Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Bleaching by Laser for Marking Black Anodized Aluminum
Irradiation by the beam from a CO2laser has been found to be an effective means of marking a black anodized aluminum surface. In general, this process works on any dark...
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Three-Color Focal-Plane Array of Infrared QWIPs
A proposed focal-plane array (FPA) of quantum-well infrared photodetectors (QWIPs) would sense images in three different infrared wavelength bands simultaneously. These and other QWIP infrared...
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
On-Chip Correction for Defective Pixels in an Image Sensor
A method of correcting for defective pixels in an integrated-circuit image sensor of the active-pixel sensor (APS) type has been proposed. The corrections would be made by additional...
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Update on Fuzzy-Logic-Enhanced Digital-PIV Software
Two reports present additional information on the subject matter of "Software for Processing Data in Particle-Image Velocimetry" (LEW-16857),NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 24, No. 1 (January 2000), page 26a. Like the cited prior article, both reports discuss the principles and the practical aspects of...
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Surface Micromachined Silicon Carbide Accelerometers
Surface micromachined silicon carbide accelerometers are undergoing development for eventual use in high-temperature environments like those inside turbines, internal-combustion engines,...
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Two-Color Random Reflectors for QWIPs
Random reflectors of a proposed type would be fabricated on the back surfaces of quantum-well infrared photodetectors (QWIPs) to increase the coupling efficiency of infrared light into the QWIPs in two...
Briefs: Physical Sciences
Software for Predicting Behavior of a Pyrotechnic Actuator
A theoretical model that predicts the time-dependent behavior of a pyrotechnically actuated mechanism and a computer program that implements the model have been developed. The model and program are especially applicable to a pyrotechnic device known as the NASA Standard Initiator (NSI)....
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Tridirectional Gratings as Improved Couplers for QWIPs
Tridirectional diffraction gratings have been proposed to provide optical coupling to quantum-well infrared photodetectors (QWIPs) in focal-plane arrays. The tridirectional gratings...
Briefs: Physical Sciences
Dither Sensing for Controlling a Segmented-Mirror Telescope
Image-plane multidither sensing has been found to be suitable for adaptive wavefront correction in a large telescope in which the main optic is a precise reflector divided into lightweight, controllably actuated segments. In image-plane multidither sensing, the telescope is aimed at a...
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Optical Filters Based on Dense Arrays of Microscopic Pillars
A proposal for development of a class of high-transmission and antireflection optical filters is derived from the observation that the eyes of moths reflect almost no light, regardless of the wavelength or the angle of incidence of illumination. The low-reflection property of moth...
Briefs: Physical Sciences
Self-Temperature-Compensated Ceramic Strain Gauges
Ceramic static-strain gauges capable of generating mechanical-strain signals much larger than spurious thermal signals have been invented. These gauges are intended for use at temperatures from room temperature to 1,250 °C. Heretofore, external circuits have been used to provide temperature...
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLED) Have Many Potential Uses
Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are grounded in a self-luminous display technology based on thin organic films as the light emitter. Like conventional inorganic...
Briefs: Physical Sciences
"Set and Hold With Power Off" Cryogenic Actuators
Magnetostrictive actuators that would hold their displacements with power turned off have been proposed for use at temperatures from about 10 to about 77 K. Such "set and hold with power off"...
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Simplified Radiometer for Quantifying Aircraft Icing Hazard
A simplified microwave radiometric apparatus has been proposed for use in quantifying the potential danger of accretion of ice onto an aircraft flying through a cloud. The quantity...
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Electrobiotic Toxic-Agent Sensors
Electrobiotic sensors have been proposed for detecting toxic substances in a variety of environments. Electrobiotic sensors would be inexpensive, compact units that would be easy to use and could be deployed...
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Magnetoelectric Sensors and Electric Generators
Electric generators and magnetic-field sensors of a proposed type would be based on the magnetoelectric effect. A simple device of this type (see figure) would consist mainly of an inner layer...
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Submillimeter-Sized Bi2–xSbxTe3 Thermoelectric Devices
Submillimeter-sized thermoelectric devices based on thick films of Bi2–xSbxTe3 are undergoing development. As electronic circuits are designed with...
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
High-Speed Complex-Amplitude Liquid-Crystal SLMs
High-speed complex-amplitude spatial light modulators (SLMs) containing liquid crystals with pixel electronic circuitry on single-crystal-silicon backplanes are undergoing development. The basic approach taken in this project is to use fast-switching liquid-crystal materials and...
Briefs: Test & Measurement
Laser Heating for Testing Rocket-Engine Insulating Phenolic
A continuous-wave CO2 laser has been selected as a source of heat for testing the thermal response of carbon-cloth phenolic like that used as insulating material in a reusable solid-fuel rocket motor (RSRM). The particular thermal response of interest, observed during...
Briefs: Software
SIMON — School Internet Manager Over Networks
School Internet Manager Over Networks (SIMON) is a software tool, exclusively for use on Macintosh computers, that is designed to provide access to, and management of, Internet information for teachers and students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. By eliminating the requirement for advanced...
Briefs: Materials
RTM-Processable Resins Containing Thermosetting Plasticizers
A number of matrix resins that contain thermosetting plasticizers have been developed for use in the resin-transfer molding (RTM) of composite-material (fiber/matrix) parts. These...
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Molded Plastic Simulated Landscapes
Simulated landscapes of Mars have been made of thermoplastic sheets molded to shapes derived from images of the Martian terrain. These simulated landscapes can be used to advantage in scientific experiments, simulations, educational displays, and other applications, in which unitary molded plastic sheets...
Briefs: Materials
Burn-Resistant, Strong Nickel Alloys
Investigators at the Johnson Space Center White Sands Test Facility (WSTF) have developed specifications of the amounts of alloying elements needed to increase the specific strengths of nickel alloys...
Briefs: Materials
Aerogels With Gradients of Density
Aerogels with gradients in density have been produced in experiments, as part of an effort to develop materials that will be used in outer space to capture particles traveling at high speeds for the STARDUST mission.
Briefs: Test & Measurement
Instrument Measures Fluorescence From Chlorophyll in Plants
An optoelectronic instrument, known as a plant fluorescence sensor, is being developed for use as a working tool in agricultural settings. This instrument is a remote, passive...
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