Full-field wrist pulse signal acquisition and analysis by 3D Digital Image Correlation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xue, Yuan; Su, Yong; Zhang, Chi; Xu, Xiaohai; Gao, Zeren; Wu, Shangquan; Zhang, Qingchuan; Wu, Xiaoping

2017-11-01

Pulse diagnosis is an essential part in four basic diagnostic methods (inspection, listening, inquiring and palpation) in traditional Chinese medicine, which depends on longtime training and rich experience, so computerized pulse acquisition has been proposed and studied to ensure the objectivity. To imitate the process that doctors using three fingertips with different pressures to feel fluctuations in certain areas containing three acupoints, we established a five dimensional pulse signal acquisition system adopting a non-contacting optical metrology method, 3D digital image correlation, to record the full-field displacements of skin fluctuations under different pressures. The system realizes real-time full-field vibration mode observation with 10 FPS. The maximum sample frequency is 472 Hz for detailed post-processing. After acquisition, the signals are analyzed according to the amplitude, pressure, and pulse wave velocity. The proposed system provides a novel optical approach for digitalizing pulse diagnosis and massive pulse signal data acquisition for various types of patients.

Analog pulse processor

DOEpatents

Wessendorf, Kurt O.; Kemper, Dale A.

2003-06-03

A very low power analog pulse processing system implemented as an ASIC useful for processing signals from radiation detectors, among other things. The system incorporates the functions of a charge sensitive amplifier, a shaping amplifier, a peak sample and hold circuit, and, optionally, an analog to digital converter and associated drivers.

[Research on a non-invasive pulse wave detection and analysis system].

PubMed

Li, Ting; Yu, Gang

2008-10-01

A novel non-invasive pulse wave detection and analysis system has been developed, including the software and the hardware. Bi-channel signals can be acquired, stored and shown on the screen dynamically at the same time. Pulse wave can be reshown and printed after pulse wave analysis and pulse wave velocity analysis. This system embraces a computer which is designed for fast data saving, analyzing and processing, and a portable data sampling machine which is based on a singlechip. Experimental results have shown that the system is stable and easy to use, and the parameters are calculated accurately.

Heterodyne laser instantaneous frequency measurement system

DOEpatents

Wyeth, Richard W.; Johnson, Michael A.; Globig, Michael A.

1989-01-01

A heterodyne laser instantaneous frequency measurement system is disclosed. The system utilizes heterodyning of a pulsed laser beam with a continuous wave laser beam to form a beat signal. The beat signal is processed by a controller or computer which determines both the average frequency of the laser pulse and any changes or chirp of th frequency during the pulse.

Parallel pulse processing and data acquisition for high speed, low error flow cytometry

DOEpatents

Engh, G.J. van den; Stokdijk, W.

1992-09-22

A digitally synchronized parallel pulse processing and data acquisition system for a flow cytometer has multiple parallel input channels with independent pulse digitization and FIFO storage buffer. A trigger circuit controls the pulse digitization on all channels. After an event has been stored in each FIFO, a bus controller moves the oldest entry from each FIFO buffer onto a common data bus. The trigger circuit generates an ID number for each FIFO entry, which is checked by an error detection circuit. The system has high speed and low error rate. 17 figs.

Direct coupling of pulsed radio frequency and pulsed high power in novel pulsed power system for plasma immersion ion implantation.

PubMed

Gong, Chunzhi; Tian, Xiubo; Yang, Shiqin; Fu, Ricky K Y; Chu, Paul K

2008-04-01

A novel power supply system that directly couples pulsed high voltage (HV) pulses and pulsed 13.56 MHz radio frequency (rf) has been developed for plasma processes. In this system, the sample holder is connected to both the rf generator and HV modulator. The coupling circuit in the hybrid system is composed of individual matching units, low pass filters, and voltage clamping units. This ensures the safe operation of the rf system even when the HV is on. The PSPICE software is utilized to optimize the design of circuits. The system can be operated in two modes. The pulsed rf discharge may serve as either the seed plasma source for glow discharge or high-density plasma source for plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII). The pulsed high-voltage glow discharge is induced when a rf pulse with a short duration or a larger time interval between the rf and HV pulses is used. Conventional PIII can also be achieved. Experiments conducted on the new system confirm steady and safe operation.

Pulsed Acoustic Vortex Sensing System : Volume 2, Studies of Improved PAVSS Processing Techniques

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1977-06-01

Avco Corporation's Systems Division designed and developed an engineered Pulsed Acoustic Vortex Sensing System (PAVSS). This system is capable of real-time detection, tracking, recording, and graphic display of aircraft trailing vortices. This volume...

Comparative study of CW, nanosecond- and femtosecond-pulsed laser microcutting of AZ31 magnesium alloy stents.

PubMed

Gökhan Demir, Ali; Previtali, Barbara

2014-06-01

Magnesium alloys constitute an interesting solution for cardiovascular stents due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability in human body. Laser microcutting is the industrially accepted method for stent manufacturing. However, the laser-material interaction should be well investigated to control the quality characteristics of the microcutting process that concern the surface roughness, chemical composition, and microstructure of the final device. Despite the recent developments in industrial laser systems, a universal laser source that can be manipulated flexibly in terms of process parameters is far from reality. Therefore, comparative studies are required to demonstrate processing capabilities. In particular, the laser pulse duration is a key factor determining the processing regime. This work approaches the laser microcutting of AZ31 Mg alloy from the perspective of a comparative study to evaluate the machining capabilities in continuous wave (CW), ns- and fs-pulsed regimes. Three industrial grade machining systems were compared to reach a benchmark in machining quality, productivity, and ease of postprocessing. The results confirmed that moving toward the ultrashort pulse domain the machining quality increases, but the need for postprocessing remains. The real advantage of ultrashort pulsed machining was the ease in postprocessing and maintaining geometrical integrity of the stent mesh after chemical etching. Resultantly, the overall production cycle time was shortest for fs-pulsed laser system, despite the fact that CW laser system provided highest cutting speed.

Relaxation dynamics in the presence of pulse multiplicative noise sources with different correlation properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kargovsky, A. V.; Chichigina, O. A.; Anashkina, E. I.; Valenti, D.; Spagnolo, B.

2015-10-01

The relaxation dynamics of a system described by a Langevin equation with pulse multiplicative noise sources with different correlation properties is considered. The solution of the corresponding Fokker-Planck equation is derived for Gaussian white noise. Moreover, two pulse processes with regulated periodicity are considered as a noise source: the dead-time-distorted Poisson process and the process with fixed time intervals, which is characterized by an infinite correlation time. We find that the steady state of the system is dependent on the correlation properties of the pulse noise. An increase of the noise correlation causes the decrease of the mean value of the solution at the steady state. The analytical results are in good agreement with the numerical ones.

Relaxation dynamics in the presence of pulse multiplicative noise sources with different correlation properties.

PubMed

Kargovsky, A V; Chichigina, O A; Anashkina, E I; Valenti, D; Spagnolo, B

2015-10-01

The relaxation dynamics of a system described by a Langevin equation with pulse multiplicative noise sources with different correlation properties is considered. The solution of the corresponding Fokker-Planck equation is derived for Gaussian white noise. Moreover, two pulse processes with regulated periodicity are considered as a noise source: the dead-time-distorted Poisson process and the process with fixed time intervals, which is characterized by an infinite correlation time. We find that the steady state of the system is dependent on the correlation properties of the pulse noise. An increase of the noise correlation causes the decrease of the mean value of the solution at the steady state. The analytical results are in good agreement with the numerical ones.

Effect of pulsation on black liquor gasification. Final report

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

Zinn, B.T.; Jagoda, J.; Jeong, H.

1998-12-01

Pyrolysis is an endothermic process. The heat of reaction is provided either by partial combustion of the waste or by heat transfer from an external combustion process. In one proposed system black liquor is pyrolized in a fluidized bed to which heat is added through a series of pulse combustor tail pipes submerged in the bed material. This system appears promising because of the relatively high heat transfer in pulse combustors and in fluidized beds. Other advantages of pulse combustors are discussed elsewhere. The process is, however, only economically viable if a part of the pyrolysis products can be usedmore » to fire the pulse combustors. The overall goals of this study were to determine: (1) which is the limiting heat transfer rate in the process of transferring heat from the hot combustion products to the pipe, through the pipe, from the tail pipe to the bed and through the bed; i.e., whether increased heat transfer within the pulse combustor will significantly increase the overall heat transfer rate; (2) whether the heat transfer benefits of the pulse combustor can be utilized while maintaining the temperature in the bed within the narrow temperature range required by the process without generating hot spots in the bed; and (3) whether the fuel gas produced during the gasification process can be used to efficiently fire the pulse combustor.« less

FPGA based hardware optimized implementation of signal processing system for LFM pulsed radar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azim, Noor ul; Jun, Wang

2016-11-01

Signal processing is one of the main parts of any radar system. Different signal processing algorithms are used to extract information about different parameters like range, speed, direction etc, of a target in the field of radar communication. This paper presents LFM (Linear Frequency Modulation) pulsed radar signal processing algorithms which are used to improve target detection, range resolution and to estimate the speed of a target. Firstly, these algorithms are simulated in MATLAB to verify the concept and theory. After the conceptual verification in MATLAB, the simulation is converted into implementation on hardware using Xilinx FPGA. Chosen FPGA is Xilinx Virtex-6 (XC6LVX75T). For hardware implementation pipeline optimization is adopted and also other factors are considered for resources optimization in the process of implementation. Focusing algorithms in this work for improving target detection, range resolution and speed estimation are hardware optimized fast convolution processing based pulse compression and pulse Doppler processing.

Design and Performance of the Astro-E/XRS Signal Processing System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boyce, Kevin R.; Audley, M. D.; Baker, R. G.; Dumonthier, J. J.; Fujimoto, R.; Gendreau, K. C.; Ishisaki, Y.; Kelley, R. L.; Stahle, C. K.; Szymkowiak, A. E.

1999-01-01

We describe the signal processing system of the Astro-E XRS instrument. The Calorimeter Analog Processor (CAP) provides bias and power for the detectors and amplifies the detector signals by a factor of 20,000. The Calorimeter Digital Processor (CDP) performs the digital processing of the calorimeter signals, detecting X-ray pulses and analyzing them by optimal filtering. We describe the operation of pulse detection, Pulse height analysis. and risetime determination. We also discuss performance, including the three event grades (hi-res mid-res, and low-res). anticoincidence detection, counting rate dependence, and noise rejection.

Refractory pulse counting processes in stochastic neural computers.

PubMed

McNeill, Dean K; Card, Howard C

2005-03-01

This letter quantitiatively investigates the effect of a temporary refractory period or dead time in the ability of a stochastic Bernoulli processor to record subsequent pulse events, following the arrival of a pulse. These effects can arise in either the input detectors of a stochastic neural network or in subsequent processing. A transient period is observed, which increases with both the dead time and the Bernoulli probability of the dead-time free system, during which the system reaches equilibrium. Unless the Bernoulli probability is small compared to the inverse of the dead time, the mean and variance of the pulse count distributions are both appreciably reduced.

High-power picosecond laser with 400W average power for large scale applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Keming; Brüning, Stephan; Gillner, Arnold

2012-03-01

Laser processing is generally known for low thermal influence, precise energy processing and the possibility to ablate every type of material independent on hardness and vaporisation temperature. The use of ultra-short pulsed lasers offers new possibilities in the manufacturing of high end products with extra high processing qualities. For achieving a sufficient and economical processing speed, high average power is needed. To scale the power for industrial uses the picosecond laser system has been developed, which consists of a seeder, a preamplifier and an end amplifier. With the oscillator/amplifier system more than 400W average power and maximum pulse energy 1mJ was obtained. For study of high speed processing of large embossing metal roller two different ps laser systems have been integrated into a cylinder engraving machine. One of the ps lasers has an average power of 80W while the other has 300W. With this high power ps laser fluencies of up to 30 J/cm2 at pulse repetition rates in the multi MHz range have been achieved. Different materials (Cu, Ni, Al, steel) have been explored for parameters like ablation rate per pulse, ablation geometry, surface roughness, influence of pulse overlap and number of loops. An enhanced ablation quality and an effective ablation rate of 4mm3/min have been achieved by using different scanning systems and an optimized processing strategy. The max. achieved volume rate is 20mm3/min.

Portable-Beacon Landing System for Helicopters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, Thomas J.; Clary, George R.; Chisholm, John P.; Macdonald, Stanley L.

1987-01-01

Prototype beacon landing system (BLS) allows helicopters to make precise landings in all weather. BLS easily added to existing helicopter avionic equipment and readily deployed at remote sites. Small and light, system employs X-band radar and digital processing. Variety of beams pulsed sequentially by ground station after initial interrogation by weather radar of approaching helicopter. Airborne microprocessor processes pulses to determine glide slope, course deviation, and range.

On-line surveillance of a dynamic process by a moving system based on pulsed digital holographic interferometry.

PubMed

Pedrini, Giancarlo; Alexeenko, Igor; Osten, Wolfgang; Schnars, Ulf

2006-02-10

A method based on pulsed digital holographic interferometry for the measurement of dynamic deformations of a surface by using a moving system is presented. The measuring system may move with a speed of several meters per minute and can measure deformation of the surface with an accuracy of better than 50 nm. The deformation is obtained by comparison of the wavefronts recorded at different times with different laser pulses produced by a Nd:YAG laser. The effect due to the movement of the measuring system is compensated for by digital processing of the different holograms. The system is well suited for on-line surveillance of a dynamic process such as laser welding and friction stir welding. Experimental results are presented, and the advantages of the method are discussed.

Method and apparatus for combinatorial logic signal processor in a digitally based high speed x-ray spectrometer

DOEpatents

Warburton, William K.; Zhou, Zhiquing

1999-01-01

A high speed, digitally based, signal processing system which accepts a digitized input signal and detects the presence of step-like pulses in the this data stream, extracts filtered estimates of their amplitudes, inspects for pulse pileup, and records input pulse rates and system livetime. The system has two parallel processing channels: a slow channel, which filters the data stream with a long time constant trapezoidal filter for good energy resolution; and a fast channel which filters the data stream with a short time constant trapezoidal filter, detects pulses, inspects for pileups, and captures peak values from the slow channel for good events. The presence of a simple digital interface allows the system to be easily integrated with a digital processor to produce accurate spectra at high count rates and allow all spectrometer functions to be fully automated. Because the method is digitally based, it allows pulses to be binned based on time related values, as well as on their amplitudes, if desired.

FIBRE AND INTEGRATED OPTICS. OPTICAL PROCESSING OF INFORMATION: Method for optical data processing based on a two-pulse photon echo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zakharov, S. M.; Manykin, Eduard A.

1995-02-01

The principles of optical processing based on dynamic spatial—temporal properties of two-pulse photon echo signals are considered. The properties of a resonant medium as an on-line filter of temporal and spatial frequencies are discussed. These properties are due to the sensitivity of such a medium to the Fourier spectrum of the second exiting pulse. Degeneracy of quantum resonant systems, demonstrated by the coherent response dependence on the square of the amplitude of the second pulse, can be used for 'simultaneous' correlation processing of optical 'signals'. Various methods for the processing of the Fourier optical image are discussed.

Accurate and agile digital control of optical phase, amplitude and frequency for coherent atomic manipulation of atomic systems.

PubMed

Thom, Joseph; Wilpers, Guido; Riis, Erling; Sinclair, Alastair G

2013-08-12

We demonstrate a system for fast and agile digital control of laser phase, amplitude and frequency for applications in coherent atomic systems. The full versatility of a direct digital synthesis radiofrequency source is faithfully transferred to laser radiation via acousto-optic modulation. Optical beatnotes are used to measure phase steps up to 2π, which are accurately implemented with a resolution of ≤ 10 mrad. By linearizing the optical modulation process, amplitude-shaped pulses of durations ranging from 500 ns to 500 ms, in excellent agreement with the programmed functional form, are demonstrated. Pulse durations are limited only by the 30 ns rise time of the modulation process, and a measured extinction ratio of > 5 × 10(11) is achieved. The system presented here was developed specifically for controlling the quantum state of trapped ions with sequences of multiple laser pulses, including composite and bichromatic pulses. The demonstrated techniques are widely applicable to other atomic systems ranging across quantum information processing, frequency metrology, atom interferometry, and single-photon generation.

Sediment dynamics in a large shallow lake characterized by seasonal flood pulse in Southeast Asia.

PubMed

Siev, Sokly; Yang, Heejun; Sok, Ty; Uk, Sovannara; Song, Layheang; Kodikara, Dilini; Oeurng, Chantha; Hul, Seingheng; Yoshimura, Chihiro

2018-08-01

Most of studies on sediment dynamics in stable shallow lakes focused on the resuspension process as it is the dominant process. However, understanding of sediment dynamics in a shallow lake influenced by flood pulse is unclear. We tested a hypothesis that floodplain vegetation plays as a significant role in lessening the intensity of resuspension process in a shallow lake characterized by the flood pulse system. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate sediment dynamics in this type of shallow lake. The target was Tonle Sap Lake (TSL), which is a large shallow lake influenced by a flood pulse system of Mekong River located in Southeast Asia. An extensive and seasonal sampling survey was conducted to measure total suspended solid (TSS) concentrations, sedimentation and resuspension rates in TSL and its 4 floodplain areas. The study revealed that sedimentation process was dominant (TSS ranged: 3-126mgL -1 ) in the high water period (September-December) while resuspension process was dominant (TSS ranged: 4-652mgL -1 ) only in the low water period (March-June). In addition, floodplain vegetation reduced the resuspension of sediment (up to 26.3%) in water. The implication of the study showed that resuspension is a seasonally dominant process in shallow lake influenced by the flood pulse system at least for the case of TSL. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of a compact and cost effective multi-input digital signal processing system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Darvish-Molla, Sahar; Chin, Kenrick; Prestwich, William V.; Byun, Soo Hyun

2018-01-01

A prototype digital signal processing system (DSP) was developed using a microcontroller interfaced with a 12-bit sampling ADC, which offers a considerably inexpensive solution for processing multiple detectors with high throughput. After digitization of the incoming pulses, in order to maximize the output counting rate, a simple algorithm was employed for pulse height analysis. Moreover, an algorithm aiming at the real-time pulse pile-up deconvolution was implemented. The system was tested using a NaI(Tl) detector in comparison with a traditional analogue and commercial digital systems for a variety of count rates. The performance of the prototype system was consistently superior to the analogue and the commercial digital systems up to the input count rate of 61 kcps while was slightly inferior to the commercial digital system but still superior to the analogue system in the higher input rates. Considering overall cost, size and flexibility, this custom made multi-input digital signal processing system (MMI-DSP) was the best reliable choice for the purpose of the 2D microdosimetric data collection, or for any measurement in which simultaneous multi-data collection is required.

Development and fabrication of a solar cell junction processing system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1984-01-01

A processing system capable of producing solar cell junctions by ion implantation followed by pulsed electron beam annealing was developed and constructed. The machine was to be capable of processing 4-inch diameter single-crystal wafers at a rate of 10(7) wafers per year. A microcomputer-controlled pulsed electron beam annealer with a vacuum interlocked wafer transport system was designed, built and demonstrated to produce solar cell junctions on 4-inch wafers with an AMI efficiency of 12%. Experiments showed that a non-mass-analyzed (NMA) ion beam could implant 10 keV phosphorous dopant to form solar cell junctions which were equivalent to mass-analyzed implants. A NMA ion implanter, compatible with the pulsed electron beam annealer and wafer transport system was designed in detail but was not built because of program termination.

DEMONSTRATION BULLETIN: CELLO PULSE COMBUSTION BURNER SYSTEM/SONOTECH INC.

EPA Science Inventory

Sonotech, Inc. (Sonotech), of Atlanta, GA, the developer of the Cello® pulse combustion burner, claims that its burner system can be beneficial to a variety of combustion processes. The system incorporates a combustor that can be tuned to induce large amplitude sonic pulsation...

Modeling associations between latent event processes governing time series of pulsing hormones.

PubMed

Liu, Huayu; Carlson, Nichole E; Grunwald, Gary K; Polotsky, Alex J

2017-10-31

This work is motivated by a desire to quantify relationships between two time series of pulsing hormone concentrations. The locations of pulses are not directly observed and may be considered latent event processes. The latent event processes of pulsing hormones are often associated. It is this joint relationship we model. Current approaches to jointly modeling pulsing hormone data generally assume that a pulse in one hormone is coupled with a pulse in another hormone (one-to-one association). However, pulse coupling is often imperfect. Existing joint models are not flexible enough for imperfect systems. In this article, we develop a more flexible class of pulse association models that incorporate parameters quantifying imperfect pulse associations. We propose a novel use of the Cox process model as a model of how pulse events co-occur in time. We embed the Cox process model into a hormone concentration model. Hormone concentration is the observed data. Spatial birth and death Markov chain Monte Carlo is used for estimation. Simulations show the joint model works well for quantifying both perfect and imperfect associations and offers estimation improvements over single hormone analyses. We apply this model to luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), two reproductive hormones. Use of our joint model results in an ability to investigate novel hypotheses regarding associations between LH and FSH secretion in obese and non-obese women. © 2017, The International Biometric Society.

Laser Pulse-Stretching Using Multiple Optical Ring-Cavities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kojima, Jun; Nguyen, Quang-Viet; Lee, Chi-Ming (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

We describe a simple and passive nanosecond-long (ns-long) laser 'pulse-stretcher' using multiple optical ring-cavities. We present a model of the pulse-stretching process for an arbitrary number of optical ring-cavities. Using the model, we optimize the design of a pulse-stretcher for use in a spontaneous Raman scattering excitation system that avoids laser-induced plasma spark problems. From the optimized design, we then experimentally demonstrate and verify the model with a 3-cavity pulse-stretcher system that converts a 1000 mJ, 8.4 ns-long input laser pulse into an approximately 75 ns-long (FWHM) output laser pulse with a peak power reduction of 0.10X, and an 83% efficiency.

Development of the Data Acquisition and Processing System for a Pulsed 2-Micron Coherent Doppler Lidar System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beyon, Jeffrey Y.; Koch, Grady J.; Kavaya, Michael J.

2010-01-01

A general overview of the development of a data acquisition and processing system is presented for a pulsed, 2-micron coherent Doppler Lidar system located in NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, USA. It is a comprehensive system that performs high-speed data acquisition, analysis, and data display both in real time and offline. The first flight missions are scheduled for the summer of 2010 as part of the NASA Genesis and Rapid Intensification Processes (GRIP) campaign for the study of hurricanes. The system as well as the control software is reviewed and its requirements and unique features are discussed.

Design and simulation of programmable relational optoelectronic time-pulse coded processors as base elements for sorting neural networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krasilenko, Vladimir G.; Nikolsky, Alexander I.; Lazarev, Alexander A.; Lazareva, Maria V.

2010-05-01

In the paper we show that the biologically motivated conception of time-pulse encoding usage gives a set of advantages (single methodological basis, universality, tuning simplicity, learning and programming et al) at creation and design of sensor systems with parallel input-output and processing for 2D structures hybrid and next generations neuro-fuzzy neurocomputers. We show design principles of programmable relational optoelectronic time-pulse encoded processors on the base of continuous logic, order logic and temporal waves processes. We consider a structure that execute analog signal extraction, analog and time-pulse coded variables sorting. We offer optoelectronic realization of such base relational order logic element, that consists of time-pulse coded photoconverters (pulse-width and pulse-phase modulators) with direct and complementary outputs, sorting network on logical elements and programmable commutation blocks. We make technical parameters estimations of devices and processors on such base elements by simulation and experimental research: optical input signals power 0.2 - 20 uW, processing time 1 - 10 us, supply voltage 1 - 3 V, consumption power 10 - 100 uW, extended functional possibilities, learning possibilities. We discuss some aspects of possible rules and principles of learning and programmable tuning on required function, relational operation and realization of hardware blocks for modifications of such processors. We show that it is possible to create sorting machines, neural networks and hybrid data-processing systems with untraditional numerical systems and pictures operands on the basis of such quasiuniversal hardware simple blocks with flexible programmable tuning.

Precision and resolution in laser direct microstructuring with bursts of picosecond pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mur, Jaka; Petkovšek, Rok

2018-01-01

Pulsed laser sources facilitate various applications, including efficient material removal in different scientific and industrial applications. Commercially available laser systems in the field typically use a focused laser beam of 10-20 μm in diameter. In line with the ongoing trends of miniaturization, we have developed a picosecond fiber laser-based system combining fast beam deflection and tight focusing for material processing and optical applications. We have predicted and verified the system's precision, resolution, and minimum achievable feature size for material processing applications. The analysis of the laser's performance requirements for the specific applications of high-precision laser processing is an important aspect for further development of the technique. We have predicted and experimentally verified that maximal edge roughness of single-micrometer-sized features was below 200 nm, including the laser's energy and positioning stability, beam deflection, the effect of spot spacing, and efficient isolation of mechanical vibrations. We have demonstrated that a novel fiber laser operating regime in bursts of pulses increases the laser energy stability. The results of our research improve the potential of fiber laser sources for material processing applications and facilitate their use through enabling the operation at lower pulse energies in bursts as opposed to single pulse regimes.

A pulsed load model and its impact on a synchronous-rectifier system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hou, Pengfei; Xu, Ye; Li, Jianke; Wang, Jinquan; Zhang, Haitao; Yan, Jun; Wang, Chunming; Chen, Jingjing

2017-02-01

The pulsed load has become a developing trend of power loading. Unlike traditional loads, pulsed loads with current abrupt and repeated charges will result in unstable Microgrid operations because of their small capacity and inertia. In this paper, an Average Magnitude Sum Function (AMSF) is proposed to calculate the frequency of the grid, and based on AMSF, the Relative Deviation Rate (RDR) that characterises the impact of pulsed load on the AC side of the grid is defined and its calculation process is described in detail. In addition, the system dynamic characteristics under a pulsed load are analysed using an Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) to control the on/off state of the resistive load for simulating a pulsed load. Finally, the transient characteristics of a synchronous-rectifier system with a pulsed load are studied and validated experimentally.

Method and apparatus for combinatorial logic signal processor in a digitally based high speed x-ray spectrometer

DOEpatents

Warburton, W.K.

1999-02-16

A high speed, digitally based, signal processing system is disclosed which accepts a digitized input signal and detects the presence of step-like pulses in the this data stream, extracts filtered estimates of their amplitudes, inspects for pulse pileup, and records input pulse rates and system lifetime. The system has two parallel processing channels: a slow channel, which filters the data stream with a long time constant trapezoidal filter for good energy resolution; and a fast channel which filters the data stream with a short time constant trapezoidal filter, detects pulses, inspects for pileups, and captures peak values from the slow channel for good events. The presence of a simple digital interface allows the system to be easily integrated with a digital processor to produce accurate spectra at high count rates and allow all spectrometer functions to be fully automated. Because the method is digitally based, it allows pulses to be binned based on time related values, as well as on their amplitudes, if desired. 31 figs.

Fundamentals and industrial applications of ultrashort pulsed lasers at Bosch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

König, Jens; Bauer, Thorsten

2011-03-01

Fundamental results of ablation processes of metals with ultrashort laser pulses in the far threshold fluence regime are shown and discussed. Time-resolved measurements of the plasma transmission exhibit two distinctive minima. The minima occurring within the first nanoseconds can be attributed to electrons and sublimated material emitted from the target surface, whereas the subsequent minimum after several 10 ns is due to particles and droplets after a thermal boiling process. Industrial applications of ultrashort pulsed laser micro machining in the Bosch Group are also shown with the production of exhaust gas sensors and common rail diesel systems. Since 2007, ultrashort laser pulses are used at the BOSCH plant in Bamberg for producing lambda-probes, which are made of a special ceramic layer system and can measure the exhaust gas properties faster and more accurately. This enables further reduction of emissions by optimized combustion control. Since 2009, BOSCH uses ultrashort pulsed lasers for micro-structuring the injector of common rail diesel systems. A drainage groove allows a tight system even at increased pressures up to 2000 bar. Diesel injection is thus even more reliable, powerful and environment-friendly.

A flow-pulse adsorption-microcalorimetry system for studies of adsorption processes on powder catalysts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

You, Rui; Li, Zhaorui; Zeng, Hongyu; Huang, Weixin

2018-06-01

A pulse chemisorption system combining a Tian-Calvet microcalorimeter (Setaram Sensys EVO 600) and an automated chemisorption apparatus (Micromeritics Autochem II 2920) was established to accurately measure differential adsorption heats of gas molecules' chemisorption on solid surfaces in a flow-pulse mode. Owing to high sensitivity and high degree of automation in a wide range of temperatures from -100 to 600 °C, this coupled system can present adsorption heats as a function of adsorption temperature and adsorbate coverage. The functions of this system were demonstrated by successful measurements of CO adsorption heats on Pd surfaces at various temperatures and also at different CO coverages by varying the CO concentration in the pulse dose. Key parameters, including adsorption amounts, integral adsorption heats, and differential adsorption heats of CO adsorption on a Pd/CeO2 catalyst, were acquired. Our adsorption-microcalorimetry system provides a powerful technique for the investigation of adsorption processes on powder catalysts.

Fpga based L-band pulse doppler radar design and implementation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Savci, Kubilay

As its name implies RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging) is an electromagnetic sensor used for detection and locating targets from their return signals. Radar systems propagate electromagnetic energy, from the antenna which is in part intercepted by an object. Objects reradiate a portion of energy which is captured by the radar receiver. The received signal is then processed for information extraction. Radar systems are widely used for surveillance, air security, navigation, weather hazard detection, as well as remote sensing applications. In this work, an FPGA based L-band Pulse Doppler radar prototype, which is used for target detection, localization and velocity calculation has been built and a general-purpose Pulse Doppler radar processor has been developed. This radar is a ground based stationary monopulse radar, which transmits a short pulse with a certain pulse repetition frequency (PRF). Return signals from the target are processed and information about their location and velocity is extracted. Discrete components are used for the transmitter and receiver chain. The hardware solution is based on Xilinx Virtex-6 ML605 FPGA board, responsible for the control of the radar system and the digital signal processing of the received signal, which involves Constant False Alarm Rate (CFAR) detection and Pulse Doppler processing. The algorithm is implemented in MATLAB/SIMULINK using the Xilinx System Generator for DSP tool. The field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) implementation of the radar system provides the flexibility of changing parameters such as the PRF and pulse length therefore it can be used with different radar configurations as well. A VHDL design has been developed for 1Gbit Ethernet connection to transfer digitized return signal and detection results to PC. An A-Scope software has been developed with C# programming language to display time domain radar signals and detection results on PC. Data are processed both in FPGA chip and on PC. FPGA uses fixed point arithmetic operations as it is fast and facilitates source requirement as it consumes less hardware than floating point arithmetic operations. The software uses floating point arithmetic operations, which ensure precision in processing at the expense of speed. The functionality of the radar system has been tested for experimental validation in the field with a moving car and the validation of submodules are tested with synthetic data simulated on MATLAB.

Verification of Non-Invasive Blood Glucose Measurement Method Based on Pulse Wave Signal Detected by FBG Sensor System.

PubMed

Kurasawa, Shintaro; Koyama, Shouhei; Ishizawa, Hiroaki; Fujimoto, Keisaku; Chino, Shun

2017-11-23

This paper describes and verifies a non-invasive blood glucose measurement method using a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor system. The FBG sensor is installed on the radial artery, and the strain (pulse wave) that is propagated from the heartbeat is measured. The measured pulse wave signal was used as a collection of feature vectors for multivariate analysis aiming to determine the blood glucose level. The time axis of the pulse wave signal was normalized by two signal processing methods: the shortest-time-cut process and 1-s-normalization process. The measurement accuracy of the calculated blood glucose level was compared with the accuracy of these signal processing methods. It was impossible to calculate a blood glucose level exceeding 200 mg/dL in the calibration curve that was constructed by the shortest-time-cut process. In the 1-s-normalization process, the measurement accuracy of the blood glucose level was improved, and a blood glucose level exceeding 200 mg/dL could be calculated. By verifying the loading vector of each calibration curve to calculate the blood glucose level with a high measurement accuracy, we found the gradient of the peak of the pulse wave at the acceleration plethysmogram greatly affected.

Pulsed atmospheric fluidized bed combustor apparatus and process

DOEpatents

Mansour, Momtaz N.

1992-01-01

A pulsed atmospheric fluidized bed reactor system is disclosed and claimed along with a process for utilization of same for the combustion of, e.g. high sulfur content coal. The system affords a economical, ecologically acceptable alternative to oil and gas fired combustors. The apparatus may also be employed for endothermic reaction, combustion of waste products, e.g. organic and medical waste, drying, calcining and the like.

System and method for investigating sub-surface features of a rock formation with acoustic sources generating coded signals

DOEpatents

Vu, Cung Khac; Nihei, Kurt; Johnson, Paul A; Guyer, Robert; Ten Cate, James A; Le Bas, Pierre-Yves; Larmat, Carene S

2014-12-30

A system and a method for investigating rock formations includes generating, by a first acoustic source, a first acoustic signal comprising a first plurality of pulses, each pulse including a first modulated signal at a central frequency; and generating, by a second acoustic source, a second acoustic signal comprising a second plurality of pulses. A receiver arranged within the borehole receives a detected signal including a signal being generated by a non-linear mixing process from the first-and-second acoustic signal in a non-linear mixing zone within the intersection volume. The method also includes-processing the received signal to extract the signal generated by the non-linear mixing process over noise or over signals generated by a linear interaction process, or both.

Design of neurophysiologically motivated structures of time-pulse coded neurons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krasilenko, Vladimir G.; Nikolsky, Alexander I.; Lazarev, Alexander A.; Lobodzinska, Raisa F.

2009-04-01

The common methodology of biologically motivated concept of building of processing sensors systems with parallel input and picture operands processing and time-pulse coding are described in paper. Advantages of such coding for creation of parallel programmed 2D-array structures for the next generation digital computers which require untraditional numerical systems for processing of analog, digital, hybrid and neuro-fuzzy operands are shown. The optoelectronic time-pulse coded intelligent neural elements (OETPCINE) simulation results and implementation results of a wide set of neuro-fuzzy logic operations are considered. The simulation results confirm engineering advantages, intellectuality, circuit flexibility of OETPCINE for creation of advanced 2D-structures. The developed equivalentor-nonequivalentor neural element has power consumption of 10mW and processing time about 10...100us.

Nuclear sensor signal processing circuit

DOEpatents

Kallenbach, Gene A [Bosque Farms, NM; Noda, Frank T [Albuquerque, NM; Mitchell, Dean J [Tijeras, NM; Etzkin, Joshua L [Albuquerque, NM

2007-02-20

An apparatus and method are disclosed for a compact and temperature-insensitive nuclear sensor that can be calibrated with a non-hazardous radioactive sample. The nuclear sensor includes a gamma ray sensor that generates tail pulses from radioactive samples. An analog conditioning circuit conditions the tail-pulse signals from the gamma ray sensor, and a tail-pulse simulator circuit generates a plurality of simulated tail-pulse signals. A computer system processes the tail pulses from the gamma ray sensor and the simulated tail pulses from the tail-pulse simulator circuit. The nuclear sensor is calibrated under the control of the computer. The offset is adjusted using the simulated tail pulses. Since the offset is set to zero or near zero, the sensor gain can be adjusted with a non-hazardous radioactive source such as, for example, naturally occurring radiation and potassium chloride.

Single- and multiple-pulse noncoherent detection statistics associated with partially developed speckle.

PubMed

Osche, G R

2000-08-20

Single- and multiple-pulse detection statistics are presented for aperture-averaged direct detection optical receivers operating against partially developed speckle fields. A partially developed speckle field arises when the probability density function of the received intensity does not follow negative exponential statistics. The case of interest here is the target surface that exhibits diffuse as well as specular components in the scattered radiation. An approximate expression is derived for the integrated intensity at the aperture, which leads to single- and multiple-pulse discrete probability density functions for the case of a Poisson signal in Poisson noise with an additive coherent component. In the absence of noise, the single-pulse discrete density function is shown to reduce to a generalized negative binomial distribution. The radar concept of integration loss is discussed in the context of direct detection optical systems where it is shown that, given an appropriate set of system parameters, multiple-pulse processing can be more efficient than single-pulse processing over a finite range of the integration parameter n.

Transmitter Pulse Estimation and Measurements for Airborne TDEM Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vetrov, A.; Mejzr, I.

2013-12-01

The processing and interpretation of Airborne Time Domain EM data requires precise description of the transmitter parameters, including shape, amplitude and length of the transmitted pulse. There are several ways to measure pulse shape of the transmitter loop. Transmitted pulse can be recorded by a current monitor installed on the loop. The current monitor readings do not give exact image due to own time-domain physical characteristics of the current monitor. Another way is to restore the primary pulse shape from the receiver data recorded on-time, if such is possible. The receiver gives exact image of the primary field projection combined with the ground response, which can be minimized at high altitude pass, usually with a transmitter elevation higher than 1500 ft from the ground. The readings on the receiver are depending on receiver position and orientation. Modeling of airborne TDEM transmitter pulse allows us to compare estimated and measured shape of the pulse and apply required corrections. Airborne TDEM system transmitter pulse shape has been studied by authors while developing P-THEM system. The data has been gathered during in-doors and out-doors ground tests in Canada, as well as during flight tests in Canada and in India. The P-THEM system has three-axes receiver that is suspended on a tow-cable in the midpoint between the transmitter and the helicopter. The P-THEM receiver geometry does not require backing coils to dump the primary field. The system records full-wave data from the receiver and current monitor installed on the transmitter loop, including on-time and off-time data. The modeling of the transmitter pulse allowed us to define the difference between estimated and measured values. The higher accuracy pulse shape can be used for better data processing and interpretation. A developed model can be applied to similar systems and configurations.

Development and fabrication of a solar cell junction processing system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bunker, S.

1981-01-01

A solar cell junction processing system was developed and fabricated. A pulsed electron beam for the four inch wafers is being assembled and tested, wafers were successfully pulsed, and solar cells fabricated. Assembly of the transport locks is completed. The transport was operated successfully but not with sufficient reproducibility. An experiment test facility to examine potential scaleup problems associated with the proposed ion implanter design was constructed and operated. Cells were implanted and found to have efficiency identical to the normal Spire implant process.

Programmed optoelectronic time-pulse coded relational processor as base element for sorting neural networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krasilenko, Vladimir G.; Bardachenko, Vitaliy F.; Nikolsky, Alexander I.; Lazarev, Alexander A.

2007-04-01

In the paper we show that the biologically motivated conception of the use of time-pulse encoding gives the row of advantages (single methodological basis, universality, simplicity of tuning, training and programming et al) at creation and designing of sensor systems with parallel input-output and processing, 2D-structures of hybrid and neuro-fuzzy neurocomputers of next generations. We show principles of construction of programmable relational optoelectronic time-pulse coded processors, continuous logic, order logic and temporal waves processes, that lie in basis of the creation. We consider structure that executes extraction of analog signal of the set grade (order), sorting of analog and time-pulse coded variables. We offer optoelectronic realization of such base relational elements of order logic, which consists of time-pulse coded phototransformers (pulse-width and pulse-phase modulators) with direct and complementary outputs, sorting network on logical elements and programmable commutations blocks. We make estimations of basic technical parameters of such base devices and processors on their basis by simulation and experimental research: power of optical input signals - 0.200-20 μW, processing time - microseconds, supply voltage - 1.5-10 V, consumption power - hundreds of microwatts per element, extended functional possibilities, training possibilities. We discuss some aspects of possible rules and principles of training and programmable tuning on the required function, relational operation and realization of hardware blocks for modifications of such processors. We show as on the basis of such quasiuniversal hardware simple block and flexible programmable tuning it is possible to create sorting machines, neural networks and hybrid data-processing systems with the untraditional numerical systems and pictures operands.

Generation of high-power subpicosecond pulses at 155 nm.

PubMed

Mossavi, K; Fricke, L; Liu, P; Wellegehausen, B

1995-06-15

Subpicosecond vacuum-ultraviolet radiation at 155 nm with pulse energies above 0.2 mJ has been obtained by near-resonant four-wave difference-frequency mixing in a Xe gas jet. Laser fields for the mixing process have been generated by a short-pulse KrF dye excimer laser system and a Raman converter. The process permits tuning in a broad vacuum-ultraviolet range and can be scaled up to higher output energies.

Plasma Discharge Process in a Pulsed Diaphragm Discharge System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duan, Jianjin; Hu, Jue; Zhang, Chao; Wen, Yuanbin; Meng, Yuedong; Zhang, Chengxu

2014-12-01

As one of the most important steps in wastewater treatment, limited study on plasma discharge process is a key challenge in the development of plasma applications. In this study, we focus on the plasma discharge process of a pulsed diaphragm discharge system. According to the analysis, the pulsed diaphragm discharge proceeds in seven stages: (1) Joule heating and heat exchange stage; (2) nucleated site formation; (3) plasma generation (initiation of the breakdown stage); (4) avalanche growth and plasma expansion; (5) plasma contraction; (6) termination of the plasma discharge; and (7) heat exchange stage. From this analysis, a critical voltage criterion for breakdown is obtained. We anticipate this finding will provide guidance for a better application of plasma discharges, especially diaphragm plasma discharges.

Dynamics of electronic transitions and reemission spectra of attosecond electromagnetic pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matveev, V. I.; Makarov, D. N.

2014-05-01

The processes of reemission of attosecond electromagnetic pulses by systems in nonstationary states have been considered. The probabilities of the reemission of attosecond electromagnetic pulses at the resonance charge exchange of a proton on a hydrogen atom and at the decay of a quasistationary state, as well as the probabilities of the reemission of attosecond pulses by a system in a resonance external field, have been calculated as examples. The developed method can be applied to more complex targets, including targets in the collision state, and to various chemical reactions.

Optical fiber repeatered transmission systems utilizing SAW filters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosenberg, R. L.; Ross, D. G.; Trischitta, P. R.; Fishman, D. A.; Armitage, C. B.

1983-05-01

Baseband digital transmission-line systems capable of signaling rates of several hundred to several thousand Mbit/s are presently being developed around the world. The pulse regeneration process is gated by a timing wave which is synchronous with the symbol rate of the arriving pulse stream. Synchronization is achieved by extracting a timing wave from the arriving pulse stream, itself. To date, surface acoustic-wave (SAW) filters have been widely adopted for timing recovery in the in-line regenerators of high-bit-rate systems. The present investigation has the objective to acquaint the SAW community in general, and SAW filter suppliers in particular, with the requirements for timing recovery filters in repeatered digital transmission systems. Attention is given to the system structure, the timing loop function, the system requirements affecting the timing-recovery filter, the decision process, timing jitter accumulation, the filter 'ringing' requirement, and aspects of reliability.

SONOTECH, INC. FREQUENCY-TUNABLE PULSE COMBUSTION SYSTEM (CELLO PULSE BURNER) - INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION REPORT

EPA Science Inventory

Sonotech, Inc. (Sonotech) of Atlanta, Georgia, has developed a pulse combustion burner technology that claims to offer benefits when applied in a variety of combustion processes. The technology incorporates a combustor that can be tuned to induce large-amplitude acoustic or soni...

Pulse-Flow Microencapsulation System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morrison, Dennis R.

2006-01-01

The pulse-flow microencapsulation system (PFMS) is an automated system that continuously produces a stream of liquid-filled microcapsules for delivery of therapeutic agents to target tissues. Prior microencapsulation systems have relied on batch processes that involve transfer of batches between different apparatuses for different stages of production followed by sampling for acquisition of quality-control data, including measurements of size. In contrast, the PFMS is a single, microprocessor-controlled system that performs all processing steps, including acquisition of quality-control data. The quality-control data can be used as real-time feedback to ensure the production of large quantities of uniform microcapsules.

Neural pulse frequency modulation of an exponentially correlated Gaussian process

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hutchinson, C. E.; Chon, Y.-T.

1976-01-01

The effect of NPFM (Neural Pulse Frequency Modulation) on a stationary Gaussian input, namely an exponentially correlated Gaussian input, is investigated with special emphasis on the determination of the average number of pulses in unit time, known also as the average frequency of pulse occurrence. For some classes of stationary input processes where the formulation of the appropriate multidimensional Markov diffusion model of the input-plus-NPFM system is possible, the average impulse frequency may be obtained by a generalization of the approach adopted. The results are approximate and numerical, but are in close agreement with Monte Carlo computer simulation results.

Solids Erosion Patterns Developed by Pulse Jet Mixers

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

Bamberger, Judith A.; Pease, Leonard F.; Minette, Michael J.

Millions of gallons of radioactive waste are stored in underground storage tanks at the Hanford Site in Washington State. This waste will be vitrified at the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant that is under construction. Vessels in the pretreatment portion of the plant are being configured for processing waste slurries with challenging physical and rheological properties that range from Newtonian slurries to non-Newtonian sludge. Pulse jet mixing technology has been selected for mobilizing and mixing this waste. In the pulse jet mixing process, slurry is expelled from pulse tube nozzles directed towards the vessel floor. The expelled fluid forms amore » radial jet that erodes the settled layer of solids. The pulse tubes are configured in a ring or multiple rings and operate concurrently. The expelled fluid and mobilized solids traverse toward the center of the tank. At the tank center the jets from pulse tubes in the ring collide and lift solids upward in a central plume. At the end of the pulse, when the desired fluid volume is expelled from the pulse tube, the applied pressure switches to suction and the pulse tube is refilled. This cycle is used to mobilize and mix the tank contents. An initial step of the process is the erosion of solids from the vessel floor by the radial jets that form on the vessel flow beneath each pulse tube. Experiments have been conducted using simulants to evaluate the ability of the pulse jet mixing system radial jets to combine to develop the central upwell and lift solids into the vessel. These experiments have been conducted at three scales using a range of granular simulants over a range of concentrations. The vessels have elliptical, spherical, or flanged and dished bottoms. Process parameters evaluated include the velocity of fluid expelled from the pulse tube, the duration of the pulse and the duty cycle, the ratio of pulse duration to cycle time. Videos taken from beneath the vessel show the growth of the cleared area from each pulse tube as a function of time. All solids are lifted from the vessel bottom when the system is operating at the critical suspension velocity. The focus of this paper is to compare and contrast erosion patterns developed from different simulants and pulse tube configurations. The cases are evaluated to determine how changes in process parameters affects the PJM ability to mobilize solids from the vessel floor.« less

Application of Yb:YAG short pulse laser system

DOEpatents

Erbert, Gaylen V.; Biswal, Subrat; Bartolick, Joseph M.; Stuart, Brent C.; Crane, John K.; Telford, Steve; Perry, Michael D.

2004-07-06

A diode pumped, high power (at least 20W), short pulse (up to 2 ps), chirped pulse amplified laser using Yb:YAG as the gain material is employed for material processing. Yb:YAG is used as the gain medium for both a regenerative amplifier and a high power 4-pass amplifier. A single common reflective grating optical device is used to both stretch pulses for amplification purposes and to recompress amplified pulses before being directed to a workpiece.

Digital Radar-Signal Processors Implemented in FPGAs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berkun, Andrew; Andraka, Ray

2004-01-01

High-performance digital electronic circuits for onboard processing of return signals in an airborne precipitation- measuring radar system have been implemented in commercially available field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). Previously, it was standard practice to downlink the radar-return data to a ground station for postprocessing a costly practice that prevents the nearly-real-time use of the data for automated targeting. In principle, the onboard processing could be performed by a system of about 20 personal- computer-type microprocessors; relative to such a system, the present FPGA-based processor is much smaller and consumes much less power. Alternatively, the onboard processing could be performed by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), but in comparison with an ASIC implementation, the present FPGA implementation offers the advantages of (1) greater flexibility for research applications like the present one and (2) lower cost in the small production volumes typical of research applications. The generation and processing of signals in the airborne precipitation measuring radar system in question involves the following especially notable steps: The system utilizes a total of four channels two carrier frequencies and two polarizations at each frequency. The system uses pulse compression: that is, the transmitted pulse is spread out in time and the received echo of the pulse is processed with a matched filter to despread it. The return signal is band-limited and digitally demodulated to a complex baseband signal that, for each pulse, comprises a large number of samples. Each complex pair of samples (denoted a range gate in radar terminology) is associated with a numerical index that corresponds to a specific time offset from the beginning of the radar pulse, so that each such pair represents the energy reflected from a specific range. This energy and the average echo power are computed. The phase of each range bin is compared to the previous echo by complex conjugate multiplication to obtain the mean Doppler shift (and hence the mean and variance of the velocity of precipitation) of the echo at that range.

Analysis of Voltage and Current Signal Processing in a Li-ion Battery Management System

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-09-01

SUBJECT TERMS Pulsed Power, Charger, Buck Converter, Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Lithium - ion Batteries 16. PRICE CODE 17. SECURITY...Congressional Research Service. July 31, 2000. [3] F. E. Filler, “A Pulsed Power System Design Using Lithium - ion Batteries and One Charger per Battery

Simulation of the impact of refractive surgery ablative laser pulses with a flying-spot laser beam on intrasurgery corneal temperature.

PubMed

Shraiki, Mario; Arba-Mosquera, Samuel

2011-06-01

To evaluate ablation algorithms and temperature changes in laser refractive surgery. The model (virtual laser system [VLS]) simulates different physical effects of an entire surgical process, simulating the shot-by-shot ablation process based on a modeled beam profile. The model is comprehensive and directly considers applied correction; corneal geometry, including astigmatism; laser beam characteristics; and ablative spot properties. Pulse lists collected from actual treatments were used to simulate the temperature increase during the ablation process. Ablation efficiency reduction in the periphery resulted in a lower peripheral temperature increase. Steep corneas had lesser temperature increases than flat ones. The maximum rise in temperature depends on the spatial density of the ablation pulses. For the same number of ablative pulses, myopic corrections showed the highest temperature increase, followed by myopic astigmatism, mixed astigmatism, phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK), hyperopic astigmatism, and hyperopic treatments. The proposed model can be used, at relatively low cost, for calibration, verification, and validation of the laser systems used for ablation processes and would directly improve the quality of the results.

Investigation of interaction femtosecond laser pulses with skin and eyes mathematical model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rogov, P. U.; Smirnov, S. V.; Semenova, V. A.; Melnik, M. V.; Bespalov, V. G.

2016-08-01

We present a mathematical model of linear and nonlinear processes that takes place under the action of femtosecond laser radiation on the cutaneous covering. The study is carried out and the analytical solution of the set of equations describing the dynamics of the electron and atomic subsystems and investigated the processes of linear and nonlinear interaction of femtosecond laser pulses in the vitreous of the human eye, revealed the dependence of the pulse duration on the retina of the duration of the input pulse and found the value of the radiation power density, in which there is a self-focusing is obtained. The results of the work can be used to determine the maximum acceptable energy, generated by femtosecond laser systems, and to develop Russian laser safety standards for femtosecond laser systems.

Numerical analysis of breakdown dynamics dependence on pulse width in laser-induced damage in fused silica: Role of optical system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamam, Kholoud A.; Gamal, Yosr E. E.-D.

2018-06-01

We report a numerical investigation of the breakdown and damage in fused silica caused by ultra-short laser pulses. The study based on a modified model (Gaabour et al., 2012) that solves the rate equation numerically for the electron density evolution during the laser pulse, under the combined effect of both multiphoton and electron impact ionization processes. Besides, electron loss processes due to diffusion out of the focal volume and recombination are also considered in this analysis. The model is applied to investigate the threshold intensity dependence on laser pulse width in the experimental measurements that are given by Liu et al. (2005). In this experiment, a Ti-sapphire laser source operating at 800 nm with pulse duration varies between 240 fs and 2.5 ps is used to irradiate a bulk of fused silica with dimensions 10 × 5 × 3 mm. The laser beam was focused into the bulk using two optical systems with effective numerical apertures (NA) 0.126 and 0.255 to give beam spot radius at the focus of the order 2.0 μm and 0.95 μm respectively. Reasonable agreement between the calculated thresholds and the measured ones is attained. Moreover, a study is performed to examine the respective role of the physical processes of the breakdown of fused silica in relation to the pulse width and focusing optical system. The analysis revealed a real picture of the location and size of the generated plasma.

Time-resolved single-shot terahertz time-domain spectroscopy for ultrafast irreversible processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhai, Zhao-Hui; Zhong, Sen-Cheng; Li, Jun; Zhu, Li-Guo; Meng, Kun; Li, Jiang; Liu, Qiao; Peng, Qi-Xian; Li, Ze-Ren; Zhao, Jian-Heng

2016-09-01

Pulsed terahertz spectroscopy is suitable for spectroscopic diagnostics of ultrafast events. However, the study of irreversible or single shot ultrafast events requires ability to record transient properties at multiple time delays, i.e., time resolved at single shot level, which is not available currently. Here by angular multiplexing use of femtosecond laser pulses, we developed and demonstrated a time resolved, transient terahertz time domain spectroscopy technique, where burst mode THz pulses were generated and then detected in a single shot measurement manner. The burst mode THz pulses contain 2 sub-THz pulses, and the time gap between them is adjustable up to 1 ns with picosecond accuracy, thus it can be used to probe the single shot event at two different time delays. The system can detect the sub-THz pulses at 0.1 THz-2.5 THz range with signal to noise ratio (SNR) of ˜400 and spectrum resolution of 0.05 THz. System design was described here, and optimizations of single shot measurement of THz pulses were discussed in detail. Methods to improve SNR were also discussed in detail. A system application was demonstrated where pulsed THz signals at different time delays of the ultrafast process were successfully acquired within single shot measurement. This time resolved transient terahertz time domain spectroscopy technique provides a new diagnostic tool for irreversible or single shot ultrafast events where dynamic information can be extracted at terahertz range within one-shot experiment.

Time-resolved single-shot terahertz time-domain spectroscopy for ultrafast irreversible processes.

PubMed

Zhai, Zhao-Hui; Zhong, Sen-Cheng; Li, Jun; Zhu, Li-Guo; Meng, Kun; Li, Jiang; Liu, Qiao; Peng, Qi-Xian; Li, Ze-Ren; Zhao, Jian-Heng

2016-09-01

Pulsed terahertz spectroscopy is suitable for spectroscopic diagnostics of ultrafast events. However, the study of irreversible or single shot ultrafast events requires ability to record transient properties at multiple time delays, i.e., time resolved at single shot level, which is not available currently. Here by angular multiplexing use of femtosecond laser pulses, we developed and demonstrated a time resolved, transient terahertz time domain spectroscopy technique, where burst mode THz pulses were generated and then detected in a single shot measurement manner. The burst mode THz pulses contain 2 sub-THz pulses, and the time gap between them is adjustable up to 1 ns with picosecond accuracy, thus it can be used to probe the single shot event at two different time delays. The system can detect the sub-THz pulses at 0.1 THz-2.5 THz range with signal to noise ratio (SNR) of ∼400 and spectrum resolution of 0.05 THz. System design was described here, and optimizations of single shot measurement of THz pulses were discussed in detail. Methods to improve SNR were also discussed in detail. A system application was demonstrated where pulsed THz signals at different time delays of the ultrafast process were successfully acquired within single shot measurement. This time resolved transient terahertz time domain spectroscopy technique provides a new diagnostic tool for irreversible or single shot ultrafast events where dynamic information can be extracted at terahertz range within one-shot experiment.

Copper vapor laser acoustic thermometry system

DOEpatents

Galkowski, Joseph J.

1987-01-01

A copper vapor laser (CVL) acoustic thermometry system is disclosed. The invention couples an acoustic pulse a predetermined distance into a laser tube by means of a transducer and an alumina rod such that an echo pulse is returned along the alumina rod to the point of entry. The time differential between the point of entry of the acoustic pulse into the laser tube and the exit of the echo pulse is related to the temperature at the predetermined distance within the laser tube. This information is processed and can provide an accurate indication of the average temperature within the laser tube.

Fuel Line Based Acoustic Flame-Out Detection System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Puster, Richard L. (Inventor); Franke, John M. (Inventor)

1997-01-01

An acoustic flame-out detection system that renders a large high pressure combustor safe in the event of a flame-out and possible explosive reignition. A dynamic pressure transducer is placed in the fuel and detects the stabilizing fuel pressure oscillations, caused by the combustion process. An electric circuit converts the signal from the combustion vortices, and transmitted to the fuel flow to a series of pulses. A missing pulse detector counts the pulses and continuously resets itself. If three consecutive pulses are missing, the circuit closes the fuel valve. With fuel denied the combustor is shut down or restarted under controlled conditions.

A photodiode amplifier system for pulse-by-pulse intensity measurement of an x-ray free electron laser.

PubMed

Kudo, Togo; Tono, Kensuke; Yabashi, Makina; Togashi, Tadashi; Sato, Takahiro; Inubushi, Yuichi; Omodani, Motohiko; Kirihara, Yoichi; Matsushita, Tomohiro; Kobayashi, Kazuo; Yamaga, Mitsuhiro; Uchiyama, Sadayuki; Hatsui, Takaki

2012-04-01

We have developed a single-shot intensity-measurement system using a silicon positive-intrinsic-negative (PIN) photodiode for x-ray pulses from an x-ray free electron laser. A wide dynamic range (10(3)-10(11) photons/pulse) and long distance signal transmission (>100 m) were required for this measurement system. For this purpose, we developed charge-sensitive and shaping amplifiers, which can process charge pulses with a wide dynamic range and variable durations (ns-μs) and charge levels (pC-μC). Output signals from the amplifiers were transmitted to a data acquisition system through a long cable in the form of a differential signal. The x-ray pulse intensities were calculated from the peak values of the signals by a waveform fitting procedure. This system can measure 10(3)-10(9) photons/pulse of ~10 keV x-rays by direct irradiation of a silicon PIN photodiode, and from 10(7)-10(11) photons/pulse by detecting the x-rays scattered by a diamond film using the silicon PIN photodiode. This system gives a relative accuracy of ~10(-3) with a proper gain setting of the amplifiers for each measurement. Using this system, we succeeded in detecting weak light at the developmental phase of the light source, as well as intense light during lasing of the x-ray free electron laser. © 2012 American Institute of Physics

Method and apparatus for signal processing in a sensor system for use in spectroscopy

DOEpatents

O'Connor, Paul [Bellport, NY; DeGeronimo, Gianluigi [Nesconset, NY; Grosholz, Joseph [Natrona Heights, PA

2008-05-27

A method for processing pulses arriving randomly in time on at least one channel using multiple peak detectors includes asynchronously selecting a non-busy peak detector (PD) in response to a pulse-generated trigger signal, connecting the channel to the selected PD in response to the trigger signal, and detecting a pulse peak amplitude. Amplitude and time of arrival data are output in first-in first-out (FIFO) sequence. An apparatus includes trigger comparators to generate the trigger signal for the pulse-receiving channel, PDs, a switch for connecting the channel to the selected PD, and logic circuitry which maintains the write pointer. Also included, time-to-amplitude converters (TACs) convert time of arrival to analog voltage and an analog multiplexer provides FIFO output. A multi-element sensor system for spectroscopy includes detector elements, channels, trigger comparators, PDs, a switch, and a logic circuit with asynchronous write pointer. The system includes TACs, a multiplexer and analog-to-digital converter.

A survey on signals and systems in ambulatory blood pressure monitoring using pulse transit time.

PubMed

Buxi, Dilpreet; Redouté, Jean-Michel; Yuce, Mehmet Rasit

2015-03-01

Blood pressure monitoring based on pulse transit or arrival time has been the focus of much research in order to design ambulatory blood pressure monitors. The accuracy of these monitors is limited by several challenges, such as acquisition and processing of physiological signals as well as changes in vascular tone and the pre-ejection period. In this work, a literature survey covering recent developments is presented in order to identify gaps in the literature. The findings of the literature are classified according to three aspects. These are the calibration of pulse transit/arrival times to blood pressure, acquisition and processing of physiological signals and finally, the design of fully integrated blood pressure measurement systems. Alternative technologies as well as locations for the measurement of the pulse wave signal should be investigated in order to improve the accuracy during calibration. Furthermore, the integration and validation of monitoring systems needs to be improved in current ambulatory blood pressure monitors.

Note: Tesla based pulse generator for electrical breakdown study of liquid dielectrics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Veda Prakash, G.; Kumar, R.; Patel, J.; Saurabh, K.; Shyam, A.

2013-12-01

In the process of studying charge holding capability and delay time for breakdown in liquids under nanosecond (ns) time scales, a Tesla based pulse generator has been developed. Pulse generator is a combination of Tesla transformer, pulse forming line, a fast closing switch, and test chamber. Use of Tesla transformer over conventional Marx generators makes the pulse generator very compact, cost effective, and requires less maintenance. The system has been designed and developed to deliver maximum output voltage of 300 kV and rise time of the order of tens of nanoseconds. The paper deals with the system design parameters, breakdown test procedure, and various experimental results. To validate the pulse generator performance, experimental results have been compared with PSPICE simulation software and are in good agreement with simulation results.

TruMicro Series 2000 sub-400 fs class industrial fiber lasers: adjustment of laser parameters to process requirements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanal, Florian; Kahmann, Max; Tan, Chuong; Diekamp, Holger; Jansen, Florian; Scelle, Raphael; Budnicki, Aleksander; Sutter, Dirk

2017-02-01

The matchless properties of ultrashort laser pulses, such as the enabling of cold processing and non-linear absorption, pave the way to numerous novel applications. Ultrafast lasers arrived in the last decade at a level of reliability suitable for the industrial environment.1 Within the next years many industrial manufacturing processes in several markets will be replaced by laser-based processes due to their well-known benefits: These are non-contact wear-free processing, higher process accuracy or an increase of processing speed and often improved economic efficiency compared to conventional processes. Furthermore, new processes will arise with novel sources, addressing previously unsolved challenges. One technical requirement for these exciting new applications will be to optimize the large number of available parameters to the requirements of the application. In this work we present an ultrafast laser system distinguished by its capability to combine high flexibility and real time process-inherent adjustments of the parameters with industry-ready reliability. This industry-ready reliability is ensured by a long experience in designing and building ultrashort-pulse lasers in combination with rigorous optimization of the mechanical construction, optical components and the entire laser head for continuous performance. By introducing a new generation of mechanical design in the last few years, TRUMPF enabled its ultrashort-laser platforms to fulfill the very demanding requirements for passively coupling high-energy single-mode radiation into a hollow-core transport fiber. The laser architecture presented here is based on the all fiber MOPA (master oscillator power amplifier) CPA (chirped pulse amplification) technology. The pulses are generated in a high repetition rate mode-locked fiber oscillator also enabling flexible pulse bursts (groups of multiple pulses) with 20 ns intra-burst pulse separation. An external acousto-optic modulator (XAOM) enables linearization and multi-level quad-loop stabilization of the output power of the laser.2 In addition to the well-established platform latest developments addressed single-pulse energies up to 50 μJ and made femtosecond pulse durations available for the TruMicro Series 2000. Beyond these stabilization aspects this laser architecture together with other optical modules and combined with smart laser control software enables process-driven adjustments of the parameters (e. g. repetition rate, multi-pulse functionalities, pulse energy, pulse duration) by external signals, which will be presented in this work.

Single-shot, high-resolution, fiber-based phase-diversity photodetection of optical pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dorrer, C.; Waxer, L. J.; Kalb, A.; Hill, E. M.; Bromage, J.

2016-03-01

Temporally characterizing optical pulses is an important task when building, optimizing, and using optical sources. Direct photodetection with high-bandwidth photodiodes and real-time oscilloscopes is only adequate for optical pulses longer than ~10 ps; diagnostics based on indirect strategies are required to characterize femtosecond and sub-10-ps coherent sources. Most of these diagnostics are based on nonlinear optics and can be difficult to implement for the single-shot characterization of nonrepetitive events. A temporal diagnostic based on phase diversity is demonstrated in the context of picosecond high-energy laser systems, where single-shot pulse measurements are required for system safety and interpretation of experimental results. A plurality of ancillary optical pulses obtained by adding known amounts of chromatic dispersion to the pulse under test are directly measured by photodetection and processed to reconstruct the input pulse shape. This high-sensitivity (~50-pJ) diagnostic is based on a pulse replicator composed of fiber splitters and delay fibers, making it possible to operate with fiber sources and free-space sources after fiber coupling. Experimental data obtained with a high-bandwidth real-time oscilloscope demonstrate accurate characterization of pulses from a high-energy chirped-pulse amplification system, even for pulses shorter than the photodetection impulse response.

Amplifying modeling for broad bandwidth pulse in Nd:glass based on hybrid-broaden mechanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, J.; Liu, L.; Luo, B.; Wang, W.; Jing, F.; Wei, X.; Zhang, X.

2008-05-01

In this paper, the cross relaxation time is proposed to combine the homogeneous and inhomogeneous broaden mechanism for broad bandwidth pulse amplification model. The corresponding velocity equation, which can describe the response of inverse population on upper and low energy level of gain media to different frequency of pulse, is also put forward. The gain saturation and energy relaxation effect are also included in the velocity equation. Code named CPAP has been developed to simulate the amplifying process of broad bandwidth pulse in multi-pass laser system. The amplifying capability of multi-pass laser system is evaluated and gain narrowing and temporal shape distortion are also investigated when bandwidth of pulse and cross relaxation time of gain media are different. Results can benefit the design of high-energy PW laser system in LFRC, CAEP.

Innovative Bioreactor Development for Methanotrophic Biodegradation of Trichloroethylene

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-01-01

biodegradation ot TCE for system optimization and process scaleup; 4. To determine the advantage of pulsed flow over steady-state operation through computer...TCE to nonhazardous products. The process is co-metabolic, i.e., the microorganisms do not derive any energetic advantage from degradation of the TCE...proces-. aleup; 4. To determine the advantage of pulsed flow over steady-state operation through computer process simulation using the empirical Alvarez

High-resolution measurements of surface topography with airborne laser altimetry and the global positioning system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Garvin, James B.; Bufton, Jack L.; Cavanaugh, John F.; Krabill, William B.; Clem, Thomas D.; Frederick, Earl B.; Ward, John L.

1991-01-01

Recently, an airborne lidar system that measures laser pulse time-of-flight and the distortion of the pulse waveform upon reflection from earth surface terrain features was developed and is now operational. This instrument is combined with Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers and a two-axis gyroscope for accurate recovery of aircraft position and pointing attitude. The laser altimeter system is mounted on a high-altitude aircraft platform and operated in a repetitively-pulsed mode for measurements of surface elevation profiles at nadir. The laser transmitter makes use of recently developed short-pulse diode-pumped solid-state laser technology in Q-switched Nd:YAG operating at its fundamental wavelength of 1064 nm. A reflector telescope and silicon avalanche photodiode are the basis of the optical receiver. A high-speed time-interval unit and a separate high-bandwidth waveform digitizer under microcomputer control are used to process the backscattered pulses for measurements of terrain. Other aspects of the lidar system are briefly discussed.

Satellite tracking and Earth dynamics research programs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pearlman, M. R.

1984-01-01

Following an upgrading program, ranging performance capabilities of a satellite-tracking pulsed laser system were assessed in terms of range accuracy, range noise, data yield, and reliability. With a shorter laser pulse duration (2.5 to 3.0 NSEC) and a new analog pulse processing system, the systematic range errors were reduced to 3 to 5 cm and range noise was reduced to 5 to 16 cm and range noise was reduced to 5 to 15 cm on Starlette and BE-C, and 10 to 18 cm on LAGEOS. Maximum pulse repetition rate was increased to 30 pulses per minute and significant improvement was made in signal to noise ratio by installing a 3 A interference filter and by reducing the range gate window to 200 to 400 nsec. The solution to a problem involving leakage of a fraction of the laser oscillator pulse through the pulse chopper was outlined.

Statistical study of single and multiple pulse laser-induced damage in glasses.

PubMed

Gallais, L; Natoli, J; Amra, C

2002-12-16

Single and multiple pulse laser damage studies are performed in Suprasil silica and BK-7 borosilicate glasses. Experiments are made in the bulk of materials at 1.064microm with nanosecond pulses, using an accurate and reliable measurement system. By means of a statistical study on laser damage probabilities, we demonstrate that the same nano-precursors could be involved in the multiple shot and single shot damage process. A damage mechanism with two stages is then proposed to explain the results. Firstly, a pre-damage process, corresponding to material changes at a microscopic level, leads the precursor to a state that can induce a one-pulse damage. And secondly a final damage occurs, with a mechanism identical to the single shot case. For each material, a law is found to predict the precursor life-time. We can then deduce the long term life of optical elements in high-power laser systems submitted to multipulse irradiation.

System and method for generating micro-seismic events and characterizing properties of a medium with non-linear acoustic interactions

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

Vu, Cung Khac; Nihei, Kurt; Johnson, Paul A.

2015-12-29

A method and system includes generating a first coded acoustic signal including pulses each having a modulated signal at a central frequency; and a second coded acoustic signal each pulse of which includes a modulated signal a central frequency of which is a fraction d of the central frequency of the modulated signal for the corresponding pulse in the first plurality of pulses. A receiver detects a third signal generated by a non-linear mixing process in the mixing zone and the signal is processed to extract the third signal to obtain an emulated micro-seismic event signal occurring at the mixingmore » zone; and to characterize properties of the medium or creating a 3D image of the properties of the medium, or both, based on the emulated micro-seismic event signal.« less

Final Report for High Precision Short-Pulse Laser Ablation System for Medical Applications

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

Kim, B.M.; Feit, M.; Rubenchik, A.

2000-03-04

During the three year LDRD funding period, we studied the ablation characteristics of biological tissues using ultrashort pulse lasers (USPL) with pulse widths varying from 100 femtoseconds to tens of picoseconds. During the first year, we performed extensive theoretical studies to develop an improved understanding of the USPL ablation process. Two optical signals were tested for feasibility of use in real-time feedback systems during high repetition rate ablation. In the second year, we devised a real-time, feedback-controlled USPL ablation system, based on luminescence, which may be useful for sensitive micro-spinal surgeries. Effective laser parameters were identified to reduce collateral damage.more » The final year of the project focused on quantification of the pressure pulse induced by USPL ablation of water surfaces representing biological tissues. Results of these studies were presented in invited talks at domestic and international conferences and numerous journal articles were published (see bibliography). This effort has increased our scientific understanding of physical processes important for the therapeutic biomedical application of ultrashort pulse lasers, and has taken the first steps toward practical realization of such applications.« less

Tailpulse signal generator

DOEpatents

Baker, John [Walnut Creek, CA; Archer, Daniel E [Knoxville, TN; Luke, Stanley John [Pleasanton, CA; Decman, Daniel J [Livermore, CA; White, Gregory K [Livermore, CA

2009-06-23

A tailpulse signal generating/simulating apparatus, system, and method designed to produce electronic pulses which simulate tailpulses produced by a gamma radiation detector, including the pileup effect caused by the characteristic exponential decay of the detector pulses, and the random Poisson distribution pulse timing for radioactive materials. A digital signal process (DSP) is programmed and configured to produce digital values corresponding to pseudo-randomly selected pulse amplitudes and pseudo-randomly selected Poisson timing intervals of the tailpulses. Pulse amplitude values are exponentially decayed while outputting the digital value to a digital to analog converter (DAC). And pulse amplitudes of new pulses are added to decaying pulses to simulate the pileup effect for enhanced realism in the simulation.

Research of pulse signal processing based on sleep-monitoring alarm system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Kaisheng; Zeng, Yuan

2009-07-01

From pulse diagnosis of Chinese herbalist doctor to the research of cardiovascular system by modem iatrology,they all have showed and proved that human pulse has a good affinity with diseases,especially cardiovascular diseases. Human pulse contains much physical information, and it will be propitious to know the human healthy state early so as to get therapy and recovery early when pulse signal is often detected and analyzed. study how to use the embedded microcontroller to transmit physiological signal from human to personal computer by infrared communication, and the normal sphygmic parameter in one's sleeping is compared with the one measured in order to judge whether one's sleeping condition is normal, finally ascertain the best control plan.

A Compton suppressed detector multiplicity trigger based digital DAQ for gamma-ray spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, S.; Samanta, S.; Banik, R.; Bhattacharjee, R.; Basu, K.; Raut, R.; Ghugre, S. S.; Sinha, A. K.; Bhattacharya, S.; Imran, S.; Mukherjee, G.; Bhattacharyya, S.; Goswami, A.; Palit, R.; Tan, H.

2018-06-01

The development of a digitizer based pulse processing and data acquisition system for γ-ray spectroscopy with large detector arrays is presented. The system is based on 250 MHz 12-bit digitizers, and is triggered by a user chosen multiplicity of Compton suppressed detectors. The logic for trigger generation is similar to the one practised for analog (NIM/CAMAC) pulse processing electronics, while retaining the fast processing merits of the digitizer system. Codes for reduction of data acquired from the system have also been developed. The system has been tested with offline studies using radioactive sources as well as in the in-beam experiments with an array of Compton suppressed Clover detectors. The results obtained therefrom validate its use in spectroscopic efforts for nuclear structure investigations.

A rocket-borne pulse-height analyzer for energetic particle measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leung, W.; Smith, L. G.; Voss, H. D.

1979-01-01

The pulse-height analyzer basically resembles a time-sharing multiplexing data-acquisition system which acquires analog data (from energetic particle spectrometers) and converts them into digital code. The PHA simultaneously acquires pulse-height information from the analog signals of the four input channels and sequentially multiplexes the digitized data to a microprocessor. The PHA together with the microprocessor form an on-board real-time data-manipulation system. The system processes data obtained during the rocket flight and reduces the amount of data to be sent back to the ground station. Consequently the data-reduction process for the rocket experiments is speeded up. By using a time-sharing technique, the throughput rate of the microprocessor is increased. Moreover, data from several particle spectrometers are manipulated to share one information channel; consequently, the TM capacity is increased.

Optimal control of multiphoton ionization dynamics of small alkali aggregates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lindinger, A.; Bartelt, A.; Lupulescu, C.; Vajda, S.; Woste, Ludger

2003-11-01

We have performed transient multi-photon ionization experiments on small alkali clusters of different size in order to probe their wave packet dynamics, structural reorientations, charge transfers and dissociative events in different vibrationally excited electronic states including their ground state. The observed processes were highly dependent on the irradiated pulse parameters like wavelength range or its phase and amplitude; an emphasis to employ a feedback control system for generating the optimum pulse shapes. Their spectral and temporal behavior reflects interesting properties about the investigated system and the irradiated photo-chemical process. First, we present the vibrational dynamics of bound electronically excited states of alkali dimers and trimers. The scheme for observing the wave packet dynamics in the electronic ground state using stimulated Raman-pumping is shown. Since the employed pulse parameters significantly influence the efficiency of the irradiated dynamic pathways photo-induced ioniziation experiments were carried out. The controllability of 3-photon ionization pathways is investigated on the model-like systems NaK and K2. A closed learning loop for adaptive feedback control is used to find the optimal fs pulse shape. Sinusoidal parameterizations of the spectral phase modulation are investigated in regard to the obtained optimal field. By reducing the number of parameters and thereby the complexity of the phase moduation, optimal pulse shapes can be generated that carry fingerprints of the molecule's dynamical properties. This enables to find "understandable" optimal pulse forms and offers the possiblity to gain insight into the photo-induced control process. Characteristic motions of the involved wave packets are proposed to explain the optimized dynamic dissociation pathways.

Applying Hanford Tank Mixing Data to Define Pulse Jet Mixer Operation

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

Wells, Beric E.; Bamberger, Judith A.; Recknagle, Kurtis P.

Pulse jet mixed (PJM) process vessels are being developed for storing, blending, and chemical processing of nuclear waste slurries at the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) to be built at Hanford, Washington. These waste slurries exhibit variable process feed characteristics including Newtonian to non-Newtonian rheologies over a range of solids loadings. Waste feed to the WTP from the Hanford Tank Farms will be accomplished via the Waste Feed Delivery (WFD) system which includes million-gallon underground storage double-shell tanks (DSTs) with dual-opposed jet mixer pumps. Experience using WFD type jet mixer pumps to mobilize actual Hanford waste in DSTs maymore » be used to establish design threshold criteria of interest to pulse jet mixed process vessel operation. This paper describes a method to evaluate the pulse jet mixed vessel capability to process waste based on information obtained during mobilizing and suspending waste by the WFD system jet mixer pumps in a DST. Calculations of jet velocity and wall shear stress in a specific pulse jet mixed process vessel were performed using a commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code. The CFD-modelled process vessel consists of a 4.9-m- (16-ft-) diameter tank with a 2:1 semi-elliptical head, a single, 10-cm (4-in.) downward facing 60-degree conical nozzle, and a 0.61-m (24-in.) inside diameter PJM. The PJM is located at 70% of the vessel radius with the nozzle stand-off-distance 14 cm (6 in.) above the vessel head. The CFD modeled fluid velocity and wall shear stress can be used to estimate vessel waste-processing performance by comparison to available actual WFD system process data. Test data from the operation of jet mixer pumps in the 23-m (75-ft) diameter DSTs have demonstrated mobilization, solid particles in a sediment matrix were moved from their initial location, and suspension, mobilized solid particles were moved to a higher elevation in the vessel than their initial location, of waste solids. Jet mixer pumps were used in Hanford waste tank 241-AZ-101, and at least 95% of the 0.46-m (18-in.) deep sediment, with a shear strength of 1,500 to 4,200 Pa, was mobilized. Solids with a median particle size of 43 μm, 90th percentile of 94μm, were suspended in tank 241-AZ-101 to at least 5.5 m (216 in.) above the vessel bottom. Analytical calculations for this jet mixer pump test were used to estimate the velocities and wall shear stress that mobilized and suspended the waste. These velocities and wall shear stresses provide design threshold criteria which are metrics for system performance that can be evaluated via testing. If the fluid motion in a specific pulse jet mixed process vessel meets or exceeds the fluid motion of the demonstrated performance in the WFD system, confidence is provided that that vessel will similarly mobilize and suspend those solids if they were within the WTP. The single PJM CFD-calculated jet velocity and wall shear stress compare favorably with the design threshold criterion estimated for the tank 241-AZ-101 process data. Therefore, for both mobilization and suspension, the performance data evaluated from the WFD system testing increases confidence that the performance of the pulse jet mixed process vessels will be sufficient to process that waste even if that waste is not fully characterized.« less

Acoustic emission linear pulse holography

DOEpatents

Collins, H.D.; Busse, L.J.; Lemon, D.K.

1983-10-25

This device relates to the concept of and means for performing Acoustic Emission Linear Pulse Holography, which combines the advantages of linear holographic imaging and Acoustic Emission into a single non-destructive inspection system. This unique system produces a chronological, linear holographic image of a flaw by utilizing the acoustic energy emitted during crack growth. The innovation is the concept of utilizing the crack-generated acoustic emission energy to generate a chronological series of images of a growing crack by applying linear, pulse holographic processing to the acoustic emission data. The process is implemented by placing on a structure an array of piezoelectric sensors (typically 16 or 32 of them) near the defect location. A reference sensor is placed between the defect and the array.

Realizing Ultrafast Electron Pulse Self-Compression by Femtosecond Pulse Shaping Technique.

PubMed

Qi, Yingpeng; Pei, Minjie; Qi, Dalong; Yang, Yan; Jia, Tianqing; Zhang, Shian; Sun, Zhenrong

2015-10-01

Uncorrelated position and velocity distribution of the electron bunch at the photocathode from the residual energy greatly limit the transverse coherent length and the recompression ability. Here we first propose a femtosecond pulse-shaping method to realize the electron pulse self-compression in ultrafast electron diffraction system based on a point-to-point space-charge model. The positively chirped femtosecond laser pulse can correspondingly create the positively chirped electron bunch at the photocathode (such as metal-insulator heterojunction), and such a shaped electron pulse can realize the self-compression in the subsequent propagation process. The greatest advantage for our proposed scheme is that no additional components are introduced into the ultrafast electron diffraction system, which therefore does not affect the electron bunch shape. More importantly, this scheme can break the limitation that the electron pulse via postphotocathode static compression schemes is not shorter than the excitation laser pulse due to the uncorrelated position and velocity distribution of the initial electron bunch.

Oxidation of ammonium sulfite by a multi-needle-to-plate gas phase pulsed corona discharge reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Hua; Lu, Na; Shang, Kefeng; Li, Jie; Wu, Yan

2013-03-01

The oxidation of ammonium sulfite in the ammonia-based flue gas desulfurization (FGD) process was investigated in a multi-needle-to-plate gas phase pulsed corona discharge reactor in this paper. The effect of several parameters, including capacitance and peak pulse voltage of discharge system, electrode gap and bubbling gas flow rate on the oxidation rate of ammonium sulfite was reviewed. The oxidation rate of ammonium sulfite could reach 47.2% at the capacitance, the peak pulse voltage, electrode gap and bubbling gas flow rate equal to 2 nF, -24.6 k V, 35 mm and 4 L min-1 within treatment time of 40 min The experimental results indicate that the gas phase pulsed discharge system with a multi-needle-to-plate electrode can oxide the ammonium sulfite. The oxidation rate increased with the applied capacitance and peak pulse voltage and decreased with the electrode gap. As the bubbling gas flow rate increased, the oxidation rate increased first and then tended to reach a stationary value. These results would be important for the process optimization of the (NH4)2SO3 to (NH4)2SO4 oxidation.

Digital-holographic analysis of femtosecond laser-induced photodisruption in ocular tissue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saerchen, Emanuel; Biessy, Kevin; Kemper, Björn; Lubatschowski, Holger

2014-02-01

High repetition rated femtosecond laser oscillator systems with low pulse energy are more often applied for precise and safer eye surgery. Especially, the cutting procedure in the crystalline lens is of high important for presbyopia treatment. Nevertheless, the fundamental laser tissue interaction process is not completely understood, because apparently a self-induced process takes place, were one modified region changes the focusing behavior of following laser pulses. We used a MHz repetition rate femtosecond laser system with nJ-pulse energy which were focused inside an ocular-tissue-phantom (Hydroxy-ethylmethacrylat - HEMA) to induce photodisruption. The material change, caused by the fs-pulses was measured simultaneously with a compact digital-holographic microscope. To investigate the material manipulation at different time scales, we used a continuously illuminating light source. The holographic images provide quantitative values for optical path length difference (OPL), which is equivalent to a refractive index change. This change of the optical properties may cause following pulses to obtain different focusing conditions. Time lapse measurements during the laser application were performed, which show the temporal evolution of OPL. An increase of OPL during the laser application was measured, which was followed by a decrease in OPL after laser processing. Furthermore, similar experiments were performed in distilled water and in native porcine crystalline lenses. The fs-laser cutting effects in HEMA and crystalline lens were transferable. Simultaneous measurements of the material modification during the cutting process give rise to better knowledge of treatment modalities during ocular tissue processing.

An approximate theoretical treatment of ion transfer processes at asymmetric microscopic and nanoscopic liquid-liquid interfaces: Single and double potential pulse techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Molina, A.; Laborda, E.; Compton, R. G.

2014-03-01

Simple theory for the electrochemical study of reversible ion transfer processes at micro- and nano-liquid|liquid interfaces supported on a capillary is presented. Closed-form expressions are obtained for the response in normal pulse and differential double pulse voltammetries, which describe adequately the particular behaviour of these systems due to the ‘asymmetric’ ion diffusion inside and outside the capillary. The use of different potential pulse techniques for the determination of the formal potential and diffusion coefficients of the ion is examined. For this, very simple analytical expressions are presented for the half-wave potential in NPV and the peak potential in DDPV.

Short range radio locator system

DOEpatents

McEwan, Thomas E.

1996-01-01

A radio location system comprises a wireless transmitter that outputs two megahertz period bursts of two gigahertz radar carrier signals. A receiver system determines the position of the transmitter by the relative arrival of the radar bursts at several component receivers set up to have a favorable geometry and each one having a known location. One receiver provides a synchronizing gating pulse to itself and all the other receivers to sample the ether for the radar pulse. The rate of the synchronizing gating pulse is slightly offset from the rate of the radar bursts themselves, so that each sample collects one finely-detailed piece of information about the time-of-flight of the radar pulse to each receiver each pulse period. Thousands of sequential pulse periods provide corresponding thousand of pieces of information about the time-of-flight of the radar pulse to each receiver, in expanded, not real time. Therefore the signal processing can be done with relatively low-frequency, inexpensive components. A conventional microcomputer is then used to find the position of the transmitter by geometric triangulation based on the relative time-of-flight information.

Counting-loss correction for X-ray spectroscopy using unit impulse pulse shaping.

PubMed

Hong, Xu; Zhou, Jianbin; Ni, Shijun; Ma, Yingjie; Yao, Jianfeng; Zhou, Wei; Liu, Yi; Wang, Min

2018-03-01

High-precision measurement of X-ray spectra is affected by the statistical fluctuation of the X-ray beam under low-counting-rate conditions. It is also limited by counting loss resulting from the dead-time of the system and pile-up pulse effects, especially in a high-counting-rate environment. In this paper a detection system based on a FAST-SDD detector and a new kind of unit impulse pulse-shaping method is presented, for counting-loss correction in X-ray spectroscopy. The unit impulse pulse-shaping method is evolved by inverse deviation of the pulse from a reset-type preamplifier and a C-R shaper. It is applied to obtain the true incoming rate of the system based on a general fast-slow channel processing model. The pulses in the fast channel are shaped to unit impulse pulse shape which possesses small width and no undershoot. The counting rate in the fast channel is corrected by evaluating the dead-time of the fast channel before it is used to correct the counting loss in the slow channel.

Optically powered oil tank multichannel detection system with optical fiber link

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Zhijing

1998-08-01

A novel oil tanks integrative parameters measuring system with optically powered are presented. To realize optical powered and micro-power consumption multiple channels and parameters detection, the system has taken the PWM/PPM modulation, ratio measurement, time division multiplexing and pulse width division multiplexing techniques. Moreover, the system also used special pulse width discriminator and single-chip microcomputer to accomplish signal pulse separation, PPM/PWM signal demodulation, the error correction of overlapping pulse and data processing. This new transducer has provided with high characteristics: experimental transmitting distance is 500m; total consumption of the probes is less than 150 (mu) W; measurement error: +/- 0.5 degrees C and +/- 0.2 percent FS. The measurement accuracy of the liquid level and reserves is mainly determined by the pressure accuracy. Finally, some points of the experiment are given.

High-rate dead-time corrections in a general purpose digital pulse processing system

PubMed Central

Abbene, Leonardo; Gerardi, Gaetano

2015-01-01

Dead-time losses are well recognized and studied drawbacks in counting and spectroscopic systems. In this work the abilities on dead-time correction of a real-time digital pulse processing (DPP) system for high-rate high-resolution radiation measurements are presented. The DPP system, through a fast and slow analysis of the output waveform from radiation detectors, is able to perform multi-parameter analysis (arrival time, pulse width, pulse height, pulse shape, etc.) at high input counting rates (ICRs), allowing accurate counting loss corrections even for variable or transient radiations. The fast analysis is used to obtain both the ICR and energy spectra with high throughput, while the slow analysis is used to obtain high-resolution energy spectra. A complete characterization of the counting capabilities, through both theoretical and experimental approaches, was performed. The dead-time modeling, the throughput curves, the experimental time-interval distributions (TIDs) and the counting uncertainty of the recorded events of both the fast and the slow channels, measured with a planar CdTe (cadmium telluride) detector, will be presented. The throughput formula of a series of two types of dead-times is also derived. The results of dead-time corrections, performed through different methods, will be reported and discussed, pointing out the error on ICR estimation and the simplicity of the procedure. Accurate ICR estimations (nonlinearity < 0.5%) were performed by using the time widths and the TIDs (using 10 ns time bin width) of the detected pulses up to 2.2 Mcps. The digital system allows, after a simple parameter setting, different and sophisticated procedures for dead-time correction, traditionally implemented in complex/dedicated systems and time-consuming set-ups. PMID:26289270

Oxidation of S(IV) in Seawater by Pulsed High Voltage Discharge Plasma with TiO2/Ti Electrode as Catalyst

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gong, Jianying; Zhang, Xingwang; Wang, Xiaoping; Lei, Lecheng

2013-12-01

Oxidation of S(IV) to S(VI) in the effluent of a flue gas desulfurization(FGD) system is very critical for industrial applications of seawater FGD. This paper reports a pulsed corona discharge oxidation process combined with a TiO2 photocatalyst to convert S(IV) to S(VI) in artificial seawater. Experimental results show that the oxidation of S(IV) in artificial seawater is enhanced in the pulsed discharge plasma process through the application of TiO2 coating electrodes. The oxidation rate of S(IV) using Ti metal as a ground electrode is about 2.0×10-4 mol · L-1 · min-1, the oxidation rate using TiO2/Ti electrode prepared by annealing at 500°C in air is 4.5×10-4 mol · L-1 · min-1, an increase with a factor 2.25. The annealing temperature for preparing TiO2/Ti electrode has a strong effect on the oxidation of S(IV) in artificial seawater. The results of in-situ emission spectroscopic analysis show that chemically active species (i.e. hydroxyl radicals and oxygen radicals) are produced in the pulsed discharge plasma process. Compared with the traditional air oxidation process and the sole plasma-induced oxidation process, the combined application of TiO2 photocatalysts and a pulsed high-voltage electrical discharge process is useful in enhancing the energy and conversion efficiency of S(IV) for the seawater FGD system.

[Spectral diagnosis of hydroxyl radical in multiphase pulsed discharge system].

PubMed

Wang, Hui-juan; Li, Jie; Quan, Xie; Wu, Yan; Li, Guo-feng

2007-12-01

A gas-liquid hybrid pulsed discharge system with a multi-needle-to-plate electrode geometry was used in the present study. A multiphase (gas-liquid-solid) pulsed discharge system was then formed by adding glasses beads immobilized with TiO2 photocatalyst into the discharge system. In the present paper, ultraviolet light produced during the pulsed discharge process was used as the lamp-house to induce the photocatalytic activity of the TiO2 photocatalyst. The synergistic effect of pulsed discharge and TiO2 photocatalysis was reviewed by the spectral diagnosis of hydroxyl radical ( *OH) in the pulsed discharge system. The obtained results showed that the emission spectrum of *OH could be observed at 306 nm (A2Sigma+-->X2II), 309 mn (A2Sigma+ (v' = 0) --> X2II (v" = 0)) and 313 nm (A2Sigma+ (v' = 1) --> X2II (v" = 1) transition). The relative emission intensity of *OH at 313 nm in the discharge system was the strongest among the three characteristic spectra. The relative emission intensity of *OH at 313 nm was stronger by adding TiO2 photocatalyst into the pulsed discharge system than that in the sole pulsed discharge system. In the case of experiments that changing the gas bubbling varieties and initial solution pH values, the results revealed that the relative emission intensity of *OH at 313 nm in the synergistic system was stronger when Ar was used as bubbling gas compared with that when air and oxygen were bubbled into the reaction system. Furthermore, the acidic solution system was favorable for producing more *OH, and therefore the corresponding emission intensity of *OH at 313 nm was stronger than that in the neutral and basic solution.

A 70 kV solid-state high voltage pulse generator based on saturable pulse transformer.

PubMed

Fan, Xuliang; Liu, Jinliang

2014-02-01

High voltage pulse generators are widely applied in many fields. In recent years, solid-state and operating at repetitive mode are the most important developing trends of high voltage pulse generators. A solid-state high voltage pulse generator based on saturable pulse transformer is proposed in this paper. The proposed generator is consisted of three parts. They are charging system, triggering system, and the major loop. Saturable pulse transformer is the key component of the whole generator, which acts as a step-up transformer and main switch during working process of this generator. The circuit and working principles of the proposed pulse generator are introduced first in this paper, and the saturable pulse transformer used in this generator is introduced in detail. Circuit of the major loop is simulated to verify the design of the system. Demonstration experiments are carried out, and the results show that when the primary energy storage capacitor is charged to a high voltage, such as 2.5 kV, a voltage with amplitude of 86 kV can be achieved on the secondary winding. The magnetic core of saturable pulse transformer is saturated deeply and the saturable inductance of the secondary windings is very small. The switch function of the saturable pulse transformer can be realized ideally. Therefore, a 71 kV output voltage pulse is formed on the load. Moreover, the magnetic core of the saturable pulse transformer can be reset automatically.

Rotary wave-ejector enhanced pulse detonation engine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nalim, M. R.; Izzy, Z. A.; Akbari, P.

2012-01-01

The use of a non-steady ejector based on wave rotor technology is modeled for pulse detonation engine performance improvement and for compatibility with turbomachinery components in hybrid propulsion systems. The rotary wave ejector device integrates a pulse detonation process with an efficient momentum transfer process in specially shaped channels of a single wave-rotor component. In this paper, a quasi-one-dimensional numerical model is developed to help design the basic geometry and operating parameters of the device. The unsteady combustion and flow processes are simulated and compared with a baseline PDE without ejector enhancement. A preliminary performance assessment is presented for the wave ejector configuration, considering the effect of key geometric parameters, which are selected for high specific impulse. It is shown that the rotary wave ejector concept has significant potential for thrust augmentation relative to a basic pulse detonation engine.

Femtosecond laser processing of NiPd single and 5x(Ni/Pd) multilayer thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petrović, S.; Gaković, B.; Zamfirescu, M.; Radu, C.; Peruško, D.; Radak, B.; Ristoscu, C.; Zdravković, S.; Luculescu, C. L.; Mihailescu, I. N.

2017-09-01

Modification of single and complex nickel-palladium samples by laser processing in the femtosecond time domain was studied. The samples were processed by focused Ti:Sapphire laser beam (Clark CPA-2101) with 775 nm laser wavelength, 2 kHz repetition rate, 200 fs pulse duration. The laser-induced morphological modifications have shown dependence on the applied fluences and number of laser pulses. The formed surface nanostructures on the single NiPd/Si and multilayer 5x(Ni/Pd)/Si systems are compared with individual Ni and Pd thin films. The results show an increase in surface roughness, formation of parallel periodic surface structures, appearance of hydrodynamic features and ablation of surface material. At low number of pulses (less than 10 pulses) and low pulse energies range (not over 1.7 μJ), the two types of laser-induced periodic surface structure (LIPSS) can be observed: low and high spatial frequency LIPSS (HSFL and LSFL). For all samples, the measured LSFL periods were 720 nm for the ripples created solely on thin film surfaces during the single pulse action. In the case of the multi-pulse irradiation, the periodicities of created LSFLs on the all investigated thin films have shown tendency to reduction with increasing of pulse energies.

Spatiotemporal optical pulse transformation by a resonant diffraction grating

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

Golovastikov, N. V.; Bykov, D. A., E-mail: bykovd@gmail.com; Doskolovich, L. L., E-mail: leonid@smr.ru

The diffraction of a spatiotemporal optical pulse by a resonant diffraction grating is considered. The pulse diffraction is described in terms of the signal (the spatiotemporal incident pulse envelope) passage through a linear system. An analytic approximation in the form of a rational function of two variables corresponding to the angular and spatial frequencies has been obtained for the transfer function of the system. A hyperbolic partial differential equation describing the general form of the incident pulse envelope transformation upon diffraction by a resonant diffraction grating has been derived from the transfer function. A solution of this equation has beenmore » obtained for the case of normal incidence of a pulse with a central frequency lying near the guided-mode resonance of a diffraction structure. The presented results of numerical simulations of pulse diffraction by a resonant grating show profound changes in the pulse envelope shape that closely correspond to the proposed theoretical description. The results of the paper can be applied in creating new devices for optical pulse shape transformation, in optical information processing problems, and analog optical computations.« less

Web-based multi-channel analyzer

DOEpatents

Gritzo, Russ E.

2003-12-23

The present invention provides an improved multi-channel analyzer designed to conveniently gather, process, and distribute spectrographic pulse data. The multi-channel analyzer may operate on a computer system having memory, a processor, and the capability to connect to a network and to receive digitized spectrographic pulses. The multi-channel analyzer may have a software module integrated with a general-purpose operating system that may receive digitized spectrographic pulses for at least 10,000 pulses per second. The multi-channel analyzer may further have a user-level software module that may receive user-specified controls dictating the operation of the multi-channel analyzer, making the multi-channel analyzer customizable by the end-user. The user-level software may further categorize and conveniently distribute spectrographic pulse data employing non-proprietary, standard communication protocols and formats.

Optical integrator for optical dark-soliton detection and pulse shaping.

PubMed

Ngo, Nam Quoc

2006-09-10

The design and analysis of an Nth-order optical integrator using the digital filter technique is presented. The optical integrator is synthesized using planar-waveguide technology. It is shown that a first-order optical integrator can be used as an optical dark-soliton detector by converting an optical dark-soliton pulse into an optical bell-shaped pulse for ease of detection. The optical integrators can generate an optical step function, staircase function, and paraboliclike functions from input optical Gaussian pulses. The optical integrators may be potentially used as basic building blocks of all-optical signal processing systems because the time integrals of signals may sometimes be required for further use or analysis. Furthermore, an optical integrator may be used for the shaping of optical pulses or in an optical feedback control system.

Enhancement of the design of a pulsed UV laser system for a laser-desorption mass spectrometer on Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolleck, C.; Büttner, A.; Ernst, M.; Hunnekuhl, M.; Hülsenbusch, T.; Moalem, A.; Priehs, M.; Kracht, D.; Neumann, J.

2017-11-01

A laser-desorption mass spectrometer will be part of the ESA-led ExoMars mission with the objective of identifying organic molecules on planet Mars. A UV laser source emitting nanosecond pulses with pulse energy of about 250 μJ at a wavelength of 266 nm is required for the ionization of nonvolatile soil constituents. A passively q-switched, diode-pumped Nd∶YAG laser oscillator with external frequency quadrupling has been developed. The basic optical concept and a previously developed flight-near prototype are redesigned for the engineering qualification model of the laser, mainly due to requirements updated during the development process and necessary system adaptations. Performance issues like pulse energy stability, pulse energy adjustment, and burst mode operation are presented in this paper.

Experimental Observation of Fermi-Pasta-Ulam Recurrence in a Nonlinear Feedback Ring System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Mingzhong; Patton, Carl E.

2007-01-01

Fermi-Pasta-Ulam recurrence through soliton dynamics has been realized. The experiment used a magnetic film strip-based active feedback ring. At some ring gain level, a wide spin wave pulse is self-generated in the ring. As the pulse circulates, it separates into two envelop solitons with different speeds. When the fast soliton catches up and collides with the slow soliton, the initial wide pulse is perfectly reconstructed. The repetition of this process leads to periodic recurrences of the initial pulse.

An all-solid-state microsecond-range quasi-square pulse generator based on fractional-turn ratio saturable pulse transformer and anti-resonance network.

PubMed

Chen, Rong; Yang, Jianhua; Cheng, Xinbing; Pan, Zilong

2017-03-01

High voltage pulse generators are widely applied in a number of fields. Defense and industrial applications stimulated intense interests in the area of pulsed power technology towards the system with high power, high repetition rate, solid state characteristics, and compact structure. An all-solid-state microsecond-range quasi-square pulse generator based on a fractional-turn ratio saturable pulse transformer and anti-resonance network is proposed in this paper. This generator consists of a charging system, a step-up system, and a modulating system. In this generator, the fractional-turn ratio saturable pulse transformer is the key component since it acts as a step-up transformer and a main switch during the working process. Demonstrative experiments show that if the primary storage capacitors are charged to 400 V, a quasi-square pulse with amplitude of about 29 kV can be achieved on a 3500 Ω resistive load, as well as the pulse duration (full width at half maximum) of about 1.3 μs. Preliminary repetition rate experiments are also carried out, which indicate that this pulse generator could work stably with the repetition rates of 30 Hz and 50 Hz. It can be concluded that this kind of all-solid-state microsecond-range quasi-square pulse generator can not only lower both the operating voltage of the primary windings and the saturable inductance of the secondary windings, thus ideally realizing the magnetic switch function of the fractional-turn ratio saturable pulse transformer, but also achieve a quasi-square pulse with high quality and fixed flat top after the modulation of a two-section anti-resonance network. This generator can be applied in areas of large power microwave sources, sterilization, disinfection, and wastewater treatment.

Pulsed EMAT (Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer) acoustic measurements on a horizontal continuous caster for internal temperature determination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boyd, Donald M.

1989-10-01

Development of a Pulsed Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) through transmission system for acoustic measurements on steel billets up to 1300 C was completed. Laboratory measurements of acoustic velocity were made, and used to determine the average internal temperature of hot stainless and carbon steel billets. Following the success of the laboratory system development, the laboratory EMAT system was subsequently tested successfully at the Baltimore Specialty Steel Co. on a horizontal continuous caster. Details of the sensor system development and the steel plant demonstration results are presented. Future directions for the high temperature pulsed EMAT internal temperature concept are discussed for potential material processing applications.

Signatures of two-photon pulses from a quantum two-level system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fischer, Kevin A.; Hanschke, Lukas; Wierzbowski, Jakob; Simmet, Tobias; Dory, Constantin; Finley, Jonathan J.; Vučković, Jelena; Müller, Kai

2017-07-01

A two-level atom can generate a strong many-body interaction with light under pulsed excitation. The best known effect is single-photon generation, where a short Gaussian laser pulse is converted into a Lorentzian single-photon wavepacket. However, recent studies suggested that scattering of intense laser fields off a two-level atom may generate oscillations in two-photon emission that come out of phase with the Rabi oscillations, as the power of the pulse increases. Here, we provide an intuitive explanation for these oscillations using a quantum trajectory approach and show how they may preferentially result in emission of two-photon pulses. Experimentally, we observe the signatures of these oscillations by measuring the bunching of photon pulses scattered off a two-level quantum system. Our theory and measurements provide insight into the re-excitation process that plagues on-demand single-photon sources while suggesting the possibility of producing new multi-photon states.

Condition sensor system and method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polhemus, J. T.; Morgan, J. E.; Mandell, A. (Inventor)

1978-01-01

The condition sensor system comprises a condition detector which produces a pulse when a parameter of the monitored condition exceeds a desired threshold. A resettable condition counter counts each pulse. A resettable timer is preset to produce a particular time frame. The counter produces a condition signal when the accumulated number of pulses within the time frame is equal to or greater than a preset count. Control means responsive to the incoming pulses and to the condition signal produce control signals that control utilization devices. After a suitable delay, the last detected pulse simultaneously resets the pulse counter and the timer, and prepares them for sensing another condition occurrence within the time frame. The invention has particular utility in the process of detecting rocking motions of blind people. A controlled, audible, bio-feedback signal is provided which constitutes a warning to the blind person that he is rocking.

Observation and quantification of the quantum dynamics of a strong-field excited multi-level system.

PubMed

Liu, Zuoye; Wang, Quanjun; Ding, Jingjie; Cavaletto, Stefano M; Pfeifer, Thomas; Hu, Bitao

2017-01-04

The quantum dynamics of a V-type three-level system, whose two resonances are first excited by a weak probe pulse and subsequently modified by another strong one, is studied. The quantum dynamics of the multi-level system is closely related to the absorption spectrum of the transmitted probe pulse and its modification manifests itself as a modulation of the absorption line shape. Applying the dipole-control model, the modulation induced by the second strong pulse to the system's dynamics is quantified by eight intensity-dependent parameters, describing the self and inter-state contributions. The present study opens the route to control the quantum dynamics of multi-level systems and to quantify the quantum-control process.

Dendritic mechanisms contribute to stimulus-specific adaptation in an insect neuron

PubMed Central

Triblehorn, Jeffrey D.

2013-01-01

Reduced neuronal activation to repetitive stimulation is a common feature of information processing in nervous systems. Such stimulus-specific adaptation (SSA) occurs in many systems, but the underlying neural mechanisms are not well understood. The Neoconocephalus (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae) TN-1 auditory neuron exhibits an SSA-like process, characterized by reliably detecting deviant pulses after response cessation to common standard pulses. Therefore, TN-1 provides a model system to study the cellular mechanisms underlying SSA with an identified neuron. Here we test the hypothesis that dendritic mechanisms underlie TN-1 response cessation to fast-pulse rate repeated signals. Electrically stimulating TN-1 with either high-rate or continuous-current pulses resulted in a decreased ability in TN-1 to generate action potentials but failed to elicit cessation of spiking activity as observed with acoustic stimulation. BAPTA injection into TN-1 delayed the onset of response cessation to fast-pulse rate acoustic stimuli in TN-1 but did not eliminate it. These results indicate that calcium-mediated processes contribute to the fast cessation of spiking activity in TN-1 but are insufficient to cause spike cessation on its own. Replacing normal saline with low-Na+ saline (replacing sodium chloride with either lithium chloride or choline chloride) eliminated response cessation, and TN-1 no longer responded selectively to the deviant pulses. Sodium-mediated potassium channels are the most likely candidates underlying sodium-mediated response suppression in TN-1, triggered by Na+ influx in dendritic regions activated by acoustic stimuli. On the basis of these results, we present a model for a cellular mechanism for SSA in a single auditory neuron. PMID:23945779

Performance verification and system integration tests of the pulse shape processor for the soft x-ray spectrometer onboard ASTRO-H

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takeda, Sawako; Tashiro, Makoto S.; Ishisaki, Yoshitaka; Tsujimoto, Masahiro; Seta, Hiromi; Shimoda, Yuya; Yamaguchi, Sunao; Uehara, Sho; Terada, Yukikatsu; Fujimoto, Ryuichi; Mitsuda, Kazuhisa

2014-07-01

The soft X-ray spectrometer (SXS) aboard ASTRO-H is equipped with dedicated digital signal processing units called pulse shape processors (PSPs). The X-ray microcalorimeter system SXS has 36 sensor pixels, which are operated at 50 mK to measure heat input of X-ray photons and realize an energy resolution of 7 eV FWHM in the range 0.3-12.0 keV. Front-end signal processing electronics are used to filter and amplify the electrical pulse output from the sensor and for analog-to-digital conversion. The digitized pulses from the 36 pixels are multiplexed and are sent to the PSP over low-voltage differential signaling lines. Each of two identical PSP units consists of an FPGA board, which assists the hardware logic, and two CPU boards, which assist the onboard software. The FPGA board triggers at every pixel event and stores the triggering information as a pulse waveform in the installed memory. The CPU boards read the event data to evaluate pulse heights by an optimal filtering algorithm. The evaluated X-ray photon data (including the pixel ID, energy, and arrival time information) are transferred to the satellite data recorder along with event quality information. The PSP units have been developed and tested with the engineering model (EM) and the flight model. Utilizing the EM PSP, we successfully verified the entire hardware system and the basic software design of the PSPs, including their communication capability and signal processing performance. In this paper, we show the key metrics of the EM test, such as accuracy and synchronicity of sampling clocks, event grading capability, and resultant energy resolution.

Development and Exploration of the Core-Corona Model of Imploding Plasma Loads.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-07-01

cal relaxation processes can maintain an isothermal system . The final constraint in the original core-corona model equations was that of quasi-static...on the energy balance. The detailed physics of these upgrades and their improvement of the quantitative modeling of the system are discussed in the...participate in lengthening the radiaton pulse. 18 If such motion is favored in these systems , the impact on the radiation pulse length could be

Pulsed corona generation using a diode-based pulsed power generator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pemen, A. J. M.; Grekhov, I. V.; van Heesch, E. J. M.; Yan, K.; Nair, S. A.; Korotkov, S. V.

2003-10-01

Pulsed plasma techniques serve a wide range of unconventional processes, such as gas and water processing, hydrogen production, and nanotechnology. Extending research on promising applications, such as pulsed corona processing, depends to a great extent on the availability of reliable, efficient and repetitive high-voltage pulsed power technology. Heavy-duty opening switches are the most critical components in high-voltage pulsed power systems with inductive energy storage. At the Ioffe Institute, an unconventional switching mechanism has been found, based on the fast recovery process in a diode. This article discusses the application of such a "drift-step-recovery-diode" for pulsed corona plasma generation. The principle of the diode-based nanosecond high-voltage generator will be discussed. The generator will be coupled to a corona reactor via a transmission-line transformer. The advantages of this concept, such as easy voltage transformation, load matching, switch protection and easy coupling with a dc bias voltage, will be discussed. The developed circuit is tested at both a resistive load and various corona reactors. Methods to optimize the energy transfer to a corona reactor have been evaluated. The impedance matching between the pulse generator and corona reactor can be significantly improved by using a dc bias voltage. At good matching, the corona energy increases and less energy reflects back to the generator. Matching can also be slightly improved by increasing the temperature in the corona reactor. More effective is to reduce the reactor pressure.

Cumulative detection probabilities and range accuracy of a pulsed Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode laser ranging system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Hanjun; Ouyang, Zhengbiao; Liu, Qiang; Chen, Zhiliang; Lu, Hualan

2017-10-01

Cumulative pulses detection with appropriate cumulative pulses number and threshold has the ability to improve the detection performance of the pulsed laser ranging system with GM-APD. In this paper, based on Poisson statistics and multi-pulses cumulative process, the cumulative detection probabilities and their influence factors are investigated. With the normalized probability distribution of each time bin, the theoretical model of the range accuracy and precision is established, and the factors limiting the range accuracy and precision are discussed. The results show that the cumulative pulses detection can produce higher target detection probability and lower false alarm probability. However, for a heavy noise level and extremely weak echo intensity, the false alarm suppression performance of the cumulative pulses detection deteriorates quickly. The range accuracy and precision is another important parameter evaluating the detection performance, the echo intensity and pulse width are main influence factors on the range accuracy and precision, and higher range accuracy and precision is acquired with stronger echo intensity and narrower echo pulse width, for 5-ns echo pulse width, when the echo intensity is larger than 10, the range accuracy and precision lower than 7.5 cm can be achieved.

The pulse-pair algorithm as a robust estimator of turbulent weather spectral parameters using airborne pulse Doppler radar

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baxa, Ernest G., Jr.; Lee, Jonggil

1991-01-01

The pulse pair method for spectrum parameter estimation is commonly used in pulse Doppler weather radar signal processing since it is economical to implement and can be shown to be a maximum likelihood estimator. With the use of airborne weather radar for windshear detection, the turbulent weather and strong ground clutter return spectrum differs from that assumed in its derivation, so the performance robustness of the pulse pair technique must be understood. Here, the effect of radar system pulse to pulse phase jitter and signal spectrum skew on the pulse pair algorithm performance is discussed. Phase jitter effect may be significant when the weather return signal to clutter ratio is very low and clutter rejection filtering is attempted. The analysis can be used to develop design specifications for airborne radar system phase stability. It is also shown that the weather return spectrum skew can cause a significant bias in the pulse pair mean windspeed estimates, and that the poly pulse pair algorithm can reduce this bias. It is suggested that use of a spectrum mode estimator may be more appropriate in characterizing the windspeed within a radar range resolution cell for detection of hazardous windspeed gradients.

Asymmetric noise sensitivity of pulse trains in an excitable microlaser with delayed optical feedback

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Terrien, Soizic; Krauskopf, Bernd; Broderick, Neil G. R.; Andréoli, Louis; Selmi, Foued; Braive, Rémy; Beaudoin, Grégoire; Sagnes, Isabelle; Barbay, Sylvain

2017-10-01

A semiconductor micropillar laser with delayed optical feedback is considered. In the excitable regime, we show that a single optical perturbation can trigger a train of pulses that is sustained for a finite duration. The distribution of the pulse train duration exhibits an exponential behavior characteristic of a noise-induced process driven by uncorrelated white noise present in the system. The comparison of experimental observations with theoretical and numerical analysis of a minimal model yields excellent agreement. Importantly, the random switch-off process takes place between two attractors of different nature: an equilibrium and a periodic orbit. Our analysis shows that there is a small time window during which the pulsations are very sensitive to noise, and this explains the observed strong bias toward switch-off. These results raise the possibility of all optical control of the pulse train duration that may have an impact for practical applications in photonics and may also apply to the dynamics of other noise-driven excitable systems with delayed feedback.

Picosecond and femtosecond lasers for industrial material processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mayerhofer, R.; Serbin, J.; Deeg, F. W.

2016-03-01

Cold laser materials processing using ultra short pulsed lasers has become one of the most promising new technologies for high-precision cutting, ablation, drilling and marking of almost all types of material, without causing unwanted thermal damage to the part. These characteristics have opened up new application areas and materials for laser processing, allowing previously impossible features to be created and also reducing the amount of post-processing required to an absolute minimum, saving time and cost. However, short pulse widths are only one part of thee story for industrial manufacturing processes which focus on total costs and maximum productivity and production yield. Like every other production tool, ultra-short pulse lasers have too provide high quality results with maximum reliability. Robustness and global on-site support are vital factors, as well ass easy system integration.

High Mobility Flexible Amorphous IGZO Thin-Film Transistors with a Low Thermal Budget Ultra-Violet Pulsed Light Process.

PubMed

Benwadih, M; Coppard, R; Bonrad, K; Klyszcz, A; Vuillaume, D

2016-12-21

Amorphous, sol-gel processed, indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) transistors on plastic substrate with a printable gate dielectric and an electron mobility of 4.5 cm 2 /(V s), as well as a mobility of 7 cm 2 /(V s) on solid substrate (Si/SiO 2 ) are reported. These performances are obtained using a low temperature pulsed light annealing technique. Ultraviolet (UV) pulsed light system is an innovative technique compared to conventional (furnace or hot-plate) annealing process that we successfully implemented on sol-gel IGZO thin film transistors (TFTs) made on plastic substrate. The photonic annealing treatment has been optimized to obtain IGZO TFTs with significant electrical properties. Organic gate dielectric layers deposited on this pulsed UV light annealed films have also been optimized. This technique is very promising for the development of amorphous IGZO TFTs on plastic substrates.

Analyzing Pulse-Code Modulation On A Small Computer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Massey, David E.

1988-01-01

System for analysis pulse-code modulation (PCM) comprises personal computer, computer program, and peripheral interface adapter on circuit board that plugs into expansion bus of computer. Functions essentially as "snapshot" PCM decommutator, which accepts and stores thousands of frames of PCM data, sifts through them repeatedly to process according to routines specified by operator. Enables faster testing and involves less equipment than older testing systems.

Experimental characterization and modeling for the growth rate of oxide coatings from liquid solutions of metalorganic precursors by ultrasonic pulsed injection in a cold-wall low-pressure reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krumdieck, Susan Pran

Several years ago, a method for depositing ceramic coatings called the Pulsed-MOCVD system was developed by the Raj group at Cornell University in association with Dr. Harvey Berger and Sono-Tek Corporation. The process was used to produce epitaxial thin films of TiO2 on sapphire substrates under conditions of low pressure, relatively high temperature, and very low growth rate. The system came to CU-Boulder when Professor Raj moved here in 1997. It is quite a simple technique and has several advantages over typical CVD systems. The purpose of this dissertation is two-fold; (1) understand the chemical processes, thermodynamics, and kinetics of the Pulsed-MOCVD technique, and (2) determine the possible applications by studying the film structure and morphology over the entire range of deposition conditions. Polycrystalline coatings of ceramic materials were deposited on nickel in the low-pressure, cold-wall reactor from metalorganic precursors, titanium isopropoxide, and a mixture of zirconium isopropoxide and yttria isopropoxide. The process utilized pulsed liquid injection of a dilute precursor solution with atomization by ultrasonic nozzle. Thin films (less than 1mum) with fine-grained microstructure and thick coatings (up to 1mum) with columnar-microstructure were deposited on heated metal substrates by thermal decomposition of a single liquid precursor. The influence of each of the primary deposition parameters, substrate temperature, total flow rate, and precursor concentration on growth rate, conversion efficiency and morphology were investigated. The operating conditions were determined for kinetic, mass transfer, and evaporation process control regimes. Kinetic controlled deposition was found to produce equiaxed morphology while mass transfer controlled deposition produced columnar morphology. A kinetic model of the deposition process was developed and compared to data for deposition of TiO2 from Ti(OC3H7) 4 precursor. The results demonstrate that growth rate and morphology over the range of process operating conditions would make the Pulsed-MOCVD system suitable for application of thermal barrier coatings, electrical insulating layers, corrosion protection coatings, and the electrolyte layers in solid oxide fuel cells.

In-flight performance of pulse-processing system of the ASTRO-H/Hitomi soft x-ray spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishisaki, Yoshitaka; Yamada, Shinya; Seta, Hiromi; Tashiro, Makoto S.; Takeda, Sawako; Terada, Yukikatsu; Kato, Yuka; Tsujimoto, Masahiro; Koyama, Shu; Mitsuda, Kazuhisa; Sawada, Makoto; Boyce, Kevin R.; Chiao, Meng P.; Watanabe, Tomomi; Leutenegger, Maurice A.; Eckart, Megan E.; Porter, Frederick Scott; Kilbourne, Caroline Anne

2018-01-01

We summarize results of the initial in-orbit performance of the pulse shape processor (PSP) of the soft x-ray spectrometer instrument onboard ASTRO-H (Hitomi). Event formats, kind of telemetry, and the pulse-processing parameters are described, and the parameter settings in orbit are listed. The PSP was powered-on 2 days after launch, and the event threshold was lowered in orbit. The PSP worked fine in orbit, and there was neither memory error nor SpaceWire communication error until the break-up of spacecraft. Time assignment, electrical crosstalk, and the event screening criteria are studied. It is confirmed that the event processing rate at 100% central processing unit load is ˜200 c / s / array, compliant with the requirement on the PSP.

Recombination Processes on Low Bandgap Antimonides for Thermophotovoltaic Applications

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

Saroop, Sudesh

1999-09-01

Recombination processes in antimonide-based (TPV) devices have been investigated using a technique, in which a Nd-YAG pulsed laser is materials for thermophotovoltaic radio-frequency (RF) photoreflectance used to excite excess carriers and the short-pulse response and photoconductivity decay are monitored with an inductively-coupled non-contacting RF probe. The system has been used to characterize surface and bulk recombination mechanisms in Sb-based materials.

Single-pulse picking at kHz repetition rates using a Ge plasma switch at the free-electron laser FELBE.

PubMed

Schmidt, J; Winnerl, S; Seidel, W; Bauer, C; Gensch, M; Schneider, H; Helm, M

2015-06-01

We demonstrate a system for picking of mid-infrared and terahertz (THz) radiation pulses from the free-electron laser (FEL) FELBE operating at a repetition rate of 13 MHz. Single pulses are reflected by a dense electron-hole plasma in a Ge slab that is photoexcited by amplified near-infrared (NIR) laser systems operating at repetition rates of 1 kHz and 100 kHz, respectively. The peak intensity of picked pulses is up to 400 times larger than the peak intensity of residual pulses. The required NIR fluence for picking pulses at wavelengths in the range from 5 μm to 30 μm is discussed. In addition, we show that the reflectivity of the plasma decays on a time scale from 100 ps to 1 ns dependent on the wavelengths of the FEL and the NIR laser. The plasma switch enables experiments with the FEL that require high peak power but lower average power. Furthermore, the system is well suited to investigate processes with decay times in the μs to ms regime, i.e., much longer than the 77 ns long pulse repetition period of FELBE.

Single-pulse picking at kHz repetition rates using a Ge plasma switch at the free-electron laser FELBE

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

Schmidt, J., E-mail: j.schmidt@hzdr.de; Helm, M.; Technische Universität Dresden, 01062 Dresden

2015-06-15

We demonstrate a system for picking of mid-infrared and terahertz (THz) radiation pulses from the free-electron laser (FEL) FELBE operating at a repetition rate of 13 MHz. Single pulses are reflected by a dense electron-hole plasma in a Ge slab that is photoexcited by amplified near-infrared (NIR) laser systems operating at repetition rates of 1 kHz and 100 kHz, respectively. The peak intensity of picked pulses is up to 400 times larger than the peak intensity of residual pulses. The required NIR fluence for picking pulses at wavelengths in the range from 5 μm to 30 μm is discussed. Inmore » addition, we show that the reflectivity of the plasma decays on a time scale from 100 ps to 1 ns dependent on the wavelengths of the FEL and the NIR laser. The plasma switch enables experiments with the FEL that require high peak power but lower average power. Furthermore, the system is well suited to investigate processes with decay times in the μs to ms regime, i.e., much longer than the 77 ns long pulse repetition period of FELBE.« less

Short range radio locator system

DOEpatents

McEwan, T.E.

1996-12-31

A radio location system comprises a wireless transmitter that outputs two megahertz period bursts of two gigahertz radar carrier signals. A receiver system determines the position of the transmitter by the relative arrival of the radar bursts at several component receivers set up to have a favorable geometry and each one having a known location. One receiver provides a synchronizing gating pulse to itself and all the other receivers. The rate of the synchronizing gating pulse is slightly offset from the rate of the radar bursts themselves, so that each sample collects one finely-detailed piece of information about the time-of-flight of the radar pulse to each receiver each pulse period. Thousands of sequential pulse periods provide corresponding thousand of pieces of information about the time-of-flight of the radar pulse to each receiver, in expanded, not real time. Therefore the signal processing can be done with relatively low-frequency, inexpensive components. A conventional microcomputer is then used to find the position of the transmitter by geometric triangulation based on the relative time-of-flight information. 5 figs.

Highly Efficient Vector-Inversion Pulse Generators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rose, Franklin

2004-01-01

Improved transmission-line pulse generators of the vector-inversion type are being developed as lightweight sources of pulsed high voltage for diverse applications, including spacecraft thrusters, portable x-ray imaging systems, impulse radar systems, and corona-discharge systems for sterilizing gases. In this development, more than the customary attention is paid to principles of operation and details of construction so as to the maximize the efficiency of the pulse-generation process while minimizing the sizes of components. An important element of this approach is segmenting a pulse generator in such a manner that the electric field in each segment is always below the threshold for electrical breakdown. One design of particular interest, a complete description of which was not available at the time of writing this article, involves two parallel-plate transmission lines that are wound on a mandrel, share a common conductor, and are switched in such a manner that the pulse generator is divided into a "fast" and a "slow" section. A major innovation in this design is the addition of ferrite to the "slow" section to reduce the size of the mandrel needed for a given efficiency.

Development and fabrication of a solar cell junction processing system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Banker, S.

1982-01-01

Development of a pulsed electron beam subsystem, wafer transport system, and ion implanter are discussed. A junction processing system integration and cost analysis are reviewed. Maintenance of the electron beam processor and the experimental test unit of the non-mass analyzed ion implanter is reviewed.

Pulsed power systems for environmental and industrial applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neau, E. L.

1994-10-01

The development of high peak power simulators, laser drivers, free electron lasers, and Inertial Confinement Fusion drivers is being extended to high average power short-pulse machines with the capabilities of performing new roles in environmental cleanup and industrial manufacturing processes. We discuss a new class of short-pulse, high average power accelerator that achieves megavolt electron and ion beams with 10's of kiloamperes of current and average power levels in excess of 100 kW. Large treatment areas are possible with these systems because kilojoules of energy are available in each output pulse. These systems can use large area x-ray converters for applications requiring grater depth of penetration such as food pasteurization and waste treatment. The combined development of this class of accelerators and applications, and Sandia National Laboratories, is called Quantum Manufacturing.

Chirped-pulse coherent-OTDR with predistortion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiong, Ji; Jiang, Jialin; Wu, Yue; Chen, Yongxiang; Xie, Lianlian; Fu, Yun; Wang, Zinan

2018-03-01

In this paper, a novel method for generating high-quality chirped pulses with IQ modulator is studied theoretically and experimentally, which is a crucial building block for high-performance coherent optical time-domain reflectometry (COTDR). In order to compensate the nonlinearity of the modulator transfer function, we present a predistortion technique for chirped-pulse coherent optical time-domain reflectometry (CP-COTDR), the arcsin predistortion method and the single sideband with a suppressed carrier analog modulation used to generate the high quality chirped optical pulse. The high order sidebands, due to the large amplitude of the modulation signal and the nonlinear transfer function of the IQ modulator, can be relieved by the predistortion process, which means the power and the quality of the generated chirped pulse has been improved. In the experiment, this method increases the peak power of the chirped pulse by 4.2 dB compared to the case without predistortion process, as for the CP-COTDR system, this method increases the signal-to-noise ratio of the demodulated phase variation by 6.3 dB.

Unstable and multiple pulsing can be invisible to ultrashort pulse measurement techniques

DOE PAGES

Rhodes, Michelle A.; Guang, Zhe; Trebino, Rick

2016-12-29

Here, multiple pulsing occurs in most ultrashort-pulse laser systems when pumped at excessively high powers, and small fluctuations in pump power in certain regimes can cause unusual variations in the temporal separations of sub-pulses. Unfortunately, the ability of modern intensity-and-phase pulse measurement techniques to measure such unstable multi-pulsing has not been studied. Here we report calculations and simulations finding that allowing variations in just the relative phase of a satellite pulse causes the second pulse to completely disappear from a spectral interferometry for direct electric field reconstruction (SPIDER) measurement. We find that, although neither frequency-resolved optical gating (FROG) nor autocorrelationmore » can determine the precise properties of satellite pulses due to the presence of instability, they always succeed in, at least, seeing the satellite pulses. Also, additional post-processing of the measured FROG trace can determine the correct approximate relative height of the satellite pulse and definitively indicate the presence of unstable multiple-pulsing.« less

Dual-pulse laser ignition of ethylene-air mixtures in a supersonic combustor.

PubMed

Yang, Leichao; An, Bin; Liang, Jianhan; Li, Xipeng; Wang, Zhenguo

2018-04-02

To reduce the energy of an individual laser pulse, dual-pulse laser ignitions (LIs) at various pulse intervals were investigated in a Mach 2.92 scramjet engine fueled with ethylene. For comparison, experiments on a single-pulse LI were also performed. Schlieren visualization and high-speed photography were employed to observe the ignition processes simultaneously. The results indicate that the energy of an individual laser pulse can be reduced by half via a dual-pulse LI method as compared with a single-pulse LI with the same total energy. The reduction of the individual laser pulse energy degrades the requirements on the laser source and the beam delivery system, which facilitates the practical application of LI in hypersonic vehicles. A pulse interval shorter than 40 μs is suggested for dual-pulse LI in the present study. Because of the intense heat loss and radical dissipation in high-speed flows, the pulse interval for dual-pulse LI should be short enough to narrow the spatial distribution of the initial flame kernel.

Unstable and multiple pulsing can be invisible to ultrashort pulse measurement techniques

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

Rhodes, Michelle A.; Guang, Zhe; Trebino, Rick

Here, multiple pulsing occurs in most ultrashort-pulse laser systems when pumped at excessively high powers, and small fluctuations in pump power in certain regimes can cause unusual variations in the temporal separations of sub-pulses. Unfortunately, the ability of modern intensity-and-phase pulse measurement techniques to measure such unstable multi-pulsing has not been studied. Here we report calculations and simulations finding that allowing variations in just the relative phase of a satellite pulse causes the second pulse to completely disappear from a spectral interferometry for direct electric field reconstruction (SPIDER) measurement. We find that, although neither frequency-resolved optical gating (FROG) nor autocorrelationmore » can determine the precise properties of satellite pulses due to the presence of instability, they always succeed in, at least, seeing the satellite pulses. Also, additional post-processing of the measured FROG trace can determine the correct approximate relative height of the satellite pulse and definitively indicate the presence of unstable multiple-pulsing.« less

Microsecond-scale electric field pulses in cloud lightning discharges

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Villanueva, Y.; Rakov, V. A.; Uman, M. A.; Brook, M.

1994-01-01

From wideband electric field records acquired using a 12-bit digitizing system with a 500-ns sampling interval, microsecond-scale pulses in different stages of cloud flashes in Florida and New Mexico are analyzed. Pulse occurrence statistics and waveshape characteristics are presented. The larger pulses tend to occur early in the flash, confirming the results of Bils et al. (1988) and in contrast with the three-stage representation of cloud-discharge electric fields suggested by Kitagawa and Brook (1960). Possible explanations for the discrepancy are discussed. The tendency for the larger pulses to occur early in the cloud flash suggests that they are related to the initial in-cloud channel formation processes and contradicts the common view found in the atmospheric radio-noise literature that the main sources of VLF/LF electromagnetic radiation in cloud flashes are the K processes which occur in the final, or J type, part of the cloud discharge.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

1997-05-01

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

Data Acquisition and Processing System for Airborne Wind Profiling with a Pulsed, 2-Micron, Coherent-Detection, Doppler Lidar System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beyon, J. Y.; Koch, G. J.; Kavaya, M. J.

2010-01-01

A data acquisition and signal processing system is being developed for a 2-micron airborne wind profiling coherent Doppler lidar system. This lidar, called the Doppler Aerosol Wind Lidar (DAWN), is based on a Ho:Tm:LuLiF laser transmitter and 15-cm diameter telescope. It is being packaged for flights onboard the NASA DC-8, with the first flights in the summer of 2010 in support of the NASA Genesis and Rapid Intensification Processes (GRIP) campaign for the study of hurricanes. The data acquisition and processing system is housed in a compact PCI chassis and consists of four components such as a digitizer, a digital signal processing (DSP) module, a video controller, and a serial port controller. The data acquisition and processing software (DAPS) is also being developed to control the system including real-time data analysis and display. The system detects an external 10 Hz trigger pulse and initiates the data acquisition and processing process, and displays selected wind profile parameters such as Doppler shift, power distribution, wind directions and velocities. Doppler shift created by aircraft motion is measured by an inertial navigation/GPS sensor and fed to the signal processing system for real-time removal of aircraft effects from wind measurements. A general overview of the system and the DAPS as well as the coherent Doppler lidar system is presented in this paper.

Drug injection into fat tissue with a laser based microjet injector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Tae-hee; Hah, Jung-moo; Yoh, Jack J.

2011-05-01

We have investigated a new micro drug jet injector using laser pulse energy. An infrared laser beam of high energy (˜3 J/pulse) is focused inside a driving fluid in a small chamber. The pulse then induces various energy releasing processes, and generates fast microjets through a micronozzle. The elastic membrane of this system plays an important role in transferring mechanical pressure and protecting drug from heat release. In this paper, we offer the sequential images of microjet generation taken by a high speed camera as an evidence of the multiple injections via single pulse. Furthermore, we test the proposed system to penetrate soft animal tissues in order to evaluate its feasibility as an advanced transdermal drug delivery method.

Electrochemical system and method for electropolishing superconductive radio frequency cavities

DOEpatents

Taylor, E. Jennings; Inman, Maria E.; Hall, Timothy

2015-04-14

An electrochemical finishing system for super conducting radio frequency (SCRF) cavities including a low viscosity electrolyte solution that is free of hydrofluoric acid, an electrode in contact with the electrolyte solution, the SCRF cavity being spaced apart from the electrode and in contact with the electrolyte solution and a power source including a first electrical lead electrically coupled to the electrode and a second electrical lead electrically coupled to the cavity, the power source being configured to pass an electric current between the electrode and the workpiece, wherein the electric current includes anodic pulses and cathodic pulses, and wherein the cathodic pulses are interposed between at least some of the anodic pulses. The SCRF cavity may be vertically oriented during the finishing process.

Pulse combusted acoustic agglomeration apparatus and process

DOEpatents

Mansour, Momtaz N.; Chandran, Ravi

1994-01-01

An improved apparatus and process for removal of particulates entrained in a gas stream are provided. The removal process employs a pulse combustor to provide an acoustic pressure wave to acoustically enhance agglomeration of particulates which may be collected and removed using a conventional separation apparatus. The apparatus may be employed as a direct fired system for improved operation of gas-operated equipment such as a gas turbine, or may, alternatively, be employed as an add-on subsystem for combustion exhaust clean-up. Additionally, added particulates may include a sorbent for effecting sorption of other contaminants such as sulfur. Various other particulates for contaminant removal may also be introduced into the system as exemplified by alkali-gettering agents.

Streamers and their applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pemen, A. J. M.

2011-10-01

In this invited lecture we give an overview of our 15 years of experience on streamer plasma research. Efforts are directed to integrating the competence areas of plasma physics, pulsed power technology and chemical processing. The current status is the development of a large scale pulsed corona system for gas treatment. Applications on biogas conditioning, VOC removal, odor abatement and control of traffic emissions have been demonstrated. Detailed research on electrical and chemical processes resulted in a boost of efficiencies. Energy transfer efficiency to the plasma was raised to above 90%. Simultaneous improvement of the plasma chemistry resulted in a highly efficient radical generation: O-radical production up to 50% of the theoretical maximum has been achieved. A major challenge in pulsed power driven streamers is to unravel, understand and ultimately control the complex interactions between the transient plasma, electrical circuits, and process. Even more a challenge is to yield electron energies that fit activation energies of the process. We will discuss our ideas on adjusting pulsed power waveforms and plasma reactor settings to obtain more controlled catalytic processing: the ``Chemical Transistor'' concept.

Visualization of evolving laser-generated structures by frequency domain tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Yenyu; Li, Zhengyan; Wang, Xiaoming; Zgadzaj, Rafal; Downer, Michael

2011-10-01

We introduce frequency domain tomography (FDT) for single-shot visualization of time-evolving refractive index structures (e.g. laser wakefields, nonlinear index structures) moving at light-speed. Previous researchers demonstrated single-shot frequency domain holography (FDH), in which a probe-reference pulse pair co- propagates with the laser-generated structure, to obtain snapshot-like images. However, in FDH, information about the structure's evolution is averaged. To visualize an evolving structure, we use several frequency domain streak cameras (FDSCs), in each of which a probe-reference pulse pair propagates at an angle to the propagation direction of the laser-generated structure. The combination of several FDSCs constitutes the FDT system. We will present experimental results for a 4-probe FDT system that has imaged the whole-beam self-focusing of a pump pulse propagating through glass in a single laser shot. Combining temporal and angle multiplexing methods, we successfully processed data from four probe pulses in one spectrometer in a single-shot. The output of data processing is a multi-frame movie of the self- focusing pulse. Our results promise the possibility of visualizing evolving laser wakefield structures that underlie laser-plasma accelerators used for multi-GeV electron acceleration.

Investigation of energy transport within a pulse tube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waldauf, A.; Schmauder, T.; Thürk, M.; Seidel, P.

2002-05-01

A compact Four-Valve Pulse Tube Refrigerator (FVPTR) in U-tube configuration without a reservoir has been built. At present, the cooler provides a minimum temperature of 32 K and 100 W of cooling power at 90 K with a nominal input power of 5.6 kW. Experiments were performed to study the special refrigeration mechanisms of the FVPTR. The highly instrumented system that includes gas temperature sensors, hot wire anemometers and pressure sensors is used to assess the p-V work and enthalpy flow at the key locations in the pulse tube. The experiments have enabled us to verify the various analytical models of the FVPTR. Based on the first law of thermodynamics for open systems we have estimated the gross refrigeration power for this special type of pulse tube refrigerator. Furthermore our model takes typical loss processes into consideration to analyze the real FVPTR process. These calculations need some assumptions about the real flow behavior and the time-dependent temperatures within the pulse tube. The accuracy of these assumptions will be checked by our experiments. By using these results a further technical improvement of our FVPTR should be possible.

Laser material processing system

DOEpatents

Dantus, Marcos

2015-04-28

A laser material processing system and method are provided. A further aspect of the present invention employs a laser for micromachining. In another aspect of the present invention, the system uses a hollow waveguide. In another aspect of the present invention, a laser beam pulse is given broad bandwidth for workpiece modification.

Optically activated switches for the generation of complex electrical waveforms with multigigahertz bandwidth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skeldon, Mark D.; Okishev, Andrey V.; Letzring, Samuel A.; Donaldson, William R.; Green, Kenton; Seka, Wolf D.; Fuller, Lynn F.

1995-01-01

An electrical pulse-generation system using two optically activated Si photoconductive switches can generate shaped electrical pulses with multigigahertz bandwidth. The Si switches are activated by an optical pulse whose leading edge is steepened by stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in CCl4. With the bandwidth generated by the SBS process, a laser having a 1- to 3-ns pulse width is used to generate electrical pulses with approximately 80-ps rise times (approximately 4-GHz bandwidth). Variable impedance microstrip lines are used to generate complex electrical waveforms that can be transferred to a matched load with minimal loss of bandwidth.

Dynamic in vivo imaging of small animal brain using pulsed laser diode-based photoacoustic tomography system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Upputuri, Paul Kumar; Pramanik, Manojit

2017-09-01

We demonstrate dynamic in vivo imaging using a low-cost portable pulsed laser diode (PLD)-based photoacoustic tomography system. The system takes advantage of an 803-nm PLD having high-repetition rate ˜7000 Hz combined with a fast-scanning single-element ultrasound transducer leading to a 5 s cross-sectional imaging. Cortical vasculature is imaged in scan time of 5 s with high signal-to-noise ratio ˜48. To examine the ability for dynamic imaging, we monitored the fast uptake and clearance process of indocyanine green in the rat brain. The system will find applications to study neurofunctional activities, characterization of pharmacokinetic, and biodistribution profiles in the development process of drugs or imaging agents.

The Maia Spectroscopy Detector System: Engineering for Integrated Pulse Capture, Low-Latency Scanning and Real-Time Processing

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

Kirkham, R.; Siddons, D.; Dunn, P.A.

2010-06-23

The Maia detector system is engineered for energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and elemental imaging at photon rates exceeding 10{sup 7}/s, integrated scanning of samples for pixel transit times as small as 50 {micro}s and high definition images of 10{sup 8} pixels and real-time processing of detected events for spectral deconvolution and online display of pure elemental images. The system developed by CSIRO and BNL combines a planar silicon 384 detector array, application-specific integrated circuits for pulse shaping and peak detection and sampling and optical data transmission to an FPGA-based pipelined, parallel processor. This paper describes the system and themore » underpinning engineering solutions.« less

Pulsed atmospheric fluidized bed combustor apparatus

DOEpatents

Mansour, Momtaz N.

1993-10-26

A pulsed atmospheric fluidized bed reactor system is disclosed and claimed along with a process for utilization of same for the combustion of, e.g. high sulfur content coal. The system affords a economical, ecologically acceptable alternative to oil and gas fired combustors. The apparatus may also be employed for endothermic reaction, combustion of waste products, e.g., organic and medical waste, drying materials, heating air, calcining and the like.

Numerical simulation of passively mode-locked fiber laser based on semiconductor optical amplifier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Jingwen; Jia, Dongfang; Zhang, Zhongyuan; Chen, Jiong; Liu, Tonghui; Wang, Zhaoying; Yang, Tianxin

2013-03-01

Passively mode-locked fiber laser (MLFL) has been widely used in many applications, such as optical communication system, industrial production, information processing, laser weapons and medical equipment. And many efforts have been done for obtaining lasers with small size, simple structure and shorter pulses. In recent years, nonlinear polarization rotation (NPR) in semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) has been studied and applied as a mode-locking mechanism. This kind of passively MLFL has faster operating speed and makes it easier to realize all-optical integration. In this paper, we had a thorough analysis of NPR effect in SOA. And we explained the principle of mode-locking by SOA and set up a numerical model for this mode-locking process. Besides we conducted a Matlab simulation of the mode-locking mechanism. We also analyzed results under different working conditions and several features of this mode-locking process are presented. Our simulation shows that: Firstly, initial pulse with the peak power exceeding certain threshold may be amplified and compressed, and stable mode-locking may be established. After about 25 round-trips, stable mode-locked pulse can be obtained which has peak power of 850mW and pulse-width of 780fs.Secondly, when the initial pulse-width is greater, narrowing process of pulse is sharper and it needs more round-trips to be stable. Lastly, the bias currents of SOA affect obviously the shape of mode-locked pulse and the mode-locked pulse with high peak power and narrow width can be obtained through adjusting reasonably the bias currents of SOA.

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

Praher, B., E-mail: bernhard.praher@jku.at, E-mail: klaus.straka@jku.at, E-mail: jesenka.usanovic@jku.at, E-mail: georg.steinbichler@jku.at; Straka, K., E-mail: bernhard.praher@jku.at, E-mail: klaus.straka@jku.at, E-mail: jesenka.usanovic@jku.at, E-mail: georg.steinbichler@jku.at; Usanovic, J., E-mail: bernhard.praher@jku.at, E-mail: klaus.straka@jku.at, E-mail: jesenka.usanovic@jku.at, E-mail: georg.steinbichler@jku.at

We developed novel non-invasive ultrasound based systems for the measurement of temperature distributions in the screw-ante chamber, the detection of unmelted granules and for the monitoring of the plasticizing process along the screw channel. The temperature of the polymer melt stored in the screw ante-chamber after the plasticization should be homogeneous. However, in reality the polymer melt in the screw ante-chamber is not homogeneous. Due to the fact the sound velocity in a polymer melt is temperature depending, we developed a tomography system using the measured transit times of ultrasonic pulses along different sound paths for calculating the temperature distributionmore » in radial direction of a polymer melt in the screw ante-chamber of an injection moulding machine. For the detection of unmelted granules in the polymer melt we implemented an ultrasound transmission measurement. By analyzing the attenuation of the received pulses it is possible to detect unwanted inclusions. For the monitoring of the plasticizing process in the channels of the screw an ultrasonic pulse is transmitted into the barrel. By analyzing the reflected pulses it is possible to estimate solid bed and melt regions in the screw channel. The proposed systems were tested for accuracy and validity by simulations and test measurements.« less

Level crossings and excess times due to a superposition of uncorrelated exponential pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Theodorsen, A.; Garcia, O. E.

2018-01-01

A well-known stochastic model for intermittent fluctuations in physical systems is investigated. The model is given by a superposition of uncorrelated exponential pulses, and the degree of pulse overlap is interpreted as an intermittency parameter. Expressions for excess time statistics, that is, the rate of level crossings above a given threshold and the average time spent above the threshold, are derived from the joint distribution of the process and its derivative. Limits of both high and low intermittency are investigated and compared to previously known results. In the case of a strongly intermittent process, the distribution of times spent above threshold is obtained analytically. This expression is verified numerically, and the distribution of times above threshold is explored for other intermittency regimes. The numerical simulations compare favorably to known results for the distribution of times above the mean threshold for an Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process. This contribution generalizes the excess time statistics for the stochastic model, which find applications in a wide diversity of natural and technological systems.

Comparison of retina damage thresholds simulating the femtosecond-laser in situ keratomileusis (fs-LASIK) process with two laser systems in the CW- and fs-regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sander, M.; Minet, O.; Zabarylo, U.; Müller, M.; Tetz, M. R.

2012-04-01

The femtosecond-laser in situ keratomileusis procedure affords the opportunity to correct ametropia by cutting transparent corneal tissue with ultra-short laser pulses. Thereby the tissue cut is generated by a laser-induced optical breakdown in the cornea with ultra-short laser pulses in the near-infrared range. Compared to standard procedures such as photorefractive keratectomy and laser in-situ keratomileusis with the excimer laser, where the risk potential for the eye is low due to the complete absorption of ultraviolet irradiation from corneal tissue, only a certain amount of the pulse energy is deposited in the cornea during the fs-LASIK process. The remaining energy propagates through the eye and interacts with the retina and the strong absorbing tissue layers behind. The objective of the presented study was to determine and compare the retina damage thresholds during the fs-LASIK process simulated with two various laser systems in the CW- and fs-regime.

Wave processes in the human cardiovascular system: The measuring complex, computing models, and diagnostic analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ganiev, R. F.; Reviznikov, D. L.; Rogoza, A. N.; Slastushenskiy, Yu. V.; Ukrainskiy, L. E.

2017-03-01

A description of a complex approach to investigation of nonlinear wave processes in the human cardiovascular system based on a combination of high-precision methods of measuring a pulse wave, mathematical methods of processing the empirical data, and methods of direct numerical modeling of hemodynamic processes in an arterial tree is given.

General purpose graphic processing unit implementation of adaptive pulse compression algorithms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Jingxiao; Zhang, Yan

2017-07-01

This study introduces a practical approach to implement real-time signal processing algorithms for general surveillance radar based on NVIDIA graphical processing units (GPUs). The pulse compression algorithms are implemented using compute unified device architecture (CUDA) libraries such as CUDA basic linear algebra subroutines and CUDA fast Fourier transform library, which are adopted from open source libraries and optimized for the NVIDIA GPUs. For more advanced, adaptive processing algorithms such as adaptive pulse compression, customized kernel optimization is needed and investigated. A statistical optimization approach is developed for this purpose without needing much knowledge of the physical configurations of the kernels. It was found that the kernel optimization approach can significantly improve the performance. Benchmark performance is compared with the CPU performance in terms of processing accelerations. The proposed implementation framework can be used in various radar systems including ground-based phased array radar, airborne sense and avoid radar, and aerospace surveillance radar.

An experimental analysis of process parameters to manufacture micro-channels in AISI H13 tempered steel by laser micro-milling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teixidor, D.; Ferrer, I.; Ciurana, J.

2012-04-01

This paper reports the characterization of laser machining (milling) process to manufacture micro-channels in order to understand the incidence of process parameters on the final features. Selection of process operational parameters is highly critical for successful laser micromachining. A set of designed experiments is carried out in a pulsed Nd:YAG laser system using AISI H13 hardened tool steel as work material. Several micro-channels have been manufactured as micro-mold cavities varying parameters such as scanning speed (SS), pulse intensity (PI) and pulse frequency (PF). Results are obtained by evaluating the dimensions and the surface finish of the micro-channel. The dimensions and shape of the micro-channels produced with laser-micro-milling process exhibit variations. In general the use of low scanning speeds increases the quality of the feature in both surface finishing and dimensional.

Molecular alignment effect on the photoassociation process via a pump-dump scheme.

PubMed

Wang, Bin-Bin; Han, Yong-Chang; Cong, Shu-Lin

2015-09-07

The photoassociation processes via the pump-dump scheme for the heternuclear (Na + H → NaH) and the homonuclear (Na + Na → Na2) molecular systems are studied, respectively, using the time-dependent quantum wavepacket method. For both systems, the initial atom pair in the continuum of the ground electronic state (X(1)Σ(+)) is associated into the molecule in the bound states of the excited state (A(1)Σ(+)) by the pump pulse. Then driven by a time-delayed dumping pulse, the prepared excited-state molecule can be transferred to the bound states of the ground electronic state. It is found that the pump process can induce a superposition of the rovibrational levels |v, j〉 on the excited state, which can lead to the field-free alignment of the excited-state molecule. The molecular alignment can affect the dumping process by varying the effective coupling intensity between the two electronic states or by varying the population transfer pathways. As a result, the final population transferred to the bound states of the ground electronic state varies periodically with the delay time of the dumping pulse.

Molecular alignment effect on the photoassociation process via a pump-dump scheme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Bin-Bin; Han, Yong-Chang; Cong, Shu-Lin

2015-09-01

The photoassociation processes via the pump-dump scheme for the heternuclear (Na + H → NaH) and the homonuclear (Na + Na → Na2) molecular systems are studied, respectively, using the time-dependent quantum wavepacket method. For both systems, the initial atom pair in the continuum of the ground electronic state (X1Σ+) is associated into the molecule in the bound states of the excited state (A1Σ+) by the pump pulse. Then driven by a time-delayed dumping pulse, the prepared excited-state molecule can be transferred to the bound states of the ground electronic state. It is found that the pump process can induce a superposition of the rovibrational levels |v, j> on the excited state, which can lead to the field-free alignment of the excited-state molecule. The molecular alignment can affect the dumping process by varying the effective coupling intensity between the two electronic states or by varying the population transfer pathways. As a result, the final population transferred to the bound states of the ground electronic state varies periodically with the delay time of the dumping pulse.

Airborne Wind Profiling With the Data Acquisition and Processing System for a Pulsed 2-Micron Coherent Doppler Lidar System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beyon, Jeffrey Y.; Koch, Grady J.; Kavaya, Michael J.

2012-01-01

A pulsed 2-micron coherent Doppler lidar system at NASA Langley Research Center in Virginia flew on the NASA's DC-8 aircraft during the NASA Genesis and Rapid Intensification Processes (GRIP) during the summer of 2010. The participation was part of the project Doppler Aerosol Wind Lidar (DAWN) Air. Selected results of airborne wind profiling are presented and compared with the dropsonde data for verification purposes. Panoramic presentations of different wind parameters over a nominal observation time span are also presented for selected GRIP data sets. The realtime data acquisition and analysis software that was employed during the GRIP campaign is introduced with its unique features.

Pulse combusted acoustic agglomeration apparatus and process

DOEpatents

Mansour, Momtaz N.

1993-01-01

An improved apparatus and process for removal of particulates entrained in a gas stream are provided. The removal process employs a pulse combustor to provide an acoustic pressure wave to acoustically enhance bimodal agglomeration of particulates which may be collected and removed using a conventional separation apparatus. A particulate having a size different from the size of the particulate in the gas stream to be cleaned is introduced into the system to effectuate the bimodal process. The apparatus may be employed as a direct fired system for improved operation of gas-operated equipment such as a gas turbine, or may, alternatively, be employed as an add-on subsystem for combustion exhaust clean-up. Additionally, the added particulate may be a sorbent for effecting sorption of other contaminants such as sulfur. Various other particulates for contaminant removal may also be introduced into the system as exemplified by alkali-gettering agents.

Considerations for human exposure standards for fast-rise-time high-peak-power electromagnetic pulses.

PubMed

Merritt, J H; Kiel, J L; Hurt, W D

1995-06-01

Development of new emitter systems capable of producing high-peak-power electromagnetic pulses with very fast rise times and narrow pulse widths is continuing. Such directed energy weapons systems will be used in the future to defeat electronically vulnerable targets. Human exposures to these pulses can be expected during testing and operations. Development of these technologies for radar and communications purposes has the potential for wider environmental exposure, as well. Current IEEE C95.1-1991 human exposure guidelines do not specifically address these types of pulses, though limits are stated for pulsed emissions. The process for developing standards includes an evaluation of the relevant bioeffects data base. A recommendation has been made that human exposure to ultrashort electromagnetic pulses that engender electromagnetic transients, called precursor waves, should be avoided. Studies that purport to show the potential for tissue damage induced by such pulses were described. The studies cited in support of the recommendation were not relevant to the issues of tissue damage by propagated pulses. A number of investigations are cited in this review that directly address the biological effects of electromagnetic pulses. These studies have not shown evidence of tissue damage as a result of exposure to high-peak-power pulsed microwaves. It is our opinion that the current guidelines are sufficiently protective for human exposure to these pulses.

A novel fiber laser development for photoacoustic microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yavas, Seydi; Aytac-Kipergil, Esra; Arabul, Mustafa U.; Erkol, Hakan; Akcaalan, Onder; Eldeniz, Y. Burak; Ilday, F. Omer; Unlu, Mehmet B.

2013-03-01

Photoacoustic microscopy, as an imaging modality, has shown promising results in imaging angiogenesis and cutaneous malignancies like melanoma, revealing systemic diseases including diabetes, hypertension, tracing drug efficiency and assessment of therapy, monitoring healing processes such as wound cicatrization, brain imaging and mapping. Clinically, photoacoustic microscopy is emerging as a capable diagnostic tool. Parameters of lasers used in photoacoustic microscopy, particularly, pulse duration, energy, pulse repetition frequency, and pulse-to-pulse stability affect signal amplitude and quality, data acquisition speed and indirectly, spatial resolution. Lasers used in photoacoustic microscopy are typically Q-switched lasers, low-power laser diodes, and recently, fiber lasers. Significantly, the key parameters cannot be adjusted independently of each other, whereas microvasculature and cellular imaging, e.g., have different requirements. Here, we report an integrated fiber laser system producing nanosecond pulses, covering the spectrum from 600 nm to 1100 nm, developed specifically for photoacoustic excitation. The system comprises of Yb-doped fiber oscillator and amplifier, an acousto-optic modulator and a photonic-crystal fiber to generate supercontinuum. Complete control over the pulse train, including generation of non-uniform pulse trains, is achieved via the AOM through custom-developed field-programmable gate-array electronics. The system is unique in that all the important parameters are adjustable: pulse duration in the range of 1-3 ns, pulse energy up to 10 μJ, repetition rate from 50 kHz to 3 MHz. Different photocoustic imaging probes can be excited with the ultrabroad spectrum. The entire system is fiber-integrated; guided-beam-propagation rendersit misalignment free and largely immune to mechanical perturbations. The laser is robust, low-cost and built using readily available components.

Floodtide pulses after low tides in shallow subembayments adjacent to deep channels

USGS Publications Warehouse

Warner, J.C.; Schoellhamer, D.H.; Ruhl, C.A.; Burau, J.R.

2004-01-01

In shallow waters surface gravity waves (tides) propagate with a speed proportional to the square root of water depth (c=g(h+η)). As the ratio of free surface displacement to mean depth (η/h) approaches unity the wave will travel noticeably faster at high tide than at low tide, creating asymmetries in the tidal form. This physical process is explained analytically by the increased significance of friction and the nonlinear terms in the continuity and momentum equations. In a tidal system comprising a shallow bay adjacent to a deeper channel, tidal asymmetries will be more prevalent in the shallow bay. Thus strong barotropic gradients can be generated between the two, producing rapid accelerations of currents into the bay (relative to other bay tidal processes) and create a maximum peak in the flood tide that we describe as a floodtide pulse. These floodtide pulses can promote a landward flux of suspended-sediment into the bay. In Grizzly Bay (part of northern San Francisco Bay, USA), field observations verify the occurrence of floodtide pulses during the lowest low tides of the year. No pulses were observed in neighboring Honker Bay, which has an average depth ~30 cm greater than Grizzly Bay. Numerical simulations of northern San Francisco Bay using realistic bathymetry demonstrated that floodtide pulses occurred in Grizzly Bay but not in Honker Bay, consistent with the observations. Both observations and numerical simulations show that floodtide pulses promote a landward flux of sediment into Grizzly Bay. Numerical simulations of an idealized bay-channel system quantify the importance of mean depth and friction in creating these floodtide pulses. 

Microcomponents manufacturing for precise devices by copper vapor laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gorny, Sergey; Nikonchuk, Michail O.; Polyakov, Igor V.

2001-06-01

This paper presents investigation results of drilling of metal microcomponents by copper vapor laser. The laser consists of master oscillator - spatial filter - amplifier system, electronics switching with digital control of laser pulse repetition rate and quantity of pulses, x-y stage with computer control system. Mass of metal, removed by one laser pulse, is measured and defined by means of diameter and depth of holes. Interaction of next pulses on drilled material is discussed. The difference between light absorption and metal evaporation processes is considered for drilling and cutting. Efficiency of drilling is estimated by ratio of evaporation heat and used laser energy. Maximum efficiency of steel cutting is calculated with experimental data of drilling. Applications of copper vapor laser for manufacturing is illustrated by such microcomponents as pin guide plate for printers, stents for cardio surgery, encoded disks for security systems and multiple slit masks for spectrophotometers.

A low-power high-speed ultra-wideband pulse radio transmission system.

PubMed

Wei Tang; Culurciello, E

2009-10-01

We present a low-power high-speed ultra-wideband (UWB) transmitter with a wireless transmission test platform. The system is specifically designed for low-power high-speed wireless implantable biosensors. The integrated transmitter consists of a compact pulse generator and a modulator. The circuit is fabricated in the 0.5-mum silicon-on-sapphire process and occupies 420 mum times 420 mum silicon area. The transmitter is capable of generating pulses with 1-ns width and the pulse rate can be controlled between 90 MHz and 270 MHz. We built a demonstration/testing system for the transmitter. The transmitter achieves a 14-Mb/s data rate. With 50% duty cycle data, the power consumption of the chip is between 10 mW and 21 mW when the transmission distance is from 3.2 to 4 m. The core circuit size is 70 mum times 130 mum.

Fiber laser micromachining of magnesium alloy tubes for biocompatible and biodegradable cardiovascular stents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Demir, Ali Gökhan; Previtali, Barbara; Colombo, Daniele; Ge, Qiang; Vedani, Maurizio; Petrini, Lorenza; Wu, Wei; Biffi, Carlo Alberto

2012-02-01

Magnesium alloys constitute an attractive solution for cardiovascular stent applications due to their intrinsic properties of biocompatibility and relatively low corrosion resistance in human-body fluids, which results in as a less intrusive treatment. Laser micromachining is the conventional process used to cut the stent mesh, which plays the key role for the accurate reproduction of the mesh design and the surface quality of the produced stent that are important factors in ensuring the mechanical and corrosion resistance properties of such a kind of devices. Traditionally continuous or pulsed laser systems working in microsecond pulse regime are employed for stent manufacturing. Pulsed fiber lasers on the other hand, are a relatively new solution which could balance productivity and quality aspects with shorter ns pulse durations and pulse energies in the order of mJ. This work reports the study of laser micromachining and of AZ31 magnesium alloy for the manufacturing of cardiovascular stents with a novel mesh design. A pulsed active fiber laser system operating in nanosecond pulse regime was employed for the micromachining. Laser parameters were studied for tubular cutting on a common stent material, AISI 316L tubes with 2 mm in diameter and 0.2 mm in thickness and on AZ31 tubes with 2.5 mm in diameter and 0.2 in thickness. In both cases process parameters conditions were examined for reactive and inert gas cutting solutions and the final stent quality is compared.

Improved pulse laser ranging algorithm based on high speed sampling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Xuan-yi; Qian, Rui-hai; Zhang, Yan-mei; Li, Huan; Guo, Hai-chao; He, Shi-jie; Guo, Xiao-kang

2016-10-01

Narrow pulse laser ranging achieves long-range target detection using laser pulse with low divergent beams. Pulse laser ranging is widely used in military, industrial, civil, engineering and transportation field. In this paper, an improved narrow pulse laser ranging algorithm is studied based on the high speed sampling. Firstly, theoretical simulation models have been built and analyzed including the laser emission and pulse laser ranging algorithm. An improved pulse ranging algorithm is developed. This new algorithm combines the matched filter algorithm and the constant fraction discrimination (CFD) algorithm. After the algorithm simulation, a laser ranging hardware system is set up to implement the improved algorithm. The laser ranging hardware system includes a laser diode, a laser detector and a high sample rate data logging circuit. Subsequently, using Verilog HDL language, the improved algorithm is implemented in the FPGA chip based on fusion of the matched filter algorithm and the CFD algorithm. Finally, the laser ranging experiment is carried out to test the improved algorithm ranging performance comparing to the matched filter algorithm and the CFD algorithm using the laser ranging hardware system. The test analysis result demonstrates that the laser ranging hardware system realized the high speed processing and high speed sampling data transmission. The algorithm analysis result presents that the improved algorithm achieves 0.3m distance ranging precision. The improved algorithm analysis result meets the expected effect, which is consistent with the theoretical simulation.

Transponder data processing methods and systems

DOEpatents

Axline, Robert M.

2003-06-10

This invention is a radar/tag system where pulses from a radar cause a tag (or transponder) to respond to the radar. The radar, along with its conventional pulse transmissions, sends a reference signal to the tag. The tag recovers the reference signal and uses it to shift the center frequency of the received radar pulse to a different frequency. This shift causes the frequencies of the tag response pulses to be disjoint from those of the transmit pulse. In this way, radar clutter can be eliminated from the tag responses. The radar predicts, to within a small Doppler offset, the center frequency of tag response pulses. The radar can create synthetic-aperture-radar-like images and moving-target-indicator-radar-like maps containing the signature of the tag against a background of thermal noise and greatly attenuated radar clutter. The radar can geolocate the tag precisely and accurately (to within better than one meter of error). The tag can encode status and environmental data onto its response pulses, and the radar can receive and decode this information.

Development of multichannel analyzer using sound card ADC for nuclear spectroscopy system

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

Ibrahim, Maslina Mohd; Yussup, Nolida; Lombigit, Lojius

This paper describes the development of Multi-Channel Analyzer (MCA) using sound card analogue to digital converter (ADC) for nuclear spectroscopy system. The system was divided into a hardware module and a software module. Hardware module consist of detector NaI (Tl) 2” by 2”, Pulse Shaping Amplifier (PSA) and a build in ADC chip from readily available in any computers’ sound system. The software module is divided into two parts which are a pre-processing of raw digital input and the development of the MCA software. Band-pass filter and baseline stabilization and correction were implemented for the pre-processing. For the MCA development,more » the pulse height analysis method was used to process the signal before displaying it using histogram technique. The development and tested result for using the sound card as an MCA are discussed.« less

Digital Signal Processing Based Biotelemetry Receivers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Singh, Avtar; Hines, John; Somps, Chris

1997-01-01

This is an attempt to develop a biotelemetry receiver using digital signal processing technology and techniques. The receiver developed in this work is based on recovering signals that have been encoded using either Pulse Position Modulation (PPM) or Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) technique. A prototype has been developed using state-of-the-art digital signal processing technology. A Printed Circuit Board (PCB) is being developed based on the technique and technology described here. This board is intended to be used in the UCSF Fetal Monitoring system developed at NASA. The board is capable of handling a variety of PPM and PCM signals encoding signals such as ECG, temperature, and pressure. A signal processing program has also been developed to analyze the received ECG signal to determine heart rate. This system provides a base for using digital signal processing in biotelemetry receivers and other similar applications.

Cell-Specific Multifunctional Processing of Heterogeneous Cell Systems in a Single Laser Pulse Treatment

PubMed Central

Lukianova-Hleb, Ekaterina Y.; Mutonga, Martin B. G.; Lapotko, Dmitri O.

2012-01-01

Current methods of cell processing for gene and cell therapies use several separate procedures for gene transfer and cell separation or elimination, because no current technology can offer simultaneous multi-functional processing of specific cell sub-sets in highly heterogeneous cell systems. Using the cell-specific generation of plasmonic nanobubbles of different sizes around cell-targeted gold nanoshells and nanospheres, we achieved simultaneous multifunctional cell-specific processing in a rapid single 70 ps laser pulse bulk treatment of heterogeneous cell suspension. This method supported the detection of cells, delivery of external molecular cargo to one type of cells and the concomitant destruction of another type of cells without damaging other cells in suspension, and real-time guidance of the two above cellular effects. PMID:23167546

Nanodissection of human chromosomes and ultraprecise eye surgery with nanojoule near-infrared femtosecond laser pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koenig, Karsten; Riemann, Iris; Krauss, Oliver; Fritzsche, Wolfgang

2002-04-01

Nanojoule and sub-nanojoule 80 MHz femtosecond laser pulses at 750-850 nm of a compact titanium:sapphire laser have been used for highly precise nanoprocessing of DNA as well as of intracellular and intratissue compartments. In particular, a mean power between 15 mW and 100 mW, 170 fs pulse width, submicron distance of illumination spots and microsecond beam dwell times on spots have been used for multiphoton- mediated nanoprocessing of human chromosomes, brain and ocular intrastromal tissue. By focusing the laser beam with high numerical aperture focusing optics of the laser scan system femt-O-cut and of modified multiphoton scanning microscopes to diffraction-limited spots and TW/cm2 light intensities, precise submicron holes and cuts have been processed by single spot exposure and line scans. A minimum FWHM cut size below 70 nm during the partial dissection of the human chromosome 3 was achieved. Complete chromosome dissection could be performed with FWHM cut sizes below 200 nm. Intracellular chromosome dissection was possible. Intratissue processing in depths of 50 - 100micrometers and deeper with a precision of about 1micrometers including cuts through a nuclei of a single intratissue cell without destructive photo-disruption effects to surrounding tissue layers have been demonstrated in brain and eye tissues. The femt-O-cut system includes a diagnostic system for optical tomography with submicron resolution based on multiphoton- excited autofluorescence imaging (MAI) and second harmonic generation. This system was used to localize the intracellular and intratissue targets and to control the effects of nanoprocessing. These studies show, that in contrast to conventional approaches of material processing with amplified femtosecond laser systems and (mu) J pulse energies, nanoprocessing of materials including biotissues can be performed with nJ and sub-nJ high repetition femtosecond laser pulses of turn-key compact lasers without collateral damage. Potential applications include highly precise cell and embryo surgery, gene diagnostics and gene therapy, intrastromal refractive surgery, cancer therapy and brain surgery.

Upgrading and performance of the SAO laser ranging system in Matera

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maddox, J.; Pearlman, M.; Throp, J.; Wohn, J.

1983-01-01

The performance of the SAO lasers was improved considerably in terms of accuracy, range noise, data yield, and reliability. With the narrower laser pulse (2.5-3.0 nsec) and a new analog pulse processing system, the systematic range errors were reduced to 3-5 cm and range noise has been reduced to 5-15 cm on low satellites and 10-18 cm on Lageos. Pulse repetition rate was increased to 30 ppm and considerable improvement has been made in signal-to-noise ratio by using a 3 Angstrom interference filter and by reducing the range gate window down to 200-400 nsec. The first upgraded system was installed in Arequipa, Peru in the spring of 1982. The second upgraded system is now in operation in Matera, Italy. The third system is expected to be installed in Israel during 1984.

Compact 1.5-GHz intra-burst repetition rate Yb-doped all-PM-fiber laser system for ablation-cooled material removal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akcaalan, Onder; Kalaycioglu, Hamit; Ilday, F. Omer

Although fs fiber laser systems are powerful technologies for material and tissue processing, limited ablation rates and high energy are drawbacks. Recently, we identified a new regime of laser-material interaction, ablation-cooled laser material removal, where the repetition rate has to be high enough so that the targeted spot size cannot cool down substantially by heat conduction which scales down ablation threshold by several orders of magnitude and reduces thermal effects to the bulk of the target. This opens the door to simplified laser systems for processing. In order to exploit this regime in tissue processing, a compact all-PM-fiber laser amplifier system with an intra-burst repetition rate of 1.5 GHz is developed on a 40 x 65 cm platform. The system is able to produce bursts ranging from 20-ns to 65-ns duration with 20 uJ to 80 uJ total energy, respectively, and pulses with up to 2 uJ individual energy and burst repetition rate ranging from 25 kHz to 200 kHz. The seed signal is generated by a home-built all-normal dispersion oscillator with 385 MHz repetition rate and converted to approximately 1.5 GHz by a multiplier. Amplified pulses are compressed to approximately 250-fs, the shortest pulse width for burst-mode fiber laser systems known to date.

Ultrafast spectroscopy of coherent phonon in carbon nanotubes using sub-5-fs visible pulses

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

Kobayashi, Takayoshi; JST, CREST, 5 Sanbancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0075 Japan; Department of Electrophysics, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan

2016-02-01

In the last two decades, nano materials are attracting many scientists’ interest for both basic and application viewpoints. In order to understand the properties of nano systems it is needed to understand the dynamic properties which control the specific properties of the systems. All the primary processes in nano systems are taking place in femtosecond regime. Our group has been able to stably generate visible to near-infrared sub-5-fs laser pulses using a noncollinear optical parametric amplifier (NOPA) by the combination of various novel techniques including non-collinear optical parametric amplifier, pulse compression by a prism pair and grating pair. We applymore » the sub-5-fs pulses to study real-time coherent phonon in a one-dimensional system of carbon nanotubes. We determine exciton-phonon coupling mechanisms by observing the breathing mode in semiconducting carbon nanotubes and show the effect of electronic transition affected by the vibrational mode.« less

Micro- and macroscopic photonic control of matter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryabtsev, Anton

This dissertation outlines the development of several methods and techniques that enable comprehensive control of laser-matter interactions and nonlinear optical processes using shaped femtosecond pulses. Manipulation of the spectral phases and amplitudes of femtosecond laser pulses provides an effective way to adjust laser parameters, both those intrinsic to pulse generation within a laser and those induced by laser-matter interactions. When coupled with a fundamental understanding of the interactions between a laser's electric field and the molecules in the propagation media, these methods make the behavior of laser pulses predictable and allow the experimental information they carry to be extracted accurately. The ultimate motivation is to enhance the accuracy and reproducibility of spectroscopic measurements and to control nonlinear processes during light-matter interaction using shaped femtosecond pulses. Ultrafast laser systems have become one of the most important scientific tools in femtochemistry, nanoscale material science, chemical detection and sensing, and many other applications where processes occur at femtosecond (fs, 10-15 of a second) timescales or when broad laser bandwidths are required. As with any measuring instrument, it is very important to know system's exact parameters in order to make meaningful, accurate and reproducible measurements. For ultrafast lasers, these parameters are the intensities of the spectral components, the spectral phase, the temporal profile, the pulse energy, and the spatial laser beam profile. Due to broadband nature of ultrafast laser sources, they are very sensitive to propagation media: gaseous, liquid or solid matter along the paths of laser pulses to the sample, including the material of the sample itself. Optical parameters describing the propagation media, such as linear and nonlinear dispersion, and birefringence, as well as physical parameters, such as temperature and pressure, all affect laser pulse parameters. In order for measurements not to be skewed, these interactions need to be taken into account and mitigated at the time of the experiment or handled later in data analysis and simulations. Experimental results are presented in four chapters. Chapter 2 describes two topics: (1) single-shot real-time monitoring and correction of spectral phase drifts, which commonly originate from temperature and pointing fluctuations inside the laser cavity when the pulses are generated; (2) an all-optical method for controlling the dispersion of femtosecond pulses using other pulses. Chapter 3 focuses on the effects of the propagation media--how intense laser pulses modify media and how, in turn, the media modifies them back--and how these effects can be counteracted. Self-action effects in fused silica are discussed, along with some interesting and unexpected results. A method is then proposed for mitigating self-action processes using binary modulation of the spectral phases of laser pulses. Chapter 4 outlines the design of two laser systems, which are specifically tailored for particular spectroscopic applications and incorporate the comprehensive pulse control described in previous chapters. Chapter 5 shows how control of spatial beam characteristics can be applied to measurements of the mechanical motion of microscale particles and how it can potentially be applied to molecular motion. It also describes an experiment on laser-induced flow in air in which attempts were made to control the macroscopic molecular rotation of gases. My research, with a pulse shaper as the enabling tool, provides important insights into ultrafast scientific studies by making femtosecond laser research more predictable, reliable and practical for measurement and control. In the long term, some of the research methods in this thesis may help the transition of femtosecond lasers from the laboratory environment into clinics, factories, airports, and other everyday settings.

Feed-forward digital phase and amplitude correction system

DOEpatents

Yu, D.U.L.; Conway, P.H.

1994-11-15

Phase and amplitude modifications in repeatable RF pulses at the output of a high power pulsed microwave amplifier are made utilizing a digital feed-forward correction system. A controlled amount of the output power is coupled to a correction system for processing of phase and amplitude information. The correction system comprises circuitry to compare the detected phase and amplitude with the desired phase and amplitude, respectively, and a digitally programmable phase shifter and attenuator and digital logic circuitry to control the phase shifter and attenuator. The phase and amplitude of subsequent are modified by output signals from the correction system. 11 figs.

Feed-forward digital phase and amplitude correction system

DOEpatents

Yu, David U. L.; Conway, Patrick H.

1994-01-01

Phase and amplitude modifications in repeatable RF pulses at the output of a high power pulsed microwave amplifier are made utilizing a digital feed-forward correction system. A controlled amount of the output power is coupled to a correction system for processing of phase and amplitude information. The correction system comprises circuitry to compare the detected phase and amplitude with the desired phase and amplitude, respectively, and a digitally programmable phase shifter and attenuator and digital logic circuitry to control the phase shifter and attenuator. The Phase and amplitude of subsequent are modified by output signals from the correction system.

Acousto-optic laser projection systems for displaying TV information

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gulyaev, Yu V.; Kazaryan, M. A.; Mokrushin, Yu M.; Shakin, O. V.

2015-04-01

This review addresses various approaches to television projection imaging on large screens using lasers. Results are presented of theoretical and experimental studies of an acousto-optic projection system operating on the principle of projecting an image of an entire amplitude-modulated television line in a single laser pulse. We consider characteristic features of image formation in such a system and the requirements for its individual components. Particular attention is paid to nonlinear distortions of the image signal, which show up most severely at low modulation signal frequencies. We discuss the feasibility of improving the process efficiency and image quality using acousto-optic modulators and pulsed lasers. Real-time projectors with pulsed line imaging can be used for controlling high-intensity laser radiation.

Multi-ball and one-ball geolocation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nelson, D. J.; Townsend, J. L.

2017-05-01

We present analysis methods that may be used to geolocate emitters using one or more moving receivers. While some of the methods we present may apply to a broader class of signals, our primary interest is locating and tracking ships from short pulsed transmissions, such as the maritime Automatic Identification System (AIS.) The AIS signal is difficult to process and track since the pulse duration is only 25 milliseconds, and the pulses may only be transmitted every six to ten seconds. In this article, we address several problems including accurate TDOA and FDOA estimation methods that do not require searching a two dimensional surface such as the cross-ambiguity surface. As an example, we apply these methods to identify and process AIS pulses from a single emitter, making it possible to geolocate the AIS signal using a single moving receiver.

Effect of pulsed current GTA welding parameters on the fusion zone microstructure of AA 6061 aluminium alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, T. Senthil; Balasubramanian, V.; Babu, S.; Sanavullah, M. Y.

2007-08-01

AA6061 aluminium alloy (Al-Mg-Si alloy) has gathered wide acceptance in the fabrication of food processing equipment, chemical containers, passenger cars, road tankers, and railway transport systems. The preferred process for welding these aluminium alloys is frequently Gas Tungsten Arc (GTA) welding due to its comparatively easy applicability and lower cost. In the case of single pass GTA welding of thinner sections of this alloy, the pulsed current has been found beneficial due to its advantages over the conventional continuous current processes. The use of pulsed current parameters has been found to improve the mechanical properties of the welds compared to those of continuous current welds of this alloy due to grain refinement occurring in the fusion zone. In this investigation, an attempt has been made to develop a mathematical model to predict the fusion zone grain diameter incorporating pulsed current welding parameters. Statistical tools such as design of experiments, analysis of variance, and regression analysis are used to develop the mathematical model. The developed model can be effectively used to predict the fusion grain diameter at a 95% confidence level for the given pulsed current parameters. The effect of pulsed current GTA welding parameters on the fusion zone grain diameter of AA 6061 aluminium alloy welds is reported in this paper.

A simple and versatile data acquisition system for software coincidence and pulse-height discrimination in 4πβ-γ coincidence experiments.

PubMed

Kawada, Y; Yamada, T; Unno, Y; Yunoki, A; Sato, Y; Hino, Y

2012-09-01

A simple but versatile data acquisition system for software coincidence experiments is described, in which any time stamping and live time controller are not provided. Signals from β- and γ-channels are fed to separately two fast ADCs (16 bits, 25 MHz clock maximum) via variable delay circuits and pulse-height stretchers, and also to pulse-height discriminators. The discriminating level was set to just above the electronic noise. Two ADCs were controlled with a common clock signal, and triggered simultaneously by the logic OR pulses from both discriminators. Paired digital signals for each sampling were sent to buffer memories connected to main PC with a FIFO (First-In, First-Out) pipe via USB. After data acquisition in list mode, various processing including pulse-height analyses was performed using MS-Excel (version 2007 and later). The usefulness of this system was demonstrated for 4πβ(PS)-4πγ coincidence measurements of (60)Co, (134)Cs and (152)Eu. Possibilities of other extended applications will be touched upon. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Numerical calculation of nonlinear ultrashort laser pulse propagation in transparent Kerr media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arnold, Cord L.; Heisterkamp, Alexander; Ertmer, Wolfgang; Lubatschowski, Holger

2005-03-01

In the focal region of tightly focused ultrashort laser pulses, sufficient high intensities to initialize nonlinear ionization processes are easily achieved. Due to these nonlinear ionization processes, mainly multiphoton ionization and cascade ionization, free electrons are generated in the focus resulting in optical breakdown. A model including both nonlinear pulse propagation and plasma generation is used to calculate numerically the interaction of ultrashort pulses with their self-induced plasma in the vicinity of the focus. The model is based on a (3+1)-dimensional nonlinear Schroedinger equation describing the pulse propagation coupled to a system of rate equations covering the generation of free electrons. It is applicable to any transparent Kerr medium, whose linear and nonlinear optical parameters are known. Numerical calculations based on this model are used to understand nonlinear side effects, such as streak formation, occurring in addition to optical breakdown during short pulse refractive eye surgeries like fs-LASIK. Since the optical parameters of water are a good first-order approximation to those of corneal tissue, water is used as model substance. The free electron density distribution induced by focused ultrashort pulses as well as the pulses spatio-temporal behavior are studied in the low-power regime around the critical power for self-focusing.

Laser micro-machining strategies for transparent brittle materials using ultrashort pulsed lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernard, Benjamin; Matylitsky, Victor

2017-02-01

Cutting and drilling of transparent materials using short pulsed laser systems are important industrial production processes. Applications ranging from sapphire cutting, hardened glass processing, and flat panel display cutting, to diamond processing are possible. The ablation process using a Gaussian laser beam incident on the topside of a sample with several parallel overlapping lines leads to a V-shaped structured groove. This limits the structuring depth for a given kerf width. The unique possibility for transparent materials to start the ablation process from the backside of the sample is a well-known strategy to improve the aspect ratio of the ablated features. This work compares the achievable groove depth depending on the kerf width for front-side and back-side ablation and presents the best relation between the kerf width and number of overscans. Additionally, the influence of the number of pulses in one burst train on the ablation efficiency is investigated. The experiments were carried out using Spirit HE laser from Spectra-Physics, with the features of adjustable pulse duration from <400 fs to 10 ps, three different repetition rates (100 kHz, 200 kHz and 400 kHz) and average output powers of >16 W ( at 1040 nm wavelength).

A New Pulse Pileup Rejection Method Based on Position Shift Identification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Z.; Prout, D. L.; Taschereau, R.; Bai, B.; Chatziioannou, A. F.

2016-02-01

Pulse pileup events degrade the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of nuclear medicine data. When such events occur in multiplexed detectors, they cause spatial misposition, energy spectrum distortion and degraded timing resolution, which leads to image artifacts. Pulse pileup is pronounced in PETbox4, a bench top PET scanner dedicated to high sensitivity and high resolution imaging of mice. In that system, the combination of high absolute sensitivity, long scintillator decay time (BGO) and highly multiplexed electronics lead to a significant fraction of pulse pileup, reached at lower total activity than for comparable instruments. In this manuscript, a new pulse pileup rejection method named position shift rejection (PSR) is introduced. The performance of PSR is compared with a conventional leading edge rejection (LER) method and with no pileup rejection implemented (NoPR). A comprehensive digital pulse library was developed for objective evaluation and optimization of the PSR and LER, in which pulse waveforms were directly recorded from real measurements exactly representing the signals to be processed. Physical measurements including singles event acquisition, peak system sensitivity and NEMA NU-4 image quality phantom were also performed in the PETbox4 system to validate and compare the different pulse pile-up rejection methods. The evaluation of both physical measurements and model pulse trains demonstrated that the new PSR performs more accurate pileup event identification and avoids erroneous rejection of valid events. For the PETbox4 system, this improvement leads to a significant recovery of sensitivity at low count rates, amounting to about 1/4th of the expected true coincidence events, compared to the LER method. Furthermore, with the implementation of PSR, optimal image quality can be achieved near the peak noise equivalent count rate (NECR).

Infrared control coating of thin film devices

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

Berland, Brian Spencer; Stowell, Jr., Michael Wayne; Hollingsworth, Russell

Systems and methods for creating an infrared-control coated thin film device with certain visible light transmittance and infrared reflectance properties are disclosed. The device may be made using various techniques including physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, thermal evaporation, pulsed laser deposition, sputter deposition, and sol-gel processes. In particular, a pulsed energy microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition process may be used. Production of the device may occur at speeds greater than 50 Angstroms/second and temperatures lower than 200.degree. C.

A pixel detector system for laser-accelerated ion detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reinhardt, S.; Draxinger, W.; Schreiber, J.; Assmann, W.

2013-03-01

Laser ion acceleration is an unique acceleration process that creates ultra-short ion pulses of high intensity ( > 107 ions/cm2/ns), which makes online detection an ambitious task. Non-electronic detectors such as radio-chromic films (RCF), imaging plates (IP) or nuclear track detectors (e.g. CR39) are broadly used at present. Only offline information on ion pulse intensity and position are available by these detectors, as minutes to hours of processing time are required after their exposure. With increasing pulse repetition rate of the laser system, there is a growing need for detection of laser accelerated ions in real-time. Therefore, we have investigated a commercial pixel detector system for online detection of laser-accelerated proton pulses. The CMOS imager RadEye1 was chosen, which is based on a photodiode array, 512 × 1024 pixels with 48 μm pixel pitch, thus offering a large sensitive area of approximately 25 × 50 mm2. First detection tests were accomplished at the conventional electrostatic 14 MV Tandem accelerator in Munich as well as Atlas laser accelerator. Detector response measurements at the conventional accelerator have been accomplished in a proton beam in dc (15 MeV) and pulsed (20 MeV) irradiation mode, the latter providing comparable particle flux as under laser acceleration conditions. Radiation hardness of the device was studied using protons (20 MeV) and C-ions (77 MeV), additionally. The detector system shows a linear response up to a maximum pulse flux of about 107 protons/cm2/ns. Single particle detection is possible in a low flux beam (104 protons/cm2/s) for all investigated energies. The radiation hardness has shown to give reasonable lifetime for an application at the laser accelerator. The results from the irradiation at a conventional accelerator are confirmed by a cross-calibration with CR39 in a laser-accelerated proton beam at the MPQ Atlas Laser in Garching, showing no problems of detector operation in presence of electro-magnetic pulse (EMP). The calibrated detector system was finally used for online detection of laser-accelerated proton and carbon ions at the Astra-Gemini laser.

Development of signal processing algorithms for ultrasonic detection of coal seam interfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Purcell, D. D.; Ben-Bassat, M.

1976-01-01

A pattern recognition system is presented for determining the thickness of coal remaining on the roof and floor of a coal seam. The system was developed to recognize reflected pulse echo signals that are generated by an acoustical transducer and reflected from the coal seam interface. The flexibility of the system, however, should enable it to identify pulse-echo signals generated by radar or other techniques. The main difference being the specific features extracted from the recorded data as a basis for pattern recognition.

Safety Analysis and Protection Measures of the Control System of the Pulsed High Magnetic Field Facility in WHMFC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, J. T.; Han, X. T.; Xie, J. F.; Yao, L.; Huang, L. T.; Li, L.

2013-03-01

A Pulsed High Magnetic Field Facility (PHMFF) has been established in Wuhan National High Magnetic Field Center (WHMFC) and various protection measures are applied in its control system. In order to improve the reliability and robustness of the control system, the safety analysis of the PHMFF is carried out based on Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) technique. The function and realization of 5 protection systems, which include sequence experiment operation system, safety assistant system, emergency stop system, fault detecting and processing system and accident isolating protection system, are given. The tests and operation indicate that these measures improve the safety of the facility and ensure the safety of people.

Advanced application flight experiment breadboard pulse compression radar altimeter program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1976-01-01

Design, development and performance of the pulse compression radar altimeter is described. The high resolution breadboard system is designed to operate from an aircraft at 10 Kft above the ocean and to accurately measure altitude, sea wave height and sea reflectivity. The minicomputer controlled Ku band system provides six basic variables and an extensive digital recording capability for experimentation purposes. Signal bandwidths of 360 MHz are obtained using a reflective array compression line. Stretch processing is used to achieve 1000:1 pulse compression. The system range command LSB is 0.62 ns or 9.25 cm. A second order altitude tracker, aided by accelerometer inputs is implemented in the system software. During flight tests the system demonstrated an altitude resolution capability of 2.1 cm and sea wave height estimation accuracy of 10%. The altitude measurement performance exceeds that of the Skylab and GEOS-C predecessors by approximately an order of magnitude.

Molecular alignment effect on the photoassociation process via a pump-dump scheme

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

Wang, Bin-Bin; Han, Yong-Chang, E-mail: ychan@dlut.edu.cn; Cong, Shu-Lin

The photoassociation processes via the pump-dump scheme for the heternuclear (Na + H → NaH) and the homonuclear (Na + Na → Na{sub 2}) molecular systems are studied, respectively, using the time-dependent quantum wavepacket method. For both systems, the initial atom pair in the continuum of the ground electronic state (X{sup 1}Σ{sup +}) is associated into the molecule in the bound states of the excited state (A{sup 1}Σ{sup +}) by the pump pulse. Then driven by a time-delayed dumping pulse, the prepared excited-state molecule can be transferred to the bound states of the ground electronic state. It is found thatmore » the pump process can induce a superposition of the rovibrational levels |v, j〉 on the excited state, which can lead to the field-free alignment of the excited-state molecule. The molecular alignment can affect the dumping process by varying the effective coupling intensity between the two electronic states or by varying the population transfer pathways. As a result, the final population transferred to the bound states of the ground electronic state varies periodically with the delay time of the dumping pulse.« less

Ultrashort pulse high repetition rate laser system for biological tissue processing

DOEpatents

Neev, Joseph; Da Silva, Luiz B.; Matthews, Dennis L.; Glinsky, Michael E.; Stuart, Brent C.; Perry, Michael D.; Feit, Michael D.; Rubenchik, Alexander M.

1998-01-01

A method and apparatus is disclosed for fast, efficient, precise and damage-free biological tissue removal using an ultrashort pulse duration laser system operating at high pulse repetition rates. The duration of each laser pulse is on the order of about 1 fs to less than 50 ps such that energy deposition is localized in a small depth and occurs before significant hydrodynamic motion and thermal conduction, leading to collateral damage, can take place. The depth of material removed per pulse is on the order of about 1 micrometer, and the minimal thermal and mechanical effects associated with this ablation method allows for high repetition rate operation, in the region 10 to over 1000 Hertz, which, in turn, achieves high material removal rates. The input laser energy per ablated volume of tissue is small, and the energy density required to ablate material decreases with decreasing pulse width. The ablation threshold and ablation rate are only weakly dependent on tissue type and condition, allowing for maximum flexibility of use in various biological tissue removal applications. The use of a chirped-pulse amplified Titanium-doped sapphire laser is disclosed as the source in one embodiment.

Ultrashort pulse high repetition rate laser system for biological tissue processing

DOEpatents

Neev, J.; Da Silva, L.B.; Matthews, D.L.; Glinsky, M.E.; Stuart, B.C.; Perry, M.D.; Feit, M.D.; Rubenchik, A.M.

1998-02-24

A method and apparatus are disclosed for fast, efficient, precise and damage-free biological tissue removal using an ultrashort pulse duration laser system operating at high pulse repetition rates. The duration of each laser pulse is on the order of about 1 fs to less than 50 ps such that energy deposition is localized in a small depth and occurs before significant hydrodynamic motion and thermal conduction, leading to collateral damage, can take place. The depth of material removed per pulse is on the order of about 1 micrometer, and the minimal thermal and mechanical effects associated with this ablation method allows for high repetition rate operation, in the region 10 to over 1000 Hertz, which, in turn, achieves high material removal rates. The input laser energy per ablated volume of tissue is small, and the energy density required to ablate material decreases with decreasing pulse width. The ablation threshold and ablation rate are only weakly dependent on tissue type and condition, allowing for maximum flexibility of use in various biological tissue removal applications. The use of a chirped-pulse amplified Titanium-doped sapphire laser is disclosed as the source in one embodiment. 8 figs.

Digital pulse processing and electronic noise analysis for improving energy resolutions in planar TlBr detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tada, Tsutomu; Hitomi, Keitaro; Tanaka, Tomonobu; Wu, Yan; Kim, Seong-Yun; Yamazaki, Hiromichi; Ishii, Keizo

2011-05-01

Digital pulse processing and electronic noise analysis are proposed for improving energy resolution in planar thallium bromide (TlBr) detectors. An energy resolution of 5.8% FWHM at 662 keV was obtained from a 0.5 mm thick planar TlBr detector at room temperature using a digitizer with a sampling rate of 100 MS/s and 8 bit resolution. The electronic noise in the detector-preamplifier system was measured as a function of pulse shaping time in order to investigate the optimum shaping time for the detector. The depth of interaction (DOI) in TlBr detectors for incident gamma-rays was determined by taking the ratio of pulse heights for fast-shaped to slow-shaped signals. FWHM energy resolution of the detector was improved from 5.8% to 4.2% by implementing depth correction and by using the obtained optimum shaping time.

Acousto-optic laser projection systems for displaying TV information

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

Gulyaev, Yu V; Kazaryan, M A; Mokrushin, Yu M

2015-04-30

This review addresses various approaches to television projection imaging on large screens using lasers. Results are presented of theoretical and experimental studies of an acousto-optic projection system operating on the principle of projecting an image of an entire amplitude-modulated television line in a single laser pulse. We consider characteristic features of image formation in such a system and the requirements for its individual components. Particular attention is paid to nonlinear distortions of the image signal, which show up most severely at low modulation signal frequencies. We discuss the feasibility of improving the process efficiency and image quality using acousto-optic modulatorsmore » and pulsed lasers. Real-time projectors with pulsed line imaging can be used for controlling high-intensity laser radiation. (review)« less

UWB communication receiver feedback loop

DOEpatents

Spiridon, Alex; Benzel, Dave; Dowla, Farid U.; Nekoogar, Faranak; Rosenbury, Erwin T.

2007-12-04

A novel technique and structure that maximizes the extraction of information from reference pulses for UWB-TR receivers is introduced. The scheme efficiently processes an incoming signal to suppress different types of UWB as well as non-UWB interference prior to signal detection. Such a method and system adds a feedback loop mechanism to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio of reference pulses in a conventional TR receiver. Moreover, sampling the second order statistical function such as, for example, the autocorrelation function (ACF) of the received signal and matching it to the ACF samples of the original pulses for each transmitted bit provides a more robust UWB communications method and system in the presence of channel distortions.

Laser positioning of four-quadrant detector based on pseudo-random sequence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Yanqin; Cao, Ercong; Hu, Xiaobo; Gu, Guohua; Qian, Weixian

2016-10-01

Nowadays the technology of laser positioning based on four-quadrant detector has the wide scope of the study and application areas. The main principle of laser positioning is that by capturing the projection of the laser spot on the photosensitive surface of the detector, and then calculating the output signal from the detector to obtain the coordinates of the spot on the photosensitive surface of the detector, the coordinate information of the laser spot in the space with respect to detector system which reflects the spatial position of the target object is calculated effectively. Given the extensive application of FPGA technology and the pseudo-random sequence has the similar correlation of white noise, the measurement process of the interference, noise has little effect on the correlation peak. In order to improve anti-jamming capability of the guided missile in tracking process, when the laser pulse emission, the laser pulse period is pseudo-random encoded which maintains in the range of 40ms-65ms so that people of interfering can't find the exact real laser pulse. Also, because the receiver knows the way to solve the pseudo-random code, when the receiver receives two consecutive laser pulses, the laser pulse period can be decoded successfully. In the FPGA hardware implementation process, around each laser pulse arrival time, the receiver can open a wave door to get location information contained the true signal. Taking into account the first two consecutive pulses received have been disturbed, so after receiving the first laser pulse, it receives all the laser pulse in the next 40ms-65ms to obtain the corresponding pseudo-random code.

Charge and spin dynamics driven by ultrashort extreme broadband pulses: A theory perspective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moskalenko, Andrey S.; Zhu, Zhen-Gang; Berakdar, Jamal

2017-02-01

This article gives an overview on recent theoretical progress in controlling the charge and spin dynamics in low-dimensional electronic systems by means of ultrashort and ultrabroadband electromagnetic pulses. A particular focus is put on sub-cycle and single-cycle pulses and their utilization for coherent control. The discussion is mostly limited to cases where the pulse duration is shorter than the characteristic time scales associated with the involved spectral features of the excitations. The relevant current theoretical knowledge is presented in a coherent, pedagogic manner. We work out that the pulse action amounts in essence to a quantum map between the quantum states of the system at an appropriately chosen time moment during the pulse. The influence of a particular pulse shape on the post-pulse dynamics is reduced to several integral parameters entering the expression for the quantum map. The validity range of this reduction scheme for different strengths of the driving fields is established and discussed for particular nanostructures. Acting with a periodic pulse sequence, it is shown how the system can be steered to and largely maintained in predefined states. The conditions for this nonequilibrium sustainability are worked out by means of geometric phases, which are identified as the appropriate quantities to indicate quasistationarity of periodically driven quantum systems. Demonstrations are presented for the control of the charge, spin, and valley degrees of freedom in nanostructures on picosecond and subpicosecond time scales. The theory is illustrated with several applications to one-dimensional semiconductor quantum wires and superlattices, double quantum dots, semiconductor and graphene quantum rings. In the case of a periodic pulsed driving the influence of the relaxation and decoherence processes is included by utilizing the density matrix approach. The integrated and time-dependent spectra of the light emitted from the driven system deliver information on its spin-dependent dynamics. We review examples of such spectra of photons emitted from pulse-driven nanostructures as well as a possibility to characterize and control the light polarization on an ultrafast time scale. Furthermore, we consider the response of strongly correlated systems to short broadband pulses and show that this case bears a great potential to unveil high order correlations while they build up upon excitations.

Pulse Shaped Constant Envelope 8-PSK Modulation Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tao, Jianping; Horan, Sheila

1997-01-01

This report provides simulation results for constant envelope pulse shaped 8 Level Phase Shift Keying (8 PSK) modulation for end to end system performance. In order to increase bandwidth utilization, pulse shaping is applied to signals before they are modulated. This report provides simulation results of power spectra and measurement of bit errors produced by pulse shaping in a non-linear channel with Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN). The pulse shaping filters can placed before (Type B) or after (Type A) signals are modulated. Three kinds of baseband filters, 5th order Butterworth, 3rd order Bessel and Square-Root Raised Cosine with different BTs or roll off factors, are utilized in the simulations. The simulations were performed on a Signal Processing Worksystem (SPW).

Remote photoacoustic detection of liquid contamination of a surface.

PubMed

Perrett, Brian; Harris, Michael; Pearson, Guy N; Willetts, David V; Pitter, Mark C

2003-08-20

A method for the remote detection and identification of liquid chemicals at ranges of tens of meters is presented. The technique uses pulsed indirect photoacoustic spectroscopy in the 10-microm wavelength region. Enhanced sensitivity is brought about by three main system developments: (1) increased laser-pulse energy (150 microJ/pulse), leading to increased strength of the generated photoacoustic signal; (2) increased microphone sensitivity and improved directionality by the use of a 60-cm-diameter parabolic dish; and (3) signal processing that allows improved discrimination of the signal from noise levels through prior knowledge of the pulse shape and pulse-repetition frequency. The practical aspects of applying the technique in a field environment are briefly examined, and possible applications of this technique are discussed.

Moving target detection for frequency agility radar by sparse reconstruction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quan, Yinghui; Li, YaChao; Wu, Yaojun; Ran, Lei; Xing, Mengdao; Liu, Mengqi

2016-09-01

Frequency agility radar, with randomly varied carrier frequency from pulse to pulse, exhibits superior performance compared to the conventional fixed carrier frequency pulse-Doppler radar against the electromagnetic interference. A novel moving target detection (MTD) method is proposed for the estimation of the target's velocity of frequency agility radar based on pulses within a coherent processing interval by using sparse reconstruction. Hardware implementation of orthogonal matching pursuit algorithm is executed on Xilinx Virtex-7 Field Programmable Gata Array (FPGA) to perform sparse optimization. Finally, a series of experiments are performed to evaluate the performance of proposed MTD method for frequency agility radar systems.

Asynchronous sampling of speech with some vocoder experimental results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Babcock, M. L.

1972-01-01

The method of asynchronously sampling speech is based upon the derivatives of the acoustical speech signal. The following results are apparent from experiments to date: (1) It is possible to represent speech by a string of pulses of uniform amplitude, where the only information contained in the string is the spacing of the pulses in time; (2) the string of pulses may be produced in a simple analog manner; (3) the first derivative of the original speech waveform is the most important for the encoding process; (4) the resulting pulse train can be utilized to control an acoustical signal production system to regenerate the intelligence of the original speech.

Moving target detection for frequency agility radar by sparse reconstruction.

PubMed

Quan, Yinghui; Li, YaChao; Wu, Yaojun; Ran, Lei; Xing, Mengdao; Liu, Mengqi

2016-09-01

Frequency agility radar, with randomly varied carrier frequency from pulse to pulse, exhibits superior performance compared to the conventional fixed carrier frequency pulse-Doppler radar against the electromagnetic interference. A novel moving target detection (MTD) method is proposed for the estimation of the target's velocity of frequency agility radar based on pulses within a coherent processing interval by using sparse reconstruction. Hardware implementation of orthogonal matching pursuit algorithm is executed on Xilinx Virtex-7 Field Programmable Gata Array (FPGA) to perform sparse optimization. Finally, a series of experiments are performed to evaluate the performance of proposed MTD method for frequency agility radar systems.

Dynamic in vivo imaging of small animal brain using pulsed laser diode-based photoacoustic tomography system.

PubMed

Upputuri, Paul Kumar; Pramanik, Manojit

2017-09-01

We demonstrate dynamic in vivo imaging using a low-cost portable pulsed laser diode (PLD)-based photoacoustic tomography system. The system takes advantage of an 803-nm PLD having high-repetition rate ∼7000  Hz combined with a fast-scanning single-element ultrasound transducer leading to a 5 s cross-sectional imaging. Cortical vasculature is imaged in scan time of 5 s with high signal-to-noise ratio ∼48. To examine the ability for dynamic imaging, we monitored the fast uptake and clearance process of indocyanine green in the rat brain. The system will find applications to study neurofunctional activities, characterization of pharmacokinetic, and biodistribution profiles in the development process of drugs or imaging agents. (2017) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE).

High efficiency coherent optical memory with warm rubidium vapour

PubMed Central

Hosseini, M.; Sparkes, B.M.; Campbell, G.; Lam, P.K.; Buchler, B.C.

2011-01-01

By harnessing aspects of quantum mechanics, communication and information processing could be radically transformed. Promising forms of quantum information technology include optical quantum cryptographic systems and computing using photons for quantum logic operations. As with current information processing systems, some form of memory will be required. Quantum repeaters, which are required for long distance quantum key distribution, require quantum optical memory as do deterministic logic gates for optical quantum computing. Here, we present results from a coherent optical memory based on warm rubidium vapour and show 87% efficient recall of light pulses, the highest efficiency measured to date for any coherent optical memory suitable for quantum information applications. We also show storage and recall of up to 20 pulses from our system. These results show that simple warm atomic vapour systems have clear potential as a platform for quantum memory. PMID:21285952

High efficiency coherent optical memory with warm rubidium vapour.

PubMed

Hosseini, M; Sparkes, B M; Campbell, G; Lam, P K; Buchler, B C

2011-02-01

By harnessing aspects of quantum mechanics, communication and information processing could be radically transformed. Promising forms of quantum information technology include optical quantum cryptographic systems and computing using photons for quantum logic operations. As with current information processing systems, some form of memory will be required. Quantum repeaters, which are required for long distance quantum key distribution, require quantum optical memory as do deterministic logic gates for optical quantum computing. Here, we present results from a coherent optical memory based on warm rubidium vapour and show 87% efficient recall of light pulses, the highest efficiency measured to date for any coherent optical memory suitable for quantum information applications. We also show storage and recall of up to 20 pulses from our system. These results show that simple warm atomic vapour systems have clear potential as a platform for quantum memory.

Unfolding and unfoldability of digital pulses in the z-domain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Regadío, Alberto; Sánchez-Prieto, Sebastián

2018-04-01

The unfolding (or deconvolution) technique is used in the development of digital pulse processing systems applied to particle detection. This technique is applied to digital signals obtained by digitization of analog signals that represent the combined response of the particle detectors and the associated signal conditioning electronics. This work describes a technique to determine if the signal is unfoldable. For unfoldable signals the characteristics of the unfolding system (unfolder) are presented. Finally, examples of the method applied to real experimental setup are discussed.

System for generating pluralities of optical pulses with predetermined frequencies in a temporally and spatially overlapped relationship

DOEpatents

Meyerhofer, David D.; Schmid, Ansgar W.; Chuang, Yung-ho

1992-01-01

Ultra short (pico second and shorter) laser pulses having components of different frequency which are overlapped coherently in space and with a predetermined constant relationship in time, are generated and may be used in applications where plural spectrally separate, time-synchronized pulses are needed as in wave-length resolved spectroscopy and spectral pump probe measurements for characterization of materials. A Chirped Pulse Amplifier (CPA), such as a regenerative amplifier, which provides amplified, high intensity pulses at the output thereof which have the same spatial intensity profile, is used to process a series of chirped pulses, each with a different central frequency (the desired frequencies contained in the output pulses). Each series of chirped pulses is obtained from a single chirped pulse by spectral windowing with a mask in a dispersive expansion stage ahead of the laser amplifier. The laser amplifier amplifies the pulses and provides output pulses with like spatial and temporal profiles. A compression stage then compresses the amplified pulses. All the individual pulses of different frequency, which originated in each single chirped pulse, are compressed and thereby coherently overlapped in space and time. The compressed pulses may be used for the foregoing purposes and other purposes wherien pulses having a plurality of discrete frequency components are required.

System for generating pluralities of optical pulses with predetermined frequencies in a temporally and spatially overlapped relationship

DOEpatents

Meyerhofer, D.D.; Schmid, A.W.; Chuang, Y.

1992-03-10

Ultrashort (pico second and shorter) laser pulses having components of different frequency which are overlapped coherently in space and with a predetermined constant relationship in time, are generated and may be used in applications where plural spectrally separate, time-synchronized pulses are needed as in wave-length resolved spectroscopy and spectral pump probe measurements for characterization of materials. A Chirped Pulse Amplifier (CPA), such as a regenerative amplifier, which provides amplified, high intensity pulses at the output thereof which have the same spatial intensity profile, is used to process a series of chirped pulses, each with a different central frequency (the desired frequencies contained in the output pulses). Each series of chirped pulses is obtained from a single chirped pulse by spectral windowing with a mask in a dispersive expansion stage ahead of the laser amplifier. The laser amplifier amplifies the pulses and provides output pulses with like spatial and temporal profiles. A compression stage then compresses the amplified pulses. All the individual pulses of different frequency, which originated in each single chirped pulse, are compressed and thereby coherently overlapped in space and time. The compressed pulses may be used for the foregoing purposes and other purposes wherien pulses having a plurality of discrete frequency components are required. 4 figs.

High resolution, high rate X-ray spectrometer

DOEpatents

Goulding, Frederick S.; Landis, Donald A.

1987-01-01

A pulse processing system (10) for use in an X-ray spectrometer in which a ain channel pulse shaper (12) and a fast channel pulse shaper (13) each produce a substantially symmetrical triangular pulse (f, p) for each event detected by the spectrometer, with the pulse width of the pulses being substantially independent of the magnitude of the detected event and with the pulse width of the fast pulses (p) being substantially shorter than the pulse width of the main channel pulses (f). A pile-up rejector circuit (19) allows output pulses to be generated, with amplitudes linearly related to the magnitude of the detected events, whenever the peak of a main channel pulse (f) is not affected by a preceding or succeeding main channel pulse, while inhibiting output pulses wherein peak magnitudes of main channel pulses are affected by adjacent pulses. The substantially symmetrical triangular main channel pulses (f) are generated by the weighted addition (27-31) of successive RC integrations (24, 25, 26) of an RC differentiated step wave (23). The substantially symmetrical triangular fast channel pulses (p) are generated by the RC integration ( 43) of a bipolar pulse (o) in which the amplitude of the second half is 1/e that of the first half, with the RC time constant of integration being equal to one-half the width of the bipolar pulse.

Controlled exciton transfer between quantum dots with acoustic phonons taken into account

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

Golovinski, P. A., E-mail: golovinski@bk.ru

2015-09-15

A system of excitons in two quantum dots coupled by the dipole–dipole interaction is investigated. The excitation transfer process controlled by the optical Stark effect at nonresonant frequencies is considered and the effect of the interaction between excitons and acoustic phonons in a medium on this process is taken into account. The system evolution is described using quantum Heisenberg equations. A truncated set of equations is obtained and the transfer dynamics is numerically simulated. High-efficiency picosecond switching of the excitation transfer by a laser pulse with a rectangular envelope is demonstrated. The dependence of picosecond switching on the quantum-dot parametersmore » and optical-pulse length is presented.« less

Fracture toughness of ultrashort pulse-bonded fused silica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richter, S.; Naumann, F.; Zimmermann, F.; Tünnermann, A.; Nolte, S.

2016-02-01

We determined the bond interface strength of ultrashort pulse laser-welded fused silica for different processing parameters. To this end, we used a high repetition rate ultrashort pulse laser system to inscribe parallel welding lines with a specific V-shaped design into optically contacted fused silica samples. Afterward, we applied a micro-chevron test to measure the fracture toughness and surface energy of the laser-inscribed welding seams. We analyzed the influence of different processing parameters such as laser repetition rate and line separation on the fracture toughness and fracture surface energy. Welding the entire surface a fracture toughness of 0.71 {MPa} {m}^{1/2}, about 90 % of the pristine bulk material ({≈ } 0.8 {MPa} {m}^{1/2}), is obtained.

Pulsed excimer laser processing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wong, D.

1985-01-01

The status of pulsed excimer laser processing of PV cells is presented. The cost effective feasibility of fabricating high efficiency solar cells on Czochralski wafers using a pulsed excimer laser for junction formation, surface passivation, and front metallization. Laser annealing results were promising with the best AR coated cell having an efficiency of 16.1%. Better results would be expected with larger laser spot size because there was some degradation in open circuit voltage caused by laser spot overlap and edge effects. Surface heating and photolytic decomposition by the laser was used to deposit tungsten from the reaction of tungsten hexafluoride and hydrogen. The line widths were 5 to 10 mils, and the depositions passed the tape adhesion test. Thinner lines are practical using an optimized optical system.

Cooling the vertical surface by conditionally single pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karpov, Pavel; Nazarov, Alexander; Serov, Anatoly; Terekhov, Victor

2017-10-01

You Sprays with periodic supply of the droplet phase have great opportunities to control the heat exchange processes. Varying pulse duration and frequency of their repetition, we can achieve the optimal conditions of evaporative cooling with minimization of the liquid flow rate. The paper presents experimental data on studying local heat transfer on a large subcooled surface, obtained on the original setup with multinozzle controlled system of impact irrigation by the gas-droplet flow. A contribution to intensification of the spray parameters (flow rate, pulse duration, repetition frequency) per a growth of integral heat transfer was studied. Data on instantaneous distribution of the heat flux value helped us to describe the processes occurring on the studied surface. These data could describe the regime of "island" film cooling.

Beam delivery system with a non-digitized diffractive beam splitter for laser-drilling of silicon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amako, J.; Fujii, E.

2016-02-01

We report a beam-delivery system consisting of a non-digitized diffractive beam splitter and a Fourier transform lens. The system is applied to the deep-drilling of silicon using a nanosecond pulse laser in the manufacture of inkjet printer heads. In this process, a circularly polarized pulse beam is divided into an array of uniform beams, which are then delivered precisely to the process points. To meet these requirements, the splitter was designed to be polarization-independent with an efficiency>95%. The optical elements were assembled so as to allow the fine tuning of the effective overall focal length by adjusting the wavefront curvature of the beam. Using the system, a beam alignment accuracy of<5 μm was achieved for a 12-mm-wide beam array and the throughput was substantially improved (10,000 points on a silicon wafer drilled in ~1 min). This beam-delivery scheme works for a variety of laser applications that require parallel processing.

Design and Analysis of Nano-Pulse Generator for Industrial Wastewater Application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jang, Sung-Duck; Son, Yoon-Kyoo; Cho, Moo-Hyun; Norov, Enkhbat

2018-05-01

Recently, the application of a pulsed power system is being extended to environmental and industrial fields. The non-dissolution wastewater pollutants from industrial plants can be processed by applying high-voltage pulses with a fast rising time (a few nanoseconds) and short duration (nano to microseconds) in a pulsed corona discharge reactor. The high-voltage nano-pulse generator with a magnetic switch has been developed. It can be used for a spray type water treatment facility. Its corona current in load can be adjusted by pulse width and repetition rate. We investigated the performance of the nano-pulse generator by using the dummy load that is composed of resistor and capacitor equivalent to the actual reactor. In this paper, the results of design, construction and characterization of a high-voltage nano-pulse generator for an industrial wastewater treatment are reported. Consequently, a pulse width of 1.1 μs at the repetition rate of 200 pps, a peak voltage of 41 kV for the nano-pulse generator were achieved across a 640 Ω load. The simulation results on magnetic switch show reasonable agreement with experimental ones.

Laser ignition of an experimental combustion chamber with a multi-injector configuration at low pressure conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Börner, Michael; Manfletti, Chiara; Kroupa, Gerhard; Oschwald, Michael

2017-09-01

In search of reliable and light-weight ignition systems for re-ignitable upper stage engines, a laser ignition system was adapted and tested on an experimental combustion chamber for propellant injection into low combustion chamber pressures at 50-80 mbar. The injector head pattern consisted of five coaxial injector elements. Both, laser-ablation-driven ignition and laser-plasma-driven ignition were tested for the propellant combination liquid oxygen and gaseous hydrogen. The 122 test runs demonstrated the reliability of the ignition system for different ignition configurations and negligible degradation due to testing. For the laser-plasma-driven scheme, minimum laser pulse energies needed for 100% ignition probability were found to decrease when increasing the distance of the ignition location from the injector faceplate with a minimum of 2.6 mJ. For laser-ablation-driven ignition, the minimum pulse energy was found to be independent of the ablation material tested and was about 1.7 mJ. The ignition process was characterized using both high-speed Schlieren and OH* emission diagnostics. Based on these findings and on the increased fiber-based pulse transport capabilities recently published, new ignition system configurations for space propulsion systems relying on fiber-based pulse delivery are formulated. If the laser ignition system delivers enough pulse energy, the laser-plasma-driven configuration represents the more versatile configuration. If the laser ignition pulse power is limited, the application of laser-ablation-driven ignition is an option to realize ignition, but implies restrictions concerning the location of ignition.

Dynamic target ionization using an ultrashort pulse of a laser field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makarov, D. N.; Matveev, V. I.; Makarova, K. A.

2014-09-01

Ionization processes under the interaction of an ultrashort pulse of an electromagnetic field with atoms in nonstationary states are considered. As an example, the ionization probability of the hydrogen-like atom upon the decay of quasi-stationary state is calculated. The method developed can be applied to complex systems, including targets in collisional states and various chemical reactions.

Coherent optical pulse sequencer for quantum applications.

PubMed

Hosseini, Mahdi; Sparkes, Ben M; Hétet, Gabriel; Longdell, Jevon J; Lam, Ping Koy; Buchler, Ben C

2009-09-10

The bandwidth and versatility of optical devices have revolutionized information technology systems and communication networks. Precise and arbitrary control of an optical field that preserves optical coherence is an important requisite for many proposed photonic technologies. For quantum information applications, a device that allows storage and on-demand retrieval of arbitrary quantum states of light would form an ideal quantum optical memory. Recently, significant progress has been made in implementing atomic quantum memories using electromagnetically induced transparency, photon echo spectroscopy, off-resonance Raman spectroscopy and other atom-light interaction processes. Single-photon and bright-optical-field storage with quantum states have both been successfully demonstrated. Here we present a coherent optical memory based on photon echoes induced through controlled reversible inhomogeneous broadening. Our scheme allows storage of multiple pulses of light within a chosen frequency bandwidth, and stored pulses can be recalled in arbitrary order with any chosen delay between each recalled pulse. Furthermore, pulses can be time-compressed, time-stretched or split into multiple smaller pulses and recalled in several pieces at chosen times. Although our experimental results are so far limited to classical light pulses, our technique should enable the construction of an optical random-access memory for time-bin quantum information, and have potential applications in quantum information processing.

Solutions for acceleration measurement in vehicle crash tests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dima, D. S.; Covaciu, D.

2017-10-01

Crash tests are useful for validating computer simulations of road traffic accidents. One of the most important parameters measured is the acceleration. The evolution of acceleration versus time, during a crash test, form a crash pulse. The correctness of the crash pulse determination depends on the data acquisition system used. Recommendations regarding the instrumentation for impact tests are given in standards, which are focused on the use of accelerometers as impact sensors. The goal of this paper is to present the device and software developed by authors for data acquisition and processing. The system includes two accelerometers with different input ranges, a processing unit based on a 32-bit microcontroller and a data logging unit with SD card. Data collected on card, as text files, is processed with a dedicated software running on personal computers. The processing is based on diagrams and includes the digital filters recommended in standards.

Machining of glass and quartz using nanosecond and picosecond laser pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ashkenasi, David; Kaszemeikat, Tristan; Mueller, Norbert; Lemke, Andreas; Eichler, Hans Joachim

2012-03-01

New laser processing strategies in micro processing of glass, quartz and other optically transparent materials are being developed with increasing effort. Utilizing diode-pumped solid-state laser generating nanosecond pulsed green (532 nm) laser light in conjunction with either scanners or special trepanning systems can provide for reliable glass machining at excellent efficiency. Micro ablation can be induced either from the front or rear side of the glass sample. Ablation rates of over 100 μm per pulse can be achieved in rear side processing. In comparison, picosecond laser processing of glass and quartz (at a wavelength of 1064 or 532 nm) yield smaller feed rates at however much better surface and bore wall quality. This is of great importance for small sized features, e.g. through-hole diameters smaller 50 μm in thin glass. Critical for applications with minimum micro cracks and maximum performance is an appropriate distribution of laser pulses over the work piece along with optimum laser parameters. Laser machining tasks are long aspect micro drilling, slanted through holes, internal contour cuts, micro pockets and more complex geometries in e.g. soda-lime glass, B33, B270, D236T, AF45 and BK7 glass, quartz, and Zerodur.

Analysis and improved design considerations for airborne pulse Doppler radar signal processing in the detection of hazardous windshear

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Jonggil

1990-01-01

High resolution windspeed profile measurements are needed to provide reliable detection of hazardous low altitude windshear with an airborne pulse Doppler radar. The system phase noise in a Doppler weather radar may degrade the spectrum moment estimation quality and the clutter cancellation capability which are important in windshear detection. Also the bias due to weather return Doppler spectrum skewness may cause large errors in pulse pair spectral parameter estimates. These effects are analyzed for the improvement of an airborne Doppler weather radar signal processing design. A method is presented for the direct measurement of windspeed gradient using low pulse repetition frequency (PRF) radar. This spatial gradient is essential in obtaining the windshear hazard index. As an alternative, the modified Prony method is suggested as a spectrum mode estimator for both the clutter and weather signal. Estimation of Doppler spectrum modes may provide the desired windshear hazard information without the need of any preliminary processing requirement such as clutter filtering. The results obtained by processing a NASA simulation model output support consideration of mode identification as one component of a windshear detection algorithm.

4D visualization of embryonic, structural crystallization by single-pulse microscopy

PubMed Central

Kwon, Oh-Hoon; Barwick, Brett; Park, Hyun Soon; Baskin, J. Spencer; Zewail, Ahmed H.

2008-01-01

In many physical and biological systems the transition from an amorphous to ordered native structure involves complex energy landscapes, and understanding such transformations requires not only their thermodynamics but also the structural dynamics during the process. Here, we extend our 4D visualization method with electron imaging to include the study of irreversible processes with a single pulse in the same ultrafast electron microscope (UEM) as used before in the single-electron mode for the study of reversible processes. With this augmentation, we report on the transformation of amorphous to crystalline structure with silicon as an example. A single heating pulse was used to initiate crystallization from the amorphous phase while a single packet of electrons imaged selectively in space the transformation as the structure continuously changes with time. From the evolution of crystallinity in real time and the changes in morphology, for nanosecond and femtosecond pulse heating, we describe two types of processes, one that occurs at early time and involves a nondiffusive motion and another that takes place on a longer time scale. Similar mechanisms of two distinct time scales may perhaps be important in biomolecular folding. PMID:18562291

Heat input and accumulation for ultrashort pulse processing with high average power

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Finger, Johannes; Bornschlegel, Benedikt; Reininghaus, Martin; Dohrn, Andreas; Nießen, Markus; Gillner, Arnold; Poprawe, Reinhart

2018-05-01

Materials processing using ultrashort pulsed laser radiation with pulse durations <10 ps is known to enable very precise processing with negligible thermal load. However, even for the application of picosecond and femtosecond laser radiation, not the full amount of the absorbed energy is converted into ablation products and a distinct fraction of the absorbed energy remains as residual heat in the processed workpiece. For low average power and power densities, this heat is usually not relevant for the processing results and dissipates into the workpiece. In contrast, when higher average powers and repetition rates are applied to increase the throughput and upscale ultrashort pulse processing, this heat input becomes relevant and significantly affects the achieved processing results. In this paper, we outline the relevance of heat input for ultrashort pulse processing, starting with the heat input of a single ultrashort laser pulse. Heat accumulation during ultrashort pulse processing with high repetition rate is discussed as well as heat accumulation for materials processing using pulse bursts. In addition, the relevance of heat accumulation with multiple scanning passes and processing with multiple laser spots is shown.

Increase of hole-drilling speed by using packs of laser pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gorny, Sergey G.; Grigoriev, A. M.; Lopota, Vitaliy A.; Turichin, Gleb A.

1999-09-01

For realization of the optimum mode of hole drilling the packs of laser pulses of high intensity were used, when average level of intensity of radiation is not too high, that reduces specific energy of destruction, and the peak intensity is reasonably great, that the pulse of pressure of effect at evaporation has completely deleted the liquid from the zone of processing. The high peak intensity of radiation permits in this case to place a target not in focus of a optical system, creating on its surface the image with the help of masks. It permits to receive in metal plates the holes of any section, to execute marking of surfaces and deep engraving of sample material with the help of laser. With the using of focused radiation the cutting of thin materials can be executed without a auxiliary gas. The condition of melt replacement is excess of power of recoil pressure above the power of viscous forces and forces of inertia. The decision of the hydrodynamic problem permits to evaluate the necessary parameters of laser radiation, frequency and longitude of packs of pulses which provide increases of process speed in several times. The conducted experiments confirm the indicated theoretical analysis of process of removing of the material under action of packs of pulses of laser radiation. The given process is realized in laser technological installations for holes drilling and marks of materials.

Research on the EDM Technology for Micro-holes at Complex Spatial Locations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Y Liu, J.; Guo, J. M.; Sun, D. J.; Cai, Y. H.; Ding, L. T.; Jiang, H.

2017-12-01

For the demands on machining micro-holes at complex spatial location, several key technical problems are conquered such as micro-Electron Discharge Machining (micro-EDM) power supply system’s development, the host structure’s design and machining process technical. Through developing low-voltage power supply circuit, high-voltage circuit, micro and precision machining circuit and clearance detection system, the narrow pulse and high frequency six-axis EDM machining power supply system is developed to meet the demands on micro-hole discharging machining. With the method of combining the CAD structure design, CAE simulation analysis, modal test, ODS (Operational Deflection Shapes) test and theoretical analysis, the host construction and key axes of the machine tool are optimized to meet the position demands of the micro-holes. Through developing the special deionized water filtration system to make sure that the machining process is stable enough. To verify the machining equipment and processing technical developed in this paper through developing the micro-hole’s processing flow and test on the real machine tool. As shown in the final test results: the efficient micro-EDM machining pulse power supply system, machine tool host system, deionized filtration system and processing method developed in this paper meet the demands on machining micro-holes at complex spatial locations.

New laser system for highly sensitive clinical pulse oximetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamza, Mostafa; Hamza, Mohammad

1996-04-01

This paper describes the theory and design of a new pulse oximeter in which laser diodes and other compact laser sources are used for the measurement of oxygen saturation in patients who are at risk of developing hypoxemia. The technique depends upon illuminating special sites of the skin of the patient with radiation from modulated laser sources at selected wavelengths. The specific laser wavelengths are chosen based on the absorption characteristics of oxyhemoglobin, reduced hemoglobin and other interfering sources for obtaining more accurate measurements. The laser radiation transmitted through the tissue is detected and signal processing based on differential absorption laser spectroscopy is done in such a way to overcome the primary performance limitations of the conventionally used pulse oximetry. The new laser pulse oximeter can detect weak signals and is not affected by other light sources such as surgical lamps, phototherapy units, etc. The detailed description and operating characteristics of this system are presented.

Tunable, Flexible and Efficient Optimization of Control Pulses for Superconducting Qubits, part II - Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

AsséMat, Elie; Machnes, Shai; Tannor, David; Wilhelm-Mauch, Frank

In part I, we presented the theoretic foundations of the GOAT algorithm for the optimal control of quantum systems. Here in part II, we focus on several applications of GOAT to superconducting qubits architecture. First, we consider a control-Z gate on Xmons qubits with an Erf parametrization of the optimal pulse. We show that a fast and accurate gate can be obtained with only 16 parameters, as compared to hundreds of parameters required in other algorithms. We present numerical evidences that such parametrization should allow an efficient in-situ calibration of the pulse. Next, we consider the flux-tunable coupler by IBM. We show optimization can be carried out in a more realistic model of the system than was employed in the original study, which is expected to further simplify the calibration process. Moreover, GOAT reduced the complexity of the optimal pulse to only 6 Fourier components, composed with analytic wrappers.

Prediction of ultrasonic pulse velocity for enhanced peat bricks using adaptive neuro-fuzzy methodology.

PubMed

Motamedi, Shervin; Roy, Chandrabhushan; Shamshirband, Shahaboddin; Hashim, Roslan; Petković, Dalibor; Song, Ki-Il

2015-08-01

Ultrasonic pulse velocity is affected by defects in material structure. This study applied soft computing techniques to predict the ultrasonic pulse velocity for various peats and cement content mixtures for several curing periods. First, this investigation constructed a process to simulate the ultrasonic pulse velocity with adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system. Then, an ANFIS network with neurons was developed. The input and output layers consisted of four and one neurons, respectively. The four inputs were cement, peat, sand content (%) and curing period (days). The simulation results showed efficient performance of the proposed system. The ANFIS and experimental results were compared through the coefficient of determination and root-mean-square error. In conclusion, use of ANFIS network enhances prediction and generation of strength. The simulation results confirmed the effectiveness of the suggested strategies. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cyclic reconstruction of 4D retinal blood flow with pulse synchronization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmoll, Tilman; Lasser, Theo; Leitgeb, Rainer A.

2009-02-01

Doppler OCT systems allow nowadays to visualize quantitative and qualitative angiographic maps of retinal tissue. We equipped the instrument with a pulse oximeter and recorded the pulse synchronously with the resonant Doppler flow data. Recombination of tomograms according to the heart beat cycles yields full volumes for each cycle instant. We believe such multi-dimensional functional information and the ability to monitor dynamic processes over time to open exciting perspectives that ultimately contribute to a better understanding of retinal physiology and patho-physiology in-vivo.

High power parallel ultrashort pulse laser processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gillner, Arnold; Gretzki, Patrick; Büsing, Lasse

2016-03-01

The class of ultra-short-pulse (USP) laser sources are used, whenever high precession and high quality material processing is demanded. These laser sources deliver pulse duration in the range of ps to fs and are characterized with high peak intensities leading to a direct vaporization of the material with a minimum thermal damage. With the availability of industrial laser source with an average power of up to 1000W, the main challenge consist of the effective energy distribution and disposition. Using lasers with high repetition rates in the MHz region can cause thermal issues like overheating, melt production and low ablation quality. In this paper, we will discuss different approaches for multibeam processing for utilization of high pulse energies. The combination of diffractive optics and conventional galvometer scanner can be used for high throughput laser ablation, but are limited in the optical qualities. We will show which applications can benefit from this hybrid optic and which improvements in productivity are expected. In addition, the optical limitations of the system will be compiled, in order to evaluate the suitability of this approach for any given application.

Optimized pulses for the control of uncertain qubits

DOE PAGES

Grace, Matthew D.; Dominy, Jason M.; Witzel, Wayne M.; ...

2012-05-18

The construction of high-fidelity control fields that are robust to control, system, and/or surrounding environment uncertainties is a crucial objective for quantum information processing. Using the two-state Landau-Zener model for illustrative simulations of a controlled qubit, we generate optimal controls for π/2 and π pulses and investigate their inherent robustness to uncertainty in the magnitude of the drift Hamiltonian. Next, we construct a quantum-control protocol to improve system-drift robustness by combining environment-decoupling pulse criteria and optimal control theory for unitary operations. By perturbatively expanding the unitary time-evolution operator for an open quantum system, previous analysis of environment-decoupling control pulses hasmore » calculated explicit control-field criteria to suppress environment-induced errors up to (but not including) third order from π/2 and π pulses. We systematically integrate this criteria with optimal control theory, incorporating an estimate of the uncertain parameter to produce improvements in gate fidelity and robustness, demonstrated via a numerical example based on double quantum dot qubits. For the qubit model used in this work, postfacto analysis of the resulting controls suggests that realistic control-field fluctuations and noise may contribute just as significantly to gate errors as system and environment fluctuations.« less

System for Measuring Conditional Amplitude, Phase, or Time Distributions of Pulsating Phenomena

PubMed Central

Van Brunt, Richard J.; Cernyar, Eric W.

1992-01-01

A detailed description is given of an electronic stochastic analyzer for use with direct “real-time” measurements of the conditional distributions needed for a complete stochastic characterization of pulsating phenomena that can be represented as random point processes. The measurement system described here is designed to reveal and quantify effects of pulse-to-pulse or phase-to-phase memory propagation. The unraveling of memory effects is required so that the physical basis for observed statistical properties of pulsating phenomena can be understood. The individual unique circuit components that comprise the system and the combinations of these components for various measurements, are thoroughly documented. The system has been applied to the measurement of pulsating partial discharges generated by applying alternating or constant voltage to a discharge gap. Examples are shown of data obtained for conditional and unconditional amplitude, time interval, and phase-of-occurrence distributions of partial-discharge pulses. The results unequivocally show the existence of significant memory effects as indicated, for example, by the observations that the most probable amplitudes and phases-of-occurrence of discharge pulses depend on the amplitudes and/or phases of the preceding pulses. Sources of error and fundamental limitations of the present measurement approach are analyzed. Possible extensions of the method are also discussed. PMID:28053450

A novel digital pulse processing architecture for nuclear instrumentation

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

Moline, Yoann; Thevenin, Mathieu; Corre, Gwenole

The field of nuclear instrumentation covers a wide range of applications, including counting, spectrometry, pulse shape discrimination and multi-channel coincidence. These applications are the topic of many researches, new algorithms and implementations are constantly proposed thanks to advances in digital signal processing. However, these improvements are not yet implemented in instrumentation devices. This is especially true for neutron-gamma discrimination applications which traditionally use charge comparison method while literature proposes other algorithms based on frequency domain or wavelet theory which show better performances. Another example is pileups which are generally rejected while pileup correction algorithms also exist. These processes are traditionallymore » performed offline due to two issues. The first is the Poissonian characteristic of the signal, composed of random arrival pulses which requires to current architectures to work in data flow. The second is the real-time requirement, which implies losing pulses when the pulse rate is too high. Despite the possibility of treating the pulses independently from each other, current architectures paralyze the acquisition of the signal during the processing of a pulse. This loss is called dead-time. These two issues have led current architectures to use dedicated solutions based on re-configurable components like Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) to overcome the need of performance necessary to deal with dead-time. However, dedicated hardware algorithm implementations on re-configurable technologies are complex and time-consuming. For all these reasons, a programmable Digital pulse Processing (DPP) architecture in a high level language such as Cor C++ which can reduce dead-time would be worthwhile for nuclear instrumentation. This would reduce prototyping and test duration by reducing the level of hardware expertise to implement new algorithms. However, today's programmable solutions do not meet the need of performance to operate online and not allow scaling with the increase in the number of measurement channel. That is why an innovative DPP architecture is proposed in this paper. This architecture is able to overcome dead-time while being programmable and is flexible with the number of measurement channel. Proposed architecture is based on an innovative execution model for pulse processing applications which can be summarized as follow. The signal is not composed of pulses only, consequently, pulses processing does not have to operate on the entire signal. Therefore, the first step of our proposal is pulse extraction by the use of dedicated components named pulse extractors. The triggering step can be achieved after the analog-to-digital conversion without any signal shaping or filtering stages. Pileup detection and accurate pulse time stamping are done at this stage. Any application downstream this step can work on adaptive variable-sized array of samples simplifying pulse processing methods. Then, once the data flow is broken, it is possible to distribute pulses on Functional Units (FUs) which perform processing. As the date of each pulse is known, they can be processed individually out-of-order to provide the results. To manage the pulses distribution, a scheduler and an interconnection network are used. pulses are distributed on the first FU which is not busy without congesting the interconnection network. For this reason, the process duration does not result anymore in dead-time if there are enough FUs. FUs are designed to be standalone and to comprises at least a programmable general purpose processor (ARM, Microblaze) allowing the implementation of complex algorithms without any modification of the hardware. An acquisition chain is composed of a succession of algorithms which lead to organize our FUs as a software macro-pipeline, A simple approach consists in assigning one algorithm per FU. Consequently, the global latency becomes the worst latency of algorithms execution on FU. Moreover, as algorithms are executed locally - i.e. on a FU - this approach limits shared memory requirement. To handle multichannel, we propose FUs sharing, this approach maximize the chance to find a non-busy FU to process an incoming pulse. This is possible since each channel receive random event independently, the pulse extractors associated to them do not necessarily need to access simultaneously to all Computing resources at the same time to distribute their pulses. The major contribution of this paper is the proposition of an execution model and its associated hardware programmable architecture for digital pulse processing that can handle multiple acquisition channels while maintaining the scalability thanks to the use of shared resources. This execution model and associated architecture are validated by simulation of a cycle accurate architecture SystemC model. Proposed architecture shows promising results in terms of scalability while maintaining zero dead-time. This work also permit the sizing of hardware resources requirement required for a predefined set of applications. Future work will focus on the interconnection network and a scheduling policy that can exploit the variable-length of pulses. Then, the hardware implementation of this architecture will be performed and tested for a representative set of application.« less

Control and data acquisition upgrades for NSTX-U

DOE PAGES

Davis, W. M.; Tchilinguirian, G. J.; Carroll, T.; ...

2016-06-06

The extensive NSTX Upgrade (NSTX-U) Project includes major components which allow a doubling of the toroidal field strength to 1 T, of the Neutral Beam heating power to 12 MW, and the plasma current to 2 MA, and substantial structural enhancements to withstand the increased electromagnetic loads. The maximum pulse length will go from 1.5 to 5 s. The larger and more complex forces on the coils will be protected by a Digital Coil Protection System, which requires demanding real-time data input rates, calculations and responses. The amount of conventional digitized data for a given pulse is expected to increasemore » from 2.5 to 5 GB per second of pulse. 2-D Fast Camera data is expected to go from 2.5 GB/pulse to 10, and another 2 GB/pulse is expected from new IR cameras. Our network capacity will be increased by a factor of 10, with 10 Gb/s fibers used for the major trunks. 32-core Linux systems will be used for several functions, including between-shot data processing, MDSplus data serving, between-shot EFIT analysis, real-time processing, and for a new capability, between-shot TRANSP. As a result, improvements to the MDSplus events subsystem will be made through the use of both UDP and TCP/IP based methods and the addition of a dedicated “event server”.« less

Treatment of Wastewater with High Conductivity by Pulsed Discharge Plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhaojun; Jiang, Song; Liu, Kefu

2014-07-01

A wastewater treatment system was established by means of pulsed dielectric barrier discharge (DBD). The main advantage of this system is that the wastewater is employed as one of the electrodes for the degradation of rhodamine B, which makes use of the high conductivity and lessenes its negative influence on the discharge process. At the same time, the reactive species like ozone and ultraviolet (UV) light generated by the DBD can be utilized for the treatment of wastewater. The effects of some factors like conductivity, peak pulse voltage, discharge frequency and pH values were investigated. The results show that the combination of these reactive species could enhance the degradation of the dye while the ozone played the most important role in the process. The degradation efficiency was enhanced with the increase of energy supplied. The reduction in the concentration of rhodamine B was much more effective with high solution conductivity; under the highest conductivity condition, the degradation rate could rise to 99%.

A nonlinear dynamical system for combustion instability in a pulse model combustor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takagi, Kazushi; Gotoda, Hiroshi

2016-11-01

We theoretically and numerically study the bifurcation phenomena of nonlinear dynamical system describing combustion instability in a pulse model combustor on the basis of dynamical system theory and complex network theory. The dynamical behavior of pressure fluctuations undergoes a significant transition from steady-state to deterministic chaos via the period-doubling cascade process known as Feigenbaum scenario with decreasing the characteristic flow time. Recurrence plots and recurrence networks analysis we adopted in this study can quantify the significant changes in dynamic behavior of combustion instability that cannot be captured in the bifurcation diagram.

LASER APPLICATIONS AND OTHER TOPICS IN QUANTUM ELECTRONICS: Application of the Wigner function and matrix optics to describe variations in the shape of ultrashort laser pulses propagating through linear optical systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gitin, Andrey V.

2006-04-01

The transformation of the shape of ultrashort laser pulses (USPs) in time can be described similarly to the process of image formation in space. It is shown that the wave description of imaging is simplified by using the Wigner function, this description in the quadratic approximation being identical to the use of the ABCD matrices. The transformation of USPs propagating through linear optical systems was described and these systems were classified by the methods of matrix optics.

Dimensional processing of composite materials by picosecond pulsed ytterbium fiber laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kotov, S. A.

2017-12-01

In this paper, an experimental study of laser dimensional processing of thermoset carbon fiber reinforced plastics with a thickness of 2 and 3 mm was performed. In the process of work test rig setup based on picosecond pulsed fiber laser with 1.06 microns wavelength and 30 W average power was developed. Experimental tests were carried out at the maximum average power, with laser beam moved by a galvanometric mirrors system. Cutting tests were executed with different scanning velocity, using different laser modes, number of repetitions, hatching distance and focal plane position without process gas. As a result of the research recommendations for the selection processing mode parameters, providing minimal heat affected zone, good kerf geometry and high cutting speed were produced.

Architecture for a 1-GHz Digital RADAR

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mallik, Udayan

2011-01-01

An architecture for a Direct RF-digitization Type Digital Mode RADAR was developed at GSFC in 2008. Two variations of a basic architecture were developed for use on RADAR imaging missions using aircraft and spacecraft. Both systems can operate with a pulse repetition rate up to 10 MHz with 8 received RF samples per pulse repetition interval, or at up to 19 kHz with 4K received RF samples per pulse repetition interval. The first design describes a computer architecture for a Continuous Mode RADAR transceiver with a real-time signal processing and display architecture. The architecture can operate at a high pulse repetition rate without interruption for an infinite amount of time. The second design describes a smaller and less costly burst mode RADAR that can transceive high pulse repetition rate RF signals without interruption for up to 37 seconds. The burst-mode RADAR was designed to operate on an off-line signal processing paradigm. The temporal distribution of RF samples acquired and reported to the RADAR processor remains uniform and free of distortion in both proposed architectures. The majority of the RADAR's electronics is implemented in digital CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor), and analog circuits are restricted to signal amplification operations and analog to digital conversion. An implementation of the proposed systems will create a 1-GHz, Direct RF-digitization Type, L-Band Digital RADAR--the highest band achievable for Nyquist Rate, Direct RF-digitization Systems that do not implement an electronic IF downsample stage (after the receiver signal amplification stage), using commercially available off-the-shelf integrated circuits.

Low-photon-number optical switch and AND/OR logic gates based on quantum dot-bimodal cavity coupling system.

PubMed

Ma, Shen; Ye, Han; Yu, Zhong-Yuan; Zhang, Wen; Peng, Yi-Wei; Cheng, Xiang; Liu, Yu-Min

2016-01-11

We propose a new scheme based on quantum dot-bimodal cavity coupling system to realize all-optical switch and logic gates in low-photon-number regime. Suppression of mode transmission due to the destructive interference effect is theoretically demonstrated by driving the cavity with two orthogonally polarized pulsed lasers at certain pulse delay. The transmitted mode can be selected by designing laser pulse sequence. The optical switch with high on-off ratio emerges when considering one driving laser as the control. Moreover, the AND/OR logic gates based on photon polarization are achieved by cascading the coupling system. Both proposed optical switch and logic gates work well in ultra-low energy magnitude. Our work may enable various applications of all-optical computing and quantum information processing.

Low-photon-number optical switch and AND/OR logic gates based on quantum dot-bimodal cavity coupling system

PubMed Central

Ma, Shen; Ye, Han; Yu, Zhong-Yuan; Zhang, Wen; Peng, Yi-Wei; Cheng, Xiang; Liu, Yu-Min

2016-01-01

We propose a new scheme based on quantum dot-bimodal cavity coupling system to realize all-optical switch and logic gates in low-photon-number regime. Suppression of mode transmission due to the destructive interference effect is theoretically demonstrated by driving the cavity with two orthogonally polarized pulsed lasers at certain pulse delay. The transmitted mode can be selected by designing laser pulse sequence. The optical switch with high on-off ratio emerges when considering one driving laser as the control. Moreover, the AND/OR logic gates based on photon polarization are achieved by cascading the coupling system. Both proposed optical switch and logic gates work well in ultra-low energy magnitude. Our work may enable various applications of all-optical computing and quantum information processing. PMID:26750557

Detection of pulsed neutrons with solid-state electronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chatzakis, J.; Rigakis, I.; Hassan, S. M.; Clark, E. L.; Lee, P.

2016-09-01

Measurements of the spatial and time-resolved characteristics of pulsed neutron sources require large area detection materials and fast circuitry that can process the electronic pulses readout from the active region of the detector. In this paper, we present a solid-state detector based on the nuclear activation of materials by neutrons, and the detection of the secondary particle emission of the generated radionuclides’ decay. The detector utilizes a microcontroller that communicates using a modified SPI protocol. A solid-state, pulse shaping filter follows a charge amplifier, and it is designed as an inexpensive, low-noise solution for measuring pulses measured by a digital counter. An imaging detector can also be made by using an array of these detectors. The system can communicate with an interface unit and pass an image to a personal computer.

Economics of electron beam and electrical discharge processing for post-combustion NO(x) control in internal combustion engines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Penetrante, B. M.

1993-08-01

The physics and chemistry of non-thermal plasma processing for post-combustion NO(x) control in internal combustion engines are discussed. A comparison of electron beam and electrical discharge processing is made regarding their power consumption, radical production, NO(x) removal mechanisms, and by-product formation. Pollution control applications present a good opportunity for transferring pulsed power techniques to the commercial sector. However, unless advances are made to drastically reduce the price and power consumption of electron beam sources and pulsed power systems, these plasma techniques will not become commercially competitive with conventional thermal or surface-catalytic methods.

Theoretical and experimental investigations of coincidences in Poisson distributed pulse trains and spectral distortion caused by pulse pileup

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bristow, Quentin

1990-03-01

The occurrence rates of pulse strings, or sequences of pulses with interarrival times less than the resolving time of the pulse-height analysis system used to acquire spectra, are derived from theoretical considerations. Logic circuits were devised to make experimental measurements of multiple pulse string occurrence rates in the output from a scintillation detector over a wide range of count rates. Markov process theory was used to predict state transition rates in the logic circuits, enabling the experimental data to be checked rigorously for conformity with those predicted for a Poisson distribution. No fundamental discrepancies were observed. Monte Carlo simulations, incorporating criteria for pulse pileup inherent in the operation of modern analog to digital converters, were used to generate pileup spectra due to coincidences between two pulses (first order pileup) and three pulses (second order pileup) for different semi-Gaussian pulse shapes. Coincidences between pulses in a single channel produced a basic probability density function spectrum. The use of a flat spectrum showed the first order pileup distorted the spectrum to a linear ramp with a pileup tail. A correction algorithm was successfully applied to correct entire spectra (simulated and real) for first and second order pileups.

Gas-pressure dependence of terahertz-pulse generation in a laser-generated nitrogen plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Löffler, T.; Roskos, H. G.

2002-03-01

Far-infrared (terahertz) pulses can be generated by photoionization of electrically biased gases with amplified laser pulses [T. Löffler, F. Jacob, and H. G. Roskos, Appl. Phys. Lett. 77, 453 (2000)]. The efficiency of the generation process can be significantly increased when the absolute gas pressure is raised because it is then possible to apply higher bias fields close to the dielectric breakdown field of the gas which increases with the pressure. The dependence of the THz output on the optical pump power does not show any indication of saturation, making the plasma emitter an interesting source for THz pulses especially in conjunction with terawatt laser systems.

Hybrid micromachining using a nanosecond pulsed laser and micro EDM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Sanha; Kim, Bo Hyun; Chung, Do Kwan; Shin, Hong Shik; Chu, Chong Nam

2010-01-01

Micro electrical discharge machining (micro EDM) is a well-known precise machining process that achieves micro structures of excellent quality for any conductive material. However, the slow machining speed and high tool wear are main drawbacks of this process. Though the use of deionized water instead of kerosene as a dielectric fluid can reduce the tool wear and increase the machine speed, the material removal rate (MRR) is still low. In contrast, laser ablation using a nanosecond pulsed laser is a fast and non-wear machining process but achieves micro figures of rather low quality. Therefore, the integration of these two processes can overcome the respective disadvantages. This paper reports a hybrid process of a nanosecond pulsed laser and micro EDM for micromachining. A novel hybrid micromachining system that combines the two discrete machining processes is introduced. Then, the feasibility and characteristics of the hybrid machining process are investigated compared to conventional EDM and laser ablation. It is verified experimentally that the machining time can be effectively reduced in both EDM drilling and milling by rapid laser pre-machining prior to micro EDM. Finally, some examples of complicated 3D micro structures fabricated by the hybrid process are shown.

Single-shot spectro-temporal characterization of XUV pulses from a seeded free-electron laser

PubMed Central

De Ninno, Giovanni; Gauthier, David; Mahieu, Benoît; Ribič, Primož Rebernik; Allaria, Enrico; Cinquegrana, Paolo; Danailov, Miltcho Bojanov; Demidovich, Alexander; Ferrari, Eugenio; Giannessi, Luca; Penco, Giuseppe; Sigalotti, Paolo; Stupar, Matija

2015-01-01

Intense ultrashort X-ray pulses produced by modern free-electron lasers (FELs) allow one to probe biological systems, inorganic materials and molecular reaction dynamics with nanoscale spatial and femtoscale temporal resolution. These experiments require the knowledge, and possibly the control, of the spectro-temporal content of individual pulses. FELs relying on seeding have the potential to produce spatially and temporally fully coherent pulses. Here we propose and implement an interferometric method, which allows us to carry out the first complete single-shot spectro-temporal characterization of the pulses, generated by an FEL in the extreme ultraviolet spectral range. Moreover, we provide the first direct evidence of the temporal coherence of a seeded FEL working in the extreme ultraviolet spectral range and show the way to control the light generation process to produce Fourier-limited pulses. Experiments are carried out at the FERMI FEL in Trieste. PMID:26290320

Gain-phase modulation in chirped-pulse amplification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Yijie; Gao, Gan; Meng, Yuan; Fu, Xing; Gong, Mali

2017-10-01

The cross-modulation between the gain and chirped phase in chirped-pulse amplification (CPA) is theoretically and experimentally demonstrated. We propose a gain-phase coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equation (GPC-NLSE) for solving chirped-pulse propagation in a nonlinear gain medium involved in the gain-phase modulation (GPM) process. With the GPC-NLSE, the space-time-frequency-dependent gain, chirped phase, pulse, and spectrum evolutions can be precisely calculated. Moreover, a short-length high-gain Yb-doped fiber CPA experiment is presented in which a self-steepening distortion of the seed pulse is automatically compensated after amplification. This phenomenon can be explained by the GPM theory whereas conventional models cannot. The experimental results for the temporal and spectral intensities show excellent agreement with our theory. Our GPM theory paves the way for further investigations of the finer structures of the pulse and spectrum in CPA systems.

Real Time System for Practical Acoustic Monitoring of Global Ocean Temperature. Volume 3

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-06-30

signal processing software to the SSAR. This software performs Doppler correction , circulating sums, matched filtering and pulse compression, estimation...Doppler correction , circulating sums, matched filtering and pulse compression, estimation of multipath arrival angle, and peak- picking. At the... geometrica , sound speed, and focuing region sAles to the acoustic wavelengths Our work on this problem is based on an oceanographic application. To

Passively mode-locked fiber laser based on a hollow-core photonic crystal fiber filled with few-layered graphene oxide solution.

PubMed

Liu, Zhi-Bo; He, Xiaoying; Wang, D N

2011-08-15

We demonstrate a nanosecond-pulse erbium-doped fiber laser that is passively mode locked by a hollow-core photonic crystal fiber filled with few-layered graphene oxide solution. Owing to the good solution processing capability of few-layered graphene oxide, which can be filled into the core of a hollow-core photonic crystal fiber through a selective hole filling process, a graphene saturable absorber can be successfully fabricated. The output pulses obtained have a center wavelength, pulse width, and repetition rate of 1561.2 nm, 4.85 ns, and 7.68 MHz, respectively. This method provides a simple and efficient approach to integrate the graphene into the optical fiber system. © 2011 Optical Society of America

Low-order black-box models for control system design in large power systems

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

Kamwa, I.; Trudel, G.; Gerin-Lajoie, L.

1996-02-01

The paper studies two multi-input multi-output (MIMO) procedures for the identification of low-order state-space models of power systems, by probing the network in open loop with low-energy pulses or random signals. Although such data may result from actual measurements, the development assumes simulated responses from a transient stability program, hence benefiting from the existing large base of stability models. While pulse data is processed using the eigensystem realization algorithm, the analysis of random responses is done by means of subspace identification methods. On a prototype Hydro-Quebec power system, including SVCs, DC lines, series compensation, and more than 1,100 buses, itmore » is verified that the two approaches are equivalent only when strict requirements are imposed on the pulse length and magnitude. The 10th-order equivalent models derived by random-signal probing allow for effective tuning of decentralized power system stabilizers (PSSs) able to damp both local and very slow inter-area modes.« less

Low-order black-box models for control system design in large power systems

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

Kamwa, I.; Trudel, G.; Gerin-Lajoie, L.

1995-12-31

The paper studies two multi-input multi-output (MIMO) procedures for the identification of low-order state-space models of power systems, by probing the network in open loop with low-energy pulses or random signals. Although such data may result from actual measurements, the development assumes simulated responses from a transient stability program, hence benefiting form the existing large base of stability models. While pulse data is processed using the eigensystem realization algorithm, the analysis of random responses is done by means of subspace identification methods. On a prototype Hydro-Quebec power system, including SVCs, DC lines, series compensation, and more than 1,100 buses, itmore » is verified that the two approaches are equivalent only when strict requirements are imposed on the pulse length and magnitude. The 10th-order equivalent models derived by random-signal probing allow for effective tuning of decentralized power system stabilizers (PSSs) able to damp both local and very slow inter-area modes.« less

Glow-to-arc transition events in H2-Ar direct current pulsed plasma: automated measurement of current and voltage.

PubMed

Mendes, Luciano A; Mafra, Márcio; Rodrigues, Jhonatam C

2012-01-01

The glow-to-arc transition phenomena (arcing) observed in plasma reactors used in materials processing was studied through the arcs characteristic current and voltage waveforms. In order to capture these arcs signals, a LABVIEW™ based automated instrumentation system (ARCVIEW) was developed, including the integration of an oscilloscope equipped with proper current and voltage probes. The system also allows capturing the process parameters at the arc occurrence moments, which were used to map the arcs events conditions. Experiments in H(2)-Ar DC pulsed plasma returned signals data from 215 arcs events, which were analyzed through software routines. According to the results, an anti-arcing system should react in the time order of few microseconds to prevent most of the damage caused by the undesired arcing phenomena.

Engineering information on an Analog Signal to Discrete Time Interval Converter (ASDT-IC)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schwarz, F. C.

1974-01-01

An electronic control system for nondissipative dc power converters is presented which improves (1) the routinely attainable static output voltage accuracy to the order of + or - 1% for ambient temperatures from -55 to 100 C and (2) the dynamic stability by utilizing approximately one tenth of the feedback gain needed otherwise. Performance is due to a functional philosophy of deterministic pulse modulation based on pulse area control and to an autocompensated signal processing principle. The system can be implemented with commercially available unselected components.

Progress in Development of a Miniature Pulse Tube Cooler for Space Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gibson, A. S.; Hunt, R.; Charles, I.; Duband, L.; Crook, M. R.; Orlowska, A. H.; Bradshaw, T. W.; Linder, M.

2004-06-01

A pulse tube cryocooler is under development for high-reliability spacecraft applications. Recent developments in the assembly and verification of a Miniature Pulse Tube Cooler (MPTC) are presented, including the latest data from the test program. Details of advances related to the compressor, pulse tube and electronics are discussed. The pulse tube cooler achieves high efficiency, optimised through an extensive process of breadboard testing and analysis and is now approaching a more mature Engineering Model (EM) status. A representative pulse tube cold finger has been verified with respect to design changes incorporated following the breadboard test phase. Mass, heat lift and parasitic losses have been improved. A mechanical system mass of 3.1 kg has been achieved. Cold finger tests have demonstrated the ability of the pulse tube to lift 1.5 W at 80 K and to reach <50 K for a PV-work of 25 W. The useful range of operation for the cooler extends below 60 K, where test results indicate 600 mW of heat lift capability.

Wilcoxon signed-rank-based technique for the pulse-shape analysis of HPGe detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martín, S.; Quintana, B.; Barrientos, D.

2016-07-01

The characterization of the electric response of segmented-contact high-purity germanium detectors requires scanning systems capable of accurately associating each pulse with the position of the interaction that generated it. This process requires an algorithm sensitive to changes above the electronic noise in the pulse shapes produced at different positions, depending on the resolution of the Ge crystal. In this work, a pulse-shape comparison technique based on the Wilcoxon signed-rank test has been developed. It provides a method to distinguish pulses coming from different interaction points in the germanium crystal. Therefore, this technique is a necessary step for building a reliable pulse-shape database that can be used later for the determination of the position of interaction for γ-ray tracking spectrometry devices such as AGATA, GRETA or GERDA. The method was validated by comparison with a χ2 test using simulated and experimental pulses corresponding to a Broad Energy germanium detector (BEGe).

Experimental Evaluation of the High-Speed Motion Vector Measurement by Combining Synthetic Aperture Array Processing with Constrained Least Square Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yokoyama, Ryouta; Yagi, Shin-ichi; Tamura, Kiyoshi; Sato, Masakazu

2009-07-01

Ultrahigh speed dynamic elastography has promising potential capabilities in applying clinical diagnosis and therapy of living soft tissues. In order to realize the ultrahigh speed motion tracking at speeds of over thousand frames per second, synthetic aperture (SA) array signal processing technology must be introduced. Furthermore, the overall system performance should overcome the fine quantitative evaluation in accuracy and variance of echo phase changes distributed across a tissue medium. On spatial evaluation of local phase changes caused by pulsed excitation on a tissue phantom, investigation was made with the proposed SA signal system utilizing different virtual point sources that were generated by an array transducer to probe each component of local tissue displacement vectors. The final results derived from the cross-correlation method (CCM) brought about almost the same performance as obtained by the constrained least square method (LSM) extended to successive echo frames. These frames were reconstructed by SA processing after the real-time acquisition triggered by the pulsed irradiation from a point source. The continuous behavior of spatial motion vectors demonstrated the dynamic generation and traveling of the pulsed shear wave at a speed of one thousand frames per second.

Design, fabrication, and performance testing of a vacuum chamber for pulse compressor of a 150 TW Ti:sapphire laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tripathi, P. K.; Singh, Rajvir; Bhatnagar, V. K.; Sharma, S. D.; Sharma, Sanjay; Sisodia, B.; Yedle, K.; Kushwaha, R. P.; Sebastin, S.; Mundra, G.

2012-11-01

A vacuum chamber, to house the optical pulse compressor of a 150 TW Ti:sapphire laser system, has been designed, fabricated, and tested. As the intensity of the laser pulse becomes very high after pulse compression, there is phase distortion of the laser beam in air. Hence, the beam (after pulse compression) has to be transported in vacuum to avoid this distortion, which affects the laser beam focusability. A breadboard with optical gratings and reflective optics for compression of the optical pulse has to be kept inside the chamber. The chamber is made of SS 316L material in cuboidal shape with inside dimensions 1370×1030×650 mm3, with rectangular and circular demountable ports for entry and exit of the laser beam, evacuation, system cables, and ports to access optics mounted inside the chamber. The front and back sides of the chamber are kept demountable in order to insert the breadboard with optical components mounted on it. Leak tightness of 9×10-9 mbar-lit/sec in all the joints and ultimate vacuum of 6.5×10-6 mbar was achieved in the chamber using a turbo molecular pumping system. The paper describe details of the design/ features of the chamber, important procedure involved in machining, fabrication, processing and final testing.

Neuroelectric Tuning of Cortical Oscillations by Apical Dendrites in Loop Circuits.

PubMed

LaBerge, David; Kasevich, Ray S

2017-01-01

Bundles of relatively long apical dendrites dominate the neurons that make up the thickness of the cerebral cortex. It is proposed that a major function of the apical dendrite is to produce sustained oscillations at a specific frequency that can serve as a common timing unit for the processing of information in circuits connected to that apical dendrite. Many layer 5 and 6 pyramidal neurons are connected to thalamic neurons in loop circuits. A model of the apical dendrites of these pyramidal neurons has been used to simulate the electric activity of the apical dendrite. The results of that simulation demonstrated that subthreshold electric pulses in these apical dendrites can be tuned to specific frequencies and also can be fine-tuned to narrow bandwidths of less than one Hertz (1 Hz). Synchronous pulse outputs from the circuit loops containing apical dendrites can tune subthreshold membrane oscillations of neurons they contact. When the pulse outputs are finely tuned, they function as a local "clock," which enables the contacted neurons to synchronously communicate with each other. Thus, a shared tuning frequency can select neurons for membership in a circuit. Unlike layer 6 apical dendrites, layer 5 apical dendrites can produce burst firing in many of their neurons, which increases the amplitude of signals in the neurons they contact. This difference in amplitude of signals serves as basis of selecting a sub-circuit for specialized processing (e.g., sustained attention) within the typically larger layer 6-based circuit. After examining the sustaining of oscillations in loop circuits and the processing of spikes in network circuits, we propose that cortical functioning can be globally viewed as two systems: a loop system and a network system. The loop system oscillations influence the network system's timing and amplitude of pulse signals, both of which can select circuits that are momentarily dominant in cortical activity.

Liquid-Metal-Fed Pulsed Electromagnetic Thrusters For In-Space Propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Markusic, T. E.

2004-01-01

We describe three pulsed electromagnetic thruster concepts, which span four orders of magnitude in power processing capability (100 W to >100 kW), for in-space propulsion applications. The primary motivation for using a pulsed system is to is to enable high (instantaneous) power operation, which provides high acceleration efficiency, while using considerably less (continuous) power from the spacecraft power system. Unfortunately, conventional pulsed thrusters require failure-prone electrical switches and gas-puff valves. The series of thrusters described here directly address this problem, through the use of liquid metal propellant, by either eliminating both components or providing less taxing operational requirements, thus yielding a path toward both efficient and reliable pulsed electromagnetic thrusters. The emphasis of this paper is to conceptually describe each of the thruster concepts; however, initial test results with gallium propellant in one thruster geometry are presented. These tests reveal that a greater understanding of gallium material compatibility, contamination, and wetting behavior will be necessary before a completely functional thruster can be developed. Initial experimental results aimed at providing insight into these issues are presented.

Simplified pulse reactor for real-time long-term in vitro testing of biological heart valves.

PubMed

Schleicher, Martina; Sammler, Günther; Schmauder, Michael; Fritze, Olaf; Huber, Agnes J; Schenke-Layland, Katja; Ditze, Günter; Stock, Ulrich A

2010-05-01

Long-term function of biological heart valve prostheses (BHV) is limited by structural deterioration leading to failure with associated arterial hypertension. The objective of this work was development of an easy to handle real-time pulse reactor for evaluation of biological and tissue engineered heart valves under different pressures and long-term conditions. The pulse reactor was made of medical grade materials for placement in a 37 degrees C incubator. Heart valves were mounted in a housing disc moving horizontally in culture medium within a cylindrical culture reservoir. The microprocessor-controlled system was driven by pressure resulting in a cardiac-like cycle enabling competent opening and closing of the leaflets with adjustable pulse rates and pressures between 0.25 to 2 Hz and up to 180/80 mmHg, respectively. A custom-made imaging system with an integrated high-speed camera and image processing software allow calculation of effective orifice areas during cardiac cycle. This simple pulse reactor design allows reproducible generation of patient-like pressure conditions and data collection during long-term experiments.

Scaling and Systems Considerations in Pulsed Inductive Thrusters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polzin, Kurt A.

2007-01-01

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

Precision resection of intestine using ultrashort laser pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beck, Rainer J.; Gora, Wojciech S.; Jayne, David; Hand, Duncan P.; Shephard, Jonathan D.

2016-03-01

Endoscopic resection of early colorectal neoplasms typically employs electrocautery tools, which lack precision and run the risk of full thickness thermal injury to the bowel wall with subsequent perforation. We present a means of endoluminal colonic ablation using picosecond laser pulses as a potential alternative to mitigate these limitations. High intensity ultrashort laser pulses enable nonlinear absorption processes, plasma generation, and as a consequence a predominantly non-thermal ablation regimen. Robust process parameters for the laser resection are demonstrated using fresh ex vivo pig intestine samples. Square cavities with comparable thickness to early colorectal neoplasms are removed for a wavelength of 1030 nm and 515 nm using a picosecond laser system. The corresponding histology sections exhibit in both cases only minimal collateral damage to the surrounding tissue. The ablation depth can be controlled precisely by means of the pulse energy. Overall, the application of ultrafast lasers for the resection of intestine enables significantly improved precision and reduced thermal damage to the surrounding tissue compared to conventional electrocautery.

Coherent control of alkali cluster fragmentation dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lindinger, Albrecht; Lupulescu, Cosmin; Bartelt, Andreas; Vajda, Štefan; Wöste, Ludger

2003-06-01

Metal clusters exhibit extraordinary chemical and catalytic properties, which sensitively depend upon their size. This behavior makes them interesting candidates for the real-time analysis of ultrafast photo-induced processes—ultimately leading to coherent control scenarii. We have performed transient multi-photon ionization experiments on small alkali clusters of different size in order to probe their wave packet dynamics, structural reorientations, charge transfers and dissociative events in different vibrationally excited electronic states including their ground state. The observed processes were highly dependent on the irradiated pulse parameters, like its phase, amplitude and duration; an emphasis to employ a feedback control system for generating the optimum pulse shapes. Their spectral and temporal behavior reflects interesting properties about the investigated system and the irradiated photochemical process. We present first the vibrational dynamics of bound, dissociated, and pre-dissociated electronically excited states of alkali dimers and trimers. The scheme for observing the wave packet dynamics in the electronic ground state using stimulated Raman-pumping is shown. Since the employed pulse parameters significantly influence the efficiency of the irradiated dynamic pathways photo-induced fragmentation experiments on bifurcating reaction channels were carried out. In these experiments different branching ionization and fragmentation pathways of electronically excited Na 2K were investigated. By employing an evolutionary algorithm for optimizing the phase and amplitude of the applied laser field, the yield of the resulting parent or fragment ions could significantly be influenced and interesting features could be concluded from the obtained optimum pulse shapes revealing the characteristic molecular oscillation period. Moreover, the influence on the optimal pulse shape due to fragmentation from larger clusters into NaK is obtained. The substructure of the optimal pulse shape thereby offers new insight into the fragmentation channel during the control process. Characteristic motions of the involved wave packets are proposed, in order to explain the optimized dynamic dissociation pathways.

The applicability of a material-treatment laser pulse in non-destructive evaluations.

PubMed

Hrovatin, R; Petkovsek, R; Diaci, J; Mozina, J

2006-12-22

A practical optodynamic study was performed to determine the usability of different lengths of laser pulses for the generation of ultrasonic transients in a solid material. The aim of the study was to evaluate the possibility of a dual use for a laser pulse-for laser material processing, on the one hand, and for the ultrasonic wave generation on the other-with both processes being combined on the same production line. The propagation of the laser-generated ultrasonic waves is evaluated by detecting and measuring with a PID-controlled stabilized interferometer. Thus, both systems provided the basic tools, the generation and detection of ultrasonic waves, for an ultrasonic, laser-based, non-destructive material evaluation. The ultrasonic transients generated by 'classical' nanosecond laser pulses were compared with the transients generated by industrial laser pulses with a duration of a few tenths of a microsecond. The experimental results are compared with the results of a time-of-flight analysis that also involved part of a mode-conversion analysis for both regimes in a layered material structure. The differences between the two waveforms were assessed in terms of their visibility, wavelength and resolution. The limit values were calculated and estimated for the laser-pulse parameters, when such pulses are intended for use in an ultrasonic, laser-based, non-destructive evaluation. The possibility of using an industrial marking laser for laser ultrasound generation is thus demonstrated.

Process for applying control variables having fractal structures

DOEpatents

Bullock, IV, Jonathan S.; Lawson, Roger L.

1996-01-01

A process and apparatus for the application of a control variable having a fractal structure to a body or process. The process of the present invention comprises the steps of generating a control variable having a fractal structure and applying the control variable to a body or process reacting in accordance with the control variable. The process is applicable to electroforming where first, second and successive pulsed-currents are applied to cause the deposition of material onto a substrate, such that the first pulsed-current, the second pulsed-current, and successive pulsed currents form a fractal pulsed-current waveform.

Process for applying control variables having fractal structures

DOEpatents

Bullock, J.S. IV; Lawson, R.L.

1996-01-23

A process and apparatus are disclosed for the application of a control variable having a fractal structure to a body or process. The process of the present invention comprises the steps of generating a control variable having a fractal structure and applying the control variable to a body or process reacting in accordance with the control variable. The process is applicable to electroforming where first, second and successive pulsed-currents are applied to cause the deposition of material onto a substrate, such that the first pulsed-current, the second pulsed-current, and successive pulsed currents form a fractal pulsed-current waveform. 3 figs.

Processing of on-board recorded data for quick analysis of aircraft performance. [rotor systems research aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Michaud, N. H.

1979-01-01

A system of independent computer programs for the processing of digitized pulse code modulated (PCM) and frequency modulated (FM) data is described. Information is stored in a set of random files and accessed to produce both statistical and graphical output. The software system is designed primarily to present these reports within a twenty-four hour period for quick analysis of the helicopter's performance.

Acoustooptic pulse-echo transducer system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Claus, R. O.; Wade, J. C.

1983-01-01

A pulse-echo transducer system which uses an ultrasonic generating element and an optical detection technique is described. The transmitting transducer consists of a concentric ring electrode pattern deposited on a circular, X-cut quartz substrate with a circular hole in the center. The rings are independently pulsed with a sequence high voltage signals phased in such a way that the ultrasonic waves generated by the separate rings superimpose to produce a composite field which is focused at a controllable distance below the surface of the specimen. The amplitude of the field reflected from this focus position is determined by the local reflection coefficient of the medium at the effective focal point. By processing the signals received for a range of ultrasonic transducer array focal lengths, the system can be used to locate and size anomalies within solids and liquids. Applications in both nondestructive evaluation and biomedical scanning are suggested.

Fiber laser-microscope system for femtosecond photodisruption of biological samples

PubMed Central

Yavaş, Seydi; Erdogan, Mutlu; Gürel, Kutan; Ilday, F. Ömer; Eldeniz, Y. Burak; Tazebay, Uygar H.

2012-01-01

We report on the development of a ultrafast fiber laser-microscope system for femtosecond photodisruption of biological targets. A mode-locked Yb-fiber laser oscillator generates few-nJ pulses at 32.7 MHz repetition rate, amplified up to ∼125 nJ at 1030 nm. Following dechirping in a grating compressor, ∼240 fs-long pulses are delivered to the sample through a diffraction-limited microscope, which allows real-time imaging and control. The laser can generate arbitrary pulse patterns, formed by two acousto-optic modulators (AOM) controlled by a custom-developed field-programmable gate array (FPGA) controller. This capability opens the route to fine optimization of the ablation processes and management of thermal effects. Sample position, exposure time and imaging are all computerized. The capability of the system to perform femtosecond photodisruption is demonstrated through experiments on tissue and individual cells. PMID:22435105

Compact, passively Q-switched, all-solid-state master oscillator-power amplifier-optical parametric oscillator (MOPA-OPO) system pumped by a fiber-coupled diode laser generating high-brightness, tunable, ultraviolet radiation.

PubMed

Peuser, Peter; Platz, Willi; Fix, Andreas; Ehret, Gerhard; Meister, Alexander; Haag, Matthias; Zolichowski, Paul

2009-07-01

We report on a compact, tunable ultraviolet laser system that consists of an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) and a longitudinally diode-pumped Nd:YAG master oscillator-power amplifier (MOPA). The pump energy for the whole laser system is supplied via a single delivery fiber. Nanosecond pulses are produced by an oscillator that is passively Q-switched by a Cr(4+):YAG crystal. The OPO is pumped by the second harmonic of the Nd:YAG MOPA. Continuously tunable radiation is generated by an intracavity sum-frequency mixing process within the OPO in the range of 245-260 nm with high beam quality. Maximum pulse energies of 1.2 mJ were achieved, which correspond to an optical efficiency of 3.75%, relating to the pulse energy of the MOPA at 1064 nm.

Floating Ultrasonic Transducer Inspection System and Method for Nondestructive Evaluation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnston, Patrick H. (Inventor); Zalameda, Joseph N. (Inventor)

2016-01-01

A method for inspecting a structural sample using ultrasonic energy includes positioning an ultrasonic transducer adjacent to a surface of the sample, and then transmitting ultrasonic energy into the sample. Force pulses are applied to the transducer concurrently with transmission of the ultrasonic energy. A host machine processes ultrasonic return pulses from an ultrasonic pulser/receiver to quantify attenuation of the ultrasonic energy within the sample. The host machine detects a defect in the sample using the quantified level of attenuation. The method may include positioning a dry couplant between an ultrasonic transducer and the surface. A system includes an actuator, an ultrasonic transducer, a dry couplant between the transducer the sample, a scanning device that moves the actuator and transducer, and a measurement system having a pulsed actuator power supply, an ultrasonic pulser/receiver, and a host machine that executes the above method.

New methods of generation of ultrashort laser pulses for ranging

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jelinkova, Helena; Hamal, Karel; Kubecek, V.; Prochazka, Ivan

1993-01-01

To reach the millimeter satellite laser ranging accuracy, the goal for nineties, new laser ranging techniques have to be applied. To increase the laser ranging precision, the application of the ultrashort laser pulses in connection with the new signal detection and processing techniques, is inevitable. The two wavelength laser ranging is one of the ways to measure the atmospheric dispersion to improve the existing atmospheric correction models and hence, to increase the overall system ranging accuracy to the desired value. We are presenting a review of several nonstandard techniques of ultrashort laser pulses generation, which may be utilized for laser ranging: compression of the nanosecond pulses using stimulated Brillouin and Raman backscattering; compression of the mode-locked pulses using Raman backscattering; passive mode-locking technique with nonlinear mirror; and passive mode-locking technique with the negative feedback.

Impact of Raman scattering on pulse dynamics in a fiber laser with narrow gain bandwidth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uthayakumar, T.; Alsaleh, M.; Igbonacho, J.; Tchomgo Felenou, E.; Tchofo Dinda, P.; Grelu, Ph; Porsezian, K.

2018-06-01

We examine theoretically the multi-pulse dynamics in a dispersion-managed fiber laser, in which the pulse’s spectral width is controlled by a pass-band filter. We show that in the domain of stable states with very narrow spectral width, i.e. which is one order of magnitude smaller than the bandwidth of the Raman gain of the intra-cavity fiber system, the Raman scattering (RS) significantly alters the multi-pulse dynamics. RS is found to have a greater impact in the immediate vicinity of some critical values of the pump power of the intra-cavity gain medium, where processes of pulse fragmentation occur. As a result, all the borders between the zones of stability of the multi-pulse states are altered, i.e. either shifted or suppressed.

Status of the NASA Micro Pulse Lidar Network (MPLNET): overview of the network and future plans, new version 3 data products, and the polarized MPL

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Welton, Ellsworth J.; Stewart, Sebastian A.; Lewis, Jasper R.; Belcher, Larry R.; Campbell, James R.; Lolli, Simone

2018-04-01

The NASA Micro Pulse Lidar Network (MPLNET) is a global federated network of Micro-Pulse Lidars (MPL) co-located with the NASA Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET). MPLNET began in 2000, and there are currently 17 long-term sites, numerous field campaigns, and more planned sites on the way. We have developed a new Version 3 processing system including the deployment of polarized MPLs across the network. Here we provide an overview of Version 3, the polarized MPL, and current and future plans.

The determination of the pulse pile-up reject (PUR) counting for X and gamma ray spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karabıdak, S. M.; Kaya, S.

2017-02-01

The collection the charged particles produced by the incident radiation on a detector requires a time interval. If this time interval is not sufficiently short compared with the peaking time of the amplifier, a loss in the recovered signal amplitude occurs. Another major constraint on the throughput of modern x or gamma-ray spectrometers is the time required for the subsequent the pulse processing by the electronics. Two above-mentioned limitations are cause of counting losses resulting from the dead time and the pile-up. The pulse pile-up is a common problem in x and gamma ray radiation detection systems. The pulses pile-up in spectroscopic analysis can cause significant errors. Therefore, inhibition of these pulses is a vital step. A way to reduce errors due to the pulse pile-up is a pile-up inspection circuitry (PUR). Such a circuit rejects some of the pulse pile-up. Therefore, this circuit leads to counting losses. Determination of these counting losses is an important problem. In this work, a new method is suggested for the determination of the pulse pile-up reject.

Long-term nitrogen addition affects the phylogenetic turnover of soil microbial community responding to moisture pulse

DOE PAGES

Liu, Chi; Yao, Minjie; Stegen, James C.; ...

2017-12-13

How press disturbance (long-term) influences the phylogenetic turnover of soil microbial communities responding to pulse disturbances (short-term) is not fully known. Understanding the complex connections between the history of environmental conditions, assembly processes and microbial community dynamics is necessary to predict microbial response to perturbation. Here, we started by investigating phylogenetic spatial turnover (based on DNA) of soil prokaryotic communities after long-term nitrogen (N) deposition and temporal turnover (based on RNA) of communities responding to pulse by conducting short-term rewetting experiments. The results showed that moderate N addition increased ecological stochasticity and phylogenetic diversity. In contrast, high N addition slightlymore » increased homogeneous selection and decreased phylogenetic diversity. Examining the system with higher phylogenetic resolution revealed a moderate contribution of variable selection across the whole N gradient. The moisture pulse experiment showed that high N soils had higher rates of phylogenetic turnover across short phylogenetic distances and significant changes in community compositions through time. Long-term N input history influenced spatial turnover of microbial communities, but the dominant community assembly mechanisms differed across different N deposition gradients. We further revealed an interaction between press and pulse disturbances whereby deterministic processes were particularly important following pulse disturbances in high N soils.« less

Long-term nitrogen addition affects the phylogenetic turnover of soil microbial community responding to moisture pulse

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

Liu, Chi; Yao, Minjie; Stegen, James C.

How press disturbance (long-term) influences the phylogenetic turnover of soil microbial communities responding to pulse disturbances (short-term) is not fully known. Understanding the complex connections between the history of environmental conditions, assembly processes and microbial community dynamics is necessary to predict microbial response to perturbation. Here, we started by investigating phylogenetic spatial turnover (based on DNA) of soil prokaryotic communities after long-term nitrogen (N) deposition and temporal turnover (based on RNA) of communities responding to pulse by conducting short-term rewetting experiments. The results showed that moderate N addition increased ecological stochasticity and phylogenetic diversity. In contrast, high N addition slightlymore » increased homogeneous selection and decreased phylogenetic diversity. Examining the system with higher phylogenetic resolution revealed a moderate contribution of variable selection across the whole N gradient. The moisture pulse experiment showed that high N soils had higher rates of phylogenetic turnover across short phylogenetic distances and significant changes in community compositions through time. Long-term N input history influenced spatial turnover of microbial communities, but the dominant community assembly mechanisms differed across different N deposition gradients. We further revealed an interaction between press and pulse disturbances whereby deterministic processes were particularly important following pulse disturbances in high N soils.« less

Long-term nitrogen addition affects the phylogenetic turnover of soil microbial community responding to moisture pulse.

PubMed

Liu, Chi; Yao, Minjie; Stegen, James C; Rui, Junpeng; Li, Jiabao; Li, Xiangzhen

2017-12-13

How press disturbance (long-term) influences the phylogenetic turnover of soil microbial communities responding to pulse disturbances (short-term) is not fully known. Understanding the complex connections between the history of environmental conditions, assembly processes and microbial community dynamics is necessary to predict microbial response to perturbation. We started by investigating phylogenetic spatial turnover (based on DNA) of soil prokaryotic communities after long-term nitrogen (N) deposition and temporal turnover (based on RNA) of communities responding to pulse by conducting short-term rewetting experiments. The results showed that moderate N addition increased ecological stochasticity and phylogenetic diversity. In contrast, high N addition slightly increased homogeneous selection and decreased phylogenetic diversity. Examining the system with higher phylogenetic resolution revealed a moderate contribution of variable selection across the whole N gradient. The moisture pulse experiment showed that high N soils had higher rates of phylogenetic turnover across short phylogenetic distances and significant changes in community compositions through time. Long-term N input history influenced spatial turnover of microbial communities, but the dominant community assembly mechanisms differed across different N deposition gradients. We further revealed an interaction between press and pulse disturbances whereby deterministic processes were particularly important following pulse disturbances in high N soils.

Reconstruction of Sea State One

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-02-01

this section only a general overview of the wave computer system will be offered. A more comprehensive treatment of this subject is available in Appendix...1) Sync Strip and Threshold Processing Card (2) Pulse Generation Logic Card (3) X Vector Logic Card (4) Y Vector Logic Card (5) Blanking Interval...output by this comparator when the threshold is crossed, which shall be referred to as threshold crossing (THC). (2) PULSE GENERATION LOGIC CARD Turning

Non-invasive measurement of pulse wave velocity using transputer-based analysis of Doppler flow audio signals.

PubMed

Stewart, W R; Ramsey, M W; Jones, C J

1994-08-01

A system for the measurement of arterial pulse wave velocity is described. A personal computer (PC) plug-in transputer board is used to process the audio signals from two pocket Doppler ultrasound units. The transputer is used to provide a set of bandpass digital filters on two channels. The times of excursion of power through thresholds in each filter are recorded and used to estimate the onset of systolic flow. The system does not require an additional spectrum analyser and can work in real time. The transputer architecture provides for easy integration into any wider physiological measurement system.

Wearable sensor glove based on conducting fabric using electrodermal activity and pulse-wave sensors for e-health application.

PubMed

Lee, Youngbum; Lee, Byungwoo; Lee, Myoungho

2010-03-01

Improvement of the quality and efficiency of health in medicine, both at home and the hospital, calls for improved sensors that might be included in a common carrier such as a wearable sensor device to measure various biosignals and provide healthcare services that use e-health technology. Designed to be user-friendly, smart clothes and gloves respond well to the end users for health monitoring. This study describes a wearable sensor glove that is equipped with an electrodermal activity (EDA) sensor, pulse-wave sensor, conducting fabric, and an embedded system. The EDA sensor utilizes the relationship between drowsiness and the EDA signal. The EDA sensors were made using a conducting fabric instead of silver chloride electrodes, as a more practical and practically wearable device. The pulse-wave sensor measurement system, which is widely applied in oriental medicinal practices, is also a strong element in e-health monitoring systems. The EDA and pulse-wave signal acquisition module was constructed by connecting the sensor to the glove via a conductive fabric. The signal acquisition module is then connected to a personal computer that displays the results of the EDA and pulse-wave signal processing analysis and gives accurate feedback to the user. This system is designed for a number of applications for the e-health services, including drowsiness detection and oriental medicine.

Kinetic processes determining attainable pulse repetition rate in pulsed metal vapor lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petrash, Gueorgii G.

1998-06-01

A review of the investigations of the main processes determining the attainable pulse repetition rate of elemental metal vapor pulsed gas discharge self-terminating lasers, such as copper vapor laser, gold vapor laser, lead vapor laser, is given. Kinetic processes during an excitation pulse and interpulse period are considered as well as experiments with lasers operating at high repetition rate.

Effect of pH and pulsed electric field process parameters on the aflatoxin reduction in model system using response surface methodology: Effect of pH and PEF on Aflatoxin Reduction.

PubMed

Vijayalakshmi, Subramanian; Nadanasabhapathi, Shanmugam; Kumar, Ranganathan; Sunny Kumar, S

2018-03-01

The presence of aflatoxin, a carcinogenic and toxigenic secondary metabolite produced by Aspergillus species, in food matrix has been a major worldwide problem for years now. Food processing methods such as roasting, extrusion, etc. have been employed for effective destruction of aflatoxins, which are known for their thermo-stable nature. The high temperature treatment, adversely affects the nutritive and other quality attributes of the food, leading to the necessity of application of non-thermal processing techniques such as ultrasonication, gamma irradiation, high pressure processing, pulsed electric field (PEF), etc. The present study was focused on analysing the efficacy of the PEF process in the reduction of the toxin content, which was subsequently quantified using HPLC. The process parameters of different pH model system (potato dextrose agar) artificially spiked with aflatoxin mix standard was optimized using the response surface methodology. The optimization of PEF process effects on the responses aflatoxin B1 and total aflatoxin reduction (%) by pH (4-10), pulse width (10-26 µs) and output voltage (20-65%), fitted 2FI model and quadratic model respectively. The response surface plots obtained for the processes were of saddle point type, with the absence of minimum or maximum response at the centre point. The implemented numerical optimization showed that the predicted and actual values were similar, proving the adequacy of the fitted models and also proved the possible application of PEF in toxin reduction.

Comprehensive pulsed electric field (PEF) system analysis for microalgae processing.

PubMed

Buchmann, Leandro; Bloch, Robin; Mathys, Alexander

2018-06-07

Pulsed electric field (PEF) is an emerging nonthermal technique with promising applications in microalgae biorefinery concepts. In this work, the flow field in continuous PEF processing and its influencing factors were analyzed and energy input distributions in PEF treatment chambers were investigated. The results were obtained using an interdisciplinary approach that combined multiphysics simulations with ultrasonic Doppler velocity profiling (UVP) and rheological measurements of Arthrospira platensis suspensions as a case study for applications in the biobased industry. UVP enabled non-invasive validation of multiphysics simulations. A. platensis suspensions follow a non-Newtonian, shear-thinning behavior, and measurement data could be fitted with rheological functions, which were used as an input for fluid dynamics simulations. Within the present work, a comprehensive system characterization was achieved that will facilitate research in the field of PEF processing. Copyright © 2018 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Electrohydraulic Forming of Near-Net Shape Automotive Panels

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

Golovaschenko, Sergey F.

2013-09-26

The objective of this project was to develop the electrohydraulic forming (EHF) process as a near-net shape automotive panel manufacturing technology that simultaneously reduces the energy embedded in vehicles and the energy consumed while producing automotive structures. Pulsed pressure is created via a shockwave generated by the discharge of high voltage capacitors through a pair of electrodes in a liquid-filled chamber. The shockwave in the liquid initiated by the expansion of the plasma channel formed between two electrodes propagates towards the blank and causes the blank to be deformed into a one-sided die cavity. The numerical model of the EHFmore » process was validated experimentally and was successfully applied to the design of the electrode system and to a multi-electrode EHF chamber for full scale validation of the process. The numerical model was able to predict stresses in the dies during pulsed forming and was validated by the experimental study of the die insert failure mode for corner filling operations. The electrohydraulic forming process and its major subsystems, including durable electrodes, an EHF chamber, a water/air management system, a pulse generator and integrated process controls, were validated to be capable to operate in a fully automated, computer controlled mode for forming of a portion of a full-scale sheet metal component in laboratory conditions. Additionally, the novel processes of electrohydraulic trimming and electrohydraulic calibration were demonstrated at a reduced-scale component level. Furthermore, a hybrid process combining conventional stamping with EHF was demonstrated as a laboratory process for a full-scale automotive panel formed out of AHSS material. The economic feasibility of the developed EHF processes was defined by developing a cost model of the EHF process in comparison to the conventional stamping process.« less

The efficiency of backward magnetic-pulse processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kudasov, Yu. B.; Maslov, D. A.; Surdin, O. M.

2017-01-01

The dependence of the efficiency of magnetic-pulse processing of materials on the pulsed magnetic-field shape has been studied. It is shown that, by using a pulse train instead of a single pulse in the fast-rising component of a magnetic field applied during the backward forming process, it is possible to increase the specific mechanical impulse transferred to a workpiece and, thus, improve the efficiency of processing. Possible applications of the proposed method to removing dents from car chassis and aircraft parts are considered

DHS Internship Paper

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

Dreyer, J

2007-09-18

During my internship at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory I worked with microcalorimeter gamma-ray and fast-neutron detectors based on superconducting Transition Edge Sensors (TESs). These instruments are being developed for fundamental science and nuclear non-proliferation applications because of their extremely high energy resolution; however, this comes at the expense of a small pixel size and slow decay times. The small pixel sizes are being addressed by developing detector arrays while the low count rate is being addressed by developing Digital Signal Processors (DSPs) that allow higher throughput than traditional pulse processing algorithms. Traditionally, low-temperature microcalorimeter pulses have been processed off-line withmore » optimum filtering routines based on the measured spectral characteristics of the signal and the noise. These optimum filters rely on the spectral content of the signal being identical for all events, and therefore require capturing the entire pulse signal without pile-up. In contrast, the DSP algorithm being developed is based on differences in signal levels before and after a trigger event, and therefore does not require the waveform to fully decay, or even the signal level to be close to the base line. The readout system allows for real time data acquisition and analysis at count rates exceeding 100 Hz for pulses with several {approx}ms decay times with minimal loss of energy resolution. Originally developed for gamma-ray analysis with HPGe detectors we have modified the hardware and firmware of the system to accommodate the slower TES signals and optimized the parameters of the filtering algorithm to maximize either resolution or throughput. The following presents an overview of the digital signal processing hardware and discusses the results of characterization measurements made to determine the systems performance.« less

Noise Whitening in Airborne Wind Profiling With a Pulsed 2-Micron Coherent Doppler Lidar at NASA Langley Research Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beyon, Jeffrey Y.; Arthur, Grant E.; Koch, Grady J.; Kavaya, Michael J.

2012-01-01

Two different noise whitening methods in airborne wind profiling with a pulsed 2-micron coherent Doppler lidar system at NASA Langley Research Center in Virginia are presented. In order to provide accurate wind parameter estimates from the airborne lidar data acquired during the NASA Genesis and Rapid Intensification Processes (GRIP) campaign in 2010, the adverse effects of background instrument noise must be compensated properly in the early stage of data processing. The results of the two methods are presented using selected GRIP data and compared with the dropsonde data for verification purposes.

Process development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bickler, D. B.

1985-01-01

An overview is given of seven process development activities which were presented at this session. Pulsed excimer laser processing of photovoltaic cells was presented. A different pulsed excimer laser annealing was described using a 50 w laser. Diffusion barrier research focused on lowering the chemical reactivity of amorphous thin film on silicon. In another effort adherent and conductive films were successfully achieved. Other efforts were aimed at achieving a simultaneous front and back junction. Microwave enhanced plasma deposition experiments were performed. An updated version of the Solar Array Manufacturing Industry Costing Standards (SAMICS) was presented, along with a life cycle cost analysis of high efficiency cells. The last presentation was on the evaluation of the ethyl vinyl acetate encapsulating system.

Song pattern recognition in crickets based on a delay-line and coincidence-detector mechanism

PubMed Central

Sarmiento-Ponce, Edith Julieta

2017-01-01

Acoustic communication requires filter mechanisms to process and recognize key features of the perceived signals. We analysed such a filter mechanism in field crickets (Gryllus bimaculatus), which communicate with species-specific repetitive patterns of sound pulses and chirps. A delay-line and coincidence-detection mechanism, in which each sound pulse has an impact on the processing of the following pulse, is implicated to underlie the recognition of the species-specific pulse pattern. Based on this concept, we hypothesized that altering the duration of a single pulse or inter-pulse interval in three-pulse chirps will lead to different behavioural responses. Phonotaxis was tested in female crickets walking on a trackball exposed to different sound paradigms. Changing the duration of either the first, second or third pulse of the chirps led to three different characteristic tuning curves. Long first pulses decreased the phonotactic response whereas phonotaxis remained strong when the third pulse was long. Chirps with three pulses of increasing duration of 5, 20 and 50 ms elicited phonotaxis, but the chirps were not attractive when played in reverse order. This demonstrates specific, pulse duration-dependent effects while sequences of pulses are processed. The data are in agreement with a mechanism in which processing of a sound pulse has an effect on the processing of the subsequent pulse, as outlined in the flow of activity in a delay-line and coincidence-detector circuit. Additionally our data reveal a substantial increase in the gain of phonotaxis, when the number of pulses of a chirp is increased from two to three. PMID:28539524

Song pattern recognition in crickets based on a delay-line and coincidence-detector mechanism.

PubMed

Hedwig, Berthold; Sarmiento-Ponce, Edith Julieta

2017-05-31

Acoustic communication requires filter mechanisms to process and recognize key features of the perceived signals. We analysed such a filter mechanism in field crickets ( Gryllus bimaculatus ), which communicate with species-specific repetitive patterns of sound pulses and chirps. A delay-line and coincidence-detection mechanism, in which each sound pulse has an impact on the processing of the following pulse, is implicated to underlie the recognition of the species-specific pulse pattern. Based on this concept, we hypothesized that altering the duration of a single pulse or inter-pulse interval in three-pulse chirps will lead to different behavioural responses. Phonotaxis was tested in female crickets walking on a trackball exposed to different sound paradigms. Changing the duration of either the first, second or third pulse of the chirps led to three different characteristic tuning curves. Long first pulses decreased the phonotactic response whereas phonotaxis remained strong when the third pulse was long. Chirps with three pulses of increasing duration of 5, 20 and 50 ms elicited phonotaxis, but the chirps were not attractive when played in reverse order. This demonstrates specific, pulse duration-dependent effects while sequences of pulses are processed. The data are in agreement with a mechanism in which processing of a sound pulse has an effect on the processing of the subsequent pulse, as outlined in the flow of activity in a delay-line and coincidence-detector circuit. Additionally our data reveal a substantial increase in the gain of phonotaxis, when the number of pulses of a chirp is increased from two to three. © 2017 The Authors.

Design Improvements and Analysis of Innovative High-Level Waste Pipeline Unplugging Technologies - 12171

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

Pribanic, Tomas; Awwad, Amer; Crespo, Jairo

2012-07-01

Transferring high-level waste (HLW) between storage tanks or to treatment facilities is a common practice performed at the Department of Energy (DoE) sites. Changes in the chemical and/or physical properties of the HLW slurry during the transfer process may lead to the formation of blockages inside the pipelines resulting in schedule delays and increased costs. To improve DoE's capabilities in the event of a pipeline plugging incident, FIU has continued to develop two novel unplugging technologies: an asynchronous pulsing system and a peristaltic crawler. The asynchronous pulsing system uses a hydraulic pulse generator to create pressure disturbances at two oppositemore » inlet locations of the pipeline to dislodge blockages by attacking the plug from both sides remotely. The peristaltic crawler is a pneumatic/hydraulic operated crawler that propels itself by a sequence of pressurization/depressurization of cavities (inner tubes). The crawler includes a frontal attachment that has a hydraulically powered unplugging tool. In this paper, details of the asynchronous pulsing system's ability to unplug a pipeline on a small-scale test-bed and results from the experimental testing of the second generation peristaltic crawler are provided. The paper concludes with future improvements for the third generation crawler and a recommended path forward for the asynchronous pulsing testing. (authors)« less

Effect of the temporal laser pulse asymmetry on pair production processes during intense laser-electron scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hojbota, C. I.; Kim, Hyung Taek; Kim, Chul Min; Pathak, V. B.; Nam, Chang Hee

2018-06-01

We investigate the effects of laser pulse shape on strong-field quantum electrodynamics (QED) processes during the collision between a relativistic electron beam and an intense laser pulse. The interplay between high-energy photon emission and two pair production processes, i.e. nonlinear Breit–Wheeler (BW) and Trident, was investigated using particle-in-cell simulations. We found that the temporal evolution of these two processes could be controlled by using laser pulses with different degrees of asymmetry. The temporal envelope of the laser pulse can significantly affect the number of pairs coming from the Trident process, while the nonlinear BW process is less sensitive to it. This study shows that the two QED processes can be examined with state-of-the-art petawatt lasers and the discrimination of the two pair creation processes is feasible by adjusting the temporal asymmetry of the colliding laser pulse.

A Practice-Oriented Bifurcation Analysis for Pulse Energy Converters: A Stability Margin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolokolov, Yury; Monovskaya, Anna

The popularity of systems of pulse energy conversion (PEC-systems) for practical applications is due to the heightened efficiency of energy conversion processes with comparatively simple realizations. Nevertheless, a PEC-system represents a nonlinear object with a variable structure, and the bifurcation analysis remains the basic tool to describe PEC dynamics evolution. The paper is devoted to the discussion on whether the scientific viewpoint on the natural nonlinear dynamics evolution can be involved in practical applications. We focus on the problems connected with stability boundaries of an operating regime. The results of both small-signal analysis and computational bifurcation analysis are considered in the parametrical space in comparison with the results of the experimental identification of the zonal heterogeneity of the operating process. This allows to propose an adapted stability margin as a sufficiently safe distance before the point after which the operating process begins to lose the stability. Such stability margin can extend the permissible operating domain in the parametrical space at the expense of using cause-and-effect relations in the context of natural regularities of nonlinear dynamics. Reasoning and discussion are based on the experimental and computational results for a synchronous buck converter with a pulse-width modulation. The presented results can be useful, first of all, for PEC-systems with significant variation of equivalent inductance and/or capacity. We believe that the discussion supports a viewpoint by which the contemporary methods of the computational and experimental bifurcation analyses possess both analytical abilities and experimental techniques for promising solutions which could be practice-oriented for PEC-systems.

Material processing with fiber based ultrafast pulse delivery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baumbach, S.; Stockburger, R.; Führa, B.; Zoller, S.; Thum, S.; Moosmann, J.; Maier, D.; Kanal, F.; Russ, S.; Kaiser, E.; Budnicki, A.; Sutter, D. H.; Pricking, S.; Killi, A.

2018-02-01

We report on TRUMPF's ultrafast laser systems equipped with industrialized hollow core fiber laser light cables. Beam guidance in general by means of optical fibers, e.g. for multi kilowatt cw laser systems, has become an integral part of laser-based material processing. One advantage of fiber delivery, among others, is the mechanical separation between laser and processing head. An equally important benefit is given by the fact that the fiber end acts as an opto-mechanical fix-point close to successive optical elements in the processing head. Components like lenses, diffractive optical elements etc. can thus be designed towards higher efficiency which results in better material processing. These aspects gain increasing significance when the laser system operates in fundamental mode which is usually the case for ultrafast lasers. Through the last years beam guidance of ultrafast laser pulses by means of hollow core fiber technology established very rapidly. The combination of TRUMPF's long-term stable ultrafast laser sources, passive fiber coupling, connector and packaging forms a flexible and powerful system for laser based material processing well suited for an industrial environment. In this article we demonstrate common material processing applications with ultrafast lasers realized with TRUMPF's hollow core fiber delivery. The experimental results are contrasted and evaluated against conventional free space propagation in order to illustrate the performance of flexible ultrafast beam delivery.

NMR implementation of adiabatic SAT algorithm using strongly modulated pulses.

PubMed

Mitra, Avik; Mahesh, T S; Kumar, Anil

2008-03-28

NMR implementation of adiabatic algorithms face severe problems in homonuclear spin systems since the qubit selective pulses are long and during this period, evolution under the Hamiltonian and decoherence cause errors. The decoherence destroys the answer as it causes the final state to evolve to mixed state and in homonuclear systems, evolution under the internal Hamiltonian causes phase errors preventing the initial state to converge to the solution state. The resolution of these issues is necessary before one can proceed to implement an adiabatic algorithm in a large system where homonuclear coupled spins will become a necessity. In the present work, we demonstrate that by using "strongly modulated pulses" (SMPs) for the creation of interpolating Hamiltonian, one can circumvent both the problems and successfully implement the adiabatic SAT algorithm in a homonuclear three qubit system. This work also demonstrates that the SMPs tremendously reduce the time taken for the implementation of the algorithm, can overcome problems associated with decoherence, and will be the modality in future implementation of quantum information processing by NMR.

VLSI Implementation of a 2.8 Gevent/s Packet-Based AER Interface with Routing and Event Sorting Functionality

PubMed Central

Scholze, Stefan; Schiefer, Stefan; Partzsch, Johannes; Hartmann, Stephan; Mayr, Christian Georg; Höppner, Sebastian; Eisenreich, Holger; Henker, Stephan; Vogginger, Bernhard; Schüffny, Rene

2011-01-01

State-of-the-art large-scale neuromorphic systems require sophisticated spike event communication between units of the neural network. We present a high-speed communication infrastructure for a waferscale neuromorphic system, based on application-specific neuromorphic communication ICs in an field programmable gate arrays (FPGA)-maintained environment. The ICs implement configurable axonal delays, as required for certain types of dynamic processing or for emulating spike-based learning among distant cortical areas. Measurements are presented which show the efficacy of these delays in influencing behavior of neuromorphic benchmarks. The specialized, dedicated address-event-representation communication in most current systems requires separate, low-bandwidth configuration channels. In contrast, the configuration of the waferscale neuromorphic system is also handled by the digital packet-based pulse channel, which transmits configuration data at the full bandwidth otherwise used for pulse transmission. The overall so-called pulse communication subgroup (ICs and FPGA) delivers a factor 25–50 more event transmission rate than other current neuromorphic communication infrastructures. PMID:22016720

Numerical modelling of the work of a pulsed aerosol system for fire fighting at the ignitions of liquid hydrocarbon fuels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rychkov, A. D.

2009-06-01

The work of a pulsed aerosol system for fire fighting is modelled, which is designed for fire fighting at oil storages and at the spills of oil products, whose vapors were modelled by gaseous methane. The system represents a device for separate installation, which consists of a charge of solid propellant (the gas generator) and a container with fine-dispersed powder of the flame-damper substance. The methane combustion was described by a one-stage gross-reaction, the influence of the concentration of vapors of the flame-damper substance on the combustion process was taken into account by reducing the pre-exponent factor in the Arrhenius law and was described by an empirical dependence. The computational experiment showed that the application of the pulsed aerosol system for fire fighting ensures an efficient transport of fine-dispersed aerosol particles of the flame-damping substance and its forming vapors to the combustion zone; the concentration of particles ensures the damping of the heat source.

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

Morishita, Sadaharu; Goto, Tetsuya; Nagase, Masaaki

Multiprocesses in a single plasma process chamber with high throughput require precise, sequential, high-speed alteration of partial pressures of multiple gas species. A conventional gas-distribution system cannot realize this because the system seriously overshoots gas pressure immediately following valve operation. Furthermore, chamber volume and conductance of gas piping between the system and chamber should both be considered because they delay the stabilizing time of gas pressure. Therefore, the authors proposed a new gas-distribution system without overshoot by controlling gas flow rate based on pressure measurement, as well as a method of pulse-controlled gas injection immediately following valve operation. Time variationmore » of measured partial pressure agrees well with a calculation based on an equivalent-circuit model that represents the chamber and gas piping between the system and chamber. Using pulse-controlled gas injection, the stabilizing time can be reduced drastically to 0.6 s for HBr added to pure Ar plasma, and 0.7 s for O{sub 2} added to Ar/HBr plasma; without the pulse control, the stabilizing times are 3 and 7 s, respectively. In the O{sub 2} addition case, rapid stabilization can be achieved during the period of line/space pattern etching of poly-Si on a thin SiO{sub 2} film. This occurs without anomalous etching of the underlying SiO{sub 2} film or the Si substrate near the sidewall, thus obtaining a wide process margin with high throughput.« less

Application and opportunities of pulses in food system: a review.

PubMed

Asif, Muhammad; Rooney, Lloyd W; Ali, Rashida; Riaz, Mian N

2013-01-01

Pulses are highly nutritious seeds of pod-bearing leguminous plants, specifically dry peas, lentils, and chickpeas. US farmers harvest about 2.6 million pounds of pulses every year but 75% of this is being exported internationally because of its increased consumption in the developing countries. In the current scenario, increasing costs of production, bad economy, and fluctuating food commodity prices have made a strong case for US producers to seek opportunities to increase domestic consumption of pulses through value-added products. Pulses are the richest sources of plant proteins and provide approximately 10% of the total dietary requirements of the proteins world over. Pulses are also high in dietary fibers and complex carbohydrates leading to low GI (glycemic index) foods. Pulses help to lower cholesterol and triglycerides as leguminous fibers are hypoglycosuria because of consisting more amylose than amylopectin. Pulses provide tremendous opportunities to be utilized in the processed foods such as bakery products, bread, pasta, snack foods, soups, cereal bar filing, tortillas, meat, etc. These show excellent opportunities in frozen dough foods either as added flour or as fillings. Pulses in view of their nutrient profile, seem to be ideal for inclusion in designing snack foods, baby, and sports foods.

Generation of picosecond optical pulse based on chirp compensation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Xiaofeng; Yang, Jiaqian; Li, Shangyuan; Xue, Xiaoxiao; Zheng, Xiaoping; Zhou, Bingkun

2017-10-01

Picosecond optical pulses are widely used in optical communication systems, such as the optical time division multiplexing (OTDM) and photonic analog-to-digital converter (ADC). We have proposed and demonstrated a simple method to generate picosecond optical pulse using the mach-zehnder modulator (MZM), phase modulator (PM) and single model fiber (SMF). The phase modulator is used to generate a frequency chirp which varies periodically with time. The MZM is used to suppress the pedestal of the pulse and improve the performance of the pulse. The SMF is used to compensate the frequency chirp. We have carried out theoretical analysis and numerical simulation for the generation process of the picosecond optical pulse. The influence of phase shift between the modulation signals loaded on the MZM and PM is analyzed by numerical simulation and the conditions for the generation of picosecond optical pulse are given. The formula for calculating the optimum length of SMF which is used to compensate the linear chirp is given. The optical pulses with a repetition frequency of 10 GHz and a pulse width of 8.5 ps were obtained. The time-bandwidth product was as small as 1.09 and the timing jitter is as low as 83 fs.

Planarization of Isolated Defects on ICF Target Capsule Surfaces by Pulsed Laser Ablation

DOE PAGES

Alfonso, Noel; Carlson, Lane C.; Bunn, Thomas L.

2016-08-09

Demanding surface quality requirements for inertial confinement fusion (ICF) capsules motivated the development of a pulsed laser ablation method to reduce or eliminate undesirable surface defects. The pulsed laser ablation technique takes advantage of a full surface (4π) capsule manipulation system working in combination with an optical profiling (confocal) microscope. Based on the defect topography, the material removal rate, the laser pulse energy and its beam profile, a customized laser raster pattern is derived to remove the defect. The pattern is a table of coordinates and number of pulses that dictate how the defect will be vaporized until its heightmore » is level with the capsule surface. This paper explains how the raster patterns are optimized to minimize surface roughness and how surface roughness after laser ablation is simulated. The simulated surfaces are compared with actual ablated surfaces. Large defects are reduced to a size regime where a tumble finishing process produces very high quality surfaces devoid of high mode defects. The combined polishing processes of laser ablation and tumble finishing have become routine fabrication steps for National Ignition Facility capsule production.« less

Evaluation of arterial propagation velocity based on the automated analysis of the Pulse Wave Shape

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clara, F. M.; Scandurra, A. G.; Meschino, G. J.; Passoni, L. I.

2011-12-01

This paper proposes the automatic estimation of the arterial propagation velocity from the pulse wave raw records measured in the region of the radial artery. A fully automatic process is proposed to select and analyze typical pulse cycles from the raw data. An adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system, together with a heuristic search is used to find a functional approximation of the pulse wave. The estimation of the propagation velocity is carried out via the analysis of the functional approximation obtained with the fuzzy model. The analysis of the pulse wave records with the proposed methodology showed small differences compared with the method used so far, based on a strong interaction with the user. To evaluate the proposed methodology, we estimated the propagation velocity in a population of healthy men from a wide range of ages. It has been found in these studies that propagation velocity increases linearly with age and it presents a considerable dispersion of values in healthy individuals. We conclude that this process could be used to evaluate indirectly the propagation velocity of the aorta, which is related to physiological age in healthy individuals and with the expectation of life in cardiovascular patients.

Nonlinear processes associated with the amplification of MHz-linewidth laser pulses in single-mode Tm:fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sincore, Alex; Bodnar, Nathan; Bradford, Joshua; Abdulfattah, Ali; Shah, Lawrence; Richardson, Martin C.

2017-03-01

This work studies the accumulated nonlinearities when amplifying a narrow linewidth 2053 nm seed in a single mode Tm:fiber amplifier. A <2 MHz linewidth CW diode seed is externally modulated using a fiberized acousto-optic modulator. This enables independent control of repetition rate and pulse duration (>30 ns). The pulses are subsequently amplified and the repetition rate is further reduced using a second acousto-optic modulator. It is well known that spectral degradation occurs in such fibers for peak powers over 100's of watts due to self-phase modulation, four-wave mixing, and stimulated Raman scattering. In addition to enabling a thorough test bed to study such spectral broadening, this system will also enable the investigation of stimulated Brillouin scattering thresholds in the same system. This detailed study of the nonlinearities encountered in 2 μm fiber amplifiers is important in a range of applications from telecommunications to the amplification of ultrashort laser pulses.

1.55 µm InAs/GaAs Quantum Dots and High Repetition Rate Quantum Dot SESAM Mode-locked Laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Z. Y.; Oehler, A. E. H.; Resan, B.; Kurmulis, S.; Zhou, K. J.; Wang, Q.; Mangold, M.; Süedmeyer, T.; Keller, U.; Weingarten, K. J.; Hogg, R. A.

2012-06-01

High pulse repetition rate (>=10 GHz) diode-pumped solid-state lasers, modelocked using semiconductor saturable absorber mirrors (SESAMs) are emerging as an enabling technology for high data rate coherent communication systems owing to their low noise and pulse-to-pulse optical phase-coherence. Quantum dot (QD) based SESAMs offer potential advantages to such laser systems in terms of reduced saturation fluence, broader bandwidth, and wavelength flexibility. Here, we describe the development of an epitaxial process for the realization of high optical quality 1.55 µm In(Ga)As QDs on GaAs substrates, their incorporation into a SESAM, and the realization of the first 10 GHz repetition rate QD-SESAM modelocked laser at 1.55 µm, exhibiting ~2 ps pulse width from an Er-doped glass oscillator (ERGO). With a high areal dot density and strong light emission, this QD structure is a very promising candidate for many other applications, such as laser diodes, optical amplifiers, non-linear and photonic crystal based devices.

A Sub-Sampling Approach for Data Acquisition in Gamma Ray Emission Tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fysikopoulos, Eleftherios; Kopsinis, Yannis; Georgiou, Maria; Loudos, George

2016-06-01

State of the art data acquisition systems for small animal imaging gamma ray detectors often rely on free running Analog to Digital Converters (ADCs) and high density Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) devices for digital signal processing. In this work, a sub-sampling acquisition approach, which exploits a priori information regarding the shape of the obtained detector pulses is proposed. Output pulses shape depends on the response of the scintillation crystal, photodetector's properties and amplifier/shaper operation. Using these known characteristics of the detector pulses prior to digitization, one can model the voltage pulse derived from the shaper (a low-pass filter, last in the front-end electronics chain), in order to reduce the desirable sampling rate of ADCs. Fitting with a small number of measurements, pulse shape estimation is then feasible. In particular, the proposed sub-sampling acquisition approach relies on a bi-exponential modeling of the pulse shape. We show that the properties of the pulse that are relevant for Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) event detection (i.e., position and energy) can be calculated by collecting just a small fraction of the number of samples usually collected in data acquisition systems used so far. Compared to the standard digitization process, the proposed sub-sampling approach allows the use of free running ADCs with sampling rate reduced by a factor of 5. Two small detectors consisting of Cerium doped Gadolinium Aluminum Gallium Garnet (Gd3Al2Ga3O12 : Ce or GAGG:Ce) pixelated arrays (array elements: 2 × 2 × 5 mm3 and 1 × 1 × 10 mm3 respectively) coupled to a Position Sensitive Photomultiplier Tube (PSPMT) were used for experimental evaluation. The two detectors were used to obtain raw images and energy histograms under 140 keV and 661.7 keV irradiation respectively. The sub-sampling acquisition technique (10 MHz sampling rate) was compared with a standard acquisition method (52 MHz sampling rate), in terms of energy resolution and image signal to noise ratio for both gamma ray energies. The Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) non-linear least-squares algorithm was used, in post processing, in order to fit the acquired data with the proposed model. The results showed that analog pulses prior to digitization are being estimated with high accuracy after fitting with the bi-exponential model.

Weld pool oscillation during pulsed GTA welding

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

Aendenroomer, A.J.R.; Ouden, G. den

1996-12-31

This paper deals with weld pool oscillation during pulsed GTA welding and with the possibility to use this oscillation for in-process control of weld penetration. Welding experiments were carried out under different welding conditions. During welding the weld pool was triggered into oscillation by the normal welding pulses or by extra current pulses. The oscillation frequency was measured both during the pulse time and during the base time by analyzing the arc voltage variation using a Fast Fourier Transformation program. Optimal results are obtained when full penetration occurs during the pulse time and partial penetration during the base time. Undermore » these conditions elliptical overlapping spot welds are formed. In the case of full penetration the weld pool oscillates in a low frequency mode (membrane oscillation), whereas in the case of partial penetration the weld pool oscillates in a high frequency mode (surface oscillation). Deviation from the optimal welding conditions occurs when high frequency oscillation is observed during both pulse time and base time (underpenetration) or when low frequency oscillation is observed during both pulse time and base time (overpenetration). In line with these results a penetration sensing system with feedback control was designed, based on the criterion that optimal weld penetration is achieved when two peaks are observed in the frequency distribution. The feasibility of this sensing system for orbital tube welding was confirmed by the results of experiments carried out under various welding conditions.« less

Fast neutron-gamma discrimination on neutron emission profile measurement on JT-60U.

PubMed

Ishii, K; Shinohara, K; Ishikawa, M; Baba, M; Isobe, M; Okamoto, A; Kitajima, S; Sasao, M

2010-10-01

A digital signal processing (DSP) system is applied to stilbene scintillation detectors of the multichannel neutron emission profile monitor in JT-60U. Automatic analysis of the neutron-γ pulse shape discrimination is a key issue to diminish the processing time in the DSP system, and it has been applied using the two-dimensional (2D) map. Linear discriminant function is used to determine the dividing line between neutron events and γ-ray events on a 2D map. In order to verify the validity of the dividing line determination, the pulse shape discrimination quality is evaluated. As a result, the γ-ray contamination in most of the beam heating phase was negligible compared with the statistical error with 10 ms time resolution.

Fast neutron-gamma discrimination on neutron emission profile measurement on JT-60U

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

Ishii, K.; Okamoto, A.; Kitajima, S.

2010-10-15

A digital signal processing (DSP) system is applied to stilbene scintillation detectors of the multichannel neutron emission profile monitor in JT-60U. Automatic analysis of the neutron-{gamma} pulse shape discrimination is a key issue to diminish the processing time in the DSP system, and it has been applied using the two-dimensional (2D) map. Linear discriminant function is used to determine the dividing line between neutron events and {gamma}-ray events on a 2D map. In order to verify the validity of the dividing line determination, the pulse shape discrimination quality is evaluated. As a result, the {gamma}-ray contamination in most of themore » beam heating phase was negligible compared with the statistical error with 10 ms time resolution.« less

Theoretical and Experimental Investigations of Coincidences in Poisson Distributed Pulse Trains and Spectral Distortion Caused by Pulse Pileup.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bristow, Quentin

1990-01-01

Part one of this two-part study is concerned with the multiple coincidences in pulse trains from X-ray and gamma radiation detectors which are the cause of pulse pileup. A sequence of pulses with inter-arrival times less than tau, the resolving time of the pulse-height analysis system used to acquire spectra, is called a multiple pulse string. Such strings can be classified on the basis of the number of pulses they contain, or the number of resolving times they cover. The occurrence rates of such strings are derived from theoretical considerations. Logic circuits were devised to make experimental measurements of multiple pulse string occurrence rates in the output from a NaI(Tl) scintillation detector over a wide range of count rates. Markov process theory was used to predict state transition rates in the logic circuits, enabling the experimental data to be checked rigorously for conformity with those predicted for a Poisson distribution. No fundamental discrepancies were observed. Part two of the study is concerned with a theoretical analysis of pulse pileup and the development of a discrete correction algorithm, based on the use of a function to simulate the coincidence spectrum produced by partial sums of pulses. Monte Carlo simulations, incorporating criteria for pulse pileup inherent in the operation of modern ADC's, were used to generate pileup spectra due to coincidences between two pulses, (1st order pileup) and three pulses (2nd order pileup), for different semi-Gaussian pulse shapes. Coincidences between pulses in a single channel produced a basic probability density function spectrum which can be regarded as an impulse response for a particular pulse shape. The use of a flat spectrum (identical count rates in all channels) in the simulations, and in a parallel theoretical analysis, showed the 1st order pileup distorted the spectrum to a linear ramp with a pileup tail. The correction algorithm was successfully applied to correct entire spectra for 1st and 2nd order pileup; both those generated by Monte Carlo simulations and in addition some real spectra acquired with a laboratory multichannel analysis system.

Color image processing and vision system for an automated laser paint-stripping system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hickey, John M., III; Hise, Lawson

1994-10-01

Color image processing in machine vision systems has not gained general acceptance. Most machine vision systems use images that are shades of gray. The Laser Automated Decoating System (LADS) required a vision system which could discriminate between substrates of various colors and textures and paints ranging from semi-gloss grays to high gloss red, white and blue (Air Force Thunderbirds). The changing lighting levels produced by the pulsed CO2 laser mandated a vision system that did not require a constant color temperature lighting for reliable image analysis.

Generation of programmable temporal pulse shape and applications in micromachining

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, X.; Jordens, B.; Hooper, A.; Baird, B. W.; Ren, W.; Xu, L.; Sun, L.

2009-02-01

In this paper we presented a pulse shaping technique on regular solid-state lasers and the application in semiconductor micromachining. With a conventional Q-switched laser, all of the parameters can be adjusted over only limited ranges, especially the pulse width and pulse shape. However, some laser link processes using traditional laser pulses with pulse widths of a few nanoseconds to a few tens of nanoseconds tend to over-crater in thicker overlying passivation layers and thereby cause IC reliability problems. Use of a laser pulse with a special shape and a fast leading edge, such as tailored pulse, is one technique for controlling link processing. The pulse shaping technique is based on light-loop controlled optical modulation to shape conventional Q-switched solid-state lasers. One advantage of the pulse shaping technique is to provide a tailored pulse shape that can be programmed to have more than one amplitude value. Moreover, it has the capability of providing programmable tailored pulse shapes with discrete amplitude and time duration components. In addition, it provides fast rising and fall time of each pulse at fairly high repetition rate at 355nm with good beam quality. The regular-to-shaped efficiency is up to 50%. We conclude with a discussion of current results for laser processing of semiconductor memory link structures using programmable temporal pulse shapes. The processing experiments showed promising results with shaped pulse.

In situ health monitoring of piezoelectric sensors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Drouant, George J. (Inventor); Jensen, Scott L. (Inventor)

2013-01-01

An in situ health monitoring apparatus may include an exciter circuit that applies a pulse to a piezoelectric transducer and a data processing system that determines the piezoelectric transducer's dynamic response to the first pulse. The dynamic response can be used to evaluate the operating range, health, and as-mounted resonance frequency of the transducer, as well as the strength of a coupling between the transducer and a structure and the health of the structure.

Photon energy lifter.

PubMed

Gaburro, Zeno; Ghulinyan, Mher; Riboli, Francesco; Pavesi, Lorenzo; Recati, Alessio; Carusotto, Iacopo

2006-08-07

We propose a time-dependent, spatially periodic photonic structure which is able to shift the carrier frequency of an optical pulse which propagates through it. Taking advantage of the slow group velocity of light in periodic photonic structures, the wavelength conversion process can be performed with an efficiency close to 1 and without affecting the shape and the coherence of the pulse. Quantitative Finite Difference Time Domain simulations are performed for realistic systems with optical parameters of conventional silicon technology.

Femtosecond Electron and Photon Pulses Facility in Thailand

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

Rimjaem, S.; Thongbai, C.; Jinamoon, V.

Femtosecond electron and photon pulses facility has been established as SURIYA project at the Fast Neutron Research Facility (FNRF). Femtosecond electron bunches can be generated from a system consisting of an RF gun with a thermionic cathode, an alpha magnet as an magnetic bunch compressor, and a linear accelerator as a post acceleration section. Femtosecond electron pulses can be used directly or used as a source to produce equally short electromagnetic (EM) radiation pulses via certain kind of radiation production processes. At SURIYA project, we are interested especially in production of radiation in Far-infrared (FIR) regime. At these wavelengths, themore » radiation from femtosecond electron pulses is emitted coherently resulting in high intensity radiation. Overview of the facility, the generation of femtosecond electron bunches, the theoretical background of coherent transition radiation and the recent experimental results will be presented and discussed in this paper.« less

Control of nitromethane photoionization efficiency with shaped femtosecond pulses.

PubMed

Roslund, Jonathan; Shir, Ofer M; Dogariu, Arthur; Miles, Richard; Rabitz, Herschel

2011-04-21

The applicability of adaptive femtosecond pulse shaping is studied for achieving selectivity in the photoionization of low-density polyatomic targets. In particular, optimal dynamic discrimination (ODD) techniques exploit intermediate molecular electronic resonances that allow a significant increase in the photoionization efficiency of nitromethane with shaped near-infrared femtosecond pulses. The intensity bias typical of high-photon number, nonresonant ionization is accounted for by reference to a strictly intensity-dependent process. Closed-loop adaptive learning is then able to discover a pulse form that increases the ionization efficiency of nitromethane by ∼150%. The optimally induced molecular dynamics result from entry into a region of parameter space inaccessible with intensity-only control. Finally, the discovered pulse shape is demonstrated to interact with the molecular system in a coherent fashion as assessed from the asymmetry between the response to the optimal field and its time-reversed counterpart.

Implementation of pulse-coupled neural networks in a CNAPS environment.

PubMed

Kinser, J M; Lindblad, T

1999-01-01

Pulse coupled neural networks (PCNN's) are biologically inspired algorithms very well suited for image/signal preprocessing. While several analog implementations are proposed we suggest a digital implementation in an existing environment, the connected network of adapted processors system (CNAPS). The reason for this is two fold. First, CNAPS is a commercially available chip which has been used for several neural-network implementations. Second, the PCNN is, in almost all applications, a very efficient component of a system requiring subsequent and additional processing. This may include gating, Fourier transforms, neural classifiers, data mining, etc, with or without feedback to the PCNN.

Fast gas spectroscopy using pulsed quantum cascade lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beyer, T.; Braun, M.; Lambrecht, A.

2003-03-01

Laser spectroscopy has found many industrial applications, e.g., control of automotive exhaust and process monitoring. The midinfrared region is of special interest because it has stronger absorption lines compared to the near infrared (NIR). However, in the NIR high quality reliable laser sources, detectors, and passive optical components are available. A quantum cascade laser could change this situation if fundamental advantages can be exploited with compact and reliable systems. It will be shown that, using pulsed lasers and available fast detectors, lower residual sensitivity levels than in corresponding NIR systems can be achieved. The stability is sufficient for industrial applications.

Pre-earthquake Magnetic Pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scoville, J.; Heraud, J. A.; Freund, F. T.

2015-12-01

A semiconductor model of rocks is shown to describe unipolar magnetic pulses, a phenomenon that has been observed prior to earthquakes. These pulses are suspected to be generated deep in the Earth's crust, in and around the hypocentral volume, days or even weeks before earth quakes. Their extremely long wavelength allows them to pass through kilometers of rock. Interestingly, when the sources of these pulses are triangulated, the locations coincide with the epicenters of future earthquakes. We couple a drift-diffusion semiconductor model to a magnetic field in order to describe the electromagnetic effects associated with electrical currents flowing within rocks. The resulting system of equations is solved numerically and it is seen that a volume of rock may act as a diode that produces transient currents when it switches bias. These unidirectional currents are expected to produce transient unipolar magnetic pulses similar in form, amplitude, and duration to those observed before earthquakes, and this suggests that the pulses could be the result of geophysical semiconductor processes.

Pre-earthquake magnetic pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scoville, J.; Heraud, J.; Freund, F.

2015-08-01

A semiconductor model of rocks is shown to describe unipolar magnetic pulses, a phenomenon that has been observed prior to earthquakes. These pulses are suspected to be generated deep in the Earth's crust, in and around the hypocentral volume, days or even weeks before earthquakes. Their extremely long wavelength allows them to pass through kilometers of rock. Interestingly, when the sources of these pulses are triangulated, the locations coincide with the epicenters of future earthquakes. We couple a drift-diffusion semiconductor model to a magnetic field in order to describe the electromagnetic effects associated with electrical currents flowing within rocks. The resulting system of equations is solved numerically and it is seen that a volume of rock may act as a diode that produces transient currents when it switches bias. These unidirectional currents are expected to produce transient unipolar magnetic pulses similar in form, amplitude, and duration to those observed before earthquakes, and this suggests that the pulses could be the result of geophysical semiconductor processes.

Plasma ``anti-assistance'' and ``self-assistance'' to high power impulse magnetron sputtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anders, André; Yushkov, Georgy Yu.

2009-04-01

A plasma assistance system was investigated with the goal to operate high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) at lower pressure than usual, thereby to enhance the utilization of the ballistic atoms and ions with high kinetic energy in the film growth process. Gas plasma flow from a constricted plasma source was aimed at the magnetron target. Contrary to initial expectations, such plasma assistance turned out to be contraproductive because it led to the extinction of the magnetron discharge. The effect can be explained by gas rarefaction. A better method of reducing the necessary gas pressure is operation at relatively high pulse repetition rates where the afterglow plasma of one pulse assists in the development of the next pulse. Here we show that this method, known from medium-frequency (MF) pulsed sputtering, is also very important at the much lower pulse repetition rates of HiPIMS. A minimum in the possible operational pressure is found in the frequency region between HiPIMS and MF pulsed sputtering.

Applied digital signal processing systems for vortex flowmeter with digital signal processing.

PubMed

Xu, Ke-Jun; Zhu, Zhi-Hai; Zhou, Yang; Wang, Xiao-Fen; Liu, San-Shan; Huang, Yun-Zhi; Chen, Zhi-Yuan

2009-02-01

The spectral analysis is combined with digital filter to process the vortex sensor signal for reducing the effect of disturbance at low frequency from pipe vibrations and increasing the turndown ratio. Using digital signal processing chip, two kinds of digital signal processing systems are developed to implement these algorithms. One is an integrative system, and the other is a separated system. A limiting amplifier is designed in the input analog condition circuit to adapt large amplitude variation of sensor signal. Some technique measures are taken to improve the accuracy of the output pulse, speed up the response time of the meter, and reduce the fluctuation of the output signal. The experimental results demonstrate the validity of the digital signal processing systems.

Quantum phase amplification for temporal pulse shaping and super-resolution in remote sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, Yanchun

The use of nonlinear optical interactions to perform nonclassical transformations of electromagnetic field is an area of considerable interest. Quantum phase amplification (QPA) has been previously proposed as a method to perform nonclassical manipulation of coherent light, which can be experimentally realized by use of nonlinear optical mixing processes, of which phase-sensitive three-wave mixing (PSTWM) is one convenient choice. QPA occurs when PSTWM is operated in the photon number deamplification mode, i.e., when the energy is coherently transferred among the low-frequency signal and idler waves and the high-frequency pump wave. The final state is nonclassical, with the field amplitude squeezed and the phase anti-squeezed. In the temporal domain, the use of QPA has been studied to facilitate nonlinear pulse shaping. This novel method directly shapes the temporal electric field amplitude and phase using the PSTWM in a degenerate and collinear configuration, which has been analyzed using a numerical model. Several representative pulse shaping capabilities of this technique have been identified, which can augment the performance of common passive pulse shaping methods operating in the Fourier domain. The analysis indicates that a simple quadratic variation of temporal phase facilitates pulse compression and self-steepening, with features significantly shorter than the original transform-limited pulse. Thus, PSTWM can act as a direct pulse compressor based on the combined effects of phase amplification and group velocity mismatch, even without the subsequent linear phase compensation. Furthermore, it is shown numerically that pulse doublets and pulse trains can be produced at the pump frequency by utilizing the residual linear phase of the signal. Such pulse shaping capabilities are found to be within reach of this technique in common nonlinear optical crystals pumped by pulses available from compact femtosecond chirped-pulse amplification laser systems. The use of QPA in the spatial domain has also been studied as a method to enhance the spatial resolution of imaging systems. A detailed model has been developed for achieving both super-resolution and detection of phase-amplified light. The imaging resolution problem considered here is treated as a binary hypotheses testing problem. Resolution enhancement is achieved by magnification of the angular separation of two targets in the sub-Rayleigh regime. The detection model includes optimization of detector segmentation, detector noise, and detection in both the spatial and the spatial frequency domain, which provide strategies for the optimization of the signal-to-noise ratio that take advantage of both the change of the field distribution and the change of energy of the signal in the QPA process. Proof-of-principle experiments have been conducted in the spatial domain. For the first time, beam angular amplification has been demonstrated, and the experimental result is in good agreement with simulations. The experimental demonstration has been achieved by observing the correlation of amplitude and angular phase in the phase-sensitive three-wave mixing process using ultrashort laser pulses and utilizing a type I three-wave mixing process. Several diagnostics have been developed and employed in the experimental measurements, including the near-field diagnostic, the far-field diagnostic, and the interferometry diagnostic. They have all been used to confirm the existence and study the properties of the QPA process on a shot-to-shot basis. Specifically, amplitude was measured in the near-field diagnostic, while the angular phase was indirectly measured in the far-field diagnostic by determining the position of the beam centroid. Interferometric measurements have been found to be of insufficient accuracy for this measurement in the way they were implemented. The demonstration of beam angular amplification by use of QPA lays the foundation for future integrated demonstration of imaging resolution enhancement, while the results of the modeling in the time domain open opportunities for development of flexible pulse shaping benefitting a variety of ultrafast applications.

Neuroelectric Tuning of Cortical Oscillations by Apical Dendrites in Loop Circuits

PubMed Central

LaBerge, David; Kasevich, Ray S.

2017-01-01

Bundles of relatively long apical dendrites dominate the neurons that make up the thickness of the cerebral cortex. It is proposed that a major function of the apical dendrite is to produce sustained oscillations at a specific frequency that can serve as a common timing unit for the processing of information in circuits connected to that apical dendrite. Many layer 5 and 6 pyramidal neurons are connected to thalamic neurons in loop circuits. A model of the apical dendrites of these pyramidal neurons has been used to simulate the electric activity of the apical dendrite. The results of that simulation demonstrated that subthreshold electric pulses in these apical dendrites can be tuned to specific frequencies and also can be fine-tuned to narrow bandwidths of less than one Hertz (1 Hz). Synchronous pulse outputs from the circuit loops containing apical dendrites can tune subthreshold membrane oscillations of neurons they contact. When the pulse outputs are finely tuned, they function as a local “clock,” which enables the contacted neurons to synchronously communicate with each other. Thus, a shared tuning frequency can select neurons for membership in a circuit. Unlike layer 6 apical dendrites, layer 5 apical dendrites can produce burst firing in many of their neurons, which increases the amplitude of signals in the neurons they contact. This difference in amplitude of signals serves as basis of selecting a sub-circuit for specialized processing (e.g., sustained attention) within the typically larger layer 6-based circuit. After examining the sustaining of oscillations in loop circuits and the processing of spikes in network circuits, we propose that cortical functioning can be globally viewed as two systems: a loop system and a network system. The loop system oscillations influence the network system’s timing and amplitude of pulse signals, both of which can select circuits that are momentarily dominant in cortical activity. PMID:28659768

Treatment Of Metal-Mine Effluents By Limestone Neutralization And Calcite Co-Precipitation

EPA Science Inventory

The U.S. Geological Survey - Leetown Science Center and the Colorado School of Mines have developed a remediation process for the treatment of metals in circumneutral mining influenced waters. The process involves treatment with a pulsed limestone bed (PLB) system, followed by c...

Performance tests of the 5 TW, 1 kHz, passively CEP-stabilized ELI-ALPS SYLOS few-cycle laser system (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stanislauskas, Tomas; Budriūnas, Rimantas; Veitas, Gediminas; Gadonas, Darius; Adamonis, Jonas; Aleknavičius, Aidas; Masian, Gžegož; Kuprionis, Zenonas; Hoff, Dominik; Paulus, Gerhard G.; Börzsönyi, Ádám.; Toth, Szabolcs; Kovacs, Mate; Csontos, János; López-Martens, Rodrigo; Osvay, Károly

2017-05-01

ELI-ALPS in Hungary, one of the three pillars of the Extreme Light Infrastructure, aims at providing diverse light sources, including energetic attosecond pulses at the highest possible repetition rates. One of the main laser systems for driving plasma and gas-based HHG stages, is a state-of-the-art 1 kHz few-cycle laser called SYLOS. Targeted pulse parameters are an energy of 100 mJ and a duration shorter than two optical cycles (<6 fs), with outstanding energy, phase and pointing stability as well as high spatiotemporal quality. The first phase of the laser system has already set a new standard in kHz laser system engineering and technology. The performance and reliability of the SYLOS laser have been consistently tested over the course of a six-month trial period. During this time the system was running at least 8 hours a day at full power for more than 5 months. The current output parameters are 5 TW peak power, 45 mJ pulse energy with 9 fs duration and 300 mrad CEP stability, while the spectrum spans over 300 nm around 840 nm central wavelength. The layout follows the general scheme NOPCPA architecture with a passively CEP-stabilized front-end. The pulses are negatively chirped for the amplification process and compressed by a combination of large aperture bulk glass blocks and positively chirped mirrors under vacuum conditions at the output. During the trial period, the laser system demonstrated outstanding reliability. Daily startup and shutdown procedures take only a few minutes, and the command-control system enables pulse parameters to be modified instantly. Controlling the delays of individual NOPCPA stages makes it possible to tailor the output spectrum of the pulses and tune the central wavelength between 770 nm and 940 nm. We performed several experimental tests to find out the pulse characteristics. Pulse duration was verified with Wizzler, chirp-scan, autocorrelation methods and a stereo-ATI independently. All of them confirmed the sub-9 fs pulse duration. We recorded the long-term waveform and pointing stabilities of the beam in order to find out the effect of the temperature load on optical elements. Excluding a short initial warm up time, stable signals were observed in general. The in-loop and out-of-loop CEP stability was cross-checked between f-to-2f and stereo-ATI devices. Moreover, the inherent CEP stability of the system without feedback loop was also found to be surprisingly robust thanks to the passive CEP stabilization of the front-end. The polarization contrast was better than 1000:1. The temporal contrast was also measured independently with Sequoia and Tundra cross-correlators, and on the ns scale with a fast photodiode and GHz oscilloscope as well. Results showed that the pulse pedestal generally consists of parametric superfluorescence below the 1E-7 level and about 100 ps long, well in accordance with the pump duration. Delaying the pump pulse allows us to shift the seed pulse to the front and reach a pre-pulse pedestal below 1E-11 at 30 ps before the pulse peak. Detailed findings on all the examined pulse characteristics of the SYLOS laser will be reported in this presentation.

Dental hard tissue drilling by longitudinally excited CO2 laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uno, Kazuyuki; Yamamoto, Takuya; Akitsu, Tetsuya; Jitsuno, Takahisa

2017-07-01

We developed a longitudinally excited CO2 laser with a long optical cavity and investigated the drilling characteristics of dental hard tissue. The CO2 laser was very simple and consisted of a 45-cm-long alumina ceramic pipe with an inner diameter of 13 mm, a pulse power supply, a step-up transformer, a storage capacitance, a spark gap, and a long optical cavity with a cavity length of 175 cm. The CO2 laser produced a short pulse that had a spike pulse with the width of 337 ns and the energy of 1.9 mJ, a pulse tail with the length of 180 μs and the energy of 37.6 mJ, and a doughnut-like beam. In the investigation, a sample was a natural drying human tooth (enamel and dentine). In a processing system, a ZnSe focusing lens with the focal length of 50 mm was used and the location of the focal plane was that of the sample surface. In 1 pulse irradiation, the drilling characteristics depended on the fluence was investigated. In the enamel and dentin drilling, the drilling depth increased with the fluence. The 1 pulse irradiation with the fluence of 21.5 J/cm2 produced the depth of 79.3 μm in the enamel drilling, and the depth of 152.7 μm in the dentin drilling. The short-pulse CO2 laser produced a deeper drilling depth at a lower fluence than long-pulse CO2 lasers in dental hard tissue processing.

Emulsions for pulsed holography: new and improved processing schemes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodin, Alexey M.; Taylor, Rob

2003-05-01

Recent improvements in the processing of commercially available holographic recording materials for pulsed holography are reviewed. Harmonics of pulsed Nd:YLF/Nd:Phosphate Glass, Nd:YLF, Nd:YAG laser's, and the fundamental wavelength of a pulsed Ruby laser were used as radiation sources for the recording of transmission and reflection holography gratings. It is shown that ultra-fine grain size materials such as PFG-03C and Ultimate-15 can be successfully applied for small and medium format pulsed holography applications. These small grain size emulsions are especially important in the areas of artistic archival portraiture and contact Denisyuk micro-holography of living objects, where noiseless image reconstruction is of a primary concern. It suggests that HOE's, such as full-color image projection screens, may be successfully recorded on PFG-03C holographic emulsions using a pulsed RGB laser. A range of commercial RGB pulsed lasers suitable for these applications are introduced. Visible wavelengths currently produced from these lasers covers the spectrum of 440 - 660nm. Latest developments of a full range of pulsed holographic camera systems manufactured by GEOLA that are suitable for medium and large format portraiture, medical imaging, museum artifact archival recording, and other types of holography are also reviewed with particular reference to new integrated digital mastering features. Finally, the initial commercial production of a new photopolymer film with a sensitivity range of 625-680nm is introduced. Initial CW exposure energies at 633nm were 30 - 50mJ/cm2; with diffraction efficiencies of 75 - 80% observed with this new material.

Digital ultrasonic signal processing: Primary ultrasonics task and transducer characterization use and detailed description

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hammond, P. L.

1979-01-01

This manual describes the use of the primary ultrasonics task (PUT) and the transducer characterization system (XC) for the collection, processing, and recording of data received from a pulse-echo ultrasonic system. Both PUT and XC include five primary functions common to many real-time data acquisition systems. Some of these functions are implemented using the same code in both systems. The solicitation and acceptance of operator control input is emphasized. Those operations not under user control are explained.

Numerical simulation of temperature field in K9 glass irradiated by ultraviolet pulse laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xi; Fang, Xiaodong

2015-10-01

The optical component of photoelectric system was easy to be damaged by irradiation of high power pulse laser, so the effect of high power pulse laser irradiation on K9 glass was researched. A thermodynamic model of K9 glass irradiated by ultraviolet pulse laser was established using the finite element software ANSYS. The article analyzed some key problems in simulation process of ultraviolet pulse laser damage of K9 glass based on ANSYS from the finite element models foundation, meshing, loading of pulse laser, setting initial conditions and boundary conditions and setting the thermal physical parameters of material. The finite element method (FEM) model was established and a numerical analysis was performed to calculate temperature field in K9 glass irradiated by ultraviolet pulse laser. The simulation results showed that the temperature of irradiation area exceeded the melting point of K9 glass, while the incident laser energy was low. The thermal damage dominated in the damage mechanism of K9 glass, the melting phenomenon should be much more distinct.

Acoustic experimental investigation of interaction femtosecond laser pulses with gas-aerosol media and biological tissues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bochkarev, N. N.; Kabanov, A. M.; Stepanov, A. N.

2008-02-01

Using two optical acoustic approaches we experimentally investigated spatial location of filament zone of propagation channel of focused laser radiation. For femtosecond pulses passing in air it was shown that nonlinear focus length had spatial scale of 1/P at initial power P moderate for self-focusing and at optical system focus distance significantly lower than Rayleigh beam length. The results of experimental optical acoustic investigation of femto- and nanosecond pulses attenuation by some biological tissues (muscular tissue, adipose tissue, cutaneous covering, milk) and optical breakdown thresholds on these one are presented. It was shown that penetration depth of short laser pulse radiation into biological tissues is the same as for longer one. However, amplitude of acoustic response to a process of interaction of femtosecond laser pulse with biological tissue is larger in several times than that to interaction with nanosecond pulses of the same power and spectral distribution. The obtained of threshold values can be interesting for tabulation of limit allowable levels of irradiation at work with laser radiation. Such values are unknown for femtosecond laser pulses today.

The power of event-driven analytics in Large Scale Data Processing

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

Sebastiao, Nuno; Marques, Paulo

2011-02-24

FeedZai is a software company specialized in creating high-­‐throughput low-­‐latency data processing solutions. FeedZai develops a product called "FeedZai Pulse" for continuous event-­‐driven analytics that makes application development easier for end users. It automatically calculates key performance indicators and baselines, showing how current performance differ from previous history, creating timely business intelligence updated to the second. The tool does predictive analytics and trend analysis, displaying data on real-­‐time web-­‐based graphics. In 2010 FeedZai won the European EBN Smart Entrepreneurship Competition, in the Digital Models category, being considered one of the "top-­‐20 smart companies in Europe". The main objective of thismore » seminar/workshop is to explore the topic for large-­‐scale data processing using Complex Event Processing and, in particular, the possible uses of Pulse in the scope of the data processing needs of CERN. Pulse is available as open-­‐source and can be licensed both for non-­‐commercial and commercial applications. FeedZai is interested in exploring possible synergies with CERN in high-­‐volume low-­‐latency data processing applications. The seminar will be structured in two sessions, the first one being aimed to expose the general scope of FeedZai's activities, and the second focused on Pulse itself: 10:00-11:00 FeedZai and Large Scale Data Processing; Introduction to FeedZai; FeedZai Pulse and Complex Event Processing; Demonstration; Use-Cases and Applications; Conclusion and Q&A. 11:00-11:15 Coffee break 11:15-12:30 FeedZai Pulse Under the Hood; A First FeedZai Pulse Application; PulseQL overview; Defining KPIs and Baselines; Conclusion and Q&A. About the speakers Nuno Sebastião is the CEO of FeedZai. Having worked for many years for the European Space Agency (ESA), he was responsible the overall design and development of Satellite Simulation Infrastructure of the agency. Having left ESA to found FeedZai, Nuno is currently responsible for the whole operations of the company. Nuno holds an M.Eng. in Informatics Engineering for the University of Coimbra, and an MBA from the London Business School. Paulo Marques is the CTO of FeedZai, being responsible for product development. Paulo is an Assistant Professor at the University of Coimbra, in the area of Distributed Data Processing, and an Adjunct Associated Professor at Carnegie Mellon, in the US. In the past Paulo lead a large number of projects for institutions like the ESA, Microsoft Research, SciSys, Siemens, among others, being now fully dedicated to FeedZai. Paulo holds a Ph.D. in Distributed Systems from the University of Coimbra.« less

The power of event-driven analytics in Large Scale Data Processing

ScienceCinema

None

2017-12-09

FeedZai is a software company specialized in creating high-­-throughput low-­-latency data processing solutions. FeedZai develops a product called "FeedZai Pulse" for continuous event-­-driven analytics that makes application development easier for end users. It automatically calculates key performance indicators and baselines, showing how current performance differ from previous history, creating timely business intelligence updated to the second. The tool does predictive analytics and trend analysis, displaying data on real-­-time web-­-based graphics. In 2010 FeedZai won the European EBN Smart Entrepreneurship Competition, in the Digital Models category, being considered one of the "top-­-20 smart companies in Europe". The main objective of this seminar/workshop is to explore the topic for large-­-scale data processing using Complex Event Processing and, in particular, the possible uses of Pulse in the scope of the data processing needs of CERN. Pulse is available as open-­-source and can be licensed both for non-­-commercial and commercial applications. FeedZai is interested in exploring possible synergies with CERN in high-­-volume low-­-latency data processing applications. The seminar will be structured in two sessions, the first one being aimed to expose the general scope of FeedZai's activities, and the second focused on Pulse itself: 10:00-11:00 FeedZai and Large Scale Data Processing Introduction to FeedZai FeedZai Pulse and Complex Event Processing Demonstration Use-Cases and Applications Conclusion and Q&A 11:00-11:15 Coffee break 11:15-12:30 FeedZai Pulse Under the Hood A First FeedZai Pulse Application PulseQL overview Defining KPIs and Baselines Conclusion and Q&A About the speakers Nuno Sebastião is the CEO of FeedZai. Having worked for many years for the European Space Agency (ESA), he was responsible the overall design and development of Satellite Simulation Infrastructure of the agency. Having left ESA to found FeedZai, Nuno is currently responsible for the whole operations of the company. Nuno holds an M.Eng. in Informatics Engineering for the University of Coimbra, and an MBA from the London Business School. Paulo Marques is the CTO of FeedZai, being responsible for product development. Paulo is an Assistant Professor at the University of Coimbra, in the area of Distributed Data Processing, and an Adjunct Associated Professor at Carnegie Mellon, in the US. In the past Paulo lead a large number of projects for institutions like the ESA, Microsoft Research, SciSys, Siemens, among others, being now fully dedicated to FeedZai. Paulo holds a Ph.D. in Distributed Systems from the University of Coimbra.

GRC-2013-C-02448

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-06-23

Environmental Portrait, Electrical Power Systems Employee, hardware for the High Power 300-Volt Power Processing Unit (PPU). The Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are the Discharge Module Inverter and the Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Controller

X-Ray Detection and Processing Models for Spacecraft Navigation and Timing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sheikh, Suneel; Hanson, John

2013-01-01

The current primary method of deepspace navigation is the NASA Deep Space Network (DSN). High-performance navigation is achieved using Delta Differential One-Way Range techniques that utilize simultaneous observations from multiple DSN sites, and incorporate observations of quasars near the line-of-sight to a spacecraft in order to improve the range and angle measurement accuracies. Over the past four decades, x-ray astronomers have identified a number of xray pulsars with pulsed emissions having stabilities comparable to atomic clocks. The x-ray pulsar-based navigation and time determination (XNAV) system uses phase measurements from these sources to establish autonomously the position of the detector, and thus the spacecraft, relative to a known reference frame, much as the Global Positioning System (GPS) uses phase measurements from radio signals from several satellites to establish the position of the user relative to an Earth-centered fixed frame of reference. While a GPS receiver uses an antenna to detect the radio signals, XNAV uses a detector array to capture the individual xray photons from the x-ray pulsars. The navigation solution relies on detailed xray source models, signal processing, navigation and timing algorithms, and analytical tools that form the basis of an autonomous XNAV system. Through previous XNAV development efforts, some techniques have been established to utilize a pulsar pulse time-of-arrival (TOA) measurement to correct a position estimate. One well-studied approach, based upon Kalman filter methods, optimally adjusts a dynamic orbit propagation solution based upon the offset in measured and predicted pulse TOA. In this delta position estimator scheme, previously estimated values of spacecraft position and velocity are utilized from an onboard orbit propagator. Using these estimated values, the detected arrival times at the spacecraft of pulses from a pulsar are compared to the predicted arrival times defined by the pulsar s pulse timing model. A discrepancy provides an estimate of the spacecraft position offset, since an error in position will relate to the measured time offset of a pulse along the line of sight to the pulsar. XNAV researchers have been developing additional enhanced approaches to process the photon TOAs to arrive at an estimate of spacecraft position, including those using maximum-likelihood estimation, digital phase locked loops, and "single photon processing" schemes that utilize all available time data associated with each photon. Using pulsars from separate, non-coplanar locations provides range and range-rate measurements in each pulsar s direction. Combining these different pulsar measurements solves for offsets in position and velocity in three dimensions, and provides accurate overall navigation for deep space vehicles.

Formation of plasmon pulses in the cooperative decay of excitons of quantum dots near a metal surface

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

Shesterikov, A. B.; Gubin, M. Yu.; Gladush, M. G.

The formation of pulses of surface electromagnetic waves at a metal–dielectric boundary is considered in the process of cooperative decay of excitons of quantum dots distributed near a metal surface in a dielectric layer. It is shown that the efficiency of exciton energy transfer to excited plasmons can, in principle, be increased by selecting the dielectric material with specified values of the complex permittivity. It is found that in the mean field approximation, the semiclassical model of formation of plasmon pulses in the system under study is reduced to the pendulum equation with the additional term of nonlinear losses.

Ultrashort electron pulses as a four-dimensional diagnosis of plasma dynamics.

PubMed

Zhu, P F; Zhang, Z C; Chen, L; Li, R Z; Li, J J; Wang, X; Cao, J M; Sheng, Z M; Zhang, J

2010-10-01

We report an ultrafast electron imaging system for real-time examination of ultrafast plasma dynamics in four dimensions. It consists of a femtosecond pulsed electron gun and a two-dimensional single electron detector. The device has an unprecedented capability of acquiring a high-quality shadowgraph image with a single ultrashort electron pulse, thus permitting the measurement of irreversible processes using a single-shot scheme. In a prototype experiment of laser-induced plasma of a metal target under moderate pump intensity, we demonstrated its unique capability of acquiring high-quality shadowgraph images on a micron scale with a-few-picosecond time resolution.

Numerical Modeling of Pulse Detonation Rocket Engine Gasdynamics and Performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morris, C. I.

2003-01-01

Pulse detonation engines (PDB) have generated considerable research interest in recent years as a chemical propulsion system potentially offering improved performance and reduced complexity compared to conventional gas turbines and rocket engines. The detonative mode of combustion employed by these devices offers a theoretical thermodynamic advantage over the constant-pressure deflagrative combustion mode used in conventional engines. However, the unsteady blowdown process intrinsic to all pulse detonation devices has made realistic estimates of the actual propulsive performance of PDES problematic. The recent review article by Kailasanath highlights some of the progress that has been made in comparing the available experimental measurements with analytical and numerical models.

Propagation of THz pulses in rectangular subwavelength dielectric waveguides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Yao; Wu, Qiang; Zhang, Qi; Wang, Ride; Zhao, Wenjuan; Zhang, Deng; Pan, Chongpei; Qi, Jiwei; Xu, Jingjun

2018-06-01

Rectangular subwavelength waveguides are necessary for the development of micro/nanophotonic devices and on-chip platforms. Using a time-resolved imaging system, we studied the transient properties and the propagation modes of THz pulses in rectangular subwavelength dielectric waveguides. The dynamic process of THz pulses was systematically recorded to a movie. In addition, an anomalous group velocity dispersion was demonstrated in rectangular subwavelength waveguides. By using the effective index method, we theoretically calculated the modes in rectangular subwavelength waveguides, which agree well with the experiments and simulations. This work provides the opportunity to improve the analysis and design of the integrated platforms and photonic devices.

Thomson Scattering Diagnostic Data Acquisition Systems for Modern Fusion Systems

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

Ivanenko, S.V.; Khilchenko, A.D.; Ovchar, V.K.

2015-07-01

Uniquely designed complex data acquisition system for Thomson scattering diagnostic was developed. It allows recording short duration (3-5 ns) scattered pulses with 2 GHz sampling rate and 10-bit total resolution in oscilloscope mode. The system consists up to 48 photo detector modules with 0- 200 MHz bandwidth, 1-48 simultaneously sampling ADC modules and synchronization subsystem. The photo detector modules are based on avalanche photodiodes (APD) and ultra-low noise trans-impedance amplifiers. ADC modules include fast analog to digital converters and digital units based on the FPGA (Field- Programmable Gate Array) for data processing and storage. The synchronization subsystem is used tomore » form triggering pulses and to organize the simultaneously mode of ADC modules operation. (authors)« less

Multifunctional optical correlator for picosecond ultraviolet laser pulse measurement

DOE PAGES

Rakhman, Abdurahim; Wang, Yang; Garcia, Frances; ...

2014-01-01

A compact optical correlator system that measures both the autocorrelation between two infrared (IR) lights and the cross-correlation between an IR and an ultraviolet (UV) light using a single nonlinear optical crystal has been designed and experimentally demonstrated. The rapid scanning of optical delay line, switching between auto and cross-correlations, crystal angle tuning, and data acquisition and processing are all computer controlled. Pulse widths of an IR light from a mode-locked laser are measured by the correlator and the results are compared with a direct measurement using a high-speed photodetector system. The correlator has been used to study the parametermore » dependence of the pulse width of a macropulse UV laser designed for laser-assisted hydrogen ion (H-) beam stripping for the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.« less

PULSAR: A High-Repetition-Rate, High-Power, CE Phase-Locked Laser for the J.R. Macdonald Laboratory at Kansas State University

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

Ben-Itzhak, Itzik; Carnes, Kevin D.; Cocke, C. Lew

2014-05-09

This instrumentation grant funded the development and installation of a state-of-the-art laser system to be used for the DOE funded research at the J.R. Macdonald Laboratory at Kansas State University. Specifically, we purchased a laser based on the KMLABs Red-Dragon design, which has a high repetition rate of 10-20 kHz crucial for multi-parameter coincidence measurements conducted in our lab. This laser system is carrier-envelope phase (CEP) locked and provides pulses as short as 21 fs directly from the amplifier (see details below). In addition, we have developed a pulse compression setup that provides sub 5 fs pulses and a CEPmore » tagging capability that allows for long measurements of CEP dependent processes.« less

Quasi-multi-pulse voltage source converter design with two control degrees of freedom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vural, A. M.; Bayindir, K. C.

2015-05-01

In this article, the design details of a quasi-multi-pulse voltage source converter (VSC) switched at line frequency of 50 Hz are given in a step-by-step process. The proposed converter is comprised of four 12-pulse converter units, which is suitable for the simulation of single-/multi-converter flexible alternating current transmission system devices as well as high voltage direct current systems operating at the transmission level. The magnetic interface of the converter is originally designed with given all parameters for 100 MVA operation. The so-called two-angle control method is adopted to control the voltage magnitude and the phase angle of the converter independently. PSCAD simulation results verify both four-quadrant converter operation and closed-loop control of the converter operated as static synchronous compensator (STATCOM).

Industrial femtosecond lasers for machining of heat-sensitive polymers (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hendricks, Frank; Bernard, Benjamin; Matylitsky, Victor V.

2017-03-01

Heat-sensitive materials, such as polymers, are used increasingly in various industrial sectors such as medical device manufacturing and organic electronics. Medical applications include implantable devices like stents, catheters and wires, which need to be structured and cut with minimum heat damage. Also the flat panel display market moves from LCD displays to organic LED (OLED) solutions, which utilize heat-sensitive polymer substrates. In both areas, the substrates often consist of multilayer stacks with different types of materials, such as metals, dielectric layers and polymers with different physical characteristic. The different thermal behavior and laser absorption properties of the materials used makes these stacks difficult to machine using conventional laser sources. Femtosecond lasers are an enabling technology for micromachining of these materials since it is possible to machine ultrafine structures with minimum thermal impact and very precise control over material removed. An industrial femtosecond Spirit HE laser system from Spectra-Physics with pulse duration <400 fs, pulse energies of >120 μJ and average output powers of >16 W is an ideal tool for industrial micromachining of a wide range of materials with highest quality and efficiency. The laser offers process flexibility with programmable pulse energy, repetition rate, and pulse width. In this paper, we provide an overview of machining heat-sensitive materials using Spirit HE laser. In particular, we show how the laser parameters (e.g. laser wavelength, pulse duration, applied energy and repetition rate) and the processing strategy (gas assisted single pass cut vs. multi-scan process) influence the efficiency and quality of laser processing.

Interaction dynamics of fs-laser induced cavitation bubbles and their impact on the laser-tissue-interaction of modern ophthalmic laser systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tinne, N.; Ripken, T.; Lubatschowski, H.; Heisterkamp, A.

2011-07-01

A today well-known laser based treatment in ophthalmology is the LASIK procedure which nowadays includes cutting of the corneal tissue with ultra-short laser pulses. Instead of disposing a microkeratome for cutting a corneal flap, a focused ultra-short laser pulse is scanned below the surface of biological tissue causing the effect of an optical breakdown and hence obtaining a dissection. Inside the tissue, the energy of the laser pulses is absorbed by non-linear processes; as a result a cavitation bubble expands and ruptures the tissue. Hence, positioning of several optical breakdowns side by side generates an incision. Due to a reduction of the amount of laser energy, with a moderate duration of treatment at the same time, the current development of ultra-short pulse laser systems points to higher repetition rates in the range of even Megahertz instead of tens or hundreds of Kilohertz. In turn, this results in a pulse overlap and therefor a probable occurrence of interaction between different optical breakdowns and respectively cavitation bubbles of adjacent optical breakdowns. While the interaction of one single laser pulse with biological tissue is analyzed reasonably well experimentally and theoretically, the interaction of several spatial and temporal following pulses is scarcely determined yet. Thus, the aim of this study is to analyse the dynamic and interaction of two cavitation bubbles by using high speed photography. The applied laser pulse energy, the energy ratio and the spot distance between different cavitation bubbles were varied. Depending on a change of these parameters different kinds of interactions such as a flattening and deformation of bubble shape or jet formation are observed. The effects will be discussed regarding the medical ophthalmic application of fs-lasers. Based on these results a further research seems to be inevitable to comprehend and optimize the cutting effect of ultra-short pulse laser systems with high (> 500 kHz) repetition rates.

Development and creation of a remote-controlled underwater laser induced breakdown spectrometer for analysis of the chemical composition of sea water and bottom sediments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Golik, Sergey S.; Mayor, Alexsander Yu.; Proschenko, Dmitriy Yu.; Ilyin, Alexey A.; Nagorniy, Ivan G.; Biryukova, Yuliya S.; Babiy, Michael Yu.; Golik, Natalia N.; Gevorgyan, Tigran A.; Lisitsa, Vladimir V.; Borovskiy, Anton V.; Kulchin, Yuri N.

2017-10-01

The developed underwater laser induced breakdown spectrometer consists of two units: 1- remotely operated vehicle (ROV) with the next main characteristics: work deep - up to 150 meters, maximum speed of immersion 1 m/s, maximum cruise velocity - 2 m/s and 2 - spectrometer unit (SU) consist of a DPSS Nd: YAG laser excitation source (double pulse with 50 mJ energy for each pulse at wavelength 1064 nm, pulse width 12 ns and pulse repetition rate 1-15 Hz, DF251, SOL Instruments), a spectrum recording system (Maya HR4000 or 2000 Pro spectrometer, Ocean Optics) and microcomputer. These two units are connected by Ethernet network and registered spectral data are automatically processed in a MATLAB platform.

LASER APPLICATIONS AND OTHER TOPICS IN QUANTUM ELECTRONICS: Generation of terahertz radiation upon filtration of a supercontinuum produced during the propagation of a femtosecond laser pulse in a GaAs crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vardanyan, Aleksandr O.; Oganesyan, David L.

2008-11-01

The results of a theoretical study of the formation of a supercontinuum produced due to the interaction of femtosecond laser pulses with an isotropic nonlinear medium are presented. The system of nonlinear Maxwell's equations was numerically integrated in time by the finite-difference method. The interaction of mutually orthogonal linearly-polarised 1.98-μm, 30-fs, 30-nJ pulses propagating along the normal to the 110 plane in a 1-mm-long GaAs crystal was considered. In the nonlinear part of the polarisation medium, the inertialless second-order nonlinear susceptibility was taken into account. The formation process of a terahertz pulse obtained due to the supercontinuum filtration was studied.

Design of a Continuous Blood Pressure Measurement System Based on Pulse Wave and ECG Signals.

PubMed

Li, Jian-Qiang; Li, Rui; Chen, Zhuang-Zhuang; Deng, Gen-Qiang; Wang, Huihui; Mavromoustakis, Constandinos X; Song, Houbing; Ming, Zhong

2018-01-01

With increasingly fierce competition for jobs, the pressures on people have risen in recent years, leading to lifestyle and diet disorders that result in significantly higher risks of cardiovascular disease. Hypertension is one of the common chronic cardiovascular diseases; however, mainstream blood pressure measurement devices are relatively heavy. When multiple measurements are required, the user experience and the measurement results may be unsatisfactory. In this paper, we describe the design of a signal collection module that collects pulse waves and electrocardiograph (ECG) signals. The collected signals are input into a signal processing module to filter the noise and amplify the useful physiological signals. Then, we use a wavelet transform to eliminate baseline drift noise and detect the feature points of the pulse waves and ECG signals. We propose the concept of detecting the wave shape associated with an instance, an approach that minimizes the impact of atypical pulse waves on blood pressure measurements. Finally, we propose an improved method for measuring blood pressure based on pulse wave velocity that improves the accuracy of blood pressure measurements by 58%. Moreover, the results meet the american medical instrument promotion association standards, which demonstrate the feasibility of our measurement system.

Design of a Continuous Blood Pressure Measurement System Based on Pulse Wave and ECG Signals

PubMed Central

Li, Jian-Qiang; Li, Rui; Chen, Zhuang-Zhuang; Deng, Gen-Qiang; Wang, Huihui; Mavromoustakis, Constandinos X.; Ming, Zhong

2018-01-01

With increasingly fierce competition for jobs, the pressures on people have risen in recent years, leading to lifestyle and diet disorders that result in significantly higher risks of cardiovascular disease. Hypertension is one of the common chronic cardiovascular diseases; however, mainstream blood pressure measurement devices are relatively heavy. When multiple measurements are required, the user experience and the measurement results may be unsatisfactory. In this paper, we describe the design of a signal collection module that collects pulse waves and electrocardiograph (ECG) signals. The collected signals are input into a signal processing module to filter the noise and amplify the useful physiological signals. Then, we use a wavelet transform to eliminate baseline drift noise and detect the feature points of the pulse waves and ECG signals. We propose the concept of detecting the wave shape associated with an instance, an approach that minimizes the impact of atypical pulse waves on blood pressure measurements. Finally, we propose an improved method for measuring blood pressure based on pulse wave velocity that improves the accuracy of blood pressure measurements by 58%. Moreover, the results meet the american medical instrument promotion association standards, which demonstrate the feasibility of our measurement system. PMID:29541556

High-Energy-Density Electrolytic Capacitors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yen, Shiao-Ping S.; Lewis, Carol R.

1993-01-01

Reductions in weight and volume make new application possible. Supercapacitors and improved ultracapacitors advanced electrolytic capacitors developed for use as electric-load-leveling devices in such applications as electric vehicle propulsion systems, portable power tools, and low-voltage pulsed power supplies. One primary advantage: offer power densities much higher than storage batteries. Capacitors used in pulse mode, with short charge and discharge times. Derived from commercially available ultracapacitors. Made of lightweight materials; incorporate electrode/electrolyte material systems capable of operation at voltages higher than previous electrode/electrolyte systems. By use of innovative designs and manufacturing processes, made in wide range of rated capacitances and in rated operating potentials ranging from few to several hundred volts.

Review of Laser Ablation Process for Single Wall Carbon Nanotube Production

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arepalli, Sivaram

2003-01-01

Different types of lasers are now routinely used to prepare single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The original method developed by researchers at Rice University utilized a "double pulse laser oven" process. A graphite target containing about 1 atomic percent of metal catalysts is ablated inside a 1473K oven using laser pulses (10 ns pulse width) in slow flowing argon. Two YAG lasers with a green pulse (532 nm) followed by an IR pulse (1064 nm) with a 50 ns delay are used for ablation. This set up produced single wall carbon nanotube material with about 70% purity having a diameter distribution peaked around 1.4 nm. The impurities consist of fullerenes, metal catalyst clusters (10 to 100 nm diameter) and amorphous carbon. The rate of production with the initial set up was about 60 mg per hour with 10Hz laser systems. Several researchers have used variations of the lasers to improve the rate, consistency and study effects of different process parameters on the quality and quantity of SWCNTs. These variations include one to three YAG laser systems (Green, Green and IR), different pulse widths (nano to microseconds as well as continuous) and different laser wavelengths (Alexandrite, CO, CO2, free electron lasers in the near to far infrared). It is noted that yield from the single laser (Green or IR) systems is only a fraction of the two laser systems. The yield seemed to scale up with the repetition rate of the laser systems (10 to 60 Hz) and depended on the beam uniformity and quality of the laser pulses. The shift to longer wavelength lasers (free electron, CO and CO2) did not improve the quality, but increased the rate of production because these lasers are either continuous (CW) or high repetition rate pulses (kHz to MHz). The average power and the peak power of the lasers seem to influence the yields. Very high peak powers (MegaWatts per square centimeter) are noted to increase ablation of bigger particles with reduced yields of SWCNTs. Increased average powers seem to help the conversion of the carbon from target into vapor phase to improve formation of nanotubes. The use of CW far infrared lasers reduced the need for the oven, at the expense of controlled ablation. Some of these variations are tried with different combinations and concentrations of metal catalysts (Nickel with Cobalt, Iron, Palladium and Platinum) different buffer gases (e.g. Helium); with different oven temperatures (Room temperature to 1473K); under different flow conditions (1 to 1000 kPa) and even different porosities of the graphite targets. It is to be noted that the original Cobalt and Nickel combination worked best, possibly because of improved carbonization with stable crystalline phases. The mean diameter and yield seemed to increase with increasing oven temperatures. Thermal conductivity of the buffer gas and flow conditions dictate the quality as well as quantity of the SWCNTs. Faster flows, lower pressures and heavier gases seem to increase the yields. This review will attempt to cover all these variations and their relative merits. Possible growth mechanisms under these different conditions will also be discussed.

Photodiode Preamplifier for Laser Ranging With Weak Signals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abramovici, Alexander; Chapsky, Jacob

2007-01-01

An improved preamplifier circuit has been designed for processing the output of an avalanche photodiode (APD) that is used in a high-resolution laser ranging system to detect laser pulses returning from a target. The improved circuit stands in contrast to prior such circuits in which the APD output current pulses are made to pass, variously, through wide-band or narrow-band load networks before preamplification. A major disadvantage of the prior wide-band load networks is that they are highly susceptible to noise, which degrades timing resolution. A major disadvantage of the prior narrow-band load networks is that they make it difficult to sample the amplitudes of the narrow laser pulses ordinarily used in ranging. In the improved circuit, a load resistor is connected to the APD output and its value is chosen so that the time constant defined by this resistance and the APD capacitance is large, relative to the duration of a laser pulse. The APD capacitance becomes initially charged by the pulse of current generated by a return laser pulse, so that the rise time of the load-network output is comparable to the duration of the return pulse. Thus, the load-network output is characterized by a fast-rising leading edge, which is necessary for accurate pulse timing. On the other hand, the resistance-capacitance combination constitutes a lowpass filter, which helps to suppress noise. The long time constant causes the load network output pulse to have a long shallow-sloping trailing edge, which makes it easy to sample the amplitude of the return pulse. The output of the load network is fed to a low-noise, wide-band amplifier. The amplifier must be a wide-band one in order to preserve the sharp pulse rise for timing. The suppression of noise and the use of a low-noise amplifier enable the ranging system to detect relatively weak return pulses.

Treatment Of Metal-Mine Effluents By Limestone Neutralization And Calcite Co-Precipitation (Presentation)

EPA Science Inventory

The U.S. Geological Survey - Leetown Science Center and the Colorado School of Mines have developed a remediation process for the treatment of metals in circumneutral mining influenced waters. The process involves treatment with a pulsed limestone bed (PLB) system, followed by c...

Particle field diagnose using angular multiplexing volume holography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Yu; Li, Zeren; Luo, Zhenxiong; Jun, Li; Zhong, Jie; Ye, Yan; Li, Shengfu; Zhu, Jianhua

2017-08-01

The problem of particle field diagnosing using holography can be met in many areas. But single frame hologram can only catch one moment of the fast event, which can't reveal the change process of an unrepeatable fast event. For events in different time-scale, different solution should be used. We did this work to record a laser induced particle field in the time-scale of tens of micron seconds. A laser of pulse sequence mode is applied to provide 10 pulses, the energy and time interval of whom is 150mJ and 1μs. Four pockels cells are employed to pick up the last four pulses for holographic recording, the other pulses are controlled to pre-expose the photopolymer based recording material, which can enhance photosensitivity of the photopolymer during the moment of holographic recording. The angular multiplexing technique and volume holography is accepted to avoid shifting the photopolymer between each shot. Another Q-switch YAG laser (pulse energy 100mJ, pulse width 10ns) is applied to produce the fast event. As a result, we successfully caught the motion process of the laser induced particle field. The time interval of each frame is 1μs, the angular range of the four references is 14°, and the diffraction efficiency of each hologram is less than 2%. After a basic analysis, this optical system could catch more holograms through a compact design.

Radar Waveform Pulse Analysis Measurement System for High-Power GaN Amplifiers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thrivikraman, Tushar; Perkovic-Martin, Dragana; Jenabi, Masud; Hoffman, James

2012-01-01

This work presents a measurement system to characterize the pulsed response of high-power GaN amplifiers for use in space-based SAR platforms that require very strict amplitude and phase stability. The measurement system is able to record and analyze data on three different time scales: fast, slow, and long, which allows for greater detail of the mechanisms that impact amplitude and phase stability. The system is fully automated through MATLAB, which offers both instrument control capability and in-situ data processing. To validate this system, a high-power GaN HEMT amplifier operated in saturation was characterized. The fast time results show that variations to the amplitude and phase are correlated to DC supply transients, while long time characteristics are correlated to temperature changes.

SNMR pulse sequence phase cycling

DOEpatents

Walsh, David O; Grunewald, Elliot D

2013-11-12

Technologies applicable to SNMR pulse sequence phase cycling are disclosed, including SNMR acquisition apparatus and methods, SNMR processing apparatus and methods, and combinations thereof. SNMR acquisition may include transmitting two or more SNMR pulse sequences and applying a phase shift to a pulse in at least one of the pulse sequences, according to any of a variety cycling techniques. SNMR processing may include combining SNMR from a plurality of pulse sequences comprising pulses of different phases, so that desired signals are preserved and indesired signals are canceled.

Investigating tunneling process of atom exposed in circularly polarized strong-laser field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, MingHu; Xin, PeiPei; Chu, TianShu; Liu, HongPing

2017-03-01

We propose a method for studying the tunneling process by analyzing the instantaneous ionization rate of a circularly polarized laser. A numerical calculation shows that, for an atom exposed to a long laser pulse, if its initial electronic state wave function is non-spherical symmetric, the delayed phase shift of the ionization rate vs the laser cycle period in real time in the region close to the peak intensity of the laser pulse can be used to probe the tunneling time. In this region, an obvious time delay phase shift of more than 190 attoseconds is observed. Further study shows that the atom has a longer tunneling time in the ionization under a shorter wavelength laser pulse. In our method, a Wigner rotation technique is employed to numerically solve the time-dependent Schrödinger equation of a single-active electron in a three-dimensional spherical coordinate system.

Cavitation effect of holmium laser pulse applied to ablation of hard tissue underwater.

PubMed

Lü, Tao; Xiao, Qing; Xia, Danqing; Ruan, Kai; Li, Zhengjia

2010-01-01

To overcome the inconsecutive drawback of shadow and schlieren photography, the complete dynamics of cavitation bubble oscillation or ablation products induced by a single holmium laser pulse [2.12 microm, 300 micros (FWHM)] transmitted in different core diameter (200, 400, and 600 microm) fibers is recorded by means of high-speed photography. Consecutive images from high-speed cameras can stand for the true and complete process of laser-water or laser-tissue interaction. Both laser pulse energy and fiber diameter determine cavitation bubble size, which further determines acoustic transient amplitudes. Based on the pictures taken by high-speed camera and scanned by an optical coherent microscopy (OCM) system, it is easily seen that the liquid layer at the distal end of the fiber plays an important role during the process of laser-tissue interaction, which can increase ablation efficiency, decrease heat side effects, and reduce cost.

Optimal size of stochastic Hodgkin-Huxley neuronal systems for maximal energy efficiency in coding pulse signals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Lianchun; Liu, Liwei

2014-03-01

The generation and conduction of action potentials (APs) represents a fundamental means of communication in the nervous system and is a metabolically expensive process. In this paper, we investigate the energy efficiency of neural systems in transferring pulse signals with APs. By analytically solving a bistable neuron model that mimics the AP generation with a particle crossing the barrier of a double well, we find the optimal number of ion channels that maximizes the energy efficiency of a neuron. We also investigate the energy efficiency of a neuron population in which the input pulse signals are represented with synchronized spikes and read out with a downstream coincidence detector neuron. We find an optimal number of neurons in neuron population, as well as the number of ion channels in each neuron that maximizes the energy efficiency. The energy efficiency also depends on the characters of the input signals, e.g., the pulse strength and the interpulse intervals. These results are confirmed by computer simulation of the stochastic Hodgkin-Huxley model with a detailed description of the ion channel random gating. We argue that the tradeoff between signal transmission reliability and energy cost may influence the size of the neural systems when energy use is constrained.

Optimal size of stochastic Hodgkin-Huxley neuronal systems for maximal energy efficiency in coding pulse signals.

PubMed

Yu, Lianchun; Liu, Liwei

2014-03-01

The generation and conduction of action potentials (APs) represents a fundamental means of communication in the nervous system and is a metabolically expensive process. In this paper, we investigate the energy efficiency of neural systems in transferring pulse signals with APs. By analytically solving a bistable neuron model that mimics the AP generation with a particle crossing the barrier of a double well, we find the optimal number of ion channels that maximizes the energy efficiency of a neuron. We also investigate the energy efficiency of a neuron population in which the input pulse signals are represented with synchronized spikes and read out with a downstream coincidence detector neuron. We find an optimal number of neurons in neuron population, as well as the number of ion channels in each neuron that maximizes the energy efficiency. The energy efficiency also depends on the characters of the input signals, e.g., the pulse strength and the interpulse intervals. These results are confirmed by computer simulation of the stochastic Hodgkin-Huxley model with a detailed description of the ion channel random gating. We argue that the tradeoff between signal transmission reliability and energy cost may influence the size of the neural systems when energy use is constrained.

Measurement of carotid blood pressure and local pulse wave velocity changes during cuff induced hyperemia.

PubMed

Nabeel, P M; Karthik, Srinivasa; Joseph, Jayaraj; Sivaprakasam, Mohanasankar

2017-07-01

We present a prototype design of dual element photoplethysmograph (PPG) probe along with associated measurement system for carotid local pulse wave velocity (PWV) evaluation in a non-invasive and continuous manner. The PPG probe consists of two identical sensing modules placed 23 mm apart. Simultaneously measured blood pulse waveforms from these arterial sites were processed and the pulse transit time delay was resolved using the developed application-specific software. The ability of developed PPG probe and associated measurement system to detect acute changes in carotid local PWV due to blood pressure (BP) variations was experimentally validated by an in-vivo study. Intra-subject carotid BP elevation was achieved by an upper arm cuff based occlusion, which offered a controlled way of local PWV escalation. The elevated carotid BP values were also recorded by a calibrated pressure tonometer prior to the study, and was used as a reference. A significant increment (1.0 - 2.6 m/s) in local PWV was observed and was proportional to the BP increment induced by the occlusive reactive hyperemia. Study results demonstrated the feasibility of real-time signal acquisition and reliable local PWV evaluation under normal and elevated BP conditions using the developed measurement system.

Cornea surgery with nanojoule femtosecond laser pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koenig, Karsten; Wang, Bagui; Riemann, Iris; Kobow, Jens

2005-04-01

We report on a novel optical method for (i) flap-generation in LASIK procedures as well as (ii) for flap-free intrastromal refractive surgery based on nanojoule femtosecond laser pulses. The near infrared 200 fs pulses for multiphoton ablation have been provided by ultracompact turn-key MHz laser resonators. LASIK flaps and intracorneal cavities have been realized with high precision within living New Zealand rabbits using the system FemtoCutO (JenLab GmbH, Jena, Germany) at 800 nm laser wavelength. Using low-energy sub-2 nJ laser pulses, collateral damage due to photodisruptive and self-focusing effects was avoided. The laser ablation system consists of fast galvoscanners, focusing optics of high numerical aperture as well as a sensitive imaging system and provides also the possibility of 3D multiphoton imaging of fluorescent cellular organelles and SHG signals from collagen. Multiphoton tomography of the cornea was used to determine the exact intratissue beam position and to visualize intraocular post-laser effects. The wound healing process has been investigated up to 90 days after instrastromal laser ablation by histological analysis. Regeneration of damaged collagen structures and the migration of inflammation cells have been detected.

Development and fabrication of a solar cell junction processing system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kiesling, R.

1981-01-01

The major component fabrication program was completed. Assembly and system testing of the pulsed electron beam annealing machine are described. The design program for the transport reached completion, and the detailed drawings were released for fabrication and procurement of the long lead time components.

Passive fetal monitoring sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zuckerwar, Allan J.; Hall, Earl T.; Baker, Donald A.; Bryant, Timothy D.

1992-08-01

An ambulatory, passive sensor for use in a fetal monitoring system is discussed. The invention is comprised of a piezoelectric polymer film, combined with a metallic mounting plate fastened to a belt, and electrically connected to a signal processing unit by means of a shielded cable. The purpose of the sensor is to receive pressure pulses emitted by a fetus inside an expectant mother. Additionally, the monitor will filter out pressure pulses arising from other sources, such as the maternal heart.

Passive fetal monitoring sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1990-07-01

The invention is an ambulatory, passive sensor for use in a fetal monitoring system. The invention incorporates piezoelectric polymer film combined with a metallic mounting plate fastened to a belt and electrically connected to a signal processing unit by means of a shielded cable. The purpose of the sensor is to receive pressure pulses emitted from a fetus inside an expectant mother and to provide means for filtering out pressure pulses arising from other sources, such as the maternal heart.

Passive fetal monitoring sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zuckerwar, Allan J. (Inventor); Hall, Earl T. (Inventor); Baker, Donald A. (Inventor); Bryant, Timothy D. (Inventor)

1992-01-01

An ambulatory, passive sensor for use in a fetal monitoring system is discussed. The invention is comprised of a piezoelectric polymer film, combined with a metallic mounting plate fastened to a belt, and electrically connected to a signal processing unit by means of a shielded cable. The purpose of the sensor is to receive pressure pulses emitted by a fetus inside an expectant mother. Additionally, the monitor will filter out pressure pulses arising from other sources, such as the maternal heart.

Study on boring hardened materials dryly by ultrasonic vibration cutter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jiangzhong; Zhang, Heng; Zhang, Yue

2011-05-01

It has been one of the difficulties that high-precision hole on hardened materials is machined. The supersonic vibration boring acoustic system in the lathe in which supersonic wave energy is applied on tool is introduced to create pulse power on the cutting process. The separation vibration cutting is achieved by the pulse force. The comparative tests on boring accuracy and surface quality are carried. The quality of surface machined by this method is compared to that by grinding. This cutting is the green cutting. The boring process system is stability. Under the condition that the cutting speed is less than or equal to 1/3 the tool vibration speed, the cutting force is pulse force and the Cutting energy is of high concentration in time, space and direction. The pulse energy effects on the cutting unit in less than one ten-thousandth second. Traditional cutting of irregular movement elastic compression are eliminated. The cutting force is greatly reduced. The cutting temperature is at room temperature. The tool life is greatly increased. Shape precision and surface quality is greatly improved. The regulations of the ultrasonic vibration boring dry cutting of hardened material are also summarized. The test results show that the ultrasonic vibration cutting tool boring is of very superior cutting mechanism and is a high-precision deep-hole machining of hardened materials, efficient cutting methods.

Visual servoing of a laser ablation based cochleostomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kahrs, Lüder A.; Raczkowsky, Jörg; Werner, Martin; Knapp, Felix B.; Mehrwald, Markus; Hering, Peter; Schipper, Jörg; Klenzner, Thomas; Wörn, Heinz

2008-03-01

The aim of this study is a defined, visually based and camera controlled bone removal by a navigated CO II laser on the promontory of the inner ear. A precise and minimally traumatic opening procedure of the cochlea for the implantation of a cochlear implant electrode (so-called cochleostomy) is intended. Harming the membrane linings of the inner ear can result in damage of remaining organ functions (e.g. complete deafness or vertigo). A precise tissue removal by a laser-based bone ablation system is investigated. Inside the borehole the pulsed laser beam is guided automatically over the bone by using a two mirror galvanometric scanner. The ablation process is controlled by visual servoing. For the detection of the boundary layers of the inner ear the ablation area is monitored by a color camera. The acquired pictures are analyzed by image processing. The results of this analysis are used to control the process of laser ablation. This publication describes the complete system including image processing algorithms and the concept for the resulting distribution of single laser pulses. The system has been tested on human cochleae in ex-vivo studies. Further developments could lead to safe intraoperative openings of the cochlea by a robot based surgical laser instrument.

Ablation of steel by microsecond pulse trains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Windeler, Matthew Karl Ross

Laser micromachining is an important material processing technique used in industry and medicine to produce parts with high precision. Control of the material removal process is imperative to obtain the desired part with minimal thermal damage to the surrounding material. Longer pulsed lasers, with pulse durations of milli- and microseconds, are used primarily for laser through-cutting and welding. In this work, a two-pulse sequence using microsecond pulse durations is demonstrated to achieve consistent material removal during percussion drilling when the delay between the pulses is properly defined. The light-matter interaction moves from a regime of surface morphology changes to melt and vapour ejection. Inline coherent imaging (ICI), a broadband, spatially-coherent imaging technique, is used to monitor the ablation process. The pulse parameter space is explored and the key regimes are determined. Material removal is observed when the pulse delay is on the order of the pulse duration. ICI is also used to directly observe the ablation process. Melt dynamics are characterized by monitoring surface changes during and after laser processing at several positions in and around the interaction region. Ablation is enhanced when the melt has time to flow back into the hole before the interaction with the second pulse begins. A phenomenological model is developed to understand the relationship between material removal and pulse delay. Based on melt refilling the interaction region, described by logistic growth, and heat loss, described by exponential decay, the model is fit to several datasets. The fit parameters reflect the pulse energies and durations used in the ablation experiments. For pulse durations of 50 us with pulse energies of 7.32 mJ +/- 0.09 mJ, the logisitic growth component of the model reaches half maximum after 8.3 mus +/- 1.1 us and the exponential decays with a rate of 64 mus +/- 15 us. The phenomenological model offers an interpretation of the material removal process.

Process Modeling and Dynamic Simulation for EAST Helium Refrigerator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Xiaofei; Fu, Peng; Zhuang, Ming; Qiu, Lilong; Hu, Liangbing

2016-06-01

In this paper, the process modeling and dynamic simulation for the EAST helium refrigerator has been completed. The cryogenic process model is described and the main components are customized in detail. The process model is controlled by the PLC simulator, and the realtime communication between the process model and the controllers is achieved by a customized interface. Validation of the process model has been confirmed based on EAST experimental data during the cool down process of 300-80 K. Simulation results indicate that this process simulator is able to reproduce dynamic behaviors of the EAST helium refrigerator very well for the operation of long pulsed plasma discharge. The cryogenic process simulator based on control architecture is available for operation optimization and control design of EAST cryogenic systems to cope with the long pulsed heat loads in the future. supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 51306195) and Key Laboratory of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, CAS (No. CRYO201408)

Implementation of continuous-variable quantum key distribution with discrete modulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirano, Takuya; Ichikawa, Tsubasa; Matsubara, Takuto; Ono, Motoharu; Oguri, Yusuke; Namiki, Ryo; Kasai, Kenta; Matsumoto, Ryutaroh; Tsurumaru, Toyohiro

2017-06-01

We have developed a continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) system that employs discrete quadrature-amplitude modulation and homodyne detection of coherent states of light. We experimentally demonstrated automated secure key generation with a rate of 50 kbps when a quantum channel is a 10 km optical fibre. The CV-QKD system utilises a four-state and post-selection protocol and generates a secure key against the entangling cloner attack. We used a pulsed light source of 1550 nm wavelength with a repetition rate of 10 MHz. A commercially available balanced receiver is used to realise shot-noise-limited pulsed homodyne detection. We used a non-binary LDPC code for error correction (reverse reconciliation) and the Toeplitz matrix multiplication for privacy amplification. A graphical processing unit card is used to accelerate the software-based post-processing.

Development and application of network virtual instrument for emission spectrum of pulsed high-voltage direct current discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gong, X.; Wu, Q.

2017-12-01

Network virtual instrument (VI) is a new development direction in current automated test. Based on LabVIEW, the software and hardware system of VI used for emission spectrum of pulsed high-voltage direct current (DC) discharge is developed and applied to investigate pulsed high-voltage DC discharge of nitrogen. By doing so, various functions are realized including real time collection of emission spectrum of nitrogen, monitoring operation state of instruments and real time analysis and processing of data. By using shared variables and DataSocket technology in LabVIEW, the network VI system based on field VI is established. The system can acquire the emission spectrum of nitrogen in the test site, monitor operation states of field instruments, realize real time face-to-face interchange of two sites, and analyze data in the far-end from the network terminal. By employing the network VI system, the staff in the two sites acquired the same emission spectrum of nitrogen and conducted the real time communication. By comparing with the previous results, it can be seen that the experimental data obtained by using the system are highly precise. This implies that the system shows reliable network stability and safety and satisfies the requirements for studying the emission spectrum of pulsed high-voltage discharge in high-precision fields or network terminals. The proposed architecture system is described and the target group gets the useful enlightenment in many fields including engineering remote users, specifically in control- and automation-related tasks.

Laser Ignition Technology for Bi-Propellant Rocket Engine Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thomas, Matthew E.; Bossard, John A.; Early, Jim; Trinh, Huu; Dennis, Jay; Turner, James (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

The fiber optically coupled laser ignition approach summarized is under consideration for use in igniting bi-propellant rocket thrust chambers. This laser ignition approach is based on a novel dual pulse format capable of effectively increasing laser generated plasma life times up to 1000 % over conventional laser ignition methods. In the dual-pulse format tinder consideration here an initial laser pulse is used to generate a small plasma kernel. A second laser pulse that effectively irradiates the plasma kernel follows this pulse. Energy transfer into the kernel is much more efficient because of its absorption characteristics thereby allowing the kernel to develop into a much more effective ignition source for subsequent combustion processes. In this research effort both single and dual-pulse formats were evaluated in a small testbed rocket thrust chamber. The rocket chamber was designed to evaluate several bipropellant combinations. Optical access to the chamber was provided through small sapphire windows. Test results from gaseous oxygen (GOx) and RP-1 propellants are presented here. Several variables were evaluated during the test program, including spark location, pulse timing, and relative pulse energy. These variables were evaluated in an effort to identify the conditions in which laser ignition of bi-propellants is feasible. Preliminary results and analysis indicate that this laser ignition approach may provide superior ignition performance relative to squib and torch igniters, while simultaneously eliminating some of the logistical issues associated with these systems. Further research focused on enhancing the system robustness, multiplexing, and window durability/cleaning and fiber optic enhancements is in progress.

A Compressed Sensing Based Ultra-Wideband Communication System

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-06-01

principle, most of the processing at the receiver can be moved to the transmitter—where energy consumption and computation are sufficient for many advanced...extended to continuous time signals. We use ∗ to denote the convolution process in a linear time-invariant (LTI) system. Assume that there is an analog...Filter Channel Low Rate A/D Processing Sparse Bit Sequence UWB Pulse Generator α̂ Waves)(RadioGHz 5 MHz125 θ Ψ Φ y θ̂ 1 ˆ arg min s.t. yθ

Doppler Lidar for Wind Measurements on Venus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Singh, Upendra N.; Emmitt, George D.; Yu, Jirong; Kavaya, Michael J.

2010-01-01

NASA Langley Research Center has a long history of developing 2-micron laser transmitter for wind sensing. With support from NASA Laser Risk Reduction Program (LRRP) and Instrument Incubator Program (IIP), NASA Langley Research Center has developed a state-of-the-art compact lidar transceiver for a pulsed coherent Doppler lidar system for wind measurement. The transmitter portion of the transceiver employs the high-pulse-energy, Ho:Tm:LuLiF, partially conductively cooled laser technology developed at NASA Langley. The transceiver is capable of 250 mJ pulses at 10 Hz. It is very similar to the technology envisioned for coherent Doppler lidar wind measurements from Earth and Mars orbit. The transceiver is coupled to the large optics and data acquisition system in the NASA Langley VALIDAR mobile trailer. The large optics consists of a 15-cm off-axis beam expanding telescope, and a full-hemispheric scanner. Vertical and horizontal vector winds are measured, as well as relative backscatter. The data acquisition system employs frequency domain velocity estimation and pulse accumulation. It permits real-time display of the processed winds and archival of all data. This lidar system was recently deployed at Howard University facility in Beltsville, Mary-land, along with other wind lidar systems. Coherent Doppler wind lidar ground-based wind measurements and comparisons with other sensors will be presented. A simulation and data product for wind measurement at Venus will be presented.

Quantum preservation of the measurements precision using ultra-short strong pulses in exact analytical solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berrada, K.; Eleuch, H.

2017-09-01

Various schemes have been proposed to improve the parameter-estimation precision. In the present work, we suggest an alternative method to preserve the estimation precision by considering a model that closely describes a realistic experimental scenario. We explore this active way to control and enhance the measurements precision for a two-level quantum system interacting with classical electromagnetic field using ultra-short strong pulses with an exact analytical solution, i.e. beyond the rotating wave approximation. In particular, we investigate the variation of the precision with a few cycles pulse and a smooth phase jump over a finite time interval. We show that by acting on the shape of the phase transient and other parameters of the considered system, the amount of information may be increased and has smaller decay rate in the long time. These features make two-level systems incorporated in ultra-short, of-resonant and gradually changing phase good candidates for implementation of schemes for the quantum computation and the coherent information processing.

Detuning-induced stimulated Raman adiabatic passage in dense two-level systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Li; Lin, Gongwei; Niu, Yueping; Gong, Shangqing

2018-05-01

We investigate the coherence generation in dense two-level systems under detuning-induced stimulated Raman adiabatic passage (D-STIRAP). In the dense two-level system, the near dipole-dipole (NDD) interaction should be taken into consideration. With the increase in the strength of the NDD interaction, it is found that a switchlike transition of the generated coherence from maximum value to zero appears. Meanwhile, the adiabatic condition of the D-STIRAP is destroyed in the presence of the NDD interaction. In order to avoid the sudden decrease in the generated coherence and maintain the maximum value, we can use stronger detuning pulse or pump pulse, between which increasing the intensity of the detuning pulse is of more efficiency. Except for taking advantage of such maximum coherence in the high density case into areas like enhancing the four-wave mixing process, we also point out that the phenomenon of the coherence transition can be applied as an optical switch.

Influence of Waveform Characteristics on LiDAR Ranging Accuracy and Precision

PubMed Central

Yang, Bingwei; Xie, Xinhao; Li, Duan

2018-01-01

Time of flight (TOF) based light detection and ranging (LiDAR) is a technology for calculating distance between start/stop signals of time of flight. In lab-built LiDAR, two ranging systems for measuring flying time between start/stop signals include time-to-digital converter (TDC) that counts time between trigger signals and analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that processes the sampled start/stop pulses waveform for time estimation. We study the influence of waveform characteristics on range accuracy and precision of two kinds of ranging system. Comparing waveform based ranging (WR) with analog discrete return system based ranging (AR), a peak detection method (WR-PK) shows the best ranging performance because of less execution time, high ranging accuracy, and stable precision. Based on a novel statistic mathematical method maximal information coefficient (MIC), WR-PK precision has a high linear relationship with the received pulse width standard deviation. Thus keeping the received pulse width of measuring a constant distance as stable as possible can improve ranging precision. PMID:29642639

Fluorescence of silicon nanoparticles prepared by nanosecond pulsed laser

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

Liu, Chunyang, E-mail: chunyangliu@126.com; Sui, Xin; Yang, Fang

2014-03-15

A pulsed laser fabrication method is used to prepare fluorescent microstructures on silicon substrates in this paper. A 355 nm nanosecond pulsed laser micromachining system was designed, and the performance was verified and optimized. Fluorescence microscopy was used to analyze the photoluminescence of the microstructures which were formed using the pulsed laser processing technique. Photoluminescence spectra of the microstructure reveal a peak emission around 500 nm, from 370 nm laser irradiation. The light intensity also shows an exponential decay with irradiation time, which is similar to attenuation processes seen in porous silicon. The surface morphology and chemical composition of themore » microstructure in the fabricated region was also analyzed with multifunction scanning electron microscopy. Spherical particles are produced with diameters around 100 nm. The structure is compared with porous silicon. It is likely that these nanoparticles act as luminescence recombination centers on the silicon surface. The small diameter of the particles modifies the band gap of silicon by quantum confinement effects. Electron-hole pairs recombine and the fluorescence emission shifts into the visible range. The chemical elements of the processed region are also changed during the interaction between laser and silicon. Oxidation and carbonization play an important role in the enhancement of fluorescence emission.« less

High-throughput machining using a high-average power ultrashort pulse laser and high-speed polygon scanner

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schille, Joerg; Schneider, Lutz; Streek, André; Kloetzer, Sascha; Loeschner, Udo

2016-09-01

High-throughput ultrashort pulse laser machining is investigated on various industrial grade metals (aluminum, copper, and stainless steel) and Al2O3 ceramic at unprecedented processing speeds. This is achieved by using a high-average power picosecond laser in conjunction with a unique, in-house developed polygon mirror-based biaxial scanning system. Therefore, different concepts of polygon scanners are engineered and tested to find the best architecture for high-speed and precision laser beam scanning. In order to identify the optimum conditions for efficient processing when using high-average laser powers, the depths of cavities made in the samples by varying the processing parameter settings are analyzed and, from the results obtained, the characteristic removal values are specified. For overlapping pulses of optimum fluence, the removal rate is as high as 27.8 mm3/min for aluminum, 21.4 mm3/min for copper, 15.3 mm3/min for stainless steel, and 129.1 mm3/min for Al2O3, when a laser beam of 187 W average laser powers irradiates. On stainless steel, it is demonstrated that the removal rate increases to 23.3 mm3/min when the laser beam is very fast moving. This is thanks to the low pulse overlap as achieved with 800 m/s beam deflection speed; thus, laser beam shielding can be avoided even when irradiating high-repetitive 20-MHz pulses.

Optimal control of laser-induced spin-orbit mediated ultrafast demagnetization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elliott, P.; Krieger, K.; Dewhurst, J. K.; Sharma, S.; Gross, E. K. U.

2016-01-01

Laser induced ultrafast demagnetization is the process whereby the magnetic moment of a ferromagnetic material is seen to drop significantly on a timescale of 10-100 s of femtoseconds due to the application of a strong laser pulse. If this phenomenon can be harnessed for future technology, it offers the possibility for devices operating at speeds several orders of magnitude faster than at present. A key component to successful transfer of such a process to technology is the controllability of the process, i.e. that it can be tuned in order to overcome the practical and physical limitations imposed on the system. In this paper, we demonstrate that the spin-orbit mediated form of ultrafast demagnetization recently investigated (Krieger et al 2015 J. Chem. Theory Comput. 11 4870) by ab initio time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) can be controlled. To do so we use quantum optimal control theory (OCT) to couple our TDDFT simulations to the optimization machinery of OCT. We show that a laser pulse can be found which maximizes the loss of moment within a given time interval while subject to several practical and physical constraints. Furthermore we also include a constraint on the fluence of the laser pulses and find the optimal pulse that combines significant demagnetization with a desire for less powerful pulses. These calculations demonstrate optimal control is possible for spin-orbit mediated ultrafast demagnetization and lays the foundation for future optimizations/simulations which can incorporate even more constraints.

Experimental study of the acrylamide photopolymer with a pulsed laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

García, C.; Pascual, I.; Costela, A.; García-Moreno, I.; Fimia, A.; Sastre, R.

2001-02-01

We have demonstrated that holograms may be recorded in polyvinyl alcohol/acrylamide photopolymer dry films using pulsed laser exposure with a pulse length of 8 ns. We also studied the effect of the pulse fluency together with the number of pulses necessary to obtain maximum diffraction efficiency. The recording was performed using a holographic copying process. The original was a grating of 1000 lines/mm processed using silver halide sensitized gelatin. Diffraction efficiencies of 55% were obtained with sensitivities similar to those reached with the same material and cw exposure, without the need for pre-processing or final processing of the gratings.

An advanced selective liquid-metal plating technique for stretchable biosensor applications.

PubMed

Li, Guangyong; Lee, Dong-Weon

2017-10-11

This paper presents a novel stretchable pulse sensor fabricated by a selective liquid-metal plating process (SLMP), which can conveniently attach to the human skin and monitor the patient's heartbeat. The liquid metal-based stretchable pulse sensor consists of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) thin films and liquid metal functional circuits with electronic elements that are embedded into the PDMS substrate. In order to verify the utility of the fabrication process, various complex liquid-metal patterns are achieved by using the selective wetting behavior of the reduced liquid metal on the Cu patterns of the PDMS substrate. The smallest liquid-metal pattern is approximately 2 μm in width with a uniform surface. After verification, a transparent flowing LED light with programmed circuits is realized and exhibits stable mechanical and electrical properties under various deformations (bending, twisting and stretching). Finally, based on SLMP, a wireless pulse measurement system is developed which is composed of the liquid metal-based stretchable pulse sensor, a Bluetooth module, an Arduino development board, a laptop computer and a self-programmed visualized software program. The experimental results reveal that the portable non-invasive pulse sensor has the potential to reduce costs, simplify biomedical diagnostic procedures and help patients to improve their life in the future.

Fast coincidence counting with active inspection systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mullens, J. A.; Neal, J. S.; Hausladen, P. A.; Pozzi, S. A.; Mihalczo, J. T.

2005-12-01

This paper describes 2nd and 3rd order time coincidence distributions measurements with a GHz processor that synchronously samples 5 or 10 channels of data from radiation detectors near fissile material. On-line, time coincidence distributions are measured between detectors or between detectors and an external stimulating source. Detector-to-detector correlations are useful for passive measurements also. The processor also measures the number of times n pulses occur in a selectable time window and compares this multiplet distribution to a Poisson distribution as a method of determining the occurrence of fission. The detectors respond to radiation emitted in the fission process induced internally by inherent sources or by external sources such as LINACS, DT generators either pulsed or steady state with alpha detectors, etc. Data can be acquired from prompt emission during the source pulse, prompt emissions immediately after the source pulse, or delayed emissions between source pulses. These types of time coincidence measurements (occurring on the time scale of the fission chain multiplication processes for nuclear weapons grade U and Pu) are useful for determining the presence of these fissile materials and quantifying the amount, and are useful for counter terrorism and nuclear material control and accountability. This paper presents the results for a variety of measurements.

Pulse thermal processing of functional materials using directed plasma arc

DOEpatents

Ott, Ronald D [Knoxville, TN; Blue, Craig A [Knoxville, TN; Dudney, Nancy J [Knoxville, TN; Harper, David C [Kingston, TN

2007-05-22

A method of thermally processing a material includes exposing the material to at least one pulse of infrared light emitted from a directed plasma arc to thermally process the material, the pulse having a duration of no more than 10 s.

Time-Resolved Quantum Cascade Laser Absorption Spectroscopy of Pulsed Plasma Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition Processes Containing BCl3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lang, Norbert; Hempel, Frank; Strämke, Siegfried; Röpcke, Jürgen

2011-08-01

In situ measurements are reported giving insight into the plasma chemical conversion of the precursor BCl3 in industrial applications of boriding plasmas. For the online monitoring of its ground state concentration, quantum cascade laser absorption spectroscopy (QCLAS) in the mid-infrared spectral range was applied in a plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition (PACVD) reactor. A compact quantum cascade laser measurement and control system (Q-MACS) was developed to allow a flexible and completely dust-sealed optical coupling to the reactor chamber of an industrial plasma surface modification system. The process under the study was a pulsed DC plasma with periodically injected BCl3 at 200 Pa. A synchronization of the Q-MACS with the process control unit enabled an insight into individual process cycles with a sensitivity of 10-6 cm-1·Hz-1/2. Different fragmentation rates of the precursor were found during an individual process cycle. The detected BCl3 concentrations were in the order of 1014 molecules·cm-3. The reported results of in situ monitoring with QCLAS demonstrate the potential for effective optimization procedures in industrial PACVD processes.

Neutron kinetics in moderators and SNM detection through epithermal-neutron-induced fissions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gozani, Tsahi; King, Michael J.

2016-01-01

Extension of the well-established Differential Die Away Analysis (DDAA) into a faster time domain, where more penetrating epithermal neutrons induce fissions, is proposed and demonstrated via simulations and experiments. In the proposed method the fissions stimulated by thermal, epithermal and even higher-energy neutrons are measured after injection of a narrow pulse of high-energy 14 MeV (d,T) or 2.5 MeV (d,D) source neutrons, appropriately moderated. The ability to measure these fissions stems from the inherent correlation of neutron energy and time ("E-T" correlation) during the process of slowing down of high-energy source neutrons in common moderating materials such as hydrogenous compounds (e.g., polyethylene), heavy water, beryllium and graphite. The kinetic behavior following injection of a delta-function-shaped pulse (in time) of 14 MeV neutrons into such moderators is studied employing MCNPX simulations and, when applicable, some simple "one-group" models. These calculations served as a guide for the design of a source moderator which was used in experiments. Qualitative relationships between slowing-down time after the pulse and the prevailing neutron energy are discussed. A laboratory system consisting of a 14 MeV neutron generator, a polyethylene-reflected Be moderator, a liquid scintillator with pulse-shape discrimination (PSD) and a two-parameter E-T data acquisition system was set up to measure prompt neutron and delayed gamma-ray fission signatures in a 19.5% enriched LEU sample. The measured time behavior of thermal and epithermal neutron fission signals agreed well with the detailed simulations. The laboratory system can readily be redesigned and deployed as a mobile inspection system for SNM in, e.g., cars and vans. A strong pulsed neutron generator with narrow pulse (<75 ns) at a reasonably high pulse frequency could make the high-energy neutron induced fission modality a realizable SNM detection technique.

Development of Pulsed Processes for the Manufacture of Solar Cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1979-01-01

The development status of the process based upon ion implantation for the introduction of junctions and back surface fields is described. A process sequence is presented employing ion implantation and pulse processing. Efforts to improve throughout and descrease process element costs for furnace annealing are described. Design studies for a modular 3,000 wafer per hour pulse processor are discussed.

Femtosecond laser pulse induced phase transition of Cr-doped Sb2Te1 films studied with a pump-probe system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Minghui; Wang, Qing; Lei, Kai; Wang, Yang; Liu, Bo; Song, Zhitang

2016-10-01

The Femtosecond laser pulse induced phase transition dynamics of Cr-doped Sb2Te1 films was studied by real-time reflectivity measurements with a pump-probe system. It was found that crystallization of the as-deposited CrxSb2Te1 phase-change thin films exhibits a multi-stage process lasting for about 40ns.The time required for the multi-stage process seems to be not related to the contents of Cr element. The durations of the crystallization and amorphization processes are approximately the same. Doping Cr into Sb2Te1 thin film can improve its photo-thermal stability without obvious change in the crystallization rate. Optical images and image intensity cross sections are used to visualize the transformed regions. This work may provide further insight into the phase-change mechanism of CrxSb2Te1 under extra-non-equilibrium conditions and aid to develop new ultrafast phase-change memory materials.

DPSSL for direct dicing and drilling of dielectrics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ashkenasi, David; Schwagmeier, M.

2007-02-01

New strategies in laser micro processing of glasses and other optically transparent materials are being developed with increasing interest and intensity using diode pumped solid state laser (DPSSL) systems generating short or ultra-short pulses in the optical spectra at good beam quality. Utilizing non-linear absorption channels, it can be demonstrated that ns green (532 nm) laser light can scribe, dice, full body cut and drill (flat) borofloat and borosilicate glasses at good quality. Outside of the correct choice in laser parameters, an intelligent laser beam management plays an important role in successful micro processing of glass. This application characterizes a very interesting alternative where standard methods demonstrate severe limitations such as diamond dicing, CO2 laser treatment or water jet cutting, especially for certain type of optical materials and/or geometric conditions. Application near processing examples using different DPSSL systems generating ns pulsed light at 532 nm in TEM 00 at average powers up to 10 W are presented and discussed in respect to potential applications in display technology, micro electronics and optics.

Dislocation structure produced by an ultrashort shock pulse

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

Matsuda, Tomoki, E-mail: t-matsu@mapse.eng.osaka-u.ac.jp; Hirose, Akio; Sano, Tomokazu

We found an ultrashort shock pulse driven by a femtosecond laser pulse on iron generates a different dislocation structure than the shock process which is on the nanosecond timescale. The ultrashort shock pulse produces a highly dense dislocation structure that varies by depth. According to transmission electron microscopy, dislocations away from the surface produce microbands via a network structure similar to a long shock process, but unlike a long shock process dislocations near the surface have limited intersections. Considering the dislocation motion during the shock process, the structure near the surface is attributed to the ultrashort shock duration. This approachmore » using an ultrashort shock pulse will lead to understanding the whole process off shock deformation by clarifying the early stage.« less

OPTICAL INFORMATION PROCESSING: Synthesis of an object recognition system based on the profile of the envelope of a laser pulse in pulsed lidars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buryi, E. V.

1998-05-01

The main problems in the synthesis of an object recognition system, based on the principles of operation of neuron networks, are considered. Advantages are demonstrated of a hierarchical structure of the recognition algorithm. The use of reading of the amplitude spectrum of signals as information tags is justified and a method is developed for determination of the dimensionality of the tag space. Methods are suggested for ensuring the stability of object recognition in the optical range. It is concluded that it should be possible to recognise perspectives of complex objects.

Dispersion Method Using Focused Ultrasonic Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jungsoon Kim,; Moojoon Kim,; Kanglyel Ha,; Minchul Chu,

2010-07-01

The dispersion of powders into liquids has become one of the most important techniques in high-tech industries and it is a common process in the formulation of various products, such as paint, ink, shampoo, beverages, and polishing media. In this study, an ultrasonic system with a cylindrical transducer is newly introduced for pure nanoparticle dispersion. The acoustics pressure field and the characteristics of the shock pulse caused by cavitation are investigated. The frequency spectrum of the pulse from the collapse of air bubbles in the cavitation is analyzed theoretically. It was confirmed that a TiO2 water suspension can be dispersed effectively using the suggested system.

Interaction dynamics of temporal and spatial separated cavitation bubbles in water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tinne, N.; Ripken, T.; Lubatschowski, H.

2010-02-01

The LASIK procedure is a well established laser based treatment in ophthalmology. Nowadays it includes a cutting of the corneal tissue bases on ultra short pulses which are focused below the tissue surface to create an optical breakdown and hence a dissection of the tissue. The energy of the laser pulse is absorbed by non-linear processes that result in an expansion of a cavitation bubble and rupturing of the tissue. Due to a reduction of the duration of treatment the current development of ultra short laser systems points to higher repetition rates. This in turn results in a probable interaction between different cavitation bubbles of adjacent optical breakdowns. While the interaction of one single laser pulse with biological tissue is analyzed reasonably well experimentally and theoretically, the interaction of several spatial and temporal following pulses is scarcely determined yet. We present a high-speed photography analysis of cavitation bubble interaction for two spatial separated laser-induced optical breakdowns varying the laser pulse energy as well as the spatial distance. Depending on a change of these parameters different kinds of interactions such as a flattening and deformation of bubble shape, asymmetric water streams and jet formation were observed. The results of this research can be used to comprehend and optimize the cutting effect of ultra short pulse laser systems with high repetition rates (> 1 MHz).

Continuous single pulse resolved measurement of beam diameters at 200 kHz using optical transmission filters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fruechtenicht, Johannes; Letsch, Andreas; Voss, Andreas; Abdou Ahmed, Marwan; Graf, Thomas

2012-02-01

We present a novel laser beam measurement setup which allows the determination of the beam diameter for each single pulse of a pulsed laser beam at repetition rates of up to 200 kHz. This is useful for online process-parameter control e.g. in micromachining or for laser source characterization. Basically, the developed instrument combines spatial transmission filters specially designed for instantaneous optical determination of the second order moments of the lateral intensity distribution of the light beam and photodiodes coupled to customized electronics. The acquisition is computer-based, enabling real-time operation for online monitoring or control. It also allows data storage for a later analysis and visualization of the measurement results. The single-pulse resolved beam diameter can be measured and recorded without any interruption for an unlimited number of pulses. It is only limited by the capacity of the data storage means. In our setup a standard PC and hard-disk provided 2 hours uninterrupted operation and recording of varying beam diameters at 200 kHz. This is about three orders of magnitude faster than other systems. To calibrate our device we performed experiments in cw and pulsed regimes and the obtained results were compared to those obtained with a commercial camera based system. Only minor deviations of the beam diameter values between the two instruments were observed, proving the reliability of our approach.

Spatiotemporal measurement of translational and vibrational temperatures after pulsed corona discharge using laser spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ono, Ryo; Teramoto, Yoshiyuki; Nakagawa, Yusuke; Komuro, Atsushi; Oda, Tetsuji

2011-10-01

Translational and vibrational temperatures are measured in pulsed corona discharge using spatiotemporally resolved laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) and coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS). The discharge occurs in a 13-mm point-to-plane gap with pulsed voltage of approximately 30 kV. Immediately after the discharge pulse, the vibrational temperatures of N2(v) and O2(v), Tv, are much higher than the translational temperature, Tt. Then, after the discharge pulse, Tv decreases with time, and the energy released from the vibrational relaxation increases Tt. This vibration-to-translation (V-T) energy transfer is observed; Tv and Tt change by hundreds to a thousand K after the discharge pulse with time constants of 1 us to 1 ms. It is shown that the V-T rate is remarkably increased when the ambient air is humidified. It is caused by extremely rapid V-T process of H2O-H2O system. In addition, V-T acceleration of O2(v) by O atoms due to rapid V-T rate of O2(v)-O system is also measured. The spatial profile of Tv shows that Tv decreases with increasing distance from the tip of needle electrode. It indicates that Tv, and the resulting Tt, are higher in the secondary streamer channel than in the primary streamer channel.

Ultrafast disk technology enables next generation micromachining laser sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heckl, Oliver H.; Weiler, Sascha; Luzius, Severin; Zawischa, Ivo; Sutter, Dirk

2013-02-01

Ultrashort pulsed lasers based on thin disk technology have entered the 100 W regime and deliver several tens of MW peak power without chirped pulse amplification. Highest uptime and insensitivity to back reflections make them ideal tools for efficient and cost effective industrial micromachining. Frequency converted versions allow the processing of a large variety of materials. On one hand, thin disk oscillators deliver more than 30 MW peak power directly out of the resonator in laboratory setups. These peak power levels are made possible by recent progress in the scaling of the pulse energy in excess of 40 μJ. At the corresponding high peak intensity, thin disk technology profits from the limited amount of material and hence the manageable nonlinearity within the resonator. Using new broadband host materials like for example the sesquioxides will eventually reduce the pulse duration during high power operation and further increase the peak power. On the other hand industry grade amplifier systems deliver even higher peak power levels. At closed-loop controlled 100W, the TruMicro Series 5000 currently offers the highest average ultrafast power in an industry proven product, and enables efficient micromachining of almost any material, in particular of glasses, ceramics or sapphire. Conventional laser cutting of these materials often requires UV laser sources with pulse durations of several nanoseconds and an average power in the 10 W range. Material processing based on high peak power laser sources makes use of multi-photon absorption processes. This highly nonlinear absorption enables micromachining driven by the fundamental (1030 nm) or frequency doubled (515 nm) wavelength of Yb:YAG. Operation in the IR or green spectral range reduces the complexity and running costs of industrial systems initially based on UV light sources. Where UV wavelength is required, the TruMicro 5360 with a specified UV crystal life-time of more than 10 thousand hours of continues operation at 15W is an excellent choice. Currently this is the world's most powerful industrial sub-10 ps UV laser.

Pulsed radiolysis of model aromatic polymers and epoxy based matrix materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gupta, A.; Moacanin, J.; Liang, R.; Coulter, D.

1982-01-01

Models of primary processes leading to deactivation of energy deposited by a pulse of high energy electrons were derived for epoxy matrix materials and polyl-vinyl naphthalene. The basic conclusion is that recombination of initially formed charged states is complete within 1 nanosecond, and subsequent degradation chemistry is controlled by the reactivity of these excited states. Excited states in both systems form complexes with ground state molecules. These excimers or exciplexes have their characteristics emissive and absorptive properties and may decay to form separated pairs of ground state molecules, cross over to the triplet manifold or emit fluorescence. ESR studies and chemical analyses subsequent to pulse radiolysis were performed in order to estimate bond cleavage probabilities and net reaction rates. The energy deactivation models which were proposed to interpret these data have led to the development of radiation stabilization criteria for these systems.

FORMATION MECHANISM FOR THE NANOSCALE AMORPHOUS INTERFACE IN PULSE-WELDED AL/FE BIMETALLIC SYSTEM

DOE PAGES

Li, Jingjing; Yu, Qian; Zhang, Zijiao; ...

2016-05-20

Pulse or impact welding traditionally has been referred to as “solid-state” welding. By integrating advanced interface characterizations and diffusion calculations, we report that the nanoscale amorphous interface in the pulse-welded Al/Fe bimetallic system is formed by rapid heating and melting of a thin Al layer at the interface, diffusion of iron atoms in the liquid aluminum, and subsequent rapid quenching with diffused iron atoms in solution. This finding challenges the commonly held belief regarding the solid-state nature of the impact-based welding process for dissimilar metals. Elongated ultra-fine grains with high dislocation density and ultra-fine equiaxed grains also are observed inmore » the weld interface vicinity on the steel and aluminum sides, respectively, which further confirms that melting and the resulted recrystallization occurred on the aluminum side of the interface.« less

FORMATION MECHANISM FOR THE NANOSCALE AMORPHOUS INTERFACE IN PULSE-WELDED AL/FE BIMETALLIC SYSTEM

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

Li, Jingjing; Yu, Qian; Zhang, Zijiao

Pulse or impact welding traditionally has been referred to as “solid-state” welding. By integrating advanced interface characterizations and diffusion calculations, we report that the nanoscale amorphous interface in the pulse-welded Al/Fe bimetallic system is formed by rapid heating and melting of a thin Al layer at the interface, diffusion of iron atoms in the liquid aluminum, and subsequent rapid quenching with diffused iron atoms in solution. This finding challenges the commonly held belief regarding the solid-state nature of the impact-based welding process for dissimilar metals. Elongated ultra-fine grains with high dislocation density and ultra-fine equiaxed grains also are observed inmore » the weld interface vicinity on the steel and aluminum sides, respectively, which further confirms that melting and the resulted recrystallization occurred on the aluminum side of the interface.« less

Formation mechanism for the nanoscale amorphous interface in pulse-welded Al/Fe bimetallic systems

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

Li, Jingjing; Yu, Qian; Zhang, Zijiao

Pulse or impact welding traditionally has been referred to as “solid-state” welding. By integrating advanced interface characterizations and diffusion calculations, we report that the nanoscale amorphous interface in the pulse-welded Al/Fe bimetallic system is formed by rapid heating and melting of a thin Al layer at the interface, diffusion of iron atoms in the liquid aluminum, and subsequent rapid quenching with diffused iron atoms in solution. This finding challenges the commonly held belief regarding the solid-state nature of the impact-based welding process for dissimilar metals. Elongated ultra-fine grains with high dislocation density and ultra-fine equiaxed grains also are observed inmore » the weld interface vicinity on the steel and aluminum sides, respectively, which further confirms that melting and the subsequent recrystallization occurred on the aluminum side of the interface.« less

Using a fast dual-wavelength imaging ellipsometric system to measure the flow thickness profile of an oil thin film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuo, Chih-Wei; Han, Chien-Yuan; Jhou, Jhe-Yi; Peng, Zeng-Yi

2017-11-01

Dual-wavelength light sources with stroboscopic illumination technique were applied in a process of photoelastic modulated ellipsometry to retrieve two-dimensional ellipsometric parameters of thin films on a silicon substrate. Two laser diodes were alternately switched on and modulated by a programmable pulse generator to generate four short pulses at specific temporal phase angles in a modulation cycle, and short pulses were used to freeze the intensity variation of the PEM modulated signal that allows ellipsometric images to be captured by a charge-coupled device. Although the phase retardation of a photoelastic modulator is related to the light wavelength, we employed an equivalent phase retardation technique to avoid any setting from the photoelastic modulator. As a result, the ellipsometric parameters of different wavelengths may be rapidly obtained using this dual-wavelength ellipsometric system every 4 s. Both static and dynamic experiments are demonstrated in this work.

Space Debris Measurements using the Advanced Modular Incoherent Scatter Radar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nicolls, M.

The Advanced Modular Incoherent Scatter Radar (AMISR) is a modular, mobile UHF phased-array radar facility developed and used for scientific studies of the ionosphere. The radars are completely remotely operated and allow for pulse-to-pulse beam steering over the field-of-view. A satellite and debris tracking capability fully interleaved with scientific operations has been developed, and the AMISR systems are now used to routinely observe LEO space debris, with the ability to simultaneously track and detect multiple objects. The system makes use of wide-bandwidth radar pulses and coherent processing to detect objects as small as 5-10 cm in size through LEO, achieving a range resolution better than 20 meters for LEO targets. The interleaved operations allow for ionospheric effects on UHF space debris measurements, such as dispersion, to be assessed. The radar architecture, interleaved operations, and impact of space weather on the measurements will be discussed.

Using a small hybrid pulse power transformer unit as component of a high-current opening switch for a railgun

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leung, E. M. W.; Bailey, R. E.; Michels, P. H.

1989-03-01

The hybrid pulse power transformer (HPPT) is a unique concept utilizing the ultrafast superconducting-to-normal transition process of a superconductor. When used in the form of a hybrid transformer current-zero switch (HTCS), this creates an approach in which the large, high-power, high-current opening switch in a conventional railgun system can be eliminated. This represents an innovative application of superconductivity to pulsed power conditioning required for the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI). The authors explain the working principles of a 100-KJ unit capable of switching up to 500 kA at a frequency of 0.5 Hz and with a system efficiency of greater than 90 percent. Circuit analysis using a computer code called SPICE PLUS was used to verify the HTCS concept. This concept can be scaled up to applications in the several mega-ampere levels.

Broadband tunable integrated CMOS pulser with 80-ps minimum pulse width for gain-switched semiconductor lasers.

PubMed

Chen, Shaoqiang; Diao, Shengxi; Li, Pengtao; Nakamura, Takahiro; Yoshita, Masahiro; Weng, Guoen; Hu, Xiaobo; Shi, Yanling; Liu, Yiqing; Akiyama, Hidefumi

2017-07-31

High power pulsed lasers with tunable pulse widths are highly favored in many applications. When combined with power amplification, gain-switched semiconductor lasers driven by broadband tunable electric pulsers can meet such requirements. For this reason, we designed and produced a low-cost integrated CMOS pulse generator with a minimum pulse width of 80 ps and a wide tuning range of up to 270 ns using a 40-nm microelectronic process technique. We used this pulser to drive a 1.3-µm semiconductor laser diode directly, and thereafter investigated the gain-switching properties of the laser system. The optical pulses consist of a spike followed by a steady state region. Tuning the width of the electrical pulse down to approximately 1.5 ns produces optical pulses consisting only of the spike, which has a minimum pulse-width of 100 ps. Moreover, the duration of the steady state can be tuned continuously by tuning the electrical pulse width, with a peak power of approximately 5 mW. The output voltage of the electric pulser has a tuning range of 0.8-1.5 V that can be used to directly drive semiconductor laser diodes with wavelengths in the near-infrared spectrum, which are suitable for power amplification with rare-earth doped fiber amplifiers.

Surface Acoustic Wave Tag-Based Coherence Multiplexing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Youngquist, Robert C. (Inventor); Malocha, Donald (Inventor); Saldanha, Nancy (Inventor)

2016-01-01

A surface acoustic wave (SAW)-based coherence multiplexing system includes SAW tags each including a SAW transducer, a first SAW reflector positioned a first distance from the SAW transducer and a second SAW reflector positioned a second distance from the SAW transducer. A transceiver including a wireless transmitter has a signal source providing a source signal and circuitry for transmitting interrogation pulses including a first and a second interrogation pulse toward the SAW tags, and a wireless receiver for receiving and processing response signals from the SAW tags. The receiver receives scrambled signals including a convolution of the wideband interrogation pulses with response signals from the SAW tags and includes a computing device which implements an algorithm that correlates the interrogation pulses or the source signal before transmitting against the scrambled signals to generate tag responses for each of the SAW tags.

Influence of Plasma Unsteadiness on the Spectrum and Shape of Microwave Pulses in a Plasma Relativistic Microwave Amplifier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kartashov, I. N.; Kuzelev, M. V.; Strelkov, P. S.; Tarakanov, V. P.

2018-02-01

Dependence of the shape of a microwave pulse in a plasma relativistic microwave amplifier (PRMA) on the initial plasma electron density in the system is detected experimentally. Depending on the plasma density, fast disruption of amplification, stable operation of the amplifier during the relativistic electron beam (REB) pulse, and its delayed actuation can take place. A reduction in the output signal frequency relative to the input frequency is observed experimentally. The change in the shape of the microwave signal and the reduction in its frequency are explained by a decrease in the plasma density in the system. The dynamics of the plasma density during the REB pulse is determined qualitatively from the experimental data by using the linear theory of a PRMA with a thin-wall hollow electron beam. The processes in a PRMA are analyzed by means of the KARAT particle-in-cell code. It is shown that REB injection is accompanied by an increase in the mean energy of plasma electrons and a significant decrease in their density.

Integrable multi-component generalization of a modified short pulse equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsuno, Yoshimasa

2016-11-01

We propose a multi-component generalization of the modified short pulse (SP) equation which was derived recently as a reduction of Feng's two-component SP equation. Above all, we address the two-component system in depth. We obtain the Lax pair, an infinite number of conservation laws and multisoliton solutions for the system, demonstrating its integrability. Subsequently, we show that the two-component system exhibits cusp solitons and breathers for which the detailed analysis is performed. Specifically, we explore the interaction process of two cusp solitons and derive the formula for the phase shift. While cusp solitons are singular solutions, smooth breather solutions are shown to exist, provided that the parameters characterizing the solutions satisfy certain conditions. Last, we discuss the relation between the proposed system and existing two-component SP equations.

Hybrid chirped pulse amplification system

DOEpatents

Barty, Christopher P.; Jovanovic, Igor

2005-03-29

A hybrid chirped pulse amplification system wherein a short-pulse oscillator generates an oscillator pulse. The oscillator pulse is stretched to produce a stretched oscillator seed pulse. A pump laser generates a pump laser pulse. The stretched oscillator seed pulse and the pump laser pulse are directed into an optical parametric amplifier producing an optical parametric amplifier output amplified signal pulse and an optical parametric amplifier output unconverted pump pulse. The optical parametric amplifier output amplified signal pulse and the optical parametric amplifier output laser pulse are directed into a laser amplifier producing a laser amplifier output pulse. The laser amplifier output pulse is compressed to produce a recompressed hybrid chirped pulse amplification pulse.

Laser system using ultra-short laser pulses

DOEpatents

Dantus, Marcos [Okemos, MI; Lozovoy, Vadim V [Okemos, MI; Comstock, Matthew [Milford, MI

2009-10-27

A laser system using ultrashort laser pulses is provided. In another aspect of the present invention, the system includes a laser, pulse shaper and detection device. A further aspect of the present invention employs a femtosecond laser and binary pulse shaping (BPS). Still another aspect of the present invention uses a laser beam pulse, a pulse shaper and a SHG crystal.

Automated closure system for nuclear reactor fuel assemblies

DOEpatents

Christiansen, David W.; Brown, William F.

1985-01-01

A welder for automated closure of fuel pins by a pulsed magnetic process in which the open end of a length of cladding is positioned within a complementary tube surrounded by a pulsed magnetic welder. Seals are provided at each end of the tube, which can be evacuated or can receive tag gas for direct introduction to the cladding interior. Loading of magnetic rings and end caps is accomplished automatically in conjunction with the welding steps carried out within the tube.

Creating an Electronic Reference and Information Database for Computer-aided ECM Design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nekhoroshev, M. V.; Pronichev, N. D.; Smirnov, G. V.

2018-01-01

The paper presents a review on electrochemical shaping. An algorithm has been developed to implement a computer shaping model applicable to pulse electrochemical machining. For that purpose, the characteristics of pulse current occurring in electrochemical machining of aviation materials have been studied. Based on integrating the experimental results and comprehensive electrochemical machining process data modeling, a subsystem for computer-aided design of electrochemical machining for gas turbine engine blades has been developed; the subsystem was implemented in the Teamcenter PLM system.

An Experimental Characterization System for Deep Ultra-Violet (UV) Photoresists

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drako, Dean M.; Partlo, William N.; Oldham, William G.; Neureuther, Andrew R.

1989-08-01

A versatile system designed specifically for experimental automated photoresist characterization has been constructed utilizing an excimer laser source for exposure at 248nm. The system was assembled, as much as possible, from commercially available components in order to facilitate its replication. The software and hardware are completely documented in a University of California-Berkeley Engineering Research Lab Memo. An IBM PC-AT compatible computer controls an excimer laser, operates a Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometer, measures and records the energy of each laser pulse (incident, reflected, and transmitted), opens and closes shutters, and operates two linear stages for sample movement. All operations (except FTIR data reduction) are managed by a control program written in the "C" language. The system is capable of measuring total exposure dose, performing bleaching measurements, creating and recording exposure pulse sequences, and generating exposure patterns suitable for multiple channel monitoring of the development. The total exposure energy, energy per pulse, and pulse rate are selectable over a wide range. The system contains an in-situ Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer for qualitative and quantitative analysis of the photoresist baking and exposure processes (baking is not done in-situ). FIIR may be performed in transmission or reflection. The FTIR data will form the basis of comprehensive multi-state resist models. The system's versatility facilitates the development of new automated and repeatable experiments. Simple controlling software, utilizing the provided interface sub-routines, can be written to control new experiments and collect data.

Quantum random bit generation using energy fluctuations in stimulated Raman scattering.

PubMed

Bustard, Philip J; England, Duncan G; Nunn, Josh; Moffatt, Doug; Spanner, Michael; Lausten, Rune; Sussman, Benjamin J

2013-12-02

Random number sequences are a critical resource in modern information processing systems, with applications in cryptography, numerical simulation, and data sampling. We introduce a quantum random number generator based on the measurement of pulse energy quantum fluctuations in Stokes light generated by spontaneously-initiated stimulated Raman scattering. Bright Stokes pulse energy fluctuations up to five times the mean energy are measured with fast photodiodes and converted to unbiased random binary strings. Since the pulse energy is a continuous variable, multiple bits can be extracted from a single measurement. Our approach can be generalized to a wide range of Raman active materials; here we demonstrate a prototype using the optical phonon line in bulk diamond.

Regression analysis of radial artery pulse palpation as a potential tool for traditional Chinese medicine training education.

PubMed

Huang, Po-Yu; Lin, Wen-Chen; Chiu, Bill Yuan-Chi; Chang, Hen-Hong; Lin, Kang-Ping

2013-12-01

Pulse palpation was an important part of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) vascular examination. It is challenging for new physicians to learn to differentiate between palpations of various pulse types, due to limited comparative learning time with established masters, and so normally it takes many years to master the art. The purpose of this study was to introduce an offline TCM skill evaluation and comparison system that makes available learning of palpation without the master's presence. We record patient's radial artery pulse using an existing pressure-based pulse acquisition system, then annotate it with teachers' evaluation when palpating the same patient, assigned as likelihood of it being each pulse type, e.g. wiry, slippery, hesitant. These training data were separated into per-doctor and per-skill databases for evaluation and comparison purposes, using the following novel procedure: each database was used as training data to a panel of time-series data-mining algorithms, driven by two validation tests, with the created training models evaluated in mean-squared-error. Each validation of the panel and training data yielded an array of error terms, and we chose one to quantitatively evaluate palpation techniques, giving way to compute self consistency and mutual-similarity across different practitioners and techniques. Our experiment of two practitioners and 396 per-processing samples yielded the following: one of the physicians has much higher value of self-consistency for all tested pulse types. Also, the two physicians have high similarity in how they palpate the slipper pulse (P) type, but very dissimilar for hesitant (H) type. This system of skill comparisons may be more broadly applied in places where supervised learning algorithms can detect and use meaningful features in the data; we chose a panel of algorithms previously shown to be effective for many time-series types, but specialized algorithms may be added to improve feature-specific aspect of evaluation. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Strong-Field Emission From High Aspect Ratio Si Emitter Arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keathley, Phillip; Swanwick, Michael; Sell, Alexander; Putnam, William; Guerrera, Stephen; Velásquez-García, Luis; Kärtner, Franz

2013-03-01

We discuss photoelectron emission from an arrays of high aspect ratio, sharp Si emitters both experimentally and theoretically. The structures are prepared from highly doped single-crystal silicon having a pencil-like shape with end radii of curvature of around 10 nm. The tips were illuminated at a grazing incidence of roughly 84deg.with a laser pulse having a center wavelength of 800 nm, and a pulse duration of 35 fs from a regenerative amplifier system. Native oxide coated Si tips were characterized using a time of flight (TOF) electron energy spectrometer. An annealing process was observed, resulting in a red shift of the energy spectra along with an increased electron yield. Total current yield from samples having the oxide stripped were also studied. Apeak total emission of 0.68 pC/bunch, corresponding to around 1.5x103 electrons/tip/pulse was observed at a DC bias of 70 V. Both spectral and current characterization results are consistent with a stong-field photoemission process at the surface of the tip apex. This work was funded by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)/Microsystems Technology Office and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center (SPAWAR) under contract N66001-11-1-4192.

Real-time windowing in imaging radar using FPGA technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ponomaryov, Volodymyr I.; Escamilla-Hernandez, Enrique

2005-02-01

The imaging radar uses the high frequency electromagnetic waves reflected from different objects for estimating of its parameters. Pulse compression is a standard signal processing technique used to minimize the peak transmission power and to maximize SNR, and to get a better resolution. Usually the pulse compression can be achieved using a matched filter. The level of the side-lobes in the imaging radar can be reduced using the special weighting function processing. There are very known different weighting functions: Hamming, Hanning, Blackman, Chebyshev, Blackman-Harris, Kaiser-Bessel, etc., widely used in the signal processing applications. Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) offers great benefits like instantaneous implementation, dynamic reconfiguration, design, and field programmability. This reconfiguration makes FPGAs a better solution over custom-made integrated circuits. This work aims at demonstrating a reasonably flexible implementation of FM-linear signal and pulse compression using Matlab, Simulink, and System Generator. Employing FPGA and mentioned software we have proposed the pulse compression design on FPGA using classical and novel windows technique to reduce the side-lobes level. This permits increasing the detection ability of the small or nearly placed targets in imaging radar. The advantage of FPGA that can do parallelism in real time processing permits to realize the proposed algorithms. The paper also presents the experimental results of proposed windowing procedure in the marine radar with such the parameters: signal is linear FM (Chirp); frequency deviation DF is 9.375MHz; the pulse width T is 3.2μs taps number in the matched filter is 800 taps; sampling frequency 253.125*106 MHz. It has been realized the reducing of side-lobes levels in real time permitting better resolution of the small targets.

Receiver Architecture for 12.5 Gb/s 16-ary Pulse Position Modulation (PPM) Signaling

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

Mendez, A J; Gagliardi, R M; Hernandez, V J

2008-07-11

PPM is a signaling scheme that enables the transmission of multiple bits per symbol [1]. It has found favor in the regime of free space optical communications ('FSO' or 'Lasercom'); however, PPM has yet to be widely applied to fiber optic-based communications. Its limitation in fiber results from the exceedingly high bandwidth requirements needed to electronically process a directly detected pulse, especially as the symbol rate increases and the pulse width correspondingly decreases. As a solution, we introduced the concept of a virtual quadrant receiver for receiving 1.25 Gb/s 4-ary PPM, where photonic processing reduced the number of required electronicmore » components [2]. In this paper, we extend these photonic process techniques to a 16-ary, 12.5 Gb/s (10 Gb/s plus 8B/10B line coding) PPM communications system for fiber optic avionics, wherein much of the receiver processing is enabled by techniques based on planar lightwave circuits (PLCs). The architecture is applicable to higher input data rates and M-ary PPM. In the following, we present the PPM encoding and decoding architectures and numerically simulated results.« less

Ballistic Deficits for Ionization Chamber Pulses in Pulse Shaping Amplifiers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, G. Anil; Sharma, S. L.; Choudhury, R. K.

2007-04-01

In order to understand the dependence of the ballistic deficit on the shape of rising portion of the voltage pulse at the input of a pulse shaping amplifier, we have estimated the ballistic deficits for the pulses from a two-electrode parallel plate ionization chamber as well as for the pulses from a gridded parallel plate ionization chamber. These estimations have been made using numerical integration method when the pulses are processed through the CR-RCn (n=1-6) shaping network as well as when the pulses are processed through the complex shaping network of the ORTEC Model 472 spectroscopic amplifier. Further, we have made simulations to see the effect of ballistic deficit on the pulse-height spectra under different conditions. We have also carried out measurements of the ballistic deficits for the pulses from a two-electrode parallel plate ionization chamber as well as for the pulses from a gridded parallel plate ionization chamber when these pulses are processed through the ORTEC 572 linear amplifier having a simple CR-RC shaping network. The reasonable matching of the simulated ballistic deficits with the experimental ballistic deficits for the CR-RC shaping network clearly establishes the validity of the simulation technique

Optical surgical navigation system causes pulse oximeter malfunction.

PubMed

Satoh, Masaaki; Hara, Tetsuhito; Tamai, Kenji; Shiba, Juntaro; Hotta, Kunihisa; Takeuchi, Mamoru; Watanabe, Eiju

2015-01-01

An optical surgical navigation system is used as a navigator to facilitate surgical approaches, and pulse oximeters provide valuable information for anesthetic management. However, saw-tooth waves on the monitor of a pulse oximeter and the inability of the pulse oximeter to accurately record the saturation of a percutaneous artery were observed when a surgeon started an optical navigation system. The current case is thought to be the first report of this navigation system interfering with pulse oximetry. The causes of pulse jamming and how to manage an optical navigation system are discussed.

Validation of a pulsed electric field process to pasteurize strawberry puree

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

An inexpensive data acquisition method was developed to validate the exact number and shape of the pulses applied during pulsed electric fields (PEF) processing. The novel validation method was evaluated in conjunction with developing a pasteurization PEF process for strawberry puree. Both buffered...

Zero-dynamics principle for perfect quantum memory in linear networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamamoto, Naoki; James, Matthew R.

2014-07-01

In this paper, we study a general linear networked system that contains a tunable memory subsystem; that is, it is decoupled from an optical field for state transportation during the storage process, while it couples to the field during the writing or reading process. The input is given by a single photon state or a coherent state in a pulsed light field. We then completely and explicitly characterize the condition required on the pulse shape achieving the perfect state transfer from the light field to the memory subsystem. The key idea to obtain this result is the use of zero-dynamics principle, which in our case means that, for perfect state transfer, the output field during the writing process must be a vacuum. A useful interpretation of the result in terms of the transfer function is also given. Moreover, a four-node network composed of atomic ensembles is studied as an example, demonstrating how the input field state is transferred to the memory subsystem and what the input pulse shape to be engineered for perfect memory looks like.

RSRE (Royal Signals and Radar Establishment) 1985 Research Review,

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-01-01

together with a 4-pulse canceller having signal processing allows adequate height time varied weighting . Temporal threshold accuracy and performance in...figure of 10 dB systems and is included within the Contraves achieved. Signal processing and target Seaguard defence system. It is a declaration are...6). This array is Taylor weighted by the t strip-line feed network to produce -29 dB Naval/Marine Radar first azimuthal sidelobe. The cosec2 low

Classical and low-light-level detection and pulse characterization using optical-frequency mixers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Langrock, Carsten

2007-12-01

Classical all-optical signal processing for telecommunication applications greatly benefits from the availability of highly efficient optical frequency (OF) mixers, the optical analogue of radio-frequency mixers used in RF signal processing. The OF mixers presented in this dissertation are based on reverse-proton-exchange (RPE) periodically-poled lithium niobate (PPLN) waveguides, one of the most efficient and versatile material systems in the field of nonlinear optics to date. Taking advantage of fabrication technologies developed in Prof. Martin Fejer's group over the past two decades, we expand the range of applications for these OF mixers to low-light-level signal detection and pulse characterization. We demonstrate high-speed high-efficiency single-photon counting at telecommunication wavelengths, used for the implementation of record-breaking quantum-key distribution systems, which allow unconditionally secure data transfer. In collaboration with researchers at the MIT Lincoln Laboratory, we also show that the very same technology can be used to achieve an order of magnitude improvement in the sensitivity of classical few-photon free-space communication links based on pulse-position modulation. These extremely sensitive receivers (1 photon/bit) are being developed to facilitate deep-space communication over several hundred million kilometers between Mars and Earth. OF mixers can also be used to fully characterize, potentially weak, ultrashort pulses, as well as time-magnify segments of ultra-high-speed data streams to be detected in real time by conventional streak cameras and oscilloscopes. We will present a novel implementation of both collinear autocorrelation as well as parametric temporal imaging (in collaboration with the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory) based on mode-multiplexing in integrated asymmetric Y-junctions in combination with linearly-chirped apodized quasi-phasematching gratings. For the first time, background-free autocorrelation, frequency-resolved optical gating, and temporal imaging can be realized in single-polarization-guiding collinear waveguide structures at sub-60-aJ (400 photons/pulse) levels. Recently, guided-wave OF mixers have also become important for precision metrology applications based on frequency-comb generation (FCG) (i.e. optical ruler) using ultrashort pulses. The most compact and energy efficient FCG systems use fiber lasers. In collaboration with IMRA America, Inc., we demonstrate that RPE PPLN waveguides can be used to implement fully integrated fiber-laser-based FCG systems taking advantage of unprecedented octave-spanning spectral broadening of the input pulses in combination with simultaneous phase sensing inside the same waveguide.

Integration of a versatile bridge concept in a 34 GHz pulsed/CW EPR spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Band, Alan; Donohue, Matthew P.; Epel, Boris; Madhu, Shraeya; Szalai, Veronika A.

2018-03-01

We present a 34 GHz continuous wave (CW)/pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometer capable of pulse-shaping that is based on a versatile microwave bridge design. The bridge radio frequency (RF)-in/RF-out design (500 MHz to 1 GHz input/output passband, 500 MHz instantaneous input/output bandwidth) creates a flexible platform with which to compare a variety of excitation and detection methods utilizing commercially available equipment external to the bridge. We use three sources of RF input to implement typical functions associated with CW and pulse EPR spectroscopic measurements. The bridge output is processed via high speed digitizer and an in-phase/quadrature (I/Q) demodulator for pulsed work or sent to a wideband, high dynamic range log detector for CW. Combining this bridge with additional commercial hardware and new acquisition and control electronics, we have designed and constructed an adaptable EPR spectrometer that builds upon previous work in the literature and is functionally comparable to other available systems.

Heat effect of pulsed Er:YAG laser radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hibst, Raimund; Keller, Ulrich

1990-06-01

Pulsed Er:YAG laser radiation has been found to be effective for dental enamel and dentin removal. Damage to the surrounding hard tissue is little, but before testing the Er:YAG laser clinically for the preparation of cavities, possible effects on the soft tissue of the pulp must be known. In order to estimate pulp damage , temperature rise in dentin caused by the laser radiation was measured by a thermocouple. Additionally, temperature distributions were observed by means of a thermal imaging system. The heat effect of a single Er:YAG laser pulse is little and limited to the vicinity of the impact side. Because heat energy is added with each additional pulse , the temperature distribution depends not only on the radiant energy, but also on the number of pulses and the repetition rate. Both irradiation conditions can be found , making irreversible pulp damage either likely or unlikely. The experimental observations can be explained qualitatively by a simple model of the ablation process.

Influence of the heat transfer on the thermoelastic response of metals on heating by the laser pulse

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sudenkov, Y. V.; Zimin, B. A.; Sventitskaya, V. E.

2018-05-01

The paper presents an analysis of the effect of the heat transfer process in metals on the parameters of thermal stresses under pulsed laser action. The dynamic problem of thermoelasticity is considered as a two-stage process. The first stage is determined by the time of action of the radiation pulse. The second stage is caused by the dynamics of the heat transfer process after the end of the laser pulse. For showing the continuity of thermoelastic and thermoelectric processes, the analysis of the electronic mechanism for the propagation of heat in metals and the results of experimental studies of these processes are presented. The results of the experiments demonstrate the high sensitivity of the parameters of thermoelastic and thermoelectric pulses to the microstructure of metals.

RELAP5 Model of the First Wall/Blanket Primary Heat Transfer System

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

Popov, Emilian L; Yoder Jr, Graydon L; Kim, Seokho H

2010-06-01

ITER inductive power operation is modeled and simulated using a system level computer code to evaluate the behavior of the Primary Heat Transfer System (PHTS) and predict parameter operational ranges. The control algorithm strategy and derivation are summarized in this report as well. A major feature of ITER is pulsed operation. The plasma does not burn continuously, but the power is pulsed with large periods of zero power between pulses. This feature requires active temperature control to maintain a constant blanket inlet temperature and requires accommodation of coolant thermal expansion during the pulse. In view of the transient nature ofmore » the power (plasma) operation state a transient system thermal-hydraulics code was selected: RELAP5. The code has a well-documented history for nuclear reactor transient analyses, it has been benchmarked against numerous experiments, and a large user database of commonly accepted modeling practices exists. The process of heat deposition and transfer in the blanket modules is multi-dimensional and cannot be accurately captured by a one-dimensional code such as RELAP5. To resolve this, a separate CFD calculation of blanket thermal power evolution was performed using the 3-D SC/Tetra thermofluid code. A 1D-3D co-simulation more realistically models FW/blanket internal time-dependent thermal inertia while eliminating uncertainties in the time constant assumed in a 1-D system code. Blanket water outlet temperature and heat release histories for any given ITER pulse operation scenario are calculated. These results provide the basis for developing time dependent power forcing functions which are used as input in the RELAP5 calculations.« less

Pulsed DC Electric Field–Induced Differentiation of Cortical Neural Precursor Cells

PubMed Central

Chang, Hui-Fang; Lee, Ying-Shan; Tang, Tang K.; Cheng, Ji-Yen

2016-01-01

We report the differentiation of neural stem and progenitor cells solely induced by direct current (DC) pulses stimulation. Neural stem and progenitor cells in the adult mammalian brain are promising candidates for the development of therapeutic neuroregeneration strategies. The differentiation of neural stem and progenitor cells depends on various in vivo environmental factors, such as nerve growth factor and endogenous EF. In this study, we demonstrated that the morphologic and phenotypic changes of mouse neural stem and progenitor cells (mNPCs) could be induced solely by exposure to square-wave DC pulses (magnitude 300 mV/mm at frequency of 100-Hz). The DC pulse stimulation was conducted for 48 h, and the morphologic changes of mNPCs were monitored continuously. The length of primary processes and the amount of branching significantly increased after stimulation by DC pulses for 48 h. After DC pulse treatment, the mNPCs differentiated into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes simultaneously in stem cell maintenance medium. Our results suggest that simple DC pulse treatment could control the fate of NPCs. With further studies, DC pulses may be applied to manipulate NPC differentiation and may be used for the development of therapeutic strategies that employ NPCs to treat nervous system disorders. PMID:27352251

Complementary effects of cereal and pulse polyphenols and dietary fiber on chronic inflammation and gut health.

PubMed

Awika, Joseph M; Rose, Devin J; Simsek, Senay

2018-03-01

Cereal grains and grain pulses are primary staples often consumed together, and contribute a major portion of daily human calorie and protein intake globally. Protective effects of consuming whole grain cereals and grain pulses against various inflammation-related chronic diseases are well documented. However, potential benefits of combined intake of whole cereals and pulses beyond their complementary amino acid nutrition is rarely considered in literature. There is ample evidence that key bioactive components of whole grain cereals and pulses are structurally different and thus may be optimized to provide synergistic/complementary health benefits. Among the most important whole grain bioactive components are polyphenols and dietary fiber, not only because of their demonstrated biological function, but also their major impact on consumer choice of whole grain/pulse products. This review highlights the distinct structural differences between key cereal grain and pulse polyphenols and non-starch polysaccharides (dietary fiber), and the evidence on specific synergistic/complementary benefits of combining the bioactive components from the two commodities. Interactive effects of the polyphenols and fiber on gut microbiota and associated benefits to colon health, and against systemic inflammation, are discussed. Processing technologies that can be used to further enhance the interactive benefits of combined cereal-pulse bioactive compounds are highlighted.

Astigmatism transfer phenomena in the optical parametric amplification process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Wenkai; Chen, Yun; Li, Yanyan; Xu, Yi; Guo, Xiaoyang; Lu, Jun; Leng, Yuxin

2017-01-01

We numerically and experimentally investigate the astigmatism transfer phenomena in femtosecond optical parametric amplification (OPA). We model the OPA process based on the coupled second-order three-wave nonlinear propagation equations. The numerical and experimental results support that the input pump pulse astigmatism can be transferred into the idler pulse but not the signal pulse, and the idler pulse astigmatism originating from spatial walk-off is less than the idler pulse astigmatism received from the pump. Thus, we can provide a clear understanding of astigmatism transfer mechanisms in the OPA process, and make better use of broadband tunable OPA sources.

Digital pulse processing for planar TlBr detectors, optimized for ballistic deficit and charge-trapping effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakhostin, M.; Hitomi, K.

2012-05-01

The energy resolution of thallium bromide (TlBr) detectors is significantly limited by charge-trapping effect and pulse ballistic deficit, caused by the slow charge collection time. A digital pulse processing algorithm has been developed aiming to compensate for charge-trapping effect, while minimizing pulse ballistic deficit. The algorithm is examined using a 1 mm thick TlBr detector and an excellent energy resolution of 3.37% at 662 keV is achieved at room temperature. The pulse processing algorithms are presented in recursive form, suitable for real-time implementations.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gasmi, Taieb

2017-08-01

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

Maximum Likelihood Time-of-Arrival Estimation of Optical Pulses via Photon-Counting Photodetectors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Erkmen, Baris I.; Moision, Bruce E.

2010-01-01

Many optical imaging, ranging, and communications systems rely on the estimation of the arrival time of an optical pulse. Recently, such systems have been increasingly employing photon-counting photodetector technology, which changes the statistics of the observed photocurrent. This requires time-of-arrival estimators to be developed and their performances characterized. The statistics of the output of an ideal photodetector, which are well modeled as a Poisson point process, were considered. An analytical model was developed for the mean-square error of the maximum likelihood (ML) estimator, demonstrating two phenomena that cause deviations from the minimum achievable error at low signal power. An approximation was derived to the threshold at which the ML estimator essentially fails to provide better than a random guess of the pulse arrival time. Comparing the analytic model performance predictions to those obtained via simulations, it was verified that the model accurately predicts the ML performance over all regimes considered. There is little prior art that attempts to understand the fundamental limitations to time-of-arrival estimation from Poisson statistics. This work establishes both a simple mathematical description of the error behavior, and the associated physical processes that yield this behavior. Previous work on mean-square error characterization for ML estimators has predominantly focused on additive Gaussian noise. This work demonstrates that the discrete nature of the Poisson noise process leads to a distinctly different error behavior.

Materials processing by use of a Ti:Sapphire laser with automatically-adjustable pulse duration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamata, M.; Imahoko, T.; Ozono, K.; Obara, M.

We have developed an automatic pulsewidth-adjustable femtosecond Ti:Sapphire laser system that can generate an output of 50 fs-1 ps in duration, and sub-mJ/pulse at a repetition rate of 1 kpps. The automatic pulse compressor enables one to control the pulsewidth in the range of 50 fs-1 ps by use of a personal computer (PC). The compressor can change the distance in-between and the tilt angle of the grating pairs by use of two stepping motors and two piezo-electric transducer(PZT) driven actuators, respectively. Both are controlled by a PC. Therefore, not only control of the pulsewidth, but also of the optical chirp becomes easy. By use of this femtosecond laser system, we fabricated a waveguide in fused quartz. The numerical aperture is chosen to 0.007 to loosely focus the femtosecond laser. The fabricated waveguides are well controllable by the incident laser pulsewidth. We also demonstrated the ablation processing of hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2), which is a key component of human tooth and human bone for orthopedics and dentistry. With pulsewidth tunable output from 50 fs through 2 ps at 1 kpps, the chemical content of calcium and phosphorus is kept unchanged before and after 50-fs-2-ps laser ablation. We also demonstrated the precise ablation processing of human tooth enamel with 2 ps Ti:Sapphire laser.

On-Chip AC self-test controller

DOEpatents

Flanagan, John D [Rhinebeck, NY; Herring, Jay R [Poughkeepsie, NY; Lo, Tin-Chee [Fishkill, NY

2009-09-29

A system for performing AC self-test on an integrated circuit that includes a system clock for normal operation is provided. The system includes the system clock, self-test circuitry, a first and second test register to capture and launch test data in response to a sequence of data pulses, and a logic circuit to be tested. The self-test circuitry includes an AC self-test controller and a clock splitter. The clock splitter generates the sequence of data pulses including a long data capture pulse followed by an at speed data launch pulse and an at speed data capture pulse followed by a long data launch pulse. The at speed data launch pulse and the at speed data capture pulse are generated for a common cycle of the system clock.

A 63 K phase change unit integrating with pulse tube cryocoolers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chunhui, Kong; Liubiao, Chen; Sixue, Liu; Yuan, Zhou; Junjie, Wang

2017-02-01

This article presents the design and computer model results of an integrated cooler system which consists of a single stage pulse tube cryocooler integrated with a small amount of a phase change material. A cryogenic thermal switch was used to thermally connect the phase change unit to the cold end of the cryocooler. During heat load operation, the cryogenic thermal switch is turned off to avoid vibrations. The phase change unit absorbs heat loads by melting a substance in a constant pressure-temperature-volume process. Once the substance has been melted, the cryogenic thermal turned on, the cryocooler can then refreeze the material. Advantages of this type of cooler are no vibrations during sensor operations; the ability to absorb increased heat loads; potentially longer system lifetime; and a lower mass, volume and cost. A numerical model was constructed from derived thermodynamic relationships for the cooling/heating and freezing/melting processes.

The stabilized, wavelet-Mellin transform for analyzing the size and shape information of vocalized sounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Irino, Toshio; Patterson, Roy

2005-04-01

We hear vowels produced by men, women, and children as approximately the same although there is considerable variability in glottal pulse rate and vocal tract length. At the same time, we can identify the speaker group. Recent experiments show that it is possible to identify vowels even when the glottal pulse rate and vocal tract length are condensed or expanded beyond the range of natural vocalization. This suggests that the auditory system has an automatic process to segregate information about shape and size of the vocal tract. Recently we proposed that the auditory system uses some form of Stabilized, Wavelet-Mellin Transform (SWMT) to analyze scale information in bio-acoustic sounds as a general framework for auditory processing from cochlea to cortex. This talk explains the theoretical background of the model and how the vocal information is normalized in the representation. [Work supported by GASR(B)(2) No. 15300061, JSPS.

System and method for investigating sub-surface features and 3D imaging of non-linear property, compressional velocity VP, shear velocity VS and velocity ratio VP/VS of a rock formation

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

Vu, Cung Khac; Skelt, Christopher; Nihei, Kurt

A system and a method for generating a three-dimensional image of a rock formation, compressional velocity VP, shear velocity VS and velocity ratio VP/VS of a rock formation are provided. A first acoustic signal includes a first plurality of pulses. A second acoustic signal from a second source includes a second plurality of pulses. A detected signal returning to the borehole includes a signal generated by a non-linear mixing process from the first and second acoustic signals in a non-linear mixing zone within an intersection volume. The received signal is processed to extract the signal over noise and/or signals resultingmore » from linear interaction and the three dimensional image of is generated.« less

Widespread genetic linkage of mating signals and preferences in the Hawaiian cricket Laupala

PubMed Central

Wiley, Chris; Ellison, Christopher K.; Shaw, Kerry L.

2012-01-01

The evolution of novel sexual communication systems is integral to the process of speciation, as it discourages gene flow between incipient species. Physical linkage between genes underlying male–female communication (i.e. sexual signals and preferences for them) facilitates both rapid and coordinated divergence of sexual communication systems between populations and reduces recombination in the face of occasional hybridization between diverging populations. Despite these ramifications of the genetic architecture of sexual communication for sexual selection and speciation, few studies have examined this relationship empirically. Previous studies of the closely related Hawaiian crickets Laupala paranigra and Laupala kohalensis have indirectly suggested that many of the genes underlying the difference in pulse rate of male song are physically linked with genes underlying the difference in female preference for pulse rate. Using marker-assisted introgression, we moved ‘slow pulse rate’ alleles from L. paranigra at five known quantitative trait loci (QTL) underlying male pulse rate into the ‘fast pulse rate’ genetic background of L. kohalensis and assessed the effect of these loci on female preference. An astounding four out of five song QTL predicted the preferences of female fourth-generation backcrosses, providing direct evidence for the extensive genetic linkage of song and preference in one of the fastest diversifying genera currently known. PMID:21957135

Advanced Pulse Oximetry System for Remote Monitoring and Management

PubMed Central

Pak, Ju Geon; Park, Kee Hyun

2012-01-01

Pulse oximetry data such as saturation of peripheral oxygen (SpO2) and pulse rate are vital signals for early diagnosis of heart disease. Therefore, various pulse oximeters have been developed continuously. However, some of the existing pulse oximeters are not equipped with communication capabilities, and consequently, the continuous monitoring of patient health is restricted. Moreover, even though certain oximeters have been built as network models, they focus on exchanging only pulse oximetry data, and they do not provide sufficient device management functions. In this paper, we propose an advanced pulse oximetry system for remote monitoring and management. The system consists of a networked pulse oximeter and a personal monitoring server. The proposed pulse oximeter measures a patient's pulse oximetry data and transmits the data to the personal monitoring server. The personal monitoring server then analyzes the received data and displays the results to the patient. Furthermore, for device management purposes, operational errors that occur in the pulse oximeter are reported to the personal monitoring server, and the system configurations of the pulse oximeter, such as thresholds and measurement targets, are modified by the server. We verify that the proposed pulse oximetry system operates efficiently and that it is appropriate for monitoring and managing a pulse oximeter in real time. PMID:22933841

Advanced pulse oximetry system for remote monitoring and management.

PubMed

Pak, Ju Geon; Park, Kee Hyun

2012-01-01

Pulse oximetry data such as saturation of peripheral oxygen (SpO(2)) and pulse rate are vital signals for early diagnosis of heart disease. Therefore, various pulse oximeters have been developed continuously. However, some of the existing pulse oximeters are not equipped with communication capabilities, and consequently, the continuous monitoring of patient health is restricted. Moreover, even though certain oximeters have been built as network models, they focus on exchanging only pulse oximetry data, and they do not provide sufficient device management functions. In this paper, we propose an advanced pulse oximetry system for remote monitoring and management. The system consists of a networked pulse oximeter and a personal monitoring server. The proposed pulse oximeter measures a patient's pulse oximetry data and transmits the data to the personal monitoring server. The personal monitoring server then analyzes the received data and displays the results to the patient. Furthermore, for device management purposes, operational errors that occur in the pulse oximeter are reported to the personal monitoring server, and the system configurations of the pulse oximeter, such as thresholds and measurement targets, are modified by the server. We verify that the proposed pulse oximetry system operates efficiently and that it is appropriate for monitoring and managing a pulse oximeter in real time.

Novel system for pulse radiolysis with multi-angle light scattering detection (PR-MALLS) - concept, construction and first tests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kadlubowski, S.; Sawicki, P.; Sowinski, S.; Rokita, B.; Bures, K. D.; Rosiak, J. M.; Ulanski, P.

2018-01-01

Time-resolved pulse radiolysis, utilizing short pulses of high-energy electrons from accelerators, is an effective method for rapidly generating free radicals and other transient species in solution. Combined with fast time-resolved spectroscopic detection (typically in the ultraviolet/visible/near-infrared), it is invaluable for monitoring the reactivity of species subjected to radiolysis on timescales ranging from picoseconds to seconds. When used for polymer solutions, pulse radiolysis can be coupled with light-scattering detection, creating a powerful tool for kinetic and mechanistic analysis of processes like degradation or cross-linking of macromolecules. Changes in the light scattering intensity (LSI) of polymer solutions are indicative of alterations in the molecular weight and/or in the radius of gyration, i.e., the dimensions and shape of the macromolecules. In addition to other detection methods, LSI technique provides a convenient tool to study radiation-induced alterations in macromolecules as a function of time after the pulse. Pulse radiolysis systems employing this detection mode have been so far constructed to follow light scattered at a single angle (typically the right angle) to the incident light beam. Here we present an advanced pulse radiolysis & multi-angle light-scattering-intensity system (PR-MALLS) that has been built at IARC and is currently in the phase of optimization and testing. Idea of its design and operation is described and preliminary results for radiation-induced degradation of pullulan as well as polymerization and crosslinking of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate are presented. Implementation of the proposed system provides a novel research tool, which is expected to contribute to the expansion of knowledge on free-radical reactions in monomer- and polymer solutions, by delivering precise kinetic data on changes in molecular weight and size, and thus allowing to formulate or verify reaction mechanisms. The proposed method is universal and can be applied for studying both natural and synthetic polymers. The developed system can be also valuable in studies of the border of biology and medicine, especially on radical reactions of biopolymers and their conformational transitions. Furthermore, capability to follow fast changes in mass and dimensions of nanobjects may be of significant importance for nanoscience and nanotechnology.

[Research on diagnosis of gas-liquid detonation exhaust based on double optical path absortion spectroscopy technique].

PubMed

Lü, Xiao-Jing; Li, Ning; Weng, Chun-Sheng

2014-03-01

The effect detection of detonation exhaust can provide measurement data for exploring the formation mechanism of detonation, the promotion of detonation efficiency and the reduction of fuel waste. Based on tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy technique combined with double optical path cross-correlation algorithm, the article raises the diagnosis method to realize the on-line testing of detonation exhaust velocity, temperature and H2O gas concentration. The double optical path testing system is designed and set up for the valveless pulse detonation engine with the diameter of 80 mm. By scanning H2O absorption lines of 1343nm with a high frequency of 50 kHz, the on-line detection of gas-liquid pulse detonation exhaust is realized. The results show that the optical testing system based on tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy technique can capture the detailed characteristics of pulse detonation exhaust in the transient process of detonation. The duration of single detonation is 85 ms under laboratory conditions, among which supersonic injection time is 5.7 ms and subsonic injection time is 19.3 ms. The valveless pulse detonation engine used can work under frequency of 11 Hz. The velocity of detonation overflowing the detonation tube is 1,172 m x s(-1), the maximum temperature of detonation exhaust near the nozzle is 2 412 K. There is a transitory platform in the velocity curve as well as the temperature curve. H2O gas concentration changes between 0-7% during detonation under experimental conditions. The research can provide measurement data for the detonation process diagnosis and analysis, which is of significance to advance the detonation mechanism research and promote the research of pulse detonation engine control technology.

Hybrid Pulsed Nd:YAG Laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, Sawyer; Trujillo, Skyler; Fort Lewis College Laser Group Team

This work concerns the novel design of an inexpensive pulsed Nd:YAG laser, consisting of a hybrid Kerr Mode Lock (KLM) and Q-switch pulse. The two pulse generation systems work independently, non simultaneously of each other, thus generating the ability for the user to easily switch between ultra-short pulse widths or large energy density pulses. Traditionally, SF57 glass has been used as the Kerr medium. In this work, novel Kerr mode-locking mediums are being investigated including: tellurite compound glass (TeO2), carbon disulfide (CS2), and chalcogenide glass. These materials have a nonlinear index of refraction orders of magnitude,(n2), larger than SF57 glass. The Q-switched pulse will utilize a Pockels cell. As the two pulse generation systems cannot be operated simultaneously, the Pockels cell and Kerr medium are attached to kinematic mounts, allowing for quick interchange between systems. Pulse widths and repetition rates will vary between the two systems. A goal of 100 picosecond pulse widths are desired for the mode-locked system. A goal of 10 nanosecond pulse widths are desired for the Q-switch system, with a desired repetition rate of 50 Hz. As designed, the laser will be useful in imaging applications.

Wavelength stabilized high pulse power laser diodes for automotive LiDAR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knigge, A.; Klehr, A.; Wenzel, H.; Zeghuzi, A.; Fricke, J.; Maaßdorf, A.; Liero, A.; Tränkle, G.

2018-03-01

Diode lasers generating optical pulses with high peak power and lengths in the nanosecond range are key components of systems for free-space communication, metrology, material processing, spectroscopy, and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) as needed for object detection and autonomous driving. Automotive LiDAR systems demand additionally a good beam quality and low wavelength shift with temperature due to the wide operating temperature span. We present here internally wavelength stabilized lasers emitting ns optical pulses from an emission aperture between 30 μm and 100 μm with peak powers of tens of Watts at wavelengths around 905 nm. The vertical structure based on AlGaAs (confinement and cladding layers) and InGaAs (active quantum well) is especially optimized for pulsed operation with respect to the implementation of a surface Bragg grating with a high reflectivity. The fabricated 6 mm long distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) broad area (BA) lasers are electrically driven by an in-house developed high-speed unit generating 3 to 10 ns long nearly rectangular shaped current pulses with amplitudes of up to 250 A. Such lasers emit optical pulses with a peak power of more than 30 W at 95 A pulse current up to a temperature of 85°C with a wavelength shift as low as 65 pm/K and a lateral beam propagation factor less than 10. The influence of the lateral aperture width and the pulse length on the beam quality will be shown. A monolithic integration of 3 DBR BA lasers on a single chip whose emission can be combined into a single beam raises the output power to more than 100 W.

Infrared system for monitoring movement of objects

DOEpatents

Valentine, Kenneth H.; Falter, Diedre D.; Falter, Kelly G.

1991-01-01

A system for monitoring moving objects, such as the flight of honeybees and other insects, using a pulsed laser light source. This system has a self-powered micro-miniaturized transmitting unit powered, in the preferred embodiment, with an array solar cells. This transmitting unit is attached to the object to be monitored. These solar cells provide current to a storage energy capacitor to produce, for example, five volts for the operation of the transmitter. In the simplest embodiment, the voltage on the capacitor operates a pulse generator to provide a pulsed energizing signal to one or more very small laser diodes. The pulsed light is then received at a receiving base station using substantially standard means which converts the light to an electrical signal for processing in a microprocessor to create the information as to the movement of the object. In the case of a unit for monitoring honeybees and other insects, the transmitting unit weighs less than 50 mg, and has a size no larger than 1.times.3.times.5 millimeters. Also, the preferred embodiment provides for the coding of the light to uniquely identify the particular transmitting unit that is being monitored. A "wake-up" circuit is provided in the preferred embodiment whereby there is no transmission until the voltage on the capacitor has exceeded a pre-set threshold. Various other uses of the motion-detection system are described.

Infrared system for monitoring movement of objects

DOEpatents

Valentine, K.H.; Falter, D.D.; Falter, K.G.

1991-04-30

A system is described for monitoring moving objects, such as the flight of honeybees and other insects, using a pulsed laser light source. This system has a self-powered micro-miniaturized transmitting unit powered, in the preferred embodiment, with an array of solar cells. This transmitting unit is attached to the object to be monitored. These solar cells provide current to a storage energy capacitor to produce, for example, five volts for the operation of the transmitter. In the simplest embodiment, the voltage on the capacitor operates a pulse generator to provide a pulsed energizing signal to one or more very small laser diodes. The pulsed light is then received at a receiving base station using substantially standard means which converts the light to an electrical signal for processing in a microprocessor to create the information as to the movement of the object. In the case of a unit for monitoring honeybees and other insects, the transmitting unit weighs less than 50 mg, and has a size no larger than 1[times]3[times]5 millimeters. Also, the preferred embodiment provides for the coding of the light to uniquely identify the particular transmitting unit that is being monitored. A wake-up' circuit is provided in the preferred embodiment whereby there is no transmission until the voltage on the capacitor has exceeded a pre-set threshold. Various other uses of the motion-detection system are described. 4 figures.

Flight Test Result for the Ground-Based Radio Navigation System Sensor with an Unmanned Air Vehicle

PubMed Central

Jang, Jaegyu; Ahn, Woo-Guen; Seo, Seungwoo; Lee, Jang Yong; Park, Jun-Pyo

2015-01-01

The Ground-based Radio Navigation System (GRNS) is an alternative/backup navigation system based on time synchronized pseudolites. It has been studied for some years due to the potential vulnerability issue of satellite navigation systems (e.g., GPS or Galileo). In the framework of our study, a periodic pulsed sequence was used instead of the randomized pulse sequence recommended as the RTCM (radio technical commission for maritime services) SC (special committee)-104 pseudolite signal, as a randomized pulse sequence with a long dwell time is not suitable for applications requiring high dynamics. This paper introduces a mathematical model of the post-correlation output in a navigation sensor, showing that the aliasing caused by the additional frequency term of a periodic pulsed signal leads to a false lock (i.e., Doppler frequency bias) during the signal acquisition process or in the carrier tracking loop of the navigation sensor. We suggest algorithms to resolve the frequency false lock issue in this paper, relying on the use of a multi-correlator. A flight test with an unmanned helicopter was conducted to verify the implemented navigation sensor. The results of this analysis show that there were no false locks during the flight test and that outliers stem from bad dilution of precision (DOP) or fluctuations in the received signal quality. PMID:26569251

Self-bunching electron guns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mako, Frederick M.; Len, L. K.

1999-05-01

We report on three electron gun projects that are aimed at power tube and injector applications. The purpose of the work is to develop robust electron guns which produce self-bunched, high-current-density beams. We have demonstrated, in a microwave cavity, self-bunching, cold electron emission, long life, and tolerance to contamination. The cold process is based on secondary electron emission. FMT has studied using simulation codes the resonant bunching process which gives rise to high current densities (0.01-5 kA/cm2), high charge bunches (up to 500 nC/bunch), and short pulses (1-100 ps) for frequencies from 1 to 12 GHz. The beam pulse width is nominally ˜5% of the rf period. The first project is the L-Band Micro-Pulse Gun (MPG). Measurements show ˜40 ps long micro-bunches at ˜20 A/cm2 without contamination due to air exposure. Lifetime testing has been carried out for about 18 months operating at 1.25 GHz for almost 24 hours per day at a repetition rate of 300 Hz and 5 μs-long macro-pulses. Approximately 5.8×1013 micro-bunches or 62,000 coulombs have passed through this gun and it is still working fine. The second project, the S-Band MPG, is now operational. It is functioning at a frequency of 2.85 GHz, a repetition rate of 30 Hz, with a 2 μs-long macro-pulse. It produces about 45 A in the macro-pulse. The third project is a 34.2 GHz frequency-multiplied source driven by an X-Band MPG. A point design was performed at an rf output power of 150 MW at 34.2 GHz. The resulting system efficiency is 53% and the gain is 60 dB. The system efficiency includes the input cavity efficiency, input driver efficiency (a 50 MW klystron at 11.4 GHz), output cavity efficiency, and the post-acceleration efficiency.

Applications of laser ablation to microengineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gower, Malcolm C.; Rizvi, Nadeem H.

2000-08-01

Applications of pulsed laser ablation to the manufacture of micro- electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and micro-opto-electro-mechanical systems (MOEMS) devices are presented. Laser ablative processes used to manufacture a variety of microsystems technology (MST) components in the computer peripheral, sensing and biomedical industries are described together with a view of some future developments.

Research on filling process of fuel and oxidant during detonation based on absorption spectrum technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lv, Xiao-Jing; Li, Ning; Weng, Chun-Sheng

2014-12-01

Research on detonation process is of great significance for the control optimization of pulse detonation engine. Based on absorption spectrum technology, the filling process of fresh fuel and oxidant during detonation is researched. As one of the most important products, H2O is selected as the target of detonation diagnosis. Fiber distributed detonation test system is designed to enable the detonation diagnosis under adverse conditions in detonation process. The test system is verified to be reliable. Laser signals at different working frequency (5Hz, 10Hz and 20Hz) are detected. Change of relative laser intensity in one detonation circle is analyzed. The duration of filling process is inferred from the change of laser intensity, which is about 100~110ms. The peak of absorption spectrum is used to present the concentration of H2O during the filling process of fresh fuel and oxidant. Absorption spectrum is calculated, and the change of absorption peak is analyzed. Duration of filling process calculated with absorption peak consisted with the result inferred from the change of relative laser intensity. The pulse detonation engine worked normally and obtained the maximum thrust at 10Hz under experiment conditions. The results are verified through H2O gas concentration monitoring during detonation.

S-process studies using single and pulsed neutron exposures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beer, H.

The formation of heavy elements by slow neutron capture (s-process) is investigated. A pulsed neutron irradiation leading to an exponential exposure distribution is dominant for nuclei from A = 90 to 200. For the isotopes from iron to zirconium an additional 'weak' s-process component must be superimposed. Calculations using a single or another pulsed neutron exposure for this component have been carried out in order to reproduce the abundance pattern of the s-only and s-process dominant isotopes. For the adjustment of these calculations to the empirical values, the inclusion of new capture cross section data on Se76 and Y89 and the consideration of the branchings at Ni63, Se79, and Kr85 was important. The combination of an s-process with a single and a pulsed neutron exposure yielded a better representation of empirical abundances than a two component pulsed s-process.

Focusing X-ray free-electron laser pulses using Kirkpatrick-Baez mirrors at the NCI hutch of the PAL-XFEL.

PubMed

Kim, Jangwoo; Kim, Hyo Yun; Park, Jaehyun; Kim, Sangsoo; Kim, Sunam; Rah, Seungyu; Lim, Jun; Nam, Ki Hyun

2018-01-01

The Pohang Accelerator Laboratory X-ray Free-Electron Laser (PAL-XFEL) is a recently commissioned X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) facility that provides intense ultrashort X-ray pulses based on the self-amplified spontaneous emission process. The nano-crystallography and coherent imaging (NCI) hutch with forward-scattering geometry is located at the hard X-ray beamline of the PAL-XFEL and provides opportunities to perform serial femtosecond crystallography and coherent X-ray diffraction imaging. To produce intense high-density XFEL pulses at the interaction positions between the X-rays and various samples, a microfocusing Kirkpatrick-Baez (KB) mirror system that includes an ultra-precision manipulator has been developed. In this paper, the design of a KB mirror system that focuses the hard XFEL beam onto a fixed sample point of the NCI hutch, which is positioned along the hard XFEL beamline, is described. The focusing system produces a two-dimensional focusing beam at approximately 2 µm scale across the 2-11 keV photon energy range. XFEL pulses of 9.7 keV energy were successfully focused onto an area of size 1.94 µm × 2.08 µm FWHM.

Study of the Wavelength Dependence in Laser Ablation of Advanced Ceramics and Glass-Ceramic Materials in the Nanosecond Range

PubMed Central

Sola, Daniel; Peña, Jose I.

2013-01-01

In this work, geometrical dimensions and ablation yields as a function of the machining method and reference position were studied when advanced ceramics and glass-ceramic materials were machined with pulsed lasers in the nanosecond range. Two laser systems, emitting at 1064 and 532 nm, were used. It was shown that the features obtained depend on whether the substrate is processed by means of pulse bursts or by grooves. In particular, when the samples were processed by grooves, machined depth, removed volume and ablation yields reached their maximum, placing the sample out of focus. It was shown that these characteristics do not depend on the processing conditions, the wavelength or the optical configuration, and that this is intrinsic behavior of the processing method. Furthermore, the existence of a close relation between material hardness and ablation yields was demonstrated. PMID:28788391

An accelerated framework for the classification of biological targets from solid-state micropore data.

PubMed

Hanif, Madiha; Hafeez, Abdul; Suleman, Yusuf; Mustafa Rafique, M; Butt, Ali R; Iqbal, Samir M

2016-10-01

Micro- and nanoscale systems have provided means to detect biological targets, such as DNA, proteins, and human cells, at ultrahigh sensitivity. However, these devices suffer from noise in the raw data, which continues to be significant as newer and devices that are more sensitive produce an increasing amount of data that needs to be analyzed. An important dimension that is often discounted in these systems is the ability to quickly process the measured data for an instant feedback. Realizing and developing algorithms for the accurate detection and classification of biological targets in realtime is vital. Toward this end, we describe a supervised machine-learning approach that records single cell events (pulses), computes useful pulse features, and classifies the future patterns into their respective types, such as cancerous/non-cancerous cells based on the training data. The approach detects cells with an accuracy of 70% from the raw data followed by an accurate classification when larger training sets are employed. The parallel implementation of the algorithm on graphics processing unit (GPU) demonstrates a speedup of three to four folds as compared to a serial implementation on an Intel Core i7 processor. This incredibly efficient GPU system is an effort to streamline the analysis of pulse data in an academic setting. This paper presents for the first time ever, a non-commercial technique using a GPU system for realtime analysis, paired with biological cluster targeting analysis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nano- and micro-structuring of fused silica using time-delay adjustable double flash ns-laser radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lorenz, Pierre; Zhao, Xiongtao; Ehrhardt, Martin; Zagoranskiy, Igor; Zimmer, Klaus; Han, Bing

2018-02-01

Large area, high speed, nanopatterning of surfaces by laser ablation is challenging due to the required high accuracy of the optical and mechanical systems fulfilling the precision of nanopatterning process. Utilization of self-organization approaches can provide an alternative decoupling spot precision and field of machining. The laser-induced front side etching (LIFE) and laser-induced back side dry etching (LIBDE) of fused silica were studied using single and double flash nanosecond laser pulses with a wavelength of 532 nm where the time delay Δτ of the double flash laser pulses was adjusted from 50 ns to 10 μs. The fused silica can be etched at both processes assisted by a 10 nm chromium layer where the etching depth Δz at single flash laser pulses is linear to the laser fluence and independent on the number of laser pulses, from 2 to 12 J/cm2, it is Δz = δLIFE/LIBDE . Φ with δLIFE 16 nm/(J/cm2) and δLIBDE 5.2 nm/(J/cm2) 3 . δLIFE. At double flash laser pulses, the Δz is dependent on the time delay Δτ of the laser pulses and the Δz slightly increased at decreasing Δτ. Furthermore, the surface nanostructuring of fused silica using IPSM-LIFE (LIFE using in-situ pre-structured metal layer) method with a single double flash laser pulse was tested. The first pulse of the double flash results in a melting of the metal layer. The surface tension of the liquid metal layer tends in a droplet formation process and dewetting process, respectively. If the liquid phase life time ΔtLF is smaller than the droplet formation time the metal can be "frozen" in an intermediated state like metal bare structures. The second laser treatment results in a evaporation of the metal and in a partial evaporation and melting of the fused silica surface, where the resultant structures in the fused silica surface are dependent on the lateral geometry of the pre-structured metal layer. A successful IPSM-LIFE structuring could be achieved assisted by a 20 nm molybdenum layer at Δτ >= 174 ns. That path the way for the high speed ultra-fast nanostructuring of dielectric surfaces by self-organizing processes. The different surface structures were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and white light interferometry (WLI).

Chaotic carrier pulse position modulation communication system and method

DOEpatents

Abarbanel, Henry D. I.; Larson, Lawrence E.; Rulkov, Nikolai F.; Sushchik, Mikhail M.; Tsimring, Lev S.; Volkovskii, Alexander R.

2001-01-01

A chaotic carrier pulse position modulation communication system and method is disclosed. The system includes a transmitter and receiver having matched chaotic pulse regenerators. The chaotic pulse regenerator in the receiver produces a synchronized replica of a chaotic pulse train generated by the regenerator in the transmitter. The pulse train from the transmitter can therefore act as a carrier signal. Data is encoded by the transmitter through selectively altering the interpulse timing between pulses in the chaotic pulse train. The altered pulse train is transmitted as a pulse signal. The receiver can detect whether a particular interpulse interval in the pulse signal has been altered by reference to the synchronized replica it generates, and can therefore detect the data transmitted by the receiver. Preferably, the receiver predicts the earliest moment in time it can expect a next pulse after observation of at least two consecutive pulses. It then decodes the pulse signal beginning at a short time before expected arrival of a pulse.

Streak camera based SLR receiver for two color atmospheric measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Varghese, Thomas K.; Clarke, Christopher; Oldham, Thomas; Selden, Michael

1993-01-01

To realize accurate two-color differential measurements, an image digitizing system with variable spatial resolution was designed, built, and integrated to a photon-counting picosecond streak camera, yielding a temporal scan resolution better than 300 femtosecond/pixel. The streak camera is configured to operate with 3 spatial channels; two of these support green (532 nm) and uv (355 nm) while the third accommodates reference pulses (764 nm) for real-time calibration. Critical parameters affecting differential timing accuracy such as pulse width and shape, number of received photons, streak camera/imaging system nonlinearities, dynamic range, and noise characteristics were investigated to optimize the system for accurate differential delay measurements. The streak camera output image consists of three image fields, each field is 1024 pixels along the time axis and 16 pixels across the spatial axis. Each of the image fields may be independently positioned across the spatial axis. Two of the image fields are used for the two wavelengths used in the experiment; the third window measures the temporal separation of a pair of diode laser pulses which verify the streak camera sweep speed for each data frame. The sum of the 16 pixel intensities across each of the 1024 temporal positions for the three data windows is used to extract the three waveforms. The waveform data is processed using an iterative three-point running average filter (10 to 30 iterations are used) to remove high-frequency structure. The pulse pair separations are determined using the half-max and centroid type analysis. Rigorous experimental verification has demonstrated that this simplified process provides the best measurement accuracy. To calibrate the receiver system sweep, two laser pulses with precisely known temporal separation are scanned along the full length of the sweep axis. The experimental measurements are then modeled using polynomial regression to obtain a best fit to the data. Data aggregation using normal point approach has provided accurate data fitting techniques and is found to be much more convenient than using the full rate single shot data. The systematic errors from this model have been found to be less than 3 ps for normal points.

Laser fusion pulse shape controller

DOEpatents

Siebert, Larry D.

1977-01-01

An apparatus for controlling the pulse shape, i.e., the pulse duration and intensity pattern, of a pulsed laser system, and which is particularly well adapted for controlling the pellet ignition pulse in a laser-driven fusion reaction system. The apparatus comprises a laser generator for providing an optical control pulse of the shape desired, a pulsed laser triggered by the control pulse, and a plurality of optical Kerr-effect gates serially disposed at the output of the pulsed laser and selectively triggered by the control pulse to pass only a portion of the pulsed laser output generally corresponding in shape to the control pulse.

Modified Polar-Format Software for Processing SAR Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, Curtis

2003-01-01

HMPF is a computer program that implements a modified polar-format algorithm for processing data from spaceborne synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) systems. Unlike prior polar-format processing algorithms, this algorithm is based on the assumption that the radar signal wavefronts are spherical rather than planar. The algorithm provides for resampling of SAR pulse data from slant range to radial distance from the center of a reference sphere that is nominally the local Earth surface. Then, invoking the projection-slice theorem, the resampled pulse data are Fourier-transformed over radial distance, arranged in the wavenumber domain according to the acquisition geometry, resampled to a Cartesian grid, and inverse-Fourier-transformed. The result of this process is the focused SAR image. HMPF, and perhaps other programs that implement variants of the algorithm, may give better accuracy than do prior algorithms for processing strip-map SAR data from high altitudes and may give better phase preservation relative to prior polar-format algorithms for processing spotlight-mode SAR data.

Statistical characteristics of transient enclosure voltage in ultra-high-voltage gas-insulated switchgear

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Yuanji; Guan, Yonggang; Liu, Weidong

2017-06-01

Transient enclosure voltage (TEV), which is a phenomenon induced by the inner dielectric breakdown of SF6 during disconnector operations in a gas-insulated switchgear (GIS), may cause issues relating to shock hazard and electromagnetic interference to secondary equipment. This is a critical factor regarding the electromagnetic compatibility of ultra-high-voltage (UHV) substations. In this paper, the statistical characteristics of TEV at UHV level are collected from field experiments, and are analyzed and compared to those from a repeated strike process. The TEV waveforms during disconnector operations are recorded by a self-developed measurement system first. Then, statistical characteristics, such as the pulse number, duration of pulses, frequency components, magnitude and single pulse duration, are extracted. The transmission line theory is introduced to analyze the TEV and is validated by the experimental results. Finally, the relationship between the TEV and the repeated strike process is analyzed. This proves that the pulse voltage of the TEV is proportional to the corresponding breakdown voltage. The results contribute to the definition of the standard testing waveform of the TEV, and can aid the protection of electronic devices in substations by minimizing the threat of this phenomenon.

Robust motion artefact resistant circuit for calculation of Mean Arterial Pressure from pulse transit time.

PubMed

Bhattacharya, Tinish; Gupta, Ankesh; Singh, Salam ThoiThoi; Roy, Sitikantha; Prasad, Anamika

2017-07-01

Cuff-less and non-invasive methods of Blood Pressure (BP) monitoring have faced a lot of challenges like stability, noise, motion artefact and requirement for calibration. These factors are the major reasons why such devices do not get approval from the medical community easily. One such method is calculating Blood Pressure indirectly from pulse transit time (PTT) obtained from electrocardiogram (ECG) and Photoplethysmogram (PPG). In this paper we have proposed two novel analog signal conditioning circuits for ECG and PPG that increase stability, remove motion artefacts, remove the sinusoidal wavering of the ECG baseline due to respiration and provide consistent digital pulses corresponding to blood pulses/heart-beat. We have combined these two systems to obtain the PTT and then correlated it with the Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP). The aim was to perform major part of the processing in analog domain to decrease processing load over microcontroller so as to reduce cost and make it simple and robust. We have found from our experiments that the proposed circuits can calculate the Heart Rate (HR) with a maximum error of ~3.0% and MAP with a maximum error of ~2.4% at rest and ~4.6% in motion.

High-rate x-ray spectroscopy in mammography with a CdTe detector: a digital pulse processing approach.

PubMed

Abbene, L; Gerardi, G; Principato, F; Del Sordo, S; Ienzi, R; Raso, G

2010-12-01

Direct measurement of mammographic x-ray spectra under clinical conditions is a difficult task due to the high fluence rate of the x-ray beams as well as the limits in the development of high resolution detection systems in a high counting rate environment. In this work we present a detection system, based on a CdTe detector and an innovative digital pulse processing (DPP) system, for high-rate x-ray spectroscopy in mammography. The DPP system performs a digital pile-up inspection and a digital pulse height analysis of the detector signals, digitized through a 14-bit, 100 MHz digitizer, for x-ray spectroscopy even at high photon counting rates. We investigated on the response of the digital detection system both at low (150 cps) and at high photon counting rates (up to 500 kcps) by using monoenergetic x-ray sources and a nonclinical molybdenum anode x-ray tube. Clinical molybdenum x-ray spectrum measurements were also performed by using a pinhole collimator and a custom alignment device. The detection system shows excellent performance up to 512 kcps with an energy resolution of 4.08% FWHM at 22.1 keV. Despite the high photon counting rate (up to 453 kcps), the molybdenum x-ray spectra, measured under clinical conditions, are characterized by a low number of pile-up events. The agreement between the attenuation curves and the half value layer values, obtained from the measured spectra, simulated spectra, and from the exposure values directly measured with an ionization chamber, also shows the accuracy of the measurements. These results make the proposed detection system a very attractive tool for both laboratory research and advanced quality controls in mammography.

Memory and learning behaviors mimicked in nanogranular SiO2-based proton conductor gated oxide-based synaptic transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan, Chang Jin; Zhu, Li Qiang; Zhou, Ju Mei; Shi, Yi; Wan, Qing

2013-10-01

In neuroscience, signal processing, memory and learning function are established in the brain by modifying ionic fluxes in neurons and synapses. Emulation of memory and learning behaviors of biological systems by nanoscale ionic/electronic devices is highly desirable for building neuromorphic systems or even artificial neural networks. Here, novel artificial synapses based on junctionless oxide-based protonic/electronic hybrid transistors gated by nanogranular phosphorus-doped SiO2-based proton-conducting films are fabricated on glass substrates by a room-temperature process. Short-term memory (STM) and long-term memory (LTM) are mimicked by tuning the pulse gate voltage amplitude. The LTM process in such an artificial synapse is due to the proton-related interfacial electrochemical reaction. Our results are highly desirable for building future neuromorphic systems or even artificial networks via electronic elements.In neuroscience, signal processing, memory and learning function are established in the brain by modifying ionic fluxes in neurons and synapses. Emulation of memory and learning behaviors of biological systems by nanoscale ionic/electronic devices is highly desirable for building neuromorphic systems or even artificial neural networks. Here, novel artificial synapses based on junctionless oxide-based protonic/electronic hybrid transistors gated by nanogranular phosphorus-doped SiO2-based proton-conducting films are fabricated on glass substrates by a room-temperature process. Short-term memory (STM) and long-term memory (LTM) are mimicked by tuning the pulse gate voltage amplitude. The LTM process in such an artificial synapse is due to the proton-related interfacial electrochemical reaction. Our results are highly desirable for building future neuromorphic systems or even artificial networks via electronic elements. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr02987e

Numerical investigation of trichel pulse of negative corona discharge in N2-O2 mixture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Qing; Zhang, Yu; Jiang, Zhaorui; Wang, Ronggang; Ouyang, Jiting

2017-12-01

Trichel pulse of negative corona discharge in atmospheric air is investigated numerically using a 2D fluid model. The model consists of a hyperbolic cathode tip and a plane anode, and considers 11 kinds of particles and the most important interactions among them. The spatio-temporal evolution of charged species and the electric field are evaluated during the pulse process. During the pulse rising edge, the positive ions accumulate ahead of the tip forming the temporal cathode sheath, significantly enhancing the local field. In the pulse decay edge, the temporal sheath collapses and the discharge falls back to a low-current mode. In the pulse interval, the discharge does not cease but sustains weakly until the next pulse. The location of the temporal sheath is independent of the averaged value during the Trichel pulse regime and also the same with that in a normal glow regime, which determines a nearly constant pulse rising time at given configurations. However, a smaller tip radius will lead to their decrease. The effect of negative ions on the pulse process is studied by adjusting the attachment rates. It indicates that the negative ions are actually not necessary in the Trichel pulse process, but will influence the pulse waveform significantly.

Generation of single-cycle mid-infrared pulses via coherent synthesis.

PubMed

Ma, Fen; Liu, Hongjun; Huang, Nan; Sun, Qibing

2012-12-17

A new approach for the generation of single-cycle mid-infrared pulses without complicated control systems is proposed, which is based on direct coherent synthesis of two idlers generated by difference frequency generation (DFG) processes. It is found that the waveform of synthesized pulses is mainly determined by the spectra superposition, the carrier-envelope phase (CEP) difference, the relative timing and the chirp ratio between the idlers. The influences of these parameters on the synthesized waveform are also numerically calculated and analyzed via second-order autocorrelation, which offers general guidelines for the waveform optimization. The single-cycle synthesized mid-infrared pulses, which are centered at 4233 nm with the spectrum spanning from 3000 nm to 7000 nm, are achieved by carefully optimizing these parameters. The single-cycle mid-infrared laser source presents the possibility of investigating and controlling the strong field light-matter interaction.

Selective RF pulses in NMR and their effect on coupled and uncoupled spin systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Slotboom, J.

1993-10-01

This thesis describes various aspects of the usage of shaped RF-pulses for volume selection and spectral editing. Contents: Introduction--The History of Magnetic Resonance in a Nutshell, and The Usage of RF Pulses in Contemporary MRS and MRI; Theoretical and Practical Aspects of Localized NMR Spectroscopy; The Effects of RF Pulse Shape Discretization on the Spatially Selective Performance; Design of Frequency-Selective RF Pulses by Optimizing a Small Number of Pulse Parameters; A Single-Shot Localization Pulse Sequence Suited for Coils with Inhomogeneous RF Fields Using Adiabatic Slice-Selective RF Pulses; The Bloch Equations for an AB System and the Design of Spin State Selective RF Pulses for Coupled Spin Systems; The Effects of Frequency Selective RF Pulses on J Coupled Spin-1/2 Systems; A Quantitative (1)H MRS in vivo Study of the Effects of L-Ornithine-L-Aspartate on the Development of Mild Encephalopathy Using a Single Shot Localization Technique Based on SAR Reduced Adiabatic 2(pi) Pulses.

Testing of an advanced thermochemical conversion reactor system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1990-01-01

This report presents the results of work conducted by MTCI to verify and confirm experimentally the ability of the MTCI gasification process to effectively generate a high-quality, medium-Btu gas from a wider variety of feedstock and waste than that attainable in air-blown, direct gasification systems. The system's overall simplicity, due to the compact nature of the pulse combustor, and the high heat transfer rates attainable within the pulsating flow resonance tubes, provide a decided and near-term potential economic advantage for the MTCI indirect gasification system. The primary objective was the design, construction, and testing of a Process Design Verification System for an indirectly heated, thermochemical fluid-bed reactor and a pulse combustor an an integrated system that can process alternative renewable sources of energy such as biomass, black liquor, municipal solid waste and waste hydrocarbons, including heavy oils into a useful product gas. The test objectives for the biomass portion of this program were to establish definitive performance data on biomass feedstocks covering a wide range of feedstock qualities and characteristics. The test objectives for the black liquor portion of this program were to verify the operation of the indirect gasifier on commercial black liquor containing 65 percent solids at several temperature levels and to characterize the bed carbon content, bed solids particle size and sulfur distribution as a function of gasification conditions.

High-Speed, capacitance-based tip clearance sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haase, W. C.; Haase, Z. S.

This paper discusses recent advances in tip clearance measurement systems for turbine engines using capacitive probes. Real time measurements of individual blade pulses are generated using wideband signal processing providing 3 dB bandwidths of typically 5 MHz. Subsequent mixed-signal processing circuitry provide real-time measurements of maximum, minimum, and average clearance with latencies of one blade-to-blade time interval. Both guarded and unguarded probe configurations are possible with the system. Calibration techniques provide high accuracy measurements.

Proceedings of the 3rd Annual SCOLE Workshop

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taylor, Lawrence W., Jr. (Compiler)

1987-01-01

Topics addressed include: modeling and controlling the Spacecraft Control Laboratory Experiment (SCOLE) configurations; slewing maneuvers; mathematical models; vibration damping; gravitational effects; structural dynamics; finite element method; distributed parameter system; on-line pulse control; stability augmentation; and stochastic processes.

Adaptive clutter rejection filters for airborne Doppler weather radar applied to the detection of low altitude windshear

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Keel, Byron M.

1989-01-01

An optimum adaptive clutter rejection filter for use with airborne Doppler weather radar is presented. The radar system is being designed to operate at low-altitudes for the detection of windshear in an airport terminal area where ground clutter returns may mask the weather return. The coefficients of the adaptive clutter rejection filter are obtained using a complex form of a square root normalized recursive least squares lattice estimation algorithm which models the clutter return data as an autoregressive process. The normalized lattice structure implementation of the adaptive modeling process for determining the filter coefficients assures that the resulting coefficients will yield a stable filter and offers possible fixed point implementation. A 10th order FIR clutter rejection filter indexed by geographical location is designed through autoregressive modeling of simulated clutter data. Filtered data, containing simulated dry microburst and clutter return, are analyzed using pulse-pair estimation techniques. To measure the ability of the clutter rejection filters to remove the clutter, results are compared to pulse-pair estimates of windspeed within a simulated dry microburst without clutter. In the filter evaluation process, post-filtered pulse-pair width estimates and power levels are also used to measure the effectiveness of the filters. The results support the use of an adaptive clutter rejection filter for reducing the clutter induced bias in pulse-pair estimates of windspeed.

ARTICLES: Thermohydrodynamic models of the interaction of pulse-periodic radiation with matter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arutyunyan, R. V.; Baranov, V. Yu; Bol'shov, Leonid A.; Malyuta, D. D.; Mezhevov, V. S.; Pis'mennyĭ, V. D.

1987-02-01

Experimental and theoretical investigations were made of the processes of drilling and deep melting of metals by pulsed and pulse-periodic laser radiation. Direct photography of the surface revealed molten metal splashing due to interaction with single CO2 laser pulses. A proposed thermohydrodynamic model was used to account for the experimental results and to calculate the optimal parameters of pulse-periodic radiation needed for deep melting. The melt splashing processes were simulated numerically.

Relation between magnetization and Faraday angles produced by ultrafast spin-flip processes within the three-level Λ-type system

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

Hinschberger, Y.; Lavoine, J. P.

2015-08-07

Ultrafast magneto-optical (MO) experiments constitute a powerful tool to explore the magnetization dynamics of diverse materials. Over the last decade, there have been many theoretical and experimental developments on this subject. However, the relation between the magnetization dynamics and the transient MO response still remains unclear. In this work, we calculate the magnetization of a material, as well as the magneto-optical rotation and ellipticity angles measured in a single-beam experiment. Then, we compare the magnetization to the MO response. The magnetic material is modeled by a three-level Λ-type system, which represents a simple model to describe MO effects induced bymore » an ultrafast laser pulse. Our calculations use the density matrix formalism, while the dynamics of the system is obtained by solving the Lindblad equation taking into account population relaxation and dephasing processes. Furthermore, we consider the Faraday rotation of the optical waves that simultaneously causes spin-flip. We show that the Faraday angles remain proportional to the magnetization only if the system has reached the equilibrium-state, and that this proportionality is directly related to the population and coherence decay rates. For the non-equilibrium situation, the previous proportionality relation is no longer valid. We show that our model is able to interpret some recent experimental results obtained in a single-pulse experiment. We further show that, after a critical pulse duration, the decrease of the ellipticity as a function of the absorbed energy is a characteristic of the system.« less

Investigations of high-speed digital imaging of low-light-level events using pulsed near-infrared laser light sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jantzen, Connie; Slagle, Rick

1997-05-01

The distinction between exposure time and sample rate is often the first point raised in any discussion of high speed imaging. Many high speed events require exposure times considerably shorter than those that can be achieved solely by the sample rate of the camera, where exposure time equals 1/sample rate. Gating, a method of achieving short exposure times in digital cameras, is often difficult to achieve for exposure time requirements shorter than 100 microseconds. This paper discusses the advantages and limitations of using the short duration light pulse of a near infrared laser with high speed digital imaging systems. By closely matching the output wavelength of the pulsed laser to the peak near infrared response of current sensors, high speed image capture can be accomplished at very low (visible) light levels of illumination. By virtue of the short duration light pulse, adjustable to as short as two microseconds, image capture of very high speed events can be achieved at relatively low sample rates of less than 100 pictures per second, without image blur. For our initial investigations, we chose a ballistic subject. The results of early experimentation revealed the limitations of applying traditional ballistic imaging methods when using a pulsed infrared lightsource with a digital imaging system. These early disappointing results clarified the need to further identify the unique system characteristics of the digital imager and pulsed infrared combination. It was also necessary to investigate how the infrared reflectance and transmittance of common materials affects the imaging process. This experimental work yielded a surprising, successful methodology which will prove useful in imaging ballistic and weapons tests, as well as forensics, flow visualizations, spray pattern analyses, and nocturnal animal behavioral studies.

Reemission spectra and inelastic processes at interaction of attosecond and shorter duration electromagnetic pulses with atoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makarov, D. N.; Matveev, V. I.

2017-01-01

Inelastic processes and the reemission of attosecond and shorter electromagnetic pulses by atoms have been considered within the analytical solution of the Schrödinger equation in the sudden perturbation approximation. A method of calculations with the exact inclusion of spatial inhomogeneity of the field of an ultrashort pulse and the momenta of photons in the reemission processes has been developed. The probabilities of inelastic processes and spectra of reemission of ultrashort electromagnetic pulses by one- and many-electron atoms have been calculated. The results have been presented in the form of analytical formulas.

Real-Time Intravascular Ultrasound and Photoacoustic Imaging

PubMed Central

VanderLaan, Donald; Karpiouk, Andrei; Yeager, Doug; Emelianov, Stanislav

2018-01-01

Combined intravascular ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging (IVUS/IVPA) is an emerging hybrid modality being explored as a means of improving the characterization of atherosclerotic plaque anatomical and compositional features. While initial demonstrations of the technique have been encouraging, they have been limited by catheter rotation and data acquisition, displaying and processing rates on the order of several seconds per frame as well as the use of off-line image processing. Herein, we present a complete IVUS/IVPA imaging system and method capable of real-time IVUS/IVPA imaging, with online data acquisition, image processing and display of both IVUS and IVPA images. The integrated IVUS/IVPA catheter is fully contained within a 1 mm outer diameter torque cable coupled on the proximal end to a custom-designed spindle enabling optical and electrical coupling to system hardware, including a nanosecond-pulsed laser with a controllable pulse repetition frequency capable of greater than 10kHz, motor and servo drive, an ultrasound pulser/receiver, and a 200 MHz digitizer. The system performance is characterized and demonstrated on a vessel-mimicking phantom with an embedded coronary stent intended to provide IVPA contrast within content of an IVUS image. PMID:28092507

Interaction of gold nanoparticles with nanosecond laser pulses: Nanoparticle heating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nedyalkov, N. N.; Imamova, S. E.; Atanasov, P. A.; Toshkova, R. A.; Gardeva, E. G.; Yossifova, L. S.; Alexandrov, M. T.; Obara, M.

2011-04-01

Theoretical and experimental results on the heating process of gold nanoparticles irradiated by nanosecond laser pulses are presented. The efficiency of particle heating is demonstrated by in-vitro photothermal therapy of human tumor cells. Gold nanoparticles with diameters of 40 and 100 nm are added as colloid in the cell culture and the samples are irradiated by nanosecond pulses at wavelength of 532 nm delivered by Nd:YAG laser system. The results indicate clear cytotoxic effect of application of nanoparticle as more efficient is the case of using particles with diameter of 100 nm. The theoretical analysis of the heating process of nanoparticle interacting with laser radiation is based on the Mie scattering theory, which is used for calculation of the particle absorption coefficient, and two-dimensional heat diffusion model, which describes the particle and the surrounding medium temperature evolution. Using this model the dependence of the achieved maximal temperature in the particles on the applied laser fluence and time evolution of the particle temperature is obtained.

Resonant Pump-dump Quantum Control of Solvated Dye Molecules with Phase Jumps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konar, Arkaprabha; Lozovoy, Vadim; Dantus, Marcos

2014-03-01

Quantum coherent control of two photon and multiphoton excitation processes in atomic and condensed phase systems employing phase jumps has been well studied and understood. Here we demonstrate coherent quantum control of a two photon resonant pump-dump process in a complex solvated dye molecule. Phase jump in the frequency domain via a pulse shaper is employed to coherently enhance the stimulated emission by an order of magnitude when compared to transform limited pulses. Red shifted stimulated emission from successive low energy Stokes shifted excited states leading to narrowband emission are observed upon scanning the pi step across the excitation spectrum. A binary search space routine was also employed to investigate the effects of other types of phase jumps on stimulated emission and to determine the optimum phase that maximizes the emission. Understanding the underlying mechanism of this kind of enhancement will guide us in designing pulse shapes for enhancing stimulated emission, which can be further applied in the field of imaging.

Towards ultrafast dynamics with split-pulse X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy at free electron laser sources

DOE PAGES

Roseker, W.; Hruszkewycz, S. O.; Lehmkuhler, F.; ...

2018-04-27

One of the important challenges in condensed matter science is to understand ultrafast, atomic-scale fluctuations that dictate dynamic processes in equilibrium and non-equilibrium materials. Here, we report an important step towards reaching that goal by using a state-of-the-art perfect crystal based split-and-delay system, capable of splitting individual X-ray pulses and introducing femtosecond to nanosecond time delays. We show the results of an ultrafast hard X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy experiment at LCLS where split X-ray pulses were used to measure the dynamics of gold nanoparticles suspended in hexane. We show how reliable speckle contrast values can be extracted even from verymore » low intensity free electron laser (FEL) speckle patterns by applying maximum likelihood fitting, thus demonstrating the potential of a split-and-delay approach for dynamics measurements at FEL sources. This will enable the characterization of equilibrium and, importantly also reversible non-equilibrium processes in atomically disordered materials.« less

Towards ultrafast dynamics with split-pulse X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy at free electron laser sources

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

Roseker, W.; Hruszkewycz, S. O.; Lehmkuhler, F.

One of the important challenges in condensed matter science is to understand ultrafast, atomic-scale fluctuations that dictate dynamic processes in equilibrium and non-equilibrium materials. Here, we report an important step towards reaching that goal by using a state-of-the-art perfect crystal based split-and-delay system, capable of splitting individual X-ray pulses and introducing femtosecond to nanosecond time delays. We show the results of an ultrafast hard X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy experiment at LCLS where split X-ray pulses were used to measure the dynamics of gold nanoparticles suspended in hexane. We show how reliable speckle contrast values can be extracted even from verymore » low intensity free electron laser (FEL) speckle patterns by applying maximum likelihood fitting, thus demonstrating the potential of a split-and-delay approach for dynamics measurements at FEL sources. This will enable the characterization of equilibrium and, importantly also reversible non-equilibrium processes in atomically disordered materials.« less

Infrared Luminescence at 1010 nm and 1500 nm in LiNbO3:Er3+ Excitted by Short Pulse Radiation at 980 nm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kokanyan, E. P.; Demirkhanyan, G. G.; Steveler, E.; Rinnert, H.; Aillerie, M.

Luminescence of LiNbO3:Er3+ crystal at a wavelength of 1010 nm and 1500 nm under pulsed excitation of different power at a wavelength of 980 nm are experimentally and theoretically studied. It is revealed, that the main part of the absorbed energy gives rise to the luminescence at 1500 nm. Considered concentrations of Er3+ impurity ions allow to exclude cooperative processes in the impurity subsystem. The experimental results are interpreted in the framework of a three electronic levels system, assuming that the population of the higher lasing level 4I13/2 in the crystal under study is caused by relaxation processes from the excited level. It is shown that for obtaining of a laser radiation at about 1500 nm one can effectively use a pulse-pumping at 980 nm with a power density in a range of 50 ÷ 60 MW/cm2.

Ablative Laser Propulsion Using Multi-Layered Material Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nehls, Mary; Edwards, David; Gray, Perry; Schneider, T.

2002-01-01

Experimental investigations are ongoing to study the force imparted to materials when subjected to laser ablation. When a laser pulse of sufficient energy density impacts a material, a small amount of the material is ablated. A torsion balance is used to measure the momentum produced by the ablation process. The balance consists of a thin metal wire with a rotating pendulum suspended in the middle. The wire is fixed at both ends. Recently, multi-layered material systems were investigated. These multi-layered materials were composed of a transparent front surface and opaque sub surface. The laser pulse penetrates the transparent outer surface with minimum photon loss and vaporizes the underlying opaque layer.

Evaluation of the potential of soil remediation by direct multi-channel pulsed corona discharge in soil.

PubMed

Wang, Tie Cheng; Qu, Guangzhou; Li, Jie; Liang, Dongli

2014-01-15

A novel approach, named multi-channel pulsed corona discharge in soil, was developed for remediating organic pollutants contaminated soil, with p-nitrophenol (PNP) as the model pollutant. The feasibility of PNP degradation in soil was explored by evaluating effects of pulse discharge voltage, air flow rate and soil moisture on PNP degradation. Based on roles of chemically active species and evolution of degradation intermediates, PNP degradation processes were discussed. Experimental results showed that about 89.4% of PNP was smoothly degraded within 60min of discharge treatment at pulse discharge voltage 27kV, soil moisture 5% and air flow rate 0.8Lmin(-1), and the degradation process fitted the first-order kinetic model. Increasing pulse discharge voltage was found to be favorable for PNP degradation, but not for energy yield. There existed appropriate air flow rate and soil moisture for obtaining gratifying PNP degradation efficacy. Roles of radical scavenger and measurement of active species suggested that ozone, H2O2, and OH radicals played very important roles in PNP degradation. CN bond in PNP molecule was cleaved, and the main intermediate products such as hydroquinone, benzoquinone, catechol, phenol, acetic acid, formic acid, oxalic acid, NO2(-) and NO3(-) were identified. Possible pathway of PNP degradation in soil in such a system was proposed. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of nanosecond time-resolved infrared detection at the LEAF pulse radiolysis facility

DOE PAGES

Grills, David C.; Farrington, Jaime A.; Layne, Bobby H.; ...

2015-04-27

When coupled with transient absorption spectroscopy, pulse radiolysis, which utilizes high-energy electron pulses from an accelerator, is a powerful tool for investigating the kinetics and thermodynamics of a wide range of radiation-induced redox and electron transfer processes. The majority of these investigations detect transient species in the UV, visible, or near-IR spectral regions. Unfortunately, the often-broad and featureless absorption bands in these regions can make the definitive identification of intermediates difficult. Time-resolved vibrational spectroscopy would offer much improved structural characterization, but has received only limited application in pulse radiolysis. In this paper, we describe in detail the development of amore » unique nanosecond time-resolved infrared (TRIR) detection capability for condensed-phase pulse radiolysis on a new beam line at the LEAF facility of Brookhaven National Laboratory. The system makes use of a suite of high-power, continuous wave external-cavity quantum cascade lasers as the IR probe source, with coverage from 2330-1051 cm⁻¹. The response time of the TRIR detection setup is ~40 ns, with a typical sensitivity of ~100 µOD after 4-8 signal averages using a dual-beam probe/reference normalization detection scheme. As a result, this new detection method has enabled mechanistic investigations of a range of radiation-induced chemical processes, some of which are highlighted here.« less

Method for generating a plasma wave to accelerate electrons

DOEpatents

Umstadter, D.; Esarey, E.; Kim, J.K.

1997-06-10

The invention provides a method and apparatus for generating large amplitude nonlinear plasma waves, driven by an optimized train of independently adjustable, intense laser pulses. In the method, optimal pulse widths, interpulse spacing, and intensity profiles of each pulse are determined for each pulse in a series of pulses. A resonant region of the plasma wave phase space is found where the plasma wave is driven most efficiently by the laser pulses. The accelerator system of the invention comprises several parts: the laser system, with its pulse-shaping subsystem; the electron gun system, also called beam source, which preferably comprises photo cathode electron source and RF-LINAC accelerator; electron photo-cathode triggering system; the electron diagnostics; and the feedback system between the electron diagnostics and the laser system. The system also includes plasma source including vacuum chamber, magnetic lens, and magnetic field means. The laser system produces a train of pulses that has been optimized to maximize the axial electric field amplitude of the plasma wave, and thus the electron acceleration, using the method of the invention. 21 figs.