Side readout of long scintillation crystal elements with digital SiPM for TOF-DOI PET.

PubMed

Yeom, Jung Yeol; Vinke, Ruud; Levin, Craig S

2014-12-01

Side readout of scintillation light from crystal elements in positron emission tomography (PET) is an alternative to conventional end-readout configurations, with the benefit of being able to provide accurate depth-of-interaction (DOI) information and good energy resolution while achieving excellent timing resolution required for time-of-flight PET. This paper explores different readout geometries of scintillation crystal elements with the goal of achieving a detector that simultaneously achieves excellent timing resolution, energy resolution, spatial resolution, and photon sensitivity. The performance of discrete LYSO scintillation elements of different lengths read out from the end/side with digital silicon photomultipliers (dSiPMs) has been assessed. Compared to 3 × 3 × 20 mm(3) LYSO crystals read out from their ends with a coincidence resolving time (CRT) of 162 ± 6 ps FWHM and saturated energy spectra, a side-readout configuration achieved an excellent CRT of 144 ± 2 ps FWHM after correcting for timing skews within the dSiPM and an energy resolution of 11.8% ± 0.2% without requiring energy saturation correction. Using a maximum likelihood estimation method on individual dSiPM pixel response that corresponds to different 511 keV photon interaction positions, the DOI resolution of this 3 × 3 × 20 mm(3) crystal side-readout configuration was computed to be 0.8 mm FWHM with negligible artifacts at the crystal ends. On the other hand, with smaller 3 × 3 × 5 mm(3) LYSO crystals that can also be tiled/stacked to provide DOI information, a timing resolution of 134 ± 6 ps was attained but produced highly saturated energy spectra. The energy, timing, and DOI resolution information extracted from the side of long scintillation crystal elements coupled to dSiPM have been acquired for the first time. The authors conclude in this proof of concept study that such detector configuration has the potential to enable outstanding detector performance in terms of timing, energy, and DOI resolution.

Side readout of long scintillation crystal elements with digital SiPM for TOF-DOI PET

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

Yeom, Jung Yeol, E-mail: yeomjy@kumoh.ac.kr, E-mail: cslevin@stanford.edu; Vinke, Ruud; Levin, Craig S., E-mail: yeomjy@kumoh.ac.kr, E-mail: cslevin@stanford.edu

Purpose: Side readout of scintillation light from crystal elements in positron emission tomography (PET) is an alternative to conventional end-readout configurations, with the benefit of being able to provide accurate depth-of-interaction (DOI) information and good energy resolution while achieving excellent timing resolution required for time-of-flight PET. This paper explores different readout geometries of scintillation crystal elements with the goal of achieving a detector that simultaneously achieves excellent timing resolution, energy resolution, spatial resolution, and photon sensitivity. Methods: The performance of discrete LYSO scintillation elements of different lengths read out from the end/side with digital silicon photomultipliers (dSiPMs) has been assessed.more » Results: Compared to 3 × 3 × 20 mm{sup 3} LYSO crystals read out from their ends with a coincidence resolving time (CRT) of 162 ± 6 ps FWHM and saturated energy spectra, a side-readout configuration achieved an excellent CRT of 144 ± 2 ps FWHM after correcting for timing skews within the dSiPM and an energy resolution of 11.8% ± 0.2% without requiring energy saturation correction. Using a maximum likelihood estimation method on individual dSiPM pixel response that corresponds to different 511 keV photon interaction positions, the DOI resolution of this 3 × 3 × 20 mm{sup 3} crystal side-readout configuration was computed to be 0.8 mm FWHM with negligible artifacts at the crystal ends. On the other hand, with smaller 3 × 3 × 5 mm{sup 3} LYSO crystals that can also be tiled/stacked to provide DOI information, a timing resolution of 134 ± 6 ps was attained but produced highly saturated energy spectra. Conclusions: The energy, timing, and DOI resolution information extracted from the side of long scintillation crystal elements coupled to dSiPM have been acquired for the first time. The authors conclude in this proof of concept study that such detector configuration has the potential to enable outstanding detector performance in terms of timing, energy, and DOI resolution.« less

A Study of a Mini-Drift GEM Tracking Detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azmoun, B.; DiRuzza, B.; Franz, A.; Kiselev, A.; Pak, R.; Phipps, M.; Purschke, M. L.; Woody, C.

2016-06-01

A GEM tracking detector with an extended drift region has been studied as part of an effort to develop new tracking detectors for future experiments at RHIC and for the Electron Ion Collider that is being planned for BNL or JLAB. The detector consists of a triple GEM stack with a 1.6 cm drift region that was operated in a mini TPC type configuration. Both the position and arrival time of the charge deposited in the drift region were measured on the readout plane which allowed the reconstruction of a short vector for the track traversing the chamber. The resulting position and angle information from the vector could then be used to improve the position resolution of the detector for larger angle tracks, which deteriorates rapidly with increasing angle for conventional GEM tracking detectors using only charge centroid information. Two types of readout planes were studied. One was a COMPASS style readout plane with 400 μm pitch XY strips and the other consisted of 2 × 10 mm2 chevron pads. The detector was studied in test beams at Fermilab and CERN, along with additional measurements in the lab, in order to determine its position and angular resolution for incident track angles up to 45 degrees. Several algorithms were studied for reconstructing the vector using the position and timing information in order to optimize the position and angular resolution of the detector for the different readout planes. Applications for large angle tracking detectors at RHIC and EIC are also discussed.

ePix: a class of architectures for second generation LCLS cameras

DOE PAGES

Dragone, A.; Caragiulo, P.; Markovic, B.; ...

2014-03-31

ePix is a novel class of ASIC architectures, based on a common platform, optimized to build modular scalable detectors for LCLS. The platform architecture is composed of a random access analog matrix of pixel with global shutter, fast parallel column readout, and dedicated sigma-delta analog-to-digital converters per column. It also implements a dedicated control interface and all the required support electronics to perform configuration, calibration and readout of the matrix. Based on this platform a class of front-end ASICs and several camera modules, meeting different requirements, can be developed by designing specific pixel architectures. This approach reduces development time andmore » expands the possibility of integration of detector modules with different size, shape or functionality in the same camera. The ePix platform is currently under development together with the first two integrating pixel architectures: ePix100 dedicated to ultra low noise applications and ePix10k for high dynamic range applications.« less

The PAUCam readout electronics system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiménez, Jorge; Illa, José M.; Cardiel-Sas, Laia; de Vicente, Juan; Castilla, Javier; Casas, Ricard

2016-08-01

The PAUCam is an optical camera with a wide field of view of 1 deg x 1 deg and up to 46 narrow and broad band filters. The camera is already installed on the William Herschel Telescope (WHT) in the Canary Islands, Spain and successfully commissioned during the first period of 2015. The paper presents the main results from the readout electronics commissioning tests and include an overview of the whole readout electronics system, its configuration and current performance.

General method for extracting the quantum efficiency of dispersive qubit readout in circuit QED

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bultink, C. C.; Tarasinski, B.; Haandbæk, N.; Poletto, S.; Haider, N.; Michalak, D. J.; Bruno, A.; DiCarlo, L.

2018-02-01

We present and demonstrate a general three-step method for extracting the quantum efficiency of dispersive qubit readout in circuit QED. We use active depletion of post-measurement photons and optimal integration weight functions on two quadratures to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio of the non-steady-state homodyne measurement. We derive analytically and demonstrate experimentally that the method robustly extracts the quantum efficiency for arbitrary readout conditions in the linear regime. We use the proven method to optimally bias a Josephson traveling-wave parametric amplifier and to quantify different noise contributions in the readout amplification chain.

An encoding readout method used for Multi-gap Resistive Plate Chambers (MRPCs) for muon tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yue, X.; Zeng, M.; Wang, Y.; Wang, X.; Zeng, Z.; Zhao, Z.; Cheng, J.

2014-09-01

A muon tomography facility has been built in Tsinghua University. Because of the low flux of cosmic muon, an encoding readout method, based on the fine-fine configuration, was implemented for the 2880 channels induced signals from the Multi-gap Resistive Plate Chamber (MRPC) detectors. With the encoding method, the number of the readout electronics was dramatically reduced and thus the complexity and the cost of the facility was reduced, too. In this paper, the details of the encoding method, and the overall readout system setup in the muon tomography facility are described. With the commissioning of the facility, the readout method works well. The spatial resolution of all MRPC detectors are measured with cosmic muon and the preliminary imaging result are also given.

A Study of a Mini-Drift GEM Tracking Detector

DOE PAGES

Azmoun, B.; DiRuzza, B.; Franz, A.; ...

2016-06-22

In this paper, a GEM tracking detector with an extended drift region has been studied as part of an effort to develop new tracking detectors for future experiments at RHIC and for the Electron Ion Collider that is being planned for BNL or JLAB. The detector consists of a triple GEM stack with a 1.6 cm drift region that was operated in a mini TPC type configuration. Both the position and arrival time of the charge deposited in the drift region were measured on the readout plane which allowed the reconstruction of a short vector for the track traversing themore » chamber. The resulting position and angle information from the vector could then be used to improve the position resolution of the detector for larger angle tracks, which deteriorates rapidly with increasing angle for conventional GEM tracking detectors using only charge centroid information. Two types of readout planes were studied. One was a COMPASS style readout plane with 400 μm pitch XY strips and the other consisted of 2 × 10 mm 2 chevron pads. The detector was studied in test beams at Fermilab and CERN, along with additional measurements in the lab, in order to determine its position and angular resolution for incident track angles up to 45 degrees. Several algorithms were studied for reconstructing the vector using the position and timing information in order to optimize the position and angular resolution of the detector for the different readout planes. Finally, applications for large angle tracking detectors at RHIC and EIC are also discussed.« less

A Study of a Mini-Drift GEM Tracking Detector

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

Azmoun, B.; DiRuzza, B.; Franz, A.

In this paper, a GEM tracking detector with an extended drift region has been studied as part of an effort to develop new tracking detectors for future experiments at RHIC and for the Electron Ion Collider that is being planned for BNL or JLAB. The detector consists of a triple GEM stack with a 1.6 cm drift region that was operated in a mini TPC type configuration. Both the position and arrival time of the charge deposited in the drift region were measured on the readout plane which allowed the reconstruction of a short vector for the track traversing themore » chamber. The resulting position and angle information from the vector could then be used to improve the position resolution of the detector for larger angle tracks, which deteriorates rapidly with increasing angle for conventional GEM tracking detectors using only charge centroid information. Two types of readout planes were studied. One was a COMPASS style readout plane with 400 μm pitch XY strips and the other consisted of 2 × 10 mm 2 chevron pads. The detector was studied in test beams at Fermilab and CERN, along with additional measurements in the lab, in order to determine its position and angular resolution for incident track angles up to 45 degrees. Several algorithms were studied for reconstructing the vector using the position and timing information in order to optimize the position and angular resolution of the detector for the different readout planes. Finally, applications for large angle tracking detectors at RHIC and EIC are also discussed.« less

Investigation of Readout RF Pulse Impact on the Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer Spectrum

PubMed Central

Huang, Sheng-Min; Jan, Meei-Ling; Liang, Hsin-Chin; Chang, Chia-Hao; Wu, Yi-Chun; Tsai, Shang-Yueh; Wang, Fu-Nien

2015-01-01

Chemical exchange saturation transfer magnetic resonance imaging (CEST-MRI) is capable of both microenvironment and molecular imaging. The optimization of scanning parameters is important since the CEST effect is sensitive to factors such as saturation power and field homogeneity. The aim of this study was to determine if the CEST effect would be altered by changing the length of readout RF pulses. Both theoretical computer simulation and phantom experiments were performed to examine the influence of readout RF pulses. Our results showed that the length of readout RF pulses has unremarkable impact on the Z-spectrum and CEST effect in both computer simulation and phantom experiment. Moreover, we demonstrated that multiple refocusing RF pulses used in rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement (RARE) sequence induced no obvious saturation transfer contrast. Therefore, readout RF pulse has negligible effect on CEST Z-spectrum and the optimization of readout RF pulse length can be disregarded in CEST imaging protocol. PMID:26455576

Evaluation of a clinical TOF-PET detector design that achieves ⩽100 ps coincidence time resolution.

PubMed

Cates, Joshua W; Levin, Craig S

2018-06-07

Commercially available clinical positron emission tomography (PET) detectors employ scintillation crystals that are long ([Formula: see text]20 mm length) and narrow (4-5 mm width) optically coupled on their narrow end to a photosensor. The aspect ratio of this traditional crystal rod configuration and 511 keV photon attenuation properties yield significant variances in scintillation light collection efficiency and transit time to the photodetector, due to variations in the 511 keV photon interaction depth in the crystal. These variances contribute significant to coincidence time resolution degradation. If instead, crystals are coupled to a photosensor on their long side, near-complete light collection efficiency can be achieved, and scintillation photon transit time jitter is reduced. In this work, we compare the achievable coincidence time resolution (CTR) of LGSO:Ce(0.025 mol%) crystals 3-20 mm in length when optically coupled to silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) on either their short end or long side face. In this 'side readout' configuration, a CTR of 102  ±  2 ps FWHM was measured with [Formula: see text] mm 3 crystals coupled to rows of [Formula: see text] mm 2 SensL-J SiPMs using leading edge time pickoff and a single timing channel. This is in contrast to a CTR of 137  ±  3 ps FWHM when the same crystals were coupled to single [Formula: see text] mm 2 SiPMs on their narrow ends. We further study the statistical limit on CTR using side readout via the Cramér-Rao lower bound (CRLB), with consideration given to ongoing work to further improve photosensor technologies and exploit fast phenomena to ultimately achieve 10 ps FWHM CTR. Potential design aspects of scalable front-end signal processing readout electronics using this side readout configuration are discussed. Altogether, we demonstrate that the side readout configuration offers an immediate solution for 100 ps CTR clinical PET detectors and mitigates factors prohibiting future efforts to achieve 10 ps FWHM CTR.

The single mirror small sized telescope for the Cherenkov telescope array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heller, M.; Schioppa, E., Jr.; Porcelli, A.; Pujadas, I. Troyano; Ziętara, K.; Della Volpe, D.; Montaruli, T.; Cadoux, F.; Favre, Y.; Aguilar, J. A.; Christov, A.; Prandini, E.; Rajda, P.; Rameez, M.; Bilnik, W.; Błocki, J.; Bogacz, L.; Borkowski, J.; Bulik, T.; Frankowski, A.; Grudzińska, M.; Idźkowski, B.; Jamrozy, M.; Janiak, M.; Kasperek, J.; Lalik, K.; Lyard, E.; Mach, E.; Mandat, D.; Marszałek, A.; Miranda, L. D. Medina; Michałowski, J.; Moderski, R.; Neronov, A.; Niemiec, J.; Ostrowski, M.; Paśko, P.; Pech, M.; Schovanek, P.; Seweryn, K.; Sliusar, V.; Skowron, K.; Stawarz, Ł.; Stodulska, M.; Stodulski, M.; Walter, R.; Więcek, M.; Zagdański, A.; CTA Consortium

2017-01-01

The Small Size Telescope with Single Mirror (SST-1M) is one of the proposed types of Small Size Telescopes (SST) for the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA). About 70 SST telescopes will be part the CTA southern array which will also include Medium Sized Telescopes (MST) in its threshold configuration. Optimized for the detection of gamma rays in the energy range from 5 TeV to 300 TeV, the SST-1M uses a Davies-Cotton optics with a 4 m dish diameter with a field of view of 9°. The Cherenkov light resulting from the interaction of the gamma-rays in the atmosphere is focused onto a 88 cm side-to-side hexagonal photo-detection plane. The latter is composed of 1296 hollow light guides coupled to large area hexagonal silicon photomultipliers (SiPM). The SiPM readout is fully digital readout as for the trigger system. The compact and lightweight design of the SST-1M camera offiers very high performance ideal for gamma-ray observation requirement. In this contribution, the concept, design, performance and status of the first telescope prototype are presented.

"siRNA traffic lights": arabino-configured 2'-anchors for fluorescent dyes are key for dual color readout in cell imaging.

PubMed

Steinmeyer, Jeannine; Walter, Heidi-Kristin; Bichelberger, Mathilde A; Schneider, Violetta; Kubař, Tomáš; Rönicke, Franziska; Olshausen, Bettina; Nienhaus, Karin; Nienhaus, Gerd Ulrich; Schepers, Ute; Elstner, Marcus; Wagenknecht, Hans-Achim

2018-05-23

Two fluorescent dyes covalently attached in diagonal interstrand orientation to siRNA undergo energy transfer and thereby enable a dual color fluorescence readout (red/green) for hybridization. Three different structural variations were carried out and compared by their optical properties, including (i) the base surrogate approach with an acyclic linker as a substitute of the 2-deoxyriboside between the phosphodiester bridges, (ii) the 2'-modification of conventional ribofuranosides and (iii) the arabino-configured 2'-modification. The double stranded siRNA with the latter type of modification delivered the best energy transfer efficiency, which was explained by molecular dynamics simulations that showed that the two dyes are more flexible at the arabino-configured sugars compared to the completely stacked situation at the ribo-configured ones. Single molecule fluorescence lifetime measurements indicate their application in fluorescence cell imaging, which reveals a red/green fluorescence contrast in particular for the arabino-configured 2'-modification by the two dyes, which is key for tracking of siRNA transport into HeLa cells.

Optimal CCD readout by digital correlated double sampling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alessandri, C.; Abusleme, A.; Guzman, D.; Passalacqua, I.; Alvarez-Fontecilla, E.; Guarini, M.

2016-01-01

Digital correlated double sampling (DCDS), a readout technique for charge-coupled devices (CCD), is gaining popularity in astronomical applications. By using an oversampling ADC and a digital filter, a DCDS system can achieve a better performance than traditional analogue readout techniques at the expense of a more complex system analysis. Several attempts to analyse and optimize a DCDS system have been reported, but most of the work presented in the literature has been experimental. Some approximate analytical tools have been presented for independent parameters of the system, but the overall performance and trade-offs have not been yet modelled. Furthermore, there is disagreement among experimental results that cannot be explained by the analytical tools available. In this work, a theoretical analysis of a generic DCDS readout system is presented, including key aspects such as the signal conditioning stage, the ADC resolution, the sampling frequency and the digital filter implementation. By using a time-domain noise model, the effect of the digital filter is properly modelled as a discrete-time process, thus avoiding the imprecision of continuous-time approximations that have been used so far. As a result, an accurate, closed-form expression for the signal-to-noise ratio at the output of the readout system is reached. This expression can be easily optimized in order to meet a set of specifications for a given CCD, thus providing a systematic design methodology for an optimal readout system. Simulated results are presented to validate the theory, obtained with both time- and frequency-domain noise generation models for completeness.

Evaluation of a clinical TOF-PET detector design that achieves ⩽100 ps coincidence time resolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cates, Joshua W.; Levin, Craig S.

2018-06-01

Commercially available clinical positron emission tomography (PET) detectors employ scintillation crystals that are long (20 mm length) and narrow (4–5 mm width) optically coupled on their narrow end to a photosensor. The aspect ratio of this traditional crystal rod configuration and 511 keV photon attenuation properties yield significant variances in scintillation light collection efficiency and transit time to the photodetector, due to variations in the 511 keV photon interaction depth in the crystal. These variances contribute significant to coincidence time resolution degradation. If instead, crystals are coupled to a photosensor on their long side, near-complete light collection efficiency can be achieved, and scintillation photon transit time jitter is reduced. In this work, we compare the achievable coincidence time resolution (CTR) of LGSO:Ce(0.025 mol%) crystals 3–20 mm in length when optically coupled to silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) on either their short end or long side face. In this ‘side readout’ configuration, a CTR of 102  ±  2 ps FWHM was measured with mm3 crystals coupled to rows of mm2 SensL-J SiPMs using leading edge time pickoff and a single timing channel. This is in contrast to a CTR of 137  ±  3 ps FWHM when the same crystals were coupled to single mm2 SiPMs on their narrow ends. We further study the statistical limit on CTR using side readout via the Cramér–Rao lower bound (CRLB), with consideration given to ongoing work to further improve photosensor technologies and exploit fast phenomena to ultimately achieve 10 ps FWHM CTR. Potential design aspects of scalable front-end signal processing readout electronics using this side readout configuration are discussed. Altogether, we demonstrate that the side readout configuration offers an immediate solution for 100 ps CTR clinical PET detectors and mitigates factors prohibiting future efforts to achieve 10 ps FWHM CTR.

Looking at Earth from space: Direct readout from environmental satellites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1994-01-01

Direct readout is the capability to acquire information directly from meteorological satellites. Data can be acquired from NASA-developed, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)-operated satellites, as well as from other nations' meteorological satellites. By setting up a personal computer-based ground (Earth) station to receive satellite signals, direct readout may be obtained. The electronic satellite signals are displayed as images on the computer screen. The images can display gradients of the Earth's topography and temperature, cloud formations, the flow and direction of winds and water currents, the formation of hurricanes, the occurrence of an eclipse, and a view of Earth's geography. Both visible and infrared images can be obtained. This booklet introduces the satellite systems, ground station configuration, and computer requirements involved in direct readout. Also included are lists of associated resources and vendors.

Infrared readout electronics; Proceedings of the Meeting, Orlando, FL, Apr. 21, 22, 1992

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fossum, Eric R. (Editor)

1992-01-01

The present volume on IR readout electronics discusses cryogenic readout using silicon devices, cryogenic readout using III-V and LTS devices, multiplexers for higher temperatures, and focal-plane signal processing electronics. Attention is given to the optimization of cryogenic CMOS processes for sub-10-K applications, cryogenic measurements of aerojet GaAs n-JFETs, inP-based heterostructure device technology for ultracold readout applications, and a three-terminal semiconductor-superconductor transimpedance amplifier. Topics addressed include unfulfilled needs in IR astronomy focal-plane readout electronics, IR readout integrated circuit technology for tactical missile systems, and radiation-hardened 10-bit A/D for FPA signal processing. Also discussed are the implementation of a noise reduction circuit for spaceflight IR spectrometers, a real-time processor for staring receivers, and a fiber-optic link design for INMOS transputers.

Digital signal processing for the ATLAS/LUCID detector

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

NONE

2015-07-01

Both the detector and the associated read-out electronics have been improved in order to cope with the LHC luminosity increase foreseen for RUN 2 and RUN 3. The new operating conditions require a careful tuning of the read-out electronics in order to optimize the signal-to-noise ratio. The new read-out electronics will allow the use of digital filtering of the photo multiplier tube signals. In this talk, we will present the first results that we obtained in the optimization of the signal-to-noise ratio. In addition, we will introduce the next steps to adapt this system to high performance read-out chains formore » low energy gamma rays. Such systems are based, for instance, on Silicon Drift Detector devices and can be used in applications at Free-Electron-Laser facilities such as the XFEL under construction at DESY. (authors)« less

Architecture and settings optimization procedure of a TES frequency domain multiplexed readout firmware

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clenet, A.; Ravera, L.; Bertrand, B.; den Hartog, R.; Jackson, B.; van Leeuwen, B.-J.; van Loon, D.; Parot, Y.; Pointecouteau, E.; Sournac, A.

2014-11-01

IRAP is developing the readout electronics of the SPICA-SAFARI's TES bolometer arrays. Based on the frequency domain multiplexing technique the readout electronics provides the AC-signals to voltage-bias the detectors; it demodulates the data; and it computes a feedback to linearize the detection chain. The feedback is computed with a specific technique, so called baseband feedback (BBFB) which ensures that the loop is stable even with long propagation and processing delays (i.e. several μ s) and with fast signals (i.e. frequency carriers of the order of 5 MHz). To optimize the power consumption we took advantage of the reduced science signal bandwidth to decouple the signal sampling frequency and the data processing rate. This technique allowed a reduction of the power consumption of the circuit by a factor of 10. Beyond the firmware architecture the optimization of the instrument concerns the characterization routines and the definition of the optimal parameters. Indeed, to operate an array TES one has to properly define about 21000 parameters. We defined a set of procedures to automatically characterize these parameters and find out the optimal settings.

Segmented AC-coupled readout from continuous collection electrodes in semiconductor sensors

DOEpatents

Sadrozinski, Hartmut F. W.; Seiden, Abraham; Cartiglia, Nicolo

2017-04-04

Position sensitive radiation detection is provided using a continuous electrode in a semiconductor radiation detector, as opposed to the conventional use of a segmented electrode. Time constants relating to AC coupling between the continuous electrode and segmented contacts to the electrode are selected to provide position resolution from the resulting configurations. The resulting detectors advantageously have a more uniform electric field than conventional detectors having segmented electrodes, and are expected to have much lower cost of production and of integration with readout electronics.

Bloch oscillating transistor as the readout element for hot electron bolometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hassel, Juha; Seppä, Heikki; Lindell, Rene; Hakonen, Pertti

2004-10-01

In this paper we analyse the properties of the Bloch oscillating transistor as a preamplifier in cryogenic devices. We consider here especially the readout of hot electron bolometers (HEBs) based on Normal-Superconductor-Insulator tunnel junctions, but the results also apply more generally. We show that one can get an equivalent noise voltage below 1 nV/√Hz with a single BOT. By using N BOTs in a parallel array configuration, a further reduction by factor √N may be achieved.

Plasmonically amplified bioassay - Total internal reflection fluorescence vs. epifluorescence geometry.

PubMed

Hageneder, Simone; Bauch, Martin; Dostalek, Jakub

2016-08-15

This paper investigates plasmonic amplification in two commonly used optical configurations for fluorescence readout of bioassays - epifluorescence (EPF) and total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF). The plasmonic amplification in the EPF configuration was implemented by using crossed gold diffraction grating and Kretschmann geometry of attenuated total reflection method (ATR) was employed in the TIRF configuration. Identical assay, surface architecture for analyte capture, and optics for the excitation, collection and detection of emitted fluorescence light intensity were used in both TIRF and EPF configurations. Simulations predict that the crossed gold diffraction grating (EPF) can amplify the fluorescence signal by a factor of 10(2) by the combination of surface plasmon-enhanced excitation and directional surface plasmon-coupled emission in the red part of spectrum. This factor is about order of magnitude higher than that predicted for the Kretschmann geometry (TIRF) which only took advantage of the surface plasmon-enhanced excitation. When applied for the readout of sandwich interleukin 6 (IL-6) immunoassay, the plasmonically amplified EPF geometry designed for Alexa Fluor 647 labels offered 4-times higher fluorescence signal intensity compared to TIRF. Interestingly, both geometries allowed reaching the same detection limit of 0.4pM despite of the difference in the fluorescence signal enhancement. This is attributed to inherently lower background of fluorescence signal for TIRF geometry compared to that for EPF which compensates for the weaker fluorescence signal enhancement. The analysis of the inflammation biomarker IL-6 in serum at medically relevant concentrations and the utilization of plasmonic amplification for the fluorescence measurement of kinetics of surface affinity reactions are demonstrated for both EPF and TIRF readout. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The HADES-RICH upgrade using Hamamatsu H12700 MAPMTs with DiRICH FEE + Readout

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patel, V.; Traxler, M.

2018-03-01

The High Acceptance Di-Electron Spectrometer (HADES) is operational since the year 2000 and uses a hadron blind RICH detector for electron identification. The RICH photon detector is currently replaced by Hamamatsu H12700 MAPMTs with a readout system based on the DiRICH front-end module. The electronic readout chain is being developed as a joint effort of the HADES-, CBM- and PANDA collaborations and will also be used in the photon detectors for the upcoming Compressed Baryonic Matter (CBM) and PANDA experiments at FAIR . This article gives a brief overview on the photomultipliers and their quality assurance test measurements, as well as first measurements of the new DiRICH front-end module in final configurations.

An optical fiber-based flexible readout system for micro-pattern gas detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, C.; Feng, C. Q.; Zhu, D. Y.; Liu, S. B.; An, Q.

2018-04-01

This paper presents an optical fiber-based readout system that is intended to provide a general purpose multi-channel readout solution for various Micro-Pattern Gas Detectors (MPGDs). The proposed readout system is composed of several front-end cards (FECs) and a data collection module (DCM). The FEC exploits the capability of an existing 64-channel generic TPC readout ASIC chip, named AGET, to implement 256 channels readout. AGET offers FEC a large flexibility in gain range (4 options from 120 fC to 10 pC), peaking time (16 options from 50 ns to 1 us) and sampling freqency (100 MHz max.). The DCM contains multiple 1 Gbps optical fiber serial link interfaces that allow the system scaling up to 1536 channels with 6 FECs and 1 DCM. Further scaling up is possible through cascading of multiple DCMs, by configuring one DCM as a master while other DCMs in slave mode. This design offers a rapid readout solution for different application senario. Tests indicate that the nonlinearity of each channel is less than 1%, and the equivalent input noise charge is typically around 0.7 fC in RMS (root mean square), with a noise slope of about 0.01 fC/pF. The system level trigger rate limit is about 700 Hz in all channel readout mode. When in hit channel readout mode, supposing that typically 10 percent of channels are fired, trigger rate can go up to about 7 kHz. This system has been tested with Micromegas detector and GEM detector, confirming its capability in MPGD readout. Details of hardware and FPGA firmware design, as well as system performances, are described in the paper.

A Simulation of the Front End Signal Digitization for the ATLAS Muon Spectrometer thin RPC trigger upgrade project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meng, Xiangting; Chapman, John; Levin, Daniel; Dai, Tiesheng; Zhu, Junjie; Zhou, Bing; Um Atlas Group Team

2016-03-01

The ATLAS Muon Spectrometer Phase-I (and Phase-II) upgrade includes the BIS78 muon trigger detector project: two sets of eight very thin Resistive Place Chambers (tRPCs) combined with small Monitored Drift Tube (MDT) chambers in the pseudorapidity region 1<| η|<1.3. The tRPCs will be comprised of triplet readout layer in each of the eta and azimuthal phi coordinates, with about 400 readout strips per layer. The anticipated hit rate is 100-200 kHz per strip. Digitization of the strip signals will be done by 32-channel CERN HPTDC chips. The HPTDC is a highly configurable ASIC designed by the CERN Microelectronics group. It can work in both trigger and trigger-less modes, be readout in parallel or serially. For Phase-I operation, a stringent latency requirement of 43 bunch crossings (1075 ns) is imposed. The latency budget for the front end digitization must be kept to a minimal value, ideally less than 350 ns. We conducted detailed HPTDC latency simulations using the Behavioral Verilog code from the CERN group. We will report the results of these simulations run for the anticipated detector operating environment and for various HPTDC configurations.

Optimization of high count rate event counting detector with Microchannel Plates and quad Timepix readout

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tremsin, A. S.; Vallerga, J. V.; McPhate, J. B.; Siegmund, O. H. W.

2015-07-01

Many high resolution event counting devices process one event at a time and cannot register simultaneous events. In this article a frame-based readout event counting detector consisting of a pair of Microchannel Plates and a quad Timepix readout is described. More than 104 simultaneous events can be detected with a spatial resolution of 55 μm, while >103 simultaneous events can be detected with <10 μm spatial resolution when event centroiding is implemented. The fast readout electronics is capable of processing >1200 frames/sec, while the global count rate of the detector can exceed 5×108 particles/s when no timing information on every particle is required. For the first generation Timepix readout, the timing resolution is limited by the Timepix clock to 10-20 ns. Optimization of the MCP gain, rear field voltage and Timepix threshold levels are crucial for the device performance and that is the main subject of this article. These devices can be very attractive for applications where the photon/electron/ion/neutron counting with high spatial and temporal resolution is required, such as energy resolved neutron imaging, Time of Flight experiments in lidar applications, experiments on photoelectron spectroscopy and many others.

Configurable unitary transformations and linear logic gates using quantum memories.

PubMed

Campbell, G T; Pinel, O; Hosseini, M; Ralph, T C; Buchler, B C; Lam, P K

2014-08-08

We show that a set of optical memories can act as a configurable linear optical network operating on frequency-multiplexed optical states. Our protocol is applicable to any quantum memories that employ off-resonant Raman transitions to store optical information in atomic spins. In addition to the configurability, the protocol also offers favorable scaling with an increasing number of modes where N memories can be configured to implement arbitrary N-mode unitary operations during storage and readout. We demonstrate the versatility of this protocol by showing an example where cascaded memories are used to implement a conditional cz gate.

All-optical associative memory using photorefractive crystals and a saturable absorber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duelli, Markus; Cudney, Roger S.; Keller, Claude; Guenter, Peter

1995-07-01

We report on the investigation of a new configuration of an all-optical associative memory. The images to be recalled associatively are stored in a LiNbO3 crystal via angular multiplexing. Thresholding of the reconstructed reference beams during associative readout is achieved by using a saturable absorber with an intensity-tunable threshold. We demonstrate associative readout and error correction for 10 strongly overlapping black-and-white images. Associative recall and full reconstruction is performed when only 1/500 of the image stored is entered.

Development of a distributed read-out imaging TES X-ray microcalorimeter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trowell, S.; Holland, A. D.; Fraser, G. W.; Goldie, D.; Gu, E.

2002-02-01

We report on the development of a linear absorber detector for one-dimensional imaging spectroscopy, read-out by two Transition Edge Sensors (TESs). The TESs, based on a single layer of iridium, demonstrate stable and controllable superconducting-to-normal transitions in the region of 130 mK. Results from Monte Carlo simulations are presented indicating that the device configuration is capable of detecting photon positions to better than 200 μm, thereby meeting the resolution specification for missions such as XEUS of ~250 μm. .

Tunneling Statistics for Analysis of Spin-Readout Fidelity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gorman, S. K.; He, Y.; House, M. G.; Keizer, J. G.; Keith, D.; Fricke, L.; Hile, S. J.; Broome, M. A.; Simmons, M. Y.

2017-09-01

We investigate spin and charge dynamics of a quantum dot of phosphorus atoms coupled to a radio-frequency single-electron transistor (SET) using full counting statistics. We show how the magnetic field plays a role in determining the bunching or antibunching tunneling statistics of the donor dot and SET system. Using the counting statistics, we show how to determine the lowest magnetic field where spin readout is possible. We then show how such a measurement can be used to investigate and optimize single-electron spin-readout fidelity.

SPIDR, a general-purpose readout system for pixel ASICs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van der Heijden, B.; Visser, J.; van Beuzekom, M.; Boterenbrood, H.; Kulis, S.; Munneke, B.; Schreuder, F.

2017-02-01

The SPIDR (Speedy PIxel Detector Readout) system is a flexible general-purpose readout platform that can be easily adapted to test and characterize new and existing detector readout ASICs. It is originally designed for the readout of pixel ASICs from the Medipix/Timepix family, but other types of ASICs or front-end circuits can be read out as well. The SPIDR system consists of an FPGA board with memory and various communication interfaces, FPGA firmware, CPU subsystem and an API library on the PC . The FPGA firmware can be adapted to read out other ASICs by re-using IP blocks. The available IP blocks include a UDP packet builder, 1 and 10 Gigabit Ethernet MAC's and a "soft core" CPU . Currently the firmware is targeted at the Xilinx VC707 development board and at a custom board called Compact-SPIDR . The firmware can easily be ported to other Xilinx 7 series and ultra scale FPGAs. The gap between an ASIC and the data acquisition back-end is bridged by the SPIDR system. Using the high pin count VITA 57 FPGA Mezzanine Card (FMC) connector only a simple chip carrier PCB is required. A 1 and a 10 Gigabit Ethernet interface handle the connection to the back-end. These can be used simultaneously for high-speed data and configuration over separate channels. In addition to the FMC connector, configurable inputs and outputs are available for synchronization with other detectors. A high resolution (≈ 27 ps bin size) Time to Digital converter is provided for time stamping events in the detector. The SPIDR system is frequently used as readout for the Medipix3 and Timepix3 ASICs. Using the 10 Gigabit Ethernet interface it is possible to read out a single chip at full bandwidth or up to 12 chips at a reduced rate. Another recent application is the test-bed for the VeloPix ASIC, which is developed for the Vertex Detector of the LHCb experiment. In this case the SPIDR system processes the 20 Gbps scrambled data stream from the VeloPix and distributes it over four 10 Gigabit Ethernet links, and in addition provides the slow and fast control for the chip.

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

Allman, M. S., E-mail: shane.allman@boulder.nist.gov; Verma, V. B.; Stevens, M.

We demonstrate a 64-pixel free-space-coupled array of superconducting nanowire single photon detectors optimized for high detection efficiency in the near-infrared range. An integrated, readily scalable, multiplexed readout scheme is employed to reduce the number of readout lines to 16. The cryogenic, optical, and electronic packaging to read out the array as well as characterization measurements are discussed.

X-ray imaging using amorphous selenium: photoinduced discharge (PID) readout for digital general radiography.

PubMed

Rowlands, J A; Hunter, D M

1995-12-01

Digital radiographic systems based on photoconductive layers with the latent charge image readout by photoinduced discharge (PID) are investigated theoretically. Previously, a number of different systems have been proposed using sandwiched photoconductor and insulator layers and readout using a scanning laser beam. These systems are shown to have the general property of being very closely coupled (i.e., optimization of one imaging characteristic usually impacts negatively on others). The presence of a condensed state insulator between the photoconductor surface and the readout electrode does, however, confer a great advantage over systems using air gaps with their relatively low breakdown field. The greater breakdown field of condensed state dielectrics permits the modification of the electric field during the period between image formation and image readout. The trade-off between readout speed and noise makes this system suitable for instant general radiography and even rapid sequence radiography, however, the system is unsuitable for the low exposure rates used in fluoroscopy.

Solid State Mini-RPV Color Imaging System

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-09-12

completed in the design and construction phase . Con- siderations are now in progress for conducting field tests of the equipment against "real world...Simplified Parallel Injection Configuration 2-21 CID Parallel Injection Configuration 2-23 Element Rate Timing 2-25 Horizontal Input and Phase Line...Timing 2-26 Line Reset /Injection Timing 2-27 Line Rate Timing (Start of Readout) 2-28 Driver A4 Block Diagram 2-31 Element Scan Time Base

Microwave SQUID Multiplexer for the Readout of Metallic Magnetic Calorimeters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kempf, S.; Gastaldo, L.; Fleischmann, A.; Enss, C.

2014-06-01

We have realized a frequency-domain multiplexing technique for the readout of large metallic magnetic calorimeter detector arrays. It is based on non-hysteretic single-junction SQUIDs and allows for a simultaneous readout of hundreds or thousands of detectors by using a single cryogenic high electron mobility transistor amplifier and two coaxial cables that are routed from room-temperature to the detector array. We discuss the working principle of the multiplexer and present details about our prototype multiplexer design. We show that fabricated devices are fully operational and that characteristic SQUID parameters such as the input sensitivity of the SQUID or the resonance frequency of the readout circuit can be predicted with confidence. Our best device so far has shown a magnetic flux white noise level of 1.4 m which can in future be reduced by an optimization of the fabrication processes as well as an improved microwave readout system.

Embedded controller for GEM detector readout system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zabołotny, Wojciech M.; Byszuk, Adrian; Chernyshova, Maryna; Cieszewski, Radosław; Czarski, Tomasz; Dominik, Wojciech; Jakubowska, Katarzyna L.; Kasprowicz, Grzegorz; Poźniak, Krzysztof; Rzadkiewicz, Jacek; Scholz, Marek

2013-10-01

This paper describes the embedded controller used for the multichannel readout system for the GEM detector. The controller is based on the embedded Mini ITX mainboard, running the GNU/Linux operating system. The controller offers two interfaces to communicate with the FPGA based readout system. FPGA configuration and diagnostics is controlled via low speed USB based interface, while high-speed setup of the readout parameters and reception of the measured data is handled by the PCI Express (PCIe) interface. Hardware access is synchronized by the dedicated server written in C. Multiple clients may connect to this server via TCP/IP network, and different priority is assigned to individual clients. Specialized protocols have been implemented both for low level access on register level and for high level access with transfer of structured data with "msgpack" protocol. High level functionalities have been split between multiple TCP/IP servers for parallel operation. Status of the system may be checked, and basic maintenance may be performed via web interface, while the expert access is possible via SSH server. System was designed with reliability and flexibility in mind.

Temporary formation of highly conducting domain walls for non-destructive read-out of ferroelectric domain-wall resistance switching memories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Jun; Bai, Zi Long; Chen, Zhi Hui; He, Long; Zhang, David Wei; Zhang, Qing Hua; Shi, Jin An; Park, Min Hyuk; Scott, James F.; Hwang, Cheol Seong; Jiang, An Quan

2018-01-01

Erasable conductive domain walls in insulating ferroelectric thin films can be used for non-destructive electrical read-out of the polarization states in ferroelectric memories. Still, the domain-wall currents extracted by these devices have not yet reached the intensity and stability required to drive read-out circuits operating at high speeds. This study demonstrated non-destructive read-out of digital data stored using specific domain-wall configurations in epitaxial BiFeO3 thin films formed in mesa-geometry structures. Partially switched domains, which enable the formation of conductive walls during the read operation, spontaneously retract when the read voltage is removed, reducing the accumulation of mobile defects at the domain walls and potentially improving the device stability. Three-terminal memory devices produced 14 nA read currents at an operating voltage of 5 V, and operated up to T = 85 °C. The gap length can also be smaller than the film thickness, allowing the realization of ferroelectric memories with device dimensions far below 100 nm.

Gate-Sensing the Potential Landscape of a GaAs Two-Dimensional Electron Gas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Croot, Xanthe; Mahoney, Alice; Pauka, Sebastian; Colless, James; Reilly, David; Watson, John; Fallahi, Saeed; Gardner, Geoff; Manfra, Michael; Lu, Hong; Gossard, Arthur

In situ dispersive gate sensors hold potential as a means of enabling the scalable readout of quantum dot arrays. Sensitive to quantum capacitance, dispersive sensors have been used to detect inter- and intra-dot transitions in GaAs double quantum dots, and can distinguish the spin states of singlet triplet qubits. In addition, the gate-sensing technique is likely of value in probing the physics of Majorana zero modes in nanowire devices. Beyond the readout signatures associated with charge and spin configurations of qubits, gate-sensing is sensitive to trapped charge in the potential landscape. Here, we report gate-sensing signals arising from tunnelling of electrons between puddles of trapped charge in a GaAs 2DEG. We examine these signals in a family of different devices with varying mobilities, and as a function of temperature and bias. Implications for qubit readout using the gate-sensing technique are discussed.

Subranging scheme for SQUID sensors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Penanen, Konstantin I. (Inventor)

2008-01-01

A readout scheme for measuring the output from a SQUID-based sensor-array using an improved subranging architecture that includes multiple resolution channels (such as a coarse resolution channel and a fine resolution channel). The scheme employs a flux sensing circuit with a sensing coil connected in series to multiple input coils, each input coil being coupled to a corresponding SQUID detection circuit having a high-resolution SQUID device with independent linearizing feedback. A two-resolution configuration (course and fine) is illustrated with a primary SQUID detection circuit for generating a fine readout, and a secondary SQUID detection circuit for generating a course readout, both having feedback current coupled to the respective SQUID devices via feedback/modulation coils. The primary and secondary SQUID detection circuits function and derive independent feedback. Thus, the SQUID devices may be monitored independently of each other (and read simultaneously) to dramatically increase slew rates and dynamic range.

MO-F-CAMPUS-J-03: Development of a Human Brain PET for On-Line Proton Beam-Range Verification

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

Shao, Yiping

Purpose: To develop a prototype PET for verifying proton beam-range before each fractionated therapy that will enable on-line re-planning proton therapy. Methods: Latest “edge-less” silicon photomultiplier arrays and customized ASIC readout electronics were used to develop PET detectors with depth-of-interaction (DOI) measurement capability. Each detector consists of one LYSO array with each end coupled to a SiPM array. Multiple detectors can be seamlessly tiled together to form a large detector panel. Detectors with 1.5×1.5 and 2.0×2.0 mm crystals at 20 or 30 mm lengths were studied. Readout of individual SiPM or signal multiplexing was used to transfer 3D interaction position-codedmore » analog signals through flexible-print-circuit cables or PCB board to dedicated ASIC front-end electronics to output digital timing pulses that encode interaction information. These digital pulses can be transferred to, through standard LVDS cables, and decoded by a FPGA-based data acquisition of coincidence events and data transfer. The modular detector and scalable electronics/data acquisition will enable flexible PET system configuration for different imaging geometry. Results: Initial detector performance measurement shows excellent crystal identification even with 30 mm long crystals, ∼18% and 2.8 ns energy and timing resolutions, and around 2–3 mm DOI resolution. A small prototype PET scanner with one detector ring has been built and evaluated, validating the technology and design. A large size detector panel has been fabricated by scaling up from modular detectors. Different designs of resistor and capacitor based signal multiplexing boards were tested and selected based on optimal crystal identification and timing performance. Stackable readout electronics boards and FPGA-based data acquisition boards were developed and tested. A brain PET is under construction. Conclusion: Technology of large-size DOI detector based on SiPM array and advanced readout has been developed. PET imaging performance and initial phantom studies of on-line proton beam-range measurement will be conducted and reported. NIH grant R21CA187717; Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas grant RP120326.« less

Tunable mechanical monolithic sensor with interferometric readout for low frequency seismic noise measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Acernese, F.; De Rosa, R.; Giordano, G.; Romano, R.; Barone, F.

2008-03-01

This paper describes a mechanical monolithic sensor for geophysical applications developed at the University of Salerno. The instrument is basically a monolithic tunable folded pendulum, shaped with precision machining and electric-discharge-machining, that can be used both as seismometer and, in a force-feedback configuration, as accelerometer. The monolithic mechanical design and the introduction of laser interferometric techniques for the readout implementation make it a very compact instrument, very sensitive in the low-frequency seismic noise band, with a very good immunity to environmental noises. Many changes have been produced since last version (2007), mainly aimed to the improvement of the mechanics and of the optical readout of the instrument. In fact, we have developed and tested a prototype with elliptical hinges and mechanical tuning of the resonance frequency together with a laser optical lever and a new laser interferometer readout system. The theoretical sensitivity curve both for both laser optical lever and laser interferometric readouts, evaluated on the basis of suitable theoretical models, shows a very good agreement with the experimental measurements. Very interesting scientific result, for example, is that the measured natural resonance frequency of the instrument is 70 mHz with a Q = 140 in air without thermal stabilization, demonstrating the feasibility of a monolithic FP sensor with a natural resonance frequency of the order of mHz with a more refined mechanical tuning. Results on the readout system based on polarimetric homodyne Michelson interferometer is discussed.

SiGe HBT cryogenic preamplification for higher bandwidth donor spin read-out

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Curry, Matthew; Carr, Stephen; Ten-Eyck, Greg; Wendt, Joel; Pluym, Tammy; Lilly, Michael; Carroll, Malcolm

2014-03-01

Single-shot read-out of a donor spin can be performed using the response of a single-electron-transistor (SET). This technique can produce relatively large changes in current, on the order of 1 (nA), to distinguish between the spin states. Despite the relatively large signal, the read-out time resolution has been limited to approximately 100 (kHz) of bandwidth because of noise. Cryogenic pre-amplification has been shown to extend the response of certain detection circuits to shorter time resolution and thus higher bandwidth. We examine a SiGe HBT circuit configuration for cryogenic preamplification, which has potential advantages over commonly used HEMT configurations. Here we present 4 (K) measurements of a circuit consisting of a Silicon-SET inline with a Heterojunction-Bipolar-Transistor (HBT). We compare the measured bandwidth with and without the HBT inline and find that at higher frequencies the signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) with the HBT inline exceeds the SNR without the HBT inline. This work was performed, in part, at the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies, a U.S. DOE, Office of Basic Energy Sciences user facility. The work was supported by the Sandia National Laboratories Directed Research and Development Program. Sandia National Laboratories is a multi-program laboratory operated by Sandia Corporation, a Lockheed-Martin Company, for the U. S. Department of Energy under Contract No. DE-AC04-94AL85000.

Design of an optimised readout architecture for phase-change probe memory using Ge2Sb2Te5 media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Lei; Wright, C. David; Aziz, Mustafa M.; Yang, Ci-Hui; Yang, Guo-Wei

2014-02-01

Phase-change probe memory has recently received considerable attention on its writing performance, while its readout performance is rarely evaluated. Therefore, a three-dimensional readout model has been developed for the first time to calculate the reading contrast by varying the electrical conductivities and the thickness of the capping and under layers as well as the thickness of the Ge2Sb2Te5 layer. It is found that a phase-change probe architecture, consisting of a 10 nm Ge2Sb2Te5 layer sandwiched by a 2 nm, 50 Ω-1 m-1 capping layer and a 40 nm, 5 × 106 Ω-1 m-1 under layer, has the capability of providing the optimal readout performance.

A reconfigurable image tube using an external electronic image readout

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lapington, J. S.; Howorth, J. R.; Milnes, J. S.

2005-08-01

We have designed and built a sealed tube microchannel plate (MCP) intensifier for optical/NUV photon counting applications suitable for 18, 25 and 40 mm diameter formats. The intensifier uses an electronic image readout to provide direct conversion of event position into electronic signals, without the drawbacks associated with phosphor screens and subsequent optical detection. The Image Charge technique is used to remove the readout from the intensifier vacuum enclosure, obviating the requirement for additional electrical vacuum feedthroughs and for the readout pattern to be UHV compatible. The charge signal from an MCP intensifier is capacitively coupled via a thin dielectric vacuum window to the electronic image readout, which is external to the sealed intensifier tube. The readout pattern is a separate item held in proximity to the dielectric window and can be easily detached, making the system easily reconfigurable. Since the readout pattern detects induced charge and is external to the tube, it can be constructed as a multilayer, eliminating the requirement for narrow insulator gaps and allowing it to be constructed using standard PCB manufacturing tolerances. We describe two readout patterns, the tetra wedge anode (TWA), an optimized 4 electrode device similar to the wedge and strip anode (WSA) but with a factor 2 improvement in resolution, and an 8 channel high speed 50 ohm device, both manufactured as multilayer PCBs. We present results of the detector imaging performance, image resolution, linearity and stability, and discuss the development of an integrated readout and electronics device based on these designs.

Recent advances in superconducting nanowire single photon detectors for single-photon imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verma, V. B.; Allman, M. S.; Stevens, M.; Gerrits, T.; Horansky, R. D.; Lita, A. E.; Marsili, F.; Beyer, A.; Shaw, M. D.; Stern, J. A.; Mirin, R. P.; Nam, S. W.

2016-05-01

We demonstrate a 64-pixel free-space-coupled array of superconducting nanowire single photon detectors optimized for high detection efficiency in the near-infrared range. An integrated, readily scalable, multiplexed readout scheme is employed to reduce the number of readout lines to 16. The cryogenic, optical, and electronic packaging to read out the array, as well as characterization measurements are discussed.

Optical elements design of optical pick-up with characteristics of read-out spot for high density optical storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Lihua; Ma, Jianshe; Liu, Lin; Pan, Longfa; Zhang, Jianyong; Lu, Junhui

2005-09-01

It is well known that the optical pick-up (OPU) plays a very important role in optical storage system. And the quality of OPU can be measured by the characteristics of OPU read-out spot for high density optical storage. Therefore this paper mainly designs an OPU model for high density optical storage to study the characteristics of OPU read-out spot. Firstly it analyses the optical read-out principle in OPU and contrives an optical read-out system based on the hereinbefore theory. In this step it chiefly designs the grating, splitter, collimator lens and objective lens. Secondly based on the aberrations analysis and theory involved by the splitter, the collimator lens and the optical lens, the paper uses the software CODE V to calculate the aberrations and to optimize the optical read-out system. Then the author can receive an ideal OPU read-out spot for high density optical storage and obtain the characteristics of the ideal OPU read-out spot. At the same time this paper analyses some influence factors which can directly affect the characteristics of the OPU read-out spot. Thirdly according to the up data the author practically manufactures a real optical pick-up to validate the hereinbefore designed optical read-out system. And it uses the Optical Spot Analyzer to get the image of the read-out spot. Comparing the ideal image to the actual image of the designed optical read-out system, the author finds out that the upwards analyses and design is suitable for high density storage and can be used in the actual production. And the author also receives the conclusion that the mostly influences on characteristics of OPU read-out spot for high density optical storage factors is not only the process of designing the grating, splitter, collimator lens and objective lens, but also the assembling work precision

Robust sub-shot-noise measurement via Rabi-Josephson oscillations in bimodal Bose-Einstein condensates

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

Tikhonenkov, I.; Vardi, A.; Moore, M. G.

2011-06-15

Mach-Zehnder atom interferometry requires hold-time phase squeezing to attain readout accuracy below the standard quantum limit. This increases its sensitivity to phase diffusion, restoring shot-noise scaling of the optimal signal-to-noise ratio in the presence of interactions. The contradiction between the preparations required for readout accuracy and robustness to interactions is removed by monitoring Rabi-Josephson oscillations instead of relative-phase oscillations during signal acquisition. Optimizing the signal-to-noise ratio with a Gaussian squeezed input, we find that hold-time number squeezing satisfies both demands and that sub-shot-noise scaling is retained even for strong interactions.

Detuned surface plasmon resonance scattering of gold nanorods for continuous wave multilayered optical recording and readout.

PubMed

Taylor, Adam B; Kim, Jooho; Chon, James W M

2012-02-27

In a multilayered structure of absorptive optical recording media, continuous-wave laser operation is highly disadvantageous due to heavy beam extinction. For a gold nanorod based recording medium, the narrow surface plasmon resonance (SPR) profile of gold nanorods enables the variation of extinction through mulilayers by a simple detuning of the readout wavelength from the SPR peak. The level of signal extinction through the layers can then be greatly reduced, resulting more efficient readout at deeper layers. The scattering signal strength may be decreased at the detuned wavelength, but balancing these two factors results an optimal scattering peak wavelength that is specific to each layer. In this paper, we propose to use detuned SPR scattering from gold nanorods as a new mechanism for continuous-wave readout scheme on gold nanorod based multilayered optical storage. Using this detuned scattering method, readout using continuous-wave laser is demonstrated on a 16 layer optical recording medium doped with heavily distributed, randomly oriented gold nanorods. Compared to SPR on-resonant readout, this method reduced the required readout power more than one order of magnitude, with only 60 nm detuning from SPR peak. The proposed method will be highly beneficial to multilayered optical storage applications as well as applications using a continuous medium doped heavily with plasmonic nanoparticles.

Nondestructive test method accurately sorts mixed bolts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dezeih, C. J.

1966-01-01

Neutron activation analysis method sorts copper plated steel bolts from nickel plated steel bolts. Copper and nickel plated steel bolt specimens of the same configuration are irradiated with thermal neutrons in a test reactor for a short time. After thermal neutron irradiation, the bolts are analyzed using scintillation energy readout equipment.

DART -- Data acquisition for the next generation of Fermilab fixed target experiments

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

Oleynik, G.; Anderson, J.; Appleton, L.

1994-02-01

DART is the name of the data acquisition effort for Fermilab experiments taking data in the '94--'95 time frame and beyond. Its charge is to provide a common system of hardware and software, which can be easily configured and extended to meet the wide range of data acquisition requirements of the experiments. Its strategy is to provide incrementally functional data acquisition systems to the experiments at frequent intervals to support the ongoing DA activities of the experiments. DART is a collaborative development effort between the experimenters and the Fermilab Computing Division. Experiments collaborating in DART cover a range of requirementsmore » from 400 Kbytes/sec event readout using a single DA processor, to 200 Mbytes/sec event readout involving 10 parallel readout streams, 10 VME event building planes and greater than 1,000 MIPs of event filter processing. The authors describe the requirements, architecture, and plans for the project and report on its current status.« less

Pelican: SCD's 640 × 512/15 μm pitch InSb detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oiknine Schlesinger, J.; Calahorra, Z.; Uri, E.; Shick, O.; Fishman, T.; Shtrichman, I.; Sinbar, E.; Nahum, V.; Kahanov, E.; Shlomovich, B.; Hasson, S.; Fishler, N.; Chen, D.; Markovitz, T.

2007-04-01

Over the last decade, SCD has developed and manufactured high quality InSb Focal Plane Arrays (FPAs), that are currently used in different applications worldwide. SCD's production line includes InSb FPAs with mid format (320x256 elements), and large format (640x512 elements), all available in various packaging configurations, including fully integrated Detector-Dewar-Cooler Assemblies (DDCA). Many of SCD's products are fully customized for customers' needs, and are optimized for each application with respect to the weight, power, size, and performance. In 2006, SCD has added to its broad InSb product portfolio the new "Pelican" detector family. All Pelican detectors include a large format 640×512 InSb FPA with 15μm pitch, which is based on the FLIR/Indigo ISC0403 Readout Integrated Circuit (ROIC). Due to its small size, the Pelican FPA fits in any mid format Dewar, enabling upgrading of mid format systems with higher spatial resolution due to its good MTF. This work presents the high performance of Pelican products. As achieved in all SCD's InSb DDC's, the Pelican detectors demonstrate high uniformity and correctability (residual non uniformity less than 0.05% std/DR) and remarkable operability (typically better than 99.9%). The Pelican FPA can be integrated in various DDCA configurations as per application needs, such as light weight, low power and compact form for hand held imagers, or a rigid configuration for environmentally demanding operating and storage conditions.

Total ionizing dose effect and damage mechanism on saturation output voltage of charge coupled device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wen, Lin; Li, Yu-dong; Guo, Qi; Wang, Chao-min

2018-02-01

Total ionizing dose effect is a major threat to space applications of CCD, which leads to the decrease of CCD saturation output voltage and the increase of dark signal. This paper investigated CCD and its readout circuit for experimental samples of different channel width to length ratio of MOSFET, and readout circuit amplifier, and CCD. The irradiation source was 60Co- gamma ray. through testing the parameters degradation of MOSFET and amplifier degradation, the generation and annealing law of irradiation induced defects in MOS single tube are analyzed. Combined with the radiation effect of amplifier and CCD, The correlation of radiation damage of the MOSFET and the readout circuit amplifier and CCD parameter degradation is established. Finally, this paper reveals the physical mechanism of ionizing radiation damage of the readout circuit. The research results provide a scientific basis for the selection of anti-radiation technology and structure optimization of domestic CCD.

Miniaturized haploscope for testing binocular vision

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Decker, T. A.

1973-01-01

Device can reproduce virtually all binocular stimulus conditions (target configuration, vergence angle, and accommodative distance) used to test binocular performance. All subsystems of electronic controls are open-loop and solid-state-controlled and, with the exception of vergence angle drive, utilize dc stepping motors as prime movers. Arrangement is also made for readouts of each variable.

Perforated semiconductor neutron detectors for battery operated portable modules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McGregor, Douglas S.; Bellinger, Steven L.; Bruno, David; McNeil, Walter J.; Patterson, Eric; Shultis, J. Kenneth; Solomon, C. J.; Unruh, Troy

2007-09-01

Perforated semiconductor diode detectors have been under development for several years at Kansas State University for a variety of neutron detection applications. The fundamental device configuration is a pin diode detector fabricated from high-purity float zone refined Si wafers. Perforations are etched into the diode surface with inductively-coupled plasma (ICP) reactive ion etching (RIE) and backfilled with 6LiF neutron reactive material. The perforation shapes and depths can be optimized to yield a flat response to neutrons over a wide variation of angles. The prototype devices delivered over 3.8% thermal neutron detection efficiency while operating on only 15 volts. The highest efficiency devices thus far have delivered over 12% thermal neutron detection efficiency. The miniature devices are 5.6 mm in diameter and require minimal power to operate, ranging from 3.3 volts to 15 volts, depending upon the amplifying electronics. The battery operated devices have been incorporated into compact modules with a digital readout. Further, the new modules have incorporated wireless readout technology and can be monitored remotely. The neutron detection modules can be used for neutron dosimetry and neutron monitoring. When coupled with high-density polyethylene, the detectors can be used to measure fission neutrons from spontaneous fission sources. Monto Carlo analysis indicates that the devices can be used in cargo containers as a passive search tool for spontaneous fission sources, such as 240Pu. Measurements with a 252Cf source are being conducted for verification.

Relevancies of multiple-interaction events and signal-to-noise ratio for Anger-logic based PET detector designs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Hao

2015-10-01

A fundamental challenge for PET block detector designs is to deploy finer crystal elements while limiting the number of readout channels. The standard Anger-logic scheme including light sharing (an 8 by 8 crystal array coupled to a 2×2 photodetector array with an optical diffuser, multiplexing ratio: 16:1) has been widely used to address such a challenge. Our work proposes a generalized model to study the impacts of two critical parameters on spatial resolution performance of a PET block detector: multiple interaction events and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The study consists of the following three parts: (1) studying light output profile and multiple interactions of 511 keV photons within crystal arrays of different crystal widths (from 4 mm down to 1 mm, constant height: 20 mm); (2) applying the Anger-logic positioning algorithm to investigate positioning/decoding uncertainties (i.e., "block effect") in terms of peak-to-valley ratio (PVR), with light sharing, multiple interactions and photodetector SNR taken into account; and (3) studying the dependency of spatial resolution on SNR in the context of modulation transfer function (MTF). The proposed model can be used to guide the development and evaluation of a standard Anger-logic based PET block detector including: (1) selecting/optimizing the configuration of crystal elements for a given photodetector SNR; and (2) predicting to what extent additional electronic multiplexing may be implemented to further reduce the number of readout channels.

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

Meng, Ling-Jian

A gamma ray detector apparatus comprises a solid state detector that includes a plurality of anode pixels and at least one cathode. The solid state detector is configured for receiving gamma rays during an interaction and inducing a signal in an anode pixel and in a cathode. An anode pixel readout circuit is coupled to the plurality of anode pixels and is configured to read out and process the induced signal in the anode pixel and provide triggering and addressing information. A waveform sampling circuit is coupled to the at least one cathode and configured to read out and processmore » the induced signal in the cathode and determine energy of the interaction, timing of the interaction, and depth of interaction.« less

Fast Readout Architectures for Large Arrays of Digital Pixels: Examples and Applications

PubMed Central

Gabrielli, A.

2014-01-01

Modern pixel detectors, particularly those designed and constructed for applications and experiments for high-energy physics, are commonly built implementing general readout architectures, not specifically optimized in terms of speed. High-energy physics experiments use bidimensional matrices of sensitive elements located on a silicon die. Sensors are read out via other integrated circuits bump bonded over the sensor dies. The speed of the readout electronics can significantly increase the overall performance of the system, and so here novel forms of readout architectures are studied and described. These circuits have been investigated in terms of speed and are particularly suited for large monolithic, low-pitch pixel detectors. The idea is to have a small simple structure that may be expanded to fit large matrices without affecting the layout complexity of the chip, while maintaining a reasonably high readout speed. The solutions might be applied to devices for applications not only in physics but also to general-purpose pixel detectors whenever online fast data sparsification is required. The paper presents also simulations on the efficiencies of the systems as proof of concept for the proposed ideas. PMID:24778588

The AGILE silicon tracker: an innovative /γ-ray instrument for space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prest, M.; Barbiellini, G.; Bordignon, G.; Fedel, G.; Liello, F.; Longo, F.; Pontoni, C.; Vallazza, E.

2003-03-01

AGILE (Light Imager for Gamma-ray Astrophysics) is the first small scientific mission of ASI, the Italian Space Agency. It is a light (100kg for the scientific instrument) satellite for the detection of /γ-ray sources in the energy range 30MeV-50GeV within a large field of view (1/4 of the sky). It is planned to be operational in the years 2003-2006, a period in which no other gamma-ray mission in the same energy range is foreseen. AGILE is made of a silicon tungsten tracker, a CsI(Tl) minicalorimeter (1.5X0), an anticoincidence system of segmented plastic scintillators and a X-ray imaging detector sensitive in the 10-40keV range. The tracker consists of 14 planes, each of them made of two layers of 16 single-sided, AC coupled, 410μm thick, 9.5×9.5cm2 silicon detectors with a readout pitch of 242μm and a floating strip. The readout ASIC is the TAA1, an analog-digital, low noise, self-triggering ASIC used in a very low power configuration (<400μW/channel) with full analog readout. The trigger of the satellite is given by the tracker. The total number of readout channels is around 43000. We present a detailed description of the tracker, its trigger and readout logic, its assembly procedures and the prototype performance in several testbeam periods at the CERN PS.

Coherent Operations, Entanglement, and Progress Toward Quantum Search in a Large 2D Array of Neutral Atom Qubits

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-08-18

by Benjamin Bederson and Herbert Walther, pp. 95 –170. issn: 1049-250X. doi: 10.1016/S1049-250X(08)60186-X. [49] Nicolas Schlosser, Georges Reymond...144 9.5.1.2 Genetic Algorithm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145 9.5.1.3 Nelder- Mead Simplex...from 2013-11-14-15-18-54. 90 Nelder- Mead optimizing readout frequency, power and time Readout frequency Iterations Python Controller Arroyo TEC and

Superconducting Metallic Glass Transition-Edge-Sensors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hays, Charles C. (Inventor)

2013-01-01

A superconducting metallic glass transition-edge sensor (MGTES) and a method for fabricating the MGTES are provided. A single-layer superconducting amorphous metal alloy is deposited on a substrate. The single-layer superconducting amorphous metal alloy is an absorber for the MGTES and is electrically connected to a circuit configured for readout and biasing to sense electromagnetic radiation.

Dual band QWIP focal plane array

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gunapala, Sarath D. (Inventor); Choi, Kwong Kit (Inventor); Bandara, Sumith V. (Inventor)

2005-01-01

A quantum well infrared photodetector (QWIP) that provides two-color image sensing. Two different quantum wells are configured to absorb two different wavelengths. The QWIPs are arrayed in a focal plane array (FPA). The two-color QWIPs are selected for readout by selective electrical contact with the two different QWIPs or by the use of two different wavelength sensitive gratings.

Angular sensitivity of modeled scientific silicon charge-coupled devices to initial electron direction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plimley, Brian; Coffer, Amy; Zhang, Yigong; Vetter, Kai

2016-08-01

Previously, scientific silicon charge-coupled devices (CCDs) with 10.5-μm pixel pitch and a thick (650 μm), fully depleted bulk have been used to measure gamma-ray-induced fast electrons and demonstrate electron track Compton imaging. A model of the response of this CCD was also developed and benchmarked to experiment using Monte Carlo electron tracks. We now examine the trade-off in pixel pitch and electronic noise. We extend our CCD response model to different pixel pitch and readout noise per pixel, including pixel pitch of 2.5 μm, 5 μm, 10.5 μm, 20 μm, and 40 μm, and readout noise from 0 eV/pixel to 2 keV/pixel for 10.5 μm pixel pitch. The CCD images generated by this model using simulated electron tracks are processed by our trajectory reconstruction algorithm. The performance of the reconstruction algorithm defines the expected angular sensitivity as a function of electron energy, CCD pixel pitch, and readout noise per pixel. Results show that our existing pixel pitch of 10.5 μm is near optimal for our approach, because smaller pixels add little new information but are subject to greater statistical noise. In addition, we measured the readout noise per pixel for two different device temperatures in order to estimate the effect of temperature on the reconstruction algorithm performance, although the readout is not optimized for higher temperatures. The noise in our device at 240 K increases the FWHM of angular measurement error by no more than a factor of 2, from 26° to 49° FWHM for electrons between 425 keV and 480 keV. Therefore, a CCD could be used for electron-track-based imaging in a Peltier-cooled device.

A Demonstration of TIA Using FD-SOI CMOS OPAMP for Far-Infrared Astronomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagase, Koichi; Wada, Takehiko; Ikeda, Hirokazu; Arai, Yasuo; Ohno, Morifumi; Hanaoka, Misaki; Kanada, Hidehiro; Oyabu, Shinki; Hattori, Yasuki; Ukai, Sota; Suzuki, Toyoaki; Watanabe, Kentaroh; Baba, Shunsuke; Kochi, Chihiro; Yamamoto, Keita

2016-07-01

We are developing a fully depleted silicon-on-insulator (FD-SOI) CMOS readout integrated circuit (ROIC) operated at temperatures below ˜ 4 K. Its application is planned for the readout circuit of high-impedance far-infrared detectors for astronomical observations. We designed a trans-impedance amplifier (TIA) using a CMOS operational amplifier (OPAMP) with FD-SOI technique. The TIA is optimized to readout signals from a germanium blocked impurity band (Ge BIB) detector which is highly sensitive to wavelengths of up to ˜ 200 \\upmu m. For the first time, we demonstrated the FD-SOI CMOS OPAMP combined with the Ge BIB detector at 4.5 K. The result promises to solve issues faced by conventional cryogenic ROICs.

Decision-Related Activity in Macaque V2 for Fine Disparity Discrimination Is Not Compatible with Optimal Linear Readout

PubMed Central

Clery, Stephane; Cumming, Bruce G.

2017-01-01

Fine judgments of stereoscopic depth rely mainly on relative judgments of depth (relative binocular disparity) between objects, rather than judgments of the distance to where the eyes are fixating (absolute disparity). In macaques, visual area V2 is the earliest site in the visual processing hierarchy for which neurons selective for relative disparity have been observed (Thomas et al., 2002). Here, we found that, in macaques trained to perform a fine disparity discrimination task, disparity-selective neurons in V2 were highly selective for the task, and their activity correlated with the animals' perceptual decisions (unexplained by the stimulus). This may partially explain similar correlations reported in downstream areas. Although compatible with a perceptual role of these neurons for the task, the interpretation of such decision-related activity is complicated by the effects of interneuronal “noise” correlations between sensory neurons. Recent work has developed simple predictions to differentiate decoding schemes (Pitkow et al., 2015) without needing measures of noise correlations, and found that data from early sensory areas were compatible with optimal linear readout of populations with information-limiting correlations. In contrast, our data here deviated significantly from these predictions. We additionally tested this prediction for previously reported results of decision-related activity in V2 for a related task, coarse disparity discrimination (Nienborg and Cumming, 2006), thought to rely on absolute disparity. Although these data followed the predicted pattern, they violated the prediction quantitatively. This suggests that optimal linear decoding of sensory signals is not generally a good predictor of behavior in simple perceptual tasks. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Activity in sensory neurons that correlates with an animal's decision is widely believed to provide insights into how the brain uses information from sensory neurons. Recent theoretical work developed simple predictions to differentiate decoding schemes, and found support for optimal linear readout of early sensory populations with information-limiting correlations. Here, we observed decision-related activity for neurons in visual area V2 of macaques performing fine disparity discrimination, as yet the earliest site for this task. These findings, and previously reported results from V2 in a different task, deviated from the predictions for optimal linear readout of a population with information-limiting correlations. Our results suggest that optimal linear decoding of early sensory information is not a general decoding strategy used by the brain. PMID:28100751

ZEUS-2: a second generation submillimeter grating spectrometer for exploring distant galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferkinhoff, Carl; Nikola, Thomas; Parshley, Stephen C.; Stacey, Gordon J.; Irwin, Kent D.; Cho, Hsiao-Mei; Halpern, Mark

2010-07-01

ZEUS-2, the second generation (z)Redshift and Early Universe Spectrometer, like its predecessor is a moderate resolution (R~1000) long-slit, echelle grating spectrometer optimized for the detection of faint, broad lines from distant galaxies. It is designed for studying star-formation across cosmic time. ZEUS-2 employs three TES bolometer arrays (555 pixels total) to deliver simultaneous, multi-beam spectra in up to 4 submillimeter windows. The NIST Boulder-built arrays operate at ~100mK and are readout via SQUID multiplexers and the Multi-Channel Electronics from the University of British Columbia. The instrument is cooled via a pulse-tube cooler and two-stage ADR. Various filter configurations give ZEUS-2 access to 7 different telluric windows from 200 to 850 micron enabling the simultaneous mapping of lines from extended sources or the simultaneous detection of the 158 micron [CII] line and the [NII] 122 or 205 micron lines from z = 1-2 galaxies. ZEUS-2 is designed for use on the CSO, APEX and possibly JCMT.

7T Magnetization Transfer and Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer MRI of Cortical Gray Matter: Can We Detect Neurochemical and Macromolecular Abnormalities?

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-10-21

measures working memory • Trail making test (both A and B): measures planning/executive function • "Black Box” (choice reaction time, critical flicker ...associated with SIR imaging. The former of these was mitigated by developing a novel B+ and !1B insensitive in- version composite pulse (Fig. 2) and...employing a low-flip angle TFE readout; the latter was mitigated by the efficiency of the TFE readout along with additional protocol optimization

Dynamic positioning configuration and its first-order optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xue, Shuqiang; Yang, Yuanxi; Dang, Yamin; Chen, Wu

2014-02-01

Traditional geodetic network optimization deals with static and discrete control points. The modern space geodetic network is, on the other hand, composed of moving control points in space (satellites) and on the Earth (ground stations). The network configuration composed of these facilities is essentially dynamic and continuous. Moreover, besides the position parameter which needs to be estimated, other geophysical information or signals can also be extracted from the continuous observations. The dynamic (continuous) configuration of the space network determines whether a particular frequency of signals can be identified by this system. In this paper, we employ the functional analysis and graph theory to study the dynamic configuration of space geodetic networks, and mainly focus on the optimal estimation of the position and clock-offset parameters. The principle of the D-optimization is introduced in the Hilbert space after the concept of the traditional discrete configuration is generalized from the finite space to the infinite space. It shows that the D-optimization developed in the discrete optimization is still valid in the dynamic configuration optimization, and this is attributed to the natural generalization of least squares from the Euclidean space to the Hilbert space. Then, we introduce the principle of D-optimality invariance under the combination operation and rotation operation, and propose some D-optimal simplex dynamic configurations: (1) (Semi) circular configuration in 2-dimensional space; (2) the D-optimal cone configuration and D-optimal helical configuration which is close to the GPS constellation in 3-dimensional space. The initial design of GPS constellation can be approximately treated as a combination of 24 D-optimal helixes by properly adjusting the ascending node of different satellites to realize a so-called Walker constellation. In the case of estimating the receiver clock-offset parameter, we show that the circular configuration, the symmetrical cone configuration and helical curve configuration are still D-optimal. It shows that the given total observation time determines the optimal frequency (repeatability) of moving known points and vice versa, and one way to improve the repeatability is to increase the rotational speed. Under the Newton's law of motion, the frequency of satellite motion determines the orbital altitude. Furthermore, we study three kinds of complex dynamic configurations, one of which is the combination of D-optimal cone configurations and a so-called Walker constellation composed of D-optimal helical configuration, the other is the nested cone configuration composed of n cones, and the last is the nested helical configuration composed of n orbital planes. It shows that an effective way to achieve high coverage is to employ the configuration composed of a certain number of moving known points instead of the simplex configuration (such as D-optimal helical configuration), and one can use the D-optimal simplex solutions or D-optimal complex configurations in any combination to achieve powerful configurations with flexile coverage and flexile repeatability. Alternately, how to optimally generate and assess the discrete configurations sampled from the continuous one is discussed. The proposed configuration optimization framework has taken the well-known regular polygons (such as equilateral triangle and quadrangular) in two-dimensional space and regular polyhedrons (regular tetrahedron, cube, regular octahedron, regular icosahedron, or regular dodecahedron) into account. It shows that the conclusions made by the proposed technique are more general and no longer limited by different sampling schemes. By the conditional equation of D-optimal nested helical configuration, the relevance issues of GNSS constellation optimization are solved and some examples are performed by GPS constellation to verify the validation of the newly proposed optimization technique. The proposed technique is potentially helpful in maintenance and quadratic optimization of single GNSS of which the orbital inclination and the orbital altitude change under the precession, as well as in optimally nesting GNSSs to perform global homogeneous coverage of the Earth.

Microwave SQUID Multiplexing of Metallic Magnetic Calorimeters: Status of Multiplexer Performance and Room-Temperature Readout Electronics Development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wegner, M.; Karcher, N.; Krömer, O.; Richter, D.; Ahrens, F.; Sander, O.; Kempf, S.; Weber, M.; Enss, C.

2018-02-01

To our present best knowledge, microwave SQUID multiplexing (μ MUXing) is the most suitable technique for reading out large-scale low-temperature microcalorimeter arrays that consist of hundreds or thousands of individual pixels which require a large readout bandwidth per pixel. For this reason, the present readout strategy for metallic magnetic calorimeter (MMC) arrays combining an intrinsic fast signal rise time, an excellent energy resolution, a large energy dynamic range, a quantum efficiency close to 100% as well as a highly linear detector response is based on μ MUXing. Within this paper, we summarize the state of the art in MMC μ MUXing and discuss the most recent results. This particularly includes the discussion of the performance of a 64-pixel detector array with integrated, on-chip microwave SQUID multiplexer, the progress in flux ramp modulation of MMCs as well as the status of the development of a software-defined radio-based room-temperature electronics which is specifically optimized for MMC readout.

An image-based array trigger for imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescope arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dickinson, Hugh; Krennrich, Frank; Weinstein, Amanda; Eisch, Jonathan; Byrum, Karen; Anderson, John; Drake, Gary

2018-05-01

It is anticipated that forthcoming, next generation, atmospheric Cherenkov telescope arrays will include a number of medium-sized telescopes that are constructed using a dual-mirror Schwarzschild-Couder configuration. These telescopes will sample a wide (8 °) field of view using a densely pixelated camera comprising over 104 individual readout channels. A readout frequency congruent with the expected single-telescope trigger rates would result in substantial data rates. To ameliorate these data rates, a novel, hardware-level Distributed Intelligent Array Trigger (DIAT) is envisioned. A copy of the DIAT operates autonomously at each telescope and uses reduced resolution imaging data from a limited subset of nearby telescopes to veto events prior to camera readout and any subsequent network transmission of camera data that is required for centralized storage or aggregation. We present the results of Monte-Carlo simulations that evaluate the efficacy of a "Parallax width" discriminator that can be used by the DIAT to efficiently distinguish between genuine gamma-ray initiated events and unwanted background events that are initiated by hadronic cosmic rays.

Improving Broadband Displacement Detection with Quantum Correlations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kampel, N. S.; Peterson, R. W.; Fischer, R.; Yu, P.-L.; Cicak, K.; Simmonds, R. W.; Lehnert, K. W.; Regal, C. A.

2017-04-01

Interferometers enable ultrasensitive measurement in a wide array of applications from gravitational wave searches to force microscopes. The role of quantum mechanics in the metrological limits of interferometers has a rich history, and a large number of techniques to surpass conventional limits have been proposed. In a typical measurement configuration, the trade-off between the probe's shot noise (imprecision) and its quantum backaction results in what is known as the standard quantum limit (SQL). In this work, we investigate how quantum correlations accessed by modifying the readout of the interferometer can access physics beyond the SQL and improve displacement sensitivity. Specifically, we use an optical cavity to probe the motion of a silicon nitride membrane off mechanical resonance, as one would do in a broadband displacement or force measurement, and observe sensitivity better than the SQL dictates for our quantum efficiency. Our measurement illustrates the core idea behind a technique known as variational readout, in which the optical readout quadrature is changed as a function of frequency to improve broadband displacement detection. And, more generally, our result is a salient example of how correlations can aid sensing in the presence of backaction.

Prototype AEGIS: A Pixel-Array Readout Circuit for Gamma-Ray Imaging.

PubMed

Barber, H Bradford; Augustine, F L; Furenlid, L; Ingram, C M; Grim, G P

2005-07-31

Semiconductor detector arrays made of CdTe/CdZnTe are expected to be the main components of future high-performance, clinical nuclear medicine imaging systems. Such systems will require small pixel-pitch and much larger numbers of pixels than are available in current semiconductor-detector cameras. We describe the motivation for developing a new readout integrated circuit, AEGIS, for use in hybrid semiconductor detector arrays, that may help spur the development of future cameras. A basic design for AEGIS is presented together with results of an HSPICE ™ simulation of the performance of its unit cell. AEGIS will have a shaper-amplifier unit cell and neighbor pixel readout. Other features include the use of a single input power line with other biases generated on-board, a control register that allows digital control of all thresholds and chip configurations and an output approach that is compatible with list-mode data acquisition. An 8×8 prototype version of AEGIS is currently under development; the full AEGIS will be a 64×64 array with 300 μm pitch.

Tests of Scintillator+WLS Strips for Muon System at Future Colliders

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

Denisov, Dmitri; Evdokimov, Valery; Lukić, Strahinja

2015-10-11

Prototype scintilator+WLS strips with SiPM readout for muon system at future colliders were tested for light yield, time resolution and position resolution. Depending on the configuration, light yield of up to 36 photoelectrons per muon per SiPM has been achieved, as well as time resolution of 0.5 ns and position resolution of ~ 7 cm.

Self-triggering readout system for the neutron lifetime experiment PENeLOPE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaisbauer, D.; Bai, Y.; Konorov, I.; Paul, S.; Steffen, D.

2016-02-01

PENeLOPE is a neutron lifetime measurement developed at the Technische Universität München and located at the Forschungs-Neutronenquelle Heinz Maier-Leibnitz (FRM II) aiming to achieve a precision of 0.1 seconds. The detector for PENeLOPE consists of about 1250 Avalanche Photodiodes (APDs) with a total active area of 1225 cm2. The decay proton detector and electronics will be operated at a high electrostatic potential of -30 kV and a magnetic field of 0.6 T. This includes shaper, preamplifier, ADC and FPGA cards. In addition, the APDs will be cooled to 77 K. The 1250 APDs are divided into 14 groups of 96 channels, including spares. A 12-bit ADC digitizes the detector signals with 1 MSps. A firmware was developed for the detector including a self-triggering readout with continuous pedestal calculation and configurable signal detection. The data transmission and configuration is done via the Switched Enabling Protocol (SEP). It is a time-division multiplexing low layer protocol which provides determined latency for time critical messages, IPBus, and JTAG interfaces. The network has a n:1 topology, reducing the number of optical links.

Design, construction and commissioning of the Digital Hadron Calorimeter—DHCAL

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adams, C.; Bambaugh, A.; Bilki, B.; Butler, J.; Corriveau, F.; Cundiff, T.; Drake, G.; Francis, K.; Furst, B.; Guarino, V.; Haberichter, B.; Hazen, E.; Hoff, J.; Holm, S.; Kreps, A.; DeLurgio, P.; Matijas, Z.; Dal Monte, L.; Mucia, N.; Norbeck, E.; Northacker, D.; Onel, Y.; Pollack, B.; Repond, J.; Schlereth, J.; Skrzecz, F.; Smith, J. R.; Trojand, D.; Underwood, D.; Velasco, M.; Walendziak, J.; Wood, K.; Wu, S.; Xia, L.; Zhang, Q.; Zhao, A.

2016-07-01

A novel hadron calorimeter is being developed for future lepton colliding beam detectors. The calorimeter is optimized for the application of Particle Flow Algorithms (PFAs) to the measurement of hadronic jets and features a very finely segmented readout with 1 × 1 cm2 cells. The active media of the calorimeter are Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs) with a digital, i.e. one-bit, readout. To first order the energy of incident particles in this calorimeter is reconstructed as being proportional to the number of pads with a signal over a given threshold. A large-scale prototype calorimeter with approximately 500,000 readout channels has been built and underwent extensive testing in the Fermilab and CERN test beams. This paper reports on the design, construction, and commissioning of this prototype calorimeter.

Low-noise analog readout channel for SDD in X-ray spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Atkin, E.; Gusev, A.; Krivchenko, A.; Levin, V.; Malankin, E.; Normanov, D.; Rotin, A.; Sagdiev, I.; Samsonov, V.

2016-01-01

A low-noise analog readout channel optimized for operation with the Silicon Drift Detectors (SDDs) with built-in JFET is presented. The Charge Sensitive Amplifier (CSA) operates in a pulse reset mode using the reset diode built-in the SDD detector. The shaper is a 6th order semi-Gaussian filter with switchable discrete shaping times. The readout channel provides the Equivalent Noise Charge (ENC) of 12e- (simulation) and input dynamic range of 30 keV . The measured energy resolution at the 5,89 keV line of a 55Fe X-ray source is 336 eV (FWHM). The channel was prototyped via Europractice in the AMS 350 nm process as miniASIC. The simulation and first measurement results are presented in the paper.

A multichannel compact readout system for single photon detection: Design and performances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Argentieri, A. G.; Cisbani, E.; Colilli, S.; Cusanno, F.; De Leo, R.; Fratoni, R.; Garibaldi, F.; Giuliani, F.; Gricia, M.; Lucentini, M.; Marra, M.; Musico, Paolo; Santavenere, F.; Torrioli, S.

2010-05-01

Optimal exploitation of Multi Anode PhotoMultiplier Tubes (MAPMT) as imaging devices requires the acquisition of a large number of independent channels; despite the rather wide demand, on-the-shelf electronics for this purpose does not exist. A compact independent channel readout system for an array of MAPMTs has been developed and tested [1,2]. The system can handle up to 4096 independent channels, covering an area of about 20×20 cm2 with pixel size of 3×3 mm2, using Hamamatsu H-9500 devices. The front-end is based on a 64 channels VLSI custom chip called MAROC, developed by IN2P3 Orsay (France) group, controlled by means of a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) which implements configuration, triggering and data conversion controls. Up to 64 front-end cards can be housed in four backplanes and a central unit collects data from all of them, communicating with a control Personal Computer (PC) using an high speed USB 2.0 connection. A complete system has been built and tested. Eight Flat MAPMTs (256 anodes Hamamatsu H-9500) have been arranged on a boundary of a 3×3 matrix for a grand total of 2048 channels. This detector has been used to verify the performances of a focusing aerogel RICH prototype using an electron beam at the Frascati (Rome) INFN National Laboratory Beam Test Facility (BTF) during the last week of January 2009. Data analysis is ongoing: the first results are encouraging, showing that the Cherenkov rings are well identified by this system.

ATLAS jet trigger update for the LHC run II

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

Delgado, A. T.

The CERN Large Hadron Collider is the biggest and most powerful particle collider ever built. It produces up to 40 million proton-proton collisions per second at unprecedented energies to explore the fundamental laws and properties of Nature. The ATLAS experiment is one of the detectors that analyses and records these collisions. It generates dozens of GB/s of data that has to be reduced before it can be permanently stored, the event selection is made by the ATLAS trigger system, which reduces the data volume by a factor of 105. The trigger system has to be highly configurable in order tomore » adapt to changing running conditions and maximize the physics output whilst keeping the output rate under control. A particularly interesting pattern generated during collisions consists of a collimated spray of particles, known as a hadronic jet. To retain the interesting jets and efficiently reject the overwhelming background, optimal jet energy resolution is needed. Therefore the Jet trigger software requires CPU-intensive reconstruction algorithms. In order to reduce the resources needed for the reconstruction step, a partial detector readout scheme was developed, which effectively suppresses the low activity regions of the calorimeter. In this paper we describe the overall ATLAS trigger software, and the jet trigger in particular, along with the improvements made on the system. We then focus on detailed studies of the algorithm timing and the performance impact of the full and partial calorimeter readout schemes. We conclude with an outlook of the jet trigger plans for the next LHC data-taking period. (authors)« less

Phenytoin speciation with potentiometric and chronopotentiometric ion-selective membrane electrodes.

PubMed

Jansod, Sutida; Afshar, Majid Ghahraman; Crespo, Gastón A; Bakker, Eric

2016-05-15

We report on an electrochemical protocol based on perm-selective membranes to provide valuable information about the speciation of ionizable drugs, with phenytoin as a model example. Membranes containing varying amounts of tetradodecylammonium chloride (TDDA) were read out at zero current (potentiometry) and with applied current techniques (chronopotentiometry). Potentiometry allows one to assess the ionized form of phenytoin (pKa~8.2) that corresponds to a negatively monocharged ion. A careful optimization of the membrane components resulted in a lower limit of detection (~1.6 µM) than previous reports. Once the pH (from 9 to 10) or the concentration of albumin is varied in the sample (from 0 to 30 g L(-1)), the potentiometric signal changes abruptly as a result of reducing/increasing the ionized concentration of phenytoin. Therefore, potentiometry as a single technique is by itself not sufficient to obtain information about the concentration and speciation of the drug in the system. For this reason, a tandem configuration with chronopotentiometry as additional readout principle was used to determine the total and ionized concentration of phenytoin. In samples containing excess albumin the rate-limiting step for the chronopotentiometry readout appears to be the diffusion of ionized phenytoin preceded by comparatively rapid deprotonation and decomplexation reactions. This protocol was applied to measure phenytoin in pharmaceutical tables (100mg per tablet). This tandem approach can likely be extended to more ionizable drugs and may eventually be utilized in view of pharmacological monitoring of drugs during the delivery process. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of GEM detector for plasma diagnostics application: simulations addressing optimization of its performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chernyshova, M.; Malinowski, K.; Kowalska-Strzęciwilk, E.; Czarski, T.; Linczuk, P.; Wojeński, A.; Krawczyk, R. D.

2017-12-01

The advanced Soft X-ray (SXR) diagnostics setup devoted to studies of the SXR plasma emissivity is at the moment a highly relevant and important for ITER/DEMO application. Especially focusing on the energy range of tungsten emission lines, as plasma contamination by W and its transport in the plasma must be understood and monitored for W plasma-facing material. The Gas Electron Multiplier, with a spatial and energy-resolved photon detecting chamber, based SXR radiation detection system under development by our group may become such a diagnostic setup considering and solving many physical, technical and technological aspects. This work presents the results of simulations aimed to optimize a design of the detector's internal chamber and its performance. The study of the effect of electrodes alignment allowed choosing the gap distances which maximizes electron transmission and choosing the optimal magnitudes of the applied electric fields. Finally, the optimal readout structure design was identified suitable to collect a total formed charge effectively, basing on the range of the simulated electron cloud at the readout plane which was in the order of ~ 2 mm.

Quantum memory receiver for superadditive communication using binary coherent states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klimek, Aleksandra; Jachura, Michał; Wasilewski, Wojciech; Banaszek, Konrad

2016-11-01

We propose a simple architecture based on multimode quantum memories for collective readout of classical information keyed using a pair coherent states, exemplified by the well-known binary phase shift keying format. Such a configuration enables demonstration of the superadditivity effect in classical communication over quantum channels, where the transmission rate becomes enhanced through joint detection applied to multiple channel uses. The proposed scheme relies on the recently introduced idea to prepare Hadamard sequences of input symbols that are mapped by a linear optical transformation onto the pulse position modulation format [Guha, S. Phys. Rev. Lett. 2011, 106, 240502]. We analyze two versions of readout based on direct detection and an optional Dolinar receiver which implements the minimum-error measurement for individual detection of a binary coherent state alphabet.

Quantum memory receiver for superadditive communication using binary coherent states.

PubMed

Klimek, Aleksandra; Jachura, Michał; Wasilewski, Wojciech; Banaszek, Konrad

2016-11-12

We propose a simple architecture based on multimode quantum memories for collective readout of classical information keyed using a pair coherent states, exemplified by the well-known binary phase shift keying format. Such a configuration enables demonstration of the superadditivity effect in classical communication over quantum channels, where the transmission rate becomes enhanced through joint detection applied to multiple channel uses. The proposed scheme relies on the recently introduced idea to prepare Hadamard sequences of input symbols that are mapped by a linear optical transformation onto the pulse position modulation format [Guha, S. Phys. Rev. Lett. 2011 , 106 , 240502]. We analyze two versions of readout based on direct detection and an optional Dolinar receiver which implements the minimum-error measurement for individual detection of a binary coherent state alphabet.

Memory formation and evolution of the vortex configuration associated with random organization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dobroka, M.; Kawamura, Y.; Ienaga, K.; Kaneko, S.; Okuma, S.

2017-05-01

We study the general phenomenon of random organization using a vortex system. When a periodic shear with a small shear amplitude d inp is applied to many-particle (vortex) assemblies with a random distribution, the particles (vortices) gradually self-organize to avoid future collisions and transform into an organized configuration. This is detected from the time-evolution of the voltage V(t) (average velocity) that increases towards a steady-state value. From the subsequent readout measurements of V(t) using various shear amplitudes, we find that the information of the input shear amplitude d inp is memorized in the configuration of the vortex distributions in the transient as well as the steady state, and that it is readable. We also find that the transient vortex configuration formed during random organization is not microscopically homogeneous but consists of disordered and organized regions.

Mechanical monolithic horizontal sensor for low frequency seismic noise measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Acernese, Fausto; Giordano, Gerardo; Romano, Rocco; De Rosa, Rosario; Barone, Fabrizio

2008-07-01

This paper describes a mechanical monolithic horizontal sensor for geophysical applications developed at the University of Salerno. The instrument is basically a monolithic tunable folded pendulum, shaped with precision machining and electric discharge machining, that can be used both as seismometer and, in a force-feedback configuration, as accelerometer. The monolithic mechanical design and the introduction of laser interferometric techniques for the readout implementation makes it a very compact instrument, very sensitive in the low frequency seismic noise band, with a very good immunity to environmental noises. Many changes have been produced since last version (2007), mainly aimed to the improvement of the mechanics and of the optical readout of the instrument. In fact, we have developed and tested a prototype with elliptical hinges and mechanical tuning of the resonance frequency together with a laser optical lever and a new laser interferometer readout system. The theoretical sensitivity curve for both laser optical lever and laser interferometric readouts, evaluated on the basis of suitable theoretical models, shows a very good agreement with the experimental measurements. Very interesting scientific result is the measured natural resonance frequency of the instrument of 70mHz with a Q =140 in air without thermal stabilization. This result demonstrates the feasibility of a monolithic folded pendulum sensor with a natural resonance frequency of the order of millihertz with a more refined mechanical tuning.

Mechanical monolithic sensor for low frequency seismic noise measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Acernese, Fausto; De Rosa, Rosario; Giordano, Gerardo; Romano, Rocco; Barone, Fabrizio

2007-10-01

This paper describes a mechanical monolithic sensor for geophysical applications developed at the University of Salerno. The instrument is basically a monolithic tunable folded pendulum, shaped with precision machining and electric-discharge-machining, that can be used both as seismometer and, in a force-feedback configuration, as accelerometer. The monolithic mechanical design and the introduction of laser interferometric techniques for the readout implementation make it a very compact instrument, very sensitive in the low-frequency seismic noise band, with a very good immunity to environmental noises. Many changes have been produced since last version (2006), mainly aimed to the improvement of the mechanics and of the optical readout of the instrument. In fact, we have developed and tested a prototype with elliptical hinges and mechanical tuning of the resonance frequency together with a new laser optical lever and laser interferometer readout system. The theoretical sensitivity curve for both laser optical lever and laser interferometric readouts, calculated on the basis of suitable theoretical models, shows a very good agreement with the experimental measurements. Very interesting scientific result is that the measured natural resonance frequency of the instrument is ~ 70mHz with a Q ~ 140 in air without thermal stabilization, demonstrating the feasibility of a monolithic FP sensor with a natural resonance frequency of the order of 5 mHz with a more refined mechanical tuning.

Mechanical monolithic horizontal sensor for low frequency seismic noise measurement.

PubMed

Acernese, Fausto; Giordano, Gerardo; Romano, Rocco; De Rosa, Rosario; Barone, Fabrizio

2008-07-01

This paper describes a mechanical monolithic horizontal sensor for geophysical applications developed at the University of Salerno. The instrument is basically a monolithic tunable folded pendulum, shaped with precision machining and electric discharge machining, that can be used both as seismometer and, in a force-feedback configuration, as accelerometer. The monolithic mechanical design and the introduction of laser interferometric techniques for the readout implementation makes it a very compact instrument, very sensitive in the low frequency seismic noise band, with a very good immunity to environmental noises. Many changes have been produced since last version (2007), mainly aimed to the improvement of the mechanics and of the optical readout of the instrument. In fact, we have developed and tested a prototype with elliptical hinges and mechanical tuning of the resonance frequency together with a laser optical lever and a new laser interferometer readout system. The theoretical sensitivity curve for both laser optical lever and laser interferometric readouts, evaluated on the basis of suitable theoretical models, shows a very good agreement with the experimental measurements. Very interesting scientific result is the measured natural resonance frequency of the instrument of 70 mHz with a Q=140 in air without thermal stabilization. This result demonstrates the feasibility of a monolithic folded pendulum sensor with a natural resonance frequency of the order of millihertz with a more refined mechanical tuning.

MKID digital readout tuning with deep learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dodkins, R.; Mahashabde, S.; O'Brien, K.; Thatte, N.; Fruitwala, N.; Walter, A. B.; Meeker, S. R.; Szypryt, P.; Mazin, B. A.

2018-04-01

Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detector (MKID) devices offer inherent spectral resolution, simultaneous read out of thousands of pixels, and photon-limited sensitivity at optical wavelengths. Before taking observations the readout power and frequency of each pixel must be individually tuned, and if the equilibrium state of the pixels change, then the readout must be retuned. This process has previously been performed through manual inspection, and typically takes one hour per 500 resonators (20 h for a ten-kilo-pixel array). We present an algorithm based on a deep convolution neural network (CNN) architecture to determine the optimal bias power for each resonator. The bias point classifications from this CNN model, and those from alternative automated methods, are compared to those from human decisions, and the accuracy of each method is assessed. On a test feed-line dataset, the CNN achieves an accuracy of 90% within 1 dB of the designated optimal value, which is equivalent accuracy to a randomly selected human operator, and superior to the highest scoring alternative automated method by 10%. On a full ten-kilopixel array, the CNN performs the characterization in a matter of minutes - paving the way for future mega-pixel MKID arrays.

Integrated front-end electronics in a detector compatible process: source-follower and charge-sensitive preamplifier configurations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ratti, Lodovico; Manghisoni, Massimo; Re, Valerio; Speziali, Valeria

2001-12-01

This study is concerned with the simulation and design of low-noise front-end electronics monolithically integrated on the same high-resistivity substrate as multielectrode silicon detectors, in a process made available by the Istituto per la Ricerca Scientifica e Tecnologica (ITC-IRST) of Trento, Italy. The integrated front-end solutions described in this paper use N-channel JFETs as basic elements. The first one is based upon an all-NJFET charge preamplifier designed to match detector capacitances of a few picofarads and available in both a resistive and a non resistive feedback configuration. In the second solution, a single NJFET in the source-follower configuration is connected to the detector, while its source is wired to an external readout channel through an integrated capacitor.

A custom readout electronics for the BESIII CGEM detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Da Rocha Rolo, M.; Alexeev, M.; Amoroso, A.; Baldini Ferroli, R.; Bertani, M.; Bettoni, D.; Bianchi, F.; Bugalho, R.; Calcaterra, A.; Canale, N.; Capodiferro, M.; Carassiti, V.; Cerioni, S.; Chai, J. Y.; Chiozzi, S.; Cibinetto, G.; Cossio, F.; Cotta Ramusino, A.; De Mori, F.; Destefanis, M.; Di Francesco, A.; Dong, J.; Evangelisti, F.; Farinelli, R.; Fava, L.; Felici, G.; Fioravanti, E.; Garzia, I.; Gatta, M.; Greco, M.; Lavezzi, L.; Leng, C. Y.; Li, H.; Maggiora, M.; Malaguti, R.; Marcello, S.; Marciniewski, P.; Melchiorri, M.; Mezzadri, G.; Mignone, M.; Morello, G.; Pacetti, S.; Patteri, P.; Pellegrino, J.; Pelosi, A.; Rivetti, A.; Savrié, M.; Scodeggio, M.; Soldani, E.; Sosio, S.; Spataro, S.; Tskhadadze, E.; Varela, J.; Verma, S.; Wheadon, R.; Yan, L.

2017-07-01

For the upgrade of the inner tracker of the BESIII spectrometer, planned for 2018, a lightweight tracker based on an innovative Cylindrical Gas Electron Multiplier (CGEM) detector is now under development. The analogue readout of the CGEM enables the use of a charge centroid algorithm to improve the spatial resolution to better than 130 μm while loosening the pitch strip to 650 μm, which allows to reduce the total number of channels to about 10 000. The channels are readout by 160 dedicated integrated 64-channel front-end ASICs, providing a time and charge measurement and featuring a fully-digital output. The energy measurement is extracted either from the time-over-threshold (ToT) or the 10-bit digitisation of the peak amplitude of the signal. The time of the event is generated by quad-buffered low-power TDCs, allowing for rates in excess of 60 kHz per channel. The TDCs are based on analogue interpolation techniques and produce a time stamp (or two, if working in ToT mode) of the event with a time resolution better than 50 ps. The front-end noise, based on a CSA and a two-stage complex conjugated pole shapers, dominate the channel intrinsic time jitter, which is less than 5 ns r.m.s. The time information of the hit can be used to reconstruct the track path, operating the detector as a small TPC and hence improving the position resolution when the distribution of the cloud, due to large incident angle or magnetic field, is very broad. Event data is collected by an off-detector motherboard, where each GEM-ROC readout card handles 4 ASIC carrier FEBs (512 channels). Configuration upload and data readout between the off-detector electronics and the VME-based data collector cards are managed by bi-directional fibre optical links. This paper covers the design of a custom front-end electronics for the readout of the new inner tracker of the BESIII experiment, addressing the relevant design aspects of the detector electronics and the front-end ASIC for the CGEM readout, and reviewing the first silicon results of the chip prototype.

Readout of the upgraded ALICE-ITS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szczepankiewicz, A.; ALICE Collaboration

2016-07-01

The ALICE experiment will undergo a major upgrade during the second long shutdown of the CERN LHC. As part of this program, the present Inner Tracking System (ITS), which employs different layers of hybrid pixels, silicon drift and strip detectors, will be replaced by a completely new tracker composed of seven layers of monolithic active pixel sensors. The upgraded ITS will have more than twelve billion pixels in total, producing 300 Gbit/s of data when tracking 50 kHz Pb-Pb events. Two families of pixel chips realized with the TowerJazz CMOS imaging process have been developed as candidate sensors: the ALPIDE, which uses a proprietary readout and sparsification mechanism and the MISTRAL-O, based on a proven rolling shutter architecture. Both chips can operate in continuous mode, with the ALPIDE also supporting triggered operations. As the communication IP blocks are shared among the two chip families, it has been possible to develop a common Readout Electronics. All the sensor components (analog stages, state machines, buffers, FIFOs, etc.) have been modelled in a system level simulation, which has been extensively used to optimize both the sensor and the whole readout chain design in an iterative process. This contribution covers the progress of the R&D efforts and the overall expected performance of the ALICE-ITS readout system.

Decision-Related Activity in Macaque V2 for Fine Disparity Discrimination Is Not Compatible with Optimal Linear Readout.

PubMed

Clery, Stephane; Cumming, Bruce G; Nienborg, Hendrikje

2017-01-18

Fine judgments of stereoscopic depth rely mainly on relative judgments of depth (relative binocular disparity) between objects, rather than judgments of the distance to where the eyes are fixating (absolute disparity). In macaques, visual area V2 is the earliest site in the visual processing hierarchy for which neurons selective for relative disparity have been observed (Thomas et al., 2002). Here, we found that, in macaques trained to perform a fine disparity discrimination task, disparity-selective neurons in V2 were highly selective for the task, and their activity correlated with the animals' perceptual decisions (unexplained by the stimulus). This may partially explain similar correlations reported in downstream areas. Although compatible with a perceptual role of these neurons for the task, the interpretation of such decision-related activity is complicated by the effects of interneuronal "noise" correlations between sensory neurons. Recent work has developed simple predictions to differentiate decoding schemes (Pitkow et al., 2015) without needing measures of noise correlations, and found that data from early sensory areas were compatible with optimal linear readout of populations with information-limiting correlations. In contrast, our data here deviated significantly from these predictions. We additionally tested this prediction for previously reported results of decision-related activity in V2 for a related task, coarse disparity discrimination (Nienborg and Cumming, 2006), thought to rely on absolute disparity. Although these data followed the predicted pattern, they violated the prediction quantitatively. This suggests that optimal linear decoding of sensory signals is not generally a good predictor of behavior in simple perceptual tasks. Activity in sensory neurons that correlates with an animal's decision is widely believed to provide insights into how the brain uses information from sensory neurons. Recent theoretical work developed simple predictions to differentiate decoding schemes, and found support for optimal linear readout of early sensory populations with information-limiting correlations. Here, we observed decision-related activity for neurons in visual area V2 of macaques performing fine disparity discrimination, as yet the earliest site for this task. These findings, and previously reported results from V2 in a different task, deviated from the predictions for optimal linear readout of a population with information-limiting correlations. Our results suggest that optimal linear decoding of early sensory information is not a general decoding strategy used by the brain. Copyright © 2017 the authors 0270-6474/17/370715-11$15.00/0.

A UVM simulation environment for the study, optimization and verification of HL-LHC digital pixel readout chips

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marconi, S.; Conti, E.; Christiansen, J.; Placidi, P.

2018-05-01

The operating conditions of the High Luminosity upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider are very demanding for the design of next generation hybrid pixel readout chips in terms of particle rate, radiation level and data bandwidth. To this purpose, the RD53 Collaboration has developed for the ATLAS and CMS experiments a dedicated simulation and verification environment using industry-consolidated tools and methodologies, such as SystemVerilog and the Universal Verification Methodology (UVM). This paper presents how the so-called VEPIX53 environment has first guided the design of digital architectures, optimized for processing and buffering very high particle rates, and secondly how it has been reused for the functional verification of the first large scale demonstrator chip designed by the collaboration, which has recently been submitted.

Design and Optimization of Multi-Pixel Transition-Edge Sensors for X-Ray Astronomy Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Stephen J.; Adams, Joseph S.; Bandler, Simon R.; Chervenak, James A.; Datesman, Aaron Michael; Eckart, Megan E.; Ewin, Audrey J.; Finkbeiner, Fred M.; Kelley, Richard L.; Kilbourne, Caroline A.;

Reducing the Read Noise of HAWAII-2RG Detector Systems with Improved Reference Sampling and Subtraction (IRS2)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rauscher, Bernard J.; Arendt, Richard G.; Fixsen, D. J.; Lander, Matthew; Lindler, Don; Loose, Markus; Moseley, S. H.; Wilson, Donna V.; Xenophontos, Christos

2012-01-01

IRS2 is a Wiener-optimal approach to using all of the reference information that Teledyne's HAWAII-2RG detector arrays provide. Using a new readout pattern, IRS2 regularly interleaves reference pixels with the normal pixels during readout. This differs from conventional clocking, in which the reference pixels are read out infrequently, and only in a few rows and columns around the outside edges of the detector array. During calibration, the data are processed in Fourier space, which is <;:lose to the noise's eigenspace. Using IRS2, we have reduced the read noise of the James Webb Space Telescope Near Infrared Spectrograph by 15% compared to conventional readout. We are attempting to achieve further gains by calibrating out recently recognized non-stationary noise that appears at the frame rate.

Optimized quantum sensing with a single electron spin using real-time adaptive measurements.

PubMed

Bonato, C; Blok, M S; Dinani, H T; Berry, D W; Markham, M L; Twitchen, D J; Hanson, R

2016-03-01

Quantum sensors based on single solid-state spins promise a unique combination of sensitivity and spatial resolution. The key challenge in sensing is to achieve minimum estimation uncertainty within a given time and with high dynamic range. Adaptive strategies have been proposed to achieve optimal performance, but their implementation in solid-state systems has been hindered by the demanding experimental requirements. Here, we realize adaptive d.c. sensing by combining single-shot readout of an electron spin in diamond with fast feedback. By adapting the spin readout basis in real time based on previous outcomes, we demonstrate a sensitivity in Ramsey interferometry surpassing the standard measurement limit. Furthermore, we find by simulations and experiments that adaptive protocols offer a distinctive advantage over the best known non-adaptive protocols when overhead and limited estimation time are taken into account. Using an optimized adaptive protocol we achieve a magnetic field sensitivity of 6.1 ± 1.7 nT Hz(-1/2) over a wide range of 1.78 mT. These results open up a new class of experiments for solid-state sensors in which real-time knowledge of the measurement history is exploited to obtain optimal performance.

Optimized quantum sensing with a single electron spin using real-time adaptive measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonato, C.; Blok, M. S.; Dinani, H. T.; Berry, D. W.; Markham, M. L.; Twitchen, D. J.; Hanson, R.

2016-03-01

Quantum sensors based on single solid-state spins promise a unique combination of sensitivity and spatial resolution. The key challenge in sensing is to achieve minimum estimation uncertainty within a given time and with high dynamic range. Adaptive strategies have been proposed to achieve optimal performance, but their implementation in solid-state systems has been hindered by the demanding experimental requirements. Here, we realize adaptive d.c. sensing by combining single-shot readout of an electron spin in diamond with fast feedback. By adapting the spin readout basis in real time based on previous outcomes, we demonstrate a sensitivity in Ramsey interferometry surpassing the standard measurement limit. Furthermore, we find by simulations and experiments that adaptive protocols offer a distinctive advantage over the best known non-adaptive protocols when overhead and limited estimation time are taken into account. Using an optimized adaptive protocol we achieve a magnetic field sensitivity of 6.1 ± 1.7 nT Hz-1/2 over a wide range of 1.78 mT. These results open up a new class of experiments for solid-state sensors in which real-time knowledge of the measurement history is exploited to obtain optimal performance.

New technologies for the detection of millimeter and submillimeter waves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Richards, P. L.; Clarke, J.; Gildemeister, J. M.; Lanting, T.; Lee, A. T.

2001-01-01

Voltage-biased superconducting bolometers have many operational advantages over conventional bolometer technology including sensitivity, linearity, speed, and immunity from environmental disturbance. A review is given of the Berkeley program for developing this new technology. Developments include fully lithographed individual bolometers in the spiderweb configuration, arrays of 1024 close-packed absorber-coupled bolometers, antenna-coupled bolometers, and a frequency-domain SQUID (superconducting quantum interference device) readout multiplexer.

Cryogenic readout techniques for germanium detectors

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

Benato, G.; Cattadori, C.; Di Vacri, A.

High Purity Germanium detectors are used in many applications, from nuclear and astro-particle physics, to homeland security or environment protection. Although quite standard configurations are often used, with cryostats, charge sensitive amplifiers and analog or digital acquisition systems all commercially available, it might be the case that a few specific applications, e.g. satellites, portable devices, cryogenic physics experiments, etc. also require the development of a few additional or complementary techniques. An interesting case is for sure GERDA, the Germanium Detector Array experiment, searching for neutrino-less double beta decay of {sup 76}Ge at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory of INFN -more » Italy. In GERDA the entire detector array, composed of semi-coaxial and BEGe naked crystals, is operated suspended inside a cryostat filled with liquid argon, that acts not only as cooling medium and but also as an active shield, thanks to its scintillation properties. These peculiar circumstances, together with the additional requirement of a very low radioactive background from all the materials adjacent to the detectors, clearly introduce significant constraints on the design of the Ge front-end readout electronics. All the Ge readout solutions developed within the framework of the GERDA collaboration, for both Phase I and Phase II, will be briefly reviewed, with their relative strength and weakness compared together and with respect to ideal Ge readout. Finally, the digital processing techniques developed by the GERDA collaboration for energy estimation of Ge detector signals will be recalled. (authors)« less

Flux qubit interaction with rapid single-flux quantum logic circuits: Control and readout

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klenov, N. V.; Kuznetsov, A. V.; Soloviev, I. I.; Bakurskiy, S. V.; Denisenko, M. V.; Satanin, A. M.

2017-07-01

We present the results of an analytical study and numerical simulation of the dynamics of a superconducting three-Josephson-junction (3JJ) flux qubit magnetically coupled with rapid single-flux quantum (RSFQ) logic circuit, which demonstrate the fundamental possibility of implementing the simplest logic operations at picosecond times, as well as rapid non-destructive readout. It is shown that when solving optimization problems, the qubit dynamics can be conveniently interpreted as a precession of the magnetic moment vector around the direction of the magnetic field. In this case, the role of magnetic field components is played by combinations of the Hamiltonian matrix elements, and the role of the magnetic moment is played by the Bloch vector. Features of the 3JJ qubit model are discussed during the analysis of how the qubit is affected by exposure to a short control pulse, as are the similarities between the Bloch and Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equations. An analysis of solutions to the Bloch equations made it possible to develop recommendations for the use of readout RSFQ circuits in implementing an optimal interface between the classical and quantum parts of the computer system, as well as to justify the use of single-quantum logic in order to control superconducting quantum circuits on a chip.

A Computational/Experimental Study of Two Optimized Supersonic Transport Designs and the Reference H Baseline

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cliff, Susan E.; Baker, Timothy J.; Hicks, Raymond M.; Reuther, James J.

1999-01-01

Two supersonic transport configurations designed by use of non-linear aerodynamic optimization methods are compared with a linearly designed baseline configuration. One optimized configuration, designated Ames 7-04, was designed at NASA Ames Research Center using an Euler flow solver, and the other, designated Boeing W27, was designed at Boeing using a full-potential method. The two optimized configurations and the baseline were tested in the NASA Langley Unitary Plan Supersonic Wind Tunnel to evaluate the non-linear design optimization methodologies. In addition, the experimental results are compared with computational predictions for each of the three configurations from the Enter flow solver, AIRPLANE. The computational and experimental results both indicate moderate to substantial performance gains for the optimized configurations over the baseline configuration. The computed performance changes with and without diverters and nacelles were in excellent agreement with experiment for all three models. Comparisons of the computational and experimental cruise drag increments for the optimized configurations relative to the baseline show excellent agreement for the model designed by the Euler method, but poorer comparisons were found for the configuration designed by the full-potential code.

Development of cryogenic CMOS Readout ASICs for the Point-Contact HPGe Detectors for Dark Matter Search and Neutrino Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Zhi; He, Li; Liu, Feng; Liu, Yinong; Xue, Tao; Li, Yulan; Yue, Qian

2017-05-01

The paper presents the developments of two cryogenic readout ASICs for the point-contact HPGe detectors for dark matter search and neutrino experiments. Extremely low noise readout electronics were demanded and the capability of working at cryogenic temperatures may bring great advantages. The first ASIC was a monolithic CMOS charge sensitive preamplifier with its noise optimized for ∼1 pF input capacitance. The second ASIC was a waveform recorder based on switched capacitor array. These two ASICs were fabricated in CMOS 350 nm and 180 nm processes respectively. The prototype chips were tested and showed promising results. Both ASICs worked well at low temperature. The preamplifier had achieved ENC of 10.3 electrons with 0.7 pF input capacitance and the SCA chip could run at 9 bit effective resolution and 25 MSPS sampling rate.

Handheld readout electronics to fully exploit the particle discrimination capabilities of elpasolite scintillators

DOE PAGES

Budden, B. S.; Stonehill, L. C.; Warniment, A.; ...

2015-06-10

In this study, a new class of elpasolite scintillators has garnered recent attention due to the ability to perform as simultaneous gamma spectrometers and thermal neutron detectors. Such a dual-mode capability is made possible by pulse-shape discrimination (PSD), whereby the emission waveform profiles of gamma and neutron events are fundamentally unique. To take full advantage of these materials, we have developed the Compact Advanced Readout Electronics for Elpasolites (CAREE). This handheld instrument employs a multi-channel PSD-capable ASIC, custom micro-processor board, front-end electronics, power supplies, and a 2 in. photomultiplier tube for readout of the scintillator. The unit is highly configurablemore » to allow for performance optimization amongst a wide sample of elpasolites which provide PSD in fundamentally different ways. We herein provide an introduction to elpasolites, then describe the motivation for the work, mechanical and electronic design, and preliminary performance results.« less

High bandwidth deflection readout for atomic force microscopes.

PubMed

Steininger, Juergen; Bibl, Matthias; Yoo, Han Woong; Schitter, Georg

2015-10-01

This contribution presents the systematic design of a high bandwidth deflection readout mechanism for atomic force microscopes. The widely used optical beam deflection method is revised by adding a focusing lens between the cantilever and the quadrant photodetector (QPD). This allows the utilization of QPDs with a small active area resulting in an increased detection bandwidth due to the reduced junction capacitance. Furthermore the additional lens can compensate a cross talk between a compensating z-movement of the cantilever and the deflection readout. Scaling effects are analyzed to get the optimal spot size for the given geometry of the QPD. The laser power is tuned to maximize the signal to noise ratio without limiting the bandwidth by local saturation effects. The systematic approach results in a measured -3 dB detection bandwidth of 64.5 MHz at a deflection noise density of 62fm/√Hz.

High bandwidth deflection readout for atomic force microscopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steininger, Juergen; Bibl, Matthias; Yoo, Han Woong; Schitter, Georg

2015-10-01

This contribution presents the systematic design of a high bandwidth deflection readout mechanism for atomic force microscopes. The widely used optical beam deflection method is revised by adding a focusing lens between the cantilever and the quadrant photodetector (QPD). This allows the utilization of QPDs with a small active area resulting in an increased detection bandwidth due to the reduced junction capacitance. Furthermore the additional lens can compensate a cross talk between a compensating z-movement of the cantilever and the deflection readout. Scaling effects are analyzed to get the optimal spot size for the given geometry of the QPD. The laser power is tuned to maximize the signal to noise ratio without limiting the bandwidth by local saturation effects. The systematic approach results in a measured -3 dB detection bandwidth of 64.5 MHz at a deflection noise density of 62 fm / √{ Hz } .

Thermodynamics of Computational Copying in Biochemical Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ouldridge, Thomas E.; Govern, Christopher C.; ten Wolde, Pieter Rein

2017-04-01

Living cells use readout molecules to record the state of receptor proteins, similar to measurements or copies in typical computational devices. But is this analogy rigorous? Can cells be optimally efficient, and if not, why? We show that, as in computation, a canonical biochemical readout network generates correlations; extracting no work from these correlations sets a lower bound on dissipation. For general input, the biochemical network cannot reach this bound, even with arbitrarily slow reactions or weak thermodynamic driving. It faces an accuracy-dissipation trade-off that is qualitatively distinct from and worse than implied by the bound, and more complex steady-state copy processes cannot perform better. Nonetheless, the cost remains close to the thermodynamic bound unless accuracy is extremely high. Additionally, we show that biomolecular reactions could be used in thermodynamically optimal devices under exogenous manipulation of chemical fuels, suggesting an experimental system for testing computational thermodynamics.

Theoretical Noise Analysis on a Position-sensitive Metallic Magnetic Calorimeter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Stephen J.

2007-01-01

We report on the theoretical noise analysis for a position-sensitive Metallic Magnetic Calorimeter (MMC), consisting of MMC read-out at both ends of a large X-ray absorber. Such devices are under consideration as alternatives to other cryogenic technologies for future X-ray astronomy missions. We use a finite-element model (FEM) to numerically calculate the signal and noise response at the detector outputs and investigate the correlations between the noise measured at each MMC coupled by the absorber. We then calculate, using the optimal filter concept, the theoretical energy and position resolution across the detector and discuss the trade-offs involved in optimizing the detector design for energy resolution, position resolution and count rate. The results show, theoretically, the position-sensitive MMC concept offers impressive spectral and spatial resolving capabilities compared to pixel arrays and similar position-sensitive cryogenic technologies using Transition Edge Sensor (TES) read-out.

Local readout enhancement for detuned signal-recycling interferometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rehbein, Henning; Müller-Ebhardt, Helge; Somiya, Kentaro; Li, Chao; Schnabel, Roman; Danzmann, Karsten; Chen, Yanbei

2007-09-01

High power detuned signal-recycling interferometers currently planned for second-generation interferometric gravitational-wave detectors (for example Advanced LIGO) are characterized by two resonances in the detection band, an optical resonance and an optomechanical resonance which is upshifted from the suspension pendulum frequency due to the so-called optical-spring effect. The detector’s sensitivity is enhanced around these two resonances. However, at frequencies below the optomechanical resonance frequency, the sensitivity of such interferometers is significantly lower than non-optical-spring configurations with comparable circulating power; such a drawback can also compromise high-frequency sensitivity, when an optimization is performed on the overall sensitivity of the interferometer to a class of sources. In this paper, we clarify the reason for such a low sensitivity, and propose a way to fix this problem. Motivated by the optical-bar scheme of Braginsky, Gorodetsky, and Khalili, we propose to add a local readout scheme which measures the motion of the arm-cavity front mirror, which at low frequencies moves together with the arm-cavity end mirror, under the influence of gravitational waves. This scheme improves the low-frequency quantum-noise-limited sensitivity of optical-spring interferometers significantly and can be considered as an incorporation of the optical-bar scheme into currently planned second-generation interferometers. On the other hand it can be regarded as an extension of the optical-bar scheme. Taking compact binary inspiral signals as an example, we illustrate how this scheme can be used to improve the sensitivity of the planned Advanced LIGO interferometer, in various scenarios, using a realistic classical-noise budget. We also discuss how this scheme can be implemented in Advanced LIGO with relative ease.

Toward a RPC-based muon tomography system for cargo containers.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baesso, P.; Cussans, D.; Thomay, C.; Velthuis, J.

2014-10-01

A large area scanner for cosmic muon tomography is currently being developed at University of Bristol. Thanks to their abundance and penetrating power, cosmic muons have been suggested as ideal candidates to scan large containers in search of special nuclear materials, which are characterized by high-Z and high density. The feasibility of such a scanner heavily depends on the detectors used to track the muons: for a typical container, the minimum required sensitive area is of the order of 100 2. The spatial resolution required depends on the geometrical configuration of the detectors. For practical purposes, a resolution of the order of 1 mm or better is desirable. A good time resolution can be exploited to provide momentum information: a resolution of the order of nanoseconds can be used to separate sub-GeV muons from muons with higher energies. Resistive plate chambers have a low cost per unit area and good spatial and time resolution; these features make them an excellent choice as detectors for muon tomography. In order to instrument a large area demonstrator we have produced 25 new readout boards and 30 glass RPCs. The RPCs measure 1800 mm× 600 mm and are read out using 1.68 mm pitch copper strips. The chambers were tested with a standardized procedure, i.e. without optimizing the working parameters to take into account differences in the manufacturing process, and the results show that the RPCs have an efficiency between 87% and 95%. The readout electronics show a signal to noise ratio greater than 20 for minimum ionizing particles. Spatial resolution better than 500 μm can easily be achieved using commercial read out ASICs. These results are better than the original minimum requirements to pass the tests and we are now ready to install the detectors.

Chirped fiber Bragg grating written in highly birefringent fiber in simultaneous strain and temperature monitoring.

PubMed

Bieda, Marcin S; Sobotka, Piotr; Woliński, Tomasz R

2017-02-20

A new sensor configuration is proposed for simultaneous strain and temperature monitoring in a composite material that is based on a chirped fiber Bragg grating (CFBG) written in a highly birefringent (HB) polarization-maintaining fiber. The sensor is designed in the reflective configuration in which the CFBG acts both as a reflector and a sensing element. Since CFBG and HB fiber induce changes in the state of polarization (SOP), interference between polarization modes in the reflected spectrum is observed and analyzed. We used a simple readout setup to enable fast, linear operation of strain sensing as well simultaneous strain and temperature measurements in the composite.

Gamma ray spectroscopy employing divalent europium-doped alkaline earth halides and digital readout for accurate histogramming

DOEpatents

Cherepy, Nerine Jane; Payne, Stephen Anthony; Drury, Owen B.; Sturm, Benjamin W.

2016-02-09

According to one embodiment, a scintillator radiation detector system includes a scintillator, and a processing device for processing pulse traces corresponding to light pulses from the scintillator, where the processing device is configured to: process each pulse trace over at least two temporal windows and to use pulse digitization to improve energy resolution of the system. According to another embodiment, a scintillator radiation detector system includes a processing device configured to: fit digitized scintillation waveforms to an algorithm, perform a direct integration of fit parameters, process multiple integration windows for each digitized scintillation waveform to determine a correction factor, and apply the correction factor to each digitized scintillation waveform.

Transparent ceramic garnet scintillator optimization via composition and co-doping for high-energy resolution gamma spectrometers (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cherepy, Nerine J.; Payne, Stephen A.; Seeley, Zachary M.; Beck, Patrick R.; Swanberg, Erik L.; Hunter, Steven L.

2016-09-01

Breakthrough energy resolution, R(662keV) <4%, has been achieved with an oxide scintillator, Cerium-doped Gadolinium Yttrium Gallium Aluminum Garnet, or GYGAG(Ce), by optimizing fabrication conditions. Here we describe the dependence of scintillation light yield and energy resolution on several variables: (1) Stoichiometry, in particular Gd/Y and Ga/Al ratios which modify the bandgap energy, (2) Processing methods, including vacuum vs. oxygen sintering, and (3) Trace co-dopants that influence the formation of Ce4+ and modify the intra-bandgap trap distribution. To learn about how chemical composition influences the scintillation properties of transparent ceramic garnet scintillators, we have measured: scintillation decay component amplitudes; intensity and duration of afterglow; thermoluminescence glow curve peak positions and amplitudes; integrated light yield; light yield non-proportionality, as measured in the Scintillator Light Yield Non-Proportionality Characterization Instrument (SLYNCI); and energy resolution for gamma spectroscopy. Optimized GYGAG(Ce) provides R(662 keV) =3.0%, for 0.05 cm3 size ceramics with Silicon photodiode readout, and R(662 keV) =4.6%, at 2 in3 size with PMT readout.

Cooperative optimization of reconfigurable machine tool configurations and production process plan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Nan; Li, Aiping; Xue, Wei

2012-09-01

The production process plan design and configurations of reconfigurable machine tool (RMT) interact with each other. Reasonable process plans with suitable configurations of RMT help to improve product quality and reduce production cost. Therefore, a cooperative strategy is needed to concurrently solve the above issue. In this paper, the cooperative optimization model for RMT configurations and production process plan is presented. Its objectives take into account both impacts of process and configuration. Moreover, a novel genetic algorithm is also developed to provide optimal or near-optimal solutions: firstly, its chromosome is redesigned which is composed of three parts, operations, process plan and configurations of RMTs, respectively; secondly, its new selection, crossover and mutation operators are also developed to deal with the process constraints from operation processes (OP) graph, otherwise these operators could generate illegal solutions violating the limits; eventually the optimal configurations for RMT under optimal process plan design can be obtained. At last, a manufacturing line case is applied which is composed of three RMTs. It is shown from the case that the optimal process plan and configurations of RMT are concurrently obtained, and the production cost decreases 6.28% and nonmonetary performance increases 22%. The proposed method can figure out both RMT configurations and production process, improve production capacity, functions and equipment utilization for RMT.

Multiwire proportional chamber development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Doolittle, R. F.; Pollvogt, U.; Eskovitz, A. J.

1973-01-01

The development of large area multiwire proportional chambers, to be used as high resolution spatial detectors in cosmic ray experiments is described. A readout system was developed which uses a directly coupled, lumped element delay-line whose characteristics are independent of the MWPC design. A complete analysis of the delay-line and the readout electronic system shows that a spatial resolution of about 0.1 mm can be reached with the MWPC operating in the strictly proportional region. This was confirmed by measurements with a small MWPC and Fe-55 X-rays. A simplified analysis was carried out to estimate the theoretical limit of spatial resolution due to delta-rays, spread of the discharge along the anode wire, and inclined trajectories. To calculate the gas gain of MWPC's of different geometrical configurations a method was developed which is based on the knowledge of the first Townsend coefficient of the chamber gas.

Discrete wavelength selection for the optical readout of a metamaterial biosensing system for glucose concentration estimation via a support vector regression model.

PubMed

Teutsch, T; Mesch, M; Giessen, H; Tarin, C

2015-01-01

In this contribution, a method to select discrete wavelengths that allow an accurate estimation of the glucose concentration in a biosensing system based on metamaterials is presented. The sensing concept is adapted to the particular application of ophthalmic glucose sensing by covering the metamaterial with a glucose-sensitive hydrogel and the sensor readout is performed optically. Due to the fact that in a mobile context a spectrometer is not suitable, few discrete wavelengths must be selected to estimate the glucose concentration. The developed selection methods are based on nonlinear support vector regression (SVR) models. Two selection methods are compared and it is shown that wavelengths selected by a sequential forward feature selection algorithm achieves an estimation improvement. The presented method can be easily applied to different metamaterial layouts and hydrogel configurations.

Low noise WDR ROIC for InGaAs SWIR image sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ni, Yang

2017-11-01

Hybridized image sensors are actually the only solution for image sensing beyond the spectral response of silicon devices. By hybridization, we can combine the best sensing material and photo-detector design with high performance CMOS readout circuitry. In the infrared band, we are facing typically 2 configurations: high background situation and low background situation. The performance of high background sensors are conditioned mainly by the integration capacity in each pixel which is the case for mid-wave and long-wave infrared detectors. For low background situation, the detector's performance is mainly limited by the pixel's noise performance which is conditioned by dark signal and readout noise. In the case of reflection based imaging condition, the pixel's dynamic range is also an important parameter. This is the case for SWIR band imaging. We are particularly interested by InGaAs based SWIR image sensors.

Time and position resolution of the scintillator strips for a muon system at future colliders

DOE PAGES

Denisov, Dmitri; Evdokimov, Valery; Lukic, Strahinja

2016-03-31

In this study, prototype scintilator+WLS strips with SiPM readout for a muon system at future colliders were tested for light yield, time resolution and position resolution. Depending on the configuration, light yield of up to 36 photoelectrons per muon per SiPM has been observed, as well as time resolution of 0.45 ns and position resolution along the strip of 7.7 cm.

Single Pixel Characterization of X-Ray TES Microcalorimeter Under AC Bias at MHz Frequencies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gottardi, L.; Blandler, S. R.; Porter, F. S.; Sadleir, J. E.; Kilbourne, C. A.; Bailey, C. N.; Finkbeiner, F. M.; Chervenak, J. A.; Adams, J. S.; Eckart, M. E.;

Readout architecture based on the use of Silicon PhotoMultiplier (SiPM, or MMPC)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marteau, J.; Carlus, B.; Gardien, S.; Girerd, C.; Ianigro, J.-C.; Montorio, J.-L.; Gibert, D.; Nicollin, F.

2012-04-01

The DIAPHANE project is pluri-disciplinary collaboration between particle physicists and geophysicists to perform the tomography of large geological structure mainly devoted to the study of active volcanoes. The detector used for this tomography, hereafter referred to as telescope, uses a standard, robust, cost-effective and well-known technology based on solid plastic scintillator readout by photomultiplier(s). The first generation of those telescopes, presently running in the Mont-Terri underground laboratory (St-Ursanne, Switzerland) and on the active volcano of La Soufrière (Guadeloupe, Lesser Antilles, France), uses Hamamatsu H8804-200mod photomultipliers. We present an upgrade of the readout architecture based on the use of Silicon PhotoMultiplier (SiPM, or MMPC) which allows to simplify the optical connections w.r.t. the present design and to benefit from the high photo-dectection efficiency of the SiPM. To ensure an effective increase in the muon detection efficiency one has to optimize the first trigger level and find the best compromise between photostatistics and the tails of the dark noise contributions. Several readout architectures, based or not on dedicated ASICs, are discussed and compared in this article.

Large Format, Background Limited Arrays of Kinetic Inductance Detectors for Sub-mm Astronomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baselmans, Jochem

2018-01-01

We present the development of large format imaging arrays for sub-mm astronomy based upon microwave Kinetic Inductance detectors and their read-out. In particular we focus on the arrays developed for the A-MKID instrument for the APEX telescope. AMKID contains 2 focal plane arrays, covering a field of view of 15?x15?. One array is optimized for the 350 GHz telluric window, the other for the 850 GHz window. Both arrays are constructed from four 61 x 61 mm detector chips, each of which contains up to 3400 detectors and up to 880 detectors per readout line. The detectors are lens antenna coupled MKIDs made from NbTiN and Aluminium that reach photon noise limited sensitivity in combination with a high optical coupling. The lens-antenna radiation coupling enables the use of 4K optics and Lyot stop due to the intrinsic directivity of the detector beam, allowing a simple cryogenic architecture. We discuss the pixel design and verification, detector packaging and the array performance. We will also discuss the readout system, which is a combination of a digital and analog back-end that can read-out up to 4000 pixels simultaneously using frequency division multiplexing.

Characterization of a sub-assembly of 3D position sensitive cadmium zinc telluride detectors and electronics from a sub-millimeter resolution PET system.

PubMed

Abbaszadeh, Shiva; Gu, Yi; Reynolds, Paul D; Levin, Craig S

2016-09-21

Cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) offers key advantages for small animal positron emission tomography (PET), including high spatial and energy resolution and simple metal deposition for fabrication of very small pixel arrays. Previous studies have investigated the intrinsic spatial, energy, and timing resolution of an individual sub-millimeter resolution CZT detector. In this work we present the first characterization results of a system of these detectors. The 3D position sensitive dual-CZT detector module and readout electronics developed in our lab was scaled up to complete a significant portion of the final PET system. This sub-system was configured as two opposing detection panels containing a total of twelve [Formula: see text] mm monolithic CZT crystals for proof of concept. System-level characterization studies, including optimizing the trigger threshold of each channel's comparators, were performed. 68 Ge and 137 Cs radioactive isotopes were used to characterize the energy resolution of all 468 anode channels in the sub-system. The mean measured global 511 keV photopeak energy resolution over all anodes was found to be [Formula: see text]% FWHM after correction for photon interaction depth-dependent signal variation. The measured global time resolution was 37 ns FWHM, a parameter to be further optimized, and the intrinsic spatial resolution was 0.76 mm FWHM.

Improved event positioning in a gamma ray detector using an iterative position-weighted centre-of-gravity algorithm.

PubMed

Liu, Chen-Yi; Goertzen, Andrew L

2013-07-21

An iterative position-weighted centre-of-gravity algorithm was developed and tested for positioning events in a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM)-based scintillation detector for positron emission tomography. The algorithm used a Gaussian-based weighting function centred at the current estimate of the event location. The algorithm was applied to the signals from a 4 × 4 array of SiPM detectors that used individual channel readout and a LYSO:Ce scintillator array. Three scintillator array configurations were tested: single layer with 3.17 mm crystal pitch, matched to the SiPM size; single layer with 1.5 mm crystal pitch; and dual layer with 1.67 mm crystal pitch and a ½ crystal offset in the X and Y directions between the two layers. The flood histograms generated by this algorithm were shown to be superior to those generated by the standard centre of gravity. The width of the Gaussian weighting function of the algorithm was optimized for different scintillator array setups. The optimal width of the Gaussian curve was found to depend on the amount of light spread. The algorithm required less than 20 iterations to calculate the position of an event. The rapid convergence of this algorithm will readily allow for implementation on a front-end detector processing field programmable gate array for use in improved real-time event positioning and identification.

Studies of Avalanche Photodiodes (APDS) as Readout Devices for Scintillating Fibers for High Energy Gamma-Ray Astronomy Telescopes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vasile, Stefan; Shera, Suzanne; Shamo, Denis

1998-01-01

New gamma ray and charged particle telescope designs based on scintillating fiber arrays could provide low cost, high resolution, lightweight, very large area and multi radiation length instrumentation for planned NASA space exploration. The scintillating fibers low visible light output requires readout sensors with single photon detection sensitivity and low noise. The sensitivity of silicon Avalanche Photodiodes (APDS) matches well the spectral output of the scintillating fibers. Moreover, APDs have demonstrated single photon capability. The global aim of our work is to make available to NASA a novel optical detector concept to be used as scintillating fiber readouts and meeting the requirements of the new generations of space-borne gamma ray telescopes. We proposed to evaluate the feasibility of using RMD's small area APDs ((mu)APD) as scintillating fiber readouts and to study possible alternative (mu)APD array configurations for space borne readout scintillating fiber systems, requiring several hundred thousand to one million channels. The evaluation has been conducted in accordance with the task description and technical specifications detailed in the NASA solicitation "Studies of Avalanche Photodiodes (APD as readout devices for scintillating fibers for High Energy Gamma-Ray Astronomy Telescopes" (#8-W-7-ES-13672NAIS) posted on October 23, 1997. The feasibility study we propose builds on recent developments of silicon APD arrays and light concentrators advances at RMD, Inc. and on more than 5 years of expertise in scintillating fiber detectors. In a previous program we carried out the initial research to develop a high resolution, small pixel, solid-state, silicon APD array which exhibited very high sensitivity in the UV-VIS spectrum. This (mu)APD array is operated in Geiger mode and results in high gain (greater than 10(exp 8)), extremely low noise, single photon detection capability, low quiescent power (less than 10 (mu)W/pixel for 30 micrometers sensitive area diameter) and output in the 1-5 volt range. If successful, this feasibility study will make possible the development of a scintillating fiber detector with unsurpassed sensitivity, extremely low power usage, a crucial factor of merit for space based sensors and telescopes.

Preliminary test data using the MOS DRO with Si:In detector material

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fowler, A. M.; Britt, J. P.; Joyce, R. R.; Probst, R. G.; Gates, J. L.

1986-01-01

The initial testing performed on the Hughes Metal Oxide Semiconductor Direct Readout (MOS DRO) with a Si:In extrinsic infrared array is described. The testing to date was of a screening nature and the results are primarily qualitative rather than quantitative. At a later date the performance optimization phase will be initiated. An encouraging result is that this response is strongly dependent on the detector temperature, to the extent that thermal transients introduced during the chip readout will affect the performance. A responsivity of 1 A/W at 2.2 microns with a bias of 15 volts, which is well below what is optimum bias, was obtained.

Optimization of the microcable and detector parameters towards low noise in the STS readout system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kasinski, Krzysztof; Kleczek, Rafal; Schmidt, Christian J.

2015-09-01

Successful operation of the Silicon Tracking System requires charge measurement of each hit with equivalent noise charge lower than 1000 e- rms. Detector channels will not be identical, they will be constructed accordingly to the estimated occupancy, therefore for the readout electronics, detector system will exhibit various parameters. This paper presents the simulation-based study on the required microcable (trace width, dielectric material), detector (aluminum strip resistance) and external passives' (decoupling capacitors) parameters in the Silicon Tracking System. Studies will be performed using a front-end electronics (charge sensitive amplifier with shaper) designed for the power budget of 10 mA/channel.

Access to specialist care: Optimizing the geographic configuration of trauma systems.

PubMed

Jansen, Jan O; Morrison, Jonathan J; Wang, Handing; He, Shan; Lawrenson, Robin; Hutchison, James D; Campbell, Marion K

2015-11-01

The optimal geographic configuration of health care systems is key to maximizing accessibility while promoting the efficient use of resources. This article reports the use of a novel approach to inform the optimal configuration of a national trauma system. This is a prospective cohort study of all trauma patients, 15 years and older, attended to by the Scottish Ambulance Service, between July 1, 2013, and June 30, 2014. Patients underwent notional triage to one of three levels of care (major trauma center [MTC], trauma unit, or local emergency hospital). We used geographic information systems software to calculate access times, by road and air, from all incident locations to all candidate hospitals. We then modeled the performance of all mathematically possible network configurations and used multiobjective optimization to determine geospatially optimized configurations. A total of 80,391 casualties were included. A network with only high- or moderate-volume MTCs (admitting at least 650 or 400 severely injured patients per year, respectively) would be optimally configured with a single MTC. A network accepting lower-volume MTCs (at least 240 severely injured patients per year) would be optimally configured with two MTCs. Both configurations would necessitate an increase in the number of helicopter retrievals. This study has shown that a novel combination of notional triage, network analysis, and mathematical optimization can be used to inform the planning of a national clinical network. Scotland's trauma system could be optimized with one or two MTCs. Care management study, level IV.

A depth-of-interaction PET detector using a stair-shaped reflector arrangement and a single-ended scintillation light readout.

PubMed

Son, Jeong-Whan; Lee, Min Sun; Lee, Jae Sung

2017-01-21

Positron emission tomography (PET) detectors with the ability to encode depth-of-interaction (DOI) information allow us to simultaneously improve the spatial resolution and sensitivity of PET scanners. In this study, we propose a DOI PET detector based on a stair-pattern reflector arrangement inserted between pixelated crystals and a single-ended scintillation light readout. The main advantage of the proposed method is its simplicity; DOI information is decoded from a flood map and the data can be simply acquired by using a single-ended readout system. Another potential advantage is that the two-step DOI detectors can provide the largest peak position distance in a flood map because two-dimensional peak positions can be evenly distributed. We conducted a Monte Carlo simulation and obtained flood maps. Then, we conducted experimental studies using two-step DOI arrays of 5  ×  5 Lu 1.9 Y 0.1 SiO 5 :Ce crystals with a cross-section of 1.7  ×  1.7 mm 2 and different detector configurations: an unpolished single-layer ( U S) array, a polished single-layer ( P S) array and a polished stacked two-layer ( P T) array. For each detector configuration, both air gaps and room-temperature vulcanization (RTV) silicone gaps were tested. Detectors U S and P T showed good peak separation in each scintillator with an average peak-to-valley ratio (PVR) and distance-to-width ratio (DWR) of 2.09 and 1.53, respectively. Detector P S RTV showed lower PVR and DWR (1.65 and 1.34, respectively). The configuration of detector P T Air is preferable for the construction of time-of-flight-DOI detectors because timing resolution was degraded by only about 40 ps compared with that of a non-DOI detector. The performance of detectors U S Air and P S RTV was lower than that of a non-DOI detector, and thus these designs are favorable when the manufacturing cost is more important than timing performance. The results demonstrate that the proposed DOI-encoding method is a promising candidate for PET scanners that require high resolution and sensitivity and operate with conventional acquisition systems.

Dual-Readout Immunochromatographic Assay by Utilizing MnO 2 Nanoflowers as the Unique Colorimetric/Chemiluminescent Probe

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

Ouyang, Hui; Lu, Qian; Wang, Wenwen

Manganese dioxide nanoflowers (MnO2 NFs) were synthesized and utilized as a dual readout probe to develop a novel immunochromatographic test strip (ITS) for detecting pesticide residues using chlorpyrifos as the model analyte. MnO2 NFs-labeled antibody for chlorpyrifos was employed as the signal tracer for conducting the ITS. After 10-min competitive immunoreaction, the tracer antibody was captured by the immobilized immunogen on test line in the test strip, resulting in the accumulation of MnO2 NFs. The accumulation of MnO2 NFs led to the appearance of brown color on the test line, which could be easily observed by the naked eye asmore » a qualitative readout. Moreover, MnO2 NFs showed a remarkably enhancing effect on the luminol-H2O2 chemiluminescent (CL) system. Unlike peroxidase-like nanomaterials, the enhancing mechanism of MnO2 NFs was based on its oxidant activity to decompose H2O2 for forming reactive oxygen species. After initiating the CL system in the test zone, strong CL signal was collected as a quantitative readout to sensitively detect chlorpyrifos. Under optimal conditions, the linear range of chlorpyrifos was 0.1–50 ng/mL with a low detection limit of 0.033 ng/mL (S/N = 3). The reliability of the dual-readout ITS was successfully demonstrated by the application on traditional Chinese medicine and environmental water samples. Due to the simultaneous rapid-qualitative and sensitive-quantitative detection, the dual-readout protocol provides a promising strategy for rapid screening and field assay on various areas such as environmental monitoring, food safety and point-of-care testing.« less

Position Sensitive Proximity Charge Sensing Readout of HPGe Detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Priest, Anders Peterson

Electrode segmentation is a necessity to achieve position sensitivity in semicon- ductor radiation detectors. Traditional segmentation requires decreasing electrode sizes while increasing channel numbers to achieve very fine position resolution. These electrodes can be complicated to fabricate, and many electrodes with individual electronic channels are required to instrument large detector areas. To simplify the fabrication process, we have moved the readout electrodes onto a printed circuit board that is positioned above the ionization type detection material. In this scheme, charge from radiation interactions will be shared amongst several electrodes, allowing for position interpolation. Because events can be reconstructed in between electrodes, fewer electrodes are needed to instrument large detector areas. The proximity charge sensing method of readout promises to simplify detector fabrication while maintaining the position resolution that is required by fields such as homeland security, astrophysics, environmental remediation, nuclear physics, and medical imaging. We performed scanning measurements on a proof of principle detector that we fabricated at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). These measurements showed that position resolution much finer than the strip pitch was achievable using the proximity charge readout method. We performed analytic calculations and Monte Carlo modeling to optimize the readout electrode geometry for a larger detector to test the limits of this technology. We achieved an average position resolution of 288 microm with eight proximity electrodes at a 5 mm pitch and 1 mm strip width, set 100 microm away from the detector surface by a Kapton spacer. To achieve this resolution using standard technologies, 300 microm pitch strips are necessary, and would require 100 channels to instrument the same area. Through our optimization calculations, we found that there is a trade-off between position resolution and energy resolution, and this system provided comparatively poor energy resolution by HPGe standards, with 4.7 keV FWHM at 59.5 keV. With another electrode geometry, we were able to achieve 2.9 keV FWHM at 59.5 keV. This dissertation describes the work we completed to achieve these results.

Monitoring the CMS strip tracker readout system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mersi, S.; Bainbridge, R.; Baulieu, G.; Bel, S.; Cole, J.; Cripps, N.; Delaere, C.; Drouhin, F.; Fulcher, J.; Giassi, A.; Gross, L.; Hahn, K.; Mirabito, L.; Nikolic, M.; Tkaczyk, S.; Wingham, M.

2008-07-01

The CMS Silicon Strip Tracker at the LHC comprises a sensitive area of approximately 200 m2 and 10 million readout channels. Its data acquisition system is based around a custom analogue front-end chip. Both the control and the readout of the front-end electronics are performed by off-detector VME boards in the counting room, which digitise the raw event data and perform zero-suppression and formatting. The data acquisition system uses the CMS online software framework to configure, control and monitor the hardware components and steer the data acquisition. The first data analysis is performed online within the official CMS reconstruction framework, which provides many services, such as distributed analysis, access to geometry and conditions data, and a Data Quality Monitoring tool based on the online physics reconstruction. The data acquisition monitoring of the Strip Tracker uses both the data acquisition and the reconstruction software frameworks in order to provide real-time feedback to shifters on the operational state of the detector, archiving for later analysis and possibly trigger automatic recovery actions in case of errors. Here we review the proposed architecture of the monitoring system and we describe its software components, which are already in place, the various monitoring streams available, and our experiences of operating and monitoring a large-scale system.

Taking the CCDs to the ultimate performance for low threshold experiments

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

Haro, Miguel; Moroni, Guillermo; Tiffenberg, Javier

2016-11-14

Scientific grade CCDs show atractive capabilities for the detection of particles with small energy deposition in matter. Their very low threshold of approximately 40 eV and their good spatial reconstruction of the event are key properties for currently running experiments: CONNIE and DAMIC. Both experiments can benefit from any increase of the detection efficiency of nuclear recoils at low energy. In this work we present two different approaches to increase this efficiency by increasing the SNR of events. The first one is based on the reduction of the readout noise of the device, which is the main contribution of uncertaintymore » to the signal measurement. New studies on the electronic noise from the integrated output amplifier and the readout electronics will be presented together with result of a new configuration showing a lower limit on the readout noise which can be implemented on the current setup of the CCD based experiments. A second approach to increase the SNR of events at low energy that will be presented is the studies of the spatial conformation of nuclear recoil events at different depth in the active volume by studies of new effects that differ from expected models based on not interacting diffusion model of electrons in the semiconductor.« less

A Lorentz force actuated magnetic field sensor with capacitive read-out

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stifter, M.; Steiner, H.; Kainz, A.; Keplinger, F.; Hortschitz, W.; Sauter, T.

2013-05-01

We present a novel design of a resonant magnetic field sensor with capacitive read-out permitting wafer level production. The device consists of a single-crystal silicon cantilever manufactured from the device layer of an SOI wafer. Cantilevers represent a very simple structure with respect to manufacturing and function. On the top of the structure, a gold lead carries AC currents that generate alternating Lorentz forces in an external magnetic field. The free end oscillation of the actuated cantilever depends on the eigenfrequencies of the structure. Particularly, the specific design of a U-shaped structure provides a larger force-to-stiffness-ratio than standard cantilevers. The electrodes for detecting cantilever deflections are separately fabricated on a Pyrex glass-wafer. They form the counterpart to the lead on the freely vibrating planar structure. Both wafers are mounted on top of each other. A custom SU-8 bonding process on wafer level creates a gap which defines the equilibrium distance between sensing electrodes and the vibrating structure. Additionally to the capacitive read-out, the cantilever oscillation was simultaneously measured with laser Doppler vibrometry through proper windows in the SOI handle wafer. Advantages and disadvantages of the asynchronous capacitive measurement configuration are discussed quantitatively and presented by a comprehensive experimental characterization of the device under test.

Development of new data acquisition system for COMPASS experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bodlak, M.; Frolov, V.; Jary, V.; Huber, S.; Konorov, I.; Levit, D.; Novy, J.; Salac, R.; Virius, M.

2016-04-01

This paper presents development and recent status of the new data acquisiton system of the COMPASS experiment at CERN with up to 50 kHz trigger rate and 36 kB average event size during 10 second period with beam followed by approximately 40 second period without beam. In the original DAQ, the event building is performed by software deployed on switched computer network, moreover the data readout is based on deprecated PCI technology; the new system replaces the event building network with a custom FPGA-based hardware. The custom cards are introduced and advantages of the FPGA technology for DAQ related tasks are discussed. In this paper, we focus on the software part that is mainly responsible for control and monitoring. The most of the system can run as slow control; only readout process has realtime requirements. The design of the software is built on state machines that are implemented using the Qt framework; communication between remote nodes that form the software architecture is based on the DIM library and IPBus technology. Furthermore, PHP and JS languages are used to maintain system configuration; the MySQL database was selected as storage for both configuration of the system and system messages. The system has been design with maximum throughput of 1500 MB/s and large buffering ability used to spread load on readout computers over longer period of time. Great emphasis is put on data latency, data consistency, and even timing checks which are done at each stage of event assembly. System collects results of these checks which together with special data format allows the software to localize origin of problems in data transmission process. A prototype version of the system has already been developed and tested the new system fulfills all given requirements. It is expected that the full-scale version of the system will be finalized in June 2014 and deployed on September provided that tests with cosmic run succeed.

Multipulse addressing of a Raman quantum memory: configurable beam splitting and efficient readout.

PubMed

Reim, K F; Nunn, J; Jin, X-M; Michelberger, P S; Champion, T F M; England, D G; Lee, K C; Kolthammer, W S; Langford, N K; Walmsley, I A

2012-06-29

Quantum memories are vital to the scalability of photonic quantum information processing (PQIP), since the storage of photons enables repeat-until-success strategies. On the other hand, the key element of all PQIP architectures is the beam splitter, which allows us to coherently couple optical modes. Here, we show how to combine these crucial functionalities by addressing a Raman quantum memory with multiple control pulses. The result is a coherent optical storage device with an extremely large time bandwidth product, that functions as an array of dynamically configurable beam splitters, and that can be read out with arbitrarily high efficiency. Networks of such devices would allow fully scalable PQIP, with applications in quantum computation, long distance quantum communications and quantum metrology.

Configuration evaluation and criteria plan. Volume 1: System trades study and design methodology plan (preliminary). Space Transportation Main Engine (STME) configuration study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bair, E. K.

1986-01-01

The System Trades Study and Design Methodology Plan is used to conduct trade studies to define the combination of Space Shuttle Main Engine features that will optimize candidate engine configurations. This is accomplished by using vehicle sensitivities and engine parametric data to establish engine chamber pressure and area ratio design points for candidate engine configurations. Engineering analyses are to be conducted to refine and optimize the candidate configurations at their design points. The optimized engine data and characteristics are then evaluated and compared against other candidates being considered. The Evaluation Criteria Plan is then used to compare and rank the optimized engine configurations on the basis of cost.

A high-speed pnCCD detector system for optical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hartmann, R.; Buttler, W.; Gorke, H.; Herrmann, S.; Holl, P.; Meidinger, N.; Soltau, H.; Strüder, L.

2006-11-01

Measurements of a frame-store pnCCD detector system, optimized for high-speed applications in the optical and near infrared (NIR) region, will be presented. The device with an image area of 13.5 mm by 13.5 mm and a pixelsize of 51 μm by 51 μm exhibits a readout time faster than 1100 frames per second with an overall electronic noise contribution of less than three electrons. Variable operation modes of the detector system allow for even higher readout speeds by a pixel binning in transfer direction or, at slightly slower readout speeds, a further improvement in noise performance. We will also present the concept of a data acquisition system being able to handle pixel rates of more than 75 megapixel per second. The application of an anti-reflective coating on the ultra-thin entrance window of the back illuminated detector together with the large sensitive volume ensures a high and uniform detection efficiency from the ultra violet to the NIR.

Development of 3He LPSDs and read-out system for the SANS spectrometer at CPHS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, T. C.; Gong, H.; Shao, B. B.; Wang, X. W.; Zhang, Y.; Pang, B. B.

2014-01-01

The Compact Pulsed Hadron Source (CPHS) is a 13-MeV proton-linac-driven neutron source under construction in Tsinghua University. Time-of-flight (TOF) small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) spectrometer is one of the first instruments to be built. It is designed to use linear position-sensitive detectors (LPSDs) of 3He gas proportional counters to cover a 1 m×1 m area. Prototypical LPSDs (Φ = 12 mm, L=1 m) have been made and read-out system is developed based on charge division. This work describes the in-house fabrication of the prototypical LPSDs and design of the read-out system including front-end electronics and data acquisition (DAQ) system. Key factors of the front-end electronics are studied and optimized with PSPICE simulation. DAQ system is designed based on VME bus architecture and FPGA Mezzanine Card (FMC) standard with high flexibility and extendibility. Preliminary experiments are carried out and the results are present and discussed.

Summary of Optimization Techniques That Can Be Applied to Suspension System Design

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1973-03-01

Summaries are presented of the analytic techniques available for three levitated vehicle suspension optimization problems: optimization of passive elements for fixed configuration; optimization of a free passive configuration; optimization of a free ...

Access to specialist care: Optimizing the geographic configuration of trauma systems

PubMed Central

Jansen, Jan O.; Morrison, Jonathan J.; Wang, Handing; He, Shan; Lawrenson, Robin; Hutchison, James D.; Campbell, Marion K.

2015-01-01

BACKGROUND The optimal geographic configuration of health care systems is key to maximizing accessibility while promoting the efficient use of resources. This article reports the use of a novel approach to inform the optimal configuration of a national trauma system. METHODS This is a prospective cohort study of all trauma patients, 15 years and older, attended to by the Scottish Ambulance Service, between July 1, 2013, and June 30, 2014. Patients underwent notional triage to one of three levels of care (major trauma center [MTC], trauma unit, or local emergency hospital). We used geographic information systems software to calculate access times, by road and air, from all incident locations to all candidate hospitals. We then modeled the performance of all mathematically possible network configurations and used multiobjective optimization to determine geospatially optimized configurations. RESULTS A total of 80,391 casualties were included. A network with only high- or moderate-volume MTCs (admitting at least 650 or 400 severely injured patients per year, respectively) would be optimally configured with a single MTC. A network accepting lower-volume MTCs (at least 240 severely injured patients per year) would be optimally configured with two MTCs. Both configurations would necessitate an increase in the number of helicopter retrievals. CONCLUSION This study has shown that a novel combination of notional triage, network analysis, and mathematical optimization can be used to inform the planning of a national clinical network. Scotland’s trauma system could be optimized with one or two MTCs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Care management study, level IV. PMID:26335775

Acoustic-noise-optimized diffusion-weighted imaging.

PubMed

Ott, Martin; Blaimer, Martin; Grodzki, David M; Breuer, Felix A; Roesch, Julie; Dörfler, Arnd; Heismann, Björn; Jakob, Peter M

2015-12-01

This work was aimed at reducing acoustic noise in diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DWI) that might reach acoustic noise levels of over 100 dB(A) in clinical practice. A diffusion-weighted readout-segmented echo-planar imaging (EPI) sequence was optimized for acoustic noise by utilizing small readout segment widths to obtain low gradient slew rates and amplitudes instead of faster k-space coverage. In addition, all other gradients were optimized for low slew rates. Volunteer and patient imaging experiments were conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of the method. Acoustic noise measurements were performed and analyzed for four different DWI measurement protocols at 1.5T and 3T. An acoustic noise reduction of up to 20 dB(A) was achieved, which corresponds to a fourfold reduction in acoustic perception. The image quality was preserved at the level of a standard single-shot (ss)-EPI sequence, with a 27-54% increase in scan time. The diffusion-weighted imaging technique proposed in this study allowed a substantial reduction in the level of acoustic noise compared to standard single-shot diffusion-weighted EPI. This is expected to afford considerably more patient comfort, but a larger study would be necessary to fully characterize the subjective changes in patient experience.

Genetic evolutionary taboo search for optimal marker placement in infrared patient setup

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riboldi, M.; Baroni, G.; Spadea, M. F.; Tagaste, B.; Garibaldi, C.; Cambria, R.; Orecchia, R.; Pedotti, A.

2007-09-01

In infrared patient setup adequate selection of the external fiducial configuration is required for compensating inner target displacements (target registration error, TRE). Genetic algorithms (GA) and taboo search (TS) were applied in a newly designed approach to optimal marker placement: the genetic evolutionary taboo search (GETS) algorithm. In the GETS paradigm, multiple solutions are simultaneously tested in a stochastic evolutionary scheme, where taboo-based decision making and adaptive memory guide the optimization process. The GETS algorithm was tested on a group of ten prostate patients, to be compared to standard optimization and to randomly selected configurations. The changes in the optimal marker configuration, when TRE is minimized for OARs, were specifically examined. Optimal GETS configurations ensured a 26.5% mean decrease in the TRE value, versus 19.4% for conventional quasi-Newton optimization. Common features in GETS marker configurations were highlighted in the dataset of ten patients, even when multiple runs of the stochastic algorithm were performed. Including OARs in TRE minimization did not considerably affect the spatial distribution of GETS marker configurations. In conclusion, the GETS algorithm proved to be highly effective in solving the optimal marker placement problem. Further work is needed to embed site-specific deformation models in the optimization process.

Demonstration of Time Domain Multiplexed Readout for Magnetically Coupled Calorimeters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Porst, J.-P.; Adams, J. S.; Balvin, M.; Bandler, S.; Beyer, J.; Busch, S. E.; Drung, D.; Seidel, G. M.; Smith, S. J.; Stevenson, T. R.

2012-01-01

Magnetically coupled calorimeters (MCC) have extremely high potential for x-ray applications due to the inherent high energy resolution capability and being non-dissipative. Although very high energy-resolution has been demonstrated, until now there has been no demonstration of multiplexed read-out. We report on the first realization of a time domain multiplexed (TDM) read-out. While this has many similarities with TDM of transition-edge-sensors (TES), for MGGs the energy resolution is limited by the SQUID read-out noise and requires the well established scheme to be altered in order to minimize degradation due to noise aliasing effects. In cur approach, each pixel is read out by a single first stage SQUID (SQ1) that is operated in open loop. The outputs of the SQ1 s are low-pass filtered with an array of low cross-talk inductors, then fed into a single-stage SQUID TD multiplexer. The multiplexer is addressed from room temperature and read out through a single amplifier channel. We present results achieved with a new detector platform. Noise performance is presented and compared to expectations. We have demonstrated multiplexed X-ray spectroscopy at 5.9keV with delta_FWHM=10eV. In an optimized setup, we show it is possible to multiplex 32 detectors without significantly degrading the Intrinsic detector resolution.

A parallel optimization method for product configuration and supplier selection based on interval

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Jian; Zhang, Meng; Li, Guoxi

2017-06-01

In the process of design and manufacturing, product configuration is an important way of product development, and supplier selection is an essential component of supply chain management. To reduce the risk of procurement and maximize the profits of enterprises, this study proposes to combine the product configuration and supplier selection, and express the multiple uncertainties as interval numbers. An integrated optimization model of interval product configuration and supplier selection was established, and NSGA-II was put forward to locate the Pareto-optimal solutions to the interval multiobjective optimization model.

Optimization Under Uncertainty of Site-Specific Turbine Configurations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quick, J.; Dykes, K.; Graf, P.; Zahle, F.

2016-09-01

Uncertainty affects many aspects of wind energy plant performance and cost. In this study, we explore opportunities for site-specific turbine configuration optimization that accounts for uncertainty in the wind resource. As a demonstration, a simple empirical model for wind plant cost of energy is used in an optimization under uncertainty to examine how different risk appetites affect the optimal selection of a turbine configuration for sites of different wind resource profiles. If there is unusually high uncertainty in the site wind resource, the optimal turbine configuration diverges from the deterministic case and a generally more conservative design is obtained with increasing risk aversion on the part of the designer.

A DSP-based readout and online processing system for a new focal-plane polarimeter at AGOR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hagemann, M.; Bassini, R.; van den Berg, A. M.; Ellinghaus, F.; Frekers, D.; Hannen, V. M.; Häupke, T.; Heyse, J.; Jacobs, E.; Kirsch, M.; Krüsemann, B.; Rakers, S.; Sohlbach, H.; Wörtche, H. J.

1999-11-01

A Focal-Plane Polarimeter (FPP) for the large acceptance Big-Bite Spectrometer (BBS) at AGOR using a novel readout architecture has been commissioned at the KVI Groningen. The instrument is optimized for medium-energy polarized proton scattering near or at 0°. For the handling of the high counting rates at extreme forward angles and for the suppression of small-angle scattering in the graphite analyzer, a high-performance data processing DSP system connecting to the LeCroy FERA and PCOS ECL bus architecture has been made operational and tested successfully. Details of the system and the functions of the various electronic components are described.

Resistive Plate Chambers for imaging calorimetry — The DHCAL

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Repond, J.

2014-09-01

The DHCAL — the Digital Hadron Calorimeter — is a prototype calorimeter based on Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs). The design emphasizes the imaging capabilities of the detector in an effort to optimize the calorimeter for the application of Particle Flow Algorithms (PFAs) to the reconstruction of hadronic jet energies in a colliding beam environment. The readout of the chambers is segmented into 1 × 1 cm2 pads, each read out with a 1-bit (single threshold) resolution. The prototype with approximately 500,000 readout channels underwent extensive testing in both the Fermilab and CERN test beams. This talk presents preliminary findings from the analysis of data collected at the test beams.

Ex-CARS: exotic configuration for coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microspectroscopy utilizing two laser sources

PubMed Central

Yakovlev, Vladislav V.; Petrov, Georgi I.; Noojin, Gary D.; Harbert, Corey; Denton, Michael; Thomas, Robert

2011-01-01

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a new coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering setting, which relies on a coherent excitation of Raman vibration using a broadband ultrashort laser pulse and signal read-out using a conventional continuous wave laser radiation. Such an exotic arrangement does not require any synchronization of two laser sources and can be used for direct comparison of amplitudes of nonlinear and spontaneous Raman signals. Ex-CARS in time- (top panel) and frequency- (bottom panel) domain. PMID:20635427

NRL EIGHTH CARD Program Interim Progress Report, 1 March 1969 to 30 September 1969

DTIC Science & Technology

1969-12-31

methods to measure the water vapor content of the atmosphere have been inves- tigated. One is based on the psychrometer method of measuring wet and dry bulb...over and under configuration. A shipboard psychrometer consisting of the sensors and blower and an 18.5-foot-high intake stack has been mounted on a...small boat. The intake stack may be partially dismounted to pro- vide a 9-foot intake level. The readout for the psychrometer is a multipoint Leeds and

The DCU: the detector control unit for SPICA-SAFARI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clénet, Antoine; Ravera, Laurent; Bertrand, Bernard; den Hartog, Roland H.; Jackson, Brian D.; van Leeuven, Bert-Joost; van Loon, Dennis; Parot, Yann; Pointecouteau, Etienne; Sournac, Anthony

2014-08-01

IRAP is developing the warm electronic, so called Detector Control Unit" (DCU), in charge of the readout of the SPICA-SAFARI's TES type detectors. The architecture of the electronics used to readout the 3 500 sensors of the 3 focal plane arrays is based on the frequency domain multiplexing technique (FDM). In each of the 24 detection channels the data of up to 160 pixels are multiplexed in frequency domain between 1 and 3:3 MHz. The DCU provides the AC signals to voltage-bias the detectors; it demodulates the detectors data which are readout in the cold by a SQUID; and it computes a feedback signal for the SQUID to linearize the detection chain in order to optimize its dynamic range. The feedback is computed with a specific technique, so called baseband feedback (BBFB) which ensures that the loop is stable even with long propagation and processing delays (i.e. several µs) and with fast signals (i.e. frequency carriers at 3:3 MHz). This digital signal processing is complex and has to be done at the same time for the 3 500 pixels. It thus requires an optimisation of the power consumption. We took the advantage of the relatively reduced science signal bandwidth (i.e. 20 - 40 Hz) to decouple the signal sampling frequency (10 MHz) and the data processing rate. Thanks to this method we managed to reduce the total number of operations per second and thus the power consumption of the digital processing circuit by a factor of 10. Moreover we used time multiplexing techniques to share the resources of the circuit (e.g. a single BBFB module processes 32 pixels). The current version of the firmware is under validation in a Xilinx Virtex 5 FPGA, the final version will be developed in a space qualified digital ASIC. Beyond the firmware architecture the optimization of the instrument concerns the characterization routines and the definition of the optimal parameters. Indeed the operation of the detection and readout chains requires to properly define more than 17 500 parameters (about 5 parameters per pixel). Thus it is mandatory to work out an automatic procedure to set up these optimal values. We defined a fast algorithm which characterizes the phase correction to be applied by the BBFB firmware and the pixel resonance frequencies. We also defined a technique to define the AC-carrier initial phases in such a way that the amplitude of their sum is minimized (for a better use of the DAC dynamic range).

Parametric study of a canard-configured transport using conceptual design optimization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arbuckle, P. D.; Sliwa, S. M.

1985-01-01

Constrained-parameter optimization is used to perform optimal conceptual design of both canard and conventional configurations of a medium-range transport. A number of design constants and design constraints are systematically varied to compare the sensitivities of canard and conventional configurations to a variety of technology assumptions. Main-landing-gear location and canard surface high-lift performance are identified as critical design parameters for a statically stable, subsonic, canard-configured transport.

Poster – 13: Evaluation of an in-house CCD camera film dosimetry imaging system for small field deliveries

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

Lalonde, Michel; Alexander, Kevin; Olding, Tim

Purpose: Radiochromic film dosimetry is a standard technique used in clinics to verify modern conformal radiation therapy delivery, and sometimes in research to validate other dosimeters. We are using film as a standard for comparison as we improve high-resolution three-dimensional gel systems for small field dosimetry; however, precise film dosimetry can be technically challenging. We report here measurements for fractionated stereotactic radiation therapy (FSRT) delivered using volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) to investigate the accuracy and reproducibility of film measurements with a novel in-house readout system. We show that radiochromic film can accurately and reproducibly validate FSRT deliveries and alsomore » benchmark our gel dosimetry work. Methods: VMAT FSRT plans for metastases alone (PTV{sub MET}) and whole brain plus metastases (WB+PTV{sub MET}) were delivered onto a multi-configurational phantom with a sheet of EBT3 Gafchromic film inserted mid-plane. A dose of 400 cGy was prescribed to 4 small PTV{sub MET} structures in the phantom, while a WB structure was prescribed a dose of 200 cGy in the WB+PTV{sub MET} iterations. Doses generated from film readout with our in-house system were compared to treatment planned doses. Each delivery was repeated multiple times to assess reproducibility. Results and Conclusions: The reproducibility of film optical density readout was excellent throughout all experiments. Doses measured from the film agreed well with plans for the WB+PTV{sub MET} delivery. But, film doses for PTV{sub MET} only deliveries were significantly below planned doses. This discrepancy is due to stray/scattered light perturbations in our system during readout. Corrections schemes will be presented.« less

Unitary Shaft-Angle and Shaft-Speed Sensor Assemblies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alhorn, Dean C.; Howard, David E.; Smith, Dennis A.

2006-01-01

The figure depicts a unit that contains a rotary-position or a rotary-speed sensor, plus electronic circuitry necessary for its operation, all enclosed in a single housing with a shaft for coupling to an external rotary machine. This rotation sensor unit is complete: when its shaft is mechanically connected to that of the rotary machine and it is supplied with electric power, it generates an output signal directly indicative of the rotary position or speed, without need for additional processing by other circuitry. The incorporation of all of the necessary excitatory and readout circuitry into the housing (in contradistinction to using externally located excitatory and/or readout circuitry) in a compact arrangement is the major difference between this unit and prior rotation-sensor units. The sensor assembly inside the housing includes excitatory and readout integrated circuits mounted on a circular printed-circuit board. In a typical case in which the angle or speed transducer(s) utilize electromagnetic induction, the assembly also includes another circular printed-circuit board on which the transducer windings are mounted. A sheet of high-magnetic permeability metal ("mu metal") is placed between the winding board and the electronic-circuit board to prevent spurious coupling of excitatory signals from the transducer windings to the readout circuits. The housing and most of the other mechanical hardware can be common to a variety of different sensor designs. Hence, the unit can be configured to generate any of variety of outputs by changing the interior sensor assembly. For example, the sensor assembly could contain an analog tachometer circuit that generates an output proportional (in both magnitude and sign or in magnitude only) to the speed of rotation.

CCD image sensor induced error in PIV applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Legrand, M.; Nogueira, J.; Vargas, A. A.; Ventas, R.; Rodríguez-Hidalgo, M. C.

2014-06-01

The readout procedure of charge-coupled device (CCD) cameras is known to generate some image degradation in different scientific imaging fields, especially in astrophysics. In the particular field of particle image velocimetry (PIV), widely extended in the scientific community, the readout procedure of the interline CCD sensor induces a bias in the registered position of particle images. This work proposes simple procedures to predict the magnitude of the associated measurement error. Generally, there are differences in the position bias for the different images of a certain particle at each PIV frame. This leads to a substantial bias error in the PIV velocity measurement (˜0.1 pixels). This is the order of magnitude that other typical PIV errors such as peak-locking may reach. Based on modern CCD technology and architecture, this work offers a description of the readout phenomenon and proposes a modeling for the CCD readout bias error magnitude. This bias, in turn, generates a velocity measurement bias error when there is an illumination difference between two successive PIV exposures. The model predictions match the experiments performed with two 12-bit-depth interline CCD cameras (MegaPlus ES 4.0/E incorporating the Kodak KAI-4000M CCD sensor with 4 megapixels). For different cameras, only two constant values are needed to fit the proposed calibration model and predict the error from the readout procedure. Tests by different researchers using different cameras would allow verification of the model, that can be used to optimize acquisition setups. Simple procedures to obtain these two calibration values are also described.

Integrated performance of a frequency domain multiplexing readout in the SPT-3G receiver

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bender, A. N.; Ade, P. A. R.; Anderson, A. J.; Avva, J.; Ahmed, Z.; Arnold, K.; Austermann, J. E.; Basu Thakur, R.; Benson, B. A.; Bleem, L. E.; Byrum, K.; Carlstrom, J. E.; Carter, F. W.; Chang, C. L.; Cho, H. M.; Cliche, J. F.; Crawford, T. M.; Cukierman, A.; Czaplewski, D. A.; Ding, J.; Divan, R.; de Haan, T.; Dobbs, M. A.; Dutcher, D.; Everett, W.; Gilbert, A.; Groh, J. C.; Guyser, R.; Halverson, N. W.; Harke-Hosemann, A.; Harrington, N. L.; Hattori, K.; Henning, J. W.; Hilton, G. C.; Holzapfel, W. L.; Huang, N.; Irwin, K. D.; Jeong, O.; Khaire, T.; Korman, M.; Kubik, D.; Kuo, C. L.; Lee, A. T.; Leitch, E. M.; Lendinez, S.; Meyer, S. S.; Miller, C. S.; Montgomery, J.; Nadolski, A.; Natoli, T.; Nguyen, H.; Novosad, V.; Padin, S.; Pan, Z.; Pearson, J.; Posada, C. M.; Rahlin, A.; Reichardt, C. L.; Ruhl, J. E.; Saliwanchik, B. R.; Sayre, J. T.; Shariff, J. A.; Shirley, Ian; Shirokoff, E.; Smecher, G.; Sobrin, J.; Stan, L.; Stark, A. A.; Story, K.; Suzuki, A.; Tang, Q. Y.; Thompson, K. L.; Tucker, C.; Vanderlinde, K.; Vieira, J. D.; Wang, G.; Whitehorn, N.; Yefremenko, V.; Yoon, K. W.

2016-07-01

The third generation receiver for the South Pole Telescope, SPT-3G, will make extremely deep, arcminuteresolution maps of the temperature and polarization of the cosmic microwave background. The SPT-3G maps will enable studies of the B-mode polarization signature, constraining primordial gravitational waves as well as the effect of massive neutrinos on structure formation in the late universe. The SPT-3G receiver will achieve exceptional sensitivity through a focal plane of 16,000 transition-edge sensor bolometers, an order of magnitude more than the current SPTpol receiver. SPT-3G uses a frequency domain multiplexing (fMux) scheme to read out the focal plane, combining the signals from 64 bolometers onto a single pair of wires. The fMux readout facilitates the large number of detectors in the SPT-3G focal plane by limiting the thermal load due to readout wiring on the 250 millikelvin cryogenic stage. A second advantage of the fMux system is that the operation of each bolometer can be optimized. In addition to these benefits, the fMux readout introduces new challenges into the design and operation of the receiver. The bolometers are operated at a range of frequencies up to 5 MHz, requiring control of stray reactances over a large bandwidth. Additionally, crosstalk between multiplexed detectors will inject large false signals into the data if not adequately mitigated. SPT-3G is scheduled to deploy to the South Pole Telescope in late 2016. Here, we present the pre-deployment performance of the fMux readout system with the SPT-3G focal plane.

Optimization Under Uncertainty of Site-Specific Turbine Configurations

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

Quick, J.; Dykes, K.; Graf, P.

Uncertainty affects many aspects of wind energy plant performance and cost. In this study, we explore opportunities for site-specific turbine configuration optimization that accounts for uncertainty in the wind resource. As a demonstration, a simple empirical model for wind plant cost of energy is used in an optimization under uncertainty to examine how different risk appetites affect the optimal selection of a turbine configuration for sites of different wind resource profiles. Lastly, if there is unusually high uncertainty in the site wind resource, the optimal turbine configuration diverges from the deterministic case and a generally more conservative design is obtainedmore » with increasing risk aversion on the part of the designer.« less

Optimization under Uncertainty of Site-Specific Turbine Configurations: Preprint

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

Quick, Julian; Dykes, Katherine; Graf, Peter

Uncertainty affects many aspects of wind energy plant performance and cost. In this study, we explore opportunities for site-specific turbine configuration optimization that accounts for uncertainty in the wind resource. As a demonstration, a simple empirical model for wind plant cost of energy is used in an optimization under uncertainty to examine how different risk appetites affect the optimal selection of a turbine configuration for sites of different wind resource profiles. If there is unusually high uncertainty in the site wind resource, the optimal turbine configuration diverges from the deterministic case and a generally more conservative design is obtained withmore » increasing risk aversion on the part of the designer.« less

Optimization Under Uncertainty of Site-Specific Turbine Configurations

DOE PAGES

Quick, J.; Dykes, K.; Graf, P.; ...

2016-10-03

Uncertainty affects many aspects of wind energy plant performance and cost. In this study, we explore opportunities for site-specific turbine configuration optimization that accounts for uncertainty in the wind resource. As a demonstration, a simple empirical model for wind plant cost of energy is used in an optimization under uncertainty to examine how different risk appetites affect the optimal selection of a turbine configuration for sites of different wind resource profiles. Lastly, if there is unusually high uncertainty in the site wind resource, the optimal turbine configuration diverges from the deterministic case and a generally more conservative design is obtainedmore » with increasing risk aversion on the part of the designer.« less

Cryogenic preamplification of a single-electron-transistor using a silicon-germanium heterojunction-bipolar-transistor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Curry, M. J.; England, T. D.; Bishop, N. C.; Ten-Eyck, G.; Wendt, J. R.; Pluym, T.; Lilly, M. P.; Carr, S. M.; Carroll, M. S.

2015-05-01

We examine a silicon-germanium heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) for cryogenic pre-amplification of a single electron transistor (SET). The SET current modulates the base current of the HBT directly. The HBT-SET circuit is immersed in liquid helium, and its frequency response from low frequency to several MHz is measured. The current gain and the noise spectrum with the HBT result in a signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) that is a factor of 10-100 larger than without the HBT at lower frequencies. The transition frequency defined by SNR = 1 has been extended by as much as a factor of 10 compared to without the HBT amplification. The power dissipated by the HBT cryogenic pre-amplifier is approximately 5 nW to 5 μW for the investigated range of operation. The circuit is also operated in a single electron charge read-out configuration in the time-domain as a proof-of-principle demonstration of the amplification approach for single spin read-out.

Readout Strategy of an Electro-optical Coupled PET Detector for Time-of-Flight PET/MRI

PubMed Central

Bieniosek, M F; Olcott, P D; Levin, C S

2013-01-01

Combining PET with MRI in a single system provides clinicians with complementary molecular and anatomical information. However, existing integrated PET/MRI systems do not have time-of-flight PET capabilities. This work describes an MRI-compatible front-end electronic system with ToF capabilities. The approach employs a fast arrival-time pickoff comparator to digitize the timing information, and a laser diode to drive a 10m fiber-optic cable to optically transmit asynchronous timing information to a photodiode receiver readout system. The comparator and this electo-optical link show a combined 11.5ps fwhm jitter in response to a fast digital pulse. When configured with LYSO scintillation crystals and Hamamatsu MPPC silicon photo-multipliers the comparator and electro-optical link achieved a 511keV coincidence time resolution of 254.7ps +/− 8.0ps fwhm with 3×3×20mm crystals and 166.5 +/− 2.5ps fwhm with 3×3×5mm crystals. PMID:24061218

Tracking Efficiency And Charge Sharing of 3D Silicon Sensors at Different Angles in a 1.4T Magnetic Field

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

Gjersdal, H.; /Oslo U.; Bolle, E.

2012-05-07

A 3D silicon sensor fabricated at Stanford with electrodes penetrating throughout the entire silicon wafer and with active edges was tested in a 1.4 T magnetic field with a 180 GeV/c pion beam at the CERN SPS in May 2009. The device under test was bump-bonded to the ATLAS pixel FE-I3 readout electronics chip. Three readout electrodes were used to cover the 400 {micro}m long pixel side, this resulting in a p-n inter-electrode distance of {approx} 71 {micro}m. Its behavior was confronted with a planar sensor of the type presently installed in the ATLAS inner tracker. Time over threshold, chargemore » sharing and tracking efficiency data were collected at zero and 15{sup o} angles with and without magnetic field. The latest is the angular configuration expected for the modules of the Insertable B-Layer (IBL) currently under study for the LHC phase 1 upgrade expected in 2014.« less

A double torsion pendulum with two cascade soft degrees of freedom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marconi, L.; Stanga, R.; Bassan, M.

2012-06-01

We report on a double torsion pendulum, where motion along two degrees of freedom (DoFs) is almost free. The Test Mass (TM) is enclosed in a replica of the LISA-Pathfinder electrostatic readout and actuation system. This apparatus is designed to perform extensive ground testing of undesired effects such as leakage of the readout noise from one DoF to another, or actuation cross talks with closed feedback loop. Such investigation is relevant to the noise budget of LISA and LISA-Pathfinder missions, as the TM will be sensitive to weak forces along all 6 degrees of freedom (DoFs). The instrument being developed in Firenze is capable of measuring the forces and stiffnesses acting simultaneously along the 2 soft DoFs. We have completed an upgrade of the apparatus to a definitive configuration and we report on both advances in the commissioning tests and on measurements of residual charge, with the first DoF released.

Physical measurement with in-line fiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer using differential phase white light interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aref, Seyed Hashem

2017-11-01

In this letter, the sensitivity to strain, curvature, and temperature of a sensor based on in-line fiber Mach-Zahnder interferometer (IFMZI) is studied and experimentally demonstrated. The sensing structure is simply a section of single mode fiber sandwiched between two abrupt tapers to achieve a compact IFMZI. The phase of interferometer changes with the measurand interaction, which is the basis for considering this structure for sensing. The physical parameter sensitivity of IFMZI sensor has been evaluated using differential white light interferometry (DWLI) technique as a phase read-out system. The differential configuration of the IFMZI sensor is used to achieve a high phase resolving power of ±0.062° for read-out interferometer by means of omission of phase noise of environment perturbations. The sensitivity of the sensor to the strain, curvature, and temperature has been measured 0.0199 degree/με, 757.00 degree/m-1, and 3.25 degree/°C, respectively.

Measurement configuration optimization for dynamic metrology using Stokes polarimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jiamin; Zhang, Chuanwei; Zhong, Zhicheng; Gu, Honggang; Chen, Xiuguo; Jiang, Hao; Liu, Shiyuan

2018-05-01

As dynamic loading experiments such as a shock compression test are usually characterized by short duration, unrepeatability and high costs, high temporal resolution and precise accuracy of the measurements is required. Due to high temporal resolution up to a ten-nanosecond-scale, a Stokes polarimeter with six parallel channels has been developed to capture such instantaneous changes in optical properties in this paper. Since the measurement accuracy heavily depends on the configuration of the probing beam incident angle and the polarizer azimuth angle, it is important to select an optimal combination from the numerous options. In this paper, a systematic error propagation-based measurement configuration optimization method corresponding to the Stokes polarimeter was proposed. The maximal Frobenius norm of the combinatorial matrix of the configuration error propagating matrix and the intrinsic error propagating matrix is introduced to assess the measurement accuracy. The optimal configuration for thickness measurement of a SiO2 thin film deposited on a Si substrate has been achieved by minimizing the merit function. Simulation and experimental results show a good agreement between the optimal measurement configuration achieved experimentally using the polarimeter and the theoretical prediction. In particular, the experimental result shows that the relative error in the thickness measurement can be reduced from 6% to 1% by using the optimal polarizer azimuth angle when the incident angle is 45°. Furthermore, the optimal configuration for the dynamic metrology of a nickel foil under quasi-dynamic loading is investigated using the proposed optimization method.

Mach-Zehnder Interferometer Biochemical Sensor Based on Silicon-on-Insulator Rib Waveguide with Large Cross Section

PubMed Central

Yuan, Dengpeng; Dong, Ying; Liu, Yujin; Li, Tianjian

2015-01-01

A high-sensitivity Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) biochemical sensing platform based on Silicon-in-insulator (SOI) rib waveguide with large cross section is proposed in this paper. Based on the analyses of the evanescent field intensity, the mode polarization and cross section dimensions of the SOI rib waveguide are optimized through finite difference method (FDM) simulation. To realize high-resolution MZI read-out configuration based on the SOI rib waveguide, medium-filled trenches are employed and their performances are simulated through two-dimensional finite-difference-time domain (2D-FDTD) method. With the fundamental EH-polarized mode of the SOI rib waveguide with a total rib height of 10 μm, an outside rib height of 5 μm and a rib width of 2.5 μm at the operating wavelength of 1550 nm, when the length of the sensitive window in the MZI configuration is 10 mm, a homogeneous sensitivity of 7296.6%/refractive index unit (RIU) is obtained. Supposing the resolutions of the photoelectric detectors connected to the output ports are 0.2%, the MZI sensor can achieve a detection limit of 2.74 × 10−6 RIU. Due to high coupling efficiency of SOI rib waveguide with large cross section with standard single-mode glass optical fiber, the proposed MZI sensing platform can be conveniently integrated with optical fiber communication systems and (opto-) electronic systems, and therefore has the potential to realize remote sensing, in situ real-time detecting, and possible applications in the internet of things. PMID:26343678

Optimized MCT IR-modules for high-performance imaging applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Breiter, R.; Eich, D.; Figgemeier, H.; Lutz, H.; Wendler, J.; Rühlich, I.; Rutzinger, S.; Schallenberg, T.

2014-06-01

In today's typical military operations situational awareness is a key element for mission success. In contrast to what is known from conventional warfare with typical targets such as tanks, asymmetric scenarios now dominate military operations. These scenarios require improved identification capabilities, for example the assessment of threat levels posed by personnel targets. Also, it is vital to identify and reliably distinguish between combatants, non-combatants and friendly forces. To satisfy these requirements, high-definition (HD) large format systems are well suited due to their high spatial and thermal resolution combined with high contrast. Typical applications are sights for long-range surveillance, targeting and reconnaissance platforms as well as rotorcraft pilotage sight systems. In 2012 AIM presented first prototypes of large format detectors with 1280 × 1024 elements in a 15μm pitch for both spectral bands MWIR and LWIR. The modular design allows integration of different cooler types, like AIM's split linear coolers SX095 or SX040 or rotary integral types depending whatever fits best to the application. Large format FPAs have been fabricated using liquid phase epitaxy (LPE) or molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) grown MCT. To offer high resolution in a more compact configuration AIM started the development of a 1024 × 768 10μm pitch IRmodule. Keeping electro/optical performance is achieved by a higher specific charge handling capacity of the readout integrated circuit (ROIC) in a 0.18μm Si CMOS technology. The FPA size fits to a dewar cooler configuration used for 640 × 512 15μm pitch modules.

Fast Interrogation of Fiber Bragg Gratings with Electro-Optical Dual Optical Frequency Combs

PubMed Central

Posada-Roman, Julio E.; Garcia-Souto, Jose A.; Poiana, Dragos A.; Acedo, Pablo

2016-01-01

Optical frequency combs (OFC) generated by electro-optic modulation of continuous-wave lasers provide broadband coherent sources with high power per line and independent control of line spacing and the number of lines. In addition to their application in spectroscopy, they offer flexible and optimized sources for the interrogation of other sensors based on wavelength change or wavelength filtering, such as fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors. In this paper, a dual-OFC FBG interrogation system based on a single laser and two optical-phase modulators is presented. This architecture allows for the configuration of multimode optical source parameters such as the number of modes and their position within the reflected spectrum of the FBG. A direct read-out is obtained by mapping the optical spectrum onto the radio-frequency spectrum output of the dual-comb. This interrogation scheme is proposed for measuring fast phenomena such as vibrations and ultrasounds. Results are presented for dual-comb operation under optimized control. The optical modes are mapped onto detectable tones that are multiples of 0.5 MHz around a center radiofrequency tone (40 MHz). Measurements of ultrasounds (40 kHz and 120 kHz) are demonstrated with this sensing system. Ultrasounds induce dynamic strain onto the fiber, which generates changes in the reflected Bragg wavelength and, hence, modulates the amplitude of the OFC modes within the reflected spectrum. The amplitude modulation of two counterphase tones is detected to obtain a differential measurement proportional to the ultrasound signal. PMID:27898043

Fast Interrogation of Fiber Bragg Gratings with Electro-Optical Dual Optical Frequency Combs.

PubMed

Posada-Roman, Julio E; Garcia-Souto, Jose A; Poiana, Dragos A; Acedo, Pablo

2016-11-26

Optical frequency combs (OFC) generated by electro-optic modulation of continuous-wave lasers provide broadband coherent sources with high power per line and independent control of line spacing and the number of lines. In addition to their application in spectroscopy, they offer flexible and optimized sources for the interrogation of other sensors based on wavelength change or wavelength filtering, such as fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors. In this paper, a dual-OFC FBG interrogation system based on a single laser and two optical-phase modulators is presented. This architecture allows for the configuration of multimode optical source parameters such as the number of modes and their position within the reflected spectrum of the FBG. A direct read-out is obtained by mapping the optical spectrum onto the radio-frequency spectrum output of the dual-comb. This interrogation scheme is proposed for measuring fast phenomena such as vibrations and ultrasounds. Results are presented for dual-comb operation under optimized control. The optical modes are mapped onto detectable tones that are multiples of 0.5 MHz around a center radiofrequency tone (40 MHz). Measurements of ultrasounds (40 kHz and 120 kHz) are demonstrated with this sensing system. Ultrasounds induce dynamic strain onto the fiber, which generates changes in the reflected Bragg wavelength and, hence, modulates the amplitude of the OFC modes within the reflected spectrum. The amplitude modulation of two counterphase tones is detected to obtain a differential measurement proportional to the ultrasound signal.

Supersonic Aerodynamic Design Improvements of an Arrow-Wing HSCT Configuration Using Nonlinear Point Design Methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Unger, Eric R.; Hager, James O.; Agrawal, Shreekant

1999-01-01

This paper is a discussion of the supersonic nonlinear point design optimization efforts at McDonnell Douglas Aerospace under the High-Speed Research (HSR) program. The baseline for these optimization efforts has been the M2.4-7A configuration which represents an arrow-wing technology for the High-Speed Civil Transport (HSCT). Optimization work on this configuration began in early 1994 and continued into 1996. Initial work focused on optimization of the wing camber and twist on a wing/body configuration and reductions of 3.5 drag counts (Euler) were realized. The next phase of the optimization effort included fuselage camber along with the wing and a drag reduction of 5.0 counts was achieved. Including the effects of the nacelles and diverters into the optimization problem became the next focus where a reduction of 6.6 counts (Euler W/B/N/D) was eventually realized. The final two phases of the effort included a large set of constraints designed to make the final optimized configuration more realistic and they were successful albeit with a loss of performance.

Dual-Readout Immunochromatographic Assay by Utilizing MnO2 Nanoflowers as the Unique Colorimetric/Chemiluminescent Probe.

PubMed

Ouyang, Hui; Lu, Qian; Wang, Wenwen; Song, Yang; Tu, Xinman; Zhu, Chengzhou; Smith, Jordan N; Du, Dan; Fu, Zhifeng; Lin, Yuehe

2018-04-17

Manganese dioxide nanoflowers (MnO 2 NFs) were synthesized and used as a dual readout probe to develop a novel immunochromatographic test strip (ITS) for detecting pesticide residues using chlorpyrifos as the model analyte. MnO 2 NFs-labeled antibody for chlorpyrifos was employed as the signal tracer for conducting the ITS. After 10 min competitive immunoreaction, the tracer antibody was captured by the immobilized immunogen in the test strip, resulting in the captured MnO 2 NFs on test line. The captured MnO 2 NFs led to the appearance of brown color on the test line, which could be easily observed by the naked eye as a qualitative readout. Due to the very slight colorimetric difference of chlorpyrifos at trace concentrations, the semiquantitative readout by naked eyes could not meet the demand of quantitative analysis. MnO 2 NFs showed a significant effect on the luminol-H 2 O 2 chemiluminescent (CL) system, and the CL signal driven by MnO 2 NFs were used to detect the trace concentration of chlorpyrifos quantitatively. 1,3-Diphenylisobenzofuran quenching studies and TMB-H 2 O 2 coloration assays were conducted for studying the enhancing mechanism of MnO 2 NFs, which was based on the oxidant activity to decompose H 2 O 2 for forming reactive oxygen species. Under optimal conditions, the linear range of chlorpyrifos was 0.1-50 ng/mL with a low detection limit of 0.033 ng/mL (S/N = 3). The reliability of the dual-readout ITS was successfully demonstrated by the application on traditional Chinese medicine and environmental water samples. Due to the simultaneous rapid-qualitative and sensitive-quantitative detection, the dual-readout protocol provides a promising strategy for rapid screening and field assay on various areas such as environmental monitoring and food safety.

BAW sensor readout circuit based on Pierce oscillator architecture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Yang; Yin, Xi-Yang; Han, Bin; Wang, Yu-Hang

2017-10-01

Bulk Acoustic Wave Resonators (BAWRs) have been well developed both as filters and as high sensitivity sensors in recent years. In contrast to traditional megahertz quartz resonators, BAWRs offer significant increases in resonant frequency, typically operating in gigahertz regimes. This translates into a potential sensitivity increase of more than three orders of magnitude over traditional QCM (Quartz Crystal Microbalance) devices. Given the micrometer-scale size of BAW sensor-head, read-out circuitry can monolithic integrated with this GHz transducer is urgently needed to produce small, robust, and inexpensive sensor systems. A BAW sensor read-out circuit prototype based on Pierce oscillator architecture is fulfilled in this paper. Based on the differential measurement scheme, two uniform BAWRs are used to constitute two BAW oscillators as a reference and a measurement branch respectively. The resonant frequency shift caused by the measurand is obtained by mixing and filtering the two oscillator signals. Then, the intermediate signal is amplified, shaped and converted to a digital one. And a FPGA is used for frequency detection. Taking 2 GHz BAW mass sensor as a case study, deign procedure are given in details. Simulation and experimental results reveal a 0-99 MHz frequency shift measurement range. Main factors affecting phase noise of the BAW oscillator (i.e. mainly frequency stability of the BAW sensor readout circuit) are also discussed for further optimizations.

Pixel electronic noise as a function of position in an active matrix flat panel imaging array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yazdandoost, Mohammad Y.; Wu, Dali; Karim, Karim S.

2010-04-01

We present an analysis of output referred pixel electronic noise as a function of position in the active matrix array for both active and passive pixel architectures. Three different noise sources for Active Pixel Sensor (APS) arrays are considered: readout period noise, reset period noise and leakage current noise of the reset TFT during readout. For the state-of-the-art Passive Pixel Sensor (PPS) array, the readout noise of the TFT switch is considered. Measured noise results are obtained by modeling the array connections with RC ladders on a small in-house fabricated prototype. The results indicate that the pixels in the rows located in the middle part of the array have less random electronic noise at the output of the off-panel charge amplifier compared to the ones in rows at the two edges of the array. These results can help optimize for clearer images as well as help define the region-of-interest with the best signal-to-noise ratio in an active matrix digital flat panel imaging array.

FPGA-based protein sequence alignment : A review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Isa, Mohd. Nazrin Md.; Muhsen, Ku Noor Dhaniah Ku; Saiful Nurdin, Dayana; Ahmad, Muhammad Imran; Anuar Zainol Murad, Sohiful; Nizam Mohyar, Shaiful; Harun, Azizi; Hussin, Razaidi

2017-11-01

Sequence alignment have been optimized using several techniques in order to accelerate the computation time to obtain the optimal score by implementing DP-based algorithm into hardware such as FPGA-based platform. During hardware implementation, there will be performance challenges such as the frequent memory access and highly data dependent in computation process. Therefore, investigation in processing element (PE) configuration where involves more on memory access in load or access the data (substitution matrix, query sequence character) and the PE configuration time will be the main focus in this paper. There are various approaches to enhance the PE configuration performance that have been done in previous works such as by using serial configuration chain and parallel configuration chain i.e. the configuration data will be loaded into each PEs sequentially and simultaneously respectively. Some researchers have proven that the performance using parallel configuration chain has optimized both the configuration time and area.

Optimal glottal configuration for ease of phonation.

PubMed

Lucero, J C

1998-06-01

Recent experimental studies have shown the existence of optimal values of the glottal width and convergence angle, at which the phonation threshold pressure is minimum. These results indicate the existence of an optimal glottal configuration for ease of phonation, not predicted by the previous theory. In this paper, the origin of the optimal configuration is investigated using a low dimensional mathematical model of the vocal fold. Two phenomena of glottal aerodynamics are examined: pressure losses due to air viscosity, and air flow separation from a divergent glottis. The optimal glottal configuration seems to be a consequence of the combined effect of both factors. The results agree with the experimental data, showing that the phonation threshold pressure is minimum when the vocal folds are slightly separated in a near rectangular glottis.

Global optimization of multicomponent distillation configurations: 2. Enumeration based global minimization algorithm

DOE PAGES

Nallasivam, Ulaganathan; Shah, Vishesh H.; Shenvi, Anirudh A.; ...

2016-02-10

We present a general Global Minimization Algorithm (GMA) to identify basic or thermally coupled distillation configurations that require the least vapor duty under minimum reflux conditions for separating any ideal or near-ideal multicomponent mixture into a desired number of product streams. In this algorithm, global optimality is guaranteed by modeling the system using Underwood equations and reformulating the resulting constraints to bilinear inequalities. The speed of convergence to the globally optimal solution is increased by using appropriate feasibility and optimality based variable-range reduction techniques and by developing valid inequalities. As a result, the GMA can be coupled with already developedmore » techniques that enumerate basic and thermally coupled distillation configurations, to provide for the first time, a global optimization based rank-list of distillation configurations.« less

Digital radiology using active matrix readout: amplified pixel detector array for fluoroscopy.

PubMed

Matsuura, N; Zhao, W; Huang, Z; Rowlands, J A

1999-05-01

Active matrix array technology has made possible the concept of flat panel imaging systems for radiography. In the conventional approach a thin-film circuit built on glass contains the necessary switching components (thin-film transistors or TFTs) to readout an image formed in either a phosphor or photoconductor layer. Extension of this concept to real time imaging--fluoroscopy--has had problems due to the very low noise required. A new design strategy for fluoroscopic active matrix flat panel detectors has therefore been investigated theoretically. In this approach, the active matrix has integrated thin-film amplifiers and readout electronics at each pixel and is called the amplified pixel detector array (APDA). Each amplified pixel consists of three thin-film transistors: an amplifier, a readout, and a reset TFT. The performance of the APDA approach compared to the conventional active matrix was investigated for two semiconductors commonly used to construct active matrix arrays--hydrogenated amorphous silicon and polycrystalline silicon. The results showed that with amplification close to the pixel, the noise from the external charge preamplifiers becomes insignificant. The thermal and flicker noise of the readout and the amplifying TFTs at the pixel become the dominant sources of noise. The magnitude of these noise sources is strongly dependent on the TFT geometry and its fabrication process. Both of these could be optimized to make the APDA active matrix operate at lower noise levels than is possible with the conventional approach. However, the APDA cannot be made to operate ideally (i.e., have noise limited only by the amount of radiation used) at the lowest exposure rate required in medical fluoroscopy.

Reading Out Single-Molecule Digital RNA and DNA Isothermal Amplification in Nanoliter Volumes with Unmodified Camera Phones

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Digital single-molecule technologies are expanding diagnostic capabilities, enabling the ultrasensitive quantification of targets, such as viral load in HIV and hepatitis C infections, by directly counting single molecules. Replacing fluorescent readout with a robust visual readout that can be captured by any unmodified cell phone camera will facilitate the global distribution of diagnostic tests, including in limited-resource settings where the need is greatest. This paper describes a methodology for developing a visual readout system for digital single-molecule amplification of RNA and DNA by (i) selecting colorimetric amplification-indicator dyes that are compatible with the spectral sensitivity of standard mobile phones, and (ii) identifying an optimal ratiometric image-process for a selected dye to achieve a readout that is robust to lighting conditions and camera hardware and provides unambiguous quantitative results, even for colorblind users. We also include an analysis of the limitations of this methodology, and provide a microfluidic approach that can be applied to expand dynamic range and improve reaction performance, allowing ultrasensitive, quantitative measurements at volumes as low as 5 nL. We validate this methodology using SlipChip-based digital single-molecule isothermal amplification with λDNA as a model and hepatitis C viral RNA as a clinically relevant target. The innovative combination of isothermal amplification chemistry in the presence of a judiciously chosen indicator dye and ratiometric image processing with SlipChip technology allowed the sequence-specific visual readout of single nucleic acid molecules in nanoliter volumes with an unmodified cell phone camera. When paired with devices that integrate sample preparation and nucleic acid amplification, this hardware-agnostic approach will increase the affordability and the distribution of quantitative diagnostic and environmental tests. PMID:26900709

Use of constrained optimization in the conceptual design of a medium-range subsonic transport

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sliwa, S. M.

1980-01-01

Constrained parameter optimization was used to perform the optimal conceptual design of a medium range transport configuration. The impact of choosing a given performance index was studied, and the required income for a 15 percent return on investment was proposed as a figure of merit. A number of design constants and constraint functions were systematically varied to document the sensitivities of the optimal design to a variety of economic and technological assumptions. A comparison was made for each of the parameter variations between the baseline configuration and the optimally redesigned configuration.

Two-electron states of a group-V donor in silicon from atomistic full configuration interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tankasala, Archana; Salfi, Joseph; Bocquel, Juanita; Voisin, Benoit; Usman, Muhammad; Klimeck, Gerhard; Simmons, Michelle Y.; Hollenberg, Lloyd C. L.; Rogge, Sven; Rahman, Rajib

2018-05-01

Two-electron states bound to donors in silicon are important for both two-qubit gates and spin readout. We present a full configuration interaction technique in the atomistic tight-binding basis to capture multielectron exchange and correlation effects taking into account the full band structure of silicon and the atomic-scale granularity of a nanoscale device. Excited s -like states of A1 symmetry are found to strongly influence the charging energy of a negative donor center. We apply the technique on subsurface dopants subjected to gate electric fields and show that bound triplet states appear in the spectrum as a result of decreased charging energy. The exchange energy, obtained for the two-electron states in various confinement regimes, may enable engineering electrical control of spins in donor-dot hybrid qubits.

Detector arrays for photometric measurements at soft X-ray, ultraviolet and visible wavelengths

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Timothy, J. G.; Mount, G. H.; Bybee, R. L.

1979-01-01

The construction and modes of operation of the Multi-Anode Microchannel Array (MAMA) detectors are described, and the designs of spectrometers utilizing them are outlined. MAMA consists of a curved microchannel array plate, an opaque photocathode (peak quantum efficiency of 19% at 1216 A), and a multi-anode (either discrete- or coincidence-anode) readout array. Designed for use in instruments on spaceborne telescopes, MAMA can be operated in a windowless configuration in extreme-ultraviolet and soft X-ray wavelengths, or in a sealed configuration at UV and visible wavelengths. Advantages of MAMA include low applied potential (less than 3.0 kV), high gain (greater than 10 to the 6th electrons/pulse), low sensitivity to high-energy charged particles, and immunity to external magnetic fields of less than 500 Gauss

Choosing Sensor Configuration for a Flexible Structure Using Full Control Synthesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lind, Rick; Nalbantoglu, Volkan; Balas, Gary

1997-01-01

Optimal locations and types for feedback sensors which meet design constraints and control requirements are difficult to determine. This paper introduces an approach to choosing a sensor configuration based on Full Control synthesis. A globally optimal Full Control compensator is computed for each member of a set of sensor configurations which are feasible for the plant. The sensor configuration associated with the Full Control system achieving the best closed-loop performance is chosen for feedback measurements to an output feedback controller. A flexible structure is used as an example to demonstrate this procedure. Experimental results show sensor configurations chosen to optimize the Full Control performance are effective for output feedback controllers.

Developing an Optimum Protocol for Thermoluminescence Dosimetry with GR-200 Chips using Taguchi Method.

PubMed

Sadeghi, Maryam; Faghihi, Reza; Sina, Sedigheh

2017-06-15

Thermoluminescence dosimetry (TLD) is a powerful technique with wide applications in personal, environmental and clinical dosimetry. The optimum annealing, storage and reading protocols are very effective in accuracy of TLD response. The purpose of this study is to obtain an optimum protocol for GR-200; LiF: Mg, Cu, P, by optimizing the effective parameters, to increase the reliability of the TLD response using Taguchi method. Taguchi method has been used in this study for optimization of annealing, storage and reading protocols of the TLDs. A number of 108 GR-200 chips were divided into 27 groups, each containing four chips. The TLDs were exposed to three different doses, and stored, annealed and read out by different procedures as suggested by Taguchi Method. By comparing the signal-to-noise ratios the optimum dosimetry procedure was obtained. According to the results, the optimum values for annealing temperature (°C), Annealing Time (s), Annealing to Exposure time (d), Exposure to Readout time (d), Pre-heat Temperature (°C), Pre-heat Time (s), Heating Rate (°C/s), Maximum Temperature of Readout (°C), readout time (s) and Storage Temperature (°C) are 240, 90, 1, 2, 50, 0, 15, 240, 13 and -20, respectively. Using the optimum protocol, an efficient glow curve with low residual signals can be achieved. Using optimum protocol obtained by Taguchi method, the dosimetry can be effectively performed with great accuracy. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Recursive Branching Simulated Annealing Algorithm

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bolcar, Matthew; Smith, J. Scott; Aronstein, David

2012-01-01

This innovation is a variation of a simulated-annealing optimization algorithm that uses a recursive-branching structure to parallelize the search of a parameter space for the globally optimal solution to an objective. The algorithm has been demonstrated to be more effective at searching a parameter space than traditional simulated-annealing methods for a particular problem of interest, and it can readily be applied to a wide variety of optimization problems, including those with a parameter space having both discrete-value parameters (combinatorial) and continuous-variable parameters. It can take the place of a conventional simulated- annealing, Monte-Carlo, or random- walk algorithm. In a conventional simulated-annealing (SA) algorithm, a starting configuration is randomly selected within the parameter space. The algorithm randomly selects another configuration from the parameter space and evaluates the objective function for that configuration. If the objective function value is better than the previous value, the new configuration is adopted as the new point of interest in the parameter space. If the objective function value is worse than the previous value, the new configuration may be adopted, with a probability determined by a temperature parameter, used in analogy to annealing in metals. As the optimization continues, the region of the parameter space from which new configurations can be selected shrinks, and in conjunction with lowering the annealing temperature (and thus lowering the probability for adopting configurations in parameter space with worse objective functions), the algorithm can converge on the globally optimal configuration. The Recursive Branching Simulated Annealing (RBSA) algorithm shares some features with the SA algorithm, notably including the basic principles that a starting configuration is randomly selected from within the parameter space, the algorithm tests other configurations with the goal of finding the globally optimal solution, and the region from which new configurations can be selected shrinks as the search continues. The key difference between these algorithms is that in the SA algorithm, a single path, or trajectory, is taken in parameter space, from the starting point to the globally optimal solution, while in the RBSA algorithm, many trajectories are taken; by exploring multiple regions of the parameter space simultaneously, the algorithm has been shown to converge on the globally optimal solution about an order of magnitude faster than when using conventional algorithms. Novel features of the RBSA algorithm include: 1. More efficient searching of the parameter space due to the branching structure, in which multiple random configurations are generated and multiple promising regions of the parameter space are explored; 2. The implementation of a trust region for each parameter in the parameter space, which provides a natural way of enforcing upper- and lower-bound constraints on the parameters; and 3. The optional use of a constrained gradient- search optimization, performed on the continuous variables around each branch s configuration in parameter space to improve search efficiency by allowing for fast fine-tuning of the continuous variables within the trust region at that configuration point.

An automated approach to magnetic divertor configuration design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blommaert, M.; Dekeyser, W.; Baelmans, M.; Gauger, N. R.; Reiter, D.

2015-01-01

Automated methods based on optimization can greatly assist computational engineering design in many areas. In this paper an optimization approach to the magnetic design of a nuclear fusion reactor divertor is proposed and applied to a tokamak edge magnetic configuration in a first feasibility study. The approach is based on reduced models for magnetic field and plasma edge, which are integrated with a grid generator into one sensitivity code. The design objective chosen here for demonstrative purposes is to spread the divertor target heat load as much as possible over the entire target area. Constraints on the separatrix position are introduced to eliminate physically irrelevant magnetic field configurations during the optimization cycle. A gradient projection method is used to ensure stable cost function evaluations during optimization. The concept is applied to a configuration with typical Joint European Torus (JET) parameters and it automatically provides plausible configurations with reduced heat load.

Self-Configuration and Self-Optimization Process in Heterogeneous Wireless Networks

PubMed Central

Guardalben, Lucas; Villalba, Luis Javier García; Buiati, Fábio; Sobral, João Bosco Mangueira; Camponogara, Eduardo

2011-01-01

Self-organization in Wireless Mesh Networks (WMN) is an emergent research area, which is becoming important due to the increasing number of nodes in a network. Consequently, the manual configuration of nodes is either impossible or highly costly. So it is desirable for the nodes to be able to configure themselves. In this paper, we propose an alternative architecture for self-organization of WMN based on Optimized Link State Routing Protocol (OLSR) and the ad hoc on demand distance vector (AODV) routing protocols as well as using the technology of software agents. We argue that the proposed self-optimization and self-configuration modules increase the throughput of network, reduces delay transmission and network load, decreases the traffic of HELLO messages according to network’s scalability. By simulation analysis, we conclude that the self-optimization and self-configuration mechanisms can significantly improve the performance of OLSR and AODV protocols in comparison to the baseline protocols analyzed. PMID:22346584

Self-configuration and self-optimization process in heterogeneous wireless networks.

PubMed

Guardalben, Lucas; Villalba, Luis Javier García; Buiati, Fábio; Sobral, João Bosco Mangueira; Camponogara, Eduardo

2011-01-01

Self-organization in Wireless Mesh Networks (WMN) is an emergent research area, which is becoming important due to the increasing number of nodes in a network. Consequently, the manual configuration of nodes is either impossible or highly costly. So it is desirable for the nodes to be able to configure themselves. In this paper, we propose an alternative architecture for self-organization of WMN based on Optimized Link State Routing Protocol (OLSR) and the ad hoc on demand distance vector (AODV) routing protocols as well as using the technology of software agents. We argue that the proposed self-optimization and self-configuration modules increase the throughput of network, reduces delay transmission and network load, decreases the traffic of HELLO messages according to network's scalability. By simulation analysis, we conclude that the self-optimization and self-configuration mechanisms can significantly improve the performance of OLSR and AODV protocols in comparison to the baseline protocols analyzed.

Development of the GEM-TPC X-ray Polarimeter with the Scalable Readout System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kitaguchi, Takao; Hayato, Asami; Iwakiri, Wataru; Takeuchi, Yoko; Kubota, Megu; Nishida, Kazuki; Enoto, Teruaki; Tamagawa, Toru

2018-02-01

We have developed a gaseous Time Projection Chamber (TPC) containing a single-layered foil of a gas electron multiplier (GEM) to open up a new window on cosmic X-ray polarimetry in the 2-10 keV band. The micro-pattern TPC polarimeter in combination with the Scalable Readout System produced by the RD51 collaboration has been built as an engineering model to optimize detector parameters and improve polarimeter sensitivity. The polarimeter was characterized with unpolarized X-rays from an X-ray generator in a laboratory and polarized X-rays on the BL32B2 beamline at the SPring-8 synchrotron radiation facility. Preliminary results show that the polarimeter has a comparable modulation factor to a prototype of the flight one.

Recent X-ray hybrid CMOS detector developments and measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hull, Samuel V.; Falcone, Abraham D.; Burrows, David N.; Wages, Mitchell; Chattopadhyay, Tanmoy; McQuaide, Maria; Bray, Evan; Kern, Matthew

2017-08-01

The Penn State X-ray detector lab, in collaboration with Teledyne Imaging Sensors (TIS), have progressed their efforts to improve soft X-ray Hybrid CMOS detector (HCD) technology on multiple fronts. Having newly acquired a Teledyne cryogenic SIDECARTM ASIC for use with HxRG devices, measurements were performed with an H2RG HCD and the cooled SIDECARTM. We report new energy resolution and read noise measurements, which show a significant improvement over room temperature SIDECARTM operation. Further, in order to meet the demands of future high-throughput and high spatial resolution X-ray observatories, detectors with fast readout and small pixel sizes are being developed. We report on characteristics of new X-ray HCDs with 12.5 micron pitch that include in-pixel CDS circuitry and crosstalk-eliminating CTIA amplifiers. In addition, PSU and TIS are developing a new large-scale array Speedster-EXD device. The original 64 × 64 pixel Speedster-EXD prototype used comparators in each pixel to enable event driven readout with order of magnitude higher effective readout rates, which will now be implemented in a 550 × 550 pixel device. Finally, the detector lab is involved in a sounding rocket mission that is slated to fly in 2018 with an off-plane reflection grating array and an H2RG X-ray HCD. We report on the planned detector configuration for this mission, which will increase the NASA technology readiness level of X-ray HCDs to TRL 9.

Study of the VMM1 read-out chip in a neutron irradiation environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alexopoulos, T.; Fanourakis, G.; Geralis, T.; Kokkoris, M.; Kourkoumeli-Charalampidi, A.; Papageorgiou, K.; Tsipolitis, G.

2016-05-01

Within 2015, the LHC operated close to the design energy of √s = 13-14 TeV delivering instantaneous luminosities up to Script L = 5 × 1033 cm-2s-1. The ATLAS Phase-I upgrade in 2018/19 will introduce the MicroMEGAS detectors in the area of the small wheel at the end caps. Accompanying new electronics are designed and built such as the VMM front end ASIC, which provides energy, timing and triggering information and allows fast data read-out. The first VMM version (VMM1) has been widely produced and tested in various test beams, whilst the second version (VMM2) is currently being tested. This paper focuses on the VMM1 single event upset studies and more specifically on the response of the configuration registers under harsh radiation environments. Similar conditions are expected at Run III with Script L = 2 × 1034 cm-2s-1 and a mean of 55 interactions per bunch crossing. Two VMM1s were exposed in a neutron irradiation environment using the TANDEM Van Der Graaff accelerator at NSCR Demokritos, Athens, Greece. The results showed a rate of SEU occurrences at a measured cross section of (4.1±0.8)×10-14 cm2/bit for each VMM. Consequently, when extrapolating this value to the luminosity expected in Run III, the occurrence is roughly 6 SEUs/min in all the read-out system comprising 40,000 VMMs installed during the Phase-I upgrade.

Optimal design of a hybrid MR brake for haptic wrist application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Quoc Hung; Nguyen, Phuong Bac; Choi, Seung-Bok

2011-03-01

In this work, a new configuration of a magnetorheological (MR) brake is proposed and an optimal design of the proposed MR brake for haptic wrist application is performed considering the required braking torque, the zero-field friction torque, the size and mass of the brake. The proposed MR brake configuration is a combination of disc-type and drum-type which is referred as a hybrid configuration in this study. After the MR brake with the hybrid configuration is proposed, braking torque of the brake is analyzed based on Bingham rheological model of the MR fluid. The zero-field friction torque of the MR brake is also obtained. An optimization procedure based on finite element analysis integrated with an optimization tool is developed for the MR brake. The purpose of the optimal design is to find the optimal geometric dimensions of the MR brake structure that can produce the required braking torque and minimize the uncontrollable torque (passive torque) of the haptic wrist. Based on developed optimization procedure, optimal solution of the proposed MR brake is achieved. The proposed optimized hybrid brake is then compared with conventional types of MR brake and discussions on working performance of the proposed MR brake are described.

A multi-purpose readout electronics for CdTe and CZT detectors for x-ray imaging applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yue, X. B.; Deng, Z.; Xing, Y. X.; Liu, Y. N.

2017-09-01

A multi-purpose readout electronics based on the DPLMS digital filter has been developed for CdTe and CZT detectors for X-ray imaging applications. Different filter coefficients can be synthesized optimized either for high energy resolution at relatively low counting rate or for high rate photon-counting with reduced energy resolution. The effects of signal width constraints, sampling rate and length were numerical studied by Mento Carlo simulation with simple CRRC shaper input signals. The signal width constraint had minor effect and the ENC was only increased by 6.5% when the signal width was shortened down to 2 τc. The sampling rate and length depended on the characteristic time constants of both input and output signals. For simple CR-RC input signals, the minimum number of the filter coefficients was 12 with 10% increase in ENC when the output time constant was close to the input shaping time. A prototype readout electronics was developed for demonstration, using a previously designed analog front ASIC and a commercial ADC card. Two different DPLMS filters were successfully synthesized and applied for high resolution and high counting rate applications respectively. The readout electronics was also tested with a linear array CdTe detector. The energy resolutions of Am-241 59.5 keV peak were measured to be 6.41% in FWHM for the high resolution filter and to be 13.58% in FWHM for the high counting rate filter with 160 ns signal width constraint.

Towards a Self-Configuring Optimization System for Spacecraft Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chien, Steve

1997-01-01

In this paper, we propose the use of a set of generic, metaheuristic optimization algorithms, which is configured for a particular optimization problem by an adaptive problem solver based on artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques. We describe work in progress on these principles.

JFET front-end circuits integrated in a detector-grade silicon substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manghisoni, M.; Ratti, L.; Re, V.; Speziali, V.; Traversi, G.; Dalla Betta, G. F.; Boscardin, M.; Batignani, G.; Giorgi, M.; Bosisio, L.

2003-08-01

This paper presents the design and experimental results relevant to front-end circuits integrated on detector-grade high resistivity silicon. The fabrication technology is made available by the Istituto per la Ricerca Scientifica e Tecnologica (ITC-IRST), Trento, Italy and allows using a common substrate for different kinds of active devices, such as N-channel JFETs and MOSFETs, and for pixel, microstrip, and PIN detectors. This research activity is being carried out in the framework of a project aiming at the fabrication of a multichannel mixed analog-digital chip for the readout of solid-state detectors integrated in the same substrate. Possible applications are in the field of medical and industrial imaging and space and high energy physics experiments. An all-JFET charge sensitive amplifier, which can use either a resistive or a nonresistive feedback network, has been characterized. The two configurations have been compared to each other, paying particular attention to noise performances, in view of the design of the complete readout channel. Operation capability in harsh radiation environment has been evaluated through exposure to /spl gamma/-rays from a /sup 60/Co source.

Efficiency bounds of molecular motors under a trade-off figure of merit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yanchao; Huang, Chuankun; Lin, Guoxing; Chen, Jincan

2017-05-01

On the basis of the theory of irreversible thermodynamics and an elementary model of the molecular motors converting chemical energy by ATP hydrolysis to mechanical work exerted against an external force, the efficiencies of the molecular motors at two different optimization configurations for trade-off figure of merit representing a best compromise between the useful energy and the lost energy are calculated. The upper and lower bounds for the efficiency at two different optimization configurations are determined. It is found that the optimal efficiencies at the two different optimization configurations are always larger than 1 / 2.

Optical and UV Sensing Sealed Tube Microchannel Plate Imaging Detectors with High Time Resolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siegmund, O.; Vallerga, J.; Tremsin, A.; Hull, J.; Elam, J.; Mane, A.

2014-09-01

Microchannel plate (MCP) based imaging, photon time tagging detector sealed tube schemes have a unique set of operational features that enable high time resolution astronomical and remote sensing applications to be addressed. New detectors using the cross strip (XS), cross delay line (XDL), or stripline anode readouts, a wide range of photocathode types, and advanced MCP technologies have been implemented to improve many performance characteristics. A variety of sealed tubes have been developed including 18mm XS readout devices with GaAs and SuperGenII photocathodes, 25mm XDL readout devices with SuperGenII and GaN photocathodes, and 20 x 20 cm sealed tubes with bialkali photocathodes and strip line readout. One key technology that has just become viable is the ability to make MCPs using atomic layer deposition (ALD) techniques. This employs nanofabrication of the active layers of an MCP on a microcapillary array. This technique opens new performance opportunities, including, very large MCP areas (>20cm), very low intrinsic background, lower radiation induced background, much longer overall lifetime and gain stability, and markedly lower outgassing which can improve the sealed tube lifetime and ease of fabrication. The XS readout has been implemented in formats of 22mm, 50mm and 100mm, and uses MCP charge signals detected on two orthogonal layers of conductive fingers to encode event X-Y positions. We have achieved spatial resolution XS detectors better than 25 microns FWHM, with good image linearity while at low gain (<10^6), substantially increasing local counting rate capabilities and the overall tube lifetime. XS tubes with updated electronics can encode event rates of >5 MHz with ~12% dead time and event timing accuracy of ~100ps. XDL sealed tubes in 25mm format demonstrate ~40 micron spatial resolution at up to ~2 MHz event rates, and have been developed with SupergenII visible regime photocathodes. The XDL tubes also achieve ~100 ps time resolution. Most recently ALD MCPs with an opaque GaN photocathode (100-350nm range) on the MCP surface has been demonstrated in a sealed tube configuration. These ALD MCPs show a stable and permanent 10x gain increase during tube processing. Efforts are also underway to establish ALD MCP configurations with large area sealed tubes from 5cm up to 20cm in size. We will discuss these efforts and their performance characteristics. We will discuss how we are applying these detector system developments to a number of applications. This includes ground based instruments for observations of transient and variable astronomical objects, as well as implementation in satellite instruments for earth atmospheric and solar observations. The XS 18mm sealed tube detectors are being implemented for night time remote reconnaissance and biological single-molecule fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy. Related efforts also include development of large (20cm) sealed tubes for Cherenkov light detection and large area focal plane imagers, and GaN sealed tube devices are candidates for future astronomical space based UV imaging and spectroscopy.

Learning optimal embedded cascades.

PubMed

Saberian, Mohammad Javad; Vasconcelos, Nuno

2012-10-01

The problem of automatic and optimal design of embedded object detector cascades is considered. Two main challenges are identified: optimization of the cascade configuration and optimization of individual cascade stages, so as to achieve the best tradeoff between classification accuracy and speed, under a detection rate constraint. Two novel boosting algorithms are proposed to address these problems. The first, RCBoost, formulates boosting as a constrained optimization problem which is solved with a barrier penalty method. The constraint is the target detection rate, which is met at all iterations of the boosting process. This enables the design of embedded cascades of known configuration without extensive cross validation or heuristics. The second, ECBoost, searches over cascade configurations to achieve the optimal tradeoff between classification risk and speed. The two algorithms are combined into an overall boosting procedure, RCECBoost, which optimizes both the cascade configuration and its stages under a detection rate constraint, in a fully automated manner. Extensive experiments in face, car, pedestrian, and panda detection show that the resulting detectors achieve an accuracy versus speed tradeoff superior to those of previous methods.

Piezoresistive Cantilever Performance—Part II: Optimization

PubMed Central

Park, Sung-Jin; Doll, Joseph C.; Rastegar, Ali J.; Pruitt, Beth L.

2010-01-01

Piezoresistive silicon cantilevers fabricated by ion implantation are frequently used for force, displacement, and chemical sensors due to their low cost and electronic readout. However, the design of piezoresistive cantilevers is not a straightforward problem due to coupling between the design parameters, constraints, process conditions, and performance. We systematically analyzed the effect of design and process parameters on force resolution and then developed an optimization approach to improve force resolution while satisfying various design constraints using simulation results. The combined simulation and optimization approach is extensible to other doping methods beyond ion implantation in principle. The optimization results were validated by fabricating cantilevers with the optimized conditions and characterizing their performance. The measurement results demonstrate that the analytical model accurately predicts force and displacement resolution, and sensitivity and noise tradeoff in optimal cantilever performance. We also performed a comparison between our optimization technique and existing models and demonstrated eight times improvement in force resolution over simplified models. PMID:20333323

Evaluation of optimal configuration of hybrid Life Support System for Space.

PubMed

Bartsev, S I; Mezhevikin, V V; Okhonin, V A

2000-01-01

Any comprehensive evaluation of Life Support Systems (LSS) for space applications has to be conducted taking into account not only mass of LSS components but also all relevant equipment and storage: spare parts, additional mass of space ship walls, power supply and heat rejection systems. In this paper different combinations of hybrid LSS (HLSS) components were evaluated. Three variants of power supply were under consideration--solar arrays, direct solar light transmission to plants, and nuclear power. The software based on simplex approach was used for optimizing LSS configuration with respect to its mass. It was shown that there are several LSS configuration, which are optimal for different time intervals. Optimal configurations of physical-chemical (P/C), biological and hybrid LSS for three types of power supply are presented.

Investigation and optimization of low-frequency noise performance in readout electronics of dc superconducting quantum interference device

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

Zhao, Jing; Peter Grünberg Institute; Zhang, Yi

2014-05-15

We investigated and optimized the low-frequency noise characteristics of a preamplifier used for readout of direct current superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs). When the SQUID output was detected directly using a room-temperature low-voltage-noise preamplifier, the low-frequency noise of a SQUID system was found to be dominated by the input current noise of the preamplifiers in case of a large dynamic resistance of the SQUID. To reduce the current noise of the preamplifier in the low-frequency range, we investigated the dependence of total preamplifier noise on the collector current and source resistance. When the collector current was decreased from 8.4 mAmore » to 3 mA in the preamplifier made of 3 parallel SSM2220 transistor pairs, the low-frequency total voltage noise of the preamplifier (at 0.1 Hz) decreased by about 3 times for a source resistance of 30 Ω whereas the white noise level remained nearly unchanged. Since the relative contribution of preamplifier's input voltage and current noise is different depending on the dynamic resistance or flux-to-voltage transfer of the SQUID, the results showed that the total noise of a SQUID system at low-frequency range can be improved significantly by optimizing the preamplifier circuit parameters, mainly the collector current in case of low-noise bipolar transistor pairs.« less

Investigation and optimization of low-frequency noise performance in readout electronics of dc superconducting quantum interference device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Jing; Zhang, Yi; Lee, Yong-Ho; Krause, Hans-Joachim

2014-05-01

We investigated and optimized the low-frequency noise characteristics of a preamplifier used for readout of direct current superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs). When the SQUID output was detected directly using a room-temperature low-voltage-noise preamplifier, the low-frequency noise of a SQUID system was found to be dominated by the input current noise of the preamplifiers in case of a large dynamic resistance of the SQUID. To reduce the current noise of the preamplifier in the low-frequency range, we investigated the dependence of total preamplifier noise on the collector current and source resistance. When the collector current was decreased from 8.4 mA to 3 mA in the preamplifier made of 3 parallel SSM2220 transistor pairs, the low-frequency total voltage noise of the preamplifier (at 0.1 Hz) decreased by about 3 times for a source resistance of 30 Ω whereas the white noise level remained nearly unchanged. Since the relative contribution of preamplifier's input voltage and current noise is different depending on the dynamic resistance or flux-to-voltage transfer of the SQUID, the results showed that the total noise of a SQUID system at low-frequency range can be improved significantly by optimizing the preamplifier circuit parameters, mainly the collector current in case of low-noise bipolar transistor pairs.

Hyperpolarized (129) Xe imaging of the rat lung using spiral IDEAL.

PubMed

Doganay, Ozkan; Wade, Trevor; Hegarty, Elaine; McKenzie, Charles; Schulte, Rolf F; Santyr, Giles E

2016-08-01

To implement and optimize a single-shot spiral encoding strategy for rapid 2D IDEAL projection imaging of hyperpolarized (Hp) (129) Xe in the gas phase, and in the pulmonary tissue (PT) and red blood cells (RBCs) compartments of the rat lung, respectively. A theoretical and experimental point spread function analysis was used to optimize the spiral k-space read-out time in a phantom. Hp (129) Xe IDEAL images from five healthy rats were used to: (i) optimize flip angles by a Bloch equation analysis using measured kinetics of gas exchange and (ii) investigate the feasibility of the approach to characterize the exchange of Hp (129) Xe. A read-out time equal to approximately 1.8 × T2* was found to provide the best trade-off between spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Spiral IDEAL approaches that use the entire dissolved phase magnetization should give an SNR improvement of a factor of approximately three compared with Cartesian approaches with similar spatial resolution. The IDEAL strategy allowed imaging of gas, PT, and RBC compartments with sufficient SNR and temporal resolution to permit regional gas exchange measurements in healthy rats. Single-shot spiral IDEAL imaging of gas, PT and RBC compartments and gas exchange is feasible in rat lung using Hp (129) Xe. Magn Reson Med 76:566-576, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Toward Large FOV High-Resolution X-Ray Imaging Spectrometer: Microwave Multiplexed Readout of 32 TES Microcalorimeters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yoon, Wonsik; Adams, Joseph S.; Bandler, Simon R.; Chervenak, James A.; Datesman, Aaron M.; Eckart, Megan E.; Finkbeiner, Fred M.; Kelley, Richard L.; Kilbourne, Caroline A.; Miniussi, Antoine R.;

New amorphous-silicon image sensor for x-ray diagnostic medical imaging applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weisfield, Richard L.; Hartney, Mark A.; Street, Robert A.; Apte, Raj B.

1998-07-01

This paper introduces new high-resolution amorphous Silicon (a-Si) image sensors specifically configured for demonstrating film-quality medical x-ray imaging capabilities. The devices utilizes an x-ray phosphor screen coupled to an array of a-Si photodiodes for detecting visible light, and a-Si thin-film transistors (TFTs) for connecting the photodiodes to external readout electronics. We have developed imagers based on a pixel size of 127 micrometer X 127 micrometer with an approximately page-size imaging area of 244 mm X 195 mm, and array size of 1,536 data lines by 1,920 gate lines, for a total of 2.95 million pixels. More recently, we have developed a much larger imager based on the same pixel pattern, which covers an area of approximately 406 mm X 293 mm, with 2,304 data lines by 3,200 gate lines, for a total of nearly 7.4 million pixels. This is very likely to be the largest image sensor array and highest pixel count detector fabricated on a single substrate. Both imagers connect to a standard PC and are capable of taking an image in a few seconds. Through design rule optimization we have achieved a light sensitive area of 57% and optimized quantum efficiency for x-ray phosphor output in the green part of the spectrum, yielding an average quantum efficiency between 500 and 600 nm of approximately 70%. At the same time, we have managed to reduce extraneous leakage currents on these devices to a few fA per pixel, which allows for very high dynamic range to be achieved. We have characterized leakage currents as a function of photodiode bias, time and temperature to demonstrate high stability over these large sized arrays. At the electronics level, we have adopted a new generation of low noise, charge- sensitive amplifiers coupled to 12-bit A/D converters. Considerable attention was given to reducing electronic noise in order to demonstrate a large dynamic range (over 4,000:1) for medical imaging applications. Through a combination of low data lines capacitance, readout amplifier design, optimized timing, and noise cancellation techniques, we achieve 1,000e to 2,000e of noise for the page size and large size arrays, respectively. This allows for true 12-bit performance and quantum limited images over a wide range of x-ray exposures. Various approaches to reducing line correlated noise have been implemented and will be discussed. Images documenting the improved performance will be presented. Avenues for improvement are under development, including higher resolution 97 micrometer pixel imagers, further improvements in detective quantum efficiency, and characterization of dynamic behavior.

Optimization of multi-objective micro-grid based on improved particle swarm optimization algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jian; Gan, Yang

2018-04-01

The paper presents a multi-objective optimal configuration model for independent micro-grid with the aim of economy and environmental protection. The Pareto solution set can be obtained by solving the multi-objective optimization configuration model of micro-grid with the improved particle swarm algorithm. The feasibility of the improved particle swarm optimization algorithm for multi-objective model is verified, which provides an important reference for multi-objective optimization of independent micro-grid.

Note: high precision angle generator using multiple ultrasonic motors and a self-calibratable encoder.

PubMed

Kim, Jong-Ahn; Kim, Jae Wan; Kang, Chu-Shik; Jin, Jonghan; Eom, Tae Bong

2011-11-01

We present an angle generator with high resolution and accuracy, which uses multiple ultrasonic motors and a self-calibratable encoder. A cylindrical air bearing guides a rotational motion, and the ultrasonic motors achieve high resolution over the full circle range with a simple configuration. The self-calibratable encoder can compensate the scale error of a divided circle (signal period: 20") effectively by applying the equal-division-averaged method. The angle generator configures a position feedback control loop using the readout of the encoder. By combining the ac and dc operation mode, the angle generator produced stepwise angular motion with 0.005" resolution. We also evaluated the performance of the angle generator using a precision angle encoder and an autocollimator. The expanded uncertainty (k = 2) in the angle generation was estimated less than 0.03", which included the calibrated scale error and the nonlinearity error. © 2011 American Institute of Physics

3D printed disposable optics and lab-on-a-chip devices for chemical sensing with cell phones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Comina, G.; Suska, A.; Filippini, D.

2017-02-01

Digital manufacturing (DM) offers fast prototyping capabilities and great versatility to configure countless architectures at affordable development costs. Autonomous lab-on-a-chip (LOC) devices, conceived as only disposable accessory to interface chemical sensing to cell phones, require specific features that can be achieved using DM techniques. Here we describe stereo-lithography 3D printing (SLA) of optical components and unibody-LOC (ULOC) devices using consumer grade printers. ULOC devices integrate actuation in the form of check-valves and finger pumps, as well as the calibration range required for quantitative detection. Coupling to phone camera readout depends on the detection approach, and includes different types of optical components. Optical surfaces can be locally configured with a simple polishing-free post-processing step, and the representative costs are 0.5 US$/device, same as ULOC devices, both involving fabrication times of about 20 min.

MECDAS: A distributed data acquisition system for experiments at MAMI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krygier, K. W.; Merle, K.

1994-02-01

For the coincidence experiments with the three spectrometer setup at MAMI an experiment control and data acquisition system has been built and was put successfully into final operation in 1992. MECDAS is designed as a distributed system using communication via Ethernet and optical links. As the front end, VME bus systems are used for real time purposes and direct hardware access via CAMAC, Fastbus or VMEbus. RISC workstations running UNIX are used for monitoring, data archiving and online and offline analysis of the experiment. MECDAS consists of several fixed programs and libraries, but large parts of readout and analysis can be configured by the user. Experiment specific configuration files are used to generate efficient and powerful code well adapted to special problems without additional programming. The experiment description is added to the raw collection of partially analyzed data to get self-descriptive data files.

A multimodal optical and electrochemical device for monitoring surface reactions: redox active surfaces in porous silicon Rugate filters.

PubMed

Ciampi, Simone; Guan, Bin; Darwish, Nadim A; Zhu, Ying; Reece, Peter J; Gooding, J Justin

2012-12-21

Herein, mesoporous silicon (PSi) is configured as a single sensing device that has dual readouts; as a photonic crystal sensor in a Rugate filter configuration, and as a high surface area porous electrode. The as-prepared PSi is chemically modified to provide it with stability in aqueous media and to allow for the subsequent coupling of chemical species, such as via Cu(I)-catalyzed cycloaddition reactions between 1-alkynes and azides ("click" reactions). The utility of the bimodal capabilities of the PSi sensor for monitoring surface coupling procedures is demonstrated by the covalent coupling of a ferrocene derivative, as well as by demonstrating ligand-exchange reactions (LER) at the PSi surface. Both types of reactions were monitored through optical reflectivity measurements, as well as electrochemically via the oxidation/reduction of the surface tethered redox species.

Aerodynamic design and analysis of the AST-204, AST-205, and AST-206 blended wing-fuse large supersonic transport configuration concepts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martin, G. L.; Walkley, K. B.

1980-01-01

The aerodynamic design and analysis of three blended wing-fuselage supersonic cruise configurations providing four, five, and six abreast seating was conducted using a previously designed supersonic cruise configuration as the baseline. The five abreast configuration was optimized for wave drag at a Mach number of 2.7. The four and six abreast configurations were also optimized at Mach 2.7, but with the added constraint that the majority of their structure be common with the five abreast configuration. Analysis of the three configurations indicated an improvement of 6.0, 7.5, and 7.7 percent in cruise lift-to-drag ratio over the baseline configuration for the four, five, and six abreast configurations, respectively.

ANTS — a simulation package for secondary scintillation Anger-camera type detector in thermal neutron imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morozov, A.; Defendi, I.; Engels, R.; Fraga, F. A. F.; Fraga, M. M. F. R.; Guerard, B.; Jurkovic, M.; Kemmerling, G.; Manzin, G.; Margato, L. M. S.; Niko, H.; Pereira, L.; Petrillo, C.; Peyaud, A.; Piscitelli, F.; Raspino, D.; Rhodes, N. J.; Sacchetti, F.; Schooneveld, E. M.; Van Esch, P.; Zeitelhack, K.

2012-08-01

A custom and fully interactive simulation package ANTS (Anger-camera type Neutron detector: Toolkit for Simulations) has been developed to optimize the design and operation conditions of secondary scintillation Anger-camera type gaseous detectors for thermal neutron imaging. The simulation code accounts for all physical processes related to the neutron capture, energy deposition pattern, drift of electrons of the primary ionization and secondary scintillation. The photons are traced considering the wavelength-resolved refraction and transmission of the output window. Photo-detection accounts for the wavelength-resolved quantum efficiency, angular response, area sensitivity, gain and single-photoelectron spectra of the photomultipliers (PMTs). The package allows for several geometrical shapes of the PMT photocathode (round, hexagonal and square) and offers a flexible PMT array configuration: up to 100 PMTs in a custom arrangement with the square or hexagonal packing. Several read-out patterns of the PMT array are implemented. Reconstruction of the neutron capture position (projection on the plane of the light emission) is performed using the center of gravity, maximum likelihood or weighted least squares algorithm. Simulation results reproduce well the preliminary results obtained with a small-scale detector prototype. ANTS executables can be downloaded from http://coimbra.lip.pt/~andrei/.

Optimal configuration of power grid sources based on optimal particle swarm algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wen, Yuanhua

2018-04-01

In order to optimize the distribution problem of power grid sources, an optimized particle swarm optimization algorithm is proposed. First, the concept of multi-objective optimization and the Pareto solution set are enumerated. Then, the performance of the classical genetic algorithm, the classical particle swarm optimization algorithm and the improved particle swarm optimization algorithm are analyzed. The three algorithms are simulated respectively. Compared with the test results of each algorithm, the superiority of the algorithm in convergence and optimization performance is proved, which lays the foundation for subsequent micro-grid power optimization configuration solution.

Optimal lifting ascent trajectories for the space shuttle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rau, T. R.; Elliott, J. R.

1972-01-01

The performance gains which are possible through the use of optimal trajectories for a particular space shuttle configuration are discussed. The spacecraft configurations and aerodynamic characteristics are described. Shuttle mission payload capability is examined with respect to the optimal orbit inclination for unconstrained, constrained, and nonlifting conditions. The effects of velocity loss and heating rate on the optimal ascent trajectory are investigated.

Constrained simultaneous multi-state reconfigurable wing structure configuration optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Snyder, Matthew

A reconfigurable aircraft is capable of in-flight shape change to increase mission performance or provide multi-mission capability. Reconfigurability has always been a consideration in aircraft design, from the Wright Flyer, to the F-14, and most recently the Lockheed-Martin folding wing concept. The Wright Flyer used wing-warping for roll control, the F-14 had a variable-sweep wing to improve supersonic flight capabilities, and the Lockheed-Martin folding wing demonstrated radical in-flight shape change. This dissertation will examine two questions that aircraft reconfigurability raises, especially as reconfiguration increases in complexity. First, is there an efficient method to develop a light weight structure which supports all the loads generated by each configuration? Second, can this method include the capability to propose a sub-structure topology that weighs less than other considered designs? The first question requires a method that will design and optimize multiple configurations of a reconfigurable aerostructure. Three options exist, this dissertation will show one is better than the others. Simultaneous optimization considers all configurations and their respective load cases and constraints at the same time. Another method is sequential optimization which considers each configuration of the vehicle one after the other - with the optimum design variable values from the first configuration becoming the lower bounds for subsequent configurations. This process repeats for each considered configuration and the lower bounds update as necessary. The third approach is aggregate combination — this method keeps the thickness or area of each member for the most critical configuration, the configuration that requires the largest cross-section. This research will show that simultaneous optimization produces a lower weight and different topology for the considered structures when compared to the sequential and aggregate techniques. To answer the second question, the developed optimization algorithm combines simultaneous optimization with a new method for determining the optimum location of the structural members of the sub-structure. The method proposed here considers an over-populated structural model, one in which there are initially more members than necessary. Using a unique iterative process, the optimization algorithm removes members from the design if they do not carry enough load to justify their presence. The initial set of members includes ribs, spars and a series of cross-members that diagonally connect the ribs and spars. The final result is a different structure, which is lower weight than one developed from sequential optimization or aggregate combination, and suggests the primary load paths. Chapter 1 contains background information on reconfigurable aircraft and a description of the new reconfigurable air vehicle being considered by the Air Vehicles Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory. This vehicle serves as a platform to test the proposed optimization process. Chapters 2 and 3 overview the optimization method and Chapter 4 provides some background analysis which is unique to this particular reconfigurable air vehicle. Chapter 5 contains the results of the optimizations and demonstrates how changing constraints or initial configuration impacts the final weight and topology of the wing structure. The final chapter contains conclusions and comments on some future work which would further enhance the effectiveness of the simultaneous reconfigurable structural topology optimization process developed and used in this dissertation.

MT3250BA: a 320×256-50µm snapshot microbolometer ROIC for high-resistance detector arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eminoglu, Selim; Akin, Tayfun

2013-06-01

This paper reports the development of a new microbolometer readout integrated circuit (MT3250BA) designed for high-resistance detector arrays. MT3250BA is the first microbolometer readout integrated circuit (ROIC) product from Mikro-Tasarim Ltd., which is a fabless IC design house specialized in the development of monolithic CMOS imaging sensors and ROICs for hybrid photonic imaging sensors and microbolometers. MT3250BA has a format of 320 × 256 and a pixel pitch of 50 µm, developed with a system-on-chip architecture in mind, where all the timing and biasing for this ROIC are generated on-chip without requiring any external inputs. MT3250BA is a highly configurable ROIC, where many of its features can be programmed through a 3-wire serial interface allowing on-the-fly configuration of many ROIC features. MT3250BA has 2 analog video outputs and 1 analog reference output for pseudo-differential operation, and the ROIC can be programmed to operate in the 1 or 2-output modes. A unique feature of MT3250BA is that it performs snapshot readout operation; therefore, the image quality will only be limited by the thermal time constant of the detector pixels, but not by the scanning speed of the ROIC, as commonly found in the conventional microbolometer ROICs performing line-by-line (rolling-line) readout operation. The signal integration is performed at the pixel level in parallel for the whole array, and signal integration time can be programmed from 0.1 µs up to 100 ms in steps of 0.1 µs. The ROIC is designed to work with high-resistance detector arrays with pixel resistance values higher than 250 kΩ. The detector bias voltage can be programmed on-chip over a 2 V range with a resolution of 1 mV. The ROIC has a measured input referred noise of 260 µV rms at 300 K. The ROIC can be used to build a microbolometer infrared sensor with an NETD value below 100 mK using a microbolometer detector array fabrication technology with a high detector resistance value (≥ 250 KΩ), a high TCR value (≥ 2.5 % / K), and a sufficiently low pixel thermal conductance (Gth ≤ 20 nW / K). The ROIC uses a single 3.3 V supply voltage and dissipates less than 75 mW in the 1-output mode at 60 fps. MT3250BA is fabricated using a mixed-signal CMOS process on 200 mm CMOS wafers, and tested wafers are available with test data and wafer map. A USB based compact test electronics and software are available for quick evaluation of this new microbolometer ROIC.

COUGAR: a liquid nitrogen cooled InGaAs camera for astronomy and electro-luminescence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Van Bogget, Urbain; Vervenne, Vincent; Vinella, Rosa Maria; van der Zanden, Koen; Merken, Patrick; Vermeiren, Jan

2014-06-01

A SWIR FPA was designed and manufactured with 640*512 pixels, 20 μm pitch and InGaAs detectors for electroluminescence characterization and astronomical applications in the [0.9 - 1.55 μm] range. The FPA is mounted in a liquid nitrogen dewar and is operated by a low noise frontend electronics. One of the biggest problem in designing sensors and cameras for electro-luminescence measurements is the autoillumination of the detectors by the readout circuit. Besides of proper shielding of the detectors, the ROIC shall be optimized for minimal electrical activity during the integration time of the very-weak signals coming from the circuit under test. For this reason a SFD (or Source Follower per Detector) architecture (like in the Hawaii sensor) was selected, resulting in a background limited performance of the detector. The pixel has a (somewhat arbitrary) full well capacity of 400 000 e- and a sensitivity of 2.17 μV/e-. The dark signal is app. 1 e-/pixel/sec and with the appropriate Fowler sampling the dark noise lowers below 5 e-rms. The power consumption of the circuit is limited 2 mW, allowing more than 24 hours of operation on less than 1 l of liquid nitrogen. The FPA is equipped with 4 outputs (optional readout on one single channel) and is capable of achieving 3 frames per second. Due to the non-destructive readout it is possible to determine in a dynamic way the optimal integration time for each observation. The Cougar camera is equipped with ultra-low noise power supply and bias lines; the electronics contain also a 24 bit AD converter to fully exploit the sensitivity of the FPA and the camera.

Silicon photomultipliers in scintillation detectors used for gamma ray energies up to 6.1 MeV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grodzicka-Kobylka, M.; Szczesniak, T.; Moszyński, M.; Swiderski, L.; Szawłowski, M.

2017-12-01

Majority of papers concerning scintillation detectors with light readout by means of silicon photomultipliers refer to nuclear medicine or radiation monitoring devices where energy of detected gamma rays do not exceed 2 MeV. Detection of gamma radiation with higher energies is of interest to e.g. high energy physics and plasma diagnostics. The aim of this paper is to study applicability (usefulness) of SiPM light readout in detection of gamma rays up to 6.1 MeV in combination with various scintillators. The reported measurements were made with 3 samples of one type of Hamamatsu TSV (Through-Silicon Via technology) MPPC arrays. These 4x4 channel arrays have a 50 × 50 μm2 cell size and 12 × 12 mm2 effective active area. The following scintillators were used: CeBr3, NaI:Tl, CsI:Tl. During all the tests detectors were located in a climatic chamber. The studies are focused on optimization of the MPPC performance for practical use in detection of high energy gamma rays. The optimization includes selection of the optimum operating voltage in respect to the required energy resolution, dynamic range, linearity and pulse amplitude. The presented temperature tests show breakdown voltage dependence on the temperature change and define requirements for a power supply and gain stabilization method. The energy spectra for energies between 511 keV and 6.1 MeV are also presented and compared with data acquired with a classic photomultiplier XP5212B readout. Such a comparison allowed study of nonlinearity of the tested MPPCs, correction of the energy spectra and proper analysis of the energy resolution.

Design and performance of dual-polarization lumped-element kinetic inductance detectors for millimeter-wave polarimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCarrick, H.; Jones, G.; Johnson, B. R.; Abitbol, M. H.; Ade, P. A. R.; Bryan, S.; Day, P.; Essinger-Hileman, T.; Flanigan, D.; Leduc, H. G.; Limon, M.; Mauskopf, P.; Miller, A.; Tucker, C.

2018-02-01

Aims: Lumped-element kinetic inductance detectors (LEKIDs) are an attractive technology for millimeter-wave observations that require large arrays of extremely low-noise detectors. We designed, fabricated and characterized 64-element (128 LEKID) arrays of horn-coupled, dual-polarization LEKIDs optimized for ground-based CMB polarimetry. Our devices are sensitive to two orthogonal polarizations in a single spectral band centered on 150 GHz with Δν/ν = 0.2. The 65 × 65 mm square arrays are designed to be tiled into the focal plane of an optical system. We demonstrate the viability of these dual-polarization LEKIDs with laboratory measurements. Methods: The LEKID modules are tested with an FPGA-based readout system in a sub-kelvin cryostat that uses a two-stage adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator. The devices are characterized using a blackbody and a millimeter-wave source. The polarization properties are measured with a cryogenic stepped half-wave plate. We measure the resonator parameters and the detector sensitivity, noise spectrum, dynamic range, and polarization response. Results: The resonators have internal quality factors approaching 1 × 106. The detectors have uniform response between orthogonal polarizations and a large dynamic range. The detectors are photon-noise limited above 1 pW of absorbed power. The noise-equivalent temperatures under a 3.4 K blackbody load are <100 μK √s. The polarization fractions of detectors sensitive to orthogonal polarizations are >80%. The entire array is multiplexed on a single readout line, demonstrating a multiplexing factor of 128. The array and readout meet the requirements for 4 arrays to be read out simultaneously for a multiplexing factor of 512. Conclusions: This laboratory study demonstrates the first dual-polarization LEKID array optimized specifically for CMB polarimetry and shows the readiness of the detectors for on-sky observations.

Robust design of configurations and parameters of adaptable products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jian; Chen, Yongliang; Xue, Deyi; Gu, Peihua

2014-03-01

An adaptable product can satisfy different customer requirements by changing its configuration and parameter values during the operation stage. Design of adaptable products aims at reducing the environment impact through replacement of multiple different products with single adaptable ones. Due to the complex architecture, multiple functional requirements, and changes of product configurations and parameter values in operation, impact of uncertainties to the functional performance measures needs to be considered in design of adaptable products. In this paper, a robust design approach is introduced to identify the optimal design configuration and parameters of an adaptable product whose functional performance measures are the least sensitive to uncertainties. An adaptable product in this paper is modeled by both configurations and parameters. At the configuration level, methods to model different product configuration candidates in design and different product configuration states in operation to satisfy design requirements are introduced. At the parameter level, four types of product/operating parameters and relations among these parameters are discussed. A two-level optimization approach is developed to identify the optimal design configuration and its parameter values of the adaptable product. A case study is implemented to illustrate the effectiveness of the newly developed robust adaptable design method.

Microwave SQUID Multiplexer Demonstration for Cosmic Microwave Background Imagers.

PubMed

Dober, B; Becker, D T; Bennett, D A; Bryan, S A; Duff, S M; Gard, J D; Hays-Wehle, J P; Hilton, G C; Hubmayr, J; Mates, J A B; Reintsema, C D; Vale, L R; Ullom, J N

2017-12-01

Key performance characteristics are demonstrated for the microwave SQUID multiplexer (µmux) coupled to transition edge sensor (TES) bolometers that have been optimized for cosmic microwave background (CMB) observations. In a 64-channel demonstration, we show that the µmux produces a white, input referred current noise level of [Formula: see text] at -77 dB microwave probe tone power, which is well below expected fundamental detector and photon noise sources for a ground-based CMB-optimized bolometer. Operated with negligible photon loading, we measure [Formula: see text] in the TES-coupled channels biased at 65% of the sensor normal resistance. This noise level is consistent with that predicted from bolometer thermal fluctuation (i.e. phonon) noise. Furthermore, the power spectral density is white over a range of frequencies down to ~ 100 mHz, which enables CMB mapping on large angular scales that constrain the physics of inflation. Additionally, we report cross-talk measurements that indicate a level below 0.3%, which is less than the level of cross-talk from multiplexed readout systems in deployed CMB imagers. These measurements demonstrate the µmux as a viable readout technique for future CMB imaging instruments.

Order of Magnitude Sensitivity Increase in X-ray Fluorescence Computed Tomography (XFCT) Imaging With an Optimized Spectro-Spatial Detector Configuration: Theory and Simulation

PubMed Central

Ahmad, Moiz; Bazalova, Magdalena; Xiang, Liangzhong

2014-01-01

The purpose of this study was to increase the sensitivity of XFCT imaging by optimizing the data acquisition geometry for reduced scatter X-rays. The placement of detectors and detector energy window were chosen to minimize scatter X-rays. We performed both theoretical calculations and Monte Carlo simulations of this optimized detector configuration on a mouse-sized phantom containing various gold concentrations. The sensitivity limits were determined for three different X-ray spectra: a monoenergetic source, a Gaussian source, and a conventional X-ray tube source. Scatter X-rays were minimized using a backscatter detector orientation (scatter direction > 110° to the primary X-ray beam). The optimized configuration simultaneously reduced the number of detectors and improved the image signal-to-noise ratio. The sensitivity of the optimized configuration was 10 µg/mL (10 pM) at 2 mGy dose with the mono-energetic source, which is an order of magnitude improvement over the unoptimized configuration (102 pM without the optimization). Similar improvements were seen with the Gaussian spectrum source and conventional X-ray tube source. The optimization improvements were predicted in the theoretical model and also demonstrated in simulations. The sensitivity of XFCT imaging can be enhanced by an order of magnitude with the data acquisition optimization, greatly enhancing the potential of this modality for future use in clinical molecular imaging. PMID:24770916

Order of magnitude sensitivity increase in X-ray Fluorescence Computed Tomography (XFCT) imaging with an optimized spectro-spatial detector configuration: theory and simulation.

PubMed

Ahmad, Moiz; Bazalova, Magdalena; Xiang, Liangzhong; Xing, Lei

2014-05-01

The purpose of this study was to increase the sensitivity of XFCT imaging by optimizing the data acquisition geometry for reduced scatter X-rays. The placement of detectors and detector energy window were chosen to minimize scatter X-rays. We performed both theoretical calculations and Monte Carlo simulations of this optimized detector configuration on a mouse-sized phantom containing various gold concentrations. The sensitivity limits were determined for three different X-ray spectra: a monoenergetic source, a Gaussian source, and a conventional X-ray tube source. Scatter X-rays were minimized using a backscatter detector orientation (scatter direction > 110(°) to the primary X-ray beam). The optimized configuration simultaneously reduced the number of detectors and improved the image signal-to-noise ratio. The sensitivity of the optimized configuration was 10 μg/mL (10 pM) at 2 mGy dose with the mono-energetic source, which is an order of magnitude improvement over the unoptimized configuration (102 pM without the optimization). Similar improvements were seen with the Gaussian spectrum source and conventional X-ray tube source. The optimization improvements were predicted in the theoretical model and also demonstrated in simulations. The sensitivity of XFCT imaging can be enhanced by an order of magnitude with the data acquisition optimization, greatly enhancing the potential of this modality for future use in clinical molecular imaging.

[Application of simulated annealing method and neural network on optimizing soil sampling schemes based on road distribution].

PubMed

Han, Zong-wei; Huang, Wei; Luo, Yun; Zhang, Chun-di; Qi, Da-cheng

2015-03-01

Taking the soil organic matter in eastern Zhongxiang County, Hubei Province, as a research object, thirteen sample sets from different regions were arranged surrounding the road network, the spatial configuration of which was optimized by the simulated annealing approach. The topographic factors of these thirteen sample sets, including slope, plane curvature, profile curvature, topographic wetness index, stream power index and sediment transport index, were extracted by the terrain analysis. Based on the results of optimization, a multiple linear regression model with topographic factors as independent variables was built. At the same time, a multilayer perception model on the basis of neural network approach was implemented. The comparison between these two models was carried out then. The results revealed that the proposed approach was practicable in optimizing soil sampling scheme. The optimal configuration was capable of gaining soil-landscape knowledge exactly, and the accuracy of optimal configuration was better than that of original samples. This study designed a sampling configuration to study the soil attribute distribution by referring to the spatial layout of road network, historical samples, and digital elevation data, which provided an effective means as well as a theoretical basis for determining the sampling configuration and displaying spatial distribution of soil organic matter with low cost and high efficiency.

Lift Optimization Study of a Multi-Element Three-Segment Variable Camber Airfoil

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaul, Upender K.; Nguyen, Nhan T.

2016-01-01

This paper reports a detailed computational high-lift study of the Variable Camber Continuous Trailing Edge Flap (VCCTEF) system carried out to explore the best VCCTEF designs, in conjunction with a leading edge flap called the Variable Camber Krueger (VCK), for take-off and landing. For this purpose, a three-segment variable camber airfoil employed as a performance adaptive aeroelastic wing shaping control effector for a NASA Generic Transport Model (GTM) in landing and take-off configurations is considered. The objective of the study is to define optimal high-lift VCCTEF settings and VCK settings/configurations. A total of 224 combinations of VCK settings/configurations and VCCTEF settings are considered for the inboard GTM wing, where the VCCTEFs are configured as a Fowler flap that forms a slot between the VCCTEF and the main wing. For the VCK settings of deflection angles of 55deg, 60deg and 65deg, 18, 19 and 19 vck configurations, respectively, were considered for each of the 4 different VCCTEF deflection settings. Different vck configurations were defined by varying the horizontal and vertical distance of the vck from the main wing. A computational investigation using a Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) solver was carried out to complement a wind-tunnel experimental study covering three of these configurations with the goal of identifying the most optimal high-lift configurations. Four most optimal high-lift configurations, corresponding to each of the VCK deflection settings, have been identified out of all the different configurations considered in this study yielding the highest lift performance.

Investigation of thermoluminescence properties of mobile phone screen displays as dosimeters for accidental dosimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mrozik, Anna; Marczewska, B.; Bilski, P.; Kłosowski, M.

2014-11-01

The rapid assessment of the radiation dose after unexpected exposure is a task of accidental dosimetry. In case of a radiological accident glasses originating from mobile phone screens, placed usually near the human body, could be used as emergency thermoluminescent (TL) personal dosimeters. The time between irradiation and TL readout is crucial and therefore preparation of the mobile phone screens and their readout conditions should be optimized. The influence of the samples etching, bleaching and selection of the optical filters based on measurement of the emission spectrum of irradiated glass samples during heating for different types of mobile phones were the subjects of our investigation. Obtained results showed that glasses extracted from different brands of mobile phones have different dosimetric properties but all of them give a luminescent signal which can be used to calculate the dose.

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

Budden, B. S.; Stonehill, L. C.; Warniment, A.

In this study, a new class of elpasolite scintillators has garnered recent attention due to the ability to perform as simultaneous gamma spectrometers and thermal neutron detectors. Such a dual-mode capability is made possible by pulse-shape discrimination (PSD), whereby the emission waveform profiles of gamma and neutron events are fundamentally unique. To take full advantage of these materials, we have developed the Compact Advanced Readout Electronics for Elpasolites (CAREE). This handheld instrument employs a multi-channel PSD-capable ASIC, custom micro-processor board, front-end electronics, power supplies, and a 2 in. photomultiplier tube for readout of the scintillator. The unit is highly configurablemore » to allow for performance optimization amongst a wide sample of elpasolites which provide PSD in fundamentally different ways. We herein provide an introduction to elpasolites, then describe the motivation for the work, mechanical and electronic design, and preliminary performance results.« less

Progress in Electron Beam Mastering of 100 Gbit/inch2 Density Disc

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takeda, Minoru; Furuki, Motohiro; Yamamoto, Masanobu; Shinoda, Masataka; Saito, Kimihiro; Aki, Yuichi; Kawase, Hiroshi; Koizumi, Mitsuru; Miyokawa, Toshiaki; Mutou, Masao; Handa, Nobuo

2004-07-01

We developed an electron beam recorder (EBR) capable of recording master discs under atmospheric conditions using a novel differential pumping head. Using the EBR and optimized fabrication process for Si-etched discs with reactive ion etching (RIE), a bottom signal jitter of 9.6% was obtained from a 36 Gbit/inch2 density disc, readout using a near-field optical pickup with an effective numerical aperture (NA) of 1.85 and a wavelength of 405 nm. We also obtained the eye patterns from a 70 Gbit/inch2 density disc readout using an optical pickup with a 2.05 NA and the same wavelength, and showed almost the same modulation ratio as the simulation value. Moreover, the capability of producing pit patterns corresponding to a 104 Gbit/inch2 density is demonstrated.

The Advanced Gamma-ray Imaging System (AGIS): Camera Electronics Designs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tajima, H.; Buckley, J.; Byrum, K.; Drake, G.; Falcone, A.; Funk, S.; Holder, J.; Horan, D.; Krawczynski, H.; Ong, R.; Swordy, S.; Wagner, R.; Williams, D.

2008-04-01

AGIS, a next generation of atmospheric Cherenkov telescope arrays, aims to achieve a sensitivity level of a milliCrab for gamma-ray observations in the energy band of 40 GeV to 100 TeV. Such improvement requires cost reduction of individual components with high reliability in order to equip the order of 100 telescopes necessary to achieve the sensitivity goal. We are exploring several design concepts to reduce the cost of camera electronics while improving their performance. These design concepts include systems based on multi-channel waveform sampling ASIC optimized for AGIS, a system based on IIT (image intensifier tube) for large channel (order of 1 million channels) readout as well as a multiplexed FADC system based on the current VERITAS readout design. Here we present trade-off in the studies of these design concepts.

The Advanced Gamma-ray Imaging System (AGIS): Camera Electronics Designs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tajima, Hiroyasu; Buckley, J.; Byrum, K.; Drake, G.; Falcone, A.; Funk, S.; Holder, J.; Horan, D.; Krawczynski, H.; Ong, R.; Swordy, S.; Wagner, R.; Wakely, S.; Williams, D.; Camera Electronics Working Group; AGIS Collaboration

2008-03-01

AGIS, a next generation of atmospheric Cherenkov telescope arrays, aims to achieve a sensitivity level of a milliCrab for gamma-ray observations in in the energy band of 40 GeV to 100 TeV. Such improvement requires cost reduction of individual components with high reliability in order to equip the order of 100 telescopes necessary to achieve the sensitivity goal. We are exploring several design concepts to reduce the cost of camera electronics while improving their performance. These design concepts include systems based on multi-channel waveform sampling ASIC optimized for AGIS, a system based on IIT (image intensifier tube) for large channel (order of 1 million channels) readout as well as a multiplexed FADC system based on the current VERITAS readout design. Here we present trade-off studies of these design concepts.

A Complete Readout Chain of the ATLAS Tile Calorimeter for the HL-LHC: from FATALIC Front-End Electronics to Signal Reconstruction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Senkin, Sergey

2018-01-01

The ATLAS Collaboration has started a vast programme of upgrades in the context of high-luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) foreseen in 2024. We present here one of the frontend readout options, an ASIC called FATALIC, proposed for the high-luminosity phase LHC upgrade of the ATLAS Tile Calorimeter. Based on a 130 nm CMOS technology, FATALIC performs the complete signal processing, including amplification, shaping and digitisation. We describe the full characterisation of FATALIC and also the Optimal Filtering signal reconstruction method adapted to fully exploit the FATALIC three-range layout. Additionally we present the resolution performance of the whole chain measured using the charge injection system designed for calibration. Finally we discuss the results of the signal reconstruction used on real data collected during a preliminary beam test at CERN.

Novel multireceiver communication systems configurations based on optimal estimation theory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kumar, Rajendra

1992-01-01

A novel multireceiver configuration for carrier arraying and/or signal arraying is presented. The proposed configuration is obtained by formulating the carrier and/or signal arraying problem as an optimal estimation problem, and it consists of two stages. The first stage optimally estimates various phase processes received at different receivers with coupled phase-locked loops wherein the individual loops acquire and track their respective receivers' phase processes but are aided by each other in an optimal manner via LF error signals. The proposed configuration results in the minimization of the the effective radio loss at the combiner output, and thus maximization of energy per bit to noise power spectral density ratio is achieved. A novel adaptive algorithm for the estimator of the signal model parameters when these are not known a priori is also presented.

High throughput reconfigurable data analysis system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bearman, Greg (Inventor); Pelletier, Michael J. (Inventor); Seshadri, Suresh (Inventor); Pain, Bedabrata (Inventor)

2008-01-01

The present invention relates to a system and method for performing rapid and programmable analysis of data. The present invention relates to a reconfigurable detector comprising at least one array of a plurality of pixels, where each of the plurality of pixels can be selected to receive and read-out an input. The pixel array is divided into at least one pixel group for conducting a common predefined analysis. Each of the pixels has a programmable circuitry programmed with a dynamically configurable user-defined function to modify the input. The present detector also comprises a summing circuit designed to sum the modified input.

Manufacturing techniques for gyroscopes in gravity probe B

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rasquin, J. R.

1976-01-01

The design of the fused silica gyroscope configuration is presented. The first gyroscope was made for erection and spin tests only and does not contain the angle readout loops necessary for a functioning experimental gyroscope. The rotor ball described is not coated with the ultimate material, niobium, but instead with a sandwich of titanium, cooper, and titanium for spin-up test purposes. Background, historical information, manufacturing procedures, and sketches for this gyroscope are included to provide a better understanding of the device and the techniques and special tools required to manufacture a fused silica gyroscope to the required specifications.

An Optimized Configuration for the Brazilian Decimetric Array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sawant, Hanumant; Faria, Claudio; Stephany, Stephan

The Brazilian Decimetric Array (BDA) is a radio interferometer designed to operate in the frequency range of 1.2-1.7, 2.8 and 5.6 GHz and to obtain images of radio sources with high dynamic range. A 5-antenna configuration is already operational being implemented in BDA phase I. Phase II will provide a 26-antenna configuration forming a compact T-array, whereas phase III will include further 12 antennas. However, the BDA site has topographic constraints that preclude the placement of these antennas along the lines defined by the 3 arms of the T-array. Therefore, some antennas must be displaced in a direction that is slightly transverse tothese lines. This work presents the investigation of possible optimized configurations for all 38 antennas spread over the distances of 2.5 x 1.25 km. It was required to determine the optimal position of the last 12 antennas.A new optimization strategy was then proposed in order to obtain the optimal array configuration. It is based on the entropy of the distribution of the sampled points in the Fourier plane. A stochastic model, Ant Colony Optimization, uses the entropy of the such distribution to iteratively refine the candidate solutions. The proposed strategy can be used to determine antenna locations for free-shape arrays in order to provide uniform u-v coverage with minimum redundancy of sampled points in u-v plane that are less susceptible to errors due to unmeasured Fourier components. A different distribution could be chosen for the coverage. It also allows to consider the topographical constraints of the available site. Furthermore, it provides an optimal configuration even considering the predetermined placement of the 26 antennas that compose the central T-array. In this case, the optimal location of the last 12 antennas was determined. Performance results corresponding to the Fourier plane coverage, synthesized beam and sidelobes levels are shown for this optimized BDA configuration and are compared to the results of the standard T-array configuration that cannot be implemented due to site constraints. —————————————————————————————-

Optimization of a bundle divertor for FED

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

Hively, L.M.; Rothe, K.E.; Minkoff, M.

1982-01-01

Optimal double-T bundle divertor configurations have been obtained for the Fusion Engineering Device (FED). On-axis ripple is minimized, while satisfying a series of engineering constraints. The ensuing non-linear optimization problem is solved via a sequence of quadratic programming subproblems, using the VMCON algorithm. The resulting divertor designs are substantially improved over previous configurations.

A new strategy for array optimization applied to Brazilian Decimetric Array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Faria, C.; Stephany, S.; Sawant, H. S.

Radio interferometric arrays measure the Fourier transform of the sky brightness distribution in a finite set of points that are determined by the cross-correlation of different pairs of antennas of the array The sky brightness distribution is reconstructed by the inverse Fourier transform of the sampled visibilities The quality of the reconstructed images strongly depends on the array configuration since it determines the sampling function and therefore the points in the Fourier Plane This work proposes a new optimization strategy for the array configuration that is based on the entropy of the distribution of the samples points in the Fourier plane A stochastic optimizer the Ant Colony Optimization employs entropy of the point distribution in the Fourier plane to iteratively refine the candidate solutions The proposed strategy was developed for the Brazilian Decimetric Array BDA a radio interferometric array that is currently being developed for solar observations at the Brazilian Institute for Space Research Configurations results corresponding to the Fourier plane coverage synthesized beam and side lobes levels are shown for an optimized BDA configuration obtained with the proposed strategy and compared to the results for a standard T array configuration that was originally proposed

Image reconstruction and scan configurations enabled by optimization-based algorithms in multispectral CT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Buxin; Zhang, Zheng; Sidky, Emil Y.; Xia, Dan; Pan, Xiaochuan

2017-11-01

Optimization-based algorithms for image reconstruction in multispectral (or photon-counting) computed tomography (MCT) remains a topic of active research. The challenge of optimization-based image reconstruction in MCT stems from the inherently non-linear data model that can lead to a non-convex optimization program for which no mathematically exact solver seems to exist for achieving globally optimal solutions. In this work, based upon a non-linear data model, we design a non-convex optimization program, derive its first-order-optimality conditions, and propose an algorithm to solve the program for image reconstruction in MCT. In addition to consideration of image reconstruction for the standard scan configuration, the emphasis is on investigating the algorithm’s potential for enabling non-standard scan configurations with no or minimum hardware modification to existing CT systems, which has potential practical implications for lowered hardware cost, enhanced scanning flexibility, and reduced imaging dose/time in MCT. Numerical studies are carried out for verification of the algorithm and its implementation, and for a preliminary demonstration and characterization of the algorithm in reconstructing images and in enabling non-standard configurations with varying scanning angular range and/or x-ray illumination coverage in MCT.

High quantum efficiency megavoltage imaging with thick scintillator detectors for image guided radiation therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gopal, Arun

In image guided radiation therapy (IGRT), imaging devices serve as guidance systems to aid patient set-up and tumor volume localization. Traditionally, 2-D megavoltage x-ray imagers, referred to as electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs), have been used for planar target localization, and have recently been extended to perform 3-D volumetric reconstruction via cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). However, current EPIDs utilize thin and inefficient phosphor screen detectors and are subsequently limited by poor soft tissue visualization, which limits their use for CBCT. Therefore, the use of thick scintillation media as megavoltage x-ray detectors for greater x-ray sensitivity and enhanced image quality has recently been of significant interest. In this research, two candidates for thick scintillators: CsI(Tl) and terbium doped scintillation glass were investigated in separate imaging configurations. In the first configuration, a thick scintillation crystal (TSC) consisting of a thick, monolithic slab of CsI(Tl) was coupled to a mirror-lens-camera system. The second configuration is based on a fiber-optic scintillation glass array (FOSGA), wherein the scintillation glass is drawn into long fiber-optic conduits, inserted into a grid-type housing constructed out of polymer-tungsten alloy, and coupled to an array of photodiodes for digital read-out. The imaging prototypes were characterized using theoretical studies and imaging measurements to obtain fundamental metrics of imaging performance. Spatial resolution was measured based on a modulation transfer function (MTF), noise was evaluated in terms of a noise power spectrum (NPS), and overall contrast was characterized in the form of detective quantum efficiency (DQE). The imaging studies were used to optimize the TSC and FOSGA imagers and propose prototype configurations for order-of-magnitude improvements in overall image quality. In addition, a fast and simple technique was developed to measure the MTF, NPS, and DQE metrics for clinical EPID and CBCT systems based on a novel adaptation of a traditional line-pair resolution bar-pattern. This research provides two significant benefits to radiotherapy: the characterization of a new generation of thick scintillator based megavoltage x-ray imagers for CBCT based IGRT, and the novel adaptation of fundamental imaging metrics from imaging research to routine clinical performance monitoring.

The optimization of needle electrode number and placement for irreversible electroporation of hepatocellular carcinoma

PubMed Central

Adeyanju, Oyinlolu O.; Al-Angari, Haitham M.; Sahakian, Alan V.

2012-01-01

Background Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a novel ablation tool that uses brief high-voltage pulses to treat cancer. The efficacy of the therapy depends upon the distribution of the electric field, which in turn depends upon the configuration of electrodes used. Methods We sought to optimize the electrode configuration in terms of the distance between electrodes, the depth of electrode insertion, and the number of electrodes. We employed a 3D Finite Element Model and systematically varied the distance between the electrodes and the depth of electrode insertion, monitoring the lowest voltage sufficient to ablate the tumor, VIRE. We also measured the amount of normal (non-cancerous) tissue ablated. Measurements were performed for two electrodes, three electrodes, and four electrodes. The optimal electrode configuration was determined to be the one with the lowest VIRE, as that minimized damage to normal tissue. Results The optimal electrode configuration to ablate a 2.5 cm spheroidal tumor used two electrodes with a distance of 2 cm between the electrodes and a depth of insertion of 1 cm below the halfway point in the spherical tumor, as measured from the bottom of the electrode. This produced a VIRE of 3700 V. We found that it was generally best to have a small distance between the electrodes and for the center of the electrodes to be inserted at a depth equal to or deeper than the center of the tumor. We also found the distance between electrodes was far more important in influencing the outcome measures when compared with the depth of electrode insertion. Conclusions Overall, the distribution of electric field is highly dependent upon the electrode configuration, but the optimal configuration can be determined using numerical modeling. Our findings can help guide the clinical application of IRE as well as the selection of the best optimization algorithm to use in finding the optimal electrode configuration. PMID:23077449

Readout electronics for LGAD sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alonso, O.; Franch, N.; Canals, J.; Palacio, F.; López, M.; Vilà, A.; Diéguez, A.; Carulla, M.; Flores, D.; Hidalgo, S.; Merlos, A.; Pellegrini, G.; Quirion, D.

2017-02-01

In this paper, an ASIC fabricated in 180 nm CMOS technology from AMS with the very front-end electronics used to readout LGAD sensors is presented as well as its experimental results. The front-end has the typical architecture for Si-strip readout, i.e., preamplification stage with a Charge Sensitive Amplifier (CSA) followed by a CR-RC shaper. Both amplifiers are based on a folded cascode structure with a PMOS input transistor and the shaper only uses passive elements for the feedback stage. The CSA has programmable gain and a configurable input stage in order to adapt to the different input capacitance of the LGAD sensors (pixelated, short and long strips) and to the different input signal (depending on the gain of the LGAD). The fabricated prototype has an area of 0.865 mm × 0.965 mm and includes the biasing circuit for the CSA and the shaper, 4 analog channels (CSA+shaper) and programmable charge injection circuits included for testing purposes. Noise and power analysis performed during simulation fixed the size of the input transistor to W/L = 860 μm/0.2 μm. The shaping time is fixed by design at 1 us and, in this ASIC version, the feedback elements of the shaper are passive, which means that the area of the shaper can be reduced using active elements in future versions. Finally, the different gains of the CSA have been selected to maintain an ENC below 400 electrons for a detector capacitor of 20 pF, with a power consumption of 150 μ W per channel.

Wideband Fully-Programmable Dual-Mode CMOS Analogue Front-End for Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy

PubMed Central

Valente, Virgilio; Demosthenous, Andreas

2016-01-01

This paper presents a multi-channel dual-mode CMOS analogue front-end (AFE) for electrochemical and bioimpedance analysis. Current-mode and voltage-mode readouts, integrated on the same chip, can provide an adaptable platform to correlate single-cell biosensor studies with large-scale tissue or organ analysis for real-time cancer detection, imaging and characterization. The chip, implemented in a 180-nm CMOS technology, combines two current-readout (CR) channels and four voltage-readout (VR) channels suitable for both bipolar and tetrapolar electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis. Each VR channel occupies an area of 0.48 mm2, is capable of an operational bandwidth of 8 MHz and a linear gain in the range between −6 dB and 42 dB. The gain of the CR channel can be set to 10 kΩ, 50 kΩ or 100 kΩ and is capable of 80-dB dynamic range, with a very linear response for input currents between 10 nA and 100 μA. Each CR channel occupies an area of 0.21 mm2. The chip consumes between 530 μA and 690 μA per channel and operates from a 1.8-V supply. The chip was used to measure the impedance of capacitive interdigitated electrodes in saline solution. Measurements show close matching with results obtained using a commercial impedance analyser. The chip will be part of a fully flexible and configurable fully-integrated dual-mode EIS system for impedance sensors and bioimpedance analysis. PMID:27463721

Aerodynamic Shape Optimization Design of Wing-Body Configuration Using a Hybrid FFD-RBF Parameterization Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yuefeng; Duan, Zhuoyi; Chen, Song

2017-10-01

Aerodynamic shape optimization design aiming at improving the efficiency of an aircraft has always been a challenging task, especially when the configuration is complex. In this paper, a hybrid FFD-RBF surface parameterization approach has been proposed for designing a civil transport wing-body configuration. This approach is simple and efficient, with the FFD technique used for parameterizing the wing shape and the RBF interpolation approach used for handling the wing body junction part updating. Furthermore, combined with Cuckoo Search algorithm and Kriging surrogate model with expected improvement adaptive sampling criterion, an aerodynamic shape optimization design system has been established. Finally, the aerodynamic shape optimization design on DLR F4 wing-body configuration has been carried out as a study case, and the result has shown that the approach proposed in this paper is of good effectiveness.

Aerodynamic shape optimization of wing and wing-body configurations using control theory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reuther, James; Jameson, Antony

1995-01-01

This paper describes the implementation of optimization techniques based on control theory for wing and wing-body design. In previous studies it was shown that control theory could be used to devise an effective optimization procedure for airfoils and wings in which the shape and the surrounding body-fitted mesh are both generated analytically, and the control is the mapping function. Recently, the method has been implemented for both potential flows and flows governed by the Euler equations using an alternative formulation which employs numerically generated grids, so that it can more easily be extended to treat general configurations. Here results are presented both for the optimization of a swept wing using an analytic mapping, and for the optimization of wing and wing-body configurations using a general mesh.

Potential for reducing the numbers of SiPM readout surfaces of laser-processed X'tal cube PET detectors.

PubMed

Hirano, Yoshiyuki; Inadama, Naoko; Yoshida, Eiji; Nishikido, Fumihiko; Murayama, Hideo; Watanabe, Mitsuo; Yamaya, Taiga

2013-03-07

We are developing a three-dimensional (3D) position-sensitive detector with isotropic spatial resolution, the X'tal cube. Originally, our design consisted of a crystal block for which all six surfaces were covered with arrays of multi-pixel photon counters (MPPCs). In this paper, we examined the feasibility of reducing the number of surfaces on which a MPPC array must be connected with the aim of reducing the complexity of the system. We evaluated two kinds of laser-processed X'tal cubes of 3 mm and 2 mm pitch segments while varying the numbers of the 4 × 4 MPPC arrays down to two surfaces. The sub-surface laser engraving technique was used to fabricate 3D grids into a monolithic crystal block. The 3D flood histograms were obtained by the Anger-type calculation. Two figures of merit, peak-to-valley ratios and distance-to-width ratios, were used to evaluate crystal identification performance. Clear separation was obtained even in the 2-surface configuration for the 3 mm X'tal cube, and the average peak-to-valley ratios and the distance-to-width ratios were 6.7 and 2.6, respectively. Meanwhile, in the 2 mm X'tal cube, the 6-surface configuration could separate all crystals and even the 2-surface case could also, but the flood histograms were relatively shrunk in the 2-surface case, especially on planes parallel to the sensitive surfaces. However, the minimum peak-to-valley ratio did not fall below 3.9. We concluded that reducing the numbers of MPPC readout surfaces was feasible for both the 3 mm and the 2 mm X'tal cubes.

An Integrated Method for Airfoil Optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okrent, Joshua B.

Design exploration and optimization is a large part of the initial engineering and design process. To evaluate the aerodynamic performance of a design, viscous Navier-Stokes solvers can be used. However this method can prove to be overwhelmingly time consuming when performing an initial design sweep. Therefore, another evaluation method is needed to provide accurate results at a faster pace. To accomplish this goal, a coupled viscous-inviscid method is used. This thesis proposes an integrated method for analyzing, evaluating, and optimizing an airfoil using a coupled viscous-inviscid solver along with a genetic algorithm to find the optimal candidate. The method proposed is different from prior optimization efforts in that it greatly broadens the design space, while allowing the optimization to search for the best candidate that will meet multiple objectives over a characteristic mission profile rather than over a single condition and single optimization parameter. The increased design space is due to the use of multiple parametric airfoil families, namely the NACA 4 series, CST family, and the PARSEC family. Almost all possible airfoil shapes can be created with these three families allowing for all possible configurations to be included. This inclusion of multiple airfoil families addresses a possible criticism of prior optimization attempts since by only focusing on one airfoil family, they were inherently limiting the number of possible airfoil configurations. By using multiple parametric airfoils, it can be assumed that all reasonable airfoil configurations are included in the analysis and optimization and that a global and not local maximum is found. Additionally, the method used is amenable to customization to suit any specific needs as well as including the effects of other physical phenomena or design criteria and/or constraints. This thesis found that an airfoil configuration that met multiple objectives could be found for a given set of nominal operational conditions from a broad design space with the use of minimal computational resources on both an absolute and relative scale to traditional analysis techniques. Aerodynamicists, program managers, aircraft configuration specialist, and anyone else in charge of aircraft configuration, design studies, and program level decisions might find the evaluation and optimization method proposed of interest.

Detection of sub micro Gray dose levels using OSL phosphor LiMgPO4:Tb,B

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rawat, N. S.; Dhabekar, Bhushan; Muthe, K. P.; Koul, D. K.; Datta, D.

2017-04-01

Detection of sub micro Gray doses finds application in personnel and environmental monitoring, and nuclear forensics. Recently developed LiMgPO4:Tb,B (LMP) is highly sensitive Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) phosphor with excellent dosimetric properties. The OSL emission spectrum of LMP consists of several peaks attributed to characteristic Tb3+ emission. The OSL emission peak at 380 nm is favorable for bi-alkali PMT used in RISO reader system. It is demonstrated that significant improvement in dose detection threshold can be realized for LMP by optimization of continuous wave (CW-) OSL parameters like stimulation intensity and readout time. The minimum measurable dose (MMD) as low as 0.49 μGy in readout time of less than 1 s at stimulation intensity of 32 mW/cm2 has been achieved using this phosphor. The recommendations for choice of parameters for personnel and environmental monitoring are also discussed.

TPC status for MPD experiment of NICA project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Averyanov, A.; Bazhazhin, A.; Chepurnov, V. F.; Chepurnov, V. V.; Cheremukhina, G.; Chernenko, S.; Fateev, O.; Kiriushin, Yu.; Kolesnikov, A.; Korotkova, A.; Levchanovsky, F.; Lukstins, J.; Movchan, S.; Pilyar, A.; Razin, S.; Ribakov, A.; Samsonov, V.; Vereschagin, S.; Zanevsky, Yu.; Zaporozhets, S.; Zruev, V.

2017-06-01

In a frame of the JINR scientific program on study of hot and dense baryonic matter a new accelerator complex Ion Collider fAcility (NICA) based on the Nuclotron-M is under realization. It will operate at luminosity up to 1027 cm-2s-1 for Au79+ ions. Two interaction points are foreseen at NICA for two detectors which will operate simultaneously. One of these detectors, the Multi-Purpose Detector (MPD), is optimized for investigations of heavy-ion collisions. The Time-Projection Chamber (TPC) is the main tracking detector of the MPD central barrel. It is a well-known detector for 3-dimensional tracking and particle identification for high multiplicity events. The conceptual layout of MPD and detailed description of the design and main working parameters of TPC, the readout system based on MWPC and readout electronics as well as the TPC subsystems and tooling for assembling and integration TPC into MPD are presented.

Cryogenic low noise and low dissipation multiplexing electronics, using HEMT+SiGe ASICs, for the readout of high impedance sensors: New version

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de la Broïse, Xavier; Lugiez, Francis; Bounab, Ayoub; Le Coguie, Alain

2015-07-01

High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs), optimized by CNRS/LPN laboratory for ultra-low noise at very low temperature, have demonstrated their capacity to be used in place of Si JFETs when working temperatures below 100 K are required. We associated them with specific SiGe ASICs that we developed, to implement a complete readout channel able to read highly segmented high impedance detectors within a framework of very low thermal dissipation. Our electronics is dimensioned to read 4096 detection channels, of typically 1 MΩ impedance, and performs 32:1 multiplexing and amplifying, dissipating only 6 mW at 2.5 K and 100 mW at 15 K thanks to high impedance commuting of input stage, with a typical noise of 1 nV/√Hz at 1 kHz.

High-Throughput In Vivo Genotoxicity Testing: An Automated Readout System for the Somatic Mutation and Recombination Test (SMART)

PubMed Central

Kwak, Jihoon; Genovesio, Auguste; Kang, Myungjoo; Hansen, Michael Adsett Edberg; Han, Sung-Jun

2015-01-01

Genotoxicity testing is an important component of toxicity assessment. As illustrated by the European registration, evaluation, authorization, and restriction of chemicals (REACH) directive, it concerns all the chemicals used in industry. The commonly used in vivo mammalian tests appear to be ill adapted to tackle the large compound sets involved, due to throughput, cost, and ethical issues. The somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART) represents a more scalable alternative, since it uses Drosophila, which develops faster and requires less infrastructure. Despite these advantages, the manual scoring of the hairs on Drosophila wings required for the SMART limits its usage. To overcome this limitation, we have developed an automated SMART readout. It consists of automated imaging, followed by an image analysis pipeline that measures individual wing genotoxicity scores. Finally, we have developed a wing score-based dose-dependency approach that can provide genotoxicity profiles. We have validated our method using 6 compounds, obtaining profiles almost identical to those obtained from manual measures, even for low-genotoxicity compounds such as urethane. The automated SMART, with its faster and more reliable readout, fulfills the need for a high-throughput in vivo test. The flexible imaging strategy we describe and the analysis tools we provide should facilitate the optimization and dissemination of our methods. PMID:25830368

Suppression of Pauli Spin Blockade in Few Hole Laterally Gated Double Quantum Dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaudreau, Louis; Bogan, Alex; Studenikin, Sergei; Korkusinski, Marek; Aers, Geof; Zawadzki, Piotr; Sachrajda, Andy; Tracy, Lisa; Reno, John; Hargett, Terry; National Research Council Team; Sandia Labs Team

Hole spins have attracted increasing attention as candidates for qubits in quantum information applications. The p-type character of their wavefunction leads to smaller hyperfine interaction with the nuclei resulting in longer coherence times. Additionally, strong spin-orbit interaction allows for enhanced all-electrical manipulation of spin qubit states. Single hole spins have been electrically studied in InSb and Si nanowire quantum dots, however, electrostatically confined hole spins in a 2D hole gas have thus far been limited to the many hole regime. In this talk we will present a full description of the two-hole spin spectrum in a lateral GaAs/AlGaAs double quantum. High-bias magneto-transport spectroscopy reveals all four states of the spectrum (singlet and triplets) in both the (1,1) and (2,0) configurations, essential for spin readout based on Pauli spin blockade. We show that spin-flip tunneling between dots is as strong as spin conserving tunneling, a consequence of the strong spin-orbit interaction. This suppresses the Pauli spin blockade. Our results suggest that alternate techniques for single hole spin qubit readout need to be explored.

Data Acquisition Backbone Core DABC release v1.0

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adamczewski-Musch, J.; Essel, H. G.; Kurz, N.; Linev, S.

2010-04-01

The Data Acquisition Backbone Core (DABC) is a general purpose software framework designed for the implementation of a wide-range of data acquisition systems - from various small detector test beds to high performance systems. DABC consists of a compact data-flow kernel and a number of plug-ins for various functional components like data inputs, device drivers, user functional modules and applications. DABC provides configurable components for implementing event building over fast networks like InfiniBand or Gigabit Ethernet. A generic Java GUI provides the dynamic control and visualization of control parameters and commands, provided by DIM servers. A first set of application plug-ins has been implemented to use DABC as event builder for the front-end components of the GSI standard DAQ system MBS (Multi Branch System). Another application covers the connection to DAQ readout chains from detector front-end boards (N-XYTER) linked to read-out controller boards (ROC) over UDP into DABC for event building, archiving and data serving. This was applied for data taking in the September 2008 test beamtime for the CBM experiment at GSI. DABC version 1.0 is released and available from the website.

Extended SWIR imaging sensors for hyperspectral imaging applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weber, A.; Benecke, M.; Wendler, J.; Sieck, A.; Hübner, D.; Figgemeier, H.; Breiter, R.

2016-05-01

AIM has developed SWIR modules including FPAs based on liquid phase epitaxy (LPE) grown MCT usable in a wide range of hyperspectral imaging applications. Silicon read-out integrated circuits (ROIC) provide various integration and readout modes including specific functions for spectral imaging applications. An important advantage of MCT based detectors is the tunable band gap. The spectral sensitivity of MCT detectors can be engineered to cover the extended SWIR spectral region up to 2.5μm without compromising in performance. AIM developed the technology to extend the spectral sensitivity of its SWIR modules also into the VIS. This has been successfully demonstrated for 384x288 and 1024x256 FPAs with 24μm pitch. Results are presented in this paper. The FPAs are integrated into compact dewar cooler configurations using different types of coolers, like rotary coolers, AIM's long life split linear cooler MCC030 or extreme long life SF100 Pulse Tube cooler. The SWIR modules include command and control electronics (CCE) which allow easy interfacing using a digital standard interface. The development status and performance results of AIM's latest MCT SWIR modules suitable for hyperspectral systems and applications will be presented.

NGST fine guidance sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rowlands, Neil; Hutchings, John; Murowinski, Richard G.; Alexander, Russ

2003-03-01

Instrumentation for the Next Generation Space Telescope (NGST) is currently in the Phase A definition stage. We have developed a concept for the NGST Fine Guidance Sensor or FGS. The FGS is a detector array based imager which resides in the NGST focal plane. We report here on tradeoff studies aimed at defining an overall configuration of the FGS which will meet the performance and interface requirements. A key performance requirement is a noise equivalent angle of 3 milli-arcseconds to be achieved with 95% probability for any pointing of the observatory in the celestial sphere. A key interface requirement is compatibility with the architecture of the Integrated Science Instrument Module (ISIM). The concept developed consists of two independent and redundant FGS modules, each with a 4' x 2' field of view covered by two 2048 x 2048 infrared detector arrays, providing 60 milli-arcsecond sampling. Performance modeling supporting the choice of this architecture and the trade space considered is presented. Each module has a set of readout electronics which perform star detection, pixel-by-pixel correction, and in fine guiding mode, centroid calculation. These readout electronics communicate with the ISIM Command &Data Handling Units where the FGS control software is based. Rationale for this choice of architecture is also presented.

Low-noise readout circuit for SWIR focal plane arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Altun, Oguz; Tasdemir, Ferhat; Nuzumlali, Omer Lutfi; Kepenek, Reha; Inceturkmen, Ercihan; Akyurek, Fatih; Tunca, Can; Akbulut, Mehmet

2017-02-01

This paper reports a 640x512 SWIR ROIC with 15um pixel pitch that is designed and fabricated using 0.18um CMOS process. Main challenge of SWIR ROIC design is related to input circuit due to pixel area and noise limitations. In this design, CTIA with single stage amplifier is utilized as input stage. The pixel design has three pixel gain options; High Gain (HG), Medium Gain (MG), and Low Gain (LG) with corresponding Full-Well-Capacities of 18.7ké, 190ké and 1.56Mé, respectively. According to extracted simulation results, 5.9é noise is achieved at HG mode and 200é is achieved at LG mode of operation. The ROIC can be programmed through an SPI interface. It supports 1, 2 and 4 output modes which enables the user to configure the detector to work at 30, 60 and 120fps frame rates. In the 4 output mode, the total power consumption of the ROIC is less than 120mW. The ROIC is powered from a 3.3V analog supply and allows for an output swing range in excess of 2V. Anti-blooming feature is added to prevent any unwanted blooming effect during readout.

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

Nallasivam, Ulaganathan; Shah, Vishesh H.; Shenvi, Anirudh A.

We present a general Global Minimization Algorithm (GMA) to identify basic or thermally coupled distillation configurations that require the least vapor duty under minimum reflux conditions for separating any ideal or near-ideal multicomponent mixture into a desired number of product streams. In this algorithm, global optimality is guaranteed by modeling the system using Underwood equations and reformulating the resulting constraints to bilinear inequalities. The speed of convergence to the globally optimal solution is increased by using appropriate feasibility and optimality based variable-range reduction techniques and by developing valid inequalities. As a result, the GMA can be coupled with already developedmore » techniques that enumerate basic and thermally coupled distillation configurations, to provide for the first time, a global optimization based rank-list of distillation configurations.« less

Telemanipulator design and optimization software

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cote, Jean; Pelletier, Michel

1995-12-01

For many years, industrial robots have been used to execute specific repetitive tasks. In those cases, the optimal configuration and location of the manipulator only has to be found once. The optimal configuration or position where often found empirically according to the tasks to be performed. In telemanipulation, the nature of the tasks to be executed is much wider and can be very demanding in terms of dexterity and workspace. The position/orientation of the robot's base could be required to move during the execution of a task. At present, the choice of the initial position of the teleoperator is usually found empirically which can be sufficient in the case of an easy or repetitive task. In the converse situation, the amount of time wasted to move the teleoperator support platform has to be taken into account during the execution of the task. Automatic optimization of the position/orientation of the platform or a better designed robot configuration could minimize these movements and save time. This paper will present two algorithms. The first algorithm is used to optimize the position and orientation of a given manipulator (or manipulators) with respect to the environment on which a task has to be executed. The second algorithm is used to optimize the position or the kinematic configuration of a robot. For this purpose, the tasks to be executed are digitized using a position/orientation measurement system and a compact representation based on special octrees. Given a digitized task, the optimal position or Denavit-Hartenberg configuration of the manipulator can be obtained numerically. Constraints on the robot design can also be taken into account. A graphical interface has been designed to facilitate the use of the two optimization algorithms.

Processing inferences derived from event-related potential measures in a monitoring task

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Horst, R. L.; Munson, R. C.; Ruchkin, D. S.

1985-01-01

Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded from the scalp of subjects as they monitored changing digital readouts for values that went 'out-of-bounds'. Workload was manipulated by varying the number of readouts that were monitored concurrently. The ERPs elicited by changes in the readouts showed long latency positivities that increased in amplitude, not only with the number of readouts monitored, but also with the number of monitored readouts that were 'in danger' of going out-of-bounds. No effects were found due to the number of nonmonitored readouts 'in danger'. This evidence indicates that subjects (1) selectively attended to the monitored readouts and (2) processed the monitored readouts differently as the readouts approached the out-of-bounds levels to which an overt response was required.

DESCANT - Testing and Commissioning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bildstein, Vinzenz; Garrett, P. E.; Bandyopadhay, D.; Bangay, J.; Bianco, L.; Demand, G.; Hadinia, B.; Leach, K. G.; Sumithrarachchi, C.; Turko, J.; Wong, J.; Ashley, S. F.; Crider, B. P.; McEllistrem, M. T.; Peters, E. E.; Prados-Estévez, F. M.; Yates, S. W.; Vanhoy, J. R.; Ball, G. C.; Bishop, D. P.; Garnsworthy, A. B.; Hackman, G.; Pearson, C. J.; Shaw, B.; Sarazin, F.

2017-09-01

The DESCANT array at TRIUMF is designed to detect neutrons from RIB experiments. DESCANT is composed of 70 close-packed deuterated organic liquid scintillators coupled to digital fast read-out ADC modules. This configuration permits online pulse-shape discrimination between neutron and γ-ray events. A prototype detector was tested with monoenergetic neutrons at the University of Kentucky Accelerator Laboratory. The data from these tests was compared to Geant4 simulations. A first commissioning experiment of the full array, using the decay of Cs 145 - 146 , was performed in August 2016. The results of the tests and a preliminary analysis of the commissioning experiment will be presented.

Initial Demonstration of 9-MHz Framing Camera Rates on the FAST UV Drive Laser Pulse Trains

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

Lumpkin, A. H.; Edstrom Jr., D.; Ruan, J.

2016-10-09

We report the configuration of a Hamamatsu C5680 streak camera as a framing camera to record transverse spatial information of green-component laser micropulses at 3- and 9-MHz rates for the first time. The latter is near the time scale of the ~7.5-MHz revolution frequency of the Integrable Optics Test Accelerator (IOTA) ring and its expected synchroton radiation source temporal structure. The 2-D images are recorded with a Gig-E readout CCD camera. We also report a first proof of principle with an OTR source using the linac streak camera in a semi-framing mode.

Analysis and optimization of three main organic Rankine cycle configurations using a set of working fluids with different thermodynamic behaviors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamdi, Basma; Mabrouk, Mohamed Tahar; Kairouani, Lakdar; Kheiri, Abdelhamid

2017-06-01

Different configurations of organic Rankine cycle (ORC) systems are potential thermodynamic concepts for power generation from low grade heat. The aim of this work is to investigate and optimize the performances of the three main ORC systems configurations: basic ORC, ORC with internal heat exchange (IHE) and regenerative ORC. The evaluation for those configurations was performed using seven working fluids with typical different thermodynamic behaviours (R245fa, R601a, R600a, R227ea, R134a, R1234ze and R1234yf). The optimization has been performed using a genetic algorithm under a comprehensive set of operative parameters such as the fluid evaporating temperature, the fraction of flow rate or the pressure at the steam extracting point in the turbine. Results show that there is no general best ORC configuration for all those fluids. However, there is a suitable configuration for each fluid. Contribution to the topical issue "Materials for Energy harvesting, conversion and storage II (ICOME 2016)", edited by Jean-Michel Nunzi, Rachid Bennacer and Mohammed El Ganaoui

Simultaneous acquisition of perfusion image and dynamic MR angiography using time‐encoded pseudo‐continuous ASL

PubMed Central

Helle, Michael; Koken, Peter; Van Cauteren, Marc; van Osch, Matthias J. P.

2017-01-01

Purpose Both dynamic magnetic resonance angiography (4D‐MRA) and perfusion imaging can be acquired by using arterial spin labeling (ASL). While 4D‐MRA highlights large vessel pathology, such as stenosis or collateral blood flow patterns, perfusion imaging provides information on the microvascular status. Therefore, a complete picture of the cerebral hemodynamic condition could be obtained by combining the two techniques. Here, we propose a novel technique for simultaneous acquisition of 4D‐MRA and perfusion imaging using time‐encoded pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling. Methods The time‐encoded pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling module consisted of a first subbolus that was optimized for perfusion imaging by using a labeling duration of 1800 ms, whereas the other six subboli of 130 ms were used for encoding the passage of the labeled spins through the arterial system for 4D‐MRA acquisition. After the entire labeling module, a multishot 3D turbo‐field echo‐planar‐imaging readout was executed for the 4D‐MRA acquisition, immediately followed by a single‐shot, multislice echo‐planar‐imaging readout for perfusion imaging. The optimal excitation flip angle for the 3D turbo‐field echo‐planar‐imaging readout was investigated by evaluating the image quality of the 4D‐MRA and perfusion images as well as the accuracy of the estimated cerebral blood flow values. Results When using 36 excitation radiofrequency pulses with flip angles of 5 or 7.5°, the saturation effects of the 3D turbo‐field echo‐planar‐imaging readout on the perfusion images were relatively moderate and after correction, there were no statistically significant differences between the obtained cerebral blood flow values and those from traditional time‐encoded pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling. Conclusions This study demonstrated that simultaneous acquisition of 4D‐MRA and perfusion images can be achieved by using time‐encoded pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling. Magn Reson Med 79:2676–2684, 2018. © 2017 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and is not used for commercial purposes. PMID:28913838

Optimizing low-light microscopy with back-illuminated electron multiplying charge-coupled device: enhanced sensitivity, speed, and resolution.

PubMed

Coates, Colin G; Denvir, Donal J; McHale, Noel G; Thornbury, Keith D; Hollywood, Mark A

2004-01-01

The back-illuminated electron multiplying charge-coupled device (EMCCD) camera is having a profound influence on the field of low-light dynamic cellular microscopy, combining highest possible photon collection efficiency with the ability to virtually eliminate the readout noise detection limit. We report here the use of this camera, in 512 x 512 frame-transfer chip format at 10-MHz pixel readout speed, in optimizing a demanding ultra-low-light intracellular calcium flux microscopy setup. The arrangement employed includes a spinning confocal Nipkow disk, which, while facilitating the need to both generate images at very rapid frame rates and minimize background photons, yields very weak signals. The challenge for the camera lies not just in detecting as many of these scarce photons as possible, but also in operating at a frame rate that meets the temporal resolution requirements of many low-light microscopy approaches, a particular demand of smooth muscle calcium flux microscopy. Results presented illustrate both the significant sensitivity improvement offered by this technology over the previous standard in ultra-low-light CCD detection, the GenIII+intensified charge-coupled device (ICCD), and also portray the advanced temporal and spatial resolution capabilities of the EMCCD. Copyright 2004 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.

Microwave SQUID multiplexer demonstration for cosmic microwave background imagers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dober, B.; Becker, D. T.; Bennett, D. A.; Bryan, S. A.; Duff, S. M.; Gard, J. D.; Hays-Wehle, J. P.; Hilton, G. C.; Hubmayr, J.; Mates, J. A. B.; Reintsema, C. D.; Vale, L. R.; Ullom, J. N.

2017-12-01

Key performance characteristics are demonstrated for the microwave superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) multiplexer (μmux) coupled to transition edge sensor (TES) bolometers that have been optimized for cosmic microwave background (CMB) observations. In a 64-channel demonstration, we show that the μmux produces a white, input referred current noise level of 29 pA/ √{H z } at a microwave probe tone power of -77 dB, which is well below the expected fundamental detector and photon noise sources for a ground-based CMB-optimized bolometer. Operated with negligible photon loading, we measure 98 pA/ √{H z } in the TES-coupled channels biased at 65% of the sensor normal resistance. This noise level is consistent with that predicted from bolometer thermal fluctuation (i.e., phonon) noise. Furthermore, the power spectral density is white over a range of frequencies down to ˜100 mHz, which enables CMB mapping on large angular scales that constrain the physics of inflation. Additionally, we report cross-talk measurements that indicate a level below 0.3%, which is less than the level of cross-talk from multiplexed readout systems in deployed CMB imagers. These measurements demonstrate the μmux as a viable readout technique for future CMB imaging instruments.

Design optimization of the S-frame to improve crashworthiness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Shu-Tian; Tong, Ze-Qi; Tang, Zhi-Liang; Zhang, Zong-Hua

2014-08-01

In this paper, the S-frames, the front side rail structures of automobile, were investigated for crashworthiness. Various cross-sections including regular polygon, non-convex polygon and multi-cell with inner stiffener sections were investigated in terms of energy absorption of S-frames. It was determined through extensive numerical simulation that a multi-cell S-frame with double vertical internal stiffeners can absorb more energy than the other configurations. Shape optimization was also carried out to improve energy absorption of the S-frame with a rectangular section. The center composite design of experiment and the sequential response surface method (SRSM) were adopted to construct the approximate design sub-problem, which was then solved by the feasible direction method. An innovative double S-frame was obtained from the optimal result. The optimum configuration of the S-frame was crushed numerically and more plastic hinges as well as shear zones were observed during the crush process. The energy absorption efficiency of the structure with the optimal configuration was improved compared to the initial configuration.

Methodology and method and apparatus for signaling with capacity optimized constellations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barsoum, Maged F. (Inventor); Jones, Christopher R. (Inventor)

2011-01-01

Communication systems having transmitter, includes a coder configured to receive user bits and output encoded bits at an expanded output encoded bit rate, a mapper configured to map encoded bits to symbols in a symbol constellation, a modulator configured to generate a signal for transmission via the communication channel using symbols generated by the mapper. In addition, the receiver includes a demodulator configured to demodulate the received signal via the communication channel, a demapper configured to estimate likelihoods from the demodulated signal, a decoder that is configured to estimate decoded bits from the likelihoods generated by the demapper. Furthermore, the symbol constellation is a capacity optimized geometrically spaced symbol constellation that provides a given capacity at a reduced signal-to-noise ratio compared to a signal constellation that maximizes d.sub.min.

Depth probing of the hydride formation process in thin Pd films by combined electrochemistry and fiber optics-based in situ UV/vis spectroscopy.

PubMed

Wickman, Björn; Fredriksson, Mattias; Feng, Ligang; Lindahl, Niklas; Hagberg, Johan; Langhammer, Christoph

2015-07-15

We demonstrate a flexible combined electrochemistry and fiber optics-based in situ UV/vis spectroscopy setup to gain insight into the depth evolution of electrochemical hydride and oxide formation in Pd films with thicknesses of 20 and 100 nm. The thicknesses of our model systems are chosen such that the films are thinner or significantly thicker than the optical skin depth of Pd to create two distinctly different situations. Low power white light is irradiated on the sample and analyzed in three different configurations; transmittance through, and, reflectance from the front and the back side of the film. The obtained optical sensitivities correspond to fractions of a monolayer of adsorbed or absorbed hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O) on Pd. Moreover, a combined simultaneous readout obtained from the different optical measurement configurations provides mechanistic insights into the depth-evolution of the studied hydrogenation and oxidation processes.

Status of the R&D activities for the upgrade of the ALICE TPC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deisting, Alexander

2018-02-01

After the Long Shutdown 2 (LS2) the LHC will provide lead-lead collisions at interaction rates as high as 50 kHz. In order to cope with such conditions the ALICE Time Projection Chamber (TPC) needs to be upgraded. After the upgrade the TPC will run in a continuous mode, without any degradation of the momentum and dE/dx resolution compared to the performance of the present TPC. Since readout by multi-wire proportional chambers is no longer feasible with these requirements, new technologies have to be employed. In the new readout chambers the electron amplification is provided by a stack of four Gas ElectronMultiplier (GEM) foils. Here foils with a standard hole pitch of 140 μm as well as large pitch foils (280 μm) are used. Their high voltage settings and orientation have been optimised to provide an energy resolution of σE/E ≤ 12% at the photopeak of 55Fe. At the same settings the Ion BackFlow into the drift volume is less than 1% of the effective number of ions produced during gas amplification and the primary ionisations. This is necessary to prevent the accumulation of space charge, which eventually will distort the field in the drift volume. To ensure stable operation at the high loads during LHC run 3 the chambers have to be robust against discharges, too. With the selected configuration in a quadruple GEMstack the discharge probability is kept at the level of 10-12 discharges per incoming hadron. An overview of the ALICE TPC upgrade activities will be given in these proceedings and the optimised settings foreseen for the GEM stacks of the future readout chambers are introduced. Furthermore the outcome of two beam time campaigns at SPS and PS (at CERN) in the end of 2014 is shown. At this campaigns the stability against discharges and the dE/dx performance of a full size readout chamber prototype was tested. In addition it is reported on charging-up studies of 4GEM stacks and on tests of electromagnetic sagging of large GEM foils.

Trends and new developments in gaseous detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoch, M.

Almost one century ago the method of particle detection with gaseous detectors was invented. Since then they have been exploited successfully in many experiments using a wide variety of different applications. The development is still going on today. The underlying working principles are today well understood and with the help of modern simulation techniques, new configurations can be easily examined and optimized before a first experimental test. Traditional wire chamber ensembles demonstrate that they are still up to date and are well prepared to meet also the challenges of LHC. Applications will be discussed using TPCs in high multiplicity environments with standard Multi-Wire Proportional Chamber (MWPC) as readout as well as drift tubes in a muon spectrometer for a Large Hardron Collider (LHC) experiment. Triggered by the evolving printed circuit technology, a new generation of gaseous detectors with very high position resolution and rate capability has emerged. Two representatives (MICROMEGAS, GEM) have proved their reliability in various experiments and are promising candidates for future projects. Performance and results will be discussed for these detectors. Furthermore, achievements in RPC-based detectors will be discussed. The standard Trigger RPC is a reliable low-cost semi-industrial manufactured device with good time resolution. Thin gap RPCs (Multigap-, and High Rate Timing RPC) show very fast signal response at high efficiency and significantly increased rate capability and will be applied in TOF detectors.

Space Shuttle 2 advanced space transportation system, volume 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adinaro, James N.; Benefield, Philip A.; Johnson, Shelby D.; Knight, Lisa K.

1989-01-01

To determine the best configuration from all candidate configurations, it was necessary first to calculate minimum system weights and performance. To optimize the design, it is necessary to vary configuration-specific variables such as total system weight, thrust-to-weight ratios, burn durations, total thrust available, and mass fraction for the system. Optimizing each of these variables at the same time is technically unfeasible and not necessarily mathematically possible. However, discrete sets of data can be generated which will eliminate many candidate configurations. From the most promising remaining designs, a final configuration can be selected. Included are the three most important designs considered: one which closely approximates the design criteria set forth in a Marshall Space Flight Center study of the Shuttle 2; the configuration used in the initial proposal; and the final configuration. A listing by cell of the formulas used to generate the aforementioned data is included for reference.

Improved image quality using monolithic scintillator detectors with dual-sided readout in a whole-body TOF-PET ring: a simulation study.

PubMed

Tabacchini, Valerio; Surti, Suleman; Borghi, Giacomo; Karp, Joel S; Schaart, Dennis R

2017-02-13

We have recently built and characterized the performance of a monolithic scintillator detector based on a 32 mm  ×  32 mm  ×  22 mm LYSO:Ce crystal read out by digital silicon photomultiplier (dSiPM) arrays coupled to the crystal front and back surfaces in a dual-sided readout (DSR) configuration. The detector spatial resolution appeared to be markedly better than that of a detector consisting of the same crystal with conventional back-sided readout (BSR). Here, we aim to evaluate the influence of this difference in the detector spatial response on the quality of reconstructed images, so as to quantify the potential benefit of the DSR approach for high-resolution, whole-body time-of-flight (TOF) positron emission tomography (PET) applications. We perform Monte Carlo simulations of clinical PET systems based on BSR and DSR detectors, using the results of our detector characterization experiments to model the detector spatial responses. We subsequently quantify the improvement in image quality obtained with DSR compared to BSR, using clinically relevant metrics such as the contrast recovery coefficient (CRC) and the area under the localized receiver operating characteristic curve (ALROC). Finally, we compare the results with simulated rings of pixelated detectors with DOI capability. Our results show that the DSR detector produces significantly higher CRC and increased ALROC values than the BSR detector. The comparison with pixelated systems indicates that one would need to choose a crystal size of 3.2 mm with three DOI layers to match the performance of the BSR detector, while a pixel size of 1.3 mm with three DOI layers would be required to get on par with the DSR detector.

Beam tests of proton-irradiated PbWO4 crystals and evaluation of double-ended read-out technique for mitigation of radiation damage effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lucchini, Marco; CMS Collaboration

2017-11-01

The harsh radiation environment in which detectors will have to operate during the High Luminosity phase of LHC (HL-LHC) represents a crucial challenge for many calorimeter technologies. In the CMS forward calorimeters, ionizing doses and hadron fluences will reach up to 300 kGy (at a dose rate of 30 Gy/h) and 2 × 1014 cm-2, respectively, at the pseudo-rapidity region of |η| = 2.6. To evaluate the evolution of the CMS ECAL performance in such conditions, a set of PbWO4 crystals, exposed to 24 GeV protons up to integrated fluences between 2.1 × 1013 cm-2 and 1:3 × 1014 cm2, has been studied in beam tests. A degradation of the energy resolution and a non-linear response to electron showers are observed in damaged crystals. Direct measurements of the light output from the crystals show the amplitude decreasing and pulse becoming faster as the fluence increases. The evolution of the PbWO4 crystals calorimetric performance has been well understood and parameterized in terms of increasing light absorption inside the crystal volume. A double-ended read-out configuration, in which two identical photodetectors are coupled to the opposite ends of each crystal, has also been tested. The separate and simultaneous read out of the light from the two ends of the crystal allows to correct for longitudinal shower fluctuations and to mitigate the degradation of energy resolution in highly damaged crystals. The non-linear response to electromagnetic showers, arising from high non-uniformity of light collection efficiency along the longitudinal axis of irradiated crystals, can also be corrected by means of the double-ended read-out technique.

A novel radiation hard pixel design for space applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aurora, A. M.; Marochkin, V. V.; Tuuva, T.

2017-11-01

We have developed a novel radiation hard photon detector concept based on Modified Internal Gate Field Effect Transistor (MIGFET) wherein a buried Modified Internal Gate (MIG) is implanted underneath a channel of a FET. In between the MIG and the channel of the FET there is depleted semiconductor material forming a potential barrier between charges in the channel and similar type signal charges located in the MIG. The signal charges in the MIG have a measurable effect on the conductance of the channel. In this paper a radiation hard double MIGFET pixel is investigated comprising two MIGFETs. By transferring the signal charges between the two MIGs Non-Destructive Correlated Double Sampling Readout (NDCDSR) is enabled. The radiation hardness of the proposed double MIGFET structure stems from the fact that interface related issues can be considerably mitigated. The reason for this is, first of all, that interface generated dark noise can be completely avoided and secondly, that interface generated 1/f noise can be considerably reduced due to a deep buried channel readout configuration. Electrical parameters of the double MIGFET pixel have been evaluated by 3D TCAD simulation study. Simulation results show the absence of interface generated dark noise, significantly reduced interface generated 1/f noise, well performing NDCDSR operation, and blooming protection due to an inherent vertical anti-blooming structure. In addition, the backside illuminated thick fully depleted pixel design results in low crosstalk due to lack of diffusion and good quantum efficiency from visible to Near Infra-Red (NIR) light. These facts result in excellent Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) and very low crosstalk enabling thus excellent image quality. The simulation demonstrates the charge to current conversion gain for source current read-out to be 1.4 nA/e.

Readout Electronics for the ATLAS LAr Calorimeter at HL-LHC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Hucheng; ATLAS Liquid Argon Calorimeter Group

The ATLAS Liquid Argon (LAr) calorimeters are high precision, high sensitivity and high granularity detectors designed to provide precision measurements of electrons, photons, jets and missing transverse energy. ATLAS and its LAr calorimeters have been operating and collecting proton-proton collisions at LHC since 2009. The current front-end electronics of the LAr calorimeters need to be upgraded to sustain the higher radiation levels and data rates expected at the upgraded high luminosity LHC machine (HL-LHC), which will have 5 times more luminosity than the LHC in its ultimate configuration. The complexity of the present electronics and the obsolescence of some of components of which it is made, will not allow a partial replacement of the system. A completely new readout architecture scheme is under study and many components are being developed in various R&D programs of the LAr Calorimeter Group.The new front-end readout electronics will send data continuously at each bunch crossing through high speed radiation resistant optical links. The data will be processed real-time with the possibility of implementing trigger algorithms for clusters and electron/photon identification at a higher granularity than that which is currently implemented. The new architecture will eliminate the intrinsic limitation presently existing on Level-1 trigger acceptance. This article is an overview of the R&D activities which covers architectural design aspects of the new electronics as well as some detailed progress on the development of several ASICs needed, and preliminary studies with FPGAs to cover the backend functions including part of the Level-1 trigger requirements. A recently proposed staged upgrade with hybrid Tower Builder Board (TBB) is also described.

Improved image quality using monolithic scintillator detectors with dual-sided readout in a whole-body TOF-PET ring: a simulation study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tabacchini, Valerio; Surti, Suleman; Borghi, Giacomo; Karp, Joel S.; Schaart, Dennis R.

2017-03-01

We have recently built and characterized the performance of a monolithic scintillator detector based on a 32 mm  ×  32 mm  ×  22 mm LYSO:Ce crystal read out by digital silicon photomultiplier (dSiPM) arrays coupled to the crystal front and back surfaces in a dual-sided readout (DSR) configuration. The detector spatial resolution appeared to be markedly better than that of a detector consisting of the same crystal with conventional back-sided readout (BSR). Here, we aim to evaluate the influence of this difference in the detector spatial response on the quality of reconstructed images, so as to quantify the potential benefit of the DSR approach for high-resolution, whole-body time-of-flight (TOF) positron emission tomography (PET) applications. We perform Monte Carlo simulations of clinical PET systems based on BSR and DSR detectors, using the results of our detector characterization experiments to model the detector spatial responses. We subsequently quantify the improvement in image quality obtained with DSR compared to BSR, using clinically relevant metrics such as the contrast recovery coefficient (CRC) and the area under the localized receiver operating characteristic curve (ALROC). Finally, we compare the results with simulated rings of pixelated detectors with DOI capability. Our results show that the DSR detector produces significantly higher CRC and increased ALROC values than the BSR detector. The comparison with pixelated systems indicates that one would need to choose a crystal size of 3.2 mm with three DOI layers to match the performance of the BSR detector, while a pixel size of 1.3 mm with three DOI layers would be required to get on par with the DSR detector.

Steady-state configuration and tension calculations of marine cables under complex currents via separated particle swarm optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Xue-song

2014-12-01

Under complex currents, the motion governing equations of marine cables are complex and nonlinear, and the calculations of cable configuration and tension become difficult compared with those under the uniform or simple currents. To obtain the numerical results, the usual Newton-Raphson iteration is often adopted, but its stability depends on the initial guessed solution to the governing equations. To improve the stability of numerical calculation, this paper proposed separated the particle swarm optimization, in which the variables are separated into several groups, and the dimension of search space is reduced to facilitate the particle swarm optimization. Via the separated particle swarm optimization, these governing nonlinear equations can be solved successfully with any initial solution, and the process of numerical calculation is very stable. For the calculations of cable configuration and tension of marine cables under complex currents, the proposed separated swarm particle optimization is more effective than the other particle swarm optimizations.

Optimal configuration of partial Mueller matrix polarimeter for measuring the ellipsometric parameters in the presence of Poisson shot noise and Gaussian noise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quan, Naicheng; Zhang, Chunmin; Mu, Tingkui

2018-05-01

We address the optimal configuration of a partial Mueller matrix polarimeter used to determine the ellipsometric parameters in the presence of additive Gaussian noise and signal-dependent shot noise. The numerical results show that, for the PSG/PSA consisting of a variable retarder and a fixed polarizer, the detection process immune to these two types of noise can be optimally composed by 121.2° retardation with a pair of azimuths ±71.34° and a 144.48° retardation with a pair of azimuths ±31.56° for four Mueller matrix elements measurement. Compared with the existing configurations, the configuration presented in this paper can effectively decrease the measurement variance and thus statistically improve the measurement precision of the ellipsometric parameters.

Adjustable control station with movable monitors and cameras for viewing systems in robotics and teleoperations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Diner, Daniel B. (Inventor)

1994-01-01

Real-time video presentations are provided in the field of operator-supervised automation and teleoperation, particularly in control stations having movable cameras for optimal viewing of a region of interest in robotics and teleoperations for performing different types of tasks. Movable monitors to match the corresponding camera orientations (pan, tilt, and roll) are provided in order to match the coordinate systems of all the monitors to the operator internal coordinate system. Automated control of the arrangement of cameras and monitors, and of the configuration of system parameters, is provided for optimal viewing and performance of each type of task for each operator since operators have different individual characteristics. The optimal viewing arrangement and system parameter configuration is determined and stored for each operator in performing each of many types of tasks in order to aid the automation of setting up optimal arrangements and configurations for successive tasks in real time. Factors in determining what is optimal include the operator's ability to use hand-controllers for each type of task. Robot joint locations, forces and torques are used, as well as the operator's identity, to identify the current type of task being performed in order to call up a stored optimal viewing arrangement and system parameter configuration.

Performance monitoring for new phase dynamic optimization of instruction dispatch cluster configuration

DOEpatents

Balasubramonian, Rajeev [Sandy, UT; Dwarkadas, Sandhya [Rochester, NY; Albonesi, David [Ithaca, NY

2012-01-24

In a processor having multiple clusters which operate in parallel, the number of clusters in use can be varied dynamically. At the start of each program phase, the configuration option for an interval is run to determine the optimal configuration, which is used until the next phase change is detected. The optimum instruction interval is determined by starting with a minimum interval and doubling it until a low stability factor is reached.

Large Area and High Efficiency Photon Counting Imaging Detectors with High Time and Spatial Resolution for Night Time Sensing and Astronomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siegmund, O.; Vallerga, J.; Tremsin, A.; McPhate, J.; Frisch, H.; Elam, J.; Mane, A.; Wagner, R.; Varner, G.

2012-09-01

The development of large area photon counting, imaging, timing detectors with high performance has significance for applications in astronomy (such as our sensor on the SAAO SALT 10m telescope), night time remote reconnaissance, airborne/space situational awareness, and high-speed adaptive optics. Sealed tube configurations for optical/IR sensing also have applications in detection of Cherenkov light (RICH), biological single-molecule fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy and neutron imaging applications. In open faced configurations these devices are important for UV and particle detection in space astrophysics, mass spectroscopy and many time-of flight applications. Currently available devices are limited to sizes of about 5 cm and use either conventional microchannel plates, or dynode multipliers for amplification, coupled coarse pad array readouts. Extension of these schemes to devices as large as 20 cm with high spatial resolution presents significant problems and potentially considerable cost. A collaboration (Large Area Picosecond Photon Detector) of the U. Chicago, Argonne National Laboratory, U.C. Berkeley, U. Hawaii and a number of other institutions has developed novel technologies to realize 20 cm format detectors in open face or sealed tube configurations. One critical component of this development is novel microchannel plates employing borosilicate micro-capillary arrays. The microchannel plates are based on a novel concept where the substrate is constructed from a borosilicate micro-capillary array that is made to function as a microchannel plate by deposition of resistive and secondary emissive layers using atomic layer deposition. The process is relatively inexpensive compared with conventional microchannel plates and allows very large microchannel plates to be produced with pore sizes as small as 10 microns. These provide many performance characteristics typical of conventional microchannel plates, but have been made in sizes up to 20 cm, have low intrinsic background (<0.1 events/sq-cm/sec) and high stability with no observed gain degradation behavior over at least 5 Coul/sq-cm of charge extraction. Initial tests in a 20 cm detector with a cross strip electronic readout have achieved 4k x 4k pixel imaging with single photon sub-ns timing and MHz event rates. In concert with this effort we have made stable, uniform 20 cm bialkali photocathodes with >20% quantum efficiency on borosilicate windows compatible with a large sealed tube device. Other related efforts have also produced small sealed tubes with 30% quantum efficiency GaAs sealed tubes with high resolution imaging and timing that are immediately applicable to current applications, and opaque GaN UV photocathodes directly deposited onto these novel microchannel plates. We will discuss the details and implications of these novel microchannel plates with respect to the realization of novel detectors up to 20 cm format with reasonable cost and performance, robust construction, high flexibility of format and readout, reduction of fabrication effort, dramatically increased lifetime and stability, and their potential applications.

Comparison between four dissimilar solar panel configurations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suleiman, K.; Ali, U. A.; Yusuf, Ibrahim; Koko, A. D.; Bala, S. I.

2017-12-01

Several studies on photovoltaic systems focused on how it operates and energy required in operating it. Little attention is paid on its configurations, modeling of mean time to system failure, availability, cost benefit and comparisons of parallel and series-parallel designs. In this research work, four system configurations were studied. Configuration I consists of two sub-components arranged in parallel with 24 V each, configuration II consists of four sub-components arranged logically in parallel with 12 V each, configuration III consists of four sub-components arranged in series-parallel with 8 V each, and configuration IV has six sub-components with 6 V each arranged in series-parallel. Comparative analysis was made using Chapman Kolmogorov's method. The derivation for explicit expression of mean time to system failure, steady state availability and cost benefit analysis were performed, based on the comparison. Ranking method was used to determine the optimal configuration of the systems. The results of analytical and numerical solutions of system availability and mean time to system failure were determined and it was found that configuration I is the optimal configuration.

Optimal configuration of microstructure in ferroelectric materials by stochastic optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jayachandran, K. P.; Guedes, J. M.; Rodrigues, H. C.

2010-07-01

An optimization procedure determining the ideal configuration at the microstructural level of ferroelectric (FE) materials is applied to maximize piezoelectricity. Piezoelectricity in ceramic FEs differs significantly from that of single crystals because of the presence of crystallites (grains) possessing crystallographic axes aligned imperfectly. The piezoelectric properties of a polycrystalline (ceramic) FE is inextricably related to the grain orientation distribution (texture). The set of combination of variables, known as solution space, which dictates the texture of a ceramic is unlimited and hence the choice of the optimal solution which maximizes the piezoelectricity is complicated. Thus, a stochastic global optimization combined with homogenization is employed for the identification of the optimal granular configuration of the FE ceramic microstructure with optimum piezoelectric properties. The macroscopic equilibrium piezoelectric properties of polycrystalline FE is calculated using mathematical homogenization at each iteration step. The configuration of grains characterized by its orientations at each iteration is generated using a randomly selected set of orientation distribution parameters. The optimization procedure applied to the single crystalline phase compares well with the experimental data. Apparent enhancement of piezoelectric coefficient d33 is observed in an optimally oriented BaTiO3 single crystal. Based on the good agreement of results with the published data in single crystals, we proceed to apply the methodology in polycrystals. A configuration of crystallites, simultaneously constraining the orientation distribution of the c-axis (polar axis) while incorporating ab-plane randomness, which would multiply the overall piezoelectricity in ceramic BaTiO3 is also identified. The orientation distribution of the c-axes is found to be a narrow Gaussian distribution centered around 45°. The piezoelectric coefficient in such a ceramic is found to be nearly three times as that of the single crystal. Our optimization model provide designs for materials with enhanced piezoelectric performance, which would stimulate further studies involving materials possessing higher spontaneous polarization.

Multi-parameter optimization of piezoelectric actuators for multi-mode active vibration control of cylindrical shells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, K. M.; Li, Hua

2018-07-01

A novel technique for the multi-parameter optimization of distributed piezoelectric actuators is presented in this paper. The proposed method is designed to improve the performance of multi-mode vibration control in cylindrical shells. The optimization parameters of actuator patch configuration include position, size, and tilt angle. The modal control force of tilted orthotropic piezoelectric actuators is derived and the multi-parameter cylindrical shell optimization model is established. The linear quadratic energy index is employed as the optimization criterion. A geometric constraint is proposed to prevent overlap between tilted actuators, which is plugged into a genetic algorithm to search the optimal configuration parameters. A simply-supported closed cylindrical shell with two actuators serves as a case study. The vibration control efficiencies of various parameter sets are evaluated via frequency response and transient response simulations. The results show that the linear quadratic energy indexes of position and size optimization decreased by 14.0% compared to position optimization; those of position and tilt angle optimization decreased by 16.8%; and those of position, size, and tilt angle optimization decreased by 25.9%. It indicates that, adding configuration optimization parameters is an efficient approach to improving the vibration control performance of piezoelectric actuators on shells.

Experimental Optimization of Exposure Index and Quality of Service in Wlan Networks.

PubMed

Plets, David; Vermeeren, Günter; Poorter, Eli De; Moerman, Ingrid; Goudos, Sotirios K; Luc, Martens; Wout, Joseph

2017-07-01

This paper presents the first real-life optimization of the Exposure Index (EI). A genetic optimization algorithm is developed and applied to three real-life Wireless Local Area Network scenarios in an experimental testbed. The optimization accounts for downlink, uplink and uplink of other users, for realistic duty cycles, and ensures a sufficient Quality of Service to all users. EI reductions up to 97.5% compared to a reference configuration can be achieved in a downlink-only scenario, in combination with an improved Quality of Service. Due to the dominance of uplink exposure and the lack of WiFi power control, no optimizations are possible in scenarios that also consider uplink traffic. However, future deployments that do implement WiFi power control can be successfully optimized, with EI reductions up to 86% compared to a reference configuration and an EI that is 278 times lower than optimized configurations under the absence of power control. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Simultaneous optimization of micro-heliostat geometry and field layout using a genetic algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lazardjani, Mani Yousefpour; Kronhardt, Valentina; Dikta, Gerhard; Göttsche, Joachim

2016-05-01

A new optimization tool for micro-heliostat (MH) geometry and field layout is presented. The method intends simultaneous performance improvement and cost reduction through iteration of heliostat geometry and field layout parameters. This tool was developed primarily for the optimization of a novel micro-heliostat concept, which was developed at Solar-Institut Jülich (SIJ). However, the underlying approach for the optimization can be used for any heliostat type. During the optimization the performance is calculated using the ray-tracing tool SolCal. The costs of the heliostats are calculated by use of a detailed cost function. A genetic algorithm is used to change heliostat geometry and field layout in an iterative process. Starting from an initial setup, the optimization tool generates several configurations of heliostat geometries and field layouts. For each configuration a cost-performance ratio is calculated. Based on that, the best geometry and field layout can be selected in each optimization step. In order to find the best configuration, this step is repeated until no significant improvement in the results is observed.

Disassemblability modeling technology of configurable product based on disassembly constraint relation weighted design structure matrix(DSM)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiu, Lemiao; Liu, Xiaojian; Zhang, Shuyou; Sun, Liangfeng

2014-05-01

The current research of configurable product disassemblability focuses on disassemblability evaluation and disassembly sequence planning. Little work has been done on quantitative analysis of configurable product disassemblability. The disassemblability modeling technology for configurable product based on disassembly constraint relation weighted design structure matrix (DSM) is proposed. Major factors affecting the disassemblability of configurable product are analyzed, and the disassembling degrees between components in configurable product are obtained by calculating disassembly entropies such as joint type, joint quantity, disassembly path, disassembly accessibility and material compatibility. The disassembly constraint relation weighted DSM of configurable product is constructed and configuration modules are formed by matrix decomposition and tearing operations. The disassembly constraint relation in configuration modules is strong coupling, and the disassembly constraint relation between modules is weak coupling, and the disassemblability configuration model is constructed based on configuration module. Finally, taking a hydraulic forging press as an example, the decomposed weak coupling components are used as configuration modules alone, components with a strong coupling are aggregated into configuration modules, and the disassembly sequence of components inside configuration modules is optimized by tearing operation. A disassemblability configuration model of the hydraulic forging press is constructed. By researching the disassemblability modeling technology of product configuration design based on disassembly constraint relation weighted DSM, the disassembly property in maintenance, recycling and reuse of configurable product are optimized.

Data Processing for a High Resolution Preclinical PET Detector Based on Philips DPC Digital SiPMs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schug, David; Wehner, Jakob; Goldschmidt, Benjamin; Lerche, Christoph; Dueppenbecker, Peter Michael; Hallen, Patrick; Weissler, Bjoern; Gebhardt, Pierre; Kiessling, Fabian; Schulz, Volkmar

2015-06-01

In positron emission tomography (PET) systems, light sharing techniques are commonly used to readout scintillator arrays consisting of scintillation elements, which are smaller than the optical sensors. The scintillating element is then identified evaluating the signal heights in the readout channels using statistical algorithms, the center of gravity (COG) algorithm being the simplest and mostly used one. We propose a COG algorithm with a fixed number of input channels in order to guarantee a stable calculation of the position. The algorithm is implemented and tested with the raw detector data obtained with the Hyperion-II D preclinical PET insert which uses Philips Digital Photon Counting's (PDPC) digitial SiPMs. The gamma detectors use LYSO scintillator arrays with 30 ×30 crystals of 1 ×1 ×12 mm3 in size coupled to 4 ×4 PDPC DPC 3200-22 sensors (DPC) via a 2-mm-thick light guide. These self-triggering sensors are made up of 2 ×2 pixels resulting in a total of 64 readout channels. We restrict the COG calculation to a main pixel, which captures most of the scintillation light from a crystal, and its (direct and diagonal) neighboring pixels and reject single events in which this data is not fully available. This results in stable COG positions for a crystal element and enables high spatial image resolution. Due to the sensor layout, for some crystals it is very likely that a single diagonal neighbor pixel is missing as a result of the low light level on the corresponding DPC. This leads to a loss of sensitivity, if these events are rejected. An enhancement of the COG algorithm is proposed which handles the potentially missing pixel separately both for the crystal identification and the energy calculation. Using this advancement, we show that the sensitivity of the Hyperion-II D insert using the described scintillator configuration can be improved by 20-100% for practical useful readout thresholds of a single DPC pixel ranging from 17-52 photons. Furthermore, we show that the energy resolution of the scanner is superior for all readout thresholds if singles with a single missing pixel are accepted and correctly handled compared to the COG method only accepting singles with all neighbors present by 0-1.6% (relative difference). The presented methods can not only be applied to gamma detectors employing DPC sensors, but can be generalized to other similarly structured and self-triggering detectors, using light sharing techniques, as well.

Optimized MOL-PCR for Characterization of Microbial Pathogens.

PubMed

Wuyts, Véronique; Roosens, Nancy H C; Bertrand, Sophie; Marchal, Kathleen; De Keersmaecker, Sigrid C J

2016-01-06

Characterization of microbial pathogens is necessary for surveillance, outbreak detection, and tracing of outbreak sources. This unit describes a multiplex oligonucleotide ligation-PCR (MOL-PCR) optimized for characterization of microbial pathogens. With MOL-PCR, different types of markers, like unique sequences, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and indels, can be simultaneously analyzed in one assay. This assay consists of a multiplex ligation for detection of the markers, a singleplex PCR for signal amplification, and hybridization to MagPlex-TAG beads for readout on a Luminex platform after fluorescent staining. The current protocol describes the MOL-PCR, as well as methods for DNA isolation, probe design, and data interpretation and it is based on an optimized MOL-PCR assay for subtyping of Salmonella Typhimurium. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Optimal pupil design for confocal microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patel, Yogesh G.; Rajadhyaksha, Milind; DiMarzio, Charles A.

2010-02-01

Confocal reflectance microscopy may enable screening and diagnosis of skin cancers noninvasively and in real-time, as an adjunct to biopsy and pathology. Current instruments are large, complex, and expensive. A simpler, confocal line-scanning microscope may accelerate the translation of confocal microscopy in clinical and surgical dermatology. A confocal reflectance microscope may use a beamsplitter, transmitting and detecting through the pupil, or a divided pupil, or theta configuration, with half used for transmission and half for detection. The divided pupil may offer better sectioning and contrast. We present a Fourier optics model and compare the on-axis irradiance of a confocal point-scanning microscope in both pupil configurations, optimizing the profile of a Gaussian beam in a circular or semicircular aperture. We repeat both calculations with a cylindrical lens which focuses the source to a line. The variable parameter is the fillfactor, h, the ratio of the 1/e2 diameter of the Gaussian beam to the diameter of the full aperture. The optimal values of h, for point scanning are 0.90 (full) and 0.66 for the half-aperture. For line-scanning, the fill-factors are 1.02 (full) and 0.52 (half). Additional parameters to consider are the optimal location of the point-source beam in the divided-pupil configuration, the optimal line width for the line-source, and the width of the aperture in the divided-pupil configuration. Additional figures of merit are field-of-view and sectioning. Use of optimal designs is critical in comparing the experimental performance of the different configurations.

Whole-brain background-suppressed pCASL MRI with 1D-accelerated 3D RARE Stack-Of-Spirals readout

PubMed Central

Vidorreta, Marta; Wang, Ze; Chang, Yulin V.; Wolk, David A.; Fernández-Seara, María A.; Detre, John A.

2017-01-01

Arterial Spin Labeled (ASL) perfusion MRI enables non-invasive, quantitative measurements of tissue perfusion, and has a broad range of applications including brain functional imaging. However, ASL suffers from low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), limiting image resolution. Acquisitions using 3D readouts are optimal for background-suppression of static signals, but can be SAR intensive and typically suffer from through-plane blurring. In this study, we investigated the use of accelerated 3D readouts to obtain whole-brain, high-SNR ASL perfusion maps and reduce SAR deposition. Parallel imaging was implemented along the partition-encoding direction in a pseudo-continuous ASL sequence with background-suppression and 3D RARE Stack-Of-Spirals readout, and its performance was evaluated in three small cohorts. First, both non-accelerated and two-fold accelerated single-shot versions of the sequence were evaluated in healthy volunteers during a motor-photic task, and the performance was compared in terms of temporal SNR, GM-WM contrast, and statistical significance of the detected activation. Secondly, single-shot 1D-accelerated imaging was compared to a two-shot accelerated version to assess benefits of SNR and spatial resolution for applications in which temporal resolution is not paramount. Third, the efficacy of this approach in clinical populations was assessed by applying the single-shot 1D-accelerated version to a larger cohort of elderly volunteers. Accelerated data demonstrated the ability to detect functional activation at the subject level, including cerebellar activity, without loss in the perfusion signal temporal stability and the statistical power of the activations. The use of acceleration also resulted in increased GM-WM contrast, likely due to reduced through-plane partial volume effects, that were further attenuated with the use of two-shot readouts. In a clinical cohort, image quality remained excellent, and expected effects of age and sex on cerebral blood flow could be detected. The sequence is freely available upon request for academic use and could benefit a broad range of cognitive and clinical neuroscience research. PMID:28837640

Two-dimensional ultrahigh-density X-ray optical memory.

PubMed

Bezirganyan, Hakob P; Bezirganyan, Siranush E; Bezirganyan, Hayk H; Bezirganyan, Petros H

2007-01-01

Most important aspect of nanotechnology applications in the information ultrahigh storage is the miniaturization of data carrier elements of the storage media with emphasis on the long-term stability. Proposed two-dimensional ultrahigh-density X-ray optical memory, named X-ROM, with long-term stability is an information carrier basically destined for digital data archiving. X-ROM is a semiconductor wafer, in which the high-reflectivity nanosized X-ray mirrors are embedded. Data are encoded due to certain positions of the mirrors. Ultrahigh-density data recording procedure can e.g., be performed via mask-less zone-plate-array lithography (ZPAL), spatial-phase-locked electron-beam lithography (SPLEBL), or focused ion-beam lithography (FIB). X-ROM manufactured by nanolithography technique is a write-once memory useful for terabit-scale memory applications, if the surface area of the smallest recording pits is less than 100 nm2. In this case the X-ROM surface-storage capacity of a square centimetre becomes by two orders of magnitude higher than the volumetric data density really achieved for three-dimensional optical data storage medium. Digital data read-out procedure from proposed X-ROM can e.g., be performed via glancing-angle incident X-ray micro beam (GIX) using the well-developed X-ray reflectometry technique. In presented theoretical paper the crystal-analyser operating like an image magnifier is added to the set-up of X-ROM data handling system for the purpose analogous to case of application the higher numerical aperture objective in optical data read-out system. We also propose the set-up of the X-ROM readout system based on more the one incident X-ray micro beam. Presented scheme of two-beam data handling system, which operates on two mutually perpendicular well-collimated monochromatic incident X-ray micro beams, essentially increases the reliability of the digital information read-out procedure. According the graphs of characteristic functions presented in paper, one may choose optimally the incident radiation wavelength, as well as the angle of incidence of X-ray micro beams, appropriate for proposed digital data read-out procedure.

Developing Low-Noise GaAs JFETs For Cryogenic Operation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cunningham, Thomas J.

1995-01-01

Report discusses aspects of effort to develop low-noise, low-gate-leakage gallium arsenide-based junction field-effect transistors (JFETs) for operation at temperature of about 4 K as readout amplifiers and multiplexing devices for infrared-imaging devices. Transistors needed to replace silicon transistors, relatively noisy at 4 K. Report briefly discusses basic physical principles of JFETs and describes continuing process of optimization of designs of GaAs JFETs for cryogenic operation.

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

Resonator reset in circuit QED by optimal control for large open quantum systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boutin, Samuel; Andersen, Christian Kraglund; Venkatraman, Jayameenakshi; Ferris, Andrew J.; Blais, Alexandre

2017-10-01

We study an implementation of the open GRAPE (gradient ascent pulse engineering) algorithm well suited for large open quantum systems. While typical implementations of optimal control algorithms for open quantum systems rely on explicit matrix exponential calculations, our implementation avoids these operations, leading to a polynomial speedup of the open GRAPE algorithm in cases of interest. This speedup, as well as the reduced memory requirements of our implementation, are illustrated by comparison to a standard implementation of open GRAPE. As a practical example, we apply this open-system optimization method to active reset of a readout resonator in circuit QED. In this problem, the shape of a microwave pulse is optimized such as to empty the cavity from measurement photons as fast as possible. Using our open GRAPE implementation, we obtain pulse shapes, leading to a reset time over 4 times faster than passive reset.

Parametric Study of Biconic Re-Entry Vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steele, Bryan; Banks, Daniel W.; Whitmore, Stephen A.

2007-01-01

An optimization based on hypersonic aerodynamic performance and volumetric efficiency was accomplished for a range of biconic configurations. Both axisymmetric and quasi-axisymmetric geometries (bent and flattened) were analyzed. The aerodynamic optimization wag based on hypersonic simple Incidence angle analysis tools. The range of configurations included those suitable for r lunar return trajectory with a lifting aerocapture at Earth and an overall volume that could support a nominal crew. The results yielded five configurations that had acceptable aerodynamic performance and met overall geometry and size limitations

Supersonic civil airplane study and design: Performance and sonic boom

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cheung, Samson

1995-01-01

Since aircraft configuration plays an important role in aerodynamic performance and sonic boom shape, the configuration of the next generation supersonic civil transport has to be tailored to meet high aerodynamic performance and low sonic boom requirements. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) can be used to design airplanes to meet these dual objectives. The work and results in this report are used to support NASA's High Speed Research Program (HSRP). CFD tools and techniques have been developed for general usages of sonic boom propagation study and aerodynamic design. Parallel to the research effort on sonic boom extrapolation, CFD flow solvers have been coupled with a numeric optimization tool to form a design package for aircraft configuration. This CFD optimization package has been applied to configuration design on a low-boom concept and an oblique all-wing concept. A nonlinear unconstrained optimizer for Parallel Virtual Machine has been developed for aerodynamic design and study.

Aerodynamic configuration design using response surface methodology analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Engelund, Walter C.; Stanley, Douglas O.; Lepsch, Roger A.; Mcmillin, Mark M.; Unal, Resit

1993-01-01

An investigation has been conducted to determine a set of optimal design parameters for a single-stage-to-orbit reentry vehicle. Several configuration geometry parameters which had a large impact on the entry vehicle flying characteristics were selected as design variables: the fuselage fineness ratio, the nose to body length ratio, the nose camber value, the wing planform area scale factor, and the wing location. The optimal geometry parameter values were chosen using a response surface methodology (RSM) technique which allowed for a minimum dry weight configuration design that met a set of aerodynamic performance constraints on the landing speed, and on the subsonic, supersonic, and hypersonic trim and stability levels. The RSM technique utilized, specifically the central composite design method, is presented, along with the general vehicle conceptual design process. Results are presented for an optimized configuration along with several design trade cases.

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

Dragone, A; /SLAC; Pratte, J.F.

An ASIC for the readout of signals from X-ray Active Matrix Pixel Sensor (XAMPS) detectors to be used at the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) is presented. The X-ray Pump Probe (XPP) instrument, for which the ASIC has been designed, requires a large input dynamic range on the order of 104 photons at 8 keV with a resolution of half a photon FWHM. Due to the size of the pixel and the length of the readout line, large input capacitance is expected, leading to stringent requirement on the noise optimization. Furthermore, the large number of pixels needed for a goodmore » position resolution and the fixed LCLS beam period impose limitations on the time available for the single pixel readout. Considering the periodic nature of the LCLS beam, the ASIC developed for this application is a time-variant system providing low-noise charge integration, filtering and correlated double sampling. In order to cope with the large input dynamic range a charge pump scheme implementing a zero-balance measurement method has been introduced. It provides an on chip 3-bit coarse digital conversion of the integrated charge. The residual charge is sampled using correlated double sampling into analog memory and measured with the required resolution. The first 64 channel prototype of the ASIC has been fabricated in TSMC CMOS 0.25 {micro}m technology. In this paper, the ASIC architecture and performances are presented.« less

Radiopurity assessment of the energy readout for the NEXT double beta decay experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cebrián, S.; Pérez, J.; Bandac, I.; Labarga, L.; Álvarez, V.; Azevedo, C. D. R.; Benlloch-Rodríguez, J. M.; Borges, F. I. G. M.; Botas, A.; Cárcel, S.; Carrión, J. V.; Conde, C. A. N.; Díaz, J.; Diesburg, M.; Escada, J.; Esteve, R.; Felkai, R.; Fernandes, L. M. P.; Ferrario, P.; Ferreira, A. L.; Freitas, E. D. C.; Goldschmidt, A.; Gómez-Cadenas, J. J.; González-Díaz, D.; Gutiérrez, R. M.; Hauptman, J.; Henriques, C. A. O.; Hernandez, A. I.; Hernando Morata, J. A.; Herrero, V.; Jones, B. J. P.; Laing, A.; Lebrun, P.; Liubarsky, I.; López-March, N.; Losada, M.; Martín-Albo, J.; Martínez-Lema, G.; Martínez, A.; McDonald, A. D.; Monrabal, F.; Monteiro, C. M. B.; Mora, F. J.; Moutinho, L. M.; Muñoz Vidal, J.; Musti, M.; Nebot-Guinot, M.; Novella, P.; Nygren, D. R.; Palmeiro, B.; Para, A.; Querol, M.; Renner, J.; Ripoll, L.; Rodríguez, J.; Rogers, L.; Santos, F. P.; dos Santos, J. M. F.; Simón, A.; Sofka, C.; Sorel, M.; Stiegler, T.; Toledo, J. F.; Torrent, J.; Tsamalaidze, Z.; Veloso, J. F. C. A.; Villar, J. A.; Webb, R.; White, J. T.; Yahlali, N.

2017-08-01

The "Neutrino Experiment with a Xenon Time-Projection Chamber" (NEXT) experiment intends to investigate the neutrinoless double beta decay of 136Xe, and therefore requires a severe suppression of potential backgrounds. An extensive material screening and selection process was undertaken to quantify the radioactivity of the materials used in the experiment. Separate energy and tracking readout planes using different sensors allow us to combine the measurement of the topological signature of the event for background discrimination with the energy resolution optimization. The design of radiopure readout planes, in direct contact with the gas detector medium, was especially challenging since the required components typically have activities too large for experiments demanding ultra-low background conditions. After studying the tracking plane, here the radiopurity control of the energy plane is presented, mainly based on gamma-ray spectroscopy using ultra-low background germanium detectors at the Laboratorio Subterr&aposaneo de Canfranc (Spain). All the available units of the selected model of photomultiplier have been screened together with most of the components for the bases, enclosures and windows. According to these results for the activity of the relevant radioisotopes, the selected components of the energy plane would give a contribution to the overall background level in the region of interest of at most 2.4×10-4 counts keV-1 kg-1 y-1, satisfying the sensitivity requirements of the NEXT experiment.

Optimizing Teleportation Cost in Distributed Quantum Circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zomorodi-Moghadam, Mariam; Houshmand, Mahboobeh; Houshmand, Monireh

2018-03-01

The presented work provides a procedure for optimizing the communication cost of a distributed quantum circuit (DQC) in terms of the number of qubit teleportations. Because of technology limitations which do not allow large quantum computers to work as a single processing element, distributed quantum computation is an appropriate solution to overcome this difficulty. Previous studies have applied ad-hoc solutions to distribute a quantum system for special cases and applications. In this study, a general approach is proposed to optimize the number of teleportations for a DQC consisting of two spatially separated and long-distance quantum subsystems. To this end, different configurations of locations for executing gates whose qubits are in distinct subsystems are considered and for each of these configurations, the proposed algorithm is run to find the minimum number of required teleportations. Finally, the configuration which leads to the minimum number of teleportations is reported. The proposed method can be used as an automated procedure to find the configuration with the optimal communication cost for the DQC. This cost can be used as a basic measure of the communication cost for future works in the distributed quantum circuits.

Heuristic Approach for Configuration of a Grid-Tied Microgrid in Puerto Rico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodriguez, Miguel A.

The high rates of cost of electricity that consumers are being charged by the utility grid in Puerto Rico have created an energy crisis around the island. This situation is due to the island's dependence on imported fossil fuels. In order to aid in the transition from fossil-fuel based electricity into electricity from renewable and alternative sources, this research work focuses on reducing the cost of electricity for Puerto Rico through means of finding the optimal microgrid configuration for a set number of consumers from the residential sector. The Hybrid Optimization Modeling for Energy Renewables (HOMER) software, developed by NREL, is utilized as an aid in determining the optimal microgrid setting. The problem is also approached via convex optimization; specifically, an objective function C(t) is formulated in order to be minimized. The cost function depends on the energy supplied by the grid, the energy supplied by renewable sources, the energy not supplied due to outages, as well as any excess energy sold to the utility in a yearly manner. A term for considering the social cost of carbon is also considered in the cost function. Once the microgrid settings from HOMER are obtained, those are evaluated via the optimized function C( t), which will in turn assess the true optimality of the microgrid configuration. A microgrid to supply 10 consumers is considered; each consumer can possess a different microgrid configuration. The cost function C( t) is minimized, and the Net Present Value and Cost of Electricity are computed for each configuration, in order to assess the true feasibility. Results show that the greater the penetration of components into the microgrid, the greater the energy produced by the renewable sources in the microgrid, the greater the energy not supplied due to outages. The proposed method demonstrates that adding large amounts of renewable components in a microgrid does not necessarily translates into economic benefits for the consumer; in fact, there is a trade back between cost and addition of elements that must be considered. Any configurations which consider further increases in microgrid components will result in increased NPV and increased costs of electricity, which deem the configurations as unfeasible.

Tuning fork enhanced interferometric photoacoustic spectroscopy: a new method for trace gas analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Köhring, M.; Pohlkötter, A.; Willer, U.; Angelmahr, M.; Schade, W.

2011-01-01

A photoacoustic trace gas sensor based on an optical read-out method of a quartz tuning fork is shown. Instead of conventional piezoelectric signal read-out, as applied in well-known quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS), an interferometric read-out method for measurement of the tuning fork's oscillation is presented. To demonstrate the potential of the optical read-out of tuning forks in photoacoustics, a comparison between the performances of a sensor with interferometric read-out and conventional QEPAS with piezoelectric read-out is reported. The two sensors show similar characteristics. The detection limit (L) for the optical read-out is determined to be L opt=(2598±84) ppm (1 σ) compared to L elec=(2579±78) ppm (1 σ) for piezoelectric read-out. In both cases the detection limit is defined by the thermal noise of the tuning fork.

Building energy analysis tool

DOEpatents

Brackney, Larry; Parker, Andrew; Long, Nicholas; Metzger, Ian; Dean, Jesse; Lisell, Lars

2016-04-12

A building energy analysis system includes a building component library configured to store a plurality of building components, a modeling tool configured to access the building component library and create a building model of a building under analysis using building spatial data and using selected building components of the plurality of building components stored in the building component library, a building analysis engine configured to operate the building model and generate a baseline energy model of the building under analysis and further configured to apply one or more energy conservation measures to the baseline energy model in order to generate one or more corresponding optimized energy models, and a recommendation tool configured to assess the one or more optimized energy models against the baseline energy model and generate recommendations for substitute building components or modifications.

Probing optimal measurement configuration for optical scatterometry by the multi-objective genetic algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xiuguo; Gu, Honggang; Jiang, Hao; Zhang, Chuanwei; Liu, Shiyuan

2018-04-01

Measurement configuration optimization (MCO) is a ubiquitous and important issue in optical scatterometry, whose aim is to probe the optimal combination of measurement conditions, such as wavelength, incidence angle, azimuthal angle, and/or polarization directions, to achieve a higher measurement precision for a given measuring instrument. In this paper, the MCO problem is investigated and formulated as a multi-objective optimization problem, which is then solved by the multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA). The case study on the Mueller matrix scatterometry for the measurement of a Si grating verifies the feasibility of the MOGA in handling the MCO problem in optical scatterometry by making a comparison with the Monte Carlo simulations. Experiments performed at the achieved optimal measurement configuration also show good agreement between the measured and calculated best-fit Mueller matrix spectra. The proposed MCO method based on MOGA is expected to provide a more general and practical means to solve the MCO problem in the state-of-the-art optical scatterometry.

Performance studies of X3 silicon detectors for the future ELISSA array at ELI-NP

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chesnevskaya, S.; Balabanski, D. L.; Choudhury, D.; Constantin, P.; Filipescu, D. M.; Ghita, D. G.; Guardo, G. L.; Lattuada, D.; Matei, C.; Rotaru, A.; State, A.

2018-05-01

ELISSA is an array of silicon strip detectors under construction at the ELI-NP facility for measurements of photodissociation reactions using high-brilliance, quasi monoenergetic gamma beams. The detection system consists of 35 single-sided position-sensitive X3 detectors arranged in a cylindrical configuration and eight QQQ3 detectors as end-caps. A batch of forty X3 detectors have been tested at ELI-NP. The energy and position resolution, ballistic deficit, leakage currents, and depletion voltage were measured and analyzed. Measurements of the energy resolution were carried out using two read-out electronic chains, one based on multichannel preamplifiers and another based on multiplexers.

SYRMEP front-end and read-out electronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arfelli, F.; Bonvicini, V.; Bravin, A.; Cantatore, G.; Castelli, E.; Cristaudo, P.; Di Michiel, M.; Longo, R.; Olivo, A.; Pani, S.; Pontoni, D.; Poropat, P.; Prest, M.; Rashevsky, A.; Tomasini, F.; Tromba, G.; Vacchi, A.; Vallazza, E.

1998-02-01

The SYRMEP approach to digital mammography implies the use of a monochromatic X-ray beam from a synchrotron source and a slot of superimposed silicon microstrip detectors as a scanning image receptor. The microstrips are read by 32-channel chips mounted on 7-layer hybrid circuits which receive control signals and operating voltages from a MASTER-SLAVE configuration of cards. The MASTER card is driven by the CIRM, a dedicated CAMAC module whose timing function can be easily excluded to obtain data-storage-only units connected to different MASTERs: this second-level modular expansion capability fully achieves the tasks of an electronics system able to follow the SYRMEP detector growth till the final size of seven thousands of channels.

Beam orientation optimization for intensity-modulated radiation therapy using mixed integer programming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Ruijie; Dai, Jianrong; Yang, Yong; Hu, Yimin

2006-08-01

The purpose of this study is to extend an algorithm proposed for beam orientation optimization in classical conformal radiotherapy to intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and to evaluate the algorithm's performance in IMRT scenarios. In addition, the effect of the candidate pool of beam orientations, in terms of beam orientation resolution and starting orientation, on the optimized beam configuration, plan quality and optimization time is also explored. The algorithm is based on the technique of mixed integer linear programming in which binary and positive float variables are employed to represent candidates for beam orientation and beamlet weights in beam intensity maps. Both beam orientations and beam intensity maps are simultaneously optimized in the algorithm with a deterministic method. Several different clinical cases were used to test the algorithm and the results show that both target coverage and critical structures sparing were significantly improved for the plans with optimized beam orientations compared to those with equi-spaced beam orientations. The calculation time was less than an hour for the cases with 36 binary variables on a PC with a Pentium IV 2.66 GHz processor. It is also found that decreasing beam orientation resolution to 10° greatly reduced the size of the candidate pool of beam orientations without significant influence on the optimized beam configuration and plan quality, while selecting different starting orientations had large influence. Our study demonstrates that the algorithm can be applied to IMRT scenarios, and better beam orientation configurations can be obtained using this algorithm. Furthermore, the optimization efficiency can be greatly increased through proper selection of beam orientation resolution and starting beam orientation while guaranteeing the optimized beam configurations and plan quality.

Fast, high-fidelity readout of multiple qubits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bronn, N. T.; Abdo, B.; Inoue, K.; Lekuch, S.; Córcoles, A. D.; Hertzberg, J. B.; Takita, M.; Bishop, L. S.; Gambetta, J. M.; Chow, J. M.

2017-05-01

Quantum computing requires a delicate balance between coupling quantum systems to external instruments for control and readout, while providing enough isolation from sources of decoherence. Circuit quantum electrodynamics has been a successful method for protecting superconducting qubits, while maintaining the ability to perform readout [1, 2]. Here, we discuss improvements to this method that allow for fast, high-fidelity readout. Specifically, the integration of a Purcell filter, which allows us to increase the resonator bandwidth for fast readout, the incorporation of a Josephson parametric converter, which enables us to perform high-fidelity readout by amplifying the readout signal while adding the minimum amount of noise required by quantum mechanics, and custom control electronics, which provide us with the capability of fast decision and control.

An efficient coding theory for a dynamic trajectory predicts non-uniform allocation of entorhinal grid cells to modules.

PubMed

Mosheiff, Noga; Agmon, Haggai; Moriel, Avraham; Burak, Yoram

2017-06-01

Grid cells in the entorhinal cortex encode the position of an animal in its environment with spatially periodic tuning curves with different periodicities. Recent experiments established that these cells are functionally organized in discrete modules with uniform grid spacing. Here we develop a theory for efficient coding of position, which takes into account the temporal statistics of the animal's motion. The theory predicts a sharp decrease of module population sizes with grid spacing, in agreement with the trend seen in the experimental data. We identify a simple scheme for readout of the grid cell code by neural circuitry, that can match in accuracy the optimal Bayesian decoder. This readout scheme requires persistence over different timescales, depending on the grid cell module. Thus, we propose that the brain may employ an efficient representation of position which takes advantage of the spatiotemporal statistics of the encoded variable, in similarity to the principles that govern early sensory processing.

An efficient coding theory for a dynamic trajectory predicts non-uniform allocation of entorhinal grid cells to modules

PubMed Central

Mosheiff, Noga; Agmon, Haggai; Moriel, Avraham

2017-01-01

Grid cells in the entorhinal cortex encode the position of an animal in its environment with spatially periodic tuning curves with different periodicities. Recent experiments established that these cells are functionally organized in discrete modules with uniform grid spacing. Here we develop a theory for efficient coding of position, which takes into account the temporal statistics of the animal’s motion. The theory predicts a sharp decrease of module population sizes with grid spacing, in agreement with the trend seen in the experimental data. We identify a simple scheme for readout of the grid cell code by neural circuitry, that can match in accuracy the optimal Bayesian decoder. This readout scheme requires persistence over different timescales, depending on the grid cell module. Thus, we propose that the brain may employ an efficient representation of position which takes advantage of the spatiotemporal statistics of the encoded variable, in similarity to the principles that govern early sensory processing. PMID:28628647

Direct-write nanoscale printing of nanogranular tunnelling strain sensors for sub-micrometre cantilevers

PubMed Central

Dukic, Maja; Winhold, Marcel; Schwalb, Christian H.; Adams, Jonathan D.; Stavrov, Vladimir; Huth, Michael; Fantner, Georg E.

2016-01-01

The sensitivity and detection speed of cantilever-based mechanical sensors increases drastically through size reduction. The need for such increased performance for high-speed nanocharacterization and bio-sensing, drives their sub-micrometre miniaturization in a variety of research fields. However, existing detection methods of the cantilever motion do not scale down easily, prohibiting further increase in the sensitivity and detection speed. Here we report a nanomechanical sensor readout based on electron co-tunnelling through a nanogranular metal. The sensors can be deposited with lateral dimensions down to tens of nm, allowing the readout of nanoscale cantilevers without constraints on their size, geometry or material. By modifying the inter-granular tunnel-coupling strength, the sensors' conductivity can be tuned by up to four orders of magnitude, to optimize their performance. We show that the nanoscale printed sensors are functional on 500 nm wide cantilevers and that their sensitivity is suited even for demanding applications such as atomic force microscopy. PMID:27666316

PandaX-III neutrinoless double beta decay experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Shaobo; PandaX-III Collaboration

2017-09-01

The PandaX-III experiment uses high pressure Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) to search for neutrinoless double-beta decay of Xe-136 with high energy resolution and sensitivity at the China Jin-Ping underground Laboratory II (CJPL-II). Fine-pitch Microbulk Micromegas will be used for charge amplification and readout in order to reconstruct both the energy and track of the neutrinoless double-beta decay event. In the first phase of the experiment, the detector, which contains 200 kg of 90% Xe-136 enriched gas operated at 10 bar, will be immersed in a large water tank to ensure 5 m of water shielding. For the second phase, a ton-scale experiment with multiple TPCs will be constructed to improve the detection probability and sensitivity. A 20-kg scale prototype TPC with 7 Micromegas modules has been built to optimize the design of Micromegas readout module, study the energy calibration of TPC and develop algorithm of 3D track reconstruction.

ASIC Readout Circuit Architecture for Large Geiger Photodiode Arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vasile, Stefan; Lipson, Jerold

2012-01-01

The objective of this work was to develop a new class of readout integrated circuit (ROIC) arrays to be operated with Geiger avalanche photodiode (GPD) arrays, by integrating multiple functions at the pixel level (smart-pixel or active pixel technology) in 250-nm CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) processes. In order to pack a maximum of functions within a minimum pixel size, the ROIC array is a full, custom application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) design using a mixed-signal CMOS process with compact primitive layout cells. The ROIC array was processed to allow assembly in bump-bonding technology with photon-counting infrared detector arrays into 3-D imaging cameras (LADAR). The ROIC architecture was designed to work with either common- anode Si GPD arrays or common-cathode InGaAs GPD arrays. The current ROIC pixel design is hardwired prior to processing one of the two GPD array configurations, and it has the provision to allow soft reconfiguration to either array (to be implemented into the next ROIC array generation). The ROIC pixel architecture implements the Geiger avalanche quenching, bias, reset, and time to digital conversion (TDC) functions in full-digital design, and uses time domain over-sampling (vernier) to allow high temporal resolution at low clock rates, increased data yield, and improved utilization of the laser beam.

Development and test of the DAQ system for a Micromegas prototype to be installed in the ATLAS experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bianco, M.; Martoiu, S.; Sidiropoulou, O.; Zibell, A.

2015-12-01

A Micromegas (MM) quadruplet prototype with an active area of 0.5 m2 that adopts the general design foreseen for the upgrade of the innermost forward muon tracking systems (Small Wheels) of the ATLAS detector in 2018-2019, has been built at CERN and is going to be tested in the ATLAS cavern environment during the LHC RUN-II period 2015-2017. The integration of this prototype detector into the ATLAS data acquisition system using custom ATCA equipment is presented. An ATLAS compatible Read Out Driver (ROD) based on the Scalable Readout System (SRS), the Scalable Readout Unit (SRU), will be used in order to transmit the data after generating valid event fragments to the high-level Read Out System (ROS). The SRU will be synchronized with the LHC bunch crossing clock (40.08 MHz) and will receive the Level-1 trigger signals from the Central Trigger Processor (CTP) through the TTCrx receiver ASIC. The configuration of the system will be driven directly from the ATLAS Run Control System. By using the ATLAS TDAQ Software, a dedicated Micromegas segment has been implemented, in order to include the detector inside the main ATLAS DAQ partition. A full set of tests, on the hardware and software aspects, is presented.

Disease and disaster: Optimal deployment of epidemic control facilities in a spatially heterogeneous population with changing behaviour.

PubMed

Gaythorpe, Katy; Adams, Ben

2016-05-21

Epidemics of water-borne infections often follow natural disasters and extreme weather events that disrupt water management processes. The impact of such epidemics may be reduced by deployment of transmission control facilities such as clinics or decontamination plants. Here we use a relatively simple mathematical model to examine how demographic and environmental heterogeneities, population behaviour, and behavioural change in response to the provision of facilities, combine to determine the optimal configurations of limited numbers of facilities to reduce epidemic size, and endemic prevalence. We show that, if the presence of control facilities does not affect behaviour, a good general rule for responsive deployment to minimise epidemic size is to place them in exactly the locations where they will directly benefit the most people. However, if infected people change their behaviour to seek out treatment then the deployment of facilities offering treatment can lead to complex effects that are difficult to foresee. So careful mathematical analysis is the only way to get a handle on the optimal deployment. Behavioural changes in response to control facilities can also lead to critical facility numbers at which there is a radical change in the optimal configuration. So sequential improvement of a control strategy by adding facilities to an existing optimal configuration does not always produce another optimal configuration. We also show that the pre-emptive deployment of control facilities has conflicting effects. The configurations that minimise endemic prevalence are very different to those that minimise epidemic size. So cost-benefit analysis of strategies to manage endemic prevalence must factor in the frequency of extreme weather events and natural disasters. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Modeling and optimization of a hybrid solar combined cycle (HYCS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eter, Ahmad Adel

2011-12-01

The main objective of this thesis is to investigate the feasibility of integrating concentrated solar power (CSP) technology with the conventional combined cycle technology for electric generation in Saudi Arabia. The generated electricity can be used locally to meet the annual increasing demand. Specifically, it can be utilized to meet the demand during the hours 10 am-3 pm and prevent blackout hours, of some industrial sectors. The proposed CSP design gives flexibility in the operation system. Since, it works as a conventional combined cycle during night time and it switches to work as a hybrid solar combined cycle during day time. The first objective of the thesis is to develop a thermo-economical mathematical model that can simulate the performance of a hybrid solar-fossil fuel combined cycle. The second objective is to develop a computer simulation code that can solve the thermo-economical mathematical model using available software such as E.E.S. The developed simulation code is used to analyze the thermo-economic performance of different configurations of integrating the CSP with the conventional fossil fuel combined cycle to achieve the optimal integration configuration. This optimal integration configuration has been investigated further to achieve the optimal design of the solar field that gives the optimal solar share. Thermo-economical performance metrics which are available in the literature have been used in the present work to assess the thermo-economic performance of the investigated configurations. The economical and environmental impact of integration CSP with the conventional fossil fuel combined cycle are estimated and discussed. Finally, the optimal integration configuration is found to be solarization steam side in conventional combined cycle with solar multiple 0.38 which needs 29 hectare and LEC of HYCS is 63.17 $/MWh under Dhahran weather conditions.

Optimal Design of General Stiffened Composite Circular Cylinders for Global Buckling with Strength Constraints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jaunky, N.; Ambur, D. R.; Knight, N. F., Jr.

1998-01-01

A design strategy for optimal design of composite grid-stiffened cylinders subjected to global and local buckling constraints and strength constraints was developed using a discrete optimizer based on a genetic algorithm. An improved smeared stiffener theory was used for the global analysis. Local buckling of skin segments were assessed using a Rayleigh-Ritz method that accounts for material anisotropy. The local buckling of stiffener segments were also assessed. Constraints on the axial membrane strain in the skin and stiffener segments were imposed to include strength criteria in the grid-stiffened cylinder design. Design variables used in this study were the axial and transverse stiffener spacings, stiffener height and thickness, skin laminate stacking sequence and stiffening configuration, where stiffening configuration is a design variable that indicates the combination of axial, transverse and diagonal stiffener in the grid-stiffened cylinder. The design optimization process was adapted to identify the best suited stiffening configurations and stiffener spacings for grid-stiffened composite cylinder with the length and radius of the cylinder, the design in-plane loads and material properties as inputs. The effect of having axial membrane strain constraints in the skin and stiffener segments in the optimization process is also studied for selected stiffening configurations.

Optimal Design of General Stiffened Composite Circular Cylinders for Global Buckling with Strength Constraints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jaunky, Navin; Knight, Norman F., Jr.; Ambur, Damodar R.

1998-01-01

A design strategy for optimal design of composite grid-stiffened cylinders subjected to global and local buckling constraints and, strength constraints is developed using a discrete optimizer based on a genetic algorithm. An improved smeared stiffener theory is used for the global analysis. Local buckling of skin segments are assessed using a Rayleigh-Ritz method that accounts for material anisotropy. The local buckling of stiffener segments are also assessed. Constraints on the axial membrane strain in the skin and stiffener segments are imposed to include strength criteria in the grid-stiffened cylinder design. Design variables used in this study are the axial and transverse stiffener spacings, stiffener height and thickness, skin laminate stacking sequence, and stiffening configuration, where herein stiffening configuration is a design variable that indicates the combination of axial, transverse, and diagonal stiffener in the grid-stiffened cylinder. The design optimization process is adapted to identify the best suited stiffening configurations and stiffener spacings for grid-stiffened composite cylinder with the length and radius of the cylinder, the design in-plane loads, and material properties as inputs. The effect of having axial membrane strain constraints in the skin and stiffener segments in the optimization process is also studied for selected stiffening configuration.

Investigation of optimization-based reconstruction with an image-total-variation constraint in PET

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zheng; Ye, Jinghan; Chen, Buxin; Perkins, Amy E.; Rose, Sean; Sidky, Emil Y.; Kao, Chien-Min; Xia, Dan; Tung, Chi-Hua; Pan, Xiaochuan

2016-08-01

Interest remains in reconstruction-algorithm research and development for possible improvement of image quality in current PET imaging and for enabling innovative PET systems to enhance existing, and facilitate new, preclinical and clinical applications. Optimization-based image reconstruction has been demonstrated in recent years of potential utility for CT imaging applications. In this work, we investigate tailoring the optimization-based techniques to image reconstruction for PET systems with standard and non-standard scan configurations. Specifically, given an image-total-variation (TV) constraint, we investigated how the selection of different data divergences and associated parameters impacts the optimization-based reconstruction of PET images. The reconstruction robustness was explored also with respect to different data conditions and activity up-takes of practical relevance. A study was conducted particularly for image reconstruction from data collected by use of a PET configuration with sparsely populated detectors. Overall, the study demonstrates the robustness of the TV-constrained, optimization-based reconstruction for considerably different data conditions in PET imaging, as well as its potential to enable PET configurations with reduced numbers of detectors. Insights gained in the study may be exploited for developing algorithms for PET-image reconstruction and for enabling PET-configuration design of practical usefulness in preclinical and clinical applications.

Motor planning under temporal uncertainty is suboptimal when the gain function is asymmetric

PubMed Central

Ota, Keiji; Shinya, Masahiro; Kudo, Kazutoshi

2015-01-01

For optimal action planning, the gain/loss associated with actions and the variability in motor output should both be considered. A number of studies make conflicting claims about the optimality of human action planning but cannot be reconciled due to their use of different movements and gain/loss functions. The disagreement is possibly because of differences in the experimental design and differences in the energetic cost of participant motor effort. We used a coincident timing task, which requires decision making with constant energetic cost, to test the optimality of participant's timing strategies under four configurations of the gain function. We compared participant strategies to an optimal timing strategy calculated from a Bayesian model that maximizes the expected gain. We found suboptimal timing strategies under two configurations of the gain function characterized by asymmetry, in which higher gain is associated with higher risk of zero gain. Participants showed a risk-seeking strategy by responding closer than optimal to the time of onset/offset of zero gain. Meanwhile, there was good agreement of the model with actual performance under two configurations of the gain function characterized by symmetry. Our findings show that human ability to make decisions that must reflect uncertainty in one's own motor output has limits that depend on the configuration of the gain function. PMID:26236227

Optimal Detection of a Localized Perturbation in Random Networks of Integrate-and-Fire Neurons.

PubMed

Bernardi, Davide; Lindner, Benjamin

2017-06-30

Experimental and theoretical studies suggest that cortical networks are chaotic and coding relies on averages over large populations. However, there is evidence that rats can respond to the short stimulation of a single cortical cell, a theoretically unexplained fact. We study effects of single-cell stimulation on a large recurrent network of integrate-and-fire neurons and propose a simple way to detect the perturbation. Detection rates obtained from simulations and analytical estimates are similar to experimental response rates if the readout is slightly biased towards specific neurons. Near-optimal detection is attained for a broad range of intermediate values of the mean coupling between neurons.

Transformation Model Choice in Nonlinear Regression Analysis of Fluorescence-based Serial Dilution Assays

PubMed Central

Fong, Youyi; Yu, Xuesong

2016-01-01

Many modern serial dilution assays are based on fluorescence intensity (FI) readouts. We study optimal transformation model choice for fitting five parameter logistic curves (5PL) to FI-based serial dilution assay data. We first develop a generalized least squares-pseudolikelihood type algorithm for fitting heteroscedastic logistic models. Next we show that the 5PL and log 5PL functions can approximate each other well. We then compare four 5PL models with different choices of log transformation and variance modeling through a Monte Carlo study and real data. Our findings are that the optimal choice depends on the intended use of the fitted curves. PMID:27642502

Optimal Detection of a Localized Perturbation in Random Networks of Integrate-and-Fire Neurons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernardi, Davide; Lindner, Benjamin

2017-06-01

Experimental and theoretical studies suggest that cortical networks are chaotic and coding relies on averages over large populations. However, there is evidence that rats can respond to the short stimulation of a single cortical cell, a theoretically unexplained fact. We study effects of single-cell stimulation on a large recurrent network of integrate-and-fire neurons and propose a simple way to detect the perturbation. Detection rates obtained from simulations and analytical estimates are similar to experimental response rates if the readout is slightly biased towards specific neurons. Near-optimal detection is attained for a broad range of intermediate values of the mean coupling between neurons.

Advanced power analysis methodology targeted to the optimization of a digital pixel readout chip design and its critical serial powering system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marconi, S.; Orfanelli, S.; Karagounis, M.; Hemperek, T.; Christiansen, J.; Placidi, P.

2017-02-01

A dedicated power analysis methodology, based on modern digital design tools and integrated with the VEPIX53 simulation framework developed within RD53 collaboration, is being used to guide vital choices for the design and optimization of the next generation ATLAS and CMS pixel chips and their critical serial powering circuit (shunt-LDO). Power consumption is studied at different stages of the design flow under different operating conditions. Significant effort is put into extensive investigations of dynamic power variations in relation with the decoupling seen by the powering network. Shunt-LDO simulations are also reported to prove the reliability at the system level.

Optimizing the Readout of Lanthanide-DOTA Complexes for the Detection of Ligand-Bound Copper(I).

PubMed

Hanna, Jill R; Allan, Christopher; Lawrence, Charlotte; Meyer, Odile; Wilson, Neil D; Hulme, Alison N

2017-05-14

The CuAAC 'click' reaction was used to couple alkyne-functionalized lanthanide-DOTA complexes to a range of fluorescent antennae. Screening of the antenna components was aided by comparison of the luminescent output of the resultant sensors using data normalized to account for reaction conversion as assessed by IR. A maximum 82-fold enhanced signal:background luminescence output was achieved using a Eu(III)-DOTA complex coupled to a coumarin-azide, in a reaction which is specific to the presence of copper(I). This optimized complex provides a new lead design for lanthanide-DOTA complexes which can act as irreversible 'turn-on' catalytic sensors for the detection of ligand-bound copper(I).

Overview of Sensitivity Analysis and Shape Optimization for Complex Aerodynamic Configurations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Newman, Perry A.; Newman, James C., III; Barnwell, Richard W.; Taylor, Arthur C., III; Hou, Gene J.-W.

1998-01-01

This paper presents a brief overview of some of the more recent advances in steady aerodynamic shape-design sensitivity analysis and optimization, based on advanced computational fluid dynamics. The focus here is on those methods particularly well- suited to the study of geometrically complex configurations and their potentially complex associated flow physics. When nonlinear state equations are considered in the optimization process, difficulties are found in the application of sensitivity analysis. Some techniques for circumventing such difficulties are currently being explored and are included here. Attention is directed to methods that utilize automatic differentiation to obtain aerodynamic sensitivity derivatives for both complex configurations and complex flow physics. Various examples of shape-design sensitivity analysis for unstructured-grid computational fluid dynamics algorithms are demonstrated for different formulations of the sensitivity equations. Finally, the use of advanced, unstructured-grid computational fluid dynamics in multidisciplinary analyses and multidisciplinary sensitivity analyses within future optimization processes is recommended and encouraged.

Optimal Design of Grid-Stiffened Panels and Shells With Variable Curvature

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ambur, Damodar R.; Jaunky, Navin

2001-01-01

A design strategy for optimal design of composite grid-stiffened structures with variable curvature subjected to global and local buckling constraints is developed using a discrete optimizer. An improved smeared stiffener theory is used for the global buckling analysis. Local buckling of skin segments is assessed using a Rayleigh-Ritz method that accounts for material anisotropy and transverse shear flexibility. The local buckling of stiffener segments is also assessed. Design variables are the axial and transverse stiffener spacing, stiffener height and thickness, skin laminate, and stiffening configuration. Stiffening configuration is herein defined as a design variable that indicates the combination of axial, transverse and diagonal stiffeners in the stiffened panel. The design optimization process is adapted to identify the lightest-weight stiffening configuration and stiffener spacing for grid-stiffened composite panels given the overall panel dimensions. in-plane design loads, material properties. and boundary conditions of the grid-stiffened panel or shell.

Taguchi optimization of bismuth-telluride based thermoelectric cooler

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anant Kishore, Ravi; Kumar, Prashant; Sanghadasa, Mohan; Priya, Shashank

2017-07-01

In the last few decades, considerable effort has been made to enhance the figure-of-merit (ZT) of thermoelectric (TE) materials. However, the performance of commercial TE devices still remains low due to the fact that the module figure-of-merit not only depends on the material ZT, but also on the operating conditions and configuration of TE modules. This study takes into account comprehensive set of parameters to conduct the numerical performance analysis of the thermoelectric cooler (TEC) using a Taguchi optimization method. The Taguchi method is a statistical tool that predicts the optimal performance with a far less number of experimental runs than the conventional experimental techniques. Taguchi results are also compared with the optimized parameters obtained by a full factorial optimization method, which reveals that the Taguchi method provides optimum or near-optimum TEC configuration using only 25 experiments against 3125 experiments needed by the conventional optimization method. This study also shows that the environmental factors such as ambient temperature and cooling coefficient do not significantly affect the optimum geometry and optimum operating temperature of TECs. The optimum TEC configuration for simultaneous optimization of cooling capacity and coefficient of performance is also provided.

Performance of the SBRC 190, a cryogenic multiplexer for photoconductor arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dotson, Jessie L.; Koerber, C. T.; Mason, C. G.; Simpson, J. P.; Moore, E. M.; Witteborn, F. C.; Farhoomand, J.; Erickson, E. F.; DeVincenzi, D. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

The SBRC 190 cryogenic readouts were developed for use with far-infrared arrays of Ge:Sb and Ge:Ga photoconductor detectors. The SBRC 190 provides an AC-coupled CTIA (capacitance transimpedance amplifier) unit cell for each detector and multiplexes up to 32 detectors. This paper presents our test results characterizing and optimizing the performance of these novel devices. We will discuss their basic behavior in addition to describing the trade-offs inherent in different sampling strategies.

An optimized prototype of electromagnetic calorimeter for the SoLID project at Jefferson Lab

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, C.; Wang, Y.; Xiao, D.; Han, D.; Zou, Z.; Li, Y.; Zheng, X.; Chen, J.

2018-02-01

A shashlik-type electromagnetic calorimeter will be produced in Hall A of Jefferson Laboratory for the Solenoidal Large Intensity Device (SoLID). Wavelength-shifting (WLS) fibers and clear fibers will be used as the light guide part of the calorimeter. The blue light from scintillators is converted into green light by WLS fibers and is carried out to the back of the calorimeters for readout. Since the magnetic field of SoLID reaches about 1.5 T behind the calorimeters, the design is to use clear fibers to further guide the light out of the solenoid for readout by PMTs. Therefore, it is important to study the perfomance of WLS and clear fibers. This paper describes a comparative test of two different WLS fibers and a light attenuation test for a clear fiber. The results show that the performance of the two WLS fibers is the same under large curvature bending, and that the bending has no effect on the light transmission through the clear fiber. In addition, a comparison test for two fiber end-face reflective materials is also reported. It reveals that the use of silver ink as a reflective material can increase the light yield by 30%. Thereby, an optimized prototype based on the above experimental results was built and the basic performance was tested.

Monte Carlo code G3sim for simulation of plastic scintillator detectors with wavelength shifter fiber readout.

PubMed

Mohanty, P K; Dugad, S R; Gupta, S K

2012-04-01

A detailed description of a compact Monte Carlo simulation code "G3sim" for studying the performance of a plastic scintillator detector with wavelength shifter (WLS) fiber readout is presented. G3sim was developed for optimizing the design of new scintillator detectors used in the GRAPES-3 extensive air shower experiment. Propagation of the blue photons produced by the passage of relativistic charged particles in the scintillator is treated by incorporating the absorption, total internal, and diffuse reflections. Capture of blue photons by the WLS fibers and subsequent re-emission of longer wavelength green photons is appropriately treated. The trapping and propagation of green photons inside the WLS fiber is treated using the laws of optics for meridional and skew rays. Propagation time of each photon is taken into account for the generation of the electrical signal at the photomultiplier. A comparison of the results from G3sim with the performance of a prototype scintillator detector showed an excellent agreement between the simulated and measured properties. The simulation results can be parametrized in terms of exponential functions providing a deeper insight into the functioning of these versatile detectors. G3sim can be used to aid the design and optimize the performance of scintillator detectors prior to actual fabrication that may result in a considerable saving of time, labor, and money spent. © 2012 American Institute of Physics

Practical Considerations for Optimizing Position Sensitivity in Arrays of Position-sensitive TES's

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Stephen J.; Bandler, Simon R.; Figueroa-Feliciano, Encetali; Iyomoto, Naoko; Kelley, Richard L.; Kilbourne, Caroline A.; Porder, Frederick S.; Sadleir, John E.

2007-01-01

We are developing Position-Sensitive Transitions-Edge Sensors (PoST's) for future X-ray astronomy missions such as NASA's Constellation-X. The PoST consists of one or more Transitions Edge Sensors (TES's) thermally connected to a large X-ray absorber, which through heat diffusion, gives rise to position dependence. The development of PoST's is motivated by the desire to achieve the largest the focal-plan coverage with the fewest number of readout channels. In order to develop a practical array, consisting of an inner pixellated core with an outer array of large absorber PoST's, we must be able to simultaneously read out all (-1800) channels in the array. This is achievable using time division multiplexing (TDM), but does set stringent slew rate requirements on the array. Typically, we must damp the pulses to reduce the slew rate of the input signal to the TDM. This is achieved by applying a low-pass analog filter with large inductance to the signal. This attenuates the high frequency components of the signal, essential for position discrimination in PoST's, relative to the white noise of the readout chain and degrades the position sensitivity. Using numerically simulated data, we investigate the position sensing ability of typical PoST designs under such high inductance conditions. We investigate signal-processing techniques for optimal determination of the event position and discuss the practical considerations for real-time implementation.

Improved Reference Sampling and Subtraction: A Technique for Reducing the Read Noise of Near-infrared Detector Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rauscher, Bernard J.; Arendt, Richard G.; Fixsen, D. J.; Greenhouse, Matthew A.; Lander, Matthew; Lindler, Don; Loose, Markus; Moseley, S. H.; Mott, D. Brent; Wen, Yiting; Wilson, Donna V.; Xenophontos, Christos

2017-10-01

Near-infrared array detectors, like the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) NIRSpec’s Teledyne’s H2RGs, often provide reference pixels and a reference output. These are used to remove correlated noise. Improved reference sampling and subtraction (IRS2) is a statistical technique for using this reference information optimally in a least-squares sense. Compared with the traditional H2RG readout, IRS2 uses a different clocking pattern to interleave many more reference pixels into the data than is otherwise possible. Compared with standard reference correction techniques, IRS2 subtracts the reference pixels and reference output using a statistically optimized set of frequency-dependent weights. The benefits include somewhat lower noise variance and much less obvious correlated noise. NIRSpec’s IRS2 images are cosmetically clean, with less 1/f banding than in traditional data from the same system. This article describes the IRS2 clocking pattern and presents the equations needed to use IRS2 in systems other than NIRSpec. For NIRSpec, applying these equations is already an option in the calibration pipeline. As an aid to instrument builders, we provide our prototype IRS2 calibration software and sample JWST NIRSpec data. The same techniques are applicable to other detector systems, including those based on Teledyne’s H4RG arrays. The H4RG’s interleaved reference pixel readout mode is effectively one IRS2 pattern.

Design and resolution analysis of parabolic mirror spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Su; Wang, Guodong; Xia, Guo; Sun, Yanchao; Hu, Mingyong

2017-10-01

In order to further eliminate aberration and improve resolution, the paper employs parabolic mirror as the collimating mirror and the focusing mirror to design "Z" configuration and "U" configuration optical structure of parabolic spectrometer with the F number 2.5 and the spectral range varying from 250 nm to 850 nm. We conduct experiments on ZEMAX to simulate and optimize the initial parameters of two structures with the root-mean-square (RMS) radius of spots along Y axis as the optimization goal. Through analyzing the spot diagram and the root-mean-square (RMS) of Y axis, we can see that the "U" configuration spectrometers can achieve much better spectral resolution than the "Z" configuration.

Time optimal paths for high speed maneuvering

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

Reister, D.B.; Lenhart, S.M.

1993-01-01

Recent theoretical results have completely solved the problem of determining the minimum length path for a vehicle with a minimum turning radius moving from an initial configuration to a final configuration. Time optimal paths for a constant speed vehicle are a subset of the minimum length paths. This paper uses the Pontryagin maximum principle to find time optimal paths for a constant speed vehicle. The time optimal paths consist of sequences of axes of circles and straight lines. The maximum principle introduces concepts (dual variables, bang-bang solutions, singular solutions, and transversality conditions) that provide important insight into the nature ofmore » the time optimal paths. We explore the properties of the optimal paths and present some experimental results for a mobile robot following an optimal path.« less

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

Reister, D.B.; Lenhart, S.M.

Recent theoretical results have completely solved the problem of determining the minimum length path for a vehicle with a minimum turning radius moving from an initial configuration to a final configuration. Time optimal paths for a constant speed vehicle are a subset of the minimum length paths. This paper uses the Pontryagin maximum principle to find time optimal paths for a constant speed vehicle. The time optimal paths consist of sequences of axes of circles and straight lines. The maximum principle introduces concepts (dual variables, bang-bang solutions, singular solutions, and transversality conditions) that provide important insight into the nature ofmore » the time optimal paths. We explore the properties of the optimal paths and present some experimental results for a mobile robot following an optimal path.« less

A novel multireceiver communications system configuration based on optimal estimation theory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kumar, R.

1990-01-01

A multireceiver configuration for the purpose of carrier arraying and/or signal arraying is presented. Such a problem arises for example, in the NASA Deep Space Network where the same data-modulated signal from a spacecraft is received by a number of geographically separated antennas and the data detection must be efficiently performed on the basis of the various received signals. The proposed configuration is arrived at by formulating the carrier and/or signal arraying problem as an optimal estimation problem. Two specific solutions are proposed. The first solution is to simultaneously and optimally estimate the various phase processes received at different receivers with coupled phase locked loops (PLLs) wherein the individual PLLs acquire and track their respective receivers' phase processes, but are aided by each other in an optimal manner. However, when the phase processes are relatively weakly correlated, and for the case of relatively high values of symbol energy-to-noise spectral density ratio, a novel configuration for combining the data modulated, loop-output signals is proposed. The scheme can be extended to the case of low symbol energy-to-noise case by performing the combining/detection process over a multisymbol period. Such a configuration results in the minimization of the effective radio loss at the combiner output, and thus a maximization of energy per bit to noise-power spectral density ration is achieved.

Packing optimization for automated generation of complex system's initial configurations for molecular dynamics and docking.

PubMed

Martínez, José Mario; Martínez, Leandro

2003-05-01

Molecular Dynamics is a powerful methodology for the comprehension at molecular level of many chemical and biochemical systems. The theories and techniques developed for structural and thermodynamic analyses are well established, and many software packages are available. However, designing starting configurations for dynamics can be cumbersome. Easily generated regular lattices can be used when simple liquids or mixtures are studied. However, for complex mixtures, polymer solutions or solid adsorbed liquids (for example) this approach is inefficient, and it turns out to be very hard to obtain an adequate coordinate file. In this article, the problem of obtaining an adequate initial configuration is treated as a "packing" problem and solved by an optimization procedure. The initial configuration is chosen in such a way that the minimum distance between atoms of different molecules is greater than a fixed tolerance. The optimization uses a well-known algorithm for box-constrained minimization. Applications are given for biomolecule solvation, many-component mixtures, and interfaces. This approach can reduce the work of designing starting configurations from days or weeks to few minutes or hours, in an automated fashion. Packing optimization is also shown to be a powerful methodology for space search in docking of small ligands to proteins. This is demonstrated by docking of the thyroid hormone to its nuclear receptor. Copyright 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 24: 819-825, 2003

Thermo-mechanical and optical optimization of the molten salt receiver for a given heliostat field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Augsburger, Germain; Das, Apurba K.; Boschek, Erik; Clark, Michael M.

2016-05-01

The tower type molten salt solar thermal power plant has proven to be advantageous over other utility scale solar power plant configurations due to its scalability and provision of storage, thereby improving the dispatchability. The configuration consists of a molten salt central receiver (MSCR) located atop an optimally located tower within a heliostat field with thousands of mirrors. The MSCR receives the concentrated energy from the heliostat field which heats a molten salt heat transfer fluid for thermal storage and utilization in producing steam as and when required for power generation. The MSCR heat transfer surface consists of banks of tangent tubes arranged in panels. The combined cost of the heliostat field and the receiver is 40%-50% of the total plant cost, which calls for optimization to maximize their utilization. Several previous studies have looked into the optimum solar power plant size based on various site conditions. However, the combined optimization of the receiver and the heliostat field has not been reported before. This study looks into the optimum configuration of the receiver for a given heliostat field. An in-house tool has been developed to select and rank a few receiver surface configurations (typically <50) from a list of hundreds of thousands of possible options. The operating limits which the heliostat field needs to obey are defined for the ranked surface configurations based on several different design considerations (e.g. mechanical integrity, corrosion limits). The thermal output of the receiver configurations for a given heliostat field is maximized. A combined rank indicating the optimum configurations in descending order of preference is presented based on the performance and various other practical considerations (e.g. total surface area, cost of material, ability of aiming strategies to distribute the flux). The methodology thus provided can be used as a guideline to arrive at an optimum receiver configuration for a given heliostat field.

[Evaluation of Image Quality of Readout Segmented EPI with Readout Partial Fourier Technique].

PubMed

Yoshimura, Yuuki; Suzuki, Daisuke; Miyahara, Kanae

Readout segmented EPI (readout segmentation of long variable echo-trains: RESOLVE) segmented k-space in the readout direction. By using the partial Fourier method in the readout direction, the imaging time was shortened. However, the influence on image quality due to insufficient data sampling is concerned. The setting of the partial Fourier method in the readout direction in each segment was changed. Then, we examined signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and distortion ratio for changes in image quality due to differences in data sampling. As the number of sampling segments decreased, SNR and CNR showed a low value. In addition, the distortion ratio did not change. The image quality of minimum sampling segments is greatly different from full data sampling, and caution is required when using it.

High-Fidelity Rapid Initialization and Read-Out of an Electron Spin via the Single Donor D(-) Charge State.

PubMed

Watson, T F; Weber, B; House, M G; Büch, H; Simmons, M Y

2015-10-16

We demonstrate high-fidelity electron spin read-out of a precision placed single donor in silicon via spin selective tunneling to either the D(+) or D(-) charge state of the donor. By performing read-out at the stable two electron D(0)↔D(-) charge transition we can increase the tunnel rates to a nearby single electron transistor charge sensor by nearly 2 orders of magnitude, allowing faster qubit read-out (1 ms) with minimum loss in read-out fidelity (98.4%) compared to read-out at the D(+)↔D(0) transition (99.6%). Furthermore, we show that read-out via the D(-) charge state can be used to rapidly initialize the electron spin qubit in its ground state with a fidelity of F(I)=99.8%.

Configuration optimization of laser guide stars and wavefront correctors for multi-conjugation adaptive optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xuan, Li; He, Bin; Hu, Li-Fa; Li, Da-Yu; Xu, Huan-Yu; Zhang, Xing-Yun; Wang, Shao-Xin; Wang, Yu-Kun; Yang, Cheng-Liang; Cao, Zhao-Liang; Mu, Quan-Quan; Lu, Xing-Hai

2016-09-01

Multi-conjugation adaptive optics (MCAOs) have been investigated and used in the large aperture optical telescopes for high-resolution imaging with large field of view (FOV). The atmospheric tomographic phase reconstruction and projection of three-dimensional turbulence volume onto wavefront correctors, such as deformable mirrors (DMs) or liquid crystal wavefront correctors (LCWCs), is a very important step in the data processing of an MCAO’s controller. In this paper, a method according to the wavefront reconstruction performance of MCAO is presented to evaluate the optimized configuration of multi laser guide stars (LGSs) and the reasonable conjugation heights of LCWCs. Analytical formulations are derived for the different configurations and are used to generate optimized parameters for MCAO. Several examples are given to demonstrate our LGSs configuration optimization method. Compared with traditional methods, our method has minimum wavefront tomographic error, which will be helpful to get higher imaging resolution at large FOV in MCAO. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 11174274, 11174279, 61205021, 11204299, 61475152, and 61405194) and the State Key Laboratory of Applied Optics, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Inclusion of tank configurations as a variable in the cost optimization of branched piped-water networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hooda, Nikhil; Damani, Om

2017-06-01

The classic problem of the capital cost optimization of branched piped networks consists of choosing pipe diameters for each pipe in the network from a discrete set of commercially available pipe diameters. Each pipe in the network can consist of multiple segments of differing diameters. Water networks also consist of intermediate tanks that act as buffers between incoming flow from the primary source and the outgoing flow to the demand nodes. The network from the primary source to the tanks is called the primary network, and the network from the tanks to the demand nodes is called the secondary network. During the design stage, the primary and secondary networks are optimized separately, with the tanks acting as demand nodes for the primary network. Typically the choice of tank locations, their elevations, and the set of demand nodes to be served by different tanks is manually made in an ad hoc fashion before any optimization is done. It is desirable therefore to include this tank configuration choice in the cost optimization process itself. In this work, we explain why the choice of tank configuration is important to the design of a network and describe an integer linear program model that integrates the tank configuration to the standard pipe diameter selection problem. In order to aid the designers of piped-water networks, the improved cost optimization formulation is incorporated into our existing network design system called JalTantra.

Optimizing signal recycling for detecting a stochastic gravitational-wave background

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tao, Duo; Christensen, Nelson

2018-06-01

Signal recycling is applied in laser interferometers such as the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (aLIGO) to increase their sensitivity to gravitational waves. In this study, signal recycling configurations for detecting a stochastic gravitational wave background are optimized based on aLIGO parameters. Optimal transmission of the signal recycling mirror (SRM) and detuning phase of the signal recycling cavity under a fixed laser power and low-frequency cutoff are calculated. Based on the optimal configurations, the compatibility with a binary neutron star (BNS) search is discussed. Then, different laser powers and low-frequency cutoffs are considered. Two models for the dimensionless energy density of gravitational waves , the flat model and the model, are studied. For a stochastic background search, it is found that an interferometer using signal recycling has a better sensitivity than an interferometer not using it. The optimal stochastic search configurations are typically found when both the SRM transmission and the signal recycling detuning phase are low. In this region, the BNS range mostly lies between 160 and 180 Mpc. When a lower laser power is used the optimal signal recycling detuning phase increases, the optimal SRM transmission increases and the optimal sensitivity improves. A reduced low-frequency cutoff gives a better sensitivity limit. For both models of , a typical optimal sensitivity limit on the order of 10‑10 is achieved at a reference frequency of Hz.

Optimization of levitation and guidance forces in a superconducting Maglev system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yildizer, Irfan; Cansiz, Ahmet; Ozturk, Kemal

2016-09-01

Optimization of the levitation for superconducting Maglev systems requires effective use of vertical and guidance forces during the operation. In this respect the levitation and guidance forces in terms of various permanent magnet array configurations are analyzed. The arrangements of permanent magnet arrays interacting with the superconductor are configured for the purpose of increasing the magnetic flux density. According to configurations, modeling the interaction forces between the permanent magnet and the superconductor are established in terms of the frozen image model. The model is complemented with the analytical calculations and provides a reasonable agreement with the experiments. The agreement of the analytical calculation associated with the frozen image model indicates a strong case to establish an optimization, in which provides preliminary analysis before constructing more complex Maglev system.

Weight optimization of an aerobrake structural concept for a lunar transfer vehicle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bush, Lance B.; Unal, Resit; Rowell, Lawrence F.; Rehder, John J.

1992-01-01

An aerobrake structural concept for a lunar transfer vehicle was weight optimized through the use of the Taguchi design method, finite element analyses, and element sizing routines. Six design parameters were chosen to represent the aerobrake structural configuration. The design parameters included honeycomb core thickness, diameter-depth ratio, shape, material, number of concentric ring frames, and number of radial frames. Each parameter was assigned three levels. The aerobrake structural configuration with the minimum weight was 44 percent less than the average weight of all the remaining satisfactory experimental configurations. In addition, the results of this study have served to bolster the advocacy of the Taguchi method for aerospace vehicle design. Both reduced analysis time and an optimized design demonstrated the applicability of the Taguchi method to aerospace vehicle design.

Applying Reflective Middleware Techniques to Optimize a QoS-enabled CORBA Component Model Implementation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, Nanbor; Kircher, Michael; Schmidt, Douglas C.

2000-01-01

Although existing CORBA specifications, such as Real-time CORBA and CORBA Messaging, address many end-to-end quality-of-service (QoS) properties, they do not define strategies for configuring these properties into applications flexibly, transparently, and adaptively. Therefore, application developers must make these configuration decisions manually and explicitly, which is tedious, error-prone, and often sub-optimal. Although the recently adopted CORBA Component Model (CCM) does define a standard configuration frame-work for packaging and deploying software components, conventional CCM implementations focus on functionality rather than adaptive quality-of service, which makes them unsuitable for next-generation applications with demanding QoS requirements. This paper presents three contributions to the study of middleware for QoS-enabled component-based applications. It outlines reflective middleware techniques designed to adaptively: (1) select optimal communication mechanisms, (2) man- age QoS properties of CORBA components in their containers, and (3) (re)configure selected component executors dynamically. Based on our ongoing research on CORBA and the CCM, we believe the application of reflective techniques to component middleware will provide a dynamically adaptive and (re)configurable framework for COTS software that is well-suited for the QoS demands of next-generation applications.

Optimal Configuration of PV System with Different Solar Cell Arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Machida, Sadayuki; Tani, Tatsuo

Photovoltaic (PV) power generation is spreading steadily, and the dispersed PV array system is increasing from the architectural restrictions. In the case of dispersed array system, if the arrays are installed in a different azimuth or if the module that constitutes array is different, mismatching loss will be generated when a single inverter is used to convert the output of arrays, because of the difference of optimal operating voltage. The loss is related to the array configuration. However the relation between array configuration and power generation output is not clear. In order to avoid generation of mismatching loss, introducing a distributed inverter system such as string inverter system or AC modules system is considered. However it is not clear which is more advantageous between a distributed system and a concentrated system. In this paper, we verified the output characteristics of two different solar cell arrays with various strings, azimuths and tilt angles, and clarified the relation between array configuration and power generation output by the computer simulations. We also compared the distributed inverter system with the concentrated inverter system, and clarified the optimal configuration of PV system with different solar cell arrays.

Updates on the Transition-Edge Sensors and Multiplexed Readout for HOLMES

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Puiu, A.; Becker, D.; Bennett, D.; Biasotti, M.; Borghesi, M.; Ceriale, V.; De Gerone, M.; Faverzani, M.; Ferri, E.; Fowler, J.; Gallucci, G.; Gard, J.; Hays-Wehle, J.; Hilton, G.; Giachero, A.; Mates, J.; Nucciotti, A.; Orlando, A.; Pessina, G.; Schmidt, D.; Swetz, D.; Ullom, J.; Vale, L.

2018-05-01

Measuring the neutrino mass is one of the most compelling issues in particle physics. HOLMES is an experiment for a direct measurement of the neutrino mass. HOLMES will perform a precise measurement of the end point of the electron capture decay spectrum of ^{163}Ho in order to extract information on the neutrino mass with a sensitivity as low as 1 eV. HOLMES, in its final configuration, will deploy a 1000-pixel array of low-temperature microcalorimeters: each calorimeter is made of an absorber, where the Ho atoms will be implanted, coupled to a transition-edge sensor (TES) thermometer. The detectors will be operated at the working temperature of 100 mK provided by a dilution refrigerator. In order to read out the 1000-detector array of HOLMES, a multiplexing system is necessary: the choice is to couple the transition-edge sensors to a multiplexed rf-SQUID. In this contribution we outline the progress made towards the final configuration of HOLMES regarding both the performances of the TES detectors and the characteristics of the multiplexing system.

Novel sensor for color control in solid state lighting applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gourevitch, Alex; Thurston, Thomas; Singh, Rajiv; Banachowicz, Bartosz; Korobov, Vladimir; Drowley, Cliff

2010-02-01

LED wavelength and luminosity shifts due to temperature, dimming, aging, and binning uncertainty can cause large color errors in open-loop light-mixing illuminators. Multispectral color light sensors combined with feedback circuits can compensate for these LED shifts. Typical color light sensor design variables include the choice of light-sensing material, filter configuration, and read-out circuitry. Cypress Semiconductor has designed and prototyped a color sensor chip that consists of photodiode arrays connected to a I/F (Current to Frequency) converter. This architecture has been chosen to achieve high dynamic range (~100dB) and provide flexibility for tailoring sensor response. Several different optical filter configurations were evaluated in this prototype. The color-sensor chip was incorporated into an RGB light color mixing system with closed-loop optical feedback. Color mixing accuracy was determined by calculating the difference between (u',v') set point values and CIE coordinates measured with a reference colorimeter. A typical color precision ▵u'v' less than 0.0055 has been demonstrated over a wide range of colors, a temperature range of 50C, and light dimming up to 80%.

Synthesis and characterization of porous silicon gas sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

abbas, Roaa A.; Alwan, Alwan M.; Abdulhamied, Zainab T.

2018-05-01

In this work, photo-electrochemical etching process of n-type Silicon of resistivity(10 Ω.cm) and (100) orientation, using two illumination sources IR and violet wavelength in HF acid have been used to produce PSi gas detection device. The fabrication process was carried out at a fixed etching current density of 25mA/cm2 and at different etching time (5, 10, 15 and 20) min and (8, 16, 24, and 30) min. Two configurations of gas sensor configuration planer and sandwich have been made and investigated. The morphological properties have been studied using SEM,the FTIR measurement show that the (Si-Hx) and (Si-O-Si) absorption peak were increases with increasing etching time,and Photoluminescence properties of PSi layer show decrease in the peak of PL peak toward the violet shift. The gas detection process is made on the CO2 gas at different operating temperature and fixed gas concentration. In the planner structure, the gas sensing was measured through, the change in the resistance readout as a function to the exposure time, while for sandwich structure J-V characteristic have been made to determine the sensitivity.

The use of low resistivity substrates for optimal noise reduction, ground referencing, and current conduction in mixed signal ASICs

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

Zimmerman, T.

1997-12-01

This paper is distilled from a talk given at the 3rd International Meeting on Front End Electronics in Taos, N.M. on Nov. 7,1997. It is based on experience gained by designing and testing the SVX3 128 channel silicon strip detector readout chip. The SVX3 chip organization is shown in Fig. 1. The Front End section consists of an integrator and analog pipeline designed at Fermilab, and the Back End section is an ADC plus sparsification and readout logic designed at LBL. SVX3 is a deadtimeless readout chip, which means that the front end is acquiring low level analog signals whilemore » the back end is digitizing and reading out digital signals. It is thus a true mixed signal chip, and demands close attention to avoid disastrous coupling from the digital to the analog sections. SVX3 is designed in a bulk CMOS process (i.e., the circuits sit in a silicon substrate). In such a process, the substrate becomes a potential coupling path. This paper discusses the effect of the substrate resistivity on coupling, and also goes into a more general discussion of grounding and referencing in mixed signal designs and how low resistivity substrates can be used to advantage. Finally, an alternative power supply current conduction method for ASICs is presented as an additional advantage which can be obtained with low resistivity substrates. 1 ref., 13 figs., 1 tab.« less

WE-D-BRF-01: FEATURED PRESENTATION - Investigating Particle Track Structures Using Fluorescent Nuclear Track Detectors and Monte Carlo Simulations

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

Dowdell, S; Paganetti, H; Schuemann, J

Purpose: To report on the efforts funded by the AAPM seed funding grant to develop the basis for fluorescent nuclear track detector (FNTD) based radiobiological experiments in combination with dedicated Monte Carlo simulations (MCS) on the nanometer scale. Methods: Two confocal microscopes were utilized in this study. Two FNTD samples were used to find the optimal microscope settings, one FNTD irradiated with 11.1 MeV/u Gold ions and one irradiated with 428.77 MeV/u Carbon ions. The first sample provided a brightly luminescent central track while the latter is used to test the capabilities to observe secondary electrons. MCS were performed usingmore » TOPAS beta9 version, layered on top of Geant4.9.6p02. Two sets of simulations were performed, one with the Geant4-DNA physics list and approximating the FNTDs by water, a second set using the Penelope physics list in a water-approximated FNTD and a aluminum-oxide FNTD. Results: Within the first half of the funding period, we have successfully established readout capabilities of FNTDs at our institute. Due to technical limitations, our microscope setup is significantly different from the approach implemented at the DKFZ, Germany. However, we can clearly reconstruct Carbon tracks in 3D with electron track resolution of 200 nm. A second microscope with superior readout capabilities will be tested in the second half of the funding period, we expect an improvement in signal to background ratio with the same the resolution.We have successfully simulated tracks in FNTDs. The more accurate Geant4-DNA track simulations can be used to reconstruct the track energy from the size and brightness of the observed tracks. Conclusion: We have achieved the goals set in the seed funding proposal: the setup of FNTD readout and simulation capabilities. We will work on improving the readout resolution to validate our MCS track structures down to the nanometer scales.« less

Uncooled Micro-Cantilever Infrared Imager Optimization

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

Panagiotis, Datskos G.

2008-02-05

We report on the development, fabrication and characterization of microcantilever based uncooled focal plane array (FPA) for infrared imaging. By combining a streamlined design of microcantilever thermal transducers with a highly efficient optical readout, we minimized the fabrication complexity while achieving a competitive level of imaging performance. The microcantilever FPAs were fabricated using a straightforward fabrication process that involved only three photolithographic steps (i.e. three masks). A designed and constructed prototype of an IR imager employed a simple optical readout based on a noncoherent low-power light source. The main figures of merit of the IR imager were found to bemore » comparable to those of uncooled MEMS infrared detectors with substantially higher degree of fabrication complexity. In particular, the NETD and the response time of the implemented MEMS IR detector were measured to be as low as 0.5K and 6 ms, respectively. The potential of the implemented designs can also be concluded from the fact that the constructed prototype enabled IR imaging of close to room temperature objects without the use of any advanced data processing. The most unique and practically valuable feature of the implemented FPAs, however, is their scalability to high resolution formats, such as 2000 x 2000, without progressively growing device complexity and cost. The overall technical objective of the proposed work was to develop uncooled infrared arrays based on micromechanical sensors. Currently used miniature sensors use a number of different readout techniques to accomplish the sensing. The use of optical readout techniques sensing require the deposition of thin coatings on the surface of micromechanical thermal detectors. Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is uniquely qualified to perform the required research and development (R&D) services that will assist our ongoing activities. Over the past decade ORNL has developed a number of unique methods and techniques that led to improved sensors using a number of different approaches.« less

Configuring Airspace Sectors with Approximate Dynamic Programming

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bloem, Michael; Gupta, Pramod

2010-01-01

In response to changing traffic and staffing conditions, supervisors dynamically configure airspace sectors by assigning them to control positions. A finite horizon airspace sector configuration problem models this supervisor decision. The problem is to select an airspace configuration at each time step while considering a workload cost, a reconfiguration cost, and a constraint on the number of control positions at each time step. Three algorithms for this problem are proposed and evaluated: a myopic heuristic, an exact dynamic programming algorithm, and a rollouts approximate dynamic programming algorithm. On problem instances from current operations with only dozens of possible configurations, an exact dynamic programming solution gives the optimal cost value. The rollouts algorithm achieves costs within 2% of optimal for these instances, on average. For larger problem instances that are representative of future operations and have thousands of possible configurations, excessive computation time prohibits the use of exact dynamic programming. On such problem instances, the rollouts algorithm reduces the cost achieved by the heuristic by more than 15% on average with an acceptable computation time.

Half-State Readout In Vertical-Bloch-Line Memory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Katti, Romney R.; Wu, Jiin-Chuan; Stadler, Henry L.

1994-01-01

Potentially narrow margins of chirality-based chopping of magnetic stripes avoided. Half-state readout is experimental method of readout in Vertical-Bloch-Line (VBL) memory. Based on differential deflections of magnetic stripe domains in which data bits stored. To give meaning to explanation of half-state readout, see "Vertical-Bloch-Line Memory" (NPO-18467).

46 CFR 154.1375 - Readout for temperature measuring device: Marking.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 46 Shipping 5 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Readout for temperature measuring device: Marking. 154..., Construction and Equipment Instrumentation § 154.1375 Readout for temperature measuring device: Marking. Each readout under § 154.1340 for a device that measures temperature in a cargo tank must be marked with the...

46 CFR 154.1375 - Readout for temperature measuring device: Marking.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 46 Shipping 5 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Readout for temperature measuring device: Marking. 154..., Construction and Equipment Instrumentation § 154.1375 Readout for temperature measuring device: Marking. Each readout under § 154.1340 for a device that measures temperature in a cargo tank must be marked with the...

46 CFR 154.1375 - Readout for temperature measuring device: Marking.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 46 Shipping 5 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Readout for temperature measuring device: Marking. 154..., Construction and Equipment Instrumentation § 154.1375 Readout for temperature measuring device: Marking. Each readout under § 154.1340 for a device that measures temperature in a cargo tank must be marked with the...

46 CFR 154.1375 - Readout for temperature measuring device: Marking.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 46 Shipping 5 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Readout for temperature measuring device: Marking. 154..., Construction and Equipment Instrumentation § 154.1375 Readout for temperature measuring device: Marking. Each readout under § 154.1340 for a device that measures temperature in a cargo tank must be marked with the...

46 CFR 154.1375 - Readout for temperature measuring device: Marking.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 46 Shipping 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Readout for temperature measuring device: Marking. 154..., Construction and Equipment Instrumentation § 154.1375 Readout for temperature measuring device: Marking. Each readout under § 154.1340 for a device that measures temperature in a cargo tank must be marked with the...

Wing Configuration Impact on Design Optimums for a Subsonic Passenger Transport

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wells, Douglas P.

2014-01-01

This study sought to compare four aircraft wing configurations at a conceptual level using a multi-disciplinary optimization (MDO) process. The MDO framework used was created by Georgia Institute of Technology and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. They created a multi-disciplinary design and optimization environment that could capture the unique features of the truss-braced wing (TBW) configuration. The four wing configurations selected for the study were a low wing cantilever installation, a high wing cantilever, a strut-braced wing, and a single jury TBW. The mission that was used for this study was a 160 passenger transport aircraft with a design range of 2,875 nautical miles at the design payload, flown at a cruise Mach number of 0.78. This paper includes discussion and optimization results for multiple design objectives. Five design objectives were chosen to illustrate the impact of selected objective on the optimization result: minimum takeoff gross weight (TOGW), minimum operating empty weight, minimum block fuel weight, maximum start of cruise lift-to-drag ratio, and minimum start of cruise drag coefficient. The results show that the design objective selected will impact the characteristics of the optimized aircraft. Although minimum life cycle cost was not one of the objectives, TOGW is often used as a proxy for life cycle cost. The low wing cantilever had the lowest TOGW followed by the strut-braced wing.

Design issues for optimum solar cell configuration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Atul; Thakur, Ajay D.

2018-05-01

A computer based simulation of solar cell structure is performed to study the optimization of pn junction configuration for photovoltaic action. The fundamental aspects of photovoltaic action viz, absorption, separation collection, and their dependence on material properties and deatails of device structures is discussed. Using SCAPS 1D we have simulated the ideal pn junction and shown the effect of band offset and carrier densities on solar cell performance. The optimum configuration can be achieved by optimizing transport of carriers in pn junction under effect of field dependent recombination (tunneling) and density dependent recombination (SRH, Auger) mechanisms.

Optimization of a dual mode Rowland mount spectrometer used in the 120-950 nm wavelength range

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McDowell, M. W.; Bouwer, H. K.

In a recent article, several configurations were described whereby a Rowland mount spectrometer could be modified to cover a wavelength range of 120-950 nm. In one of these configurations, large additional image aberration is introduced which severely limits the spectral resolving power. In the present article, the theoretical imaging properties of this configuration are considered and a simple method is proposed to reduce this aberration. The optimized system possesses an image quality similar to the conventional Rowland mount with the image surface slightly displaced from the Rowland circle but concentric to it.

New concept of a submillimetric pixellated Silicon detector for intracerebral application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benoit, M.; Märk, J.; Weiss, P.; Benoit, D.; Clemens, J. C.; Fougeron, D.; Janvier, B.; Jevaud, M.; Karkar, S.; Menouni, M.; Pain, F.; Pinot, L.; Morel, C.; Laniece, P.

2011-12-01

A new beta+ radiosensitive microprobe implantable in rodent brain dedicated to in vivo and autonomous measurements of local time activity curves of beta radiotracers in a volume of brain tissue of a few mm3 has been developed recently. This project expands the concept of the previously designed beta microprobe, which has been validated extensively in neurobiological experiments performed on anesthetized animals. Due to its limitations considering recordings on awake and freely moving animals, we have proposed to develop a wireless setup that can be worn by an animal without constraining its movements. To that aim, we have chosen a highly beta sensitive Silicon-based detector to devise a compact pixellated probe. Miniaturized wireless electronics is used to read-out and transfer the measurement data. Initial Monte-Carlo simulations showed that high resistive Silicon pixels are appropriate for this purpose, with their dimensions to be adapted to our specific signals. More precisely, we demonstrated that 200 μm thick pixels with an area of 200 μm×500 μm are optimized in terms of beta+sensitivity versus relative transparency to the gamma background. Based on this theoretical study, we now present the development of the novel sensor, including the system simulations with technology computer-assisted design (TCAD) to investigate specific configurations of guard rings and their potential to increase the electrical isolation and stabilization of the pixel, as well as the corresponding physical tests to validate the particular geometries of this new sensor.

Application of an optimized winglet configuration to an advanced commercial transport

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shollenberger, C. A.

1979-01-01

The design is presented of an aircraft which employs an integrated wing and winglet lift system. Comparison was made with a conventional baseline configuration employing a high-aspect-ratio supercritical wing. An optimized wing-winglet combination was selected from four proposed configurations for which aerodynamic, structural, and weight characteristics were evaluated. Each candidate wing-winglet configuration was constrained to the same induced drag coefficient as the baseline aircraft. The selected wing-winglet configuration was resized for a specific medium-range mission requirement, and operating costs were estimated for a typical mission. Study results indicated that the wing-winglet aircraft was lighter and could complete the specified mission at less cost than the conventional wing aircraft. These indications were sensitive to the impact of flutter characteristics and, to a lesser extent, to the performance of the high-lift system. Further study in these areas is recommended to reduce uncertainty in future development.

Configuration optimization of space structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Felippa, Carlos; Crivelli, Luis A.; Vandenbelt, David

1991-01-01

The objective is to develop a computer aid for the conceptual/initial design of aerospace structures, allowing configurations and shape to be apriori design variables. The topics are presented in viewgraph form and include the following: Kikuchi's homogenization method; a classical shape design problem; homogenization method steps; a 3D mechanical component design example; forming a homogenized finite element; a 2D optimization problem; treatment of volume inequality constraint; algorithms for the volume inequality constraint; object function derivatives--taking advantage of design locality; stiffness variations; variations of potential; and schematics of the optimization problem.

Experimental Investigation of a 2D Supercritical Circulation-Control Airfoil Using Particle Image Velocimetry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, Gregory S.; Yao, Chung-Sheng; Allan, Brian G.

2006-01-01

Recent efforts in extreme short takeoff and landing aircraft configurations have renewed the interest in circulation control wing design and optimization. The key to accurately designing and optimizing these configurations rests in the modeling of the complex physics of these flows. This paper will highlight the physics of the stagnation and separation regions on two typical circulation control airfoil sections.

Fuel Injector Design Optimization for an Annular Scramjet Geometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steffen, Christopher J., Jr.

2003-01-01

A four-parameter, three-level, central composite experiment design has been used to optimize the configuration of an annular scramjet injector geometry using computational fluid dynamics. The computational fluid dynamic solutions played the role of computer experiments, and response surface methodology was used to capture the simulation results for mixing efficiency and total pressure recovery within the scramjet flowpath. An optimization procedure, based upon the response surface results of mixing efficiency, was used to compare the optimal design configuration against the target efficiency value of 92.5%. The results of three different optimization procedures are presented and all point to the need to look outside the current design space for different injector geometries that can meet or exceed the stated mixing efficiency target.

Testing and simulation of silicon photomultiplier readouts for scintillators in high-energy astronomy and solar physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bloser, P. F.; Legere, J. S.; Bancroft, C. M.; Jablonski, L. F.; Wurtz, J. R.; Ertley, C. D.; McConnell, M. L.; Ryan, J. M.

2014-11-01

Space-based gamma-ray detectors for high-energy astronomy and solar physics face severe constraints on mass, volume, and power, and must endure harsh launch conditions and operating environments. Historically, such instruments have usually been based on scintillator materials due to their relatively low cost, inherent ruggedness, high stopping power, and radiation hardness. New scintillator materials, such as LaBr3:Ce, feature improved energy and timing performance, making them attractive for future astronomy and solar physics space missions in an era of tightly constrained budgets. Despite this promise, the use of scintillators in space remains constrained by the volume, mass, power, and fragility of the associated light readout device, typically a vacuum photomultiplier tube (PMT). In recent years, silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) have emerged as promising alternative light readout devices that offer gains and quantum efficiencies similar to those of PMTs, but with greatly reduced mass and volume, high ruggedness, low voltage requirements, and no sensitivity to magnetic fields. In order for SiPMs to replace PMTs in space-based instruments, however, it must be shown that they can provide comparable performance, and that their inherent temperature sensitivity can be corrected for. To this end, we have performed extensive testing and modeling of a small gamma-ray spectrometer composed of a 6 mm×6 mm SiPM coupled to a 6 mm×6 mm ×10 mm LaBr3:Ce crystal. A custom readout board monitors the temperature and adjusts the bias voltage to compensate for gain variations. We record an energy resolution of 5.7% (FWHM) at 662 keV at room temperature. We have also performed simulations of the scintillation process and optical light collection using Geant4, and of the SiPM response using the GosSiP package. The simulated energy resolution is in good agreement with the data from 22 keV to 662 keV. Above ~1 MeV, however, the measured energy resolution is systematically worse than the simulations. This discrepancy is likely due to the high input impedance of the readout board front-end electronics, which introduces a non-linear saturation effect in the SiPM for large light pulses. Analysis of the simulations indicates several additional steps that must be taken to optimize the energy resolution of SiPM-based scintillator detectors.

Topology synthesis and size optimization of morphing wing structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inoyama, Daisaku

This research demonstrates a novel topology and size optimization methodology for synthesis of distributed actuation systems with specific applications to morphing air vehicle structures. The main emphasis is placed on the topology and size optimization problem formulations and the development of computational modeling concepts. The analysis model is developed to meet several important criteria: It must allow a rigid-body displacement, as well as a variation in planform area, with minimum strain on structural members while retaining acceptable numerical stability for finite element analysis. Topology optimization is performed on a semi-ground structure with design variables that control the system configuration. In effect, the optimization process assigns morphing members as "soft" elements, non-morphing load-bearing members as "stiff' elements, and non-existent members as "voids." The optimization process also determines the optimum actuator placement, where each actuator is represented computationally by equal and opposite nodal forces with soft axial stiffness. In addition, the configuration of attachments that connect the morphing structure to a non-morphing structure is determined simultaneously. Several different optimization problem formulations are investigated to understand their potential benefits in solution quality, as well as meaningfulness of the formulations. Extensions and enhancements to the initial concept and problem formulations are made to accommodate multiple-configuration definitions. In addition, the principal issues on the external-load dependency and the reversibility of a design, as well as the appropriate selection of a reference configuration, are addressed in the research. The methodology to control actuator distributions and concentrations is also discussed. Finally, the strategy to transfer the topology solution to the sizing optimization is developed and cross-sectional areas of existent structural members are optimized under applied aerodynamic loads. That is, the optimization process is implemented in sequential order: The actuation system layout is first determined through multi-disciplinary topology optimization process, and then the thickness or cross-sectional area of each existent member is optimized under given constraints and boundary conditions. Sample problems are solved to demonstrate the potential capabilities of the presented methodology. The research demonstrates an innovative structural design procedure from a computational perspective and opens new insights into the potential design requirements and characteristics of morphing structures.

Report of the sensor readout electronics panel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fossum, Eric R.; Carson, J.; Kleinhans, W.; Kosonocky, W.; Kozlowski, L.; Pecsalski, A.; Silver, A.; Spieler, H.; Woolaway, J.

1991-01-01

The findings of the Sensor Readout Electronics Panel are summarized in regard to technology assessment and recommended development plans. In addition to two specific readout issues, cryogenic readouts and sub-electron noise, the panel considered three advanced technology areas that impact the ability to achieve large format sensor arrays. These are mega-pixel focal plane packaging issues, focal plane to data processing module interfaces, and event driven readout architectures. Development in each of these five areas was judged to have significant impact in enabling the sensor performance desired for the Astrotech 21 mission set. Other readout issues, such as focal plane signal processing or other high volume data acquisition applications important for Eos-type mapping, were determined not to be relevant for astrophysics science goals.

Research on the optimal structure configuration of dither RLG used in skewed redundant INS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Chunfeng; Wang, Qi; Wei, Guo; Long, Xingwu

2016-05-01

The actual combat effectiveness of weapon equipment is restricted by the performance of Inertial Navigation System (INS), especially in high reliability required situations such as fighter, satellite and submarine. Through the use of skewed sensor geometries, redundant technique has been applied to reduce the cost and improve the reliability of the INS. In this paper, the structure configuration and the inertial sensor characteristics of Skewed Redundant Strapdown Inertial Navigation System (SRSINS) using dithered Ring Laser Gyroscope (RLG) are analyzed. For the dither coupling effects of the dither gyro, the system measurement errors can be amplified either the individual gyro dither frequency is near one another or the structure of the SRSINS is unreasonable. Based on the characteristics of RLG, the research on coupled vibration of dithered RLG in SRSINS is carried out. On the principle of optimal navigation performance, optimal reliability and optimal cost-effectiveness, the comprehensive evaluation scheme of the inertial sensor configuration of SRINS is given.

MIMO-OFDM signal optimization for SAR imaging radar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baudais, J.-Y.; Méric, S.; Riché, V.; Pottier, É.

2016-12-01

This paper investigates the optimization of the coded orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) transmitted signal in a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) context. We propose to design OFDM signals to achieve range ambiguity mitigation. Indeed, range ambiguities are well known to be a limitation for SAR systems which operates with pulsed transmitted signal. The ambiguous reflected signal corresponding to one pulse is then detected when the radar has already transmitted the next pulse. In this paper, we demonstrate that the range ambiguity mitigation is possible by using orthogonal transmitted wave as OFDM pulses. The coded OFDM signal is optimized through genetic optimization procedures based on radar image quality parameters. Moreover, we propose to design a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) configuration to enhance the noise robustness of a radar system and this configuration is mainly efficient in the case of using orthogonal waves as OFDM pulses. The results we obtain show that OFDM signals outperform conventional radar chirps for range ambiguity suppression and for robustness enhancement in 2 ×2 MIMO configuration.

Staircase Quantum Dots Configuration in Nanowires for Optimized Thermoelectric Power

PubMed Central

Li, Lijie; Jiang, Jian-Hua

2016-01-01

The performance of thermoelectric energy harvesters can be improved by nanostructures that exploit inelastic transport processes. One prototype is the three-terminal hopping thermoelectric device where electron hopping between quantum-dots are driven by hot phonons. Such three-terminal hopping thermoelectric devices have potential in achieving high efficiency or power via inelastic transport and without relying on heavy-elements or toxic compounds. We show in this work how output power of the device can be optimized via tuning the number and energy configuration of the quantum-dots embedded in parallel nanowires. We find that the staircase energy configuration with constant energy-step can improve the power factor over a serial connection of a single pair of quantum-dots. Moreover, for a fixed energy-step, there is an optimal length for the nanowire. Similarly for a fixed number of quantum-dots there is an optimal energy-step for the output power. Our results are important for future developments of high-performance nanostructured thermoelectric devices. PMID:27550093

Standardisation of radiation portal monitor controls and readouts.

PubMed

Tinker, M

2010-10-01

There is an urgent need to standardise the numbering configuration of radiation portal monitor sensing panels. Currently, manufacturers use conflicting numbering schemes that may confuse operators of these varied systems. There is a similar problem encountered with the varied choices of coloured indicator lights and coloured print lines designated for gamma and neutron alarms. In addition, second-party software that changes the alarm colour scheme may also have been installed. Furthermore, no provision exists for the colour blind or to provide work stations with only black ink on alarm printouts. These inconsistencies and confusing set-ups could inadvertently cause a misinterpretation of the alarm, resulting in the potential release of a radiological hazard into a sovereign country. These issues are discussed, and a proposed solution is offered.

Developments and applications of DAQ framework DABC v2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adamczewski-Musch, J.; Kurz, N.; Linev, S.

2015-12-01

The Data Acquisition Backbone Core (DABC) is a software framework for distributed data acquisition. In 2013 Version 2 of DABC has been released with several improvements. For monitoring and control, an HTTP web server and a proprietary command channel socket have been provided. Web browser GUIs have been implemented for configuration and control of DABC and MBS DAQ nodes via such HTTP server. Several specific plug-ins, for example interfacing PEXOR/KINPEX optical readout PCIe boards, or HADES trbnet input and hld file output, have been further developed. In 2014, DABC v2 was applied for production data taking of the HADES collaboration's pion beam time at GSI. It fully replaced the functionality of the previous event builder software and added new features concerning online monitoring.

Color film preservation system: Breadboard development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1984-01-01

The development of an economically feasible system to prevent and/or substantially reduce the degradation of the color dyes of the retinal reflex images recorded on color slide films is discussed. Three different types of film storage systems were designed, fabricated, and tested. An extruded plastic cylindrical container was pressurized and no observable leakage occurred, indicating that long term storage is possible. An operational breadboard was fabricated. The system offers the capability to determine purging requirements to achieve various levels of oxygen concentration and precise leakage of various container configurations. The system has digitial display of oxygen content of the container, automatic control of the oxygen content as well as of the container to atmosphere pressure differential, and flow rate readout during purging.

Redundancy management of multiple KT-70 inertial measurement units applicable to the space shuttle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cook, L. J.

1975-01-01

Results of an investigation of velocity failure detection and isolation for 3 inertial measuring units (IMU) and 2 inertial measuring units (IMU) configurations are presented. The failure detection and isolation algorithm performance was highly successful and most types of velocity errors were detected and isolated. The failure detection and isolation algorithm also included attitude FDI but was not evaluated because of the lack of time and low resolution in the gimbal angle synchro outputs. The shuttle KT-70 IMUs will have dual-speed resolvers and high resolution gimbal angle readouts. It was demonstrated by these tests that a single computer utilizing a serial data bus can successfully control a redundant 3-IMU system and perform FDI.

“Ultra-high resolution optical trap with single fluorophore sensitivity”

PubMed Central

Comstock, Matthew J; Ha, Taekjip; Chemla, Yann R

2013-01-01

We present a single-molecule instrument that combines a timeshared ultra-high resolution dual optical trap interlaced with a confocal fluorescence microscope. In a demonstration experiment, individual single-fluorophore labeled DNA oligonucleotides were observed to bind and unbind to complementary DNA suspended between two trapped beads. Simultaneous with the single-fluorophore detection, coincident angstrom-scale changes in tether extension could be clearly observed. Fluorescence readout allowed us to determine the duplex melting rate as a function of force. The new instrument will enable the simultaneous measurement of angstrom-scale mechanical motion of individual DNA-binding proteins (e.g., single base pair stepping of DNA translocases) along with the detection of fluorescently labeled protein properties (e.g., internal configuration). PMID:21336286

JFET preamplifiers with different reset techniques on detector-grade high-resistivity silicon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dalla Betta, G. F.; Manghisoni, M.; Ratti, L.; Re, V.; Speziali, V.

2003-10-01

This paper presents the experimental results relevant to JFET charge preamplifiers fabricated in a detector-compatible technology. This fabrication process, developed at the Istituto per la Ricerca Scientifica e Tecnologica (ITC-IRST), Trento, Italy, is being tuned with the aim of integrating a multichannel mixed analog-digital circuit together with semiconductor detectors in a high-resistivity substrate. Possible applications are in the field of medical and industrial imaging, in space and high energy physics experiments. An all-NJFET charge sensitive amplifier, which can use either a resistive or a nonresistive reset in the feedback network, has been tested. The two configurations have been studied, paying particular attention to noise performances, in view of the design of the complete readout channel.

Supernova Neutrino-Burst Search with the AMANDA Detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neunhöffer, T.; AMANDA Collaboration

2001-08-01

The neutrino telescope AMANDA located deep in the South Pole ice has been used to search for bursts of low energy neutrinos originating from supernova collapses. In the data sets taken during 1997 and 1998 with 302 of the detector's optical modules no candidate events were found. With this detector configuration 70% of the galaxy is covered with 90% efficiency allowing for one background fake per year. An upper limit at the 90% c.l. on the rate of star collapses in the Milky Way is derived, yielding 4.3 events per year. The new supernova readout system, which has been installed in 2000 and 2001, is discussed. With the full (19string) system we expect to cover 97% of our galaxy.

A Data Acquisition System (DAS) for marine and ecological research from aerospace technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, R. A.

1972-01-01

The efforts of researchers at Mississippi State University to utilize space-age technology in the development of a self-contained, portable data acquisition system for use in marine and ecological research are presented. The compact, lightweight data acquisition system is capable of recording 14 variables in its present configuration and is suitable for use in either a boat, pickup truck, or light aircraft. This system will provide the acquisition of reliable data on the structure of the environment and the effect of man-made and natural activities on the observed phenomenon. Utilizing both self-contained analog recording and a telemetry transmitter for real-time digital readout and recording, the prototype system has undergone extensive testing.

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

Reister, D.B.; Pin, F.G.

This paper addresses the problem of time-optional motions for a mobile platform in a planar environment. The platform has two non-steerable independently driven wheels. The overall mission of the robot is expressed in terms of a sequence of via points at which the platform must be at rest in a given configuration (position and orientation). The objective is to plan time-optimal trajectories between these configurations assuming an unobstructed environment. Using Pontryagin's maximum principle (PMP), we formally demonstrate that all time optimal motions of the platform for this problem occur for bang-bang controls on the wheels (at each instant, the accelerationmore » on each wheel is either at its upper or lower limit). The PMP, however, only provides necessary conditions for time optimality. To find the time optimal robot trajectories, we first parameterize the bang-bang trajectories using the switch times on the wheels (the times at which the wheel accelerations change sign). With this parameterization, we can fully search the robot trajectory space and find the switch times that will produce particular paths to a desired final configuration of the platform. We show numerically that robot trajectories with three switch times (two on one wheel, one on the other) can reach any position, while trajectories with four switch times can reach any configuration. By numerical comparison with other trajectories involving similar or greater numbers of switch times, we then identify the sets of time-optimal trajectories. These are uniquely defined using ranges of the parameters, and consist of subsets of trajectories with three switch times for the problem when the final orientation of the robot is not specified, and four switch times when a full final configuration is specified. We conclude with a description of the use of the method for trajectory planning for one of our robots.« less

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

Reister, D.B.; Pin, F.G.

This paper addresses the problem of time-optional motions for a mobile platform in a planar environment. The platform has two non-steerable independently driven wheels. The overall mission of the robot is expressed in terms of a sequence of via points at which the platform must be at rest in a given configuration (position and orientation). The objective is to plan time-optimal trajectories between these configurations assuming an unobstructed environment. Using Pontryagin`s maximum principle (PMP), we formally demonstrate that all time optimal motions of the platform for this problem occur for bang-bang controls on the wheels (at each instant, the accelerationmore » on each wheel is either at its upper or lower limit). The PMP, however, only provides necessary conditions for time optimality. To find the time optimal robot trajectories, we first parameterize the bang-bang trajectories using the switch times on the wheels (the times at which the wheel accelerations change sign). With this parameterization, we can fully search the robot trajectory space and find the switch times that will produce particular paths to a desired final configuration of the platform. We show numerically that robot trajectories with three switch times (two on one wheel, one on the other) can reach any position, while trajectories with four switch times can reach any configuration. By numerical comparison with other trajectories involving similar or greater numbers of switch times, we then identify the sets of time-optimal trajectories. These are uniquely defined using ranges of the parameters, and consist of subsets of trajectories with three switch times for the problem when the final orientation of the robot is not specified, and four switch times when a full final configuration is specified. We conclude with a description of the use of the method for trajectory planning for one of our robots.« less

Particle swarm optimization-based automatic parameter selection for deep neural networks and its applications in large-scale and high-dimensional data

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

In this paper, we propose a new automatic hyperparameter selection approach for determining the optimal network configuration (network structure and hyperparameters) for deep neural networks using particle swarm optimization (PSO) in combination with a steepest gradient descent algorithm. In the proposed approach, network configurations were coded as a set of real-number m-dimensional vectors as the individuals of the PSO algorithm in the search procedure. During the search procedure, the PSO algorithm is employed to search for optimal network configurations via the particles moving in a finite search space, and the steepest gradient descent algorithm is used to train the DNN classifier with a few training epochs (to find a local optimal solution) during the population evaluation of PSO. After the optimization scheme, the steepest gradient descent algorithm is performed with more epochs and the final solutions (pbest and gbest) of the PSO algorithm to train a final ensemble model and individual DNN classifiers, respectively. The local search ability of the steepest gradient descent algorithm and the global search capabilities of the PSO algorithm are exploited to determine an optimal solution that is close to the global optimum. We constructed several experiments on hand-written characters and biological activity prediction datasets to show that the DNN classifiers trained by the network configurations expressed by the final solutions of the PSO algorithm, employed to construct an ensemble model and individual classifier, outperform the random approach in terms of the generalization performance. Therefore, the proposed approach can be regarded an alternative tool for automatic network structure and parameter selection for deep neural networks. PMID:29236718

Design Optimization of Vena Cava Filters: An application to dual filtration devices

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

Singer, M A; Wang, S L; Diachin, D P

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a significant medical problem that results in over 300,000 fatalities per year. A common preventative treatment for PE is the insertion of a metallic filter into the inferior vena cava that traps thrombi before they reach the lungs. The goal of this work is to use methods of mathematical modeling and design optimization to determine the configuration of trapped thrombi that minimizes the hemodynamic disruption. The resulting configuration has implications for constructing an optimally designed vena cava filter. Computational fluid dynamics is coupled with a nonlinear optimization algorithm to determine the optimal configuration of trapped modelmore » thrombus in the inferior vena cava. The location and shape of the thrombus are parameterized, and an objective function, based on wall shear stresses, determines the worthiness of a given configuration. The methods are fully automated and demonstrate the capabilities of a design optimization framework that is broadly applicable. Changes to thrombus location and shape alter the velocity contours and wall shear stress profiles significantly. For vena cava filters that trap two thrombi simultaneously, the undesirable flow dynamics past one thrombus can be mitigated by leveraging the flow past the other thrombus. Streamlining the shape of thrombus trapped along the cava wall reduces the disruption to the flow, but increases the area exposed to abnormal wall shear stress. Computer-based design optimization is a useful tool for developing vena cava filters. Characterizing and parameterizing the design requirements and constraints is essential for constructing devices that address clinical complications. In addition, formulating a well-defined objective function that quantifies clinical risks and benefits is needed for designing devices that are clinically viable.« less

Dynamic nuclear polarization and optimal control spatial-selective 13C MRI and MRS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vinding, Mads S.; Laustsen, Christoffer; Maximov, Ivan I.; Søgaard, Lise Vejby; Ardenkjær-Larsen, Jan H.; Nielsen, Niels Chr.

2013-02-01

Aimed at 13C metabolic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) applications, we demonstrate that dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) may be combined with optimal control 2D spatial selection to simultaneously obtain high sensitivity and well-defined spatial restriction. This is achieved through the development of spatial-selective single-shot spiral-readout MRI and MRS experiments combined with dynamic nuclear polarization hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate on a 4.7 T pre-clinical MR scanner. The method stands out from related techniques by facilitating anatomic shaped region-of-interest (ROI) single metabolite signals available for higher image resolution or single-peak spectra. The 2D spatial-selective rf pulses were designed using a novel Krotov-based optimal control approach capable of iteratively fast providing successful pulse sequences in the absence of qualified initial guesses. The technique may be important for early detection of abnormal metabolism, monitoring disease progression, and drug research.

Placement of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators in paediatric and congenital heart defect patients: a pipeline for model generation and simulation prediction of optimal configurations

PubMed Central

Rantner, Lukas J; Vadakkumpadan, Fijoy; Spevak, Philip J; Crosson, Jane E; Trayanova, Natalia A

2013-01-01

There is currently no reliable way of predicting the optimal implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) placement in paediatric and congenital heart defect (CHD) patients. This study aimed to: (1) develop a new image processing pipeline for constructing patient-specific heart–torso models from clinical magnetic resonance images (MRIs); (2) use the pipeline to determine the optimal ICD configuration in a paediatric tricuspid valve atresia patient; (3) establish whether the widely used criterion of shock-induced extracellular potential (Φe) gradients ≥5 V cm−1 in ≥95% of ventricular volume predicts defibrillation success. A biophysically detailed heart–torso model was generated from patient MRIs. Because transvenous access was impossible, three subcutaneous and three epicardial lead placement sites were identified along with five ICD scan locations. Ventricular fibrillation was induced, and defibrillation shocks were applied from 11 ICD configurations to determine defibrillation thresholds (DFTs). Two configurations with epicardial leads resulted in the lowest DFTs overall and were thus considered optimal. Three configurations shared the lowest DFT among subcutaneous lead ICDs. The Φe gradient criterion was an inadequate predictor of defibrillation success, as defibrillation failed in numerous instances even when 100% of the myocardium experienced such gradients. In conclusion, we have developed a new image processing pipeline and applied it to a CHD patient to construct the first active heart–torso model from clinical MRIs. PMID:23798492

Aerodynamic Design of Complex Configurations Using Cartesian Methods and CAD Geometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nemec, Marian; Aftosmis, Michael J.; Pulliam, Thomas H.

2003-01-01

The objective for this paper is to present the development of an optimization capability for the Cartesian inviscid-flow analysis package of Aftosmis et al. We evaluate and characterize the following modules within the new optimization framework: (1) A component-based geometry parameterization approach using a CAD solid representation and the CAPRI interface. (2) The use of Cartesian methods in the development Optimization techniques using a genetic algorithm. The discussion and investigations focus on several real world problems of the optimization process. We examine the architectural issues associated with the deployment of a CAD-based design approach in a heterogeneous parallel computing environment that contains both CAD workstations and dedicated compute nodes. In addition, we study the influence of noise on the performance of optimization techniques, and the overall efficiency of the optimization process for aerodynamic design of complex three-dimensional configurations. of automated optimization tools. rithm and a gradient-based algorithm.

Monte Carlo Optimization of Crystal Configuration for Pixelated Molecular SPECT Scanners

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahani, Hojjat; Raisali, Gholamreza; Kamali-Asl, Alireza; Ay, Mohammad Reza

2017-02-01

Resolution-sensitivity-PDA tradeoff is the most challenging problem in design and optimization of pixelated preclinical SPECT scanners. In this work, we addressed such a challenge from a crystal point-of-view by looking for an optimal pixelated scintillator using GATE Monte Carlo simulation. Various crystal configurations have been investigated and the influence of different pixel sizes, pixel gaps, and three scintillators on tomographic resolution, sensitivity, and PDA of the camera were evaluated. The crystal configuration was then optimized using two objective functions: the weighted-sum and the figure-of-merit methods. The CsI(Na) reveals the highest sensitivity of the order of 43.47 cps/MBq in comparison to the NaI(Tl) and the YAP(Ce), for a 1.5×1.5 mm2 pixel size and 0.1 mm gap. The results show that the spatial resolution, in terms of FWHM, improves from 3.38 to 2.21 mm while the sensitivity simultaneously deteriorates from 42.39 cps/MBq to 27.81 cps/MBq when pixel size varies from 2×2 mm2 to 0.5×0.5 mm2 for a 0.2 mm gap, respectively. The PDA worsens from 0.91 to 0.42 when pixel size decreases from 0.5×0.5 mm2 to 1×1 mm2 for a 0.2 mm gap at 15° incident-angle. The two objective functions agree that the 1.5×1.5 mm2 pixel size and 0.1 mm Epoxy gap CsI(Na) configuration provides the best compromise for small-animal imaging, using the HiReSPECT scanner. Our study highlights that crystal configuration can significantly affect the performance of the camera, and thereby Monte Carlo optimization of pixelated detectors is mandatory in order to achieve an optimal quality tomogram.

Jig-Shape Optimization of a Low-Boom Supersonic Aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pak, Chan-Gi

2018-01-01

A simple approach for optimizing the jig-shape is proposed in this study. This simple approach is based on an unconstrained optimization problem and applied to a low-boom supersonic aircraft. In this study, the jig-shape optimization is performed using the two-step approach. First, starting design variables are computed using the least-squares surface fitting technique. Next, the jig-shape is further tuned using a numerical optimization procedure based on an in-house object-oriented optimization tool. During the numerical optimization procedure, a design jig-shape is determined by the baseline jig-shape and basis functions. A total of 12 symmetric mode shapes of the cruise-weight configuration, rigid pitch shape, rigid left and right stabilator rotation shapes, and a residual shape are selected as sixteen basis functions. After three optimization runs, the trim shape error distribution is improved, and the maximum trim shape error of 0.9844 inches of the starting configuration becomes 0.00367 inch by the end of the third optimization run.

Feasibility study using MRI and two optical CT scanners for readout of polymer gel and PresageTM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Svensson, H.; Skyt, P. S.; Ceberg, S.; Doran, S.; Muren, L. P.; Balling, P.; Petersen, J. B. B.; Bäck, S. Å. J.

2013-06-01

The aim of this study was to compare the conventional combination of three-dimensional dosimeter (nPAG gel) and readout method (MRI) with other combinations of three-dimensional dosimeters (nPAG gel/PresageTM) and readout methods (optical CT scanners). In the first experiment, the dose readout of a gel irradiated with a four field-box technique was performed with both an Octopus IQ scanner and MRI. It was seen that the MRI readout agreed slightly better to the TPS. In another experiment, a gel and a PresageTM sample were irradiated with a VMAT field and read out using MRI and a fast laser scanner, respectively. A comparison between the TPS and the volumes revealed that the MRI/gel readout had closer resemblance to the TPS than the optical CT/PresageTM readout. There are clearly potential in the evaluated optical CT scanners, but more time has to be invested in the particular scanning scenario than was possible in this study.

A pixelated charge readout for Liquid Argon Time Projection Chambers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asaadi, J.; Auger, M.; Ereditato, A.; Goeldi, D.; Hänni, R.; Kose, U.; Kreslo, I.; Lorca, D.; Luethi, M.; von Rohr, C. Rudolf; Sinclair, J.; Stocker, F.; Tognina, C.; Weber, M.

2018-02-01

Liquid Argon Time Projection Chambers (LArTPCs) are ideally suited to perform long-baseline neutrino experiments aiming to measure CP violation in the lepton sector, and determine the ordering of the three neutrino mass eigenstates. LArTPCs have used projective wire readouts for charge detection since their conception in 1977. However, wire readouts are notoriously fragile and therefore a limiting factor in the design of any large mass detectors. Furthermore, a wire readout also introduces intrinsic ambiguities in event reconstruction. Within the ArgonCube concept—the liquid argon component of the DUNE near detector—we are developing a pixelated charge readout for LArTPCs. Pixelated charge readout systems represent the single largest advancement in the sensitivity of LArTPCs. They are mechanically robust and provide direct 3D readout, serving to minimise reconstruction ambiguities, enabling more advanced triggers, further reducing event pile-up and improving background rejection. This article presents first results from a pixelated LArTPC prototype built and operated in Bern.

University of Florida Torsion Pendulum for Testing Key LISA Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Apple, Stephen; Chilton, Andrew; Olatunde, Taiwo Janet; Hillsberry, Daniel; Parry, Samantha; Ciani, Giacomo; Wass, Peter; Mueller, Guido; Conklin, John

2018-01-01

This presentation will describe the design and performance of a new torsion pendulum at the University of Florida used for testing inertial sensors and associated technologies for use in space – based gravitational wave observatories and geodesy missions. In particular this new torsion pendulum facility is testing inertial sensors and associated technology for the upcoming LISA (laser interferometer space antenna) space-based gravitational wave observatory mission. The torsion pendulum apparatus is comprised of a suspended cross bar assembly that has LISA test mass mockups at each of its ends. Two of the test mass mockups are enclosed by capacitive sensors which provide actuation and position sensing. The entire assembly is housed in a vacuum chamber. The pendulum cross-bar converts rotational motion of the test masses about the suspension fiber axis into translational motion. The 22 cm cross bar arm length along with the extremely small torsional spring constant of the suspension fiber results in a near free fall condition in the translational degree-of-freedom orthogonal to both the member and the suspension fiber. The test masses are electrically isolated from the pendulum assembly and their charge is controlled via photoemission using fiber coupled UV LEDS. Position of the test masses is measured using both capacitive and interferometric readout. The broadband sensitivity of the capacitive readout and laser interferometer readout is 30 nm/√Hz and 0.5 nm/√Hz respectively. The performance of the pendulum measured in equivalent acceleration noise acting on a LISA test mass is approximately 3 × 10-13 ms-2/√Hz at 2 mHz. This presentation will also discuss the design and fabrication of a flight-like gravitational reference sensor that will soon be integrated into the torsion pendulum facility. This flight-like GRS will allow for noise performance measurements in a more LISA-like configuration.

MUSIC: An 8 channel readout ASIC for SiPM arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gómez, Sergio; Gascón, David; Fernández, Gerard; Sanuy, Andreu; Mauricio, Joan; Graciani, Ricardo; Sanchez, David

2016-04-01

This paper presents an 8 channel ASIC for SiPM anode readout based on a novel low input impedance current conveyor (under patent1). This Multiple Use SiPM Integrated Circuit (MUSIC) has been designed to serve several purposes, including, for instance, the readout of SiPM arrays for some of the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) cameras. The current division scheme at the very front end part of the circuit splits the input current into differently scaled copies which are connected to independent current mirrors. The circuit contains a tunable pole zero cancellation of the SiPM recovery time constant to deal with sensors from different manufacturers. Decay times up to 100 ns are supported covering most of the available SiPM devices in the market. MUSIC offers three main features: (1) differential output of the sum of the individual input channels; (2) 8 individual single ended analog outputs and; (3) 8 individual binary outputs. The digital outputs encode the amount of collected charge in the duration of the digital signal using a time over threshold technique. For each individual channel, the user must select the analog or digital output. Each functionality, the signal sum and the 8 A/D outputs, include a selectable dual-gain configuration. Moreover, the signal sum implements dual-gain output providing a 15 bit dynamic range. Full die simulation results of the MUSIC designed using AMS 0.35 µm SiGe technology are presented: total die size of 9 mm2, 500 MHz bandwidth for channel sum and 150 MHz bandwidth for A/D channels, low input impedance (≍32 Ω), single photon output pulse width at half maximum (FWHM) between 5 and 10 ns and with a power consumption of ≍ 30 mW/ch plus ≍ 200 mW for the 8 ch sum. Encapsulated prototype samples of the MUSIC are expected by March 2016.

User ratings of prosthetic usability and satisfaction in VA study to optimize DEKA arm.

PubMed

Resnik, Linda; Borgia, Matthew

2014-01-01

The Department of Veterans Affairs study to optimize the DEKA Arm provided feedback to inform optimization of the gen 2 (second-generation) prototype and evaluate the gen 3 (third-generation) prototype. This article summarizes recommendations to improve gen 2 and reports satisfaction and usability ratings of gen 2 and gen 3. Data were collected from 39 subjects; 37 subjects were included in this analysis. Of the subjects, 24 were fit with gen 2 (8 radial configuration [RC], 6 humeral configuration [HC], and 10 shoulder configuration [SC]), 13 were fit with gen 3 (4 RC, 5 HC, and 4 SC), and 5 were fit with both. Usability and satisfaction were evaluated using the Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scale (TAPES) and study-specific usability and satisfaction scales. Descriptive statistics were examined and prototypes compared using Wilcoxon rank-sum. Results were stratified by configuration level and outcomes compared by prototype. Satisfaction and usability were greater for gen 3 than gen 2. Overall TAPES scores were similar; however, scores of the TAPES aesthetic satisfaction subscale were higher for gen 3. Compared with gen 2 users, gen 3 users were more satisfied with appearance, grips, and doffing and rated overall usability higher. Features of gen 3, including weight, external cables and wires, hand covering, and fingernails, would benefit from further optimization.

The DCU: the detector control unit of the SAFARI instrument onboard SPICA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clénet, A.; Ravera, L.; Bertrand, B.; Cros, A.; Hou, R.; Jackson, B. D.; van Leeuwen, B. J.; Van Loon, D.; Parot, Y.; Pointecouteau, E.; Sournac, A.; Ta, N.

2012-09-01

The SpicA FAR infrared Instrument (SAFARI) is a European instrument for the infrared domain telescope SPICA, a JAXA space mission. The SAFARI detectors are Transistor Edge Sensors (TES) arranged in 3 matrixes. The TES front end electronic is based on Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs) and it does the readout of the 3500 detectors with Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM) type architecture. The Detector Control Unit (DCU), contributed by IRAP, manages the readout of the TES by computing and providing the AC-bias signals (1 - 3 MHz) to the TES and by computing the demodulation of the returning signals. The SQUID being highly non-linear, the DCU has also to provide a feedback signal to increase the SQUID dynamic. Because of the propagation delay in the cables and the processing time, a classic feedback will not be stable for AC-bias frequencies up to 3 MHz. The DCU uses a specific technique to compensate for those delays: the BaseBand FeedBack (BBFB). This digital data processing is done for the 3500 pixels in parallel. Thus, to keep the DCU power budget within its allocation we have to specifically optimize the architecture of the digital circuit with respect to the power consumption. In this paper we will mainly present the DCU architecture. We will particularly focus on the BBFB technique used to linearize the SQUID and on the optimization done to reduce the power consumption of the digital processing circuit.

Light-Sharing Interface for dMiCE Detectors Using Sub-Surface Laser Engraving

PubMed Central

Hunter, William C. J.; Miyaoka, Robert S.; MacDonald, Lawrence; McDougald, Wendy; Lewellen, Thomas K.

2015-01-01

We have previously reported on dMiCE, a method of resolving depth or interaction (DOI) in a pair of discrete crystals by encoding light sharing properties as a function of depth in the interface of a crystal-element pair. A challenge for this method is the cost and repeatability of interface treatment for each crystal pair. In this work, we report our preliminary results on using sub-surface laser engraving (SSLE) as a means of forming this depth-dependent interface in a dMiCE detector. A surplus first-generation SSLE system was used to create a partially reflective layer 100-microns thick at the boundary between two halves of a 1.4-by-2.9-by-20 mm3 LYSO crystal. The boundary of these paired crystal elements was positioned between two 3-mm wide Silicon photomultiplier arrays. The responses of these two photodetectors were acquired for an ensemble of 511-keV photons collimated to interact at a fixed depth in just one crystal element. Interaction position was then varied to measure detector response as a function of depth, which was then used to maximum-likelihood positions. Despite use of sub-optimal SSLE processing we found an average DOI resolution of 3.4 mm for front-sided readout and 3.9 mm for back-sided readout while obtaining energy resolutions on the order of 10%. We expect DOI resolution can be improved significantly by optimizing the SSLE process and pattern. PMID:25914421

Light-Sharing Interface for dMiCE Detectors using Sub-Surface Laser Engraving.

PubMed

Hunter, William C J; Miyaoka, Robert S; MacDonald, Lawrence; McDougald, Wendy; Lewellen, Thomas K

2013-10-01

We have previously reported on dMiCE, a method of resolving depth or interaction (DOI) in a pair of discrete crystals by encoding light sharing properties as a function of depth in the interface of this crystal-element pair. A challenge for this method is the cost and repeatability of interface treatment for a crystal pair. In this work, we report our preliminary results on using sub-surface laser engraving (SSLE) as a means of forming this depth-dependent interface in a dMiCE detector. A surplus first-generation SSLE system was used to create a partially reflective layer 100-microns thick at the boundary between two halves of a 1.4-by-2.9-by-20 mmˆ3 LYSO crystal. The boundary of these paired crystal elements was positioned between two 3-mm wide Geiger-Müller avalanche photodiodes from Hamamatsu. The responses of these two photodetectors were acquired for an ensemble of 511-keV photons collimated to interact at a fixed depth in just one crystal element. Interaction position was then varied to measure detector response as a function of depth, which was then used to maximum-likelihood positions events. Despite use of sub-optimal SSLE processing we found an average DOI resolution of 3.4 mm for front-sided readout and 3.9 mm for back-sided readout. We expect DOI resolution can be improved significantly by optimizing the SSLE process and pattern.

Light-Sharing Interface for dMiCE Detectors using Sub-Surface Laser Engraving

PubMed Central

Hunter, William C.J.; Miyaoka, Robert S.; MacDonald, Lawrence; McDougald, Wendy; Lewellen, Thomas K.

2014-01-01

We have previously reported on dMiCE, a method of resolving depth or interaction (DOI) in a pair of discrete crystals by encoding light sharing properties as a function of depth in the interface of this crystal-element pair. A challenge for this method is the cost and repeatability of interface treatment for a crystal pair. In this work, we report our preliminary results on using sub-surface laser engraving (SSLE) as a means of forming this depth-dependent interface in a dMiCE detector. A surplus first-generation SSLE system was used to create a partially reflective layer 100-microns thick at the boundary between two halves of a 1.4-by-2.9-by-20 mmˆ3 LYSO crystal. The boundary of these paired crystal elements was positioned between two 3-mm wide Geiger-Müller avalanche photodiodes from Hamamatsu. The responses of these two photodetectors were acquired for an ensemble of 511-keV photons collimated to interact at a fixed depth in just one crystal element. Interaction position was then varied to measure detector response as a function of depth, which was then used to maximum-likelihood positions events. Despite use of sub-optimal SSLE processing we found an average DOI resolution of 3.4 mm for front-sided readout and 3.9 mm for back-sided readout. We expect DOI resolution can be improved significantly by optimizing the SSLE process and pattern. PMID:25506194

Light-Sharing Interface for dMiCE Detectors Using Sub-Surface Laser Engraving.

PubMed

Hunter, William C J; Miyaoka, Robert S; MacDonald, Lawrence; McDougald, Wendy; Lewellen, Thomas K

2015-02-06

We have previously reported on dMiCE, a method of resolving depth or interaction (DOI) in a pair of discrete crystals by encoding light sharing properties as a function of depth in the interface of a crystal-element pair. A challenge for this method is the cost and repeatability of interface treatment for each crystal pair. In this work, we report our preliminary results on using sub-surface laser engraving (SSLE) as a means of forming this depth-dependent interface in a dMiCE detector. A surplus first-generation SSLE system was used to create a partially reflective layer 100-microns thick at the boundary between two halves of a 1.4-by-2.9-by-20 mm 3 LYSO crystal. The boundary of these paired crystal elements was positioned between two 3-mm wide Silicon photomultiplier arrays. The responses of these two photodetectors were acquired for an ensemble of 511-keV photons collimated to interact at a fixed depth in just one crystal element. Interaction position was then varied to measure detector response as a function of depth, which was then used to maximum-likelihood positions. Despite use of sub-optimal SSLE processing we found an average DOI resolution of 3.4 mm for front-sided readout and 3.9 mm for back-sided readout while obtaining energy resolutions on the order of 10%. We expect DOI resolution can be improved significantly by optimizing the SSLE process and pattern.

Magnetic nanobeads present during enzymatic amplification and labeling for a simplified DNA detection protocol based on AC susceptometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bejhed, Rebecca S.; Strømme, Maria; Svedlindh, Peter; Ahlford, Annika; Strömberg, Mattias

2015-12-01

Magnetic biosensors are promising candidates for low-cost point-of-care biodiagnostic devices. For optimal efficiency it is crucial to minimize the time and complexity of the assay protocol including target recognition, amplification, labeling and read-out. In this work, possibilities for protocol simplifications for a DNA biodetection principle relying on hybridization of magnetic nanobeads to rolling circle amplification (RCA) products are investigated. The target DNA is recognized through a padlock ligation assay resulting in DNA circles serving as templates for the RCA process. It is found that beads can be present during amplification without noticeably interfering with the enzyme used for RCA (phi29 polymerase). As a result, the bead-coil hybridization can be performed immediately after amplification in a one-step manner at elevated temperature within a few minutes prior to read-out in an AC susceptometer setup, i.e. a combined protocol approach. Moreover, by recording the phase angle ξ = arctan(χ″/χ'), where χ and χ″ are the in-phase and out-of-phase components of the AC susceptibility, respectively, at one single frequency the total assay time for the optimized combined protocol would be no more than 1.5 hours, often a relevant time frame for diagnosis of cancer and infectious disease. Also, applying the phase angle method normalization of AC susceptibility data is not needed. These findings are useful for the development of point-of-care biodiagnostic devices relying on bead-coil binding and magnetic AC susceptometry.

Optimization of locations of diffusion spots in indoor optical wireless local area networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eltokhey, Mahmoud W.; Mahmoud, K. R.; Ghassemlooy, Zabih; Obayya, Salah S. A.

2018-03-01

In this paper, we present a novel optimization of the locations of the diffusion spots in indoor optical wireless local area networks, based on the central force optimization (CFO) scheme. The users' performance uniformity is addressed by using the CFO algorithm, and adopting different objective function's configurations, while considering maximization and minimization of the signal to noise ratio and the delay spread, respectively. We also investigate the effect of varying the objective function's weights on the system and the users' performance as part of the adaptation process. The results show that the proposed objective function configuration-based optimization procedure offers an improvement of 65% in the standard deviation of individual receivers' performance.

An SCF and MCSCF description of the low-lying states of MgO. [Configuration State Functions Multiconfiguration Self Consistent Field

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bauschlicher, C. W., Jr.; Silver, D. M.; Yarkony, D. R.

1980-01-01

The paper presents the multiconfiguration-self-consistent (MCSCF) and configuration state functions (CSF) for the low-lying electronic states of MgO. It was shown that simple description of these states was possible provided the 1 Sigma(+) states are individually optimized at the MCSCF level, noting that the 1(3 Sigma)(+) and 2(1 Sigma)(+) states which nominally result from the same electron occupation are separated energetically. The molecular orbitals obtained at this level of approximation should provide a useful starting point for extended configuration interaction calculations since they have been optimized for the particular states of interest.

Reversible Negative Resistive Switching in an Individual Fe@Al2O3 Hybrid Nanotube for Nonvolatile Memory.

PubMed

Ye, Yalong; Zhao, Jie; Xiao, Li; Cheng, Baochang; Xiao, Yanhe; Lei, Shuijin

2018-06-06

Hybrid nanostructures can show enormous potential in different areas because of their unique structural configurations. Herein, Fe@Al 2 O 3 hybrid nanotubes are constructed via a homogeneous coprecipitation method followed by subsequent annealing in a reducing atmosphere. The introduction of zero band gap Fe nanocrystals in the wall of ultrawide band gap Al 2 O 3 insulator nanotubes results in the formation of charge trap centers, and correspondingly a single hybrid nanotube-based two-terminal device can show reversible negative resistive switching (RS) characteristics with symmetrical negative differential resistance (NDR) at relatively high operation bias voltages. At a large bias voltage, holes and electrons can be injected into traps at two ends from electrodes, respectively, and then captured. The bias voltage dependence of asymmetrical filling of charges can lead to a reversible variation of built-in electromotive force, and therefore the symmetrical negative RS with NDR arises from two reversible back-to-back series bipolar RS. At a low readout voltage, the single Fe@Al 2 O 3 hybrid nanotube can show an excellent nonvolatile memory feature with a relatively large switching ratio of ∼30. The bias-governed reversible negative RS with superior stability, reversibility, nondestructive readout, and remarkable cycle performance makes it a potential candidate in next-generation erasable nonvolatile resistive random access memories.

Pulled microcapillary tube resonators with electrical readout for mass sensing applications

PubMed Central

Lee, Donghyuk; Kim, Joonhui; Cho, Nam-Joon; Kang, Taewook; Kauh, Sangken; Lee, Jungchul

2016-01-01

This paper reports a microfabrication-free approach to make hollow channel mass sensors by pulling a glass capillary and suspending it on top of a machined jig. A part of the pulled section makes simple contact with an actuation node and a quartz tuning fork (QTF) which acts as a sensing node. The two nodes define a pulled micro capillary tube resonator (PμTR) simply supported at two contacts. While a piezo actuator beneath the actuation node excites the PμTR, the QTF senses the resonance frequency of the PμTR. The proposed concept was validated by electrical and optical measurements of resonant spectra of PμTR. Then, different liquid samples including water, ethanol, glycerol, and their binary mixtures were introduced into the PμTR and the resonance frequency of the PμTR was measured as a function of liquid density. Density responsivity of −3,088 Hz-g−1 cm3 obtained is comparable to those of microfabricated hollow resonators. With a micro droplet generation chip configured in series with the PμTR, size distribution of oil droplets suspended in water was successfully measured with the radius resolution of 31 nm at the average droplet radius, 28.47 μm. Overall, typical off-the-shelf parts simply constitute a resonant mass sensing system along with a convenient electrical readout. PMID:27694852

Spectral Optical Readout of Rectangular–Miniature Hollow Glass Tubing for Refractive Index Sensing

PubMed Central

Rigamonti, Giulia; Bello, Valentina

2018-01-01

For answering the growing demand of innovative micro-fluidic devices able to measure the refractive index of samples in extremely low volumes, this paper presents an overview of the performances of a micro-opto-fluidic sensing platform that employs rectangular, miniature hollow glass tubings. The operating principle is described by showing the analytical model of the tubing, obtained as superposition of different optical cavities, and the optical readout method based on spectral reflectivity detection. We have analyzed, in particular, the theoretical and experimental optical features of rectangular tubings with asymmetrical geometry, thus with channel depth larger than the thickness of the glass walls, though all of them in the range of a few tens of micrometers. The origins of the complex line-shape of the spectral response in reflection, due to the different cavities formed by the tubing flat walls and channel, have been investigated using a Fourier transform analysis. The implemented instrumental configuration, based on standard telecom fiberoptic components and a semiconductor broadband optical source emitting in the near infrared wavelength region centered at 1.55 µm, has allowed acquisition of reflectivity spectra for experimental verification of the expected theoretical behavior. We have achieved detection of refractive index variations related to the change of concentration of glucose-water solutions flowing through the tubing by monitoring the spectral shift of the optical resonances. PMID:29462907

A combined time-of-flight and depth-of-interaction detector for total-body positron emission tomography.

PubMed

Berg, Eric; Roncali, Emilie; Kapusta, Maciej; Du, Junwei; Cherry, Simon R

2016-02-01

In support of a project to build a total-body PET scanner with an axial field-of-view of 2 m, the authors are developing simple, cost-effective block detectors with combined time-of-flight (TOF) and depth-of-interaction (DOI) capabilities. This work focuses on investigating the potential of phosphor-coated crystals with conventional PMT-based block detector readout to provide DOI information while preserving timing resolution. The authors explored a variety of phosphor-coating configurations with single crystals and crystal arrays. Several pulse shape discrimination techniques were investigated, including decay time, delayed charge integration (DCI), and average signal shapes. Pulse shape discrimination based on DCI provided the lowest DOI positioning error: 2 mm DOI positioning error was obtained with single phosphor-coated crystals while 3-3.5 mm DOI error was measured with the block detector module. Minimal timing resolution degradation was observed with single phosphor-coated crystals compared to uncoated crystals, and a timing resolution of 442 ps was obtained with phosphor-coated crystals in the block detector compared to 404 ps without phosphor coating. Flood maps showed a slight degradation in crystal resolvability with phosphor-coated crystals; however, all crystals could be resolved. Energy resolution was degraded by 3%-7% with phosphor-coated crystals compared to uncoated crystals. These results demonstrate the feasibility of obtaining TOF-DOI capabilities with simple block detector readout using phosphor-coated crystals.

In situ Compressive Loading and Correlative Noninvasive Imaging of the Bone-periodontal Ligament-tooth Fibrous Joint

PubMed Central

Jang, Andrew T.; Lin, Jeremy D.; Seo, Youngho; Etchin, Sergey; Merkle, Arno; Fahey, Kevin; Ho, Sunita P.

2014-01-01

This study demonstrates a novel biomechanics testing protocol. The advantage of this protocol includes the use of an in situ loading device coupled to a high resolution X-ray microscope, thus enabling visualization of internal structural elements under simulated physiological loads and wet conditions. Experimental specimens will include intact bone-periodontal ligament (PDL)-tooth fibrous joints. Results will illustrate three important features of the protocol as they can be applied to organ level biomechanics: 1) reactionary force vs. displacement: tooth displacement within the alveolar socket and its reactionary response to loading, 2) three-dimensional (3D) spatial configuration and morphometrics: geometric relationship of the tooth with the alveolar socket, and 3) changes in readouts 1 and 2 due to a change in loading axis, i.e. from concentric to eccentric loads. Efficacy of the proposed protocol will be evaluated by coupling mechanical testing readouts to 3D morphometrics and overall biomechanics of the joint. In addition, this technique will emphasize on the need to equilibrate experimental conditions, specifically reactionary loads prior to acquiring tomograms of fibrous joints. It should be noted that the proposed protocol is limited to testing specimens under ex vivo conditions, and that use of contrast agents to visualize soft tissue mechanical response could lead to erroneous conclusions about tissue and organ-level biomechanics. PMID:24638035

Spectral Optical Readout of Rectangular-Miniature Hollow Glass Tubing for Refractive Index Sensing.

PubMed

Rigamonti, Giulia; Bello, Valentina; Merlo, Sabina

2018-02-16

For answering the growing demand of innovative micro-fluidic devices able to measure the refractive index of samples in extremely low volumes, this paper presents an overview of the performances of a micro-opto-fluidic sensing platform that employs rectangular, miniature hollow glass tubings. The operating principle is described by showing the analytical model of the tubing, obtained as superposition of different optical cavities, and the optical readout method based on spectral reflectivity detection. We have analyzed, in particular, the theoretical and experimental optical features of rectangular tubings with asymmetrical geometry, thus with channel depth larger than the thickness of the glass walls, though all of them in the range of a few tens of micrometers. The origins of the complex line-shape of the spectral response in reflection, due to the different cavities formed by the tubing flat walls and channel, have been investigated using a Fourier transform analysis. The implemented instrumental configuration, based on standard telecom fiberoptic components and a semiconductor broadband optical source emitting in the near infrared wavelength region centered at 1.55 µm, has allowed acquisition of reflectivity spectra for experimental verification of the expected theoretical behavior. We have achieved detection of refractive index variations related to the change of concentration of glucose-water solutions flowing through the tubing by monitoring the spectral shift of the optical resonances.

A pixelated x-ray detector for diffraction imaging at next-generation high-rate FEL sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lodola, L.; Ratti, L.; Comotti, D.; Fabris, L.; Grassi, M.; Malcovati, P.; Manghisoni, M.; Re, V.; Traversi, G.; Vacchi, C.; Batignani, G.; Bettarini, S.; Forti, F.; Casarosa, G.; Morsani, F.; Paladino, A.; Paoloni, E.; Rizzo, G.; Benkechkache, M. A.; Dalla Betta, G.-F.; Mendicino, R.; Pancheri, L.; Verzellesi, G.; Xu, H.

2017-08-01

The PixFEL collaboration has developed the building blocks for an X-ray imager to be used in applications at FELs. In particular, slim edge pixel detectors with high detection efficiency over a broad energy range, from 1 to 12 keV, have been developed. Moreover, a multichannel readout chip, called PFM2 (PixFEL front-end Matrix 2) and consisting of 32 × 32 cells, has been designed and fabricated in a 65 nm CMOS technology. The pixel pitch is 110 μm, the overall area is around 16 mm2. In the chip, different solutions have been implemented for the readout channel, which includes a charge sensitive amplifier (CSA) with dynamic signal compression, a time-variant shaper and an A-to-D converter with a 10 bit resolution. The CSA can be configured in four different gain modes, so as to comply with photon energies in the 1 to 10 keV range. The paper will describe in detail the channel architecture and present the results from the characterization of PFM2. It will discuss the design of a new version of the chip, called PFM3, suitable for post-processing with peripheral, under-pad through silicon vias (TSVs), which are needed to develop four-side buttable chips and cover large surfaces with minimum inactive area.

Multi-mode Observations of Cloud-to-Ground Lightning Strokes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, M. W.; Smith, B. J.; Clemenson, M. D.; Zollweg, J. D.

2015-12-01

We present hyper-temporal and hyper-spectral data collected using a suite of three Phantom high-speed cameras configured to observe cloud-to-ground lightning strokes. The first camera functioned as a contextual imager to show the location and structure of the strokes. The other two cameras were operated as slit-less spectrometers, with resolutions of 0.2 to 1.0 nm. The imaging camera was operated at a readout rate of 48,000 frames per second and provided an image-based trigger mechanism for the spectrometers. Each spectrometer operated at a readout rate of 400,000 frames per second. The sensors were deployed on the southern edge of Albuquerque, New Mexico and collected data over a 4 week period during the thunderstorm season in the summer of 2015. Strikes observed by the sensor suite were correlated to specific strikes recorded by the National Lightning Data Network (NLDN) and thereby geo-located. Sensor calibration factors, distance to each strike, and calculated values of atmospheric transmission were used to estimate absolute radiometric intensities for the spectral-temporal data. The data that we present show the intensity and time evolution of broadband and line emission features for both leader and return strokes. We highlight several key features and overall statistics of the observations. A companion poster describes a lightning model that is being developed at Sandia National Laboratories.

Optimized Non-Obstructive Particle Damping (NOPD) Treatment for Composite Honeycomb Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Panossian, H.

2008-01-01

Non-Obstructive Particle Damping (NOPD) technology is a passive vibration damping approach whereby metallic or non-metallic particles in spherical or irregular shapes, of heavy or light consistency, and even liquid particles are placed inside cavities or attached to structures by an appropriate means at strategic locations, to absorb vibration energy. The objective of the work described herein is the development of a design optimization procedure and discussion of test results for such a NOPD treatment on honeycomb (HC) composite structures, based on finite element modeling (FEM) analyses, optimization and tests. Modeling and predictions were performed and tests were carried out to correlate the test data with the FEM. The optimization procedure consisted of defining a global objective function, using finite difference methods, to determine the optimal values of the design variables through quadratic linear programming. The optimization process was carried out by targeting the highest dynamic displacements of several vibration modes of the structure and finding an optimal treatment configuration that will minimize them. An optimal design was thus derived and laboratory tests were conducted to evaluate its performance under different vibration environments. Three honeycomb composite beams, with Nomex core and aluminum face sheets, empty (untreated), uniformly treated with NOPD, and optimally treated with NOPD, according to the analytically predicted optimal design configuration, were tested in the laboratory. It is shown that the beam with optimal treatment has the lowest response amplitude. Described below are results of modal vibration tests and FEM analyses from predictions of the modal characteristics of honeycomb beams under zero, 50% uniform treatment and an optimal NOPD treatment design configuration and verification with test data.

Readout of a 176 pixel FDM system for SAFARI TES arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hijmering, R. A.; den Hartog, R.; Ridder, M.; van der Linden, A. J.; van der Kuur, J.; Gao, J. R.; Jackson, B.

2016-07-01

In this paper we present the results of our 176-pixel prototype of the FDM readout system for SAFARI, a TES-based focal-plane instrument for the far-IR SPICA mission. We have implemented the knowledge obtained from the detailed study on electrical crosstalk reported previously. The effect of carrier leakage is reduced by a factor two, mutual impedance is reduced to below 1 nH and mutual inductance is removed. The pixels are connected in stages, one quarter of the array half of the array and the full array, to resolve intermediate technical issues. A semi-automated procedure was incorporated to find all optimal settings for all pixels. And as a final step the complete array has been connected and 132 pixels have been read out simultaneously within the frequency range of 1-3.8MHz with an average frequency separation of 16kHz. The noise was found to be detector limited and was not affected by reading out all pixels in a FDM mode. With this result the concept of using FDM for multiplexed bolometer read out for the SAFARI instrument has been demonstrated.

Automation of fluorescent differential display with digital readout.

PubMed

Meade, Jonathan D; Cho, Yong-Jig; Fisher, Jeffrey S; Walden, Jamie C; Guo, Zhen; Liang, Peng

2006-01-01

Since its invention in 1992, differential display (DD) has become the most commonly used technique for identifying differentially expressed genes because of its many advantages over competing technologies such as DNA microarray, serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE), and subtractive hybridization. Despite the great impact of the method on biomedical research, there has been a lack of automation of DD technology to increase its throughput and accuracy for systematic gene expression analysis. Most of previous DD work has taken a "shot-gun" approach of identifying one gene at a time, with a limited number of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) reactions set up manually, giving DD a low-tech and low-throughput image. We have optimized the DD process with a new platform that incorporates fluorescent digital readout, automated liquid handling, and large-format gels capable of running entire 96-well plates. The resulting streamlined fluorescent DD (FDD) technology offers an unprecedented accuracy, sensitivity, and throughput in comprehensive and quantitative analysis of gene expression. These major improvements will allow researchers to find differentially expressed genes of interest, both known and novel, quickly and easily.

SNDR Limits of Oscillator-Based Sensor Readout Circuits.

PubMed

Cardes, Fernando; Quintero, Andres; Gutierrez, Eric; Buffa, Cesare; Wiesbauer, Andreas; Hernandez, Luis

2018-02-03

This paper analyzes the influence of phase noise and distortion on the performance of oscillator-based sensor data acquisition systems. Circuit noise inherent to the oscillator circuit manifests as phase noise and limits the SNR. Moreover, oscillator nonlinearity generates distortion for large input signals. Phase noise analysis of oscillators is well known in the literature, but the relationship between phase noise and the SNR of an oscillator-based sensor is not straightforward. This paper proposes a model to estimate the influence of phase noise in the performance of an oscillator-based system by reflecting the phase noise to the oscillator input. The proposed model is based on periodic steady-state analysis tools to predict the SNR of the oscillator. The accuracy of this model has been validated by both simulation and experiment in a 130 nm CMOS prototype. We also propose a method to estimate the SNDR and the dynamic range of an oscillator-based readout circuit that improves by more than one order of magnitude the simulation time compared to standard time domain simulations. This speed up enables the optimization and verification of this kind of systems with iterative algorithms.

Large resistive 2D Micromegas with genetic multiplexing and some imaging applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouteille, S.; Attié, D.; Baron, P.; Calvet, D.; Magnier, P.; Mandjavidze, I.; Procureur, S.; Riallot, M.

2016-10-01

The performance of the first large resistive Micromegas detectors with 2D readout and genetic multiplexing is presented. These detectors have a 50 × 50cm2 active area and are equipped with 1024 strips both in X- and Y-directions. The same genetic multiplexing pattern is applied on both coordinates, resulting in the compression of signals on 2 × 61 readout channels. Four such detectors have been built at CERN, and extensively tested with cosmics. The resistive strip film allows for very high gain operation, compensating for the charge spread on the 2 dimensions as well as the S / N loss due to the huge, 1 nF input capacitance. This film also creates a significantly different signal shape in the X- and Y-coordinates due to the charge evacuation along the resistive strips. All in all a detection efficiency above 95% is achieved with a 1 cm drift gap. Though not yet optimal, the measured 300 μm spatial resolution allows for very precise imaging in the field of muon tomography, and some applications of these detectors are presented.

Single-photon imaging in complementary metal oxide semiconductor processes

PubMed Central

Charbon, E.

2014-01-01

This paper describes the basics of single-photon counting in complementary metal oxide semiconductors, through single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs), and the making of miniaturized pixels with photon-counting capability based on SPADs. Some applications, which may take advantage of SPAD image sensors, are outlined, such as fluorescence-based microscopy, three-dimensional time-of-flight imaging and biomedical imaging, to name just a few. The paper focuses on architectures that are best suited to those applications and the trade-offs they generate. In this context, architectures are described that efficiently collect the output of single pixels when designed in large arrays. Off-chip readout circuit requirements are described for a variety of applications in physics, medicine and the life sciences. Owing to the dynamic nature of SPADs, designs featuring a large number of SPADs require careful analysis of the target application for an optimal use of silicon real estate and of limited readout bandwidth. The paper also describes the main trade-offs involved in architecting such chips and the solutions adopted with focus on scalability and miniaturization. PMID:24567470

Flight Test of an Adaptive Configuration Optimization System for Transport Aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gilyard, Glenn B.; Georgie, Jennifer; Barnicki, Joseph S.

1999-01-01

A NASA Dryden Flight Research Center program explores the practical application of real-time adaptive configuration optimization for enhanced transport performance on an L-1011 aircraft. This approach is based on calculation of incremental drag from forced-response, symmetric, outboard aileron maneuvers. In real-time operation, the symmetric outboard aileron deflection is directly optimized, and the horizontal stabilator and angle of attack are indirectly optimized. A flight experiment has been conducted from an onboard research engineering test station, and flight research results are presented herein. The optimization system has demonstrated the capability of determining the minimum drag configuration of the aircraft in real time. The drag-minimization algorithm is capable of identifying drag to approximately a one-drag-count level. Optimizing the symmetric outboard aileron position realizes a drag reduction of 2-3 drag counts (approximately 1 percent). Algorithm analysis of maneuvers indicate that two-sided raised-cosine maneuvers improve definition of the symmetric outboard aileron drag effect, thereby improving analysis results and consistency. Ramp maneuvers provide a more even distribution of data collection as a function of excitation deflection than raised-cosine maneuvers provide. A commercial operational system would require airdata calculations and normal output of current inertial navigation systems; engine pressure ratio measurements would be optional.

Low-power priority Address-Encoder and Reset-Decoder data-driven readout for Monolithic Active Pixel Sensors for tracker system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, P.; Aglieri, G.; Cavicchioli, C.; Chalmet, P. L.; Chanlek, N.; Collu, A.; Gao, C.; Hillemanns, H.; Junique, A.; Kofarago, M.; Keil, M.; Kugathasan, T.; Kim, D.; Kim, J.; Lattuca, A.; Marin Tobon, C. A.; Marras, D.; Mager, M.; Martinengo, P.; Mazza, G.; Mugnier, H.; Musa, L.; Puggioni, C.; Rousset, J.; Reidt, F.; Riedler, P.; Snoeys, W.; Siddhanta, S.; Usai, G.; van Hoorne, J. W.; Yi, J.

2015-06-01

Active Pixel Sensors used in High Energy Particle Physics require low power consumption to reduce the detector material budget, low integration time to reduce the possibilities of pile-up and fast readout to improve the detector data capability. To satisfy these requirements, a novel Address-Encoder and Reset-Decoder (AERD) asynchronous circuit for a fast readout of a pixel matrix has been developed. The AERD data-driven readout architecture operates the address encoding and reset decoding based on an arbitration tree, and allows us to readout only the hit pixels. Compared to the traditional readout structure of the rolling shutter scheme in Monolithic Active Pixel Sensors (MAPS), AERD can achieve a low readout time and a low power consumption especially for low hit occupancies. The readout is controlled at the chip periphery with a signal synchronous with the clock, allows a good digital and analogue signal separation in the matrix and a reduction of the power consumption. The AERD circuit has been implemented in the TowerJazz 180 nm CMOS Imaging Sensor (CIS) process with full complementary CMOS logic in the pixel. It works at 10 MHz with a matrix height of 15 mm. The energy consumed to read out one pixel is around 72 pJ. A scheme to boost the readout speed to 40 MHz is also discussed. The sensor chip equipped with AERD has been produced and characterised. Test results including electrical beam measurement are presented.

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.

On advanced configuration enhance adaptive system optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hua; Ding, Quanxin; Wang, Helong; Guo, Chunjie; Chen, Hongliang; Zhou, Liwei

2017-10-01

For aim to find an effective method to structure to enhance these adaptive system with some complex function and look forward to establish an universally applicable solution in prototype and optimization. As the most attractive component in adaptive system, wave front corrector is constrained by some conventional technique and components, such as polarization dependence and narrow working waveband. Advanced configuration based on a polarized beam split can optimized energy splitting method used to overcome these problems effective. With the global algorithm, the bandwidth has been amplified by more than five times as compared with that of traditional ones. Simulation results show that the system can meet the application requirements in MTF and other related criteria. Compared with the conventional design, the system has reduced in volume and weight significantly. Therefore, the determining factors are the prototype selection and the system configuration, Results show their effectiveness.

Display/control requirements for automated VTOL aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoffman, W. C.; Kleinman, D. L.; Young, L. R.

1976-01-01

A systematic design methodology for pilot displays in advanced commercial VTOL aircraft was developed and refined. The analyst is provided with a step-by-step procedure for conducting conceptual display/control configurations evaluations for simultaneous monitoring and control pilot tasks. The approach consists of three phases: formulation of information requirements, configuration evaluation, and system selection. Both the monitoring and control performance models are based upon the optimal control model of the human operator. Extensions to the conventional optimal control model required in the display design methodology include explicit optimization of control/monitoring attention; simultaneous monitoring and control performance predictions; and indifference threshold effects. The methodology was applied to NASA's experimental CH-47 helicopter in support of the VALT program. The CH-47 application examined the system performance of six flight conditions. Four candidate configurations are suggested for evaluation in pilot-in-the-loop simulations and eventual flight tests.

Cache-Aware Asymptotically-Optimal Sampling-Based Motion Planning

PubMed Central

Ichnowski, Jeffrey; Prins, Jan F.; Alterovitz, Ron

2014-01-01

We present CARRT* (Cache-Aware Rapidly Exploring Random Tree*), an asymptotically optimal sampling-based motion planner that significantly reduces motion planning computation time by effectively utilizing the cache memory hierarchy of modern central processing units (CPUs). CARRT* can account for the CPU’s cache size in a manner that keeps its working dataset in the cache. The motion planner progressively subdivides the robot’s configuration space into smaller regions as the number of configuration samples rises. By focusing configuration exploration in a region for periods of time, nearest neighbor searching is accelerated since the working dataset is small enough to fit in the cache. CARRT* also rewires the motion planning graph in a manner that complements the cache-aware subdivision strategy to more quickly refine the motion planning graph toward optimality. We demonstrate the performance benefit of our cache-aware motion planning approach for scenarios involving a point robot as well as the Rethink Robotics Baxter robot. PMID:25419474

Cache-Aware Asymptotically-Optimal Sampling-Based Motion Planning.

PubMed

Ichnowski, Jeffrey; Prins, Jan F; Alterovitz, Ron

2014-05-01

We present CARRT* (Cache-Aware Rapidly Exploring Random Tree*), an asymptotically optimal sampling-based motion planner that significantly reduces motion planning computation time by effectively utilizing the cache memory hierarchy of modern central processing units (CPUs). CARRT* can account for the CPU's cache size in a manner that keeps its working dataset in the cache. The motion planner progressively subdivides the robot's configuration space into smaller regions as the number of configuration samples rises. By focusing configuration exploration in a region for periods of time, nearest neighbor searching is accelerated since the working dataset is small enough to fit in the cache. CARRT* also rewires the motion planning graph in a manner that complements the cache-aware subdivision strategy to more quickly refine the motion planning graph toward optimality. We demonstrate the performance benefit of our cache-aware motion planning approach for scenarios involving a point robot as well as the Rethink Robotics Baxter robot.

A multiball read-out for the spherical proportional counter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giganon, A.; Giomataris, I.; Gros, M.; Katsioulas, I.; Navick, X. F.; Tsiledakis, G.; Savvidis, I.; Dastgheibi-Fard, A.; Brossard, A.

2017-12-01

We present a novel concept of proportional gas amplification for the read-out of the spherical proportional counter. The standard single-ball read-out presents limitations for large diameter spherical detectors and high-pressure operations. We have developed a multi-ball read-out system which consists of several balls placed at a fixed distance from the center of the spherical vessel. Such a module can tune the volume electric field at the desired value and can also provide detector segmentation with individual ball read-out. In the latter case, the large volume of the vessel becomes a spherical time projection chamber with 3D capabilities.

Generation of Parametric Equivalent-Area Targets for Design of Low-Boom Supersonic Concepts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Li, Wu; Shields, Elwood

2011-01-01

A tool with an Excel visual interface is developed to generate equivalent-area (A(sub e)) targets that satisfy the volume constraints for a low-boom supersonic configuration. The new parametric Ae target explorer allows users to interactively study the tradeoffs between the aircraft volume constraints and the low-boom characteristics (e.g., loudness) of the ground signature. Moreover, numerical optimization can be used to generate the optimal A(sub e) target for given A(sub e) volume constraints. A case study is used to demonstrate how a generated low-boom Ae target can be matched by a supersonic configuration that includes a fuselage, wing, nacelle, pylon, aft pod, horizontal tail, and vertical tail. The low-boom configuration is verified by sonic-boom analysis with an off-body pressure distribution at three body lengths below the configuration

Impact of the coupling effect and the configuration on a compact rectenna array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rivière, J.; Douyere, A.; Luk, J. D. Lan Sun

2014-10-01

This paper proposes an experimental study of the coupling effect of a rectenna array. The rectifying antenna consists of a compact and efficient rectifying circuit in a series topology, coupled with a small metamaterial-inspired antenna. The measurements are investigated in the X plane on the rectenna array's behavior, with series and parallel DC- combining configuration of two and three spaced rectennas from 3 cm to 10 cm. This study shows that the maximum efficiency is reached for the series configuration, with a resistive load of 10 kQ. The optimal distance is not significant for series or parallel configuration. Then, a comparison between a rectenna array with non-optimal mutual coupling and a more traditional patch rectenna is performed. Finally, a practical application is tested to demonstrate the effectiveness of such small rectenna array.

Peak-Seeking Optimization of Spanwise Lift Distribution for Wings in Formation Flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hanson, Curtis E.; Ryan, Jack

2012-01-01

A method is presented for the in-flight optimization of the lift distribution across the wing for minimum drag of an aircraft in formation flight. The usual elliptical distribution that is optimal for a given wing with a given span is no longer optimal for the trailing wing in a formation due to the asymmetric nature of the encountered flow field. Control surfaces along the trailing edge of the wing can be configured to obtain a non-elliptical profile that is more optimal in terms of minimum combined induced and profile drag. Due to the difficult-to-predict nature of formation flight aerodynamics, a Newton-Raphson peak-seeking controller is used to identify in real time the best aileron and flap deployment scheme for minimum total drag. Simulation results show that the peak-seeking controller correctly identifies an optimal trim configuration that provides additional drag savings above those achieved with conventional anti-symmetric aileron trim.

CFD optimization of continuous stirred-tank (CSTR) reactor for biohydrogen production.

PubMed

Ding, Jie; Wang, Xu; Zhou, Xue-Fei; Ren, Nan-Qi; Guo, Wan-Qian

2010-09-01

There has been little work on the optimal configuration of biohydrogen production reactors. This paper describes three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of gas-liquid flow in a laboratory-scale continuous stirred-tank reactor used for biohydrogen production. To evaluate the role of hydrodynamics in reactor design and optimize the reactor configuration, an optimized impeller design has been constructed and validated with CFD simulations of the normal and optimized impeller over a range of speeds and the numerical results were also validated by examination of residence time distribution. By integrating the CFD simulation with an ethanol-type fermentation process experiment, it was shown that impellers with different type and speed generated different flow patterns, and hence offered different efficiencies for biohydrogen production. The hydrodynamic behavior of the optimized impeller at speeds between 50 and 70 rev/min is most suited for economical biohydrogen production. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Computational wing optimization and comparisons with experiment for a semi-span wing model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Waggoner, E. G.; Haney, H. P.; Ballhaus, W. F.

1978-01-01

A computational wing optimization procedure was developed and verified by an experimental investigation of a semi-span variable camber wing model in the NASA Ames Research Center 14 foot transonic wind tunnel. The Bailey-Ballhaus transonic potential flow analysis and Woodward-Carmichael linear theory codes were linked to Vanderplaats constrained minimization routine to optimize model configurations at several subsonic and transonic design points. The 35 deg swept wing is characterized by multi-segmented leading and trailing edge flaps whose hinge lines are swept relative to the leading and trailing edges of the wing. By varying deflection angles of the flap segments, camber and twist distribution can be optimized for different design conditions. Results indicate that numerical optimization can be both an effective and efficient design tool. The optimized configurations had as good or better lift to drag ratios at the design points as the best designs previously tested during an extensive parametric study.

Optimization of Electric Power Systems for Off-Grid Domestic Applications: An Argument for Wind/Photovoltaic Hybrids

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

Jennings, W.; Green, J.

2001-01-01

The purpose of this research was to determine the optimal configuration of home power systems relevant to different regions in the United States. The hypothesis was that, regardless of region, the optimal system would be a hybrid incorporating wind technology, versus a photovoltaic hybrid system without the use of wind technology. The method used in this research was HOMER, the Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables. HOMER is a computer program that optimizes electrical configurations under user-defined circumstances. According to HOMER, the optimal system for the four regions studied (Kansas, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Arizona) was a hybrid incorporating wind technology.more » The cost differences between these regions, however, were dependent upon regional renewable resources. Future studies will be necessary, as it is difficult to estimate meteorological impacts for other regions.« less

Optimal back-to-front airplane boarding.

PubMed

Bachmat, Eitan; Khachaturov, Vassilii; Kuperman, Ran

2013-06-01

The problem of finding an optimal back-to-front airplane boarding policy is explored, using a mathematical model that is related to the 1+1 polynuclear growth model with concave boundary conditions and to causal sets in gravity. We study all airplane configurations and boarding group sizes. Optimal boarding policies for various airplane configurations are presented. Detailed calculations are provided along with simulations that support the main conclusions of the theory. We show that the effectiveness of back-to-front policies undergoes a phase transition when passing from lightly congested airplanes to heavily congested airplanes. The phase transition also affects the nature of the optimal or near-optimal policies. Under what we consider to be realistic conditions, optimal back-to-front policies lead to a modest 8-12% improvement in boarding time over random (no policy) boarding, using two boarding groups. Having more than two groups is not effective.

Contrast research of CDMA and GSM network optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Yanwen; Liu, Zehong; Zhou, Guangyue

2004-03-01

With the development of mobile telecommunication network, users of CDMA advanced their request of network service quality. While the operators also change their network management object from signal coverage to performance improvement. In that case, reasonably layout & optimization of mobile telecommunication network, reasonably configuration of network resource, improvement of the service quality, and increase the enterprise's core competition ability, all those have been concerned by the operator companies. This paper firstly looked into the flow of CDMA network optimization. Then it dissertated to some keystones in the CDMA network optimization, like PN code assignment, calculation of soft handover, etc. As GSM is also the similar cellular mobile telecommunication system like CDMA, so this paper also made a contrast research of CDMA and GSM network optimization in details, including the similarity and the different. In conclusion, network optimization is a long time job; it will run through the whole process of network construct. By the adjustment of network hardware (like BTS equipments, RF systems, etc.) and network software (like parameter optimized, configuration optimized, capacity optimized, etc.), network optimization work can improve the performance and service quality of the network.

Accounting for Dark Current Accumulated during Readout of Hubble's ACS/WFC Detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryon, Jenna E.; Grogin, Norman A.; Coe, Dan A.; ACS Team

2018-06-01

We investigate the properties of excess dark current accumulated during the 100-second full-frame readout of the Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) Wide Field Channel (WFC) detectors. This excess dark current, called "readout dark", gives rise to ambient background gradients and hot columns in each ACS/WFC image. While readout dark signal is removed from science images during the bias correction step in CALACS, the additional noise from the readout dark is currently not taken into account. We develop a method to estimate the readout dark noise properties in ACS/WFC observations. We update the error (ERR) extensions of superbias images to include the appropriate noise from the ambient readout dark gradient and stable hot columns. In recent data, this amounts to about 5 e-/pixel added variance in the rows farthest from the WFC serial registers, and about 7 to 30 e-/pixel added variance along the stable hot columns. We also flag unstable hot columns in the superbias data quality (DQ) extensions. The new reference file pipeline for ACS/WFC implements these updates to our superbias creation process.

Optimization under uncertainty of parallel nonlinear energy sinks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boroson, Ethan; Missoum, Samy; Mattei, Pierre-Olivier; Vergez, Christophe

2017-04-01

Nonlinear Energy Sinks (NESs) are a promising technique for passively reducing the amplitude of vibrations. Through nonlinear stiffness properties, a NES is able to passively and irreversibly absorb energy. Unlike the traditional Tuned Mass Damper (TMD), NESs do not require a specific tuning and absorb energy over a wider range of frequencies. Nevertheless, they are still only efficient over a limited range of excitations. In order to mitigate this limitation and maximize the efficiency range, this work investigates the optimization of multiple NESs configured in parallel. It is well known that the efficiency of a NES is extremely sensitive to small perturbations in loading conditions or design parameters. In fact, the efficiency of a NES has been shown to be nearly discontinuous in the neighborhood of its activation threshold. For this reason, uncertainties must be taken into account in the design optimization of NESs. In addition, the discontinuities require a specific treatment during the optimization process. In this work, the objective of the optimization is to maximize the expected value of the efficiency of NESs in parallel. The optimization algorithm is able to tackle design variables with uncertainty (e.g., nonlinear stiffness coefficients) as well as aleatory variables such as the initial velocity of the main system. The optimal design of several parallel NES configurations for maximum mean efficiency is investigated. Specifically, NES nonlinear stiffness properties, considered random design variables, are optimized for cases with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10 NESs in parallel. The distributions of efficiency for the optimal parallel configurations are compared to distributions of efficiencies of non-optimized NESs. It is observed that the optimization enables a sharp increase in the mean value of efficiency while reducing the corresponding variance, thus leading to more robust NES designs.

A generalized disjunctive programming framework for the optimal synthesis and analysis of processes for ethanol production from corn stover.

PubMed

Scott, Felipe; Aroca, Germán; Caballero, José Antonio; Conejeros, Raúl

2017-07-01

The aim of this study is to analyze the techno-economic performance of process configurations for ethanol production involving solid-liquid separators and reactors in the saccharification and fermentation stage, a family of process configurations where few alternatives have been proposed. Since including these process alternatives creates a large number of possible process configurations, a framework for process synthesis and optimization is proposed. This approach is supported on kinetic models fed with experimental data and a plant-wide techno-economic model. Among 150 process configurations, 40 show an improved MESP compared to a well-documented base case (BC), almost all include solid separators and some show energy retrieved in products 32% higher compared to the BC. Moreover, 16 of them also show a lower capital investment per unit of ethanol produced per year. Several of the process configurations found in this work have not been reported in the literature. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Aerodynamic Simulation of A Containership to Evaluate Cargo Configuration Effect on Frontal Wind Loads

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majidian, Hamed; Azarsina, Farhood

2018-04-01

Fuel consumption has always been a matter of concern for ships propulsion. In this research we aim to develop computer models of several containership cargo stacking configurations and discuss an optimal configuration at a constant front wind speed. The paper presents the simulation results by using ANSYS CFX for a 1:4 scale Post- Panamax 9000 TEU containership. The ship is modelled in a cubic domain that contains unstructured mesh with details, in such a way that can demonstrate the influence of the container configuration on wind force. Also the numerical results are verified versus wind tunnel test data. An optimal stack configuration led to about 25% reduction in air resistance. It is proposed that in order to reduce the wind drag force and consequently reduce the fuel consumption and pollutant emissions, empty spaces between the cargo containers and unbalanced cargo distribution over the deck should be inhibited. Also, it is advised to make the cargo distribution on the most forward and aftward deck areas more streamlined.

Demonstration of a scalable frequency-domain readout of metallic magnetic calorimeters by means of a microwave SQUID multiplexer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kempf, Sebastian; Wegner, Mathias; Fleischmann, Andreas; Gastaldo, Loredana; Herrmann, Felix; Papst, Maximilian; Richter, Daniel; Enss, Christian

2017-01-01

We report on the first demonstration of a scalable GHz frequency-domain readout of metallic magnetic calorimeters (MMCs) using a 64 pixel detector array that is read out by an integrated, on-chip microwave SQUID multiplexer. The detector array is optimized for detecting soft X-ray photons and the multiplexer is designed to provide a signal rise time τrise<400 ns and an intrinsic energy sensitivity ɛ <30 h . This results in an expected energy resolution Δ EFWHM <10 eV . We measured a signal rise time τrise as low as 90 ns and an energy resolution Δ EFWHM as low as 50 eV for 5.9 keV photons. The rise time is about an order of magnitude faster compared to other multiplexed low-temperature microcalorimeters and close to the intrinsic value set by the coupling between electron and spins. The energy resolution is degraded with respect to our design value due to a rather low intrinsic quality factor of the microwave resonators that is caused by the quality of the Josephson junction of the associated rf-SQUID as well as an elevated chip temperature as compared to the heat bath. Though the achieved energy resolution is not yet compatible with state-of-the-art single-channel MMCs, this demonstration of a scalable readout approach for MMCs in combination with the full understanding of the device performance showing ways how to improve represents an important milestone for the development of future large-scale MMC detector arrays.

Development of a dual-ended readout detector with segmented crystal bars made using a subsurface laser engraving technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohammadi, Akram; Yoshida, Eiji; Nishikido, Fumihiko; Nitta, Munetaka; Shimizu, Keiji; Sakai, Toshiaki; Yamaya, Taiga

2018-01-01

Depth of interaction (DOI) information is indispensable to improving the sensitivity and spatial resolution of positron emission tomography (PET) systems, especially for small field-of-view PET such as small animal PET and human brain PET. We have already developed a series of X’tal cube detectors for isotropic spatial resolution and we obtained the best isotropic resolution of 0.77 mm for detectors with six-sided readout. However, it is still challenging to apply the detector for PET systems due to the high cost of six-sided readout electronics and carrying out segmentation of a monolithic cubic scintillator in three dimensions using the subsurface laser engraving (SSLE) technique. In this work, we propose a more practical X’tal cube with a two-sided readout detector, which is made of crystal bars segmented in the height direction only by using the SSLE technique. We developed two types of prototype detectors with a 3 mm cubic segment and a 1.5 mm cubic segment by using 3  ×  3  ×  20 mm3 and 1.5  ×  1.5  ×  20 mm3 crystal bars segmented into 7 and 13 DOI segments, respectively, using the SSLE technique. First, the performance of the detector, composed of one crystal bar with different DOI segments and two thorough silicon via (TSV) multi-pixel photon counters (MPPCs) as readout at both ends of the crystal bar, were evaluated in order to demonstrate the capability of the segmented crystal bars as a DOI detector. Then, performance evaluation was carried out for a 4  ×  4 crystal array of 3  ×  3  ×  20 mm3 with 7 DOI segments and an 8  ×  8 crystal array of 1.5  ×  1.5  ×  20 mm3 with 13 DOI segments. Each readout included a 4  ×  4 channel of the 3  ×  3 mm2 active area of the TSV MPPCs. The three-dimensional position maps of the detectors were obtained by the Anger-type calculation. All the segments in the 4  ×  4 array were identified very clearly when there was air between the crystal bars, as each crystal bar was coupled to one channel of the MPPCs; however, it was necessary to optimize optical conditions between crystal bars for the 8  ×  8 array because of light sharing between crystal bars coupled to one channel of the MPPCs. The optimization was performed for the 8  ×  8 array by inserting reflectors fully or partially between the crystal bars and the best crystal identification performance was obtained with the partial reflectors between the crystal bars. The mean energy resolutions at the 511 keV photo peak for the 4  ×  4 array with air between the crystal bars and for the 8  ×  8 array with partial reflectors between the crystal bars were 10.1%  ±  0.3% and 10.8%  ±  0.8%, respectively. Timing resolutions of 783  ±  36 ps and 1.14  ±  0.22 ns were obtained for the detectors composed of the 4  ×  4 array and the 8  ×  8 array with partial reflectors, respectively. These values correspond to single photon timing resolutions. Practical X’tal cubes with 3 mm and 1.5 mm DOI resolutions and two-sided readout were developed.

Development of a dual-ended readout detector with segmented crystal bars made using a subsurface laser engraving technique.

PubMed

Mohammadi, Akram; Yoshida, Eiji; Nishikido, Fumihiko; Nitta, Munetaka; Shimizu, Keiji; Sakai, Toshiaki; Yamaya, Taiga

2018-01-11

Depth of interaction (DOI) information is indispensable to improving the sensitivity and spatial resolution of positron emission tomography (PET) systems, especially for small field-of-view PET such as small animal PET and human brain PET. We have already developed a series of X'tal cube detectors for isotropic spatial resolution and we obtained the best isotropic resolution of 0.77 mm for detectors with six-sided readout. However, it is still challenging to apply the detector for PET systems due to the high cost of six-sided readout electronics and carrying out segmentation of a monolithic cubic scintillator in three dimensions using the subsurface laser engraving (SSLE) technique. In this work, we propose a more practical X'tal cube with a two-sided readout detector, which is made of crystal bars segmented in the height direction only by using the SSLE technique. We developed two types of prototype detectors with a 3 mm cubic segment and a 1.5 mm cubic segment by using 3  ×  3  ×  20 mm 3 and 1.5  ×  1.5  ×  20 mm 3 crystal bars segmented into 7 and 13 DOI segments, respectively, using the SSLE technique. First, the performance of the detector, composed of one crystal bar with different DOI segments and two thorough silicon via (TSV) multi-pixel photon counters (MPPCs) as readout at both ends of the crystal bar, were evaluated in order to demonstrate the capability of the segmented crystal bars as a DOI detector. Then, performance evaluation was carried out for a 4  ×  4 crystal array of 3  ×  3  ×  20 mm 3 with 7 DOI segments and an 8  ×  8 crystal array of 1.5  ×  1.5  ×  20 mm 3 with 13 DOI segments. Each readout included a 4  ×  4 channel of the 3  ×  3 mm 2 active area of the TSV MPPCs. The three-dimensional position maps of the detectors were obtained by the Anger-type calculation. All the segments in the 4  ×  4 array were identified very clearly when there was air between the crystal bars, as each crystal bar was coupled to one channel of the MPPCs; however, it was necessary to optimize optical conditions between crystal bars for the 8  ×  8 array because of light sharing between crystal bars coupled to one channel of the MPPCs. The optimization was performed for the 8  ×  8 array by inserting reflectors fully or partially between the crystal bars and the best crystal identification performance was obtained with the partial reflectors between the crystal bars. The mean energy resolutions at the 511 keV photo peak for the 4  ×  4 array with air between the crystal bars and for the 8  ×  8 array with partial reflectors between the crystal bars were 10.1%  ±  0.3% and 10.8%  ±  0.8%, respectively. Timing resolutions of 783  ±  36 ps and 1.14  ±  0.22 ns were obtained for the detectors composed of the 4  ×  4 array and the 8  ×  8 array with partial reflectors, respectively. These values correspond to single photon timing resolutions. Practical X'tal cubes with 3 mm and 1.5 mm DOI resolutions and two-sided readout were developed.

MuTRiG: a mixed signal Silicon Photomultiplier readout ASIC with high timing resolution and gigabit data link

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, H.; Briggl, K.; Eckert, P.; Harion, T.; Munwes, Y.; Shen, W.; Stankova, V.; Schultz-Coulon, H. C.

2017-01-01

MuTRiG is a mixed signal Silicon Photomultiplier readout ASIC designed in UMC 180 nm CMOS technology for precise timing and high event rate applications in high energy physics experiments and medical imaging. It is dedicated to the readout of the scintillating fiber detector and the scintillating tile detector of the Mu3e experiment. The MuTRiG chip extends the excellent timing performance of the STiCv3 chip with a fast digital readout for high rate applications. The high timing performance of the fully differential SiPM readout channels and 50 ps time binning TDCs are complemented by an upgraded digital readout logic and a 1.28 Gbps LVDS serial data link. The design of the chip and the characterization results of the analog front-end, TDC and the LVDS data link are presented.

DIODE STEERED MANGETIC-CORE MEMORY

DOEpatents

Melmed, A.S.; Shevlin, R.T.; Laupheimer, R.

1962-09-18

A word-arranged magnetic-core memory is designed for use in a digital computer utilizing the reverse or back current property of the semi-conductor diodes to restore the information in the memory after read-out. In order to ob tain a read-out signal from a magnetic core storage unit, it is necessary to change the states of some of the magnetic cores. In order to retain the information in the memory after read-out it is then necessary to provide a means to return the switched cores to their states before read-out. A rewrite driver passes a pulse back through each row of cores in which some switching has taken place. This pulse combines with the reverse current pulses of diodes for each column in which a core is switched during read-out to cause the particular cores to be switched back into their states prior to read-out. (AEC)

Precise bearing support ditherer with piezoelectric drive means

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Assard, G. L.; Moorcroft, A. L.

1985-06-01

A relatively solid mounting surface, which may be part of a leveling gimbal, supports a piezoelectric bearing mount which has the properties of an acoustic transducer. The transducer has electrodes thereon which are powered from multi-phase electrical sources causing the bearing mount, and a bearing jewel which is rigid therewith, to move so as to dither the jewel in a rotary or other preselected fashion, thereby reducing bearing friction. Bandwidth, level and phasing sequence of the power sources are adjustable permitting optimized average dynamic motion and corresponding increased readout accuracy.

MiniDSS: a low-power and high-precision miniaturized digital sun sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Boer, B. M.; Durkut, M.; Laan, E.; Hakkesteegt, H.; Theuwissen, A.; Xie, N.; Leijtens, J. L.; Urquijo, E.; Bruins, P.

2017-11-01

A high-precision and low-power miniaturized digital sun sensor has been developed at TNO. The single-chip sun sensor comprises an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) on which an active pixel sensor (APS), read-out and processing circuitry as well as communication circuitry are combined. The design was optimized for low recurrent cost. The sensor is albedo insensitive and the prototype combines an accuracy in the order of 0.03° with a mass of just 72 g and a power consumption of only 65 mW.

JWST Near-Infrared Detectors: Latest Test Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Erin C.; Rauscher, Bernard J.; Alexander, David; Brambora, Clifford K.; Chiao, Meng; Clemons, Brian L.; Derro, Rebecca; Engler, Chuck; Fox, Ori; Garrison, Matthew B.;

Influence of optimized leading-edge deflection and geometric anhedral on the low-speed aerodynamic characteristics of a low-aspect-ratio highly swept arrow-wing configuration. [langley 7 by 10 foot tunnel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coe, P. L., Jr.; Huffman, J. K.

1979-01-01

An investigation conducted in the Langley 7 by 10 foot tunnel to determine the influence of an optimized leading-edge deflection on the low speed aerodynamic performance of a configuration with a low aspect ratio, highly swept wing. The sensitivity of the lateral stability derivative to geometric anhedral was also studied. The optimized leading edge deflection was developed by aligning the leading edge with the incoming flow along the entire span. Owing to spanwise variation of unwash, the resulting optimized leading edge was a smooth, continuously warped surface for which the deflection varied from 16 deg at the side of body to 50 deg at the wing tip. For the particular configuration studied, levels of leading-edge suction on the order of 90 percent were achieved. The results of tests conducted to determine the sensitivity of the lateral stability derivative to geometric anhedral indicate values which are in reasonable agreement with estimates provided by simple vortex-lattice theories.

The Aeronautical Data Link: Taxonomy, Architectural Analysis, and Optimization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morris, A. Terry; Goode, Plesent W.

2002-01-01

The future Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) System will rely on global satellite navigation, and ground-based and satellite based communications via Multi-Protocol Networks (e.g. combined Aeronautical Telecommunications Network (ATN)/Internet Protocol (IP)) to bring about needed improvements in efficiency and safety of operations to meet increasing levels of air traffic. This paper will discuss the development of an approach that completely describes optimal data link architecture configuration and behavior to meet the multiple conflicting objectives of concurrent and different operations functions. The practical application of the approach enables the design and assessment of configurations relative to airspace operations phases. The approach includes a formal taxonomic classification, an architectural analysis methodology, and optimization techniques. The formal taxonomic classification provides a multidimensional correlation of data link performance with data link service, information protocol, spectrum, and technology mode; and to flight operations phase and environment. The architectural analysis methodology assesses the impact of a specific architecture configuration and behavior on the local ATM system performance. Deterministic and stochastic optimization techniques maximize architectural design effectiveness while addressing operational, technology, and policy constraints.

Peak Seeking Control for Reduced Fuel Consumption with Preliminary Flight Test Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, Nelson

2012-01-01

The Environmentally Responsible Aviation project seeks to accomplish the simultaneous reduction of fuel burn, noise, and emissions. A project at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center is contributing to ERAs goals by exploring the practical application of real-time trim configuration optimization for enhanced performance and reduced fuel consumption. This peak-seeking control approach is based on Newton-Raphson algorithm using a time-varying Kalman filter to estimate the gradient of the performance function. In real-time operation, deflection of symmetric ailerons, trailing-edge flaps, and leading-edge flaps of a modified F-18 are directly optimized, and the horizontal stabilators and angle of attack are indirectly optimized. Preliminary results from three research flights are presented herein. The optimization system found a trim configuration that required approximately 3.5% less fuel flow than the baseline trim at the given flight condition. The algorithm consistently rediscovered the solution from several initial conditions. These preliminary results show the algorithm has good performance and is expected to show similar results at other flight conditions and aircraft configurations.

Holistic, model-based optimization of edge leveling as an enabler for lithographic focus control: application to a memory use case

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hasan, T.; Kang, Y.-S.; Kim, Y.-J.; Park, S.-J.; Jang, S.-Y.; Hu, K.-Y.; Koop, E. J.; Hinnen, P. C.; Voncken, M. M. A. J.

2016-03-01

Advancement of the next generation technology nodes and emerging memory devices demand tighter lithographic focus control. Although the leveling performance of the latest-generation scanners is state of the art, challenges remain at the wafer edge due to large process variations. There are several customer configurable leveling control options available in ASML scanners, some of which are application specific in their scope of leveling improvement. In this paper, we assess the usability of leveling non-correctable error models to identify yield limiting edge dies. We introduce a novel dies-inspec based holistic methodology for leveling optimization to guide tool users in selecting an optimal configuration of leveling options. Significant focus gain, and consequently yield gain, can be achieved with this integrated approach. The Samsung site in Hwaseong observed an improved edge focus performance in a production of a mid-end memory product layer running on an ASML NXT 1960 system. 50% improvement in focus and a 1.5%p gain in edge yield were measured with the optimized configurations.

Optimized Mouse Models for Liver Fibrosis.

PubMed

Kim, Yong Ook; Popov, Yury; Schuppan, Detlef

2017-01-01

Fibrosis is the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components due to chronic injury, with collagens as predominant structural components. Liver fibrosis can progress to cirrhosis, which is characterized by a severe distortion of the delicate hepatic vascular architecture, the shunting of the blood supply away from hepatocytes and the resultant functional liver failure. Cirrhosis is associated with a highly increased morbidity and mortality and represents the major hard endpoint in clinical studies of chronic liver diseases. Moreover, cirrhosis is a strong cofactor of primary liver cancer. In vivo models are indispensable tools to study the cellular and molecular mechanisms of liver fibrosis and to develop specific antifibrotic therapies towards clinical translation. Here, we provide a detailed description of select optimized mouse models of liver fibrosis and state-of-the-art fibrosis readouts.

Fast Marching Tree: a Fast Marching Sampling-Based Method for Optimal Motion Planning in Many Dimensions*

PubMed Central

Janson, Lucas; Schmerling, Edward; Clark, Ashley; Pavone, Marco

2015-01-01

In this paper we present a novel probabilistic sampling-based motion planning algorithm called the Fast Marching Tree algorithm (FMT*). The algorithm is specifically aimed at solving complex motion planning problems in high-dimensional configuration spaces. This algorithm is proven to be asymptotically optimal and is shown to converge to an optimal solution faster than its state-of-the-art counterparts, chiefly PRM* and RRT*. The FMT* algorithm performs a “lazy” dynamic programming recursion on a predetermined number of probabilistically-drawn samples to grow a tree of paths, which moves steadily outward in cost-to-arrive space. As such, this algorithm combines features of both single-query algorithms (chiefly RRT) and multiple-query algorithms (chiefly PRM), and is reminiscent of the Fast Marching Method for the solution of Eikonal equations. As a departure from previous analysis approaches that are based on the notion of almost sure convergence, the FMT* algorithm is analyzed under the notion of convergence in probability: the extra mathematical flexibility of this approach allows for convergence rate bounds—the first in the field of optimal sampling-based motion planning. Specifically, for a certain selection of tuning parameters and configuration spaces, we obtain a convergence rate bound of order O(n−1/d+ρ), where n is the number of sampled points, d is the dimension of the configuration space, and ρ is an arbitrarily small constant. We go on to demonstrate asymptotic optimality for a number of variations on FMT*, namely when the configuration space is sampled non-uniformly, when the cost is not arc length, and when connections are made based on the number of nearest neighbors instead of a fixed connection radius. Numerical experiments over a range of dimensions and obstacle configurations confirm our the-oretical and heuristic arguments by showing that FMT*, for a given execution time, returns substantially better solutions than either PRM* or RRT*, especially in high-dimensional configuration spaces and in scenarios where collision-checking is expensive. PMID:27003958

Economic evaluation of flying-qualities design criteria for a transport configured with relaxed static stability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sliwa, S. M.

1980-01-01

Direct constrained parameter optimization was used to optimally size a medium range transport for minimum direct operating cost. Several stability and control constraints were varied to study the sensitivity of the configuration to specifying the unaugmented flying qualities of transports designed to take maximum advantage of relaxed static stability augmentation systems. Additionally, a number of handling qualities related design constants were studied with respect to their impact on the design.

Optimizing electrode configuration for electrical impedance measurements of muscle via the finite element method.

PubMed

Jafarpoor, Mina; Li, Jia; White, Jacob K; Rutkove, Seward B

2013-05-01

Electrical impedance myography (EIM) is a technique for the evaluation of neuromuscular diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and muscular dystrophy. In this study, we evaluated how alterations in the size and conductivity of muscle and thickness of subcutaneous fat impact the EIM data, with the aim of identifying an optimized electrode configuration for EIM measurements. Finite element models were developed for the human upper arm based on anatomic data; material properties of the tissues were obtained from rat and published sources. The developed model matched the frequency-dependent character of the data. Of the three major EIM parameters, resistance, reactance, and phase, the reactance was least susceptible to alterations in the subcutaneous fat thickness, regardless of electrode arrangement. For example, a quadrupling of fat thickness resulted in a 375% increase in resistance at 35 kHz but only a 29% reduction in reactance. By further optimizing the electrode configuration, the change in reactance could be reduced to just 0.25%. For a fixed 30 mm distance between the sense electrodes centered between the excitation electrodes, an 80 mm distance between the excitation electrodes was found to provide the best balance, with a less than 1% change in reactance despite a doubling of subcutaneous fat thickness or halving of muscle size. These analyses describe a basic approach for further electrode configuration optimization for EIM.

High-Fidelity Single-Shot Readout for a Spin Qubit via an Enhanced Latching Mechanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harvey-Collard, Patrick; D'Anjou, Benjamin; Rudolph, Martin; Jacobson, N. Tobias; Dominguez, Jason; Ten Eyck, Gregory A.; Wendt, Joel R.; Pluym, Tammy; Lilly, Michael P.; Coish, William A.; Pioro-Ladrière, Michel; Carroll, Malcolm S.

2018-04-01

The readout of semiconductor spin qubits based on spin blockade is fast but suffers from a small charge signal. Previous work suggested large benefits from additional charge mapping processes; however, uncertainties remain about the underlying mechanisms and achievable fidelity. In this work, we study the single-shot fidelity and limiting mechanisms for two variations of an enhanced latching readout. We achieve average single-shot readout fidelities greater than 99.3% and 99.86% for the conventional and enhanced readout, respectively, the latter being the highest to date for spin blockade. The signal amplitude is enhanced to a full one-electron signal while preserving the readout speed. Furthermore, layout constraints are relaxed because the charge sensor signal is no longer dependent on being aligned with the conventional (2,0)-(1,1) charge dipole. Silicon donor-quantum-dot qubits are used for this study, for which the dipole insensitivity substantially relaxes donor placement requirements. One of the readout variations also benefits from a parametric lifetime enhancement by replacing the spin-relaxation process with a charge-metastable one. This provides opportunities to further increase the fidelity. The relaxation mechanisms in the different regimes are investigated. This work demonstrates a readout that is fast, has a one-electron signal, and results in higher fidelity. It further predicts that going beyond 99.9% fidelity in a few microseconds of measurement time is within reach.

Towards autonomous lab-on-a-chip devices for cell phone biosensing.

PubMed

Comina, Germán; Suska, Anke; Filippini, Daniel

2016-03-15

Modern cell phones are a ubiquitous resource with a residual capacity to accommodate chemical sensing and biosensing capabilities. From the different approaches explored to capitalize on such resource, the use of autonomous disposable lab-on-a-chip (LOC) devices-conceived as only accessories to complement cell phones-underscores the possibility to entirely retain cell phones' ubiquity for distributed biosensing. The technology and principles exploited for autonomous LOC devices are here selected and reviewed focusing on their potential to serve cell phone readout configurations. Together with this requirement, the central aspects of cell phones' resources that determine their potential for analytical detection are examined. The conversion of these LOC concepts into universal architectures that are readable on unaccessorized phones is discussed within this context. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

PE-46 The Design of the Lynx X-Ray Microcalorimeter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bandler, Simon; Dipirro, Michael; Eckart, Megan; Sakai, Kazuhiro; Smith, Stephen; Yoon, Wonsik; Bennett, Douglas; Kotsubo, Vincent; Mates, Benjamin; Swetz, Daneil;

Performance verification of the FlashCam prototype camera for the Cherenkov Telescope Array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Werner, F.; Bauer, C.; Bernhard, S.; Capasso, M.; Diebold, S.; Eisenkolb, F.; Eschbach, S.; Florin, D.; Föhr, C.; Funk, S.; Gadola, A.; Garrecht, F.; Hermann, G.; Jung, I.; Kalekin, O.; Kalkuhl, C.; Kasperek, J.; Kihm, T.; Lahmann, R.; Marszalek, A.; Pfeifer, M.; Principe, G.; Pühlhofer, G.; Pürckhauer, S.; Rajda, P. J.; Reimer, O.; Santangelo, A.; Schanz, T.; Schwab, T.; Steiner, S.; Straumann, U.; Tenzer, C.; Vollhardt, A.; Wolf, D.; Zietara, K.; CTA Consortium

2017-12-01

The Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) is a future gamma-ray observatory that is planned to significantly improve upon the sensitivity and precision of the current generation of Cherenkov telescopes. The observatory will consist of several dozens of telescopes with different sizes and equipped with different types of cameras. Of these, the FlashCam camera system is the first to implement a fully digital signal processing chain which allows for a traceable, configurable trigger scheme and flexible signal reconstruction. As of autumn 2016, a prototype FlashCam camera for the medium-sized telescopes of CTA nears completion. First results of the ongoing system tests demonstrate that the signal chain and the readout system surpass CTA requirements. The stability of the system is shown using long-term temperature cycling.

A back-illuminated megapixel CMOS image sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pain, Bedabrata; Cunningham, Thomas; Nikzad, Shouleh; Hoenk, Michael; Jones, Todd; Wrigley, Chris; Hancock, Bruce

2005-01-01

In this paper, we present the test and characterization results for a back-illuminated megapixel CMOS imager. The imager pixel consists of a standard junction photodiode coupled to a three transistor-per-pixel switched source-follower readout [1]. The imager also consists of integrated timing and control and bias generation circuits, and provides analog output. The analog column-scan circuits were implemented in such a way that the imager could be configured to run in off-chip correlated double-sampling (CDS) mode. The imager was originally designed for normal front-illuminated operation, and was fabricated in a commercially available 0.5 pn triple-metal CMOS-imager compatible process. For backside illumination, the imager was thinned by etching away the substrate was etched away in a post-fabrication processing step.

A data acquisition system for marine and ecological research.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, R. A.

1971-01-01

Description of a self-contained portable data acquisition system for use in marine and ecological research. The compact lightweight data acquisition system is capable of recording 14 variables in its present configuration and is suitable for use in either a boat, pickup truck, or light aircraft. This system will provide the acquisition of reliable data on the structure of the environment and the effect of man-made and natural activities on the observed phenomenon. Utilizing both self-contained analog recording and a telemetry transmitter for real-time digital readout and recording, the prototype system has undergone extensive testing. Currently undergoing component performance upgrading, the prototype system has been utilized in several environmental science investigations associated with air pollution investigations and weather modification and is currently being used for marine data acquisition.

A FLUKA simulation of the KLOE electromagnetic calorimeter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Di Micco, B.; Branchini, P.; Ferrari, A.; Loffredo, S.; Passeri, A.; Patera, V.

2007-10-01

We present the simulation of the KLOE calorimeter with the FLUKA Monte Carlo program. The response of the detector to electromagnetic showers has been studied and compared with the publicly available KLOE data. The energy and the time resolution of the electromagnetic clusters is in good agreement with the data. The simulation has been also used to study a possible improvement of the KLOE calorimeter using multianode photo-multipliers. An HAMAMATSU R7600-M16 photomultiplier has been assembled in order to determine the whole cross talk matrix that has been included in the simulation. The cross talk matrix takes into account the effects of a realistic photo-multiplier's electronics and of its coupling to the active material. The performance of the modified readout has been compared to the usual KLOE configuration.

DESCANT--The DEuterated SCintillator Array for Neutron Tagging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bildstein, Vinzenz; Garrett, P. E.; Bandyopadhay, D.; Bangay, J.; Bianco, L.; Demand, G.; Hadinia, B.; Leach, K. G.; Sumithrarachchi, C.; Wong, J.; Ashley, S. F.; Crider, B. P.; McEllistrem, M. T.; Peters, E. E.; Prados-Estévez, F. M.; Yates, S. W.; Vanhoy, J. R.; Ball, G. C.; Garnsworthy, A. B.; Hackman, G.; Pearson, C. J.; Sarazin, F.

2014-09-01

The DESCANT array at TRIUMF is designed to track neutrons from RIB experiments. DESCANT is composed of 70 close-packed deuterated organic liquid scintillators coupled to digital fast read-out ADC modules. This configuration will permit online pulse-shape discrimination between neutron and γ-ray events. The anisotropy of the n - d scattering will allow distinction of higher neutron multiplicities from scattering within the array and determination of the neutron energy spectrum directly from the pulse-height spectrum without using TOF. A prototype detector has been tested with monoenergetic neutrons at the accelerator laboratory of the University of Kentucky and a 24Mg(3He, n)26Si experiment has been performed with eight DESCANT detectors and two HPGe detectors. The results of the tests and the status of DESCANT will be presented.

DESCANT - The DEuterated SCintillator Array for Neutron Tagging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bildstein, Vinzenz; Garrett, P. E.; Bandyopadhay, D.; Bangay, J.; Bianco, L.; Demand, G.; Hadinia, B.; Leach, K. G.; Sumithrarachchi, C.; Turko, J.; Wong, J.; Ashley, S. F.; Crider, B. P.; McEllistrem, M. T.; Peters, E. E.; Prados-Estévez, F. M.; Yates, S. W.; Vanhoy, J. R.; Ball, G. C.; Bishop, D. P.; Garnsworthy, A. B.; Hackman, G.; Pearson, C. J.; Shaw, B.; Saran, F.

2016-09-01

The DESCANT array at TRIUMF is designed to detect neutrons from RIB experiments. DESCANT is composed of 70 close-packed deuterated organic liquid scintillators coupled to digital fast read-out ADC modules. This configuration will permit online pulse-shape discrimination between neutron and γ-ray events. A prototype detector has been tested with monoenergetic neutrons at the accelerator laboratory of the University of Kentucky. A first commissioning experiment of the full array, using the decay of 145-146Cs, will be performed in August 2016. The results of the tests and a preliminary analysis of the commissioning experiment will be presented. Work supported by the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the National Research Council of Canada and the Canadian Research Chairs program.

The NIKA2 Large Field-of-View Millimeter Continuum Camera for the 30-M IRAM Telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Monfardini, Alessandro

2018-01-01

We have constructed and deployed a multi-thousands pixels dual-band (150 and 260 GHz, respectively 2mm and 1.15mm wavelengths) camera to image an instantaneous field-of-view of 6.5arc-min and configurable to map the linear polarization at 260GHz. We are providing a detailed description of this instrument, named NIKA2 (New IRAM KID Arrays 2), in particular focusing on the cryogenics, the optics, the focal plane arrays based on Kinetic Inductance Detectors (KID) and the readout electronics. We are presenting the performance measured on the sky during the commissioning runs that took place between October 2015 and April 2017 at the 30-meter IRAM (Institute of Millimetric Radio Astronomy) telescope at Pico Veleta, and preliminary science-grade results.

The Laser calibration of the ATLAS Tile Calorimeter during the LHC run 1

DOE PAGES

Abdallah, J.; Alexa, C.; Coutinho, Y. Amaral; ...

2016-10-12

This article describes the Laser calibration system of the ATLAS hadronic Tile Calorimeter that has been used during the run 1 of the LHC . First, the stability of the system associated readout electronics is studied. It is found to be stable with variations smaller than 0.6 %. Then, the method developed to compute the calibration constants, to correct for the variations of the gain of the calorimeter photomultipliers, is described. These constants were determined with a statistical uncertainty of 0.3 % and a systematic uncertainty of 0.2 % for the central part of the calorimeter and 0.5 % formore » the end-caps. Lastly, the detection and correction of timing mis-configuration of the Tile Calorimeter using the Laser system are also presented.« less

The Laser calibration of the ATLAS Tile Calorimeter during the LHC run 1

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

Abdallah, J.; Alexa, C.; Coutinho, Y. Amaral

This article describes the Laser calibration system of the ATLAS hadronic Tile Calorimeter that has been used during the run 1 of the LHC . First, the stability of the system associated readout electronics is studied. It is found to be stable with variations smaller than 0.6 %. Then, the method developed to compute the calibration constants, to correct for the variations of the gain of the calorimeter photomultipliers, is described. These constants were determined with a statistical uncertainty of 0.3 % and a systematic uncertainty of 0.2 % for the central part of the calorimeter and 0.5 % formore » the end-caps. Lastly, the detection and correction of timing mis-configuration of the Tile Calorimeter using the Laser system are also presented.« less

Reborn quadrant anode image sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prokazov, Yury; Turbin, Evgeny; Vitali, Marco; Herzog, Andreas; Michaelis, Bernd; Zuschratter, Werner; Kemnitz, Klaus

2009-06-01

We describe a position sensitive photon counting microchannel plate based detector with an improved quadrant anode (QA) readout system. The technique relies on a combination of the four planar elements pattern and an additional fifth electrode. The charge cloud induced by single particle detection is split between the electrodes. The measured charge values uniquely define the position of the initial event. QA has been first published in 1976 by Lampton and Malina. This anode configuration was undeservedly forgotten and its potential has been hardly underestimated. The presented approach extends the operating spatial range to the whole sensitive area of the microchannel plate surface and demonstrates good linearity over the field of view. Therefore, the novel image sensor results in spatial resolution better then 50 μm and count rates up to one million events per second.

P-Compensated and P-Doped Superlattice Infrared Detectors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khoshakhlagh, Arezou (Inventor); Ting, David Z. (Inventor); Gunapala, Sarath D. (Inventor)

2017-01-01

Barrier infrared detectors configured to operate in the long-wave (LW) infrared regime are provided. The barrier infrared detector systems may be configured as pin, pbp, barrier and double heterostructrure infrared detectors incorporating optimized p-doped absorbers capable of taking advantage of high mobility (electron) minority carriers. The absorber may be a p-doped Ga-free InAs/InAsSb material. The p-doping may be accomplished by optimizing the Be doping levels used in the absorber material. The barrier infrared detectors may incorporate individual superlattice layers having narrower periodicity and optimization of Sb composition to achieve cutoff wavelengths of.about.10.mu.m.

An approximation method for configuration optimization of trusses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hansen, Scott R.; Vanderplaats, Garret N.

1988-01-01

Two- and three-dimensional elastic trusses are designed for minimum weight by varying the areas of the members and the location of the joints. Constraints on member stresses and Euler buckling are imposed and multiple static loading conditions are considered. The method presented here utilizes an approximate structural analysis based on first order Taylor series expansions of the member forces. A numerical optimizer minimizes the weight of the truss using information from the approximate structural analysis. Comparisons with results from other methods are made. It is shown that the method of forming an approximate structural analysis based on linearized member forces leads to a highly efficient method of truss configuration optimization.

Optimal design and experimental validation of a simulated moving bed chromatography for continuous recovery of formic acid in a model mixture of three organic acids from Actinobacillus bacteria fermentation.

PubMed

Park, Chanhun; Nam, Hee-Geun; Lee, Ki Bong; Mun, Sungyong

2014-10-24

The economically-efficient separation of formic acid from acetic acid and succinic acid has been a key issue in the production of formic acid with the Actinobacillus bacteria fermentation. To address this issue, an optimal three-zone simulated moving bed (SMB) chromatography for continuous separation of formic acid from acetic acid and succinic acid was developed in this study. As a first step for this task, the adsorption isotherm and mass-transfer parameters of each organic acid on the qualified adsorbent (Amberchrom-CG300C) were determined through a series of multiple frontal experiments. The determined parameters were then used in optimizing the SMB process for the considered separation. During such optimization, the additional investigation for selecting a proper SMB port configuration, which could be more advantageous for attaining better process performances, was carried out between two possible configurations. It was found that if the properly selected port configuration was adopted in the SMB of interest, the throughout and the formic-acid product concentration could be increased by 82% and 181% respectively. Finally, the optimized SMB process based on the properly selected port configuration was tested experimentally using a self-assembled SMB unit with three zones. The SMB experimental results and the relevant computer simulation verified that the developed process in this study was successful in continuous recovery of formic acid from a ternary organic-acid mixture of interest with high throughput, high purity, high yield, and high product concentration. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analysis and optimization of preliminary aircraft configurations in relationship to emerging agility metrics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sandlin, Doral R.; Bauer, Brent Alan

1993-01-01

This paper discusses the development of a FORTRAN computer code to perform agility analysis on aircraft configurations. This code is to be part of the NASA-Ames ACSYNT (AirCraft SYNThesis) design code. This paper begins with a discussion of contemporary agility research in the aircraft industry and a survey of a few agility metrics. The methodology, techniques and models developed for the code are then presented. Finally, example trade studies using the agility module along with ACSYNT are illustrated. These trade studies were conducted using a Northrop F-20 Tigershark aircraft model. The studies show that the agility module is effective in analyzing the influence of common parameters such as thrust-to-weight ratio and wing loading on agility criteria. The module can compare the agility potential between different configurations. In addition one study illustrates the module's ability to optimize a configuration's agility performance.

General-purpose readout electronics for white neutron source at China Spallation Neutron Source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Q.; Cao, P.; Qi, X.; Yu, T.; Ji, X.; Xie, L.; An, Q.

2018-01-01

The under-construction White Neutron Source (WNS) at China Spallation Neutron Source is a facility for accurate measurements of neutron-induced cross section. Seven spectrometers are planned at WNS. As the physical objectives of each spectrometer are different, the requirements for readout electronics are not the same. In order to simplify the development of the readout electronics, this paper presents a general method for detector signal readout. This method has advantages of expansibility and flexibility, which makes it adaptable to most detectors at WNS. In the WNS general-purpose readout electronics, signals from any kinds of detectors are conditioned by a dedicated signal conditioning module corresponding to this detector, and then digitized by a common waveform digitizer with high speed and high precision (1 GSPS at 12-bit) to obtain the full waveform data. The waveform digitizer uses a field programmable gate array chip to process the data stream and trigger information in real time. PXI Express platform is used to support the functionalities of data readout, clock distribution, and trigger information exchange between digitizers and trigger modules. Test results show that the performance of the WNS general-purpose readout electronics can meet the requirements of the WNS spectrometers.

Applying Reflective Middleware Techniques to Optimize a QoS-enabled CORBA Component Model Implementation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, Nanbor; Parameswaran, Kirthika; Kircher, Michael; Schmidt, Douglas

2003-01-01

Although existing CORBA specifications, such as Real-time CORBA and CORBA Messaging, address many end-to-end quality-of service (QoS) properties, they do not define strategies for configuring these properties into applications flexibly, transparently, and adaptively. Therefore, application developers must make these configuration decisions manually and explicitly, which is tedious, error-prone, and open sub-optimal. Although the recently adopted CORBA Component Model (CCM) does define a standard configuration framework for packaging and deploying software components, conventional CCM implementations focus on functionality rather than adaptive quality-of-service, which makes them unsuitable for next-generation applications with demanding QoS requirements. This paper presents three contributions to the study of middleware for QoS-enabled component-based applications. It outlines rejective middleware techniques designed to adaptively (1) select optimal communication mechanisms, (2) manage QoS properties of CORBA components in their contain- ers, and (3) (re)con$gure selected component executors dynamically. Based on our ongoing research on CORBA and the CCM, we believe the application of rejective techniques to component middleware will provide a dynamically adaptive and (re)configurable framework for COTS software that is well-suited for the QoS demands of next-generation applications.

Sensor networks for optimal target localization with bearings-only measurements in constrained three-dimensional scenarios.

PubMed

Moreno-Salinas, David; Pascoal, Antonio; Aranda, Joaquin

2013-08-12

In this paper, we address the problem of determining the optimal geometric configuration of an acoustic sensor network that will maximize the angle-related information available for underwater target positioning. In the set-up adopted, a set of autonomous vehicles carries a network of acoustic units that measure the elevation and azimuth angles between a target and each of the receivers on board the vehicles. It is assumed that the angle measurements are corrupted by white Gaussian noise, the variance of which is distance-dependent. Using tools from estimation theory, the problem is converted into that of minimizing, by proper choice of the sensor positions, the trace of the inverse of the Fisher Information Matrix (also called the Cramer-Rao Bound matrix) to determine the sensor configuration that yields the minimum possible covariance of any unbiased target estimator. It is shown that the optimal configuration of the sensors depends explicitly on the intensity of the measurement noise, the constraints imposed on the sensor configuration, the target depth and the probabilistic distribution that defines the prior uncertainty in the target position. Simulation examples illustrate the key results derived.

Evolution and selection of river networks: Statics, dynamics, and complexity

PubMed Central

Rinaldo, Andrea; Rigon, Riccardo; Banavar, Jayanth R.; Maritan, Amos; Rodriguez-Iturbe, Ignacio

2014-01-01

Moving from the exact result that drainage network configurations minimizing total energy dissipation are stationary solutions of the general equation describing landscape evolution, we review the static properties and the dynamic origins of the scale-invariant structure of optimal river patterns. Optimal channel networks (OCNs) are feasible optimal configurations of a spanning network mimicking landscape evolution and network selection through imperfect searches for dynamically accessible states. OCNs are spanning loopless configurations, however, only under precise physical requirements that arise under the constraints imposed by river dynamics—every spanning tree is exactly a local minimum of total energy dissipation. It is remarkable that dynamically accessible configurations, the local optima, stabilize into diverse metastable forms that are nevertheless characterized by universal statistical features. Such universal features explain very well the statistics of, and the linkages among, the scaling features measured for fluvial landforms across a broad range of scales regardless of geology, exposed lithology, vegetation, or climate, and differ significantly from those of the ground state, known exactly. Results are provided on the emergence of criticality through adaptative evolution and on the yet-unexplored range of applications of the OCN concept. PMID:24550264

Quantum dots as contrast agents for endoscopy: mathematical modeling and experimental validation of the optimal excitation wavelength

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roy, Mathieu; DaCosta, Ralph S.; Weersink, Robert; Netchev, George; Davidson, Sean R. H.; Chan, Warren; Wilson, Brian C.

2007-02-01

Our group is investigating the use of ZnS-capped CdSe quantum dot (QD) bioconjugates combined with fluorescence endoscopy for improved early cancer detection in the esophagus, colon and lung. A major challenge in using fluorescent contrast agents in vivo is to extract the relevant signal from the tissue autofluorescence (AF). Our studies are aimed at maximizing the QD signal to AF background ratio (SBR) to facilitate detection. This work quantitatively evaluates the effect of the excitation wavelength on the SBR, using both experimental measurements and mathematical modeling. Experimental SBR measurements were done by imaging QD solutions placed onto (surface) or embedded in (sub-surface) ex vivo murine tissue samples (brain, kidney, liver, lung), using a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microchannel phantom. The results suggest that the maximum contrast is reached when the excitation wavelength is set at 400+/-20 μm for the surface configuration. For the sub-surface configuration, the optimal excitation wavelength varies with the tissue type and QD emission wavelengths. Our mathematical model, based on an approximation to the diffusion equation, successfully predicts the optimal excitation wavelength for the surface configuration, but needs further modifications to be accurate in the sub-surface configuration.

Constrained Multipoint Aerodynamic Shape Optimization Using an Adjoint Formulation and Parallel Computers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reuther, James; Jameson, Antony; Alonso, Juan Jose; Rimlinger, Mark J.; Saunders, David

1997-01-01

An aerodynamic shape optimization method that treats the design of complex aircraft configurations subject to high fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD), geometric constraints and multiple design points is described. The design process will be greatly accelerated through the use of both control theory and distributed memory computer architectures. Control theory is employed to derive the adjoint differential equations whose solution allows for the evaluation of design gradient information at a fraction of the computational cost required by previous design methods. The resulting problem is implemented on parallel distributed memory architectures using a domain decomposition approach, an optimized communication schedule, and the MPI (Message Passing Interface) standard for portability and efficiency. The final result achieves very rapid aerodynamic design based on a higher order CFD method. In order to facilitate the integration of these high fidelity CFD approaches into future multi-disciplinary optimization (NW) applications, new methods must be developed which are capable of simultaneously addressing complex geometries, multiple objective functions, and geometric design constraints. In our earlier studies, we coupled the adjoint based design formulations with unconstrained optimization algorithms and showed that the approach was effective for the aerodynamic design of airfoils, wings, wing-bodies, and complex aircraft configurations. In many of the results presented in these earlier works, geometric constraints were satisfied either by a projection into feasible space or by posing the design space parameterization such that it automatically satisfied constraints. Furthermore, with the exception of reference 9 where the second author initially explored the use of multipoint design in conjunction with adjoint formulations, our earlier works have focused on single point design efforts. Here we demonstrate that the same methodology may be extended to treat complete configuration designs subject to multiple design points and geometric constraints. Examples are presented for both transonic and supersonic configurations ranging from wing alone designs to complex configuration designs involving wing, fuselage, nacelles and pylons.

Optimal Design of Biomass Utilization System for Rural Area Includes Technical and Economic Dimensions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morioka, Yasuki; Nakata, Toshihiko

In order to design optimal biomass utilization system for rural area, OMNIBUS (The Optimization Model for Neo-Integrated Biomass Utilization System) has been developed. OMNIBUS can derive the optimal system configuration to meet different objective function, such as current account balance, amount of biomass energy supply, and CO2 emission. Most of biomass resources in a focused region e.g. wood biomass, livestock biomass, and crop residues are considered in the model. Conversion technologies considered are energy utilization technologies e.g. direct combustion and methane fermentation, and material utilization technologies e.g. composting and carbonization. Case study in Miyakojima, Okinawa prefecture, has been carried out for several objective functions and constraint conditions. Considering economics of the utilization system as a priority requirement, composting and combustion heat utilization are mainly chosen in the optimal system configuration. However gasification power plant and methane fermentation are included in optimal solutions, only when both biomass energy utilization and CO2 reduction have been set as higher priorities. External benefit of CO2 reduction has large impacts on the system configuration. Provided marginal external benefit of more than 50,000 JPY/t-C, external benefit becomes greater than the revenue from electricity and compost etc. Considering technological learning in the future, expensive technologies such as gasification power plant and methane fermentation will have economic feasibility as well as market competitiveness.

LDEF Experiment P0006 Linear Energy Transfer Spectrum Measurement (LETSME) quick look report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1990-01-01

A preliminary analysis of the various passive radiation detector materials included in the P0006 LETSME experiment flown on LDEF (Long Duration Exposure Facility) is presented. It consists of four tasks: (1) readout and analysis of thermoluminescent detectors (TLD); (2) readout and analysis of fission foil/mica detectors; (3) readout and analysis of (6)LiF/CR-39 detectors; and (4) preliminary processing and readout of CR-39 and polycarbonate plastic nuclear track detectors (PNTD).

Digital radiography using amorphous selenium: photoconductively activated switch (PAS) readout system.

PubMed

Reznik, Nikita; Komljenovic, Philip T; Germann, Stephen; Rowlands, John A

2008-03-01

A new amorphous selenium (a-Se) digital radiography detector is introduced. The proposed detector generates a charge image in the a-Se layer in a conventional manner, which is stored on electrode pixels at the surface of the a-Se layer. A novel method, called photoconductively activated switch (PAS), is used to read out the latent x-ray charge image. The PAS readout method uses lateral photoconduction at the a-Se surface which is a revolutionary modification of the bulk photoinduced discharge (PID) methods. The PAS method addresses and eliminates the fundamental weaknesses of the PID methods--long readout times and high readout noise--while maintaining the structural simplicity and high resolution for which PID optical readout systems are noted. The photoconduction properties of the a-Se surface were investigated and the geometrical design for the electrode pixels for a PAS radiography system was determined. This design was implemented in a single pixel PAS evaluation system. The results show that the PAS x-ray induced output charge signal was reproducible and depended linearly on the x-ray exposure in the diagnostic exposure range. Furthermore, the readout was reasonably rapid (10 ms for pixel discharge). The proposed detector allows readout of half a pixel row at a time (odd pixels followed by even pixels), thus permitting the readout of a complete image in 30 s for a 40 cm x 40 cm detector with the potential of reducing that time by using greater readout light intensity. This demonstrates that a-Se based x-ray detectors using photoconductively activated switches could form a basis for a practical integrated digital radiography system.

Sub-electron read noise and millisecond full-frame readout with the near infrared eAPD array SAPHIRA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Finger, Gert; Baker, Ian; Alvarez, Domingo; Dupuy, Christophe; Ives, Derek; Meyer, Manfred; Mehrgan, Leander; Stegmeier, Jörg; Weller, Harald J.

2016-07-01

In 2007 ESO started a program at SELEX (now LEONARDO) to develop noiseless near infrared HgCdTe electron avalanche photodiode arrays (eAPD)[1][2][3]. This eAPD technology is only way to overcome the limiting CMOS noise barrier of near infrared sensors used for wavefront sensing and fringe tracking. After several development cycles of solid state engineering techniques which can be easily applied to the chosen growth technology of metal organic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE), the eAPD arrays have matured and resulted in the SAPHIRA arrays. They have a format of 320x256 pixels with a pitch of 24 μm. They now offer an unmatched combination of sub-electron read noise at millisecond frame readout rates. The first generation of SAPHIRA arrays were only sensitive in H and K-band. With the removal of a wide bandgap buffer layer the arrays are now sensitive from λ=0.8 μm to 2.5 μm with high quantum efficiency over the entire wavelength range. The high temperature anneal applied during the growth process produces material with superb cosmetic quality at an APD gain of over 600. The design of the SAPHIRA ROIC has also been revised and the new ME1000 ROIC has an optimized analogue chain and more flexible readout modes. The clock for the vertical shift register is now under external control. The advantage of this is that correlated-double-sampling and uncorrelated readout in the rolling shutter mode now have a duty cycle of 100% at the maximum frame rate. Furthermore, to reduce the readout noise rows can be read several times before and after row reset. Since the APD gain is sufficiently high that one photon produces many more electrons than the square root of kTC which is the charge uncertainty after reset, signals of one photon per exposure can be easily detected without the need for double correlated sampling. First results obtained with the fringe tracker in GRAVITY and the four SAPHIRA wavefront sensors installed in the CIAO adaptive optics systems of the four 8 meter telescopes of the VLTI have proven the unrivaled performance of the SAPHIRA eAPD technology. A future program is being assembled to develop eAPD arrays having a larger format of 1Kx1K capable of frame rates of 1.2 KHz. There are also good prospects to offer low dark current eAPD technology for large format science focal planes as well.

Progress on the FDM Development at SRON: Toward 160 Pixels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

den Hartog, R. H.; Bruijn, M. P.; Clenet, A.; Gottardi, L.; Hijmering, R.; Jackson, B. D.; van der Kuur, J.; van Leeuwen, B. J.; van der Linden, A. J.; van Loon, D.; Nieuwenhuizen, A.; Ridder, M.; van Winden, P.

2014-08-01

SRON is developing the electronic read-out for arrays of transition edge sensors using frequency domain multiplexing in combination with base-band feedback. The astronomical applications of this system are the read-out of soft X-ray micro-calorimeters in a potential instrument on the European X-ray mission-under-study Athena+ and far-IR bolometers for the Safari instrument on the Japanese mission SPICA. In this paper we demonstrate the simultaneous read-out of 38 bolometer pixels at a 12 aW/Hz dark NEP level. The stability of the read-out is assessed over 400 s. time spans. Although some 1/f noise is present, there are several bolometers for which 1/f-free read-out can be demonstrated.

Gossip algorithms in quantum networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siomau, Michael

2017-01-01

Gossip algorithms is a common term to describe protocols for unreliable information dissemination in natural networks, which are not optimally designed for efficient communication between network entities. We consider application of gossip algorithms to quantum networks and show that any quantum network can be updated to optimal configuration with local operations and classical communication. This allows to speed-up - in the best case exponentially - the quantum information dissemination. Irrespective of the initial configuration of the quantum network, the update requiters at most polynomial number of local operations and classical communication.

Fabrication, characterization, and heuristic trade space exploration of magnetically actuated Miura-Ori origami structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cowan, Brett; von Lockette, Paris R.

2017-04-01

The authors develop magnetically actuated Miura-Ori structures through observation, experiment, and computation using an initially heuristic strategy followed by trade space visualization and optimization. The work is novel, especially within origami engineering, in that beyond final target shape approximation, Miura-Ori structures in this work are additionally evaluated for the shape approximation while folding and for their efficient use of their embedded actuators. The structures consisted of neodymium magnets placed on the panels of silicone elastomer substrates cast in the Miura-Ori folding pattern. Initially four configurations, arrangements of magnets on the panels, were selected based on heuristic arguments that (1) maximized the amount of magnetic torque applied to the creases and (2) reduced the number of magnets needed to affect all creases in the pattern. The results of experimental and computational performance metrics were used in a weighted sum model to predict the optimum configuration, which was then fabricated and experimentally characterized for comparison to the initial prototypes. As expected, optimization of magnet placement and orientation was effective at increasing the degree of theoretical useful work. Somewhat unexpectedly, however, trade space results showed that even after optimization, the configuration with the most number of magnets was least effective, per magnet, at directing its actuation to the structure’s creases. Overall, though the winning configuration experimentally outperformed its initial, non-optimal counterparts, results showed that the choice of optimum configuration was heavily dependent on the weighting factors. These results highlight both the ability of the Miura-Ori to be actuated with external magnetic stimuli, the effectiveness of a heuristic design approach that focuses on the actuation mechanism, and the need to address path-dependent metrics in assessing performance in origami folding structures.