.

2018-06-01

Radiative shocks, behind which gas cools faster than the dynamical time, play a key role in many astrophysical transients, including classical novae and young supernovae interacting with circumstellar material. The dense layer behind high Mach number M ≫ 1 radiative shocks is susceptible to thin-shell instabilities, creating a "corrugated" shock interface. We present two and three-dimensional hydrodynamical simulations of optically-thin radiative shocks to study their thermal radiation and acceleration of non-thermal relativistic ions. We employ a moving-mesh code and a specialized numerical technique to eliminate artificial heat conduction across grid cells. The fraction of the shock's luminosity Ltot radiated at X-ray temperatures kT_sh ≈ (3/16)μ m_p v_sh2 expected from a one-dimensional analysis is suppressed by a factor L(>T_sh/3)/L_tot ≈ 4.5/M^{4/3} for M ≈ 4-36. This suppression results in part from weak shocks driven into under-pressured cold filaments by hot shocked gas, which sap thermal energy from the latter faster than it is radiated. Combining particle-in-cell simulation results for diffusive shock acceleration with the inclination angle distribution across the shock (relative to an upstream magnetic field in the shock plane-the expected geometry for transient outflows), we predict the efficiency and energy spectrum of ion acceleration. Though negligible acceleration is predicted for adiabatic shocks, the corrugated shock front enables local regions to satisfy the quasi-parallel magnetic field geometry required for efficient acceleration, resulting in an average acceleration efficiency of ɛnth ˜ 0.005 - 0.02 for M ≈ 12-36, in agreement with modeling of the gamma-ray nova ASASSN-16ma.

Optical figuring specifications for thin shells to be used in adaptive telescope mirrors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riccardi, A.

2006-06-01

The present work describes the guidelines to define the optical figuring specifications for optical manufacturing of thin shells in terms of figuring error power spectrum (and related rms vs scale distributon) to be used in adaptive optics correctors with force actuators like Deformable Secondary Mirrors (DSM). In particular the numerical example for a thin shell for a VLT DSM is considered.

Novel photon management for thin-film photovoltaics

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

Menon, Rajesh

2016-11-11

The objective of this project is to enable commercially viable thin-film photovoltaics whose efficiencies are increased by over 10% using a novel optical spectral-separation technique. A thin planar diffractive optic is proposed that efficiently separates the solar spectrum and assigns these bands to optimal thin-film sub-cells. An integrated device that is comprised of the optical element, an array of sub-cells and associated packaging is proposed.

Temperature Dependent Resistivity and Hall Effect in Proton Irradiated CdS Thin Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guster, B.; Ghenescu, V.; Ion, L.; Radu, A.; Porumb, O.; Antohe, S.

2011-10-01

Cadmium sulphide finds extensive applications in a variety of optoelectronic devices. In particular, CdS thin films are suitable for use as windows in heterojunction solar cells that employ CdTe, Cu2S or CuInSe2 as an absorber. Such thin film based solar cells are well suited for use in space technology. For that specific application, it is important to know how ionizing radiations alter their performance. We have investigated the effects of irradiation with high energy protons (3 MeV), at 1014 fluency, on electrical properties of polycrystalline CdS thin layers. The samples were prepared by thermal vacuum deposition from single source onto optical glass substrate. Temperature dependent electrical resistivity and Hall effect, before and after irradiation, were recorded from 300 K down to 4 K. The experimental results can be explained in the frame of a two-band model. Above 100 K electrical properties are controlled by a defect level of donor type, with an ionization energy of about 0.060 eV. The possible origin of this defect is discussed.

A simple solution to the problem of effective utilisation of the target material for pulsed laser deposition of thin films

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

Kuzanyan, A S; Kuzanyan, A A; Petrosyan, V A

The factors determining the efficiency of the target material utilisation for pulsed laser deposition of films are considered. The target volume is calculated, which is evaporated in the ablation process by the focused laser radiation having a rectangular form. The new device is suggested and developed for obtaining thin films by the method of laser deposition, which is specific in the employment of a simple optical system mounted outside a deposition chamber that comprises two lenses and the diaphragm and focuses the laser beam onto a target in the form of a sector-like spot. Thin films of CuO and YBaCuOmore » were deposited with this device. Several deposition cycles revealed that the target material is consumed uniformly from the entire surface of the target. A maximal spread of the target thickness was not greater than ±2% both prior to deposition and after it. The device designed provides a high coefficient of the target material utilisation efficiency. (laser deposition of thin films)« less

Thin noble metal films on Si (111) investigated by optical second-harmonic generation and photoemission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pedersen, K.; Kristensen, T. B.; Pedersen, T. G.; Morgen, P.; Li, Z.; Hoffmann, S. V.

2002-05-01

Thin noble metal films (Ag, Au and Cu) on Si (111) have been investigated by optical second-harmonic generation (SHG) in combination with synchrotron radiation photoemission spectroscopy. The valence band spectra of Ag films show a quantization of the sp-band in the 4-eV energy range from the Fermi level down to the onset of the d-bands. For Cu and Au the corresponding energy range is much narrower and quantization effects are less visible. Quantization effects in SHG are observed as oscillations in the signal as a function of film thickness. The oscillations are strongest for Ag and less pronounced for Cu, in agreement with valence band photoemission spectra. In the case of Au, a reacted layer floating on top of the Au film masks the observation of quantum well levels by photoemission. However, SHG shows a well-developed quantization of levels in the Au film below the reacted layer. For Ag films, the relation between film thickness and photon energy of the SHG resonances indicates different types of resonances, some of which involve both quantum well and substrate states.

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

Nave, S.E.

Recent advances in fiber optics, diode lasers, CCD detectors, dielectric and holographic optical filters, grating spectrometers, and chemometric data analysis have greatly simplified Raman spectroscopy. In order to make a rugged fiber optic Raman probe for solids/slurries like these at Savannah River, we have designed a probe that eliminates as many optical elements and surfaces as possible. The diffuse reflectance probe tip is modified for Raman scattering by installing thin dielectric in-line filters. Effects of each filter are shown for the NaNO{sub 3} Raman spectrum. By using a diode laser excitation at 780 nm, fluorescence is greatly reduced, and excellentmore » spectra may be obtained from organic solids. At SRS, fiber optic Raman probes are being developed for in situ chemical mapping of radioactive waste storage tanks. Radiation darkening of silica fiber optics is negligible beyond 700 nm. Corrosion resistance is being evaluated. Analysis of process gas (off-gas from SRS processes) is investigated in some detail: hydrogen in nitrogen with NO{sub 2} interference. Other applications and the advantages of the method are pointed out briefly.« less

In Situ Biodosimetric Experiment for Space Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goldschmidt, Gergely; Kovaliczky, Éva; Szabó, József; Rontó, Györgyi; Bérces, Attila

2012-06-01

This paper presents the principles and application of DNA based biological UV dosimeters, as developed by Research Group for Biophysics (RGB). These dosimeters are used for assessing the biological hazard of living systems on the Earth's surface and in different waters (rivers, lakes, seas, etc.). The UV dosimetry system has also been used in the space. In dosimeters a bacterial virus, bacteriophage T7 and polycrystalline uracil thin layers have been used as biological detectors. On the Earth's surface the UV radiation induces dimer formation in phage T7 and in the uracil detector, which was evaluated by loss of viability of the phage particles and by the decrease of the characteristic optical density (OD) of uracil thin layers. Recently the development of human space activities has also increased the need to measure the biological effect of extraterrestrial solar radiation, too. The evaluation of the space samples occurred on ground, thus only the starting and the final state were taken into account. A new improved, automated method is presented below which makes data collection more efficient and also makes the dynamics of the process observable.

Powerful radiative jets in supercritical accretion discs around non-spinning black holes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sądowski, Aleksander; Narayan, Ramesh

2015-11-01

We describe a set of simulations of supercritical accretion on to a non-rotating supermassive black hole (BH). The accretion flow takes the form of a geometrically thick disc with twin low-density funnels around the rotation axis. For accretion rates {gtrsim } 10 dot{M}_Edd, there is sufficient gas in the funnel to make this region optically thick. Radiation from the disc first flows into the funnel, after which it accelerates the optically thick funnel gas along the axis. The resulting jet is baryon loaded and has a terminal density-weighted velocity ≈0.3c. Much of the radiative luminosity is converted into kinetic energy by the time the escaping gas becomes optically thin. These jets are not powered by BHrotation or magnetic driving, but purely by radiation. Their characteristic beaming angle is ˜0.2 rad. For an observer viewing down the axis, the isotropic equivalent luminosity of total energy is as much as 1048 erg s- 1 for a 107 M⊙ BH accreting at 103 Eddington. Therefore, energetically, the simulated jets are consistent with observations of the most powerful tidal disruption events, e.g. Swift J1644. The jet velocity is, however, too low to match the Lorentz factor γ > 2 inferred in J1644. There is no such conflict in the case of other tidal disruption events. Since favourably oriented observers see isotropic equivalent luminosities that are highly super-Eddington, the simulated models can explain observations of ultraluminous X-ray sources, at least in terms of luminosity and energetics, without requiring intermediate-mass BHs.

Radiation-Spray Coupling for Realistic Flow Configurations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

El-Asrag, Hossam; Iannetti, Anthony C.

2011-01-01

Three Large Eddy Simulations (LES) for a lean-direct injection (LDI) combustor are performed and compared. In addition to the cold flow simulation, the effect of radiation coupling with the multi-physics reactive flow is analyzed. The flame let progress variable approach is used as a subgrid combustion model combined with a stochastic subgrid model for spray atomization and an optically thin radiation model. For accurate chemistry modeling, a detailed Jet-A surrogate mechanism is utilized. To achieve realistic inflow, a simple recycling technique is performed at the inflow section upstream of the swirler. Good comparison is shown with the experimental data mean and root mean square profiles. The effect of combustion is found to change the shape and size of the central recirculation zone. Radiation is found to change the spray dynamics and atomization by changing the heat release distribution and the local temperature values impacting the evaporation process. The simulation with radiation modeling shows wider range of droplet size distribution by altering the evaporation rate. The current study proves the importance of radiation modeling for accurate prediction in realistic spray combustion configurations, even for low pressure systems.

Spectroscopic ellipsometry investigation of the optical properties of graphene oxide dip-coated on magnetron sputtered gold thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Politano, Grazia Giuseppina; Vena, Carlo; Desiderio, Giovanni; Versace, Carlo

2018-02-01

Despite intensive investigations on graphene oxide-gold nanocomposites, the interaction of graphene oxide sheets with magnetron sputtered gold thin films has not been studied yet. The optical constants of graphene oxide thin films dip-coated on magnetron sputtered gold thin films were determined by spectroscopic ellipsometry in the [300-1000] wavelength range. Moreover, the morphologic properties of the samples were investigated by SEM analysis. Graphene oxide absorbs mainly in the ultraviolet region, but when it is dip-coated on magnetron sputtered gold thin films, its optical constants show dramatic changes, becoming absorbing in the visible region, with a peak of the extinction coefficient at 3.1 eV. Using magnetron sputtered gold thin films as a substrate for graphene oxide thin films could therefore be the key to enhance graphene oxide optical sheets' properties for several technological applications, preserving their oxygen content and avoiding the reduction process.

Structural and optical properties of ITO and Cu doped ITO thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chakraborty, Deepannita; Kaleemulla, S.; Rao, N. Madhusudhana; Subbaravamma, K.; Rao, G. Venugopal

2018-04-01

(In0.95Sn0.05)2O3 and (In0.90Cu0.05Sn0.05)2O3 thin films were coated onto glass substrate by electron beam evaporation technique. The structural and optical properties of ITO and Cu doped ITO thin films have been studied by X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer. The crystallite size obtained for ITO and Cu doped ITO thin films was in the range of 24 nm to 22 nm. The optical band gap of 4 eV for ITO thin film sample has been observed. The optical band gap decreases to 3.85 eV by doping Cu in ITO.

Thermo-optically tunable thin film devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Domash, Lawrence H.

2003-10-01

We report advances in tunable thin film technology and demonstration of multi-cavity tunable filters. Thin film interference coatings are the most widely used optical technology for telecom filtering, but until recently no tunable versions have been known except for mechanically rotated filters. We describe a new approach to broadly tunable components based on the properties of semiconductor thin films with large thermo-optic coefficients. The technology is based on amorphous silicon deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), a process adapted for telecom applications from its origins in the flat-panel display and solar cell industries. Unlike MEMS devices, tunable thin films can be constructed in sophisticated multi-cavity, multi-layer optical designs.

Low-Cost Detection of Thin Film Stress during Fabrication

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nabors, Sammy A.

2015-01-01

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center has developed a simple, cost-effective optical method for thin film stress measurements during growth and/or subsequent annealing processes. Stress arising in thin film fabrication presents production challenges for electronic devices, sensors, and optical coatings; it can lead to substrate distortion and deformation, impacting the performance of thin film products. NASA's technique measures in-situ stress using a simple, noncontact fiber optic probe in the thin film vacuum deposition chamber. This enables real-time monitoring of stress during the fabrication process and allows for efficient control of deposition process parameters. By modifying process parameters in real time during fabrication, thin film stress can be optimized or controlled, improving thin film product performance.

Shock wave propagation in a magnetic flux tube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferriz-Mas, A.; Moreno-Insertis, F.

1992-12-01

The propagation of a shock wave in a magnetic flux tube is studied within the framework of the Brinkley-Kirkwood theory adapted to a radiating gas. Simplified thermodynamic paths along which the compressed plasma returns to its initial state are considered. It is assumed that the undisturbed medium is uniform and that the flux tube is optically thin. The shock waves investigated, which are described with the aid of the thin flux-tube approximation, are essentially slow magnetohydrodynamic shocks modified by the constraint of lateral pressure balance between the flux tube and the surrounding field-free fluid; the confining external pressure must be balanced by the internal gas plus magnetic pressures. Exact analytical solutions giving the evolution of the shock wave are obtained for the case of weak shocks.

Laser-induced vibration of a thin soap film.

PubMed

Emile, Olivier; Emile, Janine

2014-09-21

We report on the vibration of a thin soap film based on the optical radiation pressure force. The modulated low power laser induces a counter gravity flow in a vertical free-standing draining film. The thickness of the soap film is then higher in the upper region than in the lower region of the film. Moreover, the lifetime of the film is dramatically increased by a factor of 2. Since the laser beam only acts mechanically on the film interfaces, such a film can be employed in an optofluidic diaphragm pump, the interfaces behaving like a vibrating membrane and the liquid in-between being the fluid to be pumped. Such a pump could then be used in delicate micro-equipment, in chips where temperature variations are detrimental and even in biological systems.

A Self-Powered Thin-Film Radiation Detector Using Intrinsic High-Energy Current (HEC) (Author’s Final Version)

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-08

10.1118/1.4935531. A new radiation detection method relies on high-energy current (HEC) formed by secondary charged particles in the detector material...photocurrent, radiation detection , self-powered, thin-film U U U SAR 17 Dr. Joseph Wander Reset A Self-powered thin-film radiation detector using intrinsic...Program, Lowell, MA 01854 Purpose: We introduce a radiation detection method that relies on high-energy current (HEC) formed by secondary 10 charged

The VLT-FLAMES Tarantula Survey. XVII. Physical and wind properties of massive stars at the top of the main sequence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bestenlehner, J. M.; Gräfener, G.; Vink, J. S.; Najarro, F.; de Koter, A.; Sana, H.; Evans, C. J.; Crowther, P. A.; Hénault-Brunet, V.; Herrero, A.; Langer, N.; Schneider, F. R. N.; Simón-Díaz, S.; Taylor, W. D.; Walborn, N. R.

2014-10-01

The evolution and fate of very massive stars (VMS) is tightly connected to their mass-loss properties. Their initial and final masses differ significantly as a result of mass loss. VMS have strong stellar winds and extremely high ionising fluxes, which are thought to be critical sources of both mechanical and radiative feedback in giant H ii regions. However, how VMS mass-loss properties change during stellar evolution is poorly understood. In the framework of the VLT-Flames Tarantula Survey (VFTS), we explore the mass-loss transition region from optically thin O star winds to denser WNh Wolf-Rayet star winds, thereby testing theoretical predictions. To this purpose we select 62 O, Of, Of/WN, and WNh stars, an unprecedented sample of stars with the highest masses and luminosities known. We perform a spectral analysis of optical VFTS as well as near-infrared VLT/SINFONI data using the non-LTE radiative transfer code CMFGEN to obtain both stellar and wind parameters. For the first time, we observationally resolve the transition between optically thin O star winds and optically thick hydrogen-rich WNh Wolf-Rayet winds. Our results suggest the existence of a "kink" between both mass-loss regimes, in agreement with recent Monte Carlo simulations. For the optically thick regime, we confirm the steep dependence on the classical Eddington factor Γe from previous theoretical and observational studies. The transition occurs on the main sequence near a luminosity of 106.1L⊙, or a mass of 80 ... 90 M⊙. Above this limit, we find that - even when accounting for moderate wind clumping (with fv = 0.1) - wind mass-loss rates are enhanced with respect to standard prescriptions currently adopted in stellar evolution calculations. We also show that this results in substantial helium surface enrichment. Finally, based on our spectroscopic analyses, we are able to provide the most accurate ionising fluxes for VMS known to date, confirming the pivotal role of VMS in ionising and shaping their environments. Appendices are available in electronic form at http://www.aanda.org

Transmissive Diffractive Optical Element Solar Concentrators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baron, Richard; Moynihan, Philip; Price, Douglas

2008-01-01

Solar-thermal-radiation concentrators in the form of transmissive diffractive optical elements (DOEs) have been proposed as alternatives to mirror-type solar concentrators now in use. In comparison with functionally equivalent mirror-type solar concentrators, the transmissive, diffractive solar concentrators would weigh and cost less, and would be subject to relaxed mechanical tolerances. A DOE concentrator would be made from a thin, flat disk or membrane of a transmissive material having a suitable index of refraction. By virtue of its thinness, the DOE concentrator would have an areal mass density significantly less than that of a functionally equivalent conventional mirror. The DOE concentrator would have a relatively wide aperture--characterized by a focal-length/aperture-diameter ratio ('f number') on the order of 1. A kinoform (a surface-relief phase hologram) of high diffractive order would be microfabricated onto one face of the disk. The kinoform (see figure) would be designed to both diffract and refract incident solar radiation onto a desired focal region, without concern for forming an image of the Sun. The high diffractive order of this kinoform (in contradistinction to the low diffractive orders of some other kinoforms) would be necessary to obtain the desired f number of 1, which, in turn, would be necessary for obtaining a desired concentration ratio of 2,500 or greater. The design process of optimizing the concentration ratio of a proposed DOE solar concentrator includes computing convolutions of the optical bandwidth of the Sun with the optical transmission of the diffractive medium. Because, as in the cases of other non-imaging, light-concentrating optics, image quality is not a design requirement, the process also includes trading image quality against concentration ratio. A baseline design for one example calls for an aperture diameter of 1 m. This baseline design would be scalable to a diameter as large as 10 m, or to a smaller diameter for a laboratory test article. Initial calculations have indicated that the characteristics of the test article would be readily scalable to a full-size unit.

Light-scattering measurements of optical thin-film components at 157 and 193 nm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gliech, Stefan; Steinert, Jorg; Duparre, Angela

2002-06-01

An instrument for total backscattering and forward-scattering measurements of optical coating components at 157 and 193 nm is described. The system is operated in both vacuum and nitrogen purge gas. An excimer laser as well as a deuterium lamp can be used as a radiation source. Suppression of the background signal level to 1 part in 106 permits measurements even of low-scatter samples such as superpolished substrates and antireflection coatings. Results of investigations of antireflective and highly reflective multilayers and CaF2 substrates reveal scattering from surface and interface roughness as well as from the volume of the substrate material. First steps to extend the instrument for angle-resolved scatter, transmittance, and reflectance measurements are described.

Low dose ionizing radiation detection using conjugated polymers

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

Silva, E.A.B.; Borin, J.F.; Nicolucci, P.

2005-03-28

In this work, the effect of gamma radiation on the optical properties of poly[2-methoxy-5-(2{sup '}-ethylhexyloxy)-p-phenylenevinylene] (MEH-PPV) is studied. The samples were irradiated at room temperature with different doses from 0 Gy to 152 Gy using a {sup 60}Co gamma ray source. For thin films, significant changes in the UV-visible spectra were only observed at high doses (>1 kGy). In solution, shifts in absorption peaks are observed at low doses (<10 Gy), linearly dependent on dose. The shifts are explained by conjugation reduction, and possible causes are discussed. Our results indicate that MEH-PPV solution can be used as a dosimeter adequatemore » for medical applications.« less

A fast invariant imbedding method for multiple scattering calculations and an application to equivalent widths of CO2 lines on Venus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sato, M.; Kawabata, K.; Hansen, J. E.

1977-01-01

The invariant imbedding method considered is based on an equation which describes the change in the reflected radiation when an optically thin layer is added to the top of the atmosphere. The equation is used to treat the problem of reflection from a planetary atmosphere as an initial value problem. A fast method is discussed for the solution of the invariant imbedding equation. The speed and accuracy of the new method are illustrated by comparing it with the doubling program published by Hansen and Travis (1974). Computations are performed of the equivalent widths of carbon dioxide absorption lines in solar radiation reflected by Venus for several models of the planetary atmosphere.

An asymptotic preserving unified gas kinetic scheme for frequency-dependent radiative transfer equations

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

Sun, Wenjun, E-mail: sun_wenjun@iapcm.ac.cn; Jiang, Song, E-mail: jiang@iapcm.ac.cn; Xu, Kun, E-mail: makxu@ust.hk

This paper presents an extension of previous work (Sun et al., 2015 [22]) of the unified gas kinetic scheme (UGKS) for the gray radiative transfer equations to the frequency-dependent (multi-group) radiative transfer system. Different from the gray radiative transfer equations, where the optical opacity is only a function of local material temperature, the simulation of frequency-dependent radiative transfer is associated with additional difficulties from the frequency-dependent opacity. For the multiple frequency radiation, the opacity depends on both the spatial location and the frequency. For example, the opacity is typically a decreasing function of frequency. At the same spatial region themore » transport physics can be optically thick for the low frequency photons, and optically thin for high frequency ones. Therefore, the optical thickness is not a simple function of space location. In this paper, the UGKS for frequency-dependent radiative system is developed. The UGKS is a finite volume method and the transport physics is modeled according to the ratio of the cell size to the photon's frequency-dependent mean free path. When the cell size is much larger than the photon's mean free path, a diffusion solution for such a frequency radiation will be obtained. On the other hand, when the cell size is much smaller than the photon's mean free path, a free transport mechanism will be recovered. In the regime between the above two limits, with the variation of the ratio between the local cell size and photon's mean free path, the UGKS provides a smooth transition in the physical and frequency space to capture the corresponding transport physics accurately. The seemingly straightforward extension of the UGKS from the gray to multiple frequency radiation system is due to its intrinsic consistent multiple scale transport modeling, but it still involves lots of work to properly discretize the multiple groups in order to design an asymptotic preserving (AP) scheme in all regimes. The current scheme is tested in a few frequency-dependent radiation problems, and the results are compared with the solutions from the well-defined implicit Monte Carlo (IMC) method. The UGKS is much more efficient than IMC, and the computational times of both schemes for all test cases are listed. The UGKS seems to be the first discrete ordinate method (DOM) for the accurate capturing of multiple frequency radiative transport physics from ballistic particle motion to the diffusive wave propagation.« less

Nonlinear optical parameters of nanocrystalline AZO thin film measured at different substrate temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jilani, Asim; Abdel-wahab, M. Sh; Al-ghamdi, Attieh A.; Dahlan, Ammar sadik; Yahia, I. S.

2016-01-01

The 2.2 wt% of aluminum (Al)-doped zinc oxide (AZO) transparent and preferential c-axis oriented thin films were prepared by using radio frequency (DC/RF) magnetron sputtering at different substrate temperature ranging from room temperature to 200 °C. For structural analysis, X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Atomic Force Electron Microscope (AFM) was used for morphological studies. The optical parameters such as, optical energy gap, refractive index, extinction coefficient, dielectric loss, tangent loss, first and third order nonlinear optical properties of transparent films were investigated. High transmittance above 90% and highly homogeneous surface were observed in all samples. The substrate temperature plays an important role to get the best transparent conductive oxide thin films. The substrate temperature at 150 °C showed the growth of highly transparent AZO thin film. Energy gap increased with the increased in substrate temperature of Al doped thin films. Dielectric constant and loss were found to be photon energy dependent with substrate temperature. The change in substrate temperature of Al doped thin films also affect the non-liner optical properties of thin films. The value of χ(3) was found to be changed with the grain size of the thin films that directly affected by the substrate temperature of the pure and Al doped ZnO thin films.

Optical and morphological characterizations of pyronin dye-poly (vinyl alcohol) thin films formed on glass substrates

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

Meral, Kadem, E-mail: kademm@atauni.edu.tr; Arik, Mustafa, E-mail: marik@tatauni.edu.tr; Onganer, Yavuz, E-mail: yonganer@atauni.edu.tr

Thin films of pyronin dye mixed with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) on glass substrate were prepared by using spin-coating technique. The optical and morphological properties of the thin films were studied by UV-Vis., steady-state fluorescence spectroscopies and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The thin films on glass substrate were fabricated at various [PVA]/[dye] (P/D) ratios. Hence, the monomeric and H-aggregates thin films of pyronin dye mixed with PVA were formed as a function of the dye and PVA concentration. It was determined that while the monomeric thin films showed strong fluorescence, the formation of H-aggregates in the thin film caused to decreasingmore » the fluorescence intensity. AFM studies demonstrated that the morphology of the thin film was drastically varied with changing the optical property of the thin film such as monomeric and H-aggregates thin films.« less

Silicon-integrated thin-film structure for electro-optic applications

DOEpatents

McKee, Rodney A.; Walker, Frederick Joseph

2000-01-01

A crystalline thin-film structure suited for use in any of an number of electro-optic applications, such as a phase modulator or a component of an interferometer, includes a semiconductor substrate of silicon and a ferroelectric, optically-clear thin film of the perovskite BaTiO.sub.3 overlying the surface of the silicon substrate. The BaTiO.sub.3 thin film is characterized in that substantially all of the dipole moments associated with the ferroelectric film are arranged substantially parallel to the surface of the substrate to enhance the electro-optic qualities of the film.

An Electrochemical Experiment Using an Optically Transparent Thin Layer Electrode

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DeAngelis, Thomas P.; Heineman, William R.

1976-01-01

Describes a unified experiment in which an optically transparent thin layer electrode is used to illustrate the techniques of thin layer electrochemistry, cyclic voltammetry, controlled potential coulometry, and spectroelectrochemistry. (MLH)

Optical, structural and electrochromic behavior studies on nanocomposite thin film of aniline, o-toluidine and WO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Najafi-Ashtiani, Hamed; Bahari, Ali

2016-08-01

In the field of materials for electrochromic (EC) applications much attention was paid to the derivatives of aniline. We report on the optical, structural and electrochromic properties of electrochromic thin film based on composite of WO3 nanoparticles and copolymer of aniline and o-toluidine prepared by electrochemical polymerization method on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) coated glass. The thin film was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The morphology of prepared thin film was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and the thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) as well. The optical spectra of nanocomposite thin film were characterized in the 200-900 nm wavelength range and EC properties of nanocomposite thin film were studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV). The calculation of optical band gaps of thin film exhibited that the thin film has directly allowed transition with the values of 2.63 eV on first region and 3.80 eV on second region. Dispersion parameters were calculated based on the single oscillator model. Finally, important parameters such as dispersion energy, oscillator energy and lattice dielectric constant were determined and compared with the data from other researchers. The nonlinear optical properties such as nonlinear optical susceptibility, nonlinear absorption coefficient and nonlinear refractive index were extracted. The obtained results of nanocomposite thin film can be useful for the optoelectronic applications.

Band gap grading and photovoltaic performance of solution-processed Cu(In,Ga)S2 thin-film solar cells.

PubMed

Sohn, So Hyeong; Han, Noh Soo; Park, Yong Jin; Park, Seung Min; An, Hee Sang; Kim, Dong-Wook; Min, Byoung Koun; Song, Jae Kyu

2014-12-28

The photophysical properties of CuInxGa1-xS2 (CIGS) thin films, prepared by solution-based coating methods, are investigated to understand the correlation between the optical properties of these films and the electrical characteristics of solar cells fabricated using these films. Photophysical properties, such as the depth-dependent band gap and carrier lifetime, turn out to be at play in determining the energy conversion efficiency of solar cells. A double grading of the band gap in CIGS films enhances solar cell efficiency, even when defect states disturb carrier collection by non-radiative decay. The combinational stacking of different density films leads to improved solar cell performance as well as efficient fabrication because a graded band gap and reduced shunt current increase carrier collection efficiency. The photodynamics of minority-carriers suggests that the suppression of defect states is a primary area of improvement in CIGS thin films prepared by solution-based methods.

Broadband light trapping in nanotextured thin film photovoltaic devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mennucci, Carlo; Muhammad, M. H.; Hameed, Mohamed Farhat O.; Mohamed, Shaimaa A.; Abdelkhalik, Mohamed S.; Obayya, S. S. A.; Buatier de Mongeot, Francesco

2018-07-01

Substrates with engineered roughness are studied with the aim of achieving broadband and omnidirectional photon harvesting in thin film devices. Light coupling across the interfaces of a photonic device is induced by uniaxial pseudo-periodic gratings formed in a self-organised fashion via de-focused ion beam sputtering (IBS). The optical properties of the textured interfaces are assessed both experimentally and numerically using finite difference time domain (FDTD) algorithm, quantitatively demonstrating the optimal geometries which favour broadband diffuse scattering of radiation across the Vis-NIR spectral range. Thin film amorphous silicon solar cells based on the nanostructured patterns have been numerically studied via FDTD to assess absorption enhancement in comparison to flat reference devices, finding a 25% increase of short-circuit current, in good agreement with the experiment. Similar light trapping experiments performed on prototypical solar cells employing a PTB7:PC61BM organic absorber, allow to extend the general validity of the results to a relevant class of materials in the view of photovoltaic applications.

Thin cirrus clouds - Seasonal distribution over oceans deduced from Nimbus-4 IRIS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prabhakara, C.; Fraser, R. S.; Dalu, G.; Wu, Man-Li C.; Curran, R. J.

1988-01-01

Spectral differences in the extinction of the 10.8- and 12.6-micron bands of the IR window region, due to optically thin clouds, were found in the measurements made by both an airborne broadband IR radiometer and the IR interferometer spectrometer (IRIS) aboard the Nimbus-4 satellite; the extinction at 12.6 microns was significantly larger than that at 10.8 microns; both water and ice particles in the clouds can account for such spectral difference in extinction. Multiple scattering radiative transfer calculations of IRIS data revealed this spectral feature about 100 to 20 km away from the high-altitude cold clouds; it is assumed that this feature is related to the spreading of cirrus clouds. Based on this assumption, mean seasonal maps of the distribution of thin cirrus clouds over the oceans were deduced from the IRIS data. The maps show that such clouds are often present over the convectively active areas, such as ITCZ, SPCZ, and the Bay of Bengal during the summer monsoon.

Convection currents enhancement of the spring constant in optical tweezers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zenteno-Hernández, J. A.; Gómez-Vieyra, A.; Torres-Hurtado, S. A.; Ramirez-San-Juan, J. C.; Ramos-García, R.

2016-09-01

In this work we demonstrate the increasing of the trap stiffness (spring constant) constant of an optical trap of particles suspended in water by laser-induced convection currents. These currents are the result of thermal gradients created by a light absorption in a thin layer of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a:Si-H) deposited at the bottom of cell. Since convection currents (and therefore drag forces) are symmetric around the beam focus particles trapped by the beam are further contained. Around the focus the drag force is directed upwards and partially compensated by radiation pressure depending on the laser power increasing the stiffness of the optical trapping increases significatively so a particle trapped could dragged (by moving the translation stage leaving the beam fixed) at velocities as high as 90μm/s without escaping the trap, whereas with no a:Si-H film, the particle escapes from the trap at lower velocities (30μm/s).

Fine structure constant and quantized optical transparency of plasmonic nanoarrays.

PubMed

Kravets, V G; Schedin, F; Grigorenko, A N

2012-01-24

Optics is renowned for displaying quantum phenomena. Indeed, studies of emission and absorption lines, the photoelectric effect and blackbody radiation helped to build the foundations of quantum mechanics. Nevertheless, it came as a surprise that the visible transparency of suspended graphene is determined solely by the fine structure constant, as this kind of universality had been previously reserved only for quantized resistance and flux quanta in superconductors. Here we describe a plasmonic system in which relative optical transparency is determined solely by the fine structure constant. The system consists of a regular array of gold nanoparticles fabricated on a thin metallic sublayer. We show that its relative transparency can be quantized in the near-infrared, which we attribute to the quantized contact resistance between the nanoparticles and the metallic sublayer. Our results open new possibilities in the exploration of universal dynamic conductance in plasmonic nanooptics.

Numerical simulations of the Cosmic Battery in accretion flows around astrophysical black holes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Contopoulos, I.; Nathanail, A.; Sądowski, A.; Kazanas, D.; Narayan, R.

2018-01-01

We implement the KORAL code to perform two sets of very long general relativistic radiation magnetohydrodynamic simulations of an axisymmetric optically thin magnetized flow around a non-rotating black hole: one with a new term in the electromagnetic field tensor due to the radiation pressure felt by the plasma electrons on the comoving frame of the electron-proton plasma, and one without. The source of the radiation is the accretion flow itself. Without the new term, the system evolves to a standard accretion flow due to the development of the magneto-rotational instability. With the new term, however, the system eventually evolves to a magnetically arrested disc state in which a large-scale jet-like magnetic field threads the black hole horizon. Our results confirm the secular action of the Cosmic Battery in accretion flows around astrophysical black holes.

The solution of radiative transfer problems in molecular bands without the LTE assumption by accelerated lambda iteration methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kutepov, A. A.; Kunze, D.; Hummer, D. G.; Rybicki, G. B.

1991-01-01

An iterative method based on the use of approximate transfer operators, which was designed initially to solve multilevel NLTE line formation problems in stellar atmospheres, is adapted and applied to the solution of the NLTE molecular band radiative transfer in planetary atmospheres. The matrices to be constructed and inverted are much smaller than those used in the traditional Curtis matrix technique, which makes possible the treatment of more realistic problems using relatively small computers. This technique converges much more rapidly than straightforward iteration between the transfer equation and the equations of statistical equilibrium. A test application of this new technique to the solution of NLTE radiative transfer problems for optically thick and thin bands (the 4.3 micron CO2 band in the Venusian atmosphere and the 4.7 and 2.3 micron CO bands in the earth's atmosphere) is described.

Synthesis and characterization of cobalt doped nickel oxide thin films by spray pyrolysis method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sathisha, D.; Naik, K. Gopalakrishna

2018-05-01

Cobalt (Co) doped nickel oxide (NiO) thin films were deposited on glass substrates at a temperature of about 400 °C by spray pyrolysis method. The effect of Co doping concentration on structural, optical and compositional properties of NiO thin films was investigated. X-ray diffraction result shows that the deposited thin films are polycrystalline in nature. Surface morphologies of the deposited thin films were observed by FESEM and AFM. EDS spectra showed the incorporation of Co dopants in NiO thin films. Optical properties of the grown thin films were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy. It was found that the optical band gap energy and transmittance of the films decrease with increasing Co doping concentration.

Reconnection–Condensation Model for Solar Prominence Formation

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

Kaneko, Takafumi; Yokoyama, Takaaki, E-mail: kaneko@isee.nagoya-u.ac.jp

We propose a reconnection–condensation model in which topological change in a coronal magnetic field via reconnection triggers radiative condensation, thereby resulting in prominence formation. Previous observational studies have suggested that reconnection at a polarity inversion line of a coronal arcade field creates a flux rope that can sustain a prominence; however, they did not explain the origin of cool dense plasmas of prominences. Using three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic simulations, including anisotropic nonlinear thermal conduction and optically thin radiative cooling, we demonstrate that reconnection can lead not only to flux rope formation but also to radiative condensation under a certain condition. In ourmore » model, this condition is described by the Field length, which is defined as the scale length for thermal balance between radiative cooling and thermal conduction. This critical condition depends weakly on the artificial background heating. The extreme ultraviolet emissions synthesized with our simulation results have good agreement with observational signatures reported in previous studies.« less

An Evolving Compact Jet in the Black Hole X-Ray Binary Maxi J1836-194

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Russell, D. M.; Russell, T. D.; Miller-Jones, J. C. A.; O'Brien, K.; Soria, R.; Sivakoff, G. R.; Slaven-Blair, T.; Lewis, F.; Markoff, S.; Homan, J.;

ZnO Thin Film Electronics for More than Displays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramirez, Jose Israel

Zinc oxide thin film transistors (TFTs) are investigated in this work for large-area electronic applications outside of display technology. A constant pressure, constant flow, showerhead, plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) process has been developed to fabricate high mobility TFTs and circuits on rigid and flexible substrates at 200 °C. ZnO films and resulting devices prepared by PEALD and pulsed laser deposition (PLD) have been compared. Both PEALD and PLD ZnO films result in densely packed, polycrystalline ZnO thin films that were used to make high performance devices. PEALD ZnO TFTs deposited at 300 °C have a field-effect mobility of ˜ 40 cm2/V-s (and > 20 cm2/V-S deposited at 200 °C). PLD ZnO TFTs, annealed at 400 °C, have a field-effect mobility of > 60 cm2/V-s (and up to 100 cm2/V-s). Devices, prepared by either technique, show high gamma-ray radiation tolerance of up to 100 Mrad(SiO2) with only a small radiation-induced threshold voltage shift (VT ˜ -1.5 V). Electrical biasing during irradiation showed no enhanced radiation-induced effects. The study of the radiation effects as a function of material stack thicknesses revealed the majority of the radiation-induced charge collection happens at the semiconductor-passivation interface. A simple sheet-charge model at that interface can describe the radiation-induced charge in ZnO TFTs. By taking advantage of the substrate-agnostic process provided by PEALD, due to its low-temperature and excellent conformal coatings, ZnO electronics were monolithically integrated with thin-film complex oxides. Application-based examples where ZnO electronics provide added functionality to complex oxide-based devices are presented. In particular, the integration of arrayed lead zirconate titanate (Pb(Zr, Ti)O3 or PZT) thin films with ZnO electronics for microelectromechanical systems (MEMs) and deformable mirrors is demonstrated. ZnO switches can provide voltage to PZT capacitors with fast charging and slow discharging time constants. Finally, to circumvent fabrication challenges on predetermined complex shapes, like curved mirror optics, a technique to transfer electronics from a rigid substrate to a flexible substrate is used. This technique allows various thin films, regardless of their deposition temperature, to be transferred to flexible substrates. Finally, ultra-low power operation of ZnO TFT gas sensors was demonstrated. The ZnO ozone sensors were optimized to operate with excellent electrical stability in ambient conditions, without using elevated temperatures, while still providing good gas sensitivity. This was achieved by using a post-deposition anneal and by partially passivating the contact regions while leaving the semiconductor sensing area open to the ambient. A novel technique to reset the gas sensor using periodic pulsing of a UV light over the sensor results in less than 25 milliseconds recovery time. A pathway to achieve gas selectivity by using organic thin-film layers as filters deposited over the gas sensors tis demonstrated. The ZnO ozone sensor TFTs and the UV light operate at room temperature with an average power below 1 muW.

Spiraling Out of Control: Three-dimensional Hydrodynamical Modeling of the Colliding Winds in η Carinae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parkin, E. R.; Pittard, J. M.; Corcoran, M. F.; Hamaguchi, K.

2011-01-01

Three-dimensional adaptive mesh refinement hydrodynamical simulations of the wind-wind collision between the enigmatic supermassive star η Car and its mysterious companion star are presented which include radiative driving of the stellar winds, gravity, optically thin radiative cooling, and orbital motion. Simulations with static stars with a periastron passage separation reveal that the preshock companion star's wind speed is sufficiently reduced so that radiative cooling in the postshock gas becomes important, permitting the runaway growth of nonlinear thin-shell instabilities (NTSIs) which massively distort the wind-wind collision region (WCR). However, large-scale simulations, which include the orbital motion of the stars, show that orbital motion reduces the impact of radiative inhibition and thus increases the acquired preshock velocities. As such, the postshock gas temperature and cooling time see a commensurate increase, and sufficient gas pressure is preserved to stabilize the WCR against catastrophic instability growth. We then compute synthetic X-ray spectra and light curves and find that, compared to previous models, the X-ray spectra agree much better with XMM-Newton observations just prior to periastron. The narrow width of the 2009 X-ray minimum can also be reproduced. However, the models fail to reproduce the extended X-ray minimum from previous cycles. We conclude that the key to explaining the extended X-ray minimum is the rate of cooling of the companion star's postshock wind. If cooling is rapid then powerful NTSIs will heavily disrupt the WCR. Radiative inhibition of the companion star's preshock wind, albeit with a stronger radiation-wind coupling than explored in this work, could be an effective trigger.

Optical Nonlinearities in Semiconductors for Limiting.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Yuan-Yen

I have conducted detailed experimental and theoretical studies of the nonlinear optical properties of semiconductor materials useful for optical limiting. I have constructed optical limiters utilizing two-photon absorption along with photogenerated carrier defocusing as well as the bound electronic nonlinearity using the semiconducting material ZnSe. I have optimized the focusing geometry to achieve a large dynamic range while maintaining a low limiting energy for the device. The ZnSe monolithic optical limiter has achieved a limiting energy as low as 13 nJ (corresponding to 300W peak power) and a dynamic range as large as 10 ^5 at 532 nm using psec pulses. Theoretical analysis showed that the ZnSe device has a broad-band response covering the wavelength range from 550 nm to 800 nm. Moreover, I found that existing theoretical models (e.g. the Auston model and the band-resonant model using Boltzmann statistics) adequately describe the photo-generated carriers refractive nonlinearity in ZnSe. Material nonlinear optical parameters, such as the two-photon absorption coefficient beta _2 = 5.5 cm/GW, the refraction per unit carrier density sigma_{rm n} = -0.8cdot 10^ {-21}cm^3 and the bound electronic refraction n_2 = -4cdot 10^{ -11}esu, have been measured via time-integrated beam distortion experiments in the near field. A numerical code has been written to simulate the beam distortion in order to extract the previously mentioned material parameters. In addition, I have performed time-resolved distortion measurements that provide an intuitive picture of the carrier generation process via two-photon absorption. I also characterized the optical nonlinearities in a ZnSe Fabry-Perot thin film structure (an interference filter). I concluded that the nonlinear absorption alone in the thin film is insufficient to build an effective optical limiter, as it did not show a net change in refraction using psec pulses. An innovative numerical program was developed to simulate the nonlinear beam propagation inside the Fabry-Perot structure. For comparison, pump-probe experiments were performed using both thin film and bulk ZnSe. The results showed relatively long carrier lifetimes (>300 psec) in both samples. A numerical code was written to fit the pump-probe experimental results. The fitting yielded that carrier lifetimes (recombination through traps), radiative decay rate, two-photon absorption coefficient as well as the free carrier absorption coefficient for ZnSe bulk material.

Detectability of cold streams into high-redshift galaxies by absorption lines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goerdt, Tobias; Dekel, Avishai; Sternberg, Amiel; Gnat, Orly; Ceverino, Daniel

2012-08-01

Cold gas streaming along the dark matter filaments of the cosmic web is predicted to be the major source of fuel for disc buildup, violent disc instability and star formation in massive galaxies at high redshift. We investigate to what extent such cold gas is detectable in the extended circumgalactic environment of galaxies via Lyα absorption and selected low-ionization metal absorption lines. We model the expected absorption signatures using high-resolution zoom-in adaptive mesh refinement cosmological simulations. In the post-processing, we distinguish between self-shielded gas and unshielded gas. In the self-shielded gas, which is optically thick to Lyman continuum radiation, we assume pure collisional ionization for species with an ionization potential greater than 13.6 eV. In the optically-thin, unshielded gas, these species are also photoionized by the metagalactic radiation. In addition to absorption of radiation from background quasars, we compute the absorption line profiles of radiation emitted by the galaxy at the centre of the same halo. We predict the strength of the absorption signal for individual galaxies without stacking. We find that the Lyα absorption profiles produced by the streams are consistent with observations of absorption and emission Lyα profiles in high-redshift galaxies. Due to the low metallicities in the streams, and their low covering factors, the metal absorption features are weak and difficult to detect.

Multi-material optoelectronic fiber devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sorin, F.; Yan, Wei; Volpi, Marco; Page, Alexis G.; Nguyen Dang, Tung; Qu, Y.

2017-05-01

The recent ability to integrate materials with different optical and optoelectronic properties in prescribed architectures within flexible fibers is enabling novel opportunities for advanced optical probes, functional surfaces and smart textiles. In particular, the thermal drawing process has known a series of breakthroughs in recent years that have expanded the range of materials and architectures that can be engineered within uniform fibers. Of particular interest in this presentation will be optoelectronic fibers that integrate semiconductors electrically addressed by conducting materials. These long, thin and flexible fibers can intercept optical radiation, localize and inform on a beam direction, detect its wavelength and even harness its energy. They hence constitute ideal candidates for applications such as remote and distributed sensing, large-area optical-detection arrays, energy harvesting and storage, innovative health care solutions, and functional fabrics. To improve performance and device complexity, tremendous progresses have been made in terms of the integrated semiconductor architectures, evolving from large fiber solid-core, to sub-hundred nanometer thin-films, nano-filaments and even nanospheres. To bridge the gap between the optoelectronic fiber concept and practical applications however, we still need to improve device performance and integration. In this presentation we will describe the materials and processing approaches to realize optoelectronic fibers, as well as give a few examples of demonstrated systems for imaging as well as light and chemical sensing. We will then discuss paths towards practical applications focusing on two main points: fiber connectivity, and improving the semiconductor microstructure by developing scalable approaches to make fiber-integrated single-crystal nanowire based devices.

SIMILARITY PROPERTIES AND SCALING LAWS OF RADIATION HYDRODYNAMIC FLOWS IN LABORATORY ASTROPHYSICS

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

Falize, E.; Bouquet, S.; Michaut, C., E-mail: emeric.falize@cea.fr

The spectacular recent development of modern high-energy density laboratory facilities which concentrate more and more energy in millimetric volumes allows the astrophysical community to reproduce and to explore, in millimeter-scale targets and during very short times, astrophysical phenomena where radiation and matter are strongly coupled. The astrophysical relevance of these experiments can be checked from the similarity properties and especially scaling law establishment, which constitutes the keystone of laboratory astrophysics. From the radiating optically thin regime to the so-called optically thick radiative pressure regime, we present in this paper, for the first time, a complete analysis of the main radiatingmore » regimes that we encountered in laboratory astrophysics with the same formalism based on Lie group theory. The use of the Lie group method appears to be a systematic method which allows us to construct easily and systematically the scaling laws of a given problem. This powerful tool permits us to unify the recent major advances on scaling laws and to identify new similarity concepts that we discuss in this paper, and suggests important applications for present and future laboratory astrophysics experiments. All these results enable us to demonstrate theoretically that astrophysical phenomena in such radiating regimes can be explored experimentally thanks to powerful facilities. Consequently, the results presented here are a fundamental tool for the high-energy density laboratory astrophysics community in order to quantify the astrophysics relevance and justify laser experiments. Moreover, relying on Lie group theory, this paper constitutes the starting point of any analysis of the self-similar dynamics of radiating fluids.« less

Relativistic radiative transfer in a moving stratus irradiated by a luminous flat source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fukue, Jun

2015-06-01

Relativistic radiative transfer in a geometrically thin stratus (sheet-like gaseous cloud with finite optical depth), which is moving at a relativistic speed around a luminous flat source, such as accretion disks, and is irradiated by the source, is examined under the special relativistic treatment. Incident radiation is aberrated and Doppler-shifted when it is received by the stratus, and emitted radiation is also aberrated and Doppler-shifted when it leaves the stratus. Considering these relativistic effects, we analytically obtain the emergent intensity as well as other radiative quantities in the purely scattering case for both infinite and finite strati. We mainly consider the frequency-integrated case, but also briefly show the frequency-dependent one. We also solve the relativistic radiative transfer equation numerically, and compare the results with the analytical solutions. In the infinite stratus, the mean intensity in the comoving and inertial frames decreases and becomes constant, as the stratus speed increases. The flux in the comoving frame decreases exponentially with the optical depth. The emergent intensity decreases as the speed increases, since the incident photons are redshifted at the bottom-side of the stratus. In the finite stratus, the mean intensity in the comoving and inertial frames quickly increases in the top-side region due to the aberrated photons. The flux in the comoving frame is positive in the range of 0 < β ≤ 0.4, while it becomes negative for β ≳ 0.5. The behavior of the emergent intensity is similar to that of the infinite case, although there is an irradiation effect caused by the aberrated photons.

Visible and near-infrared laser radiation in a biological tissue. A forward model for medical imaging by optical tomography.

PubMed

Trabelsi, H; Gantri, M; Sediki, E

2010-01-01

We present a numerical model for the study of a general, two-dimensional, time-dependent, laser radiation transfer problem in a biological tissue. The model is suitable for many situations, especially when the external laser source is pulsed or continuous. We used a control volume discrete-ordinate method associated with an implicit, three-level, second-order, time-differencing scheme. In medical imaging by laser techniques, this could be an optical tomography forward model. We considered a very thin rectangular biological tissue-like medium submitted to a visible or a near-infrared laser source. Different cases were treated numerically. The source was assumed to be monochromatic and collimated. We used either a continuous source or a short-pulsed source. The transmitted radiance was computed in detector points on the boundaries. Also, the distribution of the internal radiation intensity for different instants is presented. According to the source type, we examined either the steady-state response or the transient response of the medium. First, our model was validated by experimental results from the literature for a homogeneous biological tissue. The space and angular grid independency of our results is shown. Next, the proposed model was used to study changes in transmitted radiation for a homogeneous background medium in which were imbedded two heterogeneous objects. As a last investigation, we studied a multilayered biological tissue. We simulated near-infrared radiation in human skin, fat and muscle. Some results concerning the effects of fat thickness and positions of the detector source on the reflected radiation are presented.

Nanoscale TiO₂-coated LPGs as radiation-tolerant humidity sensors for high-energy physics applications.

PubMed

Consales, Marco; Berruti, Gaia; Borriello, Anna; Giordano, Michele; Buontempo, Salvatore; Breglio, Giovanni; Makovec, Alajos; Petagna, Paolo; Cusano, Andrea

2014-07-15

This Letter deals with a feasibility analysis for the development of radiation-tolerant fiber-optic humidity sensors based on long-period grating (LPG) technology to be applied in high-energy physics (HEP) experiments currently running at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). In particular, here we propose a high-sensitivity LPG sensor coated with a finely tuned titanium dioxide (TiO₂) thin layer (~100 nm thick) through the solgel deposition method. Relative humidity (RH) monitoring in the range 0%-75% and at four different temperatures (in the range -10°C-25°C) was carried out to assess sensor performance in real operative conditions required in typical experiments running at CERN. Experimental results demonstrate the very high RH sensitivities of the proposed device (up to 1.4 nm/% RH in correspondence to very low humidity levels), which turned out to be from one to three orders of magnitude higher than those exhibited by fiber Bragg grating sensors coated with micrometer-thin polyimide overlays. The radiation tolerance capability of the TiO₂-coated LPG sensor is also investigated by comparing the sensing performance before and after its exposure to a 1 Mrad dose of γ-ionizing radiation. Overall, the results collected demonstrate the strong potential of the proposed technology with regard to its future exploitation in HEP applications as a robust and valid alternative to the commercial (polymer-based) hygrometers currently used.

Optical coatings for laser fusion applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lowdermilk, W. H.; Milam, D.; Rainer, F.

1980-04-01

Lasers for fusion experiments use thin-film dielectric coatings for reflecting antireflecting and polarizing surface elements. Coatings are most important to the Nd:glass laser application. The most important requirements of these coatings are accuracy of the average value of reflectance and transmission, uniformity of amplitude and phase front of the reflected or transmitted light, and laser damage threshold. Damage resistance strongly affects the laser's design and performance. The success of advanced lasers for future experiments and for reactor applications requires significant developments in damage resistant coatings for ultraviolet laser radiation.

Diffuse interstellar bands in reflection nebulae

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fischer, O.; Henning, Thomas; Pfau, Werner; Stognienko, R.

1994-01-01

A Monte Carlo code for radiation transport calculations is used to compare the profiles of the lambda lambda 5780 and 6613 Angstrom diffuse interstellar bands in the transmitted and the reflected light of a star embedded within an optically thin dust cloud. In addition, the behavior of polarization across the bands were calculated. The wavelength dependent complex indices of refraction across the bands were derived from the embedded cavity model. In view of the existence of different families of diffuse interstellar bands the question of other parameters of influence is addressed in short.

FIBER AND INTEGRATED OPTICS: Propagation of radiation in a light-induced active waveguide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afanas'ev, Anatolii A.; Samson, B. A.; Drits, V. V.; Yukhimenko, S. I.; Yakite, R. V.

1990-10-01

An investigation is reported of the properties of the normal modes of an active light-induced waveguide. It is shown that, in contrast to a dielectric waveguide, the presence of the active component may increase considerably the number of the normal modes and the angles of their scattering. In the case of an active light-induced waveguide in the form of a thin filament the normal modes exist and are amplified only in the case when the nonlinear correction to the refractive index is positive.

Effect of concentration and irradiation on the optical and structural properties of ZnO thin films deposited by spray pyrolysis techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adeoye Victor, Babalola

2017-12-01

This study involves the preparation of ZnO thin films by spray pyrolysis and to investigate the effect of concentration of the film and irradiation on ZnO thin film deposited by spray pyrolysis method deposited at 350 ± 5 °C. The precursor for zinc oxide was produced from zinc acetate (Zn(CH3COO))2. The samples were annealed at 500 °C for 6 h and irradiated using 137Cs 90.998 mCi radiation. They were then characterised using ultra violet-visible spectrophotometry, X-ray Diffractometry (XRD) with Cu-Kα radiation to determine the structure of the film, Four-point probe for electrical properties and Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS) were used for the composition of the film. XRD diffraction peaks observed for 0.05 M ZnO were (1 0 0), (0 0 2), (1 0 1) and (1 1 0) planes for the annealed and irradiated annealed ZnO films with no preferential orientation. The as-deposited films have low peaks belonging to (1 0 0), (0 0 2), (1 0 1), (1 1 0) plane and other peaks such as (1 1 2), (2 0 0) and (2 0 1). The results are explained with regard to the irradiation damage introduced to the samples. The as-deposited, annealed and irradiated-annealed films are highly transparent in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum with an average percent transmittance values of 85% and present a sharp ultraviolet cut-off at approximately 380 nm for the ZnO thin film.

Characterization of ion-assisted induced absorption in A-Si thin-films used for multivariate optical computing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nayak, Aditya B.; Price, James M.; Dai, Bin; Perkins, David; Chen, Ding Ding; Jones, Christopher M.

2015-06-01

Multivariate optical computing (MOC), an optical sensing technique for analog calculation, allows direct and robust measurement of chemical and physical properties of complex fluid samples in high-pressure/high-temperature (HP/HT) downhole environments. The core of this MOC technology is the integrated computational element (ICE), an optical element with a wavelength-dependent transmission spectrum designed to allow the detector to respond sensitively and specifically to the analytes of interest. A key differentiator of this technology is it uses all of the information present in the broadband optical spectrum to determine the proportion of the analyte present in a complex fluid mixture. The detection methodology is photometric in nature; therefore, this technology does not require a spectrometer to measure and record a spectrum or a computer to perform calculations on the recorded optical spectrum. The integrated computational element is a thin-film optical element with a specific optical response function designed for each analyte. The optical response function is achieved by fabricating alternating layers of high-index (a-Si) and low-index (SiO2) thin films onto a transparent substrate (BK7 glass) using traditional thin-film manufacturing processes (e.g., ion-assisted e-beam vacuum deposition). A proprietary software and process are used to control the thickness and material properties, including the optical constants of the materials during deposition to achieve the desired optical response function. The ion-assisted deposition is useful for controlling the densification of the film, stoichiometry, and material optical constants as well as to achieve high deposition growth rates and moisture-stable films. However, the ion-source can induce undesirable absorption in the film; and subsequently, modify the optical constants of the material during the ramp-up and stabilization period of the e-gun and ion-source, respectively. This paper characterizes the unwanted absorption in the a-Si thin-film using advanced thin-film metrology methods, including spectroscopic ellipsometry and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The resulting analysis identifies a fundamental mechanism contributing to this absorption and a method for minimizing and accounting for the unwanted absorption in the thin-film such that the exact optical response function can be achieved.

Thin film tritium dosimetry

DOEpatents

Moran, Paul R.

1976-01-01

The present invention provides a method for tritium dosimetry. A dosimeter comprising a thin film of a material having relatively sensitive RITAC-RITAP dosimetry properties is exposed to radiation from tritium, and after the dosimeter has been removed from the source of the radiation, the low energy electron dose deposited in the thin film is determined by radiation-induced, thermally-activated polarization dosimetry techniques.

Manufacturing of glassy thin shell for adaptive optics: results achieved

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poutriquet, F.; Rinchet, A.; Carel, J.-L.; Leplan, H.; Ruch, E.; Geyl, R.; Marque, G.

2012-07-01

Glassy thin shells are key components for the development of adaptive optics and are part of future & innovative projects such as ELT. However, manufacturing thin shells is a real challenge. Even though optical requirements for the front face - or optical face - are relaxed compared to conventional passive mirrors, requirements concerning thickness uniformity are difficult to achieve. In addition, process has to be completely re-defined as thin mirror generates new manufacturing issues. In particular, scratches and digs requirement is more difficult as this could weaken the shell, handling is also an important issue due to the fragility of the mirror. Sagem, through REOSC program, has recently manufactured different types of thin shells in the frame of European projects: E-ELT M4 prototypes and VLT Deformable Secondary Mirror (VLT DSM).

Influences of annealing temperature on sprayed CuFeO2 thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdelwahab, H. M.; Ratep, A.; Abo Elsoud, A. M.; Boshta, M.; Osman, M. B. S.

2018-06-01

Delafossite CuFeO2 thin films were successfully prepared onto quartz substrates using simple spray pyrolysis technique. Post annealing under nitrogen atmosphere for 2 h was necessary to form delafossite CuFeO2 phase. The effect of alteration in annealing temperature (TA) 800, 850 and 900 °C was study on structural, morphology and optical properties. The XRD results for thin film annealed at TA = 850 °C show single phase CuFeO2 with rhombohedral crystal system and R 3 bar m space group with preferred orientation along (0 1 2). The prepared copper iron oxide thin films have an optical transmission ranged ∼40% in the visible region. The optical direct optical band gap of the prepared thin films was ranged ∼2.9 eV.

Kinetic and radiative power from optically thin accretion flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sądowski, Aleksander; Gaspari, Massimo

2017-06-01

We perform a set of general relativistic, radiative, magneto-hydrodynamical simulations (GR-RMHD) to study the transition from radiatively inefficient to efficient state of accretion on a non-rotating black hole. We study ion to electron temperature ratios ranging from TI/Te = 10 to 100, and simulate flows corresponding to accretion rates as low as 10^{-6}\\dot{M}_Edd, and as high as 10^{-2}\\dot{M}_Edd. We have found that the radiative output of accretion flows increases with accretion rate, and that the transition occurs earlier for hotter electrons (lower TI/Te ratio). At the same time, the mechanical efficiency hardly changes and accounts to ≈3 per cent of the accreted rest mass energy flux, even at the highest simulated accretion rates. This is particularly important for the mechanical active galactic nuclei (AGN) feedback regulating massive galaxies, groups and clusters. Comparison with recent observations of radiative and mechanical AGN luminosities suggests that the ion to electron temperature ratio in the inner, collisionless accretion flow should fall within 10 < TI/Te < 30, I.e. the electron temperature should be several percent of the ion temperature.

Optical and electro-optic anisotropy of epitaxial PZT thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Minmin; Du, Zehui; Jing, Lin; Yoong Tok, Alfred Iing; Tong Teo, Edwin Hang

2015-07-01

Strong optical and electro-optic (EO) anisotropy has been investigated in ferroelectric Pb(Zr0.48Ti0.52)O3 thin films epitaxially grown on Nb-SrTiO3 (001), (011), and (111) substrates using magnetron sputtering. The refractive index, electro-optic, and ferroelectric properties of the samples demonstrate the significant dependence on the growth orientation. The linear electro-optic coefficients of the (001), (011), and (111)-oriented PZT thin films were 270.8, 198.8, and 125.7 pm/V, respectively. Such remarkable anisotropic EO behaviors have been explained according to the structure correlation between the orientation dependent distribution, spontaneous polarization, epitaxial strain, and domain pattern.

Improved Thin Cirrus and Terminator Cloud Detection in CERES Cloud Mask

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Trepte, Qing; Minnis, Patrick; Palikonda, Rabindra; Spangenberg, Doug; Haeffelin, Martial

2006-01-01

Thin cirrus clouds account for about 20-30% of the total cloud coverage and affect the global radiation budget by increasing the Earth's albedo and reducing infrared emissions. Thin cirrus, however, are often underestimated by traditional satellite cloud detection algorithms. This difficulty is caused by the lack of spectral contrast between optically thin cirrus and the surface in techniques that use visible (0.65 micron ) and infrared (11 micron ) channels. In the Clouds and the Earth s Radiant Energy System (CERES) Aqua Edition 1 (AEd1) and Terra Edition 3 (TEd3) Cloud Masks, thin cirrus detection is significantly improved over both land and ocean using a technique that combines MODIS high-resolution measurements from the 1.38 and 11 micron channels and brightness temperature differences (BTDs) of 11-12, 8.5-11, and 3.7-11 micron channels. To account for humidity and view angle dependencies, empirical relationships were derived with observations from the 1.38 micron reflectance and the 11-12 and 8.5-11 micron BTDs using 70 granules of MODIS data in 2002 and 2003. Another challenge in global cloud detection algorithms occurs near the day/night terminator where information from the visible 0.65 micron channel and the estimated solar component of 3.7 micron channel becomes less reliable. As a result, clouds are often underestimated or misidentified near the terminator over land and ocean. Comparisons between the CLAVR-x (Clouds from Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer [AVHRR]) cloud coverage and Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS) measurements north of 60 N indicate significant amounts of missing clouds from CLAVR-x because this part of the world was near the day/night terminator viewed by AVHRR. Comparisons between MODIS cloud products (MOD06) and GLAS in the same region also show similar difficulties with MODIS cloud retrievals. The consistent detection of clouds through out the day is needed to provide reliable cloud and radiation products for CERES and other research efforts involving the modeling of clouds and their interaction with the radiation budget.

Relationship Between Optic Nerve Appearance and Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness as Explored with Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography

PubMed Central

Aleman, Tomas S.; Huang, Jiayan; Garrity, Sean T.; Carter, Stuart B.; Aleman, Wendy D.; Ying, Gui-shuang; Tamhankar, Madhura A.

2014-01-01

Purpose To study the relationship between the appearance of the optic nerve and the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness determined by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods Records from patients with spectral domain-OCT imaging in a neuro-ophthalmology practice were reviewed. Eyes with glaucoma/glaucoma suspicion, macular/optic nerve edema, pseudophakia, and with refractive errors > 6D were excluded. Optic nerve appearance by slit lamp biomicroscopy was related to the RNFL thickness by spectral domain-OCT and to visual field results. Results Ninety-one patients (176 eyes; mean age: 49 ± 15 years) were included. Eighty-three eyes (47%) showed optic nerve pallor; 89 eyes (50.6%) showed RNFL thinning (sectoral or average peripapillary). Average peripapillary RNFL thickness in eyes with pallor (mean ± SD = 76 ± 17 μm) was thinner compared to eyes without pallor (91 ± 14 μm, P < 0.001). Optic nerve pallor predicted RNFL thinning with a sensitivity of 69% and a specificity of 75%. Optic nerve appearance predicted RNFL thinning (with a sensitivity and specificity of 81%) when RNFL had thinned by ∼ 40%. Most patients with pallor had RNFL thinning with (66%) or without (25%) visual field loss; the remainder had normal RNFL and fields (5%) or with visual field abnormalities (4%). Conclusions Optic nerve pallor as a predictor of RNFL thinning showed fair sensitivity and specificity, although it is optimally sensitive/specific only when substantial RNFL loss has occurred. Translational Relevance Finding an acceptable relationship between the optic nerve appearance by ophthalmoscopy and spectral domain-OCT RNFL measures will help the clinician's interpretation of the information provided by this technology, which is gaining momentum in neuro-ophthalmic research. PMID:25374773

Metal-Coated Optical Fibers for High Temperature Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zeakes, Jason; Murphy, Kent; Claus, Richard; Greene, Jonathan; Tran, Tuan

1996-01-01

This poster will highlight on-going research at the Virginia Tech Fiber & Electro-Optics Research Center (FEORC) in the area of thin films on optical fibers. Topics will include the sputter deposition of metals and metal; alloys onto optical fiber and fiber optic sensors for innovative applications. Specific information will be available on thin film fiber optic hydrogen sensors, corrosion sensors, and metal-coated optical fiber for high temperature aerospace applications.

Effect of temperature on optical properties of PMMA/SiO2 composite thin film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soni, Gyanesh; Srivastava, Subodh; Soni, Purushottam; Kalotra, Pankaj; Vijay, Y. K.

2018-05-01

Effect of temperature on PMMA/SiO2 composites thin films were investigated. Nanocomposite flexible thin films of 60 µm thicknesses with different loading of SiO2 nanoparticles were prepared using solution casting method. SEM images show that SiO2 nanoparticles are distributed uniformly in PMMA matrix without any lumps on the surface, and PMMA/SiO2 nano composite thin films had a smoother and regular morphology. UV-Vis and optical band gap measurements revealed that both the concentration of SiO2 nanoparticles and temperature affect the optical properties of the composite thin film in comparison to the pure PMMA film.

Thin glass based packaging and photonic single-mode waveguide integration by ion-exchange technology on board and module level

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brusberg, Lars; Lang, Günter; Schröder, Henning

2011-01-01

The proposed novel packaging approach merges micro-system packaging and glass integrated optics. It provides 3D optical single-mode intra system links to bridge the gap between novel photonic integrated circuits and the glass fibers for inter system interconnects. We introduce our hybrid 3D photonic packaging approach based on thin glass substrates with planar integrated optical single-mode waveguides for fiber-to-chip and chip-to-chip links. Optical mirrors and lenses provide optical mode matching for photonic IC assemblies and optical fiber interconnects. Thin glass is commercially available in panel and wafer formats and characterizes excellent optical and high-frequency properties as reviewed in the paper. That makes it perfect for micro-system packaging. The adopted planar waveguide process based on ion-exchange technology is capable for high-volume manufacturing. This ion-exchange process and the optical propagation are described in detail for thin glass substrates. An extensive characterization of all basic circuit elements like straight and curved waveguides, couplers and crosses proves the low attenuation of the optical circuit elements.

Nanostructured pyronin Y thin films as a new organic semiconductor: Linear/nonlinear optics, band gap and dielectric properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zahran, H. Y.; Yahia, I. S.; Alamri, F. H.

2017-05-01

Pyronin Y dye (PY) is a kind of xanthene derivatives. Thin films of pyronin Y were deposited onto highly cleaned glass substrates using low-cost/spin coating technique. The structure properties of pyronin Y thin films with different thicknesses were investigated by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscope (AFM). PY thin films for all the studied thicknesses have an amorphous structure supporting the short range order of the grain size. AFM supports the nanostructure with spherical/clusters morphologies of the investigated thin films. The optical constants of pyronin Y thin films for various thicknesses were studied by using UV-vis-NIR spectrophotometer in the wavelength range 350-2500 nm. The transmittance T(λ), reflectance R(λ) spectral and absorbance (abs(λ)) were obtained for all film thicknesses at room temperature and the normal light incident. These films showed a high transmittance in the wide scale wavelengths. For different thicknesses of the studied thin films, the optical band gaps were determined and their values around 2 eV. Real and imaginary dielectric constants, dissipation factor and the nonlinear optical parameters were calculated in the wavelengths to the range 300-2500 nm. The pyronin Y is a new organic semiconductor with a good optical absorption in UV-vis regions and it is suitable for nonlinear optical applications.

Fast Industrial Inspection of Optical Thin Film Using Optical Coherence Tomography

PubMed Central

Shirazi, Muhammad Faizan; Park, Kibeom; Wijesinghe, Ruchire Eranga; Jeong, Hyosang; Han, Sangyeob; Kim, Pilun; Jeon, Mansik; Kim, Jeehyun

2016-01-01

An application of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was demonstrated for a fast industrial inspection of an optical thin film panel. An optical thin film sample similar to a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel was examined. Two identical SD-OCT systems were utilized for parallel scanning of a complete sample in half time. Dual OCT inspection heads were utilized for transverse (fast) scanning, while a stable linear motorized translational stage was used for lateral (slow) scanning. The cross-sectional and volumetric images of an optical thin film sample were acquired to detect the defects in glass and other layers that are difficult to observe using visual inspection methods. The rapid inspection enabled by this setup led to the early detection of product defects on the manufacturing line, resulting in a significant improvement in the quality assurance of industrial products. PMID:27690043

Thin film ferroelectric electro-optic memory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thakoor, Sarita (Inventor); Thakoor, Anilkumar P. (Inventor)

1993-01-01

An electrically programmable, optically readable data or memory cell is configured from a thin film of ferroelectric material, such as PZT, sandwiched between a transparent top electrode and a bottom electrode. The output photoresponse, which may be a photocurrent or photo-emf, is a function of the product of the remanent polarization from a previously applied polarization voltage and the incident light intensity. The cell is useful for analog and digital data storage as well as opto-electric computing. The optical read operation is non-destructive of the remanent polarization. The cell provides a method for computing the product of stored data and incident optical data by applying an electrical signal to store data by polarizing the thin film ferroelectric material, and then applying an intensity modulated optical signal incident onto the thin film material to generate a photoresponse therein related to the product of the electrical and optical signals.

Helium emission from model flare layers. [of outer solar atmosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kulander, J. I.

1976-01-01

The emission of visible and UV He I and He II line radiation from a plane-parallel model flare layer characterized by electron temperatures of 10,000 to 50,000 K and electron densities of 10 to the 10th power to 10 to the 15th power per cu cm is analyzed by solving the statistical-equilibrium equations for a 30-level He I-II-III system, using parametric representations of the line and continuum radiation fields. The atomic model was chosen to provide accurate solutions for the first two resonance lines of He I and He II as well as for the D3 and 10,830-A lines of He I. Reaction rates are discussed, and sample solutions to the steady-state population equations are given for a generally optically thin gas assumed to be irradiated over 2pi sr by a blackbody spectrum at 6000 K. Specific results are examined for ionization equilibrium, level populations, approximate optical depths of a 1000-km-thick flare layer, line intensities, and upper-level population rates.

Fabrication and characterization of lithographically patterned and optically transparent anodic aluminum Oxide (AAO) nanostructure thin film.

PubMed

He, Yuan; Li, Xiang; Que, Long

2012-10-01

Optically transparent anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) nanostructure thin film has been successfully fabricated from lithographically patterned aluminum on indium tin oxide (ITO) glass substrates for the first time, indicating the feasibility to integrate the AAO nanostructures with microdevices or microfluidics for a variety of applications. Both one-step and two-step anodization processes using sulfuric acid and oxalic acid have been utilized for fabricating the AAO nanostructure thin film. The optical properties of the fabricated AAO nanostructure thin film have been evaluated and analyzed.

Role of casson fluid on MHD natural convective flow towards vertically inclined plate with hall current

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prasad, D. V. V. Krishna; Chaitanya, G. S. Krishna; Raju, R. Srinivasa

2018-05-01

The aim of the present investigation is to study the steady magnetohydrodynamic free convective Casson fluid flow of an electrically conducting gray gas near equilibrium in the optically thin limit along an infinite vertical plate in the presence of strong transverse magnetic field imposed perpendicularly to the plate, taking hall current and thermal radiation into account. The Rosseland approximation is used to describe the radiative heat flux in the energy equation. Using the non-dimensional quantities, the governing equations have been transformed into a set of ordinary differential equations. The influence of different pertinent parameters on the flow properties is studied. A comparison is made with the available results in the literature, and our numerical results are in very good agreement with the analytical results.

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

Madau, Piero; Haardt, Francesco; Dotti, Massimo

We consider super-critical accretion with angular momentum onto stellar-mass black holes as a possible mechanism for growing billion-solar-mass black holes from light seeds at early times. We use the radiatively inefficient ''slim disk'' solution—advective, optically thick flows that generalize the standard geometrically thin disk model—to show how mildly super-Eddington intermittent accretion may significantly ease the problem of assembling the first massive black holes when the universe was less than 0.8 Gyr old. Because of the low radiative efficiencies of slim disks around non-rotating as well as rapidly rotating black holes, the mass e-folding timescale in this regime is nearly independent ofmore » the spin parameter. The conditions that may lead to super-critical growth in the early universe are briefly discussed.« less

High-resolution photography of clouds from the surface: Retrieval of optical depth of thin clouds down to centimeter scales: High-Resolution Photography of Clouds

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

Schwartz, Stephen E.; Huang, Dong; Vladutescu, Daniela Viviana

This article describes the approach and presents initial results, for a period of several minutes in north central Oklahoma, of an examination of clouds by high resolution digital photography from the surface looking vertically upward. A commercially available camera having 35-mm equivalent focal length up to 1200 mm (nominal resolution as fine as 6 µrad, which corresponds to 9 mm for cloud height 1.5 km) is used to obtain a measure of zenith radiance of a 30 m × 30 m domain as a two-dimensional image consisting of 3456 × 3456 pixels (12 million pixels). Downwelling zenith radiance varies substantiallymore » within single images and between successive images obtained at 4-s intervals. Variation in zenith radiance found on scales down to about 10 cm is attributed to variation in cloud optical depth (COD). Attention here is directed primarily to optically thin clouds, COD less than about 2. A radiation transfer model used to relate downwelling zenith radiance to COD and to relate the counts in the camera image to zenith radiance, permits determination of COD on a pixel-by-pixel basis. COD for thin clouds determined in this way exhibits considerable variation, for example, an order of magnitude within 15 m, a factor of 2 within 4 m, and 25% (0.12 to 0.15) over 14 cm. In conclusion, this approach, which examines cloud structure on scales 3 to 5 orders of magnitude finer than satellite products, opens new avenues for examination of cloud structure and evolution.« less

High-resolution photography of clouds from the surface: Retrieval of optical depth of thin clouds down to centimeter scales: High-Resolution Photography of Clouds

DOE PAGES

Schwartz, Stephen E.; Huang, Dong; Vladutescu, Daniela Viviana

2017-03-08

This article describes the approach and presents initial results, for a period of several minutes in north central Oklahoma, of an examination of clouds by high resolution digital photography from the surface looking vertically upward. A commercially available camera having 35-mm equivalent focal length up to 1200 mm (nominal resolution as fine as 6 µrad, which corresponds to 9 mm for cloud height 1.5 km) is used to obtain a measure of zenith radiance of a 30 m × 30 m domain as a two-dimensional image consisting of 3456 × 3456 pixels (12 million pixels). Downwelling zenith radiance varies substantiallymore » within single images and between successive images obtained at 4-s intervals. Variation in zenith radiance found on scales down to about 10 cm is attributed to variation in cloud optical depth (COD). Attention here is directed primarily to optically thin clouds, COD less than about 2. A radiation transfer model used to relate downwelling zenith radiance to COD and to relate the counts in the camera image to zenith radiance, permits determination of COD on a pixel-by-pixel basis. COD for thin clouds determined in this way exhibits considerable variation, for example, an order of magnitude within 15 m, a factor of 2 within 4 m, and 25% (0.12 to 0.15) over 14 cm. In conclusion, this approach, which examines cloud structure on scales 3 to 5 orders of magnitude finer than satellite products, opens new avenues for examination of cloud structure and evolution.« less

The properties of RE-TM magneto-optical films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Z. Y.; Miao, X. S.; Zhu, P.; Hu, Y. S.; Wan, D. F.; Dai, D. W.; Chen, S. B.; Lin, G. Q.

1992-09-01

In this paper, the magnetic, magneto-optical and galvonomagnetic properties, and their temperature dependence for LRE-TM SmCo, SmCoDy and HRE-TM TbFeCo magneto-optical films as high density recording media prepared by rf magnetron sputtering or evaporation are reported. By adding Dy to SmCo thin film, the SmCoDy thin film is more suitable for magneto-optical recording, its domain size being below 0.63 μm. The Kerr enhancement and corrosion protective effects of AIN and AlSiN for optimum design of the multi-layer structure of magneto-optical disk are described. The instruments of measuring the magneto-optical Kerr effect and magneto-optical recording domain characteristics of thin films are reviewed.

Optical and structural properties of cobalt-permalloy slanted columnar heterostructure thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sekora, Derek; Briley, Chad; Schubert, Mathias; Schubert, Eva

2017-11-01

Optical and structural properties of sequential Co-column-NiFe-column slanted columnar heterostructure thin films with an Al2O3 passivation coating are reported. Electron-beam evaporated glancing angle deposition is utilized to deposit the sequential multiple-material slanted columnar heterostructure thin films. Mueller matrix generalized spectroscopic ellipsometry data is analyzed with a best-match model approach employing the anisotropic Bruggeman effective medium approximation formalism to determine bulk-like and anisotropic optical and structural properties of the individual Co and NiFe slanted columnar material sub-layers. Scanning electron microscopy is applied to image the Co-NiFe sequential growth properties and to verify the results of the ellipsometric analysis. Comparisons to single-material slanted columnar thin films and optically bulk solid thin films are presented and discussed. We find that the optical and structural properties of each material sub-layer of the sequential slanted columnar heterostructure film are distinct from each other and resemble those of their respective single-material counterparts.

A Rapid Method for Deposition of Sn-Doped GaN Thin Films on Glass and Polyethylene Terephthalate Substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pat, Suat; Özen, Soner; Korkmaz, Şadan

2018-01-01

We report the influence of Sn doping on microstructure, surface, and optical properties of GaN thin films deposited on glass and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate. Sn-doped GaN thin films have been deposited by thermionic vacuum arc (TVA) at low temperature. TVA is a rapid deposition technology for thin film growth. Surface and optical properties of the thin films were presented. Grain size, height distribution, roughness values were determined. Grain sizes were calculated as 20 nm and 13 nm for glass and PET substrates, respectively. Nano crystalline forms were shown by field emission scanning electron microscopy. Optical band gap values were determined by optical methods and photoluminescence measurement. The optical band gap values of Sn doped GaN on glass and PET were determined to be approximately ˜3.40 eV and ˜3.47 eV, respectively. As a result, TVA is a rapid and low temperature deposition technology for the Sn doped GaN deposited on glass and PET substrate.

Plasma impact on structural, morphological and optical properties of copper acetylacetonate thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdel-Khalek, H.; El-Samahi, M. I.; El-Mahalawy, Ahmed M.

2018-06-01

The influence of plasma exposure on structural, morphological and optical properties of copper (II) acetylacetonate thin films deposited by thermal evaporation technique was investigated. Copper (II) acetylacetonate as-grown thin films were exposed to the atmospheric plasma for different times. The exposure of as-grown cu(acac)2 thin film to atmospheric plasma for 5 min modified its structural, morphological and optical properties. The effect of plasma exposure on structure and roughness of cu(acac)2 thin films was evaluated by XRD and AFM techniques, respectively. The XRD results showed an increment in crystallinity due to exposure for 5 min, but, when the exposure time reaches 10 min, the film was transformed to an amorphous state. The AFM results revealed a strong modification of films roughness when the average roughness decreased from 63.35 nm to 1 nm as a result of interaction with plasma. The optical properties of as-grown and plasma exposured cu(acac)2 thin films were studied using spectrophotometric method. The exposure of cu(acac)2 thin films to plasma produced the indirect energy gap decrease from 3.20 eV to 2.67 eV for 10 min exposure time. The dispersion parameters were evaluated in terms of single oscillator model for as-grown and plasma exposured thin films. The influence of plasma exposure on third order optical susceptibility was studied.

Nonlinear Optical Properties of Organic and Polymeric Thin Film Materials of Potential for Microgravity Processing Studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abdeldayem, Hossin; Frazier, Donald O.; Paley, Mark S.; Penn, Benjamin; Witherow, William K.; Bank, Curtis; Shields, Angela; Hicks, Rosline; Ashley, Paul R.

1996-01-01

In this paper, we will take a closer look at the state of the art of polydiacetylene, and metal-free phthalocyanine films, in view of the microgravity impact on their optical properties, their nonlinear optical properties and their potential advantages for integrated optics. These materials have many attractive features with regard to their use in integrated optical circuits and optical switching. Thin films of these materials processed in microgravity environment show enhanced optical quality and better molecular alignment than those processed in unit gravity. Our studies of these materials indicate that microgravity can play a major role in integrated optics technology. Polydiacetylene films are produced by UV irradiation of monomer solution through an optical window. This novel technique of forming polydiacetylene thin films has been modified for constructing sophisticated micro-structure integrated optical patterns using a pre-programmed UV-Laser beam. Wave guiding through these thin films by the prism coupler technique has been demonstrated. The third order nonlinear parameters of these films have been evaluated. Metal-free phthalocyanine films of good optical quality are processed in our laboratories by vapor deposition technique. Initial studies on these films indicate that they have excellent chemical, laser, and environmental stability. They have large nonlinear optical parameters and show intrinsic optical bistability. This bistability is essential for optical logic gates and optical switching applications. Waveguiding and device making investigations of these materials are underway.

Effect of 60Co γ-irradiation on structural and optical properties of thin films of Ga10Se80Hg10

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad, Shabir; Asokan, K.; Shahid Khan, Mohd.; Zulfequar, M.

2015-08-01

Thin films of Ga10Se80Hg10 have been deposited onto a chemically cleaned Al2O3 substrates by thermal evaporation technique under vacuum. The investigated thin films are irradiated by 60Co γ-rays in the dose range of 50-150 kGy. X-ray diffraction patterns of the investigated thin films confirm the preferred crystallite growth occurs in the tetragonal phase structure. It also shows, the average crystallite size increases after γ-exposure, which indicates the crystallinity of the material increases after γ-irradiation. These results were further supported by surface morphological analysis carried out by scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope which also shows the crystallinity of the material increases with increasing the γ-irradiation dose. The optical transmission spectra of the thin films at normal incidence were investigated in the spectral range from 190 to 1100 nm. Using the transmission spectra, the optical constants like refractive index (n) and extinction coefficient (k) were calculated based on Swanepoel's method. The optical band gap (Eg) was also estimated using Tauc's extrapolation procedure. The optical analysis shows: the value of optical band gap of investigated thin films decreases and the corresponding absorption coefficient increases continuously with increasing dose of γ-irradiation.

Two-Flux and Green's Function Method for Transient Radiative Transfer in a Semi-Transparent Layer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Siegel, Robert

1995-01-01

A method using a Green's function is developed for computing transient temperatures in a semitransparent layer by using the two-flux method coupled with the transient energy equation. Each boundary of the layer is exposed to a hot or cold radiative environment, and is heated or cooled by convection. The layer refractive index is larger than one, and the effect of internal reflections is included with the boundaries assumed diffuse. The analysis accounts for internal emission, absorption, heat conduction, and isotropic scattering. Spectrally dependent radiative properties are included, and transient results are given to illustrate two-band spectral behavior with optically thin and thick bands. Transient results using the present Green's function method are verified for a gray layer by comparison with a finite difference solution of the exact radiative transfer equations; excellent agreement is obtained. The present method requires only moderate computing times and incorporates isotropic scattering without additional complexity. Typical temperature distributions are given to illustrate application of the method by examining the effect of strong radiative heating on one side of a layer with convective cooling on the other side, and the interaction of strong convective heating with radiative cooling from the layer interior.

Section 9.1 new dosimeters. New dosimetry systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McLaughlin, William L.

During the past two years there have been significant advances in several forms of radiation measurement systems for radiation processing, covering dose ranges of 1-10 6 Gy. Calorimeters as reference standards for both ionizing photon and electron fields have become well-established. In addition to the older ceric-cerous dosimetry solution analyzed potentiometrically, new liquid-phase dosimeters include those analyzed by spectrophotometry, e.g., improved forms of acidic aqueous solutions of K-Ag dichromate and organic radiochromic dye solutions. It has recently been demonstrated that by using certain refined sugars, e.g., D-(-) ribose, optical rotation response in aqueous solutions can be enhanced for dosimetry at doses > 10 4 Gy. There has been expanded development, use, and formulation (rods, tablets, and thin films) of the amino acid, alanine, as a solid-phase dosimeter analyzed by either ESR spectrometry or by glutamine or alanine spectrophotometry of complexes with ferric ion in the presence of a sulfonphthalein dye (xylenol orange). New commercial types of radiochromic plastic dosimeters, e.g., GafChromic TM, Riso B3 TM, GAMMACHROME YR TM, Radix TM, and Gammex TM, have been introduced and applied in practice. Improvements and broader use of optical waveguide dosimeters, e.g., Opti-Chromic TM, have also been reported, especially in food irradiation applications. Several novel dyed plastic dosimeters are available in large quantities and they lose color due to irradiation. An example is a dyed cellulosic thin film (ATC type DY-42 TM) which can be measured spectrophotometrically or densitometrically up to doses as high as 10 6 Gy.

Optical Coherence Tomography in Glaucoma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berisha, Fatmire; Hoffmann, Esther M.; Pfeiffer, Norbert

Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thinning and optic nerve head cupping are key diagnostic features of glaucomatous optic neuropathy. The higher resolution of the recently introduced SD-OCT offers enhanced visualization and improved segmentation of the retinal layers, providing a higher accuracy in identification of subtle changes of the optic disc and RNFL thinning associated with glaucoma.

Investigation of microstructure, micro-mechanical and optical properties of HfTiO{sub 4} thin films prepared by magnetron co-sputtering

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

Mazur, Michal, E-mail: michal.mazur@pwr.edu.pl; Wojcieszak, Damian; Domaradzki, Jaroslaw

2015-12-15

Highlights: • HfTiO{sub 4} thin films were deposited by magnetron co-sputtering. • As-prepared and annealed at 800 °C thin films were nanocrystalline. • Optical properties and hardness were investigated in relation to thin films structure. • Hardness was 3-times higher in the case of as-deposited thin films. • HfTiO{sub 4} thin films are suitable for use as optical coatings with protective properties. - Abstract: Titania (TiO{sub 2}) and hafnium oxide (HfO{sub 2}) thin films are in the focus of interest to the microelectronics community from a dozen years. Because of their outstanding properties like, among the others, high stability, highmore » refractive index, high electric permittivity, they found applications in many optical and electronics domains. In this work discussion on the hardness, microstructure and optical properties of as-deposited and annealed HfTiO{sub 4} thin films has been presented. Deposited films were prepared using magnetron co-sputtering method. Performed investigations revealed that as-deposited coatings were nanocrystalline with HfTiO{sub 4} structure. Deposited films were built from crystallites of ca. 4–12 nm in size and after additional annealing an increase in crystallites size up to 16 nm was observed. Micro-mechanical properties, i.e., hardness and elastic modulus were determined using conventional load-controlled nanoindentation testing. the annealed films had 3-times lower hardness as-compared to as-deposited ones (∼9 GPa). Based on optical investigations real and imaginary components of refractive index were calculated, both for as-deposited and annealed thin films. The real refractive index component increased after annealing from 2.03 to 2.16, while extinction coefficient increased by an order from 10{sup −4} to 10{sup −3}. Structure modification was analyzed together with optical energy band-gap, Urbach energy and using Wemple–DiDomenico model.« less

The Effects of Accretion Disk Thickness on the Black Hole Reflection Spectrum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taylor, Corbin; Reynolds, Christopher S.

2018-01-01

Despite being the gravitational engines that power galactic-scale winds and mega parsec-scale jets in active galaxies, black holes are remarkably simple objects, typically being fully described by their angular momenta (spin) and masses. The modelling of AGN X-ray reflection spectra has proven fruitful in estimating the spin of AGN, as well as giving insight into their accretion histories and into the properties of plasmas in the strong gravity regime. However, current models make simplifying assumptions about the geometry of the reflecting material in the accretion disk and the irradiating X-ray corona, approximating the disk as an optically thick, infinitely thin disk of material in the orbital plane. We present results from the new relativistic raytracing suite, Fenrir, that explore the effects that disk thickness may have on the reflection spectrum and the accompanying reverberation signatures. Approximating the accretion disk as an optically thick, geometrically thin, radiation pressure dominated disk (Shakura & Sunyaev 1973), one finds that the disk geometry is non-negligible in many cases, with significant changes in the broad Fe K line profile. Finally, we explore the systematic errors inherent in other contemporary models that approximate that disk as having negligible vertical extent.

The link between outgoing longwave radiation and the altitude at which a spaceborne lidar beam is fully attenuated

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vaillant de Guélis, Thibault; Chepfer, Hélène; Noel, Vincent; Guzman, Rodrigo; Dubuisson, Philippe; Winker, David M.; Kato, Seiji

2017-12-01

According to climate model simulations, the changing altitude of middle and high clouds is the dominant contributor to the positive global mean longwave cloud feedback. Nevertheless, the mechanisms of this longwave cloud altitude feedback and its magnitude have not yet been verified by observations. Accurate, stable, and long-term observations of a metric-characterizing cloud vertical distribution that are related to the longwave cloud radiative effect are needed to achieve a better understanding of the mechanism of longwave cloud altitude feedback. This study shows that the direct measurement of the altitude of atmospheric lidar opacity is a good candidate for the necessary observational metric. The opacity altitude is the level at which a spaceborne lidar beam is fully attenuated when probing an opaque cloud. By combining this altitude with the direct lidar measurement of the cloud-top altitude, we derive the effective radiative temperature of opaque clouds which linearly drives (as we will show) the outgoing longwave radiation. We find that, for an opaque cloud, a cloud temperature change of 1 K modifies its cloud radiative effect by 2 W m-2. Similarly, the longwave cloud radiative effect of optically thin clouds can be derived from their top and base altitudes and an estimate of their emissivity. We show with radiative transfer simulations that these relationships hold true at single atmospheric column scale, on the scale of the Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) instantaneous footprint, and at monthly mean 2° × 2° scale. Opaque clouds cover 35 % of the ice-free ocean and contribute to 73 % of the global mean cloud radiative effect. Thin-cloud coverage is 36 % and contributes 27 % of the global mean cloud radiative effect. The link between outgoing longwave radiation and the altitude at which a spaceborne lidar beam is fully attenuated provides a simple formulation of the cloud radiative effect in the longwave domain and so helps us to understand the longwave cloud altitude feedback mechanism.

Nanocrystalline silicon thin films and grating structures for solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Juneja, Sucheta; Sudhakar, Selvakumar; Khonina, Svetlana N.; Skidanov, Roman V.; Porfirevb, Alexey P.; Moissev, Oleg Y.; Kazanskiy, Nikolay L.; Kumar, Sushil

2016-03-01

Enhancement of optical absorption for achieving high efficiencies in thin film silicon solar cells is a challenge task. Herein, we present the use of grating structure for the enhancement of optical absorption. We have made grating structures and same can be integrated in hydrogenated micro/nanocrystalline silicon (μc/nc-Si: H) thin films based p-i-n solar cells. μc/nc-Si: H thin films were grown using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition method. Grating structures integrated with μc/nc-Si: H thin film solar cells may enhance the optical path length and reduce the reflection losses and its characteristics can be probed by spectroscopic and microscopic technique with control design and experiment.

Optical, mechanical and structural properties of PMMA/SiO2 nanocomposite thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soni, Gyanesh; Srivastava, Subodh; Soni, Purushottam; Kalotra, Pankaj; Vijay, Y. K.

2018-01-01

We have fabricated PMMA/SiO2 nanocomposite flexible thin films of 60 μm thicknesses by using solution casting method in the presence of transverse electric field. In this paper, we have investigated the effect of SiO2 nanoparticle (NP) loading on optical and mechanical properties of the composite thin film. The SEM images show that nanocomposite thin films have a smoother and uniform morphology. The transmittance peak near 1103 cm-1 in FT-IR spectrum confirms the presence of SiO2 NPs in the composite thin film. It is observed that optical bandgap decreases with an increase in the SiO2 NP concentration. Dynamic mechanical analysis shows that presence of SiO2 NP enhances the mechanical strength of the composite thin film.

Triton, Pluto, and Titan: A Comparison of Haze Photometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buratti, Bonnie J.; Hillier, John K.; Abgarian, Mary; Kutsop, Nicholas; Devins, Spencer; Mosher, Joel A.; Stern, S. Alan; Weaver, Harold A.; Olkin, Catherine; Young, Leslie; Ennico, Kimberly; New Horizons Science Team

2017-10-01

As Kuiper Belt Objects of similar size and albedo, Triton and Pluto were thought to be kindred bodies exhibiting like geologic histories and features, with possible seasonal volatile transport in their polar regions. During the flyby of Pluto in July 2015, active geological processes were observed on the planet (Stern et al., 2015), and a substantial haze layer that was more akin to Titan’s was observed (Gladstone et. al., 2016). Multiple haze layers were discovered surrounding the dwarf planet (Cheng et al. 2017).Using a radiative transfer model based on Chandrasekhar’s “Planetary Problem” of an optically thin atmosphere and a surface of arbitrary single scattering albedo and single particle phase function (Chandrasekhar, 1960; Hillier et al., 1990, 1991; Buratti et al., 2011), we have characterized the optical depth and surface properties of Pluto, Triton, and Titan. The forward-scattering properties of the haze can also be quantified by this model. Optical imaging data was analyzed for Triton and Pluto. For Titan we made use of published data on Titan (Tomasko and West, 2009) plus new Cassini Visual Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS) data, which spans the wavelength range between 0.35 and 5.2 microns, and which has several channels in the mid-infrared where both the haze opacity is relatively low and the atmosphere is optically thin. Pluto’s atmosphere is more optically thick than Triton’s but both are far thinner than Titan’s. The composition of Triton’s haze layer differs markedly from Titan’s. Observations of Pluto’s haze reveal a bluish color (Gladstone et al., 2016), but the reddish tint of possible haze deposits on the surface (Stern et al., 2015; Buratti et al., 2015) suggest Pluto’s haze composition is Titan-like. Institute of Technology. Government sponsorship acknowledged.

Elaboration and properties of hierarchically structured optical thin films of MIL-101(Cr).

PubMed

Demessence, Aude; Horcajada, Patricia; Serre, Christian; Boissière, Cédric; Grosso, David; Sanchez, Clément; Férey, Gérard

2009-12-14

Stable nanoparticles dispersions of the porous hybrid MIL-101(Cr) allow dip-coating of high quality optical thin films with dual hierarchical porous structure. Moreover, for the first time, mechanical and sorption properties of mesoporous MOFs based thin films are evaluated.

Optical stress generator and detector

DOEpatents

Maris, Humphrey J.; Stoner, Robert J

2001-01-01

Disclosed is a system for the characterization of thin films and interfaces between thin films through measurements of their mechanical and thermal properties. In the system light is absorbed in a thin film or in a structure made up of several thin films, and the change in optical transmission or reflection is measured and analyzed. The change in reflection or transmission is used to give information about the ultrasonic waves that are produced in the structure. The information that is obtained from the use of the measurement methods and apparatus of this invention can include: (a) a determination of the thickness of thin films with a speed and accuracy that is improved compared to earlier methods; (b) a determination of the thermal, elastic, and optical properties of thin films; (c) a determination of the stress in thin films; and (d) a characterization of the properties of interfaces, including the presence of roughness and defects.

Optical stress generator and detector

DOEpatents

Maris, Humphrey J.; Stoner, Robert J.

1998-01-01

Disclosed is a system for the characterization of thin films and interfaces between thin films through measurements of their mechanical and thermal properties. In the system light is absorbed in a thin film or in a structure made up of several thin films, and the change in optical transmission or reflection is measured and analyzed. The change in reflection or transmission is used to give information about the ultrasonic waves that are produced in the structure. The information that is obtained from the use of the measurement methods and apparatus of this invention can include: (a) a determination of the thickness of thin films with a speed and accuracy that is improved compared to earlier methods; (b) a determination of the thermal, elastic, and optical properties of thin films; (c) a determination of the stress in thin films; and (d) a characterization of the properties of interfaces, including the presence of roughness and defects.

Optical stress generator and detector

DOEpatents

Maris, H.J.; Stoner, R.J.

1998-05-05

Disclosed is a system for the characterization of thin films and interfaces between thin films through measurements of their mechanical and thermal properties. In the system light is absorbed in a thin film or in a structure made up of several thin films, and the change in optical transmission or reflection is measured and analyzed. The change in reflection or transmission is used to give information about the ultrasonic waves that are produced in the structure. The information that is obtained from the use of the measurement methods and apparatus of this invention can include: (a) a determination of the thickness of thin films with a speed and accuracy that is improved compared to earlier methods; (b) a determination of the thermal, elastic, and optical properties of thin films; (c) a determination of the stress in thin films; and (d) a characterization of the properties of interfaces, including the presence of roughness and defects. 32 figs.

Optical stress generator and detector

DOEpatents

Maris, Humphrey J.; Stoner, Robert J

2002-01-01

Disclosed is a system for the characterization of thin films and interfaces between thin films through measurements of their mechanical and thermal properties. In the system light is absorbed in a thin film or in a structure made up of several thin films, and the change in optical transmission or reflection is measured and analyzed. The change in reflection or transmission is used to give information about the ultrasonic waves that are produced in the structure. The information that is obtained from the use of the measurement methods and apparatus of this invention can include: (a) a determination of the thickness of thin films with a speed and accuracy that is improved compared to earlier methods; (b) a determination of the thermal, elastic, and optical properties of thin films; (c) a determination of the stress in thin films; and (d) a characterization of the properties of interfaces, including the presence of roughness and defects.

Optical stress generator and detector

DOEpatents

Maris, Humphrey J.; Stoner, Robert J

1999-01-01

Disclosed is a system for the characterization of thin films and interfaces between thin films through measurements of their mechanical and thermal properties. In the system light is absorbed in a thin film or in a structure made up of several thin films, and the change in optical transmission or reflection is measured and analyzed. The change in reflection or transmission is used to give information about the ultrasonic waves that are produced in the structure. The information that is obtained from the use of the measurement methods and apparatus of this invention can include: (a) a determination of the thickness of thin films with a speed and accuracy that is improved compared to earlier methods; (b) a determination of the thermal, elastic, and optical properties of thin films; (c) a determination of the stress in thin films; and (d) a characterization of the properties of interfaces, including the presence of roughness and defects.

Characterization of Pb-Doped GaN Thin Films Grown by Thermionic Vacuum Arc

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Özen, Soner; Pat, Suat; Korkmaz, Şadan

2018-03-01

Undoped and lead (Pb)-doped gallium nitride (GaN) thin films have been deposited by a thermionic vacuum arc (TVA) method. Glass and polyethylene terephthalate were selected as optically transparent substrates. The structural, optical, morphological, and electrical properties of the deposited thin films were investigated. These physical properties were interpreted by comparison with related analysis methods. The crystalline structure of the deposited GaN thin films was hexagonal wurtzite. The optical bandgap energy of the GaN and Pb-doped GaN thin films was found to be 3.45 eV and 3.47 eV, respectively. The surface properties of the deposited thin films were imaged using atomic force microscopy and field-emission scanning electron microscopy, revealing a nanostructured, homogeneous, and granular surface structure. These results confirm that the TVA method is an alternative layer deposition system for Pb-doped GaN thin films.

A study on micro-structural and optical parameters of InxSe1-x thin film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patel, P. B.; Desai, H. N.; Dhimmar, J. M.; Modi, B. P.

2018-04-01

Thin film of Indium Selenide (InSe) has been deposited by thermal evaporation technique onto pre cleaned glass substrate under high vacuum condition. The micro-structural and optical properties of InxSe1-x (x = 0.6, 1-x = 0.4) thin film have been characterized by X-ray diffractrometer (XRD) and UV-Visible spectrophotometer. The XRD spectra showed that InSe thin film has single phase hexagonal structure with preferred orientation along (1 1 0) direction. The micro-structural parameters (crystallite size, lattice strain, dislocation density, domain population) for InSe thin film have been calculated using XRD spectra. The optical parameters (absorption, transmittance, reflectance, energy band gap, Urbach energy) of InSe thin film have been evaluated from absorption spectra. The direct energy band gap and Urbach energy of InSe thin film is found to be 1.90 eV and 235 meV respectively.

Fabrication of ATO/Graphene Multi-layered Transparent Conducting Thin Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Na; Chen, Fei; Shen, Qiang; Wang, Chuanbin; Zhang, Lianmeng

2013-03-01

A novel transparent conducting oxide based on the ATO/graphene multi-layered thin films has been developed to satisfy the application of transparent conductive electrode in solar cells. The ATO thin films are prepared by pulsed laser deposition method with high quality, namely the sheet resistance of 49.5 Ω/sq and average transmittance of 81.9 %. The prepared graphene sheet is well reduced and shows atomically thin, spotty distributed appearance on the top of the ATO thin films. The XRD and optical micrographs are used to confirm the successfully preparation of the ATO/graphene multi-layered thin films. The Hall measurements and UV-Vis spectrophotometer are conducted to evaluate the sheet resistance and optical transmittance of the innovative structure. It is found that graphene can improve the electrical properties of the ATO thin films with little influence on the optical transmittance.

Optical sensors and multisensor arrays containing thin film electroluminescent devices

DOEpatents

Aylott, Jonathan W.; Chen-Esterlit, Zoe; Friedl, Jon H.; Kopelman, Raoul; Savvateev, Vadim N.; Shinar, Joseph

2001-12-18

Optical sensor, probe and array devices for detecting chemical biological, and physical analytes. The devices include an analyte-sensitive layer optically coupled to a thin film electroluminescent layer which activates the analyte-sensitive layer to provide an optical response. The optical response varies depending upon the presence of an analyte and is detected by a photodetector and analyzed to determine the properties of the analyte.

SCHOTT optical glass in space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jedamzik, Ralf; Petzold, Uwe

2017-09-01

Optical systems in space environment have to withstand harsh radiation. Radiation in space usually comes from three main sources: the Van Allen radiation belts (mainly electrons and protons); solar proton events and solar energetic particles (heavier ions); and galactic cosmic rays (gamma- or x-rays). Other heavy environmental effects include short wavelength radiation (UV) and extreme temperatures (cold and hot). Radiation can damage optical glasses and effect their optical properties. The most common effect is solarization, the decrease in transmittance by radiation. This effect can be observed for UV radiation and for gamma or electron radiation. Optical glasses can be stabilized against many radiation effects. SCHOTT offers radiation resistant glasses that do not show solarization effects for gamma or electron radiation. A review of SCHOTT optical glasses in space missions shows, that not only radiation resistant glasses are used in the optical designs, but also standard optical glasses. This publication finishes with a selection of space missions using SCHOTT optical glass over the last decades.

Miniature all-silica optical fiber pressure sensor with an ultrathin uniform diaphragm.

PubMed

Wang, Wenhui; Wu, Nan; Tian, Ye; Niezrecki, Christopher; Wang, Xingwei

2010-04-26

This paper presents an all-silica miniature optical fiber pressure/acoustic sensor based on the Fabry-Perot (FP) interferometric principle. The endface of the etched optical fiber tip and silica thin diaphragm on it form the FP structure. The uniform and thin silica diaphragm was fabricated by etching away the silicon substrate from a commercial silicon wafer that has a thermal oxide layer. The thin film was directly thermally bonded to the endface of the optical fiber thus creating the Fabry-Perot cavity. Thin films with a thickness from 1microm to 3microm have been bonded successfully. The sensor shows good linearity and hysteresis during measurement. A sensor with 0.75 microm-thick diaphragm thinned by post silica etching was demonstrated to have a sensitivity of 11 nm/kPa. The new sensor has great potential to be used as a non-intrusive pressure sensor in a variety of sensing applications.

Tailoring of optical band gap by varying Zn content in Cd{sub 1-x}Zn{sub x}S thin films prepared by spray pyrolysis method

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

Kumar, Vipin, E-mail: vipinkumar28@yahoo.co.in; Sharma, D. K.; Agrawal, Sonalika

Cd{sub 1-X}Zn{sub X}S thin films (X = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8) have been grown on glass substrate by spray pyrolysis technique using equimolar concentration aqueous solution of cadmium chloride, zinc acetate and thiourea. Prepared thin films have been characterized by UV-VIS spectrophotometer. The optical band gap of the films has been studied by transmission spectra in wavelength range 325-600nm. It has been observed that optical band gap increases with increasing zinc concentration. The optical band gap of these thin films varies from 2.59 to 3.20eV with increasing Zn content.

Boosting infrared energy transfer in 3D nanoporous gold antennas.

PubMed

Garoli, D; Calandrini, E; Bozzola, A; Ortolani, M; Cattarin, S; Barison, S; Toma, A; De Angelis, F

2017-01-05

The applications of plasmonics to energy transfer from free-space radiation to molecules are currently limited to the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum due to the intrinsic optical properties of bulk noble metals that support strong electromagnetic field confinement only close to their plasma frequency in the visible/ultraviolet range. In this work, we show that nanoporous gold can be exploited as a plasmonic material for the mid-infrared region to obtain strong electromagnetic field confinement, co-localized with target molecules into the nanopores and resonant with their vibrational frequency. The effective optical response of the nanoporous metal enables the penetration of optical fields deep into the nanopores, where molecules can be loaded thus achieving a more efficient light-matter coupling if compared to bulk gold. In order to realize plasmonic resonators made of nanoporous gold, we develop a nanofabrication method based on polymeric templates for metal deposition and we obtain antenna arrays resonating at mid-infrared wavelengths selected by design. We then coat the antennas with a thin (3 nm) silica layer acting as the target dielectric layer for optical energy transfer. We study the strength of the light-matter coupling at the vibrational absorption frequency of silica at 1240 cm -1 through the analysis of the experimental Fano lineshape that is benchmarked against identical structures made of bulk gold. The boost in the optical energy transfer from free-space mid-infrared radiation to molecular vibrations in nanoporous 3D nanoantenna arrays can open new application routes for plasmon-enhanced physical-chemical reactions.

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

Balman, Şölen; Godon, Patrick; Sion, Edward M., E-mail: solen@astroa.physics.metu.edu.tr, E-mail: patrick.godon@villanova.edu, E-mail: edward.sion@villanova.edu

We present a total of ∼45 ks (3 × 15 ks) of Swift X-Ray Telescope (XRT) observations for three nonmagnetic nova-like (NL) cataclysmic variables (CVs; MV Lyr, BZ Cam, V592 Cas) in order to study characteristics of boundary layers (BLs) in CVs. The nonmagnetic NLs are found mostly in a state of high mass accretion rate (≥1 × 10{sup –9} M {sub ☉} yr{sup –1}), and some show occasional low states. Using the XRT data, we find optically thin multiple-temperature cooling flow type emission spectra with X-ray temperatures (kT {sub max}) of 21-50 keV. These hard X-ray-emitting BLs diverge frommore » simple isobaric cooling flows, indicating X-ray temperatures that are of virial values in the disk. In addition, we detect power-law emission components from MV Lyr and BZ Cam and plausibly from V592 Cas, which may be a result of the Compton scattering of the optically thin emission from the fast wind outflows in these systems and/or Compton upscattering of the soft disk photons. The X-ray luminosities of the (multitemperature) thermal plasma emission in the 0.1-50.0 keV range are (0.9-5.0) × 10{sup 32} erg s{sup –1}. The ratio of the X-ray and disk luminosities (calculated from the UV-optical wavelengths) yields an efficiency (L{sub x} /L {sub disk}) ∼ 0.01-0.001. Given this non-radiative ratio for the X-ray-emitting BLs with no significant optically thick blackbody emission in the soft X-rays (consistent with ROSAT observations), together with the high/virial X-ray temperatures, we suggest that high-state NL systems may have optically thin BLs merged with ADAF-like flows and/or X-ray coronae. In addition, we note that the axisymmetric bipolar and/or rotation-dominated fast-wind outflows detected in these three NLs (particularly BZ Cam and V592 Cas) or some other NL may also be explained in the context of ADAF-like BL regions.« less

Research on precision grinding technology of large scale and ultra thin optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Lian; Wei, Qiancai; Li, Jie; Chen, Xianhua; Zhang, Qinghua

2018-03-01

The flatness and parallelism error of large scale and ultra thin optics have an important influence on the subsequent polishing efficiency and accuracy. In order to realize the high precision grinding of those ductile elements, the low deformation vacuum chuck was designed first, which was used for clamping the optics with high supporting rigidity in the full aperture. Then the optics was planar grinded under vacuum adsorption. After machining, the vacuum system was turned off. The form error of optics was on-machine measured using displacement sensor after elastic restitution. The flatness would be convergenced with high accuracy by compensation machining, whose trajectories were integrated with the measurement result. For purpose of getting high parallelism, the optics was turned over and compensation grinded using the form error of vacuum chuck. Finally, the grinding experiment of large scale and ultra thin fused silica optics with aperture of 430mm×430mm×10mm was performed. The best P-V flatness of optics was below 3 μm, and parallelism was below 3 ″. This machining technique has applied in batch grinding of large scale and ultra thin optics.

Validation of POLDER/ADEOS data using a ground-based lidar network: Preliminary results for semi-transparent and cirrus clouds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chepfer, H.; Sauvage, L.; Flamant, P. H.; Pelon, J.; Goloub, P.; Brogniez, G.; spinhirne, J.; Lavorato, M.; Sugimoto, N.

1998-01-01

At mid and tropical latitudes, cirrus clouds are present more than 50% of the time in satellites observations. Due to their large spatial and temporal coverage, and associated low temperatures, cirrus clouds have a major influence on the Earth-Ocean-Atmosphere energy balance through their effects on the incoming solar radiation and outgoing infrared radiation. At present the impact of cirrus clouds on climate is well recognized but remains to be asserted more precisely, for their optical and radiative properties are not very well known. In order to understand the effects of cirrus clouds on climate, their optical and radiative characteristics of these clouds need to be determined accurately at different scales in different locations i.e. latitude. Lidars are well suited to observe cirrus clouds, they can detect very thin and semi-transparent layers, and retrieve the clouds geometrical properties i.e. altitude and multilayers, as well as radiative properties i.e. optical depth, backscattering phase functions of ice crystals. Moreover the linear depolarization ratio can give information on the ice crystal shape. In addition, the data collected with an airborne version of POLDER (POLarization and Directionality of Earth Reflectances) instrument have shown that bidirectional polarized measurements can provide information on cirrus cloud microphysical properties (crystal shapes, preferred orientation in space). The spaceborne version of POLDER-1 has been flown on ADEOS-1 platform during 8 months (October 96 - June 97), and the next POLDER-2 instrument will be launched in 2000 on ADEOS-2. The POLDER-1 cloud inversion algorithms are currently under validation. For cirrus clouds, a validation based on comparisons between cloud properties retrieved from POLDER-1 data and cloud properties inferred from a ground-based lidar network is currently under consideration. We present the first results of the validation.

Optical Analysis of Transparent Polymeric Material Exposed to Simulated Space Environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Edwards, David L.; Finckenor, Miria M.

2000-01-01

Many innovations in spacecraft power and propulsion have been recently tested at NASA, particularly in non-chemical propulsion. One improvement in solar array technology is solar concentration using thin polymer film Fresnel lenses. Weight and cost savings were proven with the Solar Concentrator Arrays with Refractive Linear Element Technology (SCARLET)-II array on NASA's Deep Space I spacecraft. The Fresnel lens concentrates solar energy onto high-efficiency solar cells, decreasing the area of solar cells needed for power. Continued efficiency of this power system relies on the thin film's durability in the space environment and maintaining transmission in the 300 - 1000 nm bandwidth. Various polymeric materials have been tested for use in solar concentrators, including Lexan(TM), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), several formulations of Tefzel(Tm) and Teflon(TM), and DC 93-500, the material selected for SCARLET-II. Also tested were several innovative materials including Langley Research Center's CPI and CP2 polymers and atomic oxygen- resistant polymers developed by Triton Systems, Inc. The Environmental Effects Group of the Marshall Space Flight Center's Materials, Processes, and Manufacturing Department exposed these materials to simulated space environment and evaluated them for any change in optical transmission. Samples were exposed to a minimum of 1000 equivalent Sun hours of near-UV radiation (250 - 400 nm wavelength). Materials that appeared robust after near-UV exposure were then exposed to charged particle radiation equivalent to a five-year dose in geosynchronous orbit. These exposures were performed in MSFC's Combined Environmental Effects Test Chamber, a unique facility with the capability to expose materials simultaneously or sequentially to protons, low-energy electrons, high-energy electrons, near UV radiation and vacuum UV radiation. Reflectance measurements can be made on the samples in vacuum. Prolonged exposure to the space environment will decrease the polymer film's transmission and thus reduce the conversion efficiency. A method was developed to normalize the transmission loss and thus rank the materials according to their tolerance to space environmental exposure. Spectral results and the material ranking according to transmission loss are presented.

Tunable thin-film optical filters for hyperspectral microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Favreau, Peter F.; Rich, Thomas C.; Prabhat, Prashant; Leavesley, Silas J.

2013-02-01

Hyperspectral imaging was originally developed for use in remote sensing applications. More recently, it has been applied to biological imaging systems, such as fluorescence microscopes. The ability to distinguish molecules based on spectral differences has been especially advantageous for identifying fluorophores in highly autofluorescent tissues. A key component of hyperspectral imaging systems is wavelength filtering. Each filtering technology used for hyperspectral imaging has corresponding advantages and disadvantages. Recently, a new optical filtering technology has been developed that uses multi-layered thin-film optical filters that can be rotated, with respect to incident light, to control the center wavelength of the pass-band. Compared to the majority of tunable filter technologies, these filters have superior optical performance including greater than 90% transmission, steep spectral edges and high out-of-band blocking. Hence, tunable thin-film optical filters present optical characteristics that may make them well-suited for many biological spectral imaging applications. An array of tunable thin-film filters was implemented on an inverted fluorescence microscope (TE 2000, Nikon Instruments) to cover the full visible wavelength range. Images of a previously published model, GFP-expressing endothelial cells in the lung, were acquired using a charge-coupled device camera (Rolera EM-C2, Q-Imaging). This model sample presents fluorescently-labeled cells in a highly autofluorescent environment. Linear unmixing of hyperspectral images indicates that thin-film tunable filters provide equivalent spectral discrimination to our previous acousto-optic tunable filter-based approach, with increased signal-to-noise characteristics. Hence, tunable multi-layered thin film optical filters may provide greatly improved spectral filtering characteristics and therefore enable wider acceptance of hyperspectral widefield microscopy.

Relativistic turbulence with strong synchrotron and synchrotron self-Compton cooling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uzdensky, D. A.

2018-07-01

Many relativistic plasma environments in high-energy astrophysics, including pulsar wind nebulae (PWN), hot accretion flows on to black holes, relativistic jets in active galactic nuclei and gamma-ray bursts, and giant radio lobes, are naturally turbulent. The plasma in these environments is often so hot that synchrotron and inverse-Compton (IC) radiative cooling becomes important. In this paper, we investigate the general thermodynamic and radiative properties (and hence the observational appearance) of an optically thin relativistically hot plasma stirred by driven magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence and cooled by radiation. We find that if the system reaches a statistical equilibrium where turbulent heating is balanced by radiative cooling, the effective electron temperature tends to attain a universal value θ = kT_e/m_e c^2 ˜ 1/√{τ _T}, where τT = neσTL ≪ 1 is the system's Thomson optical depth, essentially independent of the strength of turbulent driving and hence of the magnetic field. This is because both MHD turbulent dissipation and synchrotron cooling are proportional to the magnetic energy density. We also find that synchrotron self-Compton (SSC) cooling and perhaps a few higher order IC components are automatically comparable to synchrotron in this regime. The overall broad-band radiation spectrum then consists of several distinct components (synchrotron, SSC, etc.), well separated in photon energy (by a factor ˜ τ_T^{-1}) and roughly equal in power. The number of IC peaks is checked by Klein-Nishina effects and depends logarithmically on τT and the magnetic field. We also examine the limitations due to synchrotron self-absorption, explore applications to Crab PWN and blazar jets, and discuss links to radiative magnetic reconnection.

Characterization facility for magneto-optic media and systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mansuripur, M.; Fu, H.; Gadetsky, S.; Sugaya, S.; Wu, T. H.; Zambuto, J.; Gerber, R.; Goodman, T.; Erwin, J. K.

1993-01-01

Objectives of this research are: (1) to measure the hysteresis loop, Kerr rotation angle, anisotropy energy profile, Hall voltage, and magnetoresistance of thin-film magneto-optic media using our loop-tracer; (2) measure the wavelength-dependence of the Kerr rotation angle, Theta(sub k), and ellipticity, epsilon(sub k), for thin-film media using our magneto-optic Kerr spectrometer (MOKS); (3) measure the dielectric tensor of thin-film and multilayer samples using our variable-angle magneto-optic ellipsometer (VAMOE); (4) measure the hysteresis loop, coercivity, remanent magnetization, saturation magnetization, and anisotropy energy constant for thin film magnetic media using vibrating sample magnetometry; (5) observe small magnetic domains and investigate their interaction with defects using magnetic force microscopy; (6) perform static read/write/erase experiments on thin-film magneto-optic media using our static test station; (7) integrate the existing models of magnetization, magneto-optic effects, coercivity, and anisotropy in an interactive and user-friendly environment, and analyze the characterization data obtained in the various experiments, using this modeling package; (8) measure focusing- and tracking-error signals on a static testbed, determine the 'feedthrough' for various focusing schemes, investigate the effects of polarization and birefringence, and compare the results with diffraction-based calculations; and (9) measure the birefringence of optical disk substrates using two variable angle ellipsometers.

Heavily-doped ZnO:Al thin films prepared by using magnetron Co-sputtering: Optical and electrical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moon, Eun-A.; Jun, Young-Kil; Kim, Nam-Hoon; Lee, Woo-Sun

2016-07-01

Photovoltaic applications require transparent conducting-oxide (TCO) thin films with high optical transmittance in the visible spectral region (380 - 780 nm), low resistivity, and high thermal/chemical stability. The ZnO thin film is one of the most common alternatives to the conventional indium-tin-oxide (ITO) thin film TCO. Highly transparent and conductive ZnO thin films can be prepared by doping with group III elements. Heavily-doped ZnO:Al (AZO) thin films were prepared by using the RF magnetron co-sputtering method with ZnO and Al targets to obtain better characteristics at a low cost. The RF sputtering power to each target was varied to control the doping concentration in fixed-thickness AZO thin films. The crystal structures of the AZO thin films were analyzed by using X-ray diffraction. The morphological microstructure was observed by using scanning electron microscopy. The optical transmittance and the band gap energy of the AZO thin films were examined with an UV-visible spectrophotometer in the range of 300 - 1800 nm. The resistivity and the carrier concentration were examined by using a Hall-effect measurement system. An excellent optical transmittance > 80% with an appropriate band gap energy (3.26 - 3.27 eV) and an improved resistivity (~10 -1 Ω·cm) with high carrier concentration (1017 - 1019 cm -3) were demonstrated in 350-nm-thick AZO thin films for thin-film photovoltaic applications.

High-Efficiency Thin-Film Silicon-on-GaP Solar Cell for Improved Radiation Resistance.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-09-01

UNCLASSIFIED MyUM 21 LIX E / 82H M D 132 11111_Lt5l1. t FILE UPI" AD-A190 268 AFWAL-TR-87-2070 HIGH-EFFICIENCY THIN- FILM SILICON-ON-GaP SOLAR CELL...EFFICIENCY THIN- FILM SILICON-ON-GaP SOLAR CELL FOR IMPROVED RADIATION RESISTANCE 12. PERSONAL AUTHOR(S) JEROME S. CULIK 13a. TYPE OF REPORT 13b. TIME...C tinue on reverse if necessary and identify by block number) 10 01 SILICONs THIN* FILM , . HETEROEPITAXIAL, RADIATION, 10 01 i GALLIUM PHOSPHIDE 19

Impact of low-pressure glow-discharge-pulsed plasma polymerization on properties of polyaniline thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jatratkar, Aviraj A.; Yadav, Jyotiprakash B.; Deshmukh, R. R.; Barshilia, Harish C.; Puri, Vijaya; Puri, R. K.

2016-12-01

This study reports on polyaniline thin films deposited on a glass substrate using a low-pressure glow-discharge-pulsed plasma polymerization method. The polyaniline thin film obtained by pulsed plasma polymerization has been successfully demonstrated as an optical waveguide with a transmission loss of 3.93 dB cm-1, and has the potential to be employed in integrated optics. An attempt has been made to investigate the effect of plasma OFF-time on the structural, optical as well as surface properties of polyaniline thin film. The plasma ON-time has been kept constant and the plasma OFF-time has been varied throughout the work. The plasma OFF-time strongly influenced the properties of the polyaniline thin film, and a nanostructured and compact surface was revealed in the morphological studies. The plasma OFF-time was found to enhance film thickness, roughness, refractive index and optical transmission loss, whereas it reduced the optical band gap of the polyaniline thin films. Retention in the aromatic structure was confirmed by FTIR results. Optical studies revealed a π-π* electronic transition at about 317 nm as well as the formation of a branched structure. As compared with continuous wave plasma, pulsed plasma polymerization shows better properties. Pulsed plasma polymerization reduced the roughness of the film from 1.2 nm to 0.42 nm and the optical transmission loss from 6.56 dB cm-1 to 3.39 dB cm-1.

Al-/Ga-Doped ZnO Window Layers for Highly Efficient Cu₂ZnSn(S,Se)₄ Thin Film Solar Cells.

PubMed

Seo, Se Won; Seo, Jung Woo; Kim, Donghwan; Cheon, Ki-Beom; Lee, Doh-Kwon; Kim, Jin Young

2018-09-01

The successful use of Al-/Ga-doped ZnO (AGZO) thin films as a transparent conducting oxide (TCO) layer of a Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) thin film solar cell is demonstrated. The AGZO thin films were prepared by radio frequency (RF) sputtering. The structural, crystallographic, electrical, and optical properties of the AGZO thin films were systematically investigated. The photovoltaic properties of CZTSSe thin film solar cells incorporating the AGZO-based TCO layer were also reported. It has been found that the RF power and substrate temperature of the AGZO thin film are important factors determining the electrical, optical, and structural properties. The optimization process involving the RF power and the substrate temperature leads to good electrical and optical transmittance of the AGZO thin films. Finally, the CZTSSe solar cell with the AGZO TCO layer demonstrated a high conversion efficiency of 9.68%, which is higher than that of the conventional AZO counterpart by 12%.

Structural and optical analysis of 60Co gamma-irradiated thin films of polycrystalline Ga10Se85Sn5

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad, Shabir; Asokan, K.; Shahid Khan, Mohd.; Zulfequar, M.

2015-12-01

The present study focuses on the effects of gamma irradiation on structural and optical properties of polycrystalline Ga10Se85Sn5 thin films with a thickness of ∼300 nm deposited by the thermal evaporation technique on cleaned glass substrates. X-ray diffraction patterns of the investigated thin films show that crystallite growth occurs in the orthorhombic phase structure. The surface study carried out by using the scanning electron microscope (SEM) confirms that the grain size increases with gamma irradiation. The optical parameters were estimated from optical transmission spectra data measured from a UV-vis-spectrophotometer in the wavelength range of 200-1100 nm. The refractive index dispersion data of the investigated thin films follow the single oscillator model. The estimated values of static refractive index n0, oscillator strength Ed, zero frequency dielectric constant ε0, optical conductivity σoptical and the dissipation factor increases after irradiation, while the single oscillator energy Eo decreases after irradiation. It was found that the value of the optical band gap of the investigated thin films decreases and the corresponding absorption coefficient increases continuously with an increase in the dose of gamma irradiation. This post irradiation changes in the values of optical band gap and absorption coefficient were interpreted in terms of the bond distribution model.

Optical bandgap of single- and multi-layered amorphous germanium ultra-thin films

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

Liu, Pei; Zaslavsky, Alexander; Longo, Paolo

2016-01-07

Accurate optical methods are required to determine the energy bandgap of amorphous semiconductors and elucidate the role of quantum confinement in nanometer-scale, ultra-thin absorbing layers. Here, we provide a critical comparison between well-established methods that are generally employed to determine the optical bandgap of thin-film amorphous semiconductors, starting from normal-incidence reflectance and transmittance measurements. First, we demonstrate that a more accurate estimate of the optical bandgap can be achieved by using a multiple-reflection interference model. We show that this model generates more reliable results compared to the widely accepted single-pass absorption method. Second, we compare two most representative methods (Taucmore » and Cody plots) that are extensively used to determine the optical bandgap of thin-film amorphous semiconductors starting from the extracted absorption coefficient. Analysis of the experimental absorption data acquired for ultra-thin amorphous germanium (a-Ge) layers demonstrates that the Cody model is able to provide a less ambiguous energy bandgap value. Finally, we apply our proposed method to experimentally determine the optical bandgap of a-Ge/SiO{sub 2} superlattices with single and multiple a-Ge layers down to 2 nm thickness.« less

Cirrus cloud retrieval from MSG/SEVIRI during day and night using artificial neural networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strandgren, Johan; Bugliaro, Luca

2017-04-01

By covering a large part of the Earth, cirrus clouds play an important role in climate as they reflect incoming solar radiation and absorb outgoing thermal radiation. Nevertheless, the cirrus clouds remain one of the largest uncertainties in atmospheric research and the understanding of the physical processes that govern their life cycle is still poorly understood, as is their representation in climate models. To monitor and better understand the properties and physical processes of cirrus clouds, it's essential that those tenuous clouds can be observed from geostationary spaceborne imagers like SEVIRI (Spinning Enhanced Visible and InfraRed Imager), that possess a high temporal resolution together with a large field of view and play an important role besides in-situ observations for the investigation of cirrus cloud processes. CiPS (Cirrus Properties from Seviri) is a new algorithm targeting thin cirrus clouds. CiPS is an artificial neural network trained with coincident SEVIRI and CALIOP (Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization) observations in order to retrieve a cirrus cloud mask along with the cloud top height (CTH), ice optical thickness (IOT) and ice water path (IWP) from SEVIRI. By utilizing only the thermal/IR channels of SEVIRI, CiPS can be used during day and night making it a powerful tool for the cirrus life cycle analysis. Despite the great challenge of detecting thin cirrus clouds and retrieving their properties from a geostationary imager using only the thermal/IR wavelengths, CiPS performs well. Among the cirrus clouds detected by CALIOP, CiPS detects 70 and 95 % of the clouds with an optical thickness of 0.1 and 1.0 respectively. Among the cirrus free pixels, CiPS classify 96 % correctly. For the CTH retrieval, CiPS has a mean absolute percentage error of 10 % or less with respect to CALIOP for cirrus clouds with a CTH greater than 8 km. For the IOT retrieval, CiPS has a mean absolute percentage error of 100 % or less with respect to CALIOP for cirrus clouds with an optical thickness down to 0.07. For such thin cirrus clouds an error of 100 % should be regarded as low from a geostationary imager like SEVIRI. The IWP retrieved by CiPS shows a similar performance, but has larger deviations for the thinner cirrus clouds.

Method of lightening radiation darkened optical elements

DOEpatents

Reich, Frederich R.; Schwankoff, Albert R.

1980-01-01

A method of lightening a radiation-darkened optical element in wich visible optical energy or electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength in the range of from about 2000 to about 20,000 angstroms is directed into the radiation-darkened optical element; the method may be used to lighten radiation-darkened optical element in-situ during the use of the optical element to transmit data by electronically separating the optical energy from the optical output by frequency filtering, data cooling, or interlacing the optic energy between data intervals.

Passive radiative cooling design with broadband optical thin-film filters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kecebas, Muhammed Ali; Menguc, M. Pinar; Kosar, Ali; Sendur, Kursat

2017-09-01

The operation of most electronic semiconductor devices suffers from the self-generated heat. In the case of photovoltaic or thermos-photovoltaic cells, their exposure to sun or high temperature sources make them get warm beyond the desired operating conditions. In both incidences, the solution strategy requires effective radiative cooling process, i.e., by selective absorption and emission in predetermined spectral windows. In this study, we outline two approaches for alternative 2D thin film coatings, which can enhance the passive thermal management for application to electronic equipment. Most traditional techniques use a metallic (silver) layer because of their high reflectivity, although they display strong absorption in the visible and near-infrared spectrums. We show that strong absorption in the visible and near-infrared spectrums due to a metallic layer can be avoided by repetitive high index-low index periodic layers and broadband reflection in visible and near-infrared spectrums can still be achieved. These modifications increase the average reflectance in the visible and near-infrared spectrums by 3-4%, which increases the cooling power by at least 35 W/m2. We also show that the performance of radiative cooling can be enhanced by inserting an Al2O3 film (which has strong absorption in the 8-13 μm spectrum, and does not absorb in the visible and near-infrared) within conventional coating structures. These two approaches enhance the cooling power of passive radiative cooling systems from the typical reported values of 40 W/m2-100 W/m2 and 65 W/m2 levels respectively.

Plasma impact on structural, morphological and optical properties of copper acetylacetonate thin films.

PubMed

Abdel-Khalek, H; El-Samahi, M I; El-Mahalawy, Ahmed M

2018-06-15

The influence of plasma exposure on structural, morphological and optical properties of copper (II) acetylacetonate thin films deposited by thermal evaporation technique was investigated. Copper (II) acetylacetonate as-grown thin films were exposed to the atmospheric plasma for different times. The exposure of as-grown cu(acac) 2 thin film to atmospheric plasma for 5min modified its structural, morphological and optical properties. The effect of plasma exposure on structure and roughness of cu(acac) 2 thin films was evaluated by XRD and AFM techniques, respectively. The XRD results showed an increment in crystallinity due to exposure for 5min, but, when the exposure time reaches 10min, the film was transformed to an amorphous state. The AFM results revealed a strong modification of films roughness when the average roughness decreased from 63.35nm to ~1nm as a result of interaction with plasma. The optical properties of as-grown and plasma exposured cu(acac) 2 thin films were studied using spectrophotometric method. The exposure of cu(acac) 2 thin films to plasma produced the indirect energy gap decrease from 3.20eV to 2.67eV for 10min exposure time. The dispersion parameters were evaluated in terms of single oscillator model for as-grown and plasma exposured thin films. The influence of plasma exposure on third order optical susceptibility was studied. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Convergence Studies of Mass Transport in Disks with Gravitational Instabilities. II. The Radiative Cooling Case

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steiman-Cameron, Thomas Y.; Durisen, Richard H.; Boley, Aaron C.; Michael, Scott; McConnell, Caitlin R.

2013-05-01

We conduct a convergence study of a protoplanetary disk subject to gravitational instabilities (GIs) at a time of approximate balance between heating produced by the GIs and radiative cooling governed by realistic dust opacities. We examine cooling times, characterize GI-driven spiral waves and their resultant gravitational torques, and evaluate how accurately mass transport can be represented by an α-disk formulation. Four simulations, identical except for azimuthal resolution, are conducted with a grid-based three-dimensional hydrodynamics code. There are two regions in which behaviors differ as resolution increases. The inner region, which contains 75% of the disk mass and is optically thick, has long cooling times and is well converged in terms of various measures of structure and mass transport for the three highest resolutions. The longest cooling times coincide with radii where the Toomre Q has its minimum value. Torques are dominated in this region by two- and three-armed spirals. The effective α arising from gravitational stresses is typically a few × 10-3 and is only roughly consistent with local balance of heating and cooling when time-averaged over many dynamic times and a wide range of radii. On the other hand, the outer disk region, which is mostly optically thin, has relatively short cooling times and does not show convergence as resolution increases. Treatment of unstable disks with optical depths near unity with realistic radiative transport is a difficult numerical problem requiring further study. We discuss possible implications of our results for numerical convergence of fragmentation criteria in disk simulations.

Remote Sensing of Cloud Top Height from SEVIRI: Analysis of Eleven Current Retrieval Algorithms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hamann, U.; Walther, A.; Baum, B.; Bennartz, R.; Bugliaro, L.; Derrien, M.; Francis, P. N.; Heidinger, A.; Joro, S.; Kniffka, A.;

Thickness and microstructure effects in the optical and electrical properties of silver thin films

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

Ding, Guowen, E-mail: gding@intermolecular.com; Clavero, César; Schweigert, Daniel

The optical and electrical response of metal thin films approaching thicknesses in the range of the electron mean free path is highly affected by electronic scattering with the interfaces and defects. Here, we present a theoretical and experimental study on how thickness and microstructure affect the properties of Ag thin films. We are able to successfully model the electrical resistivity and IR optical response using a thickness dependent electronic scattering time. Remarkably, the product of electronic scattering time and resistivity remains constant regardless of the thickness (τx ρ = C), with a value of 59 ± 2 μΩ cm ⋅more » fs for Ag films in the investigated range from 3 to 74 nm. Our findings enable us to develop a theoretically framework that allows calculating the optical response of metal thin films in the IR by using their measured thickness and resistivity. An excellent agreement is found between experimental measurements and predicted values. This study also shows the theoretical lower limit for emissivity in Ag thin films according to their microstructure and thickness. Application of the model presented here will allow rapid characterization of the IR optical response of metal thin films, with important application in a broad spectrum of fundamental and industrial applications, including optical coatings, low-emissivity windows and semiconductor industry.« less

Optimized thin film coatings for passive radiative cooling applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naghshine, Babak B.; Saboonchi, Ahmad

2018-03-01

Passive radiative cooling is a very interesting method, which lays on low atmospheric downward radiation within 8-13 μm waveband at dry climates. Various thin film multilayer structures have been investigated in numerous experimental studies, in order to find better coatings to exploit the full potential of this method. However, theoretical works are handful and limited. In this paper, the Simulated Annealing and Genetic Algorithm are used to optimize a thin film multilayer structure for passive radiative cooling applications. Spectral radiative properties are calculated through the matrix formulation. Considering a wide range of materials, 30 high-potential convective shields are suggested. According to the calculations, cooling can be possible even under direct sunlight, using the introduced shields. Moreover, a few water-soluble materials are studied for the first time and the results show that, a KBr substrate coated by a thin CaF2 or polyethylene film can is very close to an ideal coating for passive radiative cooling at night.

X-ray monochromators for high-power synchrotron radiation sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hart, Michael

1990-11-01

Exact solutions to the problems of power flow from a line source of heat into a semicylinder and of uniform heat flow normal to a flat surface are discussed. These lead to bounds on feasible designs and the boundary layer problem can be placed in proper perspective. While finite element calculations are useful if the sample boundaries are predefined, they are much less help in establishing design principles. Previous work on hot beam X-ray crystal optics has emphasised the importance of coolant hydraulics and boundary layer heat transfer. Instead this paper emphasises the importance of the elastic response of crystals to thermal strainfields and the importance of maintaining the Darwin reflectivity. The conclusions of this design study are that the diffracting crystal region should be thin, but not very thin, similar in area to the hot beam footprint, part of a thin-walked buckling crystal box and remote from the support to which the crystal is rigidly clamped. Prototype 111 and 220 cooled silicon crystals tested at the National Synchrotron Light Source at Brookhaven have almost perfect rocking curves under a beam heat load of {1}/{3}kW.

Polarized optical scattering by inhomogeneities and surface roughness in an anisotropic thin film

DOE PAGES

Germer, Thomas A.; Sharma, Katelynn A.; Brown, Thomas G.; ...

2017-10-18

We extend the theory for scattering by oblique columnar structure thin films to include the induced form birefringence and the propagation of radiation in those films. We generalize the 4 × 4 matrix theory to include arbitrary sources in the layer, which are necessary to determine the Green function for the inhomogeneous wave equation. We further extend first-order vector perturbation theory for scattering by roughness in the smooth surface limit, when the layer is anisotropic. Scattering by an inhomogeneous medium is approximated by a distorted Born approximation, where effective medium theory is used to determine the effective properties of themore » medium and strong fluctuation theory is used to determine the inhomogeneous sources. In this manner, we develop a model for scattering by inhomogeneous films, with anisotropic correlation functions. Here, the results are compared to Mueller matrix bidirectional scattering distribution function measurements for a glancing-angle deposition (GLAD) film. While the results are applied to the GLAD film example, the development of the theory is general enough that it can guide simulations for scattering in other anisotropic thin films.« less

Effect of substrate temperature on thermochromic vanadium dioxide thin films sputtered from vanadium target

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Madiba, I. G.; Kotsedi, L.; Ngom, B. D.; Khanyile, B. S.; Maaza, M.

2018-05-01

Vanadium dioxide films have been known as the most promising thermochromic thin films for smart windows which self-control the solar radiation and heat transfer for energy saving, comfort in houses and automotives. Such an attractive technological application is due to the fact that vanadium dioxide crystals exhibit a fast semiconductor-to-metal phase transition at a transition temperature Tc of about 68 °C, together with sharp optical changes from high transmitive to high reflective coatings in the IR spectral region. The phase transition has been associated with the nature of the microstructure, stoichiometry and stresses related to the oxide. This study reports on the effect of the crystallographic quality controlled by the substrate temperature on the thermochromic properties of vanadium dioxide thin films synthesized by reactive radio frequency inverted cylindrical magnetron sputtering from vanadium target. The reports results are based on X-ray diffraction, Atomic force microscopy, and UV-Visible spectrophotometer. The average crystalline grain size of VO2 increases with the substrate temperature, inducing stress related phenomena within the films.

Photo-induced self-cleaning and sterilizing activity of Sm3+ doped ZnO nanomaterials.

PubMed

Saif, M; Hafez, H; Nabeel, A I

2013-01-01

Highly active samarium doped zinc oxide self-cleaning and biocidal surfaces (x mol% Sm(3+)/ZnO where x=0, 1, 2 and 4 mol%) with crystalline porous structures were synthesized by hydrothermal method. Sm(3+)/ZnO thin films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopic (EDS), UV-visible diffuse reflectance and fluorescence (FL) spectroscopy. The combination between doping and hydrothermal treatments significantly altered the morphology of ZnO into rod and plate-like nanoshapes structure and enhanced its absorption and emission of ultraviolet radiation. The photo-activity in term of quantitative determination of the active oxidative species (()OH) produced on the thin film surfaces was evaluated using fluorescent probe method. The results showed that, the hydrothermally treated 2.0 mol% Sm(3+)/ZnO film (S2) is the highly active one. The optical, structural, morphology and photo-activity properties of the highly active thin film (S2) make it promising surface for self-cleaning and sterilizing applications. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Physical property improvement of IZTO thin films using a hafnia buffer layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Jong-Chan; Kang, Seong-Jun; Choi, Byeong-Gyun; Yoon, Yung-Sup

2018-01-01

Hafnia (HfO2) has excellent mechanical and chemical stability, good transmittance, high dielectric constant, and radiation resistance property; thus, it can prevent impurities from permeating into the depositing films. So, we deposited hafnia films with various thicknesses in the range of 0-60 nm on polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) substrates before depositing indium-zinc-tin oxide (IZTO) thin films on them using RF magnetron sputtering, and their structural, morphological, optical, and electrical properties were evaluated. All IZTO thin films were successfully deposited without cracks or pinholes and had amorphous structures. As the thickness of the hafnia film increased to 30 nm, the overall properties improved; a surface roughness of 2.216 nm, transmittance of 82.59% at 550 nm, resistivity of 5.66 × 10-4 Ω cm, sheet resistance of 23.60 Ω/sq, and figure of merit of 6.26 × 10-3 Ω-1 were realized. These results indicate that the structure and materials studied in this research are suitable for application in flexible transparent electronic devices such as organic light emitting diodes, liquid crystal displays, touch panels, and solar cells.

Nanocrystalline SnO2 formation using energetic ion beam.

PubMed

Mohanty, T; Batra, Y; Tripathi, A; Kanjilal, D

2007-06-01

Nanocrystalline tin oxide (SnO2) thin films grown by RF magnetron sputtering technique were characterized by UV-Visible absorption spectroscopy and Photoluminescence spectroscopy. From atomic force microscopic (AFM) and Glancing angle X-ray diffraction (GAXRD) measurements, the radius of grains was found to be approximately 6+/-2 nm. The thin films were bombarded with 250 keV Xe2+ ion beam to observe the stability of nanophases against radiation. For ion bombarded films, optical absorption band edge is shifted towards red region. Atomic force microscopy studies show that the radius of the grains was increased to approximately 8 +/- 1 nm and the grains were nearly uniform in size. The size of the grains has been reduced after ion bombardment in the case of films grown on Si. During this process, defects such as vacancies, voids were generated in the films as well as in the substrates. Ion bombardment induces local temperature increase of thin films causing melting of films. Ion beam induced defects enhances the diffusion of atoms leading to uniformity in size of grains. The role of matrix on ion beam induced grain growth is discussed.

Sum-Frequency Generation from a Thin Cylindrical Layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shamyna, A. A.; Kapshai, V. N.

2018-01-01

In the Rayleigh-Gans-Debye approximation, we have solved the problem of the sum-frequency generation by two plane elliptically polarized electromagnetic waves from the surface of a dielectric particle of a cylindrical shape that is coated by a thin layer possessing nonlinear optical properties. The formulas that describe the sum-frequency field have been presented in the tensor and vector forms for the second-order nonlinear dielectric susceptibility tensor, which was chosen in the general form, containing chiral components. Expressions describing the sum-frequency field from the cylindrical particle ends have been obtained for the case of a nonlinear layer possessing chiral properties. Three-dimensional directivity patterns of the sum-frequency radiation have been analyzed for different combinations of parameters (angles of incidence, degrees of ellipticity, orientations of polarization ellipses, cylindrical particle dimensions). The mathematical properties of the spatial distribution functions of the sum-frequency field, which characterize the symmetry of directivity patterns, have been revealed.

Strong field localization in subwavelength metal-dielectric optical waveguides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kozina, O. N.; Mel'Nikov, L. A.; Nefedov, I. S.

2011-08-01

Detailed calculations of eigenmodes of waveguiding structures made of silver and glass and containing coaxial cables with a nanoscale cross section of different configurations are conducted. In particular, the study focuses on optical coaxial waveguides with the core made in the form of a thin metallic cylinder filled with a dielectric. We show that these waveguides support relatively low-loss propagation of radiation that is strongly localized in the central region, has phase velocity approaching the speed of light and predominant electric-field orientation (dipole type). Optical characteristics of such waveguides are compared with those of coaxial-type waveguides containing a continuous central filament made of metal and with a multilayer structure. Using numeric modeling, we established that the proposed type of the waveguide enables the transmission of an optical image with relatively low losses with a submicron resolution over a distance considerably longer than its cross section. A typical propagation length in the waveguides based on silver and glass with the refractive index of about 1.5 at a wavelength of 500 nm is about 1700 nm.

Experimental study of strong nonlinear-optics effects in liquid crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Darbin, S. D.; Arakelyan, S. M.; Cheung, M. M.; Shen, Y. R.

1984-07-01

Nonlinear optical effects that arise in nematic liquid crystals as a result of a change in the index of refraction induced by a laser field are considered. Since the resultant nonlinearity is extremely high, the approximation of perturbation theory cannot be used in calculations. However, the change in refractive index results mainly in phase advance as waves propagate through a thin film of liquid crystal, while the change of intensity is significant. Moreover, if there is no change in polarization of the pumping field, calculations are relatively simple. An investigation is made of the propagation of a cross sectionally bounded laser beam through a homeotropically oriented liquid crystal, giving rise to spatial phase modulation of emission. When the intensity of the laser beam exceeds a certain value, a system of aberation rings is observed in the output radiation. Effects of dynamic self-diffraction accompanying degenerate four-wave mixing when a change in refractive index is induced in a homeotropic liquid crystal film, and optical bistability in a nonlinear Fabry-Perot optical cavity, as well as generation of a self-oscillatory state in such a resonator are discussed.

Special Features of the Optical Absorption and Photoconductivity of Indium Monoselenide Upon Laser Excitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kyazym-Zade, A. G.; Salmanov, V. M.; Guseinov, A. G.; Mamedov, R. M.; Salmanova, A. A.; Akhmedova, F. Sh.

2018-02-01

The successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method is used to prepare InSe thin films and InSe nanoparticles. Shapes and sizes of the obtained nanoparticles are investigated using a scanning electron microscope and an atomic force microscope. The main parameters of the examined structures, nanoparticle sizes (4-20 nm), and band gap ( E g = 1.60 eV) for nanoparticles with the least sizes are determined. Superfast (1.5·10-8 s) photocurrent relaxation and stimulated emission with line half-width of 8 Å have been observed upon exposure to laser radiation.

Femtosecond pulse self-shortening in Kerr media: role of modulational instability in the spectrum formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grudtsyn, Ya. V.; Koribut, A. V.; Mikheev, L. D.; Trofimov, V. A.

2018-04-01

The mechanism of femtosecond pulse self-shortening in thin optical materials with Kerr nonlinearity is investigated. The experimentally observed spectral-angular distribution of the radiation intensity on the exit surface of a 1-mm-thick fused silica sample is compared with the results of numerical simulation based on solving the nonlinear Schrödinger equation for an electromagnetic wave with a transverse perturbation on the axis. Qualitative agreement between the calculated and experimental results confirms the hypothesis about the transient regime of multiple filamentation as a mechanism of femtosecond pulse self-shortening.

Using laser technological unit ALTI "Karavella" for precision components of IEP production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Labin, N. A.; Chursin, A. D.; Paramonov, V. S.; Klimenko, V. I.; Paramonova, G. M.; Kolokolov, I. S.; Vinogradov, K. Y.; Betina, L. L.; Bulychev, N. A.; Dyakov, Yu. A.; Zakharyan, R. A.; Kazaryan, M. A.; Koshelev, K. K.; Kosheleva, O. K.; Grigoryants, A. G.; Shiganov, I. N.; Krasovskii, V. I.; Sachkov, V. I.; Plyaka, P. S.; Feofanov, I. N.; Chen, C.

2015-12-01

The paper revealed the using of industrial production equipment ALTI "Karavella-1", "Karavella-1M", "Karavella-2" and "Karavella-2M" precision components of IEP production [1-4]. The basis for the ALTI using in the IEP have become the positive results of research and development of technologies of foil (0.01-0.2 mm) and thin sheets (0.3-1 mm) materials micromachining by pulsed radiation CVL [5, 6]. To assess the micromachining quality and precision the measuring optical microscope (UHL VMM200), projection microscope (Mitutoyo PV5100) and Carl Zeiss microscope were used.

Dynamics of blood plasma by spectropolarimetry and biochemical techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voloshynska, Katerina; Ilashchuka, Tetjana; Prydij, Olexander; Gruia, Maria

2014-08-01

The aim of the study was to establish objective parameters of the field of laser and incoherent radiation of different spectral ranges (UV, visible, IR) as a non-invasive optical method of interaction with different samples of biological tissues and fluids of patients to determine the dynamics of metabolic syndrome and choosing the best personal treatment. As diagnostic methods have been used ultraviolet spectrometry samples of blood plasma in the liquid state, infrared spectroscopy middle range (2,5 - 25 microns) dry residue of plasma polarization and laser diagnostic technique of thin histological sections of biological tissues.

Spectropolarimetry of blood plasma in optimal molecular targeted therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voloshynska, Katerina; Ilashchuk, Tetjana; Yermolenko, Sergey

2015-02-01

The aim of the study was to establish objective parameters of the field of laser and incoherent radiation of different spectral ranges (UV, visible, IR) as a non-invasive optical method of interaction with different samples of biological tissues and fluids of patients to determine the dynamics of metabolic syndrome and choosing the best personal treatment. As diagnostic methods have been used ultraviolet spectrometry samples of blood plasma in the liquid state, infrared spectroscopy middle range (2,5 - 25 microns) dry residue of plasma polarization and laser diagnostic technique of thin histological sections of biological tissues.

O-shell emission of heavy atoms in an optically thin tokamak plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Finkenthal, M.; Lippmann, S.; Huang, L. K.; Zwicker, A.; Moos, H. W.; Goldstein, W. H.; Osterheld, A. L.

1992-04-01

Heavy atoms Au (Z=79), Pb (Z=82), Bi (Z=83), and U (Z=92) have been introduced in the low-density (ne~1013 cm-3) high-temperature (Te>=1 keV) TEXT tokamak (Fusion Research Center, University of Texas at Austin) plasma. The emission has been measured in the 50-200-Å range using a photometrically calibrated, time-resolving grazing-incidence spectrometer. The O-shell ion emission has been identified by comparison with ab initio energy-level calculations and line-intensity predictions of collisional radiative models for various charge states with 5p65dk ground-state configurations.

Micromechanical Switches on GaAs for Microwave Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Randall, John N.; Goldsmith, Chuck; Denniston, David; Lin, Tsen-Hwang

1995-01-01

In this presentation, we describe the fabrication of micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) devices, in particular, of low-frequency multi-element electrical switches using SiO2 cantilevers. The switches discussed are related to micromechanical membrane structures used to perform switching of optical signals on silicon substrates. These switches use a thin metal membrane which is actuated by an electrostatic potential, causing the switch to make or break contact. The advantages include: superior isolation, high power handling capabilities, high radiation hardening, very low power operations, and the ability to integrate onto GaAs monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) chips.

The spectrum of density perturbations in an expanding universe

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Silk, J.

1974-01-01

The basic dynamic equations that govern the evolution of perturbations in a Friedmann-Lemaitre universe are derived. General solutions describing the evolution of adiabatic perturbations in the density of matter are obtained, and the choice of the appropriate initial conditions is examined. The various perturbation modes are compared, and the effects of decoupling on the perturbation spectrum are studied. The scheme used to follow the evolution of density perturbations through decoupling is based on an extension of the Eddington approximation to the radiative transfer equation, and is strictly valid in both optically thick and thin limits.

High-energy coherent terahertz radiation emitted by wide-angle electron beams from a laser-wakefield accelerator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Xue; Brunetti, Enrico; Jaroszynski, Dino A.

2018-04-01

High-charge electron beams produced by laser-wakefield accelerators are potentially novel, scalable sources of high-power terahertz radiation suitable for applications requiring high-intensity fields. When an intense laser pulse propagates in underdense plasma, it can generate femtosecond duration, self-injected picocoulomb electron bunches that accelerate on-axis to energies from 10s of MeV to several GeV, depending on laser intensity and plasma density. The process leading to the formation of the accelerating structure also generates non-injected, sub-picosecond duration, 1–2 MeV nanocoulomb electron beams emitted obliquely into a hollow cone around the laser propagation axis. These wide-angle beams are stable and depend weakly on laser and plasma parameters. Here we perform simulations to characterise the coherent transition radiation emitted by these beams if passed through a thin metal foil, or directly at the plasma–vacuum interface, showing that coherent terahertz radiation with 10s μJ to mJ-level energy can be produced with an optical to terahertz conversion efficiency up to 10‑4–10‑3.

Fiber-Optic Temperature Sensor Using a Thin-Film Fabry-Perot Interferometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beheim, Glenn

1997-01-01

A fiber-optic temperature sensor was developed that is rugged, compact, stable, and can be inexpensively fabricated. This thin-film interferometric temperature sensor was shown to be capable of providing a +/- 2 C accuracy over the range of -55 to 275 C, throughout a 5000 hr operating life. A temperature-sensitive thin-film Fabry-Perot interferometer can be deposited directly onto the end of a multimode optical fiber. This batch-fabricatable sensor can be manufactured at a much lower cost than can a presently available sensor, which requires the mechanical attachment of a Fabry-Perot interferometer to a fiber. The principal disadvantage of the thin-film sensor is its inherent instability, due to the low processing temperatures that must be used to prevent degradation of the optical fiber's buffer coating. The design of the stable thin-film temperature sensor considered the potential sources of both short and long term drifts. The temperature- sensitive Fabry-Perot interferometer was a silicon film with a thickness of approx. 2 microns. A laser-annealing process was developed which crystallized the silicon film without damaging the optical fiber. The silicon film was encapsulated with a thin layer of Si3N4 over coated with aluminum. Crystallization of the silicon and its encapsulation with a highly stable, impermeable thin-film structure were essential steps in producing a sensor with the required long-term stability.

Radiative decay engineering 5: metal-enhanced fluorescence and plasmon emission

PubMed Central

Lakowicz, Joseph R.

2009-01-01

Metallic particles and surfaces display diverse and complex optical properties. Examples include the intense colors of noble metal colloids, surface plasmon resonance absorption by thin metal films, and quenching of excited fluorophores near the metal surfaces. Recently, the interactions of fluorophores with metallic particles and surfaces (metals) have been used to obtain increased fluorescence intensities, to develop assays based on fluorescence quenching by gold colloids, and to obtain directional radiation from fluorophores near thin metal films. For metal-enhanced fluorescence it is difficult to predict whether a particular metal structure, such as a colloid, fractal, or continuous surface, will quench or enhance fluorescence. In the present report we suggest how the effects of metals on fluorescence can be explained using a simple concept, based on radiating plasmons (RPs). The underlying physics may be complex but the concept is simple to understand. According to the RP model, the emission or quenching of a fluorophore near the metal can be predicted from the optical properties of the metal structures as calculated from electrodynamics, Mie theory, and/or Maxwell’s equations. For example, according to Mie theory and the size and shape of the particle, the extinction of metal colloids can be due to either absorption or scattering. Incident energy is dissipated by absorption. Far-field radiation is created by scattering. Based on our model small colloids are expected to quench fluorescence because absorption is dominant over scattering. Larger colloids are expected to enhance fluorescence because the scattering component is dominant over absorption. The ability of a metal’s surface to absorb or reflect light is due to wavenumber matching requirements at the metal–sample interface. Wavenumber matching considerations can also be used to predict whether fluorophores at a given distance from a continuous planar surface will be emitted or quenched. These considerations suggest that the so called “lossy surface waves” which quench fluorescence are due to induced electron oscillations which cannot radiate to the far-field because wavevector matching is not possible. We suggest that the energy from the fluorophores thought to be lost by lossy surface waves can be recovered as emission by adjustment of the sample to allow wavevector matching. The RP model provides a rational approach for designing fluorophore–metal configurations with the desired emissive properties and a basis for nanophotonic fluorophore technology. PMID:15691498

Origin of the 30 THz Emission Detected During the Solar Flare on 2012 March 13 at 17:20 UT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trottet, G.; Raulin, J.-P.; Mackinnon, A.; Giménez de Castro, G.; Simões, P. J. A.; Cabezas, D.; de La Luz, V.; Luoni, M.; Kaufmann, P.

2015-10-01

Solar observations in the infrared domain can bring important clues on the response of the low solar atmosphere to primary energy released during flares. At present, the infrared continuum has been detected at 30 THz (10 μm) in only a few flares. SOL2012-03-13, which is one of these flares, has been presented and discussed in Kaufmann et al. ( Astrophys. J. 768, 134, 2013). No firm conclusions were drawn on the origin of the mid-infrared radiation. In this work we present a detailed multi-frequency analysis of the SOL2012-03-13 event, including observations at radio-millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths, in hard X-rays (HXR), gamma-rays (GR), Hα, and white light. The HXR/GR spectral analysis shows that SOL2012-03-13 is a GR line flare and allows estimating the numbers of and energy contents in electrons, protons, and α particles produced during the flare. The energy spectrum of the electrons producing the HXR/GR continuum is consistent with a broken power-law with an energy break at {˜} 800 keV. We show that the high-energy part (above {˜} 800 keV) of this distribution is responsible for the high-frequency radio emission ({>} 20 GHz) detected during the flare. By comparing the 30 THz emission expected from semi-empirical and time-independent models of the quiet and flare atmospheres, we find that most ({˜} 80 %) of the observed 30 THz radiation can be attributed to thermal free-free emission of an optically thin source. Using the F2 flare atmospheric model (Machado et al. in Astrophys. J. 242, 336, 1980), this thin source is found to be at temperatures T {˜} 8000 K and is located well above the minimum temperature region. We argue that the chromospheric heating, which results in 80 % of the 30 THz excess radiation, can be due to energy deposition by nonthermal flare-accelerated electrons, protons, and α particles. The remaining 20 % of the 30 THz excess emission is found to be radiated from an optically thick atmospheric layer at T {˜} 5000 K, below the temperature minimum region, where direct heating by nonthermal particles is insufficient to account for the observed infrared radiation.

The enhancement mechanism of thin plasma layer on antenna radiation

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

Wang, Chunsheng, E-mail: wangcs@hit.edu.cn; Jiang, Binhao; Li, Xueai

A model of plasma-antenna is carried out to study the radiation enhancement mechanism of antenna covered by thin plasma layer. The results show when the radiation intensity achieves maximum, a region of equal electric field is formed due to the reflection of electric field at the interface of plasma and air. The plasma layer acted as an extension of the antenna. Furthermore, the shape of plasma layer is changed to verify the effect of plasma boundary on antenna radiation. The study shows the effect of thin plasma layer on electromagnetic field and provides a type of plasma antenna.

Mid-infrared metamaterial based on perforated SiC membrane: engineering optical response using surface phonon polaritons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korobkin, D.; Urzhumov, Y. A.; Neuner, B., III; Zorman, C.; Zhang, Z.; Mayergoyz, I. D.; Shvets, G.

2007-09-01

We theoretically and experimentally study electromagnetic properties of a novel mid-infrared metamaterial: optically thin silicon carbide (SiC) membrane perforated by an array of sub-wavelength holes. Giant absorption and transmission is found using Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) microscopy and explained by introducing a frequency-dependent effective permittivity ɛeff(ω) of the perforated film. The value of ɛeff(ω) is determined by the excitation of two distinct types of hole resonances: delocalized slow surface polaritons (SSPs) whose frequencies are largely determined by the array period, and a localized surface polariton (LSP) corresponding to the resonance of an isolated hole. Only SSPs are shown to modify ɛeff(ω) strongly enough to cause giant transmission and absorption. Because of the sub-wavelength period of the hole array, anomalous optical properties can be directly traced to surface polaritons, and their interpretation is not obscured by diffractive effects. Giant absorbance of this metamaterial can be utilized in designing highly efficient thermal radiation sources.

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.

Hollow fiber optics with improved durability for high-peak-power pulses of Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers.

PubMed

Matsuura, Yuji; Tsuchiuchi, Akio; Noguchi, Hiroshi; Miyagi, Mitsunobu

2007-03-10

To improve the damage threshold of hollow optical waveguides for transmitting Q-switched Nd:YAG laser pulses, we optimize the metallization processes for the inner coating of fibers. For silver-coated hollow fiber as the base, second, and third Nd:YAG lasers, drying silver films at a moderate temperature and with inert gas flow is found to be effective. By using this drying process, the resistance to high-peak-power optical pulse radiation is drastically improved for fibers fabricated with and without the sensitizing process. The maximum peak power transmitted in the fiber is greater than 20 MW. To improve the energy threshold of aluminum-coated hollow fibers for the fourth and fifth harmonics of Nd:YAG lasers, a thin silver film is added between the aluminum film and the glass substrate to increase adhesion of the aluminum coating. By using this primer layer, the power threshold improves to 3 MW for the fourth harmonics of a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser light.

Tunable Broadband Radiation Generated Via Ultrafast Laser Illumination of an Inductively Charged Superconducting Ring

PubMed Central

Bulmer, John; Bullard, Thomas; Dolasinski, Brian; Murphy, John; Sparkes, Martin; Pangovski, Krste; O’Neill, William; Powers, Peter; Haugan, Timothy

2015-01-01

An electromagnetic transmitter typically consists of individual components such as a waveguide, antenna, power supply, and an oscillator. In this communication we circumvent complications associated with connecting these individual components and instead combine them into a non-traditional, photonic enabled, compact transmitter device for tunable, ultrawide band (UWB) radiation. This device is a centimeter scale, continuous, thin film superconducting ring supporting a persistent super-current. An ultrafast laser pulse (required) illuminates the ring (either at a point or uniformly around the ring) and perturbs the super-current by the de-pairing and recombination of Cooper pairs. This generates a microwave pulse where both ring and laser pulse geometry dictates the radiated spectrum’s shape. The transmitting device is self contained and completely isolated from conductive components that are observed to interfere with the generated signal. A rich spectrum is observed that extends beyond 30 GHz (equipment limited) and illustrates the complex super-current dynamics bridging optical, THz, and microwave wavelengths. PMID:26659022

Line-by-line transport calculations for Jupiter entry probes. [of radiative transfer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arnold, J. O.; Cooper, D. M.; Park, C.; Prakash, S. G.

1979-01-01

Line-by-line calculations of the radiative transport for a condition near peak heating for entry of the Galileo probe into the Jovian atmosphere are described. The discussion includes a thorough specification of the atomic and molecular input data used in the calculations that could be useful to others working in the field. The results show that the use of spectrally averaged cross sections for diatomic absorbers such as CO and C2 in the boundary layer can lead to an underestimation (by as much as 29%) of the spectral flux at the stagnation point. On the other hand, for the turbulent region near the cone frustum on the probe, the flow tends to be optically thin, and the spectrally averaged results commonly used in coupled radiative transport-flow field calculations are in good agreement with the present line-by-line results. It is recommended that these results be taken into account in sizing the final thickness of the Galileo's heat shield.

Coherent curvature radiation and fast radio bursts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghisellini, Gabriele; Locatelli, Nicola

2018-06-01

Fast radio bursts are extragalactic radio transient events lasting a few milliseconds with a Jy flux at 1 GHz. We propose that these properties suggest a neutron star progenitor, and focus on coherent curvature radiation as the radiation mechanism. We study for which sets of parameters the emission can fulfil the observational constraints. Even if the emission is coherent, we find that self-absorption can limit the produced luminosities at low radio frequencies and that an efficient re-acceleration process is needed to balance the dramatic energy losses of the emitting particles. Self-absorption limits the luminosities at low radio frequency, while coherence favours steep optically thin spectra. Furthermore, the magnetic geometry must have a high degree of order to obtain coherent curvature emission. Particles emit photons along their velocity vectors, thereby greatly reducing the inverse Compton mechanism. In this case we predict that fast radio bursts emit most of their luminosities in the radio band and have no strong counterpart in any other frequency bands.

Evolution of structural and optical properties of rutile TiO2 thin films synthesized at room temperature by chemical bath deposition method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mayabadi, A. H.; Waman, V. S.; Kamble, M. M.; Ghosh, S. S.; Gabhale, B. B.; Rondiya, S. R.; Rokade, A. V.; Khadtare, S. S.; Sathe, V. G.; Pathan, H. M.; Gosavi, S. W.; Jadkar, S. R.

2014-02-01

Nanocrystalline thin films of TiO2 were prepared on glass substrates from an aqueous solution of TiCl3 and NH4OH at room temperature using the simple and cost-effective chemical bath deposition (CBD) method. The influence of deposition time on structural, morphological and optical properties was systematically investigated. TiO2 transition from a mixed anatase-rutile phase to a pure rutile phase was revealed by low-angle XRD and Raman spectroscopy. Rutile phase formation was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. Scanning electron micrographs revealed that the multigrain structure of as-deposited TiO2 thin films was completely converted into semi-spherical nanoparticles. Optical studies showed that rutile thin films had a high absorption coefficient and a direct bandgap. The optical bandgap decreased slightly (3.29-3.07 eV) with increasing deposition time. The ease of deposition of rutile thin films at low temperature is useful for the fabrication of extremely thin absorber (ETA) solar cells, dye-sensitized solar cells, and gas sensors.

Geocoronal imaging with Dynamics Explorer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rairden, R. L.; Frank, L. A.; Craven, J. D.

1986-01-01

The ultraviolet photometer of the University of Iowa spin-scan auroral imaging instrumentation on board Dynamics Explorer-1 has returned numerous hydrogen Lyman alpha images of the geocorona from altitudes of 570 km to 23,300 km (1.09 R sub E to 4.66 R sub E geocentric radial distance). The hydrogen density gradient is shown by a plot of the zenith intensities throughout this range, which decrease to near celestial background values as the spacecraft approaches apogee. Characterizing the upper geocorona as optically thin (single-scattering), the zenith intensity is converted directly to vertical column density. This approximation loses its validity deeper in the geocorona, where the hydrogen is demonstrated to be optically thick in that there is no Lyman alpha limb brightening. Further study of the geocoronal hydrogen distribution will require computer modeling of the radiative transfer.

Scintillator assembly for alpha radiation detection and method of making the assembly

DOEpatents

McElhaney, Stephanie A.; Bauer, Martin L.; Chiles, Marion M.

1992-01-01

A scintillator assembly for use in the detection of alpha radiation includes a body of optically-transparent epoxy and an amount of phosphor particles embedded within the body adjacent one surface thereof. When making the body, the phosphor particles are mixed with the epoxy when in an uncured condition and permitted to settle to the bottom surface of a mold within which the epoxy/phosphor mixture is contained. When the mixture subsequently cures to form a hardened body, the one surface of the body which cured against the bottom surface of the mold is coated with a thin layer of opaque material for preventing ambient light form entering the body through the one surface. The layer of opaque material is thereafter coated with a layer of protective material to provide the assembly with a damage-resistant entrance window.

Protection layers on a superconducting microwave resonator toward a hybrid quantum system

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

Lee, Jongmin, E-mail: jongmin.lee@sandia.gov; Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87123; Park, Dong Hun, E-mail: leomac@umd.edu

2015-10-07

We propose a protection scheme of a superconducting microwave resonator to realize a hybrid quantum system, where cold neutral atoms are coupled with a single microwave photon through magnetic dipole interaction at an interface inductor. The evanescent field atom trap, such as a waveguide/nanofiber atom trap, brings both surface-scattered photons and absorption-induced broadband blackbody radiation which result in quasiparticles and a low quality factor at the resonator. A proposed multiband protection layer consists of pairs of two dielectric layers and a thin nanogrid conductive dielectric layer above the interface inductor. We show numerical simulations of quality factors and reflection/absorption spectra,more » indicating that the proposed multilayer structure can protect a lumped-element microwave resonator from optical photons and blackbody radiation while maintaining a reasonably high quality factor.« less

Martian atmospheric radiation budget

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lindner, Bernhard Lee

1994-01-01

A computer model is used to study the radiative transfer of the martian winter-polar atmosphere. Solar heating at winter-polar latitudes is provided predominately by dust. For normal, low-dust conditions, CO2 provides almost as much heating as dust. Most heating by CO2 in the winter polar atmosphere is provided by the 2.7 micron band between 10 km and 30 km altitude, and by the 2.0 micron band below 10 km. The weak 1.3 micron band provides some significant heating near the surface. The minor CO2 bands at 1.4, 1.6, 4.8 and 5.2 micron are all optically thin, and produce negligible heating. O3 provides less than 10 percent of the total heating. Atmospheric cooling is predominantly thermal emission by dust, although CO2 15 micron band emission is important above 20 km altitude.

A numerical study of the stability of radiative shocks. [in accretion flows onto white dwarf stars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Imamura, J. N.; Wolff, M. T.; Durisen, R. H.

1984-01-01

Attention is given to the oscillatory instability of optically thin radiative shocks in time-dependent numerical calculations of accretion flows onto degenerate dwarfs. The present nonlinear calculations yield good quantitative agreement with the linear results obtained for oscillation frequencies, damping rates, and critical alpha-values. The fundamental mode and the first overtone in the shock radius and luminosity variations can be clearly identified, and evidence is sometimes seen for the second overtone. Time-dependent calculations are also performed which include additional physics relevant to degenerate dwarf accretion, such as electron thermal conduction, unequal electron and ion temperatures, Compton cooling, and relativistic corrections to the bremsstrahlung cooling law. All oscillatory modes are found to be damped, and hence stable, in the case of a 1-solar mass white dwarf accreting in spherical symmetry.

Third order nonlinearity in pulsed laser deposited LiNbO{sub 3} thin films

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

Tumuluri, Anil; Rapolu, Mounika; Rao, S. Venugopal, E-mail: kcjrsp@uohyd.ernet.in, E-mail: svrsp@uohyd.ernet.in

2016-05-06

Lithium niobate (LiNbO{sub 3}) thin films were prepared using pulsed laser deposition technique. Structural properties of the same were examined from XRD and optical band gap of the thin films were measured from transmittance spectra recorded using UV-Visible spectrophotometer. Nonlinear optical properties of the thin films were recorded using Z-Scan technique. The films were exhibiting third order nonlinearity and their corresponding two photon absorption, nonlinear refractive index, real and imaginary part of nonlinear susceptibility were calculated from open aperture and closed aperture transmission curves. From these studies, it suggests that these films have potential applications in nonlinear optical devices.

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

Abayli, D., E-mail: abayli@itu.edu.tr; Baydogan, N., E-mail: dogannil@itu.edu.tr

In this study, zirconium oxide (ZrO{sub 2}) thin film samples prepared by sol–gel method were irradiated using Co-60 radioisotope as gamma source. Then, it was investigated the ionizing effect on optical properties of ZrO{sub 2} thin film samples with the rise of the absorbed dose. The changes in the optical absorbance of ZrO{sub 2} thin films were determined by using optical transmittance and the reflectance measurements in the range between 190 – 1100 nm obtained from PG Instruments T80 UV-Vis spectrophotometer.

Apparatus and method for the determination of grain size in thin films

DOEpatents

Maris, Humphrey J

2000-01-01

A method for the determination of grain size in a thin film sample comprising the steps of measuring first and second changes in the optical response of the thin film, comparing the first and second changes to find the attenuation of a propagating disturbance in the film and associating the attenuation of the disturbance to the grain size of the film. The second change in optical response is time delayed from the first change in optical response.

Apparatus and method for the determination of grain size in thin films

DOEpatents

Maris, Humphrey J

2001-01-01

A method for the determination of grain size in a thin film sample comprising the steps of measuring first and second changes in the optical response of the thin film, comparing the first and second changes to find the attenuation of a propagating disturbance in the film and associating the attenuation of the disturbance to the grain size of the film. The second change in optical response is time delayed from the first change in optical response.

Retrievals of Thick Cloud Optical Depth from the Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS) by Calibration of Solar Background Signal

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yang, Yuekui; Marshak, Alexander; Chiu, J. Christine; Wiscombe, Warren J.; Palm, Stephen P.; Davis, Anthony B.; Spangenberg, Douglas A.; Nguyen, Louis; Spinhirne, James D.; Minnis, Patrick

2008-01-01

Laser beams emitted from the Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS), as well as other space-borne laser instruments, can only penetrate clouds to a limit of a few optical depths. As a result, only optical depths of thinner clouds (< about 3 for GLAS) are retrieved from the reflected lidar signal. This paper presents a comprehensive study of possible retrievals of optical depth of thick clouds using solar background light and treating GLAS as a solar radiometer. To do so we first calibrate the reflected solar radiation received by the photon-counting detectors of GLAS' 532 nm channel, which is the primary channel for atmospheric products. The solar background radiation is regarded as a noise to be subtracted in the retrieval process of the lidar products. However, once calibrated, it becomes a signal that can be used in studying the properties of optically thick clouds. In this paper, three calibration methods are presented: (I) calibration with coincident airborne and GLAS observations; (2) calibration with coincident Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) and GLAS observations of deep convective clouds; (3) calibration from the first principles using optical depth of thin water clouds over ocean retrieved by GLAS active remote sensing. Results from the three methods agree well with each other. Cloud optical depth (COD) is retrieved from the calibrated solar background signal using a one-channel retrieval. Comparison with COD retrieved from GOES during GLAS overpasses shows that the average difference between the two retrievals is 24%. As an example, the COD values retrieved from GLAS solar background are illustrated for a marine stratocumulus cloud field that is too thick to be penetrated by the GLAS laser. Based on this study, optical depths for thick clouds will be provided as a supplementary product to the existing operational GLAS cloud products in future GLAS data releases.

A discrete spherical harmonics method for radiative transfer analysis in inhomogeneous polarized planar atmosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tapimo, Romuald; Tagne Kamdem, Hervé Thierry; Yemele, David

2018-03-01

A discrete spherical harmonics method is developed for the radiative transfer problem in inhomogeneous polarized planar atmosphere illuminated at the top by a collimated sunlight while the bottom reflects the radiation. The method expands both the Stokes vector and the phase matrix in a finite series of generalized spherical functions and the resulting vector radiative transfer equation is expressed in a set of polar directions. Hence, the polarized characteristics of the radiance within the atmosphere at any polar direction and azimuthal angle can be determined without linearization and/or interpolations. The spatial dependent of the problem is solved using the spectral Chebyshev method. The emergent and transmitted radiative intensity and the degree of polarization are predicted for both Rayleigh and Mie scattering. The discrete spherical harmonics method predictions for optical thin atmosphere using 36 streams are found in good agreement with benchmark literature results. The maximum deviation between the proposed method and literature results and for polar directions \\vert μ \\vert ≥0.1 is less than 0.5% and 0.9% for the Rayleigh and Mie scattering, respectively. These deviations for directions close to zero are about 3% and 10% for Rayleigh and Mie scattering, respectively.

Microstructure and ferroelectricity of BaTiO3 thin films on Si for integrated photonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kormondy, Kristy J.; Popoff, Youri; Sousa, Marilyne; Eltes, Felix; Caimi, Daniele; Rossell, Marta D.; Fiebig, Manfred; Hoffmann, Patrik; Marchiori, Chiara; Reinke, Michael; Trassin, Morgan; Demkov, Alexander A.; Fompeyrine, Jean; Abe, Stefan

2017-02-01

Significant progress has been made in integrating novel materials into silicon photonic structures in order to extend the functionality of photonic circuits. One of these promising optical materials is BaTiO3 or barium titanate (BTO) that exhibits a very large Pockels coefficient as required for high-speed light modulators. However, all previous demonstrations show a noticable reduction of the Pockels effect in BTO thin films deposited on silicon substrates compared to BTO bulk crystals. Here, we report on the strong dependence of the Pockels effect in BTO thin films on their microstructure, and provide guidelines on how to engineer thin films with strong electro-optic response. We employ several deposition methods such as molecular beam epitaxy and chemical vapor deposition to realize BTO thin films with different morphology and crystalline structure. While a linear electro-optic response is present even in porous, polycrystalline BTO thin films with an effective Pockels coefficient r eff = 6 pm V-1, it is maximized for dense, tetragonal, epitaxial BTO films (r eff = 140 pm V-1). By identifying the key structural predictors of electro-optic response in BTO/Si, we provide a roadmap to fully exploit the linear electro-optic effect in novel hybrid oxide/semiconductor nanophotonic devices.

Understanding Accretion Disks through Three Dimensional Radiation MHD Simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Yan-Fei

I study the structures and thermal properties of black hole accretion disks in the radiation pressure dominated regime. Angular momentum transfer in the disk is provided by the turbulence generated by the magneto-rotational instability (MRI), which is calculated self-consistently with a recently developed 3D radiation magneto-hydrodynamics (MHD) code based on Athena. This code, developed by my collaborators and myself, couples both the radiation momentum and energy source terms with the ideal MHD equations by modifying the standard Godunov method to handle the stiff radiation source terms. We solve the two momentum equations of the radiation transfer equations with a variable Eddington tensor (VET), which is calculated with a time independent short characteristic module. This code is well tested and accurate in both optically thin and optically thick regimes. It is also accurate for both radiation pressure and gas pressure dominated flows. With this code, I find that when photon viscosity becomes significant, the ratio between Maxwell stress and Reynolds stress from the MRI turbulence can increase significantly with radiation pressure. The thermal instability of the radiation pressure dominated disk is then studied with vertically stratified shearing box simulations. Unlike the previous results claiming that the radiation pressure dominated disk with MRI turbulence can reach a steady state without showing any unstable behavior, I find that the radiation pressure dominated disks always either collapse or expand until we have to stop the simulations. During the thermal runaway, the heating and cooling rates from the simulations are consistent with the general criterion of thermal instability. However, details of the thermal runaway are different from the predictions of the standard alpha disk model, as many assumptions in that model are not satisfied in the simulations. We also identify the key reasons why previous simulations do not find the instability. The thermal instability has many important implications for understanding the observations of both X-ray binaries and Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs). However, direct comparisons between observations and the simulations require global radiation MHD simulations, which will be the main focus of my future work.

Fiber optic Cerenkov radiation sensor system to estimate burn-up of spent fuel: characteristic evaluation of the system using Co-60 source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shin, S. H.; Jang, K. W.; Jeon, D.; Hong, S.; Kim, S. G.; Sim, H. I.; Yoo, W. J.; Park, B. G.; Lee, B.

2013-09-01

Cerenkov radiation occurs when charged particles are moving faster than the speed of light in a transparent dielectric medium. In optical fibers, the Cerenkov light also can be generated due to their dielectric components. Accordingly, the radiation-induced light signals can be obtained using optical fibers without any scintillating material. In this study, to measure the intensities of Cerenkov radiation induced by gamma-rays, we have fabricated the fiber-optic Cerenkov radiation sensor system using silica optical fibers, plastic optical fibers, multi-anode photomultiplier tubes, and a scanning system. To characterize the Cerenkov radiation generated in optical fibers, the spectra of Cerenkov radiation generated in the silica and plastic optical fibers were measured. Also, the intensities of Cerenkov radiation induced by gamma-rays generated from a cylindrical Co-60 source with or without lead shielding were measured using the fiberoptic Cerenkov radiation sensor system.

Magneto-Optical Thin Films for On-Chip Monolithic Integration of Non-Reciprocal Photonic Devices

PubMed Central

Bi, Lei; Hu, Juejun; Jiang, Peng; Kim, Hyun Suk; Kim, Dong Hun; Onbasli, Mehmet Cengiz; Dionne, Gerald F.; Ross, Caroline A.

2013-01-01

Achieving monolithic integration of nonreciprocal photonic devices on semiconductor substrates has been long sought by the photonics research society. One way to achieve this goal is to deposit high quality magneto-optical oxide thin films on a semiconductor substrate. In this paper, we review our recent research activity on magneto-optical oxide thin films toward the goal of monolithic integration of nonreciprocal photonic devices on silicon. We demonstrate high Faraday rotation at telecommunication wavelengths in several novel magnetooptical oxide thin films including Co substituted CeO2−δ, Co- or Fe-substituted SrTiO3−δ, as well as polycrystalline garnets on silicon. Figures of merit of 3~4 deg/dB and 21 deg/dB are achieved in epitaxial Sr(Ti0.2Ga0.4Fe0.4)O3−δ and polycrystalline (CeY2)Fe5O12 films, respectively. We also demonstrate an optical isolator on silicon, based on a racetrack resonator using polycrystalline (CeY2)Fe5O12/silicon strip-loaded waveguides. Our work demonstrates that physical vapor deposited magneto-optical oxide thin films on silicon can achieve high Faraday rotation, low optical loss and high magneto-optical figure of merit, therefore enabling novel high-performance non-reciprocal photonic devices monolithically integrated on semiconductor substrates. PMID:28788379

Absorbing TiOx thin film enabling laser welding of polyurethane membranes and polyamide fibers

PubMed Central

Amberg, Martin; Haag, Alexander; Storchenegger, Raphael; Rupper, Patrick; Lehmeier, Frederike; Rossi, René M; Hegemann, Dirk

2015-01-01

We report on the optical properties of thin titanium suboxide (TiOx) films for applications in laser transmission welding of polymers. Non-absorbing fibers were coated with TiOx coatings by reactive magnetron sputtering. Plasma process parameters influencing the chemical composition and morphology of the deposited thin films were investigated in order to optimize their absorption properties. Optical absorption spectroscopy showed that the oxygen content of the TiOx coatings is the main parameter influencing the optical absorbance. Overtreatment (high power plasma input) of the fiber surface leads to high surface roughness and loss of mechanical stability of the fiber. The study shows that thin substoichiometric TiOx films enable the welding of very thin polyurethane membranes and polyamide fibers with improved adhesion properties. PMID:27877837

Comparative study of structural, optical and impedance measurements on V{sub 2}O{sub 5} and V-Ce mixed oxide thin films

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

Malini, D. Rachel; Sanjeeviraja, C., E-mail: sanjeeviraja@rediffmail.com

Vanadium pentoxide (V{sub 2}O{sub 5}) and Vanadium-Cerium mixed oxide thin films at different molar ratios of V{sub 2}O{sub 5} and CeO{sub 2} have been deposited at 200 W rf power by rf planar magnetron sputtering in pure argon atmosphere. The structural and optical properties were studied by taking X-ray diffraction and transmittance and absorption spectra respectively. The amorphous thin films show an increase in transmittance and optical bandgap with increase in CeO{sub 2} content in as-prepared thin films. The impedance measurements for as-deposited thin films show an increase in electrical conductivity with increase in CeO{sub 2} material.

Absorbing TiOx thin film enabling laser welding of polyurethane membranes and polyamide fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amberg, Martin; Haag, Alexander; Storchenegger, Raphael; Rupper, Patrick; Lehmeier, Frederike; Rossi, René M.; Hegemann, Dirk

2015-10-01

We report on the optical properties of thin titanium suboxide (TiOx) films for applications in laser transmission welding of polymers. Non-absorbing fibers were coated with TiOx coatings by reactive magnetron sputtering. Plasma process parameters influencing the chemical composition and morphology of the deposited thin films were investigated in order to optimize their absorption properties. Optical absorption spectroscopy showed that the oxygen content of the TiOx coatings is the main parameter influencing the optical absorbance. Overtreatment (high power plasma input) of the fiber surface leads to high surface roughness and loss of mechanical stability of the fiber. The study shows that thin substoichiometric TiOx films enable the welding of very thin polyurethane membranes and polyamide fibers with improved adhesion properties.

Absorbing TiO x thin film enabling laser welding of polyurethane membranes and polyamide fibers.

PubMed

Amberg, Martin; Haag, Alexander; Storchenegger, Raphael; Rupper, Patrick; Lehmeier, Frederike; Rossi, René M; Hegemann, Dirk

2015-10-01

We report on the optical properties of thin titanium suboxide (TiO x ) films for applications in laser transmission welding of polymers. Non-absorbing fibers were coated with TiO x coatings by reactive magnetron sputtering. Plasma process parameters influencing the chemical composition and morphology of the deposited thin films were investigated in order to optimize their absorption properties. Optical absorption spectroscopy showed that the oxygen content of the TiO x coatings is the main parameter influencing the optical absorbance. Overtreatment (high power plasma input) of the fiber surface leads to high surface roughness and loss of mechanical stability of the fiber. The study shows that thin substoichiometric TiO x films enable the welding of very thin polyurethane membranes and polyamide fibers with improved adhesion properties.

Applications in Energy, Optics and Electronics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rosenberg, Robert; And Others

1980-01-01

Discusses the applications of thin films in energy, optics and electronics. The use of thin-film technologies for heat mirrors, anti-reflection coatings, interference filters, solar cells, and metal contacts is included. (HM)

Tailoring Thin Film-Lacquer Coatings for Space Application

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peters, Wanda C.; Harris, George; Miller, Grace; Petro, John

1998-01-01

Thin film coatings have the capability of obtaining a wide range of thermal radiative properties, but the development of thin film coatings can sometimes be difficult and costly when trying to achieve highly specular surfaces. Given any space mission's thermal control requirements, there is often a need for a variation of solar absorptance (Alpha(s)), emittance (epsilon) and/or highly specular surfaces. The utilization of thin film coatings is one process of choice for meeting challenging thermal control requirements because of its ability to provide a wide variety of Alpha(s)/epsilon ratios. Thin film coatings' radiative properties can be tailored to meet specific thermal control requirements through the use of different metals and the variation of dielectric layer thickness. Surface coatings can be spectrally selective to enhance radiative coupling and decoupling. The application of lacquer to a surface can also provide suitable specularity for thin film application without the cost and difficulty associated with polishing.

Tailoring Thin Film-Lacquer Coatings for Space Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peters, Wanda C.; Harris, George; Miller, Grace; Petro, John

1998-01-01

Thin film coatings have the capability of obtaining a wide range of thermal radiative properties, but the development of thin film coatings can sometimes be difficult and costly when trying to achieve highly specular surfaces. Given any space mission's then-nal control requirements, there is often a need for a variation of solar absorptance (alpha(sub s)), emittance (epsilon) and/or highly specular surfaces. The utilization of thin film coatings is one process of choice for meeting challenging thermal control requirements because of its ability to provide a wide variety of alpha(sub s)/epsilon ratios. Thin film coatings' radiative properties can be tailored to meet specific thermal control requirements through the use of different metals and the variation of dielectric layer thickness. Surface coatings can be spectrally selective to enhance radiative coupling and decoupling. The application of lacquer to a surface can also provide suitable specularity for thin film application without the cost and difficulty associated with polishing.

Electrochemical and physical properties of electroplated CuO thin films.

PubMed

Dhanasekaran, V; Mahalingam, T

2013-01-01

Cupric oxide thin films have been prepared on ITO glass substrates from an aqueous electrolytic bath containing CuSO4 and tartaric acid. Growth mechanism has been analyzed using cyclic voltammetry. The role of pH on the structural, morphological, compositional, electrical and optical properties of CuO films is investigated. The structural studies revealed that the deposited films are polycrystalline in nature with a cubic structure. The preferential orientation of CuO thin films is found to be along (111) plane. X-ray line profile analysis has been carried out to determine the microstructural parameters of CuO thin films. The pyramid shaped grains are observed from SEM and AFM images. The optical band gap energy and electrical activation energy is found to be 1.45 and 0.37 eV, respectively. Also, the optical constants of CuO thin films such as refractive index (n), complex dielectric constant (epsilon) extinction coefficient (k) and optical conductivity (sigma) are evaluated.

Z-scan measurement for nonlinear absorption property of rGO/ZnO:Al thin film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sreeja, V. G.; Anila, E. I.

2018-04-01

We report the fabrication of reduced graphene oxide integrated aluminium doped zinc oxide (rGO/ZnO:Al) composite thin film on a glass substrate by spin coating technique. The effect of rGO on structural and linear optical properties of rGO/ZnO:Al composite thin film was explored with the help of X-Ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy. Structural studies reveals that the composite film has hexagonal wurtzite structure with a strong bonding between rGO and ZnO:Al material. The band gap energy of ZnO:Al thin film was red shifted by the addition of rGO. The Nonlinear absorption property was investigated by open aperture Z-scan technique by using Q switched Nd-YAG laser at 532nm. The Z-scan results showed that the composite film demonstrates reverse saturable absorption property with a nonlinear absorption coefficient, β, of 12.75×10-7m/w. The results showed that investigated rGO/ZnO:Al thin film is a promising material suitable for the applications in absorbing type optical devices such as optical limiters, optical switches and protection of the optical sensors in the field of nonlinear optics.

Thin, nearly wireless adaptive optical device

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Knowles, Gareth (Inventor); Hughes, Eli (Inventor)

2008-01-01

A thin, nearly wireless adaptive optical device capable of dynamically modulating the shape of a mirror in real time to compensate for atmospheric distortions and/or variations along an optical material is provided. The device includes an optical layer, a substrate, at least one electronic circuit layer with nearly wireless architecture, an array of actuators, power electronic switches, a reactive force element, and a digital controller. Actuators are aligned so that each axis of expansion and contraction intersects both substrate and reactive force element. Electronics layer with nearly wireless architecture, power electronic switches, and digital controller are provided within a thin-film substrate. The size and weight of the adaptive optical device is solely dominated by the size of the actuator elements rather than by the power distribution system.

Thin, nearly wireless adaptive optical device

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Knowles, Gareth (Inventor); Hughes, Eli (Inventor)

2007-01-01

A thin, nearly wireless adaptive optical device capable of dynamically modulating the shape of a mirror in real time to compensate for atmospheric distortions and/or variations along an optical material is provided. The device includes an optical layer, a substrate, at least one electronic circuit layer with nearly wireless architecture, an array of actuators, power electronic switches, a reactive force element, and a digital controller. Actuators are aligned so that each axis of expansion and contraction intersects both substrate and reactive force element. Electronics layer with nearly wireless architecture, power electronic switches, and digital controller are provided within a thin-film substrate. The size and weight of the adaptive optical device is solely dominated by the size of the actuator elements rather than by the power distribution system.

Thin nearly wireless adaptive optical device

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Knowles, Gareth J. (Inventor); Hughes, Eli (Inventor)

2009-01-01

A thin nearly wireless adaptive optical device capable of dynamically modulating the shape of a mirror in real time to compensate for atmospheric distortions and/or variations along an optical material is provided. The device includes an optical layer, a substrate, at least one electronic circuit layer with nearly wireless architecture, an array of actuators, power electronic switches, a reactive force element, and a digital controller. Actuators are aligned so that each axis of expansion and contraction intersects both substrate and reactive force element. Electronics layer with nearly wireless architecture, power electronic switches, and digital controller are provided within a thin-film substrate. The size and weight of the adaptive optical device is solely dominated by the size of the actuator elements rather than by the power distribution system.

Laser readable thermoluminescent radiation dosimeters and methods for producing thereof

DOEpatents

Braunlich, Peter F.; Tetzlaff, Wolfgang

1989-01-01

Thin layer thermoluminescent radiation dosimeters for use in laser readable dosimetry systems, and methods of fabricating such thin layer dosimeters. The thin layer thermoluminescent radiation dosimeters include a thin substrate made from glass or other inorganic materials capable of withstanding high temperatures and high heating rates. A thin layer of a thermoluminescent phoshphor material is heat bonded to the substrate using an inorganic binder such as glass. The dosimeters can be mounted in frames and cases for ease in handling. Methods of the invention include mixing a suitable phosphor composition and binder, both being in particulate or granular form. The mixture is then deposited onto a substrate such as by using mask printing techniques. The dosimeters are thereafter heated to fuse and bond the binder and phosphor to the substrate.

Coupling Single-Mode Fiber to Uniform and Symmetrically Tapered Thin-Film Waveguide Structures Using Gadolinium Gallium Garnet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gadi, Jagannath; Yalamanchili, Raj; Shahid, Mohammad

1995-01-01

The need for high efficiency components has grown significantly due to the expanding role of fiber optic communications for various applications. Integrated optics is in a state of metamorphosis and there are many problems awaiting solutions. One of the main problems being the lack of a simple and efficient method of coupling single-mode fibers to thin-film devices for integrated optics. In this paper, optical coupling between a single-mode fiber and a uniform and tapered thin-film waveguide is theoretically modeled and analyzed. A novel tapered structure presented in this paper is shown to produce perfect match for power transfer.

Thin films with disordered nanohole patterns for solar radiation absorbers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Xing; Lou, Minhan; Bao, Hua; Zhao, C. Y.

2015-06-01

The radiation absorption in thin films with three disordered nanohole patterns, i.e., random position, non-uniform radius, and amorphous pattern, are numerically investigated by finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations. Disorder can alter the absorption spectra and has an impact on the broadband absorption performance. Compared to random position and non-uniform radius nanoholes, amorphous pattern can induce a much better integrated absorption. The power density spectra indicate that amorphous pattern nanoholes reduce the symmetry and provide more resonance modes that are desired for the broadband absorption. The application condition for amorphous pattern nanoholes shows that they are much more appropriate in absorption enhancement for weak absorption materials. Amorphous silicon thin films with disordered nanohole patterns are applied in solar radiation absorbers. Four configurations of thin films with different nanohole patterns show that interference between layers in absorbers will change the absorption performance. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the whole radiation absorbers although single thin film with amorphous pattern nanohole has reached optimal absorption.

A multidimensional unified gas-kinetic scheme for radiative transfer equations on unstructured mesh

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Wenjun; Jiang, Song; Xu, Kun

2017-12-01

In order to extend the unified gas kinetic scheme (UGKS) to solve radiative transfer equations in a complex geometry, a multidimensional asymptotic preserving implicit method on unstructured mesh is constructed in this paper. With an implicit formulation, the CFL condition for the determination of the time step in UGKS can be much relaxed, and a large time step is used in simulations. Differently from previous direction-by-direction UGKS on orthogonal structured mesh, on unstructured mesh the interface flux transport takes into account multi-dimensional effect, where gradients of radiation intensity and material temperature in both normal and tangential directions of a cell interface are included in the flux evaluation. The multiple scale nature makes the UGKS be able to capture the solutions in both optically thin and thick regions seamlessly. In the optically thick region the condition of cell size being less than photon's mean free path is fully removed, and the UGKS recovers a solver for diffusion equation in such a limit on unstructured mesh. For a distorted quadrilateral mesh, the UGKS goes to a nine-point scheme for the diffusion equation, and it naturally reduces to the standard five-point scheme for a orthogonal quadrilateral mesh. Numerical computations covering a wide range of transport regimes on unstructured and distorted quadrilateral meshes will be presented to validate the current approach.

Method of synthesizing a plurality of reactants and producing thin films of electro-optically active transition metal oxides

DOEpatents

Tracy, C. Edwin; Benson, David K.; Ruth, Marta R.

1987-01-01

A method of synthesizing electro-optically active reaction products from a plurality of reactants by inducing a reaction by plasma deposition among the reactants. The plasma reaction is effective for consolidating the reactants and producing thin films of electro-optically active transition metal oxides.

Effect of thermal annealing on structural and optical properties of In{sub 2}S{sub 3} thin films

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

Choudhary, Sonu, E-mail: sonuchoudhary1983@gmail.com

2015-08-28

There is a highly need of an alternate of toxic materials CdS for solar cell applications and indium sulfide is found the most suitable candidate to replace CdS due to its non-toxic and environmental friendly nature. In this paper, the effect of thermal annealing on the structural and optical properties of indium sulfide (In{sub 2}S{sub 3}) thin films is undertaken. The indium sulfide thin films of 121 nm were deposited on glass substrates employing thermal evaporation method. The films were subjected to the X-ray diffractometer and UV-Vis spectrophotometer respectively for structural and optical analysis. The XRD pattern show that themore » as-deposited thin film was amorphous in nature and crystallinity is found to be varied with annealing temperature. The optical analysis reveals that the optical band gap is varied with annealing. The optical parameters like absorption coefficient, extinction coefficient and refractive index were calculated. The results are in good agreement with available literature.« less

Rectenna that converts infrared radiation to electrical energy

DOEpatents

Davids, Paul; Peters, David W.

2016-09-06

Technologies pertaining to converting infrared (IR) radiation to DC energy are described herein. In a general embodiment, a rectenna comprises a conductive layer. A thin insulator layer is formed on the conductive layer, and a nanoantenna is formed on the thin insulator layer. The thin insulator layer acts as a tunnel junction of a tunnel diode.

Prototyping iridium coated mirrors for x-ray astronomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Döhring, Thorsten; Probst, Anne-Catherine; Stollenwerk, Manfred; Emmerich, Florian; Stehlíková, Veronika; Inneman, Adolf

2017-05-01

X-ray astronomy uses space-based telescopes to overcome the disturbing absorption of the Earth's atmosphere. The telescope mirrors are operating at grazing incidence angles and are coated with thin metal films of high-Z materials to get sufficient reflectivity for the high-energy radiation to be observed. In addition the optical payload needs to be light-weighted for launcher mass constrains. Within the project JEUMICO, an acronym for "Joint European Mirror Competence", the Aschaffenburg University of Applied Sciences and the Czech Technical University in Prague started a collaboration to develop mirrors for X-ray telescopes. The X-ray telescopes currently developed within this Bavarian- Czech project are of Lobster eye type optical design. Corresponding mirror segments use substrates of flat silicon wafers which are coated with thin iridium films, as this material is promising high reflectivity in the X-ray range of interest. The deposition of the iridium films is based on a magnetron sputtering process. Sputtering with different parameters, especially by variation of the argon gas pressure, leads to iridium films with different properties. In addition to investigations of the uncoated mirror substrates the achieved surface roughness has been studied. Occasional delamination of the iridium films due to high stress levels is prevented by chromium sublayers. Thereby the sputtering parameters are optimized in the context of the expected reflectivity of the coated X-ray mirrors. In near future measurements of the assembled mirror modules optical performances are planned at an X-ray test facility.

Growth and optical properties of CMOS-compatible silicon nanowires for photonic devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guichard, Alex Richard

Silicon (Si) is the dominant semiconductor material in both the microelectronic and photovoltaic industries. Despite its poor optical properties, Si is simply too abundant and useful to be completely abandoned in either industry. Since the initial discovery of efficient room temperature photoluminescence (PL) from porous Si and the following discoveries of PL and time-resolved optical gain from Si nanocrystals (Si-nc) in SiO2, many groups have studied the feasibility of making Si-based, CMOS-compatible electroluminescent devices and electrically pumped lasers. These studies have shown that for Si-ne sizes below about 10 nm, PL can be attributed to radiative recombination of confined excitons and quantum efficiencies can reach 90%. PL peak energies are blue-shifted from the bulk Si band edge of 1.1 eV due to the quantum confinement effect and PL decay lifetimes are on mus timescales. However, many unanswered questions still exist about both the ease of carrier injection and various non-radiative and loss mechanisms that are present. A potential alternative material system to porous Si and Si-nc is Si nanowires (SiNWs). In this thesis, I examine the optical properties of SiNWs with diameters in the range of 3-30 nm fabricated by a number of compound metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) compatible fabrication techniques including Chemical Vapor Deposition on metal nanoparticle coated substrates, catalytic wet etching of bulk Si and top-down electron-beam lithographic patterning. Using thermal oxidation and etching, we can increase the degree of confinement in the SiNWs. I demonstrate PL peaked in the visible and near-infrared (NIR) wavelength ranges that is tunable by controlling the crystalline SiNW core diameter, which is measured with dark field and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. PL decay lifetimes of the SiNWs are on the order of 50 mus after proper surface passivation, which suggest that the PL is indeed from confined carriers in the SiNW cores. Investigation of the non-radiative Auger recombination (AR) process suggests that for high carrier densities in excess of 1019 cm-3, the AR lifetime is about 80 ns and decreases with increasing carrier density. This SiNW AR lifetime is slower than the AR process in Si nanocrystals at similar carrier densities, but faster than the radiative process. I also study the light emission and absorption properties of single SiNWs patterned on Silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrates and find that a large fraction of NWs is optically dead. Moreover, the active, light-emitting nanostructures exhibit PL blinking, a mechanism often seen for individual nanostructure light emitters. These results are essential to evaluating Si nanostructures as a feasible gain or lasing medium. A second potential application for SiNWs is as a building block for low-cost, Si-based photovoltaics (PV). The market for thin-film PV, particularly organic thin-film PV, exists because it offers potential lower cost solutions for solar power versus bulk Si-based PV. However, many thin film technologies, while possessing superior optical absorption properties compared to Si, suffer from poor electronic transport properties. Here, I present a new Si-based PV design that combines the desirable optical properties of highly absorptive organic molecules and the high-mobility electronic properties of crystalline Si. This synergy is achieved by exploiting efficient Forster energy transfer from the light absorbing organic to SiNWs that enable current extraction. The energy transfer radius of a particular dye and bulk Si is found to be roughly 4 nm. Spectroscopic photocurrent experiments were performed on unpatterned SOI wafers as well as SiNWs patterned in SOI substrates and a significant photocurrent increase was seen in samples coated with organics versus uncoated samples. The photocurrent increase is seen in the wavelength range of the dye's absorption band, suggesting absorption of the dye and subsequent energy transfer to the Si plays a role. These results could pave the way for new low-cost, Si-based solar cell designs that leverage the strengths of the Si PV and microelectronics industries.

Influence of thermal radiation on soot production in Laminar axisymmetric diffusion flames

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Demarco, R.; Nmira, F.; Consalvi, J. L.

2013-05-01

The aim of this paper is to study the effect of radiative heat transfer on soot production in laminar axisymmetric diffusion flames. Twenty-four C1-C3 hydrocarbon-air flames, consisting of normal (NDF) and inverse (IDF) diffusion flames at both normal gravity (1 g) and microgravity (0 g), and covering a wide range of conditions affecting radiative heat transfer, were simulated. The numerical model is based on the Steady Laminar Flamelet (SLF) model, a semi-empirical two-equation acetylene/benzene based soot model and the Statistical Narrow Band Correlated K (SNBCK) model coupled to the Finite Volume Method (FVM) to compute thermal radiation. Predictions relative to velocity, temperature, soot volume fraction and radiative losses are on the whole in good agreement with the available experimental data. Model results show that, for all the flames considered, thermal radiation is a crucial process with a view to providing accurate predictions for temperatures and soot concentrations. It becomes increasingly significant from IDFs to NDFs and its influence is much greater as gravity is reduced. The radiative contribution of gas prevails in the weakly-sooting IDFs and in the methane and ethane NDFs, whereas soot radiation dominates in the other flames. However, both contributions are significant in all cases, with the exception of the 1 g IDFs investigated where soot radiation can be ignored. The optically-thin approximation (OTA) was also tested and found to be applicable as long as the optical thickness, based on flame radius and Planck mean absorption coefficient, is less than 0.05. The OTA is reasonable for the IDFs and for most of the 1 g NDFs, but it fails to predict the radiative heat transfer for the 0 g NDFs. The accuracy of radiative-property models was then assessed in the latter cases. Simulations show that the gray approximation can be applied to soot but not to combustion gases. Both the non-gray and gray soot versions of the Full Spectrum Correlated k (FSCK) model can be then substituted for the SNBCK with a reduction in CPU time by a factor of about 20 in the latter case.

A self-running standing wave-type bidirectional slider for the ultrasonically levitated thin linear stage.

PubMed

Koyama, Daisuke; Takei, Hiroyuki; Nakamura, Kentaro; Ueha, Sadayuki

2008-08-01

A slider for a self-running standing wave-type, ultrasonically levitated, thin linear stage is discussed. The slider can be levitated and moved using acoustic radiation force and acoustic streaming. The slider has a simple configuration and consists of an aluminum vibrating plate and a piezoelectric zirconate titanate (PZT) element. The large asymmetric vibration distribution for the high thrust and levitation performance was obtained by adjusting the configuration determined by finite elemental analysis (FEA). As a preliminary step, the computed results of the sound pressure distribution in the 1-mm air gap by FEA was com pared with experimental results obtained using a fiber optic probe. The direction of the total driving force for the acoustic streaming in the small air gap was estimated by the sound pressure distribution calculated by FEA, and it was found that the direction of the acoustic streaming could be altered by controlling the vibration mode of the slider. The flexural standing wave could be generated along the vibrating plate near the frequencies predicted based on the FEA results. The slider could be levitated by the acoustic radiation force radiated from its own vibrating plate at several frequencies. The slider could be moved in the negative and positive directions at 68 kHz and 69 kHz, which correspond to the results computed by FEA, with the asymmetric vibration distribution of the slider's vibrating plate. Larger thrust could be obtained with the smaller levitation distance, and the maximum thrust was 19 mN.

Optical Properties of Hybrid Inorganic/Organic Thin Film Encapsulation Layers for Flexible Top-Emission Organic Light-Emitting Diodes.

PubMed

An, Jae Seok; Jang, Ha Jun; Park, Cheol Young; Youn, Hongseok; Lee, Jong Ho; Heo, Gi-Seok; Choi, Bum Ho; Lee, Choong Hun

2015-10-01

Inorganic/organic hybrid thin film encapsulation layers consist of a thin Al2O3 layer together with polymer material. We have investigated optical properties of thin film encapsulation layers for top-emission flexible organic light-emitting diodes. The transmittance of hybrid thin film encapsulation layers and the electroluminescent spectrum of organic light-emitting diodes that were passivated by hybrid organic/inorganic thin film encapsulation layers were also examined as a function of the thickness of inorganic Al203 and monomer layers. The number of interference peaks, their intensity, and their positions in the visible range can be controlled by varying the thickness of inorganic Al2O3 layer. On the other hand, changing the thickness of monomer layer had a negligible effect on the optical properties. We also verified that there is a trade-off between transparency in the visible range and the permeation of water vapor in hybrid thin film encapsulation layers. As the number of dyads decreased, optical transparency improved while the water vapor permeation barrier was degraded. Our study suggests that, in top-emission organic light-emitting diodes, the thickness of each thin film encapsulation layer, in particular that of the inorganic layer, and the number of dyads should be controlled for highly efficient top-emission flexible organic light-emitting diodes.

Effect of substrate and post-deposition annealing on nanostructure and optical properties of CdTe thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hasani, Ebrahim; Raoufi, Davood

2018-04-01

Thermal evaporation is one of the promising methods for depositing CdTe thin films, which can obtain the thin films with the small thickness. In this work, CdTe nanoparticles have deposited on SiO2 substrates such as quartz (crystal) and glass (amorphous) at a temperature (Ts) of 150 °C under a vacuum pressure of 2 × 10‑5 mbar. The thickness of CdTe thin films prepared under vacuum pressure is 100 nm. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) results showed the formation of CdTe cubic phase with a strong preferential orientation of (111) crystalline plane on both substrates. The grain size (D) in this orientation obtained about 7.41 and 5.48 nm for quartz and glass respectively. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV–vis) measurements indicated the optical band gap about 1.5 and 1.52 eV for CdTe thin films deposited on quartz and glass respectively. Furthermore, to show the effect of annealing temperature on structure and optical properties of CdTe thin films on quartz and glass substrates, the thin films have been annealed at temperatures 50 and 70 °C for one hour. The results of this work indicate that the structure’s parameters and optical properties of CdTe thin films change due to increase in annealing temperature.

Spectrometer for Sky-Scanning, Sun-Tracking Atmospheric Research (4STAR) Instrument Improvements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dunagan, Stephen E.; Redemann, Jens; Chang, Cecilia; Dahlgren, Robert; Fahey, Lauren; Flynn, Connor; Johnson, Roy; Kacenelenbogen, Meloe; Leblanc, Samuel; Liss, Jordan;

THz - ToF Optical Layer Analysis (OLA) to determine optical properties of dielectric materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spranger, Holger; Beckmann, Jörg

2017-02-01

Electromagnetic waves with frequencies between 0.1 and 10 THz are described as THz-radiation (T-ray). The ability to penetrate dielectric materials makes T-rays attractive to reveal discontinuities in polymer and ceramic materials. THz-Time Domain Spectroscopy Systems (THz-TDS) are available on the market today which operates with THz-pulses transmitted and received by optically pumped semiconductor antennas. In THz-TDS the travelling time (ToF) and shape of the pulse is changed if it interacts with the dielectric material and its inherent discontinuities. A tomogram of the object under the test can be reconstructed from time of flight diffraction (ToFD) scans if a synthetic focusing aperture (SAFT) algorithm is applied. The knowledge of the base materials shape and optical properties is essential for a proper reconstruction result. To obtain these properties a model is assumed which describes the device under the test as multilayer structure composed of thin layers with different dielectric characteristics. The Optical Layer Analysis (OLA) is able to fulfill these requirements. A short description why the optical properties are crucial for meaningful SAFT reconstruction results will be given first. Afterwards the OLA will be derived and applied on representative samples to discuss and evaluate its benefits and limits.

Influence of spray time on the optical and electrical properties of CoNi2S4 thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El Radaf, I. M.; Fouad, S. S.; Ismail, A. M.; Sakr, G. B.

2018-04-01

In this paper, a facile spray pyrolysis technique was utilized to synthesize CoNi2S4 thin films. The influence of spray time on the structural, optical and electrical properties of the CoNi2S4 thin films was studied. The x-ray diffraction studies of the CoNi2S4 thin films illustrate that the films exhibit a polycrystalline nature with cubic structure. The values of the lattice strain ε, and the dislocation density δ, were decreased as the spray time increase while the grain size has reverse manner to lattice strain ε, and the dislocation density δ. The transmittance and reflectance spectra of the CoNi2S4 thin films were recorded in the wavelength range of (400–2500) nm to evaluate the optical parameters of the CoNi2S4 thin films. Optical absorption coefficient of CoNi2S4 thin films revealed a presence of a direct energy gap and the values of energy gap were decreased from 1.68 to 1.53 eV as the spray time increases from 15 min to 45 min. The nonlinear refractive index of the CoNi2S4 thin films was increased with increasing of the spray time. The CoNi2S4 thin films exhibit single activation energy and the activation energy was decreased as the spray time increased.

Nonadiabatic nonradial p-mode frequencies of the standard solar model, with and without helium diffusion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Guenther, D. B.

1994-01-01

The nonadiabatic frequencies of a standard solar model and a solar model that includes helium diffusion are discussed. The nonadiabatic pulsation calculation includes physics that describes the losses and gains due to radiation. Radiative gains and losses are modeled in both the diffusion approximation, which is only valid in optically thick regions, and the Eddington approximation, which is valid in both optically thin and thick regions. The calculated pulsation frequencies for modes with l less than or equal to 1320 are compared to the observed spectrum of the Sun. Compared to a strictly adiabatic calculation, the nonadiabatic calculation of p-mode frequencies improves the agreement between model and observation. When helium diffusion is included in the model the frequencies of the modes that are sensitive to regions near the base of the convection zone are improved (i.e., brought into closer agreement with observation), but the agreement is made worse for other modes. Cyclic variations in the frequency spacings of the Sun as a function of frequency of n are presented as evidence for a discontinuity in the structure of the Sun, possibly located near the base of the convection zone.

High-efficiency solar-thermophotovoltaic system equipped with a monolithic planar selective absorber/emitter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shimizu, Makoto; Kohiyama, Asaka; Yugami, Hiroo

2015-01-01

We demonstrate a high-efficiency solar-thermophotovoltaic system (STPV) using a monolithic, planar, and spectrally selective absorber/emitter. A complete STPV system using gallium antimonide (GaSb) cells was designed and fabricated to conduct power generation tests. To produce a high-efficiency STPV, it is important to match the thermal radiation spectrum with the sensitive region of the GaSb cells. Therefore, to reach high temperatures with low incident power, a planar absorber/emitter is incorporated for controlling the thermal radiation spectrum. This multilayer coating consists of thin-film tungsten sandwiched by yttria-stabilized zirconia. The system efficiency is estimated to be 16% when accounting for the optical properties of the fabricated absorber/emitter. Power generation tests using a high-concentration solar simulator show that the absorber/emitter temperature peaks at 1640 K with an incident power density of 45 W/cm2, which can be easily obtained by low-cost optics such as Fresnel lenses. The conversion efficiency became 23%, exceeding the Shockley-Queisser limit for GaSb, with a bandgap of 0.67 eV. Furthermore, a total system efficiency of 8% was obtained with the view factor between the emitter and the cell assumed to be 1.

The Effects of ph on Structural and Optical Characterization of Iron Oxide Thin Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tezel, Fatma Meydaneri; Özdemir, Osman; Kariper, I. Afşin

In this study, the iron oxide thin films have been produced by chemical bath deposition (CBD) method as a function of pH onto amorphous glass substrates. The surface images of the films were investigated with scanning electron microscope (SEM). The crystal structures, orientation of crystallization, crystallite sizes, and dislocation density i.e. structural properties of the thin films were analyzed with X-ray diffraction (XRD). The optical band gap (Eg), optical transmission (T%), reflectivity (R%), absorption coefficient (α), refraction index (n), extinction coefficient (k) and dielectric constant (ɛ) of the thin films were investigated depending on pH, deposition time, solution temperature, substrate temperature, thickness of the films by UV-VIS spectrometer.

Global Measurements of Optically Thin Ice Clouds Using CALIOP

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ryan, R.; Avery, M.; Tackett, J.

2017-01-01

Optically thin ice clouds have been shown to have a net warming effect on the globe but, because passive instruments are not sensitive to optically thin clouds, the occurrence frequency of this class of clouds is greatly underestimated in historical passive sensor cloud climatology. One major strength of CALIOP (Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization), onboard the CALIPSO (Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations) spacecraft, is its ability to detect these thin clouds, thus filling an important missing piece in the historical data record. This poster examines the full mission of CALIPSO Level 2 data, focusing on those CALIOP retrievals identified as thin ice clouds according to the definition shown to the right. Using this definition, thin ice clouds are identified and counted globally and vertically for each season. By examining the spatial and seasonal distributions of these thin clouds we hope to gain a better understanding these thin ice clouds and how their global distribution has changed over the mission. This poster showcases when and where CALIOP detects thin ice clouds and examines a case study of the eastern pacific and the effects seen from the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO).

Retrieval of radiative and microphysical properties of clouds from multispectral infrared measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iwabuchi, Hironobu; Saito, Masanori; Tokoro, Yuka; Putri, Nurfiena Sagita; Sekiguchi, Miho

2016-12-01

Satellite remote sensing of the macroscopic, microphysical, and optical properties of clouds are useful for studying spatial and temporal variations of clouds at various scales and constraining cloud physical processes in climate and weather prediction models. Instead of using separate independent algorithms for different cloud properties, a unified, optimal estimation-based cloud retrieval algorithm is developed and applied to moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) observations using ten thermal infrared bands. The model considers sensor configurations, background surface and atmospheric profile, and microphysical and optical models of ice and liquid cloud particles and radiative transfer in a plane-parallel, multilayered atmosphere. Measurement and model errors are thoroughly quantified from direct comparisons of clear-sky observations over the ocean with model calculations. Performance tests by retrieval simulations show that ice cloud properties are retrieved with high accuracy when cloud optical thickness (COT) is between 0.1 and 10. Cloud-top pressure is inferred with uncertainty lower than 10 % when COT is larger than 0.3. Applying the method to a tropical cloud system and comparing the results with the MODIS Collection 6 cloud product shows good agreement for ice cloud optical thickness when COT is less than about 5. Cloud-top height agrees well with estimates obtained by the CO2 slicing method used in the MODIS product. The present algorithm can detect optically thin parts at the edges of high clouds well in comparison with the MODIS product, in which these parts are recognized as low clouds by the infrared window method. The cloud thermodynamic phase in the present algorithm is constrained by cloud-top temperature, which tends not to produce results with an ice cloud that is too warm and liquid cloud that is too cold.

Preparation of polymeric diacetylene thin films for nonlinear optical applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frazier, Donald O. (Inventor); Mcmanus, Samuel P. (Inventor); Paley, Mark S. (Inventor); Donovan, David N. (Inventor)

1995-01-01

A method for producing polymeric diacetylene thin films having desirable nonlinear optical characteristics has been achieved by producing amorphous diacetylene polymeric films by simultaneous polymerization of diacetylene monomers in solution and deposition of polymerized diacetylenes on to the surface of a transparent substrate through which ultraviolet light has been transmitted. These amorphous polydiacetylene films produced by photo-deposition from solution possess very high optical quality and exhibit large third order nonlinear optical susceptibilities, such properties being suitable for nonlinear optical devices such as waveguides and integrated optics.

Nonreciprocal plasmonics enables giant enhancement of thin-film Faraday rotation.

PubMed

Chin, Jessie Yao; Steinle, Tobias; Wehlus, Thomas; Dregely, Daniel; Weiss, Thomas; Belotelov, Vladimir I; Stritzker, Bernd; Giessen, Harald

2013-01-01

Light propagation is usually reciprocal. However, a static magnetic field along the propagation direction can break the time-reversal symmetry in the presence of magneto-optical materials. The Faraday effect in magneto-optical materials rotates the polarization plane of light, and when light travels backward the polarization is further rotated. This is applied in optical isolators, which are of crucial importance in optical systems. Faraday isolators are typically bulky due to the weak Faraday effect of available magneto-optical materials. The growing research endeavour in integrated optics demands thin-film Faraday rotators and enhancement of the Faraday effect. Here, we report significant enhancement of Faraday rotation by hybridizing plasmonics with magneto-optics. By fabricating plasmonic nanostructures on laser-deposited magneto-optical thin films, Faraday rotation is enhanced by one order of magnitude in our experiment, while high transparency is maintained. We elucidate the enhanced Faraday effect by the interplay between plasmons and different photonic waveguide modes in our system.

Studies of PMMA sintering foils with and without coating by magnetron sputtering Pd

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cutroneo, M.; Mackova, A.; Torrisi, L.; Vad, K.; Csik, A.; Ando', L.; Svecova, B.

2017-09-01

Polymethylmethacrylate thin foils were prepared by using physical and chemical processes aimed at changing certain properties. The density and the optical properties were changed obtaining clear and opaque foils. DC magnetron sputtering method was used to cover the foils with thin metallic palladium layers. The high optical absorbent foils were obtained producing microstructured PMMA microbeads with and without thin metallic coatings. Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscopy, optical investigation and microscopy were employed to characterize the prepared foils useful in the field study of laser-matter interaction.

Chemical spray pyrolyzed kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khalate, S. A.; Kate, R. S.; Deokate, R. J.

2018-04-01

Pure kesterite phase thin films of Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) were synthesized at different substrate temperatures using sulphate precursors by spray pyrolysis method. The significance of synthesis temperature on the structural, morphological and optical properties has been studied. The X-ray analysis assured that synthesized CZTS thin films showing pure kesterite phase. The value of crystallite size was found maximum at the substrate temperature 400 °C. At the same temperature, microstructural properties such as dislocation density, micro-strain and stacking fault probability were found minimum. The morphological examination designates the development of porous and uniform CZTS thin films. The synthesized CZTS thin films illustrate excellent optical absorption (105 cm-1) in the visible band and the optical band gap varies in the range of 1.489 eV to 1.499 eV.

Tailoring and optimization of optical properties of CdO thin films for gas sensing applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajput, Jeevitesh K.; Pathak, Trilok K.; Kumar, V.; Swart, H. C.; Purohit, L. P.

2018-04-01

Cadmium oxide (CdO) thin films have been deposited onto glass substrates using different molar concentrations (0.2 M, 0.5 M and 0.8 M) of cadmium acetate precursor solutions using a sol-gel spin coating technique. The structural, morphological, optical and electrical results are presented. X-ray diffraction patterns indicated that the CdO films of different molarity have a stable cubic structure with a (111) preferred orientation at low molar concentration. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed that the films adopted a rectangular to cauliflower like morphology. The optical transmittance of the thin films was observed in the range 200-800 nm and it was found that the 0.2 M CdO thin films showed about 83% transmission in the visible region. The optical band gap energy of the thin films was found to vary from 2.10 to 3.30 eV with the increase in molar concentration of the solution. The electrical resistance of the 0.5 M thin film was found to be 1.56 kΩ. The oxygen sensing response was observed between 20-33% in the low temperature range (32-200 °C).

Effect of oxygen partial pressure and VO2 content on hexagonal WO3 thin films synthesized by pulsed laser deposition technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaushal, Ajay; Kaur, Davinder

2011-06-01

We report on the effect of oxygen partial pressure and vacuum annealing on structural and optical properties of pulsed laser-deposited nanocrystalline WO3 thin films. XRD results show the hexagonal phase of deposited WO3 thin films. The crystallite size was observed to increase with increase in oxygen partial pressure. Vacuum annealing changed the transparent as-deposited WO3 thin film to deep shade of blue color which increases the optical absorption of the film. The origin of this blue color could be due to the presence of oxygen vacancies associated with tungsten ions in lower oxidation states. In addition, the effects of VO2 content on structural, electrochemical, and optical properties of (WO3)1- x (VO2) x nanocomposite thin films have also been systematically investigated. Cyclic voltammogram exhibits a modification with the appearance of an extra cathodic peak for VO2-WO3 thin film electrode with higher VO2 content ( x ≥ 0.2). Increase of VO2 content in (WO3)1- x (VO2) x films leads to red shift in optical band gap.

Longitudinal evidence for anterograde trans-synaptic degeneration after optic neuritis

PubMed Central

Goodkin, Olivia; Altmann, Daniel R.; Jenkins, Thomas M.; Miszkiel, Katherine; Mirigliani, Alessia; Fini, Camilla; Gandini Wheeler-Kingshott, Claudia A. M.; Thompson, Alan J.; Ciccarelli, Olga; Toosy, Ahmed T.

2016-01-01

Abstract In multiple sclerosis, microstructural damage of normal-appearing brain tissue is an important feature of its pathology. Understanding these mechanisms is vital to help develop neuroprotective strategies. The visual pathway is a key model to study mechanisms of damage and recovery in demyelination. Anterograde trans-synaptic degeneration across the lateral geniculate nuclei has been suggested as a mechanism of tissue damage to explain optic radiation abnormalities seen in association with demyelinating disease and optic neuritis, although evidence for this has relied solely on cross-sectional studies. We therefore aimed to assess: (i) longitudinal changes in the diffusion properties of optic radiations after optic neuritis suggesting trans-synaptic degeneration; (ii) the predictive value of early optic nerve magnetic resonance imaging measures for late optic radiations changes; and (iii) the impact on visual outcome of both optic nerve and brain post-optic neuritis changes. Twenty-eight consecutive patients with acute optic neuritis and eight healthy controls were assessed visually (logMAR, colour vision, and Sloan 1.25%, 5%, 25%) and by magnetic resonance imaging, at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. Magnetic resonance imaging sequences performed (and metrics obtained) were: (i) optic nerve fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (optic nerve cross-sectional area); (ii) optic nerve proton density fast spin-echo (optic nerve proton density-lesion length); (iii) optic nerve post-gadolinium T 1 -weighted (Gd-enhanced lesion length); and (iv) brain diffusion-weighted imaging (to derive optic radiation fractional anisotropy, radial diffusivity, and axial diffusivity). Mixed-effects and multivariate regression models were performed, adjusting for age, gender, and optic radiation lesion load. These identified changes over time and associations between early optic nerve measures and 1-year global optic radiation/clinical measures. The fractional anisotropy in patients’ optic radiations decreased ( P = 0.018) and radial diffusivity increased ( P = 0.002) over 1 year following optic neuritis, whereas optic radiation measures were unchanged in controls. Also, smaller cross-sectional areas of affected optic nerves at 3 months post-optic neuritis predicted lower fractional anisotropy and higher radial diffusivity at 1 year ( P = 0.007) in the optic radiations, whereas none of the inflammatory measures of the optic nerve predicted changes in optic radiations. Finally, greater Gd-enhanced lesion length at baseline and greater optic nerve proton density-lesion length at 1 year were associated with worse visual function at 1 year ( P = 0.034 for both). Neither the cross-sectional area of the affected optic nerve after optic neuritis nor the damage in optic radiations was associated with 1-year visual outcome. Our longitudinal study shows that, after optic neuritis, there is progressive damage to the optic radiations, greater in patients with early residual optic nerve atrophy, even after adjusting for optic radiation lesions. These findings provide evidence for trans-synaptic degeneration. PMID:26912640

Photo- and Thermo-Induced Changes in Optical Constants and Structure of Thin Films from GeSe2-GeTe-ZnTe System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petkov, Kiril; Todorov, Rossen; Vassilev, Venceslav; Aljihmani, Lilia

We examined the condition of preparation of thin films from GeSe2-GeTe-ZnTe system by thermal evaporation and changes in their optical properties after exposure to light and thermal annealing. The results for composition analysis of thin films showed absence of Zn independently of the composition of the bulk glass. By X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis it was found that a reduction of ZnTe in ZnSe in bulk materials takes of place during the film deposition. A residual from ZnSe was observed in the boat after thin film deposition. Optical constants (refractive index, n and absorption coefficient, α) and thickness, d as well as the optical band gap, Eg, depending of the content of Te in ternary Ge-Se-Te system are determined from specrophotometric measurements in the spectral range 400-2500 nm applying the Swanepoel's envelope method and Tauc's procedure. With the increase of Te content in the layers the absorption edge is shifted to the longer wavelengths, refractive index increases while the optical band gap decreases from 2.02 eV for GeSe2 to 1.26 eV for Ge34Se42Te24. The values of the refractive index decrease after annealing of all composition and Eg increase, respectively. Thin films with composition of Ge27Se47Te9Zn17 and Ge28Se49Te10Zn13 were prepared by co-evaporation of (GeSe2)78(GeTe)22 and Zn from a boat and a crucible and their optical properties, surface morphology and structure were investigated. The existence of a correlation between the optical band gap and the copostion of thin films from the system studied was demonstrated.

Laser readable thermoluminescent radiation dosimeters and methods for producing thereof

DOEpatents

Braunlich, P.F.; Tetzlaff, W.

1989-04-25

Thin layer thermoluminescent radiation dosimeters for use in laser readable dosimetry systems, and methods of fabricating such thin layer dosimeters are disclosed. The thin layer thermoluminescent radiation dosimeters include a thin substrate made from glass or other inorganic materials capable of withstanding high temperatures and high heating rates. A thin layer of a thermoluminescent phosphor material is heat bonded to the substrate using an inorganic binder such as glass. The dosimeters can be mounted in frames and cases for ease in handling. Methods of the invention include mixing a suitable phosphor composition and binder, both being in particulate or granular form. The mixture is then deposited onto a substrate such as by using mask printing techniques. The dosimeters are thereafter heated to fuse and bond the binder and phosphor to the substrate. 34 figs.

Results from the Two-Year Infrared Cloud Imager Deployment at ARM's NSA Observatory in Barrow, Alaska

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shaw, J. A.; Nugent, P. W.

2016-12-01

Ground-based longwave-infrared (LWIR) cloud imaging can provide continuous cloud measurements in the Arctic. This is of particular importance during the Arctic winter when visible wavelength cloud imaging systems cannot operate. This method uses a thermal infrared camera to observe clouds and produce measurements of cloud amount and cloud optical depth. The Montana State University Optical Remote Sensor Laboratory deployed an infrared cloud imager (ICI) at the Atmospheric Radiation Monitoring North Slope of Alaska site at Barrow, AK from July 2012 through July 2014. This study was used to both understand the long-term operation of an ICI in the Arctic and to study the consistency of the ICI data products in relation to co-located active and passive sensors. The ICI was found to have a high correlation (> 0.92) with collocated cloud instruments and to produce an unbiased data product. However, the ICI also detects thin clouds that are not detected by most operational cloud sensors. Comparisons with high-sensitivity actively sensed cloud products confirm the existence of these thin clouds. Infrared cloud imaging systems can serve a critical role in developing our understanding of cloud cover in the Arctic by provided a continuous annual measurement of clouds at sites of interest.

Near-infrared fiber delivery systems for interstitial photothermal therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Slatkine, Michael; Mead, Douglass S.; Konwitz, Eli; Rosenberg, Zvi

1995-05-01

Interstitial photothermal coagulation has long been recognized as a potential important, minimally invasive modality for treating a variety of pathologic conditions. We present two different technologies for interstitial photothermal coagulation of tissue with infrared lasers: An optical fiber with a radially symmetric diffusing tip for deep coagulation, and a flat bare fiber for the coagulation of thin and long lesions by longitudinally moving the fiber while lasing in concert. Urology and Gynecology Fibers: The fibers are 600 microns diameter with 20 - 40 mm frosted distal tips protected by a smooth transparent cover. When used with a Neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser, the active fiber surface diffuses optical radiation in a radial pattern, delivering up to 40 W power, and thus providing consistent and uniform interstitial photothermal therapy. Coagulation depth ranges from 4 to 15 mm. Animal studies in the United States and clinical studies in Europe have demonstrated the feasibility of using these fibers to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia and endometrial coagulation. Rhinology Fiber: The fiber is an 800 micron diameter flat fiber operated at 8 W power level while being interstitially pushed and pulled along its axis. A long and thin coagulated zone is produced. The fiber is routinely used for the shrinking of hypertrophic turbinates without surrounding and bone mucusal damage in ambulatory environments.

A soft gamma-ray concentrator using thin-film multilayer structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bloser, Peter F.; Aliotta, Paul H.; Echt, Olof; Krzanowski, James E.; Legere, Jason S.; McConnell, Mark L.; Shirazi, Farzane; Tsavalas, John G.; Wong, Emily N.; Kippen, R. Marc

2015-09-01

We have begun to investigate the use of thin-film, multilayer structures to form optics capable of concentrating soft gamma rays with energies greater than 100 keV, beyond the reach of current grazing-incidence hard X-ray mirrors. Alternating layers of low- and high-density materials (e.g., polymers and metals) will channel soft gamma-ray photons via total external reflection. A suitable arrangement of bent structures will then concentrate the incident radiation to a point. Gamma-ray optics made in this way offer the potential for soft gamma-ray telescopes with focal lengths of less than 10 m, removing the need for formation flying spacecraft and opening the field up to balloon-borne instruments. Building on initial investigations at Los Alamos National Laboratory, we are investigating whether it is possible to grow such flexible multi-layer structures with the required thicknesses and smoothness using magnetron sputter and pulsed laser deposition techniques. We present the initial results of tests aimed at fabricating such structures by combining magnetron sputtering with either spin coating or pulsed laser deposition, and demonstrating gamma-ray channeling of 122 keV photons in the laboratory. If successful, this technology offers the potential for transformational increases in sensitivity while dramatically improving the system-level performance of future high-energy astronomy missions through reduced mass and complexity.

Influence of electron beam irradiation on nonlinear optical properties of Al doped ZnO thin films for optoelectronic device applications in the cw laser regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antony, Albin; Pramodini, S.; Poornesh, P.; Kityk, I. V.; Fedorchuk, A. O.; Sanjeev, Ganesh

2016-12-01

We present the studies on third-order nonlinear optical properties of Al doped ZnO thin films irradiated with electron beam at different dose rate. Al doped ZnO thin films were deposited on a glass substrate by spray pyrolysis deposition technique. The thin films were irradiated using the 8 MeV electron beam from microtron ranging from 1 kG y to 5 kG y. Nonlinear optical studies were carried out by employing the single beam Z-scan technique to determine the sign and magnitude of absorptive and refractive nonlinearities of the irradiated thin films. Continuous wave He-Ne laser operating at 633 nm was used as source of excitation. The open aperture Z-scan measurements indicated the sample displays reverse saturable absorption (RSA) process. The negative sign of the nonlinear refractive index n2 was noted from the closed aperture Z-scan measurements indicates, the films exhibit self-defocusing property due to thermal nonlinearity. The third-order nonlinear optical susceptibility χ(3) varies from 8.17 × 10-5 esu to 1.39 × 10-3 esu with increase in electron beam irradiation. The present study reveals that the irradiation of electron beam leads to significant changes in the third-order optical nonlinearity. Al doped ZnO displays good optical power handling capability with optical clamping of about ∼5 mW. The irradiation study endorses that the Al doped ZnO under investigation is a promising candidate photonic device applications such as all-optical power limiting.

Synthesis of Mn-doped ZnS thin films by chemical bath deposition: Optical properties in the visible region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Erken, Ozge; Gunes, Mustafa; Gumus, Cebrail

2017-04-01

Transparent ZnS:Mn thin films were produced by chemical bath deposition (CBD) technique at 80 °C for 4h, 6h and 8h durations. The optical properties such as optical transmittance (T %), reflectance (R %), extinction coefficient (k) and refractive index (n) were deeply investigated in terms of contribution ratio, wavelength and film thickness. The optical properties of ZnS:Mn thin films were determined by UV/vis spectrophotometer transmittance measurements in the range of λ=300-1100 nm. Optical transmittances of the films were found from 12% to 92% in the visible region. The refractive index (n) values for visible region were calculated as 1.34-5.09. However, film thicknesses were calculated between 50 and 901 nm by gravimetric analysis.

Some Experiments with Thin Prisms.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fernando, P. C. B.

1980-01-01

Described are several experiments, for a course in geometrical optics or for a college physics laboratory, which have a bearing on ophthalmic optics. Experiments include the single thin prism, crossed prisms, and the prismatic power of a lens. (Author/DS)

Evaluation of the optical characteristics of c-axis oriented zinc oxide thin films grown by sol gel spin coating technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baisakh, K.; Behera, S.; Pati, S.

2018-03-01

In this work we have systematically studied the optical characteristics of synthesized wurzite zinc oxide thin films exhibiting (002) orientation. Using sol gel spin coating technique zinc oxide thin films are grown on pre cleaned fused quartz substrates. Structural properties of the films are studied using X-ray diffraction analysis. Micro structural analysis and thickness of the grown samples are analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy. With an aim to investigate the optical characteristics of the grown zinc oxide thin films the transmission and reflection spectra are evaluated in the ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) range. Using envelope method, the refractive index, extinction coefficient, absorption coefficient, band gap energy and the thickness of the synthesized films are estimated from the recorded UV-VIS spectra. An attempt has also been made to study the influence of crystallographic orientation on the optical characteristics of the grown films.

Structural and optical properties of PbS thin films grown by chemical bath deposition

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

Seghaier, S.; Kamoun, N.; Guasch, C.

2007-09-19

Lead sulphide thin films are grown on glass substrates at various deposition times tD, in the range of 40-60 min per step of 2 min, using the chemical bath deposition technique. X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy are used to characterize the film structure. The surface composition is analysed by Auger electron spectroscopy. It appears that the as-prepared thin films are polycrystalline with cubic structure. Nanometric scale crystallites are uniformly distributed on the surface. They exhibit almost a stoechiometric composition with a [Pb]/[S] ratio equal to 1.10. Optical properties are studied in the range of 300-3300 nm by spectrophotometric measurements.more » Analysis of the optical absorption data of lead sulphide thin layers reveals a narrow optical direct band gap equal to 0.46 eV for the layer corresponding to a deposition time equal to 60 min.« less

Fabrication of bright and thin Zn₂SiO₄ luminescent film for electron beam excitation-assisted optical microscope.

PubMed

Furukawa, Taichi; Kanamori, Satoshi; Fukuta, Masahiro; Nawa, Yasunori; Kominami, Hiroko; Nakanishi, Yoichiro; Sugita, Atsushi; Inami, Wataru; Kawata, Yoshimasa

2015-07-13

We fabricated a bright and thin Zn₂SiO₄ luminescent film to serve as a nanometric light source for high-spatial-resolution optical microscopy based on electron beam excitation. The Zn₂SiO₄ luminescent thin film was fabricated by annealing a ZnO film on a Si₃N₄ substrate at 1000 °C in N₂. The annealed film emitted bright cathodoluminescence compared with the as-deposited film. The film is promising for nano-imaging with electron beam excitation-assisted optical microscopy. We evaluated the spatial resolution of a microscope developed using this Zn₂SiO₄ luminescent thin film. This is the first report of the investigation and application of ZnO/Si₃N₄ annealed at a high temperature (1000 °C). The fabricated Zn₂SiO₄ film is expected to enable high-frame-rate dynamic observation with ultra-high resolution using our electron beam excitation-assisted optical microscopy.

Infrared blocking, microwave and terahertz low-loss transmission AlN films grown on flexible polymeric substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rudenko, E.; Tsybrii, Z.; Sizov, F.; Korotash, I.; Polotskiy, D.; Skoryk, M.; Vuichyk, M.; Svezhentsova, K.

2017-04-01

Aluminum nitride (AlN) film coatings on flexible substrates (polymeric Teflon, Mylar) have been obtained using a hybrid helicon-arc ion-plasma deposition technique with high adhesion of coatings. Studies of optical, morphological, and structural properties of AlN films have been carried out. It was found that AlN coatings on Teflon and Mylar thin-film substrates substantially suppress transmission of infrared (IR) radiation within the spectral range λ ˜ 5-20 μm at certain technological parameters and thickness of AlN. Transmission in THz regions by using quasioptics attains T ≈ 79%-95%, and losses measured in the channels within the microwave region 2 to 36 GHz are <0.06 dB. The obtained composite structures (AlN coatings on Teflon and Mylar thin-film substrates), due to a high thermal conductivity of AlN, could be used as efficient blocking structures in the infrared spectral range ("infrared stealth") withdrawing the heat from filters warmed by IR radiation. At the same time, they can be used as the transparent ones in the microwave and THz regions, which can be important for low-temperature detector components of navigation, positioning, and telecommunication systems due to reducing the background noise.

Solar receiver with integrated optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Lun; Winston, Roland

2012-10-01

The current challenge for PV/Thermal (PV/T) systems is the reduction of radiation heat loss. Compared to solar thermal selective coating, the solar cells cannot be used as an efficient thermal absorber due to their large emissivity of the encapsulation material. Many commercial PV/T products therefore require a high concentration (more than 10x) to reach an acceptable thermal efficiency for their receivers. Such a concentration system inevitably has to track or semi-track, which induces additional cost and collects only the direct radiation from the sun. We propose a new PV/T design using a vacuum encapsulated thin film cell to solve this problem. The proposed design also collects the diffuse sun light efficiently by using an external compound parabolic concentrator (XCPC). Since the transparent electrode (TCO) of thin film cell is inherently transparent in visible light and reflective beyond infrared, this design uses this layer instead of the conventional solar cell encapsulation as the outmost heat loss surface. By integrating such a vacuum design with a tube shaped absorber, we reduce the complexity of conducting the heat energy and electricity out of the device. A low concentration standalone non-tracking solar collector is proposed in this paper. We also analyzed the thermosyphon system configuration using heat transfer and ray tracing models. The economics of such a receiver are presented.

Nonlinear optical characterization of ZnS thin film synthesized by chemical spray pyrolysis method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

G, Sreeja V.; V, Sabitha P.; Anila, E. I.; R, Reshmi; John, Manu Punnan; Radhakrishnan, P.

2014-10-01

ZnS thin film was prepared by Chemical Spray Pyrolysis (CSP) method. The sample was characterized by X-ray diffraction method and Z scan technique. XRD pattern showed that ZnS thin film has hexagonal structure with an average size of about 5.6nm. The nonlinear optical properties of ZnS thin film was studied by open aperture Z-Scan technique using Q-switched Nd-Yag Laser at 532nm. The Z-scan plot showed that the investigated ZnS thin film has saturable absorption behavior. The nonlinear absorption coefficient and saturation intensity were also estimated.

Sensitivity Study of IROE Cloud Retrievals Using VIIRS M-Bands and Combined VIIRS/CrIS IR Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, C.; Platnick, S. E.; Meyer, K.; Ackerman, S. A.; Holz, R.; Heidinger, A.

2017-12-01

The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on board the Suomi-NPP spacecraft is considered as the next generation of instrument providing operational moderate resolution imaging capabilities after the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on Terra and Aqua. However, cloud-top property (CTP) retrieval algorithms designed for the two instruments cannot be identical because of the absence of CO2 bands on VIIRS. In this study, we conduct a comprehensive sensitivity study of cloud retrievals utilizing a IR-Optimal Estimation (IROE) based algorithm. With a fast IR radiative transfer model, the IROE simultaneously retrieves cloud-top height (CTH), cloud optical thickness (COT), cloud effective radius (CER) and corresponding uncertainties using a set of IR bands. Three retrieval runs are implemented for this sensitivity study: retrievals using 1) three native VIIRS M-Bands at 750m resolution (8.5-, 11-, and 12-μm), 2) three native VIIRS M-Bands with spectrally integrated CO2 bands from the Cross-Track Infrared Sounder (CrIS), and 3) six MODIS IR bands (8.5-, 11-, 12-, 13.3-, 13.6-, and 13.9-μm). We select a few collocated MODIS and VIIRS granules for pixel-level comparison. Furthermore, aggregated daily and monthly cloud properties from the three runs are also compared. It shows that, the combined VIIRS/CrIS run agrees well with the MODIS-only run except for pixels near cloud edges. The VIIRS-only run is close to its counterparts when clouds are optically thick. However, for optically thin clouds, the VIIRS-only run can be readily influenced by the initial guess. Large discrepancies and uncertainties can be found for optically thin clouds from the VIIRS-only run.

Optical and microwave dielectric properties of pulsed laser deposited Na{sub 0.5}Bi{sub 0.5}TiO{sub 3} thin film

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

Joseph, Andrews; Goud, J. Pundareekam; Raju, K. C. James

2016-05-23

Optical properties of pulsed laser deposited (PLD) sodium bismuth titanate thin films (NBT), are investigated at wavelengths of 190-2500 nm. Microwave dielectric properties were investigated using the Split Post Dielectric Resonator (SPDR) technique. At 10 GHz, the NBT films have a dielectric constant of 205 and loss tangent of 0.0373 at room temperature. The optical spectra analysis reveals that NBT thin films have an optical band gap E{sub g}=3.55 eV and it has a dielectric constant of 3.37 at 1000 nm with dielectric loss of 0.299. Hence, NBT is a promising candidate for photonic device applications.

Preparation, linear and NLO properties of DNA-CTMA-SBE complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manea, Ana-Maria; Rau, Ileana; Kajzar, Francois; Meghea, Aurelia

2013-10-01

Synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) - was cetyltrimethylammonium (CTMA) - sea buckthorn extract (SBE) at different concentrations is decribed. The complexes were processed into good optical quality thin films by spin coating on different substrates such as: glass, silica and ITO covered glass substrates. SBE contains many bioactive substances that can be used in the treatment of several diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and acute mountain sickness. The obtained thin films were characterized for their spectroscopic, fluorescent, linear and nonlinear optical properties as function of SBE concentration. The third-order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of thin films were determined by the optical third-harmonic generation technique at 1 064.2 nm fundamental wavelength.

Influence of sputtering power on the optical properties of ITO thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

K, Aijo John; Kumar, Vineetha V.; M, Deepak; T, Manju

2014-10-01

Tin doped indium oxide films are widely used in transparent conducting coatings such as flat panel displays, crystal displays and in optical devices such as solar cells and organic light emitting diodes due to the high electrical resistivity and optical transparency in the visible region of solar spectrum. The deposition parameters have a commendable influence on the optical and electrical properties of the thin films. In this study, ITO thin films were prepared by RF magnetron sputtering. The properties of the films prepared under varying sputtering power were compared using UV- visible spectrophotometry. Effect of sputtering power on the energy band gap, absorption coefficient and refractive index are investigated.

Properties of thin silver films with different thickness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Pei; Su, Weitao; Wang, Reng; Xu, Xiaofeng; Zhang, Fengshan

2009-01-01

In order to investigate optical properties of silver films with different film thickness, multilayer composed of thin silver film sandwiched between ZnS films are sputtered on the float glass. The crystal structures, optical and electrical properties of films are characterized by various techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), spectrum analysis, etc. The optical constants of thin silver film are calculated by fitting the transmittance ( T) and reflectance ( R) spectrum of the multilayer. Electrical and optical properties of silver films thinner than 6.2 nm exhibit sharp change. However, variation becomes slow as film thickness is larger than 6.2 nm. The experimental results indicate that 6.2 nm is the optimum thickness for properties of silver.

Overview of optical rectennas for solar energy harvesting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Zixu; Joshi, Saumil; Pelz, Bradley; Moddel, Garret

2013-09-01

Although the concept of using optical rectenna for harvesting solar energy was first introduced four decades ago, only recently has it invited a surge of interest, with dozens of laboratories around the world working on various aspects of the technology. An optical rectenna couples an ultra-high-speed diode to a submicron antenna so that the incoming radiation received by the antenna is rectified by the diode to produce a DC power output. The result is a technology that can be efficient and inexpensive, requiring only low-cost materials. Conventional classical rectification theory does not apply at optical frequencies, necessitating the application of quantum photon-assisted tunneling theory to describe the device operation. At first glance it would appear that the ultimate conversion efficiency is limited only by the Landsberg limit of 93%, but a more sober analysis that includes limitation due to the coherence of solar radiation leads to a result that coincides with the Trivich-Flinn limit of 44%. Innovative antenna designs are required to achieve high efficiency at frequencies where resistive losses in metal are substantial. The diode most often considered for rectennas make use of electron tunneling through ultra-thin insulators in metal-insulator-metal (MIM) diodes. The most severe constraint is that the impedances of the antenna and diodes must match for efficient power transfer. The consequence is an RC time constant that cannot be achieved with parallel-plate MIM diodes, leading to the need for real innovations in diode structures. Technologies under consideration include sharp-tip and traveling-wave MIM diodes, and graphene geometric diodes. We survey the technologies under consideration.

Polarization-dependent optical absorption of MoS₂ for refractive index sensing.

PubMed

Tan, Yang; He, Ruiyun; Cheng, Chen; Wang, Dong; Chen, Yanxue; Chen, Feng

2014-12-17

As a noncentrosymmetric crystal with spin-polarized band structure, MoS2 nanomaterials have attracts increasing attention in many areas such as lithium ion batteries, flexible electronic devices, photoluminescence and valleytronics. The investigation of MoS2 is mainly focused on the electronics and spintronics instead of optics, which restrict its applications as key elements of photonics. In this work, we demonstrate the first observation of the polarization-dependent optical absorption of the MoS2 thin film, which is integrated onto an optical waveguide device. With this feature, a novel optical sensor combining MoS2 thin-film and a microfluidic structure has been constituted to achieve the sensitive monitoring of refractive index. Our work indicates the MoS2 thin film as a complementary material to graphene for the optical polarizer in the visible light range, and explores a new application direction of MoS2 nanomaterials for the construction of photonic circuits.

Photoionization Models for the Inner Gaseous Disks of Herbig Be Stars: Evidence against Magnetospheric Accretion?

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

Patel, P.; Sigut, T. A. A.; Landstreet, J. D., E-mail: ppatel54@uwo.ca

2017-02-20

We investigate the physical properties of the inner gaseous disks of three hot Herbig B2e stars, HD 76534, HD 114981, and HD 216629, by modeling CFHT-ESPaDOns spectra using non-LTE radiative transfer codes. We assume that the emission lines are produced in a circumstellar disk heated solely by photospheric radiation from the central star in order to test whether the optical and near-infrared emission lines can be reproduced without invoking magnetospheric accretion. The inner gaseous disk density was assumed to follow a simple power-law in the equatorial plane, and we searched for models that could reproduce observed lines of H imore » (H α and H β ), He i, Ca ii, and Fe ii. For the three stars, good matches were found for all emission line profiles individually; however, no density model based on a single power-law was able to reproduce all of the observed emission lines. Among the single power-law models, the one with the gas density varying as ∼10{sup −10}( R {sub *}/ R ){sup 3} g cm{sup −3} in the equatorial plane of a 25 R {sub *} (0.78 au) disk did the best overall job of representing the optical emission lines of the three stars. This model implies a mass for the H α -emitting portion of the inner gaseous disk of ∼10{sup −9} M {sub *}. We conclude that the optical emission line spectra of these HBe stars can be qualitatively reproduced by a ≈1 au, geometrically thin, circumstellar disk of negligible mass compared to the central star in Keplerian rotation and radiative equilibrium.« less

Neutral ISM, Ly α , and Lyman-continuum in the Nearby Starburst Haro 11

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

Rivera-Thorsen, T. Emil; Östlin, Göran; Hayes, Matthew

2017-03-01

Star-forming galaxies are believed to be a major source of Lyman continuum (LyC) radiation responsible for reionizing the early universe. Direct observations of escaping ionizing radiation have however been sparse and with low escape fractions. In the local universe, only 10 emitters have been observed, with typical escape fractions of a few percent. The mechanisms regulating this escape need to be strongly evolving with redshift in order to account for the epoch of reionization. Gas content and star formation feedback are among the main suspects, known to both regulate neutral gas coverage and evolve with cosmic time. In this paper,more » we reanalyze Hubble Space Telescope ( HST )-Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS) spectrocopy of the first detected local LyC leaker, Haro 11. We examine the connection between LyC leakage and Ly α line shape, and feedback-influenced neutral interstellar medium (ISM) properties like kinematics and gas distribution. We discuss the two extremes of an optically thin, density bounded ISM and a riddled, optically thick, ionization bounded ISM, and how Haro 11 fits into theoretical predictions. We find that the most likely ISM model is a clumpy neutral medium embedded in a highly ionized medium with a combined covering fraction of unity and a residual neutral gas column density in the ionized medium high enough to be optically thick to Ly α , but low enough to be at least partly transparent to LyC and undetected in Si ii. This suggests that star formation feedback and galaxy-scale interaction events play a major role in opening passageways for ionizing radiation through the neutral medium.« less

Thickness dependent structural, optical and electrical properties of Se85In12Bi3 nanochalcogenide thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tripathi, Ravi P.; Zulfequar, M.; Khan, Shamshad A.

2018-04-01

Our aim is to study the thickness dependent effects on structure, electrical and optical properties of Se85In12Bi3 nanochalcogenide thin films. Bulk alloy of Se85In12Bi3 was synthesized by melt-quenching technique. The amorphous as well as glassy nature of Se85In12Bi3 chalcogenide was confirmed by non-isothermal Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) measurements. The nanochalcogenide thin films of thickness 30, 60 and 90 nm were prepared on glass/Si wafer substrate using Physical Vapour Condensation Technique (PVCT). From XRD studies it was found that thin films have amorphous texture. The surface morphology and particle size of films were studied by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM). From optical studies, different optical parameters were estimated for Se85In12Bi3 thin films at different thickness. It was found that the absorption coefficient (α) and extinction coefficient (k) increases with photon energy and decreases with film thickness. The optical absorption process followed the rule of indirect transitions and optical band gap were found to be increase with film thickness. The value of Urbach energy (Et) and steepness parameter (σ) were also calculated for different film thickness. For electrical studies, dc-conductivity measurement was done at different temperature and activation energy (ΔEc) were determined and found to be increase with film thickness.

Geocoronal imaging with Dynamics Explorer - A first look

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rairden, R. L.; Frank, L. A.; Craven, J. D.

1983-01-01

The ultraviolet photometer of the University of Iowa spin-scan auroral imaging instrumentation on board Dynamics Explorer-1 has returned numerous hydrogen Lyman alpha images of the geocorona from altitudes of 570 km to 23,300 km (1.09 R sub E to 4.66 R sub E geocentric radial distance). The hydrogen density gradient is shown by a plot of the zenith intensities throughout this range, which decrease to near celestial background values as the spacecraft approaches apogee. Characterizing the upper geocorona as optically thin (single-scattering), the zenith intensity is converted directly to vertical column density. This approximation loses its validity deeper in the geocorona, where the hydrogen is demonstrated to be optically thick in that there is no Lyman alpha limb brightening. Further study of the geocoronal hydrogen distribution will require computer modeling of the radiative transfer. Previously announced in STAR as N83-20889

Plasmonic piezoelectric nanomechanical resonator for spectrally selective infrared sensing

PubMed Central

Hui, Yu; Gomez-Diaz, Juan Sebastian; Qian, Zhenyun; Alù, Andrea; Rinaldi, Matteo

2016-01-01

Ultrathin plasmonic metasurfaces have proven their ability to control and manipulate light at unprecedented levels, leading to exciting optical functionalities and applications. Although to date metasurfaces have mainly been investigated from an electromagnetic perspective, their ultrathin nature may also provide novel and useful mechanical properties. Here we propose a thin piezoelectric plasmonic metasurface forming the resonant body of a nanomechanical resonator with simultaneously tailored optical and electromechanical properties. We experimentally demonstrate that it is possible to achieve high thermomechanical coupling between electromagnetic and mechanical resonances in a single ultrathin piezoelectric nanoplate. The combination of nanoplasmonic and piezoelectric resonances allows the proposed device to selectively detect long-wavelength infrared radiation with unprecedented electromechanical performance and thermal capabilities. These attributes lead to the demonstration of a fast, high-resolution, uncooled infrared detector with ∼80% absorption for an optimized spectral bandwidth centered around 8.8 μm. PMID:27080018

Toward Directly-Deposited Optical Blocking Filters for High-performance, Back-illuminated Imaging X-ray Detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bautz, Mark W.; Kissel, S. E.; Ryu, K.; Suntharalingam, V.

2014-01-01

Silicon X-ray detectors require optical blocking filters to prevent out-of-band (UV, visible and near-IR) radiation from corrupting the X-ray signal. Traditionally, blocking filters have been deposited on thin, free-standing membranes suspended over the detector. Free-standing filters are fragile, however, and in past instruments have required heavy and complex vacuum housings to protect them from acoustic loads during ground operations and launch. A directly-deposited blocking filter greatly simplifies the instrument and in principle permits better soft X-ray detection efficiency than a traditional free-standing filter. Directly-deposited filters have flown in previous generation instruments (e.g. the XMM/Newton Reflection Grating Spectrometer) but none has yet been demonstrated on a modern, high-performance back-illuminated X-ray CCD. We report here on the status of our NASA-funded Strategic Astrophysics Technology program to demonstrate such filters.

Sensitivity of Photolysis Frequencies and Key Tropospheric Oxidants in a Global Model to Cloud Vertical Distributions and Optical Properties

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Hongyu; Crawford, James H.; Considine, David B.; Platnick, Steven; Norris, Peter M.; Duncan, Bryan N.; Pierce, Robert B.; Chen, Gao; Yantosca, Robert M.

2009-01-01

Clouds affect tropospheric photochemistry through modification of solar radiation that determines photolysis frequencies. As a follow-up study to our recent assessment of the radiative effects of clouds on tropospheric chemistry, this paper presents an analysis of the sensitivity of such effects to cloud vertical distributions and optical properties (cloud optical depths (CODs) and cloud single scattering albedo), in a global 3-D chemical transport model (GEOS-Chem). GEOS-Chem was driven with a series of meteorological archives (GEOS1- STRAT, GEOS-3 and GEOS-4) generated by the NASA Goddard Earth Observing System data assimilation system. Clouds in GEOS1-STRAT and GEOS-3 have more similar vertical distributions (with substantially smaller CODs in GEOS1-STRAT) while those in GEOS-4 are optically much thinner in the tropical upper troposphere. We find that the radiative impact of clouds on global photolysis frequencies and hydroxyl radical (OH) is more sensitive to the vertical distribution of clouds than to the magnitude of column CODs. With random vertical overlap for clouds, the model calculated changes in global mean OH (J(O1D), J(NO2)) due to the radiative effects of clouds in June are about 0.0% (0.4%, 0.9%), 0.8% (1.7%, 3.1%), and 7.3% (4.1%, 6.0%), for GEOS1-STRAT, GEOS-3 and GEOS-4, respectively; the geographic distributions of these quantities show much larger changes, with maximum decrease in OH concentrations of approx.15-35% near the midlatitude surface. The much larger global impact of clouds in GEOS-4 reflects the fact that more solar radiation is able to penetrate through the optically thin upper-tropospheric clouds, increasing backscattering from low-level clouds. Model simulations with each of the three cloud distributions all show that the change in the global burden of ozone due to clouds is less than 5%. Model perturbation experiments with GEOS-3, where the magnitude of 3-D CODs are progressively varied from -100% to 100%, predict only modest changes (<5%) in global mean OH concentrations. J(O1D), J(NO2) and OH3 concentrations show the strongest sensitivity for small CODs and become insensitive at large CODs due to saturation effects. Caution should be exercised not to use in photochemical models a value for cloud single scattering albedo lower than about 0.999 in order to be consistent with the current knowledge of cloud absorption at the ultraviolet wavelengths.

Optical Analysis of Iron-Doped Lead Sulfide Thin Films for Opto-Electronic Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chidambara Kumar, K. N.; Khadeer Pasha, S. K.; Deshmukh, Kalim; Chidambaram, K.; Shakil Muhammad, G.

Iron-doped lead sulfide thin films were deposited on glass substrates using successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction method (SILAR) at room temperature. The X-ray diffraction pattern of the film shows a well formed crystalline thin film with face-centered cubic structure along the preferential orientation (1 1 1). The lattice constant is determined using Nelson Riley plots. Using X-ray broadening, the crystallite size is determined by Scherrer formula. Morphology of the thin film was studied using a scanning electron microscope. The optical properties of the film were investigated using a UV-vis spectrophotometer. We observed an increase in the optical band gap from 2.45 to 3.03eV after doping iron in the lead sulfide thin film. The cutoff wavelength lies in the visible region, and hence the grown thin films can be used for optoelectronic and sensor applications. The results from the photoluminescence study show the emission at 500-720nm. The vibrating sample magnetometer measurements confirmed that the lead sulfide thin film becomes weakly ferromagnetic material after doping with iron.